Explore every episode of the podcast Thriving & Surviving

In this episode, we sit down with Jazz, a DJ, singer and Pilates instructor, to talk about her journey from the music industry to building an inclusive and empowering Pilates community.

We discuss how she combines her love of house music with movement to create energising classes that feel different from the norm. Jazz shares her experience of working in the male dominated DJ world, the challenges of body confidence, and the pressure social media can place on women.

We also talk about avoiding burnout, staying true to yourself in an industry driven by trends, and why building strength, confidence and genuine community will always matter more than chasing perfection.

This is an honest conversation about finding your place, backing yourself, and creating a life and business that feels authentic.

In this episode of Thriving and Surviving, we share a sun soaked holiday story that turned into a much bigger conversation about Mediterranean style parenting. We talk about family meals, community, slower living, letting kids be bored, and why we believe children should be welcomed in public spaces instead of treated like an inconvenience.

We also get into the realities of screen time, the upcoming social media age limit discussions, and the pressure parents face from every direction. We chat about frustrations with homework and school culture, plus one mum’s decision to seek a private ADHD assessment after a really upsetting incident at school.

This episode is honest, reflective, and full of the parenting conversations people are often too scared to say out loud. Plus, we’ve got a special guest joining us next week.

In this episode, we’re answering your dilemmas and giving our honest, unfiltered advice. We talk about everything from dealing with a friend’s flirty boyfriend and whether dating apps have ruined genuine attraction, to navigating ghosting and figuring out whether you actually want a relationship or just companionship without living together.

We also get into the realities, risks and logistics of adding a third person into a relationship, alongside having a real conversation around the financial side of raising children and the role child maintenance can play when planning for the future.

In this episode, we’re having a completely open and honest conversation about life choices, careers, questioning whether university is the right path, relationships, and the realities of motherhood.

We also open up about our own experiences with postnatal struggles, sobriety, navigating life during the COVID years, and how we’ve learned the importance of slowing down, protecting our peace, and putting our mental wellbeing first.

In this episode, we’re unpacking the backlash surrounding Louise Thompson’s podcast comments about children starting school without being potty trained. We discuss the original clip, Louise’s apology, and why short snippets online can sometimes come across as judgmental, especially for neurodivergent children and SEND families.

We also broaden the conversation into the wider pressures of parenting today, from increasing diagnoses and how routine and environment can play a role, to finding the balance between empathy and accountability. We share our own experiences and opinions around potty training, snack culture, school behaviour, social media, and whether cancel culture has gone too far.

In this episode, we have a really open and honest conversation about some of the quieter struggles so many women go through behind closed doors.

We talk about burnout, mental health, ADHD traits and the emotional and physical changes that can come after pregnancy and motherhood.

We also open up about body image, parenting pressures, asking for help and the reality of trying to hold everything together whilst still looking like you’re coping on the outside.

This episode is a reminder that you’re not alone in the thoughts, feelings or worries you might keep to yourself.

It’s a safe, honest conversation about womanhood, motherhood and the importance of better support for women navigating it all.

In this episode, we have a really honest conversation about getting back into the gym and navigating our own wellness journeys.

One of us opens up about using GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy, sharing how they’ve impacted her relationship with food, helped manage cravings, and even supported things like endometriosis.

We also talk about how overwhelming social media can be when it comes to nutrition, with so much conflicting advice and pressure around what you should and shouldn’t be doing.

Alongside that, we share what actually works for us in real life, from feeding our families to finding a balance that doesn’t feel restrictive or unrealistic.

This is a raw, relatable chat about health, motherhood and learning to let go of perfection and focus on what actually feels good and sustainable.

In this episode, we’re chatting all things family life and diving into the latest episodes of At Home with the Furys. We get into traveller culture, the reality of a 16-year-old engagement, and the tension between respecting tradition and having real parental concerns.

From there, we move into some of the TV controversies doing the rounds, including David Haye’s behaviour, and give our honest opinions on it all.

We also have a proper conversation about period leave and endometriosis. We share our own experiences, but also look at the bigger picture — the challenges this brings for employers and where government policy actually stands on it.

It’s one of those episodes where we cover a lot… real life, strong opinions, and conversations that don’t have a simple answer.

In this episode, we’re diving into your dilemmas and giving our honest, unfiltered advice.

We talk about co-parenting boundaries and how to navigate tricky situations without losing your peace, as well as opening up about changing views on having children and what that can look like in real life.

We also get into relationships, from waning attraction to navigating casual dating as a single parent, and the reality of intimacy issues that people don’t always talk about.

Throughout the episode, we share our own experiences alongside practical advice, encouraging open communication, self-reflection and realistic next steps for whatever you’re going through.

If you’ve ever felt unsure, stuck or just needed a bit of outside perspective, this one’s for you.

In this Q&A episode, we’re answering your questions… and nothing’s off limits.

We talk honestly about whether we actually hate men (spoiler: no), taking holidays without our kids and the guilt that can come with it, and what it really looks like juggling self-employment with single motherhood. We open up about how becoming mums has changed us, not just in our lives, but in who we are as women.

We also get into the bigger conversations… the manosphere, male allies, and where we think the balance actually sits. Alongside that, we share our real experiences of burnout, the pressures of childcare, and what it’s taken for us to start reclaiming our identity outside of being “mum”.

This episode is raw, practical, and very us. We chat boundaries, support systems, and why flexibility and self-care aren’t luxuries… they’re essential.

And as always, we want you involved. We’re already lining up future guests and we’ll definitely be doing more listener Q&As, so keep your questions coming.

In this episode, we take a trip down memory lane and chat all about what it was like growing up in the 90s and early 2000s.

From magazines, toys and TV shows to playing outside for hours, disposable cameras and the chaos of dial-up internet… we reminisce on the little things that made our childhood what it was.

We also compare it to what childhood looks like now for our kids, growing up in a world of screens, social media and constant connection.

We talk about parenting differences, safety, school life and the nostalgia we both feel, what we think has been lost, and what might actually be better today.

It’s a warm, honest and funny conversation that will definitely take you back.

Don't forget to follow us on instagram @thrivingandsurviving.pod

In this episode, we’re unpacking Louis Theroux’s documentary on the manosphere, and honestly, it’s a lot. We dive into the toxic beliefs being pushed online, the hypocrisy around things like OnlyFans, and the real-life damage these influencers are causing behind the scenes.

We talk about some of the most shocking interviews, the way vulnerable men are being targeted and manipulated, and how these figures are profiting from it all. It’s uncomfortable, but it’s important.

As mums, it also made us really reflect on raising boys in today’s world, the kind of role models they’re exposed to, and what we can actually do to protect them. We also touch on the responsibility of social media platforms and why they need to be doing more.

This is a big conversation, and one we think everyone should be having. If you haven’t watched the documentary yet, we really recommend it. Don't forget to follow us on instagram @thrivingandsurviving.pod

In this episode, Grace shares the story of why she decided to ban her daughter Ava from social media after one of her TikTok videos went viral. What started as a fun moment quickly turned into a bigger conversation about how addictive these platforms can be and the impact they can have on kids’ sleep, confidence and mental health, especially when online hate becomes involved.

We talk honestly about influencer culture and the unrealistic expectations it creates for young people, from appearance standards to skincare trends that teenagers suddenly feel pressure to keep up with.

The conversation also turns to how different childhood was for us growing up in the 90s compared to the digital world children are navigating today. We discuss whether technology and even AI are starting to shape parenting decisions in ways we never expected.

We also explore some practical ideas parents are considering, like delaying smartphones, using non-internet phones for younger children and whether schools and parents could work together to create boundaries around social media.

It’s a real conversation about the challenges of raising children in a world where going viral can happen overnight. Don't forget to follow us on instagram @thrivingandsurviving.pod 

*Trigger warning, mentions baby loss*

In this episode we’re talking all about Mother’s Day. From our own plans and family traditions to the pressure that social media and commercialization can put on what the day “should” look like.

We share our personal experiences of motherhood, co-parenting, pregnancy, and loss, and how these experiences can bring up a mix of emotions when Mother’s Day comes around.

We also talk about the simple things that really matter. A lie in, a cup of tea, flowers, or just feeling appreciated. Sometimes it’s the smallest gestures that mean the most.

Most importantly, we remind ourselves that appreciation for mums shouldn’t just happen once a year. And while it’s a special day for many, it can also be a difficult one for others, so approaching it with kindness and understanding is so important.

Don't forget to follow us on instagram @thrivingandsurviving.pod

This week we’re responding to a viral clip that claimed being a stay at home parent “isn’t hard” and we have a lot to say about that.

We’ve both experienced different versions of motherhood. We’ve done long days at home with young children. We’ve navigated the shift back into part time work. And we can say this honestly: both are hard in different ways.

In this episode, we talk about what it actually feels like being home full time. The mental load. The constant touch. The overstimulation. The invisible admin. The guilt for wanting space. And then the guilt for enjoying work when you get it.

We unpack attachment theory and the conversation around nursery. Does it help? Does it harm? Or is the reality more nuanced than social media makes it?

We dive into the financial pressures families are under and how that shapes our choices more than we admit. We explore gender double standards and ask why women are still expected to absorb the emotional and physical toll of parenting while men are praised for doing the basics.

This isn’t a mum guilt episode. It’s an honest one.

Parenting isn’t one size fits all. Staying home isn’t easy. Working isn’t easy. And the real issue isn’t which path you choose, it’s the lack of support around either.

If you’ve ever felt exhausted, conflicted, judged, or like you’re failing no matter what you do, this episode is for you.

Don't forget to follow us on instagram @thrivingandsurviving.pod

In this episode, we vent about the little everyday things that slowly chip away at your sanity — from frustrating customer service bots and painfully slow drivers and walkers, to queue jumpers, missing manners, and the absolute chaos of trying to eat out with children.

We share real-life stories, laugh at ourselves, and admit that some days the patience just isn’t there. But alongside the moaning, we also talk about empathy — especially when it comes to parents navigating public spaces with kids, doing their best under pressure.

This episode is light-hearted, honest and very real, with a reminder that a little kindness (and patience) goes a long way. Don't forget to follow us on instagram @thrivingandsurviving.pod

In this episode, we’re joined by our friend Jess for an honest, unfiltered conversation about dating in your 30s.

We talk about what it’s really like to break free after a long-term relationship, step back into dating, navigate apps, set boundaries and figure out what you actually want — especially when children, independence and self-reliance are part of the conversation.

Jess shares her personal story of a long-distance relationship that led to a life-changing move, and together we open up about the challenges, freedom and emotional shifts that come with singlehood in your 30s.

We also talk about societal pressure, expectations around motherhood and relationships, and how learning to choose yourself can be both terrifying and empowering.

This episode is honest, reflective and full of real talk — for anyone dating later in life, starting again, or questioning the “rules” we’ve all been taught to follow.

Don't forget to follow us on instagram @thrivingandsurviving.pod

In this episode, we recap a recent winter getaway to the Lake District with four kids and all the highs and lows that come with travelling as a family. From a beautiful cabin stay and little moments of calm to rainy days, closed attractions and the general chaos of travelling with children, we share what the trip was really like.

We talk about the realities of holidays with little ones. The long journeys, the packing, the disrupted routines and the emotional ups and downs, especially when you’re navigating it all as a single parent. While trips like this aren’t always relaxing, they often create the kind of memories and confidence that make it all worth it.

We finish by chatting about upcoming plans, future trips, and what’s coming next for the podcast. If you think you’d be a great guest on Thriving & Surviving or have a story you’d love to share, please email thrivingandsurviving.pod@gmail.com

Here is the link to our article: https://www.suffolknews.co.uk/newmarket/news/new-podcast-sees-business-mums-thriving-and-surviving-9450575/

Don't forget to follow us on instagram @thrivingandsurviving.pod

In this episode, we open up about our own experiences with online trolling and abuse and the reality of what it’s like to be on the receiving end of it. From nasty comments and fake accounts to the emotional impact it can have behind the scenes, we talk honestly about how it’s affected us and how we’ve learned to deal with it.

We share the coping tools that have helped us most, including mindset shifts, gratitude, blocking, muting and setting firm boundaries online, and why protecting your peace has to come first. We also talk about resilience, community, and the importance of having people around you who get it and have your back.

The conversation naturally leads into wider concerns around social media, influencer culture, and the impact all of this can have, especially on children and young people. We chat about using platforms more responsibly, knowing when to step back, and remembering there’s a real human on the other side of the screen.

Don't forget to follow us on instagram @thrivingandsurviving.pod

**Trigger Warning - Baby Loss**

In this episode, we sit down with Kirstie, an IFBB bikini pro, former dancer, and online fitness coach, to explore the journey behind the athlete.

Kirstie shares how she transitioned from the world of dance and pageantry into professional bodybuilding, built a successful online coaching business, and found discipline, identity, and confidence through fitness.

But this conversation goes far beyond competition prep.

Kirstie opens up about one of the most traumatic periods of her life: an emergency delivery, time spent in NICU, and the heartbreaking loss of one of her twins. She speaks candidly about grief, postpartum recovery, and the mental and physical toll of rebuilding herself after trauma.

We talk about returning to the stage after motherhood, redefining strength, and how community, purpose, and movement became anchors during her healing. This is an honest, emotional conversation about resilience, identity, and what it really means to come back stronger when life changes everything.

A powerful listen for anyone navigating loss, motherhood, body confidence, or rebuilding after a life-altering chapter.

We chat candidly about bedtime battles, co-sleeping and the bittersweet reality of watching our children grow up — from dummies and bottles to first beds and potty training.

We also open up about ageing, self-care and aesthetics, dating after children, health anxieties, and the constant tug between wanting time to slow down while knowing we’re always rushing ahead.

This episode is a reminder to pause, take a breath, and savour the stage you’re in right now. We close with the touching poem “Love Letter to Right Now”, because sometimes the magic is in the moment we’re living — even when it feels messy. Don't forget to download this podcast & follow us on instagram @thrivingandsurviving.pod

In this episode of Thriving & Surviving, we’re having an honest, unfiltered conversation about the realities of motherhood, routines, and letting go of impossible expectations.

We talk about what mornings really look like behind the scenes, from strict routines that keep neurodivergent children regulated, to the chaos that comes when plans change. We dive into nursery mornings vs school mornings, working around childcare, and why routine can be both a lifeline and a source of pressure.

This episode also explores the emotional weight mums carry, especially when children hit milestones at different times. We share lived experiences around developmental delays, speech challenges, comparisons, and why raising children “the same” doesn’t mean they’ll grow the same. If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re doing enough, this conversation is for you.

We also touch on • Parenting children with additional needs • Mum guilt around screen time and working from home • Why milestones can be helpful but also harmful • Letting go of comparison culture • How personality plays a bigger role than parenting perfection • Creating routines that support your mental health too • Raising independent kids without burning yourself out

This is a grounded, reassuring listen for mums who are juggling work, kids, routines, emotions, and everything in between. No judgement. No perfection. Just real life.

🎧 Grab a cup of tea, pop this on, and remember you’re doing better than you think.

Dont forget to download this episode & follow us on instagram @thrivingandsurviving.pod

We share honest, open conversations about women’s health, including the reality of being dismissed by healthcare professionals, living with endometriosis and adenomyosis, and the impact these conditions can have on fertility, postpartum care and everyday life.

We read listener stories and discuss diagnosis delays, navigating the NHS, smear tests, treatment options, and the ongoing need for better awareness, education and support around women’s health, highlighting why listening to women and taking their symptoms seriously matters more than ever.

Find us on instagram at @thrivingandsurviving.pod

In this episode we explore the modern “village” — the friends, family and groups who support parents. We share how we met at baby group, the value of mum-friends, and the realities of single parenting, grandparents’ help, and finding support when it’s missing.

This episode covers the challenges of planning life around children, juggling social life and guilt, and why non‑biological family and trusted role models matter just as much as blood relatives.

Dont forget to leave us a rating & follow us on instagra @thrivingandsurviving.pod

In this episode of Thriving and Surviving we sit down with Vicky, the powerhouse behind Edit Clinics. Vicky became a mum at just 20 years old and built her freelance makeup business from home while caring for a newborn. No childcare, no perfect plan, just pure grit and passion.

We talk about what it really looks like to juggle motherhood and entrepreneurship in the early days. The identity shifts, the loneliness, the pressure to show up for clients and your child at the same time and how she pushed through every setback.

Vicky shares her journey from freelancing to owning a salon with a team and now preparing to move into a bigger premises. We explore the highs and lows she faced along the way and the mindset she had to build to keep going.

We also dive into the importance of self care, protecting your time and finding the space to be a woman outside of your business and children. Vicky is the perfect example of someone who embodies both thriving and surviving and this episode is full of honesty, inspiration and permission to slow down when you need to.

Whether you are a mum in business, a beauty professional or just someone building a life you love this episode will speak to you. Grab a cuppa and join us for a real conversation about growth, resilience and the reality behind success.

Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, give us a rating and follow us on instagram @thirivingandsurviving.pod

Follow Vicky here: @editclinics & @makeup.at.edit

In this episode we dive into the growing pressure parents feel around Christmas and the expectations that social media adds to the mix. From Christmas Eve boxes to Elf on the Shelf to perfectly curated festive traditions, it can feel like everyone is doing more and you’re somehow doing less. We talk honestly about what actually matters, how to release the guilt and how to create a Christmas that feels calm, aligned and meaningful for your family.

We explore which traditions are worth keeping, which ones can be softened or let go of and how to build a festive season that supports you rather than overwhelms you. This conversation is all about presence over perfection and reminding mums that their children remember the love, not the Pinterest moments.

If you’re craving a slower, simpler Christmas without the pressure to perform, this episode is for you.

Listen now and join us for a calmer December.

Don't forget to download this episode, rate our podcast & follow our instagram @thrivingandsurviving.pod 

In our very first episode, we’re diving straight into the truth about what it really looks like to juggle life as single mums — the messy bits, the emotional bits, the moments no one sees, and the strength it takes to keep going.

This episode is raw, honest, and exactly why we created Thriving & Surviving — to remind you that you’re not alone, and you don’t have to pretend everything is perfect.

If you’ve ever felt stretched too thin, overwhelmed, or like you’re doing your best but still dropping the ball… this one’s for you.

Hit play, have a little laugh (and maybe a cry), and settle in — this is your space to feel seen.

Follow us on instagram at @thrivingandsurviving.pod

Welcome to Thriving & Surviving — the unapologetically honest podcast about juggling business, motherhood, and life, without losing yourself along the way.

Join Ella & Grace, two best friends, single mums, and business owners, as we dive into the real, unfiltered side of running a beauty empire, raising kids, keeping the social life alive, and trying to stay sane (and maybe a little bit glam) while doing it all.

Expect laughter, chaos, late-night honesty, and conversations that make you feel seen. We’re here to remind you that you can be ambitious and exhausted, thriving and surviving — sometimes all in the same day.

Hit follow and join us every week for the raw, real, and ridiculously relatable chats you didn’t know you needed.