The Netmums Podcast

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.

This week on The Netmums Podcast, Louise Burke and JB Gill are joined by TV presenter, podcaster and ADHD UK ambassador Sam Thompson for an honest conversation about ADHD and autism, and why understanding our children matters more than ever.
Sam was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 30 after years of feeling different, overwhelmed and misunderstood. In this episode, he opens up about the relief of finally understanding how his brain works, why he spent years believing he was simply the ‘naughty kid’, and how that diagnosis helped him forgive himself for struggles he'd carried since childhood.
Drawing on insights from his new book, You, Me and ADHD, Sam shares practical advice for parents navigating ADHD at home, from handling big emotions and meltdowns to helping children recognise their strengths and build confidence.
Together, Louise, JB and Sam explore how ADHD can show up in everyday family life, why behaviour is often communication, and how parents can move from frustration to understanding.

In this episode:

The hidden impact of labels like ‘naughty’, ‘lazy’ and ‘disruptive’

What ADHD actually looks like beyond the stereotypes

How to support children through overwhelm, meltdowns and big feelings

Why understanding emotions is often more important than managing behaviour

The surprising strengths and talents that can come with ADHD

Practical ways to help neurodivergent children thrive at home and at school

Why ADHD isn't something to fix – it's something to understand

Whether you're parenting a child with ADHD, supporting a neurodivergent family member, or simply want to better understand the children in your life, this is a warm, reassuring and incredibly helpful conversation packed with practical takeaways.
Sam’s book, You, Me & ADHD is out now, £9.99 (Puffin books)
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.

In this powerful live episode of The Netmums Podcast recorded at The Baby Show, Atomic Kitten star Liz McClarnon-Cho opens up about her emotional road to motherhood after eight rounds of IVF, two miscarriages and years of uncertainty.
Now a first-time mum at 44 to baby Alexander, Liz speaks candidly about the emotional toll of fertility treatment, why she stepped away from social media during IVF and the moment she finally saw a positive pregnancy test after believing parenthood might never happen.
Joined by hosts JB Gill and Louise Burke, Liz shares what it was really like becoming a mum later in life – from difficult pregnancies and pelvic girdle pain to the overwhelming reality of those first newborn weeks.
In this episode, Liz discusses:
• Her eight-round IVF journey and coping with repeated failed cycles
• Miscarriage, grief and the emotional impact of fertility struggles
• Why IVF can feel isolating and misunderstood
• The moment she discovered she was pregnant
• Becoming a first-time mum at 44
• Stepping away from social media during difficult times
• Newborn life, anxiety and leaving the house for the first time
• Parenting after infertility and learning to trust herself
• Raising baby Alexander with both Liverpool and Korean heritage
• Why motherhood now feels like ‘being given the world.’
Liz also reflects on how her relationship with husband Peter Cho who helped carry her through some of the darkest moments – and why becoming parents together has changed everything.
This is an honest, emotional and reassuring conversation for anyone navigating IVF, miscarriage, fertility struggles or the realities of becoming a new parent.
🎧 Subscribe to The Netmums Podcast for more real parenting conversations, expert advice and celebrity interviews.
Read more expert advice at Netmums.com and join the conversation on social @Netmums.
Got a parenting question or dilemma? Email us at thenetmumspodcast@netmums.com – we’d love to hear from you.
The Netmums Podcast – backed by experts, trusted by parents.

As your children grow into teenagers, knowing when to step back can be one of the hardest parts of parenting.
This week on The Netmums Podcast, Louise Burke and JB Gill are joined by Boyzone’s Shane Lynch and his wife Sheena, from ITV2’s The Real Housewives of Cheshire, as they share what family life really looks like behind the scenes while raising two teenage daughters.
From earning their own money to finding their own path, Shane and Sheena explain how they’re raising their girls to stay grounded – even while growing up in the spotlight. They talk about social media, teenage ambition and why boundaries still matter, even when they’re pushed.
They also share their honest take on the ‘nepo baby’ debate, and the reality behind the assumptions people make about their family life.
At the heart of the conversation is that shift so many parents recognise – moving from being hands-on to learning to let go. Sheena describes the hardest part of that transition as “fear”, admitting she’s the worrier at home, while Shane takes a more relaxed approach. Together, they reflect on what it really means to trust your teenagers, even when it’s not easy.
The couple also open up about their relationship, including their separation during lockdown and how they found their way back to each other. It’s an honest look at balancing marriage, work and family life, and what it takes to stay connected through change.
There are lighter moments too – from raising “girlie girls” and teenage humour to the reality of what comes next, including the thought of becoming empty nesters.
Warm, relatable and full of real-life takeaways, this episode is a reminder that raising teenagers isn’t about control – it’s about guidance, trust and, sometimes, having the courage to let go.
In this episode:

Raising grounded teens – independence, work ethic and values

Their thoughts on the ‘nepo baby’ debate

Letting go and trusting your teenagers to find their own way

Social media, smartphones and setting boundaries

Supporting ambition without creating entitlement

Parenting girls and navigating teenage dynamics

Keeping your relationship strong through change

Therapy, communication and modern family life

Honest advice for parents – from early years to teens

The Real Housewives of Cheshire is back on Tuesdays at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX from next week
Read more expert advice at Netmums.com and join the conversation on social @Netmums.
Got a parenting question or dilemma? Email us at thenetmumspodcast@netmums.com – we’d love to hear from you.
The Netmums Podcast – backed by experts, trusted by parents.

Proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative