Mum Mind Unpacked

Bree and Gia
  • 4.8 (27)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Mum Mind Unpacked is a real, raw, and relatable podcast where we talk about the mental load, identity shifts, and emotional rollercoaster of motherhood — the stuff that often goes unspoken. Hosted by two mums who’ve lived it, loved it, and struggled through it, this podcast is your safe space to feel seen, supported, and a little more human Why you’ll love it: Because it’s honest. Because it’s not sugar-coated. Because you’ll laugh, cry, and nod along knowing you’re not the only one. We unpack what’s really going on in the minds of mums — and we do it with heart, humour, and zero judgment.

  1. 28 APR

    25. You Don’t Have to Give Up Your Dreams After Kids — with Simela Petridis

    Dreams don’t disappear when you become a mum… but they can feel further away. In this episode, we sit down with Adelaide mum, high school teacher and Australian Idol Top 8 finalist Simela Petridis to talk about what it really looks like to go after your dreams in the thick of motherhood. Simela’s audition went viral (over a million views 👀), but behind it is a story of stepping away from music, losing a sense of self, and finding the courage to start again. We talk identity, the pressure to “choose” between motherhood and ambition, and why backing yourself matters — not just for you, but for your kids. Simela also opens up about postnatal depression and the realities of early motherhood in a way we know so many of you will relate to. 🎧 What You’ll Hear • Simela’s journey from musician to teacher and mum• Why she auditioned for Australian Idol • Losing yourself in motherhood — and finding your way back • Postnatal depression and early motherhood realities • The juggle of kids, career and dreams • Why following your dreams matters for your kids 🗓 New Episodes on Wednesdays Please follow, share, and leave a review to help more mums find the show and feel seen. 🔗 Connect With Us 📸 Instagram: @mummindunpacked 📧 Email: mummindunpacked@gmail.com 🔗 Connect With Simela Petridis 📸 Instagram: @simelanatasha 🎥 Watch her viral audition:https://open.spotify.com/track/0sT7lRCAvGLVEY9v5BOk7n ⚠️ A Gentle Reminder Mum Mind Unpacked exists to inform, support and connect — but it’s not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice. If you’re struggling, please reach out: • Lifeline: 13 11 14 • PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia): 1300 726 306 🙏 Thanks for Listening If this episode resonated, share it with a friend who might need it.And if you loved it, we’d be so grateful for a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review. Until next time — motherhood is hard, but you’re not alone. We see you. 💛 🙏 Thank you to our sponsor Bronte Co 🌐 https://www.bronteco.com/ 📸 Instagram: @bronte_co 🔍 Keywords motherhood identity, chasing dreams after kids, Simela Petridis, singer, Australian Idol audition, postnatal depression, working mum life, motherhood podcast Australia, parenting podcast for mums, honest motherhood, I don’t want to wait, viral audition

    27 min

  2. 14 APR

    24. You Didn’t Just Snap – The Truth About Mum Rage with Lauren Novak

    Mum rage. The kind that comes out of nowhere… except it actually doesn’t. In this episode, we sit down with Lauren Novak, author of Meltdown, to unpack what’s really going on when we lose it. We explore why rage builds over the day, what’s happening in our brains and bodies, and why so many of us feel like we’re failing — when actually, there’s a reason we feel this way. From the build-up of tiny daily triggers, to overstimulation, sleep deprivation and the pressure of being the default parent… this conversation will leave you feeling seen, understood, and a whole lot less alone. 🎧 What You’ll Hear • Why rage isn’t random — it’s a build-up of constant “micro triggers” • The “sequence of provocations” and why motherhood is the perfect storm• The volcano analogy — and why your lava is already close to the surface 🌋 • What’s happening in your brain (fast vs slow pathways) • Why sleep, pain and mental load all lower your capacity to cope • Overstimulation (hello “Mum… Mum… Mum…”) and its impact • The “default parent” dynamic and where resentment comes from • Why this isn’t a personal failing — it’s structural, emotional and physiological 🗓 New Episodes on Wednesdays Please follow, share, and leave a review to help more mums find the show and feel seen. 🔗 Connect With Us 📸 Instagram: @mummindunpacked 📧 Email: mummindunpacked@gmail.com 🔗 Connect With Lauren Novak 🌐 Website: https://laurennovak.com.au/ 📸 Instagram: @laurennovakwrites ⚠️ A Gentle Reminder Mum Mind Unpacked exists to inform, support and connect — but it’s not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice. If you’re struggling, please reach out: • Lifeline: 13 11 14 • PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia): 1300 726 306 🙏 Thanks for Listening If this episode resonated, share it with a friend or someone who might need it. And if you loved it, we’d be so grateful for a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review. Until next time — motherhood is hard, but you’re not alone. We see you. 💛 🙏 Thank you to our sponsor Bronte Co 🌐 https://www.bronteco.com/ 📸 Instagram: @bronte_co 🔍 Keywords mum rage, motherhood anger, mental load, default parent, overstimulation motherhood, sleep deprivation mums, maternal mental health, Lauren Novak Meltdown, motherhood podcast Australia, parenting podcast for mums, mom rage

    37 min

  3. 31 MAR

    23. The Pressure We Put on Our Kids (Sport, School, & What It Says About Us) — Mum Rage

    Have you ever caught yourself caring a little too much about your child’s performance at school or on the sports field? In this episode, Gia and Bree unpack a confronting truth:sometimes the pressure we place on our kids is actually a reflection of us. After a particularly rage-y week, Gia shares a moment that spiraled — what should have been a simple breakfast before NAPLAN turned into a full-blown meltdown. It sparked a deeper realisation about control, expectations, and how quickly “helping” can become pressure. Bree also opens up about her own irritable, overwhelmed week — feeling easily overstimulated, struggling with sleep, and navigating ongoing hormonal shifts. She shares an honest update on her experience with HRT so far, the unexpected symptoms (hello night sweats and internal heat), and how the lack of sleep is impacting her mood and patience. Together, they explore how perfectionism, upbringing, hormones, and beliefs about success quietly shape the way we parent — and why these pressures often show up as mum rage in everyday moments. As always, Gia and Bree bring their trademark honesty and say it exactly how it is. 🗓 New Episodes on Wednesdays Follow, share and leave a review to help more mums find the show and feel seen. 🔗 Connect With Us 📸 Instagram: @mummindunpacked 📧 Email: mummindunpacked@gmail.com ⚠️ A Gentle Reminder Mum Mind Unpacked exists to inform, support and connect — but it’s not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice. If you’re struggling, please reach out: • Lifeline: 13 11 14 • PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia): 1300 726 306 🙏 Thanks for Listening If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend or someone who might need it. And if you loved it, we’d be so grateful for a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review. Until next time — motherhood is hard, but you’re not alone. We see you. 💛 🙏 Thank you to our sponsor — Bronte Co 🌐 https://www.bronteco.com/ 📸 Instagram: @bronte_co Bronte Co is your one-stop shop for matching family swimwear in fun neon colours — making it so much easier to spot your kids at the beach. From swimmers to goggles, fishing shirts, cooler bags and totes, they’ve got everything you need for real-life family beach days. Great quality, realistic prices, and made for busy families. 🔍 Keywords Motherhood, parenting, mum rage, school pressure, sport pressure, parenting expectations, perfectionism, emotional regulation, mental load, hormones, perimenopause, HRT, sleep deprivation, child development, family dynamics, competitive, inner child, mom rage

    27 min

  4. 17 MAR

    22. When Everything Feels Too Much: Study Stress, Hormones & Almost Walking Away

    Ever had a moment where everything just feels like too much? In this episode, Bree opens up about a really tough summer that almost saw her walk away from the podcast altogether. With pressure mounting to finish her counseling course in a tight timeframe — mixed with holiday chaos and some seriously raging peri hormones — it became the perfect storm. Bree shares what that period looked like behind the scenes, how low things felt at times, and how she managed to pull herself through one of the most challenging stretches she’s had in a while. G also reflects on what it was like trying to support Bree from the sidelines — wanting to be there, while quietly wondering if Bree was pushing her away. Together, Bree and G unpack something many friendships experience but rarely talk about: how easy it is to blame ourselves when someone we care about pulls away during periods of depression, stress or anxiety. As always, Bree and G bring their trademark honesty and say it exactly how it is. 🗓 New Episodes Every Wednesday Follow, share and leave a review to help more mums find the show and feel seen. 🔗 Connect With Us 📸 Instagram: @mummindunpacked 📧 Email: mummindunpacked@gmail.com ⚠️ A Gentle Reminder Mum Mind Unpacked exists to inform, support and connect — but it’s not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice. If you’re struggling, please reach out: • Lifeline: 13 11 14 • PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia): 1300 726 306 🙏 Thanks for Listening If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend or someone who might need it. And if you loved it, we’d be so grateful for a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review. Until next time — motherhood is hard, but you’re not alone. We see you. 💛 🙏 Thank you to our sponsor — Bronte Co 🌐 https://www.bronteco.com/ 📸 Instagram: @bronte_co 🔍 Keywords Motherhood, parenting, mums, depression, anxiety, study stress, hormones, perimenopause, friendship, mental health, dyslexia, mental health support, partner support

    27 min

  5. 3 MAR

    21. Why Good Enough is More than Good Enough — with Dr Sophie Brock

    What’s your picture of the perfect mother? We all carry a version — shaped by how we were raised, what was modeled to us, what society celebrates, and the stories women have been sold for generations. But spoiler alert: the perfect mother doesn’t exist. In this episode, we sit down with motherhood studies sociologist Dr. Sophie Brock to unpack the cultural myths that quietly shape how mothers think, feel and measure themselves. We explore why so many women feel like they’re failing, where the pressure actually comes from, and how understanding motherhood as a social construct — not just a personal experience — can be deeply liberating. You’ll leave this conversation feeling seen, hopeful, and reminded that good enough is more than good enough. 🎧 What You’ll Hear Why the “perfect mother” is a cultural myth — not a real standard The difference between motherhood the experience vs motherhood the institution Why so many mothers feel like they’re constantly falling short How societal expectations drive guilt, comparison and burnout The identity shift of matrescence and why it can feel destabilising Why maternal struggle is often structural, not personal failure How understanding the system helps you release self-blame What “good enough mothering” really means in real life 🗓 New Episodes on Wednesdays Please follow, share, and leave a review to help more mums find the show and feel seen. 🔗 Connect With Us 📸 Instagram: @mummindunpacked 📧 Email: mummindunpacked@gmail.com 🔗 Connect With Dr Sophie Brock 🌐 Website: https://drsophiebrock.com/ 📸 Instagram: @drsophiebrock ⚠️ A Gentle Reminder Mum Mind Unpacked exists to inform, support and connect — but it’s not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice. If you’re struggling, please reach out: Lifeline: 13 11 14 PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia): 1300 726 306 🙏 Thanks for Listening If this episode resonated, share it with a friend or someone who might need it. And if you loved it, we’d be so grateful for a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review. Until next time — motherhood is hard, but you’re not alone. We see you. 💛 🙏 Thank you to our sponsor Bronte Co 🌐 https://www.bronteco.com/ 📸 Instagram: @bronte_co 🔍 Keywords  motherhood myths, good enough mother, perfect mother myth, matrescence, maternal identity, motherhood guilt, motherhood burnout, motherhood studies, Dr Sophie Brock, motherhood expectations, modern motherhood pressure, motherhood institution, mum guilt, identity after, motherhood, releasing mum guilt, motherhood podcast Australia, parenting podcast for mumsMum Mind Unpacked podcast

    36 min

  6. 17 FEB

    20. Why We Fight After Kids — Conflict, Silent Treatment & Attachment Styles (with Dr. Stuart Naughten)

    Be honest… has becoming parents changed your relationship more than you ever expected? Do you and your partner fight differently now? Avoid conflict? Go quiet? Or feel like you’re speaking totally different languages? Do you ever wonder what your kids are absorbing when they see (or feel) tension between you? You’re definitely not alone. In this episode, Bree and Gia open up about the messy, vulnerable side of relationships after kids. They share their own relationship struggles, attachment patterns, parenting styles — and yes, their fighting styles too. They’re joined once again by Dr. Stuart Naughten, relationship psychologist, who is back by popular demand after a previous appearance on the podcast. Dr. Stuart helps unpack what’s actually going on beneath the surface for couples once kids enter the picture. Together, they explore conflict, silent treatment, attachment styles, emotional safety, and how two good people can keep missing each other — without either being “the bad one”. There are plenty of laughs, so many honest moments, and lots of reassurance that differences don’t mean your relationship is broken. This episode offers hope, insight, and practical ways to understand each other better — even when things feel hard. 🎧 What You’ll Hear How becoming parents can fundamentally shift relationship dynamics Whether fighting in front of kids is damaging — and what actually matters The silent treatment: why it happens and what it’s really about A simple breakdown of attachment styles and how they show up in relationships How different parenting styles can create tension between partners Why conflict isn’t the problem — disconnection is Practical ways couples can repair, reconnect, and move forward with more compassion Reassurance for couples who feel “too different” and wonder if it can still work 🗓 New Episodes on Wednesdays Please follow, share, and leave a review to help more mums find the show and feel seen. 🔗 Connect With Us 📸 Instagram: @mummindunpacked 📧 Email: mummindunpacked@gmail.com 🔗 Connect With Dr Stuart Naughten 🌐 Website: https://www.drstuartnaughtenpsychology.com/ ⚠️ A Gentle Reminder Mum Mind Unpacked exists to inform, support and connect — but it’s not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice. If you’re struggling, please reach out to: • Lifeline: 13 11 14 • PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia): 1300 726 306 🙏 Thanks for Listening If this episode resonated, share it with a friend or your partner — especially if you’re navigating the messy middle of relationships after kids.And if you loved it, we’d be so grateful for a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review. Until next time — motherhood is hard, relationships are complex, and you’re not failing. We see you. 💛 🙏 Thank You to Our Sponsor — Bronte Co 🌐 Check out Bronte Co’s full range at https://www.bronteco.com/ 📸 Follow Bronte on Instagram @bronte_co 🔍 Keywords: Relationships after kids, couples after children, fighting in front of kids, silent treatment, attachment styles, marriage and parenting, relationship conflict, emotional regulation, motherhood, mental health, parenting dynamics, relationship psychology, Mum Mind Unpacked, Dr Stuart Naughten, motherhood, parenting, motherhood unfiltered

    30 min

  7. 3 FEB

    19. Less Stress, Less Guilt: Feeding Kids Doesn’t Have to Be This Hard – with Jessica Donovan

    Help, my fussy kids won’t eat anything healthy! Do you struggle to get your kids to eat anything green? Do you feel guilty when they flat-out refuse their veggies at dinnertime? Do you ever feel like you’re failing at the absolute basics of feeding your kids? You’re not alone.  In this episode, Bree and G sit down with Naturopath Jessica Donovan from Natural Super Kids to unpack the pressure, myths, and overwhelm that so many parents feel around kids’ nutrition. Jess shares what parents actually need to focus on when it comes to feeding their kids — and just as importantly, what you can stop stressing about. This is a practical, reassuring conversation designed to help make mealtimes calmer, simpler, and far less guilt-ridden. 🎧 What You’ll Hear Why fussy eating is far more common (and normal) than you think The biggest myths around kids’ nutrition that keep mums stuck in guilt What really matters for kids’ health — and what doesn’t How to take the pressure off yourself at mealtimes Practical strategies to support fussy eaters without power struggles Time-saving lunchbox hacks to reduce stress and decision fatigue How to build healthier habits without forcing, bribing, or battling 🗓 New Episodes on Wednesdays Please follow, share, and leave a review to help more mums find the show and feel seen. 🔗 Connect With Us 📸 Instagram: @mummindunpacked 📧 Email: mummindunpacked@gmail.com 🔗 Connect With Jessica Donovan 🌐 Website: https://www.naturalsuperkids.com/ 📸 Instagram: @naturalsuperkids ⚠️ A Gentle Reminder Mum Mind Unpacked exists to inform, support and connect — but it’s not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice. If you’re struggling, please reach out to: • Lifeline: 13 11 14 • PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia): 1300 726 306 🙏 Thanks for Listening If this episode resonated, share it with a friend or someone who might need it. And if you loved it, we’d be so grateful for a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review. Until next time — motherhood is hard, but you’re not alone. We see you. 💛 🙏 Thank you to our sponsor Bronte Co 🌐 Check out Bronte Co’s full range at https://www.bronteco.com/ 📸 Follow Bronte on Instagram @bronte_co 🔍 Keywords Fussy eaters, fussy kids, kids nutrition, mum guilt, mom guilt, mealtime stress, mental load, parenting, motherhood, lunchbox hacks, naturopath, natural super kids, jessica Donovan, naturopath

    30 min

  8. 09/12/2025

    18. 36 Months — Why Australia Just Hit Pause on Teen Social Media

    December 10, 2025 marks a major turning point in Australia’s digital landscape. A world-first piece of legislation has officially raised the minimum age for social media accounts from 13 to 16, giving teens a 36-month buffer to emotionally mature before entering the online world. The hope? To curb the escalating mental-health impacts linked to social media overexposure. In this episode, Gia and Bree sit down with Greg Attwells — father of two, Director of 36 Months, and one of the leading forces behind this groundbreaking change — to unpack what this shift really means for teens, families, and the future of digital parenting. A powerful, timely conversation every parent needs to hear.A must-listen. 🎧 What You’ll Hear Why Australia made this unprecedented move What the latest research reveals about teens, mental health, and online exposure What the legislation means for our kids — and for us as parents How families can prepare for and navigate this transition The potential future of the online world for the next generation 🗓 New Episodes on Wednesdays Follow, share, and leave a review to help more mums find the show and feel seen. 🔗 Connect With Us 📸 Instagram: @mummindunpacked📧 Email: mummindunpacked@gmail.com 🔗 Connect With Greg Attwells 🌐 Website: https://www.36months.com/📸 Instagram: @36monthsofficial ⚠️ A Gentle Reminder Mum Mind Unpacked exists to inform, support, and connect — but it’s not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice. If you’re struggling, please reach out to:• Lifeline: 13 11 14• PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia): 1300 726 306 🙏 Thanks for Listening If this episode resonated, share it with a friend or someone who might need it.And if you loved it, we’d be so grateful for a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review. Until next time — motherhood is hard, but you’re not alone. We see you. 💛 🔍 Keywords 36 Months, Social Media Delay, Social Media Ban, Social Media Legal Age, Social Media Law, World-first, Greg Attwells, Teen Mental Health, Social Media Changes, 36 Months Official

    35 min
See All (26)

Trailer

4.8
out of 5
27 Ratings

About

Mum Mind Unpacked is a real, raw, and relatable podcast where we talk about the mental load, identity shifts, and emotional rollercoaster of motherhood — the stuff that often goes unspoken. Hosted by two mums who’ve lived it, loved it, and struggled through it, this podcast is your safe space to feel seen, supported, and a little more human Why you’ll love it: Because it’s honest. Because it’s not sugar-coated. Because you’ll laugh, cry, and nod along knowing you’re not the only one. We unpack what’s really going on in the minds of mums — and we do it with heart, humour, and zero judgment.

Information

  • Creator
    Bree and Gia
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Bree and Gia
  • Show Website
    Mum Mind Unpacked

You Might Also Like