In this episode, we’re unpacking Louis Theroux’s documentary on the manosphere, and honestly, it’s a lot. We dive into the toxic beliefs being pushed online, the hypocrisy around things like OnlyFans, and the real-life damage these influencers are causing behind the scenes.

We talk about some of the most shocking interviews, the way vulnerable men are being targeted and manipulated, and how these figures are profiting from it all. It’s uncomfortable, but it’s important.

As mums, it also made us really reflect on raising boys in today’s world, the kind of role models they’re exposed to, and what we can actually do to protect them. We also touch on the responsibility of social media platforms and why they need to be doing more.

This is a big conversation, and one we think everyone should be having. If you haven’t watched the documentary yet, we really recommend it. Don't forget to follow us on instagram @thrivingandsurviving.pod

In this episode, Grace shares the story of why she decided to ban her daughter Ava from social media after one of her TikTok videos went viral. What started as a fun moment quickly turned into a bigger conversation about how addictive these platforms can be and the impact they can have on kids’ sleep, confidence and mental health, especially when online hate becomes involved.

We talk honestly about influencer culture and the unrealistic expectations it creates for young people, from appearance standards to skincare trends that teenagers suddenly feel pressure to keep up with.

The conversation also turns to how different childhood was for us growing up in the 90s compared to the digital world children are navigating today. We discuss whether technology and even AI are starting to shape parenting decisions in ways we never expected.

We also explore some practical ideas parents are considering, like delaying smartphones, using non-internet phones for younger children and whether schools and parents could work together to create boundaries around social media.

It’s a real conversation about the challenges of raising children in a world where going viral can happen overnight. Don't forget to follow us on instagram @thrivingandsurviving.pod

*Trigger warning, mentions baby loss*

In this episode we’re talking all about Mother’s Day. From our own plans and family traditions to the pressure that social media and commercialization can put on what the day “should” look like.

We share our personal experiences of motherhood, co-parenting, pregnancy, and loss, and how these experiences can bring up a mix of emotions when Mother’s Day comes around.

We also talk about the simple things that really matter. A lie in, a cup of tea, flowers, or just feeling appreciated. Sometimes it’s the smallest gestures that mean the most.

Most importantly, we remind ourselves that appreciation for mums shouldn’t just happen once a year. And while it’s a special day for many, it can also be a difficult one for others, so approaching it with kindness and understanding is so important.

Don't forget to follow us on instagram @thrivingandsurviving.pod

This week we’re responding to a viral clip that claimed being a stay at home parent “isn’t hard” and we have a lot to say about that.

We’ve both experienced different versions of motherhood. We’ve done long days at home with young children. We’ve navigated the shift back into part time work. And we can say this honestly: both are hard in different ways.

In this episode, we talk about what it actually feels like being home full time. The mental load. The constant touch. The overstimulation. The invisible admin. The guilt for wanting space. And then the guilt for enjoying work when you get it.

We unpack attachment theory and the conversation around nursery. Does it help? Does it harm? Or is the reality more nuanced than social media makes it?

We dive into the financial pressures families are under and how that shapes our choices more than we admit. We explore gender double standards and ask why women are still expected to absorb the emotional and physical toll of parenting while men are praised for doing the basics.

This isn’t a mum guilt episode. It’s an honest one.

Parenting isn’t one size fits all. Staying home isn’t easy. Working isn’t easy. And the real issue isn’t which path you choose, it’s the lack of support around either.

If you’ve ever felt exhausted, conflicted, judged, or like you’re failing no matter what you do, this episode is for you.

Don't forget to follow us on instagram @thrivingandsurviving.pod

In this episode, we vent about the little everyday things that slowly chip away at your sanity — from frustrating customer service bots and painfully slow drivers and walkers, to queue jumpers, missing manners, and the absolute chaos of trying to eat out with children.

We share real-life stories, laugh at ourselves, and admit that some days the patience just isn’t there. But alongside the moaning, we also talk about empathy — especially when it comes to parents navigating public spaces with kids, doing their best under pressure.

This episode is light-hearted, honest and very real, with a reminder that a little kindness (and patience) goes a long way. Don't forget to follow us on instagram @thrivingandsurviving.pod

In this episode, we’re joined by our friend Jess for an honest, unfiltered conversation about dating in your 30s.

We talk about what it’s really like to break free after a long-term relationship, step back into dating, navigate apps, set boundaries and figure out what you actually want — especially when children, independence and self-reliance are part of the conversation.

Jess shares her personal story of a long-distance relationship that led to a life-changing move, and together we open up about the challenges, freedom and emotional shifts that come with singlehood in your 30s.

We also talk about societal pressure, expectations around motherhood and relationships, and how learning to choose yourself can be both terrifying and empowering.

This episode is honest, reflective and full of real talk — for anyone dating later in life, starting again, or questioning the “rules” we’ve all been taught to follow.

Don't forget to follow us on instagram @thrivingandsurviving.pod

In this episode, we recap a recent winter getaway to the Lake District with four kids and all the highs and lows that come with travelling as a family. From a beautiful cabin stay and little moments of calm to rainy days, closed attractions and the general chaos of travelling with children, we share what the trip was really like.

We talk about the realities of holidays with little ones. The long journeys, the packing, the disrupted routines and the emotional ups and downs, especially when you’re navigating it all as a single parent. While trips like this aren’t always relaxing, they often create the kind of memories and confidence that make it all worth it.

We finish by chatting about upcoming plans, future trips, and what’s coming next for the podcast. If you think you’d be a great guest on Thriving & Surviving or have a story you’d love to share, please email thrivingandsurviving.pod@gmail.com

Here is the link to our article: https://www.suffolknews.co.uk/newmarket/news/new-podcast-sees-business-mums-thriving-and-surviving-9450575/

Don't forget to follow us on instagram @thrivingandsurviving.pod

In this episode, we open up about our own experiences with online trolling and abuse and the reality of what it’s like to be on the receiving end of it. From nasty comments and fake accounts to the emotional impact it can have behind the scenes, we talk honestly about how it’s affected us and how we’ve learned to deal with it.

We share the coping tools that have helped us most, including mindset shifts, gratitude, blocking, muting and setting firm boundaries online, and why protecting your peace has to come first. We also talk about resilience, community, and the importance of having people around you who get it and have your back.

The conversation naturally leads into wider concerns around social media, influencer culture, and the impact all of this can have, especially on children and young people. We chat about using platforms more responsibly, knowing when to step back, and remembering there’s a real human on the other side of the screen.

Don't forget to follow us on instagram @thrivingandsurviving.pod