Mums F**king Matter

Markella Kaplani is a Psychologist and Mother who lives in Athens, Greece. With a Master’s degree in Clinical & Counselling Psychology and over 15 years of experience in psychotherapy and education, Markella has developed a deep understanding of the complexities of human relationships and the systems that shape our lives. Becoming a mother herself inspired Markella to focus her work on support...

To continue a little more on last week's episode with psychologist Suzy Reading, the theme of ADVOCACY came up. And because advocacy is such a hugely important topic I wanted to do a solo episode on it. In this episode, I speak on: being an advocate for things and people that matter to you navigating conflict in relationships being open to receiving more over-apologising and rushing why knowing ou...

After following Suzy's brilliant work for years, it was great to chat and record this episode. In fact, when I thought I had to give up my coaching business late last year Suzy kindly encouraged me to keep going which warmed my heart so... Suzy is a mother of two, an author, Chartered Psychologist and Coach. She specialises in self-advocacy, helping people manage their stress, emotions, and e...

For the first time I talk very openly (as always!) about life as a solo Mum and let me begin my sharing this quote which sums up a little of what I share in this episode: "Be grateful for what you have AND demand what you deserve." Abby Wambach I'm surprised I've not talked about this topic on my own (as opposed to with guests) before now but it felt good to speak on this topic as so many parents...

Judy Claughton is a dear friend of mine and the founder of her own business, BalanceTime. She teaches mindfulness meditation and also offers Reiki and Shamanic Healing. Based in Theale, Berkshire (UK), Judy is also a proud mum to a 14-year-old son. Please Note: We recorded this episode in January so Judy speaks a bit about events that have passed, but I felt it valuable to leave the information sh...

This episode may make you giggle. — But I'm semi-serious about wishing these questions were banned(!). I also suggest some wiser, better phrased and less loaded/triggering options to perhaps ask an expecting couple or new parents. In this episode, I speak on: having healthy boundaries with intrusive characters and questions the blame parents can get for a child's behaviour how tragic it is that ma...

Kelley is a Registered Psychologist with over 9 years of experience in both private and corporate sectors. Kelley is based in Victoria, Australia and is also a Mother of two children. As a certified Mama Rising (Matrescence) Coach, Kelley specialises in guiding women through the antenatal and postnatal phases, offering comprehensive support for the transition into motherhood. As a mother herself,...

I'm back for another solo episode that I recorded last week. I felt it necessary to openly share a bit more about why I am not giving up my work in coaching and working with women and mothers. In this episode, I speak on: my feelings about social media right now and my plans for the future a bit about the grief I experienced when deciding to stop what I do matrescence and patrescence the process o...

Lisa Bedlow is a beautiful soul and highly experienced educator who is passionate about supporting children and families. Lisa's career journey began as a live-in nanny in her teens, and over the years her expertise has taken her to many wonderful roles and experiences. In 2014 Lisa founded 'Gabriels Wellbeing and Education', which offers outdoor learning, supports home-educated children, and runs...

This is a rerelease of one my favourite episodes of the podcast, from November 2023! (Some of my early episodes are so juicy, with such passionate and important shares I feel it is important to rerelease for new listeners or those who didn't get to listen first time around. — The powerful poem at the end by Liezel Graham is worth a listen again on it's own!) *** Mothers returning to exercise — whe...

4 days after the release of this podcast on International Women's Day I'm going to see Rosanna's play, 'Pram Talk', at South Street Arts Centre in Reading. I can't wait! Rosanna is a writer and has a background in Education Leadership. In 2023 her play 'Pram Talk' was a winning selection in the Royal Shakespeare Company's national playwriting competition '37 Plays'. Rosanna lives in Berkshire with...

This is a rerelease of one my first few podcasts (Episode #05) about the power and healing potential of dance! Do you dance? Have you ever hesitated to dance, even though you love it? In this episode, I invite you to break free from inhibitions and explore the myriad benefits of dancing. Whether it's to music or in silence, discover the transformative power of movement. Join me as I share insights...

This is an interview with a dear friend of mine, Hannah, who is a Mum of 3 and a fellow Matrescence Activist who is based in Abingdon, UK. Hannah speaks passionately and often poetically of her experiences as a woman and Mama; which I'm sure will be shared by many. Trigger Warning: from 15-minutes to 19-minutes in we speak about birth trauma and 35 minutes 30 seconds in to 35 minutes 50 seconds we...

Do you know yourself well? In this solo episode I explore the value of really, truly getting to know ourselves (and at various points in our life). In this episode I talk about: why knowing yourself matters practicing healthy boundaries Frozen II and the song 'Show Yourself' using our energy wisely parenting and the balance that I strive for the words of the poet Cleo Wade matrescence and how we b...

Have you seen what The Dad Shift are doing yet?! Either way this is a MUST listen. The Dad Shift is a group of men, Dads and co-parents who lead a hugely important campaign working for better paternity leave in the UK. I am SO happy, moved and grateful to share this conversation with Alex Lloyd-Hunter of The Dad Shift. (Please Note: We recorded this episode on December 18th 2024.) Here's a gentle...

Here is a solo episode about yet another topic I'm passionate about. That's all there is to say, so just have a listen :) Trigger Warning: I speak very briefly about domestic abuse from 4.25—5.15 minutes In this episode I talk about: how sacred our home spaces can be the freedom I felt when moving to where I live now looking at your precious space and what's made it represent YOU (and your family)...

Here is a(nother) fabulous chat with one of the Mama Rising ladies that I met whilst studying Matrescence with Amy Taylor-Kabbaz. Erin is a multi-passionate, award-winning, business owner, based in Camden just outside of Sydney, Australia. She is also a Mama to two children. Erin is a degree qualified Naturopath, Nutritionist, Breastfeeding Counsellor as well as Meditation Teacher, Matrescenc...

This is a rerelease of EPISODE #01, my very first episode on Boundaries! In this episode I talk about: protecting yours and your child's energy and why it matters patriarchy and the pressures we can experience saying "no" to invitations without needing to explain allowing ourselves to receive with all the giving as Mums having our DESIRES met, not just our needs being assertive enough to speak you...

Denise is a truly wonderful soul and has been one of my main healers over the last 10 years. She has had a pivotal role in my life which you will hear about in our conversation. I'm so grateful to share this chat and Denise's wisdom here. Denise is a 49 year old Mother to one adopted autistic teenage daughter, and a nervy rescue dog, based in Hastings, UK. She has a 32 year background in health an...

Here is a solo episode to close 2024 and welcome in the New Year! I share some reflections and intentions and ask you, the listeners, some questions which you might like to journal on. I speak about: practicing accepting and listening to our body reuniting with the love of my life, Roly (check out our conversation in Episode #56) the success of the podcast — THANK YOU for listening! what are you p...

Will you take 20-minutes for a pause? Here is a meditation to guide you into greater relaxation. This is a rerelease of Episode #30; a meditation to hopefully help you relax. As this busy time of year, it's possible there may be no time — or you don't have the headspace — to listen to a podcast sharing things to take on or a powerful conversation. Therefore I wanted to make today's episode a simpl...

I tend to alternate a guest episode with a solo episode so here's me, on my own, with some personal shares and news in my world. There will be some useful takeaways in this episode for you no doubt; hearing a bit about my recent announcement regarding my business and more. As with any episode I share, it may be validating, it my be healing but most of all I hope you know that all emotions are vali...

Today's topic is (yet another) that I'm passionate about; substance use, misuse and learning about our relationship with alcohol. Carlie Jaye Johnson is a Mindful Drinking Mentor for Mums, guiding sober curious mothers to trust their instincts and cultivate healthier habits. She is a mother of two children and is based in Cairns, Australia. With certifications in Addiction Recovery and Matrescence...

This episode is ideal to listen to if you have had a baby in the last couple of years or if you are/have ever been, injured, close to burnout, or lacking in confidence as to what to do to improve your fitness (physical and mental). Although I work with women from all walks of life now, I used to specialise solely in pre- and postnatal exercise, as a Birth Recovery Coach. And when you've had a baby...

Instead of a solo episode this week I wanted to share a conversation with Roly Starr, my wonderful boyfriend and 'bonus Dad' to Matilda. Roly supports me to the nth degree, and TOTALLY gets my message about supporting Mums, parents and standing up for what matters. Roly is THE most incredible man and supportive partner I've ever had the honour of being with. And to those who know we've separated t...