Episodes
Olympic champion, presenter and author Dame Denise Lewis joins us this week for an inspiring chat about balancing ambition and career with motherhood. Denise discusses the lack of support she experienced in the sporting world when she became pregnant at the peak of her career. Plus, she recounts an unexpected chapter in her life when, at 46, symptoms she attributed to perimenopause were actually signs of her fourth pregnancy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We're very excited this week to be joined by Geordie Shore legend Sophie Kasaei! Sophie first graced our screens in 2011 as part of the OG Geordie Shore cast and is now using her platform to shine a light on the many different journeys to parenthood.Sophie opens up to Gi about her personal struggle with conceiving, the emotional highs and lows she's experienced so far, and the impact it’s had on her relationship with TOWIE’s Jordan Brook.Sending love and support to anyone that may be on this journey too; you are not alone 🤍You can catch more of Sophie on Geordie Stories: Sophie’s Fertility ...
Returning to school after the summer holidays can be an anxious time for many children. So for this month's Parenting SOS, we invited child anxiety specialist and author of Help! My Child's Anxiety is Giving me Anxiety Saskia Joss to the studio to help us make the back-to-school transition as smooth as possible.Saskia ad Gi talk about some of the reasons why children might feel anxious about returning to school, and what we can do to support them. Plus, Saskia offers guidance for addressing emotionally-based school avoidance (EBSA) and outlines actionable steps to take if your child feels u...
This week Giovanna is joined by musician and father of one Marcel Somerville!First finding fame in the early 2000s with Blazin’ Squad, Marcel went on to appear on our screens in Love Island and then Love Island: All stars.He opens up to Gi about prioritising his son throughout his marriage breakup, his Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis, and how he really feels about his return to the Love Island Villa.Marcel's new single What I Did For Love is out now! And you can catch Marcel at The Blazin’ Squad Brunch, taking over 6 cities across the country from August 30th! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priv...
Stand-up comedian, podcaster and author Suzi Ruffell joins us for this week’s episode!Suzi tells Gi about the lack of queer representation she saw growing up and how it made her feel shame around her sexuality for a long time.Plus, she opens up about navigating motherhood as someone with anxiety and the ongoing challenge of learning not to catastrophise.Suzi's brilliant new book 'Am I Having Fun Now? is available NOW! And she is of course back on tour with 'The Juggle' from September. Check it out! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Gi is back from her family holiday and ready for a chat!Plus we revisit some of our episodes to hear what summer tips and tales our guests have shared with us over the years, including:Kerry Hudson on the joy of travelling with kidsHarry and Izzy Judd on having a summer babyThe Travelling Gays on keeping their routine on holidayLouise Thompson on struggling to leave the house when living with PTSDLaura Anderson on the hacks she's picked up from her career as a flight attendant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The summer holidays are here! Whether we're going away or staying closer to home, keeping our little ones safe is always top of mind. So this month on Parenting SOS, founder of Mini First Aid Kate Ball is here to share her top tips to get you ready for a great summer!Kate and Gi run through some of the best ways to prevent accidents, from swimming safety to sunburn protection.Plus, Kate explains the importance of trusting your gut when it comes to your child’s health, and of course answers some of your first aid questions.Get 10% off with the code HAPPYMUM in the Mini First Aid shop Hosted ...
We love a couples interview on Happy Mum Happy Baby and this week is no exception as broadcaster Rick Edwards and actor & writer Emer Kenny join Gi in the studio.They chat about getting engaged after six weeks(!), plus Rick shares how he tried to make himself useful during Emer's 40+ hour labour.The couple also open up about navigating freelancing and family, with Emer explaining how she managed to juggle writing a tv show with having a baby. And you can check out Emer's incredible work for yourself - the second series of Karen Pirie returns to ITV1 and ITVX this Sunday 20th July! Hosted on...
A couple of months ago we welcomed Peter Andre onto the podcast... and now his wife Dr Emily MacDonagh is here to set the record straight!Emily opens up to Gi about becoming a mum at 24 whilst completing her doctor training, and discusses what being a step parent means to her.Plus, Emily shares the story of her third birth for the first time, the complications of which led to the realisation that Belle would be her last child.Emily also has a book coming out! Incredible Things Your Body Can Do is Emily's debut picture book that teaches children about their bodies from an early age. Aimed at...
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.
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.
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...
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.
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...
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.
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...
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.
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...
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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...
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...
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...
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.
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...
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!...
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...