Podcasts · Kids & Family · Society & Culture

Happy Mum

Giovanna Fletcher

300 episodes

In the Happy Mum 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.

More about the show

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Episodes page 1 of 6

  1. Matt Haig: My Son Was Diagnosed Autistic, Then So Was I

    · 1 h 06 min · S17 E55

    We have an international bestselling author in the studio this week! It’s the brilliant Matt Haig. Matt talks to Gi about his decision to homeschool his children and, drawing on his own experiences of depression and…

  2. Hannah Cooper-Dommett on the Reality of Marriage After Children

    · 1 h 08 min · S17 E54 · Explicit

    This week Giovanna is joined by model and presenter Hannah Cooper-Dommett. Hannah opens up about how her relationship with husband Joel has changed since they became parents to their two boys, and how they've…

  3. “I Felt Like the Glass Child”: Becky Cheetham on The Realities of Being a Sibling Carer

    · 50 min · S17 E53 · Explicit

    Giovanna catches up with her friend Becky Cheetham this week to talk about Becky's experience as a sibling carer. Becky’s sister, Hannah, has cerebral palsy, and Becky opens up to Gi about the challenges and joys of…

  4. Annabel Scholey on the Grief No-one Talks About After Divorce

    · 1 h 01 min · S17 E52

    This week Giovanna sits down with the incredibly talented Annabel Scholey! You’ll know Annabel from Rivals and, of course (the Happy Mum team’s personal favourite) The Split. But behind the scenes, Annabel was…

  5. “I’m Done”: Rosie Nixon on Burnout, Motherhood and Walking Away From Her Dream Job

    · 55 min · S17 E51

    What happens when you’ve spent so long holding everything together that you simply can’t anymore? This week, Giovanna sits down with former Editor-in-Chief of HELLO! Magazine Rosie Nixon to talk about the breakdown…

  6. Glittering a Turd: Maren Sheldon on Parenting Through Grief and Celebrating Her Twin's Life

    · 1 h 08 min · S17 E50 · Explicit

    Trigger warning: this episode includes discussions around bereavement and cancer. If you feel this may be a difficult listen, please choose another episode x Giovanna is joined this week by her good friend and…

  7. A&E Doctor Maddy Lucy Dann: Childbirth and C-sections are the Two Gnarliest Things I’ve Ever Seen

    · 1 h 06 min · S17 E49 · Explicit

    This week, the hilarious Maddy Lucy Dann joins us for a chat about becoming a mum for the first time. Maddy tells Gi what it’s really like balancing life as an A&E doctor with pregnancy, including navigating night…

  8. "You’re So Much Stronger Than You Think": One Family's Double Battle with Childhood Cancer

    · 58 min · S17 E48

    This week on Happy Mum, we are joined by strong, inspiring and incredible mother of two Sophie Derry. When Sophie's daughter Odette started vomiting on car journeys and having headaches, doctors initially put it down…

  9. Megan McKenna: I’ve Got Another Embryo On Ice… And I’m Going To Use It

    · 1 h 05 min · S17 E47

    This week, our favourite reality star turned singing and cooking sensation Megan McKenna joins Giovanna in the Happy Mum studio! Megan tells Gi all about becoming a mum to Landon, including her experience with IVF and…

  10. Sam & Alice Vanderpump on Navigating Their Relationship Through Postnatal Depression

    · 1 h 10 min · S17 E46 · Explicit

    In this episode, Made in Chelsea's Sam and Alice Vanderpump join Giovanna to talk about the reality of becoming parents. Alice bravely opens up about what life feels like for her right now as she navigates postnatal…

  11. Giovanna Fletcher: A Little Reassurance for the Summer Holidays

    · 44 min · S17 E45 · Explicit

    The summer holidays are in full swing... and if your usual routines have gone completely out the window, you're definitely not alone! Whether you're juggling work and childcare, surviving later bedtimes, entertaining…

  12. How Can I Help My Child Feel Confident Going Back to School?

    · 39 min · S17 E44

    We might only be halfway through the summer holidays, but for many families the countdown to a new school year has already begun. And September can bring a whole mix of emotions for children and parents alike. So, as…

  13. The Audience Had No Idea: Zoe Birkett on Performing Through Pregnancy Loss

    · 1 h 01 min · S17 E43 · Explicit

    Trigger warning: This episode contains discussion of miscarriage and pregnancy loss. If you think you may find this difficult to listen to, please choose another episode x You might know her from Pop Idol, starring in…

  14. Ruthie Henshall: "My Mother Told Me She Didn't Want Me”

    · 59 min · S17 E42

    Trigger warning: this episode contains discussions of suicide, mental illness and childhood trauma that some listeners may find upsetting. Ruthie Henshall has spent decades captivating audiences on stage, but in this…

  15. The Future of Midwifery Starts Here | Life of a Midwife Ep. 12

    · 23 min · S17 E41

    How has maternity care changed over the last few decades, and what still needs to improve? In the final episode of this series, we reflect on the evolution of birth and look forward to the future of maternity care.…

  16. I Won’t Let This Define Elsie: Jen Stancombe on Grief, Love & Her Daughter's Legacy

    · 1 h 17 min · S17 E40 · Explicit

    TW: This episode contains devastating conversations around child loss from a traumatic event, and themes of grief. Please do take care of yourself while listening, and know that it’s completely okay to step away and…

  17. Can Fear Change the Way You Give Birth? | Life of a Midwife Ep. 11

    · 16 min · S17 E39

    Trigger warning: this episode incudes challenging experiences relating to birth and baby loss. If you feel this may be a difficult listen please consider choosing another episode 💜 Fear and hope often exist side by…

  18. The Greatest Title: WWE’s Becky Lynch on Becoming a Mum

    · 1 h 00 min · S1 E38 · Explicit

    This week make some noise for the first wrestler to join us on the podcast: WWE icon Becky Lynch! Known to millions as The Man, Becky tells Gi about the moment she found out she was pregnant — while reigning as WWE…

  19. Staying Calm When Birth Takes a Dangerous Turn | Life of a Midwife Ep. 10

    · 16 min · S17 E37

    Trigger warning: this episode incudes challenging experiences relating to birth. If you feel this may be a difficult listen please consider choosing another episode 💜 When birth takes an unexpected turn, staying calm…

  20. The Birth Trauma That Turned A Politician Into A Campaigner

    · 1 h 02 min · S17 E36

    Trigger Warning: this episode contains discussions around some difficult subjects including traumatic birth. If you think you may find this difficult to listen to, please choose another episode x Former MP Theo Clarke…

  21. The Baby Born in a Bus Stop (and Other Home Birth Stories) |Life of a Midwife Ep. 9

    · 19 min · S1 E35

    Was home birth different in the 1970s compared to today? This week, two midwives take us inside the world of birth beyond the hospital: from pioneering one of the earliest home water births to facing the realities,…

  22. Dr Punam Krishan on Maternal Health: "I Wasn't Taken Seriously Because I Was An Anxious Mum"

    · 1 h 24 min · S17 E34

    Trigger Warning: this episode contains discussions around some difficult subjects including traumatic birth and breast cancer. If you think you may find this difficult to listen to, please choose another episode x In…

  23. How will I survive this career if I can't watch one birth? | Life of a Midwife Ep. 8

    · 15 min · S17 E33

    How do midwives hold it together in times of immense pressure? In this episode we hear from two midwives who have learned how to stay calm during overwhelming moments. If you’re interested in being part of the Life…

  24. Father’s Day Special: The Reality of Surrogacy as a Same-Sex Couple

    · 1 h 26 min · S17 E32 · Explicit

    This week, we’re marking Father’s Day with a very special episode as we welcome Adam Frisby and Jamie Corbett to the studio! They join Gi to share their remarkable journey to parenthood, including the moment their…

  25. Everybody Grieves Differently | Life of a Midwife Ep. 7

    · 16 min · S17 E31 · Explicit

    Trigger warning: this episode incudes challenging experiences relating to birth and baby loss. If you feel this may be a difficult listen please consider choosing another episode 💜 What happens when birth leaves a…

  26. Lauren Cowell Beyond the Headlines: Motherhood, Campaigning and Entering Her F*ck It Era

    · 1 h 11 min · S17 E30 · Explicit

    This week, we’re so excited to welcome Lauren Cowell for her first ever podcast interview! After years of keeping a low profile while navigating public scrutiny, Lauren opens up to Gi about life after divorce,…

  27. A Midwife's Own Survival Story | Life of a Midwife Ep. 6

    · 25 min · S17 E29

    In this episode of Life of a Midwife, Giovanna shares the extraordinary journey of one midwife who turned her own hardships into a lifelong calling. From an orphaned child to an abandoned mother of triplets, to…

  28. Laura Marling’s Wild Second Home Birth: "My Daughter Was Downstairs Watching Paddington!"

    · 1 h 02 min · S17 E28

    This week Giovanna welcomes legendary singer-songwriter Laura Marling to the studio! Laura tells Gi about her early fears that becoming a mother might stifle her creativity, and shares her experiences of having two…

  29. Trust Your Gut | Life of a Midwife Ep. 5

    · 14 min · S17 E27

    "If my gut is telling me something is wrong, something is wrong." This week we hear from two midwives who know the power of following their instincts. If you're interested in being part of the next series of Life of…

  30. Why Susannah Fielding Believes Every Parent Should Learn Attachment Theory

    · 1 h 01 min · S17 E26

    This week Gi reunites with her old friend Susannah Fielding! You’ll know Susannah from This Time with Alan Partridge, Man vs Baby, and Wolf Hall — but her most important role is being mum to her two-year-old son Alfie.…

  31. Delivering Triplets in a War Zone | Life of a Midwife Ep. 4

    · 21 min · S17 E25 · Explicit

    Trigger warning: this episode incudes challenging experiences relating to baby loss. If you feel this may be a difficult listen please consider choosing another episode 💜 This week on Life of a Midwife we hear more of…

  32. Mollie King on Becoming a Mum While Losing Her Dad

    · 1 h 03 min · S17 E24

    This week, Giovanna sits down with singer, presenter and all-round ray of sunshine Mollie King ! Mollie chats to Gi about life with her two young daughters, the realities of motherhood (no sleep), and her exciting new…

  33. Why Am I here? | Life of a Midwife Ep. 3

    · 22 min · S17 E23

    Trigger warning: this episode contains descriptions related to childbirth that may be distressing or upsetting to some listeners. Purpose isn't always comfortable. Sometimes it takes you somewhere extraordinary. This…

  34. Intrusive Thoughts, Exhaustion & Crippling Shame: Kimberley Nixon’s Postnatal OCD Reality

    · 1 h 41 min · S17 E22 · Explicit

    TRIGGER WARNING: this episode contains some difficult conversations, including discussions around suicidal thoughts. We know this can be a lot to take in, so please do take care of yourself while listening and know…

  35. Baby's First Breath | Life of a Midwife Ep. 2

    · 16 min · S17 E21

    What does it feel like to hold a life for the first time? In this episode of Life of a Midwife, three midwives tell us what it feels like to catch a baby! If you’re interested in being part of the next series of Life…

  36. 'Nothing Came Naturally': Lydia West on Hyperemesis, Breastfeeding & Struggling to Connect

    · 1 h 16 min · S17 E20 · Explicit

    Over the past nine years, Happy Mum Happy Baby has evolved — and so has our mission! Increasingly, our conversations have centred on mums themselves: their mental health, wellbeing, relationships, and identity. Because…

  37. Making a Midwife | Life of a Midwife Ep. 1

    · 19 min · S17 E19

    To celebrate the international day of the midwife we’ve got something very special for you — the very first episode of our brand-new miniseries! Every Thursday, we’ll be sharing powerful stories from midwives, past…

  38. Life of a Midwife: Due 5th May!

    · 1:45 · Trailer

    We’ve got a special delivery coming your way… a brand-new miniseries! Life of a Midwife brings you raw, honest, and deeply personal stories from midwives — past and present — as they share the moments that shaped not…

  39. Hannah Witton on Pregnancy with a Stoma: What It’s Really Like

    · 1 h 05 min · S17 E18 · Explicit

    This week Giovanna sits down with creator and OG YouTuber Hannah Witton! Hannah opens up about navigating motherhood while living with long-term chronic illness. She also shares her journey with secondary infertility…

  40. 'I Was Told the Problem Was Me’: Raising My Autistic Daughter

    · 1 h 11 min · S17 E17

    Catherine Simpson thought she was failing as a mother throughout the first 10 years of her daughter Nina's life. After a decade of misdiagnosis, blame, and searching for answers, she finally discovered the truth: Nina…

  41. Comedian Emma Doran: Pregnant at 18 in a Convent School

    · 1 h 08 min · S17 E16 · Explicit

    In this episode Giovanna sits down with comedian, author, and podcaster Emma Doran. Emma reflects on becoming pregnant as a teenager while attending an all-girls convent school, and the challenges that followed. She…

  42. Vicky Pattison: What If I’m Not a Good Mum?

    · 1 h 04 min · S17 E15 · Explicit

    When it comes to having children, what happens when you’re just not sure? This week, Vicky Pattison and husband Ercan Ramadan join Gi for a chat about the pressure to decide, the different paths available—from having…

  43. How Jake Humphrey's ‘Horrible’ School Days Made Him a Better Parent

    · 1 h 00 min · S17 E14 · Explicit

    This week, we welcome broadcaster, High Performance Podcast host, and father of two, Jake Humphrey, to the studio. Jake and Giovanna share their experiences of being bullied at school, with Jake sharing how those…

  44. Why Hannah East Talks About Her Loss on Stage

    · 1 h 16 min · S17 E13 · Explicit

    In this episode, Gi sits down with comedian Hannah East to talk about the chaos of parenting three children. Hannah shares her unique career journey, from competing on Gladiators (where she met her husband) to…

  45. Inside Debbie Bright’s Life as a Foster Carer

    · 1 h 06 min · S17 E12 · Explicit

    In this episode, Giovanna sits down with Debbie Bright for an eye-opening conversation about what it’s really like to be a foster carer. Best known to many from TOWIE, Debbie is also one of the UK’s longest-serving…

  46. Chessie King on the shocking reality of IVF costs

    · 1 h 13 min · S17 E11 · Explicit

    Our guest this week is presenter and author Chessie King! Chessie opens up to Giovanna about navigating her husband’s postnatal depression and the incredibly tough time that left their marriage on the brink of…

  47. Steve Backshall: ‘it’s a terrible time to be a parent’

    · 1 h 05 min · S17 E10 · Explicit

    This week, Giovanna is joined by adventurer and explorer Steve Backshall Steve and Gi catch up on family life as he reflects on his childhood and how it shaped the person he is today. He also opens up about his wife…

  48. Episode 300: The Emma Willis Takeover

    · 1 h 21 min · S17 E9 · Explicit

    One huge milestone. One unforgettable twist 👀 To celebrate 300 incredible episodes of Happy Mum Happy Baby, Giovanna finally finds herself on the other side of the table, lovingly nudged out of the hosting chair by…

  49. I survived postpartum psychosis — here's what I want you to know

    · 1 h 18 min · S17 E8 · Explicit

    TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains explicit discussion surrounding issues including depression, postpartum psychosis and suicidal thoughts. This may prove a difficult listen for some and if you feel that listening…

  50. Three babies, zero filters: Charlotte Dawson on pregnancy & postpartum life

    · 58 min · S17 E7 · Explicit

    This week, Giovanna is joined by the brilliantly funny reality star and mum of three, Charlotte Dawson! Charlotte opens up to Gi about honouring her dad Les Dawson’s memory at home, alongside her mission to champion…

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