The Netmums Podcast

Wendy and Alison are joined by Dr. Chris Van Tulleken, infectious diseases doctor and familiar face from CBBC's Operation Ouch. Chris discusses his latest book, "Ultra Processed People," which dives into the world of ultra-processed foods and their profound impact on our health, especially that of our children.

Chris unpacks the definition of ultra-processed foods, their addictive qualities, and the perils of a diet dominated by these products. He addresses the elephant in the room: the role of big food companies in perpetuating the consumption of these foods and the urgent need for government regulation.

This conversation doesn't shy away from the tough questions. From the link between ultra-processed foods and ADHD to the childhood obesity crisis, Chris provides a nuanced perspective on health beyond the scales. He calls for action, not just from the top down but also from each one of us, as parents navigating the daily challenges of feeding our families.

Follow Dr Chris on Instagram @doctorchrisvt and buy his book "Ultra Processed People" here

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

This episode of the Netmums Podcast is brought to you by Johnson's Baby, the family favourite brand that's gentle on babys’ skin. 

In this episode of The Netmums Podcast, hosts Wendy Golledge and Alison Perry delve into the often-exhausting world of baby sleep with the award-winning parenting and baby sleep expert, Heidi Skudder. With a wealth of experience as a former nanny, maternity nurse, and mother, Heidi has been the guiding light for countless parents, including celebrities like Perry Edwards and Stacey Solomon. She brings her expertise to the podcast, discussing the often-misunderstood topics of colic, tongue-tie, silent reflux, and the impact of diet on a baby's sleep.

Heidi also sheds light on the importance of the fourth trimester, advocating for post-birth recovery and the need to slow down in those early weeks. She offers reassurance to parents; don’t worry - you cannot spoil a baby with cuddles! 

Heidi's new book, 'Your Positive Baby Sleep Book,' is full of wisdom for any parent seeking guidance. 
Stay connected with Netmums for more parenting tips, community support, engaging content: Website: netmums.com / Instagram: @netmums 

Joining Alison and Wendy on this final episode of series 12 of the Netmums podcast is the nation's favourite PE teacher, Joe Wicks.
In his third appearance on the podcast, Joe opens up about his love of the chaos that comes with an expanding family, from the trials of travelling with toddlers, to how he and his wife Rosie navigate meal times. Joe delves into the importance of fostering a love for movement in our children and shares his personal approach to ensuring his kids embrace a healthy lifestyle without the reliance on constant snacking.

Joe also talks about his new book, 'Fitter, Healthier, Happier,' and its focus on educating kids about both their bodies and their minds.

Tune in for an honest, heartfelt conversation with the Body Coach himself, and maybe even pick up a tip or two for your next family adventure or mealtime strategy.

Find out more about Joe's journey and his new book at his website and follow his adventures on Instagram @thebodycoach and grab your copy of Fitter, Healthier, Happier’.

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

In this episode of The Netmums Podcast, Alison Perry flies solo to bring us a delightful conversation with Rebecca Wilson, the Sunday Times bestselling author and culinary maestro behind "Budget Family Food." With a focus on feeding families in a budget-friendly way, Rebecca shares her journey from a new mum seeking a creative outlet to a social media sensation with over half a million followers.

Rebecca dives into the nitty-gritty of her latest book, which brims with tips for saving money on family meals without sacrificing variety or nutrition. She discusses the importance of pantry staples, the challenge of food waste, and the clever use of leftovers to stretch the family food budget further. 

Rebecca's book "Budget Family Food" is available now, offering families the chance to whip up delicious, cost-effective meals that bring everyone to the table.
Find Rebecca on Instagram @rebeccawilsonfood

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

In this episode of The Netmums Podcast, hosts Wendy Golledge and Alison Perry chat to the multi-talented Ben Miller. Known for his work in "The Armstrong and Miller Show," "Death in Paradise," and "Bridgerton," Ben is also a bestselling children's author. His latest book, "Diary of a Big Bad Wolf," turns classic fairytales on their heads, offering a fresh perspective from the eyes of infamous characters.

Ben delves into his World Book Day woes with his daughter's costume choices, the challenges of raising teenagers, and the profound impact of reading on children’s developing brains. He also shares the heartwarming moments of meeting his young readers and the importance of humour in children's literature.

Ben also lets us in on an ambition for the future: his coffee cart dream! Not only that, Wendy and Alison get a barista lesson and debate who’s coffee order is the most sophisticated… 

This brilliantly chatty episode is packed with laugh out loud moments (and you may just get some inspiration for World Book Day costumes which is great news if you’re a competitive fancy dress parent like Ben!)

Ben’s latest book ‘Diary of a Big Bad Wolf’ is out on 14th March 2024 and available to pre-order now - find out more about this and all of Ben’s other children’s books here: https://www.simonandschuster.co.uk/authors/Ben-Miller/100920632

Follow Ben on Instagram: @actualbenmiller


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

*Content warning*
This episode covers personal experience of baby loss and mental health issues, and the importance of seeking support. If you or someone you know is struggling with maternal mental health in the UK, support is available: online platforms like Netmums' forum provide a safe space for parents to connect, share experiences, and seek advice from eachother. 


"I felt like - to say it out loud - how I was feeling, was really bad. I was like, ‘Oh my God, does that make me a bad mum? Does that make me not maternal’?"

In this episode of the Netmums Podcast, hosts Wendy Golledge and Alison Perry are joined by Georgia Kousoulou, known for her role on ITV's Georgia and Tommy: Baby Steps, and daily podcast Five Minutes Peace. In this chatty episode, Georgia shares her insights on motherhood, mental health, and her journey towards self-discovery.
Georgia bravely opens up about the heartache of losing her baby due to a chromosomal issue, the struggles of identity and the pressures of parenthood, and the challenges she faced when bonding with her son Brody after a c-section didn’t come naturally straight away.
Georgia's new book, I Wish I Knew, serves as a guide for navigating motherhood and self-discovery, offering readers honest and relatable advice based on all the things Georgia wished she’d known sooner. Wendy and Alison bring you a sneak peek of some of these, like accepting her body and ditching fad diets, and learning to say ‘no’ more.
I Wish I Knew; honest and real lessons on love, life and family as you grow’ is available to buy now.
Follow Georgia on social media:

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

"I almost think that when you become a single mum, you become part of this club."

This week on The Netmums Podcast, Wendy and Alison are joined by the effervescent (and very chatty!) Lydia Bright, who has journeyed from reality TV fame on 'The Only Way Is Essex' to the challenges and triumphs of solo motherhood. Lydia opens up about the unexpected support she found in the single mum community and how it empowered her through her challenging pregnancy with her daughter, Loretta.

Lydia reflects on the preconceptions of motherhood versus the reality, sharing her experiences of juggling work and parenting, and the importance of showing the raw, unfiltered side of life as a single mum on social media. She also delves into her latest venture, authoring the children's book 'Mummy and Me,' discussing the significance of representation in children's literature and the value of inclusive storytelling.

As Lydia contemplates the future, she talks candidly about the prospect of dating, the importance of laughter and chemistry in a relationship, and how she plans to navigate introducing someone new into her tight-knit duo with Loretta.

Laughter and life lessons go hand in hand in this conversation, as Lydia, Wendy & Alison celebrate the strength, resilience, and joy of single parenting.

This week on the Netmums Podcast Alison & Wendy are seeking wisdom from husband and wife team Andrea McLean and Nick Feeney. The dynamic duo who have recently launched their own podcast, ‘Mastering Midlife’, share their blended family's approach to navigating the complexities of teenage tech temptations and the importance of setting boundaries without becoming the enemy.

Andrea, a familiar face from GMTV and Loose Women, and Nick, a life coach, talk candidly about the realities of midlife, from the menopause maze to the pivotal changes that come with it, and offer heartfelt advice on how to support your partner through the midlife transition.

This week on The Netmums Podcast, Wendy and Alison sit down with Dani Dyer. Known for her Love Island triumph, sparkling TV personality and 'Sorted with the Dyers' podcast alongside her famous father, Dani is also a hands-on mum to three, including a set of twins. Dani shares her experiences on parenting solo, the unique bond with her firstborn, the rollercoaster of raising twins, and how her family legacy impacts her parenting style.

Dani opens up about the challenges she faced with anxiety as a new mum and the coping strategies that have helped her navigate the journey. She also discusses her collaboration with CBeebies' Little Learners app, emphasising the importance of quality screen time and early childhood development.

Wendy and Alison get cosy with George Clarke, the architectural aficionado who's captured the nation's heart with his Channel 4 shows. George opens up about the unique challenges and joys of parenting through the lens of a TV personality

George reflects on his journey from architect to TV presenter and the personal regrets of time spent away from home. He also gives us an insider's look at the world of architecture for the younger generation, discussing his first children's book, "How to Build a Home," and the future of 3D printed houses.