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Happy Mum

Happy Mum

Giovanna Fletcher 319 episodes Nov 10, 2026

In the Happy Mum, Happy Baby Podcast, Giovanna Fletcher continues the conversation about motherhood she began in her bestselling book of the same title. In a series of frank and warm conversations with other high-profile mums and dads, Gi discusses all aspects of parenthood - the highs, the lows, the challenges and rewards. There is no such thing as the perfect parent, and we’re all simply doing our best, something Giovanna fully encourages. It’s time to stop comparing ourselves and champion each other instead. Each episode is truly unique yet unifying. No topic is out of bounds, therefore this podcast is essential listening for any parent seeking solidarity and support.

Episodes

Fostering as a Single Mum: Here’s What I Want You to Know
Fostering as a Single Mum: Here’s What I Want You to Know Nov 10, 2026 40:38 There are so many different ways to become a parent, and one you might not have considered is fostering!So this week, Giovanna sits down with Stacey Petts, who has been a foster carer for more than 10 years.Stacey shares what the experience has taught her, the realities of welcoming children into her family, and tackles some of the common misconceptions surrounding life as a foster carer.This epis
Elizabeth Day on Making Peace With Not Becoming a Mum
Elizabeth Day on Making Peace With Not Becoming a Mum Nov 3, 2026 1:09:20 Trigger warning: this episode includes discussion of infertility, IVF, miscarriage and pregnancy loss. If you feel this may be a difficult listen please choose another episode xxSomething a bit different this week. Author and podcaster Elizabeth Day joins Gi to talk about coming to terms with a life without biological children. Elizabeth opens up to Gi about her 12-year journey through infertility
Matt Haig: My Son Was Diagnosed Autistic, Then So Was I
Matt Haig: My Son Was Diagnosed Autistic, Then So Was I Oct 27, 2026 1:05:55 We have an international bestselling author in the studio this week! It’s the brilliant Matt Haig.Matt talks to Gi about his decision to homeschool his children and, drawing on his own experiences of depression and recovery, why he believes it’s not about shielding our children from life’s difficulties, but helping them develop the tools to cope when things get hard.He also shares how his son’s au
Hannah Cooper-Dommett on the Reality of Marriage After Children
Hannah Cooper-Dommett on the Reality of Marriage After Children Oct 20, 2026 1:07:43 This week Giovanna is joined by model and presenter Hannah Cooper-Dommett.Hannah opens up about how her relationship with husband Joel has changed since they became parents to their two boys, and how they've navigated keeping their marriage strong amid the chaos of family life.She also shares what it was like to step into the role of carer when her mum was diagnosed with a brain tumour, and ho
“I Felt Like the Glass Child”: Becky Cheetham on The Realities of Being a Sibling Carer
“I Felt Like the Glass Child”: Becky Cheetham on The Realities of Being a Sibling Carer Oct 13, 2026 50:17 Giovanna catches up with her friend Becky Cheetham this week to talk about Becky's experience as a sibling carer.Becky’s sister, Hannah, has cerebral palsy, and Becky opens up to Gi about the challenges and joys of growing up as part of a family shaped by disability. She reflects on feeling like ‘the glass child’ – the sibling whose needs can sometimes take a back seat – and the impact this ha
Annabel Scholey on the Grief No-one Talks About After Divorce
Annabel Scholey on the Grief No-one Talks About After Divorce Oct 6, 2026 1:00:45 This week Giovanna sits down with the incredibly talented Annabel Scholey!You’ll know Annabel from Rivals and, of course (the Happy Mum team’s personal favourite) The Split. But behind the scenes, Annabel was navigating the end of her own marriage, alongside balancing her acting career and raising her daughter.Annabel opens up to Gi about the moment she knew her marriage was over, and talks about
“I’m Done”: Rosie Nixon on Burnout, Motherhood and Walking Away From Her Dream Job
“I’m Done”: Rosie Nixon on Burnout, Motherhood and Walking Away From Her Dream Job Sep 29, 2026 55:25 What happens when you’ve spent so long holding everything together that you simply can’t anymore?This week, Giovanna sits down with former Editor-in-Chief of HELLO! Magazine Rosie Nixon to talk about the breakdown that became the catalyst for transforming her life.Rosie opens up about motherhood, the pressure to keep going and the guilt that can come with admitting you’re struggling. Rosie’s book,
Glittering a Turd: Maren Sheldon on Parenting Through Grief and Celebrating Her Twin's Life
Glittering a Turd: Maren Sheldon on Parenting Through Grief and Celebrating Her Twin's Life Sep 22, 2026 1:08:12 Trigger warning: this episode includes discussions around bereavement and cancer. If you feel this may be a difficult listen, please choose another episode xGiovanna is joined this week by her good friend and CoppaFeel! co-founder Maren Sheldon.Maren opens up about navigating first-time motherhood alongside her twin sister Kris's incurable breast cancer diagnosis. and shares the honest, sometimes
A&E Doctor Maddy Lucy Dann: Childbirth and C-sections are the Two Gnarliest Things I’ve Ever Seen
A&E Doctor Maddy Lucy Dann: Childbirth and C-sections are the Two Gnarliest Things I’ve Ever Seen Sep 15, 2026 1:05:45 This week, the hilarious Maddy Lucy Dann joins us for a chat about becoming a mum for the first time.Maddy tells Gi what it’s really like balancing life as an A&E doctor with pregnancy, including navigating night shifts while expecting, and how becoming a mum has changed the way she sees her work.She also opens up about sharing her aspects of her life online, including the criticism she faced
"You’re So Much Stronger Than You Think": One Family's Double Battle with Childhood Cancer
"You’re So Much Stronger Than You Think": One Family's Double Battle with Childhood Cancer Sep 8, 2026 57:42 This week on Happy Mum, we are joined by strong, inspiring and incredible mother of two Sophie Derry.When Sophie's daughter Odette started vomiting on car journeys and having headaches, doctors initially put it down to travel sickness. An eye test changed everything, revealing a brain tumour that would lead to emergency surgery and fifteen further operations over seven months. Before the family co
Megan McKenna: I’ve Got Another Embryo On Ice… And I’m Going To Use It
Megan McKenna: I’ve Got Another Embryo On Ice… And I’m Going To Use It Sep 1, 2026 1:04:45 This week, our favourite reality star turned singing and cooking sensation Megan McKenna joins Giovanna in the Happy Mum studio!Megan tells Gi all about becoming a mum to Landon, including her experience with IVF and what it’s like living between two countries as a new mum.She also reflects on the bullying she experienced at school, and how it shaped her confidence and the way she wants to parent.
Sam & Alice Vanderpump on Navigating Their Relationship Through Postnatal Depression
Sam & Alice Vanderpump on Navigating Their Relationship Through Postnatal Depression Aug 25, 2026 1:10:26 In this episode, Made in Chelsea's Sam and Alice Vanderpump join Giovanna to talk about the reality of becoming parents.Alice bravely opens up about what life feels like for her right now as she navigates postnatal depression. She talks honestly about anxiety, feeling isolated and how she hasn't felt like herself since becoming a mum.Sam shares what it has been like supporting Alice through her me

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