Explore every episode of the podcast Happy Mum
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Libbey on supporting his partner through birth trauma | 10 Jun 2025 | 01:05:39 | |
Our guest this week is personal trainer, podcaster, and former Made in Chelsea star Ryan Libbey! When Ryan’s partner Louise Thompson gave birth to their son Leo, she faced severe complications and trauma that turned their worlds upside down. We spoke to Louise last year on the podcast and now it’s Ryan’s turn to share his story. Ryan opens up to Gi about letting go of the pressure to always be the strong one in his family, and how showing up for himself was actually the key to showing up for Louise and Leo. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Rose and Rosie on parenthood as a same-sex couple | 03 Jun 2025 | 01:08:16 | |
We're very excited this week to welcome everyone's favourite Youtube couple to the studio - it's Rose and Rosie! As a same-sex couple, finding information on how to start a family is not easy. Rose and Rosie open up to Gi about the challenges of navigating a heteronormative healthcare system, from choosing a sperm donor, to IUI vs IVF, and what it's like to be the 'other mother.' Plus, they discuss feeling the pressure to get everything right as a same-sex parent, Rose’s struggle with feeling rejected by her son, and Rosie’s experience with postpartum depression. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Happy Mum, Happy Mother’s Day! | 01 Apr 2025 | 00:44:32 | |
Fresh from celebrating Mother’s Day, Gi has delved into the archives and picked out some of her favourite moments that celebrate what it really means to be a mum:
Plus, we receive some questions from a very special guest! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Healing from birth trauma with Dr Rebecca Moore | 27 Jun 2023 | 00:35:48 | |
Gi chats with Dr Rebecca Moore, a perinatal psychiatrist with a special interest in birth trauma. Dr Moore has over 20 years of experience in treating various conditions including infertility, pregnancy loss, anxiety, depression, OCD, and trauma. They discuss the nature and impact of birth trauma, exploring its emotional effects, the potential for PTSD, and long-term consequences. The conversation also addresses the role of the father, possible strains on the mother-healthcare worker relationship, and self-advocacy strategies for mothers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Discussing Paternal mental health with Lily Pebbles & Rich | 22 Jun 2023 | 00:31:37 | |
Continuing the discussion on the topic of paternal mental health, Gi chats with Lilly Pebbles and her husband, Rich. They delve into Rich's personal journey with paternal mental health and his struggles with health anxiety. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Dads Deserve Care Too with Elliott Rae | 20 Jun 2023 | 00:40:40 | |
Gi chats with Elliott Rae. Elliott Rae is a recognized advocate for diversity, equality, and inclusion, a prominent speaker on fatherhood, masculinity, and men's mental health, and the founder of the "MusicFootballFatherhood" parenting platform. They discuss the societal impact of masculinity on men's mental health and why men often find it difficult to seek help for mental health issues. The conversation also explores ways of destigmatizing men's mental health and the media's role in promoting healthy mental health practices for fathers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Demistifying Hypnobirthing with Katharine Graves | 13 Jun 2023 | 00:44:45 | |
Gi chats with Katharine Graves, an authority on hypnobirthing and the driving force behind KGHypnobirthing and The Hypnobirthing Association. Katherine gets to the nitty-gritty of hypnobirthing, offering fascinating insights into how this approach can truly transform the childbirth experience. She sheds light on its potential to alleviate labour pain, how its not your usual childbirth method and how you can use its principles in other parts of life. Katharine is kindly offering our listeners a 20% discount code on her KGH online course. To claim your discount go to kghb.org/happymumpod and use the code: HAPPYMUM
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Feeling Sexy After Having a Baby Kate Moyle | 06 Jun 2023 | 00:36:29 | |
Gi chats with Kate Moyle, a psychosexual and relationship therapist who specialises in helping people struggling with their sex lives and sexuality. Kate delves deep into how our sex lives and relationships can evolve post-childbirth. She offers valuable advice on how to navigate these changes and challenges - from handling the intimate life with a baby in the room, grappling with differences in sexual experiences after birth, to finding ways to feel sexy and reconnecting with your partner after having a baby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Understanding and managing perinatal anxiety with Dr. Orinayo Onabanjo | 30 May 2023 | 00:40:37 | |
Gi chats with Dr Orinayo Onabanjo, a seasoned counselling psychologist, to discuss perinatal anxiety, a condition affecting about 20% of women during pregnancy and postpartum. Dr Orinayo shares her know-how, talking through different ways to handle perinatal anxiety and where to find help. They discuss the many sides of this condition, how to deal with the stigma, and why getting help matters. This episode is packed with useful tips for anyone navigating this challenging period during pregnancy and the first year of being a parent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Potty Training 101 with Amanda Jenner | 23 May 2023 | 00:34:51 | |
Gi chats with Amanda Jenner, the UK's Toilet Training Expert, diving into the complicated and often challenging process of potty training. Amanda shares her professional experience and tips, exploring various strategies for successful potty training and engagement tactics for children. The conversation covers the nuances of gender-specific training, how to manage training regression and the potential role of rewards. Amanda's advice offers critical support for parents embarking on or currently navigating this significant milestone in their child's development. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Healing after loss with Zoe Clark-Coates MBE | 16 May 2023 | 00:45:18 | |
Gi Chats with Zoe Clark-Coates, co-founder of The Mariposa Trust, about the complex topic of baby loss, miscarriage, and grief. Zoe shares her personal journey, including how she and her husband supported each other during their losses. The conversation covers strategies for coping with physical and emotional pain, communication around loss and delves into the societal aspects of miscarriage, including how to support a friend going through loss. TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussion around the theme of baby loss which may be difficult for some listeners. If you think that this episode may impact you negatively then please choose and alternative episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Navigating separation with Samantha Woodham (The Divorce Surgery) | 09 May 2023 | 00:36:38 | |
Gi chats with Samantha Woodham, a seasoned family law barrister who knows the ins and outs of divorce and co-parenting. Samantha shares her wisdom on avoiding common mistakes, mitigating the impact on children, and maintaining a cordial approach. They discuss practical co-parenting tips and life after divorce, emphasising the importance of communication and empathy in creating a nurturing and positive atmosphere for children. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Making every penny count with Gemma Bird aka Money Mum | 02 May 2023 | 00:39:22 | |
Gi is back with a new series of Parenting SOS. In this first episode, we discuss how parents can tackle the cost of living crisis and make every penny count with Gemma Bird (@moneymumofficial). We'll be answering questions from the Happy Mum community and discussing practical ways to help parents manage finances. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Psychologist Dr Julie on letting go of perfection in parenting and the power of making mistakes | 25 Mar 2025 | 00:56:24 | |
On this week's episode of Happy Mum Happy Baby, Clinical Psychologist Dr Julie joins Giovanna to talk about perfection, parenting and letting go of the expectations we place on ourselves. Julie opens up about being diagnosed with breast cancer last year and tells Gi why and how she talked to her three children about it. Plus Gi and Julie discuss hypnobirthing and the importance of having agency during birth. Dr Julie’s new book Open When is available to buy now: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/453995/open-when-by-smith-dr-julie/9780241663936 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Ollie and Gareth Locke-Locke | 25 Apr 2023 | 01:07:52 | |
Before Giovanna returns next week for a new season of Happy Mum Happy Baby: Parenting SOS, we have a special episode of the podcast with Made In Chelsea faves, Ollie and Gareth. The Locke Locke's are pregnant and join Giovanna to talk about their surrogacy journey and the impending arrival of their twins! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Jason Watkins and Clara Francis | 28 Mar 2023 | 01:23:27 | |
This week on Happy Mum Happy Baby, Giovanna speaks to actor Jason Watkins and his wife Clara Francis, who tragically lost their daughter, Maudie to sepsis when she was just two and a half years old. Jason and Clara discuss their loss in advance of the broadcast of their ITV documentary launching this week, 'Jason & Clara : In Memory of Maudie'. TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussion around losing a child to Sepsis. If you feel you may find it difficult to listen to, please choose another episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Malin Andersson | 21 Mar 2023 | 00:52:49 | |
This week, Giovanna is joined by the amazing Malin Andersson. Malin rose to fame on Love Island and since has become a truly powerful voice for mental health and the body positivity movement. Malin discusses her joy at becoming mum to her baby girl Xaya as well as the heartbreak of losing her first born, Consy. TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussion around topics such as suicide, abusive relationships and baby loss. If you think you may find this episode difficult to listen to, please choose another episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Doug & Sanjay AKA The Travelling Gays | 14 Mar 2023 | 00:43:31 | |
On this week's Happy Mum Happy baby Gi discusses surrogacy with Doug and Sanjay AKA The Travelling Gays. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Aston & Sarah Merrygold | 07 Mar 2023 | 00:53:17 | |
JLS singer Aston Merrygold and his wife, dancer, Sarah join Giovanna to discuss life with their 2 young boys, Grayson and Macaulay. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Vogue Williams | 28 Feb 2023 | 00:50:25 | |
Gi's guest this week is model, TV presenter and mum of three, Vogue WIlliams. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Jess Wright | 21 Feb 2023 | 00:45:51 | |
New mum and old friend, Jess Wright joins Giovanna to discuss the birth of her baby boy Presley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Gabby Logan | 14 Feb 2023 | 00:49:40 | |
This week Giovanna is joined by presenter, podcaster and mum of three, Gabby Logan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Sophie Hinchliffe AKA Mrs Hinch | 07 Feb 2023 | 01:02:56 | |
On this week's Happy Mum Happy Baby, Gi is joined by Sophie Hinchliffe. Sophie is a mum of two and after finding fame as an influencer obsessed with cleaning, she has become a Sunday Times best selling author and has just released her first Children's book, 'Welcome to Hinch Farm'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Shaping Us, The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood | 02 Feb 2023 | 00:40:11 | |
To celebrate the launch of the Shaping Us campaign from The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, Gi is joined by paediatric doctor Guddi Singh to talk about early brain development. Shaping Us is a new, long-term awareness raising campaign to increase public understanding of the crucial importance of the first five years of a child’s life. Spearheaded by The Princess of Wales, the campaign highlights the fundamental importance of early childhood in shaping adults and future society.
Find out more: shapingus.com - @earlychildhood Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Why am I so angry? Parenting SOS with Dr Caroline Boyd | 18 Mar 2025 | 00:42:31 | |
On this month's Parenting SOS, we’re joined by Clinical Psychologist and expert on maternal rage Dr Caroline Boyd. Anger is a natural response to the overwhelming demands of motherhood in today’s society. Many of us feel pressure to be supermums - calm, coping and in control at all times - and were raised to see anger as a ‘forbidden’ emotion for women. This often means our feelings stay simmering under the surface, until we reach a breaking point. Caroline shares her insight on what happens to us when we’re angry, how can we move through the emotion, and letting go of the inevitable guilt that comes after an angry reaction. Gi and Caroline also touch on the different contextual forces at play that shape our responses to anger. These social contexts are numerous and varied for every individual, often including important identities such as race, class and sexuality, which influence how we feel and express anger. Plus, we answer some of your questions, including how to manage anger towards your partner, keeping your cool when overstimulated, and identifying burn out. Caroline offers a self-paced anger course for mothers (USE THE CODE “HMHB” TO CLAIM YOUR £100 DISCOUNT): https://dr-caroline-boyd.mykajabi.com/maternal-rage-sign-up Download Caroline’s FREE GUIDE on how to handle partner rage: https://dr-caroline-boyd.mykajabi.com/3rs-free-download Caroline’s book, Mindful New Mum: A Mind-Body Approach to the Highs and Lows of Motherhood, is available to buy online Amazon, Waterstones or Bookshop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Sam and Billie Faiers | 31 Jan 2023 | 00:56:16 | |
TV's favourite sisters, Sam and Billie join Gi to chat Mummy Diaries, birthing stories and how three can be a handful! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Kimberly Wyatt | 24 Jan 2023 | 00:47:36 | |
Singer, dancer and former Pussycat Dolls member, Kimberly Wyatt joins Giovanna to discuss her life as a mum of three. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Matt Willis | 17 Jan 2023 | 00:50:44 | |
For the first episode of the new season, Giovanna is joined by her good friend Matt Willis to discuss, fatherhood, addiction and dealing with teenagers! TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussion around the theme of addiction. If you feel this may be difficult for you please choose another episode. Listener discretion is advised, Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Giorgina & Mario Falcone | 08 Dec 2022 | 00:49:13 | |
In the second of our bonus episodes to celebrate the launch of Giovanna Fletcher: Made In Italy on ITV, Gi is joined by her sister, Giorgina and brother, Mario as they reminisce on growing up together and the parenting lessons they have learned from each other! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Big Mario | 01 Dec 2022 | 00:35:19 | |
In this special bonus episode to celebrate the launch of 'Giovanna Fletcher: Made In Italy' on ITV, Gi talks parenting with her dad, Big Mario Falcone! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Gino D'Acampo | 01 Nov 2022 | 00:40:14 | |
For the final episode in the current series, Gi is joined by Italian chef and TV personality, Gino D'Acampo to discuss his approach to parenting his 3 children. Gino's new book 'Gino's Italy: Like Mamma Used To Make' is available now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Emma & Ollie Proudlock | 25 Oct 2022 | 00:42:52 | |
Gi is joined on this week's episode by model Emma and business entrepreneur, Ollie to discuss the birth of their baby daughter, Bonnie. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Jo Joyner | 18 Oct 2022 | 00:52:18 | |
Actress Jo Joyner discusses her journey with IVF and life with her twins Edie and Freddie. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Baby Loss Awareness Week | 14 Oct 2022 | 00:09:42 | |
This week is Baby Loss Awareness Week and Giovanna reflects on some of the stories of baby loss that have featured on the podcast over the years. If you’re looking for support with Baby Loss you can search for Tommys or PANDAS online. Trigger warning: Contains difficult topics, listener discretion is advised. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Zoe Sugg and Alfie Deyes | 11 Oct 2022 | 01:00:07 | |
YouTubers and entrepreneurs Zoe Sugg and Alfie Deyes discuss life with their first baby, Ottilie. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Cherry Healey on her successful co-parenting relationship with ex husband | 11 Mar 2025 | 00:53:01 | |
Our guest this week is the insightful, witty, and all-round wonderful Cherry Healey, who over the years has graced our screens with the likes of SAS Who Dares Wins, Inside the Factory, and numerous BBC3 documentaries. Cherry opens up to Giovanna about her complex relationship with her dad, and how having children herself and leaning into therapy helped to heal her childhood wounds. Plus, Cherry admits that she once subscribed to the societal stereotypes associated with being a single parent - until she became one herself. She also expresses heartfelt admiration for her ex-husband and tells Gi she feels lucky that her children have the best dad in the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Ayda Williams | 04 Oct 2022 | 00:51:43 | |
Giovanna's guest this week is actress, model, TV panelist - wife to Robbie and mum of four, Ayda Williams. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Freddy McConnell | 27 Sep 2022 | 01:01:12 | |
Giovanna's guest on this episode is writer and journalist, Freddy McConnell. Freddy is a queer transgender man and solo dad of two. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Dave Berry | 20 Sep 2022 | 00:43:09 | |
This week Gi is joined by radio presenter and DadPod host, Dave Berry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Casyo ‘Krept’ Johnson & Sasha Ellese | 13 Sep 2022 | 01:01:37 | |
Rapper & broadcaster, Casyo ‘Krept’ Johnson and health & beauty influencer, Sasha Ellese join Gi to discuss co-parenting and co-founding their own baby care brand. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Georgia Kousoulou | 06 Sep 2022 | 00:55:58 | |
This week, Giovanna is joined by The Only Way Is Essex's, Georgia Kousoulou, wife to Tommy and mum to Brody. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Kelsey Parker | 30 Aug 2022 | 01:00:09 | |
For the first episode in the new season, Giovanna is joined by her good friend Kelsey Parker, who sadly lost her husband Tom to a brain tumour earlier this year after their second child was born. Gi discusses life and motherhood after Tom. This episode contains real and difficult conversations around death, please only listen if it feels safe for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Help! My little one wakes at 5am every morning. Is there anything I can do? with Anna Knight | 02 Aug 2022 | 00:40:27 | |
Gi is back and talking 'sleep' with holistic sleeping coach and Founder of Sleeping Bunnies Anna Knight. The pair discuss why our babies sometimes struggle to nod off, how to remedy that, sleeping tips for parents and answer your listener questions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| I need flexible working! How do I approach my employer? with Anna Whitehouse | 26 Jul 2022 | 00:39:35 | |
In this episode of 'Asking For A Friend' Gi is joined by Anna Whitehouse, author and founder of Mother Pukkaa, Anna and Gi discuss everything around flexible working - why we should have it, how to ask for it and answer your listener questions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 'Baby Blues' Vs Postnatal depression. How can I tell the difference? with Dr Punam Krishan | 19 Jul 2022 | 00:44:15 | |
In this episode of 'Asking For A Friend', Gi begins to better understand postnatal depression with writer, TV presenter and NHS GP Dr Punam Krishan. The two discuss everything from normalising conversations around depression and how to cope with these feelings. Dr Punam is medically trained in this area, but she also suffered from postnatal depression and opens up about her experiences. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| My baby is 6 months old. How do we start weaning? with Charlotte Stirling-Reed | 12 Jul 2022 | 00:40:22 | |
This week on 'Asking For A Friend' Gi is joined by registered nutritionist and best selling author Charlotte Stirling-Reed to talk about everything weaning! The pair discuss everything around eating habits, when to introduce foods and they answer your listener questions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Sara Pascoe on trying to protect her comedy career from fertility struggles | 04 Mar 2025 | 00:58:59 | |
This week Giovanna sits down for a raw and hilarious conversation with comedian Sara Pascoe. Sara speaks candidly about the highs and lows of her mental health during IVF and after having her first child. Plus Sara and Gi describe how their respective relationships evolved after becoming parents. Sara Pascoe will tour the UK and Ireland with all new show, I Am A Strange Gloop in 2025/26, including the London Palladium on Sunday 1st March 2026. Tickets: sarapascoe.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| When can I start exercising after giving birth? with Shakira Akabusi | 05 Jul 2022 | 00:42:12 | |
In this episode of 'Asking For A Friend' Gi dives into pre and postnatal health with fitness expert and public speaker Shakira Akabusi. The pair discuss everything from exercise to breastfeeding, recovery times to staying fit during pregnancy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| How do I talk to my children about dying? with Anna Lyons & Louise Winter | 28 Jun 2022 | 00:38:50 | |
This week on Asking For A Friend, Gi is joined by End-of-Life Doula, Anna Lyons and progressive funeral director, Louise Winter to discuss how to navigate difficult conversations around death and illness. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Am I a good enough parent? with Clemmie Telford | 21 Jun 2022 | 00:33:27 | |
This week on 'Asking For A Friend', Gi discusses Vulnerability with author of 'But Why?', Clemmie Telford. From answering difficult questions from kids to having an open conversation with yourself, Gi and Clemmie talk about feeling lost and when to ask for help. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||