Mamas Mess and Magic

Ever heard your toddler use a swear word at the exact wrong… or maybe right… moment? In this episode we’re sharing our funniest potty mouth moments, including the toddler F-bomb in the car at another “interesting” driver… From toddlers innocently repeating words to older kids testing limits for a reaction, we chat about the guilt, embarrassment, and how quickly one little word can spiral into a hu...

In this episode we explore the transition from the reflective Year of the Snake into the bold and energetic Year of the Fire Horse, beginning with Chinese New Year. What might this shift in energy mean for us mums? We talk about why we have felt restless lately and how this new year might bring a sense of clarity, courage, and permission to do things differently. We also share simple and fun Chine...

NEWS! Children’s coloured play sand sold in the UK and Australia has been recalled after testing found asbestos. Understandably, parents are asking big questions, especially about long term risk. In this episode, we break down what’s actually happened, how asbestos exposure works, and why health authorities say the immediate risk is considered low. We also explore the concerns that aren’t being wi...

Have you ever noticed your period lining up with your sister, daughter, best friend, or even everyone in the house at once? In this episode, we chat on the mystery of menstrual syncing what’s real, what’s coincidence, and why it feels so powerful when it happens. From shared routines and stress levels to hormones, sleep, and the way our brains love a good pattern, we explore the science (and the s...

The world's on fire … and somehow, the internet is mostly fixated on the Beckham family feud!! In this episode of Mamas Mess & Magic , we step away from the gossip (well mostly) and look at what stories like this really reveal about how family conflict is framed, why women are so quickly blamed and how little space there is for nuance, context, and simple human mistakes. We talk motherhood...

Its January and holiday deals are everywhere, but watch out so are term-time fines. In this episode, we unpack the reality many families are facing right now: cheaper off-peak holidays versus strict school attendance rules. We break down what the term-time holiday rules actually are, how fines work, and why a single week away can result in a penalty. But we also talk about family wellbeing and why...

Happy New Year Mamas! In this episode, we take a warm look back at 2025. We share listener messages that made us smile, laugh, and feel truly seen, reflect on our most-loved episodes, and celebrate a few fun milestones from the year and of course, all the fun and chaos of Christmas. We then look ahead to 2026 with excitement, teasing some of the guests we’ll be welcoming onto the show for you, fro...

In this Christmas Eve episode, we take a moment to slow down and reflect on the mess and magic of motherhood at this time of year. We share what our Christmas Eves look like and germs and all, then close with our own ’Twas the Night Before Christmas' poem, written especially for mamas. This episode is a gentle pause in the middle of the Christmas chaos, a reminder that perfection isn’t the goal, p...

Christmas is rolling in fast!! And today we talk about the pressure mums feel at Christmas to look a certain way, eat a certain way, and still enjoy the season without guilt. We chat honestly about body image, festive food, and the tension between dressing up and staying comfortable. This is your reminder you don’t need to earn Christmas joy. Please wear the dress, eat the food ... at the same tim...

In this episode, The Gift List , we are talking all about the Christmas pressure to buy, buy, buy and why so many of us carrying the entire mental load of presents for everyone. We chat about the pressure of trying to get “the perfect gift,” the pressure to keep up with what other families are doing, and that nagging mum guilt that whispers “Is it enough?” We also dive into something one mum share...

Christmas lights in November? Mince pies already on the shelves? Yep… we’re asking “Xmas already?!” in this week’s episode of Mamas Mess & Magic . We chat about the timing, the comfort, and the cosy early-sparkle that’s creeping in this year. Plus a heart warming chat about the big festive magic that makes this season so special for our kids. (Santa Chat! Headphones recommended if you’ve got l...

This week on Mamas Mess & Magic , we’re celebrating Children in Need with this episode: “Pudsey Power.” Join us as we chat about the joy of giving, the lessons in kindness our kids teach us, and how small acts of love can make a big impact. From bake sales to bedtime talks about compassion, this episode is a warm reminder that when families come together, real magic happens. 💛🐻Love Jen &...

Fireworks! Woohoo! The noise, the sparkle, the squeals of delight (and maybe a few hands over ears). Jen’s got the safety goggles, Marina’s got the sparklers, and our kids? They’ve got all the fun. Join us as we talk about the big booms , the little joys, and how mamas can make magical memories whilst keeping it real. Tell us are you and your kids firework lovers? Comment below. Love Jen & Mar...

Mornings. For some mums, they’re calm and cosy. For others… total chaos. In this episode, Jen and Marina compare their very different starts to the day. Marina’s up early, soaking in the quiet before her kids wake, no TV, just peace. Jen? She’s hitting snooze, clutching coffee, and letting the TV keep things calm while everyone gets ready. But after a Netmums article said no TV before school , we’...

This week on Mamas Mess & Magic , we’re opening our hearts for a very special episode; our Baby Loss Round Table , recorded as part of Baby Loss Awareness Week . Joined by the incredible and brave Bev , we talk openly about loss, love, and the parts of motherhood that often go unspoken. This conversation is honest, full of compassion and while it’s not always easy to hear, it’s one of the most...

This week, things get itchy as we dive into one of the least-glamorous sides of parenting: threadworms (aka bum worms 🪱). From the horror of discovering them to the endless laundry, midnight itching, and awkward pharmacy chat, we’re talking about the realities. We share our own family experiences, a few shudder-worthy facts (did you know one worm can lay up to 10,000 eggs in a night?!), and the w...

Ever noticed how some days you feel like Supermum and others you’re running on fumes? In this episode of Mamas Mess & Magic , we dive into the impact of monthly cycles on motherhood. From bursts of energy to moments where patience runs thin, we explore how our hormones influence daily life with little ones and how tuning into these rhythms can help us mother with more ease and compassion. We’l...

Summer with kids is equal parts sunshine and survival! In this episode, we catch up on our very different summers... one carefully planned (maybe a little too planned) and one completely go-with-the-flow. Despite the different approaches, there were plenty of tantrums, snack demands, sibling squabbles, and messes… along with laughter, magic, and those fleeting moments that made it all worthwhile....

Sex after babies. Is it the same? (Spoiler: nope.) In this episode we get honest about what intimacy can look like once you become parents, messy, funny, sometimes non-existent, but definitely not hopeless. We share real barriers mamas and couples face like exhaustion, hormones, body changes and that pesky mental load, alongside a few surprising stats, laughs, and ways to reconnect when the mood f...

After a little break (thanks, dodgy wifi and the general juggle of mum life), Mamas Mess & Magic is officially back in your ears! In this mini reboot episode, we catch up on where we’ve been and what’s been going on behind the scenes. We’re also giving you a sneak peek at what’s coming this season, from honest chats about sex after babies, to surviving the summer holidays with your kids (witho...

Meet Emily, a working mum struggling to keep it all together whilst expanding her career and raising two young children. In this touching and relatable story, Emily’s world starts to crumble under the weight of endless responsibilities and a blind denial, until her son opens her eyes, helping her open up and find a way to reclaim her balance.

Your host shares her deeply personal story of battling postnatal anxiety, the sleepless nights, the paralysing fear, and the moment she finally reached out for help. This powerful yet hopeful episode is a reminder that speaking up can be the bravest step toward healing. If you have a story you would like to share, we would love to hear from you, feel free to email us at mamasmessandmagic@gmail.com...

In this special episode for Mental Health Awareness we introduce our mini 3 episode series and talk about the invisible mental load so many mothers carry. From the never-ending to-do lists to the constant pressure to keep it all together, we’re exploring how motherhood can take a toll on mental health and why opening up is the first step to finding strength. How are you feeling today? Let us know...

Spoiler Alert! In this episode, we review the eye-opening TV program Adolescence and unpack its take on the hidden dangers of unsupervised tech use among young people. Marina shares her insights on the recent acclaimed program and the need to bridge the generational disconnect between parents and teens, highlighting how digital exposure affects emotional processing. Tune in for an honest conversat...

Today is Mental Health Awareness Day, and we are tackling the all too familiar feeling of mum guilt . From the pressure to do it all to the nagging voice of self-doubt, it can feel relentless. But not today, we are flipping the script and exploring the surprising power of smiling, self-care, and those so called ‘hippy’ things that can help us break the cycle of negative thoughts. Tune in for our t...