Mumanist

In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Shilpa McQuillan discusses her extensive experience in women's health, focusing on menopause and the importance of education and awareness. She emphasises the need for early education about women's health issues, the significance of understanding one's own body, and the challenges posed by misinformation in the field. The discussion also highlights the import...

In this episode, Sarah Graham discusses her book 'Rebel Bodies' and the gender health gap, highlighting the disparities in women's health treatment and outcomes. She emphasises the importance of patient advocacy, the challenges in funding women's health research, and the need for greater awareness and support for women's health issues. The conversation also touches on the impac...

In this episode, Laura and Rebecca discuss their personal updates since the last season, including writing projects, fitness journeys, and the challenges of pet ownership. They delve into the impact of social media on modern parenting, highlighting both the benefits and drawbacks of technology in family life. The conversation also touches on the balance of phone use at home, emphasising the import...

In this episode, Laura and Rebecca explore the theme of doing what you love, particularly in the context of motherhood. They discuss the challenges of maintaining personal identity and passions while navigating the responsibilities of being a mother. The conversation highlights the importance of self-care, the need to prioritize one's own needs, and the societal expectations placed on women. T...

In this conversation, Erin Thomas Wong discusses her journey as a Life Friendly Business mentor, sharing insights on balancing business and family life. She emphasises the importance of setting boundaries, recognising energy levels, and embracing flexibility in work. The discussion also touches on the challenges women face in business, the significance of self-care, and the journey of writing a bo...

In this episode, Laura and Rebecca discuss the significance of the New Year, focusing on personal growth, the concept of resolutions, and the importance of self-acceptance. They explore the idea of setting intentions through a 'word of the year' rather than traditional resolutions, emphasizing the need for kindness towards oneself during the winter months. The conversation also touches on the chal...

In this episode, Sarah Rutterford from Rebellious Sobriety shares her journey of giving up alcohol and how it has transformed her life. She discusses the societal pressures surrounding drinking, especially for mothers, and the normalization of alcohol as a coping mechanism. Sarah emphasises the importance of awareness regarding alcohol consumption and encourages listeners to explore the benefits o...

In this conversation, Emma Cantrell, CEO of First Days charity, discusses the critical role of community support in addressing child poverty and the challenges faced by families, particularly single parents. She highlights the importance of raising awareness and compassion in society, the impact of education and community initiatives, and shares personal stories of her journey in establishing the...

In this engaging conversation, Laura, Rebecca, and Robyn discuss the journey of entrepreneurship, as Robyn talks about leaving school at 16 and starting her own business. They also discuss the challenges of balancing motherhood with running a business, and the impact of societal expectations on women in business. Robyn shares her experiences from her early career, the transition to owning a café,...

In this episode, Rebecca and Laura engage with Niki McGlynn, a neurodevelopment therapist, to explore the significance of primitive reflexes and their impact on emotional regulation, particularly in children. Niki shares her journey into neurodevelopment after discovering her daughter's dyslexia and her own experiences with retained reflexes. The conversation delves into how these reflexes affect...

In this conversation, Rebecca, Laura, and special guest Stevie discuss the challenges within the education system, particularly focusing on the pressures faced by teachers and the impact on student wellbeing. Stevie shares her experiences as a former deputy head teacher and now a somatic coach, highlighting the need for a more child-centered approach in education. The discussion covers the importa...

In this episode, Laura and Terry discuss the topic of confidence, particularly in women. They explore their personal journeys with confidence, including the challenges they faced and how they overcame them. They emphasize the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone and taking small steps towards building confidence. The hosts also discuss the impact of motherhood on confidence and the nee...

In this episode, Laura and Rebecca reflect on their summer experiences, discussing the joys and challenges of family time, work-life balance, and the transition back to school. They share insights on managing household responsibilities, the importance of community support, and setting goals for the new season. The conversation also touches on the pressures of the holiday season and how to navigate...

In this episode, we welcome special guest Zoe Rose, a regional head of HR in the rail industry and a working mom of two boys. She shares her experiences and insights on balancing work and family life during the summer holidays. Zoe emphasises the importance of being a working mom and the fulfillment she finds in her career. Zoe discusses the challenges of managing childcare responsibilities and th...

In this episode of Mumanist, Rebecca is unfortunately unwell and Laura hosts a podcast with special guest Terry Joshi, filmed and recorded at Cheeky Monkey Studios. In it, we discuss motherhood and the challenges of parenting in different locations. Terry relocated from Singapore to the UK when her daughter was 4. We talk about our personal experiences with motherhood, including fertility issues a...

In this episode, Laura and Rebecca interview Lyndsay from Lyndsay and the Girls, an influencer and part of a two-mum family. They discuss the importance of intersectional feminism. Lyndsay shares her experience of being a two-mum family in Brighton. They also talk about the significance of Pride Month and the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights worldwide. Lyndsay opens up about her fertility journey a...

In this episode we talk about the upcoming general election, with a focus on women's issues, childcare, education and mental health. We express frustration with the lack of attention to these issues in political manifestos and the media. We also discuss the impact of policies on women, mothers, and children, highlighting the need for more support and consideration in political decision-making....

In this episode of Mumanist, Rebecca and Laura discuss children and technology and issue that has been in the news a lot lately. Is it a concern that 91% of 11 year olds and nearly a quarter of 5 to 7 year olds now have a smartphone? They discuss screen time, social media and how to navigate this issue as parents when it's something we did not grow up with ourselves. Follow Laura and Rebecca o...

This is a special edition episode, in it Laura introduces her husband, Ben, as a guest host as Rebecca is ill with flu. Laura and Ben dive into the controversial topic of "man versus bear" trending on social media, discussing the perception of women's safety between encountering a man or a bear in the woods. They dissect the question, exploring the societal perceptions underlying it...

The mental load is something most women struggle with due to the gender roles and stereotypes that are in place in our society today.  Add Motherhood into the mix and the level of planning, preparing and organising increases along with the mental and emotional labour of anticipating children’s needs and helping them to manage their emotions, (as well as ours), which can lead to debilitating levels...

Laura explains what the motherhood penalty is and shares some shocking facts about how women are affected financially. We talk about our experiences of managing work after having children. How the cost of childcare and the inflexibility of employment makes it difficult and stressful for women to return to work and why we both became self-employed.   We’d love to know more about your experiences an...

Laura and Rebecca bonded over their strong opinion that self care is NOT a bubble bath!  So we talk about the difference between real self care and your basic needs. The difference between what you need to survive and what you need to thrive.  And why it’s essential that you take time for you to do the things you not only need but love to do. Because life is about more than the juggle.  We hope yo...

Episode 1 - Laura & Rebecca get really open & honest about their motherhood journeys We dive straight in with Fertility struggles, how powerful understanding the term Matrescence is to helping us navigate and normalise the magic and the madness of modern day motherhood. How we made Mum friends. AND the all important conversation about balancing Work and Children and what we think has to ch...