Beanstalk: Real Talk for Single Mums

Beanstalk: Real Talk for Single Mums

By Elle SitekParentingKids & Family
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Beanstalk: Real Talk for Single Mums episodes

  • Escape the 9-5: Single Mum Start-up Truths

    We know the feeling: you are stuck in a role that drains you, but because you are limited by time, money, and confidence, launching your dream feels like an impossible risk. Today, we are stripping away the polished "girlboss" myth with Sabrina, a fellow Gold Coast single mum who defied those exact odds to build the proptech startup WeView.

    Sabrina breaks down the raw reality of escaping the employment trap, building a company from the ground up without a safety net, and navigating the intimidating world of raising capital. She also shares her ruthless prioritisation strategies for when both your new business and your baby need you at 100%. As our host Elle shared, hearing from women in the trenches of running a business while living this life is true food for the soul.

    What is the one business idea you’ve been too scared to start, and what is your biggest struggle—is it juggling the work and kids, or just getting the idea off the ground? Let’s uplift and support each other!

    Timestamps:

    • 00:00 - The fear of starting a business on one income

    • 04:15 - Escaping the trap: Why Sabrina built WeView

    • 09:30 - Navigating capital raising with zero confidence

    • 16:20 - Combating founder loneliness and financial pressure

    • 22:45 - The 60-Second Reset: Managing peak toddler/business chaos

    • 27:10 - How WeView fixes the broken property inspection process

    • 31:30 - Elle’s final thoughts and the comment of the day

      Links:

      šŸ¤ Connect with Sabrina: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabrina-isabel-thompson

      🧭 Explore WeView: https://www.weview.com.au

      šŸ’²Become a WeViewer: https://www.weview.com.au/become-a-weviewer

      šŸ“ Read the full article: https://beanstalkmums.com.au/podcast/escape-the-9-to-5-trap/

      šŸŽ§ Prefer to listen to our episodes: APPLE https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/beanstalk-real-talk-for-single-mums/id1226897925

      OR SPOTIFY https://open.spotify.com/show/6SMV0pRwQZ1CzL5wPepOan?si=becd44e81d424f2b

      šŸ‘Æā€ā™€ļø Don’t forget to join the Single Mum Vine on Facebook! It’s the perfect spot to connect with fellow single mums for support and advice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SingleMumVine

      šŸŽ Get our favourite practical life hacks, clever shortcuts and simple ideas to save you time, money and effort - https://subscribepage.io/beanstalkmum

      You’ve got this! Let’s thrive together. And don’t forget to like and follow the podcast so you never miss an episode packed with inspiration and practical tips for your journey!

      1 hr 4 min
    • Post-Divorce Finance: Buy on One Income

      Terrified of losing the family home after separation? Discover the exact post-divorce finance strategies to secure a single mum mortgage today.

      Navigating post-separation finances can feel like a panic-inducing mountain to climb, especially when you are suddenly relying on a single income.

      In this episode of Real Talk for Single Mums, Kylie Soltani from Soren Financial dismantles the toxic myth that banks won't lend to single mothers.

      We break down how lenders actually assess child support, why going directly to your own bank might severely limit your options, and how little-known government schemes like the 2% deposit stream can get you back into the property market.

      Kylie gives us a step-by-step roadmap to shift from financial defence to proactive recovery, proving that with a clear plan, clarity truly creates confidence.

      šŸ’¬ What is your biggest financial hurdle right now, or what is one win you've had since starting again?

      Timestamps ⌚

      00:00 - The Panic of Post-Separation Finances

      08:14 - The Biggest Single Mum Mortgage Myth

      10:01 - How Banks Actually View Child Support

      17:21 - Government Schemes & 2% Deposits

      19:10 - The Family Security Guarantee (107% Loans)

      23:31 - 3 Steps to Prep Your Bank Accounts

      33:16 - Beating the Bank's Expenditure Assumptions (HEM)

      35:26 - The 60-Second Financial Fresh Start

      LinksšŸ”—Ā 

      šŸ¤ Ready to take the first step? Connect with Kylie here: https://calendly.com/kylie-sorenfinancial/30min

      🧭 Explore the Soren Financial website: https://www.sorenfinancial.com/

      šŸ“ Read the full article: https://beanstalkmums.com.au/life/single-mum-mortgages-how-to-buy-your-home-on-one-income

      šŸŽ„ Prefer to watch our episodes? Find us on YouTube

      šŸ‘Æā€ā™€ļø Don’t forget to join the Single Mum Vine on Facebook! It’s the perfect spot to connect with fellow single mums for support and advice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SingleMumVine

      šŸ’Œ Sign up here to get the inside scoop: https://beanstalksinglemums.subscribepage.io

      šŸŽ Get our favourite practical life hacks, clever shortcuts and simple ideas to save you time, money and effort - https://subscribepage.io/beanstalkmumslifehackgifts

      šŸ’¬ Join the conversation: Drop a comment and let us know your biggest takeaway!

      šŸ‘‰ Found this helpful? Like, subscribe, and share it with another mum who needs this kind of support.

      43 min
    • Stop Surviving, Start Reclaiming Your Life

      Stuck in the "time heals all wounds" waiting room while your ex moves on? It’s time to rebuild your identity and set unbreakable boundaries after divorce.

      Divorce doesn't just break a marriage; it often shatters a woman’s confidence, leaving single mums feeling exhausted, stuck, and unworthy of a brilliant next chapter. In this episode, we are cutting through the standard fluff to deliver a proactive, step-by-step game plan to reclaim your life.

      Sandra, one of the driving forces behind Women on Transition, joins us to share her incredible journey of surviving a toxic separation and exactly how she rebuilt her foundations. We break down how to start healing when you have zero emotional bandwidth, the exact mechanics of setting a firm boundary with a difficult ex, and a 60-second "pause" tool you can use the next time your phone blows up with triggering texts.

      Ā 

      Timestamps

      00:00 - The "Time Heals All Wounds" Trap

      13:55 - Surviving the Initial Divorce Trauma

      29:43 - Healing When You Have Zero Free Time

      35:13 - Setting Unbreakable Boundaries 4

      5:37 - The 60-Second "Pause" Protocol

      59:18 - Women on Transition & The 3-Day Reset

      Ā 

      Links Section

      šŸ¤ Explore Women on Transition: www.womenontransition.com

      šŸ’Œ Get the inside scoop, real talk, & exclusive resources straight to your inbox: subscribepage.io/beanstalkmumslifehackgifts

      šŸ“ Read the full article & get the show notes: https://beanstalkmums.com.au/podcast/stop-waiting-rebuild-your-life-after-divorce

      šŸ’¬ Join the conversation: Drop a comment below and let us know your biggest takeaway!

      57 min
    • Win the Morning Wars: Calm Strategies for Mums of Neurodivergent Kids

      Are you overwhelmed by the ADHD morning wars? If so, stick around — we'll cover how to use cognitive reprogramming and quick movement resets to start the day calmly. I’m so glad you’re here; this episode hands you simple, doable tools a single mum can actually use.

      Think one-minute drills to blow off steam, bedtime recordings that retrain the brain, and tiny daily wins that build confidence — for you and your child. Try them for a few weeks and notice how mornings begin to breathe a little easier.

      Ā 

      Links for this episode:

      šŸ¤ https://app.mindshiftmentors.com?fpr=elle80Ā - Explore the Mindshift Mentors services, the app, and connect with Rob.

      šŸ“ https://survivingmorningwars.mindshiftmentors.net/?fpr=elle30- Discover Col’s highly recommended program.

      šŸ‘Æā€ā™€ļø https://www.facebook.com/groups/SingleMumVine — Don’t forget to join the Single Mum Vine on Facebook! It’s the perfect spot to connect with fellow single mums for support and advice.

      šŸŽ„ https://www.youtube.com/@BeanstalkSingleMums — Our brand-new widget is live on the Beanstalk Mums website! Drop us a voice message with your thoughts or questions; you might hear them in a future episode.

      šŸ“ https://subscribepage.io/beanstalkmumslifehackgifts - Get the inside scoop, real talk, & exclusive resources straight to your inbox.

      You’ve got this! Let’s thrive together. And don’t forget to like and follow the podcast so you never miss an episode packed with inspiration and practical tips for your journey!

      40 min
    • Raising Confident Kids with Stella Beckett (Diary Dolls)

      If you’re worried your child is losing confidence or constantly doubting themselves, this episode will help you breathe easier. Stella Beckett shares simple, playful habits that help kids feel secure, capable, and proud of who they are.

      In this warm and practical chat, Stella Beckett, the inspiring creator of Diary Dolls, shares her journey from a challenging childhood to empowering children with confidence and emotional resilience. Discover how Stella's personal experiences led her to develop Diary Dolls, tools that help build self-worth and emotional strength in kids. Learn about the simple, playful practices that can transform everyday moments into opportunities for growth and connection. Stella also reveals the microhabits that parents can adopt to nurture their children's self-worth and emotional strength. Tune in to explore the impact of Diary Dolls and how they foster a supportive environment for both children and parents.

      šŸ“– What You’ll Learn

      • How Stella turned her own childhood fears into a confidence-building tool for kids
      • The 5-minute daily habits that strengthen emotional resilience
      • How to help kids name feelings and feel seen
      • How mums can model confidence (even on tough days)Ā 
      • A ā€œtiny toolā€ your child can start tonight
      • ⌚Timestamps

        00:00 Introduction

        01:15 Stella's Journey and Diary Dolls

        05:30 Building Confidence in Girls

        10:45 Raising Strong Daughters

        15:00 Confidence Habits for Kids

        20:20 Emotional Resilience for Children

        25:40 Single Mum Parenting Tips

        30:15 Child Anxiety Support

        35:00 Boosting a Child’s Self-Worth

        40:30 Confidence Activities for Kids

        45:00 Gentle Parenting Routines

        Ā 

        šŸ”— Links & Resources

        šŸ“ Read the full Beanstalk Mums article: https://beanstalkmums.com.au/life/build-selfworth-in-kids-with-daily-habits

        šŸŽ€ Explore Diary Dolls: www.diarydolls.com

        šŸŖ† Find Stella on her socials @diarydolls_

        šŸ’› Join The Vine FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SingleMumVine

        If this helped, share it with a mum who needs a soft place to land today. And don’t forget to subscribe for more calming, practical support.

        50 min
      • Lara Owers: Building a Village Without Dad

        Feeling guilty because your child’s dad isn’t around? You’re not alone. In this honest conversation, counsellor Elle Sitek sits down with Lara Owers — Vine member, single mum and author of Mummy, Me & Our Family — to share how she turned a moment of panic into a beautiful tool that celebrates family in all its forms. Grab your cuppa and join us for a chat filled with empathy, humour and hope.

        What you’ll learn:

        • How to answer your child’s question ā€œWhere’s dad?ā€ without shame — and why it’s okay to admit you don’t have all the answers.

        • The ā€œfamily descriptionā€ bedtime ritual that gently shows kids who loves them, even when there’s no father figure.

        • Why building a village of aunties, uncles, friends and grandparents is the greatest gift you can give your child.

        • A candid look at Lara’s journey from NICU and separation to becoming a published author (and how writing became her healing).

        • Practical self‑care tips and mantras for mums who feel they’re barely holding it together.

          Links for this episode:

          šŸ“– Buy Lara’s book: https://www.dymocks.com.au/mummy-me-and-our-family-by-lara-owers-9781035892709 - A gentle, beautifully simple story for little ones navigating father absence.

          šŸ“ø Follow Lara on Instagram: - A lovely place for mums to feel seen, understood, and connected to another woman walking a similar path.

          šŸ‘©ā€šŸ‘§ā€šŸ‘¦ Join the Single Mum Vine on Facebook — It’s the perfect spot to connect with fellow single mums for support and advice.

          šŸ§™šŸ¼ā€ā™€ļø Download your life hacks: - Practical cheat-sheets, emotional reset tools, money-saving guides and bite-sized parenting supports — all created with single mums in mind.

          You’ve got this! Let’s thrive together. And don’t forget to like and follow the podcast so you never miss an episode packed with inspiration and practical tips for your journey!

          38 min
        • From Overwhelmed to Restored: Emotional Reset for Single Mums

          If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, stuck in survival mode, or even quietly ashamed that you’re struggling – this episode is a gentle lifeline. šŸ™ You are not alone.

          Single mums often carry the world on their shoulders, in silence. But pushing down your feelings doesn’t make them go away; it only leads to burnout and that deep sense of isolation. It’s time to hit pause and reset. In this empowering conversation, we’ll help you release the guilt, calm your nerves, and find your strength again.

          Join us as Elle Sitek – a fellow mum and counsellor who truly understands what you’re going through – shares her warmth and wisdom on emotional restoration. She’s been in the thick of it, too, and together we unpack practical ways to feel steady and supported no matter how chaotic life gets. You deserve to move from just ā€œgetting byā€ to genuinely feeling okay.

          In this episode, you’ll learn:Ā 

          • A simple 5-minute ā€œemotional resetā€ ritual to go from chaos to calm (even on the craziest days).

          • How to release ā€œmum guiltā€ and shame, and why being kind to yourself actually makes you a stronger parent.

          • Ways to stop feeling so alone by building tiny moments of connection and support into your day – even if you have zero free time.

          • Elle’s go-to techniques for emotional regulation (used in therapy sessions and in her own home) to help you literally breathe easier and sleep better at night.

            Tender, honest, and uplifting – this episode is like a friendly chat with someone who gets it and wants to help you heal. šŸ’—

            Take a break from the overwhelm and tune in to discover how to reset your heart and mind so thatĀ you can carry on with more calm, confidence, and genuine hope. It’s time to put down that heavy load, Mama, and remember: you don’t have to hold it all alone anymore.

            48 min
          • The Truth About Perfect Parenting & Ways to Calm Anxious Kids

            If your child’s worries or meltdowns leave you wrung out, this warm, practical chat with counsellor + parent coach Sarah Florenze will help you steady yourself, calm your child, and drop the pressure of perfect parenting. We cover growth mindset for mums, how perfectionism shows up (and why it’s really about safety), red flags that signal extra support, and two tiny tools you can try tonight.

            Ā 

            In this episode you’ll learn:

            • Why connection beats perfection (and how to get present fast)

            • Early signs a child’s anxiety needs more support (sleep, school, appetite, physical cues)

            • Counselling vs parent coaching — which one fits your family right now

            • Two soothing rituals: Night-Walk Star Chat + 20-Minute Child-Led Time

              Links for this episode
              • Raising Children Network (Australian, evidence-based guides for anxiety at every age).Ā 
              • Triple P – Positive Parenting Program (free/low-cost options in many areas).Ā 
              • Book: What Happens to Our Kids When We Fail to Grow Up?Ā by Maggie Hamilton.Ā 
              • Join community: The Vine—Single Mum Facebook group (kind, practical support).Ā 

              • Care note: This is general info, not medical advice. If this helped, share it with a mum who needs a softer day. šŸ’›

                45 min
              • Blog Article: Child Support After Separation - Clear Guide for Single Mums

                Sorting out child support after separation can feel confusing and overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. In this episode, we break down the essentials in plain language so single mums can feel clearer, calmer, and more confident about their next steps.

                šŸ“– What you’ll learn:

                ~ How child support is calculated in Australia

                ~ Your options: private agreements vs. Services Australia

                ~ What to do if payments are late or not made

                ~ When to seek legal advice

                ~ Tips for keeping things child-focused and manageable

                šŸ’› This is information, not legal advice. For personalised support, connect with Services Australia or a community legal centre.

                šŸ”— Links & Resources:

                * Services Australia – Child Support - https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/learning-about-child-support?context=60015

                * Beanstalk Mums Blog - https://beanstalkmums.com.au/

                ⌚ Timestamps:

                00:00 Why child support feels so overwhelming

                01:15 The basics: how it’s calculated

                05:40 Option 1: Private agreements

                09:20 Option 2: Services Australia

                14:00 What to do when payments are late

                18:30 Legal advice and red flags

                22:00 Tiny Tool for today

                24:00 Resources & gentle CTA šŸ¤—

                If this helped, share with a mum who’s navigating child support. For more tools and support, join The Vine community https://www.facebook.com/groups/SingleMumVine

                šŸ‘‰ Subscribe for more real talk and tools for single mums subscribepage.io/beanstalkmumslifehackgifts

                Ā 

                4 min
              • Rebuilding After Burnout: Advice That Will Change Your Life

                Feeling pressure to ā€œdo it allā€? In this uplifting episode of Beanstalk Mums – Real Talk for Single Mums, host Elle Sitek chats with coach and solo‑mum SashaĀ Eburne about life after burnout, redefining success and building a business that truly fits.

                Sasha spent 25Ā years in hotels and events before COVID‑19 wiped out her career. Newly minted as a solo mum, she pivoted into virtual assistant work, discovered a business model that allowed her to leave the nine‑to‑five and has spent the last five years coaching other mums to do the same. She shares candidly about hitting burnout, learning to ask for help, and including her daughter in her business journey.

                Together we explore:

                • The subtle signs of burnout and why you must prioritise self‑care

                • Why asking for help is a sign of strength and how to build a supportive village
                • Practical strategies to rebuild after exhaustion – from realistic to‑dos to setting boundaries and negotiating timelines
                • Creating a flexible business around your family’s rhythms rather than the 9–5 grind
                • Bringing your kids along for the ride and redefining what success looks like
                • Mindset shifts to ditch labels, embrace discomfort and start dreaming again

                Tune in for real talk, gentle encouragement and plenty of actionable tips. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck or just ready for something new, this conversation is for you.

                Links & resources

                – Connect with Sasha on Instagram: @SashaEburne__

                – Join our SingleĀ MumĀ Vine community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SingleMumVine
                – Subscribe to the Beanstalk Mums newsletter for weekly support and life‑hacks: https://subscribepage.io/beanstalkmumslifehackgifts
                – Leave us a voice message via our new podcast widget, and your question might appear in a future episode: https://beanstalkmums.com.au/podcast
                – Explore more articles, tools and community resources at https://beanstalkmums.com.au

                -Watch this episode at https://www.youtube.com/@BeanstalkSingleMums

                Remember to like, subscribe and leave a 5‑star review so more single mums can find this show. You’ve got this!

                41 min

              About Beanstalk: Real Talk for Single Mums

              From the publisher's feed

              Welcome to the Beanstalk Single Mums Podcast

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