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The Ella Era

Pivotal Connections

Welcome to The Ella Era. Your host, Ella Ding has been working on this era she's so excited to help you find YOUR era. She'll be bringing you raw, unfiltered conversations with incredible people that she's inspired by who have stories to tell. She's always evolving, trying new trends, seeing what sticks … and you’re coming along for that ride too. Can’t wait to see you in your best era. INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/ellamayding TIKTOK: tiktok.com/@emayding WEBSITE: ellamayding.com.au

PARTNERSHIPS: klaudia@pivotalconversations.ai

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Tuesday · 59 min
Sassy Scott on Online Trolls, Becoming a Dad & Marriage Under Pressure
Can having a baby save your relationship? Sassy Scott isn’t holding back. Scott O’Halloran joins Ella to talk online hate, calling out homophobia and why mums get judged for things dads get praised for. Plus, a six-and-a-half-year journey to fatherhood, newborn twins and the moment he told Marcus, “We’ll just get a divorce.” And Uncle Luke’s night out takes an unexpected turn… involving Hillary Clinton. 😂 00:00 Meet Sassy Scott 15:52 Calling out homophobia and handling online hate 17:20 Why mums get judged and dads get praised 19:17 Raising kids in the public eye 27:07 Coming out, surrogacy and becoming dads 36:10 Uncle Luke and surviving newborn twins 42:18 “We’ll just get a divorce” — babies and relationships 46:51 Teaching kids boundaries and respecting their “no” THE ELLA ERA: Instagram: 📸 TikTok: 🎵 ELLA MAY DING: Instagram: 📸 TikTok: 🎵 Got a dilemma or a story you want to share? Send me a voice memo or email theellaera@pivotalconnections.ai, and we can get stuck into them on the pod! ADVERTISING: klaudia@pivotalconversations.ai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
November 3 · 1 hr 11 min
Is Splitting 50/50 Keeping You Broke? Victoria Devine on Money & Relationships
Is splitting 50/50 actually fair? And if you needed to leave your relationship, could you afford to? Victoria Devine from She’s on the Money joins me to talk about money, relationships and why every woman needs something of her own. From the $40,000 debt she kept secret to the wealthy lifestyles that aren’t what they seem, we get into the money conversations we’re often too uncomfortable to have. We also talk joint accounts, affording another baby and the pressure to buy a house. If you’ve ever felt behind financially - or hoped marrying rich might solve it - this conversation is for you. ❤️ 00:00 Is splitting 50/50 actually fair? 08:50 Secret debt and looking rich 13:59 Can we afford another baby? 23:17 Why every woman needs her own money 31:22 Stay-at-home mums: whose money is it? 37:05 Splitting bills and sharing bank accounts 44:03 Do you really need to buy a house? 01:01:23 Secret accounts, marrying rich and money red flags THE ELLA ERA: Instagram: 📸 TikTok: 🎵 ELLA MAY DING: Instagram: 📸 TikTok: 🎵 ADVERTISING: klaudia@pivotalconversations.ai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
October 27 · 1 hr 1 min
Zana Pali on Male Gold Diggers, Trad Wives & Financial Independence
What makes you walk away from a marriage on your 10-year anniversary? Zana Pali joins Ella to reveal when she knew she was done—and why she won’t settle when it comes to finding love again. From refusing to split the bill to male gold diggers and men whose wealth isn’t what it seems, this conversation is bound to divide the group chat. But does Ella agree? Plus, Zana has a plan for her children’s future relationships… and it’s probably not what you’re expecting. 00:00 Meet Zana Pali 09:21 Ending her marriage on their 10-year anniversary 17:43 The reality of divorce and protecting your money 21:02 Why Zana refuses a 50/50 relationship 33:46 Dating again, male gold diggers and fake wealth 37:19 Trad wives and the “golden cage” 43:10 What men need to bring beyond money 48:06 Would Zana do MAFS? Plus, arranged marriages THE ELLA ERA: Instagram: 📸 TikTok: 🎵 ELLA MAY DING: Instagram: 📸 TikTok: 🎵 ADVERTISING: klaudia@pivotalconversations.ai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
October 20 · 1 hr 3 min
Matchmaker Lauren Hunter Reveals What Wealthy Men Really Want
What do wealthy men actually want in a partner? And what does their private matchmaker know that the rest of us don’t? Lauren Hunter joins me to share what she’s learned finding love for men who spend up to $200,000 on her services. From what gets their attention to what makes them lose interest, we get into the dating habits that could be holding you back—and why being hot only gets you so far. We also talk dating apps, splitting the bill and whether your own friends could be keeping you single. If you’re tired of talking stages that go nowhere, this conversation might change your next move. ❤️ 00:00 Meet the $200,000 matchmaker 08:02 The divorce that changed Lauren’s life 17:02 What paying for love actually gets you 20:59 Are your deal breakers keeping you single? 27:57 First-date rules and splitting the bill 29:49 Why wealthy, successful men are still single 38:27 Turning dates into commitment 46:04 Stop interviewing, start flirting 47:21 Feeling left behind in your 30s 53:36 Dating apps, profile mistakes and why hot isn’t enough THE ELLA ERA: Instagram: 📸 https://www.instagram.com/ellaerapodcast/ TikTok: 🎵 https://www.tiktok.com/@theellaera ELLA MAY DING: Instagram: 📸 https://www.instagram.com/ellamayding/ TikTok: 🎵 https://www.tiktok.com/@emayding ADVERTISING: klaudia@pivotalconversations.ai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
October 13 · 1 hr 3 min
Will Sparks on Why Relationships Are the Hardest Part
What happens when you play to a huge crowd, then have no one to share the moment with? Will Sparks joins me to talk about the loneliness behind life on tour, the times he wanted to quit, and why relationships have been the hardest part. We also go back to where it all started: leaving school at 17 with his mum’s blessing, making music in his bedroom, and the track that changed everything. Plus, we reminisce about our Melbourne party days, and Will opens up about wanting to find his person and become a dad. This is an honest conversation about ambition, sacrifice and wanting someone beside you through it all. ❤️ 00:00 Meet Will Sparks 02:49 Our School Days and Leaving Two Schools in One Day 08:56 The Family Behind His Creativity 12:55 Guitar Hero, Fake IDs and Melbourne Nightlife 19:47 Leaving School With His Mum’s Blessing 21:13 The Track That Changed Everything 27:05 Getting Hooked on the High of Success 28:32 The Toll of Touring and Wanting to Quit 33:12 Life Between the Highs 34:48 Having No One to Share It With 44:40 Trust, Dating and Why Relationships Are So Hard 47:27 Big Egos and the People Behind the Music 50:24 Fitness and His Mental Health 54:21 Looking Back and Returning to His Roots 57:05 Margaret Court Arena and What Comes Next 60:22 What Ella Said Before MAFS THE ELLA ERA: Instagram: 📸 https://www.instagram.com/ellaerapodcast/ TikTok: 🎵 https://www.tiktok.com/@theellaera ELLA MAY DING: Instagram: 📸 https://www.instagram.com/ellamayding/ TikTok: 🎵 https://www.tiktok.com/@emayding ADVERTISING: klaudia@pivotalconversations.ai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
October 5 · 45 min
Postpartum Identity, Working Mum Guilt & Asking for Help
I went back to work six weeks after giving birth. Now my daughter is nearly one, she’s starting daycare, and I’m feeling guilty, relieved and excited all at once. In this solo episode, I’m talking about working mum guilt, the hard conversations my husband and I have had, and why a TikTok about missing our Bali nanny brought out so much judgement. I’m also sharing how I’m feeling ten months postpartum and what it’s been like trying to make room for work, motherhood and myself. ❤️ 00:00 A long overdue solo catch-up 03:23 The dream I wrote down six years ago 07:37 My daughter is nearly one 11:52 Going back to work six weeks postpartum 13:38 Working mum guilt and my relationship 15:18 Why my daughter is starting daycare 21:23 Travelling to Bali with a baby 26:57 Finding our nanny in Bali 31:52 The TikTok backlash over missing our nanny 38:44 My postpartum health check-in THE ELLA ERA: Instagram | TikTok ELLA MAY DING: Instagram | TikTok PARTNERSHIPS: klaudia@pivotalconversations.ai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
September 29 · 1 hr 5 min
Alex Fevola on Grief, a Public Affair and Giving Her Marriage Another Chance
You knew Alex Fevola’s name. But how much of her story did you really know? Alex joins me to talk about losing Mia’s father just four weeks after giving birth — and the medical emergency that nearly took her life that same day. We also talk about raising her four daughters, living through a very public affair, and why she and Brendan found their way back to each other after divorcing. This is an honest conversation about grief, motherhood, betrayal and finding the strength to begin again. ❤️ 00:00 Meet Alex Fevola 04:41 Losing Mia’s Father 08:19 The Day Alex Nearly Died 13:20 Grieving While Raising a Newborn 17:36 Watching Mia Grow Up in the Public Eye 22:25 How Alex Met Brendan 24:59 The Affair and Public Humiliation 28:54 Why They Got Back Together After Divorce 33:28 Raising Four Daughters Through It All 39:05 The Relationship Alex Has With Her Girls 50:32 Building Runway Room 59:05 Telling Her Story in Her Book THE ELLA ERA: Instagram | TikTok ELLA MAY DING: Instagram | TikTok PARTNERSHIPS: ⁠klaudia@pivotalconversations.ai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
September 24 · 45 min
We Never Thought We’d Speak Again | Part 2
You heard how it all fell apart. Now, we’re talking about what brought us back together. Domenica Calarco joins me for Part 2 — and the final chapter — of the conversation we’ve waited over two years to have. We open up about the Mother’s Day message that changed everything, discovering we were pregnant at the same time, becoming mums and finding our way back to one another. We also speak honestly about pregnancy, separation, solo motherhood, online judgement and the loneliness that no one warns you about. After everything that happened, this is us sitting together for one last time — ready to close the chapter on Sit With Us and begin whatever comes next. ❤️ 00:00 How We Found Our Way Back 02:18 The Message That Changed Everything 05:11 Reaching Out on Mother’s Day 06:46 Pregnant at the Same Time 10:03 The Worst Breakup We’ve Ever Had 11:58 What Losing Our Friendship Taught Us 14:40 Our Daughters Meeting for the First Time 16:31 Pregnancy, Separation & Surviving It All 24:33 The Reality of Online Judgement 30:22 The Loneliness of Motherhood 34:19 The Pressure on Women in Their 30s 37:57 Losing Yourself After Becoming a Mum 41:04 Why Friendships Don’t Always Have to End 42:58 Send the Message 43:27 A Weight Has Finally Been Lifted THE ELLA ERA: Instagram | TikTok ELLA MAY DING: Instagram | TikTok PARTNERSHIPS: klaudia@pivotalconversations.ai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
September 22 · 59 min
What Really Happened? Sit With Us for One Last Time | Part 1
You saw the headlines. You heard the rumours. Now, we’re finally having the conversation. Domenica Calarco joins me for Part 1 of a conversation we’ve put off for over two years. From becoming best friends on MAFS to building Sit With Us, we shared so much of our lives online. But when our podcast and friendship fell apart, there was so much we didn’t know how to explain. This is an emotional conversation about friendship, regret and what really happened behind the headlines. And if you think this is the whole story… there’s more we need to tell you. Part 2 drops this Thursday. ❤️ 00:00 The Conversation We Never Thought We’d Have 03:34 Before It All Fell Apart 14:33 The Episode That Changed Everything 18:11 The Backlash & Losing $250,000 22:14 What Was Happening Behind Closed Doors 38:19 Why Sit With Us Ended 50:10 When We Stopped Speaking 56:34 There’s More to This Story… Part 2 THE ELLA ERA: Instagram | TikTok ELLA MAY DING: Instagram | TikTok PARTNERSHIPS: klaudia@pivotalconversations.ai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 27 · 26 min
That’s a Wrap, Angels! See You Soon 😉
In this raw and vulnerable episode, I open up about the unfiltered reality of motherhood burnout, the mental fatigue of balancing work with baby Pia, and the power of giving yourself grace. I'm joined mic-side by my producer, Emilia, to reflect on the hard work, personal growth, and standout guest moments that defined The Ella Era over the past year. My socials INSTAGRAM instagram.com/ellamayding instagram.com/ellaerapodcast TIKTOK tiktok.com/@emayding WEBSITE ellamayding.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 20 · 52 min
Bec Zacharia: MAFS Cast News, Snatched Waists, and Exposing the Last Messages From Danny
Welcome back to another completely unfiltered episode of The Ella Era! You all know this podcast has always been about going way deeper than the reality TV headlines, and this week I’m sitting down with Bec Zacharia to uncover the raw, messy truth about life after the cameras stopped rolling. We dive into how she is navigating therapy and body dysmorphia today. Bec even pulls out her phone to read the exact, final text messages exchanged with her ex Danny, exposing the dramatic breaking point of their relationship once and for all. We also tackle the internet-breaking news surrounding her recent trip to Bali for that $14k "snatched waist" rib-contouring surgery AND we react to the latest bombshells currently blowing up our feeds, from Gia’s shock pregnancy to Stella and Filip’s sudden breakup. ____________________________________________________________________________ Bec's socials INSTA instagram.com/bec_zac TIKTOK tiktok.com/@beesnees555 My socials INSTAGRAM instagram.com/ellamayding instagram.com/ellaerapodcast TIKTOK tiktok.com/@emayding WEBSITE ellamayding.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 13 · 46 min
Tilly Whitfeld’s surgical regrets, traumatic birth story and postpartum darkness
This might be one of my favourite chats to date for just how raw and real this week’s guest, Tilly Whitfeld was. We dive deep into her shocking cosmetic regrets, from getting veneers at 18 and suffering temporary blindness during a DIY freckle disaster, to surviving toxic Breast Implant Illness and navigating a miracle pregnancy following a devastating infertility diagnosis. She also opens up completely about a traumatic emergency C-section where she fell off the operating table mid-labor, her struggles with eating disorders, and navigating severe postpartum depression and intrusive thoughts as a new mom. Trigger Warning: This episode contains deeply sensitive and raw discussions regarding eating disorders, severe mental health struggles, traumatic birth experiences, and distressing postpartum thoughts about wanting to harm a child. Resources & Support Services If you or someone you know has been impacted by the topics discussed in this episode, please reach out to the following professional resources: Perinatal Mental Health & Postpartum Depression PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia): Call 1300 726 306 (Mon-Fri) or visit panda.org.au for specialized perinatal support. Gidget Foundation Australia: Perinatal psychological support services. Call 1300 851 758 or visit gidgetfoundation.org.au. Eating Disorders & Body Image The Butterfly Foundation: National eating disorders support helpline. Call 1800 33 4673 or visit butterfly.org.au. Crisis Support & Mental Health Lifeline: 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention. Call 13 11 14 (Australia) or text 0477 13 11 14. Beyond Blue: 24/7 mental health support. Call 1300 22 4636 or visit beyondblue.org.au. _______________________________________________________________________ Tilly's socials INSTA instagram.com/tillywhitfeld TIKTOK tiktok.com/@tillywhitfeld My socials INSTAGRAM instagram.com/ellamayding instagram.com/ellaerapodcast TIKTOK tiktok.com/@emayding WEBSITE ellamayding.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 6 · 43 min
MAFS Star David Momoh Breaks Silence on THAT Shocking Final Vows Walkout! 💥
In this highly anticipated episode, I sit down with one of the most quietly compelling contestants from Married at First Sight, David Momoh. From walking out of his final vows before Alissa could even finish her speech, to selling his MAFS wedding ring on Facebook Marketplace, no topic is off-limits. David drops truth bombs on hiding in the bathroom with Scott, to what it's really like to maintain your faith in "the depths of hell," and how his dating pool quadrupled overnight. _________________________________________________________________________________ David's socials INSTA instagram.com/davidxmomoh TIKTOK tiktok.com/@david_momoh My socials INSTAGRAM instagram.com/ellamayding instagram.com/ellaerapodcast TIKTOK tiktok.com/@emayding WEBSITE ellamayding.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
June 29 · 41 min
“Sometimes the videos run off hate” OnlyFans Star, Lily Phillips on building a platform
Welcome back to the Ella Era! In this episode, I sit down with the talk of the town: Lily Phillips, Only Fans headliner and breakout star of Stan’s brand-new hit reality docudrama, Turned On: Dirty Sexy Money. We dive headfirst into the reality TV chaos, the mental gymnastics of on-screen arguments, and why Lily actually welcomes internet trolls for her business algorithm. Plus, Lily shares the wildly bizarre behind-the-scenes details of her custom requests- including what producers made her do for that infamous "cake-sitting” scene. Finally, Lily reveals a massive personal shift in 2026: why she is returning to her faith, getting baptised, and enforcing a strict new boundary that has completely changed her content. You do not want to miss this one! If these topics aren't for you, listener discretion is strongly advised! And just a reminder... interviewing a guest on this platform is not an endorsement of their views or actions. _______________________________________________________________________ Lily socials INSTAGRAM instagram.com/lilyphillip_s TIKTOK tiktok.com/@lily_phillipss My socials INSTAGRAM instagram.com/ellamayding instagram.com/ellaerapodcast TIKTOK tiktok.com/@emayding WEBSITE ellamayding.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
June 22 · 33 min
The Physiological Cost of Going Viral - Dr Justin Coulson explains
In today’s episode, I’m joined by Australia’s most trusted parenting expert, author, and psychologist, Dr. Justin Coulson. He breaks down the terrifying neurobiology of public scrutiny and trolling, explaining why high emotions equal low intelligence- and why your brain literally starves itself of oxygen when you’re under online attack. Finally, we dive into the digital battleground our kids are facing. As a dad of six daughters, Justin delivers some hard-hitting, candid truths about the shockingly early age Australian kids are being exposed to violent online pornography. You’ll hear Julie Inman-Grant is also featured on this episode as I reflect on a conversation I had with her last year about this topic. If you are a parent, a creator, or just someone trying to survive the lawless wasteland of the internet, this episode is an urgent wake-up call. ______________________________________________________________________________ His socials INSTA instagram.com/drjustincoulson WEBSITE happyfamilies.com.au PODCAST podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dr-justin-coulsons-happy-families/id1082244480 My socials INSTAGRAM instagram.com/ellamayding instagram.com/ellaerapodcast TIKTOK tiktok.com/@emayding WEBSITE ellamayding.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
June 15 · 56 min
Lucinda Light on all the trips she's gone on; Ayahuasca and otherwise ✨
From being rejected daily on reality TV to becoming a global sensation, Lucinda Light is the breath of fresh air we all needed. In this deeply candid (and hilariously witty) episode, Lucinda sits down to spill the tea on her life before, during, and after Married at First Sight Australia and her experience in the UK on Celebs Go Dating. _____________________________________________________________________________ Lucinda's socials INSTA - instagram.com/lucindaslight WEBSITE - lucindalight.com/ My socials INSTAGRAM instagram.com/ellamayding instagram.com/ellaerapodcast TIKTOK tiktok.com/@emayding WEBSITE ellamayding.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
June 8 · 42 min
The Difference Between Choking and Gagging Every Parent Needs to Know! 🚨
This episode was shot LIVE episode from the brand-new Baby Bunting Mentone store. I, with my live audience talk about the things I wish I knew I needed when I was pregnant (and which things I didn’t). I’m joined by leading pediatric nutritionist, Abby McClennan to demystify the terrifying world of transitioning to solids. If you are terrified of choking, confused by the "mum community" backlash on TikTok, or don’t know your purees from your iron-rich finger foods, this episode is your ultimate no-BS guide. This episode is sponsored by Baby Bunting for their June Storktake Sale. Shop babybunting.com.au now to get 20% off selected products across the entire store. ___________________________________________________________ Abby’s socials INSTA instagram.com/mum_bub_nutrition/ PETITE MEAL CO instagram.com/petitemealco/ WEBSITE mumbubnutrition.com/ My socials INSTAGRAM instagram.com/ellamayding instagram.com/ellaerapodcast TIKTOK tiktok.com/@emayding WEBSITE ellamayding.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
June 3 · 27 min
The Reality of Reality TV: Stalkers, Death Threats & Last-Minute Cancellations
I tackle the topic of the reality of Reality TV and online bullying, it's a topic that has been weighing heavily on my chest all week. Triggered by back-to-back, last-minute guest cancellations from reality TV personalities who are simply "not okay," I strip back the glitz of instant celebrity to expose the brutal mental health toll of online life. From cyberbullying and toxic "pile-ons" to the chilling reality of death threats, I unpack the blurred line between true public accountability and outright cruelty. She gets deeply personal, opening up about her own battles with defamatory TikTok pages, navigating a year-long stalker file, and she officially sets the record straight on her emotional Mother’s Day reconnection with fellow MAFS Alum. My socials INSTAGRAM instagram.com/ellamayding instagram.com/ellaerapodcast TIKTOK tiktok.com/@emayding WEBSITE ellamayding.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 26 · 55 min
Growing Up Fevola: Mia Fevola on the things she never planned to speak about publicly
In this raw episode, I sit down with model and content creator Mia Fevola. Growing up in the spotlight as the daughter of a controversial AFL icon, Mia opens up about bonding over losing our fathers as babies, navigating family addiction, and her mother’s incredible strength. We also discuss the childhood memories her brain blocked out, the breathtaking moment her time on I'm a Celebrity... came true, the impact of trolls and she clears the air on those viral Robert Irwin dating rumors. ____________________________________________________________________________ Her socials INSTA instagram.com/mia.fev/ YOUTUBE youtube.com/c/MiaFevola MALT COLLECTIVE instagram.com/malltcollective/ My socials INSTAGRAM instagram.com/ellamayding instagram.com/ellaerapodcast TIKTOK tiktok.com/@emayding WEBSITE ellamayding.com.au LINK TO BABY BUNTING / LIVE RECORDING T&Cs See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 18 · 53 min
"He Let Bec Take the Fall" – Rachel Gilmore's Last Say on MAFS 'FB Gate'
Welcome back to the Ella Era! In this explosive episode, we are sitting down with Married at First Sight fan-favorite Rachel Gilmore, and she is holding absolutely nothing back. After capturing the hearts of the nation as the relatable 9-to-5 corporate girly, Rachel opens up about the jarring reality of overnight fame, navigating the dating world after 16 years of being single, and the real reason she and Steven are no longer on speaking terms. _______________________________________________________________________________ HER SOCIALS INSTA instagram.com/rachlea_x/ MY SOCIALS INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/ellamayding PODCAST IG: instagram.com/ellaerapodcast TIKTOK: tiktok.com/@emayding WEBSITE: ellamayding.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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