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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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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“Everyone has trust in Great Ormond Street” - A mother’s story navigating childhood cancer
Tuesday, 19 November 2024
For this very special episode we’ve been working with Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity, which is currently in the middle of its biggest-ever fundraising appeal to build a world-leading cancer centre at Great Ormond Street Hospital.And no-one understands the significance of this appeal more than this week’s amazing guest Shaima, whose daughter Tia was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer when she was just 4 years old. Tia is now 12 and doing well at home, but has spent over half of her life in hospital.Shaima sits down with Gi for a very candid conversation about her journey with Tia’s c...
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Fred Sirieix on dealing with dad guilt
Tuesday, 12 November 2024
Love is in the air in the studio this week!Everyone’s favourite maître d', Fred Sirieix, perhaps best known for appearing on Channel 4's First Dates, joins Giovanna to talk all things fatherhood, food, and falling in love with the UK.Fred also opens up about dad guilt, his upbringing in France, and the pride he felt when his daughter Andrea won a bronze medal for diving in this year’s olympics! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Olivia Bowen on body image struggles, birth challenges, and life after Love Island
Tuesday, 5 November 2024
Giovanna quite literally fell off her chair from laughing so hard with this week’s guest Olivia Bowen!Reality royalty Olivia was runner-up on the second series of Love Island in 2016 with her now husband Alex Bowen. And six years later they became parents to baby Abel!Olivia and Gi talk body confidence, with Olivia opening up about her struggles with body image after giving birth, plus how much she loved dressing her baby bump. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Victoria Derbyshire on breaking the cycle of domestic abuse
Tuesday, 29 October 2024
This week we have journalist and broadcasting legend Victoria Derbyshire in the studio! Victoria tells Gi all about life as a mum of two teenage boys, blending motherhood with a hugely successful career, and how her 2015 breast cancer diagnosis inspired her to marry her partner of 17 years.Plus Victoria speaks about the domestic abuse she faced in her childhood growing up with a violent father.Trigger warning: this episode contains discussions about domestic abuse. If you feel this may be a difficult listen, please choose another episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more info...
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Melissa Hemsley on fertility, food and feeling like a failure
Tuesday, 22 October 2024
Giovanna sits down with Melissa Hemsley for this week’s delicious episode!Melissa is a former private chef, a writer, and a huge champion of sustainable, nourishing food. Now mum to baby Summer, Melissa and Gi had so much to catch up on, from IVF and pregnancy to ultra-processed foods and placenta smoothies…Melissa also opens up to Gi about her struggles with fertility and postnatal anxiety, and the steps she took to healing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Your mental health questions answered: Parenting SOS with Professor Sam Wass
Tuesday, 15 October 2024
This week’s Parenting SOS is another bonus episode brought to you by Bupa, who have identified some of the most urgent questions when it comes to helping our children with their mental health.Giovanna welcomes back child psychologist Professor Sam Wass to guide us through these questions, which include how to have conversations about drugs and alcohol, and how to support a child through a period of change or stress. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Kellie Bright on her fight for SEND support
Tuesday, 8 October 2024
On this week’s episode, Giovanna is joined by Bad Girls and Eastenders actress Kellie Bright, who is also mum to three boys!Kellie talks about having two of her babies via IVF, plus tells Gi what it was like being pregnant at 44.Kellie also talks about her fight to get her son an Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP), a document which describes a child’s special educational needs and should entitle them to support in school from the local council. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Olly & Amelia Murs on juggling popstar life with new parenthood
Tuesday, 1 October 2024
An exclusive this week as new parents Olly and Amelia Murs join Giovanna for their first interview as a couple!They tell Gi all about life with baby Madison, and Olly shares his heartbreak at having to leave Amelia and their newborn baby daughter to go on tour.Plus bodybuilder Amelia talks about training during pregnancy and her struggle with recovery after her c-section. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Anton Du Beke on IVF, Strictly, and fatherhood at 50
Tuesday, 24 September 2024
Prepare to be dazzled on this week’s episode as Giovanna is joined by none other than Strictly Come Dancing legend Anton Du Beke!Anton speaks candidly about his IVF journey with wife Hannah, who was initially told she wouldn’t be able to have children, and their joy at becoming parents to twins. Plus, Gi and Anton talk writing books for children, learning to dance, and even throw in some spontaneous singing! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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How do I talk to my child about mental health? Parenting SOS with Professor Sam Wass
Tuesday, 17 September 2024
Did you know that 50% of mental health conditions start by the age of 14? Child psychologist Professor Sam Wass, who you might recognise from Channel 4's The Secret Life of 4- and 5-Year Olds, joins Gi to chat all things young people’s mental health, in a special Parenting SOS episode brought to you by Bupa. Sam shares his tips and strategies for parents to have open conversations about their children’s mental health, plus the steps to take if you’re feeling concerned. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Andrea McLean on parenting through divorce
Tuesday, 10 September 2024
This week, Giovanna catches up with Loose Women royalty, tv presenter and mum of two, Andrea McLean!There was so much to talk about with Andrea, from her childhood in Trinidad, to getting diagnosed with endometriosis, and feeling the pressure to go back to work as the breadwinner.Plus, Andrea opens up about the ending of her marriages and navigating her role as a stepmum. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Laura Anderson on the realities of being a single mum
Tuesday, 3 September 2024
Giovanna’s guest this week is former Love Island and Celebs go Dating star, Laura Anderson! Laura opens up about being mum to 1-year-old Bonnie, balancing motherhood with her new job co-hosting Capital Scotland’s breakfast show, plus, as a former air hostess, Laura gives Gi her top tips for flying with children.Laura also speaks candidly about the ups and downs of life as a single parent and why she now strives to live in the present. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Tana Ramsay on working through grief as a family
Tuesday, 27 August 2024
On this episode of Happy Mum Happy Baby, Giovanna welcomes Tana Ramsay - best-selling cookery book author, wife to Gordon, and mum to Meg, Holly, Jack, Tilly, Oscar, and baby Jesse!Tana tells Gi all about her IVF journey and what it’s been like raising 6 children (who range from 6 months to 26 years old)! Plus, why Gordon decided not to attend some of their births… Tana also talks about the heartbreaking loss of her son Rocky and how she and her family worked through their grief together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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How do I form a healthy relationship with my stepchild? Parenting SOS with Cilla Appeaning
Tuesday, 20 August 2024
It’s estimated that around 1 in 3 families in the UK are a blended family, which means more of us than ever are becoming stepparents. Why then, is there still such a stigma attached to stepmothers in particular? And where is the support for them?These are questions Cilla Appeaning asked when she met her now husband and became a stepmum to his two children. And so she founded the Stepmums Club, a platform to provide support to the growing number of stepmums and to reject that harmful ‘wicked stepmother’ stereotype.She and Gi discuss the challenges that come with living in a blended family, a...
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The Byes on why their parenting style has changed after four children
Tuesday, 13 August 2024
This week, Eastender’s actor James Bye and his wonderful wife Victoria join Giovanna to talk about the chaos (and fun) that comes with raising their four boys!They share with Gi some of the difficulties they’ve faced on their parenting journey, including secondary infertility, endometriosis, and birth trauma. Plus, we hear some hilarious stories on traveling with four children, laminated birth plans, and cheese and pickle sandwiches! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Zoe Blaskey on letting go of perfectionism
Tuesday, 6 August 2024
Motherkind Founder Zoe Blaskey joins Giovanna this week. Zoe is a transformational coach and is all about making mums feel less alone and more resilient, empowered, and fulfilled. What’s not to love?She and Gi discuss some of the quick and simple self-care tools we can use to help us become our most confident selves in motherhood. She also opens up about her own parenting journey, and how the word ‘matresence’ has helped her navigate the physical, emotional and spiritual changes that happen after having a baby - and beyond! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jim & Sarah Chapman on raising two under two
Tuesday, 30 July 2024
On this episode of Happy Mum Happy Baby, Giovanna catches up with Youtuber Jim Chapman and his model wife Sarah, who welcomed their second child last year.They tell Gi about Sarah’s experience with hyperemesis gravidarum and reflect on the births of their children, including an intense moment when Sarah’s waters were broken manually. Plus we delve into the trials and tribulations of negotiating with toddlers! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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How do I navigate mum guilt as a working parent? Parenting SOS with Tobi Asare
Tuesday, 23 July 2024
On this episode of Parenting SOS, Gi welcomes the founder of My Bump Pay, Tobi Asare. Tobi was inspired to create a platform to help give women the confidence to achieve their career goals amidst the barriers that can hold back working mothers. Her book,The Blend: How to Successfully Manage a Career and a Family, is all about overcoming the challenges that come with working motherhood.Tobi and Gi had so much to talk about, from negotiating maternity leave to returning to work with confidence. Plus Tobi answers your questions on how to thrive as a working parent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.c...
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Stacey Heale on guiding children through grief
Tuesday, 16 July 2024
In this episode of Happy Mum Happy Baby, Giovanna sits down with Stacey Heale, a writer, campaigner, and the author of ‘Now is Not the Time for Flowers’, a candid exploration of grief written by Stacey following the death of her husband Greg.Stacey tells Gi about the day Greg was diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer and how they navigated the realities of parenting their two daughters through his terminal illness. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Anna Williamson on her anxiety disorder during pregnancy
Tuesday, 9 July 2024
Anna Williamson has many strings to her bow. She’s an author, presenter, podcaster, life coach, counsellor, and mental health campaigner. She is also mum to two children and our guest on this week’s episode!Anna opens up to Gi about her perinatal and postnatal anxiety, the lessons she learned from her difficult first birth, and the importance of postnatal care.Trigger warning: this episode contains discussions around subjects including traumatic birth and postnatal depression. If you feel this may be a difficult listen, please choose another episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy f...
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Becky Adlington
Tuesday, 2 July 2024
We have a 4-time Olympic medalist in the Happy Mum Happy Baby studio this week! Becky Adlington is Britain's most successful female Olympic swimmer, having won two gold medals at the Beijing 2008 olympics when she was just 19, and then two bronze in London 2012.Becky tells Gi that becoming a mum has brought out her softer side, plus shares the story of meeting her husband on a dating app. She also opens up about the devastating loss of her baby daughter after she suffered a late-stage miscarriage.Trigger warning: this episode contains discussions around subjects including miscarriage and ba...
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Tanya Burr
Tuesday, 25 June 2024
Giovanna’s guest this week is Youtube royalty Tanya Burr! One of the UK’s first influencers back in 2009, Tanya’s makeup tutorials and fashion vlogs have gained her millions of followers over the years. Now a mum to baby Sage and back on Youtube after a 5 year break, there was lots to catch up on!Tanya tells Gi all about her motherhood journey so far, including the sickness she experienced during pregnancy, plus the decision behind her return to making long-form content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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What impact do gender stereotypes have on raising boys? Parenting SOS with Kirstie Beaven
Tuesday, 18 June 2024
On this month’s Parenting SOS, Giovanna sits down with Kirstie Beaven, Founder and Editor in Chief of Sonshine, a quarterly magazine all about raising boys in a more equal world.Kirstie felt like the messaging around being a ‘boy mum’ was always one dimensional - it was all about stinky socks, dirty houses and muddy football boots! And so she was inspired to create a space that spoke about the many other aspects of motherhood, and provide resources that could help us as parents talk to our boys about gender equality.Kirstie and Gi discuss the importance of encouraging emotional intelligence...
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Emma Gannon
Tuesday, 11 June 2024
It’s something a little bit different on this week’s show. Giovanna’s guest is the bestselling author Emma Gannon, who is child-free by choice. Emma opens up to Gi about her personal decision not to have children and the importance of finding supportive child-free friendships. They also talk about how choosing not to have kids doesn’t mean having to grow apart from your friends who do, plus the societal pressure put on women to experience motherhood. You can read more from Emma over on The Hyphen Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Louise Thompson (Part Two)
Tuesday, 4 June 2024
Gi continues her conversation with Louise Thompson...This week Giovanna is joined by former Made in Chelsea star, author and businesswoman, Louise Thompson.Louise’s life changed when she suffered severe complications during the birth of her son Leo, which left her in Intensive Care. Since then she has suffered with PTSD and continued health problems, resulting in recently being fitted with a stoma bag.This is the second part of Louise’s candid conversation with Gi where she describes the impact her experiences have had on her mental health whilst also coming to terms with the challenges of ...
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Louise Thompson (Part One)
Tuesday, 4 June 2024
This week Giovanna is joined by former Made in Chelsea star, author and businesswoman, Louise Thompson.Louise’s life changed when she suffered severe complications during the birth of her son Leo, which left her in Intensive Care. Since then she has suffered with PTSD and continued health problems, resulting in recently being fitted with a stoma bag.This is the first part of Louise’s candid conversation with Gi where she describes the impact her experiences have had on her mental health whilst also coming to terms with the challenges of motherhood.Trigger Warning: This episode contains disc...
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