The Netmums Podcast

This week on The Netmums Podcast, Louise Burke and JB Gill are joined by World Cup 2026 presenter and mum of one Kelly Somers for an honest conversation about returning to work after having a baby, rebuilding confidence, and navigating the juggle of motherhood and career.

As one of the UK's leading sports presenters, Kelly has fronted some of football's biggest programmes, from Match of the Day and Football Focus to major international tournaments. But becoming a mum brought a whole new challenge: balancing a demanding career with the realities of family life.

Kelly opens up about the fears she carried for years after being diagnosed with endometriosis and PCOS, and why becoming a mother felt like something she could never take for granted. She reflects on returning to work after maternity leave, rebuilding her career confidence, and navigating the challenges that motherhood can throw your way when life doesn't go exactly to plan.

With the FIFA World Cup taking her Stateside this summer, Kelly shares how she's making family life work while reporting on one of the biggest sporting events in the world. From travelling with a toddler to relying on an ‘army’ of family support, she offers a refreshingly honest insight into what modern working motherhood really looks like.

In this episode:
• Returning to work after having a baby and rebuilding career confidence
• How motherhood changed Kelly's perspective on ambition and success
• Living with endometriosis and PCOS and becoming a mum against the odds
• Navigating guilt, identity and the pressure to do it all
• Why asking for help is one of the most important parenting skills

Whether you're preparing to return to work after maternity leave, questioning how to balance career and family life, or simply trying to keep all the plates spinning, this episode is packed with reassurance, practical advice and a reminder that there's no one right way to do motherhood.

Read more expert advice at Netmums.com and join the conversation on social @Netmums.
JB and Louise also want to hear your parenting stories, questions and dilemmas. Email [email protected] and you could be part of a future episode.

The Netmums Podcast is brought to you by Netmums – trusted by parents, backed by experts.

Proudly produced by Decibelle Creative.

This week on The Netmums Podcast, Louise Burke and JB Gill are joined by TV presenter, podcaster and ADHD UK ambassador Sam Thompson for an honest conversation about ADHD and autism, and why understanding our children matters more than ever.

Sam was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 30 after years of feeling different, overwhelmed and misunderstood. In this episode, he opens up about the relief of finally understanding how his brain works, why he spent years believing he was simply the ‘naughty kid’, and how that diagnosis helped him forgive himself for struggles he'd carried since childhood.

Drawing on insights from his new book, You, Me and ADHD, Sam shares practical advice for parents navigating ADHD at home, from handling big emotions and meltdowns to helping children recognise their strengths and build confidence.

Together, Louise, JB and Sam explore how ADHD can show up in everyday family life, why behaviour is often communication, and how parents can move from frustration to understanding.

In this episode:

Whether you're parenting a child with ADHD, supporting a neurodivergent family member, or simply want to better understand the children in your life, this is a warm, reassuring and incredibly helpful conversation packed with practical takeaways.

Sam’s book, You, Me & ADHD is out now, £9.99 (Puffin books)

Read more expert advice at Netmums.com and join the conversation on social @Netmums.

JB and Louise also want to hear your parenting stories, questions and dilemmas. Email [email protected] and you could be part of a future episode.

The Netmums Podcast is brought to you by Netmums – trusted by parents, backed by experts.

Proudly produced by Decibelle Creative.

In this powerful live episode of The Netmums Podcast recorded at The Baby Show, Atomic Kitten star Liz McClarnon-Cho opens up about her emotional road to motherhood after eight rounds of IVF, two miscarriages and years of uncertainty.

Now a first-time mum at 44 to baby Alexander, Liz speaks candidly about the emotional toll of fertility treatment, why she stepped away from social media during IVF and the moment she finally saw a positive pregnancy test after believing parenthood might never happen.

Joined by hosts JB Gill and Louise Burke, Liz shares what it was really like becoming a mum later in life – from difficult pregnancies and pelvic girdle pain to the overwhelming reality of those first newborn weeks.

In this episode, Liz discusses:
• Her eight-round IVF journey and coping with repeated failed cycles
• Miscarriage, grief and the emotional impact of fertility struggles
• Why IVF can feel isolating and misunderstood
• The moment she discovered she was pregnant
• Becoming a first-time mum at 44
• Stepping away from social media during difficult times
• Newborn life, anxiety and leaving the house for the first time
• Parenting after infertility and learning to trust herself
• Raising baby Alexander with both Liverpool and Korean heritage
• Why motherhood now feels like ‘being given the world.’

Liz also reflects on how her relationship with husband Peter Cho who helped carry her through some of the darkest moments – and why becoming parents together has changed everything.

This is an honest, emotional and reassuring conversation for anyone navigating IVF, miscarriage, fertility struggles or the realities of becoming a new parent.

🎧 Subscribe to The Netmums Podcast for more real parenting conversations, expert advice and celebrity interviews.

Read more expert advice at Netmums.com and join the conversation on social @Netmums.

Got a parenting question or dilemma? Email us at [email protected] – we’d love to hear from you.

The Netmums Podcast – backed by experts, trusted by parents.

As your children grow into teenagers, knowing when to step back can be one of the hardest parts of parenting.

This week on The Netmums Podcast, Louise Burke and JB Gill are joined by Boyzone’s Shane Lynch and his wife Sheena, from ITV2’s The Real Housewives of Cheshire, as they share what family life really looks like behind the scenes while raising two teenage daughters.

From earning their own money to finding their own path, Shane and Sheena explain how they’re raising their girls to stay grounded – even while growing up in the spotlight. They talk about social media, teenage ambition and why boundaries still matter, even when they’re pushed.

They also share their honest take on the ‘nepo baby’ debate, and the reality behind the assumptions people make about their family life.

At the heart of the conversation is that shift so many parents recognise – moving from being hands-on to learning to let go. Sheena describes the hardest part of that transition as “fear”, admitting she’s the worrier at home, while Shane takes a more relaxed approach. Together, they reflect on what it really means to trust your teenagers, even when it’s not easy.

The couple also open up about their relationship, including their separation during lockdown and how they found their way back to each other. It’s an honest look at balancing marriage, work and family life, and what it takes to stay connected through change.

There are lighter moments too – from raising “girlie girls” and teenage humour to the reality of what comes next, including the thought of becoming empty nesters.

Warm, relatable and full of real-life takeaways, this episode is a reminder that raising teenagers isn’t about control – it’s about guidance, trust and, sometimes, having the courage to let go.
In this episode:

The Real Housewives of Cheshire is back on Tuesdays at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX from next week

Read more expert advice at Netmums.com and join the conversation on social @Netmums.

Got a parenting question or dilemma? Email us at [email protected] – we’d love to hear from you.

The Netmums Podcast – backed by experts, trusted by parents.

Proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

This week on The Netmums Podcast, Louise and JB are joined by Rosie Kelly Smith, for an insightful and heartfelt conversation about the realities of new motherhood.
Rosie shares her experiences navigating the early days with her 18-month-old daughter, Billie, and reflects on the overwhelming pressure new parents face from societal expectations and the deluge of advice. 
Rosie discusses the generational shifts in parenting, sharing how her grandmother and mother approached motherhood and the wisdom that has been passed down through the family.
In this episode, Rosie opens up about her struggles with postpartum anxiety and the often-unspoken challenges that come with being a new mum. She discusses the impact of social media on parenting and the need for kindness towards ourselves.

In this episode:
- The overwhelming pressure of parenting advice and societal expectations
- Rosie’s journey through postpartum anxiety 
- Reflections on motherhood across generations
- The impact of social media on new parents
- Trusting your instincts and embracing imperfection in parenting
- The joy and challenges of navigating life with a toddler

This episode of The Netmums Podcast is brought to you by Aldi Mamia.
Read more expert advice at Netmums.com and join the conversation on social @Netmums.

JB and Louise also want to hear your parenting stories, questions and dilemmas! So please share them with us at [email protected] and we can bring you into the conversations that matter on The Netmums Podcast.

This podcast is brought to you by Netmums: backed by experts, trusted by parents. 

Proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

What does parenting really look like when you’re raising seven children – across completely different ages and stages – and learning, in real time, when to hold on and when to let go?

This week on The Netmums Podcast, Louise Burke and JB Gill are joined by Paris Fury – mum of seven, businesswoman and star of Netflix’s At Home with the Furys – for an honest, warm and revealing conversation about modern family life.

Paris opens up about the organised chaos of a busy home, the juggle of raising children at every stage of childhood, and the emotional shift that comes as your role as a parent begins to change. From hands-on parenting with younger children to stepping back and giving independence to older ones, she shares how family life evolves – and how you grow with your children through it.

The conversation also explores some of the more emotional sides of parenting. Paris reflects on her eldest daughter Venezuela’s engagement at 16 – a milestone she supports, having married young herself – while admitting that ‘letting go’ is one of the hardest parts of motherhood. She also speaks candidly about raising teenagers in today’s world, navigating social media pressures, and instilling confidence and individuality in her children.

Warm, relatable and full of honest insight, this episode is a reminder that whether you’ve got one child or seven… parenting is a constant journey of learning, adapting and, sometimes, letting go.

In this episode:
- The daily chaos and joy of raising seven children
- How to balance parenting with personal ambitions
- Paris’ eldest daughter Venezuela's journey to married life in her teens
- The importance of instilling confidence in and individuality in her children
- Paris’s thoughts on body image and social media influence
- Paris’ wellness routine and how she finds moments for herself

This episode of The Netmums Podcast is brought to you by Aldi Mamia.

Read more expert advice at Netmums.com and join the conversation on social @Netmums.

JB and Louise also want to hear your parenting stories, questions and dilemmas! So please share them with us at [email protected] and we can bring you into the conversations that matter on The Netmums Podcast.

This podcast is brought to you by Netmums: backed by experts, trusted by parents. 

Proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

Trigger warning: Discussions of baby loss.

This week on The Netmums Podcast, Louise and JB are joined by Laura Adlington – the Great British Bake Off finalist, body positive activist and new mum – for a very special episode recorded live at The Baby Show in London in front of an audience of parents and parents-to-be.

Laura has openly shared her nine-year pregnancy journey, calling it a ‘long and lonely road’. 

She tells us about infertility, IVF and the emotional toll of trying to conceive for so long. And after the joy of welcoming her baby George late last year, Laura has most recently revealed her unexpected emotional aftermath: the identity shift, the body changes, and the not-so-quiet ‘now what?’ feeling that can follow a long-awaited dream.

The conversation moves beyond the highlight reel of motherhood, as Laura talks honestly about the reality of the early newborn months – from sleep deprivation and relationship strain to mum guilt, identity shifts and the pressure many women feel around postpartum bodies.

Louise and JB also reflect on the challenges many parents face when adjusting to life with a newborn, and why honest conversations about parenting are so important.

In this episode:

This episode of The Netmums Podcast was recorded live at The Baby Show in London. Expect a powerful, honest and entertaining new parenting conversation with Laura Adlington.

Read more expert help on Netmums.com and join the conversation on socials @Netmums.

JB and Louise also want to hear your parenting stories, questions and dilemmas! Please share them with us at [email protected] and we may bring them into the conversations that matter on The Netmums Podcast.

This podcast is brought to you by Netmums: backed by experts, trusted by parents.

In this episode of The Netmums Podcast, Louise and JB welcome Dr. Billy Garvey, a developmental paediatrician and author of the insightful book 10 Things to Know About Your Child's Mental Health. 
This chat covers the crucial topic of children's mental health, particularly focusing on anxiety and how it manifests in children of different ages.
Dr. Garvey shares invaluable advice on recognising signs of anxiety in children and the differences in how boys and girls may express their feelings. He discusses the importance of creating a nurturing environment that fosters emotional security, emphasising the need for parents to engage in both co-regulation and self-regulation to help their children navigate their emotions effectively.
The conversation also touches on the pressures of modern parenting, the significance of unconditional love, and the role of communication in fostering a strong parent-child relationship. 

In this episode:
• Recognising anxiety in children and its impact on behaviour
• The differences in how boys and girls experience anxiety
• The role of co-regulation and self-regulation in emotional development
• Practical tips for parents to support their child's mental health
• The importance of creating a nurturing environment and the concept of 'sanctuaries'

This episode of The Netmums Podcast is brought to you by Aldi Mamia.

Read more expert help on Netmums.com and join the conversation on socials @Netmums.

JB and Louise also want to hear your parenting stories, questions and dilemmas! So please share them with us at [email protected] and we can bring you into the conversations that matter on The Netmums Podcast.

This podcast is brought to you by Netmums: backed by experts, trusted by parents. 

Proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

On this week’s Netmums podcast, Louise Burke and JB Gill are joined by olympic gold medallist and mum of three, Rebecca Adlington, for a very honest conversation about parenting, baby loss and learning to keep going.

Rebecca talks openly about experiencing two miscarriages, the counselling that helped her and her husband through it, and the anxiety that can come with expecting a rainbow baby. She also shares the small things that helped her family cope – including giving her bump a nickname, ‘jellytot’, so the whole family could bond with the baby.

Alongside the emotional side of parenting, Rebecca also explains why learning to swim is a life skill, not just a sport – and why she believes three to five years old is the ideal age for children to start proper swimming lessons.

The episode also covers the real challenges parents face around swimming – from nervous children and reluctant swimmers, to the moment many girls start to feel self-conscious about their bodies in swimwear as they get older.

In this episode we talk about:
• pregnancy after loss and the reality of a rainbow baby
• how partners can support mums through miscarriage and grief
• why counselling helped Rebecca and her husband process loss
• the importance of teaching children to swim
• the best age to start swimming lessons for kids
• helping children build confidence in the water
• when body image can start to affect girls and swimming

This episode of The Netmums Podcast is brought to you by Aldi Mamia.

Read more expert help on Netmums.com and join the conversation on socials @Netmums.

JB and Louise also want to hear your parenting stories, questions and dilemmas! So please share them with us at [email protected] and we can bring you into the conversations that matter on The Netmums Podcast.

This podcast is brought to you by Netmums: backed by experts, trusted by parents. 

Proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

This week on The Netmums Podcast, JB and Louise are joined by the most dynamic mother-daughter duo on TV, The Traitors stars Roxy and Judy Wilson. They share their remarkable journey from adoption to motherhood; Roxy opens up about her experiences growing up in foster care and how her relationship with Judy has shaped her life.
With Roxy expecting her first child and Judy preparing to be a grandmother for the twelfth time, the conversation covers the joys and challenges of parenting, the importance of stability, and the unconditional love that defines their bond.

In this episode:
- Roxy reflects on her childhood and the impact of being adopted by Judy.
- Insights into the nurturing environment that Judy created for Roxy and her siblings.
- The emotional journey of becoming a mother.
- A frank discussion about fostering, adoption, and the need for more foster carers in the UK.
- Tips for new parents navigating the early days of parenthood.

This episode of The Netmums Podcast is brought to you by Aldi Mamia.

Read more expert help on Netmums.com and join the conversation on socials @Netmums.

JB and Louise also want to hear your parenting stories, questions and dilemmas! So please share them with us at [email protected] and we can bring you into the conversations that matter on The Netmums Podcast.

This podcast is brought to you by Netmums: backed by experts, trusted by parents. 

Proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative