Episodes
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This week, Wendy and Alison are beyond thrilled to welcome Adam Kay, the former doctor turned bestselling author, who joins them to chat about his unique journey into fatherhood.
Adam opens up about the joys and challenges of raising two toddlers born just four months apart through surrogacy. He offers candid insights into the realities of fatherhood, from sleepless nights to the relentless nature of parenting, and the importance of carving out time for relationships amidst all the chaos.
Adam also talks about his latest book, "Dexter Proctor, the Ten-Year-Old Doctor," a funny and educational novel for kids. He shares the inspiration behind his switch from non-fiction to fiction and discusses the importance of making medical knowledge accessible and entertaining for children.
Stay connected with Netmums for more parenting tips, community support, engaging content: Website: netmums.com / Netmums socials: @netmums / Facebook / TikTok / X
Series 14 of the Netmums Podcast is produced by Decibelle Creative -
In the final episode of this mini series, brought to you by Aldi Mamia, hosts Wendy Golledge and Alison Perry are talking about preparing for the arrival of a baby.
It’s a journey filled with excitement, anticipation, and a fair share of nerves. Our guest on this episode is Marie Louise aka The Modern Midwife.
Marie Louise is the author of The Modern Midwife's Guide to Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond, and has a wealth of experience and knowledge to share.
Looking at the emotional and practical aspects, Marie Louise covers common feelings of excitement and anxiety, the importance of rest in the postpartum period, and the benefits of buying baby items second hand.
She also shares insights on the induction of labour and how new parents can manage their expectations and emotions during this transformative time.
Grab your free pack of Aldi Mamia Newborn Nappies from Netmums here.
The Milestone Moments podcast is brought to you by Aldi Mamia and produced by Decibelle Creative. -
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Weaning can be one of the most daunting milestones for new parents. The transition from milk to solid foods is filled with questions, uncertainties, and often, stress. But what if we told you it doesn't have to be that way?
Discover the secrets to stress-free weaning with Charlotte Stirling-Reed, Sunday Times best-selling author of "How to Wean Your Baby". Charlotte brings a refreshing perspective to weaning, encouraging parents to view it as a journey of learning and experimentation rather than a rigid process with right and wrong steps. With expert advice and practical tips, Charlotte reassures you that your weaning journey doesn't need to be stressful – it can be a wonderful time of discovery for both you and your little one.
Grab your free pack of Aldi Mamia Newborn Nappies from Netmums here.
The Milestone Moments podcast is brought to you by Aldi Mamia and produced by Decibelle Creative. -
Transforming Baby Sleep: Expert Tips from Eve Squires
Welcome to another episode of a brand new Netmums Podcast mini series: Milestone Moments, brought to you by Aldi Mamia.
Looking at some of the biggest milestones for new parents, our hosts Alison Perry and Wendy Golledge will be having bite sized chats with experts.
On this episode we are looking at the all-important SLEEP!
If sleepless nights are taking their toll and the endless cycle of night waking, resisting naps and early starts are leaving you feeling desperate, then this episode is for you.
In this episode, baby sleep expert Eve Squires, founder of Calm and Bright Sleep Support and co-author of Love To Sleep, offers practical advice and emotional support, empowering parents to reclaim their nights and sanity.
From validating exhausted parents to debunking common sleep training myths, Eve shares her personal journey and professional insights on tackling sleep deprivation.
Grab your free pack of Aldi Mamia Newborn Nappies from Netmums here.
The Milestone Moments podcast is bought to you by Aldi Mamia and produced by Decibelle Creative. -
Welcome to the first episode of a brand new Netmums Podcast mini series: Milestone Moments, brought to you by Aldi Mamia.
Looking at some of the biggest milestones for new parents, our hosts Alison Perry and Wendy Golledge will be having bite sized chats with experts.
On this first episode we are looking at potty training!
It can be a right old rollercoaster! We talk to child behaviour expert Amanda Jenner about making this milestone easier.
Amanda, the creator of the Potty Training Academy and author of Potty Training Magic, shares expert insights and tips on how to navigate this potential stressful milestone.
From understanding when your child is ready to start potty training to dealing with common issues like pooing on the potty (her tip for this is genius!), Amanda offers practical advice to help parents make this transition smoother.
Grab your free pack of Aldi Mamia Newborn Nappies from Netmums here.
The Milestone Moments podcast is bought to you by Aldi Mamia and produced by Decibelle Creative. -
In this week's episode of The Netmums Podcast, Wendy and Alison are joined by double Olympic champion and winner of BBC Sports Personality of the Year, Dame Kelly Holmes.
Dame Kelly opens up about her early years, growing up as a mixed-race child in Kent, and the pivotal moments that shaped her. From being inspired by her PE teacher to joining the army and eventually conquering the world of athletics, she also discusses the impact of the military's ban on homosexuality and her eventual coming out in 2022.
Dame Kelly also shares her strategies for maintaining her wellbeing, the importance of balance, and the newfound freedom she feels in being her true self. She offers invaluable advice to parents on encouraging their children, especially girls, to stay active and engaged in sports.
Stay connected with Netmums for more parenting tips, community support, engaging content: Website: netmums.com / Instagram: @netmums -
Passionate about taking therapy out of the therapy room, psychotherapist Anna Mathur is widely celebrated for her accessible mental health advice and light-bulb moments she offers mothers on Instagram and in her popular parenting books such as "Mind Over Mother" and "Know Your Worth."
Anna shares her personal experience with burnout and emphasises that taking time to recharge is an act of love not only for oneself but also for one's children. From anxiety and guilt to the importance of self-care, Anna shares invaluable insights and practical advice to help manage these pervasive issues experienced in parenthood. By addressing the source of guilt, showing compassion for oneself, and making small adjustments, Anna shows how parents can better cope with these overwhelming emotions.
Anna’s book "The Uncomfortable Truth Change Your Life By Taming 10 of Your Mind's Greatest Fears" is out on August 8th.
Stay connected with Netmums for more parenting tips, community support, engaging content: Website: netmums.com / Instagram: @netmums -
In this week's episode of the Netmums Podcast, Wendy Gollage and Alison Perry tackle the the quest for balance between parenting and personal health with Jenni Falconer. Broadcaster, running enthusiast, podcaster and author of "Runners High," Jenni shares the transformative power of running on both body and mind. This episode covers Jenni’s marathon experiences, the challenges of juggling fitness with motherhood, and the surprising ways running has shaped her life.
Jenni’s journey is as inspiring as it is relatable. She also dives into the world of health supplements, revealing her own venture, Kollo Health, and the wonders of marine liquid collagen for anyone over 25. As a working mum, she offers a glimpse into her family dynamics, the division of chores with her husband, and navigating the preteen years with her daughter.
Whether you're a seasoned runner or someone considering your first jog, grab a copper (or lace up your trainers!) and press play for a conversation that celebrates parenting, the highs of running, and the importance of self-care.
Follow Jenni at @jennifalconer, order her book ‘Runner’s High’ here: https://geni.us/RunnersHigh, and check out Jenni’s podcast RunPod.
Stay connected with Netmums for more parenting tips, community support, engaging content: Website: netmums.com / Instagram: @netmums -
Parenting is a journey with its own set of challenges. But when you add special educational needs into the mix, that journey takes a unique turn. This week on The Netmums Podcast, Wendy Gollage and Alison Perry are joined by comedy writer and producer Ashley Blaker, a father of six, three of whom have special educational needs. Ashley is not only a parent navigating this complex world but also the author of the book "Normal Schnormal" and is currently touring the UK with his show of the same name.
Ashley opens up about the unconventional path that led him to adopt his daughter with Down Syndrome, the rigorous and sometimes bizarre adoption assessment process, and the joys and trials of raising neurodiverse children. From the innocence of his teenage daughter to the challenges of playdates and school systems, Ashley’s candid and often humorous insights offer a refreshing perspective on parenting SEND children.
Stay connected with Netmums for more parenting tips, community support, engaging content: Website: netmums.com / Instagram: @netmums -
On this week’s episode of The Netmums Podcast we get a taste of the chaotic world of a parent and entrepreneur: Tom Skinner; star of The Apprentice, and a father of 3 sits down with Wendyand Alison to chat about raising three young kids, including a pair of twins. Tom shares his rollercoaster journey from boardroom battles with Lord Sugar to the negotiations with toddlers that leave him baffled and outwitted at home!
Tom's heartfelt (and hilarious) storytelling as he recounts the dramatic birth of his twins, and his experience of fatherhood in general will have you on tenterhooks AND in stitches! From cooking with his son to the famous spaghetti hoop fiascos, Tom imparts wisdom on involving kids in meal prep to foster a love for diverse, nutritious foods.
Stay connected with Netmums for more parenting tips, community support, engaging content: Website: netmums.com / Instagram: @netmums -
“No snowflake thinks they’ve caused the avalanche”.
This episode of the Netmums Podcast dives into mental health, online culture, and finding balance in the avalanche of social media.
Wendy Gollage and Alison Perry welcome Zara McDermott, a media personality and documentary maker, to discuss the digital age's impact on our children and society. From the startling statistic that a quarter of five to seven-year-olds now own smartphones, to exploring the darker side of internet sleuths and the spread of fake news, this conversation delves into the complexities of parenting in today’s tech-savvy world.
Zara also shares her personal experiences with revenge porn and the effects of body image pressures post-Love Island. Plus, get an inside look at her new clothing brand, Rise which recently launched in Tesco stores.
Stay connected with Netmums for more parenting tips, community support, engaging content: Website: netmums.com / Instagram: @netmums -
Wendy Golledge and Alison Perry sit down with the remarkable Liz Earle, a true beacon in the wellness industry with over three decades of experience. Liz, a (now Sunday Times) best-selling author, TV presenter, and podcast host, dives deep into the transformative journey of midlife, discussing her latest triumph, 'A Better Second Half'. Liz's message is clear: embrace pro-aging, find your purpose, and seize the joy in every moment.
Liz's candid conversation sheds light on the often overlooked and marginalised world of women's health in midlife, offering a treasure trove of evidence-based techniques and wisdom to thrive, not just survive. From debunking myths to embracing the ageing process, Liz advocates for self-care as a non-negotiable priority and shares her personal anecdotes, including the surprise of her 'autumn leaf' baby at 47.
She also touches on the profound impact of honest conversations about our health and the importance of smashing taboos, particularly around ageing and menopause. Liz's refreshing perspective is a call to action for women to reclaim their health and vitality, armed with simple yet life-altering daily habits and routines.
Listen for practical tips for a better start and end to your day, and make your second half of life your best yet.
Stay connected with Netmums for more parenting tips, community support, engaging content: Website: netmums.com / Instagram: @netmums -
Alison Perry is flying solo in this episode and sits down with TV presenter and property developer, Laura Hamilton. Known for whisking hopeful homeowners to dreamy locales on "A Place in the Sun," Laura, mum of two, spills her best-kept secrets for travelling with kids, from essential travel gear to encouraging adventurous eating.
Laura talks about her entrepreneurial side, and also shares her philosophy of integrating children into her dynamic lifestyle, starting from their first passport photos at just three weeks old. She advocates for the power of travel in teaching kids people skills, confidence, and an appreciation for different cultures and ways of life.
Stay connected with Netmums for more parenting tips, community support, engaging content: Website: netmums.com / Instagram: @netmums -
Wendy and Alison are joined by Dr. Chris Van Tulleken, infectious diseases doctor and familiar face from CBBC's Operation Ouch. Chris discusses his latest book, "Ultra Processed People," which dives into the world of ultra-processed foods and their profound impact on our health, especially that of our children.
Chris unpacks the definition of ultra-processed foods, their addictive qualities, and the perils of a diet dominated by these products. He addresses the elephant in the room: the role of big food companies in perpetuating the consumption of these foods and the urgent need for government regulation.
This conversation doesn't shy away from the tough questions. From the link between ultra-processed foods and ADHD to the childhood obesity crisis, Chris provides a nuanced perspective on health beyond the scales. He calls for action, not just from the top down but also from each one of us, as parents navigating the daily challenges of feeding our families.
Follow Dr Chris on Instagram @doctorchrisvt and buy his book "Ultra Processed People" here
Stay connected with Netmums for more parenting tips, community support, engaging content: Website: netmums.com / Instagram: @netmums -
This episode of the Netmums Podcast is brought to you by Johnson's Baby, the family favourite brand that's gentle on babys’ skin.
In this episode of The Netmums Podcast, hosts Wendy Golledge and Alison Perry delve into the often-exhausting world of baby sleep with the award-winning parenting and baby sleep expert, Heidi Skudder. With a wealth of experience as a former nanny, maternity nurse, and mother, Heidi has been the guiding light for countless parents, including celebrities like Perry Edwards and Stacey Solomon. She brings her expertise to the podcast, discussing the often-misunderstood topics of colic, tongue-tie, silent reflux, and the impact of diet on a baby's sleep.
Heidi also sheds light on the importance of the fourth trimester, advocating for post-birth recovery and the need to slow down in those early weeks. She offers reassurance to parents; don’t worry - you cannot spoil a baby with cuddles!
Heidi's new book, 'Your Positive Baby Sleep Book,' is full of wisdom for any parent seeking guidance.
Stay connected with Netmums for more parenting tips, community support, engaging content: Website: netmums.com / Instagram: @netmums -
Joining Alison and Wendy on this final episode of series 12 of the Netmums podcast is the nation's favourite PE teacher, Joe Wicks.
In his third appearance on the podcast, Joe opens up about his love of the chaos that comes with an expanding family, from the trials of travelling with toddlers, to how he and his wife Rosie navigate meal times. Joe delves into the importance of fostering a love for movement in our children and shares his personal approach to ensuring his kids embrace a healthy lifestyle without the reliance on constant snacking.
Joe also talks about his new book, 'Fitter, Healthier, Happier,' and its focus on educating kids about both their bodies and their minds.
Tune in for an honest, heartfelt conversation with the Body Coach himself, and maybe even pick up a tip or two for your next family adventure or mealtime strategy.
Find out more about Joe's journey and his new book at his website and follow his adventures on Instagram @thebodycoach and grab your copy of Fitter, Healthier, Happier’.
Stay connected with Netmums for more parenting tips, community support, engaging content: Website: netmums.com / Instagram: @netmums -
In this episode of The Netmums Podcast, Alison Perry flies solo to bring us a delightful conversation with Rebecca Wilson, the Sunday Times bestselling author and culinary maestro behind "Budget Family Food." With a focus on feeding families in a budget-friendly way, Rebecca shares her journey from a new mum seeking a creative outlet to a social media sensation with over half a million followers.
Rebecca dives into the nitty-gritty of her latest book, which brims with tips for saving money on family meals without sacrificing variety or nutrition. She discusses the importance of pantry staples, the challenge of food waste, and the clever use of leftovers to stretch the family food budget further.
Rebecca's book "Budget Family Food" is available now, offering families the chance to whip up delicious, cost-effective meals that bring everyone to the table.
Find Rebecca on Instagram @rebeccawilsonfood
Stay connected with Netmums for more parenting tips, community support, engaging content: Website: netmums.com / Instagram: @netmums -
In this episode of The Netmums Podcast, hosts Wendy Golledge and Alison Perry chat to the multi-talented Ben Miller. Known for his work in "The Armstrong and Miller Show," "Death in Paradise," and "Bridgerton," Ben is also a bestselling children's author. His latest book, "Diary of a Big Bad Wolf," turns classic fairytales on their heads, offering a fresh perspective from the eyes of infamous characters.
Ben delves into his World Book Day woes with his daughter's costume choices, the challenges of raising teenagers, and the profound impact of reading on children’s developing brains. He also shares the heartwarming moments of meeting his young readers and the importance of humour in children's literature.
Ben also lets us in on an ambition for the future: his coffee cart dream! Not only that, Wendy and Alison get a barista lesson and debate who’s coffee order is the most sophisticated…
This brilliantly chatty episode is packed with laugh out loud moments (and you may just get some inspiration for World Book Day costumes which is great news if you’re a competitive fancy dress parent like Ben!)
Ben’s latest book ‘Diary of a Big Bad Wolf’ is out on 14th March 2024 and available to pre-order now - find out more about this and all of Ben’s other children’s books here: https://www.simonandschuster.co.uk/authors/Ben-Miller/100920632
Follow Ben on Instagram: @actualbenmiller
Stay connected with Netmums for more parenting tips, community support, engaging content: Website: netmums.com / Instagram: @netmums -
*Content warning*
This episode covers personal experience of baby loss and mental health issues, and the importance of seeking support. If you or someone you know is struggling with maternal mental health in the UK, support is available: online platforms like Netmums' forum provide a safe space for parents to connect, share experiences, and seek advice from eachother.
"I felt like - to say it out loud - how I was feeling, was really bad. I was like, ‘Oh my God, does that make me a bad mum? Does that make me not maternal’?"
In this episode of the Netmums Podcast, hosts Wendy Golledge and Alison Perry are joined by Georgia Kousoulou, known for her role on ITV's Georgia and Tommy: Baby Steps, and daily podcast Five Minutes Peace. In this chatty episode, Georgia shares her insights on motherhood, mental health, and her journey towards self-discovery.
Georgia bravely opens up about the heartache of losing her baby due to a chromosomal issue, the struggles of identity and the pressures of parenthood, and the challenges she faced when bonding with her son Brody after a c-section didn’t come naturally straight away.
Georgia's new book, I Wish I Knew, serves as a guide for navigating motherhood and self-discovery, offering readers honest and relatable advice based on all the things Georgia wished she’d known sooner. Wendy and Alison bring you a sneak peek of some of these, like accepting her body and ditching fad diets, and learning to say ‘no’ more.
I Wish I Knew; honest and real lessons on love, life and family as you grow’ is available to buy now.
Follow Georgia on social media:
Instagram: @georgiakousoulouTwitter: @MissGeorgiakxListen to Georgia’s daily podcast Five Minutes PeaceStay connected with Netmums for more parenting tips, community support, engaging content: Website: netmums.com / Instagram: @netmums -
"I almost think that when you become a single mum, you become part of this club."
This week on The Netmums Podcast, Wendy and Alison are joined by the effervescent (and very chatty!) Lydia Bright, who has journeyed from reality TV fame on 'The Only Way Is Essex' to the challenges and triumphs of solo motherhood. Lydia opens up about the unexpected support she found in the single mum community and how it empowered her through her challenging pregnancy with her daughter, Loretta.
Lydia reflects on the preconceptions of motherhood versus the reality, sharing her experiences of juggling work and parenting, and the importance of showing the raw, unfiltered side of life as a single mum on social media. She also delves into her latest venture, authoring the children's book 'Mummy and Me,' discussing the significance of representation in children's literature and the value of inclusive storytelling.
As Lydia contemplates the future, she talks candidly about the prospect of dating, the importance of laughter and chemistry in a relationship, and how she plans to navigate introducing someone new into her tight-knit duo with Loretta.
Laughter and life lessons go hand in hand in this conversation, as Lydia, Wendy & Alison celebrate the strength, resilience, and joy of single parenting. - Show more
