The Netmums Podcast

How do we raise our children to believe they're enough in a world that's constantly telling them they need to look different, be different or do more?
This week on The Netmums Podcast, Louise Burke and JB Gill are joined by broadcaster, best-selling author, campaigner and mum-of-two Katie Piper for an inspiring conversation about confidence, resilience and raising children who value themselves for who they truly are.
Drawing on both her own extraordinary life experiences (most notably surviving a life-changing acid attack in 2008, carried out at the request of her ex-boyfriend) and her work with international children's cleft charity Smile Train, Katie shares why true confidence isn't something we inherit – it's something we build. Together, they explore how parents can nurture resilience from an early age, support children through the pressures of social media and appearance culture, and encourage them to develop a strong sense of identity that goes far beyond external validation.
Katie also reflects on becoming a mum, how parenthood changed her perspective, why she was determined not to pass her own fears onto her daughters, and what her children have taught her about healing, patience and self-compassion.

In this episode:

Why resilience is the real foundation of confidence

Helping children build self-worth beyond appearance

Raising girls in the age of filters, influencers and social media

Why Katie encourages her daughter to focus on discovering who she is before worrying about relationships

Katie's work with Smile Train and supporting families and children born with cleft lip and palate around the world

Challenging stigma and misconceptions surrounding facial differences

How becoming a mum transformed Katie's outlook on life

The parenting lessons Katie's daughters have taught her

Whether you're raising toddlers or teenagers, this episode is packed with thoughtful advice and reassuring reminders about helping children grow up believing that who they are matters far more than how they look.
Read more expert advice at Netmums and join the conversation on social @Netmums.
JB and Louise would love to hear your parenting stories, questions and dilemmas. Email thenetmumspodcast@netmums.com and you could be featured in a future episode.
The Netmums Podcast is brought to you by Netmums, trusted by parents, backed by experts.
Proudly produced by Further

This week on The Netmums Podcast, Louise Burke and JB Gill tackle one of the biggest parenting challenges of our time: keeping children safe online.
With the UK moving towards restricting social media access for under-16s, this conversation couldn't be more timely.
Joining the podcast are Lauren Cowell, campaigner for the Raise the Age movement, entrepreneur and fiancee to Simon Cowell, and Ellen Roome, who has dedicated herself to improving online safety following the devastating loss of her 14-year-old son, Jools.
Together, they share powerful insights into the realities of parenting in the digital age, why parental controls alone aren't enough, and the practical steps every family can take to better protect their children online.
From delaying smartphones and keeping devices out of bedrooms to building open conversations and recognising the hidden risks of social media, this episode offers honest advice every parent needs to hear.

In this episode:

Why many parents feel they're fighting a losing battle online

The reality of navigating parental controls

Practical ways to keep children safer online

How to build trust so children come to you when something goes wrong

The online risks every parent should understand, from algorithms to sextortion

Why campaigners believe stronger protections for children are urgently needed

* This episode touches on child loss and online harm. Please listen in a way that feels right for you.
Read more expert advice at Netmums and join the conversation on social @Netmums.
JB and Louise would love to hear your parenting stories, questions and dilemmas. Email thenetmumspodcast@netmums.com and you could feature in a future episode.
The Netmums Podcast is brought to you by Netmums, trusted by parents, backed by experts.
Proudly produced by Decibelle Creative.

This week on The Netmums Podcast, Louise Burke and JB Gill are joined by psychotherapist and best-selling author Anna Mathur for an honest conversation about the parenting moments we're often too ashamed to admit.
Why do we snap at the people we love most? And what does it really say about us?
Drawing on both her professional expertise and her own experiences as a mum of three, Anna explains why anger is so often the final symptom of stress, overwhelm and impossible expectations – not bad parenting. Inspired by her new book, How to Stop Snapping at the People You Love, she shares practical ways to recognise the warning signs before we reach breaking point, repair after we've lost our temper, and show ourselves the same compassion we offer everyone else.
If you've ever ended the day thinking, 'That wasn't the parent I wanted to be,' this episode is for you.
In this episode:

Why we snap at the people we love most

The hidden link between stress, perfectionism and parental rage

How to spot your personal warning signs before you boil over

The power of repair after losing your temper

Why rest isn't selfish – it's essential

How to model healthy emotions and apologies for your children

Simple ways to lower the pressure and parent with more self-compassion

Anna's book, How to Stop Snapping at the People You Love (As Well As the Ones You Don't): A Compassionate Guide to Rage, Regulation and Repair, is available from 2 July 2026.
Read more expert advice at Netmums and join the conversation on social @Netmums.
JB and Louise would love to hear your parenting stories, questions and dilemmas. Email thenetmumspodcast@netmums.com and you could be featured in a future episode.
The Netmums Podcast is brought to you by Netmums, trusted by parents, backed by experts.
This episode is sponsored by M&S Thank You Teacher Gift Cards. You can buy gift cards in store or e-gift cards online.
Proudly produced by Decibelle Creative.
Anna Mathur/Picture credit: Oliver Spencer

This week on The Netmums Podcast, Louise Burke and JB Gill are joined by Gladiator star, author and dad-of-two Matt Morsia for a thought-provoking conversation about raising healthy, resilient and active children.
Best known to millions as Legend on Gladiators, Matt opens up about the career-ending injury that shattered his Olympic ambitions, the resilience that helped him rebuild, and how becoming a parent has shaped his outlook on health, fitness and family life.
Matt shares why he believes physical activity deserves the same attention as academic achievement, explains the habits he thinks set children up for long-term health, and tackles some of the biggest debates facing parents today – from childhood obesity to food, exercise and the pressure to get it all right.
The conversation also explores the importance of role modelling healthy behaviours, encouraging children to try different activities, and helping them develop perseverance without pressure.
Whether you're a fitness fanatic or simply trying to get the family moving a little more, this episode is packed with practical takeaways and plenty of food for thought.
In this episode:

Why resilience matters more than talent

Should PE be treated as seriously as literacy in schools?

How parents can encourage activity without creating pressure

The reality of screen time and inactive lifestyles

Why role modelling matters more than lecturing

The simple changes families can make to become more active

Creating a positive relationship with food and exercise

Matt's new book, FITNESS UNLOCKED, published by Sphere available now in Paperback, audio and ebook
Read more expert advice at Netmums and join the conversation on social @Netmums.
JB and Louise would love to hear your parenting stories, questions and dilemmas. Email thenetmumspodcast@netmums.com and you could be featured in a future episode.
The Netmums Podcast is brought to you by Netmums, trusted by parents, backed by experts.
This episode is sponsored M&S Teacher Gift Cards. You can buy cards or e-gift cards online.
Proudly produced by Decibelle Creative.
Picture credit: Nicky Johnston

This week on The Netmums Podcast, Louise Burke and JB Gill are joined by World Cup 2026 presenter and mum of one Kelly Somers for an honest conversation about returning to work after having a baby, rebuilding confidence, and navigating the juggle of motherhood and career.
As one of the UK's leading sports presenters, Kelly has fronted some of football's biggest programmes, from Match of the Day and Football Focus to major international tournaments. But becoming a mum brought a whole new challenge: balancing a demanding career with the realities of family life.
Kelly opens up about the fears she carried for years after being diagnosed with endometriosis and PCOS, and why becoming a mother felt like something she could never take for granted. She reflects on returning to work after maternity leave, rebuilding her career confidence, and navigating the challenges that motherhood can throw your way when life doesn't go exactly to plan.
With the FIFA World Cup taking her Stateside this summer, Kelly shares how she's making family life work while reporting on one of the biggest sporting events in the world. From travelling with a toddler to relying on an ‘army’ of family support, she offers a refreshingly honest insight into what modern working motherhood really looks like.
In this episode:
• Returning to work after having a baby and rebuilding career confidence
• How motherhood changed Kelly's perspective on ambition and success
• Living with endometriosis and PCOS and becoming a mum against the odds
• Navigating guilt, identity and the pressure to do it all
• Why asking for help is one of the most important parenting skills
Whether you're preparing to return to work after maternity leave, questioning how to balance career and family life, or simply trying to keep all the plates spinning, this episode is packed with reassurance, practical advice and a reminder that there's no one right way to do motherhood.
Read more expert advice at Netmums.com and join the conversation on social @Netmums.
JB and Louise also want to hear your parenting stories, questions and dilemmas. Email thenetmumspodcast@netmums.com and you could be part of a future episode.
The Netmums Podcast is brought to you by Netmums – trusted by parents, backed by experts.
Proudly produced by Decibelle Creative.