This episode of the Real Life. Real Kitchen podcast delves into the quiet & painful issue of loneliness experienced by mothers, particularly new mamas. Vanessa Coultas, Parenting Coach and host, Zoë F. Willis, discuss the societal changes that contribute to this loneliness, such as the shift from work to motherhood and the lack of community support.

We explore the importance of social connections, the challenges faced by introverts, and the need for mothers to actively create support networks. The discussion emphasizes that loneliness is a common experience and encourages mothers to take small steps towards building connections and seeking support.

Welcome to the Real Life. Real Kitchen Podcast with your host, Zoë F. Willis, English mother-of-many, Mum Mentor, and your host at this weekly gathering of real talk, real food, and real family life.

Each week I sit down with someone whose work nourishes minds, bodies, or communities. From the kitchen table to the wider world, these are the quiet voices making a loud difference.

Vanessa brings over a decade of dedicated experience to the profound task of guiding individuals in reshaping their lives with a specific focus on parenting.

​Commencing with a degree in Psychology, her professional journey has evolved to encompass qualifications in Life Coaching, Solution-Based Counselling, and Neuro-Linguistic Programming and Hypnosis.

Despite the broadening of her expertise, psychology - with a specific emphasis on understanding human behavior - remains her central passion, which she uses to help families in their parenting.

• Website: https://www.lifementoringnz.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifementoring_
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/energisingmums
• Podcast: Chaos, Courage & Coffee https://open.spotify.com/show/784MVlm8skiUcTTH6Vb8tE

📝 Command the Chaos – The Mum Life Management Planner

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Takeaways:

• The podcast highlighted the pervasive issue of loneliness experienced by mothers, particularly during early motherhood.
• Vanessa emphasised the importance of creating a supportive community to combat loneliness effectively.
• Listeners were encouraged to seek connections with other mothers through groups and regular social interactions.
• The hosts discussed the significance of recognizing loneliness as a normal experience, rather than a personal failing.
• Practical suggestions were offered for mothers to maintain social connections, even amidst busy schedules.
• The conversation underscored that small steps towards building relationships can mitigate feelings of isolation.

In this episode of the Real Life Real Kitchen podcast, Zoe Willis engages in a profound conversation with Deb Smallwood, a trailblazing executive and advocate for women's empowerment. Deb shares her insights from a 46-year career, focusing on the non-linear paths women and importantly, mothers, often take in their careers, the importance of financial independence, and the common struggles of self-doubt among women in leadership roles.

The discussion also touches on the differences in how men and women process experiences and the necessity of support and vulnerability in both personal and professional lives.

Deb emphasizes the importance of knowing oneself, accepting one's identity beyond roles, and making conscious choices to navigate life's challenges. The episode concludes with reflections on finding joy and acceptance in difficult situations, reinforcing the message that empowerment comes from within and that we all have the power to shape our narratives.

Welcome to the Real Life. Real Kitchen Podcast with your host, Zoë F. Willis, English mother-of-many, Mum Mentor, and your host at this weekly gathering of real talk, real food, and real family life.

Each week I sit down with someone whose work nourishes minds, bodies, or communities. From the kitchen table to the wider world, these are the quiet voices making a loud difference.

Deb Smallwood spent four decades rising through corporate leadership into C-suite roles—often with exhaustion, anxiety, and the need to constantly prove her worth. Her inner shift led her to research the experiences of more than fifty high-achieving women leaders and inspired her book SelfPowerment: The Inner Shift for High Achieving Women Who Want More Than Just Success and the research-informed framework that redefines success from within and invite women to shift the question from “Will they choose me?” to “Do I choose them?”

• Website: www.selfpowerment.com
• Buy Her Book: https://amzn.to/4cBny9P
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deb.smallwood.94
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deb-smallwood/

📝 Command the Chaos – The Mum Life Management Planner

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💌 Join The Kitchen Correspondence – my weekly newsletter with episodes, reflections & family food wisdom

https://realliferealkitchen.myflodesk.com/socials

☕ Support the Show – help keep the kettle on and the podcast going

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If this episode made you nod, laugh, or breathe a little deeper then please:

• Follow or subscribe to the show
• Leave a short review (it really helps!)
• Share this episode with a fellow mum who might be quietly asking the same questions

All the links are here ⬇️! Come say hello.

• 🥰 https://realliferealkitchen.myflodesk.com/socials

Takeaways:

• Deb Smallwood, a renowned advocate for women's empowerment, shares invaluable insights from her extensive career.
• The podcast emphasizes the importance of financial independence for women to enhance their life choices.
• Listeners learn that self-doubt is a common struggle among successful women in leadership roles.
• The discussion highlights the necessity of personal accountability in managing one's emotions and life direction.
• Deb's upcoming book, Of Self Powerment, aims to assist women in discovering their true purpose and identity.
• The conversation reveals that both men and women face unique challenges in their professional journeys.

In this episode of the Real Life. Real Kitchen Podcast , we explore the complexities of caring for the elderly, effective communication in medicine, and the ethical debates surrounding assisted dying.

Dr. Cajetan Skowronski shares his expertise as a doctor working in geriatric medicine, stroke and palliative care, on how medical practitioners can better serve older populations and why understanding death is as vital as understanding life.

Welcome to the Real Life. Real Kitchen Podcast with your host, Zoë F. Willis, English mother-of-many, Mum Mentor, and your host at this weekly gathering of real talk, real food, and real family life.

Each week I sit down with someone whose work nourishes minds, bodies, or communities. From the kitchen table to the wider world, these are the quiet voices making a loud difference.

Hospital medicine doctor working in geriatric medicine, stroke and palliative care. Father of four.

1. X: https://x.com/TradSkowronski

📝 Command the Chaos – The Mum Life Management Planner

https://shorturl.at/bbzm7

💌 Join The Kitchen Correspondence – my weekly newsletter with episodes, reflections & family food wisdom

https://realliferealkitchen.myflodesk.com/socials

☕ Support the Show – help keep the kettle on and the podcast going

https://the-real-life-real-kitchen.captivate.fm/support

If this episode made you nod, laugh, or breathe a little deeper then please:

1. Follow or subscribe to the show
2. Leave a short review (it really helps!)
3. Share this episode with a fellow mum who might be quietly asking the same questions

All the links are here ⬇️! Come say hello.

1. 🥰 https://realliferealkitchen.myflodesk.com/socials

Takeaways:

1. The podcast delves into the complexities of geriatric care and its implications for families.
2. Geriatric medicine emphasizes a holistic approach focusing on the entire person and family dynamics.
3. The discussion highlights the importance of communication between medical professionals and families in healthcare settings.
4. Listeners are encouraged to foster multigenerational living arrangements for better familial support and care.
5. The podcast addresses the societal debate on assisted dying and its ethical implications within medicine.
6. It underscores the gradual process of dying and the role of palliative care in ensuring comfort.

In this episode of the Real Life Real Kitchen podcast, host Zoe Willis speaks with natural health expert Naomi Murray of Botanica Health about her journey into herbal medicine, the importance of natural remedies, and the role of family meals in promoting health. They discuss various topics including the benefits of garlic, apple cider vinegar, and cooking from scratch, eating together as a family, as well as practical tips for parents to improve their children's health and well-being.

Welcome to the Real Life. Real Kitchen Podcast with your host, Zoë F. Willis, English mother-of-many, Mum Mentor, and your host at this weekly gathering of real talk, real food, and real family life.

Each week I sit down with someone whose work nourishes minds, bodies, or communities. From the kitchen table to the wider world, these are the quiet voices making a loud difference.

Natural health expert with over 30 years experience and owner of Botanica Health.

1. Website: https://botanicahealth.co.uk/
2. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/botanica_health
3. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/botanicahealth.co.uk/?locale=en_GB
4. Other: https://www.youtube.com/@botanicahealth26

📝 Command the Chaos – The Mum Life Management Planner

https://shorturl.at/bbzm7

💌 Join The Kitchen Correspondence – my weekly newsletter with episodes, reflections & family food wisdom

https://realliferealkitchen.myflodesk.com/socials

☕ Support the Show – help keep the kettle on and the podcast going

https://the-real-life-real-kitchen.captivate.fm/support

If this episode made you nod, laugh, or breathe a little deeper then please:

1. Follow or subscribe to the show
2. Leave a short review (it really helps!)
3. Share this episode with a fellow mum who might be quietly asking the same questions

All the links are here ⬇️! Come say hello.

1. 🥰 https://realliferealkitchen.myflodesk.com/socials

1. Naomi's journey into herbal medicine began with her father's love for plants.
2. Garlic is a powerful natural remedy with antibacterial properties.
3. Apple cider vinegar can aid digestion and has various health benefits.
4. Cooking from scratch is essential for better health and digestion.
5. Family meals are crucial for bonding and improving health.
6. Children should be allowed to play outside and get dirty to build immunity.
7. A peaceful bedtime routine is important for children's health.
8. Elderberry syrup can help with fevers and boost immunity.
9. Simple dietary changes can significantly impact children's behavior and health.
10. Natural remedies can be effective alternatives to conventional medicine.

In this week's episode, Dr. Ben Smith, a pediatric physiotherapist, shares his journey into pediatric physiotherapy, the importance of understanding pain in children, and practical strategies for parents to support their children's development and well-being.

Welcome to the Real Life. Real Kitchen Podcast with your host, Zoë F. Willis, English mother-of-many, Mum Mentor, and your host at this weekly gathering of real talk, real food, and real family life.

Each week I sit down with someone whose work nourishes minds, bodies, or communities. From the kitchen table to the wider world, these are the quiet voices making a loud difference.

1. Here! https://realliferealkitchen.myflodesk.com/guidetochildspain

📝 Command the Chaos – The Mum Life Management Planner

https://shorturl.at/bbzm7

💌 Join The Kitchen Correspondence – my weekly newsletter with episodes, reflections & family food wisdom

https://realliferealkitchen.myflodesk.com/socials

☕ Support the Show – help keep the kettle on and the podcast going

https://the-real-life-real-kitchen.captivate.fm/support

If this episode made you nod, laugh, or breathe a little deeper then please:

1. Follow or subscribe to the show
2. Leave a short review (it really helps!)
3. Share this episode with a fellow mum who might be quietly asking the same questions

All the links are here ⬇️! Come say hello.

1. 🥰 https://realliferealkitchen.myflodesk.com/socials

Dr. Ben Smith's journey into pediatric physiotherapy

Understanding pain in children and the brain's role

Developmental milestones and birth trauma

Differences between physiotherapy, osteopathy, and chiropractic care

Practical developmental games for children

Cultural influences on pain perception and response

The impact of birth experiences on movement and health

Strategies for parents to support their child's development and pain management

In a candid conversation, Zoe Willis and Sarah Woodward dissect the often-painful realities of divorce, offering listeners insights into the emotional and logistical complexities that arise.

They emphasize the significance of adopting a growth mindset, which allows individuals to find silver linings amidst their struggles. Sarah, drawing from her own experiences as a divorcee and as a coach, highlights how the journey through divorce mirrors the grieving process, marked by stages of denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and ultimately acceptance.

The chat also sheds light on the rising phenomenon of grey divorce, where individuals in their later years reevaluate their marriages. Importantly, the episode underscores the impact of divorce on children, urging parents to adopt a child-centric perspective in their decisions.

This episode serves not only as a guide for those currently navigating divorce but also as a preventative measure for couples seeking to fortify their relationships before reaching a breaking point.

Welcome to the Real Life. Real Kitchen Podcast with your host, Zoë F. Willis, English mother-of-many, Mum Mentor, and your host at this weekly gathering of real talk, real food, and real family life.

Sarah is a qualified coach and an accredited Breakup and Divorce Coach, working with clients at every stage of the divorce process - whether they’re questioning their relationship, in the middle of a breakup and struggling to cope, or already out the other side but unsure how to move forward with their life.

With a background in senior corporate roles in finance and now years of experience coaching clients one-to-one, she offers practical tools and straightforward support to help people manage overwhelm, reduce stress, and start to rebuild their confidence, so that they can thrive after their divorce.

She works closely with family lawyers and complements that process by helping her clients stay focused, make clearer decisions, and feel more in control of their next steps. She’s here to help you fast track through the process and make it the best thing that’s happened to you… even if that feels impossible right now.

1. Website: https://sarah-woodward.com
2. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahwoodward_divorcecoach
3. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahwoodwarddivorcecoach
4. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahwoodward2/

📝 Command the Chaos – The Mum Life Management Planner

https://shorturl.at/bbzm7

💌 Join The Kitchen Correspondence – my weekly newsletter with episodes, reflections & family food wisdom

https://realliferealkitchen.myflodesk.com/socials

☕ Support the Show – help keep the kettle on and the podcast going

https://the-real-life-real-kitchen.captivate.fm/support

If this episode made you nod, laugh, or breathe a little deeper then please:

1. Follow or subscribe to the show
2. Leave a short review (it really helps!)
3. Share this episode with a fellow mum who might be quietly asking the same questions

All the links are here ⬇️! Come say hello.

1. 🥰 https://realliferealkitchen.myflodesk.com/socials

Takeaways:

1. Divorce is a complex emotional and practical challenge, often requiring a growth mindset to navigate effectively.
2. The communication between partners is paramount; open discussions can prevent misunderstandings and emotional disconnection.
3. The trend of grey divorce illustrates the shifting dynamics of marriage, especially among those over 50 seeking independence.
4. Divorce affects children significantly; thus, maintaining a collaborative approach between parents is essential for their emotional well-being.
5. Therapy focuses on past issues while coaching emphasizes future solutions, highlighting the different roles each plays in personal development.
6. Recognizing contributions beyond financial roles in a marriage is crucial for understanding and achieving equitable resolutions during divorce proceedings.

In this episode of the Real Life Real Kitchen podcast, Zoe Willis speaks with financial literacy coach Nicole Mitchell about the intersection of motherhood and money. Nicole shares her personal journey from being in debt to becoming a financial coach, emphasizing the importance of mindset over math in managing finances. They discuss the challenges of financial education, the impact of social media on spending habits, and the significance of creating a balanced spending plan. Nicole also highlights the need for financial literacy among teenagers and college students, offering insights into how parents can foster a positive money mindset in their children.

Welcome to the Real Life. Real Kitchen Podcast with your host, Zoë F. Willis, English mother-of-many, Mum Mentor, and your host at this weekly gathering of real talk, real food, and real family life.

Nicole is a financial literacy coach who teaches all the real life money skills we should have learned in school.

1. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/create.wealthy.futures
2. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wealthypersonalfinancegirls

📝 Command the Chaos – The Mum Life Management Planner

https://shorturl.at/bbzm7

💌 Join The Kitchen Correspondence – my weekly newsletter with episodes, reflections & family food wisdom

https://realliferealkitchen.myflodesk.com/socials

☕ Support the Show – help keep the kettle on and the podcast going

https://the-real-life-real-kitchen.captivate.fm/support

If this episode made you nod, laugh, or breathe a little deeper then please:

1. Follow or subscribe to the show
2. Leave a short review (it really helps!)
3. Share this episode with a fellow mum who might be quietly asking the same questions

All the links are here ⬇️! Come say hello.

1. 🥰 https://realliferealkitchen.myflodesk.com/socials

Mindset is crucial in managing finances, often more than the math itself.

Frugality and conscious spending can lead to financial freedom.

Social media can create unrealistic financial expectations and comparisons.

Creating a spending plan allows for both saving and enjoyment of money.

Financial education is lacking in schools, leading to cycles of poor money management.

Different coaching styles can appeal to various demographics in financial literacy.

Teaching teens about money should be relatable to their experiences.

Empowering young adults with financial knowledge can lead to better decision-making.

Creativity in finding ways to earn money is essential for financial independence.

Parents should reflect on their own money beliefs to positively influence their children.

In this episode of the Real Life Real Kitchen podcast, host Zoe Willis engages with freelance journalist Kerry Parnell, who shares her insights into the British royal family. They discuss the evolution of royal public perception, the pressures and responsibilities faced by royals, and the impact of media on their lives. Kerry reflects on her journey into royal commentary, the historical context of royal family dynamics, and the parenting styles within the royal family. The conversation also touches on the legacy of primogeniture and the unique challenges that modern royals face, concluding with valuable takeaways for listeners.

Welcome to the Real Life. Real Kitchen Podcast with your host, Zoë F. Willis, English mother-of-many, Mum Mentor, and your host at this weekly gathering of real talk, real food, and real family life.

Kerry is a freelance journalist who writes for UK, Australian and US newspapers and magazines, covering all things royal, as well as travel and lifestyle writing. She is co-editor of The Royal List newsletter on Substack and The British Travel List.

1. Website: https://theroyallist.substack.com/
2. Website: https://thebritishtravellist.substack.com/
3. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_royallist
4. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theroyallistnews/
5. Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SecretsoftheRoyals
6. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerry-parnell-a611b537/?originalSubdomain=uk

📝 Command the Chaos – The Mum Life Management Planner

https://shorturl.at/bbzm7

💌 Join The Kitchen Correspondence – my weekly newsletter with episodes, reflections & family food wisdom

https://realliferealkitchen.myflodesk.com/socials

☕ Support the Show – help keep the kettle on and the podcast going

https://the-real-life-real-kitchen.captivate.fm/support

If this episode made you nod, laugh, or breathe a little deeper then please:

1. Follow or subscribe to the show
2. Leave a short review (it really helps!)
3. Share this episode with a fellow mum who might be quietly asking the same questions

All the links are here ⬇️! Come say hello.

1. 🥰 https://realliferealkitchen.myflodesk.com/socials

1. Kerry Parnell transitioned from lifestyle journalism to royal commentary.
2. The Queen's unexpected ascension to the throne shaped her reign.
3. Television changed the public's perception of the royal family.
4. Royals live under immense public scrutiny and pressure.
5. The concept of legacy is crucial in royal families.
6. Parenting styles in the royal family have evolved over time.
7. Diana's parenting approach was significantly different from previous royals.
8. Historical context is essential to understanding royal dynamics.
9. Media has transformed the way royals manage their public image.
10. The royal family faces modern challenges that require adaptation.

In this episode of the Real Life Real Kitchen podcast, Zoë F. Willis speaks with Angela Iacobellis, a life insurance agent and family financial planner. They discuss the importance of financial planning for families, particularly for new moms, and how to engage them in conversations about financial security. Angela shares her personal journey into financial planning, the significance of life insurance, and the need for regular financial reviews. They also touch on the evolving landscape of education and career paths for children, the importance of legacy and charitable giving, and how to balance family financial goals with budgeting.

Welcome to the Real Life. Real Kitchen Podcast with your host, Zoë F. Willis, English mother-of-many, Mum Mentor, and your host at this weekly gathering of real talk, real food, and real family life.

Angela Iacobellis is an independent life insurance and retirement strategist who helps young families use smart, tax-efficient strategies to build wealth, protect income, and plan for retirement and college—often with tax-free money. After her father’s unexpected passing, Angela saw how quickly financial decisions can shape a family’s future, particularly when it comes to retirement. That experience fuels her commitment to helping families put strong plans in place before life forces their hand. With over a decade in financial services, she’s known for straight talk, thoughtful strategy, and zero cookie-cutter solutions. She serves on the boards of WIFS–Los Angeles and the Giving From the Heart Foundation, and regularly hosts educational workshops focused on practical, real-life money decisions for growing families. When she’s not working with clients, you’ll find her lifting weights, reading, or grilling a good steak—preferably with a gin martini (no olives).

1. Website: https://www.angelaiacobellis.com/
2. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angela4homes/
3. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela4homes/

📝 Command the Chaos – The Mum Life Management Planner

https://shorturl.at/bbzm7

💌 Join The Kitchen Correspondence – my weekly newsletter with episodes, reflections & family food wisdom

https://realliferealkitchen.myflodesk.com/socials

☕ Support the Show – help keep the kettle on and the podcast going

https://the-real-life-real-kitchen.captivate.fm/support

If this episode made you nod, laugh, or breathe a little deeper then please:

1. Follow or subscribe to the show
2. Leave a short review (it really helps!)
3. Share this episode with a fellow mum who might be quietly asking the same questions

All the links are here ⬇️! Come say hello.

1. 🥰 https://realliferealkitchen.myflodesk.com/socials

Financial planning is crucial for families, especially new parents.

Life insurance can provide financial security for families.

Engaging young families in financial planning can start as early as preschool.

It's important to regularly review and adjust financial plans as family circumstances change.

Mothers play a vital role in financial planning and should be valued accordingly.

Budgeting should prioritize saving for the future before paying bills.

Balancing financial goals requires compromise between family members.

Education should not be limited to traditional paths; flexibility is key.

Legacy planning and charitable giving are important aspects of financial planning.

Financial planning can provide freedom and options for families.

In this episode of the Real Life. Real Kitchen. podcast, host Zoe Willis speaks with wealth mindset and self-leadership coach Kayleigh Provins about the intricate relationship between money, family dynamics, and personal beliefs. They explore how societal norms and gender roles shape our perceptions of money, the importance of communication in financial discussions, and practical tips for fostering a positive money mindset. Kayleigh shares her journey into wealth coaching and emphasizes the need for gratitude in financial interactions, while also addressing the emotional aspects of money management.

Welcome to the Real Life. Real Kitchen Podcast with your host, Zoë F. Willis, English mother-of-many, Mum Mentor, and your host at this weekly gathering of real talk, real food, and real family life.

I help established female business owners reconnect with who they really are beneath the pressure, release the emotional and mindset blocks keeping them stuck, and lead their business from a place of deep self-trust and alignment.

My mission is simple: To empower women in business to create a life where success feels natural, decisions are led by self-trust, and abundance flows in all forms. I believe true wealth isn’t something you achieve, it’s something you are. It’s about living in alignment with your values, desires, and inner power.

1. Website: https://kayleighprovins.com/
2. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayleighprovins_
3. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleighprovins/
4. Podcast The Wealthiest You: https://shorturl.at/vbaJp

📝 Command the Chaos – The Mum Life Management Planner

https://shorturl.at/bbzm7

💌 Join The Kitchen Correspondence – my weekly newsletter with episodes, reflections & family food wisdom

https://realliferealkitchen.myflodesk.com/socials

☕ Support the Show – help keep the kettle on and the podcast going

https://the-real-life-real-kitchen.captivate.fm/support

If this episode made you nod, laugh, or breathe a little deeper then please:

1. Follow or subscribe to the show
2. Leave a short review (it really helps!)
3. Share this episode with a fellow mum who might be quietly asking the same questions

All the links are here ⬇️! Come say hello.

1. 🥰 https://realliferealkitchen.myflodesk.com/socials

Takeaways:

1. Kayleigh Provin emphasizes that true wealth is not merely a financial achievement, but rather an intrinsic state of being that aligns with one's values and desires.
2. Understanding the emotional roots of financial behavior is crucial, as many women's fears around money stem from historical societal structures that limit autonomy.
3. The conversation around money within families must shift from mere numerical assessments to deeper discussions about values, desires, and emotional experiences.
4. A significant barrier to financial confidence among women is the pervasive belief that they are not capable or knowledgeable enough to manage finances effectively.
5. To foster a healthy relationship with money, one must cultivate gratitude for financial resources rather than viewing them solely as burdens or responsibilities.
6. Regular and open communication about finances, grounded in understanding and curiosity, is essential for couples to navigate their financial dynamics harmoniously.