The Netmums Podcast

In this episode of The Netmums Podcast, Wendy Golledge and Alison Perry welcome Sara Davies MBE, renowned for her role on Dragon's Den and her new BBC series, The Big Idea Works. Sara shares her parenting journey, navigating business and parenting life with two energetic boys.

Sara offers her insights around the challenges of letting go as a fellow parent, reflecting particularly the differences between older and younger siblings.

The chat delves into:
- Entrepreneurial spirit: Sara's youngest son is already showing signs of business acumen with his plans for a YouTube channel.
- Imposter syndrome: Sara opens up about her own experiences with self-doubt and how she learned to embrace her achievements and authenticity.
- Luxury vs budget camping holidays: Sara discusses her philosophy on travel and the importance of instilling values in her children through experiences rather than luxury.
- Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: Sara provides valuable tips for parents with innovative ideas…


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 chat with Oritse Williams from JLS about his wild ride into fatherhood. Oritse spills the beans on the highs of baby Shiva and the lows of sleepless nights and nappy disasters.

He gets real about the tough times, including the heartbreak of two miscarriages, and how keeping his wife’s pregnancy under wraps was a protective move for their mental health.

Oritse also dives into the tricky topic of dads showing their feelings, sharing how it’s helped his bond with his wife and how society can make it tough for blokes to talk about their emotions.

Stay connected with Netmums for more parenting tips, community support, engaging content: Website: netmums.com / Instagram: @netmums 
Proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

Netmums hosts Wendy Golledge and Alison Perry join smartphone-free campaigners Daisy Greenwell and Joe Ryrie to discuss whether a smartphone free childhood is the right approach for our children today.

Daisy and Joe started the Smartphone Free Childhood campaign in February 2024, after one Whatsapp message went viral and later grew into a movement with over 200,000 members! They talk about their journey from being concerned parents to leading a national campaign, tackling the challenges and pressures of smartphones and social media on children. 

The chat covers the risks of kids having unrestricted smartphone access such as exposure to harmful content and social media addiction. They also discuss the balance between enjoying tech benefits and keeping kids safe online. 

You'll hear about the importance of parents working together, tech companies' roles, and the need for rules to ensure kids have age-appropriate tech access. If you're a parent struggling with setting smartphone boundaries, this episode offers practical advice for healthier digital habits and encouraging real-world engagement. 

Daisy and Joe also share their ideas of smartphone alternatives that keep kids safe and connected without the risks. 

If you’d like to learn more about their campaign or sign the Smartphone Free Childhood Parent Pact, check out their website for resources and connect with local WhatsApp groups to meet like-minded parents:
https://smartphonefreechildhood.co.uk/ 

Stay connected with Netmums for more parenting tips, community support, engaging content: Website: netmums.com / Instagram: @netmums 
Series 15 of the Netmums Podcast is produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

In this episode of The Netmums Podcast, we welcome Charlie Brooks, best known for her iconic role as Janine Butcher in the BBC soap EastEnders. Charlie opens up about her parenting journey and the challenges of raising a daughter in today’s world.

The conversation dives deep into the complexities of modern parenting, touching on themes of independence, self-identity, and the ever-present mum guilt. Charlie shares her insights on:

- Parenting styles: Charlie discusses the pros and cons of being a ‘fixer’ or allowing her daughter to navigate her own challenges.

- Teenage years: Charlie reflects on the difficulties of connecting with her daughter during her teenage years and how their relationship has evolved as she has grown older.

- Body image and self-acceptance: The discussion tackles the pressures of body image, both personally and as a parent, and how Charlie is learning to navigate these conversations with her daughter.

- Career and creativity: As a successful actress and the founder of iampro, a support network for actors, Charlie shares how she encourages her daughter to pursue her passions in acting and film.

- Dancing on Ice: Get the inside scoop on Charlie’s experience competing in this year’s series and how it has challenged her both physically and mentally.

Charlie’s candid reflections on motherhood, identity, and the importance of self-care are sure to resonate with parents everywhere. Don’t miss this heartfelt and inspiring episode!

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

Series 15 of the Netmums Podcast is produced by Buckers at Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

Peter Andre is back at Netmums HQ! Join Wendy Golledge and Alison Perry for a catch-up with returning guest,Peter Andre, to talk all things family life, parenthood, and life in the spotlight.

The much-loved singer, actor, and TV personality, opens up about his journey as a dad to five children – from parenting baby Arabella to his teenagers. Peter is as candid as ever – this is a brilliant listen!

He talks:

Fatherhood at 50: Peter shares how his perspective on parenting has evolved, the unexpected joys of nappy-changing for the fifth time round and how he stays present for his kids.

The power of partnership: Peter talks about supporting his wife, Dr. Emily, especially around mental health, and how they work together as a team to raise their family.

Navigating the teen years: From teenage hobbies to setting boundaries, Peter discusses his approach to being a dad who’s both supportive and relatable.

Balancing career and family: Currently touring with The Best of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Peter gives us a glimpse behind the scenes of his performances and how he keeps his family close even when he’s on the road.

The importance of communication: Peter shares his thoughts on staying open and connected with his kids, building trust while allowing them the space to grow.

You can catch Peter on stage in The Best of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons performing timeless hits and bringing the legendary music to life.

Stay connected with Netmums for more parenting tips, community support and expert advice.
Website: netmums.com / Netmums socials: @netmums / Facebook / TikTok / X 

Proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

Welcome to a new series of The Netmums Podcast with Wendy Golledge and Alison Perry! To kick off Series 15, we're diving headfirst into the world of body confidence, diet culture, and New Year's resolutions with the inspiring Laura Adlington and Lottie Drynan. Known for their advocacy in self-esteem and body positivity through their social platforms, podcast and live shows, these ladies are here to challenge the norms and celebrate every body type.

Laura and Lottie share their personal journeys towards body acceptance, highlighting the impact of diet culture and the importance of being kind to oneself. Laura opens up about her life-changing decision to cancel bariatric surgery and embrace her body, while Lottie talks about overcoming disordered eating and IBS.

The conversation delves into the societal pressures women face, the billion-dollar diet industry, and the importance of questioning why we feel the need to change our bodies. Our guests share their insights on how to navigate the balance between health and self-acceptance, and the role social media plays in shaping our perceptions.

Laura and Lottie also discuss their upcoming show, Same Teresa, Different Bodies at the London Palladium, promising an empowering and uplifting experience that celebrates fashion and body confidence.

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

Series 15 of the Netmums Podcast is produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

In this episode of The Netmums Podcast, Wendy Golledge and Alison Perry are joined by early years expert Jenny Shaw from Busy Bees Nurseries. They talk about the challenges and joys of choosing the right childcare, and how Busy Bees' new “Bee Curious” curriculum is setting children up for success through playful learning.

Jenny shares her insights from over 25 years in early years education, discussing the importance of trust between parents and educators, and how nurseries like Busy Bees focus on both care and education. They chat about the overwhelming feelings parents face when selecting childcare, the benefits of nursery education over pre-school, and how to prepare children (and parents) for the transition to nursery life.

The conversation also explores the daily activities at Busy Bees, from singing and storytelling to outdoor play, and how these contribute to a child's development. Jenny provides practical tips for parents on supporting their child's learning at home without adding to the 'to-do' list, emphasising the importance of communication, language, and vocabulary development.

Busy Bees new “Bee Curious” curriculum is designed to give children a head start in life, setting them up to succeed.

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

Series 14 of the Netmums Podcast is produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

Wendy and Alison sit down with the multi-talented Oti Mabuse. Known for her dazzling performances on Strictly Come Dancing and her role as a judge on Dancing on Ice, Oti opens up about her journey into motherhood, her experiences with a premature birth, and how she's balancing family life with her flourishing career.
Oti shares the story of her daughter's early arrival and the unexpected challenges her family faced during those initial weeks in the neonatal unit. She talks about the support she received from the NHS, the importance of skin-to-skin bonding, and the delicate balance of caring for a premature baby.
Oti reflects on her active pregnancy and the societal pressures on women to return to their pre-pregnancy bodies, and how she's embracing her new role as a mother.

Oti also touches on her excitement about her upcoming romance novel, set to be released in 2025, and the importance of representation of black women in literature. 

Stay connected with Netmums for more parenting tips, community support, and engaging content: Website: netmums.com / Netmums socials: @netmums / Facebook / TikTok / X

Series 14 of the Netmums Podcast is produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

Join Wendy Golledge and Alison Perry on The Netmums Podcast for a chat with Charlene White. You might know her as an ITV News presenter and Loose Women host, but today she's dishing out her thoughts on parenting, cultural identity, and handling the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Charlene talks about the ups and downs of raising her two children, alongside a busy career. She opens up about her Caribbean roots and how they shape her parenting style, with a focus on good manners, discipline, and keeping cultural traditions alive.

The chat gets real about the pressures of being the 'perfect' parent and why it's more important to focus on what truly counts in family life. Charlene shares her candid take on the unrealistic expectations parents face and why happiness and health should top the list over chasing perfection.

Charlene gives us an insight into her new book, "No Place Like Home," diving into what 'home' means through her own experiences and others' stories.

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

Series 14 of the Netmums Podcast is produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

Welcome to another episode of The Netmums Podcast with your hosts, Wendy Golledge and Alison Perry. This week, we have an incredible guest who needs no introduction – the one and only Katie Price. Join us as we catch up with Katie about her life over the past three years, her journey with adult ADHD diagnosis, and her experiences as a mother to five children.

Katie opens up about the changes in the entertainment industry over the last 30 years, reflecting on her career from the early days of magazine covers to the current era of social media influencers. She discusses the challenges and rewards of raising her eldest son, Harvey, as a single parent, and the unique dynamics of parenting children with complex needs.

Katie talks about her recent ADHD diagnosis and how it has helped her understand and manage her impulsive behaviour. She shares her experience with IVF, her desire to have more children, and the importance of maintaining a healthy relationship with her partner, JJ.

Katie touches on the impact of media scrutiny on her life and offers advice to newspaper editors on responsible journalism. She also reflects on the lessons she's learned from her past relationships and the importance of teaching her children about healthy relationships.

From discussing her new book, "This is Me," to her future plans and aspirations, this episode is packed with honest and inspiring moments that you won't want to miss.

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

Series 14 of the Netmums Podcast is produced by Decibelle Creative