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.

In April 2025, Australian actor and content creator Kath Ebbs (they/them) found themselves at the centre of a global tabloid storm — one that had nothing to do with being on television, and everything to do with who they were dating.

Their then-partner, pop icon and Celebrity Big Brother UK contestant JoJo Siwa, had spent weeks on camera forming what looked like much more than a friendship with fellow housemate Chris Hughes. Viewers dissected every glance, every late-night scene, and when the finale aired, speculation exploded. There was just one problem in that storyline — and that was Kath. At the after-party, they were blindsided and dumped.In this episode, Kath Ebbs talks about heartbreak, public scrutiny and what it costs to tell your story when the internet has already written it for you.

With thanks to Kath Ebbs

Listen to Clare's initial podcast interview with Kath here on Conversations with Kath.

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.