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Catherine Simpson thought she was failing as a mother throughout the first 10 years of her daughter Nina's life. After a decade of misdiagnosis, blame, and searching for answers, she finally discovered the truth: Nina is autistic. In this episode of Happy Mum Happy Baby, Catherine sits down with Giovanna for a conversation about the journey to getting Nina—now 31—her diagnosis. This episode is all about letting go of perfection, and learning to navigate a world not built for autistic children. Catherine’s memoir, Hold Fast: Motherhood, My Autistic Daughter and Me, is available now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Giovanna sits down with comedian, author, and podcaster Emma Doran. Emma reflects on becoming pregnant as a teenager while attending an all-girls convent school, and the challenges that followed. She also shares how she began stand-up on maternity leave, performing her first open mic when her baby was just six weeks old! Catch Emma on tour! Emma Doran has extended her Emmaculate UK and Ireland stand-up tour up until 2027, including the London Palladium on 7th February 2027. Emma will also make her debut at the 2026 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Pleasance Courtyard – Beside from 5 – 30th August (excl 12th, 19th, 26th). For more info and tickets visit emmadorancomedy.com (Pic credit: Ray Burmiston) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When it comes to having children, what happens when you’re just not sure? This week, Vicky Pattison and husband Ercan Ramadan join Gi for a chat about the pressure to decide, the different paths available—from having children to adoption, surrogacy, or choosing a child-free life—and why the answer isn’t always simple. Vicky also opens up about her childhood, shaped by complex family dynamics and her relationship with her dad, and how that’s influenced her fears about becoming a mum. Vicky Pattison: Maybe, baby? is available now on C4 Streaming. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we welcome broadcaster, High Performance Podcast host, and father of two, Jake Humphrey, to the studio. Jake and Giovanna share their experiences of being bullied at school, with Jake sharing how those early challenges later helped him navigate public scrutiny as the BBC’s F1 presenter. He also talks candidly about fertility struggles and the deal he made with his wife while trying to conceive their first child during long periods away for work...! 'Game Plan: Level Up Your Mindset. Own Your Future' is out now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Gi sits down with comedian Hannah East to talk about the chaos of parenting three children. Hannah shares her unique career journey, from competing on Gladiators (where she met her husband) to presenting at the 2012 Olympics. She also opens up about her fertility struggles and two miscarriages, and how her experiences with grief inspired her to create a stand-up show to help others feel less alone. Buy tickets to Hannah's tour here! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Giovanna sits down with Debbie Bright for an eye-opening conversation about what it’s really like to be a foster carer. Best known to many from TOWIE, Debbie is also one of the UK’s longest-serving foster carers, having cared for over 200 children across 35 years. Gi and Debbie talk about why children enter care, the importance of showing compassion rather than judgment toward birth parents, and the emotional reality of saying goodbye when children move on. Debbie also opens up about her own turbulent childhood, and offers heartfelt advice to anyone considering fostering. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our guest this week is presenter and author Chessie King! Chessie opens up to Giovanna about navigating her husband’s postnatal depression and the incredibly tough time that left their marriage on the brink of divorce. She also talks about the emotional journey of trying to conceive again after experiencing fertility struggles. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Giovanna is joined by adventurer and explorer Steve Backshall Steve and Gi catch up on family life as he reflects on his childhood and how it shaped the person he is today. He also opens up about his wife Helen's inspiring journey training for the Tokyo Olympics just months after giving birth, and of course, there are plenty of tales from his iconic adventures along the way. LEGO® Education has launched four innovative STEM sets for young builders aged 7+, championed by explorer Steve Backshall. These sets turn children's big 'Why?' questions into hands-on, independent scientific discovery. Available today via select LEGO Stores and LEGO.com/LEGOEducation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One huge milestone. One unforgettable twist 👀 To celebrate 300 incredible episodes of Happy Mum Happy Baby, Giovanna finally finds herself on the other side of the table, lovingly nudged out of the hosting chair by none other than her best friend Emma Willis! In a perfect full-circle moment, Emma—who was HMHB’s very first guest—returns to turn the tables and get the full story on Gi’s parenting journey. It’s raw, revealing, and the perfect way to honour 300 episodes of honest conversation! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains explicit discussion surrounding issues including depression, postpartum psychosis and suicidal thoughts. This may prove a difficult listen for some and if you feel that listening may affect you negatively then please choose another episode. This week Giovanna sits down with Jade Lloyd for a powerful and deeply personal interview about her experience with postpartum psychosis. Jade tells Gi about her traumatic birth during COVID-19, followed by a descent into severe postpartum psychosis that required her being admitted to a mother and baby unit and sectioned. Postpartum psychosis is a psychiatric emergency that requires immediate intervention. If you are worried about yourself or a loved one it’s important to speak to a health professional such as a GP, midwife or health visitor. If it's an emergency and you don’t feel safe, call 999 or go straight to A&E.  If Jade’s story has resonated with you and you need help or support, please don’t hesitate to use the resources below: Action on Postpartum Psychosis https://www.app-network.org/ Pandas https://pandasfoundation.org.uk/ Samaritans https://www.samaritans.org Mind UK https://www.mind.org.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Giovanna is joined by the brilliantly funny reality star and mum of three, Charlotte Dawson! Charlotte opens up to Gi about honouring her dad Les Dawson’s memory at home, alongside her mission to champion body positivity for women everywhere. A hilarious, honest, and slightly chaotic episode — enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Happy Mum Happy Baby, Giovanna chats with the brilliant Lou Beckett! Lou opens up about the pressures of breastfeeding, and shares how she and her husband Rob navigated the all-too-real 'roommate phase' during their early days of parenthood. She also talks about the mental load of being the 'default parent': the one who keeps family life ticking, from organising clubs and parties to taking on the emotional and administrative side of home life. Lou's book Lessons From a Default Parent is available for preorder now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

National treasure of stage and screen Denise Van Outen joins Giovanna this week! Denise and Gi chat about their stagey childhoods and the impact motherhood has had on their careers in the performing arts. Plus, Denise opens up about her relationship with ex-partner Lee Mead and how they successfully co-parent their daughter, Betsy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Giovanna is joined by manifestation expert and two-time Sunday Times bestselling author, Roxie Nafousi! Roxie opens up about her turbulent past with addiction and the powerful journey of finding sobriety when she became pregnant. Roxie also tells Gi about manifesting and the simple steps you can take now to shape the life you want later. You can check out Roxie’s guided visualisation for future-self and retirement here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Being able to share incredible stories is a huge reason why we do this podcast. Last year, Giovanna read Lifeblood: A Mother in Search of Hope by author and journalist Mina Holland. The book reveals Mina’s harrowing journey after learning her baby, Vida, was critically ill just two days before turning 12 weeks old. What unfolded next was nothing short of extraordinary. Now, Mina joins Gi to share her powerful story firsthand. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.