Ellen Shepherd is a coach specialising in working with women who have been diagnosed with autism in later life. Find her at unjumbled.me. Ellen is a Mother to a little girl (and a cat called Peppercorn) and she based in South East London, UK.

Ellen and I met at a women's circle at the beginning of 2025, led by Zoe Charles (who runs 'The Cheek Of It!' school of Burlesque and Cabaret) and it's great to talk about this topic that is common to SO many women I know.

TRIGGER WARNING: From 45 minutes 40 seconds to 47 minutes Ellen speaks about early pregnancy loss/miscarriage.

From 47 minutes to 48 minutes Ellen speaks about having a beautiful birth experience which turned difficult so please go gently if this may be triggering.

In this episode we speak about:

• a bit about Ellen's *journey being diagnosed and how it led to the work she does (*Ellen thought she was 'just' anxious before learning more and getting diagnosed)
• figuring out our emotions and how to process them in a healthy way
• not comparing ourselves to everyone's different experiences
• Ellen's two deeply POWERFUL whys
• expressing our rage and why it matters
• the process of getting an autism diagnosis, finally quietening the curiosity about it AND the reactions of people around her when declaring her diagnosis
• how motherhood can be such a melting pot and brings things up to explore/process
• having our needs met and not gaslighting ourselves into gratitude

Themes: autism, ableism, processing emotions, healing, parenting, motherhood, matrescence, early pregnancy loss/miscarriage

We mention Zoe Charles, Glennon Doyle, Minna Dubin, Audre Lorde, Jane Hardwicke Collings, Cath Counihan, Amy Taylor-Kabbaz and Cleo Wade.

To learn more about Ellen see here on her website. And to connect with Ellen on Instagram click here.

At the end, I read a poem written by Jessica Jocelyn.

Did you enjoy this episode? If so, I would really appreciate it if you could please leave a review on the platform that you listen.

For more insights and to contact me you can find me on Instagram, and/or on my website: www.lucywyldecoaching.com.

I originally shared this episode in March 5th 2024.

If you're new to my world you may not know that since 2019 I've had quite a difficult and traumatic journey with my skin health.

Now it is finally and mostly better, I wanted to share my experience healing my gut — which lead to sorting my skin — in case it's helpful for anyone else to hear/learn from. I have learned SO much; partly via my own vast research and commitment but largely with the help of an incredibly helpful, lovely and skilled professional, whom I mention below.

In this episode I speak about:

• getting help from an Acne Specialist Naturopathic Nutritionist
• receiving unsolicited advice
• how I needed to adjust my diet
• what my body was saying in it's suffering
• allergies to ingredients in skin products
• getting help from the wrong person
• how we're potentially conditioned to feel like we 'should' look flawless
• the deep upset that my skin problems caused me

Themes: nutrition, gut health, naturopathy, mental health

I mention Ebony Jane Nutrition. I also mention Shea Butter Cottage.

At the end, I share a poem written by me.

Did you enjoy this episode? If so, I would really appreciate it if you could please leave a review on the platform that you listen.

For more insights and to contact me you can find me on Instagram, and/or on my website: www.lucywyldecoaching.com.

Cath Counihan is a Somatic Trauma Therapist and Mother of twin daughters. Cath trained at the Metanoia Institute in London, completing a Masters of Science in Integrative Psychotherapy. She has trained in EMDR, Transforming Touch, Polyvagal Theory and is completing her Somatic Experiencing Training.

Specialising in childhood trauma, parenting after developmental & childhood trauma and generational healing so we can shift cycles of dysfunction for ourselves and our families, Cath is passionate about ALL of us learning to meet our needs, repattern our nervous systems, heal our shame and stop self-abandoning.

She hosts a popular weekly podcast 'Grow Yourself Up' and she lives in London with her husband and twin daughters. 

Cath is someone whom I've followed the work of for years and I deeply appreciate what she does. — You can HEAR the smile on my face as I begin the podcast.

TRIGGER WARNINGS: from 35 minutes 30 seconds to 36 minutes 30 seconds Cath speaks about her Father's alcoholism.

*And from 55 minutes to 59 minutes Cath speaks about her birth experience; premature labour, an anxious pregnancy and a cascade of interventions, episiotomy and more.

In this episode we speak about:

• a bit about Cath and what led her to the work she does today
• why story behind and reason why Cath's podcast is called 'Grow Yourself Up'
• breaking down shame and embarrassment
• my experience of being ostracised and subsequently reparenting myself
• the depths that parenthood can take us to
• the power of bibliotherapy (LOVE discovering this word!)
• our dream to take part in a flash mob!
• Polyvagal theory and the autonomic nervous system
• what contributes to (the incredibly valid) rage in motherhood
• bedtime rage, meeting our own needs and f**k self-abandonment
• relationships and what we can each be holding from our past
• *Cath's experience of birthing her twins
• more care and reverence is needed over birth — and towards OURSELVES
• how DEEPLY affected by motherhood both Cath and I feel, and you may be too

Themes: trauma healing, psychotherapy, alcoholism, narcissistic abuse, matrescence, motherhood, birth, autism and ADHD.

We mention Molly Caro May and her book 'Body Full Of Stars', Stephen Porges, Deb Dana, Minna Dubin (on the podcast soon!), Eve Rodsky, Dr Sophie Brock, Tamu Thomas, Matt Fray (whom I mention 53 minutes in).

To learn more about Cath see here on her website: cathcounihan.com. And to connect with Cath on Instagram click here. Do check out her brilliant podcast called 'Grow Yourself Up'.

At the end, I read a poem written by Jess Urlichs.

Did you enjoy this episode? If so, I would really appreciate it if you could please leave a review on the platform that you listen.

For more insights and to contact me you can find me on Instagram, and/or on my website: www.lucywyldecoaching.com.

This is an episode that is important to share I feel. So that you know more about me and what's led me to the work I do now.

Some of you have followed me for a long time and I've changed a LOT, professionally and personally so here is a bit of the why — how I have grown and evolved and the juicy WHY behind my work.

In this episode I speak about:

• who I am and what has made me who I am today
• advocating for yourself and the ripple effect that can have
• why I talk about birth trauma and abuse

Themes: healing, domestic abuse, motherhood, birth trauma, parenting

I mention Jenni Donato, Rebecca Antonucci, Rayne Bryant

At the end of this episode, I share a quote from Rumi.

Did you enjoy this episode? If so, I would really appreciate it if you could please leave a review on the platform that you listen.

For more insights and to contact me you can find me on Instagram, and/or on my website: www.lucywyldecoaching.com.

Wendy Snyder is a Mum of two, certified parenting educator & family life coach, who inspires parents to learn & grow through connection based positive parenting strategies. Wendy helps parents ditch the threats, yelling & harsh punishments so they can live life as a joyful & confident parent (with kids that listen & cooperate great!).

I am so glad to share this conversation, after connecting with Wendy in a Facebook group connected to the work of Kate Northrup. To hear about parenting approaches in a different country (the USA) was really interesting.

Do listen and share if you can!

*TRIGGER WARNINGS 1: from 17 minutes 25 seconds to 21 minutes 43 seconds we talk about suicide in adults and children. And from 35 minutes to 45 minutes we speak about birth trauma and baby loss.

CONTENT WARNING: From 32 minutes 15 seconds to 33 minutes 20 seconds AND in my poem at the end I talk about Father Christmas so beware if you're listening around little ones!

In this episode we speak about:

• a bit about the work Wendy does to help reduce suffering in families and more
• parenting for the queer community,
• why systemic change is desperately needed for all of the family to benefit
• the types of parenting; 'autocratic'/authoritarian, permissive and democratic
• the power and magnetism in humility
• suicide awareness*
• applying both education and instinct in parenting (and more!)
• birth trauma and baby loss*
• adjusting and growing through matrescence
• how true self-love came from parenting
• I get Wendy's fabulous response to a vulnerable question about parenting

Themes: parenting, solo parenting, child advocacy, motherhood, matrescence, birth trauma, baby loss, healing

We mention Kate Northrup and Ruth Perry.

To learn more about Wendy see here on her website FreshStartFamilyOnline.com. And to connect with Wendy on Instagram click here. Do check out her podcast called 'The Fresh Start Family Show'.

At the end, I read a poem written by me.

Did you enjoy this episode? If so, I would really appreciate it if you could please leave a review on the platform that you listen.

For more insights and to contact me you can find me on Instagram, and/or on my website: www.lucywyldecoaching.com.

In episode 91 (so proud of myself for getting this far!) of Mums F**king Matter, I share a bit about my love of poetry and why.

People can often dumb themselves down and say "I wouldn't call it poetry". But as I organise a poetry soiré local to me and attend open mic sessions with artists of all kind, I invite you to think about if you wish to share anything of yours...

In this episode I speak about:

• who are your favourite poets? what stories have stayed with you?
• do you write?
• Gloria Steinem's marvellous words....
• why I love poetry and the impact it can have
• writing to heal, feel and process
• Matilda's words (that I call a poem)
• Hollie McNish's work and how honest and BRILLIANT it is
• a tribute to *Andrea Gibson, who passed away recently
• teaching at an old venue where Wilfred Owen used to teach
• listening to the lyrics of songs
• attending open mic sessions

*I refer to Andrea as 'she' when she went by 'they'. My apologies.

Themes: poetry, healing, storytelling, music

I mention Gloria Steinem, Jonzi D, Pam Ayres, W. H. Auden, Hollie McNish, Liezel Graham, Eve Ensler, Andrea Gibson, Wilfred Owen, Eric Clapton.

At the end, I share a poem written by me.

Did you enjoy this episode? If so, I would really appreciate it if you could please leave a review on the platform that you listen.

For more insights and to contact me you can find me on Instagram, and/or on my website: www.lucywyldecoaching.com.

In this episode I am talking to the gorgeous Hayley Borg, who is a friend of mine, a Feminine Embodiment Coach and a Mum to two boys based in Maidenhead, England.

In this episode we speak about:

• a bit about what Hayley does and her programme; 'Womanhood'
• reclaiming your inner authority after motherhood and the feminine archetypes
• nurturing healthy masculinity in the next generation
• the power of relationships to show us our truth (and where we're hiding it!)
• f**k the idea of being 'Super Mum' and how toxic it is
• the changing energies and seasons of our life as women
• welcoming play, pleasure and our body's responses
• getting to know all the facets of our fabulous selves
• the positive impact that feminine embodiment work can have on our intimate relationships

Themes: motherhood, matrescence, femininity, divorce, sex, healing

To learn more about Hayley see here on her website. And do connect with Hayley on Instagram.

We mention Regena Thomashauer and Audre Lorde.

At the end, I read a poem by Tanya Markul.

Did you enjoy this episode? If so, I would really appreciate it if you could please leave a review on the platform that you listen.

For more insights and to contact me you can find me on Instagram, and/or on my website: www.lucywyldecoaching.com.

In this episode I share my experience of learning and performing Burlesque, in London, with 'The Cheek Of It!' School of Burlesque and Cabaret. It's been incredible!

Zoe Charles, the founder of 'The Cheek Of It!' was my first guest for the podcast, and it's been amazing to dive into her world a bit more over the last couple of years that I've known her.

There are so many misconceptions about burlesque (which I may tackle in another episode) so I wanted to rerelease this episode to hopefully inspire you to do something truly for YOU!

It really is SO important to find something that we LOVE, as a Mum — something that lights us up — as well as being a Mama, partner, friend, etc.

In this episode I speak about:

• body confidence
• learning to be adored
• the sisterhood and community!
• using creativity to convey a message
• seeing REAL bodies moving in the flesh (compared to the fake and airbrushed)
• the art form of Burlesque; it's elegance and celebration
• an incident with(out) a nipple tassel
• performing in Soho in the midst of Pride month

Big thanks to my teachers Petis Pois and Ava Ventura! And Zoe at 'The Cheek Of It!'.

Themes: burlesque, female empowerment, postnatal mental health, healing from abuse,

At the end, I share a poem written by me.

Did you enjoy this episode? If so, I would really appreciate it if you could please leave a review on the platform that you listen.

For more insights and to contact me you can find me on Instagram, and/or on my website: www.lucywyldecoaching.com.

In this episode I welcome back to the podcast Becca Scott, who was also on episode #41.

Becca has been a Homeopath since 2009, a Reflexologist since 2001 and has added Accredited Divorce and Breakup Coaching in 2023. She specialises in Women's Health with a particular focus on gynaecological, auto-immune and hormone issues.

Becca is also mum and step mum to four wonderful teenage boys and a little girl.

TRIGGER WARNING: at 40 minutes 20 seconds to 42 minutes 20 seconds Becca talks about diabetic ketoacidosis.

In this episode we speak about:

• unpacking what may be going on to potentially save a relationship from divorce
• planning how to SAFELY leave a toxic partner
• the trauma that the divorce process can cause (and how it's not witnessed enough!)
• homeopathy/supplements to support you in times of stress
• preparing for court and the terrifying experience that it can be
• Katherine May's book 'Wintering' and how it depicts what I call survival mode
• the risk of health issues that can come from long-term stress/divorcing a toxic partner
• co-parenting, parallel parenting and counter parenting
• what 'reactive defence' is (— SO great to know about!)
• nervous system healing/regulation
• our exciting collaboration for Healing Space Online
• the power and beauty in learning burlesque and how it can help us reclaim our body
• how to look out for diabetic ketoacidosis

Themes: divorce, post separation abuse, perimenopause/hormonal health, the nervous system, stress, boundaries, parenting, PTSD, healing, diabetic ketoacidosis.

You can find the blogs that Becca speaks about HERE.

To learn more about Becca's Divorce Coaching see here on Becca's website. And connect with Becca here on Instagram.

We mention Steve Biddulph, Gabor Maté's work, Bessel van der Kolk's work.

At the end, I read a section from 'Wintering' by Katherine May.

Did you enjoy this episode? If so, I would really appreciate it if you could please leave a review on the platform that you listen.

For more insights and to contact me you can find me on Instagram, and/or on my website: www.lucywyldecoaching.com.

Are you playing small? Are you able to stand in your truth and be who you are in the world? If not, you deserve to! And this episode may help you with that.

This is one of my favourite topics — and most commonly talked about with my 1:1 coaching clients.

In this episode I speak about:

• spreading out in Savasana, taking up the space on your yoga mat — and beyond
• growing more comfortable in who you are
• from self-silencing to being calmly assertive
• knowing that anger is valid and natural, whatever your gender
• the beauty and wisdom in growing older
• over-apologising and you are not 'too much'

Themes: yoga, motherhood, mental health, parenting, matrescence

I mention Amy Taylor-Kabbaz.

At the end, I share a poem written by Nikita Gill.

Did you enjoy this episode? If so, I would really appreciate it if you could please leave a review on the platform that you listen.

For more insights and to contact me you can find me on Instagram, and/or on my website: www.lucywyldecoaching.com.