The Big Juggle

In this episode I talk to Nina Hobson, a freelance writer, blogger and - most importantly - an expat mum. Nina gave birth to each of her three children in a different country, and has lived in over 13 countries, including Nigeria, Switzerland and Cuba. Pre - Coronavirus she was living in Ecuador, but came back to the UK when the pandemic hit. We talk about adjusting to a new life while making sure your family are adjusting as well, her different birth experiences and why home really is where the heart is.

Hannah Feldman was a successful lawyer, banker and advisor to Dragons Den's James Kahn before she co-founded the children's activity app Kidadl. We talk about how the skills needed for these varied and demanding jobs helped her to achieve her dream of launching her own business: from spotting a gap in the market, creating a product to fill it, and then reacting quickly to make sure her business was still relevent and plugging that gap in Covid-times. And of course she had a few children - including twins - at the same time, just to keep things interesting!

This week I talk to Clare Pater, the award-winning interior designer and founder of design agency Nova Nilla. As the name suggests, Clare is a fan of bold choices - both when it comes to her work and when juggling looking after her three children, starting a new business just after her husband set up his own business and decorating her own house on a budget. I also get some inside interiors information for anyone looking for some new season inspiration!

Lucy Tucker's nails are almost as impressive as her career. Lockdown might have put a halt to people going to salons but it didn't stop Lucy from helping her clients feel like themselves, and she even got a few new clients along the way. A seasoned working-from-homer, she talks about juggling early (and late) fashion photoshoots with childcare, how she took her career into her own hands during lockdown and how her love of a good manicure has passed down to her daughter.

Emma Bord is a personal trainer who specialises in pre- and post-natal training. She talks about running her own business with two young children - and one more on the way - and how she has managed to make sure she finds time for her young family while fighting the temptation to work from dawn to dusk.

Jessica Weinstein talks to Esther Marshall, children's author and diversity champion, about writing the book she couldn't find to read to her son

Sarah Auerbach and Devina DiCarlo from boutique handbag brand Aurora London join The Big Juggle to talk about starting a new business at the same time as starting a family, the power of Instagram and the support of having a business partner who can finish your sentences.

Allegra Benitah - or the Challah Mummy - has been described as the new Mary Berry, but before she found daytime TV chef fame she was a lawyer. We talk about stepping away from a successful career to spend more time with your children and finding an unlikely new career through a weekend passion

Beauty expert and podcast host Nicola Bonn from Outspoken Beauty kicks off The Big Juggle talking about how lockdown has affected her working and parenting routine, why she decided to move out of her dream career into a more flexible but more fulfilling freelance life and the lessons she wants to teach her children about the world of work.