Happy Mum

Giovanna Fletcher

In the Happy Mum, Happy Baby Podcast, Giovanna Fletcher continues the conversation about motherhood she began in her bestselling book of the same title. In a series of frank and warm conversations with other high-profile mums and dads, Gi discusses all aspects of parenthood - the highs, the lows, the challenges and rewards. There is no such thing as the perfect parent, and we’re all simply doing our best, something Giovanna fully encourages. It’s time to stop comparing ourselves and champion each other instead. Each episode is truly unique yet unifying. No topic is out of bounds, therefore this podcast is essential listening for any parent seeking solidarity and support.

A Pixiu Production

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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336 episodes
Updated Tuesday

Episodes336

Newest first

May 19 · 1 hr 41 min
Intrusive Thoughts, Exhaustion & Crippling Shame: Kimberley Nixon’s Postnatal OCD Reality
TRIGGER WARNING: this episode contains some difficult conversations, including discussions around suicidal thoughts. We know this can be a lot to take in, so please do take care of yourself while listening and know that it's completely okay to step away and come back when you're ready 💛 May is Maternal Mental Health Month, a reminder that keeping the difficult conversations going matters more than ever. Our guest this week you'll know from iconic films and tv shows such as Fresh Meat, Wild Child, and Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging. But after the birth of her son, Kimberley Nixon found herself in some of the darkest days of her life. Kimberley opens up to Giovanna about experiencing dark and intrusive thoughts, being diagnosed with postpartum OCD, and why she felt it was so important to share her story. Kimberley's brilliant new book She Seems Fine To Me is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 14 · 15 min
Baby's First Breath | Life of a Midwife Ep. 2
What does it feel like to hold a life for the first time? In this episode of Life of a Midwife, three midwives tell us what it feels like to catch a baby! If you’re interested in being part of the next series of Life of a Midwife, we’d love to hear from you — just drop us an email midwives@pixiu.co.uk Links from our midwives: BabySZN™ is a platform built to help women train specifically for fertility, pregnancy from a birthdual-qualified midwife and performance trainer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 12 · 1 hr 16 min
'Nothing Came Naturally': Lydia West on Hyperemesis, Breastfeeding & Struggling to Connect
Over the past nine years, Happy Mum Happy Baby has evolved — and so has our mission! Increasingly, our conversations have centred on mums themselves: their mental health, wellbeing, relationships, and identity. Because when a mum feels supported, seen, and heard, everything else can flourish. So... welcome to the era of Happy Mum ! And joining us to start this exciting new chapter is the gorgeous Lydia West. You’ll know Lydia from It’s a Sin, Years and Years, and Big Mood, but what you may not know is that she welcomed TWO babies between filming seasons one and two of Big Mood! For the first time, Lydia opens up about her pregnancies and births, sharing her experience of severe hyperemesis, as well as the challenges she faced with bonding and feeding. She and Gi also discuss her returning to work just eight weeks postpartum, the importance of supported childcare on set, and learning to loosen the reins amid the chaos of toddler life! Big Mood series two is now streaming on Channel 4 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 5 · 18 min
Making a Midwife | Life of a Midwife Ep. 1
To celebrate the international day of the midwife we’ve got something very special for you — the very first episode of our brand-new miniseries! Every Thursday, we’ll be sharing powerful stories from midwives, past and present, as they reflect on the moments that have shaped their lives and careers. In this first episode, we'll trace the moments two women were pulled into midwifery. We’ll return to our regular guest episodes next Tuesday xx If you’re interested in being part of the Life of a Midwife series, we’d love to hear from you — just drop us an email midwives@pixiu.co.uk Links from our midwives: Little Light Support offers independent, trauma-informed birth debriefs for women and families — particularly those who’ve had complex, confusing or difficult experiences Petition · Make birth safer: protect midwives' working hours - United Kingdom · Change.org Hard Pushed: A Midwife's Story and Womb: The Inside Story of Where We All Began Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 30 · 1 min
Life of a Midwife: Due 5th May!
We’ve got a special delivery coming your way… a brand-new miniseries! Life of a Midwife brings you raw, honest, and deeply personal stories from midwives — past and present — as they share the moments that shaped not just their careers, but their lives. Our first episode drops on Tuesday 5th May, perfectly timed to celebrate International Day of the Midwife! And new episodes delivered every Thursday after that. So join us as we honour the voices behind some of life's most extraordinary moments 💜 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 28 · 1 hr 4 min
Hannah Witton on Pregnancy with a Stoma: What It’s Really Like
This week Giovanna sits down with creator and OG YouTuber Hannah Witton! Hannah opens up about navigating motherhood while living with long-term chronic illness. She also shares her journey with secondary infertility and the emotional challenges of coping with other people’s pregnancy announcements. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 21 · 1 hr 10 min
'I Was Told the Problem Was Me’: Raising My Autistic Daughter
Catherine Simpson thought she was failing as a mother throughout the first 10 years of her daughter Nina's life. After a decade of misdiagnosis, blame, and searching for answers, she finally discovered the truth: Nina is autistic. In this episode of Happy Mum Happy Baby, Catherine sits down with Giovanna for a conversation about the journey to getting Nina—now 31—her diagnosis. This episode is all about letting go of perfection, and learning to navigate a world not built for autistic children. Catherine’s memoir, Hold Fast: Motherhood, My Autistic Daughter and Me, is available now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 14 · 1 hr 7 min
Comedian Emma Doran: Pregnant at 18 in a Convent School
In this episode Giovanna sits down with comedian, author, and podcaster Emma Doran. Emma reflects on becoming pregnant as a teenager while attending an all-girls convent school, and the challenges that followed. She also shares how she began stand-up on maternity leave, performing her first open mic when her baby was just six weeks old! Catch Emma on tour! Emma Doran has extended her Emmaculate UK and Ireland stand-up tour up until 2027, including the London Palladium on 7th February 2027. Emma will also make her debut at the 2026 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Pleasance Courtyard – Beside from 5 – 30th August (excl 12th, 19th, 26th). For more info and tickets visit emmadorancomedy.com (Pic credit: Ray Burmiston) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 7 · 1 hr 4 min
Vicky Pattison: What If I’m Not a Good Mum?
When it comes to having children, what happens when you’re just not sure? This week, Vicky Pattison and husband Ercan Ramadan join Gi for a chat about the pressure to decide, the different paths available—from having children to adoption, surrogacy, or choosing a child-free life—and why the answer isn’t always simple. Vicky also opens up about her childhood, shaped by complex family dynamics and her relationship with her dad, and how that’s influenced her fears about becoming a mum. Vicky Pattison: Maybe, baby? is available now on C4 Streaming. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 31 · 59 min
How Jake Humphrey's ‘Horrible’ School Days Made Him a Better Parent
This week, we welcome broadcaster, High Performance Podcast host, and father of two, Jake Humphrey, to the studio. Jake and Giovanna share their experiences of being bullied at school, with Jake sharing how those early challenges later helped him navigate public scrutiny as the BBC’s F1 presenter. He also talks candidly about fertility struggles and the deal he made with his wife while trying to conceive their first child during long periods away for work...! 'Game Plan: Level Up Your Mindset. Own Your Future' is out now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 24 · 1 hr 16 min
Why Hannah East Talks About Her Loss on Stage
In this episode, Gi sits down with comedian Hannah East to talk about the chaos of parenting three children. Hannah shares her unique career journey, from competing on Gladiators (where she met her husband) to presenting at the 2012 Olympics. She also opens up about her fertility struggles and two miscarriages, and how her experiences with grief inspired her to create a stand-up show to help others feel less alone. Buy tickets to Hannah's tour here! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 17 · 1 hr 5 min
Inside Debbie Bright’s Life as a Foster Carer
In this episode, Giovanna sits down with Debbie Bright for an eye-opening conversation about what it’s really like to be a foster carer. Best known to many from TOWIE, Debbie is also one of the UK’s longest-serving foster carers, having cared for over 200 children across 35 years. Gi and Debbie talk about why children enter care, the importance of showing compassion rather than judgment toward birth parents, and the emotional reality of saying goodbye when children move on. Debbie also opens up about her own turbulent childhood, and offers heartfelt advice to anyone considering fostering. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 10 · 1 hr 12 min
Chessie King on the shocking reality of IVF costs
Our guest this week is presenter and author Chessie King! Chessie opens up to Giovanna about navigating her husband’s postnatal depression and the incredibly tough time that left their marriage on the brink of divorce. She also talks about the emotional journey of trying to conceive again after experiencing fertility struggles. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 3 · 1 hr 5 min
Steve Backshall: ‘it’s a terrible time to be a parent’
This week, Giovanna is joined by adventurer and explorer Steve Backshall Steve and Gi catch up on family life as he reflects on his childhood and how it shaped the person he is today. He also opens up about his wife Helen's inspiring journey training for the Tokyo Olympics just months after giving birth, and of course, there are plenty of tales from his iconic adventures along the way. LEGO® Education has launched four innovative STEM sets for young builders aged 7+, championed by explorer Steve Backshall. These sets turn children's big 'Why?' questions into hands-on, independent scientific discovery. Available today via select LEGO Stores and LEGO.com/LEGOEducation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
February 24 · 1 hr 21 min
Episode 300: The Emma Willis Takeover
One huge milestone. One unforgettable twist 👀 To celebrate 300 incredible episodes of Happy Mum Happy Baby, Giovanna finally finds herself on the other side of the table, lovingly nudged out of the hosting chair by none other than her best friend Emma Willis! In a perfect full-circle moment, Emma—who was HMHB’s very first guest—returns to turn the tables and get the full story on Gi’s parenting journey. It’s raw, revealing, and the perfect way to honour 300 episodes of honest conversation! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
February 17 · 1 hr 17 min
I survived postpartum psychosis — here's what I want you to know
TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains explicit discussion surrounding issues including depression, postpartum psychosis and suicidal thoughts. This may prove a difficult listen for some and if you feel that listening may affect you negatively then please choose another episode. This week Giovanna sits down with Jade Lloyd for a powerful and deeply personal interview about her experience with postpartum psychosis. Jade tells Gi about her traumatic birth during COVID-19, followed by a descent into severe postpartum psychosis that required her being admitted to a mother and baby unit and sectioned. Postpartum psychosis is a psychiatric emergency that requires immediate intervention. If you are worried about yourself or a loved one it’s important to speak to a health professional such as a GP, midwife or health visitor. If it's an emergency and you don’t feel safe, call 999 or go straight to A&E. If Jade’s story has resonated with you and you need help or support, please don’t hesitate to use the resources below: Action on Postpartum Psychosis https://www.app-network.org/ Pandas https://pandasfoundation.org.uk/ Samaritans https://www.samaritans.org Mind UK https://www.mind.org.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
February 10 · 58 min
Three babies, zero filters: Charlotte Dawson on pregnancy & postpartum life
This week, Giovanna is joined by the brilliantly funny reality star and mum of three, Charlotte Dawson! Charlotte opens up to Gi about honouring her dad Les Dawson’s memory at home, alongside her mission to champion body positivity for women everywhere. A hilarious, honest, and slightly chaotic episode — enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
February 3 · 1 hr 5 min
Default Parenting Hell with Lou Beckett
This week on Happy Mum Happy Baby, Giovanna chats with the brilliant Lou Beckett! Lou opens up about the pressures of breastfeeding, and shares how she and her husband Rob navigated the all-too-real 'roommate phase' during their early days of parenthood. She also talks about the mental load of being the 'default parent': the one who keeps family life ticking, from organising clubs and parties to taking on the emotional and administrative side of home life. Lou's book Lessons From a Default Parent is available for preorder now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
January 27 · 1 hr 2 min
Denise Van Outen on dating as a mum: “if they disapprove, you’ll know”
National treasure of stage and screen Denise Van Outen joins Giovanna this week! Denise and Gi chat about their stagey childhoods and the impact motherhood has had on their careers in the performing arts. Plus, Denise opens up about her relationship with ex-partner Lee Mead and how they successfully co-parent their daughter, Betsy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
January 20 · 1 hr 6 min
From addiction to manifestation: how motherhood saved Roxie Nafousi
This week, Giovanna is joined by manifestation expert and two-time Sunday Times bestselling author, Roxie Nafousi! Roxie opens up about her turbulent past with addiction and the powerful journey of finding sobriety when she became pregnant. Roxie also tells Gi about manifesting and the simple steps you can take now to shape the life you want later. You can check out Roxie’s guided visualisation for future-self and retirement here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.