The Making An Effort Podcast with Gabby and Mel
A podcast about all the things we make an effort with, and some of the things we don't.
Storm Anthony?
A little catch up episode today with a weather report, a scary school email and upcoming holiday plans!
As always, we love hearing from you on email - so send us your stories at [email protected], or come join us over on our Patreon for extra eps, pop ins, videos or just to support us!Ā www.patreon.com/makinganeffortpodcast. If you can't do that - leave us a review or rate the pod on all your favourite streaming platforms!
Don't Be Late Don't Be Gross
Gabs shares her gorgey weekend of celebrating with family, we get into it about regular fights we have with our spouses (turns out we reverse roles for this one!) and Gabs puts Mel through a quickfire round that doesn't go to plan.
As always, we love hearing from you on email - so send us your stories at [email protected], or come join us over on our Patreon for extra eps, pop ins, videos or just to support us!Ā www.patreon.com/makinganeffortpodcast
A Triangle Scam
Welcome back! This week we're catching up on all the little life updates we've missed. Gabs glammed up for an awards show, Mel went to Romania, we've got recipes and pillow recommendations and a good little giggle towards the end!
As always, we love hearing from you on email - so send us your stories at [email protected], or come join us over on our Patreon for extra eps, pop ins, videos or just to support us!Ā www.patreon.com/makinganeffortpodcast
We Judge People, OK?
Welcome! This week we catch up on Mel's netball match, Gabby's foray back into TSLOMW and Mel shares a bit of the messy history of her hometown. We also finish with an excellent listener story.Ā
As always, we love hearing from you on email - so send us your stories at [email protected], or come join us over on our Patreon for extra eps, pop ins, videos or just to support us!Ā www.patreon.com/makinganeffortpodcast
First Love, First Birthday & Friend Favours
We've got listener confessions (TW: farts are featured), heartwarming first birthday stories and the fear of asking favours from friends this week.Ā
As always, we love hearing from you on email atĀ [email protected], or come join us over on our Patreon for extra eps, pop ins, videos or just to support us!Ā www.patreon.com/makinganeffortpodcast
A Guinness World Record
This week we're lamenting the process of sourdough, driverless cars, a midnight fall and a world record for the longest..... you'll hear. It's all so embarrassing.
As always, we love hearing from you on email atĀ [email protected], or come join us over on our Patreon for extra eps, pop ins, videos or just to support us!Ā www.patreon.com/makinganeffortpodcast
Ā
Princess Diana, You Would Have Loved TikTok
This week we're jumping into the lure of zeitgeist romance content and relationship expectations, the remnants of our former evangelical faith showing up in surprising ways and how...Princess Diana would have been a TikTok sensation. Honestly, we're as amused and baffled by that last one as you will be.
As always, we love hearing from you on email atĀ [email protected], or come join us over on our Patreon for extra eps, pop ins, videos or just to support us!Ā www.patreon.com/makinganeffortpodcast
Be A Good Girl
Mundane back to school/life admin chat, good comebacks for your teenager and a must buy list for the Marksies uninitiated.Ā
As always, we love hearing from you on email atĀ [email protected], or come join us over on our Patreon for extra eps, pop ins, videos or just to support us!Ā www.patreon.com/makinganeffortpodcast
Hair Washing Woes, Camp Nostalgia & Celebrity Couples
Gabby needs a hair washing rec, Mel is aching with nostalgia and together we cannot get over how gorgeous Jacob Elordi and Kendall Jenner are.Ā
As always, we love hearing from you on email atĀ [email protected], or come join us over on our Patreon for extra eps, pop ins, videos or just to support us!Ā www.patreon.com/makinganeffortpodcast
Six Bras In The Basket
In this weeks episode we talk through Gabby's perfect day, Mel's newly decorated house, what the algorythim is serving, how everything is tricks and lies and a healthy use of the socials.Ā
As always, we love hearing from you on email at [email protected], or come join us over on our Patreon for extra eps, pop ins, videos or just to support us!Ā www.patreon.com/makinganeffortpodcast
Holding Space for The Public
In this weeks episode, Gabby has no choice but to overhear obnoxious Nashvillians. We discuss how you can therapize yourself out of the ebb and flow of human relationships, Mel's copyrighted idea of a potato van (any van, really) and the ideal way to eat a chocolate bar.
As always, we love hearing from you on email at [email protected], or come join us over on our Patreon for extra eps, pop ins, videos or just to support us!Ā www.patreon.com/makinganeffortpodcast
We're Back!
Goodness we've miss you all! We're back after our Summer hiatus (hernia) with lots of tales from the last couple of months - the reality of living with teens, family camp, our annual hang out and so much crying and laughing. Buckle up gang!Ā
As always, we love hearing from you on [email protected], or come join us over on our Patreon for extra eps, pop ins, videos or just to support us!Ā www.patreon.com/makinganeffortpodcast
On Hiatus (Hernia)
It's our last episode before we take a Summer recess so that can only mean that our conversation is all over the place. We're talking the unending benefits of having friends with a pool, bandwagons and being scammed.Ā
If you don't want to miss out on any fun, we'll be over on our Patreon during our recess with extra eps, pop ins, videos and more! Join us over there for the summer atĀ www.patreon.com/makinganeffortpodcast - if not, we'll see you back here in August!
The Explicit One
Ok, just a heads up, maybe don't listen to this one out in the open air or at work or with little ears around! Gabs has a blinder of a story, and we have a listener story as well. All in all it's a revealing episode!Ā
Don't forget we are going on a Summer break soon - but we'll still be hanging out with our patreons, so get yourself over there if you fancy some bonus episodes, weekly episode commentary, community chat and BTS content!Ā www.patreon.com/makinganeffortpodcast
Painting Woes & TV Shows
Back again in your ears with house updates, spending money on your home, TV shows that make us yearn like 20 year olds again and more!Ā
We always love to hear from you, so feel free to fire us over an email onĀ [email protected] AND - Don't forget - if you fancy some bonus episodes (NEW BONUS EP OUT NOW!), weekly episode commentary, community chat and BTS content, we'd love you to consider supporting us atĀ www.patreon.com/makinganeffortpodcast
Boomer Behaviour
Landing in this week with better sound, some listener stories, paint job updates, megachurch boomer blunders and why they need to go back to poorly using canva.
We always love to hear from you, so feel free to fire us over an email onĀ [email protected] AND - Don't forget - if you fancy some bonus episodes (NEW BONUS EP OUT NOW!), weekly episode commentary, community chat and BTS content, we'd love you to consider supporting us atĀ www.patreon.com/makinganeffortpodcast
Ā
See Ya Wendy!
We're back with a fun episode (with less fun sound quality) where we get into awkward social moments, pondering if we are good judges of character and a little chat about period blood. That comes with a trigger warning, just a heads up!
We always love to hear from you, so feel free to fire us over an email onĀ [email protected] AND - Don't forget - if you fancy some bonus episodes (NEW BONUS EP OUT NOW!), weekly episode commentary, community chat and BTS content, we'd love you to consider supporting us atĀ www.pa...
Ground Bobble Hair Gods
It's a hard hitting episode this week, covering hair bobble deficits, laundry and ironing etiquette and a nostalgic trip down memory lane to the mall. Enjoy!
We always love to hear from you, so feel free to fire us over an email onĀ [email protected] AND - Don't forget - if you fancy some bonus episodes (NEW BONUS EP OUT NOW!), weekly episode commentary, community chat and BTS content, we'd love you to consider supporting us atĀ www.patreon.com/makinganeffortpodcast
Heart Fingers
Some fun listener interactions, Gabby in her cabbage era, people flushing tampons down the toilet and home decorations are all on deck today! Enjoy!
We always love to hear from you, so feel free to fire us over an email onĀ [email protected] AND - Don't forget - if you fancy some bonus episodes (NEW BONUS EP OUT NOW!), weekly episode commentary, community chat and BTS content, we'd love you to consider supporting us atĀ www.patreon.com/makinganeffortpodcast
Hiiiii Ian!
Back once again to talk rubbish about redoing our wedding food, the USA's disposable plate epidemic, a big (and small) shout out to a listener and a convo about letting kids swear.Ā
We always love to hear from you, so feel free to fire us over an email onĀ [email protected] AND - Don't forget - if you fancy some bonus episodes (NEW BONUS EP OUT NOW!), weekly episode commentary, community chat and BTS content, we'd love you to consider supporting us atĀ www.patreon.com/makinganeffortpodcast
He Is Risen
Allowing Gabs a moan, Easter Sunday church reflections (believe women), a listener update, VIP experiences and Easter is the new Christmas.Ā
We always love to hear from you, so feel free to fire us over an email on [email protected] AND - Don't forget - if you fancy some bonus episodes (NEW BONUS EP OUT NOW!), weekly episode commentary, community chat and BTS content, we'd love you to consider supporting us atĀ www.patreon.com/makinganeffortpodcast
Round Top Texas USA
Hello MAE Gang! Back this week talking about sick kids, some confusion about Round Top Texas, Mel's new nails/identity, an encouraging listener email, a bit more chat about the manosphere and Gabby's protein maxxing fails. Enjoy!
We always love to hear from you, so feel free to fire us over an email on [email protected] AND - Don't forget - if you fancy some bonus episodes (NEW BONUS EP OUT NOW!), weekly episode commentary, community chat and BTS content, we'd love you to consider supporting us atĀ www.patreon.com/makinganeffortpodcast
Who Even Wants Glass Skin?
Order, order, Gabby wants order! After a brief flit about from thing to thing (too excited this episode), we settle into a conversation about gardening podcast ASMR, the absolute poo heap that is Taylor Frankie Paul and the SLOMW franchise. Mel gives a heartwarming update from a listener and we talk through how annoying it is to be marketed having GLASS everything currently.
We always love to hear from you, so feel free to fire us over an email on [email protected] AND - Don't forget - if you fancy some bonus episodes (NEW BONUS EP...
Yoghurt Costs How Much?
This weeks episode heralds the predictable joy of a cheeky Nando's, the lunacy of the UK having limited free refill joints, the audacity of the price of eating out, Gabby's historical spell of being paleo and the delights of a Japanese sweet potato!Ā
We always love to hear from you, so feel free to fire us over an email on [email protected] AND - Don't forget - if you fancy some bonus episodes (NEW BONUS EP OUT NOW!), weekly episode commentary, community chat and BTS content, we'd love you to consider supporting us atĀ www.patreon.co...
Happy IWD I Guess
Happy EFFING Woman's Day, we suppose? In this weeks episode, we share some rage about the patriarchy, Gabby shares about a recent read, we get into it about parenting and adultism and if the rise of ai is going to lead us back to each other in person. Here's hoping. Enjoy!
We always love to hear from you, so feel free to fire us over an email on [email protected] AND - Don't forget - if you fancy some bonus episodes (NEW BONUS EP OUT NOW!), weekly episode commentary, community chat and BTS content, we'd love...
A Stacked Ep
From Sunday resets to parasite algorithims (and a Dave cameo) to Mel's work frustrations and adolescent brain development - we've got it all in this weeks ep. Stacked, as the kids would say - would they?
We always love to hear from you, so feel free to fire us over an email on [email protected] AND - Don't forget - if you fancy some bonus episodes (NEW BONUS EP OUT NOW!), weekly episode commentary, community chat and BTS content, we'd love you to consider supporting us atĀ www.patreon.com/makinganeffortpodcast
Be The Adult
Hey Gang! Today's episode is a full swing from kindle flies to baby's first stage performance to love and sex therapy with Esther Perel and a deep dive into indigenous theory around feminism (from Lynn Smart's 'The Soul of Money') and the bird of humanity to what it means to be the adult in the room and be somewhat trauma-informed in a world that often feels...traumatised? Love you all. Thanks as ever for listening!
We always love to hear from you, so feel free to fire us over an email on [email protected] AND...
Valentines School Nonsense
The pressure to from schools to get involved in arbitrary nonsense, discussing which celebrity friend group we'd like to slot into - all is up for chat in this weeks MAE!
We always love to hear from you, so feel free to fire us over an email on [email protected] AND - Don't forget - if you fancy some bonus episodes, weekly episode commentary, community chat and BTS content, we'd love you to consider supporting us atĀ www.patreon.com/makinganeffortpodcast
The Kids Are Alright
This week we discuss the demands of a home chef with a family that doesn't appreciate them (Gabby's close to striking). We get into a food moral dilemma and conclude with a discussion on feminism and the next generation of boys.Ā
We always love to hear from you, so feel free to fire us over an email on [email protected] AND - Don't forget - if you fancy some bonus episodes, weekly episode commentary, community chat and BTS content, we'd love you to consider supporting us atĀ www.patreon.com/makinganeffortpodcast
Dearest Gentle Listener
We're having a grand old catch up this week. Ice storms in Nashville, the humdrum of January, incredible food we had on our mini getaways and some TV tales!
We always love to hear from you, so feel free to fire us over an email on [email protected] AND - Don't forget - if you fancy some bonus episodes, weekly episode commentary, community chat and BTS content, we'd love you to consider supporting us atĀ www.patreon.com/makinganeffortpodcast
Celebs Go Cringe
A pop-culture heavy episode for the moment that is Brooklyn Beckham and the future of the dynasty. Taylor and Blake and needy friendships. Celebs are so embarrassing! We unpack it all. Plus, couples getaway plans!
Don't forget - if you fancy some bonus episodes, weekly episode commentary, community chat and BTS content, we'd love you to consider supporting us atĀ www.patreon.com/makinganeffortpodcast
MAE vs The Beauty Industry
We do a full circle on the beauty industry this week. It starts off with indignation and rage and finishes with recommendations. We're only human. We love a product.
Don't forget - if you fancy some bonus episodes, weekly episode commentary, community chat and BTS content, we'd love you to consider supporting us atĀ www.patreon.com/makinganeffortpodcast
Ā
I'd Rather Have The Cash
We are SO BACK! We're catching up on the holiday break and we're bringing a new flavour to the New Years conversations with a selection of regrets from 2025!Ā
Don't forget - if you fancy some bonus episodes, weekly episode commentary, community chat and BTS content, we'd love you to consider supporting us atĀ www.patreon.com/makinganeffortpodcast
Are We Changing Lives?
It's the last MAE episode of the year! Today we're giving a masterclass on how to do small talk for Americans. We're discussing the level of involvement is appropriate for our husbands in home decor, and Mel has a shocking revelation to share about her seasonal colour palate!Ā
Merry Christmas MAE Gang! We love you!
Don't forget - we'll continue to hang over on our Patreon through the break - so if you fancy some bonus episodes, weekly episode commentary, community chat and BTS content, we'd love you to consider supporting us at www.patreon.c...
Your Holiday Food Traditions (with crying)
Well well well! If that wasn't such an emotional rollercoaster! Thank you to everyone who submitted their favourite holiday food and let us into your family traditions. Food is the language of love and we felt ALL the feels recording this episode - a firm favourite of ours this year!Ā
All the recipes you hear in this will be available soon on our patreon! So if you want access to that, to bonus episodes, weekly episode commentary, community chat, and provide input, we'd love you to consider supporting us atĀ www.patreon.com/makinganeffortpodcast
Grown Up Little Homemakers
Turns out we are grown ups and we buy and do grown up things. Like bulk ordering toilet roll! Look at us go! We catch up on Thanksgiving in the USA and Mel tells us about her hangover and a really unfortunately bagel situation.
Listeners - don't forget to send us your favourite holiday family food tradition stories and recipes! We want a quick voicenote to explain the background and the recipe attached in an email to us on [email protected]!Ā
The Making An Effort Podcast is a proud listener supported podcast! If y...
What In The Cult?
Hello it's MAEDAY! This week we ponder our sleep patterns, Gabby shares the labour of a Christmas Craft and Mel shares a bit about the fun weekend she had with Hillary McBride!
Listeners - don't forget to send us your favourite holiday family food tradition stories and recipes! We want a quick voicenote to explain the background and the recipe attached in an email to us on [email protected]!Ā
The Making An Effort Podcast is a proud listener supported podcast! If you want access to bonus episodes (one coming this week!), weekly episode c...
Your Body Doesn't Do That Very Well
Today we get straight into Christmas party chat, Mel gripes about a gym injury and a blunt physiotherapist. Gabby weighs in on premade cocktail recipes, the glory of a bowl of popcorn, and Mel reacts to the HORROR that Gabby has not yet watched a very special holiday classic movie!Ā
Listeners - don't forget to send us your favourite holiday family food tradition stories and recipes! We want a quick voicenote to explain the background and the recipe attached in an email to us on [email protected]!Ā
The Making An Effort Podcast is a...
Wipe Down The Shower!
We waste no time getting into important stuff this episode - underwear and jammies. Mel has bathroom renovation woes and beef with her MIL. I give my best pitch for watching 'All's Fair' and we have a CALL OUT FOR YOU!Ā Send us a (short) voice-note telling us about your favourite holiday tradition around food. Attach it, and the recipe send it to [email protected]Ā and we'll feature it in an episode and compile the recipes!Ā
The Making An Effort Podcast is a proud listener supported podcast! If you want access to bonus episodes (one coming thi...
MAE The Musical
Welcome back! This week you're getting some spooky chat, some really uneducated thoughts around modern dating and if we missed out on being on apps etc. Mel's mum's dating advice and Gabby gets an unexpected text š¬. Also, what if we made our demands into a musical act - would that get our kids to listen to us?Ā
The Making An Effort Podcast is a proud listener supported podcast! If you want access to bonus episodes (one coming this week!), weekly episode commentary, community chat, and provide input, we'd love you to consider supporting us at www.patreon.com...
