How do I form a healthy relationship with my stepchild? Parenting SOS with Cilla Appeaning

This week, we’re marking Father’s Day with a very special episode as we welcome Adam Frisby and Jamie Corbett to the studio! They join Gi to share their remarkable journey to parenthood, including the moment their first surrogate withdrew from the process, how their own childhoods shaped the parents they wanted to be, and the joy of welcoming their beautiful baby Leven to the world. Adam and Jamie also open up about the public scrutiny they’ve faced as a same-sex couple starting a family, and why they’re advocating for surrogacy law reform to better recognise intended parents from birth. You can learn more about Adam and Jamie’s petition to change surrogacy law here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when birth leaves a mark that doesn't just disappear?  In this episode we hear from two midwives who understand the lasting impact of birth trauma and what it means for the families who are left without clear answers. If you’re interested in being part of the next series of Life of a Midwife, we’d love to hear from you — just drop us an email [email protected] Links from our midwives: Little Light Support offers independent, trauma-informed birth debriefs for women and families — particularly those who’ve had complex, confusing or difficult experiences Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we’re so excited to welcome Lauren Cowell for her first ever podcast interview! After years of keeping a low profile while navigating public scrutiny, Lauren opens up to Gi about life after divorce, co-parenting, and how she handled the intense media attention surrounding her pregnancy with partner Simon Cowell. Lauren also shares more about her involvement in the ‘Raise the Age’ campaign — and since recording this episode, Keir Starmer has announced plans for under-16s to be banned from social media by spring 2027 👏👏👏 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Life of a Midwife, Giovanna shares the extraordinary journey of one midwife who turned her own hardships into a lifelong calling. From an orphaned child to an abandoned mother of triplets, to becoming the midwife she once desperately needed herself. If you're interested in being part of the next series of Life of a Midwife we'd love to hear from you! Just drop us an email at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Giovanna welcomes legendary singer-songwriter Laura Marling to the studio! Laura tells Gi about her early fears that becoming a mother might stifle her creativity, and shares her experiences of having two home births. She also discusses her mission to create children's music that parents can genuinely enjoy, and introduces her new venture, 'Laura Sings Raffi,' a 17-track cover album of beloved children's songs. Each song is brought to life with videos illustrated by Laura and animated by Rob Shuttleworth. Out now at Laurasings.co Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.