The Parenting Business

Stuart Malcolmson with Ben Lovejoy
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If you're a parent and you're in business, whether you own it or manage it, then this podcast is for you. Stuart and Ben are both multiple business owners trying to juggle work and family life. We discuss how things are going, the ups and downs of running businesses and how that affects weekly family life. We also talk about other things happening in the world, give our views on it and chat to other parents in business, to discover their stories, secrets, hints and tips for both better business and family life.

  1. How Do You Tell A 5 Year Old The Dog's Dead?.. And Other Things

    4d ago

    How Do You Tell A 5 Year Old The Dog's Dead?.. And Other Things

    Summary This week Stuart talks about breaking the worst news to a 5 year old and shares the way he did it. Ben talks about having a favourite child! And, the guys both share their other highs and lows of the past week, both in work and family lives. Ben also shares his Big Question and usual top quality *cough* Dad Joke. Don't forget that you can get in touch with us at The Parenting Business, with your questions, tips, advice and stories about how you balance being both a parent and business owner. Just either leave us a comment or send us an email to podcast@parentingbusiness.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Parenting and Business Balance 02:03 Reflections on Wealth and Happiness 02:55 Family Dynamics and Compliments 04:47 Challenges of Parenting Boys vs. Girls 05:45 The Struggles of Sugar-Free Living 09:40 Highs and Lows of Car Ownership 18:19 Dealing with Loss and Grief 22:34 Processing Loss and Grief 24:18 The Impact of Pet Loss on Children 25:53 Comparing Loss: Pets vs. Humans 28:05 Building Resilience Through Repeated Loss 28:58 Navigating Grief in Children 31:38 Coping Mechanisms During Difficult Times 33:41 Lighthearted Moments Amidst Serious Topics Keywords parenting, family, personal stories, pet loss, life challenges, mental health, parenting tips

    42 min
  2. Oh Dear! We Had To Cut The Episode Short So We Didn't Bore You!

    Jun 4

    Oh Dear! We Had To Cut The Episode Short So We Didn't Bore You!

    Summary In this weeks show, Stuart and Ben begin with their usual chat about highs and lows of their week, before moving on to sharing tips on helping kids sleep. Stuart then goes on a rant about the joys of trying to sell a vehicle and the inevitable "Tire Kickers"! There's of course the usual Big Question and Ben's Dad Joke, however it then starts to go a bit wrong as Stuart yet again starts to wind Ben up! The guys both decide, however, that it's better to save you from the nearly 2 hour conversation that ensued and cut this weeks episode short, so as not to bore you too much. Don't panic though, as you'll get to hear the full "discussion" in the comingw weeks! Don't forget to follow or subscribe to the show, to make sure you catch the latest episode every Thursday. Please also do feel free to get in touch, by either leaving us a comment or dropping an email to podcast@parentingbusiness.com

    31 min
  3. How Do You Wind Up Ben?.. Tell Him He's Sh1t To His Staff!!

    May 28

    How Do You Wind Up Ben?.. Tell Him He's Sh1t To His Staff!!

    Summary This week Stuart and Ben wittle on about the impact of hot weather on work and family life, the benefits of a four-day workweek, and practical tips for keeping staff cool during summer. They also share personal stories, humorous anecdotes, and insights on planning holidays and managing everyday challenges. Later on a very "lively" discussion also errupts when Stuart explores innovative ways to boost staff morale through unexpected acts of kindness, team-building activities, and performance recognition. They debate the effectiveness of small gestures like ice creams and cakes versus formal incentives, emphasizing the importance of genuine appreciation and team cohesion in a challenging business environment and Ben gets well and trult wound up! Don't forget the you can contact us with your dad jokes, Big Questions or strories about how you balance your Parenting Business. You can eiethr leave us a comment or send us an email to podcast@parentingbusiness.com Check out our new episode, out every Thursday! Chapters 00:00 Introduction and weather chat 01:24 Impact of hot weather on sleep and family life 02:30 Small Gestures That Make a Big Difference 03:17 Highs and lows: Weekend reflections 04:03 Benefits of a four-day workweek 04:45 The Effectiveness of Unexpected Rewards 05:41 Tracking productivity after a long weekend 06:14 Low: Family shopping chaos at Smith's Toy Store 06:39 Performance Incentives vs. Genuine Appreciation 08:38 Challenges of building toys and assembling trampolines 09:56 Team Building Activities and Their Impact 11:38 Old trampoline disposal and repair debates 12:31 Balancing Cost and Effectiveness in Rewards 12:53 Highs: Business picking up and holiday planning 15:49 Creating a Culture of Recognition 17:44 Planning summer holidays and managing work 18:16 Challenges in Staff Engagement 19:58 Six months of the Parenting Business podcast 21:04 Practical Tips for Leaders 23:14 Reflections on guest diversity and listener impact 24:37 Conclusion: Building a Motivated Team 26:31 Potential for live shows and listener interaction 28:17 Humorous animal questions and jokes 30:57 Managing staff wellbeing during hot weather 34:05 Practical tips for staff hydration and treats 36:29 Cost-effective ways to keep staff cool 37:16 Closing thoughts and future plans - IT'S A LONG ONE!

    1h 15m
  4. Turning Challenges Into Growth: Mindset, Resilience, And Self-Transformation With Mel Statner

    May 21

    Turning Challenges Into Growth: Mindset, Resilience, And Self-Transformation With Mel Statner

    Summary In this weeks episode Stuart and Ben learn from Midlife Coach, Mel Statner, about her she took a journey from feeling stuck in her life to becoming a transformative midlife coach for others. She talks throughthe two key emotional states and practical tools and mindset changes to overcome mental barriers, embrace challenges. All of these skills she has learnt through extensive research from leading practitioners around the reprograming of how the brain works to overcome challenge, in everyday life. Stuart and Ben also have their usual chat about their highs and lows, discus The Big Question and Ben shares his weekly Dad Joke! If you are wanting to gain support from Mel to grow your life, you can reach out to her directly through her website or by emailing her directly at mel@nomorewasteddays.co.uk Don't forget that you can also get in touch with Stuart and Ben about your Parenting Business stories, questions, Big Questions or Dad jokes, by either leaving a comment or emailing us at podcast@parentingbusiness.com Please do also kit that Like and Subscribe button and leave us a review, to share the positivity and grow the support. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Mel Statner and her journey from struggle to empowerment02:30 - The concept of looking up or down in mental health and resilience04:00 - The spiral of mental health and small wins for momentum07:00 - How to catch and shift negative thoughts to positive states10:15 - The two states of being: primal versus powerful13:05 - Personal story: overcoming life crisis with mindset tools15:30 - The role of neuroplasticity in aging and change20:00 - Why societal beliefs about aging and health are myths22:15 - The importance of community and support in transformation27:00 - The power of decision over belief in changing habits like smoking or weight loss32:00 - The flawed educational focus on pass/fail and its impact on self-worth36:00 - How mindset and social beliefs shape our purpose and worth42:00 - The neurobiology of belief, pain, and body-mind connection48:00 - Setting clear goals and visualizing possibilities in limited timeframes55:00 - Practical strategies for managing cravings and resistance62:00 - Accepting life as it is, stopping resistance, and non-attachment66:00 - The exponential effect of small improvements and persistence68:00 - How to reach out for coaching and support without barriers70:00 - Final thoughts: empowerment through mindset, community, and continuous progress

    1h 35m
  5. My Staff Member Thought I'd Be Fine With Them Bringing Their ...... Into Work!!

    May 14

    My Staff Member Thought I'd Be Fine With Them Bringing Their ...... Into Work!!

    SummaryThis week Stuart and Ben waffle on again about real-world challenges faced by business owners, from managing staff behavior and motivation to navigating legal pitfalls with HMRC. This episode offers practical tips on enforcing discipline, improving team performance, and understanding employment law essentials.In this episode:How to implement effective disciplinary procedures and the importance of documentationStrategies to boost staff ownership and proactive behaviorCommon pitfalls with staff bonuses and attendance incentivesDealing with staff illness, repeated sickness, and absenteeism managementLegal realities of employment law and HMRC compliance on wage paymentsThe role of technology, including CCTV, in staff oversight and safetyManaging team conflicts, staff resignations, and handling challenging employee situationsPractical considerations for staff mental health support and workplace wellbeing initiativesDon't forget to hit those Like and Subscribe buttons to catch up with a new show every Thursday. Also, please do get in touch with your own Parenting Business stories, by either leaving us a comment or emailing us directly at podcast@parentingbusiness.comChapters(00:00) - Introduction to managing staff and business challenges(02:15) - Importance of disciplinary procedures posted publicly(04:10) - Strategies for increasing staff accountability and ownership(06:12) - Handling staff sick days and absenteeism thresholds(09:05) - The legal implications of wage underpayment and record-keeping(12:30) - Using CCTV for safety and oversight in the workplace(15:05) - Dealing with staff conflicts and resignations(17:50) - Managing staff mental health and wellness programs(22:00) - The pitfalls of bonuses and incentives for attendance(25:10) - Legal requirements for wage documentation and HMRC compliance(30:50) - Vehicle sale procedures and handling paperwork hassles(37:30) - Staff disputes, team morale, and conflict resolution(40:50) - Staff motivation, ownership, and discipline escalation(45:00) - Handling challenging employee behaviors and mental health issues(50:15) - Benefits and limitations of private health for staff(55:00) - Implementing clear disciplinary steps and consistency(58:30) - Managing repeated sick leave and mental health support(60:10) - Closing thoughts on leadership and business resilience

    1h 2m
  6. How Persistence and Positivity Built A Global Pet Brand: Tarja Keen Shares Her Highs and Lows

    May 7

    How Persistence and Positivity Built A Global Pet Brand: Tarja Keen Shares Her Highs and Lows

    Summary This week Stuart and Be chat with Tarja Keen, who shares her remarkable journey through entrepreneurship, personal challenges, and resilience. From managing multiple international moves, building a pet product business, to overcoming cancer and legal battles, her story offers invaluable lessons on perseverance, honesty, and positivity. The guys also share their own personal weekly highs and lows, as well as an interetsing Big Question and Ben's (usually terible) dad joke! Don't forget to hit that follow or subscribe button, to catch a new episode every week. Also, please do get in touch with your own Parenting Business stories, by either leaving us a comment or sending us an email to podcast@parentingbusiness.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction to This Weeks Show 18:47 Introduction to Tarja's Journey 21:33 Balancing Business and Family Life 24:35 Cultural Adjustments and Challenges 27:20 Navigating Business Partnerships 30:20 Overcoming Adversity in Business 33:09 The Impact of Health on Business 36:01 Finding Strength in Family Support 39:08 The Role of Passion in Entrepreneurship 41:42 Mental Health and Seeking Help 44:41 Resilience and Moving Forward 55:07 The Turning Point: Seeking Help 57:37 Finding Positivity in Adversity 01:01:29 Lessons Learned: Embracing Change 01:06:12 The Impact of Resilience on Family 01:10:57 Business Breakthroughs: Persistence Pays Off 01:18:54 Reflections on Trust and Regrets 01:21:13 The Joys of Entrepreneurship and Parenting 01:23:41 Looking Ahead: New Beginnings 01:28:02 Resilience in Adversity 01:30:43 The Importance of Focus and Drive 01:33:22 The Role of Raw Conversations in Healing 01:36:12 Mental Health Awareness and Community Support Keywords entrepreneurship, resilience, personal growth, international business, overcoming adversity, pet products, legal battles, cancer survival, parenting, mental health

    1h 37m
  7. Why The F#ck Can't We Stay On Topic?.. Because Of Bloody Roofers, That's Why!

    Apr 30

    Why The F#ck Can't We Stay On Topic?.. Because Of Bloody Roofers, That's Why!

    Summary In this weeks episode Stuart and Ben try to bring some order to the show by having a topic to discuss. Right up until Ben mentions one final piss take in his long running roofer fiasco! That then opens the gates to a very long discussion around giving in to intimidation and whether it's the right thing to do, when it feels like family could be affected. Stuart then opens up about is anxiety around other parents judgements at birthday parties and how it often feels like you're maybe not doing a good enough job. Coupled with the usual fact of the week and dad jokes, they never actually manage to get onto the planned topic, so will have to save it for another episode. Please do remember to Like, Subscribe and leave us a review. Also, if you want to get in touch, please eiether leave us a comment or drop us an email to podcast@parentingbusiness.com Make sure to check out the latest episode every Thursday and please do suggest other parents and business owners take a listen and get involved.

    51 min
  8. Shit Doesn't Just Come From Business Partners But This Episode Might Actually Put You To Sleep!

    Apr 23

    Shit Doesn't Just Come From Business Partners But This Episode Might Actually Put You To Sleep!

    Summary This week Ben and Stuart are talking Shit and it's not just their usual drivel! The chat openely about theri usual weekly lows and highs, the shit achievements of their kids, creating routines in life and then generally waffle about their lives and experiences. All of this coupled with the Big Question,Dad Joke of the Week and Ben is pleased to finish the show a bit differently, with a relaxing story to help you really drift off to sleep! Don't forget to subscibe, so that you can catch up with us every Thursday and please do leave us a comment and reiew, to help us spread the message and show other business and parents that they are not alone in their Parenting Business. If you have any stories, hints, tips or just generally want to share your thoughts, please drop us an email to podcast@parentingbusiness.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Weekly Catch-up 01:16 Celebrating St. George's Day and Naval Delays 02:15 Family Routine and Personal Updates 03:03 Business Challenges and Company Closure 05:21 Positive Business Developments and Client Trust 06:10 Parenting Milestone: Daughter Sleeps Through the Night 07:26 Children's Sleep Patterns and Bedtime Routines 09:16 Playdates and Socializing Kids 11:27 Parenting Perspectives on Social Play 12:44 Child's Progress and Nappy Off Incidents 14:05 Weekend Plans and Routine Appreciation 15:38 The Power of Routine and Habits 16:48 Setting Goals and Training for Races 19:26 Returning to Fitness and Habit Formation 21:07 Using Challenges to Motivate Change 22:03 Celebrating Recognition and Achievements 23:03 Humorous Questions and Kids' Curiosity 24:58 Humor in Language and Cultural Differences 26:39 Language and Spelling Fun with British and American English 28:09 Uncertainty About Why Jumpers Are Called Jumpers 28:35 Dad Jokes and Parenting Humor 30:53 Upcoming International Guest and Future Plans 31:32 Bedtime Stories and Parenting Humor 32:54 Storytime and Parenting Relaxation 34:25 Humor in Bedtime Routines and Sleep Challenges 35:49 Closing Remarks and Parenting Reflections Keywords parenting, routines, dad jokes, family milestones, humor, parenting challenges, bedtime stories, personal stories

    36 min
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About

If you're a parent and you're in business, whether you own it or manage it, then this podcast is for you. Stuart and Ben are both multiple business owners trying to juggle work and family life. We discuss how things are going, the ups and downs of running businesses and how that affects weekly family life. We also talk about other things happening in the world, give our views on it and chat to other parents in business, to discover their stories, secrets, hints and tips for both better business and family life.

Information

  • Creator
    Stuart Malcolmson with Ben Lovejoy
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Stuart Malcolmson with Ben Lovejoy
  • Show Website
    The Parenting Business