Happy Mum, Happy Baby
In the Happy Mum, Happy Baby Podcast, Giovanna Fletcher continues the conversation about motherhood she began in her bestselling book of the same title. In a series of frank and warm conversations with other high-profile mums and dads, Gi discusses all aspects of parenthood - the highs, the lows, the challenges and rewards. There is no such thing as the perfect parent, and we’re all simply doing our best, something Giovanna fully encourages. It’s time to stop comparing ourselves and champion each other instead. Each episode is truly unique yet unifying. No topic is out of bounds, therefore this podcast is essential listening for any parent seeking solidarity and support. A Pixiu production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Episodes
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Olivia Rubin on embracing colour, slowing down, and balancing motherhood and business
Tuesday, 1 July 2025
This week Gi is joined by fashion designer and queen of colour Olivia Rubin!Olivia talks about balancing the success of her growing business with parenting her two daughters, and tells Gi why she's decided to scale things back.Olivia also opens up about struggling mentally after the birth of her first child. As postnatal mental health was rarely spoken about, Olivia admits at the time she didn't know what she was experiencing, Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Is skincare for teens harmful? Parenting SOS with Dr. Emma Craythorne
Tuesday, 24 June 2025
For this episode of Parenting SOS, we’re joined by dermatologist and host of The Bad Skin Clinic, Dr Emma Craythorne. Dr. Emma explains how our skin barrier evolves from childhood through adulthood, and discusses the potential risks that popular skincare trends such as the ‘Sephora kids’ phenomenon pose to young, developing skin.Plus, Dr Emma answers your questions on common pre-teen skin conditions like eczema & acne.For more skin tips and tricks, listen to Dr Emma's podcast - After Hours Skin Clinic! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Happy Dad, Happy Baby!
Tuesday, 17 June 2025
In celebration of Father's day, Gi's been digging through the archives again! She's put together some of her favourite chats from some of her favourite dads, including:Tom Fletcher on how miscarriage affects dads tooJeff Brazier on trying to give his kids what he didn't have growing upPaul C Brunson on men's emotional healthMatt Willis on how fatherhood was a turning point in fighting addictionJames Buckley on having an open dialogue with his teensPlus, keep listening to hear a VIP guest - Max Fletcher talks about what makes a great dad! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more infor...
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Ryan Libbey on supporting his partner through birth trauma
Tuesday, 10 June 2025
Our guest this week is personal trainer, podcaster, and former Made in Chelsea star Ryan Libbey!When Ryan’s partner Louise Thompson gave birth to their son Leo, she faced severe complications and trauma that turned their worlds upside down. We spoke to Louise last year on the podcast and now it’s Ryan’s turn to share his story. Ryan opens up to Gi about letting go of the pressure to always be the strong one in his family, and how showing up for himself was actually the key to showing up for Louise and Leo. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Rose and Rosie on parenthood as a same-sex couple
Tuesday, 3 June 2025
We're very excited this week to welcome everyone's favourite Youtube couple to the studio - it's Rose and Rosie!As a same-sex couple, finding information on how to start a family is not easy. Rose and Rosie open up to Gi about the challenges of navigating a heteronormative healthcare system, from choosing a sperm donor, to IUI vs IVF, and what it's like to be the 'other mother.'Plus, they discuss feeling the pressure to get everything right as a same-sex parent, Rose’s struggle with feeling rejected by her son, and Rosie’s experience with postpartum depression. Hosted on Acast. See acast.co...
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Lottie Tomlinson on family tragedy, embracing her body, and navigating anxious thoughts
Tuesday, 27 May 2025
This week we welcome author, entrepreneur and mum of two Lottie Tomlinson to the Happy Mum Happy Baby studio! Lottie opens up to Gi about losing her mum and how she has navigated her own parenting journey without her mum by her side.Plus, Lottie reflects on finding her truest confidence since having her children and explains why she's no longer hiding behind beauty treatments.Lottie's memoir Lucky Girl is available now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Breast cancer awareness: Ali Bastian shares her story
Tuesday, 20 May 2025
For a special episode dedicated to breast cancer awareness, this week Giovanna sits down with actress and mum of two, Ali BastianLast year, while breastfeeding her youngest daughter, Ali began experiencing severe pain and discovered a lump in her breast. Despite her concerns, she was told it was likely a blocked duct from feeding.Ali opens up about what followed - her breast cancer diagnosis, chemotherapy, and a mastectomy. She reflects on what it meant to really show up for herself during that time, and the love and support she found in unexpected places in what can be an incredibly lonely...
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Peter Andre: "don’t make the same mistakes. Make new ones."
Tuesday, 13 May 2025
WIth his iconic hit 'Mysterious Girl' turning 30 this year, we thought it was about time we caught up with dad of 5 Peter Andre!This episode is full of heart, with Peter opening up to Gi about the overwhelming emotion of meeting each of his children for the first time, and how he's embraced being a newborn dad again in his fifties.Plus, Peter reveals the one strict rule he's set for his teenagers, Junior and Princess, and reflects on the values instilled in him by his Jehovah’s Witness upbringing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Cariad Lloyd on talking to children about death
Tuesday, 6 May 2025
This week Giovanna is joined by comedian and actor Cariad Lloyd.Cariad is also the creator and host of the award-winning podcast Griefcast. She shares with Gi the profound impact of losing her father unexpectedly as a teenager and how that experience has shaped her life and work.They also discuss the importance of language when talking about death and Cariad explains how she has approached conversations about her dad with her own children.Look out for Cariad's debut picture book Where Did She Go?, a reassuring resource for any parent worried about discussing grief and death with their littl...
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Siân Welby on problematic ’too posh to push’ stigma
Tuesday, 29 April 2025
Our guest this week is the hilarious radio & TV presenter Siân Welby!Siân's career has gone from strength to strength over the years, and she opens up about wanting to hide her pregnancy out of fear she would be replaced at work.Plus, the pressures of breastfeeding, 'too posh to push', and a case of mistaken midwife identity! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The ADHD Parenting Toolkit with Dr Mine Conkbayir
Tuesday, 22 April 2025
On this week's episode of Parenting SOS, we’re joined by Dr. Mine Conkbayir. Mine is an expert in neuroscience and has worked in early childhood education and care for 25 years. She's also an ADHD mum of one.Mine and Gi discuss how hormonal changes during pregnancy and postpartum can impact ADHD behaviours, and the importance of honest, supportive conversation between ADHD and non-ADHD parents and children.Plus Mine answers your questions on all things ADHD.You can listen to ‘I’m ADHD! No You’re Not!' Mine's hit podcast with husband Paul Whitehouse here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priva...
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Lucy Watson on the realities of trying for a baby
Tuesday, 15 April 2025
This week on Happy Mum Happy Baby we’re joined by Made in Chelsea veteran and RENUE founder Lucy Watson!Lucy and Gi catch up on life since Made in Chelsea and delve into Lucy's journey as a first-time mother to one-year-old Willoughby.Lucy also opens up about her struggle to conceive, the emotional impact of fertility testing, and the challenges of witnessing loved ones becoming pregnant while navigating fertility struggles. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Lacey Turner on pregnancy loss, the importance of family, and 20 years on EastEnders
Tuesday, 8 April 2025
We welcome soap royalty into the studio for this week's episode of Happy Mum Happy Baby...Best known for her role as Stacey Slater in EastEnders, it is of course the iconic Lacey Turner!Mum-of-three Lacey opens up to Gi about the importance of talking about pregnancy loss.Plus we get the lowdown on the EastEnders 40th Anniversary live episode, and Lacey talks about filming scenes DAYS after giving birth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Happy Mum, Happy Mother’s Day!
Tuesday, 1 April 2025
Fresh from celebrating Mother’s Day, Gi has delved into the archives and picked out some of her favourite moments that celebrate what it really means to be a mum:Kamille on finding her way as a new mumColeen Rooney on embracing the chaos of four boysIsma Almas on adopting her son and the moment she first felt like his mumLydia Bright on the guilt from balancing her career and motherhoodAshley James on healing from traumatic birth and regaining her ‘pink’Plus, we receive some questions from a very special guest! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Psychologist Dr Julie on letting go of perfection in parenting and the power of making mistakes
Tuesday, 25 March 2025
On this week's episode of Happy Mum Happy Baby, Clinical Psychologist Dr Julie joins Giovanna to talk about perfection, parenting and letting go of the expectations we place on ourselves. Julie opens up about being diagnosed with breast cancer last year and tells Gi why and how she talked to her three children about it.Plus Gi and Julie discuss hypnobirthing and the importance of having agency during birth. Dr Julie’s new book Open When is available to buy now: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/453995/open-when-by-smith-dr-julie/9780241663936 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more i...
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Why am I so angry? Parenting SOS with Dr Caroline Boyd
Tuesday, 18 March 2025
On this month's Parenting SOS, we’re joined by Clinical Psychologist and expert on maternal rage Dr Caroline Boyd.Anger is a natural response to the overwhelming demands of motherhood in today’s society. Many of us feel pressure to be supermums - calm, coping and in control at all times - and were raised to see anger as a ‘forbidden’ emotion for women. This often means our feelings stay simmering under the surface, until we reach a breaking point. Caroline shares her insight on what happens to us when we’re angry, how can we move through the emotion, and letting go of the inevitable guilt t...
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Cherry Healey on her successful co-parenting relationship with ex husband
Tuesday, 11 March 2025
Our guest this week is the insightful, witty, and all-round wonderful Cherry Healey, who over the years has graced our screens with the likes of SAS Who Dares Wins, Inside the Factory, and numerous BBC3 documentaries.Cherry opens up to Giovanna about her complex relationship with her dad, and how having children herself and leaning into therapy helped to heal her childhood wounds.Plus, Cherry admits that she once subscribed to the societal stereotypes associated with being a single parent - until she became one herself. She also expresses heartfelt admiration for her ex-husband and tells Gi...
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Sara Pascoe on trying to protect her comedy career from fertility struggles
Tuesday, 4 March 2025
This week Giovanna sits down for a raw and hilarious conversation with comedian Sara Pascoe.Sara speaks candidly about the highs and lows of her mental health during IVF and after having her first child.Plus Sara and Gi describe how their respective relationships evolved after becoming parents.Sara Pascoe will tour the UK and Ireland with all new show, I Am A Strange Gloop in 2025/26, including the London Palladium on Sunday 1st March 2026. Tickets: sarapascoe.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Dani Dyer on pregnancy anxiety, single parenting, and mum shaming
Tuesday, 25 February 2025
Giovanna's guest this week is Love Island winner, TV personality, and podcast host Dani Dyer!Dani opens up about becoming a single mum after the birth of her son, discussing the guilt she felt about how expanding her family might affect her first child.She also delves into the challenges of dating as a single mum and shares the story of how she met her fiancé footballer Jarrod Bowen.Plus how her dad, the legendary Danny Dyer, reacted to the news he was going to become a grandparent, and the chaos (and joy!) of raising three under three. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inform...
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How do I handle my child’s fussy eating? Parenting SOS with Annabel Karmel
Tuesday, 18 February 2025
Parenting SOS is back, and we’re diving into all things fussy eating with children's food guru Annabel Karmel!* Annabel, the leading expert on nutrition and cooking for babies and children, sits down with Gi to discuss why some kids are just fussy when it comes to food (spoiler: it's not your fault!), the importance of celebrating good eating habits, and she shares some creative ways to encourage our little ones to enjoy a more varied and nutritious diet. Plus, Annabel answers some of your questions about picky eating, offering a wealth of practical tips and delicious recipes along the way!...
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Holly Bourne on what to do when your baby won’t sleep
Tuesday, 11 February 2025
On this week's episode, Giovanna sits down with bestselling author Holly Bourne!Holly tells Gi about the impact sleep deprivation had on her mental state when her baby daughter just wouldn't sleep.She also opens up about her long and painful journey to getting treated for endometriosis, a condition that is still widely misunderstood and misdiagnosed.Plus, Holly talks about writing her latest novel in the throes of first-time motherhood. So Thrilled for You is a hilarious, raw and honest expose of early motherhood and friendship, and you can get your copy here! Hosted on Acast. See acast.co...
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Fiona Button on ADHD, health anxiety, and postnatal depression
Tuesday, 4 February 2025
Giovanna’s guest this week is the brilliant Fiona Button!Fiona stars as Rose in one of Gi’s favourite shows, The Split, but off screen she has an even bigger role to play as mum to 7-year-old Fordy.Fiona opens up about her experience with health anxiety, how it impacted her pregnancy and postpartum, as well as the unique qualities of being a parent with ADHD. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Kate Ferdinand returns: talking mum guilt, blended families and birth trauma
Tuesday, 28 January 2025
Kate Ferdinand is back! We last spoke to Kate back in 2020, and her blended family has since grown with the arrival of Cree and Shae.Kate tells Gi all about the challenges of this new phase of motherhood, including her difficult births and spending time in NICU. She also opens up about how she and husband Rio suffered a miscarriage and the heartbreak of having to tell their children.Plus, the guilt that comes with trying to accommodate babies and teenagers! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Finding time for wellness in a busy world with Ancient & Brave
Tuesday, 21 January 2025
We're bringing ancient practices of health and wellness into the modern day for this very special episode.As parents, we know how tricky it can be to stay on top of everything but luckily Jo Woodhurst, Head of Nutrition at Ancient & Brave, is here to guide us through some simple changes you can make to help your family feel their very best.Gi and Jo discuss it all, from laying foundations for nourishing nutrition to some practical tips on getting the best night's sleep. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jessica Brown Findlay on navigating fertility and twin parenting
Tuesday, 14 January 2025
This week Giovanna is joined by the incredible Jessica Brown Findlay! Jessica is an actor, perhaps best known for her role as Lady Sybil in Downton Abbey.She opens up to Gi about becoming a mum to twin boys via IVF, and the complicated feelings she experienced around her friends' pregnancies whilst struggling with her own fertility.Jessica also discusses how pregnancy affected her acting career, plus makes us all fall a little bit in love with her husband Ziggy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Fleur East on why she felt shame around feeding
Tuesday, 7 January 2025
It’s a new year which means a whole host of brand new brilliant guests! To kick things off, Gi welcomes singer and presenter Fleur East to the studio.Fleur tells Gi the amazing story of her home birth, which ended in her giving birth on her husband’s lap..!Fleur also opens up about the pressure she felt over feeding her baby girl, plus pays tribute to her late father who passed away just before Nova was born. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Kate Thornton on raising a son as a single mum
Tuesday, 17 December 2024
This week we caught up with broadcasting legend Kate Thornton!Kate shares her best advice for raising young teens, finding male role models for her son, and why we should be championing single parents.Plus, Kate tells Gi why she’s not dreading the prospect empty nest! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Rachel Ama on racial disparities in maternity care
Tuesday, 10 December 2024
On this week’s episode, Giovanna is joined by vegan chef and Youtuber Rachel Ama!She and Gi discuss the systemic racial bias within healthcare, and how that influenced Rachel to fight for a home birth.Plus, the highs and lows of having a covid pregnancy, the pressures of being a single mum, and of course, food! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jane Dowden (Mum and a Mic) on going into labour at 21 weeks
Tuesday, 3 December 2024
Gi’s guest this week is the hilarious actress, comedian, and content creator, Jane Dowden, aka Mum and a Mic!Jane shares her journey of conceiving her twin boys through IVF. She also reflects on the emotional turmoil she faced when she went into early labour at just 21 weeks, being forced to confront the possibility that she could lose her babies.Plus, finding a work-life balance with acting jobs, and why being a parent can often feel like being a referee! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Kerry Hudson on how a difficult childhood shaped her as a mother
Tuesday, 26 November 2024
Giovanna is joined this week by the writer Kerry Hudson.Kerry had a turbulent upbringing marred by poverty. She tells Gi how homelessness and time spent in and out of foster care made her all the more determined to create a sense of stability and comfort for her own son.Kerry also shares her experience of giving birth in Prague, living life to the full with a chronic illness, plus how parenthood has affected her marriage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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