Clare Stephens has launched The Pile-On, a new weekly podcast hosted by Acast delving into the emotional realities of public backlash when the internet turns on you.

Premiering alongside Clare’s forthcoming debut novel The Worst Thing I’ve Ever Done, the series is produced by  Lize Ratliff.

Clare is a former Editor-in-Chief of Mamamia, hosting and co-hosting the podcasts Cancelled and But, Are You Happy?

Guests on The Pile-On will include media personalities, journalists, and content creators with episode one an in-depth interview with Hannah Ferguson, CEO and Co-Founder of Cheek Media, discussing the backlash to her recent comments on Charlie Kirk.

Clare Stephens

Clare Stephens, Creator and Host of The Pile-On, said:

“I’ve been wanting to make this show for a very long time. While researching my novel, I spoke to a number of high-profile Australians about their experiences of online pile-ons, and was stunned by the cruelty of the outrage machine. These brutal public shamings are not just a frivolous phenomenon affecting the most privileged among us – they’re disproportionately aimed at women, and help fuel a culture of polarisation and division. The Pile-On brings you behind the hot takes and the backlash, and reveals the vulnerable human being at the centre.”

Guy Scott-Wilson, Content Director for Acast ANZ, said:

“The Pile-On is everything a great podcast should be – gripping, thoughtful, and completely of the moment. Clare is fearless in her storytelling and, with her choice of first guest, sets the tone for a series that reveals the real human impact of cancel culture. As more of Australia’s top journalists turn to independent podcasting to tell the stories that matter most, Clare captures the zeitgeist perfectly.”

Acast will host, distribute and monetise The Pile-On across all platforms. Weekly episodes will be available from September 29 wherever you get your podcasts.

Follow The Pile On @the_pileon