**CONTENT WARNING** This episode contains adult themes and is suitable for those aged 18 and over. It contains details about living with someone with depression and alcoholism as well as a first-hand account of trauma which some listeners may find upsetting. If you are affected by anything you hear in this episode and need support please see the suggested helpline and website links below. This is probably the most painfully beautiful episode so far. Heart radio presenter Pandora Christie opens up about living on the streets with her mum. And the devastation of losing her mother at a young age. A powerhouse and pioneer in broadcasting, this is a love story to her mother and an ode to beautiful trauma. Bring tissues.  Samaritans helpline: 116 123 https://www.samaritans.org/ https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/ https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helplines/ https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/Home/Newcomers https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/home-families/family-relationships/social-services/ https://www.youcanadopt.co.uk/ https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/

Pandora Christie on homelessness at six and holding onto your family

For people who happen to be parents. The feminist podcast to make you laugh as much as you cry, learn as much as you unlearn with a whole lot of no-holds-barred chat thrown in for good measure. Whether parent or non-parent, guy or gal, c’mon get down and dirty.

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Kids & Family

Parenting

As hot flushes land and brain fog descends, Anna and Polly question their symptoms and open-up about navigating the next biological female chapter. Pre-warning: there’s a lot of justified, although slightly off-the-wall rage.

Quickie: Are you perimenopausal?

Whether newborn exhaustion or pure insomnia, Dr Sophie explains the impact of sleeplessness on our minds, bodies and parental souls. From sleep disorders to effective sleep routines, this is 45 minutes of sleepiness in podcast form.

Dr Sophie Bostock on sleep, insomnia and how to get more z’s

Shouldn’t laugh but this week your stories on how your kid’s pets came to an end is something else. From fish jumping into toasters to sinister Siamese cats unravelling your parental mind, this is one of the darkest, funniest chats to date.

Quickie: Dead Pets Society

The CEO of The World Happiness Index certainly knows a thing or two about finding joy. In this open-hearted chat Anna and Polly ask Karen how she started smiling again against the grieving odds. Funny, sad, uplifting and ultimately a happy ending.

Karen Guggenheim on happiness, glimmers over triggers and navigating grief

Pets and grief is quite the juggernaut to navigate with kids. Anna has to handle the death for the family pet hamster Ziggy. Is lying ever ok to protect your kids? How do you navigate a rodent funeral? And was buying two guinea pigs really a good idea in the wake of all this? Expect tea-through-nose laughter and solemnity. A tale of two sides.

Pandora Christie on homelessness at six and holding onto your family

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