A comedy chat show for less-than-perfect parents. Hosted by comedians Ellie Gibson and Helen Thorn and featuring guest parenting experts, comedians and authors. The podcast covers the big issues affecting modern parents - from fish fingers to farting, to play-dates and pelvic floors. Expect frank an
Which phase of raising a child is the hardest? Are any of us the kind of mum we thought we'd be? And are there any lessons women can learn from men when it comes to saying sorry? Helping us answer all these questions is the amazing Em Clarkson! This episode was recorded at Big Feastival in August, in front of a live tent-based audience. We discuss Em's political activism and how she's finding motherhood. There's also some chat about exercise, and how you know if running is right for you. We end as always with some Scummy Mummy Confessions, this time involving an embarrassing incident abroad…
She's back! We are joined for this episode by Helen Russell, the brilliant author of The Year of Living Danishly and now a fantastic new novel. Helen tells us why she's decided to return to her native Britain after more than a decade of living in glorious Denmark. We compare and contrast life in the two countries, plus English village life versus trying to survive in Catford. We discuss Helen's hilarious and highly relatable novel Laura Clark is Away From Her Desk , which is out now. We talk about how hard it is to switch from writing non-fiction to novels, and Helen shares her top tips for…
In this episode, we celebrate the kids going back to school. Join us as we sit down for a nice cup of tea and a catchup for the first time in six weeks. We talk about what we did on our holidays, our differing laundry strategies, and a show on Netflix that Ellie hates yet watches compulsively. It's more fun than it sounds. (This episode, not the show.) It's a bumper crop of confessions this episode as we share the stories from our Big Feastival gig. Helen announces some exciting personal news, and we exclusively reveal the title and theme of our new stage show, coming your way in 2027... The…
What are the four things you need to be a writer? Why are we so fascinated by other people's sad stories? And what is the best way to get seeds out of a pomegranate? Answering all these questions is the wonderful Ella Risbridger! She tells us all about her latest book, The Kitchen Book . We find out how she came up with brilliant recipes like No-Knife Potato and Prawn Curry, and learn why Heinz tomato soup is the secret ingredient Ellie has been seeking for the last six years. There's some writing chat - Helen and Ella discuss the challenges of writing memoir, and how they feel about their…
It's a spectacular summer special as we hang out with the legendary and hilarious Dick and Dom! Not in da bungalow, but live on stage at the brilliant Camp Bestival! Having been together for 30 years, they know a thing or two about being in a double act, so we talk about that. Which Scummy Mummy is most like Dom, and who is a Dick? How does neurodiversity affect the dynamic, and what are the positives of having different traits? There's a bit of fatherhood chat - Dick reveals what he thinks is the hardest job in the world, and Dom shares his best parenting advice. We learn how they ended up…
Our guest for this episode is the hilarious comedian, cook and author George Egg! He shares some of his best recipes, including the chicken dish Ellie makes every week. We discuss George's favourite comfort food and argue about the best way to make cheese on toast. As usual we go off on a variety of tangents, including grandparenthood, skiffle, chutney, and being locked in the freezer at McDonald's birthday parties in the eighties. Plus we share our top foodie hacks for surviving festivals. As always we end with Scummy Mummy Confessions - Ellie's urinal gourd, George's school fete face…
On this episode we have a rollercoaster of a conversation with TV legend Andrea McLean. We cover everything from the menopause to money problems, losing your home to losing your libido and more. Andrea tells us about her latest book, Shameless , which is out now. She discusses leaving her job as a presenter on Loose Women to build her own business, and what happened when it all went wrong. We find out how she managed to shed the shame and why she decided to tell the world all about it. There's some menopause chat - we compare our fave HRT medications, and Helen shares a sexy tip for anyone…
It's a travel special! We sit down for a good old chinwag about our latest jaunts to the opposite ends of the world. Helen talks about her trip to South Africa with Sports Tours International, and what it's like to run the Cape Town marathon when you're suffering from gastroenteritis. Listen in to find out what got her through, and the biggest lessons she's learned over the course of running 14 marathons. Then it's Ellie's turn to discuss her visit to the Arctic with HX Expeditions. We find out why she thought taking her disabled 80 year-old Mum was a good idea, and how it turned out to be…
Our guest for this episode is the brilliant Sheyi Martins-Allen. You might know her for her political rants on Instagram, her hilarious agony aunting, or her strong views on adapting Pride and Prejudice for the small screen. She is also a fantastic singer - she tells us how her recent show went, and about her plans for the future. We find out how she became friendly with Dolly Alderton, how she deals with Trump supporters in her DMs, and why her Dad is struggling with the behaviour of Brooklyn Beckham. Plus: we discuss the use of humour to talk about politics, and teach Sheyi a new and…
Why does it take a whole year to make a kids' book? What's it like to visit Richard Branson's private island? And who doesn't love a Nissan Micra? Answering all these questions is bestselling children's author Rachel Bright! She tells us how she went from losing hope after an early rejection to landing a three-book publishing deal, and enjoying huge success with The Lion Inside . We talk about talent, timing, and the third magic ingredient that got Rachel where she is today. We also discuss Rachel's time working as an air hostess for Virgin Atlantic, and what happened when she went to Necker…
How common is sibling estrangement? Does birth order really determine your destiny? And is there anything we can do to make our kids get along? Helping us to answer all these questions is the awesome author Catherine Carr. It's a big episode for Ellie, as she talks publicly for the first time about being estranged from her brother - why it's happened, and how she's learned to make peace with it. Catherine shares what she's learned about the subject in the course of writing her excellent book, Who's the Favourite ? We also discuss whether the myths about elder and younger siblings are true,…
She's Britain's favourite pantomime dame (oh no she isn't, etc) - it's Mama G! Join us for a hilarious chat covering everything from panto and children's books to lesbian grandmas and Irene from Home and Away. We delve deep into Mama G's origin story, and find out how she got started in the panto game. What was it like to play Bungle in the Rainbow stage show, and what happened when she met the one from the telly? And is Zippy a dick in real life? We also talk about Mama G's experience of leading a team of dames to the semi-final on Britain's Got Talent. What's Simon Cowell like when the…
How do you stop being a people pleaser? Is it wrong to pee in the shower? And how do you end up having a fight with Giles Brandreth? Helping us to answer all these questions is the brilliant Bryony Gordon. Bryony tells us all about her new novel, People Pleaser , which is out on Thursday. Helen reveals how she learned to ask for what she wants, and Ellie explains how it has made their relationship stronger. We talk about the pros and cons of rawdogging your emotions, and whether you can be 80 per cent sober. There's also a bit of chat about shagging, and of course Scummy Mummy Confessions,…
What's going on in our brains when we can't sleep? What if you find it easy to drop off, but wake up a few hours later? How does the perimenopause play a part? Joining us to answer all these questions is the brilliant Lorna MacDonald. Lorna is a neuroscience-based hypnotherapist and coach who's been helping Ellie get a bit more shut-eye. She explains why so many middle-aged women struggle with sleep, and gives us lots of practical ideas for improving things. We talk about the stress bucket, and the difference between slutty and classy dopamine. There's some chat about alcohol and hormonal…
IT'S HERE! Well, almost. Helen's brand new book, How to Face Big Change and Come Back Stronger , is out on 2nd April! So we sat down for a chat about it. Listen in to find out why Helen wanted to write the book, and what she learned during the writing process. Ellie discusses what it's like to support a friend through hard times, and there's some chat about healthy and not-so-healthy ways of coping. Plus, discover what makes Helen laugh more than anything else, and why Ellie is now really into oil rigs. We are on tour, just for a change. But also - Helen is doing a book tour! And Ellie is…
Our guest for this episode is the brilliant comedian Cariad Lloyd! We talk about her award-winning podcast, Griefcast, and why she decided to stop making it after seven years. We discuss helping a friend through grief - is it ever too late to offer support? What's the best way to handle tricky times like Mother's Day? And why is death sometimes so bloody funny? Cariad shares what it was like to have a baby four days into the first lockdown, and why she's moved into writing children's books. We talk about her fantastic picture book, Where Did She Go? , and festive adventure Lydia Marmalade…
It's just the two of us as we sit down with some of the funniest and filthiest audience confessions from our live show. This is the stuff you just couldn't make up... Tune in to hear all sorts of tales about badly behaved teachers, a wrongfully accused cat, a hoovering accident and more... Huge thanks to everyone who has shared their hilarious stories with us, and to everyone who has been to our shows and heard them live. Our Hot Mess tour is running right up until Christmas - Hertford this week, Scotland next week, and then everywhere from Norwich to Northern Ireland! Go to…
What are the top three things we should be doing for our health as we get older? How can we help ourselves through the menopause? And is it OK to eat Minstrels for breakfast? Helping us to answer all these questions is fitness expert Kate Rowe-Ham! She tells us all about her new book, The Longevity Solution: 21 Days to Health, Strength, and Vitality . We discuss why we might need to change our strategies for things like exercise and fasting as we age, and how to track improvements. Kate discusses her views on supplements, nutrition, and the importance of community, and we find out how much…
Our guest for this episode is the brilliant and hilarious Fay Reid, known on Instagram as @9to5menopause . We talk about her experience of entering perimenopause at 45. She discusses the stigma that she feels exists within the Black community around the topic, how she built up the courage to speak out, and what happened when she did. Fay also tells us about her attempts to have a child, and the grief and acceptance that followed. She shares the top three things she wishes she'd known at the start of her journey, and reveals the benefits of being menopausal - yes, there are some! There's a…
How do you stay married for 33 years? What's it like to live with your kids when they're adults? And what's the best thing about being over 60? Answering all these questions is hilarious Guardian columnist Tim Dowling! It's been a decade since Tim was last on the podcast, so we have a bit of a catchup, and are pleased to learn both his marriage and tortoise are still thriving. We discuss WhatsApp etiquette, and why young people think we're doing email all wrong. Tim tells us about performing with his band, Police Dog Hogan, at Glastonbury, and what it's like to open for the ZingZillas. We…
She's back! The star of our most downloaded podcast ep returns for a big old chat about all sorts of things. We talk about how far she's come since starting her business, Don't Buy Her Flowers , and what it's like to sell a company you started from scratch. There's some debate about what's harder - the toddler years or the teenage phase? Steph discusses coping with anxiety, Ellie talks about dealing with the guilt of needing help, and Helen reveals what helped her get over her fear of flying. Of course we finish off with some Scummy Mummy Confessions, this time involving Seinfeld, grey…
Oh God. Time for some loud swearing, heavy drinking, and ludicrous conversations about nothing of any note - it's the Scummy Mummies Christmas Special! This year we have an argument about bodily fluids, and Steve shares his novel alternative to having a vasectomy. We talk about our favourite and least favourite shows of the year. There's a world exclusive book announcement, and Ellie reveals a secret she's been keeping from Jessie since August. Of course, it wouldn't be Christmas without our stupid traditions - Linda Chat, gifts no one wants, and we find out if Jessie has a new job. Then…
Vasectomies, pornography, dick jokes and poo logistics - we cover it all with the help of hilarious comedian and actor, Sam Pamphilon! Sam tells us all about what it was like to have the snip, in graphic detail. We hear about the brilliant short film he recently starred in - The Man That I Wave At . And we discuss the sketch we tried out that was so filthy it never made it into the main Scummy Mummies show. Of course we finish with some confessions, involving language barriers, removal men, and a big old Dad Fail. IT'S TIIIIME! This week's shows in Chipping Norton are SOLD OUT. But you can…
Why do people have affairs? What effect does it have on kids? How do you learn to love again after your partner has cheated? Answering all these questions is the brilliant psychotherapist Juliet Rosenfeld! She tells us all about her fascinating book, Affairs: True Stories of Love, Lies, Hope and Desire . We discuss what is going on in the minds of cheaters and what it's got to do with childhood. We also dig deep into topics such as polyamory, BDSM, and whether a relationship can be resurrected after an affair. As is the custom, we end with some Scummy Mummy Confessions, this time involving a…
Imagine taking up athletics in your forties, discovering you're great at the triple jump, and going on to set a brand new record. That's what Emily Murray (aka @pinkhouseliving) did - and she's here to tell us all about it. We learn about the Masters Athletics Federation, and how they offer people of all ages the chance to compete for actual medals. We discuss the pros and cons of being a super competitive person, and Emily explains how her perspective on winning has changed over the years. There's also some chat about writing novels, the new Lily Allen album, and whether King Charles is…
How do you get teens to talk to you? Why do they need to sleep so much? And where the hell are they putting all that food? Helping us to answer all these questions is author Nicole Howes! She tells us all about her new book, Not a Survival Guide . We talk about the highs and lows of having teenage kids, and share our top tips for getting through. Nicole reveals why it's important to manage our expectations, and suggests some ways we can make things easier on ourselves, and our teens. As always, we share some Scummy Mummy Confessions - this time involving shaving, a leaking swim nappy, and a…
Time for a cup of tea and a catch up as we share all the big stuff that's been happening lately. Helen talks about what it was like to run the Sydney marathon, and shares an unimpressive celebrity anecdote. Ellie discusses her partial knee replacement, and the thing she did in the hospital that made a nurse go "Oh my God." We round off with some fantastic Scummy Mummy Confessions, harvested from our live show. Midwife mixups, redundancy revenge plots, women shaving each others' "fairies" - listen in for stories so funny you couldn't make them up. Huge thanks to everyone who's already been to…
Is leopard print the new Breton top? What should you wear if you want to avoid "Mum Bum"? And what is the one thing you should always bring to a festival? Answering these questions is the amazing Zoe de Pass, aka Dress Like a Mum! We interviewed Zoe live on stage at this year's Big Feastival. As she's a style icon we chatted about fashion, of course, and invited her to pass judgment on some of our favourite outfits past and present. We also talked about the brilliant ski trips Zoe runs and shared some amazing stories involving incontinence, nudity, and infidelity. And that's before we even…
Our guest for this episode is the awesome author Julia Raeside. She tells us about her brilliant and very funny book about women taking on toxic men in comedy, Don't Make Me Laugh . We discuss why so many comedians turn out to be dreadful, and how working together is the key to effecting change. Julia talks about the reactions her book has had so far and why it seems to be resonating with so many people. There's also a bit of chat about the writing process - why is it so difficult? What should you do when you feel like packing it in? And which is harder, writing a book or running a marathon?…
This episode comes to you live from a Premier Inn room in Stevenage. That's showbusiness! Our guest is Steve Hill, sports writer, roadie, and miserable but funny man. We talk about his last decade driving for the Scummy Mummies, and how he's managed to finagle his way onto the stage. Listen in to discover what we fight about in the van, which curry Steve always orders, and how Ellie finds such nice pubs for lunch. Plus there's some incredibly lowbrow toilet humour and a debate about whether we'd have it off with Keir Starmer. So all in all it's a bit of a silly summer episode as we take a…
About The Scummy Mummies Podcast
A comedy chat show for less-than-perfect parents. Hosted by comedians Ellie Gibson and Helen Thorn and featuring guest parenting experts, comedians and authors. The podcast covers the big issues affecting modern parents - from fish fingers to farting, to play-dates and pelvic floors. Expect frank and funny chat as well as wine, laughter and sophisticated boob jokes. Check out our Scummy Mummies Blog and dates for our Live Comedy Shows - www.scummymummies.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Scummy Mummies Podcast is a English kids & family podcast from Ellie Gibson and Helen Thorn. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.
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