Best podcasts for mums - at every stage
Podcasts for mums can be useful, practical, escapist and inspiring. These are the best podcasts for mums in the UK to check out now.
Motherhood is a ripe time to get into podcasts: in the early days, they can work wonders to help anyone feeling isolated.
They can provide hacks and tips, connect us with others going through the same emotions and issues, make us feel we're not alone after our child has performed a tantrum equivalent to the final scenes of Phaedra on the pavement and point us towards useful resources.
They can make us giggle, provide a mindful moment, teach us to be less obsessed by the cult of perfectionistic parenting and even serve as inspiration for that next great idea (mother maker-entrepreneurs are the best!).
The podcast for normalising parenting: Happy Mum Happy Baby with Giovanna Fletcher
From making women feel empowered about their post-baby bodies to talking candidly about every aspect of parenting, Giovanna Fletcher's honest, funny voice resonates with mums everywhere, and can help parents get through those exhausting, sleepless nighttime feeds. In fact, this podcast has even helped mums relax through labour. Added bonus: celebrity guests from Jo Malone to Caitlin Moran are not only honest, funny and touching - they help us remember there's no greater equaliser than becoming a mum, and getting pooed on by your kid.
The podcast for inspiring your own creative juices: Conversations of Inspiration with Holly Tucker
Not one explicitly for mums, but a must for anyone thinking of launching something or debating the eternal what will work look like post-baby question. Notonthehighstreet and Holly & Co founder Holly Tucker chats to entrepreneurs each week about the perks and pitfalls of launching their own small businesses, from Muthahood's Gemma Metcalfe-Beckers to Lush's Mark Constantine, in a warm, positive and engaging way. Note-taking apps at the ready.
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The new podcast to check out: Mothers' Meeting with Louise Pentland
From how to get shoes on a wriggling toddler to the big question - when will I get to the loo on my own again after kids? - Louise Pentland tackles motherhood in a relaxed, fun way that makes it feel like you're having a natter with your pals.
Scummy Mummies
The sanity saving podcast: Scummy Mummies with Ellie GIbson and Helen Thorn
Relatable, down to earth, raucous and dirty, this is the podcast for parents who are done with the constant pressure on mums to be perfect, smiling and acquiescent (in fact, if you've recently run from the PTFA mums, you're in good company). Super fans can also catch these funny ladies live around the UK through 2020.
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The podcast that feels like you're chatting to an old friend: How To Fail with Elizabeth Day
How to Fail isn't about parenting per se, but it's impossible not to feel the mounting pressures on a woman once she adds "mother" to her many other monikers. Talking about and embracing failure, whatever that looks like to you, is essential, and there's something lovely about knowing that the idea for this sprang from Day's own views of her life "failures," despite her own admission of success. Day's interviewing style is thoughtful and empathetic as she chats to everyone from Labour MP Jess Phillips to author Lisa Taddeo to Phoebe Waller-Bridge.
The podcast for a mum's wellbeing: The Motherkind Podcast with Zoe Blaskey
This podcasts invites experts to discuss a range of topics mums are interested in, like nutrition, women's health and coping with grief. It's just the right mix of practical tips, advice and self care.
The unexpectedly brilliant for would-be parents podcast: Monocycle with Leandra Medine
Leandra Medine may be the fashion favourite behind Man Repeller, but these 10-minute digests delve a lot deeper than just fashion (brilliant as those episodes are too, including interviews with Lena Dunham and stylist-to-the-stars, Karla Welch). Medine also documents her struggles with IVF as they're happening - in her matter-of-fact, poignant way that speaks candidly to a millennial, Gen Z audience. These eps are from a couple of years ago - Medine has since had (very fashion-forward) twins.
The sexy podcast: The Hotbed Collective with Lisa Williams, Anniki Sommerville and Cherry Healey
From periods to conception to sex after kids, The Hotbed Collective tackles all subjects between the sheets in an honest, witty, addictive way. While not every episode relates directly to the mothering experience, you can certainly find something to enjoy in them (feminist porn! the hot Grey's Anatomy doctors!). There's also a call to action to women to address any issues (physical or psychological) that may emerge with sex after kids - these guys regularly team up with mum collectives like The Mummy Tribe to offer safe spaces for candid conversation and support.
The podcast for the 'parentally undecided': Maybe Baby with Kate Lawler
This fun, informative podcast offers up advice and conversation around all aspects of childrearing, from conception (an episode with Spencer Matthews and Vogue Williams, in which he's so charming you may just rethink your past views on the former MIC star) to delivery to parenting through the stages. It also delves into the child-free experience, fertility testing and when - and if - there is ever a 'right' time to have another child.
