The Juggling Act

Were you obsessed with Packed to the Rafters when it was on TV? So wholesome! Well the Rafter family are back with Back to the Rafters on Amazon Prime, and we’re joined by star Erik Thomson who explains why the show is the salve we all need right now, and bonds with Mel over their son's name! Speaking of baby names, Jules and Mel discuss the pros and cons of sharing your choices with family and friends before the birth (and Jules reveals the surprising name she was going to be called if she was a boy!). And our regular contributor Laura Mazza joins us with an advice needed question from a mum whose 4 year old who has just been diagnosed with autism.

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Lauren Jimmieson Craig was bullied as a child due to a rare skin condition that gives her a unique appearance. She joins us to share her story and how she’s teaching kids that empathy and care are the real superpowers. Our regular health and wellness contributor Lauren Patterson opens up about why we so often shine the brightest during our darkest moments. And Jules and Mel get real about boobs after baby.

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Rhian Allen is the brains behind The Healthy Mummy and she’s with us to share the secret to her success and how her business has survived during the pandemic. Our regular travel guru Evie Farrell shares her tips for holidaying WITHOUT kids. And Jules and Mel chat about whether they did anything to prepare for labour.

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We are joined by an incredibly resilient mum who shares her experience of battling cancer during Covid. Really puts things into perspective.  She's now written a book to help us talk to our kids about the dreaded C word (Cancer). Our regular contributor Laura Mazza joins us with another dilemma from a woman whose husband doesn’t want another baby. And Mel and Jules need some reassurance - can we PLEASE wear our mat leave clothes forever?!

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One of our favourite guests, Sam Wood, is back on the pod with tips on raising girls and the struggle of coping with lockdown. Our regular health and wellness contributor Lauren Patterson is with us to talk about the signs we need to look out for when it comes to mental health issues with our kids. And Mel and Jules open up about how to handle disagreements on parenting styles - this isn’t just an issue for parents who are separated…

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This episode we are joined by a super inspiring mum who went from teen runaway to millionaire. Tina Towers sold her first business in her 20s, now she's sharing her tips to help you make your business dream a reality. Our regular travel guru Evie Farrell shares her tips for holidaying at home (love her idea for bringing a touch of overseas to your lounge!). And Jules shares stories from other mums about what their partner was doing during labour. (shock face emoji).

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Stacey June is a self-care coach, author, and broadcaster as one of the founders of The Thinker Girls. She joins us to talk about how lockdown is impacting her chance to expand her family (eggs in one state, she’s in another…) and whether she's ever wistful for her single years after becoming a busy mum! Our regular contributor Laura Mazza is back with a complex question from a woman who wants to come out as gay to her husband. And Jules and Mel talk about what to do with kid's teeth!

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We're joined by our fabulous new co-host Jules Robinson who opens up about sharing the responsibility of parenting gorgeous little Oly with her partner Cam, and how we still have a way to go when it comes to the traditional gender roles around parenting.  New mum and life coach Tammi Kirkness has written a book to help our kids with their anxiety and it is the first-aid kit they all need right now. And our regular health and wellness contributor Lauren Patterson is back with some advice on how to stop caring what people think (yes, it is possible).

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Today’s guest claims to have mastered the art of balance as a working mother. Shannah Kennedy was a type-A, overachieving perfectionist, when at age 30, she hit a wall and experienced burnout – diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue and depression. Now she has written a book about her journey, called Plan B, to explain how other people can change their circumstances. Our regular contributor Evie Farrell is back to share her top tips for travelling with kids - and enjoying it. And Sarah and Mel wonder how you get a child out of night nappies!

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Today we’re joined by a doctor who found out what it’s like to be on the other side of the hospital bed curtain. Dr Olivia Ong was hit by a car on her way to work and told she would never walk again. What she did next is nothing short of a miracle. Our regular contributor Laura Mazza joins us with a complex advice needed question about a husband who wants to name their new baby after his deceased former wife. And after a guinea pig incident, Mel talks about teaching kids about consequences.

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