The Hook Up
Psychology & Relationships
About
The Hook Up is about love, sex and relationships. We answer your questions, learn things together, cry over heartbreak and normalise shit. Every Tuesday Dee and Pip debate your dating dilemmas and hear your cooked stories. Every Thursday it's the sex ed you never had — we call on an expert to go deep and find answers with Dee.
Episodes
- What It’s Like To Have PMDD w/ Emma Hardy
In this episode of The Hook Up, Dee speaks with author Emma Hardy about her experiences with PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) and her book "Periodic Bitch." The discussion includes aspects of living with PMDD, suicidal ideation, and…
- Dumping Over Text, Romantasy Smut & Mummy's Boys w/ Comedian Daniel Foxx
Comedian Daniel Foxx joins The Hook Up to discuss dating apps, "romantasy" and dating advice. He shares his views on breaking up via text and other dating topics.
- Lust, Limerence and Why We Love w/ Dr Anna Machin
Dr. Anna Machin, an evolutionary anthropologist, explores the distinctions between lust, limerence, and love. She addresses questions about love's addictive potential, its reality, and why humans encounter difficulties with it.
- Love Isn’t Dead!!!
This episode of The Hook Up features listeners sharing their personal stories about love, ranging from platonic to romantic. The episode explores various perspectives on finding connection and affection.
- An Expert’s Advice On Dating Your Co-Worker
This episode of The Hook Up features a discussion with couples therapist Jill Dzadey about the complexities of dating a co-worker. The conversation provides insights on how to approach such relationships to avoid workplace issues. It addre…
- Is Hooking Up With A Coworker A Bad Idea?
This episode of The Hook Up discusses workplace romance, exploring personal stories and considering the potential benefits and pitfalls of dating a coworker. It examines whether such relationships are advisable.
- The Truth About The ‘Biological Clock’
This episode of The Hook Up discusses the ‘biological clock’ in relation to fertility for women and people with eggs, and examines if sperm has a similar ‘clock.’ Dr. Theresa Larkin shares research on infertility and its gendered perceptio…
- The Hook Up Live: IYKYK
Dee and Pip host a live version of The Hook Up at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. The episode features comedians Lou Wall, Fergus Neal, Lara Ricote, Sophie Duker, and Dave Woodhead sharing dating stories, playing games, and gi…
- When Is The Right Time To Move In With A Partner?
This episode of The Hook Up discusses when couples should move in together. Couples therapist and sexologist Isiah McKimmie provides advice on the topic.
- Does Moving In With A Partner Make Or Break The Relationship?
This episode discusses the impact of cohabitation on relationships, examining how moving in together can either strengthen a bond or lead to unforeseen difficulties. It explores various outcomes of this significant relationship milestone.
- Being Single, Hook Up Culture & The Male Gaze w/ Elouise Eftos
Elouise Eftos joins The Hook Up to discuss topics such as the male gaze, female sexuality, heterofatalism, and hook up culture. She also shares her thoughts on never having been in a serious relationship.
- Friends With Exes: Green Flag Or Red Flag?
This episode discusses the topic of being friends with ex-partners, examining whether it is a sign of emotional maturity or a potential red flag. It explores different viewpoints and listener advice on successfully navigating these relatio…
- We Need To Talk About Arousal Non-Concordance
This episode of The Hook Up features Dee and sexologist Laura Lee discussing arousal non-concordance. They explore the reasons behind it, its implications for consent, and strategies for handling it.
- Are Humans Naturally Monogamous?
This episode of The Hook Up discusses whether humans are biologically wired for monogamy or if it is a social conditioning. It delves into the science and history of human relationships to examine if lifelong pairing is a natural state or…
- Unpacking The Manosphere w/ Tarang Chawla
In this episode of The Hook Up, Dee speaks with men's violence prevention advocate Tarang Chawla about the manosphere. They discuss his reaction to the documentary "Inside the Manosphere," why young men are drawn to manosphere influencers,…
- Are Friendship Icks The Same As Relationship Icks?
This episode of The Hook Up discusses "friendship icks" and debates if friends should be held to the same standards as romantic partners. The show explores listener submissions on things friends do or say that are a turn-off.
- BONUS: Is It Still Embarrassing To Have A Boyfriend? w/ Chanté Joseph
Chanté Joseph discusses her Vogue article "Is Having A Boyfriend Embarrassing Now?" with Dee Salmin. They explore the topic of whether it is embarrassing to have a boyfriend, and also touch on heterosexuality, engagements, and marriage in…
- An Expert’s Advice On Dealbreakers Like Having Kids
This episode of The Hook Up features relationship coach Megan Luscombe, who offers advice on navigating differing views on having children within a relationship. She discusses how to determine if such differences are dealbreakers or can be…
- Should You Ever Change Your Dealbreakers For A Partner?
This episode of The Hook Up discusses dealbreakers in relationships, examining when they can emerge, lead to relationship endings, or be subject to compromise by partners. Listeners are invited to share their experiences and thoughts on th…
- How To Heal After A Pregnancy Loss
This episode of The Hook Up features author Jess Kirkness, Dr. Jade Bilardi from Miscarriage Australia, and clinical psychologist Clare Bellhouse. They discuss the emotional impact of pregnancy loss and how to heal and support loved ones.
- Can You Date Someone You’re Not Really Attracted To?
This episode of The Hook Up discusses whether immediate attraction is necessary for dating or if it can develop over time. It explores the implications of waiting for attraction and the effect of dating apps on relationships.
- What Is A Miscarriage And What To Expect
This episode of The Hook Up explores miscarriages and pregnancy loss, featuring writer Jess Kirkness sharing her story and gynaecologist Dr. Charlotte Elder explaining why they happen and what to expect. The discussion aims to provide info…
- Should You Have Sex On The First Date?
This episode of The Hook Up discusses the "3 date rule" and whether having sex on the first date impacts relationships. It explores reasons for holding off or engaging in early intimacy and examines if there is an ideal number of dates bef…
- What Is Piss Play? And How To Get Into It
This episode of The Hook Up explores the topic of piss play, a common kink/fetish. Sexologist and psychologist Laura Lee discusses why it is attractive to some and how to engage in it.
- When Your Break Up Goes Public
This episode of The Hook Up discusses the experience of public breakups. It covers situations where individuals openly grieve, share secrets, or have their truth twisted by an ex-partner.
- What Your Porn Taste Says About You
In this episode of The Hook Up, Dee and sexologist Lauren French discuss the implications of individual porn tastes, exploring themes of fantasy, shame, and guilt. The conversation also provides resources for those seeking support.
- What Kind Of Porn Are You Into?
This episode of The Hook Up explores diverse pornographic interests and their connections to personal identity, including sexuality, gender, and political views. The discussion includes various porn genres and their potential to challenge…
- Why You Should Watch Heated Rivalry w/ Mitch Churi
This episode of The Hook Up features Mitch Churi discussing the HBO series Heated Rivalry. They explore the show's popularity and its importance as a queer love story.
- Can A ‘Friends With Benefits’ Relationship Actually Work?
This episode of The Hook Up discusses the viability of friends with benefits relationships. It features listener experiences and advice on establishing rules for successful FWB arrangements.
- How To Deal If Your Partner Is Addicted To Their Phone
In this episode of The Hook Up, Dr. Michelle Drouin discusses her research on how phone addiction in relationships can impact connection and intimacy. She shares insights on managing phone use in relationships.
- Are Our Phones Ruining Dating And Relationships?
This episode of The Hook Up discusses how phones are affecting dating and relationships. It explores issues like etiquette in early dating, distance with long-term partners, and whether phones can create intimacy.
- Our Heated Rivalry Summers
Dee and Pip from The Hook Up podcast chat about their differing summer experiences, with one being sick and the other partying. They also review "Heated Rivalry" and preview future content for The Hook Up.
- ICYMI: Should We Be Worried About The Rise Of AI Relationships?
This episode explores the rising trend of AI relationships for various purposes, including friendship and romance. It discusses the implications of AI companions on human relationships and dating in real life.
- ICYMI: I Think I Want To Go To Therapy, What Next?
This episode of The Hook Up addresses common questions about starting therapy. Clinical psychologist Dr. Jarrod White provides information for those considering professional mental health support for the first time.
- ICYMI: How To Actually Have A Good Threesome
In this episode of The Hook Up, Dee and sexologist Laura Lee discuss various approaches to having a threesome. They explore different ways to engage in a threeway experience.
- ICYMI: Is Getting Back With Your Ex Worth It?
This episode of The Hook Up discusses the universal experience of considering getting back with an ex. It examines various reasons behind this decision, including emotional dependency, seeking closure, and the hope that "it'll be different…
- ICYMI: When Family Messes With Your Love Life
Listeners discuss how family dynamics, including lack of boundaries and cultural differences, have impacted their romantic relationships. The episode explores various experiences where family involvement created challenges in their love li…
- The Biggest Moments In Dating, Sex And Relationships This Year
This episode of The Hook Up recaps the biggest dating, sex, and relationship trends and news from the past year. Topics include the male loneliness epidemic, the rise of AI relationships and ENM, and discussions around performative males a…
- How To Tell Your Friend You Don’t Like Their Partner
This episode of The Hook Up discusses how to tell a friend you don't like their partner. Psychologist Liz Neal offers advice on communicating these concerns and managing the friendship's response.
- Should You Tell Your Friend Their Partner Is Shit?
This episode of The Hook Up discusses whether, when, and how to tell a friend you dislike their partner, differentiating between personal dislike and genuine concern for a friend's well-being. It also covers the importance of supporting a…
- Why We Should Normalise Sex Toys With Partners
This episode of The Hook Up discusses normalising sex toys with partners. Sex educator Georgia Grace provides insights on overcoming toy shame and introducing sex toys.
- Should We All Be Using Sex Toys?
This episode of The Hook Up discusses the increasing accessibility and normalisation of sex toys. It explores how they are used in relationships, addresses vibrator shame, and examines the packaging of products and pleasure within the sexu…
- The Convos All Couples Should Have Before Getting Married
This episode of The Hook Up features couples therapist Isiah McKimmie, discussing important conversations and questions couples should address before getting married. The discussion focuses on preparing for marriage and ensuring compatibil…
- Do We Even Need To Get Married Anymore?
This episode of The Hook Up discusses the relevance of marriage today, noting celebrity engagements and research indicating a renewed interest in marriage among young people. It explores listeners' perspectives on the topic.
- Ancient Greek Myths Were Queer, Trans And Horny w/ Zoe Terakes
Actor Zoe Terakes talks about their debut novel, Eros: Queer Myths For Lovers, which reclaims Ancient Greek mythology. They discuss how many iconic Greek myths explore queer and trans life, lust, sex, and revenge, and the importance of rec…
- Is Your Relationship In A “Roommate Phase”?
This episode discusses the "roommate phase" in relationships, identifying its signs and exploring reasons behind it. It also debates reframing expectations for long-term relationships.
- Healing From Complex Trauma w/ Stephanie Foo
In this episode, Stephanie Foo discusses her memoir "What My Bones Know" and her diagnosis with C-PTSD. She explores how and why C-PTSD manifested for her, understanding intergenerational trauma, and her healing process.
- Does Height Actually Matter In Dating?
This episode of The Hook Up discusses the role of height in dating. It examines how height influences dating preferences, its societal importance, and whether it is a major dealbreaker in relationships.
- How To Sext And Send Nudes Safer
This episode of The Hook Up features sex educator Georgia Grace, who provides advice and practical tips on how to engage in sexting and send nudes safely. Topics covered include initiating, managing consent, dealing with body confidence, a…
- Sexting, Nudes & Filming With A Partner
This episode explores sex and intimacy in the digital age, focusing on sexting, nudes, and creating content with partners. It also addresses managing one's digital footprint and image-based abuse.