Steve Backshall: ‘it’s a terrible time to be a parent’

In this episode, Giovanna sits down with Debbie Bright for an eye-opening conversation about what it’s really like to be a foster carer. Best known to many from TOWIE, Debbie is also one of the UK’s longest-serving foster carers, having cared for over 200 children across 35 years.Gi and Debbie talk about why children enter care, the importance of showing compassion rather than judgment toward birth parents, and the emotional reality of saying goodbye when children move on.Debbie also opens up about her own turbulent childhood, and offers heartfelt advice to anyone considering fostering. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our guest this week is presenter and author Chessie King!Chessie opens up to Giovanna about navigating her husband’s postnatal depression and the incredibly tough time that left their marriage on the brink of divorce.She also talks about the emotional journey of trying to conceive again after experiencing fertility struggles. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Giovanna is joined by adventurer and explorer Steve Backshall Steve and Gi catch up on family life as he reflects on his childhood and how it shaped the person he is today. He also opens up about his wife Helen's inspiring journey training for the Tokyo Olympics just months after giving birth, and of course, there are plenty of tales from his iconic adventures along the way.LEGO® Education has launched four innovative STEM sets for young builders aged 7+, championed by explorer Steve Backshall. These sets turn children's big 'Why?' questions into hands-on, independent scientific discovery. Available today via select LEGO Stores and LEGO.com/LEGOEducation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One huge milestone. One unforgettable twist 👀To celebrate 300 incredible episodes of Happy Mum Happy Baby, Giovanna finally finds herself on the other side of the table, lovingly nudged out of the hosting chair by none other than her best friend Emma Willis!In a perfect full-circle moment, Emma—who was HMHB’s very first guest—returns to turn the tables and get the full story on Gi’s parenting journey.It’s raw, revealing, and the perfect way to honour 300 episodes of honest conversation! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains explicit discussion surrounding issues including depression, postpartum psychosis and suicidal thoughts. This may prove a difficult listen for some and if you feel that listening may affect you negatively then please choose another episode.This week Giovanna sits down with Jade Lloyd for a powerful and deeply personal interview about her experience with postpartum psychosis. Jade tells Gi about her traumatic birth during COVID-19, followed by a descent into severe postpartum psychosis that required her being admitted to a mother and baby unit and sectioned.Postpartum psychosis is a psychiatric emergency that requires immediate intervention. If you are worried about yourself or a loved one it’s important to speak to a health professional such as a GP, midwife or health visitor. If it's an emergency and you don’t feel safe, call 999 or go straight to A&E. If Jade’s story has resonated with you and you need help or support, please don’t hesitate to use the resources below:Action on Postpartum Psychosis https://www.app-network.org/Pandas https://pandasfoundation.org.uk/Samaritans https://www.samaritans.orgMind UK https://www.mind.org.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Giovanna is joined by the brilliantly funny reality star and mum of three, Charlotte Dawson!Charlotte opens up to Gi about honouring her dad Les Dawson’s memory at home, alongside her mission to champion body positivity for women everywhere.A hilarious, honest, and slightly chaotic episode — enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Happy Mum Happy Baby, Giovanna chats with the brilliant Lou Beckett!Lou opens up about the pressures of breastfeeding, and shares how she and her husband Rob navigated the all-too-real 'roommate phase' during their early days of parenthood.She also talks about the mental load of being the 'default parent': the one who keeps family life ticking, from organising clubs and parties to taking on the emotional and administrative side of home life.Lou's book Lessons From a Default Parent is available for preorder now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

National treasure of stage and screen Denise Van Outen joins Giovanna this week!Denise and Gi chat about their stagey childhoods and the impact motherhood has had on their careers in the performing arts.Plus, Denise opens up about her relationship with ex-partner Lee Mead and how they successfully co-parent their daughter, Betsy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Giovanna is joined by manifestation expert and two-time Sunday Times bestselling author, Roxie Nafousi!Roxie opens up about her turbulent past with addiction and the powerful journey of finding sobriety when she became pregnant.Roxie also tells Gi about manifesting and the simple steps you can take now to shape the life you want later. You can check out Roxie’s guided visualisation for future-self and retirement here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Being able to share incredible stories is a huge reason why we do this podcast.Last year, Giovanna read Lifeblood: A Mother in Search of Hope by author and journalist Mina Holland. The book reveals Mina’s harrowing journey after learning her baby, Vida, was critically ill just two days before turning 12 weeks old. What unfolded next was nothing short of extraordinary. Now, Mina joins Gi to share her powerful story firsthand. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.