Most people think they know Carina Mirabile from the hit TV series Married At First Sight… but what you see on screen is only part of the story.

In this episode, Carina joins me for a raw and unfiltered conversation about what really happens behind the scenes of reality TV — from strict rules and emotional pressures, to the mental toll of being watched (and judged) by millions.

She opens up about spending her own money to keep up her on-screen image, the truth about her relationship with Paul on MAFS, and why the experience changed the way she sees love, identity, and herself.

We also dive into the darker side of fame — online trolling, anxiety, and what dating looks like after reality TV in a world of apps and questionable intentions.

Can't get enough Married At First Sight? Check out the MAFS Funny Podcast.

LINKS

• Follow Emilee on Instagram (@emileehembrow) and TikTok (@emileehembrowofficial)
• Follow Carina (@carinamirabile) on Instagram
• Watch full episodes of Let's Be Real on YouTube
• Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial.

CREDITS
Host: Emilee Hembrow
Guest: Carina Mirabile
Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden

Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode deals with suicide, bullying and sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised.

Elsana Lower is a nurse, a mindset coach and a mum. In the last episode, she shared the raw reality of losing her teenage daughter Rylee to suicide following abuse and online bullying.

In the deeply moving conclusion to our conversation, Elsana Lower explores the transformative power of forgiveness and the mindset required to survive the unimaginable. This episode dives into the mechanics of 'learning to live and grieve simultaneously', offering a roadmap for anyone sitting in the "depths of hell" and is searching for a reason to choose life.

Elsana discusses how choosing forgiveness was not a gift to those who hurt her daughter, but a necessary disconnection to save her own life and release her attachment to their outcomes. She also talks about the importance of breaking self-isolation by showing up for social connections, even when your "social battery" feels empty, and using gratitude to retrain the brain to look for the "best part of the day," making it harder for the mind to dwell on the negative.

Listen to Part One of this conversation here.

SUPPORT:
If this episode raises concerns for yourself or a loved one, help is available:
Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800 or https://kidshelpline.com.au/
Lifeline - 13 11 14 or https://www.lifeline.org.au/
Beyond Blue - https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

RESOURCES:
Online and social media info for parents: https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents
Bullying support: https://dollysdream.org.au/help-and-support

LINKS

• Follow Emilee on Instagram (@emileehembrow) and TikTok (@emileehembrowofficial)
• Follow Eslana (@eslanalower) on Instagram
• Listen to Eslana's podcast 'Why Mindset Matters'
• Check out Eslana's book 'Resilience After Great Loss'
• Watch full episodes of Let's Be Real on YouTube
• Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial.

CREDITS
Host: Emilee Hembrow
Guest: Eslana Lower
Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden
Recorded at: Pivotal Conversations Gold Coast

Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode deals with suicide, bullying and sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised.

This is one of the most raw and heartbreaking conversations I’ve ever had.

In this deeply emotional episode, I sit down with resilience coach, nurse and mother Elsana Lower, who opens up about the unimaginable loss of her 15-year-old daughter, Rylee.

It's a powerful and confronting story about the very real dangers of online bullying, grooming, and the devastating ripple effects of teen suicide. Elsana courageously walks us through the events leading up to that night, the warning signs that she missed, and the reality many parents aren’t prepared for.

But within her grief, Eslana ultimately found the power of resilience through forgiveness and healing, and renewed purposed in sharing her story and what it takes to keep going after such a devastating loss.

Listen to Part 2 of this story here.

SUPPORT:
If this episode raises concerns for yourself or a loved one, help is available:
Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800 or https://kidshelpline.com.au/
Lifeline - 13 11 14 or https://www.lifeline.org.au/
Beyond Blue - https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

RESOURCES:
Online and social media info for parents: https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents
Bullying support: https://dollysdream.org.au/help-and-support

LINKS

• Follow Emilee on Instagram (@emileehembrow) and TikTok (@emileehembrowofficial)
• Follow Eslana (@eslanalower) on Instagram
• Listen to Eslana's podcast 'Why Mindset Matters'
• Check out Eslana's book 'Resilience After Great Loss'
• Watch full episodes of Let's Be Real on YouTube
• Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial.

CREDITS
Host: Emilee Hembrow
Guest: Eslana Lower
Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden
Recorded at: Pivotal Conversations Gold Coast

Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.