00:00 Introduction & welcoming Jassa Ahluwalia  

01:47 Jassa's background and dual heritage  

05:22 Growing up British-Indian and navigating identity  

09:10 Language, accent, and being ‘not Punjabi enough’  

13:35 Jassa’s journey into acting and early career experiences  

17:20 Being mixed race in the media industry  

21:45 Creating #BothNotHalf and its impact  

27:12 The power of storytelling and reclaiming narratives  

33:00 Shifting perspectives on masculinity and emotions  

39:05 Reflections on privilege, responsibility, and allyship  

45:50 Jassa’s advice for young creatives  

48:30 Final thoughts and where to find Jassa online

In this episode of The Inadequate Mother, Hayley Brown sits down with actor, writer, and dual heritage advocate Jassa Ahluwalia for an open and honest chat about identity, belonging, and breaking binary thinking. Known for his work on TV (including Some Girls and Unforgotten) and for his powerful online movement around the phrase “Both Not Half”, Jassa shares his experiences growing up with mixed British-Indian heritage, feeling disconnected from both cultures, and the journey towards embracing all sides of who he is.

Hayley and Jassa delve into the language of identity, the limits of labels like “half-Indian” or “not Indian enough”, and how parenthood, society, and systemic thinking can shape the way we see ourselves. It’s a heartfelt and reflective conversation full of real talk, mutual discovery, and compassion—for ourselves and our children.

Find out more about Jassa’s work and his book Both Not Half here:

🌐 https://www.jassaahluwalia.com

📘 Order the book: https://www.jassaahluwalia.com/book

Follow Hayley on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/hayleybrown_andco/

0:00:09 - Introduction of Leanne Edge and her background

0:05:00 - Discussion about working as a single mom and business flexibility

0:11:48 - Challenges of parenting teenagers

0:20:00 - Conversation about family dynamics and single parenting

0:34:57 - Discussion about Botox regulations changes

0:40:35 - Introduction of PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) treatment for hair loss

0:42:00 - Details about PRP treatment and its benefits

In this episode of Inadequate Mother, Hayley Brown sits down with aesthetician and salon owner Leanne Edge of Edge Studio (Nuneaton) to chat about motherhood, business, and the beauty world — including the major changes to Botox rules coming into effect on June 1.

Leanne explains what these UK Botox regulation changes mean for practitioners and clients, how it will impact pricing, and what women need to know if they are booking treatments.

They also dive into:

• Life as single mothers balancing teens and business

• Setting boundaries and handling mom guilt

• PRP treatments for hair loss and skin rejuvenation

• The emotional load of parenting and why repair matters

  
  

This is an open, relatable, and insightful chat about beauty, self-care, and motherhood, with plenty of tips and laughs along the way.

Don’t forget to subscribe, comment, and follow for more accessible, honest conversations.

Find Leanne at: https://www.instagram.com/edge.studio.uk/
Follow Hayley at: https://www.instagram.com/hayleybrown_andco/

In this insightful episode of Inadequate Mother, host Hayley Brown sits down with returning guest Andy Palmer for a candid conversation spanning weight loss drugs, body image, gym confidence, parenting challenges, and societal pressures.

Andy bravely shares his personal journey using Mounjaro (a weight loss drug), the psychological struggles around food, and how he’s transforming his health while navigating gym culture. Hayley opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of her daughter preparing to leave for university, the societal pressure mothers face, and why self-acceptance — especially around feelings of inadequacy — is so important.

Together they dive into big topics like:

- The stigma and science behind weight loss medications

- Masculine vs. feminine energy in single parenting

- Economic privilege and environmental responsibility

- Why younger generations hold the key to future social change

- The power of saying things out loud and talking to yourself for mental wellbeing

This is a raw, funny, and thoughtful episode that reminds us we’re all figuring it out — and that’s okay.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more open, accessible, and real conversations.

Follow Hayley on Instagram: @hayleybrown_andco

Follow Andy on Instagram: @palmer_j_andy

0:00:00 - Podcast introduction

0:02:23 - COVID mask campaign details

0:10:40 - Identity journey discussion

0:22:16 - Birth and communication challenges

0:29:34 - Making friends as a deaf mother

0:38:52 - Advice for deaf mothers

0:42:46 - Hearing aid technology discussion

Deaf Motherhood, Identity & Lipreading in a Pandemic Episode with Amy MortonThe Inadequate Mother Podcast I sit down with the brilliant Amy Morton, founder of Living with Hearing Loss, to explore her powerful journey through Deaf motherhood, identity, and advocacy.

Amy shares how becoming a mother reshaped her sense of self, and why she launched Living with Hearing Loss during the COVID-19 pandemic—a time when lipreaders like her faced immense challenges due to mask mandates and inaccessible communication.We’ve known each other for years, and this episode gave us a beautiful chance to reconnect and reflect on everything that’s changed in the last five years.

From navigating motherhood as a Deaf woman to building community and raising awareness, Amy’s story is both moving and inspiring.✨ This episode is fully interpreted in British Sign Language (BSL) to ensure accessibility for our Deaf audience.

🎥 Watch now and join the conversation about inclusion, motherhood, and the power of shared experience.

💬 Drop a comment to share your story or tag another mum who needs to hear this

[0:04:15] - Start of the main podcast interview

[0:06:16] - Discussion about being a psychic

[0:08:00] - Difference between intuition and psychic abilities

[0:14:01] - Conversation about masculine and feminine energy

[0:22:56] - Discussing challenges for mothers

[0:34:37] - Twin flame experiences

[0:45:25] - Discussion about deaf intuition and access to information

[0:52:22] - Self-acceptance and setting boundaries

[0:53:42] - Future plans and retreats

Welcome back to The Inadequate Mother Podcast! This week, I’m deeply honoured to introduce my very first Deaf guest—the incredible Kori, an intuitive spiritual guide whose Deaf identity strengthens her connection to the spiritual world in powerful, profound ways.

As its deaf awareness week I thought what a perfect time to show case deaf gain.In this episode, we explore how spiritual gifts can be deepened through Deafness and neurodiversity.

Kori shares her journey of embracing her identity, not just as a Deaf woman, but as a healer, guide, and light for others. We discuss twin flames and what it means to hold masculine and feminine energy.

Her insight has helped me—and now hopefully you—understand the many layers of self-improvement, healing, and inner wisdom.

This conversation is more than just inspiring—it’s a reminder that our so-called “limitations” often amplify our intuitive abilities. Where we may lack in one area, we gain in another—and in Kori’s case, her Deaf identity is not a barrier, but a spiritual amplifier.

If you’re part of the Deaf community, interested in intuitive coaching, or navigating spiritual growth. this episode is for you.

BSL-interpreted | Deaf-accessible podcast episode

Find out more about Kori at https://www.koribella.com

Connect with Kori https://www.instagram.com/iamkoribella?igsh=NjNvcGRmdjN3dXlm&utm_source=qr

Follow Hayley Brown on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayleybrown_andco

Share your thoughts in the comments or DM me your experiences.

In this open, honest and insightful episode of An Inadequate Mother, Hayley Brown sits down with Lenny, a devoted father with a background in the military and police, to talk about the myths and realities of “inadequate parenting.” Together, they explore what it truly means to parent in today’s high-pressure society, the importance of emotional repair, and how gentle parenting differs from permissive parenting.

Lenny shares real-life examples from his parenting journey, explains how emotional intelligence is the foundation for lifelong learning, and offers practical tools for managing mistakes and building stronger connections with children.

Whether you’re a single parent, a co-parent, or simply navigating your own healing while raising little ones, this powerful episode will inspire, challenge, and support you on your journey.

Watch Lenny, Cruz and Moana on their YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@UCiSF4aZWaCARJhiOFzPBeyw

Follow Hayley Brown on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayleybrown_andco

Share your thoughts in the comments or DM me your experiences.

0:00 - Podcast Introduction

0:03 - Meeting Andy Palmer

0:04 - Relationship Breakup Discussion

0:08 - Parenting Transitions

0:10 - Changing Masculinity

0:13 - Women's Changing Needs

0:22 - Single Life Insights

0:29 - Vulnerability and Attractiveness

0:33 - Social Media and Relationships

0:38 - Dating Apps Talk

0:41 - Closing Thoughts

In this candid and heartfelt episode of An Inadequate Mother, Hayley Brown is joined by Andy Palmer, CEO of Cambridgeshire Deaf Association, for a raw and real conversation about relationships, parenting, emotional growth, and navigating single life.

Hayley opens up about her recent breakup and the emotional journey of preparing for her eldest daughter to leave for university. Together, Hayley and Andy reflect on how masculinity and relationship expectations are evolving, the pressures facing modern parents, the loneliness of single life, and the importance of emotional intelligence in today’s world.

If you're a single parent, someone feeling inadequate about love and relationships, or just looking for a relatable chat full of warmth, wisdom, and humour, this episode is for you.

🌱 Topics we explore:

• Breakups, resilience, and emotional growth
• How parenting evolves when children become adults
• Changing concepts of masculinity and emotional support
• Loneliness and self-development in single life
• Dating, apps, and societal pressures on relationships

🎧 Tune in for Part 1 of this beautiful, real conversation — Part 2 is coming soon!

#singleparenting #relationships #anadequatemother #parentingpodcast #selfgrowth

0:00 - Introduction and podcast overview

1:37 - Importance of talking about parenting challenges

2:20 - Hope for reconnecting with teenagers

4:46 - Teenage brain development and natural rebellion

6:22 - Discussing family conflict and emotional expression

9:36 - Generational gap and societal changes

13:32 - Impact of past trauma on parenting

15:55 - Bringing subconscious patterns into conscious awareness

17:19 - Teenage brain development

19:09 - Identifying personal trigger points

23:08 - Body language and facial expressions

26:46 - Importance of repair in parent-teen relationships

29:31 - Asking for help and being a good parent

😤 Are you struggling to keep your cool with your teenager? You're not alone. In this heartfelt solo episode of An Inadequate Mother, Hayley Brown opens up about losing her temper, feelings of failure, and how to repair the connection with your teen. She shares deeply personal stories, practical strategies, and emotional insights to help other mums navigating the toughest stage of parenting.

💬 Topics covered:

• ​Parenting from fear vs. love
• ​The generational gap between parents and teens
• ​How trauma influences parenting
• ​Strategies for calming conflict before it erupts
• ​The importance of repair and reconnection

💡 Whether you're a solo parent or just feeling overwhelmed, this episode is a reminder that you're not an inadequate mother — you're just a human one.

🎧 Listen now and follow @hayleybrownandco for more real talk on parenting.

#parenting #mumlife #anadequatemother #teenagers #parentingteens #mentalhealth #connection #gentleparenting

[00:00] Introduction and podcast overview

[02:28] Welcoming Siobhan, discussing interpreting and comedy

[03:08] Talking about being a comedian

[04:12] Siobhan winning a comedy competition

[05:00] Discussion about financial inadequacy

[06:35] Bedtime challenges with children

[07:19] Parenting and children growing up

[09:27] Parenting advice and information overload

[11:46] Discussion about young motherhood

[12:46] Talking about Siobhan's mother and motherhood challenges

[14:57] Discussing neurodiversity and childhood experiences

[16:09] Social media and neurodiversity

[19:00] Interpreting profession and confidence[

22:31] Balancing interpreting and comedy

[25:29] Professional boundaries in interpreting

[28:45] Importance of attitude in interpreting

[30:43] Comedy and audience interaction

[33:47] Experiences with comedians and interpreting

[36:39] Discussion about mixed-race identity

[41:18] Siobhan's podcast "Following Through"

[48:56] Social media and podcast challenges

This week on An Inadequate Mother, Hayley sits down with the hilariously honest and wonderfully eccentric Siobhan Dodd — a comedian, mother, and British Sign Language interpreter.

Together they explore the complex identities that mothers juggle: from freelance careers to creative pursuits and parenting pressures. Siobhan shares her journey in comedy (including winning a national award!), embracing her neurodiversity, and why she finally owns the title of comedian after 13 years.

The conversation also dives into interpreter culture, confidence, the evolving definition of professionalism, and how social media intersects with creative identity. And yes… there's also some solid chat about bedtime battles, childhood chaos, and the odd poo story.

Whether you're a mum, multi-hyphenate creative, or just trying to figure it all out — this one’s for you.

This episode includes discussions around mental health, alcohol addiction, grief, and references to childhood trauma. These topics may be sensitive or triggering for some listeners.

If you or someone you know needs support, here are some helpful links:

• Mind UK – Mental health support and resources

• Samaritans – 24/7 support: call 116 123 (UK)

• Alcohol Change UK – Support with alcohol-related issues

• YoungMinds – Mental health support for young people and parents

You’re not alone.

• Follow Siobhan Dodd on Instagram: @unclesiobhan

• Listen to The Following Through Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your pods

• Book recommendations: Both, Not Half by Jassa Ahluwalia

⚠️ Trigger Warning

This episode of Inadequate Mother features an open and honest conversation about mental health, including discussions of bipolar disorder, addiction, trauma, and suicide.

These themes may be distressing for some listeners and viewers. Please take care while listening and feel free to pause or skip the episode if needed.

If you or someone you know is affected by any of the topics discussed, you're not alone. Support is available:

Samaritans (24/7 free support): 📞 116 123 – samaritans.org

Mind (Mental Health Charity): 📞 0300 123 3393 – mind.org.uk

Shout (Text support service): Text SHOUT to 85258 – giveusashout.org

YoungMinds (Support for young people and parents): youngminds.org.uk

You matter. And we're glad you're here. 💛

In this episode of Inadequate Mother, I’m joined by the incredible Vasavi Kumar – licensed therapist, visibility coach, podcast host, and author of Say It Out Loud. We talk all about the power of our inner voice, how verbalising our thoughts can help us make sense of the chaos, and why talking to ourselves might just be one of the healthiest things we can do. Vasavi shares her journey with bipolar disorder, addiction, and ADHD, and how mirror work, vocal journaling, and speaking our truth have transformed her life and the lives of her clients.

We also discuss parenting, breaking (or at least acknowledging) generational trauma, and what it means to be “too much” in a world that often wants us to be less.

Whether you’re neurodivergent, a parent, or just someone trying to figure themselves out – this episode is for you.

🌍 ⁠www.vasavikumar.com⁠

🎧 Listen in and start talking to yourself – for all the right reasons.

📲 Connect with Hayley:

Instagram: ⁠@hayleybrown_andco