Jonathan Van Ness is one of the most recognisable and beloved figures in pop culture today - but in this conversation, they open up about the chapters of their life few people truly understand.

Jonathan speaks candidly about addiction, relapse, sex addiction, and living with HIV, including the moment they realised contracting HIV ultimately saved their life by forcing them to confront a dangerous relationship with meth. With extraordinary honesty, Jonathan reflects on survival, recovery, shame, joy, and what it really means to heal.

We also talk about identity, coming out as non-binary, people-pleasing, impulse behaviour, and why healing isn’t a destination — it’s a lifelong practice. Alongside the heavy moments, Jonathan brings humour, warmth and deep compassion, sharing how movement, group fitness, love, and chosen family helped them rebuild a life they want to stay in.

This is a powerful, vulnerable and deeply human conversation about staying alive, finding joy after trauma, and learning how to come home to yourself.

For information about Jonathan's upcoming Hot and Healed Tour head here.

THE END BITS:

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CREDITS:

Guest: Jonathan Van Ness

Host: Naima Brown

Executive Producer: Bree Player

Audio Producer: Tina Matalov

Video Producer: Josh Green

Recorded with Session in Progress studios.

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

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In a world of New Year, New Me promises, Celeste Barber has built a career on doing the opposite. She keeps it real—big knickers, unflattering angles, and a refusal to pretend life is anything other than messy.

Celeste built a global following by parodying celebrity perfection and making millions of people laugh on Instagram. But in this episode of No Filter, she steps away from the selfies and punchlines to talk about the parts of her life the internet rarely sees.

In this candid conversation with Kate Langbroek, Celeste opens up about the chaos of her childhood, her ADHD diagnosis, the burnout that nearly broke her, and the pressure of being the internet’s favourite funny woman. She talks honestly about her marriage to ‘Hot Husband’ Api, what it’s like raising kids under public scrutiny, and the work she’s done to decide which parts of her life stay private.

She reflects on what fame has given her, what it’s taken, and why resisting the urge to constantly “fix” herself has become an act of self-preservation.

Yes, she’s hilarious. But she’s also thoughtful, vulnerable, and still figuring it out—one small, imperfect win at a time.

This is the real Celeste Barber, beyond the selfies, the knickers, and the punchlines.

You can follow Celeste Barber and find tickets to her upcoming Australian regional tour Backup Dancer here.

THE END BITS:

Listen to more No Filter interviews here and follow us on Instagram here.

Discover more Mamamia podcasts here.

Feedback: podcast@mamamia.com.au

Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will get back to you ASAP.

Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review.

CREDITS:

Guests: Celeste Barber

Host: Kate Langbroek

Executive Producer: Naima Brown

Senior Producer: Bree Player

Audio Producer: Jacob Round

The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the speakers and do not constitute medical advice. Any references to medications, including Ozempic, are made in the context of cultural commentary only. This podcast does not endorse, promote, or recommend any prescription medicines or treatments. For personalised medical advice, please consult your healthcare professional.

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it's just Jess and David, everything is fabulous. But in public, Jess feels like a secret. David doesn't post photos of them, he hasn't introduced her to his family, and she barely knows his friends. Jess is left feeling like a "side piece," good enough for him, but not for his image.

In this session, a couple confronts the painful gap between their private connection and their public life. They’re facing different definitions of what constitutes cheating, a history of trust issues, and the raw feeling of being ashamed by the person you love.

Listen to the second part of Jess & David's session here

Resources (Australia-only)

• 1800RESPECT: The national domestic, family, and sexual violence counselling, information, and support service.
• Beyond Blue: For support with anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention.
• Lifeline Australia: For 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services.
• Motivated Minds: Learn more about host Sarah Bays’ practice.
• Relationships Australia: A leading provider of relationship support services for individuals, families, and communities.

The End Bits

• Want To Be On This Is Why We Fight? Apply here.
• Host: Sarah Bays
• Executive Producer: Naima Brown
• Studio Engineer: Lu Hill
• Audio production: Thom Lion and Jacob Round
• Production support: Leah Porges and Coco Lavigne
• Follow This Is Why We Fight on Instagram for sneak peeks and more relationship therapy content

Explore all Mamamia’s podcasts here.

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.