The Netmums Podcast

In the final episode of our teen skincare special in partnership with Purifide, by the makers of Acnecide, Netmums host Wendy Golledge tackles the dreaded “why now?!” breakout – those spots with perfect timing to appear right before prom, birthdays, or big family events.

Joined by mum Sarah, her daughter Phoenix, and Consultant Dermatologist Dr. Alia Ahmed from Purifide, we share real-life stories, expert advice, and quick fixes for calming flare-ups without panic or last-minute product scrambles. From spot patches with powerful ingredients to confidence-boosting strategies, this is your go-to guide for those skin emergencies.

In this episode, we cover:

Whether your teen’s prepping for prom or simply wants to feel confident in their own skin, this episode is packed with reassurance, expert tips, and real-life perspective.

Clear Conversations: Navigating Teen Acne with Phoenix and Dr. Alia

In episode two of our special Netmums mini-series on teen skin, host Wendy Golledge chats with mum Sarah and her teenage daughter Phoenix, alongside Consultant Dermatologist Dr. Alia Ahmed from Purifide (by the makers of Acnecide). Together, they share honest, real-world insights into managing blemish-prone skin – without turning the bathroom into a battleground.

Phoenix reveals how she’s built a skincare routine that works for her (even after a late night), Sarah opens up about supporting her without nagging, and Dr. Alia breaks down the essential steps for healthy, spot-prone skin – all with a myth-busting, practical approach.

In this episode, we cover:

Skincare battles – how to reduce conflict over products and routines at home

Daily routines that work – Phoenix’s consistency tips for clearer skin

Expert steps – the importance of a strong routine: cleanse, treat, moisturise (and protect with SPF!)

Myth-busting – why toothpaste and certain “miracle” cures can make things worse

Parent pointers – motivating teens without sounding like a drill sergeant

Boys skincare – why it matters just as much and how to get them on board

Whether your teen is a skincare enthusiast or needs a little nudge, this episode offers expert advice, practical tips, and reassurance that clear skin is about finding what works – not chasing perfection.

In this first episode of three Clear Conversations – a brand-new Netmums mini-series in partnership with Acnecide+Purifide – host Wendy Golledge dives into the emotional and often overwhelming world of teen skin.

Teen guest Phoenix opens up about the sudden onset of breakouts, her skincare trial-and-error journey, and how it affected her confidence, while her mum, Sarah, shares what it’s like to support your child through it all.

Joining the conversation is  Consultant Dermatologist and psychodermatology expert, Dr Alia Ahmed, who brings clarity with science-backed advice, myth-busting truths, and practical steps parents and teens can take to build healthier skin  – and self-esteem.

Whether you're a parent trying to help your teen or a young person navigating blemish-prone skin, this honest and supportive chat is packed with insight, empathy, and empowering tips.

Topics include:

This episode of The Netmums Podcast features broadcaster, journalist and debut novelist Steph McGovern. Join Wendy and Alison for a chat about motherhood, family life, and finding balance between career and parenting. Steph shares her insights on keeping her daughter’s life private, being a same-sex parent, and how her experience of broadcasting during lockdown helped shape her debut thriller Deadline.

Key topics include:
Parenting Privacy: Steph explains why she’s chosen not to share photos or details of her daughter publicly — and the importance of letting kids grow up without the scrutiny of fame.

Same-Sex Parenting: Stories, funny anecdotes and Steph’s thoughts on how attitudes have shifted, including a moving moment of unexpected kindness from strangers.

Parenting Style: Steph talks about good cop/bad cop dynamics, teaching independence, and balancing encouragement with the perils of ‘over-correcting’

Money Matters: As host of The Rest Is Money, Steph shares practical advice on budgeting, earning points, and how to teach kids about money — even in a tap-and-go world.

Her Debut Novel, Deadline: Hear how Steph turned lockdown hours into a murder mystery, set in a money-printing factory and inspired by her days on BBC Breakfast.

Magic Breakfast Campaign: Steph supports Magic Radio’s Fuel for Success campaign, providing schoolchildren with the food they need to start the day right.

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 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