S17 Ep2: Embracing the chaos: Navigating motherhood with Anna Williamson
This week on The Netmums Podcast, Alison & Wendy are joined by TV presenter, qualified life coach and therapist Anna Williamson (Celebs Go Dating, LuAnna podcast), for an honest chat about modern motherhood. Anna opens up about perinatal anxiety, postnatal depression, bonding struggles, and why asking for help is strength, not shame. She also talks about her Channel 4 series, The Great British Phone Switch, and her chart-topping podcast, The Affair, exploring why infidelity fascinates us and how some couples come back stronger.
In this episode:
Embracing “good-enough” parenting and the reality behind the Instagram highlights reel
Anna’s lived experience of anxiety, birth trauma and PND and the power of saying it out loud
Shame, bonding difficulties and the moments that make you want to stay in the car park a bit longer
Phones aren’t the enemy: Anna’s car-driving analogy for teaching kids safe, smart smartphone use
Inside The Great British Phone Switch: what happens when parents and teens swap phones and the family pledges that result
Celebs Go Dating behind the scenes: why Kerry Katona’s journey this series made Anna proud (plus a little Pete Wicks chat!)
The Affair podcast: the many faces of infidelity.
Watch The Great British Phone Switch on Channel 4 (stream on demand), and listen to Anna’s podcast The Affair wherever you get your podcasts.
Stay connected with Netmums for more parenting tips, community support, engaging content: Website: netmums.com / Instagram: @netmums
Proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative
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S17 Ep1: Mind & body: How exercise can transform your parenting journey with Joe Wicks
This week on The Netmums Podcast, Alison & Wendy are joined by the ever-inspiring Joe Wicks, back for a third time on the NM pod, to discuss the importance of physical exercise for mental well-being.
Joe, known for his energetic PE sessions during lockdown, shares insights from his new government backed animated youtube series, Activate, aimed at getting kids moving and healthy. He opens up about the chaos of parenting four children and the lessons he’s learned about patience, empathy, and the importance of being present. From managing the daily challenges of homeschooling to finding time for personal fitness, Joe offers practical tips for parents to maintain their mental health while juggling family life.
In this episode:
The mental health benefits of physical exercise for both parents and children
How to create family routines that encourage movement and healthy habits
Strategies for managing parenting chaos and maintaining patience
The importance of being present and setting boundaries with technology
Joe’s insights on engaging teenagers in physical activity
The impact of Jo’s new animated series, Activate, on encouraging kids to move.
Get Joe’s youtube series, Activate HERE or search ‘Activate with Joe’.
Stay connected with Netmums for more parenting tips, community support, engaging content: Website: netmums.com / Instagram: @netmums
Proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative
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S16 Ep14: Clear Conversations: ‘How do I get rid of this spot FAST?!’ Flare-Up Quick Fixes for Teen Skin
In the final episode of our teen skincare special in partnership with Purifide, by the makers of Acnecide, Netmums host Wendy Golledge tackles the dreaded “why now?!” breakout – those spots with perfect timing to appear right before prom, birthdays, or big family events.
Joined by mum Sarah, her daughter Phoenix, and Consultant Dermatologist Dr. Alia Ahmed from Purifide, we share real-life stories, expert advice, and quick fixes for calming flare-ups without panic or last-minute product scrambles. From spot patches with powerful ingredients to confidence-boosting strategies, this is your go-to guide for those skin emergencies.
In this episode, we cover:
Quick, dermatologist-approved fixes for those “emergency” spots
The truth about water, diet, and skin health
How to support teens’ confidence when a breakout threatens to ruin the day
Filtering social media skincare advice so it’s safe and effective
When to seek professional help if spots just won’t go away
Why big events can trigger flare-ups (and how stress plays a role)
Whether your teen’s prepping for prom or simply wants to feel confident in their own skin, this episode is packed with reassurance, expert tips, and real-life perspective.
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S16 Ep13: Clear Conversations: Navigating Teen Acne with Phoenix and Dr. Alia
Clear Conversations: Navigating Teen Acne with Phoenix and Dr. Alia
In episode two of our special Netmums mini-series on teen skin, host Wendy Golledge chats with mum Sarah and her teenage daughter Phoenix, alongside Consultant Dermatologist Dr. Alia Ahmed from Purifide (by the makers of Acnecide). Together, they share honest, real-world insights into managing blemish-prone skin – without turning the bathroom into a battleground.
Phoenix reveals how she’s built a skincare routine that works for her (even after a late night), Sarah opens up about supporting her without nagging, and Dr. Alia breaks down the essential steps for healthy, spot-prone skin – all with a myth-busting, practical approach.
In this episode, we cover:
Skincare battles – how to reduce conflict over products and routines at home
Daily routines that work – Phoenix’s consistency tips for clearer skin
Expert steps – the importance of a strong routine: cleanse, treat, moisturise (and protect with SPF!)
Myth-busting – why toothpaste and certain “miracle” cures can make things worse
Parent pointers – motivating teens without sounding like a drill sergeant
Boys skincare – why it matters just as much and how to get them on board
Whether your teen is a skincare enthusiast or needs a little nudge, this episode offers expert advice, practical tips, and reassurance that clear skin is about finding what works – not chasing perfection.
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S16 Ep12: Clear Conversations Episode 1: Why Is My Skin Doing This? Acne, teen skin care routines and confidence – with Dr Alia Ahmed
In this first episode of three Clear Conversations – a brand-new Netmums mini-series in partnership with Acnecide+Purifide – host Wendy Golledge dives into the emotional and often overwhelming world of teen skin.
Teen guest Phoenix opens up about the sudden onset of breakouts, her skincare trial-and-error journey, and how it affected her confidence, while her mum, Sarah, shares what it’s like to support your child through it all.
Joining the conversation is Consultant Dermatologist and psychodermatology expert, Dr Alia Ahmed, who brings clarity with science-backed advice, myth-busting truths, and practical steps parents and teens can take to build healthier skin – and self-esteem.
Whether you're a parent trying to help your teen or a young person navigating blemish-prone skin, this honest and supportive chat is packed with insight, empathy, and empowering tips.
Topics include:
Why acne happens – the real causes behind breakouts
How skin health and mental health are connected
The do’s and dont’s of teen skincare routines
Myths about acne, diet, hygiene and more
Dr Alia’s top three skincare tips for teens
Resources and links:
Dr Alia: @the_psychodermatologist / thepsychodermatologist.com
Acnecide + Purifide: acnecide.co.uk / Available on Amazon
The award-nominated podcast with an unvarnished take on parenting, featuring well-known guests. Wendy Golledge and Alison Perry chat with celebrities, authors and public figures about birth stories, parenting fails, teen troubles and everything in between.
Ireland