As co-host of one of the biggest podcasts in the country, Jessie Stephens has grown a large audience as well as a large number of critics. Over the years, Clare has watched people create a distorted version of her twin sister online, misrepresenting her career, her values, her marriage and even the way she has embraced motherhood. Much of that criticism has centred on the rumour that Jessie is successful because of nepotism, a narrative she has never addressed candidly until now.

In this episode, Jessie opens up about how that narrative began, why it stuck and how it feels to have your achievements and identity rewritten by strangers. She also reflects on the pile-on that hurt her most: a 2022 debate about marriage that spiralled into personal attacks and years of ongoing criticism. This conversation explores what happens when online narratives collide with real life, and what it means to be reduced to a stereotype when you are trying to live, work and raise a family in full view of the internet.

With thanks to Jessie Stephens

The Pile-On is created and hosted by Clare Stephens.

Produced by Lize Ratliff.

For guest suggestions or feedback, message Clare on Instagram @clare.stephenss

Subscribe to Clare’s substack NQR (Not Quite Right) here.

Find her debut novel The Worst Thing I’ve Ever Done - about a young woman at the centre of a vicious online pile-on here.

Please remember you don’t have to go through this alone. Reaching out for help can feel difficult, but support is available 24/7. If you or someone you know is struggling, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Josh Szeps has built a career on asking difficult questions and refusing to repeat the lines people want him to say. Today, he is known for pushing back against groupthink and hosting conversations most people avoid. But long before that was his public identity, Josh experienced his first pile-on the same weekend as his wedding.

In this episode, Josh reflects on the online backlash that blindsided him in New York, the much bigger one that followed years later in Australia, and what it cost him to stay honest in a culture obsessed with picking sides.

This is a conversation about marriage, media, tribalism and the personal toll of refusing to belong to any one camp.

With thanks to Josh Szeps

The Pile-On is created and hosted by Clare Stephens.

Produced by Lize Ratliff.

For guest suggestions or feedback, message Clare on Instagram @clare.stephenss

Subscribe to Clare’s substack NQR (Not Quite Right) here.

Find her debut novel The Worst Thing I’ve Ever Done - about a young woman at the centre of a vicious online pile-on here.

Please remember you don’t have to go through this alone. Reaching out for help can feel difficult, but support is available 24/7. If you or someone you know is struggling, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In early 2024, Married at First Sight alumni Domenica Calarco and her co-host were at the height of their podcasting success. Their show Sit With Us had built a loyal audience and strong partnerships, but one episode changed everything.

After a controversial interview aired, Domenica found herself at the centre of a full-blown internet storm. Headlines, comment sections and brand partners turned against her, and within days, her life and career began to unravel.

In this episode, Domenica opens up about what really happened, the toll of public scrutiny, and the moment she checked into a mental health facility to begin rebuilding her life.

This is a conversation about resilience, recovery and what it means to survive a pile-on you never saw coming.

With thanks to Domenica Calarco

The Pile-On is created and hosted by Clare Stephens.

Produced by Lize Ratliff.

For guest suggestions or feedback, message Clare on Instagram @clare.stephenss

Subscribe to Clare’s substack NQR (Not Quite Right) here.

Find her debut novel The Worst Thing I’ve Ever Done - about a young woman at the centre of a vicious online pile-on here.

Please remember you don’t have to go through this alone. Reaching out for help can feel difficult, but support is available 24/7. If you or someone you know is struggling, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.