The Juggling Act

Today’s guest has had her small business completely wiped out during the pandemic. Kylie Ostle is the founder of Mum Society - live events for mums with amazing speakers. But it all ground to a halt when Covid hit. She joins us to talk about the impact it’s had on her career and her family. Speaking of getting back up when you’ve been knocked down, Jules and Mel have fallen down a Will Smith rabbit hole after watching his inspirational chat with Oprah. And Lauren Patterson shares why doing the same workout can be more beneficial.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we’re talking with best-selling author Monica McInerney who has turned her hand to writing a kid’s book. She opens up about being stuck in Australia during lockdown and why kids are the toughest critics. Mel has been thinking about whether chemistry or compatibility is more important in a partner and Jules reveals the moment she knew Cam was 'the one'. While travel expert Evie Farrell reveals the scams we need to be aware of when travelling with our families.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s episode, we’re joined by radio host and new mum Ash London whose little man came three weeks early. She ended up recording links for her new podcast as she was rushing out the door to the hospital - preparing for multi-taking mum mode already! As Mel records with a mild hangover from half a bottle of wine at dinner with a friend last night, it got her thinking about alcohol and kids - do you let your kids see you drink? And Laura Mazza joins us with a controversial advice needed question about a teenage boy who uses TCH.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kidspot is running a conception campaign all throughout November called Two Tiny Lines. So each Monday we are joined by a high profile mum who will share their fertility journey with us. Amy Campbell is a business owner and social influencer who spent 7.5 years trying to have a baby and is not pregnant with number 2 from one of her first egg retrievals! Amy runs a business called Bridal Bar, and it got Mel and Jules thinking about that juggle and whether working mums can ever have it all. Lauren Patterson is also with us and has some brilliant tips to help you exercise when you’re absolutely knackered.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we’re chatting with Professor Catherine Crock from the Royal Children’s hospital about the importance of kindness in our medical system. The stories she tells about the abuse staff cop - particularly from scared parents - is horrifying. Evie Farrell shares how we all need to do a covid clean-up when it comes to our travel. And we've got a fun one for a Friday, the weird things your parents told you that you believed until you were an adult.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s episode we’re joined by a first-time mum who opens up about the awkward, lovely and often perplexing world of postpartum...oh the strange things that happen to your body! The massive pads, the leaky boobs, the postpartum poo. Mel and Jules get real about their girl tribe and how that has changed over the years. While Laura Mazza is back with a juicy advice needed question about a partner who won't stop watching porn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kidspot is running a conception campaign all throughout November called Two Tiny Lines, so each Monday we will be joined by a high profile mum who will share their fertility journey with us. This week we're joined by podcast host Zoe Marshall who struggled with stage four endometriosis before finally falling pregnant for the first time. Lauren Patterson joins us to talk about how to overcome toxic positivity, and Mel and Jules share their fears about daycare and schools opening back up.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re joined today by writer, feminist & mum Clementine Ford who opens up about losing her mum and becoming a mother herself. Jules and Mel talk about career reinventions, and Evie Farrell is with us to talk family-friendly festivals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s episode we’re joined by a mum who spent 20 years in the corporate world, before realising she wanted to do something that ‘really mattered’. So she launched a business during Covid to improve the lives of women in developing countries. Jules and Mel open up about the 'aha' moment they had about their bodies. And Laura Mazza is with us with a reader dilemma about blended families.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode we're joined by Neighbours and Spreadsheet star Christie Whelan Brown who opens up about her three-year-long fertility battle. Jules and Mel open up about how their hair and skin changed during pregnancy, and Lauren Patterson is with us to explain how the mind + muscle connection can help your workout.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we are talking emotions! And couldn’t we all use a little help with that after the dumpster fire year 2021 has been… But one thing that makes Jules and Mel feel better is the hugs and gorgeousness from their sons. How bloody good is being a boy mum?! We're also joined by Evie Farrell who shares her experience with failing to read the fine print.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s episode we’re joined by family therapist Dr Libby Aitken with tips on how to help our kids understand their emotions. Jules and Mel laugh about how our kids find it absolutely hilarious to think about us as kids. And Laura Mazza has an interesting advice needed question about teen sex.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re joined by actor and dad Gyton Grantley who is fighting to end violence against children and opens up about the harsh reality of Melbourne's lockdown with children. We’re also joined by our regular contributor Lauren Patterson with some much-needed advice around anxiety triggers and how to move forward when you feel like you can’t. And Jules and Mel open up about the actual moment you fell in love with your child.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today Jules and Mel are talking bucket lists! They can taste the freedom, want to find out what’s on your dream ‘to do’ list and share their own. We're also joined by an incredible entrepreneur, CEO of Freelancing Gems Fleur Madden, who is with us to talk about career reinventions. And Evie Farrell is back talking travel and whether it's ever okay to take pictures of local kids when you're overseas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s episode we’re joined by author Polly Marsden on how to talk to your kids about climate change without frightening them. Mel wonders if she's raising entitled kids, and Laura Mazza asks whether banning children from a wedding is a douche act or perfectly acceptable.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Natalie Hart was diagnosed with premature menopause at 41, and needed an egg donor in order to have a family. Now she’s written a children’s book to help explain it to her son and other egg donor children. We’re also joined by our regular contributor Lauren Patterson on why overthinking things is such a waste of time. So many of us are guilty of that! And Jules and Mel talk about the celebrity parents they wish were theirs (Victoria and David, we're looking at you...).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Jules admits she used to be a dating app swipe machine, so Mel is enlisting her and our guest Jana Hocking, the host of the Kinda, Sorta, Dating podcast, to write her profile. Jana joins us with invaluable tips on how to start dating again and the behaviours you need to be wary of. Our regular Friday contributor Evie Farrell is with us to talk about one of the first family-friendly countries on her travel list now things are opening up again. And Jules and Mel talk about aging after kids (hair appointment first on the list, then some 'bobo').See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s episode, we’re joined by a mum who shares the cruel twist around her daughter’s alopecia journey, while Jules reveals she had her own alopecia diagnosis. We’re also joined by our regular contributor Laura Mazza who has an advice needed question from a woman whose boss is trying to dictate who looks after her young son while she works. And Jules shares the hilarious reason why they can no longer use the nickname they came up with for Ollie.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s guest is an amazing young woman who is turning her own mental health battle into a sensory box initiative to help our teens. We’re also joined by our regular contributor Lauren Patterson who explains the difference between compound and isolation exercises (We are not even understanding these words right now…). And Mel has been thinking about something a bit sad lately, how we don't recognise our kid's 'lasts' until they're gone.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s world mental health awareness day on Sunday, so we’re catching up with author and TedX Speaker Naomi Fryers who shares her story of surviving and thriving as a mother with a mental illness. We’re also chatting with our regular travel guru Evie Farrell who talks about the joy of caravan park holidays. Mel is a total convert. And we asked listeners a big question - what’s the worst thing you ever did as a kid? The responses were hilarious.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s episode we’re chatting with the gorgeous Natalie Bassingthwaite who opens up about funny childhood nicknames and how she's creating a better future for our kids. We’re also joined by our regular contributor Laura Mazza who has an advice needed question from a woman who is being job shamed by her partner. And Mel is reluctant to say this out loud because she's sure it won’t last long… but she thinks she may be in the parenting sweet spot (Jules is sceptical).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s episode we’re joined by author and sporting coach Nathan Parnham on how to provide our kids with some routine while sports are on hold (please come back soon!). We’re also joined by our regular contributor Lauren Patterson who explains why a fitness device can completely change your motivation levels. Anyone else obsessed with closing the rings on their Apple watch (if you know, you know…). While Jules and Mel laugh about the lockdown haircuts that went VERY wrong…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s episode we’re chatting with the host of 'Love it or list it' and dad of three girls, Andrew Winter. This chat is also a good lesson in making sure your shot looks nice before doing a zoom call with a property developer (Mel is still stinging from his barb about her ugly window…LISTING IT, STAT). We’re also chatting with our regular travel guru Evie Farrell who talks about the social media traps we need to be aware of while travelling. And Mel asks, OMFG why don’t kids listen?!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s episode we’re chatting with legendary rocker Jimmy Barnes about the inspiration behind his first kid's book (it is super cute). Should we break out into some Khe Sanh or Working Class Man? We’re also joined by our regular contributor Laura Mazza who joins us with an advice needed about seducing your husband. And huge congratulations are in order, because Jules and Cam kept Ollie alive for 12 months - Happy Birthday all!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we’re joined by fashion guru Kirstie Clements who tells us why we need to mix up our style as we get older. Jules and Mel have been living in activewear so this chat is good timing (their leggings are about to walk on their own which is an impressive party trick). We’re also joined by our regular contributor Lauren Patterson who opens up about morning anxiety and how to manage it. Speaking of anxiety, Mel is starting to feel anxious about everything opening up again after five hundred and eleventy years in lockdown.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jules and Mel admit to being 'mumbies' (mums who stay up late to watch TV), and share the shows they can't stop binging. Our regular travel guru Evie Farrell joins us to talk about the benefits of multi-generational holidays - bring on those international flights! And we're joined by new mum and former Bachelor star Tara Pavlovic – Shepherdson who talks about the heartbreak of her parents not meeting her new son Paddy yet and why she's stoked to be a boy mum. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Like everyone in lockdown, Mel and Jules are gagging for a hair appointment! Speaking of which, why is your baby’s first haircut such a big deal? Our regular contributor Laura Mazza joins us with an advice needed question from a mum who has kicked out her husband - and now she feels guilty. And there's a new TV show on TEN called 'Making It Australia' that is the salve we all need right now. We catch up with star and mum-of-two George about bin diving and aggressive sewing machines.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode, Jules and Mel are talking about the ultimate age gap between children. We’re also joined by our regular health and wellness guru Lauren Patterson who reveals the fitness trends that have become more popular for parents during lockdown... and it doesn't involve standing up off the couch to pour more wine. And author Sandie Docker opens up about the terrifying moment that made her realise she needed help for postnatal depression.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you a Gogglebox fan? We are joined today by one of the stars, mum of one and businesswoman Sarah Marie who opens up about the pressures on new mums and what she wishes people would stop saying to them. She also reveals the benefit of filming the show remotely with 'Uncle Jad'! Our regular travel guru Evie Farrell asks whether you could travel full time with your kids. (That’s a hard no from Mel). And Jules opens up about how becoming a mum has put her career in focus.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Were you obsessed with Packed to the Rafters when it was on TV? So wholesome! Well the Rafter family are back with Back to the Rafters on Amazon Prime, and we’re joined by star Erik Thomson who explains why the show is the salve we all need right now, and bonds with Mel over their son's name! Speaking of baby names, Jules and Mel discuss the pros and cons of sharing your choices with family and friends before the birth (and Jules reveals the surprising name she was going to be called if she was a boy!). And our regular contributor Laura Mazza joins us with an advice needed question from a mum whose 4 year old who has just been diagnosed with autism.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lauren Jimmieson Craig was bullied as a child due to a rare skin condition that gives her a unique appearance. She joins us to share her story and how she’s teaching kids that empathy and care are the real superpowers. Our regular health and wellness contributor Lauren Patterson opens up about why we so often shine the brightest during our darkest moments. And Jules and Mel get real about boobs after baby.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rhian Allen is the brains behind The Healthy Mummy and she’s with us to share the secret to her success and how her business has survived during the pandemic. Our regular travel guru Evie Farrell shares her tips for holidaying WITHOUT kids. And Jules and Mel chat about whether they did anything to prepare for labour.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are joined by an incredibly resilient mum who shares her experience of battling cancer during Covid. Really puts things into perspective. She's now written a book to help us talk to our kids about the dreaded C word (Cancer). Our regular contributor Laura Mazza joins us with another dilemma from a woman whose husband doesn’t want another baby. And Mel and Jules need some reassurance - can we PLEASE wear our mat leave clothes forever?!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of our favourite guests, Sam Wood, is back on the pod with tips on raising girls and the struggle of coping with lockdown. Our regular health and wellness contributor Lauren Patterson is with us to talk about the signs we need to look out for when it comes to mental health issues with our kids. And Mel and Jules open up about how to handle disagreements on parenting styles - this isn’t just an issue for parents who are separated…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode we are joined by a super inspiring mum who went from teen runaway to millionaire. Tina Towers sold her first business in her 20s, now she's sharing her tips to help you make your business dream a reality. Our regular travel guru Evie Farrell shares her tips for holidaying at home (love her idea for bringing a touch of overseas to your lounge!). And Jules shares stories from other mums about what their partner was doing during labour. (shock face emoji).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stacey June is a self-care coach, author, and broadcaster as one of the founders of The Thinker Girls. She joins us to talk about how lockdown is impacting her chance to expand her family (eggs in one state, she’s in another…) and whether she's ever wistful for her single years after becoming a busy mum! Our regular contributor Laura Mazza is back with a complex question from a woman who wants to come out as gay to her husband. And Jules and Mel talk about what to do with kid's teeth!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're joined by our fabulous new co-host Jules Robinson who opens up about sharing the responsibility of parenting gorgeous little Oly with her partner Cam, and how we still have a way to go when it comes to the traditional gender roles around parenting. New mum and life coach Tammi Kirkness has written a book to help our kids with their anxiety and it is the first-aid kit they all need right now. And our regular health and wellness contributor Lauren Patterson is back with some advice on how to stop caring what people think (yes, it is possible).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s guest claims to have mastered the art of balance as a working mother. Shannah Kennedy was a type-A, overachieving perfectionist, when at age 30, she hit a wall and experienced burnout – diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue and depression. Now she has written a book about her journey, called Plan B, to explain how other people can change their circumstances. Our regular contributor Evie Farrell is back to share her top tips for travelling with kids - and enjoying it. And Sarah and Mel wonder how you get a child out of night nappies!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we’re joined by a doctor who found out what it’s like to be on the other side of the hospital bed curtain. Dr Olivia Ong was hit by a car on her way to work and told she would never walk again. What she did next is nothing short of a miracle. Our regular contributor Laura Mazza joins us with a complex advice needed question about a husband who wants to name their new baby after his deceased former wife. And after a guinea pig incident, Mel talks about teaching kids about consequences.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s guest has had an interesting career pivot – she’s gone from Play School to working as a prenatal yoga teacher. Rachael Coopes is probably best known for her role in keeping toddlers across the country educated and entertained on Play School. But after becoming a mum herself, she has become passionate about prenatal yoga and mums struggling with the trauma of birth. Our regular contributor Lauren Patterson is back with some tips on fitting in exercise as a busy mum. And Sarah asks how you should handle a child talking back.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s guest is such an inspiration, changing the lives of women around the world. In 2013, Kristy Chong started Modibodi after she experienced bladder leakage after the birth of her second child and her business trajectory from there is incredible. Our regular contributor Evie Farrell is back to talk about cruising – is it right for your family? And with the world in the depths of a pandemic, Mel asks how we should talk to our children about death.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever dreamt of chucking it all in and starting your own business? Today’s guest, Tara Solberg, did just that and now it’s a multi-million dollar brand. She joins us to talk about how she turned her love of travel and design into a 7 figure business. Our regular contributor Laura Mazza is back with a reader who needs advice about her mum’s secret affair. And should we teach our kids to push back? Mel and Sarah navigate the complex world of kids and conflict.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we’re joined by two amazing mums who have experienced the absolute highs and lows of parenting. Kate and Mandy (hosts of the Two Peas in a Podcast) bonded over their premature twins with additional needs and have now shared their story in a beautiful book, 'The Invisible Life of Us'. They are with us to talk about what it was like to receive that initial diagnosis and the one thing they want people to stop saying. Our new regular contributor Lauren Patterson is back to talk about the exercises to avoid if you have diastasis recti (abdominal separation). And there have been a lot of tears in Mel's house over the past month or so, and she wonders how much you should let your kids see you cry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you sick of making dinner for your family every damn night? Today’s guest is a celebrity chef who says there’s a simple way to make it more enjoyable. Stop. Giving. AF. Our regular contributor Laura Mazza joins us with a controversial advice needed question around smacking your kids. And whether you're homeschooling or sending your kids to school during lockdown, parents can't win.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's guest has been described as a cross between Dr Phil and the Mentalist. Now Alan Stevens has turned his talents to helping men become better dads, and parents raise kind, respectful boys. He also profiles Mel which is well worth a listen! Our new regular contributor Lauren Patterson is back with some health and wellness advice around building your fitness back up after having a baby. And Sarah is dealing with a clingy child.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are into the second year of a pandemic and parents are being put under incredible pressure. The Juggling Act reached out to parenting expert and author of 'Parental as Anything' Maggie Dent for some of her common-sense advice to help all Australian families not only survive, but thrive. In this extended special episode of the podcast, Maggie shares her wisdom around talking with kids about death and Covid, working from home, bickering siblings during lockdown, managing homeschooling and the importance of kindness in such an uncertain world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we’re joined by everyone’s favourite parenting expert, the divine Maggie Dent, who is back on the podcast with some must-hear tips for parents struggling this year. Week. Hour. Our new regular contributor Evie Farrell is here to talk about why we should all head backpacking with our kids (when we can!). And Mel asks whether she's being a Grinch by not letting her kids have a gaming console…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you find yourself volunteering for things to make up for being a working parent? Today’s guest, Felicity Harley is an author and host of the Healthy-ish podcast, and she's here to talk about why so many of us seem to fall into that trap, and why balance is total BS. Our new regular contributor Laura Mazza joins us with an advice needed question from a Kidspot parent who thinks she has a crush on her boss. And Sarah had a break from work and thinks she was a much nicer parent for it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ve got a mother-daughter dynamic duo on the podcast today. Dr Melissa Kang and her daughter Georgia Carr are with us to chat about growing up with Dolly Doctor as your mum and Melissa’s latest collab with Yumi Stynes on teaching our kids about consent. Our new regular contributor Lauren Patterson is back with some advice on lockdown self-care. And Mel is dealing with an alpha child.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we’re joined by financial advisor, mum and ambassador for the fabulous Ladies Finance Club, Rachel O’Connor. Rachel has some fantastic advice around saving for your child’s future. Speaking of saving, our new regular contributor Evie Farrell is with us to talk about how to budget on holidays and how to save for that elusive next trip. And Sarah has started thinking about when her boys start school.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.