🎙️ In this empowering episode, I sit down with Jane Monica-Jones, Australia’s pioneering financial therapist and author of The Billionaire Buddha. We dive into the emotional side of money and explore how financial capability—not just literacy—can be the key to unlocking financial well-being.

Jane shares powerful insights into overcoming financial stress, breaking through emotional blocks, and building confidence in managing your finances. From practical strategies to personal stories of transformation, this episode offers tools and inspiration for single mums ready to create financial success in 2025.

💡 Plus, discover a special giveaway for Beanstalk listeners, including financial therapy packages and wellbeing diaries to jumpstart your journey.

🎧 Listen now and take the first step toward financial empowerment!

✨ https://financialwellbeing.thinkific.com/bundles/Capabilite?ref=2d30c2 — Use this link to get access to over 150 financial literacy courses on Capabilite.com and go into the draw to win one of these amazing prizes and achieve your financial success:

• Financial Therapy Packages - 4 x Sessions with Jane Monica-Jones valued $650  (3 packages to be won) 
• Financial Wellbeing Resource - Choose from either Financial Wellbeing Diary, Money Bubble Cards or Money Mental Health Cards (10 to be won)
•  Offer ends 20 February 2025

🌸 https://www.janemonicajones.com/ — Learn more about Jane Monica-Jones here.

👯‍♀️ https://www.facebook.com/groups/SingleMumVine — Don’t forget to join the Single Mum Vine on Facebook! It’s the perfect spot to connect with fellow single mums for support and advice.

🎙️ https://beanstalkmums.com.au/podcast — Our brand-new widget is live on the Beanstalk Mums website! Drop us a voice message with your thoughts or questions; you might hear them in a future episode.

📰 subscribepage.io/beanstalksinglemums - Subscribe to our fortnightly newsletter. Get our newest articles delivered straight to your inbox, together with the latest podcast notes, discount deals procured just for you, highlights of service businesses that share our and tools to help you thrive.

Welcome to the Beanstalk Mums Podcast! Here at Beanstalk Mums, we believe that every mum is a powerhouse of potential and strength. Our mission is to uplift, empower, and support single mums on their incredible journey. Each episode is packed with inspiring stories, practical advice, and expert insights tailored to help you tackle the unique challenges and triumphs of single motherhood.

Join our vibrant community as we delve into topics that matter most to you – from financial independence and career growth to self-care and parenting tips. At Beanstalk Mums, we understand that your journey is as unique as you are, and we're here to provide a warm, welcoming space where you can find the encouragement and resources you need.

Don’t forget to join our supportive Facebook group, The Single Mum Vine, where you can connect with other incredible mums. And be sure to visit beanstalkmums.com.au for a vast library of resources and articles designed just for you.

Tune in regularly and become part of a network that celebrates your resilience, wisdom, and unwavering dedication. Together, we can turn every challenge into an opportunity and every moment into a stepping stone towards a brighter future. Welcome to Beanstalk Mums – where your story is our inspiration.

Access the full show notes on all episodes on beanstalkmums.com.au

Join our supportive and inspirational Single Mum FB group: The Single Mum Vine

Subscribe to our newsletter: subscribepage.io/beanstalksinglemums

Christmas can be a particularly hard time for many single mothers.

We feel pressured to create a picture-perfect Christmas for our kids, complete with stereotypical family and presents galore. 

Is it any wonder that we experience more Christmas-fear than Christmas-cheer?

To help lighten the load for struggling single mums, I chat to Major Beth Twivey from The Salvation Army about how we can reach for support during the festive season (and the rest of the year).

Or, if you're in a position to donate, we go full-circle and also discuss the many clever, thoughtful and fun ways give to those in need at Christmas.

In this chat, Major Beth Twivey and I cover:

• Why many problems for single mums can feel exacerbated at Christmas

• The kind of support The Salvation Army offers at Christmas (and throughout the year) - there is heaps!

• Wonderful ways we can give to those in need

• How to reach for support through The Salvation Army (which is often the hardest step)

• How to block out the madness and enjoy Christmas for the peaceful family time it should be

For more podcasts like this and heaps of other free single mum resources head to the Beanstalk Mums website.

You've been through hell and high water, but finally you and your ex have got your courts orders approved by the family court in relation to the care of your children after separation. All you need to do now, is follow them. Simple.

Not always.

It is way too common for co-parents to breach carefully planned court orders, which can cause havoc for everyone, including the children involved.

So what should you do if this happens to you?

Enter: Eustacia Yates from Australia’s first non-profit law firm, New Way Lawyers.

Eustacia brings her depth of practical experience and technical knowledge to this chat, where she explains exactly what to do if your ex has breached your family court orders.

In this episode Eustacia and I discuss:

• Common scenarios around the breaching of court orders and why they may happen

• The importance of getting orders as perfect as possible from the get-go

• The right steps to take if the other parent breaches court orders

• A bit about contravention applications and proceedings

• The consequences of breaching a court order

• What to do if you are considering breaching a court order for any reason

• Tips to co-parent with a parent who is continually breaching a court orders

For more podcasts like this and heaps of other free single mum resources head to the Beanstalk Mums website.

It is a myth that you need to hire lawyers to separate and divorce.

You don't.

Property settlement is essentially a financial exercise that a lot of separating couples can work through together with the support of an expert. Which is where Belinda from Divide comes in.

Belinda works with separating couples throughout Australia to help you financially separate and have your orders approved by the family court, without using lawyers. The end result is a more amicable split which will encourage a healthier co-parenting relationship and leave more money for you both to begin your new lives.

Not only this, Belinda is a whizz at tax and super in a financial split so her advice will pay-off now and way into the future. Or, to put it another way, nothing will come back and bite you on bum further down the track.

Sounds good? Find out more in this podcast.

Listen to Belinda and I discuss:

• Which kind of cases would or would not require the services of a family lawyer
• Options available to separating couples if they don't want to hire lawyers
• The benefits of choosing the "no lawyer" pathway (there are heaps!)
• The importance of factoring super and tax into a property settlement (and what can happen if you don't)
• Ways to keep your separation amicable so you can "make it through" without lawyers

For more podcasts like this and heaps of other free single mum resources head to the Beanstalk Mums website.

It's that time of year ladies ... don't delay and confirm your income with Services Australia today!

Why?

Because once you have, Services Australia can get to work and balance your child care subsidy for the financial year.

If you are hesitant for any reason, listen to this podcast with Hank Jongen, General Manager of Services Australia, because he has a great way of explaining the process that makes it all sound super simple.

Whether you don't know where to start, you're concerned about a debt, or you just want to get it right moving forward, you'll get the support you need. And, if you don't, Hank explains where to go for more support - and this is not just the usual channels ...

Hank explains:

• What CCS is and how it is paid

• What you need to do to have your CCS balanced

• How to confirm your income (over and over again if you need to)

• What to if you don't need to lodge a tax return (don't do nothing!)

• What outcomes to expect once your CCS has been balanced

• What support is available if you have incurred a debt

• Where to go for more information

A low conflict separation might seem like a contradiction in terms but it really is possible for many ex-couples. Maybe not right now, but certainly in time.

The truth is, it only takes one person to counteract conflict with a more effective and peaceful resolution process. If you want to be this person, this podcast will help you move your separation out of the combat zone and into a collaborative, working space.

I chat to Lisanne Iriks, who is an award-winning mediator and coach and the owner of Life Mediation. Having been a mediator for over 12 years, specialising in family mediation, Lisanne is perfectly placed to share her knowledge around this tricky topic.

Even if you think there is no hope for you and your ex, it is likely you will find some of Lisanne suggestions helpful, so listen and learn ladies ...

Lisanne and I discuss a lot of stuff, including:

• Why it is so incredibly important to aim for a low-conflict separation
• Understanding the stages of grief in separation and how to keep the peace with this knowledge
• The importance of interim orders
• Communication - responding and not reacting
• Where (and where not) to get advice and support, this is so important!
• Lisanne's work with Beanstalk offering single mums a free consultation to get that low conflict separation happening

Do you, like me, feel that you have lost touch of what your personal style is? Or do you know what you want your style to be but don't have the time to rock it?

Then stay tuned.

I chat to Danielle Johansen from Threadicated, an online and shipped to your door personal fashion styling service. This is a lady who has spent years in the fashion industry understanding trends, body types and style.

Remember, style is not just about the latest trends for the rich and famous. It's about expression, self-care and feeling good about yourself when you strut out your front door every day.

Listen to Danielle and I talk about:

• Why it's so damn important to find your style (do not put it at the end of your "to do" list)

• Some really simple starter tips that you can do right now ... without even leaving the house

• How to make clothes shopping (at the actual shops) enjoyable and successful

• The services of an online personal fashion stylist and how it all works

• How to get (and stay) stylish without shelling out too much cash

• The Threadicated 20% OFF special offer on the Beanstalk Discount Directory

Lockdowns are becoming part and parcel of daily life here in Australia, but they certainly don't get easier, especially if you are losing work each time.

On this podcast, I chat to Hank Jongen, General Manager of Services Australia, who are doing a heroic job of getting covid disaster payments out to those in need, when they need it.  

This factual chat will put you on the right path to get support whether you're in lockdown or isolation, and losing money (or your mind) as a result of it.

Hank explains:

• What support is available to people in lockdown across Australia
• How eligibility works (hint: it's done by hours not dollars)
• How to make a claim for a disaster payment
• The estimated wait time for financial assistance
• Moving forward, as lockdowns continue, how and when to re-claim
• What to do if you are self-employed or a sole trader
• How these payment work in terms of tax and income support purposes
• More support services available, over and above the disaster payment

Terrified of dating after being off the scene for so long? We get it! 

I chat to Elly Johnson who, alongside Leena Sisco, owns TruthLove Academy, designed to help women date smart and date safe. Elly explains how to get perfectly poised to make your debut into the dating world. Then, once you're off and running, how to protect yourself, enjoy yourself and ultimately attract an amazing partner.

Our conversation includes but is not limited to:

• The biggest challenges for single mums getting back into the dating world, and how to overcome them
• Some of the risks to women on the dating scene and how to protect yourself
• The texting trap - what it is, how and why to avoid it ... and why some single mums do it
• The importance of the kind of stuff Elly and Leena can teach you, like learning about human behaviour, information elicitation and understanding limiting beliefs
• Why (and how) to stay positive on the dating scene
• Where to found Elly and Leena if you need to more support with dating

I talk to Tim Loh who is the Assistant Commissioner at the ATO and tax time spokesperson for 2021 to help single mums across Australia with their tax returns.

In this podcast we cover-off on these points:

• Whether you need to lodge a tax return and how to do it

• What can (and can't) be claimed as a work related expense

• What to do if you get a tax bill after lodging your tax return

• The tax implications if you have received JobKeeper, JobSeeker or accessed super under the COVID measures

• What you need to know if you have been working from home

• How the Services Australia end-of-year balancing works

• Specifics for lodging a tax return as a single parent

• Tips for mums with kids who are entering the workforce

• Where to get help if you need more support

Get the absolute latest information available about the all-new Family Home Guarantee in this chat with Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Housing, the Hon Michael Sukkar MP.

We cover: What the Family Home Guarantee is; the motivation behind the scheme; the impact owning a home can have on single parent families; the eligibility criteria for the Family Home Guarantee; property price threshold amounts (stay posted, they are increasing!); and how to apply and get further information, here's the link Michael talks about: NHFIC.

Shining a Light on Australia’s Housing Crisis and Givit’s Impact on Families in Need

As the festive season approaches, many are preparing to celebrate, but for countless families in Australia, the Housing Crisis casts a heavy shadow. In this heartfelt episode, we’re joined by Danielle Draper, manager of Givit’s Domestic and Family Violence program, to explore the profound challenges facing single mums and their children.

Danielle shares how Givit, a not-for-profit organisation, transforms lives by connecting families in need with essential items—fostering dignity and respect. From helping a mum transition out of refuge with a bed and fridge voucher to delivering nearly 1 million items over four years, Givit’s impact is extraordinary.

We delve into the long-term reliance on transitional housing and the emotional toll it takes, especially during the holidays. Danielle also highlights how donors can provide thoughtful contributions, like bicycles that bring joy and connection or Christmas gifts for overlooked tweens and teens.

Discover how Givit bridges the gap between generosity and need, ensuring families receive exactly what they require, and learn how you can be part of this inspiring mission.

This episode reminds us of the resilience of single mums and the power of community to bring hope when it’s needed most.

🌸 https://1800respect.org.au — 1800RESPECT is available for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence.

✨ https://www.givit.org.au — Now that's the smart way to give! Donations making real and positive differences to the lives of Australians in need. Discover how a single donation, given the smart way, can change a life forever.

👯‍♀️ https://www.facebook.com/groups/SingleMumVine — Don’t forget to join the Single Mum Vine on Facebook! It’s the perfect spot to connect with fellow single mums for support and advice.

🎙️ https://beanstalkmums.com.au/podcast — Our brand-new widget is live on the Beanstalk Mums website! Drop us a voice message with your thoughts or questions; you might hear them in a future episode.

You’ve got this! Let’s thrive together. Please don’t forget to like and follow the podcast so you never miss an episode packed with inspiration and practical tips for your journey!

Desperate for your forever home? We can help! I chat with Louis Christopher from QSM Research about the facts that matter when looking to purchase a property, whether that be right now, or at some point in the future.

We discuss: An overview of the Australian property market with speculation to the future; the impact of Covid, JobKeeper and HomeBuilder; the implications of long-term renting; why purchasing a property is a sensible option if you struggle to save; choosing the right area to buy in (which may not necessarily be where you want to live); and clever options to propel you onto the first rung of the ladder.

Stressed out kids = stressed out parents, and vice versa. For this reason, I chat to Dr Louise Metcalfe about how to help our children manage stress and anxiety on a daily basis.

We discuss: Why it's so important for the gorgeous little people in our worlds to understand their emotions and take care of their mental health; the benefits of the much undervalued and underrated activity of breathing, the advantages of getting kids to talk and who they can talk to; different kinds of stress relieving resources that can work for kids; how to help kids manage overwhelm as part of a normal day; and how the Gheorg app can play a positive part in helping your child develop resilience and manage stress.

YES, it can work and I have seen the proof! So this podcast is all about making online dating work for you. I chat to the perfect person, Sharon Draper who is a psychologist and the relationship expert at eharmony. 

We discuss: Why online dating is a good way for single mums to meet potential partners; the importance of "self" when you online date; resources to get started; timelines around online dating and what not to expect; the new "video date" phenomenon and how it seriously helps the online dating process; and the "adventure" aspect of dating online and how to make it a positive experience.

Beyond Blue were kind enough to let me borrow their lead clinical advisor, Grant Blashki, to discuss this all-important topic of understanding and managing anxiety as a single mother.

Listen to us chat about: What anxiety actually is and the different types (yes, there is more than one type!); the red flags that suggest anxiety is reaching a level where you should take action; simple things you can do during a busy single mum day to help manage anxiety; why it's so important for our children that we manage our anxiety successfully; and where to go for more free support to assess, understand and manage your anxiety.

Yes! You can have a satisfying sex life with yourself! I talk to Chantelle Otten, Ambassador and resident Sexologist at Lovehoney, Australia's No.1 sexual happiness people.

We cover: The benefits of regular and satisfying self-pleasure (this may surprise you); Chantelle's top tips to get started with your sensual self-pleasure journey; sex toys for the novice and something new and exciting to extend your collection; how (as a busy single mum) you can find time for self-pleasure in the bedroom (or bathroom?); and the confidence factor i.e. how to build it and give yourself the confidence to explore.

I chat to mother and daughter sexperts, Dr Janet Hall and Ella Hall from Women's Pleasure Power about how to have mind-blowing orgasms and a wonderfully fulfilled sex life.

We discuss: Why it's so important to have lots of wonderful orgasms; what a "full body orgasmic state" is and how to achieve it; some sneaky snippets and tips from Dr Jan and Ella's "Claim Your Pleasure Power eCourse"; how to handle low esteem in the bedroom; and points to fine tune solo sex or self pleasure.

Love your wine a little too much? You are not alone. More and more mums are turning to alcohol to help ease the stresses of daily life. I chat to Victoria Vanstone from Drunk Mummy Sober Mummy about her story that led her to sobriety and to become a more present and patient mother.

We chat about: Why you don't have be in rehab to admit to a drinking problem; signs that your drinking has reached an unhealthy level; different drinking styles you may resonate with; how kids are affected by a mum who drinks heavily and how they can benefit if you limit or stop; next steps to find support if you are concerned about your alcohol intake; and why it's never too late to address and change your drinking habits

I speak to Alison Howard from 1800RESPECT to help single mums who are struggling to move forward and live healthy, happy lives following the trauma of a DV relationship.

We discuss: The issues you might experience following a DV relationship; the cycle of domestic violence - what it is and how to break it; advice on parenting with your abuser; how to help your children heal from the impact of the relationship whilst healing yourself; dating again - what to consider, red flags and where to find help; and where to find the support you need to heal from the trauma caused by an abusive relationship.

The National Debt Helpline are simply the BEST service. And I am lucky to chat to Deborah Naylor, the NDH Supervisor, who not only has 20 years experience in the financial counselling sector BUT is also a single mum!

We discuss: The stigma around debt and why people find it so hard to reach out; how debt can negatively impact so many areas of your life; how to break-free from a difficult mindset around debt; examples of options available to you when it comes to debt solutions; complex financial situations and how the National Debt Helpline can assist; financial counselling which is non-bias and completely free btw; and how to cope with debt created by another person before a break-up, grrrr ... there are ways.

Maggie Dent and I have a really fascinating chat about raising teenage boys and touch on lots of tips from her new book: From Boys to Men: Guiding teen boys to grow into healthy, happy men.

Amongst other things we discuss: The inner workings of the mind and body of teenage boys and how knowing this can seriously help; tips for chatting to your teenage boy that will keep the peace and defuse conflict; how to "unstick" your unmotivated son; the importance of healthy role models and what to do if Dad is not present or setting a good example; and Maggie's thoughts on how technology can affect your teen boy with key points to deal with it.

In this episode, we hear from Carly, a determined solo mum, who opens up about her path to motherhood after discovering her low egg reserve at age 35.

Carly shares her experience with six rounds of egg freezing over four years, eventually turning to a donor to fulfil her dream of becoming a mum. She discusses the emotional rollercoaster of letting go of the “fairy tale” family she had envisioned, overcoming postpartum depression, and finding strength through connection with other single mums.

Carly's story is one of resilience, joy, and humour, with valuable advice for women considering solo motherhood and navigating its challenges. From fertility setbacks to the triumph of watching her daughter grow into a compassionate and independent child, Carly shows us that solo motherhood can be both rewarding and empowering.

🌸 https://monashivf.com/?state=qld&gbraid=0AAAAADuVMacfBUC9BQ02XXDUhV4OSTggV -  Carly began her solo mum journey and received treatment at Monash IVF, Wesley.

✨ https://forum.smcaustralia.org.au/ - The Solo Mums by Choice Australia forum is the FB group Carly found really helpful to get support from other solo mums by choice.

👯‍♀️ https://www.facebook.com/groups/SingleMumVine — Don’t forget to join the Single Mum Vine on Facebook! It’s the perfect spot to connect with fellow single mums for support and advice.

🎙️ https://beanstalkmums.com.au/podcast — Our brand-new widget is live on the Beanstalk Mums website! Drop us a voice message with your thoughts or questions; you might hear them in a future episode.

You’ve got this! Let’s thrive together. And don’t forget to like and follow the podcast so you never miss an episode packed with inspiration and practical tips for your journey!

Get completely non-bias advice (without the sale) about private health insurance for your single parent family in this chat with Paul Pfitzner from the Private Health Insurance Ombudsman and the brilliant PrivateHealth.gov.au website.

We discuss: How private health insurance works and what is covered; what happens when you separate and whether your current policy will still be valid; what to consider when choosing the right health insurance; a bit about PrivateHealth.gov.au and how it is the only place to compare without the sale; what government incentives and surcharges apply to private health insurance; what is Lifetime Health Cover (LHC) and how it works; and where to go for help if you have a problem with your private health insurance.

MoneySmart.gov.au is the BEST personal finance resource and I am excited to chat to the lady who manages it ... Laura Higgins. Our topic: Budgeting. Now, stay with us as it's easier than you think.

Listen to us discuss: What a personal budget actually is; the importance of budgeting and tracking your spending; how to simplify the process and make it less overwhelming; the brilliant tools available to help you to budget; top tips to save money if your expenses are too high; how to ensure your money is working for you; dealing with debt through the National Debt Helpline; further support and advice if you are going through financial hardship

Desperately trying to find the perfect child care centre for your little one? Let us help you as I chat to Gabby Hegerty from the new game-changing search and compare child care website, Toddle.

We discuss: The advantages of enrolling your child in a child care centre; what actually makes a good care centre; the incredible range of different child care centres available; the red flags to be aware of when choosing a child care centre; what to do if there is no availability at the centre you fall in love with; and how Toddle can streamline the process and help you find the perfect place for your child.

Worried about completing your tax return this year with the added complications of the Coronavirus supplements and work from home? We have you covered as Lucy chats to Karen Foat from the ATO to help demystify your tax return and help you with what you need to know to complete it.

Listen to us discuss: How to know if you need to lodge a tax return; the options this year for people needing to lodge a tax return; whether or not to use a tax agent; the tax implications for people who have received JobSeeker or JobKeeper payments; what you need to know if you have been working from home; how Services Australia balancing works with your tax return and what you need to do; and specific advice for single parents if you separated in the last financial year.

HELP! We're separated and can't agree on anything! Is this you? If so, then listen to Lucy chat with Tara Houseman from Relationships Australia about everything "mediation".

We discuss: The range of services offered by Relationships Australia to help couples going through separation; the family dispute resolution process i.e. what happens and when; eligibility for mediation through Relationships Australia and why it may not be suitable; the many advantages to resolving matters through mediation; and how to prepare for mediation to ensure the process is as effective as possible.

Get free home help in exchange for renting out your spare room! It's super easy. I chat with Ludwina Dautovic, Founder of The Room Xchange, which is an online platform that connects busy households with a spare bedroom with guests who provide an agreed amount of help in Xchange for food and accommodation.

We discuss: The process to become a host; how to know if you'd make a good host; how to prepare your home for a guest; the kind of chores your host could do: how to ensure your exchange works and where to get support if needed; and costs involved (it's free for us - listen out for the code!).

Hank Jongen, General Manager at Services Australia, provides facts and deadlines to meet our EOFY obligations on-time and in-order.

He talks as through: When and how to confirm your 2018-19 income; how to find out if you need to lodge a tax return; the deadline to make a lump sum FTB claim for the 2018-19 financial year and whether you are eligible; the $750 Economic Support Payment; what to include in adjusted taxable income; balance timings; the $550 Coronavirus supplement; and mutual obligations for people on Job Seekers.

4 Ingredients founder, Kim McCosker, is my guest in this podcast to share her magic and knowledge around saving time and money in the kitchen.

We discuss: The wonder of the 4 Ingredients method and why it's so popular; menu planning and other time saving tips; Kim's top money saving tips for the kitchen; the best herbs and spices to fill your cupboards; Kim's absolute favourite recipes from her repertoire of millions; and various other handy tips including how to make cake with champagne and knowing a tasty strawberry when you see one.

Covid-19 is upon us and the world has paused. What does this mean for you? Like many, you may have lost your job, either temporarily or permanently, and are wondering: 'What now?'. 

In this podcast I get 30-years of expertise from Helen Slater, Founder of 6S Coaching, about: changing your mindset around the pandemic to see it as an opportunity rather than a set-back; enhancing your employment opportunities; the importance of staying connected and working on your confidence; starting the journey of discovery into what to do career-wise if you are feeling lost; and Helen's top tips for using this time to start your own successful business.

Our worst nightmare: Homeschooling is hitting the homes of families across the world. BUT don't panic. I chat with education and curriculum expert, Karen Green from MAPPEN, about how to make homeschooling work and come out the other side still talking to your kids.

We discuss: How to prepare for home learning and what to expect; routines - to have or not to have; how to ditch the guilt around homeschooling; Karen's top tips to make homeschooling work; the biggest misconceptions and no-no's of home learning; and MAPPEN's free content to help parents with home learning during COVID-19.

In this episode, we sit down with Bec McKay, an experienced educator and advocate for neurodivergent children. With over 20 years in the education and disability sectors and as a homeschooling mum of three neurodivergent children, Beck brings professional expertise and personal experience to the conversation.

Together, we explore how understanding neurodivergent behaviour, including recognising meltdowns as physiological responses and non-verbal communication, can shift how we support our children. Bec also emphasises the importance of having high expectations to empower our children and the critical role of self-care for parents to maintain resilience.

Tune in for practical advice on providing sensory support, building routines, celebrating small wins, and staying connected with your children during challenging moments. Bec shares essential self-care tips, asking for help, and how to make space for rest so you can continue to show up for your family.

For additional support, connect with Bec for a complimentary 1st consult, chat with her through the Beanstalk Single Mum Vine Facebook group or find her on the NeuroFlexible Parent Partnership dedicated FB page.

🌸 https://bit.ly/44NEbsn — Connect with Bec for a complimentary 1st consult.

✨ https://www.facebook.com/Bec.NeuroFlexible — Bec's dedicated FB page to all things Neurodiverse, a treasure trove of great resources, including her own FB group.

👯‍♀️ https://www.facebook.com/groups/SingleMumVine — Don’t forget to join the Single Mum Vine on Facebook! It’s the perfect spot to connect with fellow single mums for support and advice.

🎙️ https://beanstalkmums.com.au/podcast — Our brand-new widget is live on the Beanstalk Mums website! Drop us a voice message with your thoughts or questions; you might hear them in a future episode.

You’ve got this! Let’s thrive together. And don’t forget to like and follow the podcast so you never miss an episode packed with inspiration and practical tips for your journey!

Dating just got harder! Yep, social distancing and isolation really hampers your mission to find Mr Right. Or does it? I chat to author, columnist and mother of three, Kerri Sackville about how to have fun with virtual dating. 

We chat and laugh about: The advantages of virtual dating; what a virtual date looks like and how to prepare for one; the big no-no's of virtual dating; the reality of making it work if you're really into your virtual date; and how to prepare for eventually meeting when we are all allowed out again!

Do you love books, and want your children love them too? I chat to Sara Leman, the co-author of Reading Eggs, about how to make it happen.

Listen to us discuss: What the prerequisites for starting school actually are (you may be surprised); brilliant pre-school literacy activities that are heaps of fun; habits/routines we can create to foster good reading habits at home; the benefits from reading aloud with our kids; why Reading Eggs is so engaging for kids and successful in helping them learn; and the 'set and forget' nature of Reading Eggs which makes it brilliant for busy mums.

Terrified of the prospect of attending family court? You are not alone.

Carolyn Devries from New Ways Lawyers saves the day and explains everything you need to know to put your mind at rest.

We discuss: the order of key events for parenting matters in the family court; the difference between Family Dispute Resolution and Mediation; court documents and what to expect depending on your situation; tips to prepare your affidavit and to be 100% ready for your first court date; what will actually happen when you go to court (this may surprise you); the Family Court Interview - what it is, what to expect and how to prepare; and Carolyn's tips to look after yourself emotionally during this time.

Do you feel broken, crazy and emotionally drained following a breakup with a narcissist? 

Help is here. I chat to Breakup Recovery and Dating Coach, Cheryl Chong, from Steps To Happyness to help you overcome and MOVE ON.

Listen to us discuss: The true traits of a narcissist and how these traits affect a relationship; the first steps to recovery being understanding and acceptance and how to reach them; how to deal with difficult emotions, including loathing and shame; how to support our children who may also be experiencing control issues with our ex partner; and tips to break the cycle and ensure we don’t attract another similar relationship.

Having a co-parenting nightmare with your passive aggressive ex? Don't panic! We can help. I chat to Sallyanne Hartnell from Reflect Coaching on ways to deal with this infuriating behaviour.

Listen to us discuss: The traits of the passive aggressive person; what problems you might encounter when co-parenting and how to overcome them; brilliant tips for communicating a passive aggressive ex; why parallel parenting might be a better alternative to co-parenting; and how to protect yourself from the negative effects of your passive aggressive ex.

Not divorced yet but want to change your name? You can! And it's EASY.

I chat to Gen Dennis from Easy Name Change about: Why it is so important for you to feel comfortable with your name; why making the decision to revert to your maiden name could be a great move for you; the pitfalls of changing your name; Gen's super-simple guide to change your name (she can save you 6-hours of faffing around); and the difference between reverting to your maiden name and choosing something entirely different.

All guys are duds! No they're not! You just need to get this dating thing right and see the truth to fast-track you to find the perfect long-term partner.

And there is nobody better equiped to shed the light (and the love) than Elly Johnson from Truth Lies & Love.

We chat about: How to weed out the duds early on; the most common mistakes us women make when dating, and how to avoid them; why values hold such high significance in the dating game; how to know if he's into you; how to attract a better quality of men (or someone better suited to you); Elly's absolute top tips to fast track finding a great partner, whilst enjoying the journey!

Why the hell does 50/50 co-parenting cause so much confusion?

In this information-packed podcast I chat to Melinda Nutting and Tania Fitzpatrick from Step By Step Support to unpack what 50/50 co-parenting actually means.

Our chat includes: Understanding the difference between co-parenting and parallel parenting;Bird nesting - what it is and how it can work for children of separation; the grey areas of finance when 50/50 co-parenting; why Child Support and co-parenting are not always good mix; mistakes you can make when co-parenting and how to avoid/overcome them; how to role model a healthy co-parenting relationship to your children; ant the benefits of a 50/50 co-parenting arrange for everyone in the family.

There is nothing more inspiring than a single mum who has taken on the world and lived to tell her story! 

That is exactly what Lisa Burling has done. Lisa believes that living courage, faith and gumption (love that word!) today can lead you to live the life you want tomorrow. And that's what we discuss in this totally uplifting podcast that will have you rocking your goals by the end of the show.

DO NOT put your will to the bottom of the too-hard pile. Having a Will saves your family stress and money when the time does come, and honestly, we just don't know when that will be.

I chat to Emily Brown from BT Lawyers about: Why it's important to have a Will; what happens if you don't make a Will; what to consider when preparing a Will as a single mum; mistakes you might make and how to avoid them; how often to check your Will and why; how to make changes to your Will; and how to start the process and GET IT DONE.

Hey there! 🌟 Ready for another uplifting episode of Beanstalk Mums? This time, we're joined by Ian McLeod, a financial expert with nearly 20 years of experience, who’s here to talk about Binding Financial Agreements (BFAs) and why they’re so crucial for single mums.

In this episode, Ian shares how BFAs can protect your assets, safeguard your financial future, and help you avoid conflict when dividing property after a separation. Whether you’re stepping out of a relationship or entering a new one, Ian’s practical advice will give you the confidence and clarity you need to take control of your finances. 💪💰

Pop in those earbuds hit play, and get ready to boost your financial savvy with real-world advice that’s easy to understand and put into action. 🙌 We’ll also cover how to take the next steps if you're considering setting up a BFA.

Links for this episode:

📧 https://www.financialagreements.com.au — Want more info? Reach out to Ian for personalised help.

👯‍♀️ https://www.facebook.com/groups/SingleMumVine — Don’t forget to join the Single Mum Vine on Facebook! It’s the perfect spot to connect with fellow single mums for support and advice.

🎙️ https://beanstalkmums.com.au/podcast — Our brand-new widget is live on the Beanstalk Mums website! Drop us a voice message with your thoughts or questions, and you might hear them in a future episode.

You’ve got this! Let’s thrive together. 🌈 And don’t forget to like and follow the podcast so you never miss an episode packed with inspiration and practical tips for your journey! 🎧

Don't look for a new job! Instead you could negotiate flexible work arrangements with your current employer.

Lucy Dickens and Jo Alil-ovich from the The Juggle podcast are here to tell us how.

Listen to us discuss: What flexible work arrangements actually are; how flexible work arrangements can benefit you as a working mum; how these arrangements can benefit your employer too; how to approach the subject of work hours with your employer; the problems you may have when trying to negotiate flexible work arrangements and how you can overcome them; and finally, your legal rights and how to get further support.

There is no bible for co-parenting. It can be a challenge. Co-parenting or solo parenting even more so. We all do our best, and we all want to raise happy, confident resilient kids. But the question is, how the hell do we do it?

In this podcast, I chat to Dr Jane Coleman, clinical psychologist at the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, which is one of the best parenting programs IN THE WORLD and completely free in many parts of Australia.

We cover: the 5 principles of positive parenting; how Triple P helps young children right through to teenagers; how to feel more confident about your parenting; why and how to reach for help if you are struggling; the huge impact positive parenting can have on your children; and how to find out more about Triple P and join a course for parenting support.

Do you love going to work? Or do you need clarity for a new career path?

I chat to Helen Slater from 6S Coaching to help you get the direction you need to rock your career moves and ultimately land your dream job.

We chat about what to consider if you want a career change but you're not sure what; a checklist of what to do before investing time and money in your chosen career path; the absolute importance of recognising and working with your personal values; tips to overcome overwhelm and get the ball rolling; what you can do whilst studying to make yourself more employable; and steps you can take RIGHT NOW to start you journey towards your dream job.

Lifeline’s Executive Director, Rachel Bowes chats with me about how it’s normal to feel down at some point on your single mother journey.

Whether it’s whilst navigating the initial break-up or once you have adjusted, no one would blame you for feeling low, lonely, overwhelmed or possibly even depressed.

This chat includes, but is not limited to what you can do to prevent and deal with loneliness: how to ease the pressure of overwhelm as a single parent; catastrophising: why you do it and how to stop it; the red flags of depression and how to take proactive action against it; the positive and negative impact of social media on mental health; how to know when to ask for help, where to ask for help and other wonderful resources.