The Juggling Act

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.

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 facebook.com/groups/thejugglingactpodcast. Interested in this week's stories? Head to kidspot.com.au to have a read. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 facebook.com/groups/thejugglingactpodcast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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 read. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 information.

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.

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.

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/thejugglingactpodcast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

Jules and Mel share their perfect Melbourne vs Sydney analogies, decide if The Crown backlash is deserved and deep dive a study that revealed women do more work that men at home. They're also joined by Parenting Producer Nama Winston to talk about the top stories trending on Kidspot this week. Make sure you join the chat on our Facebook group facebook.com/groups/thejugglingactpodcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coming up on today's show, Mel and Jules dive into Todd Sampson's Mirror Mirror series, the dark side of social media platforms like Omegle and how to keep our kid's safe online. They also talk about all the rumours swirling around Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady, Eva Mendes' Hollywood career and Ben Fordham's fury over a kid's entertainer who simply didn't show up. Make sure you join the chat on our Facebook group facebook.com/groups/thejugglingactpodcast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're joined today by TV personality and founder of 'TMRW Kids' Sarah Marie Fahd who is filling in for Mel! We've also got the lovely Georgie Abay in the studio chatting about how motherhood never quite goes to plan, how The Grace Tales came to be and why she wrote her latest book, Best Laid Plans.Make sure you join the chat on our Facebook group facebook.com/groups/thejugglingactpodcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With us today is TV personality and founder of 'TMRW Kids' Sarah Marie Fahd who is filling in for Mel! Jules and Sarah talk about monster mother-in-laws, decluttering, the dangers of baby-wearing and whether the Farmer Wants a Wife finale was a fizzle. Make sure you join the chat on our Facebook group facebook.com/groups/thejugglingactpodcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coming up on today's show we're joined by TV personality and 'TMRW Kids' founder Sarah Marie Fahd who is filling in for Mel this week! After the Try Guys scandal that broke the internet, Jules and Sarah talk about ‘Wife Guys’ and why they seem more likely to cheat, as well as diving into birth songs, gender reveals and how young is too young to dye your children’s hair. Make sure you join the chat on our Facebook group facebook.com/groups/thejugglingactpodcast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're joined today by TV personality and founder of 'TMRW Kids' Sarah Marie Fahd who is filling in for Jules! We've also got the delightful Andy Lee in the studio who explains how he became an accidental author, the argument he has with Hamish over his birthday cake videos and why he's happy with his life just as it is. We're also talking about a 15 year old who is still in nappies, when to start toilet training and when your little boy doesn't want to go to the ladies public toilets.Make sure you join the chat on our Facebook group facebook.com/groups/thejuglingactpodcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With us today is TV personality and founder of 'TMRW Kids' Sarah Marie Fahd who is filling in for Jules! They ask whether calling your baby Malibu Barbie is cruel or kind, if you saved your wedding cake to eat years later after Kate Ritchie shared a picture of her cake defrosting on what would have been her 12th wedding anniversary, Jeff Dahmer on Netflix (vom), the parenting promises we've all broken and the Kid's TV reboot we DO. NOT. WANT Make sure you join the chat on our Facebook group facebook.com/groups/thejuglingactpodcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coming up on today's show we're joined by TV personality and 'TMRW Kids' founder Sarah Marie Fahd who is filling in for Jules for a week! After a rugby league player missed the birth of his first born on the weekend to play in the preliminary final, Sarah and Mel discuss whether they'd ever be okay with that. They talk about a nasty note that parents in Sydney received telling them to keep their kids quiet, whether they'd give their 13 year old daughter a vibrator, and if there are double standards when it comes to celebrity dads having lots of kids with different mothers after Alec Baldwin welcomed his SEVENTH baby! Make sure you join the chat on our Facebook group facebook.com/groups/thejuglingactpodcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our guest today tried IVF twice, before at 42, finally had her son Woody who was born with Down Syndrome. CEO Julie Mathers juggles a multi-million dollar business, her two boys and all the challenges in between. Jules and Mel also talk about the juggle and whether the idea that women are expected to work like they don’t have kids is still a thing.Make sure you join the chat on our Facebook group facebook.com/groups/thejuglingactpodcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we’re joined by an incredible young woman - 24 yr old actor and disability advocate Chloé Hayden. As well as being the star of the Heartbreak High reboot which just premiered, Chloe is also a passionate autism advocate and is with us to share what she wants parents, carers and other kids to know about neurodivergent kids. And Jules and Mel reveal the most stressful part of their day and how 'micro-transitions' can add to your anxiety level as a parent. Make sure you join the chat on our Facebook group facebook.com/groups/thejuglingactpodcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are joined today by keynote speaker, author and co-founder Peace Mitchell. She was awarded Australia Day citizen of the year for her work with the non-for-profit organisation she started with her sister Mothers Helping Others, and has also launched The AusMumpreneur Network, an online business that supports, celebrates and empowers mums in business. Mel and Jules also discuss coming to terms with the fact that you may not be as ‘chill’ as you thought.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We love having today’s guest back on the podcast - he pretty much single-handedly got most of us through lockdown! Jimmy Rees is with us and he’s bringing his Meanwhile in Australia LOLs… While Jules is in the UK at the moment and reflects on what it's been like there while the country is in mourning and the incredible life of mother, grandmother and great grandmother Queen Elizabeth II.Make sure you join the chat on our Facebook group facebook.com/groups/thejuglingactpodcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re joined today by writer, TV host and now kid’s book author - the fabulous Melissa Leong. She’s getting a real insight into kids and food with her partner’s three girls, now she’s helping other parents broaden their child’s taste buds with her gorgeous new book, 'A Taste Adventure'. She’s with us to chat about having her own children and learning to say ‘no’. Speaking of food, Mel has been trying to get the kids into the kitchen more and admits she doesn't know how to boil an egg.Make sure you join the chat on our Facebook group facebook.com/groups/thejuglingactpodcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our guest today opens up about the long and painful journey of fiercely advocating for her son after he started struggling at school. Children's author Sally Rippin is with us to share the story of her son's dyslexia and ADHD, plus what needs to change in the classroom to support our kids more. And after Mel read that you should put your cutlery in the basket handle side DOWN, she grills Jules on her approach to some of life's basic activities (sock, sock, shoe, shoe or sock, shoe, sock, shoe?!)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re joined today by someone who is going to get us organised (we hope!)Kat Springer is a blogger and social media star known as The Organised Housewife. She’s with us to tell us how we can get KIDS to help with the housework, and create a calm and clean home. Meanwhile, Mel has fallen down another black hole…Make sure you join the chat on our Facebook group facebook.com/groups/thejuglingactpodcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anyone with an anaphylactic child would know the constant fear that they might eat something they shouldn’t. Today’s guest is a mum of two, Kerry Branch, who, after a visit to a child-friendly cafe, ended up having to use the epi pen on her daughter for the first time. After a weekend spent taxi-ing her kids around, Mel got thinking about the funny things you find yourself saying (ok, yelling) in the car and the lengths we go to to keep kids entertained. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s guest had reached the pinnacle of her career when she started to hear the clock ticking. Allison Langdon is a journalist, TV host and now mum of two, who opens up about how she wasn’t sure she initially wanted to have a family, how she makes it work with her busy schedule and the new mum moment that nearly broke her. While Jules went to the red centre for the first time and admits it's sometimes easier to ghost your child than call and see them get upset. Make sure you join the chat on our Facebook group The Juggling Act If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to your GP for help or you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14. And remember to check in with loved ones on RU OK? Day, and everyday. We all need to know someone cares.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Menopause has been one of those words that you whisper quietly as you fan yourself. But today’s guest is shouting that word out loud. Shelly Horton is even taking things one step further and is helping workplaces provide a supportive environment for women during that time. While Jules and Mel chat about a shocking video of an 8-month-old baby being snatched from a supermarket shopping trolley after the mum turned her back for a few seconds.Make sure you join the chat on our Facebook group facebook.com/groups/thejuglingactpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’re going through a separation or even thinking about it, today’s guest is here to help. Nikki Parkinson is a divorce coach and family law expert, who as a single mum of three knows what it’s like to take that difficult road. Meanwhile Mel discovered something disturbing about her 10 year old's homework. Make sure you join the chat on our Facebook group The Juggling ActSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we are joined by author, former psychologist and confidence coach Mel Schilling (also known as the relationship expert on MAFS). She’s with us to chat about the C word - not Cam - it’s ‘confidence’, and why she thinks Jules and Cam went the distance after the reality show. And Jules opens up about how she juggled things without Cam for a week. Make sure you join the chat on our Facebook group The Juggling ActSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The man responsible for Jules' sleep-filled nights - Snoo inventor Dr Harvey Karp - is on the show today, chatting about why he thinks parenting today is harder than ever before. While Mel shares her story of the missing Mirena (again!) and challenges Jules to name fandom body parts.Make sure you join the chat on our Facebook group facebook.com/groups/thejuglingactpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our guest today, Jane Gilmore, is giving us a peek into the classrooms and schoolyards to find out how our children - and their educators - are talking about consent. While Jules and Mel share the TV shows that are keeping them up late. Make sure you join the chat on our Facebook group The Juggling ActSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our guest today split from her daughter’s dad when she was just a baby, so she knows all about the solo parent juggle. Evie Farrell has also felt the social exclusion that sometimes comes with going it alone, and she’s with us to chat about why it happens. And Mel was reading up about ‘the praise sandwich’, so she decided to try it out on the kids. Make sure you join the chat on our Facebook group The Juggling ActSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Talk about quitting your day job, today’s guest was a secondary school teacher who left it all behind to follow an unlikely career path in her late 30s. While the challenge Jules set Mel is not going well, and she admits she's suffering from decision fatigue.Make sure you join the chat on our Facebook group facebook.com/groups/thejuglingactpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we’re sharing the heartbreaking story of a mum, Ella Stratton, who had to say goodbye to her 12 year old son after his battle with an almost life-long, life-limiting illness finally ended. But there's a little ray of sunshine in this story, she’s with us to talk about palliative care for children, and her passion to honour her son and support other parents. While a footy star on in the US discovered his young son had posted a NSFW picture of him onto his Instagram, so Mel and Jules talk about the funny things they've found on their phones. Make sure you join the chat on our Facebook group The Juggling ActSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our guest today faced a divorce with a newborn son then survived a life-threatening illness - just after launching her own business. Victoria Mills felt completely overwhelmed but decided to take control of her life, and now she’s here to tell us how to do the same. While Mel gets her ranty pants on after seeing a post recently from a friend whose partner was away.Make sure you join the chat on our Facebook group The Juggling ActSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our guest today is one of our all time favs. Taryn Brumfitt has been teaching adults all around the world to love and embrace their bodies - now she’s helping our kids. She’s got a fabulous new book AND film out called 'Embrace Kids', and she’s with us to tell us more about how we can support our children and why body image is one of the biggest issues they're facing today. While Jules has discovered something big about Ollie and his tastes…Make sure you join the chat on our Facebook group facebook.com/groups/thejuglingactpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we’re joined by an amazing mum who has totally changed the way we recycle. Liz Kasell came up with an idea to recycle soft plastics, from her kitchen table (where all good ideas happen!). We chat with her about how it all came about and why mums are the ultimate problem solvers. While Mel has been up until midnight working the past four nights because she can't say one little word… Make sure you join the chat on our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/KidspotWorkingMumsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With us today is a special needs mum and author of The Letter E, Claire Audibert. Claire joins us to share the story of her eldest son who has a rare form of epilepsy, and how terrifying it was when he first started fitting in the delivery room. While Jules has seen something concerning on Play School.Make sure you join the chat on our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/KidspotWorkingMumsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our guest today is one of our favs! Jess Sanders is a social worker and bestselling author of books like 'Love your body' and 'Be your own man'. Now she’s got a new book out for little ones to teach them that they are enough. Plus Jules went to the snow with her fam for the first time and she shares why it's not a total no-go.Make sure you join the chat on our Facebook group facebook.com/groups/thejuglingactpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re joined today by a professor from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute who have created the world’s first scientifically backed bedtime books for kids. We’re finding out exactly how they work and if they work! And we're talking quirks, and how to embrace your child's unique qualities.Make sure you join the chat on our Facebook group The Juggling Act, at facebook.com/groups/KidspotWorkingMums and find out more about the books at sleepwithkip.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ve got a heavy but important conversation today... We’re joined by a dad who opens up about the cycle of abuse, testifying against his violent father to save his mother's life, and how he put an end to it all when he had his own children. While Mel's son has bright red cheeks and Dr Google isn't helping! Jules weighs in with her experience around weird rashes and when strange things that go wrong with kids.Make sure you join the chat on our Facebook group facebook.com/groups/thejuglingactpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our guest today is Australian Indigenous model, mother and child care worker Keyarny Lamb who opens up about her experience on growing up in Australia and how she hopes it will be different for her kids. While both Jules and Mel's boys are having random midnight meltdowns. Is it the full moon?!Make sure you join the chat on our Facebook group facebook.com/groups/thejuglingactpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our guest today is the esafety commissioner who is with us to talk about why almost half of Aussie children have been treated in a nasty way online in the past year and what parents can do to help. While Mel and Jules talk about discipline and the best way to set your child boundaries. Make sure you join the chat on our Facebook group- facebook.com/groups/thejuglingactpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s guest is a new dad of two - yup he’s made the transition and now no longer outnumbers his kids. Rookie move… Comedian and radio host Ed Kavalee joins us to talk about his new baby girl and how he’s put his son to work. Mel is calling it, she's decided age 7 is the sweet spot. While Jules shares her fondest memories of Ollie's 'firsts'.Make sure you join the chat on our Facebook group.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our guest today is a finance writer and mum on a mission to empower our girls about money and try to close the gender finance gap. And from numbers to words, we’ve got a very clever kid on the show today putting Jules and Mel through their paces with a spelling test - send H.E.L.P!Make sure you join the chat on our Facebook group facebook.com/groups/thejuglingactpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's guest was at tipping point - something we can all relate to - when she had an ‘ah ha’ moment. Kelly Walter realised she could use her navy training to get her family running with military precision and reduce her mental load. She's with us to share how she did it. While Jules had a break away from both Cam and Ollie for the first time, and she opens up about how it went.Make sure you join the chat on our Facebook group See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We have a special guest filling in for Jules as co-host today, the divine Ms M - Maggie Dent! She has a new book out called Girlhood - all about raising kind, happy, heard girls. She's with us for the whole episode and her wisdom and insight into this next generation of women is invaluable. Plus, she reveals what she learnt about herself as a woman in the process.Make sure you join the chat on our Facebook groupSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our guest today is with us to share an incredible story. After being told his baby girl had cancer and was unlikely to live, he turned one of the most difficult times in his life into an opportunity to help other children. While Mel had a super relatable experience at a shopping centre on the weekend. Dealing with small people gifted with the ability to upsell.Make sure you join the chat on our Facebook group facebook.com/groups/thejugglingactpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We loved having today’s guest on the show - Eddie Woo is the country’s favourite maths teacher, and after chatting with him about his love of numbers and how he inspires kids - we can see why! While Jules had a farm stay with the fam for the weekend and it has them asking whether country or city life is better for kids. Make sure you join the chat on our Facebook group facebook.com/groups/thejugglingactpodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.