Mums F**king Matter

4 days after the release of this podcast on International Women's Day I'm going to see Rosanna's play, 'Pram Talk', at South Street Arts Centre in Reading. I can't wait!

Rosanna is a writer and has a background in Education Leadership. In 2023 her play 'Pram Talk' was a winning selection in the Royal Shakespeare Company's national playwriting competition '37 Plays'.

Rosanna lives in Berkshire with her partner and daughters. She is such a delight to talk to and listen to. Her honesty and passion shine through. Do go and see her play, 'Pram Talk' if and when you can!

The sound quality isn't the best at times. Please bear with us.

In this episode we speak about:

• a bit about Rosanna and work as a Mother and writer
• the town of Reading as a backdrop for her play
• Rosanna's experience of Matrescence; with her first and second daughter
• how a risk assessment made her cry in the best possible way (I love this so much, at 24 minutes 10 seconds in!)
• giving ourselves grace in our Matrescence — just as we would in adolescence
• how the FEELINGS and emotions of motherhood can be sidelined alongside the medical and psychological... (39 minutes and 30 seconds in)
• the value and power in knowing ourselves, our capacity and our limits
• the economy and the capitalism in motherhood(!)
• the brilliant, rebellious feeling of breaking the 'routine' and making your own choices with parenting
• how 'Pram Talk' has effected audiences; men, women and non-mothers alike

Themes: the arts, matrescence, motherhood, postnatal anxiety,

At the end, I share a poem written by Karen McMillan from her book 'Mother Truths'.

You can find out more about Rosanna and her play here and here on the Royal Shakespeare Comany website.

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 at www.lucywyldecoaching.com.

This is a rerelease of one my first few podcasts (Episode #05) about the power and healing potential of dance!

Do you dance? Have you ever hesitated to dance, even though you love it?

In this episode, I invite you to break free from inhibitions and explore the myriad benefits of dancing. Whether it's to music or in silence, discover the transformative power of movement.

Join me as I share insights into my passion for dance, its positive impact, and why prioritising dance is hugely beneficial for our well-being.

I speak about:

• dancing alone, choosing the music (and the volume of it!)
• the importance of shedding the labels of being "good" or "bad" at dancing
• openness to new dance settings, exploring beyond the familiar 
• the positive emotions that dance brings, lifting mood and aiding in emotional processing
• the healing power of dance as a holistic well-being practice
• dance as a means of self-discovery and a tool for connecting with others 
• celebrating the innate ability of children to move to music, tapping into their natural rhythm
• reflecting on the simplicity and authenticity of children's connection with dance.

Themes: dance, exercise, mental health, music, healing,

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

For more insights, you can follow me on Instagram, and don't forget to sign up for my weekly newsletter at www.lucywyldecoaching.com.

This is an interview with a dear friend of mine, Hannah, who is a Mum of 3 and a fellow Matrescence Activist who is based in Abingdon, UK.

Hannah speaks passionately and often poetically of her experiences as a woman and Mama; which I'm sure will be shared by many.

Trigger Warning: from 15-minutes to 19-minutes in we speak about birth trauma and 35 minutes 30 seconds in to 35 minutes 50 seconds we speak about trouble breastfeeding.

In this episode we speak about:

• a bit about Hannah and being a recovering people pleaser
• lockdown as a Mum to a newborn and 3 at home
• the preciousness of witnessing our babies and what they can teach us
• Hannah's experiences and teachings from her nursing career
• birth and the slow, difficult recovery process
• the (sometimes tragic) knock-on effect of people pleasing and unsolicited advice
• troubles with breastfeeding and trauma over that
• the difference between guilt and tension
• epigenetics and generational trauma
• Hannah's wonderful 'Mum-Me' Circles, held in Abingdon

Themes: matrescence, motherhood, postnatal recovery, pelvic girdle pain, birth trauma, post-traumatic growth

At the end, I share a poem written by Hannah herself.

We mention Eliane Glasser, Zoe Blaskey, Anna Mathur, Lucy Jones, Amy Taylor-Kabbaz, Brené Brown, Gabor Maté and Emma Reed Turrell.

You can find out more about Hannah and her gorgeous circles for Mums here on Facebook.

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 at www.lucywyldecoaching.com.

Do you know yourself well? In this solo episode I explore the value of really, truly getting to know ourselves (and at various points in our life).

In this episode I talk about:

• why knowing yourself matters
• practicing healthy boundaries
• Frozen II and the song 'Show Yourself'
• using our energy wisely
• parenting and the balance that I strive for
• the words of the poet Cleo Wade
• matrescence and how we become a new version of ourselves
• 'labels', how they can change and taking ownership of our tendencies

Themes: growth, healing, self-worth, parenting, self-love, Valentine's Day

At the end I share a poem by Tanya Markul.

I mention Dr Becky and her podcast 'Good Inside', Zoe Charles and Episode #40 of my podcast about being a sensitive person.

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 at www.lucywyldecoaching.com.

Have you seen what The Dad Shift are doing yet?! Either way this is a MUST listen.

The Dad Shift is a group of men, Dads and co-parents who lead a hugely important campaign working for better paternity leave in the UK.

I am SO happy, moved and grateful to share this conversation with Alex Lloyd-Hunter of The Dad Shift.

(Please Note: We recorded this episode on December 18th 2024.)

Here's a gentle warning; at 54 minutes and 20 seconds you might want to throw something so beware(!)

In this episode we speak about:

• a bit about Alex, when 'The Dad Shift' started and why
• how poor paternity leave policies negatively affects families and why the whole family (and community*) benefits from better leave for Dads
• the experiences of the Dads behind the The Dad Shift
• how the attitudes and systems in place don't tie up — and why systemic and societal change is so badly needed
• the messages men get and what needs to change
• the socio-economic investments that other countries are making and how behind the UK is!
• *the RIPPLE effect on community of all of this
• a bit about Alex's WHY and his relationship with his Dad

Themes: fathers, fatherhood, paternity leave, patrescence

At the end, I share a poem written by Pam Ayres.

You can find out more about The Dad Shift at www.thedadshift.org.uk

We mention Pregnant Then Screwed, Dope Black Dads, and Shahroo Izadi.

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 at www.lucywyldecoaching.com.

Here is a solo episode about yet another topic I'm passionate about. That's all there is to say, so just have a listen :)

Trigger Warning: I speak very briefly about domestic abuse from 4.25—5.15 minutes

In this episode I talk about:

• how sacred our home spaces can be
• the freedom I felt when moving to where I live now
• looking at your precious space and what's made it represent YOU (and your family)
• aesthetics obsessed culture and unhealthy comparisons
• homes that don't look lived in(!) but people seem to aspire to
• a bit about mine and Matilda's home and solo parenting
• does location affect you? e.g. I found a basement flat depressing
• celebrating being a home-maker and what YOU have made your home into

Themes: home, healing, interior design, postnatal recovery, solo parenting

At the end (21 minutes in), I share a poem by Donna Ashworth.

I mention Bryce Langston, Sahara Rose, a quote from 'What No One Tells You' by Dr Alexandra Sacks and Dr Catherine Birndorf, a quote from a P!nk song; 'I Am Here'.

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 at www.lucywyldecoaching.com.

Here is a(nother) fabulous chat with one of the Mama Rising ladies that I met whilst studying Matrescence with Amy Taylor-Kabbaz.

Erin is a multi-passionate, award-winning, business owner, based in Camden just outside of Sydney, Australia. She is also a Mama to two children.

Erin is a degree qualified Naturopath, Nutritionist, Breastfeeding Counsellor as well as Meditation Teacher, Matrescence Coach and Reiki Healer. She helps women and their families achieve their ultimate version of wellness holistically.

In this episode we speak about:

• Erin and her children
• using homeopathy and Erin's work in naturopathy and nutrition
• breastfeeding support and why it matters
• the incredible value of women's circles and community as Mums and how much we are missing them living within patriarchal structures
• the sister wound and the judgement parents (particularly Mums) can experience
• the burlesque 'sisterhood' and how the art form has helped me
• feeding ourselves and our family to be and FEEL truly nourished
• we touch on postnatal health/nutrition, the (toxic) expectations and pressures and the need for better maternity leave
• knowing more about ingredients in food and skin products
• getting to the route of health issues (tending to the liver, gut, thyroid, stress levels, etc.) — plus the overprescription of certain things
• how fundamental certain nutrients are; for energy, REPAIR (after birth say...) and managing stress
• how powerful connecting with our body is/can be

Themes: nutrition, naturopathy, women's circles, neurodiversity, breastfeeding

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

You can find out more about Erin at www.erin-bailey.com.

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 at www.lucywyldecoaching.com.

This is a rerelease of EPISODE #01, my very first episode on Boundaries!

In this episode I talk about:

• protecting yours and your child's energy and why it matters
• patriarchy and the pressures we can experience
• saying "no" to invitations without needing to explain
• allowing ourselves to receive with all the giving as Mums
• having our DESIRES met, not just our needs
• being assertive enough to speak your truth
• cultural and familial expectations (that can be unhealthy, particularly for new parents)

Themes: boundaries, toxic people, relationships, postnatal recovery

At the end, I share a poem/quote from Iain Thomas.

I mention Glennon Doyle, Terri Cole and her book 'Boundary Boss', Pooja Lakshmin and her book 'Real Self Care'.

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 at www.lucywyldecoaching.com.

Denise is a truly wonderful soul and has been one of my main healers over the last 10 years. She has had a pivotal role in my life which you will hear about in our conversation. I'm so grateful to share this chat and Denise's wisdom here.

Denise is a 49 year old Mother to one adopted autistic teenage daughter, and a nervy rescue dog, based in Hastings, UK.

She has a 32 year background in health and social care and set up her own therapy business in 2005, giving and teaching Reiki, training in trauma informed practices, and in the last 10 years specialising in working as a parenting coach for parents of neurodivergent children and adoptive families, and as a children's mindfulness practitioner.

In her spare time Denise loves walking in nearby woodlands, photography, charity shopping and dancing to soul music!

In this episode we speak about:

• Denise's background in getting to the work she does today
• a healing session I had with Denise confirming the (dark) truth
• Denise's journey with IVF and adoption
• inner child work and breaking cycles of trauma
• behaviourist attitudes and respect for children
• Denise's honest shares as a parent herself (that I find incredibly validating)
• PDA (pathological demand avoidance/persistent drive for autonomy)
• the different examples of parenting that we DON'T SEE and how damaging that is/can be
• the EASE Parenting Group on Facebook that Denise runs with a friend
• the undue pressure and GUILT parents (especially Mums) can experience
• honouring the child — the unique being — that we have
• EOTAS (Education Other Than At School)
• our passion as Mums

Themes: IVF, adoption, parenting, mothering, therapies, neurodiversity, trauma, behaviourism, education options other than school

At the end, I share a poem written by Becky Hemsley.

You can find out more about Denise at www.anchoredtherapies.co.uk.

I mention doing a yoga class with Lynette Greenaway.

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 at www.lucywyldecoaching.com.

Here is a solo episode to close 2024 and welcome in the New Year! I share some reflections and intentions and ask you, the listeners, some questions which you might like to journal on.

I speak about:

• practicing accepting and listening to our body
• reuniting with the love of my life, Roly (check out our conversation in Episode #56)
• the success of the podcast — THANK YOU for listening!
• what are you proud of that YOU have done/been, big or small?
• the start of my burlesque journey with 'The Cheek Of It!'
• healing more by working on my nervous system thanks to Naomi Galliano
• the challenges of 2024 and my big work decision (see Episode #59)
• new chapters
• tending to the body, from top to toe, for both healing and greater pleasure

Themes: love, burlesque, the nervous system, parenting, pleasure, healing

At the end I share a poem by Danielle Doby.

I mention my naturopath Ebony, coach Bek Antonucci and stylist pal, Angela Sellar.

Do share anything in reflection if you wish! I'd love to hear from you. I'm @lucywyldecoaching on Instagram.

And to find out more about me see my website lucywyldecoaching.com