Podcasts for Parents
Jane McGowan meets Anna Williamson and Zoe Blaskey, two of the area’s leading podcasters to discuss why the medium has become essential listening for parents.
When I had my first child, two books were deemed vital: Dr Miriam Stoppard’s Complete Baby & Childcare (for all things medical and behavioural); and Annabel Karmel’s New Complete Baby &Toddler Meal Planner for all baby’s food and weaning needs.
By the time I had my third child, parenting websites such as Netmums and Mumsnet dominated all things ‘baby’, offering instant, first-hand advice via forums and chatrooms.
For today’s parents, there is yet another information portal – the podcast.
A huge hit parents
The medium – which sees people record spoken word sessions or interviews that can be listened to for free via any device at any time – has boomed in popularity over the past couple of years as celebrities, influencers and newsmakers all flock to share their thoughts, expertise or even their day-to-day lives.
But why has this format become such a hit with parents? I recently spoke to two leading local podcasters: Surrey-based TV presenter and author Anna Williamson who hosts Breaking Mum & Dad and South West London’s Zoe Blaskey, the founder of Motherkind podcast to find out more.
“Breaking Mum and Dad is the podcast edition of my book and it sort of brings it all to life really,’’ says 39-year-old mother-of-two and Celebs Go Dating matchmaker Anna. “It’s about connecting with other parents and shining a spotlight on the less-than-glossy Hollywood moments that mothers are led to believe motherhood will and should be."
“When I became a parent four years ago, nothing could prepare me for just how bloody awful it was. Not to take anything away from my terrific son of course, but I had perinatal anxiety followed by PTSD as a result of a traumatic birth and then postnatal depression. So a big part of the podcast is trying to start a conversation about perinatal mental health and parental wellbeing. It became quite a crusade of mine as I realised that so many mums – and dads – were suffering in silence throughout pregnancy, birth and early parenthood and were too scared to put their hands up and admit it.”
More than one million downloads
Zoe Blaskey’s Motherkind – which has had more than one million downloads since its launch in 2017 – takes a very mindful look at being a parent and how new mums, in particular, should learn to trust their instincts and do what feels right for them, their baby and home-life.
Zoe says: “I try to live a mindful life, so when I became a mum I wanted to incorporate that into my parenting. But it is hard to try and enjoy your new baby if you are constantly stressed and worried that you are not doing the right thing.”
Through interviews with leading child development experts and mind and body connection specialists, Motherkind encourages parents to consider the bigger picture and looks at how mums and dads can look after their own mental health to be: “the happiest, alive and joyful versions of themselves.”
Zoe continues: “Children don’t learn from what we say. We can tell them ‘We just want you to be happy until we are blue in the face, but little ones mirror what they see, so it is important for us to convey that happiness. We try to teach parents to become the person you want your child to be.”
Meanwhile, Anna and her various celebrity guests have lifted the lid on a number of previously taboo subjects such as fertility, post-birth sex and the need for an early G&T to convey the messy and often funny aspects of raising a young family.
“Babies are terrifying, they rely on you for everything at a time when you can no longer look after yourself,” says Anna. “I was on TV, juggling events, locations and so on and then I had a baby and couldn’t even get dressed. I began to miss me and I wanted to let other mums know that that is normal – it’s okay.”
While the podcasts may vary in style and content, what they both share is the desire to make mums’ lives that little bit more joyous. “It’s such an intimate medium,” says Zoe.
“It’s accessible and it is often a single voice which enables you to make a connection when you may feel a little lost. ”While Anna adds: “You can listen while you are pushing the pram or in the car and you have your own little mummy tribe with you whenever you want.”
- Breaking Mum & Dad: the Insider’s Guide to Parenting Anxiety by Anna Williamson is published by Green Tree and is available from Waterstones and other local bookstores.
- Breaking Mum & Dad: The Podcast is available via Apple, Acast, Global Player and more.
- Anna will be starring in Celebs Go Dating: The Mansion on E4 from January 25.
- Motherkind is available via Zoe’s website: motherkind.co or from your usual streaming platform including Spotify.
