The Juggling Act

Who doesn’t love a reality show success story? Today’s guest is one of our favourites. Jules Robinson met Cam Merchant on Married at First Sight in 2019, and they had their beautiful baby boy, Oliver Chase, in October last year. She joins us to chat me-time and having a baby in the middle of a pandemic. Our new regular contributor Laura Mazza joins us with a very complex advice needed question about lack of support after a miscarriage. And Mel asks whether the 'praise craze' has gone too far.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When you have kids, you never think you’re going to end up doing it on your own. But that’s what happened to today’s guest, journalist Jacinta Tynan, who has now written a book with advice and inspiration for other parents who have found themselves in the same boat. Our new regular contributor Lauren Patterson is back talking about an interesting topic – body image and exercise. And Sarah opens up about the things she'd taken more seriously during pregnancy (Kegels, we're looking at you).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we’re joined by financial advisor, author and founder of Money Mode, Renae Vercoe, who is with us as part of the family finance month on Kidspot. She’s here to talk about whether credit cards are the devil and also has some super simple tips to help you manage the household budget. Our new regular contributor Evie Farrell is with us to talk about why she thinks all-inclusive holidays are the bomb (you know, when we can go away - good to plan!). And Mel and Sarah talk about whether now is a good time to think about changing careers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Almost 20 years ago, parenting expert and father of three Michael Grose wrote a book called ‘Why first-borns rule the world and later-borns want to change it’, which challenges parents to raise each child differently according to their birth order. It's been re-released and he joins us to explain the idea and how it's relevant to families today. Our new regular contributor Laura Mazza joins us with an advice needed question from a mum who says she’s no longer sexually attracted to her husband. And Sarah asks when you should worry that your child's rough play is a bigger issue.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s guest is a radio and TV host, author, food fanatic and mum-of-four… now Yumi Stynes has a new book out – ‘Welcome to consent’. Her last collaboration was with former Dolly Doctor, Dr Melissa Kang, on a book for tweens called ‘Welcome to your Period’ and now they’re back with some super timely advice for our kids (and us). Our new regular contributor Lauren Patterson is also back to talk about the little factors that could be affecting your anxiety in a big way. And Mel opens up about why lockdown is so hard on single parents.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we’re joined by Canna Campbell - best-selling author of The $1000 Project and founder of financial media platform, SugarMamma.TV, as part of family finance month on Kidspot. Canna is here to talk us through investing for the first time and what we need to know. Our new regular contributor Evie Farrell is with us to talk about why she’s discovered the joy of camping with kids. And Sarah is enjoying the peace of lockdown but wonders whether it's making our kids anti-social.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we’re joined by Dr Adam Fraser, about why we need to create a 'third space' between work and home – even during lockdown. Adam is Australia’s leading behavioural researchers and author of the bestselling book 'The Third Space', and he’s got some great tips on transitioning from mum mode to work mode. Mel has been in isolation with two kids and she's really struggling. While our new regular contributor Laura Mazza joins us with an advice needed question from a woman who has just found out her husband of 18 years is having an affair.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we’re joined by the author of 'Ten-ager' Madonna King who joins us to talk about what our girls (and we) need to know about becoming a ten-ager. Our new regular contributor Lauren Patterson is with us to talk about starting that self-care journey. And Sarah asks what you should do when daycare starts to have a downside and your child is having a meltdown at the end of the day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we’re joined by finance expert Renae Vercoe from Money Mode as part of Kidspot’s family finance campaign. She joins us to share her 10 tips for paying off your mortgage and household bills faster. Our new regular contributor Evie Farrell is with us to share why travelling with kids is so incredible for their development. And after an incident with Mel's daughter at school, she asks whether discipline has gone too far.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarah asks whether you should worry about a slight lisp when your child is still learning to talk. We’re joined by Natalie Angel who is absolutely slaying it at the moment, after launching her platform Let Me Try Before You Buy, 12 months ago.She opens up about struggling with body dysmorphia after the birth of her son and the extreme way she turned her negative self-talk around… And our new regular contributor Laura Mazza joins us with a new 'advice needed' question about managing family fallouts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarah and Mel open up about the stress of toilet training. We're joined by the fabulous Laura Csortan – writer, presenter, former Miss Universe and mum to four-year-old daughter Layla Rose. She opens up about juggling work as a single mum and how she wants her daughter to have a relationship with his dad. And our new regular contributor Lauren Patterson joins us every Monday with a health and wellbeing tip to get our week off to a fab start!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Sarah and Mel get honest about the emotional toll of constantly being touched as a mum. We’re joined by workplace expert Samantha Sutherland to talk about why so many mums are on the brink of overwhelm. SAHM Jody Allen shares her tips for making money without leaving your home. Social researcher Mark McCrindle joins us to chat about how we should raise Generation Alpha. And Sarah admits she’s been making up stories about her babysitters, plus the hilarious reason why!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finding a good babysitter is like finding a unicorn who cooks, cleans and enjoys a wine at the end of the day. So when you find one, you hold onto them. Tight. Sarah has been lucky enough to find a couple of them, and she's admitted that she's gone to extreme lengths to keep them all to herself - including making up stories about them to her friendsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Generation Alpha is any child born between 2010 and 2024. They will be the most tech-literate generation ever. So how do we go about raising them and helping guide them through a world that will look very different from how it did when we grew up? Mark McCrindle is a social researcher and luckily for us, he’s written a book called Generation Alpha to help us out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kids are expensive. It sometimes feels like the bills never end. Music classes, sporting teams, school fees, rent, mortgages. The list goes on. Covid has got more and more parents thinking about starting their own business and having the freedom to set their own schedule and work from home. Or, you might be looking for ways to bring in extra cash that works with the family. Today’s guest is known as the Stay at Home Mum, and she’s been there and done that. Jody Allen has a new book out called Earn at Home Mum, and she joins us with her advice and top tips.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imagine you’re hanging out with three of your girlfriends (okay, sure you’ve probably been interrupted a thousand times by kids asking for things, but you’re together). Well, according to new research, at least one of you is on the brink of total overwhelm. What’s going on? We’re joined by Workplace Diversity & Inclusion Specialist, and busy mum, Samantha Sutherland, who says Aussie women (particularly mum’s) are more stressed out, overwhelmed and unsupported than ever before.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Right from the moment you get pregnant, people want to touch you. Touch your belly, check your vagina, take your blood. Then you have the baby and you're settling, feeding, picking them up. You're constantly being touched. Sarah and Mel open up about the emotional toll it can take when you have small people (and a partner) constantly touching you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Mel has found a word that perfectly describes this blah feeling so many of us are feeling right now. We have a fascinating chat with radio host Christian O’Connell about the panic attacks that made him quit his top-rating show in the UK and move his family to Australia. Chezzi Denyer joins us to talk about the mouse plague ravaging country NSW and how she plans to survive the school holidays (while living with her parents). Erin McNaught on how she gets some alone time with three 'boys' in the house! And Sarah and Mel talk baby names – how do you decide what to name your baby.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Choosing a name for your baby can be a complicated process! Who gets the final say? How do you decide? Do you tell other people what you're thinking? Does it work with their surname? Sarah and Mel share how they decided on their children's names and talk about the various processes to get there.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s guest knows all about the juggle… she’s a model, TV star – did you see her on SAS – go girl!, and former Miss Universe Australia. Erin McNaught has been married to English musician Elliot Gleave aka Example for almost a decade, and the couple share two sons – Evander and Ennio. We’re well into winter now - snotty noses and coughs with kids is the norm - so Erin joins us to talk about staying healthy as a working mum, how she finds time to herself and the reality of life with three 'boys'!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chezzi and Grant Denyer are some of our favourite guests on this show, for their LOL’s, relatability and just being downright lovely people. Not only is Chezzi juggling a 4-month-old baby, she’s also a podcast host, TV producer, managing a house renovation and recently dealt with a mouse plague on their property in Bathurst. She joins us to chat about starting all over again with her third child, the struggle of renovating with a baby and how she's going to survive the school holidays.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’re at the top of your game as the number one radio DJ in London, why on earth would you throw it all in and move to the other side of the world? That’s what today’s guest did. Christian O’Connell quit his job when he was 44, and moved his wife, two daughters and his dog to Melbourne, after he started having panic attacks and realised he needed to make some major changes to his life. He’s now written a book about it called 'No One Listens To Your Dad’s Show' and he joins us to chat about men and mental health, the challenges his family faced with the move and why it was the best thing they ever did.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So many people we speak to at the moment say they're just feeling a bit 'meh'. We're 15 months into a pandemic with no real end in sight, and it's been difficult to stay upbeat and motivated. Turns out there's a word that perfectly describes that feeling - languishing. Mel and Sarah open up about what the word actually means, how they're feeling and how they're trying to manage it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Mel talks about her double birthday dilemma – two kids born within four days! Author Scott Stuart opens up about why he’s glad his son wears an Elsa dress, and how it was the inspiration for his empowering children’s book. Businesswoman Natasha Natasha Giannetti talks about how she pivoted her business during Covid and made a million dollars. The inspirational Turia Pitt is on the phone with her tips on how to start running like a boss (even if you hate it). And Sarah needs some advice on dealing with overly emotional children.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kids are excellent at turning on the waterworks, like seriously Oscar-worthy some days. Sometimes it can be hard to distinguish the difference between crocodile tears and valid emotional responses. We all want to help our kids develop a high EQ, so how do you know when to acknowledge how they're feeling or to teach them more resilience?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s guest is one of Australia’s most inspiring motivational speakers, author, athlete and mum of two boys, she’s also one of our favourite guests on this podcast. Turia Pitt has now tapped into the running trend that started sweeping the country during Covid (hey, we all needed a reason to get out of the house!), and has created a new online running program designed specifically for Mums.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

27-year-old Natasha Giannetti was working in retail and customer service when she decided to start her own subscription business selling office snack boxes. But then just a few months later, COVID hit and offices closed. Unsure whether to put the business into hibernation or to pivot, she talked to her customers and came up with a unique idea to keep the company moving. She’s now on track to make over $1 million in her first year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When author Scott Stuart's son was bullied for wearing an Elsa dress, the resulting story led to him publish his latest book, My Shadow Is Pink. The bestselling writer, speaker and LGBTIQ activist joins us to talk about teaching our kids the importance of gender identity, self-acceptance, equality and diversity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mel's kids were born four days apart. Terrible planning (or lack thereof). While she initially thought it would be easier because they could have parties together and she'd get both out of the way in one go, it hasn't worked out that way. Every year there's the double present, double party, double cake stress - plus the financial burden. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Mel's daughter saw porn at a friend’s house and please send help! Business woman Fleur Madden shares her strong opinion around why the term ‘mumpreneur’ has to go. We speak with a woman who created a travel specialisation business for people with autism during Covid. Magazine editor and mum of four boys Justine Cullen gets real about ‘the mother f**king juggle’. And Sarah wants to know how to talk to kids about a pet’s death.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Having a family pet is such a wonderful experience for children. It teaches them so many life lessons. But when that pet dies, you're faced with one of the biggest conversations you'll have with your child - death. So how should you approach it? Sarah and Mel share their experiences while growing up and now as family pet owner's themselves.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Justine Cullen loves fashion and women. She’s spent her whole career writing about both as the editor-in-chief of Shop Til You Drop and Elle Australia. Oh, and she’s got 4 boys, all while writing her new book ‘Semi-Gloss’. Justine joins us to talk turning 40, co-parenting and ‘the mother f**king juggle’…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When mum-of-two Kristy Moore stopped to think about whether she still loved her job, she realised it wasn’t what she really wanted to do. Taking a walk down memory lane, she opened her high school year back, and written on the pages was her dream to have her own travel agency. So she bit the bullet and made that dream a reality. Then just six weeks later, COVID hit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More and more mums are starting small businesses or working as consultants, and while the buzzword ‘mumpreneur’ has been around for a while now, it turns out most women don’t use it to describe themselves. ‘Freelancing Gems’ CEO Fleur Madden feels pretty strongly about why the term has to go, and she joins us to explain why, and talks about how and why she got her business off the ground.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a frightening thought, but our kids have a world of graphic material at their fingertips, and it is finding them at an increasingly young age. The latest research shows they are first exposed to online porn between the ages of eight and nine, on average. We can protect them at home, but it can be difficult to control what they're seeing elsewhere. Mel opens up about a distressing incident with her 8-year-old daughter, and how she handled it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Sarah and I have a random one for you – do you ever feel like you’re watching yourself parent from the outside?! We meet a mum whose high-pressure job had her burnt out, so she quit. Sex education expert Michelle Mitchell joins us to talk about whether it’s ever too early to start talking to your kids about sex. TV host Sarah Harris is in the studio and reveals that she got so rundown she needed a blood transfusion. And Sarah has a problem! Her toddler has developed a British accent…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are sure we're not alone in admitting that sometimes ABC Kids helps raise our kids. We've all needed a break and plonked them down in front of Peppa Pig or Fireman Sam. Regularly. Sarah admits that her son has become so obsessed with the firefighters in Wales, that he's developed an English accent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are super excited to welcome today's guest back into the studio, The Juggling Act's former co-host, Sarah Harris! The host of Studio TEN, mum of two boys and Blackmores ambassador, opens up about her need for a blood transfusion after running herself into the ground and how she's managing after separating from her husband.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A mum recently shared on Kidspot that her 8yo daughter has been asking about sex and now she’s become scared that it will hurt. So when and how should we talk to our kids about these things? Is 8 too early? We’re joined by educator and author of A Girls and Boys guide to Puberty, Michelle Mitchell with some brilliant and must-listen to advice!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A few years ago, Peta Sitcheff had a successful career in medical device sales. From the outside, she looked like she had it all – and had it all together. But as a mother, wife, daughter, sister, and friend, she was suffering burnout. So she did something about it, and while it wasn’t easy, it saved her life. Peta has shared her story in her debut book My Beautiful Mess, and joins us to share her totally relatable story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So stick with us here, but ever feel like you're sometimes watching yourself parent from the outside? Like, 'man, I nailed it today, look at me go, I'm mum of the year!'. Or, more frequently, 'that was not my best moment...'. Sarah and Mel talk about their (out of body) experiences and why sometimes we just need to give ourselves a bloody big pat on the back.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Sarah and Mel ask whether 7 is the sweet age. We’re joined by author Tori Hashka to talk about the rise of the 'mum-une'. The author of 'Chicken soup for the soul', Jack Canfield has a kid's book out to teach our children to turn 'can't' into 'can'. We meet a mum who started a new career at 40 and made her first million in four years. And Sarah asks if it’s ok for family to discipline your kids in front of you?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No one likes telling off their kids, but it can be even harder to listen to other people doing it - even family. So is it ever okay for people to discipline your child, especially in front of you? Sarah and Mel share their experiences and how you handle the situation if it upsets you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cathy Baker was working as an interior designer, but after almost losing everything – including the family home – she decided to try something new. Aged 40, the mum of two boys decided to give real estate a go after a school mum suggested it could be a way to make some quick cash. She went on to make her first million within four years and is now Principal of Belle Central Coast in NSW, selling the most expensive homes on the Coast and regularly named among the top agents/principals in Australia (lists that are usually dominated by men!)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nearly 30 years ago, the first Chicken Soup for the Soul book was released, and the series went on to be a worldwide phenomenon. Now the creator, Jack Canfield has joined forces with children’s book author Miriam Laundry to produce the powerful new children’s book, I CAN Believe in Myself – to help kids turn their thoughts from "I Can't" to "I Can!". Jack joins us to talk about the tools parents can use to help their child change their mindsets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Life as a working parent is hard. News flash. But what if you had other working mum friends to help share the load of chores, drop offs, pick ups, cooking, life admin? Sounds heaven, right? Today’s guest is an author, food writer and mum of two who decided to explore this idea of modern motherhood in her totally relatable debut novel Grace Under Pressure.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is a lot of research around the importance of the first seven years of a child's life. There are also theories that age 7 is the sweet spot. They're no longer as dependant on you and have really developed their own personality, but they haven't yet hit the tween age when things get more complicated. Sarah and Mel talk about the various ages and their benefits and / or challenges and try to work out whether 7 really is the sweet spot.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Sarah and Mel ask whether it's wrong to make your kids pick a favourite parent. We meet a mum who has been battling a chronic rare non-curable autoimmune disease and breast cancer for the past ten years. Masterchef contestant Jess Hodge is in the studio to chat about just how tough the show is and the difficulty of being away from her 3-year-old twin boys.Matty J and Laura Byrne met on The Bachelor in 2017, and have since gone on to get engaged and have two little girls – Marli-Mae who is 2 next month, and little Lola who was born in Feb. The loved-up couple join us to laugh about the shock of going from one kid to two, And we’re joined by actor Rafe Spall from London, who stars in the hit Apple TV series Trying. He opens up about raising boys, the challenge of homeschooling for a year and why he doesn’t take himself too seriously.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The BBC and Apple TV joined forces last year to create a gorgeous new comedy series called ‘Trying’. It’s British, so you know it’s good (self-confessed anglophile). It stars Esther Smith and Rafe Spall as Nikki and Jason, a couple who after being told they can’t have a child, decide to explore adoption. Rafe joins us on the phone from the UK to chat about raising boys, homeschooling for a year and why kids stop him from taking himself too seriously.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matty J and Laura Byrne met on The Bachelor in 2017, and have since gone on to get engaged and have two little girls – Marli-Mae who is 2 next month, and little Lola who was born in Feb. The loved-up couple join us to laugh about the shock of going from one kid to two, how they've become the most relatable parents on Instagram (cute holiday bath shot anyone?) and they reveal details of their upcoming wedding.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.