Mama Doesn't Tell Lies Chloe Jeffers

What a privilege to interview the wonderful Alice Zaslavsky, who is mama to one beautiful little lady, Hazel (who has her own Instagram!) and also the "author parent" to an incredible new book that's coming out later this year - In Praise of Veg - (more on that shortly).

Alice is widely recognised for her modern, accessible approach to cooking and eating, her expertise as champion food judge, critic, writer and food literacy advocate, and her penchant for puns and spectacular spectacles, as demonstrated on her socials. In our chat, Alice and I discuss co-sleeping, the art of mastering full-time care of a child while running a business, and the tips and techniques Alice and her husband Nick apply when parenting 'Hazie'. (You may remember Alice from my fav show on the telly, Masterchef, where she got her start in life as a professional food person)

We also chat about the incredible new book that's coming out in November, which you can pre-order here if you want some good juju (and some great recipes and ideas for what to do with ALLLLLL of the vegetables). http://aliceinframes.com/

Debby V is an amazon warrior mum, based on the experience she's had in becoming a mother. Going through countless IVF sessions, experiencing guilt and shame (and heeding advice from #BreneBrown), she's come through it all with a little boy who was worth the heartbreak and another on the way. In telling her story, the hope is that another woman doesn't feel the depths of loneliness that Deb encountered.

On a more positive note, while talking, we decided something: The more fun you have, the easier it is. Think about that for a moment.

WARNING *This episode discusses child loss, and may be triggering for some*

[Also, the quality of this recording wasn't exceptional, but it was a story that needed to be shared]

In this fabulous conversation with mama to one gorgeous little lady, Sarah Biggs talks about how technology has played a large part in sharing her daughters milestones with in-laws who live in the UK, her return to work and how well she managed the negotiations to get the balance right, and the gadgets (or lack there of) she relied on. One of my favourite chats, we discussed the impact COVID-19 has had on our lives, and how we're remaining optimistic!

Talk about a truth bomb!! Speaking with Lisa Kroesche Boyce, founder of the Bad Mum's Club, we discussed the mental load, the need for a safe space to share your feelings, personal issues with anxiety and depression, and how the pressures of home schooling through COVID have impacted us.

Lisa is an entrepreneur, business woman, Motivational Speaker, workshop facilitator, writer and founder of https://www.badmumsclub.com/, an online community that supports and empowers womxn.

WARNING: This episode discusses strong mental health issues. Should this cause anything, please reach out to a mental health professional, such as Beyond Blue, PANDA or lifeline.

The Mummy Matcher, Hayley Thiele, is a proud mama who has 3 daughters aged 5 and under (as of May 2020) and an 11 year old step-daughter thrown in the mix just for fun. Her youngest was born in November 2018 with a genetic condition called a 2q13 micro-deletion, which has resulted in a life of hospital stays, specialist visits, financial stress and much more - just a normal day for a mum with a child with "special features"

In Hayley's own words, "No matter how much research you do, how many books you read or how many horror stories your friends feel the need to share with you, NOTHING can prepare you for becoming a Mum."

Hayley and I had a brilliant chat about life as a "medical mum", the need to create a new tribe, and how this spawned the idea of a brilliant group called Mummy Matcher.

If this story inspires you to find a new friend through her service, head to www.mummymatcher.com.au

In this wonderful chat, I speak with my mum, Beverley Cook! Full time retiree and Nanna, mother extraordinaire, former professional singer, and single parent way back when, Beverley talks openly about how important it is to instil strong values in children, how my Nanna (her mum) was always into family and never stayed still (sounds familiar), about support networks, and the fun it is to have kids!