In this heartfelt episode of Mumbelievable, host Sonia Beldom welcomes broadcaster, novelist, and television personality Fern Britton. Fern reflects on her glamorous yet emotionally complex mother, Ruth, whose wartime experiences, fierce personality, and unconventional parenting shaped her life. She shares vivid memories of Cornwall, family holidays, military drills in the garden, and a mother who never complained despite enduring separation, war, heartbreak, and hardship. Fern also opens up about her own experiences with depression and postnatal depression, the misunderstandings surrounding mental health, and how grief and divorce later led her to rebuild herself physically and emotionally. Alongside Sonia’s own reflections on growing up with a mentally ill mother, the episode becomes a moving exploration of the complicated but enduring bonds between mothers and children — the love, humour, damage, strength, and legacies passed down through generations.

00:00

Introduction to Mumbelievable and Personal Stories

01:17

A Cornish Legacy: Exploring Family Secrets

03:12

Childhood Memories and the Influence of Place

04:36

Growing Up Without a Father Figure

06:03

Ruth: A Glamorous and Complex Mother

08:27

The Impact of Parental Relationships on Life Choices

10:18

The Journey into Showbiz and Career Beginnings

11:45

Mother's Pride and the Legacy of Scrapbooks

12:15

Understanding Mental Health and Family Dynamics

14:50

War Experiences and Their Lasting Effects

16:14

Generational Legacies and Family Traditions

18:12

Reinventing Oneself After Loss

20:06

Navigating Postnatal Depression and Support

22:32

Coping Mechanisms and Personal Struggles

25:39

Turning Points and Health Transformations

27:07

Reflections on Maternal Influence and Legacy

28:03

Conclusion: Celebrating Unbelievable Mothers

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An in-depth conversation with Ann Widdicombe exploring her life, her mother's influence, her political career, and her personal beliefs. Discover how her upbringing shaped her independence, her views on religion, and her journey through public life.

00:00

Introduction and Guest Credibility

01:00

Ann Widdicombe's Public Persona and Career Highlights

01:54

Memories of Her Mother and Childhood Experiences

03:43

Parenting, Bravery, and Emotional Resilience

05:37

Impact of Nomadic Childhood on Independence

07:29

Her Mother’s Background and Views on Women in Religion

09:54

Political Journey and Return to Politics in 2019

13:11

Religious Beliefs and Views on Women in the Church

16:30

Educational Background and Early Life Influences

20:11

Memorable Encounters with the Pope and Religious Experiences

22:55

Humorous Family Stories and Personal Anecdotes

25:48

Family Life, Moving, and Caring for Parents

28:31

Reflections on Achievements and Personal Growth

32:22

Political Changes and Future Outlook

34:36

Legacy, Inspiration, and Personal Traits

35:35

Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

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Host Sonia Beldom welcomes stylist Alicia Kite to Mumbelievable, a podcast exploring how mums shape their children. Alicia shares how her mother, Fawn, loved clothes as a source of joy and identity, collecting and caring for special pieces and inspiring Alicia’s 40-year career helping women feel confident through style. She recalls humorous moments like finding Fawn hiding extra clothes in a wardrobe and a car filled with hatched maggots from helping Alicia’s father’s bait business. Alicia reflects on her father’s charisma, affairs, and control over Fawn’s ambitions, and the heartbreak of discovering Fawn’s private “pink book” expressing a lifelong longing to be loved. Alicia wishes she’d asked her mother more, vows not to live “as a pink book,” and says Audrey Hepburn would play Fawn in a film.

00:00 Into to Mumbelievable

00:59 Meet Alicia Sia

01:53 Wardrobe Emotions

03:13 Mum Loved Clothes

04:49 The Hidden Wardrobe

07:06 Shopping as Joy

10:20 Clothes as Armor

13:33 The Pink Book

15:59 Healing Conversations

17:15 Regrets and Resolve

18:05 Codependency and Control

19:15 Maggot Farm Mayhem

21:33 Cafe Dreams and Hotel Move

23:32 Rebuilding After Loss

25:04 Fawn’s Early Life

27:29 No Filter Mother in Law

28:36 Self Worth Lesson

29:40 Audrey Hepburn Casting

30:20 Why She Was Mumbelievable

31:07 Closing Thanks and Farewell

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On Mumbelievable, the podcast about mothers, Sonia Beldom speaks with broadcaster, singer and author Janie Lee Grace (From Wham to Woo), whose career spans touring with Wham, working with George Michael and Boy George, and radio success including launching the Steve Wright afternoon show, plus her wellbeing work and The Sober Club. Janie describes growing up anxious and insecure with a mother, Norma, who had bipolar disorder and was repeatedly sectioned and hospitalised, while her father also struggled, leaving her without stability. She explains how family constellations and therapy transformed her perspective by revealing her mother’s childhood trauma—her own mother died when she was nine and she wasn’t told—allowing Janie to make peace in Norma’s later years. They discuss parenting fears, Janie’s later-in-life accidental pregnancy and four children, her alcohol-free advocacy, and Norma’s vibrant, kind, no-filter personality.

00:00 Welcome to Mumbelievable

00:39 Meet Janie Lee Grace

01:54 Ambition vs upbringing

04:15 Mum's mental illness

07:17 Making peace at last

08:05 Family constellations breakthrough

13:25 Reframing motherhood fears

15:27 Painting a picture of Norma

17:17 When illness becomes identity

18:28 Parents Meet Pop Stars

19:23 Mum With No Filter

20:12 Wig Crash At Work

22:20 Why I Avoided Motherhood

23:48 Pregnancy Mistaken For Cyst

24:55 Kids Discover My Pop Past

26:02 Sober Club And Family

27:46 Alcohol Myths And Choice

29:06 Mum’s Late-Life Drinking

31:32 New Projects And Awards

32:21 Julie Walters Casting Pick

32:59 Wig Holiday And Tooth Fairy

34:40 Daffodils Sea And Farewell

35:17 Why Mum Was Unbelievable

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On the Mumbelievable Podcast, host Sonia Beldom welcomes actress, presenter, author and award-winning travel writer Julie Peasgood to talk about her mother, Pearl Margaret Peasgood. Julie shares how Pearl joined Bertram Mills Circus at 18, performed with Japanese artists, learned juggling and tightrope skills, and later raised four children while juggling three jobs—shop work, sewing as an expert seamstress, and laying out the deceased—during financially tight times. Julie recalls Pearl’s practical, resourceful “no such word as can’t” attitude, spontaneous overnight projects, love of gardening, and pride in Julie’s performing career, plus vivid family memories like “mum days,” custard tarts, and a favourite white-sauce fish dish. Sonia also contrasts her own mother’s unfiltered behaviour and later-life sectioning, while Julie reflects on the legacy of belief and ambition she’s passed to her daughter and grandchildren.

00:00 Welcome to Mumbelievable

00:36 Meet Julie Peasgood

01:23 Mum the Circus Star

02:38 Running Away to Perform

05:23 Pearl the Can Do Mum

07:16 Growing Up on a Budget

08:37 Food Memories and Laughs

12:28 Quirks and Big Dreams

14:26 Sonia on Her Mum

15:37 Sectioned at Eighty

17:34 Care Home Meds Drama

18:26 Wishing For Deeper Talks

19:01 Cruise Life And Pearl

21:32 Sex Tips Book Breakthrough

24:12 Unfiltered School Shock

25:40 Lessons Passed Down

26:45 Mini Mum Survey

27:25 Practical Surprises And Sight Loss

31:02 Lioness Mum And Big Energy

33:11 Legacy And Farewell

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In this episode of the Mumbelievable Podcast, Sonia celebrates all mums and welcomes broadcaster, author and comedian Robin Ince, who shares stories about his mother and the lasting impact of a major car crash just before his third birthday that left her in a coma and psychologically changed. Robin describes blaming himself as a child, trying to comfort her during mental-health struggles, and how the change affected his whole family, including his older sisters. He reflects on her eccentric humour—wigs, a Vatican letter, meeting the Pope—and later dementia, recalling how Rising Damp repeatedly made her laugh. The conversation also touches on anxiety, a late ADHD diagnosis, learning who a parent was before motherhood, and the love and resilience shown by both his mum and dad.

00:00 Podcast Welcome and Guest Intro

01:25 Sock Radar and Dog Stories

02:05 The Unwritten Mum Book

02:29 Crash That Changed Everything

04:11 Flashbulb Memory and Guilt

04:48 Trying to Make Mum Smile

05:50 Kids Fear Change and Sartre Tale

07:01 Wigs Eccentricity and The Pope

08:43 Hidden Insecurities and School Trauma

09:29 Who She Was Before Motherhood

10:36 Wartime Selves and Lasting Loss

14:20 Dad Refused to Give Up

15:37 Sonia's Mum Sectioned and Aftermath

17:14 Funny Care Home Conversations

18:10 Blog to Podcast Origin Story

19:01 Telling Dad About Blog

20:00 Mum Quotes Two Hearts

20:55 Family at the Palladium

21:51 Funeral to Awards Night

23:44 Jokes and Protectiveness

24:27 Late ADHD Diagnosis

26:06 Mum Sectioned Story

28:14 Mumbelievable Mum Survey

28:48 Embarrassing Mum Moments

30:39 Rising Damp Poem

32:27 No Unfinished Business

32:42 Why She Was Mumbelievable

34:30 Her Legacy in You

35:16 Final Thanks and Farewell

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Join Sonia Beldom in another heartfelt episode of the Mumbelievable Podcast, where she delves into the inspiring stories of our marvellous and maddening mums. In this episode, Sonia interviews renowned British jazz musician Julian Joseph, where they discuss the profound influence of his mother, Ursula Joseph, on his life and career. From surprise pianos to powerful life lessons, Julian shares touching anecdotes and reflects on the unfiltered love and wisdom his mother imparted. Discover the fascinating intersections of music, culture, and family in this moving tribute to extraordinary moms.

00:00 Introduction to the Mumbelievable Podcast

00:53 Guest Introduction: Julian Joseph

01:31 Julian's Musical Journey and Family Influence

02:33 Julian's Mother's Influence and Early Life

04:00 Family Life and Musical Upbringing

06:37 Julian's Mother's Legacy and Personality

07:41 Julian's Mother's Journey to Britain

09:56 The Significance of the Letter 'J'

11:52 Julian's Mother's Commanding Presence

13:45 Sonia's Personal Reflections

15:42 Julian's Musical Tribute to His Mother

16:20 A Musical Tribute to My Mother

17:10 Embracing Heritage and Identity

17:55 A Mother's Belief and Support

20:06 Reflecting on Childhood Lessons

21:41 Cherished Memories and Cooking

22:35 Coping with Loss and Legacy

26:36 Parenting Wisdom and Boundaries

30:21 Current Projects and Inspirations

33:40 Final Thoughts and Tribute

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In this heartfelt episode of the Mumbelievable podcast, host Sonia Beldom invites guest Julia Champion from Champion Talent to share stories about her mother, Della Chapman. Julia reminisces about Della's remarkable life, from her upbringing in a council house in Luton to becoming a renowned artist and loving mother. They discuss how Della's creativity and supportive nature shaped Julia's life and career. The conversation also highlights the unique challenges and joys of growing up with such vibrant, creative parents. Join us for an intimate and touching exploration of the mother-daughter bond and the lasting impact of maternal influence.

00:00 Introduction

00:41 Meet Julia Champion: PR Powerhouse

01:18 Julia's Perfect Mum: Della Chapman

02:41 Growing Up in a Creative Household

04:05 School Days and Social Stigmas

07:17 Della's Early Life and Legacy

15:05 Julia's Teenage Rebellions

18:01 Embarrassing Moments with Mum

18:37 Mum's Unique Fashion Choices

19:57 Theatre Mishaps and Public Embarrassment

21:27 Reflecting on Parenting and Habits

24:49 Funny Stories and Childhood Memories

29:09 Mum's Labels and Notes

32:57 Dealing with Dementia

33:51 Final Reflections and Gratitude

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