Mother Tongue

Mother Tongue

Mother Tongue is a podcast about modern motherhood - the ambition, the identity shifts, the invisible load, and the quiet recalibrations that happen behind the scenes. I’m Maryanne. I’m a mum of three, a founder, and someone who has spent most of her adult life building businesses while raising a family, often at the same time, usually a little exhausted, and always learning as I go. This podcast is where I have the conversations I wish I’d heard earlier - the honest ones about work, money, ambition, relationships, burnout, confidence, health, and what it really means to build a life alongside motherhood, not in spite of it. Each episode features thoughtful, open conversations with founders, creatives, doctors, experts and women navigating big lives in real time. We talk about the things that don’t always make it into neat soundbites - the trade-offs, the doubts, the moments of clarity, and the decisions that quietly change everything. Mother Tongue isn’t about doing more or getting it perfect. It’s about feeling less alone, better informed, and more grounded in the choices you’re making - whether you’re building a business, raising children, starting again, or simply trying to make sense of the season you’re in. New episodes weekly. Listen in, wherever you are. To get in touch or to find out more about the podcast, please email info@wearemothertongue.com / Instagram @wearemothertongue.Or visit our website: www.wearemothertongue.com

  1. 12h ago

    The Realities of Modern Motherhood and Raising Girls with Helly O’Brien

    I am so excited for today's conversation because I have a feeling it's one that so many of you are going to relate to. I don't know about you, but I sometimes find myself wondering... when did life become so busy? Between work, the school run, remembering PE kits, replying to emails, making dinner, trying to exercise, seeing friends, spending time with our partners, keeping on top of the house and somehow finding five minutes for ourselves... it can feel like we're constantly switching hats. And whilst I absolutely love this season of life, I also think it's really important that we acknowledge just how much women carry. Today's episode is all about the realities of modern motherhood. The invisible mental load, balancing ambition with family life, raising children, relationships, confidence, identity and, perhaps most importantly, remembering that we're women as well as mums. Today's episode is proudly sponsored by M&S and celebrates the launch of their new Body by M&S collection. I actually think it's a really lovely partnership because it's centred around something we don't talk about enough – the idea that confidence often starts with feeling comfortable. When you feel supported, comfortable and good in yourself, it has a ripple effect on everything else. It changes how you show up at work, how you parent and how you feel every single day. And I think that's such an important conversation to be having. Joining me today is the lovely Helly. Helly is the creator behind My Little Loves and has built an incredible online community by sharing family life exactly as it is – honest, funny, relatable and reassuring. She's a mum to three girls, including two teenagers and a younger daughter, which means she brings such a unique perspective on motherhood and all the different seasons that come with it. I'm really looking forward to chatting about what modern motherhood actually looks like, how we raise confident girls, how we balance ambition with family life, and why it's so important that we don't lose ourselves along the way. Find Helly on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mylittlelovesblog/ Find us on instagram: @wearemothertongue Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mothertonguethepodcast THE MOTHER TONGUE PODBOOK The Mother Tongue podbook is a collection of interviews with experts on everything you need to know about parenthood from pre-conception all the way through to when your kids starts school. Over the course of 43+ chapters, the podbook delves into the topics that all mums and mums to be wants the answers to. Buy yours now: https://mother-tongue.zbooni.com/products/mother-tongue-podbook SHOW NOTES: This episode of Mother Tongue is proudly brought to you by the new Body by M&S collection. Motherhood changes our bodies in countless ways, and with every new season of life, comfort, confidence and the right fit become even more important. The new Body by M&S collection is designed to support women through every stage, with the Body Invisibles Collection offering seamless, second-skin essentials for everyday comfort, the FlexiFit Collection moving with your body for all-day support, the Body Define Collection providing smooth, sculpted confidence under your clothes, and the Cool Comfort Collection featuring breathable fabrics to help regulate your body temperature throughout the day. M&S also offers a complimentary Bra Fit Service in stores, helping you find the perfect fit for the body you have today, because our bodies are always evolving. Visit https://www.marksandspencer.ae/en/fashion to discover the new Body by M&S collection and book your complimentary Bra Fit Service.

  2. Jul 14

    Getting Dressed Again: Style, Confidence & Finding Yourself After Kids with Holly Elgeti

    Today we're talking about something I know so many mums will relate to... getting dressed again. Not getting dressed in the sense of throwing on whatever's clean before the school run, but genuinely feeling excited to open your wardrobe, putting something on that makes you feel good and reconnecting with the person you are beyond motherhood. Because I think for so many of us, having children changes our relationship with style. We spend years dressing for practicality, comfort and everyone else's needs, and somewhere along the way we stop dressing for ourselves. Our bodies change, our priorities change and often our confidence changes too. Today's episode is proudly sponsored by M&S and celebrates the launch of their new Body by M&S collection. Throughout today's conversation we'll be exploring why confidence often starts with the foundations, how the right fit can completely transform the way we feel, and why getting dressed should never be about changing who we are—it's about feeling comfortable, supported and confident in the body we have today. Joining me today is the wonderful Holly Elgeti. Holly is a personal stylist and content creator who has built an incredibly loyal community by helping women simplify their wardrobes, rediscover their personal style and, perhaps most importantly, feel confident in themselves again. Her approach isn't about following trends or buying an entirely new wardrobe—it's about making fashion feel accessible, wearable and realistic for real women living real lives. Find Holly on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyelgetistyle/ Find us on instagram: @wearemothertongue Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mothertonguethepodcast THE MOTHER TONGUE PODBOOK The Mother Tongue podbook is a collection of interviews with experts on everything you need to know about parenthood from pre-conception all the way through to when your kids starts school. Over the course of 43+ chapters, the podbook delves into the topics that all mums and mums to be wants the answers to. Buy yours now: https://mother-tongue.zbooni.com/products/mother-tongue-podbook SHOW NOTES: This episode of Mother Tongue is proudly brought to you by the new Body by M&S collection. Motherhood changes our bodies in countless ways, and with every new season of life, comfort, confidence and the right fit become even more important. The new Body by M&S collection is designed to support women through every stage, with the Body Invisibles Collection offering seamless, second-skin essentials for everyday comfort, the FlexiFit Collection moving with your body for all-day support, the Body Define Collection providing smooth, sculpted confidence under your clothes, and the Cool Comfort Collection featuring breathable fabrics to help regulate your body temperature throughout the day. M&S also offers a complimentary Bra Fit Service in stores, helping you find the perfect fit for the body you have today, because our bodies are always evolving. Visit https://www.marksandspencer.ae/en/fashion to discover the new Body by M&S collection and book your complimentary Bra Fit Service.

    Getting Dressed Again: Style, Confidence & Finding Yourself After Kids with Holly Elgeti

  3. Jul 9

    The Confidence Conversation, Motherhood & More with Poppy Owen

    Today's guest is someone who has built an incredibly engaged community by sharing the everyday moments of life with honesty, warmth and authenticity. Poppy Owen is a content creator and digital storyteller whose beautifully curated platforms inspire hundreds of thousands of women every day. From fashion and interiors to motherhood, lifestyle and travel, she's created a space that feels both aspirational and refreshingly real. But beyond the beautiful images, what I love most about Poppy is that she's never been afraid to show the reality behind the highlight reel. She shares the highs alongside the challenges, reminding women that confidence isn't about perfection - it's about embracing who you are, whatever season of life you're in.  Today we're talking all about confidence. Where it comes from, how it changes throughout our lives, why so many women struggle with comparison and body image, and the small everyday things that can help us feel more like ourselves. Find Poppy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepoppyowen/ Find us on instagram: @wearemothertongue Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mothertonguethepodcast THE MOTHER TONGUE PODBOOK The Mother Tongue podbook is a collection of interviews with experts on everything you need to know about parenthood from pre-conception all the way through to when your kids starts school. Over the course of 43+ chapters, the podbook delves into the topics that all mums and mums to be wants the answers to. Buy yours now: https://mother-tongue.zbooni.com/products/mother-tongue-podbook SHOW NOTES: This episode of Mother Tongue is proudly brought to you by the new Body by M&S collection. Women's bodies are constantly changing. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, hormones, stress, and age all play a role, which is why comfort and the right fit matter more than ever. The new Body by M&S collection is designed to help you feel supported and confident through every stage, with the FlexiFit Collection adapting to move with your body for all-day comfort, and the Body Invisibles Collection offering seamless, no-show styles you'll reach for every day. M&S also offers a complimentary Bra Fit Service in all stores, helping you find the perfect fit for your body as it is today. Visit https://www.marksandspencer.ae/en/fashion to find out more.

    The Confidence Conversation, Motherhood & More with Poppy Owen

  4. Jul 7

    Creating Calm: Organising Your Home, Reducing the Mental Load & Making Family Life Easier with Nada Daher

    Today's guest is someone whose work I think every parent will relate to. I'm joined by Nada, founder of The Home Order, a professional home organisation company helping families create homes that feel calmer, function better and work with family life, rather than against it. Because let's be honest, most of us aren't striving for Pinterest-perfect pantries. We're simply trying to keep on top of the endless piles of laundry, find the PE kit on a Monday morning, stop buying things we already own and feel like our homes are making life easier instead of adding to the overwhelm. In this episode, we're talking about far more than organising cupboards. We're exploring how our homes impact our mental wellbeing, why organisation is really about reducing the mental load, and the practical systems every family can put in place to make everyday life run more smoothly. Whether you're in the middle of summer decluttering, preparing for back to school or simply craving a reset, this episode is packed with practical advice you'll actually want to put into practice. Find Nada on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_homeorder/ Find us on instagram: @wearemothertongue Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mothertonguethepodcast THE MOTHER TONGUE PODBOOK The Mother Tongue podbook is a collection of interviews with experts on everything you need to know about parenthood from pre-conception all the way through to when your kids starts school. Over the course of 43+ chapters, the podbook delves into the topics that all mums and mums to be wants the answers to. Buy yours now: https://mother-tongue.zbooni.com/products/mother-tongue-podbook SHOW NOTES: This episode of Mother Tongue is proudly brought to you by the new Body by M&S collection. As women, we're constantly putting everyone else first. Between work, family, school runs, travel and the never-ending to-do list, it's easy to overlook something as simple as feeling comfortable in what we're wearing. The new Body by M&S collection has been thoughtfully designed to change that. Featuring innovative Cool Comfort™ technology, the range helps you stay cool, fresh and comfortable throughout the day, while combining beautiful design with everyday practicality. Because comfort isn't a luxury - it's the foundation that helps us show up as our best selves every single day. Discover the Cool Comfort™ Collection and the wider Body by M&S range in store or online. Visit https://www.marksandspencer.ae/en/fashion to find out more.

    Creating Calm: Organising Your Home, Reducing the Mental Load & Making Family Life Easier with Nada Daher

  5. Jun 30

    Love, Money & Starting Again: The Truth About Divorce and Financial Independence with Natasha Mahtani

    Today I'm joined by Natasha Mahtani, a Relationship Strategist and Financial Wellbeing Mentor, and this is one of those conversations that I think every woman should listen to. We talk about modern relationships, the realities of marriage and divorce, and why financial wellbeing is something we all need to be paying more attention to — regardless of our relationship status. Because whilst we spend so much time talking about emotional wellbeing, we often don't talk enough about money, financial confidence and the role it plays in our independence, security and future choices. Natasha shares her insights on navigating relationship challenges, rebuilding after separation, and why understanding your finances isn't just about numbers in a bank account — it's about empowerment, confidence and creating a life that feels secure and aligned with what you want. This is an honest, insightful and incredibly practical conversation that covers everything from relationships and self-worth to financial literacy and starting again after a major life change. Whether you're happily married, navigating a difficult chapter, divorced, single, or simply wanting to feel more confident about your financial future, there's something in this episode for you. I absolutely loved this conversation and I think you're going to take so much away from it. Find Natasha on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natashacoaches Find us on instagram: @wearemothertongue Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mothertonguethepodcast THE MOTHER TONGUE PODBOOK The Mother Tongue podbook is a collection of interviews with experts on everything you need to know about parenthood from pre-conception all the way through to when your kids starts school. Over the course of 43+ chapters, the podbook delves into the topics that all mums and mums to be wants the answers to. Buy yours now: https://mother-tongue.zbooni.com/products/mother-tongue-podbook SHOW NOTES: This episode of Mother Tongue is proudly brought to you by the new Body by M&S collection. As women, our bodies are constantly changing. Whether it's through pregnancy, postpartum, hormones, perimenopause or simply the different stages of life, what felt comfortable a few years ago may no longer be the right fit today. That's exactly why M&S has reimagined its Body collection, creating a range that's designed to move with you and support you through every stage of life. Combining comfort, innovation and confidence, the new Body by M&S collection includes everything from Body Soft™ for ultra-soft everyday comfort and Body Invisibles™ for seamless, no-show essentials, to Body Lace™, Body Define™ for targeted support, and their innovative Flexifit™ technology, which adapts to your body for exceptional all-day comfort. Many styles also feature Cool Comfort™ technology, helping you stay cool and comfortable throughout even the busiest of days. Did you know that around 80% of women are estimated to be wearing the wrong bra size? As our bodies naturally change over time, regular bra fittings become increasingly important, which is why M&S also offers a complimentary Bra Fit service in stores, helping women find the right fit for the body they have today. Whether you're rediscovering your style after having children, navigating a new stage of life or simply looking for everyday comfort without compromise, the new Body by M&S collection has been designed with real women and real lives in mind. Visit your nearest M&S store or shop online to explore the new Body by M&S collection, and while you're there, book your complimentary Bra Fit appointment to experience the difference that the right fit can make.  Visit https://www.marksandspencer.ae/en/fashion to find out more.

    Love, Money & Starting Again: The Truth About Divorce and Financial Independence with Natasha Mahtani

  6. Jun 16

    Everything You Need to Know About The World of Peptides with Dean Henry

    Peptides seem to be everywhere at the moment. Whether it's social media, wellness clinics, biohacking podcasts or conversations between friends, it feels like everyone is talking about peptides for everything from better sleep and energy to fat loss, muscle building and ageing well. But what actually are peptides? Which claims are backed by science, which are overhyped, and how do people know whether they're right for them? Today I'm joined by Dean Henry to unpack the world of peptides and help us understand what's fact, what's fiction, and what we should all know before considering them. Find Dean on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dean.e.henry/ Find us on instagram: @wearemothertongue Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mothertonguethepodcast THE MOTHER TONGUE PODBOOK The Mother Tongue podbook is a collection of interviews with experts on everything you need to know about parenthood from pre-conception all the way through to when your kids starts school. Over the course of 43+ chapters, the podbook delves into the topics that all mums and mums to be wants the answers to. Buy yours now: https://mother-tongue.zbooni.com/products/mother-tongue-podbook

    Everything You Need to Know About The World of Peptides with Dean Henry

  7. Jun 9

    The Truth About Healthy Hair: Colour, Extensions & Living in Dubai with Louise Bailey

    Hair is one of those topics that seems to come up in every conversation. Whether it's finding a colour that actually suits you, covering greys, deciding whether extensions are worth it, or simply trying to make your hair look a little fuller and healthier, there is so much advice out there that it can be difficult to know what is actually right for you. And I think so many women are looking for that balance. We want beautiful hair, but we also want healthy hair. We want colour that looks natural, extensions that nobody can spot, and routines that fit into real life rather than taking hours every week. So today, I wanted to have an honest conversation about all of it — from the biggest mistakes people make with colour and extensions, to how to choose the right shade, maintain healthy hair, and achieve that effortless look that so many of us are chasing. Joining me is Louise Bailey, founder of Beauty Club London, who has built a hugely loyal following thanks to her expertise in colour, extensions and hair health. Louise is known for creating beautiful, natural-looking results and helping women feel like the best version of themselves, without the trends or the fuss. Products & Recommendation: K18 - Molecule repair Kevin Murphy shampoo and conditioner Find Louise on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisebailey_extensions/ Find us on instagram: @wearemothertongue Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mothertonguethepodcast THE MOTHER TONGUE PODBOOK The Mother Tongue podbook is a collection of interviews with experts on everything you need to know about parenthood from pre-conception all the way through to when your kids starts school. Over the course of 43+ chapters, the podbook delves into the topics that all mums and mums to be wants the answers to. Buy yours now: https://mother-tongue.zbooni.com/products/mother-tongue-podbook

    The Truth About Healthy Hair: Colour, Extensions & Living in Dubai with Louise Bailey

  8. May 19

    Why “Having It All” Still Isn’t Working for Women with Stefanie O’Connell

    Today I’m joined by Stefanie O’Connell - an award-winning journalist who writes about money, power and ambition, and the author of The Ambition Penalty. Her work challenges a lot of what we’ve been told as women - that if we just work hard enough, lean in, and push through the imposter syndrome, we’ll get there. But the data tells a very different story. Stefanie looks at the real cost of ambition for women - financially, professionally and personally  and why so many women are feeling burnt out, disillusioned, and stuck… despite doing everything “right”. And as a mum herself, she brings such an important lens to what this actually looks like in real life. Find Stefanie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stefanieoconnell/ Find us on instagram: @wearemothertongue Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mothertonguethepodcast THE MOTHER TONGUE PODBOOK The Mother Tongue podbook is a collection of interviews with experts on everything you need to know about parenthood from pre-conception all the way through to when your kids starts school. Over the course of 43+ chapters, the podbook delves into the topics that all mums and mums to be wants the answers to. Buy yours now: https://mother-tongue.zbooni.com/products/mother-tongue-podbook

    Why “Having It All” Still Isn’t Working for Women with Stefanie O’Connell
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Mother Tongue is a podcast about modern motherhood - the ambition, the identity shifts, the invisible load, and the quiet recalibrations that happen behind the scenes. I’m Maryanne. I’m a mum of three, a founder, and someone who has spent most of her adult life building businesses while raising a family, often at the same time, usually a little exhausted, and always learning as I go. This podcast is where I have the conversations I wish I’d heard earlier - the honest ones about work, money, ambition, relationships, burnout, confidence, health, and what it really means to build a life alongside motherhood, not in spite of it. Each episode features thoughtful, open conversations with founders, creatives, doctors, experts and women navigating big lives in real time. We talk about the things that don’t always make it into neat soundbites - the trade-offs, the doubts, the moments of clarity, and the decisions that quietly change everything. Mother Tongue isn’t about doing more or getting it perfect. It’s about feeling less alone, better informed, and more grounded in the choices you’re making - whether you’re building a business, raising children, starting again, or simply trying to make sense of the season you’re in. New episodes weekly. Listen in, wherever you are. To get in touch or to find out more about the podcast, please email info@wearemothertongue.com / Instagram @wearemothertongue.Or visit our website: www.wearemothertongue.com

Information

  • Creator
    Mother Tongue
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    231
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Mother Tongue
  • Show Website
    Mother Tongue

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