S17 Ep8: What is the motherhood penalty? With Pregnant Then Screwed founder, Joeli Brearley
This week on The Netmums Podcast, Wendy Golledge and Alison Perry are joined by Joeli Brearley, campaigner, author, and founder of Pregnant, Then Screwed. This episode explores the challenges of juggling motherhood with a career while tackling the systemic issues surrounding maternity discrimination.
Joeli shares her personal journey from experiencing pregnancy discrimination to launching a movement that has shaped policies and attitudes towards working parents. She discusses her new venture, Growth Spurt, designed to support parents as they navigate the return to work, providing practical resources and peer support.
In this episode:
- Joeli’s experience with pregnancy discrimination and its impact
- The importance of peer-to-peer support for parents
- Understanding the motherhood penalty and its implications
- Joeli’s vision for accessible childcare and its societal benefits
- The significance of having open dialogues with children about growing up
This episode is sponsored by Aldi Mamia.
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 Ep7: Happy kids, happy lives: parenting insights from Dr. Alex George
This week on The Netmums Podcast, Wendy Golledge and Alison Perry are joined by A&E doctor turned mental health campaigner, author and Stompcast host Dr Alex George. Together, they dig into what young people are up against right now, how tiny daily routines can build big resilience, and why honest, calm conversations at home matter more than perfect fixes.
Dr Alex talks through “mental fitness,” the case for more wellbeing in schools, and his new children’s book Happy Habits, which helps kids build small, realistic routines for happier, healthier days. (Plus: Alison’s “raffle to buy a toy” saga becomes a teachable moment on dopamine!)
In this episode:
Why schools should balance grades with wellbeing (and life skills like money basics)
The “life audit”: a 5-minute way to choose the one habit that moves the needle
Simple family habits that stick (hello, 10-minute morning nature walk)
How to talk to children about grief, worry and eating disorders without “fixing”
Mental fitness vs. mental health: building resilience and capacity for joy
Alex on ADHD & OCD: what diagnosis changed and what “normal” even means
Boundaries with reality TV and choosing goals that align with your values
A sneak peek at Alex’s next book, Am I Normal?, coming in January
This episode is proudly sponsored by Aldi Mamia.
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 Ep6: The art of balance: Parenting, self-care, and sustainability with Gemma Styles
This week on The Netmums Podcast, Wendy Golledge and Alison Perry are joined by the insightful author and podcaster, Gemma Styles. Together, they delve into the realities of motherhood, neurodiversity, and the importance of self-compassion amidst the chaos of parenting.
Gemma shares her journey as a new mum, discussing the challenges of navigating toddlerhood while managing her own mental health and ADHD. The conversation touches on the significance of building a supportive village, the joys and trials of second-hand shopping, and the impact of social media on parenting.
In this episode Gemma also shares some details with us about her partnership with Pura. Pura, the eco-conscious baby care brand. Pura’s wipes and nappies are toxin-free, allergy-approved, and designed with less plastic and more sustainable manufacturing. Gemma tells us all about Pura’s exciting nappy recycling initiative which currently recycles 60 million nappies annually in Wales, and the brand’s large-scale trial which is currently underway in Bristol.
In this episode:-
The realities of juggling motherhood and personal projects
Building a supportive community while parenting
Managing mental health and ADHD as a new parent
Gemma’s partnership with Pura
Exploring the benefits of second-hand shopping
Setting boundaries with social media and parenting
Understanding the phases of parenting and self-compassion
Eco-friendly practices in motherhood
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 Ep5: From chaos to calm: Finding balance in motherhood with Shakira Akabusi
In this episode of the Netmums podcast, hosts Wendy Golledge and Alison Perry discuss the often-overlooked issue of stress and its impact on parenting and self-care. Joined by fitness expert Shakira Akabusi, they explore the misconceptions surrounding postnatal bodies, the importance of pelvic floor health, and how movement can serve as medicine for mental well-being.
Shakira shares her personal experiences with motherhood and mental health, offering valuable insights for parents navigating the challenges of raising children while maintaining their health. Tune in for practical tips on how to prioritise self-care and foster a healthy mindset!
In this episode:
The impact of stress on parenting
Managing kids' emotions during a move
Misconceptions about postnatal bodies
Importance of pelvic floor health
The role of movement in mental health
Celebrity culture and body image
Shakira's app and resources for parents
This episode is proudly sponsored by Aldi UK.
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 Ep4: Navigating parenthood and politics with Stella Creasy
In this episode of the Netmums Podcast, Stella Creasy, a Labour MP, discusses the challenges of balancing her political career with motherhood. She reflects on personal milestones, the importance of maternity leave, and the need for better childcare support.
Stella also addresses the motherhood penalty, online abuse faced by women in politics, and advocates for changes in policies related to special educational needs and period poverty. The conversation emphasizes the importance of amplifying the voices of parents in political discussions and creating a more inclusive environment for all families.
In this episode:
Navigating Parenting and Politics
The Transition to School Life
The Reality of Being an MP and a Parent
Campaigning for Maternity Leave and Representation
The Motherhood Penalty and Workplace Equality
Flexible Working and Parental Leave
The Impact of Online Abuse on Parenting and Politics
Special Educational Needs and Early Intervention
Childcare Accessibility and Universal Systems
Encouraging Future Generations in Politics
This episode is proudly sponsored by Aldi UK.
Stay connected with Netmums for more parenting tips, community support, engaging content: Website: netmums.com / Instagram: @netmums
Proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative
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