In this exclusive episode of the Netmums Podcast, we’re invited inside 10 Downing Street for a rare, one-to-one interview with Prime Minister Keir Starmer — and we’re talking about more than politics.

From free childcare for babies from nine months to plans for paternity leave reform, Keir opens up about the big policy changes aimed at supporting UK parents and working families. But he also gets personal, sharing what it’s really like raising teenagers while running the country, how his family tackles Friday night takeaway decisions, and why changing nappies and flexible working matter just as much as parliamentary bills.

Expect honest reflections on fatherhood, candid advice for mums and dads, and a powerful reminder that there’s no one right way to parent.

This is an absolute must-listen! 

This episode of The Netmums Podcast features Anna Whitehouse, known as Mother Peach, a campaigner, radio presenter, and author. Join Wendy and Alison as they discuss the challenges of motherhood, the importance of self-care, and flexible working rights for parents.

Anna’s new novel Influenced is released on 14th August. She has also teamed up with Lovehoney, to pull back the covers on sex and intimacy pre and postpartum, being part of Lovehoney's 'Mama Sutra' campaign. At its core this is a free ebook for Mums at every stage of motherhood, offering support and guidance, and sharing real-life experiences.

Key topics include:

- The Vulnerability of Motherhood: Anna shares how motherhood reveals strengths and vulnerabilities.

- Self-Care: Discover why prioritising personal needs is vital for mental well-being.

- Challenging Gender Roles: Anna discusses the dad strike and the importance of active fatherhood.

- Co-Parenting Insights: Anna shares her journey through separation, explains the concept of ‘Magpie Parenting’, and the value of open communication.

- Being a 'Geriatric Mum': Reflecting on societal pressures and the resilience of older mothers.

- Relationships and Intimacy: A look at emotional connections in relationships post-baby.

- Flexible Working Future: Anna's vision for flexible work to support parents.

Stay connected with Netmums for more parenting tips, community support, engaging content: Website: netmums.com / Instagram: @netmums 

Proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

In this episode of The Netmums Podcast, author and parenting favourite Katie Kirby returns to chat with Wendy and Alison. Known for the bestselling Lottie Brooks series and Hurrah for Gin, Katie brings her signature honesty and humour to a wide-ranging conversation about the joys and challenges of raising tweens and teens.

The conversation covers:

Relatable Role Models: Why kids need to see themselves in the books they read — and how Lottie Brooks became that character for so many.

Friendship Dynamics: The differences between how boys and girls approach friendships, and why having multiple friend groups can be a lifesaver.

The Smartphone Struggle: How tech and social media are reshaping childhood — and what parents can do to help kids navigate it safely and confidently.

Real-Life Parenting: From summer holiday chaos to the art of embarrassing your kids (on purpose!), Katie shares her funniest and most heartfelt parenting moments.

Open Conversations: Why honest chats with our kids — even the awkward ones — are key to building trust and resilience.

Behind the Books: Katie opens up about the origins of Hurrah for Gin, her love of stick figures, and the potential future of Lottie Brooks on screen.

Stay connected with Netmums for more parenting stories, support and laughs:

 Website: netmums.com / Instagram: @netmums

Proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

This episode of The Netmums Podcast features the incredible Kate Silverton, a former BBC news anchor turned child counsellor and advocate for compassionate parenting. Kate, Wendy and Alison unpack the crucial parenting topic of how to help our children regulate their emotions.

The conversation covers:

- The Impact of Labels: how terms like "naughty" can shape a child's identity, and why we should focus on behaviours rather than personal attributes.

- Understanding Emotional Responses: the importance of recognising our own emotional triggers as parents and how these can affect our responses to our children's feelings.

- The SAS Method: Kate introduces her SAS method for managing children's emotional outbursts, emphasising the need to 'See, Acknowledge, and Soothe' to help children regulate their emotions effectively.

- Navigating Tantrums: practical strategies for parents to support children through moments of distress.

- Rupture and Repair: how acknowledging mistakes can strengthen the parent-child bond.

Stay connected with Netmums for more parenting tips, community support, engaging content: Website: netmums.com / Instagram: @netmums 

Proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

In this episode of The Netmums Podcast, Wendy and Alison are joined by naturalist, adventurer, TV presenter, and dad-of-three Steve Backshall. Best known for Deadly 60 and his breathtaking wildlife expeditions, Steve chats candidly about the chaos, comedy, and deep joy of parenting alongside his wife, Olympic rower Helen Glover.

From breakfast-in-bed fails to scaling oak trees with his kids, Steve brings his trademark humour and heartfelt honesty to a wide-ranging conversation about fatherhood, family life, and his latest adventure into the world of podcasting.

The conversation covers:

The Everyday Wildness of Parenthood: Why tying shoelaces, meltdowns in public, and parenting “feral” children are his new extreme challenges.

Finding Balance with Helen Glover: How he and Helen juggle Olympic-level careers, school runs, and quality family time (spoiler: not perfectly).

Father’s Day Real Talk: Why he dreads breakfast in bed and what a "wholesome" Sunday looks like in the Backshall household.

Parenting in the Public Eye: Navigating toddler tantrums when everyone’s watching—and yes, everyone is watching.

Nature as a Reset Button: Steve’s powerful belief in the mental health benefits of the outdoors, and how a walk by the river can fix almost anything.

Letting Kids Be Who They Are: The importance of not pushing children into your own passions—even if you really want them to love sharks.

Big New Adventures: Steve’s exciting move into podcasting (That’s Just Wild) and his upcoming arena tour, Deadly Live, complete with dinosaurs, stunts, and stage science.

Stay connected with Netmums for more parenting stories, laughs, and real-life insights:

 Website: netmums.com

Instagram: @netmums

🎧 Produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

This episode of The Netmums Podcast features the insightful Jennifer Cox, a psychotherapist and author of "Women Are Angry." Join Wendy and Alison as they explore the complexities of anger in women's lives, shedding light on the often-silent rage simmering beneath the surface.

The conversation covers:

- The Nature of Anger: the societal conditioning that teaches women to suppress their anger and the importance of recognising and expressing these feelings for mental well-being.

- The Impact of Upbringing: how childhood messages about being "good" can lead to repressed emotions, Jennifer highlights the detrimental effects this can have on women's health.

- Permission to Feel: giving women permission to express their anger, discussing how this can lead to improved mental health and a sense of community.

- Anger as a GPS: using anger as a guiding force for change in our lives, encouraging listeners to view their emotions as tools for personal growth.

- Tools for Healthy Expression: practical methods for releasing pent-up emotions in a constructive way.

- The Taboo of Maternal Rage: the stigma surrounding maternal anger and how societal perceptions can hinder women's ability to express their feelings.

Stay connected with Netmums for more parenting tips, community support, engaging content: Website: netmums.com / Instagram: @netmums 

Proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

This episode of The Netmums Podcast features the inspiring Beth Mead, a trailblazer in women's football and a member of the victorious Lionesses squad from the 2022 Euros. Join Wendy and Alison as they delve into Beth's remarkable football career and journey, discussing her achievements, challenges, and the importance of supporting young girls in sport.

The conversation covers:

- Beth’s Football Journey: Beth’s early days in football, the support from her family, and her determination to succeed despite facing negativity as a girl in a boys' sport.

- Turning 30 and Achievements: Celebrating her recent birthday, Beth discusses her impressive career milestones, including winning the Golden Boot and being named Sports Personality of the Year.

- The Importance of Role Models: how visibility and support from role models can encourage more girls to participate in sports.

- Mental Health Advocacy: Beth’s personal struggles with grief and injury, and the role of support systems in overcoming challenges.

Stay connected with Netmums for more parenting tips, community support, engaging content: Website: netmums.com / Instagram: @netmums 

Proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

In this episode of The Netmums Podcast, Wendy and Alison are joined by Leah Hazard, an NHS midwife, author, and advocate for maternal health. Leah shares her journey from television to midwifery, revealing the profound impact her own experiences of motherhood had on her career choice. As we delve into the realities of maternity care, Leah discusses the emotional toll of being a midwife and the importance of self-advocacy for expectant mothers.

The conversation covers:

- The Journey to Midwifery: Leah’s transition from a career in television to becoming a midwife, driven by her own challenging experiences during childbirth.

- The Reality of Midwifery: the fulfilling moments of connection between midwives and their patients, alongside the stress and burnout that can accompany working in the NHS.

- Breaking the Silence on Mental Health: addressing mental health challenges faced by healthcare professionals, and Leah’s own struggles with anxiety and burnout.

- Advocating for Yourself in Maternity Care: practical advice for expectant parents on how to advocate for themselves during pregnancy and birth.

- The Reality of Early Parenthood: the often-overlooked transition from pregnancy to parenting, and the need for honest conversations about the challenges of early motherhood.

- Embracing the Teenage Years: Leah’s insights on parenting teenagers; cherish the journey and don’t fear the transition.

Stay connected with Netmums for more parenting tips, community support, engaging content: Website: netmums.com / Instagram: @netmums 

Proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

In this episode of The Netmums Podcast, Wendy Golledge and Alison Perry are thrilled to welcome back the fabulous Myleene Klass, a multi-talented presenter, musician, and mum of three. Myleene shares her candid experiences of parenting, the challenges of raising teenagers, and the joys of embracing the chaos of family life.

The conversation covers:

- The Reality of Parenting Chaos: Myleene opens up about her bustling household, juggling a teenager preparing for university with younger children and the challenges of family dynamics during school holidays.

- Navigating Teenagers: The trio discusses the emotional rollercoaster of parenting teens, including the bittersweet feelings of watching them grow up and the importance of maintaining open communication.

- Miscarriage and Advocacy: Myleene shares her heartfelt journey through miscarriage and how she transformed her pain into power by campaigning for better support and care for women experiencing pregnancy loss.

- The Importance of Emotional Connection: Myleene introduces the concept of the 'Disney hug', emphasising the significance of physical affection in fostering emotional growth and connection within families.

- Reflections on Career and Identity: Myleene reflects on her multifaceted career, the cultural impact of her work, and the lessons learned along the way, including the importance of being true to oneself.

- Future Aspirations: From new music projects to continued advocacy for women's health, Myleene shares her exciting plans and the passion that drives her to make a difference.

Join us for this heartfelt discussion filled with laughter, insights, and the raw realities of motherhood. It’s a must-listen for any parent navigating the ups and downs of family life.

Stay connected with Netmums for more parenting tips, community support, engaging content: Website: netmums.com / Instagram: @netmums 

Proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

This episode of The Netmums Podcast features the insightful Dr. Punam Krishan, a busy GP, mum of two, and a familiar face on BBC Morning Live. As we mark Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week, Dr. Punam shares her personal journey through motherhood, touching on sensitive themes such as birth trauma, maternal mental health, and the challenges faced by new parents.

The conversation covers:

- The Reality of Maternal Mental Health:

Dr. Punam opens up about her own experiences with postnatal depression following a traumatic birth, highlighting the importance of recognising and addressing mental health issues.

- The Struggles of a Medic Mum: 

Discussing the unique challenges faced by parents in the medical profession, Dr. Punam reflects on how her medical knowledge can sometimes lead to increased anxiety regarding her children's health.

- Understanding Baby Blues vs. Postnatal Depression:

 Dr. Punam explains the key differences between the common baby blues and more severe postnatal depression, offering valuable insights for new parents.

- The Importance of Seeking Help:

 The discussion emphasises the need for parents to advocate for their own mental health, encouraging listeners to reach out for support when needed.

- Navigating the Early Days of Motherhood:

 Dr. Punam shares practical self-care tips for new mums, emphasising the necessity of compassion and understanding towards oneself during the challenging fourth trimester.

- Breaking the Stigma: 

The conversation addresses the stigma surrounding maternal mental health, particularly within certain communities, and the importance of open dialogue to foster understanding and support.

Join us for this heartfelt and enlightening episode that aims to empower parents to prioritise their mental health and seek the support they deserve.

Stay connected with Netmums for more parenting tips, community support, engaging content: Website: netmums.com / Instagram: @netmums 

Proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative