The Netmums Podcast

Parenting doesn’t get easier when your children grow up – it just changes.

Kicking off Series 20 of The Netmums Podcast, JB Gill and Louise Burke are joined by comedian and mum-of-two Judi Love. It's a brilliantly funny and honest conversation about raising her daughter and son as a single mum and what happens when the children you’ve spent years looking after suddenly become young adults.

Now her children are 21 and 17, Judi admits she thought she might finally ‘get her life back’. Instead, she’s discovered her children need her just as much, only in very differe...

Family Food Made Easy: What’s Really on the School Menu?

What our children eat at school isn’t just about keeping them full until home time. What they eat during the school day can affect how they feel, behave and learn that very afternoon. Teachers see it first-hand: 85% say diet affects children’s concentration, while 80% say unhealthy break and lunchtime food can contribute to disruptive behaviour.

Registered nutritionist Sophie Gastman gives us the ‘why’, explaining what can happen in children’s bodies after they eat and why getting enough fibre matters – from supporting gut health and sus...

If there’s one thing most parents can rely on, it’s being asked for a snack – usually about five minutes after you’ve cleared away the last meal. So rather than adding another thing to the parenting to-do list, could we make one of those snack moments work a little harder?
This episode has one simple goal: to make just one of your child’s daily snacks a fresh source of fibre. And it might be easier than you think.

Nutritionist Nichola Ludlam-Raine explains why fibre is so important for children’s health, and how something as...

Welcome to Family Food Made Easy, a special podcast collaboration from Netmums and Veg Power, supported by Sainsbury’s. Hosted by Louise Burke, this three-part miniseries tackles the daily challenges of feeding our families, exploring how to make healthy eating joyful, accessible, and affordable.

In this first instalment, Louise is joined by two expert guests to chat about all things fibre: firstly, why getting enough fibre in our diets is so important, and secondly… how we can actually do it?  

About our guests:

Rhiannon Lambert - Leading registered nutritionist & Sunday Times best-selling author

For the Series 19 finale of The Netmums Podcast, we’re switching things up with a special video episode. After a series spent asking the questions, dad host JB Gill finds himself on the other side of the conversation as his wife Chloe joins him on the sofa in the studio – and Louise gets the chance to find out what JB is really like as a husband and dad behind closed doors.

Together for 17 years and married for 12, JB and Chloe open up about the reality of making family life work around busy and unpredictable careers. They talk hone...

What happens when the parenting reality doesn't match the picture you imagined? On The Netmums Podcast this week, comedian, actress, author and mum of two Ellie Taylor joins JB Gill and Louise Burke for a special video episode full of brilliantly honest conversation about the messy, funny and emotional reality of family life.

Ellie, a former Strictly contestant and also a star of the popular TV show, Ted Lasso, opens up about why she found the newborn stage so difficult, the guilt of not feeling an instant bond with her babies, and why she believes more parents...

Summer holidays are brilliant... until someone says, ‘I’m hungrrrry’ for the fifth time before 11am.

In this episode of The Netmums Podcast, JB Gill and Louise Burke are joined by leading baby and child nutritionist Charlotte Stirling-Reed to tackle one of parents' biggest summer challenges: feeding the family without the guilt.

From endless snack requests and picnic planning to heatwave eating habits, holiday treats and the pressure to get it ‘right’, Charlotte shares practical, reassuring advice to help parents take the stress out of mealtimes. She explains why one ice cream, or even one whole summ...

*This episode contains discussions around baby loss, birth trauma and grief. Please listen in a way that feels right for you.

This week on The Netmums Podcast, Louise Burke and JB Gill are joined by television personality and author Lauren Goodger for an honest and deeply moving conversation about motherhood, grief and finding the strength to keep going.

In her new book, Mum of Two, Lauren shares the story behind the headlines – from the overwhelming joy of becoming a mum to daughter Larose, to the unimaginable heartbreak of losing her second daughter, Lorena. She opens up...

How do we raise our children to believe they're enough in a world that's constantly telling them they need to look different, be different or do more?

This week on The Netmums Podcast, Louise Burke and JB Gill are joined by broadcaster, best-selling author, campaigner and mum-of-two Katie Piper for an inspiring conversation about confidence, resilience and raising children who value themselves for who they truly are.

Drawing on both her own extraordinary life experiences (most notably surviving a life-changing acid attack in 2008, carried out at the request of her ex-boyfriend) and her work with...

This week on The Netmums Podcast, Louise Burke and JB Gill tackle one of the biggest parenting challenges of our time: keeping children safe online.

With the UK moving towards restricting social media access for under-16s, this conversation couldn't be more timely.

Joining the podcast are Lauren Cowell, campaigner for the Raise the Age movement, entrepreneur and fiancee to Simon Cowell, and Ellen Roome, who has dedicated herself to improving online safety following the devastating loss of her 14-year-old son, Jools.

Together, they share powerful insights into the realities of parenting in...

This week on The Netmums Podcast, Louise Burke and JB Gill are joined by psychotherapist and best-selling author Anna Mathur for an honest conversation about the parenting moments we're often too ashamed to admit.

Why do we snap at the people we love most? And what does it really say about us?

Drawing on both her professional expertise and her own experiences as a mum of three, Anna explains why anger is so often the final symptom of stress, overwhelm and impossible expectations – not bad parenting. Inspired by her new book, How to Stop Snapping at...

This week on The Netmums Podcast, Louise Burke and JB Gill are joined by Gladiator star, author and dad-of-two Matt Morsia for a thought-provoking conversation about raising healthy, resilient and active children.

Best known to millions as Legend on Gladiators, Matt opens up about the career-ending injury that shattered his Olympic ambitions, the resilience that helped him rebuild, and how becoming a parent has shaped his outlook on health, fitness and family life.

Matt shares why he believes physical activity deserves the same attention as academic achievement, explains the habits he thinks set children up...

This week on The Netmums Podcast, Louise Burke and JB Gill are joined by World Cup 2026 presenter and mum of one Kelly Somers for an honest conversation about returning to work after having a baby, rebuilding confidence, and navigating the juggle of motherhood and career.

As one of the UK's leading sports presenters, Kelly has fronted some of football's biggest programmes, from Match of the Day and Football Focus to major international tournaments. But becoming a mum brought a whole new challenge: balancing a demanding career with the realities of family life.

Kelly opens up...

This week on The Netmums Podcast, Louise Burke and JB Gill are joined by TV presenter, podcaster and ADHD UK ambassador Sam Thompson for an honest conversation about ADHD and autism, and why understanding our children matters more than ever.

Sam was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 30 after years of feeling different, overwhelmed and misunderstood. In this episode, he opens up about the relief of finally understanding how his brain works, why he spent years believing he was simply the ‘naughty kid’, and how that diagnosis helped him forgive himself for struggles he'd carried since chil...

In this powerful live episode of The Netmums Podcast recorded at The Baby Show, Atomic Kitten star Liz McClarnon-Cho opens up about her emotional road to motherhood after eight rounds of IVF, two miscarriages and years of uncertainty.

Now a first-time mum at 44 to baby Alexander, Liz speaks candidly about the emotional toll of fertility treatment, why she stepped away from social media during IVF and the moment she finally saw a positive pregnancy test after believing parenthood might never happen.

Joined by hosts JB Gill and Louise Burke, Liz shares what it was really...

As your children grow into teenagers, knowing when to step back can be one of the hardest parts of parenting.

This week on The Netmums Podcast, Louise Burke and JB Gill are joined by Boyzone’s Shane Lynch and his wife Sheena, from ITV2’s The Real Housewives of Cheshire, as they share what family life really looks like behind the scenes while raising two teenage daughters.

From earning their own money to finding their own path, Shane and Sheena explain how they’re raising their girls to stay grounded – even while growing up in the spot...

This week on The Netmums Podcast, Louise and JB are joined by Rosie Kelly Smith, for an insightful and heartfelt conversation about the realities of new motherhood.
Rosie shares her experiences navigating the early days with her 18-month-old daughter, Billie, and reflects on the overwhelming pressure new parents face from societal expectations and the deluge of advice. 
Rosie discusses the generational shifts in parenting, sharing how her grandmother and mother approached motherhood and the wisdom that has been passed down through the family.
In this episode, Rosie opens up about her struggles with postpartum anxiety and t...

What does parenting really look like when you’re raising seven children – across completely different ages and stages – and learning, in real time, when to hold on and when to let go?

This week on The Netmums Podcast, Louise Burke and JB Gill are joined by Paris Fury – mum of seven, businesswoman and star of Netflix’s At Home with the Furys – for an honest, warm and revealing conversation about modern family life.

Paris opens up about the organised chaos of a busy home, the juggle of raising children at every stage of childhood, and the emotiona...

Trigger warning: Discussions of baby loss.

This week on The Netmums Podcast, Louise and JB are joined by Laura Adlington – the Great British Bake Off finalist, body positive activist and new mum – for a very special episode recorded live at The Baby Show in London in front of an audience of parents and parents-to-be.

Laura has openly shared her nine-year pregnancy journey, calling it a ‘long and lonely road’. 

She tells us about infertility, IVF and the emotional toll of trying to conceive for so long. And after the joy of welcoming her baby Geor...

In this episode of The Netmums Podcast, Louise and JB welcome Dr. Billy Garvey, a developmental paediatrician and author of the insightful book 10 Things to Know About Your Child's Mental Health. 
This chat covers the crucial topic of children's mental health, particularly focusing on anxiety and how it manifests in children of different ages.
Dr. Garvey shares invaluable advice on recognising signs of anxiety in children and the differences in how boys and girls may express their feelings. He discusses the importance of creating a nurturing environment that fosters emotional security, emphasising the need for parents to e...

On this week’s Netmums podcast, Louise Burke and JB Gill are joined by olympic gold medallist and mum of three, Rebecca Adlington, for a very honest conversation about parenting, baby loss and learning to keep going.

Rebecca talks openly about experiencing two miscarriages, the counselling that helped her and her husband through it, and the anxiety that can come with expecting a rainbow baby. She also shares the small things that helped her family cope – including giving her bump a nickname, ‘jellytot’, so the whole family could bond with the baby.

Alongside the emotional side of...

This week on The Netmums Podcast, JB and Louise are joined by the most dynamic mother-daughter duo on TV, The Traitors stars Roxy and Judy Wilson. They share their remarkable journey from adoption to motherhood; Roxy opens up about her experiences growing up in foster care and how her relationship with Judy has shaped her life.
With Roxy expecting her first child and Judy preparing to be a grandmother for the twelfth time, the conversation covers the joys and challenges of parenting, the importance of stability, and the unconditional love that defines their bond.

In this...

In this episode of The Netmums Podcast, JB Gill and Louise Burke dive into the often unspoken role of the ‘default parent’ (the one who knows the school schedule, the birthday party details, and the ins and outs of family life). 

Joining them is Lou Beckett, writer, former teacher, and mother of two – and also wife of comedian Rob Beckett. Her new book, Lessons from a Default Parent, sheds light on the realities of being the one who takes on the lion’s share of the parenting load.

Lou shares her personal motherhood journey, discussing the gradu...

In this episode of The Netmums Podcast, JB and Louise delve into the complexities of parenting and the often overwhelming mental load that comes with it. Joined by journalist and TV presenter Ranvir Singh, a familiar face from Good Morning Britain, they explore the challenges of juggling family life as a single parent while maintaining a successful career.

In this episode:
- The realities of balancing work and family commitments, especially during busy school terms.
- Ranvir shares her personal experiences as a single mother and how she navigates her son's growing independence.
...

**Sensitive content warning: This conversation explores some very serious themes, including self-harm, depression and sexual references. Please take care while listening

We’re back for a brand new series of The Netmums Podcast! Meet your new parent hosts, TV presenter and JLS singer, JB Gill, and Netmums Editorial Director Louise Burke.

JB and Louise are kicking off Series 18 with one of the hotly debated parenting topics right now: the issue of children’s screen time and the social media ban. How can we as parents tackle screen time and online use while raising a happy fami...

In this sponsored episode of the Netmums podcast with Johnson's Baby, we tackle the “Witching Hour” - that notorious time of day when babies seem to be at their crankiest. Wendy Golledge is joined by experts Dr. Punam Krishan, GP, author, and Strictly star, and Sarah Joy Owen, an NHS midwife and mum of three, to share practical strategies and advice for parents.

*Sensitive content warning - a conversation around baby loss features in this episode

In this final episode of Cloud 9, the Netmums podcast miniseries brought to you by Aldi Mamia, we are thrilled to welcome Charlotte Dawson, a familiar face from your social media feed and TV screen. Charlotte, mum to three little ones, Noah, Jude, and baby Gigi, shares with us her journey through the whirlwind of motherhood and how she juggles a toddler, a preschooler, and a newborn!

In this episode:
- Charlotte's experience with pregnancy and childbirth, including her unfortunate miscarriage after her...

*Sensitive content warning - a conversation around baby loss features in this episode

In this final episode of Cloud 9, the Netmums podcast miniseries brought to you by Aldi Mamia, we are thrilled to welcome Charlotte Dawson, a familiar face from your social media feed and TV screen. Charlotte, mum to three little ones, Noah, Jude, and baby Gigi, shares with us her journey through the whirlwind of motherhood and how she juggles a toddler, a preschooler, and a newborn!

In this episode:
- Charlotte's experience with pregnancy and childbirth, including her unfortunate miscarriage after her...

In this episode of Cloud 9, the Netmums podcast miniseries brought to you by Aldi Mamia, we are joined by Ferne McCann, known for her unfiltered take on motherhood. Ferne, a proud mum of two, shares her journey of raising her daughters, Sunday and Finty, navigating the joys and challenges of parenting at different stages. She opens up about her experience as a girl mum, the dynamics between her daughters, and her breastfeeding journey.

In this episode:
- Balancing the demands of two different stages of childhood
- Ferne’s personal experience of breastfeeding and the emotional bo...

Welcome to a brand new miniseries of the Netmums Podcast: Cloud 9 is brought to you by the award-winning baby range Aldi Mamia. Hosted by Louise Burke, the editorial director of Netmums, this series is designed for those quiet, early hours when you’re feeding or rocking your little one and feeling like you’re the only one awake. Join us as we delve into the highs, lows, and everything in between of new motherhood.

In this episode we’re joined by actress, mum of three, and all-round lovely human Lacey Turner, best known for her nearly two decades on Eas...

In this episode of Cloud 9, the Netmums podcast miniseries brought to you by Aldi Mamia, we are joined by Katie Thistleton, Radio One presenter and CBeebies Parenting Helpline host, who shares her journey into motherhood with her baby boy, Reuben, born in March 2025. Katie opens up about the beautiful yet challenging moments of new parenthood, from the joy of those first laughs to the harsh realities of sleep deprivation and the unexpected emergency surgery she faced just weeks after giving birth.

In this episode:
- The highs and lows of early motherhood
- Navigating the challenges...

Welcome to this brand new miniseries of the Netmums Podcast: Cloud 9, brought to you by Aldi Mamia. Hosted by Louise Burke, the Editorial Director of Netmums, this series is designed for those quiet, early hours when you’re feeding or rocking your little one and possibly feeling like you’re the only one awake. Join us as we delve into the highs, lows, and everything in between of new motherhood.

In this episode we’re joined by the fabulous Lucy Fallon, the award-wining actress from Coronation Street and a mum of two little ones. Lucy, 30, shares her journey of nav...

Welcome to this brand new mini-series of the Netmums Podcast: Cloud 9 is brought to you by Aldi Mamia. Hosted by Netmums Editorial Director Louise Burke, this series is designed for those quiet, early hours when you’re feeding or rocking your little one and feeling like you’re the only one awake. Join us as we delve into the highs, lows, and everything in between of new motherhood.

Today we welcome Olivia Bowen, a very familiar face for Love Island fans and star of ITV series Parenthood, alongside husband Alex. Olivia shares her journey through motherhood, including the rece...

This week on The Netmums Podcast, Wendy Golledge and Alison Perry welcome Capital Breakfast’s Sian Welby. Sian, a devoted mum to one-year-old Ruby, shares her journey of balancing motherhood with a high-profile career, and the joys and challenges that come with it.
In this chat Sian opens up about the realities of parenting, the pressures of returning to work shortly after giving birth, and the importance of maintaining her identity amidst the chaos of motherhood. She reflects on her own experiences, including her recent interview with the iconic Taylor Swift, revealing how these moments shape her perspective as bo...

This week on The Netmums Podcast, Wendy Golledge and Alison Perry are joined by the remarkable Dame Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand and author of the memoir A Different Kind of Power. In this episode, Jacinda shares her unique experiences of balancing motherhood with the demands of leading a country, and parenting while in the public eye.
Jacinda opens up about the emotional juggle of early motherhood, the challenges of maternity leave, and the guilt that often accompanies working parents. She discusses her new picture book, Mum's Busy Work, which addresses the struggles parents face in...

This week on The Netmums Podcast, Wendy Golledge and Alison Perry are joined by Joeli Brearley, campaigner, author, and founder of Pregnant, Then Screwed. This episode explores the challenges of juggling motherhood with a career while tackling the systemic issues surrounding maternity discrimination.
Joeli shares her personal journey from experiencing pregnancy discrimination to launching a movement that has shaped policies and attitudes towards working parents. She discusses her new venture, Growth Spurt, designed to support parents as they navigate the return to work, providing practical resources and peer support.

In this episode:
- Joeli’s experience wi...

This week on The Netmums Podcast, Wendy Golledge and Alison Perry are joined by A&E doctor turned mental health campaigner, author and Stompcast host Dr Alex George. Together, they dig into what young people are up against right now, how tiny daily routines can build big resilience, and why honest, calm conversations at home matter more than perfect fixes.
Dr Alex talks through “mental fitness,” the case for more wellbeing in schools, and his new children’s book Happy Habits, which helps kids build small, realistic routines for happier, healthier days. (Plus: Alison’s “raffle to buy a toy” saga...

This week on The Netmums Podcast, Wendy Golledge and Alison Perry are joined by the insightful author and podcaster, Gemma Styles. Together, they delve into the realities of motherhood, neurodiversity, and the importance of self-compassion amidst the chaos of parenting.

Gemma shares her journey as a new mum, discussing the challenges of navigating toddlerhood while managing her own mental health and ADHD. The conversation touches on the significance of building a supportive village, the joys and trials of second-hand shopping, and the impact of social media on parenting.

In this episode Gemma also shares some details...

In this episode of the Netmums podcast, hosts Wendy Golledge and Alison Perry discuss the often-overlooked issue of stress and its impact on parenting and self-care. Joined by fitness expert Shakira Akabusi, they explore the misconceptions surrounding postnatal bodies, the importance of pelvic floor health, and how movement can serve as medicine for mental well-being.

Shakira shares her personal experiences with motherhood and mental health, offering valuable insights for parents navigating the challenges of raising children while maintaining their health. Tune in for practical tips on how to prioritise self-care and foster a healthy mindset!

In...

In this episode of the Netmums Podcast, Stella Creasy, a Labour MP, discusses the challenges of balancing her political career with motherhood. She reflects on personal milestones, the importance of maternity leave, and the need for better childcare support. 

Stella also addresses the motherhood penalty, online abuse faced by women in politics, and advocates for changes in policies related to special educational needs and period poverty. The conversation emphasizes the importance of amplifying the voices of parents in political discussions and creating a more inclusive environment for all families.

In this episode: Navigating Parenting and Politics T...