Erin Smithers has been receiving benefits since the birth of her son at 16, but when her tax credits were stopped in January 2019, she was transferred on to Universal Credit - the benefits system that has left many with next to no income. Talking about how her life has changed after her income was cut to just £180 a month, the mother of two shares how her story is actually one of privilege, whilst so many others have been left with far less. 

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UNIVERSAL CREDIT: An honest conversation with Erin Smithers

Think of a topic that makes you feel a bit uncomfortable? From sex lives to salaries, gender to race - influencer, powerhouse and curator of hugely popular 'Mother Of All Lists' blog Clemmie Telford releases her first podcast that refreshingly tackles issues that we, as a society, often shy away from. In fact, the stickier, trickier and 'less spoken about' the subject, the more Clemmie wants to chat honestly about it.

Personal Journals

Society & Culture

History

Philosophy

Places & Travel

Kids & Family

Parenting

In this special bonus episode of Honestly, sponsored by Vodafone, Clemmie chats to Digital parenting ambassador Emma Bunton and founders of Digital Awareness UK Emma and Charlotte Robinson on the topic of digital parenting. In the first half of the episode, Clemmie finds out how Spice Girl - Emma communication and sets boundaries with her children on their screen time in order to find balance. They talk about trusting your instincts with your children, setting times of the day they are able to use their tech and most of all, trusting and learning with your child about how to navigate this together. In the second half, Clemmie chats to Emma and Charlotte from DAUK about some of the support they are providing for parents, and the Vodafone pledge which helps start the conversation of being safe online, to healthier habits. For more information on today's episode, please check out vodafone.co.uk/digitalparenting

DIGITAL PARENTING: An Honest Conversation with Emma Bunton and DAUK

Clemmie speaks to 'modern mystic' and author Tamara Driessen about her interest in ancient practises including astrology, tarot reading and living in alignment with the moon. Tamara is realistic about the cynicism this area of interest receives, but invites everyone to remain open-minded because, for her, leaning into spirituality has been hugely positive. A light-hearted but interesting chat.

SPIRITUALITY: An Honest Conversation With Tamara Driessen

On today's episode, Clemmie is joined by the founder of London based charity - Little Village. This special community is much like a food bank but instead supplies clothes, toys and equipment for babies and children under 5 and in poverty. Clemmie and Sophia talk about the strains that 2020 has caused for people living in poverty, and what they are doing to make life that bit easier for families in need.

CHILD POVERTY: An Honest Conversation With Sophia Parker

You might know our guest today as a basketball player for Le Mans Sarthe of the LNB Pro A, or maybe you watched him on Love Island in 2019. Ovie Soko joins Clemmie in this episode to talk about the power of living authentically. His warm and wise character make this episode an empowering space for learning, motivation and inspiration. The pair discuss how to preserve your authenticity in a world full of comparison and why it is so important to trust your own journey in life, especially when things get tough.

AUTHENTICITY: An Honest Conversation With Ovie Soko

Hollie De Cruz joins Clemmie for this week's episode on the topic of Birth. Hollie is a hypnobirthing teacher and author and speaks about the knowledge our bodies innately have and how we can use breath to tune in. Labour isn’t something you can plan or control, but in having a series of tools and techniques to lean on can be transformative. An educational and uplifting conversation.

UNIVERSAL CREDIT: An honest conversation with Erin Smithers

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