Phillipa Perry grew in England and as a teenager went to a finishing school in Switzerland where she learnt to ski and speak in a posh accent.  But instead of joining the aristocracy she worked as debt collector, a manager at McDonalds and eventually a psychotherapist.

Later she married the celebrated artist Grayson Perry, who is famous for his cross-dressing.

Philippa says the key to raising children is acknowledging feelings – the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Her best selling parenting book The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read is published by Penguin.

Her latest book The Book You Want Everyone You Love To Read (and maybe a few you don't) is also published by Penguin.

This episode of Conversations was produced by Nicola Harrison. Executive Producer was Carmel Rooney.

It explores psychotherapy, parenting, emotions, family, love, queer identity, Grayson Perry, anger, sadness, children, writing.

To binge even more great episodes of the Conversations podcast with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski go the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. There you’ll find hundreds of the best thought-provoking interviews with authors, writers, artists, politicians, psychologists, musicians, and celebrities.