Happy Mum
In the Happy Mum, Happy Baby Podcast, Giovanna Fletcher continues the conversation about motherhood she began in her bestselling book of the same title. In a series of frank and warm conversations with other high-profile mums and dads, Gi discusses all aspects of parenthood - the highs, the lows, the challenges and rewards. There is no such thing as the perfect parent, and we’re all simply doing our best, something Giovanna fully encourages. It’s time to stop comparing ourselves and champion each other instead. Each episode is truly unique yet unifying. No topic is out of bounds, therefore this...
Glittering a Turd: Maren Sheldon on Parenting Through Grief and Celebrating Her Twin's Life
Trigger warning: this episode includes discussions around bereavement and cancer. If you feel this may be a difficult listen, please choose another episode x
Giovanna is joined this week by her good friend and CoppaFeel! co-founder Maren Sheldon.
Maren opens up about navigating first-time motherhood alongside her twin sister Kris's incurable breast cancer diagnosis. and shares the honest, sometimes heartbreaking, and often unexpectedly funny realities of parenting through grief.
The new edition of Kris Hallenga's memoir Glittering a Turd, featuring new material from Maren and a foreword by Dawn French...
A&E Doctor Maddy Lucy Dann: Childbirth and C-sections are the Two Gnarliest Things I’ve Ever Seen
This week, the hilarious Maddy Lucy Dann joins us for a chat about becoming a mum for the first time.
Maddy tells Gi what it’s really like balancing life as an A&E doctor with pregnancy, including navigating night shifts while expecting, and how becoming a mum has changed the way she sees her work.
She also opens up about sharing her aspects of her life online, including the criticism she faced over a breastfeeding video, and the reaction to her viral discussion of Bonnie Blue.
Hosted on Acast. See ac...
"You’re So Much Stronger Than You Think": One Family's Double Battle with Childhood Cancer
This week on Happy Mum, we are joined by strong, inspiring and incredible mother of two Sophie Derry.
When Sophie's daughter Odette started vomiting on car journeys and having headaches, doctors initially put it down to travel sickness. An eye test changed everything, revealing a brain tumour that would lead to emergency surgery and fifteen further operations over seven months. Before the family could catch their breath, Sophie's younger daughter Eliza was diagnosed with leukaemia.
Sophie opens up to Gi about what it's like to face childhood cancer not once but twice...
Megan McKenna: I’ve Got Another Embryo On Ice… And I’m Going To Use It
This week, our favourite reality star turned singing and cooking sensation Megan McKenna joins Giovanna in the Happy Mum studio!
Megan tells Gi all about becoming a mum to Landon, including her experience with IVF and what it’s like living between two countries as a new mum.
She also reflects on the bullying she experienced at school, and how it shaped her confidence and the way she wants to parent.
Plus, stay tuned for a surprise at the end of the episode! 👀
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/p...
Sam & Alice Vanderpump on Navigating Their Relationship Through Postnatal Depression
In this episode, Made in Chelsea's Sam and Alice Vanderpump join Giovanna to talk about the reality of becoming parents.
Alice bravely opens up about what life feels like for her right now as she navigates postnatal depression. She talks honestly about anxiety, feeling isolated and how she hasn't felt like herself since becoming a mum.
Sam shares what it has been like supporting Alice through her mental health struggles, while also reflecting on his own health journey and how becoming a dad has given him a new perspective on what his own...
Giovanna Fletcher: A Little Reassurance for the Summer Holidays
The summer holidays are in full swing... and if your usual routines have gone completely out the window, you're definitely not alone!
Whether you're juggling work and childcare, surviving later bedtimes, entertaining little ones, or simply trying to keep everyone fed, this special episode is here to remind you that you're doing a better job than you think.
00:54 – Keira Knightley gets refreshingly honest about sleep deprivation, survival mode and the reality of those early months
09:47 – Lucy Watson on letting go of expectations, trusting your instincts and why comparison is never helpful
How Can I Help My Child Feel Confident Going Back to School?
We might only be halfway through the summer holidays, but for many families the countdown to a new school year has already begun. And September can bring a whole mix of emotions for children and parents alike.
So, as part of Matalan’s Back to School Special, Giovanna sits down with NSPCC expert Gail Sayles to talk about something that can make all the difference when those school gates open again: confidence.
Drawing on years of supporting children through everything from school anxiety and bullying, to exams and friendship worries, Gail shares thoughtful, pr...
The Audience Had No Idea: Zoe Birkett on Performing Through Pregnancy Loss
Trigger warning: This episode contains discussion of miscarriage and pregnancy loss. If you think you may find this difficult to listen to, please choose another episode x
You might know her from Pop Idol, starring in the West End as Tina Turner, or her recent stint joining Take That on tour, but this week Zoe Birkett is reflecting on her role as a mum.
Zoe shares with Gi how she never imagined motherhood for herself, how meeting her husband changed everything, and why returning to a career she loves has made her a...
Ruthie Henshall: "My Mother Told Me She Didn't Want Me”
Trigger warning: this episode contains discussions of suicide, mental illness and childhood trauma that some listeners may find upsetting.
Ruthie Henshall has spent decades captivating audiences on stage, but in this episode she joins Giovanna to talk about the role that has shaped her most: being a mum!
Ruthie reflects on choosing motherhood at the height of her career, raising two daughters as a single parent, and how becoming a mum changed her ambitions forever.
She also opens up about her own childhood, the lasting impact it had on her...
The Future of Midwifery Starts Here | Life of a Midwife Ep. 12
How has maternity care changed over the last few decades, and what still needs to improve?
In the final episode of this series, we reflect on the evolution of birth and look forward to the future of maternity care.
If you're interested in being part of the next series of Life of a Midwife we'd love to hear from you! Just drop us an email midwives@pixiu.co.uk
Links from our midwives:
All4Maternity is the go to place for education and support if you’re a...
I Won’t Let This Define Elsie: Jen Stancombe on Grief, Love & Her Daughter's Legacy
TW: This episode contains devastating conversations around child loss from a traumatic event, and themes of grief. Please do take care of yourself while listening, and know that it’s completely okay to step away and come back when you’re ready.
In this week's episode, Gi sits down with Jen Stancombe to honour the life of her daughter, Elsie Dot Stancombe.
In July 2024, seven-year-old Elsie was one of three young girls killed in the Southport attack. Jen joins Gi to share who Elsie truly was beyond the headlines: a joyful, caring, and insp...
Can Fear Change the Way You Give Birth? | Life of a Midwife Ep. 11
Trigger warning: this episode incudes challenging experiences relating to birth and baby loss. If you feel this may be a difficult listen please consider choosing another episode 💜
Fear and hope often exist side by side throughout pregnancy and birth.
This week two midwives highlight the importance of clear, compassionate communication -- from easing birth anxieties to supporting families through pregnancy loss.
If you're interested in being part of the next series of Life of a Midwife we'd love to hear from you! Just drop us an email midwives@pixiu.co.uk<...
The Greatest Title: WWE’s Becky Lynch on Becoming a Mum
This week make some noise for the first wrestler to join us on the podcast: WWE icon Becky Lynch!
Known to millions as The Man, Becky tells Gi about the moment she found out she was pregnant — while reigning as WWE Champion.
She also opens up about becoming a mum to daughter Roux during the pandemic and the challenges that followed, including post-weaning depression, grief after losing her father, and learning to see her body in a whole new light.
Watch Becky on WWE Raw live every Monday night exclusively on...
Staying Calm When Birth Takes a Dangerous Turn | Life of a Midwife Ep. 10
Trigger warning: this episode incudes challenging experiences relating to birth. If you feel this may be a difficult listen please consider choosing another episode 💜
When birth takes an unexpected turn, staying calm can make all the difference.
This week two midwives share the emergencies they'll never forget.
If you’re interested in being part of the Life of a Midwife series, we’d love to hear from you — just drop us an email midwives@pixiu.co.uk
Links from our midwives:
Little Light Support offers independe...
The Birth Trauma That Turned A Politician Into A Campaigner
Trigger Warning: this episode contains discussions around some difficult subjects including traumatic birth. If you think you may find this difficult to listen to, please choose another episode x
Former MP Theo Clarke joins Giovanna this week to share the story of how the birth of her daughter led her to become a campaigner for better maternity care.
Theo talks about navigating pregnancy while working in politics, including the challenges of having no statutory maternity leave as an MP and the pressure of being on duty during a period of major political upheaval.<...
The Baby Born in a Bus Stop (and Other Home Birth Stories) |Life of a Midwife Ep. 9
Was home birth different in the 1970s compared to today?
This week, two midwives take us inside the world of birth beyond the hospital: from pioneering one of the earliest home water births to facing the realities, risks, and unexpected moments that come with bringing a baby into the world at home — even when the carpet is cream!
If you’re interested in being part of the Life of a Midwife series, we’d love to hear from you — just drop us an email midwives@pixiu.co.uk
Links from our midw...
Dr Punam Krishan on Maternal Health: "I Wasn't Taken Seriously Because I Was An Anxious Mum"
Trigger Warning: this episode contains discussions around some difficult subjects including traumatic birth and breast cancer. If you think you may find this difficult to listen to, please choose another episode x
In this episode Giovanna sits down with NHS GP, resident GP on BBC Morning Live and bestselling author, Dr Punam Krishan!
Punam opens up about her own traumatic first birth and the life-threatening complications, postnatal depression, and PTSD that followed.
She also talks about the breast cancer diagnosis she received last year that reinforced the importance of listening...
How will I survive this career if I can't watch one birth? | Life of a Midwife Ep. 8
How do midwives hold it together in times of immense pressure?
In this episode we hear from two midwives who have learned how to stay calm during overwhelming moments.
If you’re interested in being part of the Life of a Midwife series, we’d love to hear from you — just drop us an email midwives@pixiu.co.uk
Links from our midwives:
Petition · Make birth safer: protect midwives' working hours - United Kingdom · Change.org
Hard Pushed: A Midwife's Story and Womb: The Inside Story of...
Father’s Day Special: The Reality of Surrogacy as a Same-Sex Couple
This week, we’re marking Father’s Day with a very special episode as we welcome Adam Frisby and Jamie Corbett to the studio!
They join Gi to share their remarkable journey to parenthood, including the moment their first surrogate withdrew from the process, how their own childhoods shaped the parents they wanted to be, and the joy of welcoming their beautiful baby Leven to the world.
Adam and Jamie also open up about the public scrutiny they’ve faced as a same-sex couple starting a family, and why they’re advocating for surrogacy...
Everybody Grieves Differently | Life of a Midwife Ep. 7
Trigger warning: this episode incudes challenging experiences relating to birth and baby loss. If you feel this may be a difficult listen please consider choosing another episode 💜
What happens when birth leaves a mark that doesn't just disappear?
In this episode we hear from two midwives who understand the lasting impact of birth trauma and what it means for the families who are left without clear answers.
If you’re interested in being part of the next series of Life of a Midwife, we’d love to hear from you — just drop...
Lauren Cowell Beyond the Headlines: Motherhood, Campaigning and Entering Her F*ck It Era
This week, we’re so excited to welcome Lauren Cowell for her first ever podcast interview!
After years of keeping a low profile while navigating public scrutiny, Lauren opens up to Gi about life after divorce, co-parenting, and how she handled the intense media attention surrounding her pregnancy with partner Simon Cowell.
Lauren also shares more about her involvement in the ‘Raise the Age’ campaign — and since recording this episode, Keir Starmer has announced plans for under-16s to be banned from social media by spring 2027 👏👏👏
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for m...
A Midwife's Own Survival Story | Life of a Midwife Ep. 6
In this episode of Life of a Midwife, Giovanna shares the extraordinary journey of one midwife who turned her own hardships into a lifelong calling.
From an orphaned child to an abandoned mother of triplets, to becoming the midwife she once desperately needed herself.
If you're interested in being part of the next series of Life of a Midwife we'd love to hear from you! Just drop us an email at midwives@pixiu.co.uk
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Laura Marling’s Wild Second Home Birth: "My Daughter Was Downstairs Watching Paddington!"
This week Giovanna welcomes legendary singer-songwriter Laura Marling to the studio!
Laura tells Gi about her early fears that becoming a mother might stifle her creativity, and shares her experiences of having two home births.
She also discusses her mission to create children's music that parents can genuinely enjoy, and introduces her new venture, 'Laura Sings Raffi,' a 17-track cover album of beloved children's songs. Each song is brought to life with videos illustrated by Laura and animated by Rob Shuttleworth. Out now at Laurasings.co
Hosted...
Trust Your Gut | Life of a Midwife Ep. 5
"If my gut is telling me something is wrong, something is wrong."
This week we hear from two midwives who know the power of following their instincts.
If you're interested in being part of the next series of Life of a Midwife we'd love to hear from you! Just drop us an email midwives@pixiu.co.uk
Links from our midwives:
Midwife Pip: The Home of Trusted Pregnancy, Birth and Postnatal Support For Parents
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com...
Why Susannah Fielding Believes Every Parent Should Learn Attachment Theory
This week Gi reunites with her old friend Susannah Fielding! You’ll know Susannah from This Time with Alan Partridge, Man vs Baby, and Wolf Hall — but her most important role is being mum to her two-year-old son Alfie.
Susannah opens up to Gi about growing up with a single mother and an intermittently absent father, how those experiences shaped her relationships, and why she’s so focused on breaking cycles and not passing trauma on to her own child.
She also shares the story of her planned home birth that turned into an eme...
Delivering Triplets in a War Zone | Life of a Midwife Ep. 4
Trigger warning: this episode incudes challenging experiences relating to baby loss. If you feel this may be a difficult listen please consider choosing another episode 💜
This week on Life of a Midwife we hear more of Anna’s extraordinary story, beginning with one of the first births she attended in South Sudan before she had even qualified as a midwife.
Anna also speaks candidly about her own experiences of having children.
If you’re interested in being part of the next series of Life of a Midwife, we’d lo...
Mollie King on Becoming a Mum While Losing Her Dad
This week, Giovanna sits down with singer, presenter and all-round ray of sunshine Mollie King !
Mollie chats to Gi about life with her two young daughters, the realities of motherhood (no sleep), and her exciting new venture into podcasting.
She also opens up about navigating her father’s terminal illness while preparing to welcome her first baby.
Don’t forget to check out Novel Idea — Mollie’s brilliant new podcast with Matt Edmondson!
If you’re loving the conversations on the podcast, make sure you subscribe to our brand...
Why Am I here? | Life of a Midwife Ep. 3
Trigger warning: this episode contains descriptions related to childbirth that may be distressing or upsetting to some listeners.
Purpose isn't always comfortable. Sometimes it takes you somewhere extraordinary.
This week we delve into the inspiring stories of two midwives whose paths were shaped by a pull they simply couldn't ignore.
If you’re interested in being part of the next series of Life of a Midwife, we’d love to hear from you — just drop us an email midwives@pixiu.co.uk
Links from our midwives:
Dona...
Intrusive Thoughts, Exhaustion & Crippling Shame: Kimberley Nixon’s Postnatal OCD Reality
TRIGGER WARNING: this episode contains some difficult conversations, including discussions around suicidal thoughts. We know this can be a lot to take in, so please do take care of yourself while listening and know that it's completely okay to step away and come back when you're ready 💛
May is Maternal Mental Health Month, a reminder that keeping the difficult conversations going matters more than ever.
Our guest this week you'll know from iconic films and tv shows such as Fresh Meat, Wild Child, and Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging. But after the birth of...
Baby's First Breath | Life of a Midwife Ep. 2
What does it feel like to hold a life for the first time?
In this episode of Life of a Midwife, three midwives tell us what it feels like to catch a baby!
If you’re interested in being part of the next series of Life of a Midwife, we’d love to hear from you — just drop us an email midwives@pixiu.co.uk
Links from our midwives:
BabySZN™ is a platform built to help women train specifically for fertility, pregnancy from a birthdual-qualified midwife and performan...
'Nothing Came Naturally': Lydia West on Hyperemesis, Breastfeeding & Struggling to Connect
Over the past nine years, Happy Mum Happy Baby has evolved — and so has our mission! Increasingly, our conversations have centred on mums themselves: their mental health, wellbeing, relationships, and identity. Because when a mum feels supported, seen, and heard, everything else can flourish. So... welcome to the era of Happy Mum !
And joining us to start this exciting new chapter is the gorgeous Lydia West. You’ll know Lydia from It’s a Sin, Years and Years, and Big Mood, but what you may not know is that she welcomed TWO babies between filming seasons one an...
Making a Midwife | Life of a Midwife Ep. 1
To celebrate the international day of the midwife we’ve got something very special for you — the very first episode of our brand-new miniseries!
Every Thursday, we’ll be sharing powerful stories from midwives, past and present, as they reflect on the moments that have shaped their lives and careers.
In this first episode, we'll trace the moments two women were pulled into midwifery.
We’ll return to our regular guest episodes next Tuesday xx
If you’re interested in being part of the Life of a Midwife se...
Life of a Midwife: Due 5th May!
We’ve got a special delivery coming your way… a brand-new miniseries!
Life of a Midwife brings you raw, honest, and deeply personal stories from midwives — past and present — as they share the moments that shaped not just their careers, but their lives.
Our first episode drops on Tuesday 5th May, perfectly timed to celebrate International Day of the Midwife! And new episodes delivered every Thursday after that.
So join us as we honour the voices behind some of life's most extraordinary moments 💜
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy...
Hannah Witton on Pregnancy with a Stoma: What It’s Really Like
This week Giovanna sits down with creator and OG YouTuber Hannah Witton!
Hannah opens up about navigating motherhood while living with long-term chronic illness.
She also shares her journey with secondary infertility and the emotional challenges of coping with other people’s pregnancy announcements.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
'I Was Told the Problem Was Me’: Raising My Autistic Daughter
Catherine Simpson thought she was failing as a mother throughout the first 10 years of her daughter Nina's life. After a decade of misdiagnosis, blame, and searching for answers, she finally discovered the truth: Nina is autistic.
In this episode of Happy Mum Happy Baby, Catherine sits down with Giovanna for a conversation about the journey to getting Nina—now 31—her diagnosis.
This episode is all about letting go of perfection, and learning to navigate a world not built for autistic children.
Catherine’s memoir, Hold Fast: Motherhood, My Autistic Daughter and Me...
Comedian Emma Doran: Pregnant at 18 in a Convent School
In this episode Giovanna sits down with comedian, author, and podcaster Emma Doran.
Emma reflects on becoming pregnant as a teenager while attending an all-girls convent school, and the challenges that followed.
She also shares how she began stand-up on maternity leave, performing her first open mic when her baby was just six weeks old!
Catch Emma on tour! Emma Doran has extended her Emmaculate UK and Ireland stand-up tour up until 2027, including the London Palladium on 7th February 2027. Emma will also make her debut at the 2026...
Vicky Pattison: What If I’m Not a Good Mum?
When it comes to having children, what happens when you’re just not sure?
This week, Vicky Pattison and husband Ercan Ramadan join Gi for a chat about the pressure to decide, the different paths available—from having children to adoption, surrogacy, or choosing a child-free life—and why the answer isn’t always simple.
Vicky also opens up about her childhood, shaped by complex family dynamics and her relationship with her dad, and how that’s influenced her fears about becoming a mum.
Vicky Pattison: Maybe, baby? is available now on C4...
How Jake Humphrey's ‘Horrible’ School Days Made Him a Better Parent
This week, we welcome broadcaster, High Performance Podcast host, and father of two, Jake Humphrey, to the studio.
Jake and Giovanna share their experiences of being bullied at school, with Jake sharing how those early challenges later helped him navigate public scrutiny as the BBC’s F1 presenter. He also talks candidly about fertility struggles and the deal he made with his wife while trying to conceive their first child during long periods away for work...!
'Game Plan: Level Up Your Mindset. Own Your Future' is out now!
Hosted on Acast. See...
Why Hannah East Talks About Her Loss on Stage
In this episode, Gi sits down with comedian Hannah East to talk about the chaos of parenting three children.
Hannah shares her unique career journey, from competing on Gladiators (where she met her husband) to presenting at the 2012 Olympics.
She also opens up about her fertility struggles and two miscarriages, and how her experiences with grief inspired her to create a stand-up show to help others feel less alone.
Buy tickets to Hannah's tour here!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Inside Debbie Bright’s Life as a Foster Carer
In this episode, Giovanna sits down with Debbie Bright for an eye-opening conversation about what it’s really like to be a foster carer.
Best known to many from TOWIE, Debbie is also one of the UK’s longest-serving foster carers, having cared for over 200 children across 35 years.
Gi and Debbie talk about why children enter care, the importance of showing compassion rather than judgment toward birth parents, and the emotional reality of saying goodbye when children move on.
Debbie also opens up about her own turbulent childhood, and offers heartfe...
