The SuperMum Podcast

Feeling under the weather? Never mind. Sick bug? So what, the kids still need to eat. Unwell? Chin up. Soldier on.

We mums battle through injuries, viruses and feeling like dirt, because .... well, we have to. But what happens when you get really sick and suddenly you have to stop rushing around at 100 miles an hour so you can focus on getting better again.

In today's episode of Mum-to-Mum Monday we talk about dealing with a serious illness, the toll it has on your emotional and physical wellbeing, and accepting help when you just can't go it alone.

My guest today is SuperMum, Lisa Turner.

Lisa and her husband live in London, UK with their son and daughter who are 9 and 4. In 2013, when her youngest child was just 14 months old, Lisa discovered a lump in her breast. She put it down to the affects of breast feeding, but it turned out to be far more sinister. Grade 3 breast cancer.

In the year that followed, family life was turned upside down with a rollercoaster of mastectomies, chemotherapy and dealing with the reality of her illness. The journey was painful and exhausting as Lisa and her family endured the dark times of fighting her illness and raising a young family at the same time.

Lisa is open and honest about the hardships of fighting cancer. The heart-wrenching inability to pick up her children following her double mastectomy. Not having the energy to be part of family life after debilitating chemotherapy. And wondering whether she would live to see her children grow up.

But fast forward 4 years, and Lisa is in remission and living a better life. She now looks back at the experience and draws on the positive things that breast cancer brought with it. The friends and community who rallied around to lend a hand. The love and support her husband gave her and their children. And the new perspective to life that her illness has given her.

But most of all, Lisa wants to share the message that examining your breasts and catching any problems early could save your life.

In today's episode we learn of Lisa's incredible strength when hearing the worst possible news and how she helped her children understand what was wrong with mummy. We laugh about the perils of wearing a wig in public and even compare the marvels of Lisa's pert reconstructed breasts verses my saggy post breast-feeding ones.

I am delighted to have Lisa on my show today. She bravely shares her story of dealing with serious illness when you have a young family, the importance of being raw and honest in your darkest hour, and how to see your experiences as a way to add value to your life as a mum so you always hold dear every precious moment.

You can find the full write up from this episode including the Show Notes at www.Lisa-York.com/083

Your iTunes Rating and Review helps spread the SuperMum message. Thanks so much!

Go Conquer Motherhood!

Stress is an everyday part of life in a busy modern world. And I don't know about you, but I think being a mum takes stress to a whole new level. Whether it's physical stress, emotional stress or stress brought on by overwhelm and exhaustion, I've never felt pressure as intense as I have during the mummy years.

In today's episode of Mum-to-Mum Monday you'll find out why mums have so much stress to deal with, how your body reacts to stress, and why the 'fight or flight' response has spiralled out of control. But never fear, because you'll also learn how to combat stress, learn some simple techniques to manage difficult situations, and hear about techniques to improve your overall well-being.

My guest today is SuperMum, Giselle Monbiot.

Giselle is a Stress Specialist, Cognitive Hypnotherapist and a Well-being course designer and facilitator who lives in London, UK with her husband and 3 children who are 9, 5 & 3. Giselle's stress levels peaked when her 3rd child was born. She found herself shouting at her kids, having difficulties sleeping and fell into bad habits of eating the wrong types of food. She was regularly ill, had a constant feeling of anxiety in the pit of her stomach, and dreaded the future.

As a trained therapist Giselle knew she could handle her stress response better. After all, she was teaching stress management to her clients but not applying them to her own life. Fed up with the inner conflict, heightened stress response and bad health, she made a promise to herself to be free from stress and anxiety. She said, "I wanted to enjoy my children, my life and know that I could regain a sense of peace within".

Giselle started to practice what she preached and incorporated the stress management tools she used with her clients into her own life. She learned new relaxation techniques and explored her behaviour patterns and response mechanisms. Over time, Giselle found her old self and started to feel alive again.

And now she'll teach you to feel alive too. In today's episode you'll learn to recognise the ways that stress affects you so you can fight back. And you'll discover the small steps and the simple techniques you can use to live a less stressful life, which in turn will make your role as a mum more enjoyable.

I am so pleased to welcome Giselle to my show today. She has dedicated her life to teaching women how to regain faith in themselves. Stress and anxiety won't be the norm. Instead, she'll help you find calmness, emotional control and a new-found feeling of energy. Get ready to feel alive again.

You can find the full write up from this episode including the Show Notes at www.Lisa-York.com/082

Your iTunes Rating and Review helps spread the SuperMum message. Thanks so much!

Go Conquer Motherhood!

'Stuck in a rut' is a well worn phrase. There are times when we all feel stuck, whether it's with your parenting choices, your work, or your partner. But first realising you are stuck, and then knowing how to get out of it, isn't easy.

In today's episode of Mum-to-Mum Monday you'll find out how to get unSTUCK and turn your difficulties into a source for energy and positive change. With a simple methodology to unblock the things that are holding you back, you'll enrich your family time, your work and every other area of your life.

My guest today is SuperMum, Shira Taylor Gura.

Shira lives in Israel with her husband and 4 children who are 15, 12, 9 and 6. After becoming a mum, Shira started journaling and shared her experiences on a blog with those who were close to her. She talked about the issues she was facing and how she resolved her problems. Over time, her blog unwittingly gained a massive following and Shira realised that huge numbers of people were also benefiting from her teachings.

Shira went on to create the S.T.U.C.K. Method™, a simple 5-step process to help to unravel everything from minor annoyances through to big complex issues. Using her qualifications in Psychology, Occupational Therapy and Integrative Yoga Therapy, Shira can change your habits of thinking to create a richer and more rewarding life. Her book, Getting unStuck, has become the 2017 International Book Award Winner in Self-Help and an Amazon new bestseller in emotional self-help.

In today's episode we talk about how to get unSTUCK so you can get onto the path you truly want to be on. We step through every part of the S.T.U.C.K.™ methodology to arm you with a toolkit that will make you happy and fulfilled in your everyday life.

I am delighted to have Shira on my show today. She shares her expertise for how to get unSTUCK and stay unSTUCK even in the most challenging of situations to find a place where you laugh, empathise, and enjoy life to the max.

You can find the full write up from this episode including the Show Notes at www.Lisa-York.com/081

Your iTunes Rating and Review helps spread the SuperMum message. Thanks so much!

Go Conquer Motherhood!

Running a business in tandem with bring up a family is hard work. Some days you'll feel like you're making slow progress and failing in all areas. Other days you'll feel like an unstoppable train of productivity when everything goes your way.

In today's episode of Mum-to-Mum Monday we'll be talking about the similarities between nurturing your businesses and nurturing your children. The two can go hand-in-hand, and done right can leave you feeling happy, successful and guilt free.

My guest today is SuperMum, Dana Malstaff.

Dana set up Boss Mom - a community for mum entrepreneurs who are raising a family and a business at the same time - when she was pregnant with her first child. She went on to grow the company and write the Boss Mom book during her second pregnancy. In the 4 years since Boss Mom started, Dana has supported over 20,000 mums to build and grow their own businesses. Dana lives in San Diego, California with her husband, son and daughter who are 2 and 3 and a half.

In today's episode Dana will help you discover the winning idea on which to base your business, and the 6 important pillars to make it a success. She walks through the routines needed to grow your company while fulfilling the demands of your family at the same time. We also talk about the downside of trying to have it all, including battling the dreaded mummy guilt.

I am so happy to have Dana on my show today. She'll help you find your business purpose so it integrates into your present and future lifestyle. She'll show you how to find your audience, the people you truly want to serve, and deliver to them the things that you excel in. In doing so, you can create a business you love and raise your children in the optimum way. The way that works best for you.

You can find the full write up from this episode including the Show Notes at www.Lisa-York.com/080

Your iTunes Rating and Review helps spread the SuperMum message. Thanks so much!

Go Conquer Motherhood!

Your natural mothering instinct usually means you put your childrens' needs before your own. But sometimes that can be to your - and their - detriment. Looking after yourself first helps you to be a better parent and a more positive role model to your children.

In today's episode of Mum-to-Mum Monday we'll be talking about the huge impact that your own physical and mental wellbeing has on the way you parent. I for one know that on the days where I've got my head together and feel calm, happy and rested, I'm a far better mummy. And, as if by magic, those are the days when my children respond to me more positively. It's a win-win situation.

My guest today is SuperMum, Clare Crew.

Clare lives in Adelaide, South Australia. She is an Educator, Speaker and Mum to 3 children aged 5, 8 and 9. Clare always wanted to work with children and is qualified in neuro-development. She earned a degree in Early Childhood Education followed by a Masters Degree in Special Education.

When Clare had her own children she thought that, with all the learning and experience she had working with children, she would have parenthood sorted. But her children taught her that there are some things you just can't learn from books.

Parenthood led Clare on a journey of transformation where she realised that the well-being of mums is just as important as the well-being of children. In juggling her children with a small age gap, practising self-care was a critical component in making sure she became the parent she wanted to be.

Clare now uses her academic knowledge and hands-on experience to empower parents and teachers with real-life strategies for supporting children's success. She does this through her blog, via the Thriving Children Podcast, and in her consulting work.

In today's episode, you'll learn that your own mindset and well-being is a fundamental part of being a great parent. By making yourself a priority rather than always putting yourself last and making do with the dregs, not only are you thriving as a mum, you're helping your children to thrive too.

I'm delighted to welcome Clare to my show today. She teaches us that, whilst there's no correct formula to parenting, looking at your own needs and answering them, helps you serves your entire family in the most productive and successful way.

You can find the full write up from this episode including the Show Notes at www.Lisa-York.com/079

Your iTunes Rating and Review helps spread the SuperMum message. Thanks so much!

Go Conquer Motherhood!

This is the final episode in the High Five Friday series. But don't despair because I'm not going away any time soon. I'm just turning my attention to more impressive things so I can carry on serving you in a much better way.

Don't worry, you'll still get a weekly podcast. Every week on Mum-to-Mum Monday I'll carry on interviewing successful mums like I always have, so I can share their stories and wisdom with you. I've got some amazing women lined up for the coming weeks and beyond.

But with High Five Friday, it's time to step aside and make way for something new. Because you know me.

I love change, I love being pro-active, and I love to move forward.

Wanna progress with me?

On today's High Five Friday, I'll be explaining why this is the last episode, and how I plan to keep serving you in a much better way with my hugely exciting new plans.

You can find the full write up from this episode including the Show Notes at www.Lisa-York.com/078

Your iTunes Rating and Review helps spread the SuperMum message. Thanks so much!

Go Conquer Motherhood!

I was born into a traditional, 2.4-children-style family where Dad went out to work and Mum stayed at home. And I've mirrored that 'normal' set-up now I have a family of my own. Mum plus dad equals children. Simple. But because of that, it's easy to be blinkered to other family structure. 40 years later, blended, same sex, solo parent and adoptive families are equally celebrated.

In today's episode of Mum-to-Mum Monday we'll be talking about unconventional families. Growing up in a same sex family with two mums; bucking the trend of the traditional 1980's expectation; adopting children of a different heritage; and how unique family set-ups work in todays world.

My guest today is Jesse Toksvig-Stewart.

Jesse grew up in Surrey in the UK with her two Mums, Sandi and Peta, and her siblings, Megan and Theo. In the late '80s this family structure was seen as unconventional. But to Jesse, it was normal. And it was all she knew. Later in her childhood when her mums split up, Jesse and her siblings divided their time between the two households. Her family has recently been extended even more, when Sandi remarried another woman, and gave Jesse a new step-sister.

The family is close, and Jesse still lives near her mums house, with her boyfriend, Adam. They have recently warmly welcomed a sister from Pakistan heritage into their fold, whom Peta has adopted.

Wanting to map the early years of her step-sister, adopted sister, and little nephew in a baby book, Jesse realised they only catered for the conventional. Looking back at her own baby record book, she saw it was full of crossed out words and hand written headings.

Jesse was saddened that although times have changed and the world is more accepting, the printed world was lagging behind. There was no memory book that catered for her own special family, so she set out to create her own. A baby record book that celebrated her new sister's unique place in their family, and in the world.

Alongside her illustrator friend, Kat Willott, they created an open record book called 'My Amazing Family and Me' to welcome all children to families, no matter how they arrive, when they arrive, or how unique their family setup is.

In today's episode, we go deep on everything from same sex parents, adopted children and dealing with the sideways glances, to discussing the issues that children from unique family circumstances face, separation anxiety, and how we can all help out in the way we respond to them.

I'm delighted to welcome Jesse to my show today. She teaches us that families are built on love, not genetics and that understanding, tolerance and acceptance should be at the root of all families, no matter how unconventional their beginnings.

You can find the full write up from this episode including the Show Notes at www.Lisa-York.com/077

Your iTunes Rating and Review helps spread the SuperMum message. Thanks so much!

Go Conquer Motherhood!

In his book, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey wrote, "Begin with the End in Mind means to begin each day, task, or project with a clear vision of your desired direction and destination, and then continue by flexing your proactive muscles to make things happen".

Having a clear vision for the future applies to all areas of your life, parenting is no exception.

The mothering 'project' might be long, but having a goal for what you want to achieve with your children gives you clarity from the barrage of demands, the tedium of getting dinner on the table and the worry about their school work.

Today on High Five Friday, Michelle Dawson talks about the importance of parenting with the end in mind.

You can find the full write up from this episode including the Show Notes at www.Lisa-York.com/076

Your iTunes Rating and Review helps spread the SuperMum message. Thanks so much!

Go Conquer Motherhood!

'Mummy bloggers' are taking the world by storm. It's been inescapable over the last few years. Not surprising really. Blogging's made for mums since it can be done around the craziness of family life. Some mums set out to conquer the blogging world, others ended up there entirely by accident.

In today's episode of Mum-to-Mum Monday we'll be talking about starting a blog. How you can successfully build a blog from the ground up, and still be a Mum at the same time.

My guest today is SuperMum, Abby Lawson.

Abby lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with her husband, Donnie and sons Connor and Caleb who are 8 and 5. Feeling like she needed a little more in life, and on a whim, Abby set up 'Just a Girl and Her Blog'. She wrote about anything that came to mind; parenthood, home renovations and children's parties. As her confidence in blogging grew, so did her following and social media presence. Within 18 months of starting the blog, Abby recognised that there was a niche market and set about turning her humble blog into a business.

Since then, her blog has become so successful that it's no longer 'Just a Girl'. Her husband Donnie quit his job and now works full time alongside Abby. The two of them, as well as her sister, now form a team which consistently creates 5 figures every single month! This has given them a lifestyle to be envious of. Abby and Donnie share both quality time with the kids, and the work in the business. They do this four days a week... and the fifth day is reserved for family and fun.

In today's episode, we learn the step-by-step process of setting up a blog from scratch. From finding an idea, discovering your niche audience, to create engaging content every time. We also talk about the dreaded technology, and how to simply set up a website without too many headaches.

I'm delighted to welcome Abby to my show today. She teaches you that it's possible build a blog from humble beginnings (when you think no-one's reading), through to a thriving business that gives you the lifestyle of your dreams.

You can find the full write up from this episode including the Show Notes at www.Lisa-York.com/075

Go Conquer Motherhood!

Don't fall into the trap of thinking life will be better when your children's behaviour improves. Or when your husband is more helpful around the house. Or when things calm down at work.

Why?

Because once you've sorted it out, they'll always, always, always be something equally annoying to replace it. Instead, realise this.

Success comes from within. It's a mind thing, and it starts with you.

Today on High Five Friday, I talk about the exact success pathway you should follow to have the life you want. This will become the foundation stone to my teaching on The SuperMum App. It's a long way off yet (because life is busy and time is short), but I want you with me in it from the beginning.

Once finished, The SuperMum App will be beside you, on your phone, in your pocket, and helping you achieve success every step of the way.

You can find the full write up from this episode including the Show Notes at www.Lisa-York.com/074

Go Conquer Motherhood!