Are modern mums more stressed than their predecessors, and if so, why? What's the best way to deal with anger, and what should you do if you've shouted at your children? How do you accept that you're just not good enough? Answering all these questions is the amazing psychotherapist Anna Mathur! She tells us all about her brilliant new book, The Uncomfortable Truth: Change Your Life By Taming Ten Of Your Greatest Fears. We discuss everything from death and rage to phone addiction and crap holidays. Then we round off with some Confessions involving coping strategies, lentils, and Miserable Steve and his enormous hose. Anna's latest book is out now! You can follow her on Instagram @annamathur.*WE ARE ON TOUR!* Many dates are sold out but there are still a few tickets left for Twickenham tonight and tomorrow, and Finchester on Friday. Then next week we're off to Winchester, Wells and Leatherhead. And we round off the year on 17 and 18 December, followed by Kent on the 19th. Plus look out for tickets to our brand new 2025 show, Hot Mess - they make great xmas presents! Go to scummymummies.com for dates and tickets. *WE HAVE A SHOP!* Visit scummymummiesshop.com for our ace t-shirts, mugs, washbags, sweatshirts and beach towels. FREE UK DELIVERY!   We're on X (@scummymummies), Instagram, and Facebook. If you like the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe. Thank you for listening!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we answer all the burning questions we've had recently about the theft of Ellie's wedding rings. How did they get nicked in the first place? What was the piece of advice that helped her get them back? Is the vow renewal still going ahead??? Listen in to find out! It's just the two of us for this one, live from the glamorous setting of a Premier Inn hotel room in Norwich. As well as discussing the ring drama, we take the opportunity to say some nice things to each other, and even get a bit weepy at one point. But don't worry, there's plenty of pisstaking and swearing too. Thank you for listening. And thank you to everyone who liked Ellie's posts, made lovely comments, and gave helpful advice. The internet can be a dreadful place, we all know that. But it's lovely when you discover little pockets of love and joy, and we're very grateful to have found one here. Love Ellie and Helen x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do we keep children safe when they're playing games online? What's the best way to manage screentime? What is Fortnite, why is it so popular, and what age should kids be allowed to start playing it? Helping us answer all these questions is the awesome author and video games journalist, Keith Stuart!This special episode is sponsored by Epic Games, the creators of Fortnite. We talk about some of the positive aspects of gaming, including why games can be a lifeline for neurodivergent children. We also offer some tips for parents for getting involved in their kids’ gaming and avoiding arguments about screentime, or at least reducing them.Then it's time for a chat about Fortnite specifically - we explain how it all works, and take a look at the wide range of experiences on offer within the game, such as LEGO Fortnite, Rocket Racing, and thousands more. We also discuss Epic’s approach to safety and some of the parental controls available for you to use. There's also a bit of book chat - Keith is now writing his fifth novel, and we find out about his writing routine. His latest book, Love is a Curse, is out now.Do have a look at the websites we recommend - askaboutgames.com and familygamingdatabase.com. Check out Epic’s Safety and Security site for more info. And check out Andy Robertson's great book, Taming Gaming.Thanks again to our sponsors, Epic Games.And thank you for listening!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's the best brand of air fryer? How can bad bakers get better? And why does the This Morning baking expert hate making wedding cakes? Answering all these questions is the fabulous Juliet Sear! She tells us all about her amazing career, from making the world's first edible Christmas jumper to becoming a daytime TV star and ending up with eight air fryers in her house. We share some of our culinary disasters, and find out what went wrong the time Juliet tried to make a red velvet cake for Mel B. She reveals the truth about celebrity chef cookbooks, and gives us her top tip for the best chips ever. Plus: can she convince Ellie to give in and get an air fryer? Tune in to find out! Juliet's brilliant book, Air Fryer Baking Magic, is out now (and all the excellent recipes can be made without an air fryer, FYI.) Check out her gorgeous fashion line at sugarhillbrighton.com, and head over to laineslondon.com for a look at her super sexy and unbelievably comfy slippers. She's on Instagram @julietsear.*WE ARE ON TOUR!* Very soon we're coming to Blackburn, Tenbury Wells, Newport, Norwich, East Grinstead... And then it's our Christmas tour! Harrogate, Newcastle, Twickenham, Colchester, Finchley, Winchester, Wells, Leatherhead, Cambridge and Benenden. Go to scummymummies.com for dates and tickets. *WE HAVE A SHOP!* Visit scummymummiesshop.com for our ace t-shirts, mugs, washbags, sweatshirts and beach towels. FREE UK DELIVERY!   We're on X (@scummymummies), Instagram, and Facebook. If you like the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe. Thank you for listening!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How is having ADHD like being a butterfly? Why are women still being defined by what their husbands do? And do sharks really love heavy metal? Helping us to answer all these questions is the awesome Lliana Bird! She tells us about her children's book, Baboo the Unusual Bee, which she wrote while breastfeeding. We share our memories of being new mums, and reveal the advice we wish we'd had back in the day. Lliana talks about her shock at discovering that women's pages are disappearing from wikipedia, thanks to some good old fashioned misogyny. We also have a good old chinwag about everything from her time as Xfm's longest serving woman DJ to female friendship, the mental load, and why mice sing when they want a shag. Baboo the Unusual Bee is out now. Follow Lliana on Instagram @llianabird. *WE ARE ON TOUR!* Very soon we're coming to Blackburn, Tenbury Wells, Newport, Norwich, East Grinstead... And then it's our Christmas tour! Harrogate, Newcastle, Twickenham, Colchester, Finchley, Winchester, Wells, Leatherhead, Cambridge and Benenden. Go to scummymummies.com for dates and tickets. *WE HAVE A SHOP!* Visit scummymummiesshop.com for our ace t-shirts, mugs, washbags, sweatshirts and beach towels. FREE UK DELIVERY!   We're on X (@scummymummies), Instagram, and Facebook. If you like the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe. Thank you for listening!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a special LIVE podcast, recorded at the awesome Big Feastival this summer. Our guest is Cat Sims, known on the socials as @notsosmugnow. We cover a host of topics in this podcast, from starting school to managing teens, coping with WhatsApp groups and dealing with nits. We chat about the three things you should never talk about with other parents, and have a heated debate about laundry. We bring back the classic game Handbag Surprise and of course we share some Scummy Mummy Confessions. There's even a cameo from a special guest at the end. And all in front of a live audience! In a tent! Huge thanks to Big Feastival for having us, and to Cat for being such a great guest - follow her on all the things @notsosmugnow, and check out her excellent honest baby book, The First Time You Smiled (Or Was it Just Wind?)*WE ARE ON TOUR!* Very soon we're coming to Hertford, Canterbury, Blackburn, Tenbury Wells, Newport, Norwich, East Grinstead, Harrogate, Newcastle... And then it's our Christmas tour! Go to scummymummies.com for dates and tickets. *WE HAVE A SHOP!* Visit scummymummiesshop.com for our ace t-shirts, mugs, washbags, sweatshirts and beach towels. FREE UK DELIVERY!   We're on X (@scummymummies), Instagram, and Facebook. If you like the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe. Thank you for listening!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our guest for this episode is the hilarious Michael Akadiri! He tells us why he switched from junior doctor to comedian, but always wanted to be a footballer. We find out how he's enjoying being a new dad, and laugh at the ludicrous extravagance of his son's first birthday party. There's some advice for anyone about to start medical school, and Michael shares how working as a psychiatric nurse helped him become a better doctor. Plus: is it OK to push your kids towards sporting excellence? What's Ellie's top tip for potty training? And what would our wrestling names be? Tune in to find out. Michael's latest stand-up show, Trust Me, I'm a Daddy, is coming to London this week, then he's in Cambridge, Aberystwyth, Bristol, Birmingham and many more... Go to michaelakadiri.com for dates and tickets. *WE ARE ON TOUR!* Very soon we're coming to Portsmouth, Guildford, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Dundee, Hertford, Canterbury, Blackburn, Tenbury Wells, Newport, Norwich, East Grinstead, Harrogate, Newcastle... And then it's our Christmas tour! Go to scummymummies.com for dates and tickets. *WE HAVE A SHOP!* Visit scummymummiesshop.com for our ace t-shirts, mugs, washbags, sweatshirts and beach towels. FREE UK DELIVERY!   We're on Twitter (@scummymummies), Instagram, and Facebook. If you like the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe. Thank you for listening!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How come different people find different things funny? Why is When Harry Met Sally a better film than Love Actually? And can dogs laugh? Helping us to answer all these questions is award-winning comedy writer Joel Morris! He tells us about his new book, Be Funny or Die: How Comedy Works and Why It Matters. We find out what it's like to write jokes for Charlie Brooker and Philomena Cunk, and why Joel hasn't got a BAFTA, even though he won a BAFTA. Plus - how does Joel feel about his books ending up in charity shops, and is it OK to give up gardening if you're crap at gardening? We finish off with some top Scummy Mummy Confessions, including a triple whammy from Ellie involving an Italian wedding. Joel's brilliant book is out now, and as mentioned he has a great substack. The gaming podcast he made with Ellie is called Extra Life, the other one we talk about is Comfort Blanket, and they're both available wherever you found this. *WE ARE ON TOUR!* Very soon we're coming to Barnard Castle, Darlington, Sturminster Newton, Portsmouth, Guildford, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Dundee, Hertford, Canterbury, Blackburn, Tenbury Wells, Newport, Norwich, East Grinstead, Harrogate, Newcastle... And then it's our Christmas tour! Go to scummymummies.com for dates and tickets. *WE HAVE A SHOP!* Visit scummymummiesshop.com for our ace t-shirts, mugs, washbags, sweatshirts and beach towels. FREE UK DELIVERY!   We're on Twitter (@scummymummies), Instagram, and Facebook. If you like the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe. Thank you for listening!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you really need to follow fashion when you've just had a baby? What's the best way to work on self-esteem? Is it still OK to wear skinny jeans? And why is Ellie in trouble with her Dad even though she's 46? Helping us to answer all these questions is stylist extraordinaire Sophia Lorimer!Known on the socials as @finedtunedwardrobe, Sophia is a fashionista with a difference. She's all about shopping your wardrobe and sustainability - in fact, she hasn't bought anything new from a shop in five years. We talk about that, along with how Sophia's attitude to clothes was shaped by growing up as one of eight sisters. She tells us about her experience of having post-natal depression, how she managed to get through it, and why it changed how she sees fashion forever. We discuss comfort versus style, and Sophia gives us some practical tips for feeling better about our bodies and breaking an addiction to fast fashion. She reveals why she's not a big fan of Vinted, and shares her own biggest fashion disaster. Do check out the services Sophia offers and her fabulous fashion sense @finetunedwardrobe, and her website - finetunedwardrobe.com. And have a look at our main Instagram feed for a video of Sophia judging our ghosts of fashion past...*WE ARE ON TOUR!* In the autumn we're coming to Barnard Castle, Darlington, Sturminster Newton, Portsmouth, Guildford, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Dundee, Hertford, Canterbury, Blackburn, Tenbury Wells, Newport, Norwich, East Grinstead, Harrogate, Newcastle... And then it's our Christmas tour! Go to scummymummies.com for dates and tickets. *WE HAVE A SHOP!* Visit scummymummiesshop.com for our ace t-shirts, mugs, washbags, sweatshirts and beach towels. FREE UK DELIVERY!   We're on Twitter (@scummymummies), Instagram, and Facebook. If you like the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe. Thank you for listening!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's it like to perform a hilarious comedy show about death? Here to tell us all about it is stand-up legend Ed Byrne.We discuss his 30 year career in comedy and how he got started. Then there's some chat about his latest show, Tragedy Plus Time. We talk about the loss of Ed's brother, Paul, and Ellie explains why his was the funniest funeral she's ever been to. We also discuss the difference between dealing with family and friends, and Ed offers some advice for what to do when sibling relationships go wrong. It all sounds a bit serious, doesn't it? But honestly, we manage to have a right laugh along the way. We end with a shared Scummy Mummy Confession from Helen and Ellie, plus an account of some terrible behaviour by Ed in a hotel. *WE ARE ON TOUR!* We will be at Big Feastival in August, doing a show and a podcast on the Sunday. Then in the autumn we're coming to Barnard Castle, Darlington, Sturminster Newton, Portsmouth, Guildford, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Dundee, Hertford, Canterbury, Blackburn, Tenbury Wells, Newport, Norwich, East Grinstead, Harrogate, Newcastle... And then it's our Christmas tour! Go to scummymummies.com for dates and tickets. *WE HAVE A SHOP!* Visit scummymummiesshop.com for our ace t-shirts, mugs, washbags, sweatshirts and beach towels. FREE UK DELIVERY!   We're on Twitter (@scummymummies), Instagram, and Facebook. If you like the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe. Thank you for listening!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our guest for this episode is the hilarious comedian Helen Lederer! We talk about how she helped pave the way for slags trying to be funny like us. She tells us what it was like to do stand-up in the eighties, alongside the likes of Ben Elton and Ellie's Dad, and we discuss what's changed since. Lederer tells us all about her brilliant book, Not That I'm Bitter, which is out now. She explains what it's like to write a memoir that's honest and funny without being mean, and we touch on some of the sexier bits (for the full saucepan story, you'll need to buy the book - it's a good one.)There's also some chat about dealing with bad reviews and self-doubt, and whether life gets better after 50. And of course, there are some Scummy Mummy Confessions - this week involving vag eye and shouting. You can follow Helen on all the things @helenlederer. *WE ARE ON TOUR!* We will be at Big Feastival in August, doing a show and a podcast on the Sunday. Then in the autumn we're coming to Barnard Castle, Darlington, Sturminster Newton, Portsmouth, Guildford, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Dundee, Hertford, Canterbury, Blackburn, Tenbury Wells, Newport, Norwich, East Grinstead, Harrogate, Newcastle... And then it's our Christmas tour! Go to scummymummies.com for dates and tickets. *WE HAVE A SHOP!* Visit scummymummiesshop.com for our ace t-shirts, mugs, washbags, sweatshirts and beach towels. FREE UK DELIVERY!   We're on Twitter (@scummymummies), Instagram, and Facebook. If you like the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe. Thank you for listening!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's the best thing to say to someone who's in mourning? Is the second year of grief really the hardest? And who was the lead singer of Westlife? Helping us answer all these questions is the amazing Stacey Heale! She tells us what it was like to lose her husband, Greg, who was diagnosed with Stage 4 bowel cancer on their daughter's first birthday. Stacey explains what life is like now, nearly three years after his death. We discuss Widow's Fire - the phenomenon of bereaved people who turn to sex for comfort. Plus, the best and worst ways to help someone you love through the grieving process. It all sounds a bit dark, doesn't it? But honestly, we have loads of laughs along the way. We also take a deep dive into the live advice of Ireland's greatest philosopher-king, Ronan Keating, and discover Helen knows nothing about boy bands. We finish with some Scummy Mummy Confessions involving wee and a close encounter with a member of Bros. Stacey's brilliant book, Now is Not the Time for Flowers, is out now. Follow her on insta @stacey_heale.*WE ARE ON TOUR!* We have one more show this summer, in Sevenoaks on 19 July. Then in the autumn we're coming to Barnard Castle, Darlington, Sturminster Newton, Portsmouth, Guildford, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Dundee, Hertford, Canterbury, Blackburn, Tenbury Wells, Newport, Norwich, East Grinstead, Harrogate, Newcastle... And then it's our Christmas tour! Go to scummymummies.com for dates and tickets. *WE HAVE A SHOP!* Visit scummymummiesshop.com for our ace t-shirts, mugs, washbags, sweatshirts and beach towels. FREE UK DELIVERY!   We're on Twitter (@scummymummies), Instagram, and Facebook. If you like the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe. Thank you for listening!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This special bonus episode was recorded on Saturday 6 July, just two days after the general election. We got to interview Jess Phillips MP in front of a live audience at the Birmingham MAC, and she was brilliant. We covered loads of topics including Jess's work in the areas of women's rights and domestic violence, what she wants the new Labour government to prioritise, and what she thinks of Starmer's cabinet appointments. We also talk about the abuse suffered by Jess and her staff in the run-up to the election, and why she thinks it was the worst campaign she's ever been involved in. Plus: fancying Stanley Tucci, why becoming an MP is like joining the NCT, and parliamentary hairdressers - do Tories have better hair? After all that we had some questions from the audience that were so brilliant we ran out of time (forgot) to do the Scummy Mummy Confessions. But if that's your favourite bit of the show, have no fear - we have something special coming soon. Make sure you're subscribed to the podcast so you don't miss out. Huge thanks to Jess Phillips, and a massive thank you to the Birmingham MAC for having us. If you're round that way do check out their Motherhood Season - there are loads of amazing talks, exhibitions, workshops and more running right through September. *WE ARE ON TOUR!* We have one more show this summer, in Sevenoaks on 19 July. Then in the autumn we're coming to Barnard Castle, Darlington, Sturminster Newton, Portsmouth, Guildford, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Dundee, Hertford, Canterbury, Blackburn, Tenbury Wells, Newport, Norwich, East Grinstead, Harrogate, Newcastle... And then it's our Christmas tour! Go to scummymummies.com for dates and tickets. *WE HAVE A SHOP!* Visit scummymummiesshop.com for our ace t-shirts, mugs, washbags, sweatshirts and beach towels. FREE UK DELIVERY!   We're on Twitter (@scummymummies), Instagram, and Facebook. If you like the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe. Thank you for listening!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our guest for this episode is best-selling author, dear friend and Saturday Kitchen wine expert Helen McGinn! She tells us what wine we should be looking for in the shops this summer. We discuss whether Whispering Angel is worth the money, and McGinn gives us some suggestions for budget rosés, cheap fizz, picnic wines, and what to stick in the fridge if you fancy a nice chilled red. We find out what goes on behind the scenes at Saturday Kitchen, who McGinn's favourite celeb guests have been, and which one she got told off for staring at.There's also some book chat as McGinn tells us how she's managed to write four bestsellers and counting. She explains how her creative process has changed, and reveals the biggest lesson she's learned about writing fiction. We round off with some Scummy Mummy Confessions involving a hamster, lying to children, and al fresco rumpy pumpy.This episode was recorded at the Park Lane Hilton - huge thanks to them for having us.Here are McGinn's wine recommendations.Majestic Agapi roséM&S Asti SeccoSainsbury's rosé cavaWaitrose SusumanielloMcGinn's brilliant new book, Island of Dreams, is out now. Do check out the Knackered Mother's Wine Club, Homemade Cocktails and Helen's other novels, too. Thanks for listening! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you get a book deal? Is Michael Buble's music for life, or just for Christmas? What's it like to watch your husband simulate anal sex with one of Britain's leading actors? Answering all these questions is the brilliant Beth Morrey! She tells us how her first novel ended up in a bidding war after facing loads of rejections, and how her writing process works now. We hear her top tip for avoiding procrastination, and learn why she doesn't read her own reviews. Then yes, it's a bit early, but we discuss Ellie and Beth's shared love of all things Christmas. Are they insane, or just organised? You decide! (NB There is a bit of Santa chat here, so maybe skip ahead if there are little ones around...)Beth talks about the hilarious back to school photos she does every year with her husband, Magic Radio's Tom Price. We brainstorm some new ideas for her. And if you remember Tom's Billie Piper story from previous episodes, get ready to enjoy a whole new layer of hilarity. We end with Scummy Mummy Confessions - you may never eat cherries again. Beth's fantastic new book, Lucky Day, is out now. Find her on Insta and X @bethmorrey.*WE ARE ON TOUR!* Come and see our live comedy show in Exeter, Redruth, Newbury, Watford, Sevenoaks... Big Scottish tour in October... And new dates are being added all the time! Keep an eye on scummymummies.com for announcements and tickets. *WE HAVE A SHOP!* Visit scummymummiesshop.com for our ace t-shirts, mugs, washbags, sweatshirts and beach towels. FREE UK DELIVERY!   We're on Twitter (@scummymummies), Instagram, and Facebook. If you like the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe. Thank you for listening!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our guest for this episode is the amazing Caro Tasker. We cover a huge range of topics, including baby loss, raising autistic kids, and how trauma can help you discover who you are. There's also some much less serious nonsense. Why doesn't anyone use the word git any more? Is being married to a famous rugby player like being in Footballers Wives, only with different shaped balls? What was it like to be a guest at Harry and Meghan's wedding, and what's the one sentence George Clooney said to Caro? Ellie and Caro are co-hosting the new Borne Podcast, so we chat about that, and the amazing research the charity is doing into preventing premature birth. We sing the praises of Professor Mark Johnson and his Justice League of Fannies (not his terminology.) Caro discusses the amazing gift the prof gave her, and Ellie talks about the weight he took off her shoulders. You can follow Caro on Insta @spikey, and find The Borne Podcast wherever you found this one. This episode is dedicated to Freddie, with love. *WE ARE ON TOUR!* Come and see our live comedy show in Liverpool, Nottingham, Exeter, Redruth, Newbury, Watford, York, Sevenoaks... And new dates are being added all the time! Keep an eye on scummymummies.com for announcements and tickets. *WE HAVE A SHOP!* Visit scummymummiesshop.com for our ace t-shirts, mugs, washbags, sweatshirts and beach towels. FREE UK DELIVERY!   We're on Twitter (@scummymummies), Instagram, and Facebook. If you like the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe. Thank you for listening!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's a transatlantic party in this episode as we meet KK and Kerry, the world's second best female comedy double act! We hear about their fab show, Six Chick Flicks, and they tell us the best meet cute stories they've heard from audience members. We discuss how they're enjoying their UK tour, including what they think of Scunthorpe and why they love M&S. Kerry tells us about the time she auditioned to be a theme park princess, and Ellie reveals the reason she got turned down for a job at the Disney Store. There's a bit of political chat - we touch on Trump, Sunak, and the terrifying recent changes to US abortion law. Then it's business as usual as we round up with some incredibly low brow confessions involving broken toilets and peeing yourself on stage. Six Chick Flicks - aka A Legally Blonde Pretty Woman Dirty Danced on the Beaches while writing a Notebook on the Titanic - is going all around the UK right now! Grab your tickets from sixchickflicks.com.*WE ARE ON TOUR TOO!* Come and see our live comedy show in Mansfield, Leicester, Liverpool, Nottingham, Exeter, Redruth, Newbury, Watford, York, Sevenoaks... And new dates are being added all the time! Keep an eye on scummymummies.com for announcements and tickets. *WE HAVE A SHOP!* Visit scummymummiesshop.com for our ace t-shirts, mugs, washbags, sweatshirts and beach towels. FREE UK DELIVERY!   We're on Twitter (@scummymummies), Instagram, and Facebook. If you like the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe. Thank you for listening!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is all about the new weight loss drug Ozempic - what are the risks? What are the benefits? How does it actually work? Joining us is author Johann Hari, who has written a book all about it. Just to be clear: this is a full and frank discussion about the issues around weight loss, the body positivity movement, and the health risks of obesity. We hear some tough stats about the dangers of being overweight, and some graphic descriptions of fat shaming. There's also some strong language. Johann tells us about his personal experience of taking Ozempic, and whether he'd recommend it to his friends. We find out why one scientist has predicted 30 per cent of us will be on the drug in a few years, and why its invention could be as significant for society as the arrival of the smartphone. Speaking of which - we ask Johann if he's successfully cured himself of his phone addiction since we last had him on the podcast to discuss his previous book, Stolen Focus. We end of course with Scummy Mummy Confessions, and a discussion of whether Princess Diana used the C word. Johann's book, Magic Pill: The Extraordinary Benefits and Disturbing Risks of the New Weight Loss Drugs, is out now. You can find all his gubbins over at johannhari.com.*WE ARE ON TOUR!* Come and see our live comedy show in 2024! We are on our way to Oxford, Swansea, Cardiff, Mansfield, Leicester, Liverpool, Nottingham, Exeter, Redruth, Newbury, Watford, York, Sevenoaks... And new dates are being added all the time! Keep an eye on scummymummies.com for announcements and tickets. *WE HAVE A SHOP!* Visit scummymummiesshop.com for our ace t-shirts, mugs, washbags, sweatshirts and beach towels. FREE UK DELIVERY!   We're on Twitter (@scummymummies), Instagram, and Facebook. If you like the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe. Thank you for listening! Correction: ‘In episode 281 interview with Johann Hari, discussing the new weight-loss drugs, Johann said the British food critic Jay Rayner took Ozempic and lost his pleasure in food. It was, in fact, a different writer.’ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yes, it really has been 25 years since Ralph's Party was released! You are that old! Here to talk about that book, and all the brilliant ones she's written since, is best-selling author Lisa Jewell. She tells us about her writing process, and how she cured herself of imposter syndrome. Lisa shares her top tips for budding authors, and introduces us to our new favourite website, doesthedogdie.com. We talk discuss true crime, and why so many of us women like it so much. Then there's some chat about raising adolescents - Lisa reveals why her parenting style differs from her partner's, and offers some advice on getting through the teenage years. We finish with a Scummy Mummy Confession from Helen that leaves Lisa more horrified than any of the terrible things she's written about in her books. The sexy new anniversary edition of Ralph's Party is out on 23 May. The paperback of Lisa's latest thriller, None of This is True, is out now. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter @lisajewelluk. *WE ARE ON TOUR!* Come and see our live comedy show in 2024! We are on our way to Cockfosters THIS SATURDAY, then Kent, Oxford, Swansea, Cardiff, Mansfield, Leicester, Liverpool, Nottingham, Exeter, Redruth, Newbury, Watford, York, Sevenoaks... And new dates are being added all the time! Keep an eye on scummymummies.com for announcements and tickets. *WE HAVE A SHOP!* Visit scummymummiesshop.com for our ace t-shirts, mugs, washbags, sweatshirts and beach towels. FREE UK DELIVERY!   We're on Twitter (@scummymummies), Instagram, and Facebook. If you like the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe. Thank you for listening!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We sit down for a serious chat in this episode as we celebrate the life of Lee, Helen's Mum, who passed away recently. And of course, we manage to have a few laughs along the way. We talk about the kind of person Lee was, and how lucky Helen was to have her as a parent. We discuss what it's like to prepare for the death of someone you love, and strategies for managing grief. Plus, find out the roles ABBA and East 17 played in Lee's passing. This episode is dedicated to Lee, with love. Thank you for listening.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why do lesbians have the highest divorce rate? How do you navigate an open relationship? What goes on in a sex lab? Answering all these questions is the amazing Rosie Wilby! The comedian and author tells us all about her brilliant books, Is Monogamy Dead? and The Breakup Monologues. We discuss some of the fascinating things she's discovered through her research, and learn a superb fact about bonobos. Rosie explains why she and her wife are considering opening up their marriage, and reveals what it's like to perform stand-up at a sex party.You can follow Rosie on X @rosiewilby and on Instagram @breakupmonologues. And you can find the Breakup Monologues podcast in all the usual places. *WE ARE ON TOUR!* Come and see our live comedy show in 2024! We are on our way to Stockport, North London, Kent, Oxford, Swansea, Cardiff, Mansfield, Leicester, Liverpool, Nottingham, Exeter, Redruth, Newbury, Watford, York, Sevenoaks... And new dates are being added all the time! Keep an eye on scummymummies.com for announcements and tickets. *WE HAVE A SHOP!* Visit scummymummiesshop.com for our ace t-shirts, mugs, washbags, sweatshirts and beach towels. FREE UK DELIVERY!   We're on Twitter (@scummymummies), Instagram, and Facebook. If you like the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe. Thank you for listening!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What makes the Danish some of the happiest people on earth? How can we steal their ideas, and what's stopping us? Why are Norwegian women like oil rigs? Answering all these questions is the amazing Helen Russell! We talk about her brilliant new book,How to Raise a Viking. Join us as we go on a wonderful journey to a land where the streets are paved with trampolines, children are given knives to play with, and men are having VR sex in enormous spunk factories. We talk about dating in Denmark, and the dark side of living Danishly - is it really all hygge, all the time? And to finish, we have some super Scummy Mummy Confessions involving cat pee and Easter treats. Helen's book is out now! You can follow her on Instagram and X @mshelenrussell. *WE ARE ON TOUR!* Come and see our live comedy show in 2024! We are on our way to Northampton, Sutton Coldfield, Stockport, North London, Kent, Oxford, Swansea, Cardiff, Mansfield, Leicester, Liverpool, Nottingham, Exeter, Redruth, Newbury, Watford, York, Sevenoaks... And new dates are being added all the time! Keep an eye on scummymummies.com for announcements and tickets. *WE HAVE A SHOP!* Visit scummymummiesshop.com for our ace t-shirts, mugs, washbags, sweatshirts and beach towels. FREE UK DELIVERY!   We're on Twitter (@scummymummies), Instagram, and Facebook. If you like the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe. Thank you for listening!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Comedian, immigration lawyer, burlesque dancer, trainee wrestler, and absolute legend - it's Sikisa!She tells us how she went from being a barmaid to being on stage, and some of the weirder things she's seen while MCing one of London's most famous open mic comedy nights. We learn what it's like to go on Live at the Apollo with a concussion. There's a bit of serious chat as Sikisa discusses her work as an immigration lawyer, helping refugees and asylum seekers to stay in Britain. We hear what she thinks about the idea of sending people to Rwanda. (Spoiler: she has some choice words for the Government.) Plus, Sikisa talks about what it's like to be diagnosed with dyslexia in your thirties. Then it's back to the usual old filth and nonsense as we chat about wrestling, nachos, and dick pics. Sikisa shares a very strong Scummy Mummy Confession (NSFW, but are they ever) and reveals how she knows if a man is good in bed. Sikisa is on tour right now - go and see her in Glasgow, London, Leeds, Edinburgh, Brighton, Southampton, Manchester, Bristol and Machynlleth. Tickets via sikisacomedy.com. Follow her on Instagram @sikisacomedy.Sikisa's wrestling podcast, Wrestle Club UK, is available now on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Please enjoy this full length version of the Venga Boys / Lil Jon mashup. Thank you to Pac-Hole Rickelton for bringing this joy into our lives. *WE ARE ON TOUR!* Come and see our live comedy show in 2024! We are on our way to Worcester, Northampton, Sutton Coldfield, Stockport... And new dates are being added all the time! Keep an eye on scummymummies.com for announcements and tickets. *WE HAVE A SHOP!* Visit scummymummiesshop.com for our ace t-shirts, mugs, washbags, sweatshirts and beach towels. FREE UK DELIVERY!   We're on Twitter (@scummymummies), Instagram, and Facebook. If you like the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe. Thank you for listening!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's the best way to write a bestselling book? Who would win in a fight between a shark and a gorilla? And what's it like to be bitten on the penis by a piranha? Answering all these questions is Matt Coyne, aka Man vs Baby! He tells us all about his brilliant new novel, Frank and Red, which is out now. We discuss our different writing processes, and the best way to deal with procrastination. Matt explains why one of his favourite facts about himself involves Ellie's Dad, and gives us a window into the general appearance of his pubic area. There's also some chat about farting, hypochondria, and Mussolini. For more from Matt, follow Man vs Baby on all the things, or check out man-vs-baby.co.uk.*WE ARE ON TOUR!* Come and see our live comedy show in 2024! We are on our way to Chipping Norton, Tewkesbury, Worcester, Northampton, Sutton Coldfield, Stockport... And new dates are being added all the time! Keep an eye on scummymummies.com for announcements and tickets. *WE HAVE A SHOP!* Visit scummymummiesshop.com for our ace t-shirts, mugs, washbags, sweatshirts and beach towels. FREE UK DELIVERY!   We're on Twitter (@scummymummies), Instagram, and Facebook. If you like the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe. Thank you for listening! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HELLO READERS! What's it like to go to Antarctica with your 76 year-old Dad? What is Ellie's problem with penguins? Why did she get taken away by Buenos Aires airport security, and why was it Jim's fault?  Answering all these questions are Ellie and Ellie's Dad! Helen quizzes them to find out all about the fortnight they've just spent on the frozen Continent. We hear all about the whales, the weather, and what it's like to go for a dip in 0.3 degree water. Ellie and her father share some of their seafaring family history as we hear the tale of James Gibson: sailor, ship's carpenter, and thwarted lover. Plus, find out why Jim never carries water on hikes, and what Helen has in store for 2024. *WE ARE ON TOUR!* Come and see our live comedy show in 2023! We are on our way to Chipping Norton, Tewkesbury, Worcester, Northampton, Sutton Coldfield, Stockport... And new dates are being added all the time! Keep an eye on scummymummies.com for announcements and tickets. *WE HAVE A SHOP!* Visit scummymummiesshop.com for our ace t-shirts, mugs, washbags, sweatshirts and beach towels. FREE UK DELIVERY!   We're on Twitter (@scummymummies), Instagram, and Facebook. If you like the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe. Thank you for listening! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why are PTA quizzes the worst? Is Croydon really the Manhattan of London? And which star of The Chase has the most erotic fan fiction written about them? Here to play for a four-berth caravan and a fortnight in Tenerife are Lucy Porter and Jenny Ryan! Lucy tells us how she went from comedian to quizzing legend, and Jenny reveals the origin story behind her Chase nickname, The Vixen. We discuss our favourite gameshows of yore, and our experts share their top tips for hosting your own quiz at home. Stay tuned for the Scummy Mummy Confessions to find out which one of us is actually a filthy cheater. IMPORTANT CORRECTION: Helen is right and Ellie is wrong; echidnae have four penis heads, not three. However, only two can become erect at one time. You are welcome. The brilliant Fingers on Buzzers podcast is available from all the usual places. And the fantastic book of the same name is out now. *WE ARE ON TOUR!* Come and see our live comedy show in 2023! We are on our way to Barking, Chipping Norton, Tewkesbury, Worcester, Northampton, Sutton Coldfield, Stockport... And new dates are being added all the time! Keep an eye on scummymummies.com for announcements and tickets. *WE HAVE A SHOP!* Visit scummymummiesshop.com for our ace t-shirts, mugs, washbags, sweatshirts and beach towels. FREE UK DELIVERY!   We're on Twitter (@scummymummies), Instagram, and Facebook. If you like the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe. Thank you for listening! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's it like to embrace Hugh Jackman? Which celebrity does Tom Price still dream of interviewing? And why does he want us to eat prawns off his wife's back? Answering all these questions is the actual Tom Price! The Magic FM drive time DJ takes a break from his busy three hours of work a day schedule to spend some quality time with us. We have a good old moan about what it's like to live with teenagers, and share the nice bits too. Then it's time for some hilarious star-studded anecdotes - tune in to find out what it's like to nearly have sex with Billie Piper, and learn which celebrity Tom ran out of things to say to. Plus: why does Ellie want him to set her up with the Weasley twins? We talk about Tom's brilliant podcast, My Mate Bought a Toaster. And we share some cautionary tales about why you should never go on the waltzer at Winter Wonderland. You can hear Tom on Magic FM every weekday from 4pm - 7pm. Follow him on Insta @thepricetom.*WE ARE ON TOUR!* Come and see our live comedy show in 2023! We are on our way to Barking, Chipping Norton, Tewkesbury, Worcester, Northampton, Sutton Coldfield, Stockport... And new dates are being added all the time! Keep an eye on scummymummies.com for announcements and tickets. *WE HAVE A SHOP!* Visit scummymummiesshop.com for our ace t-shirts, mugs, washbags, sweatshirts and beach towels. FREE UK DELIVERY!   We're on Twitter (@scummymummies), Instagram, and Facebook. If you like the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe. Thank you for listening! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is the collective noun for a group of Lindas? How is anal sex like relationship bitcoin? And which Hollywood action star would Sam Pamphilon pleasure orally for £50,000? Yes, it's the Scummy Mummies Christmas Special!As usual, we get too drunk and talk absolute nonsense for too long. The same old Christmas podcast traditions are back, but Ham Review gets a new twist this year, and Nurse Jessie shares some news that leaves our jaws on the floor.Steve Hill literally phones it in, while Sam tells a story that will ensure you never enjoy using chopsticks again. Plus, it's the return of popular filth-themed game Anything for Money! Thank you so much to everyone who has listened to the podcast this year, and indeed for the last ten years. We love doing it, and we are so grateful for your support. Reviews and shares are always appreciated, but most of all, thank you for listening. *WE ARE ON TOUR!* Come and see our live comedy show in 2023! We are on our way to Barking, Chipping Norton, Tewkesbury, Worcester, Northampton, Sutton Coldfield, Stockport... And new dates are being added all the time! Keep an eye on scummymummies.com for announcements and tickets. *WE HAVE A SHOP!* Visit scummymummiesshop.com for our ace t-shirts, mugs, washbags, sweatshirts and beach towels. FREE UK DELIVERY!   We're on Twitter (@scummymummies), Instagram, and Facebook. If you like the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe. Wishing you a very merry Christmas and a happy new year! Ellie and Helen x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Christmas eating is great, but Christmas cooking can be stressful. Joining us with her top tips for creating calm in the kitchen is Sarah Rossi, aka @TamingTwins! She shares easy make-ahead recipes for starters and desserts, and a great idea for what to feed picky eaters on the big day. We talk about how we should all be getting into dump bags, which are nicer than they sound. Ellie reveals how Sarah's 15 minute Baileys cheesecake saved her Christmas last year, along with her theory that organised people are secretly the laziest bastards of all. Helen learns what a Snowball is, and her mind is blown. You can find Sarah's recipes for easy roast potatoes and slow cooker chocolate orange pudding on her blog, along with loads of other fantastic Christmas recipes. Her books, What's for Dinner? and What's for Dinner in One Pot? are out now, and they're bloody brilliant. Many thanks and an extra roast potato to White Stuff for teaming up with us for this episode. If you're looking for a Christmas outfit, check out their fantastic partywear - lots of glamorous velvet, gorgeous glitter, and pockets to stuff mince pies in. Also, do have a look at their adorable Christmas decorations - we love the little Christmas jumpers, and £5 from each sale goes to the excellent charity Home-Start UK. AND we have a discount for you - use the code SCUMMIES15 to get 15 per cent off all full-priced items on the White Stuff website! But get in quick - offer ends 12th December. *WE ARE ON TOUR!* Come and see our live comedy show in 2023! We are on our way to Trowbridge, Henley-on-Thames, Barking, Chipping Norton, Tewkesbury, Worcester, Northampton, Sutton Coldfield, Stockport... And new dates are being added all the time! Keep an eye on scummymummies.com for announcements and tickets. *WE HAVE A SHOP!* Visit scummymummiesshop.com for our ace t-shirts, mugs, washbags, sweatshirts and beach towels. FREE UK DELIVERY!   We're on Twitter (@scummymummies), Instagram, and Facebook. If you like the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe.Thank you for listening! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is there a way to argue constructively? What is the best way to help someone in crisis? Should we aim for happiness, or be content with contentment? Answering all these questions is the amazing psychotherapist, author, agony aunt and artist, Philippa Perry! She tells us all about her brilliant new book, The Book You Want Everyone You Love to Read. We learn about the various styles of arguing, and discuss what our spice racks say about our personalities. We also talk about Philippa's work as an advice columnist, and how she deals with difficult topics like suicidal thoughts. For more from Philippa, check out our previous episodes with her - How to Be a Better Parent and Agony Aunt Special. You can follow her on Twitter @philippa_perry.*WE ARE ON TOUR!* Come and see our live comedy show in 2023! We are on our way to Bath, Barnsley, Stroud, Trowbridge, Henley-on-Thames, Barking, Chipping Norton, Tewkesbury, Worcester, Northampton, Sutton Coldfield, Stockport... And new dates are being added all the time! Keep an eye on scummymummies.com for announcements and tickets. *WE HAVE A SHOP!* Visit scummymummiesshop.com for our ace t-shirts, mugs, washbags, sweatshirts and beach towels. FREE UK DELIVERY!   We're on Twitter (@scummymummies), Instagram, and Facebook. If you like the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe. Thank you for listening! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We know it's only November, but we can't help it - we bloody love Christmas! So in our latest podcast episode, we are sharing some of our favourite festive confessions from previous shows - along with some personal stories of Christmas chaos. We discuss our favourite things about Xmas, the worst gifts we've ever received, and what we're planning to wear on the big day. Ellie comes clean about her Elf on the Shelf spreadsheet, and shares her top tips for quick and easy elf pranks for lazy people. Plus we answer big, important questions like whether cranberry sauce is acceptable in the Boxing Day sandwich. Big thanks to White Stuff for teaming up with us for this episode, and for our amazing Christmas competition! You could win a gig from us at your Christmas party, or more excitingly, some vouchers to spend on their fabulous clothes. Just send us YOUR festive confessions - either DM us on Instagram, or email [email protected]. Make sure you get them in by 22 November. Terms and conditions apply. AND we have a discount for you - use the code SCUMMIES15 to get 15 per cent off all full-priced items on the White Stuff website! Offer ends 12th December. Here are some of our favourite picks, as mentioned in the podcast: Elyse coatBorg slippersAyra velvet dressWren jacquard dressEvelyn velvet suitPoppy fairisle jumper And of course the awesome Christmas decorations - we love the little Christmas jumpers, and £5 from each sale goes to the excellent charity Home-Start UK. *WE ARE ON TOUR!* Come and see our live comedy show in 2023! We are on our way to Banbury, Poole, Worthing, Barnsley, Stroud, Trowbridge, Henley-on-Thames, Brighton, Bath... And new dates are being added all the time! Keep an eye on scummymummies.com for announcements and tickets. *WE HAVE A SHOP!* Visit scummymummiesshop.com for our ace t-shirts, mugs, washbags, sweatshirts and beach towels. FREE UK DELIVERY!   We're on Twitter (@scummymummies), Instagram, and Facebook. If you like the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe. Thank you for listening! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

267: From Morrisons to Drag Race with Ella VadayOur guest for this episode is Nick Collier, aka drag superstar Ella Vaday! He tells us how he went from working in Morrisons to wowing us with his Nigella impression on season three of RuPaul's Drag Race UK. We hear about his time performing in the West End, and why he was banned from selling perfume in Harrods. We find out how scripted Drag Race really is, and how Nick feels about the way he was represented in the edit.Then there's some general drag chat - just how bitchy is it backstage? What's Nick's view on the transition of drag into mainstream culture? And what's really behind the complaints about drag queen storytime? We end with Scummy Mummy Confessions, and a cautionary tale about why you should never work with wigs and dogs. For more from the fantastic Nick/Ella, follow @ellavaday on Instagram. **WE ARE ON TOUR!** Come and see our live comedy show in 2023! We are on our way to Cambridge, Banbury, Poole, Worthing, Barnsley, Stroud, Trowbridge, Henley-on-Thames, Bristol, Brighton, Bath... We have two HUGE nights in Catford on 1 & 2 December... And new dates are being added all the time! Keep an eye on scummymummies.com for announcements and tickets. **WE HAVE A SHOP!** Visit scummymummiesshop.com for our ace t-shirts, mugs, washbags, sweatshirts and beach towels. FREE UK DELIVERY!   We're on Twitter (@scummymummies), Instagram, and Facebook. If you like the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe.  Thank you for listening!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our guest for this episode is the amazing Shareefa J - model, diversity activist, fitness champion, and all round bloody brilliant woman. She tells us what it's like to watch a photographer lighten your skin tone, and to be told you're too fat when you're a size 10. We discuss how far the modelling industry still has to go when it comes to encouraging inclusivity and stamping out racism. We get a bit personal as Shareefa and Helen discuss their experiences of being cheated on. If you're the victim of multiple infidelities, is it helpful or hurtful to know how many other people are involved? And how has Shareefa's experience changed how she feels about monogamy? Then of course it's time to lighten the mood with the Scummy Mummy Confessions. Tune in to find out which one of us once shat on our sister's back.For more from the fantastic Shareefa, follow her on all the things via her linktree. **WE ARE ON TOUR!** Come and see our live comedy show in 2023! We are on our way to Middlesborough, Chelmsford, Cambridge, Banbury, Poole, Worthing, Barnsley, Stroud, Trowbridge, Henley-on-Thames, Leatherhead, Bristol, Brighton, Bath... And new dates are being added all the time! Keep an eye on scummymummies.com for announcements and tickets. **WE HAVE A SHOP!** Visit scummymummiesshop.com for our ace t-shirts, mugs, washbags, sweatshirts and beach towels. FREE UK DELIVERY!   We're on Twitter (@scummymummies), Instagram, and Facebook. If you like the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe.  Thank you for listening!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What should you say to a friend who has cancer? If you're the one with the diagnosis, how do you tell your kids? And is it really possible to futureproof your body against illness? Answering all these questions is the brilliant Rosamund Dean. She tells us about her journey from finding a lump in her boob to being cancer free, and what she wishes she'd known at the beginning. We discuss clipboard people versus duvet people, and whether early menopause is more like pick'n'mix or a Glastonbury toilet. Rosamund explains how having cancer has affected her perspective, and reveals the biggest change she's made to her lifestyle. Yes, it's a serious subject, but we still manage to have some laughs along the way. And of course we finish with some Scummy Mummy Confessions - this time involving Baileys, sweat, glitter, and lying to children. Rosamund's book is a great read whether you have cancer, you're supporting someone through treatment, or you're interested in looking after your health. Reconstruction is out now. We are also huge fans of her book about reducing your alcohol intake, Mindful Drinking. And do check out her substack, Well Well Well. Rosamund is on Instagram @rosamunddean.**WE ARE ON TOUR!** Come and see our live comedy show in 2023! We are on our way to Leamington Spa, Corby, Harrogate, Middlesborough, Chelmsford, Cambridge, Banbury, Poole, Worthing, Barnsley, Stroud, Trowbridge, Henley-on-Thames, Leatherhead, Bristol, Brighton, Bath... And new dates are being added all the time! Keep an eye on scummymummies.com for announcements and tickets. **WE HAVE A SHOP!** Visit scummymummiesshop.com for our ace t-shirts, mugs, washbags, sweatshirts and beach towels. FREE UK DELIVERY!   We're on Twitter (@scummymummies), Instagram, and Facebook. If you like the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe.  Thank you for listening!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our guest for this episode is the awesome Ayo Akinwolere - Blue Peter presenter, documentary maker, fitness champion, and all-round bloody good bloke. He tells us how he went from not being able to swim to crossing the deepest trench of the ocean in just ten weeks. We talk about the cultural divide that separates swimmers and non-swimmers in Britain, and how Ayo is trying to change things. Will he turn Ellie into an open water wanker?There's some serious chat about Ayo's experience of moving to the UK from Nigeria as a child, and the racism his family faced. We discuss the British class system, and whether meritocracy is a myth. Then it's back to the usual old nonsense as we share confessions involving a language barrier, an email sent to the wrong person, and a child licking a cake. You can follow Ayo and his adventures on Instagram - @ayoakinwolere.**WE ARE ON TOUR!** Come and see our live comedy show in 2023! We are on our way to Southampton, Leamington Spa, Corby, Harrogate, Middlesborough, Chelmsford, Cambridge, Banbury, Poole, Worthing, Barnsley, Stroud, Trowbridge, Henley-on-Thames, Leatherhead, Bristol, Brighton, Bath... And new dates are being added all the time! Keep an eye on scummymummies.com for announcements and tickets. **WE HAVE A SHOP!** Visit scummymummiesshop.com for our ace t-shirts, mugs, washbags, sweatshirts and beach towels. FREE UK DELIVERY!   We're on Twitter (@scummymummies), Instagram, and Facebook. If you like the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe.  Thanks for listening!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do we all need therapy? How do you talk to a partner about sharing the mental load? And what's the first thing you need to do if you feel you're approaching burnout? Answering tricky questions like these is the awesome psychotherapist Karen Hartley! Along with her brilliant wisdom, she shares some practical tips for things like coping with anxiety. We discuss whether there's a generational divide when it comes to therapy and mental health, and how to help teenagers cope with their feelings. Helen talks about the advice she gives to people who are starting the divorce process, and Ellie reveals the most annoying thing her husband and comedy partner have in common. Plus: we discuss when and where we're happiest, the downside of to do lists, and whether Karen ever gets bored listening to people bang on about their feelings. You can find out more about Karen and the workshops she runs over at karenhartley.co.uk. Follow her on Instagram @karen_hartley_.**WE ARE ON TOUR!** Come and see our live comedy show! We are on our way to Southampton, Leamington Spa, Corby, Harrogate, Middlesborough, Chelmsford, Cambridge, Banbury, Poole, Worthing, Barnsley, Stroud, Trowbridge, Henley-on-Thames, Leatherhead, Brighton, Bath... And new dates are being added all the time! Keep an eye on scummymummies.com for announcements and tickets. **WE HAVE A SHOP!** Visit scummymummiesshop.com for our ace t-shirts, mugs, washbags, sweatshirts and beach towels. FREE UK DELIVERY!   We're on Twitter (@scummymummies), Instagram, and Facebook. If you like the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe.  Thanks for listening! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's the best way to avoid family days out turning into disasters? How do you stop kids asking for snacks all day? And what do mums have in common with combine harvesters? Helping us to survive the last few weeks of the summer holidays is Susie Lodge!She tells us all about the website she founded, wikiplacesforkids.com, which is an excellent resource for anyone looking for ways to entertain the kids. We get some great tips for pleasing children with different ages and interests, saving money at the cinema, and generally making outings more bearable. We discuss the virtues of the pack mentality versus the divide and conquer strategy, and share war stories of our worst days out ever. And Susie tells us about her brilliant network for mums in business, wikimama. The game Ellie bangs on about is called Heads Up! and it's free to download via the Apple and Google Play stores. **WE ARE ON TOUR!** Come and see our live comedy show in 2023! We are on our way to Southampton, Leamington Spa, Corby, Harrogate, Middlesborough, Chelmsford, Cambridge, Banbury, Poole, Worthing, Barnsley, Stroud, Trowbridge, Henley-on-Thames, Leatherhead, Bristol, Brighton, Bath... And new dates are being added all the time! Keep an eye on scummymummies.com for announcements and tickets. **WE HAVE A SHOP!** Visit scummymummiesshop.com for our ace t-shirts, mugs, washbags, sweatshirts and beach towels. FREE UK DELIVERY!   We're on Twitter (@scummymummies), Instagram, and Facebook. If you like the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe.  Thanks for listening!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains two of Ellie's Dad's jokes. He joins us to share some tall tales about a magical dog, the funeral of King George VI, and the time he was at a party with Elton John (or not.)We discuss the tall tales (lies) our parents told us, and come clean about the myths, legends, and big fat whoppers we've told our own children. (NB: There's a bit of Santa chat you might not want to listen to with little ones around.) And we share some brilliantly hilarious tall tale confessions from listeners.This is a special episode of the podcast, because we’ve partnered with Audible to celebrate the release of their brand new original audiobook, The World According to Grandpa.The World According to Grandpa is available to listen to now, only on Audible and you can even sign up to a 30 day free trial to listen now. Subscription required. See Audible.co.uk for terms.**WE ARE ON TOUR!** Come and see our live comedy show in 2023! We are on our way to Southampton, Leamington Spa, Corby, Harrogate, Middlesbrough, Chelmsford, Cambridge, Banbury, Poole, Worthing, Barnsley, Stroud, Trowbridge, Henley-on-Thames, Leatherhead, Bristol, Brighton, Bath... And new dates are being added all the time! Keep an eye on scummymummies.com for announcements and tickets. **WE HAVE A SHOP!** Visit scummymummiesshop.com for our ace t-shirts, mugs, washbags, sweatshirts and beach towels. FREE UK DELIVERY!   We're on Twitter (@scummymummies), Instagram, and Facebook. If you like the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe.  Thanks for listening!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's hard to believe it's been a whole decade since we sat down on Ellie's sofa to record the first episode of the Scummy Mummies Podcast. But here we are, having survived premature childbirth, a shitty divorce and a global pandemic, still on the sofa, and better friends than ever. In this special anniversary episode, we reminisce about the good old days, and reflect on whether we should be grateful for the bad times too. We tackle some tricky questions - how bad do the catsuits REALLY smell? What's better to make with lemons than lemonade? And how much longer do we actually think we can get away with this bullshit? Tune in to find out. We play two games - an old favourite returns, and Helen introduces Guess the Guest, which makes Ellie get something in her eye. We finish with Scummy Mummy Confessions, for the 261st time. We have TWO fabulous sponsors for this special podcast! Thank you to Their Nibs and HotSquash - two London based fashion brands we LOVE. "Their Nibs" creates gorgeous pyjamas for special occasions such as Christmas and birthday mornings or just a rainy Tuesday evening when you want to feel cherished. Started 20 years ago by the marvellous Fiona Barber, this fabulous London based brand makes women feels amazing! We have a discount code: SCUMMYMUMMIES10 which gives you 10% off everything on the website, including sale items. Go to theirnibs.com to see their gorgeous collection. See our Instagram page for a fabulous giveaway. "HotSquash" is a women’s fashion brand that designs and makes everything in London! They use premium quality recycled fabrics when possible. This makes your outfit choices not only stylish, but also sustainable. Use code SCUMMYMUMMIES10 for £10 OFF any purchase over £75. Visit hotsquash.com to see all their amazing dresses and jumpsuits WITH POCKETS. **WE ARE ON TOUR!** Come and see our live comedy show in 2023! We are on our way to Southampton, Leamington Spa, Corby, Harrogate, Middlesborough, Chelmsford, Cambridge, Banbury, Poole, Worthing, Barnsley, Stroud, Trowbridge, Henley-on-Thames, Leatherhead, Bristol, Brighton, Bath... And new dates are being added all the time! Keep an eye on scummymummies.com for announcements and tickets. **WE HAVE A SHOP!** Visit scummymummiesshop.com for our ace t-shirts, mugs, washbags, sweatshirts and beach towels. FREE UK DELIVERY!   We're on Twitter (@scummymummies), Instagram, and Facebook. If you like the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe.  Thanks for listening!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's hardest part of parenting - the baby bit, toddler tantrums, or teenage rage? What's it like to live with your dad at the age of 40? And what's the best way to cope with an emergency nipple hair situation? Helping us answer all this questions is the hilarious Esther Manito! She tells us all about her experience of starting comedy after having two kids. We discuss sharing domestic chores and balancing out the mental load, and generally have a good old moan. Esther discusses living with her dad, and the influence her Lebanese heritage has had on her own parenting. We round off with some tip top confessions involving theme park rides and hairy nipples, and describe our breasts for the listener. Esther's tour of her new show, Hell Hath No Fury, kicks off at the Soho Theatre on 17 August. Then she's off to Southend, Birmingham, Bristol, Oxford, Newcastle, Brighton, Edinburgh, Glasgow... Follow her on instagram @esthermanito or visit esthermanito.co.uk for dates and tickets! **WE ARE ON TOUR!** Come and see our live comedy show in 2023! We are on our way to Southampton, Leamington Spa, Corby, Harrogate, Middlesborough, Chelmsford, Cambridge, Banbury, Poole, Worthing, Barnsley, Stroud, Trowbridge, Henley-on-Thames, Leatherhead, Bristol, Brighton, Bath... And new dates are being added all the time! Keep an eye on scummymummies.com for announcements and tickets. **WE HAVE A SHOP!** Visit scummymummiesshop.com for our ace t-shirts, mugs, washbags, sweatshirts and beach towels. FREE UK DELIVERY!   We're on Twitter (@scummymummies), Instagram, and Facebook. If you like the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe.  Thanks for listening!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do fighter pilots get their callsigns? What's it like to risk your life every time you go to work? And why should you never eat out-of-date fudge? Answering all these questions is the amazing Mandy Hickson! She tells us how she became one of the UK's first female fighter pilots, despite the best efforts of the Bloody Patriarchy. We talk about her 17 years in the RAF, her time in Iraq, and why she thinks motherhood is much harder than flying planes. Then Mandy discusses her new career as a motivational speaker, and the number one nugget of wisdom she likes to pass on. We round off with some excellent Scummy Mummy Confessions involving an obscene tattoo, a fart in a lift, and a poo in a bush. Sorry, Leeds. Mandy's brilliant book, An Officer, Not a Gentleman, is out now. For more from marvellous Mandy go to mandyhickson.com.**WE ARE ON TOUR!** Come and see our live comedy show in 2023! We are on our way to Horsham, Southampton, Tunbridge Wells, Leamington Spa, Corby, Harrogate, Middlesborough, Chelmsford, Cambridge, Banbury, Poole, Worthing, Barnsley, Stroud, Trowbridge, Henley-on-Thames, Leatherhead, Bristol, Brighton, Bath... And new dates are being added all the time! Keep an eye on scummymummies.com for announcements and tickets. **WE HAVE A SHOP!** Visit scummymummiesshop.com for our ace t-shirts, mugs, washbags, sweatshirts and beach towels. FREE UK DELIVERY!   We're on Twitter (@scummymummies), Instagram, and Facebook. If you like the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe.  Thanks for listening!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's the best way to deal with an angry child? Why should we be saying "thank you" to our kids instead of "please"? And how do you get them to put their bloody shoes away? Answering all these questions is the awesome Marie Gentles! Marie has loads of practical parenting tips, from managing screen use to carving out quality time - and what to do if your children don't want to spend it with you. She tells us why it's not always a good idea to ask kids what's wrong, and where to start with a child who doesn't want to hear what adults have to say. We hear about Marie's time working in schools and pupil referral units with kids who are upset, unresponsive, and even violent. She reveals how her own experience of emotional abuse motivated her to do the work she does today, and why she developed her "No blame, no shame" philosophy. And of course, we finish with some Scummy Mummy Confessions - this time involving socks, shouting, and bannisters. Marie's marvellous book, Gentle Guidance, is out on 22 June. For more from Marie, visit magicbehaviourmanagement.com.**WE ARE ON TOUR!** Come and see our live comedy show in 2023! We are on our way to Finsbury, Horsham, Tunbridge Wells, Leamington Spa, Corby, Harrogate, Middlesborough, Chelmsford, Lowestoft, Bristol, Brighton, Bath... And new dates are being added all the time! Keep an eye on scummymummies.com for announcements and tickets. **WE HAVE A SHOP!** Visit scummymummiesshop.com for our ace t-shirts, mugs, washbags, sweatshirts and beach towels. FREE UK DELIVERY!   We're on Twitter (@scummymummies), Instagram, and Facebook. If you like the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe.  Thanks for listening!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

257: TV's Dr Zoe Williams on teenage girls, healthy farts and being a Gladiator!Our guest for the episode is the fabulous Dr Zoe Williams off of the This Morning and Gladiators. She tells us about how she became a doctor via an epiphany in Ayia Napa, what it's like to be an actual Gladiator, why it's important to get your teens into sports, and she attempts to solve Helen's farting problems.Then we have some brilliant chat about Dr Zoe's new book You Grow Girl: The Complete No Worries Guide to Growing Up. Dr Zoe gives us some tips about how to talk openly to your daughters and sons about their bodies, how to have an effective argument, and the impact of social media. The book is aimed at girls aged 9 - 15, but we will be reading it to our sons, too! It is a brilliantly honest and approachable guide to all the big questions and issues young people face.We finish the episode with some sophisticated confessions involving too much lube, too many balls and why "vulva" was our strangest heckle at a recent gig. We finish the episode will some sophisticated confessions involving too much lube, too many balls and why "vulva" was our strangest heckle at a recent gig. Dr Zoe's book You Grow Girl is out on June 8th and you can follow Dr Zoe on Instagram @drzoewilliams or on Twitter @Dr ZoeWilliams. **WE ARE ON TOUR!** Come and see our live comedy show in 2023! We are on our way to Colchester, Wimborne, Wells, Taunton, Basingstoke, Horsham, Tunbridge Wells, Leamington Spa, Corby, Harrogate, Middlesborough, Chelmsford, Lowestoft, Bristol, Brighton, Bath... And new dates are being added all the time! Keep an eye on scummymummies.com for announcements and tickets. **WE HAVE A SHOP!** Visit scummymummiesshop.com for our ace t-shirts, mugs, washbags, sweatshirts and beach towels. FREE UK DELIVERY!   We're on Twitter (@scummymummies), Instagram, and Facebook. If you like the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe.  Thanks for listening!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our guest for this episode is the awesome Kate Ferdinand! She tells us about her experience of becoming a stepmum to three kids at the age of 26, and shares what she wishes she'd known at the start of her parenting journey. Kate is brilliantly honest about how she really feels about pregnancy, and the expectations around forming a blended family versus the reality. We discuss some hot topics like when you should introduce a new partner to your kids, whether you should kiss in front of them, and how to deal with discipline. Kate reveals the one thing that's been key for her family, and we hear some wise words from a kid who's been through it themselves. To finish up, Kate shares a superb Scummy Mummy Confession. Helen tells us about the time her vagina turned into a trumpet, and Kate's response leaves our jaws on the floor. Kate's new book, How to Build a Family, is packed with more fantastic advice, and it's out now. Do also check out her lovely children's book, The Family Tree, and you can find @blended on Instagram. **WE ARE ON TOUR!** Come and see our live comedy show in 2023! We are on our way to Leeds, Birmingham, Crewe, Colchester, Wimborne, Wells, Taunton, Basingstoke, Horsham, Tunbridge Wells, Leamington Spa, Corby, Harrogate, Middlesborough, Chelmsford, Lowestoft, Bristol, Brighton, Bath... And new dates are being added all the time! Keep an eye on scummymummies.com for announcements and tickets. **WE HAVE A SHOP!** Visit scummymummiesshop.com for our ace t-shirts, mugs, washbags, sweatshirts and beach towels. FREE UK DELIVERY!  We're on Twitter (@scummymummies), Instagram, and Facebook. If you like the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe. Thanks for listening!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's the best food to make for date night? How long should you really cook a fish finger for? And is grapefruit ever acceptable? Answering all these questions is the brilliant Sarah Rossi, aka @tamingtwins! We talk about her fab new book, What's for Dinner?, and how she saved Ellie's Christmas. We share our filthy food secrets including our laziest comfort recipes, and our favourite kitchen gadgets. Ellie has a confession to share about a romantic gesture she made for Pete, and Helen reveals what she likes to do with a pyrex bowl and a cheese slice. There's also some personal chat as Sarah tells us how she went from food blog to cookery book. We talk about how going through IVF affected her parenting in the early years, and she shares the one thing you should never say to a new mum who's having a tough time. The awesome What's for Dinner? is one of the best cookery books we've ever read, and it's out now. The sequel, What's for Dinner in One Pot?, will be released on 28 September. You can check out the recipe for Helen's lovely lemon slice here.**WE ARE ON TOUR!** Come and see our live comedy show in 2023! We are on our way to Twickenham, Leeds, Birmingham, Crewe, Colchester, Wimborne, Wells, Taunton, Basingstoke, Horsham, Tunbridge Wells, Leamington Spa, Corby, Harrogate, Middlesborough, Chelmsford, Lowestoft, Bristol, Brighton, Bath... And new dates are being added all the time! Keep an eye on scummymummies.com for announcements and tickets. **WE HAVE A SHOP!** Visit scummymummiesshop.com for our ace t-shirts, mugs, washbags, sweatshirts and beach towels. FREE UK DELIVERY!  We're on Twitter (@scummymummies), Instagram, and Facebook. If you like the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe. Thanks for listening!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we're joined by Nicki Bamford-Bowes, aka @andthentheywentwild, and Wayne Perrey, the TV carpenter! They're here with loads of tips for improving your interiors, whatever your budget. Nicki tells us the number one thing you should do before you start any design or diy project, and Wayne has a great idea for giving kids their own space in a shared room. We talk about whether interior design skills can be learned, and dealing with clients who have their own ideas about what looks good. Nicki has some suggestions for how to let teens express themselves without messing up your whole house, and we reveal what our own teenage bedrooms were like. Ellie launches a furious attack on Wayne for reasons that involve the monarchy, flowers, and Alan Titchmarsh. And we finish with some excellent Scummy Mummy Confessions! You can follow Nicki on Instagram @andthentheywentwild. For more from Wayne, including details of his awesome new House Proud members group, visit thetvcarpenter.com. **WE ARE ON TOUR!** Come and see our live comedy show in 2023! We are on our way to Winchester, Newcastle, Lichfield, Rotherham, Twickenham, Leeds, Birmingham, Crewe, Lowestoft, Bristol, Brighton, Bath... And new dates are being added all the time! Keep an eye on scummymummies.com for announcements and tickets. **WE HAVE A SHOP!** Visit scummymummiesshop.com for our ace t-shirts, mugs, washbags, sweatshirts and beach towels. FREE UK DELIVERY!  We're on Twitter (@scummymummies), Instagram, and Facebook. If you like the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe. Thanks for listening!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This month marks TEN YEARS together as the Scummy Mummies! So we decided to celebrate in the traditional way - by walking to the foot of Everest to break the world record for the highest ever stand-up comedy gig! Listen in to find out how it all went, and why we decided to go on this nonsensical adventure in the first place. We discuss the joy of hot water bottles, the misery of sleeping in -25 conditions, and the consistency of Helen's farts. We explain what it's really like to spend a fortnight trekking to the world's highest mountain and back, and share our top tips for anyone thinking of giving it a go. You can still sponsor us if you like, via GoFundMe - all donations go direct to the awesome Borne charity, who do lifesaving research into premature birth. Huge thanks to everyone who has given money so far, it means such a lot. Come and see our live show in 2023! We are on our way to Milton Keynes, Winchester, Newcastle, Lichfield, Rotherham, Twickenham, Leeds, Birmingham, Crewe, Lowestoft, Bristol, Brighton, Bath... And new dates are being added all the time! Keep an eye on scummymummies.com for announcements and tickets. **WE HAVE A SHOP!** Visit scummymummiesshop.com for our ace t-shirts, mugs, washbags, sweatshirts and beach towels. FREE UK DELIVERY!  We're on Twitter (@scummymummies), Instagram, and Facebook. If you like the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe. Thanks for listening!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What a Mann, what a Mann, what a Mann, what a mighty fine Mann - it's Olly Mann! The podcasting legend from Answer Me This, Today in History with the Retrospectors, The Modern Mann and many more joins us for a chinwag. We cover everything from the invention of home pregnancy testing kits to the shock of fatherhood, and who we'd rather have it off with out of Colonel Sanders and Captain Birdseye.There's a bit of serious chat as Olly discusses the sudden loss of his Dad, just six days after his son was born. He reveals the advice he gives to anyone grieving a parent about how to ensure they have a presence in their own children's lives. Then it's back to the usual nonsense as we share our Scummy Mummy Confessions and show off about our trip to Everest Base Camp. You can sponsor us via GoFundMe. And assuming everything goes to plan regarding the weather and the broadband connection, we'll be streaming our record breaking gig live via Twitch.tv/elliegibsongames - tune in at 9.45am on Wednesday 29 March, UK time (9.45am) *subject to change.For more from Olly and links to all his brilliant podcasts, go to ollymann.co.uk. Come and see our live show in 2023! We are on our way to Milton Keynes, Winchester, Newcastle, Lichfield, Rotherham, Twickenham, Leeds, Birmingham, Crewe, Lowestoft, Bristol, Brighton, Bath... And new dates are being added all the time! Keep an eye on scummymummies.com for announcements and tickets.**WE HAVE A SHOP!** Visit scummymummiesshop.com for our ace t-shirts, mugs, washbags, sweatshirts and beach towels. FREE UK DELIVERY!  We're on Twitter (@scummymummies), Instagram, and Facebook. If you like the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe. Thanks for listening!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of our favourite guests returns to the podcast to tell us about her fabulous new book! And along the way we cover everything from family secrets and maternal relationships to pubic hair shame and Beowulf. There's some chat about how we feel about our kids getting older, and Helen shares her experience of Teensplaining. Ellie explains why she's never taking advice on days out from Instagram again, and Abigail reveals a surprising fact about Marmite.Abigail's brilliantly dark and hilarious novel, Mother's Day, is out now! You can follow her on Instagram @abbie_burdess.Come and see our live show in 2023! We are on our way to Milton Keynes, Winchester, Newcastle, Lichfield, Rotherham, Twickenham, Leeds, Birmingham, Crewe, Lowestoft, Bristol, Brighton, Bath... And new dates are being added all the time! Keep an eye on scummymummies.com for announcements and tickets. **WE HAVE A SHOP!** Visit scummymummiesshop.com for our ace t-shirts, mugs, washbags, sweatshirts and beach towels. FREE UK DELIVERY!  We're on Twitter (@scummymummies), Instagram, and Facebook. If you like the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe. Thanks for listening! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.