The SHE Word - The 'Love Blueprint' and Redefining Love in our Lives for Long-Term Happiness
The SHE WordShow Notes
We ALL love to love and be loved, don’t you agree? And for that reason, this episode is an absolute MUST listen for everyone. From our earliest age love plays a huge role in our lives. We are actually “programmed” to love due to a combination of biological factors involving specific brain chemicals, like dopamine and oxytocin, that drive us to form bonds, but our brains are wired for social connection and attachment. But what we learn about love in our earliest years, in our childhood, very much shapes the way love looks in our lives and this can differ wildly for each person, even siblings growing up in the same home. This is our love Blueprint; the way we view, express and understand what love is, and what it means. As we grow older and experience variations of love beyond our Blueprint we are presented with choices. We can either reassess and revaluate our love framework and understanding and evolve and learn, or we apply our parameters to our relationships - both positively and negatively. In this show Trudy sits down with three women to examine the Blueprints they developed from a young age, looking at the influences that formed their opinions, and the lessons that life taught them to revaluate their understanding and experiences of Love. Danae Mercer Ricci is an influencer with an online community of over 2.5 million followers, using her platform to speak out about body positivity, understanding social media and its impact, and protecting young girls and the challenges they face today. Danae’s also holds a powerful story of overcoming an early life with her teenage mum, a succession of men and often abusive father figures and shares how these experiences shaped the relationships she formed as an adult. Demaris Agius, also known as Life of a Mum on Instagram, Demaris is an ADHD advocate, a long-term wife and mother, and a content creator. Demaris shares her experiences of her family influences and how meeting and marrying her husband when they were in their very early twenties has presented its own challenges, and opportunities. Demaris talks about how both her and her husband have changed over the course of their relationship, growing into new versions of themselves, as partners and parents. And the work that it has take to maintain, build and strengthen their love over nearly two decades. Maxine Attard is part of The SHE Word family, Mum of two, currently working her way through postpartum and her new life with two young children. Maxine brings her own story to the discussion, growing up with a single parent, also hit hard when her beloved Mum passes away from cancer when Maxine was in her late twenties. Maxine shares how the absence of a father shaped her understanding of trust and the role a husband, partner and father can play. This show is full of Golden Nuggets of experiences, lessons learned, changed perceptions, honest opinions and admissions. There is something for everyone in this edition of The SHE Word, no matter where you are on your Love and Life Journey.
With HUGE thanks to: Browns, Prohealth, Tampax, Always, Maison Perrier, Satariano Living, Dave’s Supermarkets, iCentre, YUE, Ayurveda, Growth Gurus, Monsoon, Myoka Spas and UBER
More from The SHE Word
B*ITCHING. We are all familiar with the term Bitching. Most of us have been on the receiving end of someone’s bitching, and if we are really honest, most of us probably have the odd bitch from time to time. But what happens when bitching translates to bullying. Negativity turns nasty and derogatory comments become devastating. Maybe it’s a family member’s sly remark, a ruthless comment online, a colleague’s insensitive joke, a trusted friend’s betrayal. Hurt hits differently for each of us, but in this episode we look at the difference between gossip, constructive criticism, bitching and bullying. Trudy sits down with Model and DJ Tiffany Pisani, Love Island Winner Chelsea Bagnall Falzon and SHE Word regular Sue Caruana as the women share their experiences from verbal intimidation to physical bullying, from name calling to dedicated HATE Facebook Pages, sl*t-slander and much more. Trudy asks Tiffany, Chelsea and Sue what was the worst thing that has been said to them, with shocking answers. The guests share the impact of what has happened to them, and how they have recovered and moved forward. In Tiffany’s words ‘Push through, keep going and inspire others’. If you have ever experienced bullying, if you know someone who has - or if you are just a woman living In 2026 - this show will make you feel seen and empowered. Huge thanks to Brown's, Perrier, Always, Hyatt Regency Malta, Tampax, Satariano, Holland and Barrett, Camilleri Paris Mode, Verdala Wellness Hotel and Spa, Mapfre, BOV and Lindex for supporting these conversations.
The SHE Word is conversations for WOMEN, but our partner channel The HE Word has published a show we think that you might want to listen to - because the guys include Women in their conversation - it is a GREAT show to open conversations with your partner, your friends, and so we are dropping this show onto our channels to make it easier for you to find. Men talk about sex all the time. But talking about sex and talking honestly about sex are two very different things. This isn't another conversation where men brag about their sexual experiences. Let's face it, we've had enough of those! Instead, it's an open, honest and refreshingly candid discussion about a subject that is still considered sensitive, even though it really shouldn't be. Sex is a natural part of life for most of us, yet having meaningful conversations about it can still feel surprisingly uncomfortable. Whether it's talking to our children, our partners or the other important people in our lives, how do we approach a subject that so many of us have grown up avoiding? And perhaps more importantly, how can we expect to understand something we're so reluctant to discuss? In this episode of The HE Word, host Frank Zammit is joined by three guests who aren't afraid to tackle the subject head-on. TV host and producer Ben Camille, personality Xandru Grech and counsellor Ryan Portelli open up about sex in ways they perhaps never have before. From sex education and pornography to libido, expectations and the insecurities men rarely admit to, the conversation explores the questions we should be asking ourselves, and perhaps each other, far more often. It's honest, occasionally uncomfortable, sometimes hilarious, and guaranteed to get people talking. Because if there's one thing this episode makes clear, it's that we need to get better at talking about sex, not just having it. Huge thanks to Brown's, Peroni, Hyatt Regency Malta, Satariano, Holland and Barrett, Camilleri Paris Mode, Verdala Wellness Hotel and Spa, Mapfre, BOV for supporting these conversations.
What does "having a village" really mean in motherhood? What happens when that village looks different than expected? In this episode of The She Word Mums, we explore the many faces of support, community, and connection through the experiences of three mothers whose journeys have taken very different paths. Tara Alvarez Garcia shares her experience of navigating motherhood after losing her own mum, and the practical ways she navigates balancing her business and raising a family. Sarah Naudi opens up about raising her daughter abroad, far from family and familiar support systems. Sarah speaks openly about how her village is made up of more than other mothers, and the importance of staying true to herself and her dreams. Leah Camenzuli reflects on choosing to raise her children largely independently, without relying on outside help. She opens up about how her perspective changed after she suffered a loss, and the highs and sometimes conflicting lows of her choices. Together, we have an honest conversation about the realities of modern motherhood: the mental load of carrying it all, the role of partners and husbands in parenting, the pressure to do everything, and the judgement mothers often face for the choices they make. We discuss what support really looks like, why community matters, and how acceptance of ourselves and each other, can help us move beyond comparison and guilt. Whether you're surrounded by a village, building one, grieving one, or choosing a different path altogether, this episode is a reminder that there is no single right way. With special thanks to Browns, Verdala, Always, Tampax, Monsoon, Dilmah Tea, Ayurveda, Growth Gurus, FemSense®
The Young Women’s edition is back - with a twist! Each show is hosted by a special guest host who leads a discussion on a topic close to their heart. First up, welcome to The SHE Word regular Chelsea Bagnall-Falzon to host the table with three other super stars to discuss all the ins and outs of being single. Newly-single-Chelsea sits down with fellow Love Islander Italian Alessia Sarao, actress Naomi Said and the familiar face of Martha Attard. What follows is a brilliantly honest, fun and open conversation about all things young, free, single (and dating) that young women experience. This show is like sitting down for an Aperol Spritz with four great friends to chat about things that matter and ‘put the world to rights’. The conversation flows through the topic of a single status, dating, dating apps and everything to do with relationships; cheating, toxic relationships, same sex relationships and the difference, ghosting and being ghosted, to finding ‘the one’. The ladies spill the beans and dish the dirt, no holds barred. The show also takes a deeper dive into the expectations of family and friends, third wheeling with your best friend, beating the shame, permissions and freedom and navigating the prospect of not having a family. Relaxed, informal and a whole load of fun, this show is a MUST for every young woman. ‘Be seen’ in every situation you have experienced. Tune in and hang out with the friends you didn’t know you had. Huge thanks to Brown's, Aperol Spritz, Always. Tampax, Satariano, Holland and Barrett, Camilleri Paris Mode, Verdala Wellness Hotel and Spa, Mapfre, BOV and Lindex for supporting these conversation
We often get asked ‘why do you have men on The SHE Word? It is a Women’s Show’. True. The SHE Word is all about conversations Women rarely have, but once in a while it is good to get a male perspective. Most of us want to understand the less fairer sex bit better. After all, we want men as allies don’t we? So every so often we ask guy to come and join the Afterhours Edition of the show and sit with Host Trudy and her regulars for this edition Sue Caruana and Tez Camilleri, and for this episode Comedian James Ryder sits at the table. And as you would expect, there are some very funny conversations, but there are also some very serious discussions too. Based on James’s flirt with the MEP elections, the tables talks through the topic of politics; what would you do if you’re in charge of the country. The discussion moves on to the issue of the AC, Tattoos, Fashion. Trudy puts the question ‘What do you think that the opposite sex need to know?’ With some very interesting and enlightening results. The guests also work their way around what we miss and what we think that 2026 could do without. Along the way the team pick up on topics such as tech and AI, bright white ceiling lights and the importance of being bored. This edition of The SHE Word is less censored and more light hearted, but don’t be fooled into thinking there isn’t some very meaningful moments too. This is a show for everyone. Sit down, kick back and enjoy. Huge thanks to Brown's, Perrier, Always. Tampax, Satariano, Holland and Barrett, Camilleri Paris Mode, Verdala Wellness Hotel and Spa, Mapfre, BOV and Lindex for supporting these conversations.