The Art of Being a Mum

Alison Newman
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Arts
  • Updated Weekly

Singer/songwriter + Aussie mum of 2 Alison Newman enjoys honest and inspiring conversations with artists + creators about the joys + issues they've encountered while trying to be a mum + continue to create. We discuss the mental load, changes in identity, how creativity is influenced by motherhood, mum guilt, the patriarchy, feminism + more. Out Fridays.

  1. 3d ago

    Liam Brown - Father's Day Special

    Liam Brown is a singer/songwriter and musician from Mount Gambier and father of 2. Liam talks about the strong relationship he has with his Gernz bandmates, why rock stars are a**sholes and playing a gig just 12 hours before his baby was born. Gernz is a three-piece alternative Aus-rock, punk, and grunge band hailing from the DIY music scene of Mount Gambier, South Australia. Formed in 2024, the trio consists of Liam Brown (vocals/guitar), Kyle Gleed (bass), and Bradley Frost (drums). After spending over a decade playing together in various local metal outfits, the longtime friends shifted directions to create a project rooted in raw energy and unfiltered authenticity. The band describes their sound as a blend of '90s grunge and modern Aussie punk, drawing heavy sonic comparisons to Nirvana, Pixies, The Breeders, and Amyl and the Sniffers. Their music balances melody-driven arrangements with a harsh, infectious, and distinctly Australian bite. Embracing a self-described "dumb and fun" songwriting ethos, Gernz focuses on everyday regional themes—ranging from local trade culture to humorous real-life setbacks. A core mission of the band is challenging the stigma surrounding regional musicians. They actively champion the thriving, high-quality live music ecosystem of regional Australia. Known for their high-octane, beer-drinking live sets at local pubs like the Bellum Hotel and capital-city stages like the Adelaide UniBar, Gernz maintains a reputation for raw, energetic performances focused entirely on engaging the "punters". This episode contains mentions of mental health and drug use. Gernz on instagram

    Liam Brown - Father's Day Special

  2. 3d ago

    Quan Yeomans - Father's Day Special

    After being together for just 6 months, Regurgitator were signed to a 5 album deal. Formed in 1994 by core members Quan Yeomans & Ben Ely. Regurgitator is an influential Australian alternative rock band formed in Brisbane in 1993 by core members Quan Yeomans and Ben Ely, alongside original drummer Martin Lee. Known for their unique, genre-blurring sound, the group blends rock, punk, funk, and electronic pop with sharp, ironic humor and a quirky critique of society. They achieved critical acclaim and massive commercial success with their 1996 debut album Tu-Plang, which earned ARIA Platinum certification and won two ARIA Music Awards for Best Alternative Release and Best Debut Album. Their success peaked with their seminal November 1997 follow-up album Unit, a commercial juggernaut that spent most of 1998 dominating the sales charts to secure a triple-platinum status with over 210,000 units shipped. Unit became a defining record of the era, sweeping the 1998 ARIA Awards with five wins, including the prestigious Album of the Year and Best Alternative Album. Following their third studio effort ...art in 1999—which achieved ARIA Gold certification—the band transitioned into independent music. They famously recorded inside a transparent public structure for the 2004 "Band in a Bubble" project, and they have maintained a prolific, fiercely independent career well into the 2020s with recent album releases like Headroxx and Invader. This album contains discussions around drugs and has swearing.

    Quan Yeomans - Father's Day Special

  3. 08/31/2023

    Zach Mander - Father's Day Special

    In the second of my Father's Day special podcast episodes. I welcome Zach Mander, a comedian, radio announcer and father of 2 from Brisbane Australia. Zach has hosted national radio shows on stations such as 2Day FM and FOX FM and specialises in clever and offbeat content. He is the self proclaimed 'Bluey detective delving in to the much loved Aussie kids show and providing witty observations. If today’s episode is triggering for you in any way I encourage you to seek help from those around you, medical professionals or from resources on line. I have compiled a list of great international resources here Music used with permission thanks to my APRA AMCOS mini online license. When chatting to my guests I greatly appreciate their openness and honestly in sharing their stories. If at any stage their information is found to be incorrect, the podcast bears no responsibility for guests' inaccuracies.

    Zach Mander - Father's Day Special

  4. 08/31/2023

    Scott Shriner - Father's Day Special

    This week I release 2 special podcasts to celebrate Father's Day in Australia this coming weekend. The first is from Scott Shriner, bass player in the band Weezer, dad of 2 boys, and husband to author Jillian Lauren who is a previous guest of the podcast! Scott grew up in a musical home and studied jazz from an early age. He played trombone, and then bass guitar. In 2001 he joined American alt rock band Weezer and has ben touring the world since. He is the dad of 2 adopted boys, Jovi and Tariku, and I am so grateful for him giving me this interview between legs of the band's current tour through the USA, Japan and soon to be in Australia. If today’s episode is triggering for you in any way I encourage you to seek help from those around you, medical professionals or from resources on line. I have compiled a list of great international resources here Music used with permission from Scott and Weezer thanks to my APRA AMCOS mini online licence agreement. When chatting to my guests I greatly appreciate their openness and honestly in sharing their stories. If at any stage their information is found to be incorrect, the podcast bears no responsibility for guests' inaccuracies.

    Scott Shriner - Father's Day Special

  5. 07/20/2023

    Jenn Book Haselswerdt

    My guest this week on the podcast is Jenn Book Haselswerdt, a multi passionate creative and mum of 2 from Baltimore USA Jen is an Arts integration teacher, playwright and dramaturgist , but also enjoys doing all kinds of creating, from pottery to knitting and baking. Jenn was first drawn to the theatre through 'Annie' the musical. She was an actor through College, had a short time as a professional actor but then realised that she wanted to teach and write in the theatre. Jenn holds an Undergraduate Degree in Theatre, and a Masters Degree in Theatre, History and Criticism. She works with companies on new play development, reading scripts and doing research into the histories behind plays. She also works with a gallery to teach about the history of the art pieces. **Jenn's episode contains mentions of anxiety and depression** If today’s episode is triggering for you in any way I encourage you to seek help from those around you, medical professionals or from resources on line. I have compiled a list of great international resources here Music used with permission from Alemjo my new age and ambient music trio. When chatting to my guests I greatly appreciate their openness and honestly in sharing their stories. If at any stage their information is found to be incorrect, the podcast bears no responsibility for guests' inaccuracies.

    Jenn Book Haselswerdt

  6. 07/13/2023

    Emma Stenhouse

    This week on the podcast we are celebrating 100 episodes ! Hip hip horray! My guest is Emma Stenhouse, an Indigenous artisan and Ngarrindjeri Woman who is the mother of 3 children. Emma can be described as many things - indigenous artisan, Ngarrindjeri Woman, artist, weaver, printmaker, designer and sewist. Emma Stenhouse is taking the first steps on her journey in belonging and becoming connected with her Ngarrindjeri heritage. Her work is predominantly inspired by nature and connection to country using elements of contemporary art and traditional Iconography. Emma ignites the flame of love for Country in other hearts and minds. A multifaceted creative, she explores diverse practices. Each piece is braided with learning, exchange between artist and viewer, a continuation of culture - a platform for cross cultural exchange An experienced early childhood educator, Emma imparts her knowledge of culture, implementing programming including traditional indigenous creative practices guided by Gunditjmara elders. A gatherer and sharer of knowledge, she uses this to guide her own journey. She builds capacity for others to learn and develop their own connections. Emma's story spans across four decades, desert and sea; as she explores the challenges and monuments of her cultural growth, connection to Country and being an Artist. Moving through time and space, from the bush to the beach her stories are formed by her deep relationship to land and guided by strong female role models in her community. **Emma’s epiosde contains mentions of the loss of a child** Emma - website Podcast - instagram / website If today’s episode is triggering for you in any way I encourage you to seek help from those around you, medical professionals or from resources on line. I have compiled a list of great international resources here Music used with permission from our first nations musicians. When chatting to my guests I greatly appreciate their openness and honestly in sharing their stories. If at any stage their information is found to be incorrect, the podcast bears no responsibility for guests' inaccuracies.

    Emma Stenhouse

  7. 06/15/2023

    Damien Leith - Father's Day Episode

    To celebrate Fathers Day in the US and northern hemisphere I am thrilled to welcome well known Irish / Australian singer Damien Leith to the show. Damien is a multi-talented artist that has made his mark in Australia as a singer/ songwriter, producer, author, playwright and tv/radio host personality and he is a dad of 3 children. Damien grew up in Ireland surroudned my music, but didnt get into singing until he was 17. He started a family band with his brother and 2 sisters and toured around Ireland. He came to Australia in 2003 after meeting his soon to be wife Eileen in Ireland, on the first leg of a round the world trip, and has never left! The talented family man first captured the attention and affection of Australians when he contested the 2006 edition of Australian Idol – a series he went on to win. Since then, his career skyrocketed, but he has remained charming, grounded and modest – securing him a place as a popular and well-loved Australian personality. Over the past 17 years Damien has enjoyed platinum-selling albums selling over 750,000 albums and won many prestigious awards including Arias, a Golden Guitar, Songwriter of the Year and many more. His Aria wins include number 1 chart awards for the albums WHERE WE LAND and THE WINNER'S JOURNEY, highest selling album, and highest selling single and number 1 chart award for the track, NIGHT OF MY LIFE. His music has been chosen to appear in commercials, movies and television shows. Damien was a celebrity contestant and finalist on the 2011 series of DANCING WITH THE STARS. Damien also loves creative writing, publishing two novels ONE MORE TIME (2007) and REMEMBER JUNE (2009). He also shares his expertise as a singer/songwriter and has created online courses to help artists improve their voice and songwriters to write, record and release their own music through his DAMIEN LEITH ACADEMY. When Damien is not touring and performing, he spends his time in his recording studio where he is a highly sought-after songwriter (published through Embassy Publishing) and producer. Writing for many artists, he won 2016 APRA/ASA songwriter of the year and 2017 APRA/AMCOS GOLDEN GUITAR winner for song of the year. This episode contains mentions of OCD Damien- website / shows Podcast - instagram / website If today’s episode is triggering for you in any way I encourage you to seek help from those around you, medical professionals or from resources on line. I have compiled a list of great international resources here Music used with permission from Damien. When chatting to my guests I greatly appreciate their openness and honestly in sharing their stories. If at any stage their information is found to be incorrect, the podcast bears no responsibility for guests' inaccuracies.

    Damien Leith - Father's Day Episode

  8. 06/08/2023

    Tamara Seeley

    My guest this week is Tamara Seeley a singer and songwriter from Mount Gambier, South Australia and a mum of 2. Tamara has been a singer since the age of 15, crediting her Scottish heritage as what brought her to singing as well as The Bodyguard movie. After leaving school she went to Melbourne to start her training, from then she has spent time living and performing in London, Doha and South Korea, being flown to from London to New Zealand to act in a commercial and performing on the Disney Cruise Ship in the Carribean Islands. Oh and she sang back up vocals for Right Said Fred of 90s "I'm too Sexy' fame and was an extra in a Bollywood music video too! Her philosophy at that time was to try anything she had the opportunity to. Tamara has 4 releases under her belt, her 2015 EP Gold Armour, singles Eileen and Old Skool Love, and her latest release of a 10 year special remix of her track Release Me which is out now. Even though she has seen some amazing places and travelled so widely, amongst her proudest career achievements is recording and producing her music video for her latest single in home town of Mount Gambier, a regional town of but 28000 people. Tamara - facebook / instagram /music / Release Me music video Podcast - instagram / website Yallum Park Mansion If today’s episode is triggering for you in any way I encourage you to seek help from those around you, medical professionals or from resources on line. I have compiled a list of great international resources here Music used with permission from Tamara. When chatting to my guests I greatly appreciate their openness and honestly in sharing their stories. If at any stage their information is found to be incorrect, the podcast bears no responsibility for guests' inaccuracies.

    Tamara Seeley
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Singer/songwriter + Aussie mum of 2 Alison Newman enjoys honest and inspiring conversations with artists + creators about the joys + issues they've encountered while trying to be a mum + continue to create. We discuss the mental load, changes in identity, how creativity is influenced by motherhood, mum guilt, the patriarchy, feminism + more. Out Fridays.

Information

  • Creator
    Alison Newman
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    109
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Alison Newman 2021
  • Show Website
    The Art of Being a Mum