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

Apr 22, 2025 · 37 min
The ADHD Parenting Toolkit with Dr Mine Conkbayir
On this week's episode of Parenting SOS, we’re joined by Dr. Mine Conkbayir. Mine is an expert in neuroscience and has worked in early childhood education and care for 25 years. She's also an ADHD mum of one. Mine and Gi discuss how hormonal changes during pregnancy and postpartum can impact ADHD behaviours, and the importance of honest, supportive conversation between ADHD and non-ADHD parents and children. Plus Mine answers your questions on all things ADHD. You can listen to ‘I’m ADHD! No You’re Not!' Mine's hit podcast with husband Paul Whitehouse here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 15, 2025 · 1 hr 2 min
Lucy Watson on the realities of trying for a baby
This week on Happy Mum Happy Baby we’re joined by Made in Chelsea veteran and RENUE founder Lucy Watson! Lucy and Gi catch up on life since Made in Chelsea and delve into Lucy's journey as a first-time mother to one-year-old Willoughby. Lucy also opens up about her struggle to conceive, the emotional impact of fertility testing, and the challenges of witnessing loved ones becoming pregnant while navigating fertility struggles. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 8, 2025 · 1 hr 3 min
Lacey Turner on pregnancy loss, the importance of family, and 20 years on EastEnders
We welcome soap royalty into the studio for this week's episode of Happy Mum Happy Baby... Best known for her role as Stacey Slater in EastEnders, it is of course the iconic Lacey Turner! Mum-of-three Lacey opens up to Gi about the importance of talking about pregnancy loss. Plus we get the lowdown on the EastEnders 40th Anniversary live episode, and Lacey talks about filming scenes DAYS after giving birth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 1, 2025 · 44 min
Happy Mum, Happy Mother’s Day!
Fresh from celebrating Mother’s Day, Gi has delved into the archives and picked out some of her favourite moments that celebrate what it really means to be a mum: Kamille on finding her way as a new mum Coleen Rooney on embracing the chaos of four boys Isma Almas on adopting her son and the moment she first felt like his mum Lydia Bright on the guilt from balancing her career and motherhood Ashley James on healing from traumatic birth and regaining her ‘pink’ Plus, we receive some questions from a very special guest! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 25, 2025 · 56 min
Psychologist Dr Julie on letting go of perfection in parenting and the power of making mistakes
On this week's episode of Happy Mum Happy Baby, Clinical Psychologist Dr Julie joins Giovanna to talk about perfection, parenting and letting go of the expectations we place on ourselves. Julie opens up about being diagnosed with breast cancer last year and tells Gi why and how she talked to her three children about it. Plus Gi and Julie discuss hypnobirthing and the importance of having agency during birth. Dr Julie’s new book Open When is available to buy now: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/453995/open-when-by-smith-dr-julie/9780241663936 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 18, 2025 · 42 min
Why am I so angry? Parenting SOS with Dr Caroline Boyd
On this month's Parenting SOS, we’re joined by Clinical Psychologist and expert on maternal rage Dr Caroline Boyd. Anger is a natural response to the overwhelming demands of motherhood in today’s society. Many of us feel pressure to be supermums - calm, coping and in control at all times - and were raised to see anger as a ‘forbidden’ emotion for women. This often means our feelings stay simmering under the surface, until we reach a breaking point. Caroline shares her insight on what happens to us when we’re angry, how can we move through the emotion, and letting go of the inevitable guilt that comes after an angry reaction. Gi and Caroline also touch on the different contextual forces at play that shape our responses to anger. These social contexts are numerous and varied for every individual, often including important identities such as race, class and sexuality, which influence how we feel and express anger. Plus, we answer some of your questions, including how to manage anger towards your partner, keeping your cool when overstimulated, and identifying burn out. Caroline offers a self-paced anger course for mothers (USE THE CODE “HMHB” TO CLAIM YOUR £100 DISCOUNT): https://dr-caroline-boyd.mykajabi.com/maternal-rage-sign-up Download Caroline’s FREE GUIDE on how to handle partner rage: https://dr-caroline-boyd.mykajabi.com/3rs-free-download Caroline’s book, Mindful New Mum: A Mind-Body Approach to the Highs and Lows of Motherhood, is available to buy online Amazon, Waterstones or Bookshop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 11, 2025 · 53 min
Cherry Healey on her successful co-parenting relationship with ex husband
Our guest this week is the insightful, witty, and all-round wonderful Cherry Healey, who over the years has graced our screens with the likes of SAS Who Dares Wins, Inside the Factory, and numerous BBC3 documentaries. Cherry opens up to Giovanna about her complex relationship with her dad, and how having children herself and leaning into therapy helped to heal her childhood wounds. Plus, Cherry admits that she once subscribed to the societal stereotypes associated with being a single parent - until she became one herself. She also expresses heartfelt admiration for her ex-husband and tells Gi she feels lucky that her children have the best dad in the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 4, 2025 · 58 min
Sara Pascoe on trying to protect her comedy career from fertility struggles
This week Giovanna sits down for a raw and hilarious conversation with comedian Sara Pascoe. Sara speaks candidly about the highs and lows of her mental health during IVF and after having her first child. Plus Sara and Gi describe how their respective relationships evolved after becoming parents. Sara Pascoe will tour the UK and Ireland with all new show, I Am A Strange Gloop in 2025/26, including the London Palladium on Sunday 1st March 2026. Tickets: sarapascoe.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 25, 2025 · 59 min
Dani Dyer on pregnancy anxiety, single parenting, and mum shaming
Giovanna's guest this week is Love Island winner, TV personality, and podcast host Dani Dyer! Dani opens up about becoming a single mum after the birth of her son, discussing the guilt she felt about how expanding her family might affect her first child. She also delves into the challenges of dating as a single mum and shares the story of how she met her fiancé footballer Jarrod Bowen. Plus how her dad, the legendary Danny Dyer, reacted to the news he was going to become a grandparent, and the chaos (and joy!) of raising three under three. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 18, 2025 · 37 min
How do I handle my child’s fussy eating? Parenting SOS with Annabel Karmel
Parenting SOS is back, and we’re diving into all things fussy eating with children's food guru Annabel Karmel!* Annabel, the leading expert on nutrition and cooking for babies and children, sits down with Gi to discuss why some kids are just fussy when it comes to food (spoiler: it's not your fault!), the importance of celebrating good eating habits, and she shares some creative ways to encourage our little ones to enjoy a more varied and nutritious diet. Plus, Annabel answers some of your questions about picky eating, offering a wealth of practical tips and delicious recipes along the way! *Our discussion with Annabel focuses specifically on picky eating and Annabel’s area of expertise as a nutritionist and chef. While we do touch on the differences between fussy eating and ARFID in the episode, we recognise that restrictive eating and sensory issues with eating are much more complex than what our discussion covers, and requires its own specialist support. For our listeners with children experiencing extreme food aversions, we encourage them to seek guidance from health professionals who specialise in this area, and hopefully it’s a topic we can discuss more in the future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 11, 2025 · 1 hr
Holly Bourne on what to do when your baby won’t sleep
On this week's episode, Giovanna sits down with bestselling author Holly Bourne! Holly tells Gi about the impact sleep deprivation had on her mental state when her baby daughter just wouldn't sleep. She also opens up about her long and painful journey to getting treated for endometriosis, a condition that is still widely misunderstood and misdiagnosed. Plus, Holly talks about writing her latest novel in the throes of first-time motherhood. So Thrilled for You is a hilarious, raw and honest expose of early motherhood and friendship, and you can get your copy here! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 4, 2025 · 56 min
Fiona Button on ADHD, health anxiety, and postnatal depression
Giovanna’s guest this week is the brilliant Fiona Button! Fiona stars as Rose in one of Gi’s favourite shows, The Split, but off screen she has an even bigger role to play as mum to 7-year-old Fordy. Fiona opens up about her experience with health anxiety, how it impacted her pregnancy and postpartum, as well as the unique qualities of being a parent with ADHD. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 28, 2025 · 57 min
Kate Ferdinand returns: talking mum guilt, blended families and birth trauma
Kate Ferdinand is back! We last spoke to Kate back in 2020, and her blended family has since grown with the arrival of Cree and Shae. Kate tells Gi all about the challenges of this new phase of motherhood, including her difficult births and spending time in NICU. She also opens up about how she and husband Rio suffered a miscarriage and the heartbreak of having to tell their children. Plus, the guilt that comes with trying to accommodate babies and teenagers! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 21, 2025 · 45 min
Finding time for wellness in a busy world with Ancient & Brave
We're bringing ancient practices of health and wellness into the modern day for this very special episode. As parents, we know how tricky it can be to stay on top of everything but luckily Jo Woodhurst, Head of Nutrition at Ancient & Brave, is here to guide us through some simple changes you can make to help your family feel their very best. Gi and Jo discuss it all, from laying foundations for nourishing nutrition to some practical tips on getting the best night's sleep. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 14, 2025 · 1 hr 10 min
Jessica Brown Findlay on navigating fertility and twin parenting
This week Giovanna is joined by the incredible Jessica Brown Findlay! Jessica is an actor, perhaps best known for her role as Lady Sybil in Downton Abbey. She opens up to Gi about becoming a mum to twin boys via IVF, and the complicated feelings she experienced around her friends' pregnancies whilst struggling with her own fertility. Jessica also discusses how pregnancy affected her acting career, plus makes us all fall a little bit in love with her husband Ziggy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 7, 2025 · 57 min
Fleur East on why she felt shame around feeding
It’s a new year which means a whole host of brand new brilliant guests! To kick things off, Gi welcomes singer and presenter Fleur East to the studio. Fleur tells Gi the amazing story of her home birth, which ended in her giving birth on her husband’s lap..! Fleur also opens up about the pressure she felt over feeding her baby girl, plus pays tribute to her late father who passed away just before Nova was born. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 17, 2024 · 53 min
Kate Thornton on raising a son as a single mum
This week we caught up with broadcasting legend Kate Thornton! Kate shares her best advice for raising young teens, finding male role models for her son, and why we should be championing single parents. Plus, Kate tells Gi why she’s not dreading the prospect empty nest! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 10, 2024 · 50 min
Rachel Ama on racial disparities in maternity care
On this week’s episode, Giovanna is joined by vegan chef and Youtuber Rachel Ama! She and Gi discuss the systemic racial bias within healthcare, and how that influenced Rachel to fight for a home birth. Plus, the highs and lows of having a covid pregnancy, the pressures of being a single mum, and of course, food! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 3, 2024 · 1 hr 2 min
Jane Dowden (Mum and a Mic) on going into labour at 21 weeks
Gi’s guest this week is the hilarious actress, comedian, and content creator, Jane Dowden, aka Mum and a Mic! Jane shares her journey of conceiving her twin boys through IVF. She also reflects on the emotional turmoil she faced when she went into early labour at just 21 weeks, being forced to confront the possibility that she could lose her babies. Plus, finding a work-life balance with acting jobs, and why being a parent can often feel like being a referee! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 26, 2024 · 53 min
Kerry Hudson on how a difficult childhood shaped her as a mother
Giovanna is joined this week by the writer Kerry Hudson. Kerry had a turbulent upbringing marred by poverty. She tells Gi how homelessness and time spent in and out of foster care made her all the more determined to create a sense of stability and comfort for her own son. Kerry also shares her experience of giving birth in Prague, living life to the full with a chronic illness, plus how parenthood has affected her marriage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.