Parent Unplugged

Charis Halsall
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  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

Parent Unplugged is a parenting podcast built on real stories. Through raw, honest conversations, we explore what it actually feels like to raise children - the moments no one prepares you for, the thoughts you don’t say out loud, and the experiences that change you. From everyday overwhelm to life-altering challenges, each episode brings you inside the reality of parenting - not the polished version. If you’ve ever felt like you’re the only one struggling, thinking or feeling a certain way… you’re not.

  1. 1 day ago

    Losing Phoenix, Finding Strength Again

    In this deeply moving conversation, Kelsey Parker shares the devastating loss of her son Phoenix, the impact of grief on her family, and how she continued parenting through unimaginable pain. A powerful conversation about stillbirth, resilience, love, and learning to live again after loss. A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We sincerely apologise for any additional distress caused to Ms Parker, her partner and her family at such a difficult time. “Whilst our crews followed the guidelines and were focussed on providing the right care for both Kelsey and Phoenix, we recognise that the focus on clinical care can, at times, result in some communication challenges. “In the time since we reviewed the care provided to Kelsey and Phoenix and met with the family to learn from their experience, national guidelines for frontline ambulance staff have been updated and implemented. “We are very sorry for the family’s loss.” A Met spokesperson said: “We understand this was a deeply traumatic experience for Kelsey and Will and our thoughts remain with them as they continue to grieve the loss of their son, Phoenix. “We acknowledge that referring to the address as a crime scene was inappropriate, and that the family could and should have been treated in a more sensitive way. “A Detective Inspector, alongside a child bereavement nurse, met with the family recently. They offered their sincere apologies, outlined the force’s plans to strengthen child death training and discussed the possibility of Kelsey working with the Met to help improve support for bereaved families.”

    Losing Phoenix, Finding Strength Again

  2. 5 days ago

    The Affair Changed Everything Forever

    Helen Thorne from Scummy Mummies shares the devastating moment she discovered her husband's affair, how it shattered the life she thought she had, and how she rebuilt herself into someone stronger than ever.

    The Affair Changed Everything Forever

  3. 26 July

    Teen Motherhood, Trolls & Growing Up

    What happens when you become a mum at 17… while growing up in the public eye? This week on Parent Unplugged, I’m joined by Chloe Patton from Teen Mum UK for an honest conversation about unexpected pregnancy, becoming a young parent, and navigating motherhood while millions of people watched. Chloe opens up about finding out she was pregnant as a teenager, the pressure and judgment that followed, life behind the cameras, online trolling, losing herself in motherhood, and how becoming a mum shaped the woman she is today. We also talk about relationships, identity, parenting through different seasons of life, and what she’d say to her 17-year-old self now. In this episode: ✨ Finding out she was pregnant at 17 ✨ Becoming a teen mum in the public eye ✨ The reality of filming Teen Mum UK ✨ Online trolling and cruel comments ✨ Losing and rebuilding confidence ✨ Motherhood, identity & growing up together ✨ Why she wouldn’t change her journey If you enjoy honest conversations about parenting and real life motherhood stories, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review 💛

    Teen Motherhood, Trolls & Growing Up

  4. 19 July

    My OCD Ruined My Pregnancy

    Ashleigh McNicholas shares the reality of living with OCD during pregnancy and early motherhood - where intrusive thoughts quickly took over what should have been the happiest time of her life. After finally conceiving her daughter Aurora, Ashleigh describes how intense fears around loss, responsibility, and safety spiralled into constant mental checking, reassurance-seeking, and terrifying “what if” thoughts. This is a raw conversation about OCD, pregnancy anxiety, and the hidden internal struggles that many people never see - even in the most joyful moments of life. A powerful episode about fear, motherhood, and what it really feels like to live with intrusive thoughts you can’t switch off.

    My OCD Ruined My Pregnancy

  5. 15 July

    The Hardest Part Of Fostering

    For 35 years, Deborah has opened her home - and her heart - to more than 200 foster children. In this emotional conversation, she shares the pain of saying goodbye, why she never truly gets used to it, and what gives her the strength to keep loving again. It's a powerful reminder that even the shortest chapter in a child's life can leave a lifelong impact.

    The Hardest Part Of Fostering

  6. 12 July

    I Can’t Live Without My Children

    Christine McGuinness joins Parent Unplugged for an honest conversation about motherhood, autism, identity and what family life really looks like behind closed doors. Christine opens up about raising three autistic children, discovering her own autism and ADHD diagnoses as an adult, and the moment she realised she was preparing her children to live without her - when she couldn’t imagine living without them. In this powerful episode, Christine shares: • The journey to her children’s autism diagnoses and how it led to understanding herself • The grief of looking back at a life before her own diagnosis • How she adapted family life around her children’s needs • Why she stopped forcing her children to fit into situations that overwhelmed them • How she and Paddy McGuinness created a different kind of family after divorce • The importance of patience, acceptance and allowing children to be themselves A deeply honest conversation about neurodiversity, parenting, resilience and finding love and connection in a family that looks different. Subscribe to Parent Unplugged for more honest conversations helping parents understand behaviour, protect their mental health and build stronger relationships with their children.

    I Can’t Live Without My Children

  7. 8 July

    Motherhood Changed My Body

    Alice opens up about the reality of body image, disordered exercise, pregnancy, and the identity shift that comes with becoming a mum. From being known online as “Alice With Abs” to navigating postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, and learning to let go of the pressure to “bounce back,” this is an honest conversation about strength, self-worth, and rebuilding your relationship with your body after motherhood. We talk about: • The hidden cost of chasing thinness • Losing her menstrual cycle through overtraining • Why motherhood changes your identity completely • The pressure to “get your body back” • Breastfeeding, confidence, and postpartum struggles • Raising daughters with a healthier body image • Why building a strong body matters more than being smaller A powerful, vulnerable conversation that so many mums will relate to.

    Motherhood Changed My Body

  8. 6 July

    I Handed My Baby to a Stranger Because I Couldn’t Do It Anymore

    Lisa opens up about raising two autistic children with very different needs, navigating school battles, masking, meltdowns, postnatal depression, and her own late autism diagnosis. In this honest conversation, she shares the reality behind the perfect family image, the heartbreak of watching a child struggle in silence, and the challenges of parenting children who don't fit neatly into society's expectations. We discuss: • Autism and masking in children • Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) • Postnatal depression and maternal mental health • School struggles and diagnosis battles • Meltdowns, anxiety and self-esteem • Late autism diagnosis in parents • Judgement, family life and finding support A powerful episode for parents, carers, educators and anyone wanting to better understand neurodivergent families. 🎧 Subscribe for more real conversations and real-life parenting stories every week. #Autism #ParentingPodcast #Neurodiversity #PDA #MaternalMentalHealth

    I Handed My Baby to a Stranger Because I Couldn’t Do It Anymore
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About

Parent Unplugged is a parenting podcast built on real stories. Through raw, honest conversations, we explore what it actually feels like to raise children - the moments no one prepares you for, the thoughts you don’t say out loud, and the experiences that change you. From everyday overwhelm to life-altering challenges, each episode brings you inside the reality of parenting - not the polished version. If you’ve ever felt like you’re the only one struggling, thinking or feeling a certain way… you’re not.

Information

  • Creator
    Charis Halsall
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    110
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Charis Halsall
  • Show Website
    Parent Unplugged
  • Provider
    Charis Halsall

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