Things Nobody Tells You

Kiindred

We know there’s no shortage of advice out there - but what parents really crave is the stuff that makes the hardest days feel lighter, the messy parts feel normal, and the small wins worth celebrating.

Things Nobody Tells You brings together real voices from the community, trusted experts, and candid stories that shine a light on the practical, everyday truths of parenthood. The things you only discover once you’re in it.

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21 episodes
Avg 48 min
English

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#20
Wednesday · 36 min
The Sprinkle Theory: Parenting On Empty
Parenting on empty is real. The morning battles. The transition meltdowns. The endless instructions that seem to disappear into thin air. The exhaustion of trying to get everyone out the door on time while maintaining some semblance of calm. In this episode of Things Nobody Tells You, Emmy sits down with Mim Rizvi, children's entertainer, member of The Beanies and mother to a toddler, for a conversation about how to bring playfulness back into parenting without adding more to your plate. Mim introduces her Sprinkle Theory, a simple framework that transforms boring instructions into engaging moments of connection. She explains why a task is like plain bread for toddlers, how adding butter turns a negative instruction into a positive one, and why sprinkles, the play, make everything more enjoyable for everyone. From stomp like a dinosaur to tiptoe like a mouse, she shares how small shifts in language and energy can turn resistance into cooperation. This episode is for any parent navigating transitions, toddler defiance, morning chaos, or simply trying to find more joy in the everyday moments without the Pinterest prep, the mess, or the extra energy you don't have. Because parenting does not need to be harder than it already is. Sometimes all it takes is a little imagination, a silly voice, and the willingness to put something on your head.
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#19
August 20 · 46 min
Women’s Health Prevention: The Checks Mothers Put Last
Mothers are notoriously good at managing everyone else's health appointments, schedules and needs. But when it comes to their own health, they often wait until something is wrong, until symptoms become impossible to ignore, or until they finally have a moment to stop and think. In this episode of Things Nobody Tells You, Emmy sits down with Dr. Michela Sorensen, GP, mother of two and founder of Elme Health, for a conversation about why women put their health last, the guilt that stops us from prioritising ourselves, and why preventative care is not a luxury but a necessity. Dr. Michela shares her deeply personal story of losing her mother to stomach cancer at just 49, after three years of vague symptoms being dismissed, and how that experience shaped the way she practices medicine and the reason she founded Elme Health. She talks about the emotional female trope that still exists in healthcare, the challenges of advocating for yourself when symptoms are nonspecific, and why continuity of care matters more than we realise. This episode is for any woman who has cancelled her own appointment to take her child to theirs, dismissed her symptoms as just stress or just hormones, or quietly wondered if what she's feeling is worth speaking up about. Because your health matters. And waiting until something goes wrong is not the only option.
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#18
August 12 · 42 min
The Power of Your Voice: Music, Motherhood and the Songs our Children Remember
Music has a way of meeting us in the hardest moments. In the sleepless nights, the endless days, the bath time battles, the bedtime negotiations and the moments when you just need something to shift the mood. In this episode of Things Nobody Tells You, Emmy sits down with children's musician and mother of two, Angie Who, for a conversation about the power of singing, the science behind music and why using your voice matters more than you think. Angie shares how motherhood changed her creative path, from playing in an alt country band to finding her muse in her daughter and creating music that has reached families around the world. She talks about the three years without sleep, the songs born at the dinner table, the sacred connection when your music reaches others and why singing is one of the most primal and powerful tools we have as parents. Together, Emmy and Angie explore the science of singing, how it syncs heart rates and brain waves, regulates oxygen levels and reduces stress for both parent and child. They unpack the shame so many of us carry around our voices, why Western culture has told us not to sing unless we're good at it, and why we need to bring singing back as community glue. This episode is for any parent who has forgotten to sing, feels too self conscious to try, or simply needs a reminder that if you can talk, you can sing. Because singing is not about being perfect. It is about connection, regulation, joy and making the hard things a little bit easier.
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#17
August 4 · 51 min
Debunking Fertility Myths and Finding Your Path to Parenthood
Trying to conceive can carry so much more than a hopeful timeline. There is the waiting. The testing. The wondering. The baby shower invitations you quietly decline. The guilt when it does not happen easily. And for some families, the heartbreak of wanting another child and not knowing whether that dream will happen. In this episode of Things Nobody Tells You, Emmy sits down with fertility nutritionist Monique Cormack to talk about fertility, infertility and the myths that can make an already emotional season feel even heavier. Monique shares her own journey through IVF, identical twins, premature birth and the unexpected natural conception of her third child, as well as what her experience taught her about the limits of control. This is a conversation about evidence, support and taking proactive steps without getting lost in overwhelm. Because fertility is not always predictable, and needing help does not mean you have failed.
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#16
July 22 · 57 min
Annabel Karmel: Transforming How We Feed Our Kids
Feeding kids can feel like one of the most emotional parts of parenting. From the first spoonfuls of solids to allergies, gagging, choking worries, fussy eating, snacks, family meals and the endless question of whether they’re getting enough, food can quickly become loaded. In this episode of Things Nobody Tells You, Emmy sits down with Annabel Karmel, the name so many parents have turned to when learning how to feed their babies and children. But behind the books, recipes, meals, app and global food brand is a deeply personal story. Annabel shares how the loss of her first daughter, Natasha, changed the course of her life, and how her second child’s feeding challenges became the beginning of a career dedicated to helping other families. Together, Emmy and Annabel talk about starting solids, introducing flavour, understanding gagging versus choking, the importance of iron, early allergen exposure, fussy toddlers, pressure at mealtimes and why feeding children is never just about food. It is about confidence. It is about practicality. And it is about helping children build a relationship with food that can stay with them for life.
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#15
July 15 · 1 hr 32 min
A Former Detective on Keeping Children Safe
Keeping our kids safe is not just about stranger danger. In this episode of Things Nobody Tells You, Emmy sits down with former police detective and child safety educator Kristi McVee for a practical and important conversation about the everyday safety conversations every parent needs to have. From body autonomy and safe adults to online safety, sleepovers, consent, disclosure and what to do when something feels off, Kristi shares what she learned from years working closely with children, families and offenders. This is not about scaring children. It is about giving them language, confidence and a clear path back to us. Because child safety is not one big conversation. It is many small ones, repeated often, in the everyday moments where our kids learn: you can tell me anything, and I will listen.
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July 10 · 39 min
From Birth to Becoming a Mother
Becoming a mother is one of life's most profound transitions, yet so much of what happens to your body, your brain and your sense of self is never talked about. In this special episode of Things Nobody Tells You from our Kiindred LIVE event, Emmy sits down with Nadine Richardson, founder of She Births and author, and Brooke Elliston, breathwork coach and mother of two, for an honest conversation about matrescence, birth, breath and the transformation that nobody prepares you for. Together, they unpack the radical neurological changes that happen from 35 weeks of pregnancy through the first two years postpartum, why your brain is literally rewiring itself to help you care for your baby, and the extraordinary gifts and superpowers that come with this transformation. They explore why vulnerability, intuition and empathy increase during this time, how the birth experience sets the foundation for what comes next, and why creating the right environment and support system is essential when everything feels so raw and new. This episode is for anyone navigating pregnancy, preparing for birth, in the thick of early motherhood, or simply needing a reminder that you don't have to do this alone and that rest is not a luxury but a necessity. Because matrescence is real, your body and brain are changing in extraordinary ways, and the more you understand what's happening, the more you can honour yourself through it.
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July 10 · 34 min
Finding Comfort in Everyday Parenthood
Parenting is rarely about perfection. It's about connection, flexibility, finding what works for your family and giving yourself permission to do whatever it takes to get through the day. In this special episode of Things Nobody Tells You from our Kiindred LIVE event, Emmy is joined by Mim from The Beanies and paediatric occupational therapist Nicole for a warm and practical conversation about the everyday tools, routines and little shifts that can make parenting feel more manageable. Together, they unpack why every child is unique, why parenting children in the same family can look completely different, and how finding routines that work for you matters more than fitting into someone else's mold. They explore sensory regulation, why toddlers crash and bash and move constantly, how deep pressure and movement help children feel grounded and organized, and why behaviour is often communication we haven't yet understood. This episode is for any parent navigating toddlerhood, sensory seeking behaviours, developmental differences, the chaos of multiple children, or simply trying to get dinner on the table while keeping everyone regulated and connected. Because parenting is messy, exhausting, beautiful and real. And sometimes the best thing you can do is put your baby in the carrier, add some sprinkles to your instructions, and remember that baby's going to baby no matter where you are, so you might as well go out and have fun.
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July 10 · 30 min
Sleep and the Rhythm of Real Life
Sleep is one of the most talked about parts of early parenting, yet it's rarely as simple as following a routine or sticking to a schedule. In this special episode of Things Nobody Tells You from our Kiindred LIVE event, Emmy is joined by Chris Minogue, Kiindred's OG sleep expert, and Steph Luck, mum of four, for an honest and practical conversation about baby sleep, daily rhythms and navigating the reality of raising children in a busy world. Together, they unpack why there's no one size fits all approach to sleep, how to recognise tired cues, the difference between daily rhythms and rigid routines, and why flexibility is essential when juggling multiple children, school runs, soccer practice and everything in between. They explore the witching hour, the feed bath feed sequence that can transform evenings from six weeks onwards, the myth of sleeping through the night, and why sometimes the best thing you can do is simply pick up your baby. This episode is for any parent navigating sleepless nights, feeling overwhelmed by conflicting advice, juggling multiple children, or simply needing reassurance that what works for your family is enough. Because sleep is never just about sleep. It's about balance, flexibility, knowing your baby, trusting yourself and giving yourself permission to change and evolve as your family grows.
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July 10 · 44 min
Building Connection From Birth
Connection with our children begins long before they can speak, and it continues to unfold in unexpected ways throughout every stage of parenting. In this special episode of Things Nobody Tells You from our Kiindred LIVE event, Emmy brings together Sarah Marie and Gen Muir from Connected Parenting for an honest conversation about bonding with our kids from birth onwards. Together, they unpack the science behind early attachment, why babies are wired to seek connection from their very first days and how that bond unfolds differently for every parent and every child. They explore the pressure so many of us feel to experience instant love, the reality of postnatal depression and anxiety, and why relationships with our children take time to develop in their own unique way. This episode is for any parent navigating the early years, feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to get it all right, or simply needing a reminder that you are enough and your child just wants you. Because connection is not about getting it right all the time. It is about showing up, meeting your child where they are, and remembering that more often than not, what they really want is you.
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#14
July 8 · 49 min
The Child Behind the Behaviour: What Meltdowns Are Really Telling Us
Behaviour is communication, but in the middle of a meltdown, it can be really hard to remember that. In this episode of Things Nobody Tells You, Emmy sits down with clinical psychologist Emily Hanlon for a practical and deeply reassuring conversation on just this. Together, they unpack why anger is often a secondary emotion, how anxiety can show up in unexpected ways and why emotional regulation is not something children learn to do alone. It is something we support them through, starting with ourselves. This episode is for any parent navigating meltdowns, shutdowns, big feelings or the daily chaos of raising kids.
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#13
July 1 · 49 min
Feeding Kids Without the Pressure
Feeding kids can feel surprisingly loaded. From fussy eating and food refusal to lunchbox pressure, hidden veggies, dessert negotiations and the endless question of whether your child is eating “enough”, mealtimes can quickly become one of the most stressful parts of parenting. In this episode of Things Nobody Tells You, we’re joined by paediatric feeding specialist Mandy Adno for a reassuring and practical conversation about feeding kids without the pressure. Mandy unpacks why fussy eating is so common, what neophobia actually means, and why so much of feeding is about more than the food on the plate. Together, we explore the pressure parents often feel at mealtimes, the division of responsibility between parent and child, sensory preferences, food exposure, lunchbox comparison, meal planning, treats, dessert and knowing when fussy eating may need extra support. This episode is for any parent who has ever counted mouthfuls, negotiated “just one more bite”, hidden vegetables in pasta sauce, worried about what comes home in the lunchbox, or quietly wondered if something feels off. Because feeding is never just about food. It’s about bodies, confidence, connection, trust and taking the pressure off everyone at the table.
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#12
June 17 · 33 min
The Updates Impacting Family Health In NSW
Navigating healthcare as a parent can feel overwhelming. The endless questions, the waiting lists, the late-night uncertainty about whether something is urgent, and the pressure of knowing when to seek help. In this episode, Emmy sits down with Ryan Park, NSW Minister for Health, for an honest and practical conversation about the changes helping families access care more easily. From urgent care clinics that can help families avoid unnecessary emergency department visits, to virtual care options available in the middle of the night, they unpack what parents need to know when they are trying to make the right call for their child. They also discuss ADHD reforms and the shift towards more support through GPs, the needle-free flu vaccine for children who are terrified of needles and the growing focus on making healthcare more accessible for families. The conversation also explores birth trauma, the new Chief Midwife role and why so many women still feel unheard during one of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Ryan also shares more about the Raise It program, which empowers patients and families to speak up when something does not feel right, as well as changes allowing pharmacies to treat uncomplicated UTIs, helping women access care faster and more easily. This is an informative conversation for any parent trying to navigate the health system, advocate for their child and access care without the overwhelm. Ryan’s message is clear: trust your gut, know your options and use the resources available to you. Healthdirect: 1800 022 222
- Transcript
#11
April 27 · 46 min
Matrescense: The Motherhood Brain Upgrade
Becoming a mother is a complete neurological transformation that nobody prepares you for. In this episode, Emmy sits down with Nadine Richardson, Author and Founder of She Births for an honest conversation about matrescence, the term describing maternal adolescence and the profound changes that happen across pregnancy and the first two years postpartum. This isn't just about identity shifts or lifestyle adjustments. They unpack the science behind what's happening in your body and brain, from the hormones driving the transformation to why "baby brain" is actually a brain upgrade. They discuss the importance of creating the right environment during this vulnerable time, why your birth experience matters so deeply and how partners go through their own transformation (patrescence). They talk about the practical side of care, boundaries and proper postpartum support and why lying horizontal matters more than you think. And perhaps most importantly, they explore how to hold the paradox of grief and joy, exhaustion and love, the disappearing of your old self and the becoming of someone new. This is a grounding conversation for anyone navigating early motherhood, preparing for birth, or ready to understand why this transformation feels so overwhelming and so sacred at the same time.
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#10
April 9 · 58 min
Periods, Puberty and Hormones
Periods, puberty and the cyclical nature of being a woman - these are conversations many of us didn't grow up having. No shame-free chats, no honoring of what our bodies were doing, just a textbook at school and maybe a book from mum if you were lucky. In this episode, Emmy sits down with Anna Maria - naturopath, herbalist doula, and mum to four girls - for a deeply honest conversation about raising daughters who understand their bodies, their cycles and their power. From menarche (the first period) to the monthly rhythm of hormones, energy and cravings - they unpack what nobody tells you about the foundations of women's health. They talk about the shame so many of us carry from our own first period, how that ripples into how we parent and why changing the narrative starts with us. They dive into the cyclical nature of the menstrual cycle - the rise and fall of energy, the need for rest, the cravings that aren't weakness but wisdom and why honouring that rhythm changes everything. They also explore how to talk to your daughter (and sons) about periods without awkwardness, why leaving the bathroom door open matters and how small shifts in language can build pride instead of shame. This is a grounding, empowering conversation for anyone raising girls, navigating their own cycle, or ready to heal the parts of themselves that were never honoured.
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#9
February 23 · 36 min
Primary School Unfiltered: The Friendship Years
School is more than just classrooms and homework - it's friendships, inclusion, self-worth, extracurriculars, parent politics, and the relentless juggle of getting three kids to five different places while remembering which one needs their library book. In this episode, Emmy sits down with Kiindred’s own resident mum, Julia, for a deeply honest conversation about navigating primary school life across kindy to year six. From the early days when everyone's invited to birthday parties, to the gut-punch moment when your child is the one left out - they unpack the stuff nobody prepares you for. They talk about friendships and how they can make or break whether your kid wants to go to school, the impact COVID had on social development for that whole cohort and why some kids fly under the radar while others collect certificates every assembly. They also dive into the pressure of after-school activities, the guilt around not doing enough (or doing too much) and how to build a healthy relationship with your child's teacher without becoming that parent. With real talk on masking, neurodivergence, the comparison trap between siblings, why the school report card doesn't always reflect effort, and the importance of raising kids who can see things from someone else's perspective - this is a grounding, relatable conversation for anyone in the thick of primary school life.
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#8
February 9 · 59 min
From Beauty to Life After Kids
From the beauty counters of the early 2000s to the spotlight of Gogglebox, Sarah-Marie Fahd has navigated a lot - career shifts, motherhood, media attention, and the messy reality of raising two boys while learning to trust her gut along the way. In this episode, Emmy sits down with her longtime friend Sarah-Marie for a deeply honest conversation about the stuff nobody prepares you for. From the overwhelming fog of postnatal depression and anxiety with her first baby during COVID, to the stark difference she felt with her second - finally understanding what people meant when they said "this is how it's meant to feel." They unpack the pressure to have it all together, the myth of the perfect parenting timeline, why deleting the milestone app was one of the best decisions she made, and how her two boys - Zen Master Malik and "Hulk Baby" Leon - taught her that every child is completely different. They talk about the beauty industry's obsession with perfection, losing yourself in early motherhood, the mental load of being the default parent, and why sometimes the best thing you can do is lie on the kitchen floor and look at the ceiling with your toddler. Real talk. Real friendship. Real motherhood.
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#7
February 9 · 1 hr 16 min
Not So TMI: Perimenopause real talk
Perimenopause. The word alone can make you feel like you're losing your mind - wondering if it's stress, relationship issues, or just you being 'crazy.' But what if the brain fog, the rage, the dryness, the exhaustion, and the overwhelming mental load aren't about you at all - but about a hormonal shift nobody prepared you for? In this episode, Emmy sits down with her OG crew - the friends she's known since high school - for the most honest, unfiltered conversation about perimenopause you'll ever hear. From dry vaginas to joint pain, hair loss, anxiety spikes, and the internal rage that comes out of nowhere, nothing is off limits. Together, they unpack what it's really like navigating this phase while raising kids, managing relationships, working full-time, and trying to remember what you walked into the room for. They talk about the stuff nobody tells you - that your cycle might go wild, your libido might tank, your skin might change overnight, and you might cry at a bird ad on TV. They also dig into the lack of education, the dismissive doctors, the self-doubt, and why so many women are told they're "too young" when they know something's not right. With raw stories about single parenting through perimenopause, long-distance friendships, the pressure to do it all, sexual wellness, pelvic floor physio, HRT patches, and why pleasure matters just as much as everything else - this is a grounding, laugh-out-loud, cry-in-your-wine kind of conversation. Real talk. Real women. Real bloody perimenopause.
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#6
January 12 · 45 min
Body Autonomy and Boundaries
Consent starts with nappy changes, hugs from relatives, and the language we use when our kids are still tiny. But somewhere along the way, many of us were taught that children's bodies aren't really their own - that they should hug on command, stay quiet during bath time, and never question what adults do to them. In this episode, Emmy sits down with Vanessa Hamilton - Sex and Health Educator, author, and one of the original expert voices behind the work we do. Together, they unpack what body autonomy actually looks like from birth, how to talk about private parts without shame, and why teaching consent early is one of the most protective things we can do as parents. They cover the practical stuff but also go deeper - into grooming, online safety, sexual extortion, gender diversity, and how to be the ‘askable parent’ your child needs as they grow. With real examples, scripts you can actually use, and a reminder that it's never too early (or too late) to start these conversations - this is an empowering listen for anyone raising kids in a world that doesn't always respect their boundaries. Be curious. Start early.
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#6
Nov 19, 2025 · 37 min
The Myth of Milestones
Milestones are everywhere - the apps, the books, the comments at playgroup. But what happens when your child's timeline looks completely different? When sitting up takes months of therapy, or walking is still a work in progress at two? In this episode, Emmy sits down with Christa, mum to gorgeous Frankie - a little one born with Down syndrome who has already navigated heart surgery, feeding tubes, and a development path that doesn't fit the textbook. Together, they unpack what it's really like to parent outside the milestones, the weight of comparison, and why sometimes an innocent question can trigger what Christa calls a "milestone meltdown." They talk about reality of advocating for your child in spaces that weren't built with them in mind. From daycare to dance classes, keyword signing to crawling at two, this is a raw and grounding conversation about pressure, isolation, community and why you don't owe anyone an explanation. With reflections on finding your people, letting go of control, the power of inclusive environments, and why checking in on a parent navigating extra needs can mean everything - this one's for anyone who’s ever worried their child is “behind” or felt unseen in the early years. Real, honest, and full of heart.
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