Former MasterChef contestant Dani Venn has had quite a year. She returned to MasterChef for the third time, juggled two phases of lockdown in Victoria, all while parenting her two young kids Harlow (5) and Oscar (2) after splitting from her partner of 13 years in July. The Founder of the Wholehearted Cook website joins us to chat about leaving her kids to return to MasterChef and how she's juggling work as a newly single mum. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Sep 16, 2020•15 min
Bec Brown is the founder and director of The Comms Department, a PR and crisis comms management agency, with more than 20 years working in the creative industry alongside people like Katy Perry and the Wiggles, and brands such as KISS FM and Live Nation. It’s a tough but rewarding industry, and one that she says you can totally succeed in - if you set your mind to it. So she pulled together an essential career handbook for creative women, called You’ve Got This’ (out now) and she joins us to sha...
Sep 15, 2020•10 min
In July 2011, Karen Chaston’s life changed forever when her youngest child, Dan, suddenly and unexpectedly passed away at her back door. She dealt with her loss by avoiding it; overworking, overeating and drinking, spiralling out of touch with herself and her life. Within 15 months, Karen resigned from her CFO role and became a beyond loss expert and co-founded her business: Live Love By Design. She joins us to share her heartbreaking story and her invaluable tips to coping with loss in your lif...
Sep 14, 2020•11 min
Even though my parents live interstate, they never hesitate to help out with the kids when they can. It's something I definitely don't take for granted. I know a lot of families whose parents care for their kids on a regular basis, and some whose parents are not as involved. So should there be an expectation that our parents will step up and care for our children while we work or is that asking too much? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Sep 13, 2020•7 min
This week, Sarah and I talked about whether you need to spend loads on your kids shoes or can you get away with the cheapies…We chat about my favourite new buzz word ‘presenteeism’ and whether that’s just a given for working parents…Parenting goddess Maggie Dent is with us to chat about raising boys (praise be) … we catch up with the Single mum running $7 million business from the AFL Bubble And How the fuck do you stop your child swearing when they don't know what they are saying ? See omnystud...
Sep 12, 2020•37 min
I'll admit it, it's pretty funny when little kids swear and they don't realise what they're saying. But it might not be as funny to the people around them if it happens out in public! So should you just ignore it or pull them up? Especially if they don't realise what they're saying. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 10, 2020•5 min
Rebecca Klodinsky is the ultimate juggler. She started her swimwear label at age 24, spent years in court in a battle over the name – changing it twice - and now she’s running her $7 million business remotely from the AFL bubble with her toddler in tow. She joins us to chat about how she prioritises work and family and what lockdown in the bubble is really like. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 09, 2020•9 min
Being the mum of a boy is brilliant. But with it comes a responsibility to make sure they grow into a kind, compassionate and respectful man. Parenting author Maggie Dent has recognised that challenge and her latest book 'From Boys to Men' focuses on just that. She joins us to talk about how boys are just as emotionally sensitive as girls and how we can nurture those instincts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 08, 2020•11 min
I love a buzz word, and my latest fav is Presenteeism. So what’s it mean? Presenteeism is a term that means you physically show up to work, but due to worries about the home front, poor physical or mental health, exhaustion or burnout your productivity levels and engagement are lower than usual. You are present in body but not in focus, energy or perhaps care factor. So what can we do about it? Elisabeth Shaw, the CEO of Relationships Australia NSW and clinical psychologist shares her advice. Se...
Sep 07, 2020•9 min
When my first child starting walking, I wanted to make sure that she had the best shoes possible for her growing feet. But they were expensive! And as she grew, I realised how quickly they wear out of them and sometimes, after spending a lot on a pair, she wouldn't wear them. So is it okay to put your kids in cheap shoes? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 06, 2020•5 min
Catch up on all the episodes you missed this week! Sarah and I talked about what age you can start leaving your kids home alone and the various things you need take into consideration… We’re joined by the author of BE YOUR OWN MAN Jess Sanders to talk about raising strong, kind boys. Writer and podcast host Cath Mahoney opens up about what it’s like quitting your day job in your 40s as a mum, to follow your dream. Dr Michelle Dickson shares her tips for talking to kids about the dreaded C word (...
Sep 05, 2020•42 min
It is Father’s Day this weekend, a chance to celebrate the male role models in your life and your child’s life. And who better to celebrate with than one of the kings of dad jokes and pranks – co-host of KIIS 101.1 FM’s Melbourne breakfast Show 'Jase & PJ' and dad of two boys, Jase Hawkins. Jase joins us to talk lame practical jokes and the key reason why raising respectful boys comes naturally to him. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Sep 03, 2020•9 min
Covid. It ain’t going away, and that is a hard thing to explain to kids. Co-founder and creator of Nanogirl, Dr Michelle Dickinson, was an integral part of New Zealand's COVID response, working as an educator and advisor for the NZ Prime Minister, helping the NZ public, especially children, understand the science behind the virus and the different regulations. She joins us with some advice to help guide Aussie parents - especially families doing it tough in Victoria. See omnystudio.com/listener ...
Sep 02, 2020•11 min
Once you have kids, you start to see your career from a very different perspective. Do I love this job enough for it to keep me away from my children? Am I satisfied with this role or have I always dreamed of doing something else? Chasing your dreams becomes more complicated when you have little mouths to feed, especially if you’re a single mumma. But that’s what former publicist turned podcast host and writer Cathrine Mahoney decided to do at the end of last year. See omnystudio.com/listener fo...
Sep 01, 2020•10 min
I love being the mum of a boy. There, I’ve said it. I’m just a little bit obsessed with how affectionate and loving he is. Every night since he was born, I whisper as I kiss him goodnight ‘you’re my kind, gentle, respectful little boy, and I love you’. Look he’s 5 now and he looks at me like I’m mad but still says ‘give me a hug mumma'. After going through a messy marriage breakdown, that’s exactly what I want for him as he grows up - to be kind, gentle and respectful. But how do we make that ha...
Aug 31, 2020•9 min
Picture this. You've just run out of bread for school lunches in the morning, the kids are happily watching TV and the shop is just down the road. Is it okay to duck out and leave them alone? There are so many variables to take into consideration when making that decision - their age, how long for you'll be gone for, whether they can call for help or ask a neighbour if they need it. Sarah and Mel talk about the situations they've found themselves and how to make the best decision for your family...
Aug 30, 2020•6 min
This week, Sarah and I talked about why we get Imposter Syndrome when we start a new role. We’re joined by dad-of-three and all-round Juggling Act fav Jimmy Rees on how his little family is managing during lockdown (yup it involves lots of silly videos and his wife is not impressed…) Former Bachelor winner Snezana Wood calls in and opens up about how her life behind closed doors is VERY different to Instagram. Dr Addie from Smiling Mind is here to help us identify anxiety in our kids, and Sarah ...
Aug 29, 2020•42 min
Co-sleeping, it's often one of those things you think you'll never do PK (pre-kids), but then end up doing at some stage. Sarah has started sleeping in the same bed as her toddler, because it's just easier to get him to sleep - and stay asleep! So does it really matter, or should she find a way to stop? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 27, 2020•6 min
This year has been rough on everyone, but particularly our kids. Bushfires, a global pandemic, homeschooling, lockdown… and no end in sight. As a result, Smiling Mind - who help provide support and advice around children’s mental health - have been inundated with requests from teachers, parents and carers throughout COVID-19 on what they can do to help. We're joined by Smiling Mind CEO and Clinical Psychologist Dr Addie Wootten to share more about how to support our kids. See omnystudio.com/list...
Aug 26, 2020•10 min
Bachelor success story Snez and Sam Wood have now been in lockdown with three kids – twice. But if there socials and workout videos are anything to go by, they’re having the time of their lives – as always! Snez joins us and admits that Instagram is far from their reality and opens up about the joys and challenges of having three girls. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 25, 2020•10 min
Jimmy Giggle is one of our favourite guests on The Juggling Act, so I thought it was high time we checked back in with him to see how he’s managing in Melbourne with three small boys during Covid. He’s been churning out hilarious videos on Tik Tok and Instagram, reminding us all that we’re not alone on this crazy parenting journey - including one of my favourites about the things parents say, but actually mean. #relatable See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Aug 24, 2020•11 min
With the recent Covid restructuring at my workplace, I was moved under a new manager. She gave me my first big project, and I was so stressed that she was going to suddenly discover that I sucked at my job and was a total fraud! Classic Imposter Syndrome, doubting myself even though I'd been in the job for more than four years. So why do we get it and how can we stop? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 23, 2020•7 min
This week, we chatted about whether you can ever ‘own’ a baby name? We’re joined by a mum who outsourced someone to homeschool her kids so she could keep working… Googlebox star Isabelle Silbury calls in to share her gorgeous engagement news and shares her advice on introducing kids to a new partner… Dr Sam Hay is in the studio with some tips on dealing with sensitive, itchy skin in kids (winter be gone!) And Sarah needs some toilet training advice (for her toddler, not her. Unless it’s an ‘aski...
Aug 22, 2020•37 min
Toilet training your first child can be an overwhelming task. What age should you start? How do you know if they are ready? How do you do it? What about overnight? It's a lot for you to get your head around as a parent, let alone your child. Join Mel and Sarah as they share their experiences - what worked, what didn't and when they started. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 20, 2020•6 min
Hand sanitiser has become one of those things we don’t leave the house with… keys, wallet, phone, sanitiser. Good to go! But man it can be drying on your skin in winter (especially our little ones) and with the frequency we’re using it. Winter is a tough time on kid’s sensitive skin in general. Heating, warm baths, it’s all an itchy recipe for disaster. Dr Sam Hay joins us for a chat and some advice on treating it See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Aug 19, 2020•5 min
Just a few weeks ago, Googlebox star and single mum Isabelle Silbery revealed she was engaged to her new boyfriend Alex after he proposed with a ring his mum gave him when he was 18. After she went through a traumatic breakup late last year, they started dating - but then COVID struck. Instead of putting her new love on hold, she decided to self-isolate with him - after five dates. She joins us to share more about her pandemic love story and how she introduced him to her five-year-old son. See o...
Aug 18, 2020•12 min
It’s no secret that working mums have been struggling. It’s been a shitty, shitty year on so many levels with the additional pressure of working from home and in a lot of cases, homeschooling. And while research has found that men have been helping out more at home, it’s still mums that traditionally take on the bulk of the household management. That workload sometimes feels like it’s impossible to manage, and it never ends… The toll on our mental health is huge. Chrissie Davies runs Chaos To Ca...
Aug 17, 2020•12 min
Choosing a name for your baby can be equal parts exciting and stressful! You've got to find one that both you and your partner agree on, that doesn't clash with their surname and that other kids can't make up a terrible nickname from when they start school. So what happens when someone else wants to use 'your' name? Can you ever 'own' a baby name? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 16, 2020•6 min
This week, we chatted about whether it's good for siblings to share a bedroom (if you have a choice!). We’re joined by Getaway host Charli Robinson who opens up about her breastfeeding struggles (while breastfeeding her two-week old bubba - total boss!). Blissed out new mum Jennifer Hawkins stops by and reveals how she handles those really tough days… Psychologist Belinda Williams gives us some tips on how what to do when your partner won't share the mental load. And Red Nose Australia CEO Keren...
Aug 15, 2020•46 min
So today is a very important day – RED NOSE DAY. In Australia, nine babies die suddenly and unexpectedly every day. That's more than 3000 babies every year. Just devastating. But to provide some hope and support, we have Red Nose Australia. Founded in 1977 by parents who wanted to find out why their babies died suddenly and unexpectedly, and then educate parents and health professionals about how to prevent it… to make sure the devastating Impact of the death of their child never happened to any...
Aug 13, 2020•8 min
