The Juggling Act - podcast cover

The Juggling Act

kidspot.com.auwww.kidspot.com.au

Hosted by Kidspot writer and mum-of-two Melissa Wilson, and businesswoman and mum-of-one Jules Robinson, The Juggling Act covers the latest opinions, challenges, expert advice, celebrity interviews, real-life stories plus much more for busy parents. This supportive, informative and totally relatable podcast aims to offer insight and advice for mums and dads to help them navigate their professional and parenting lives, plus the mess in between. 

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Episodes

New year intentions and the loneliest part of motherhood

On today's episode, Jules explains why she's making New Year intentions instead of resolutions, a mum defends letting her 11-year-old drink coffee while another slams a store for selling her daughter a revealing dress. While Mel relates to a video talking about the 'loneliest phase of motherhood'. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 27, 202237 min

Christmas burn-out, performative parenting and protecting our kids

In our last episode before Christmas, Mel admits she's burnt out from trying to create festive magic, while Jules shares her thoughts on 'performative parenting' for Instagram. They also chat about the new legislation in NZ banning smoking for kids over 14, a new mum's Christmas haul and whether schools need to do more to protect our kids. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 20, 202227 min

Kathy Lette on menopause and parenting neurodiverse kids

Mel, Nina and Jules are joined by the queen of comedy fiction, Kathy Lette, to talk about why the best years of her life have been post-menopause and how she goes about parenting her neurodiverse son. They also dive into the pros and cons of school holidays and Jules also chats about whether she'd do a family reality show. Have thoughts on today’s episode? Jump into our Facebook to join the conversation facebook.com/groups/thejugglingactpodcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informatio...

Dec 18, 202230 min

Drew Barrymore cancels Christmas and the best (worst) festive films

Nina and Jules are joined by Parenting Editor Nama Winston to talk through the stories that are trending on Kidspot this week. They chat about Christmas rituals they dread (Elf on the Shelf anyone?), what toddlers really want in their stockings and whether they'll be subscribing to the Drew Barrymore school of thought when it comes to gifts. Want to be a part of the conversation? Make sure you join the chat on our Facebook group facebook.com/groups/thejugglingactpodcast . Interested in this week...

Dec 15, 202219 min

The robots are taking over!

On today's episode of The Juggling Act, Jules and Nina jump into some of the biggest stories from the week that was. They share all their hot takes on the Meghan and Harry documentary, chat about why kids swearing is the funniest thing ever and test-run the AI tech that is worrying teachers. Make sure you come and share all your thoughts on the episode via our Facebook group facebook.com/groups/thejugglingactpodcast . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Dec 13, 202222 min

But does Grandma really know best?

Mel and Jules are joined by author Louise Cummins to tackle an age-old problem: how to talk to your kids about Santa and get them to help keep the magic of Christmas alive for those who still believe. They also have a very honest conversation about discipline and teaching kids right from wrong, and try to decide whether going old-school leads to better behaviour. Have thoughts on today’s episode? Jump into our Facebook to join the conversation facebook.com/groups/thejugglingactpodcast. See omnys...

Dec 11, 202230 min

The best kids party ever + the fight for time off over Christmas

Mel and Jules are joined by Kidspot Editor Charlotte Willis to talk through the stories that sparked conversation on Kidspot this week. They dive into those coveted parent parking spots, the one-year-old who had the birthday party of our dreams and whether mums and dads should get priority when it comes to Christmas leave. Want to be a part of the conversation? Make sure you join the chat on our Facebook group facebook.com/groups/thejugglingactpodcast . Interested in this week's stories? Head to...

Dec 08, 202223 min

Crazy Christmas lists and next-level Elf on the Shelf

Coming up on today's show, Mel and Jules chat about Roxy Jacenko's daughter and her wild Christmas list, the reason couples stop having sex and all the parents that take Elf on the Shelf too far. They also chat about all their expectations when it comes to Harry and Meghan's documentary series and dive into the reality of the couple's historic Netflix deal. Make sure you come and share all your thoughts on the episode via our Facebook group facebook.com/groups/thejugglingactpodcast . See omnystu...

Dec 06, 202231 min

Emma Memma on music, empowerment and life after the Wiggles

Mel and Jules are joined this week by ex-Wiggle and children's entertainer Emma Watkins to talk all about feeling like the odd one out growing up, her dreams of being a dancer and the huge responsibility that comes with working with kids. She also delves into the beautiful relationships she's cultivated with her fellow Wiggles and their families, and what life looks like now as Emma Memma. Listen to Emma Memma’s Picnic Beats and Treats Playlist , exclusively on Apple Music. Want to chat about th...

Dec 04, 202229 min

How young is too young to start watching porn

Mel and Jules are joined by Kidspot Parenting Editor Nama Winston to talk about the stories that are trending across the news cycle. This week they chat about the word (or words) of the year, the silliest gender reveal to date and whether they've ever regretted having children. They also dive into a prickly problem facing parents in the age of the internet: at what point should you start chatting to your children about pornography? Want to be a part of the conversation? Make sure you join the ch...

Dec 01, 202229 min

Child-free weddings and the scary side of schoolies

Coming up on today's show, Mel and Jules dive into all the best and worst stories from the week that was. They chat about the horrible stories to come out of schoolies this year, how Kimmy K ended up addressing the Balenciaga scandal and the child crimes investigator who has revealed all the things she would never let her kids do. Share all your thoughts on the episode via our Facebook group facebook.com/groups/thejugglingactpodcast . Interested in this week's stories? Head to kidspot.com.au to ...

Nov 29, 202219 min

The Barefoot Investor on teaching kids good habits and being a stay-at-home dad

Mel and Fiona are joined this week by Scott Pape to chat about the Barefoot Investor's origin story, the importance of financial counselling and how the hell he's going to keep it all together as he transitions to being the stay-at-home parent for his four kids. Scott also lets us in on a few little secrets and stories from his latest book, Barefoot Kids: Your Epic Money Adventure. If you are experiencing financial difficulty, you can speak to a free, independent financial counsellor in your sta...

Nov 27, 202242 min

Is wearing white to a wedding still a cardinal sin?

Mel and Fiona are joined by Kidspot editor Charlotte Willis to talk about the stories that are trending across the news cycle. This week they talk about the rules you put in place for your mother-in-law, bringing your kids on your honeymoon and how many Christmas presents is too many? Want to be a part of the conversation? Make sure you join the chat on our Facebook group facebook.com/groups/thejugglingactpodcast . Interested in this week's stories? Head to kidspot.com.au to have a read. See omn...

Nov 24, 202227 min

The body ‘trends’ giving us the ick

Coming up on today's show, Mel is joined by the fabulous Fiona Falkiner for some hot takes on the best and worst of the news cycle this week. They chat about the liberal senator who thought women wearing trousers qualified as grooming children, the pain of seeing 'heroin chic' returning to public consciousness and Chris Hemsworth's all-too-real revelation about his pre-disposition to Alzheimers. Share all your thoughts on the episode via our Facebook group facebook.com/groups/thejugglingactpodca...

Nov 22, 202233 min

The kiss that changed everything

Mel, Jules and Nama are joined this week by Casey, a mum who had her worst fears realised when her newborn's swollen gland turned out to be something far more sinister. Learn more about the Starlight foundation, and get involved with the Super Swim challenge at https://bit.ly/SuperSwimJugglingAct Want to share your thoughts on the episode? Head to our Facebook group facebook.com/groups/thejugglingactpodcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Nov 20, 202225 min

How not to co-parent when it comes to Christmas

Mel and Nama are talking about all the clickiest stories from the week that was, covering the realities of a 'yes' day and diving into loving work more than your children. They also chat about the little girl who brings up erections non-stop (yes, you read that right) and the dad who went behind his co-parent's back and told their five-year-old that Santa wasn't real. Interested in this week's stories? Head to kidspot.com.au to have a read. Have a hot take you want to share from the episode? Joi...

Nov 17, 202229 min

How far would you go to have beautiful children?

Coming up on today's show, Mel is joined by the lovely Nama Winston to talk about all the latest and greatest in the news cycle this week. They talk about all the tea spilled in Jennifer Anniston's Allure interview, a mum on TikTok who has been a little too honest about her thoughts on motherhood and the horrifying lengths some parents go to so they can have 'beautiful' children. Share all your thoughts on the episode via our Facebook group facebook.com/groups/thejugglingactpodcast . Interested ...

Nov 15, 202229 min

The heartbreaking reality of pregnancy loss

Mel, Jules and Nina are joined behind the mic by Ann Maree to talk about the death of her son Xavier, grief literacy in Australia and how she dealt with such a traumatic loss. She’s also her to chat about the Rainbow Baby Project, an incredible programme that’s offering support to bereaved families who are hoping to have another child. This episode will discuss pregnancy and infant loss, so please listen with care. For support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 To learn more about the Rainbow Baby Proje...

Nov 13, 202232 min

Hidden pregnancies, ditching the lunchbox and a new take on stranger danger

Mel and Jules are joined by Kidspot editor Charlotte Willis to talk about the stories that are trending across the news cycle. This week they talk about the mum who managed to hide her pregnancy from everyone apart from TikTok, an election promise to trial free lunches in Victorian public schools and the Danish babies that are being left to nap alone in the cold. They also chat about a primary school mum’s unconventional approach to teaching her children about stranger danger. Want to be a part ...

Nov 10, 202222 min

Stay-at-home dads and a reality check on sextortion and our kids

Coming up on today's show, Mel and Nina talk about the scary reality of sextortion and our children, and how to talk about staying safe online as a family. They also chat about all the latest in reality TV, Tony Abbott's bizarre new proposition and whether pet parents deserve the same rights and working arrangements as human parents. Make sure you join the chat and share all your thoughts on the episode via our Facebook group facebook.com/groups/thejugglingactpodcast . See omnystudio.com/listene...

Nov 08, 202234 min

Kate Ritchie on her daughter, her return to TV and how she knew it was time to take a break

Mel and Sarah discuss how early is too early to put up your Christmas lights and how to approach your son asking for an ear piercing. They are also joined by the fabulous Kate Ritchie to chat about appreciating the little things, finding out what fills your cup and how to know when it's time to take a break. Want to chat about the episode with us? Join the conversation via our Facebook group facebook.com/groups/thejugglingactpodcast . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Nov 06, 202235 min

Disney’s new plus-size character, online haters and the intricacies of child support

Mel and Sarah are joined behind the microphone by the wonderful Nama Winston, and this week they look at the financial considerations you have to make when having a child and the pain that comes with battling for child support. They also chat about the infamous ‘garden coffee lady’, Australia Zoo’s newest experience and all the controversy surrounding Disney’s Reflect, which stars a plus-size character. Want to share your thoughts on the episode? Make sure you join the chat on our Facebook group...

Nov 03, 202226 min

The best and worst of the spooky season + Prince Harry’s shadiest move to date

Coming up on today's show, Mel and the lovely Sarah Marie talk about a brand new study on human endurance that shows that pregnancy pushes us to the very peak of what is possible. They also chat about the best costumes this Halloween, the interesting timing of Sylvester Stallone’s divorce (and reconcillitation) and all the connotations that go hand in hand with the title of Prince Harry’s memoir. Make sure you join the chat and share all your thoughts on the episode via our Facebook group facebo...

Nov 01, 202227 min

The power of pestering and Grace Jennings on the joys of saying no

Mel and Jules chat about how to stay strong when facing endless pestering from children, and the scary discrimination that LGBTQI+ couples are still facing in Australia today. Mel also gets to chat with journalist Grace Jennings about her book The Yes Woman, people pleasing and the power of learning how to say no. Come and share all your thoughts on the episode via our Facebook group facebook.com/groups/thejugglingactpodcast . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Oct 30, 202226 min

Only children, embracing the grey and to shave or not to shave (your baby)

Mel and Jules are joined behind the microphone by Kidspot editor Charlotte Willis, and this week it’s all about hair. They chat about how young is too young to dye your kids’ hair, embracing those pesky grey hairs and a bizarre phenomenon that’s doing the rounds on TikTok: shaving your baby’s head. Want to be a part of the conversation? Make sure you join the chat on our Facebook group facebook.com/groups/thejugglingactpodcast . Interested in this week's stories? Head to kidspot.com.au to have a...

Oct 27, 202224 min

Childcare fees are sky-rocketing, Blue Ivy is splashin’ cash and Meghan Markle is permanently in our news feed

Coming up on today's show, Mel and Jules talk about the scary impact of childcare going up to as much as $200 a day. They also chat about the all the judgement women get while breastfeeding, Virgin's exciting new giveaway and why-oh-why Meghan Markle is still dominating our news feeds years after that Oprah interview. Make sure you join the chat and share all your thoughts on the episode via our Facebook group facebook.com/groups/thejugglingactpodcast . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy in...

Oct 25, 202224 min

The going rate on the tooth fairy and how Isla Fisher manages juggling kids and her career

Mel and Jules chat about the going rate for the tooth fairy these days, and how to teach children that the front seat is not a treat. Jules also talks to the gorgeous Isla Fisher about her hysterical new kid’s book Mazy the Movie Star, her love of comedy and how she manages to juggle motherhood and life as a Hollywood movie star. Come and share all your thoughts on the episode via our Facebook group facebook.com/groups/thejugglingactpodcast . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Oct 23, 202221 min

House of Hammer and all the secrets a kid’s cast can hold

Mel and Jules are joined on mic by Parenting Producer Nama Winston to talk about everything from name-calling in preschool to the things kids hide up their nose and in their casts. Mel and Jules also dive into the horrors of Netflix’s House of Hammer and decide where the line is when it comes to asking your child-free friends to babysit. Make sure you join the chat on our Facebook group facebook.com/groups/thejugglingactpodcast . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Oct 20, 202226 min

Australia’s first free IVF clinic, Heidi Klum’s bizarre new photoshoot and the scariest stuff on Netflix at the moment

Coming up on today's show, Mel and Jules are talking all things IVF and parental leave following some big announcements from the Australian Government this week. They also chat about all the attention Heidi Kum and her daughter are getting following their lingerie shoot together, the painful reality of flying with kids and the emotional toll of Netflix’s darkest new debuts. Make sure you join the chat and share all your thoughts on the episode via our Facebook group facebook.com/groups/thejuggli...

Oct 18, 202225 min

Nazeem Hussain on the dad life and should you be allowed to choose the sex of your baby?

Mel and Jules are joined by the hy-larious Nazeem Hussain, who talks about writing his first children's book, being raised by a single mum and his own (softer) approach to parenting. They also discuss how long you can feasibly hold off buying a phone for your kids, and where is the line when it comes to choosing the sex of your baby. Get involved and join the discussion via our Facebook group facebook.com/groups/thejugglingactpodcast . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Oct 16, 202227 min
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