Hearts and Handlebars

It's the last ride of Season 1 — and Anna has something to set the record straight. After a comment in the previous episode suggested she might have found her own mum's approach to motherhood "stifling," she's back on the cargo bike with Zena to correct the record: her mum is actually the blueprint. In this cherry blossom-dusted season finale, Anna and Zena reflect on the women who shape us across generations — the reading voices, the acting games, the unconditional presence — and why grandmothers deserve far more credit than they get. Plus: the legendary story of Nana catching a poo to save a perfect bath, how Nana flew from Scotland to The Hague mid-labour and still made it to the hospital before Zena arrived, and the small, steady rituals that pass quietly from one generation to the next. Zena also reveals her Book Character Day costume (Jen from Real Friends), Uncle Nick is flying in from Texas, and Anna's jeans are... wet. Thank you for riding with us this season. Season 2 is coming. In this episode: Why Anna's mum is the reason she shows up for every school trip, presentation, and camp drop-off The intergenerational magic of reading aloud, acting games, and being taken seriously as a child Real talk on what it means to be "present" as a parent The chaos and warmth of school run life — cherry blossom, leaf blowers, dog interruptions and all Hearts and Handlebars is the podcast recorded live on the school run — a BBC journalist mum and her daughter, talking honestly about life, family and growing up from the back of a Dutch cargo bike. New episodes every Wednesday (starting again in Season 2). Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. #HeartsAndHandlebars #SchoolRun #MumPodcast #ParentingPodcast #Motherhood #Grandmothers #WorkingMums #CargoLife #CyclingWithKids #SeasonFinale #TheHague #FamilyPodcast

On this Hearts and Handlebars school run, Anna and Zena swap the cargo bike for Zena’s own wheels and road‑test what cycling proficiency really teaches kids – and all the crucial things it doesn’t. From wobbling past colleges in the wind to negotiating busy junctions and impatient cyclists behind them, they talk through the unwritten rules that quietly make everyday family cycling safer: being predictable, choosing when to stop or go around an obstacle, signalling clearly, and how to handle cars that suddenly block the bike lane. Along the way they share real‑life cautionary tales about feet in spokes, sticks in wheels, and why “no time for tricks” is sometimes the kindest rule on a bike path. If you’re cycling with kids to school, new to Dutch bike lanes, or just wondering how to turn basic cycling proficiency into real‑world confidence, this ride‑along episode is for you. Hop on for practical, kid‑level safety tips, a bit of role‑play, and a lot of love from the bike lane. #cycling#urbancycling #familycycling  #bikingwithkids #schoolrun#Netherlands  #TheHague  #parentingpodcast

A school run, a missing orange cap and a hunt for seagull sounds turn into something much bigger in this episode of Hearts and Handlebars, a parenting podcast about modern motherhood and (double shift) working mums. As BBC journalist Anna Holligan and her daughter Zena pedal through The Hague, they talk about three generations of mums in their family – a great‑grandmother who worked only in her husband’s business, a Nana who stayed at home to raise four children, and a modern mum trying to balance being present with a career she loves. Together they ask what a “proper job” really is, why being a stay‑at‑home mum can be both beautiful and stifling, and whether there’s a “third way” of motherhood that keeps the playfulness and dedication of previous generations without losing women’s ambitions and careers. Along the way there are class reps, ducks on honeymoon, wishes on dandelion clocks and a vision for animals for Britain’s new coins – all woven into a candid conversation about motherhood, money, the mental load and what kind of parent today’s kids might want to be tomorrow.   #heartsandhandlebars #parentingpodcast #motherhood  #mumlife #modernmotherhood #parentingtips #sahm

It’s crazy hair day at school – but what happens when you’re the parent who forgets? Climb into the cargo bike for a chilly Dutch school run as Anna and Zena navigate pipe‑cleaner ponytails, Fuzetea bottle “juice hair” and the emotional gymnastics of getting everyone out the door on time. Whizzing past yellow cars, toy poodles and debates about bike traffic lights, they unpack what real friendship looks like in the playground, how school spirit weeks can expose the cracks for working parents, and why something as small as a missed newsletter can trigger outsized guilt. This episode is a love letter to imperfect caregivers everywhere – the ones juggling emails, assemblies, crazy hair days and the constant worry of letting their kids down, while trying to create tiny moments of joy on the school run.   #HeartsAndHandlebars #CrazyHairDay #SchoolRun #WorkingParents #MentalLoad #ParentingPodcast #CargoBikeLife #DutchParenting #SpiritWeek #SchoolCommunity #ModernMotherhood #FriendshipGoals #ParentGuilt #BikeLife #FamilyRoutine

Dutch kids are the happiest on earth, but the Netherlands is slipping down the global happiness charts. What goes wrong between the carefree bike years and doomscrolling teen life?​ On this misty school run, we ride through the six “secret ingredients” of Dutch childhood—independence, bikes, low-pressure school, calm routines, community and strong policy—then slam into the teen years, social media, and a government flirting with a ban for under-15s.​Along the way, there’s an Olympic-athlete ex, tall-poppy Dutch sayings about not standing out, a daughter who insists she’s not “one of the happiest kids in the world,” and a conversation about how hard it can be to loosen your grip when you grew up on horror stories about child safety.​ This episode is for anyone wondering what a “happy childhood” really looks like in 2026, and what parents anywhere can borrow—and question—from the Dutch model. #bedtimeroutines #funparenting #schoolrun

On this school run, Donald Trump takes a swipe at dyslexia during Neurodiversity Week – and my nine-year-old dyslexic daughter is having none of it. We dive into how dyslexic brains really work, and why problem‑solving, empathy and a fierce sense of right and wrong are quiet superpowers. From Albert Einstein and Steve Jobs to a Charlotte’s Web casting twist, we unpack labels, stereotypes and what it means to feel different. There are daffodil alerts, curly‑girl hair hacks, fossil fuel ad bans in The Hague and Amsterdam, and a side-quest into my very questionable “signature dishes” versus other parents’ effortless feasts. If you’ve ever juggled lunch boxes, big feelings and breaking news before 9 a.m., hit play.

On this ride, Anna and Zena start with hair, hurry and the tiny acts of independence that make or break a school‑run – and end up in a much bigger conversation about race, language and how kids learn what’s “ok” to say. They talk about why curly hair matters, why mums nag about not wasting a life on appearances, and the awkward classroom moments when “black”, “brown” and “rude” get tangled together. If you’re juggling emails, lunch boxes and big feelings – and trying to raise a child who can name difference without shame – this unfiltered pedal through The Hague is for you.

On this bright, frosty school run in The Hague, Hearts and Handlebars dives into how to talk to kids about war, scary news and the US–Israel strikes on Iran—without crushing their sense of safety. From cherry blossom, new fringes and favourite flowers to forgotten mouthguards and school‑newspaper book reviews, journalist‑mum Anna Holligan uses a real‑time cargo‑bike ride with her nine‑year‑old to explain why Iran is in the headlines, what bombing and “international justice” mean, and how families can answer big geopolitical questions in age‑appropriate language. If you’re a parent juggling school runs, hockey sticks and heavy headlines, this episode offers a grounded, honest example of talking about conflict, safety and kids’ emotions on an ordinary school morning in the Netherlands.

A real‑time school‑run parenting conversation from our Dutch cargo bike in The Hague about dyslexia, neurodiversity and keeping your own creative dreams alive between lunch boxes and laundry. A dead mouse, a Pringles‑box funeral plan and a drizzly dash through The Hague set the scene, as we end up in a surprisingly big chat about difference, doubt and doing the thing anyway. On the bike, Z calls me out on my unfinished book and unknowingly gives me the push I need to finally get words on the page, while we talk honestly about what it means to model follow‑through to our kids when life already feels full. Z also shares her experience of dyslexia in her own words – from the early days when books made her want to curl up on the sofa, to now reading in the bakfiets – and how the same neurodivergent brain that finds decoding text harder seems wired for people skills, problem‑solving and resilience. If you’re parenting a neurodivergent child, suspect your kid might be dyslexic, or you’re just trying to keep a creative project alive alongside parenting, this kids & family school‑run episode is for you. This week we’re asking: What special talents have you developed out of your own difference or diversity? Do you have any neurodiversities, and if you do, what are they? Jump on, hit follow, and come join the conversation on Instagram @heartsandhandlebars.

A misty, freezing school‑run parenting chat from our Dutch cargo bike in The Hague, all about gentle parenting, FAFO consequences and how kids actually experience our parenting styles. Missing gloves and damp curls kick off a conversation about the latest parenting “trend”: F‑around‑and‑find‑out parenting – the backlash to gentle parenting that says kids should simply suffer the consequences of their mistakes. From forgotten jumpers and smashed iPads to cold heads and hidden hats, we try out a softer version – “gentle FAFO” – where children still learn from their choices, but parents quietly keep a safety net. There are seagulls, mirror‑like canal water, surprisingly quiet roads and a very independent Zena, who has strong views on which parenting style really works. Zena’s question for kids this week: what kind of parenting do you think your parents do – super gentle, gentle FAFO, or full “sit on your blisters”? There’s even a special guest cameo from one of her favourite friends. 🎧 Tap follow, share with a friend who’s into real‑life kids & family chats about consequences and care, and come say hi on Instagram @heartsandhandlebars.

A wet, freezing school‑run parenting chat from our Dutch cargo bike in The Hague – the exact opposite of those 5am green‑juice, perfect‑parenting reels – with a hidden dog, toilet emergencies and a nine‑year‑old “truth pixie” calling me out. On this real‑time ride we talk about parenting without babysitters, relying on bike lanes and other parents, and what kids actually love about life in the Netherlands (spoiler: cycling and cheese). We get into gender roles, gym fails, why talking to everyone the same – from head teacher to security guard – quietly teaches values, plus “papa days,” single parenting and why showing up exactly as you are is more than enough. If your mornings are more chaos than curated and you want a kids & family podcast that sounds like your real life, this one’s for you. 🎧 Tap follow, share with a friend who gets it, and come say hi on Instagram @heartsandhandlebars.

A freezing school‑run parenting chat from our Dutch cargo bike in The Hague, all about kids’ independence, safety and anxious parenting during the “Beast from the East” snow. It’s snowing, it’s brutally cold, and on this real‑time ride we’re talking about the complicated dance between letting your kid be independent and keeping them safe. We cover rule‑breaker parent vs rule‑follower kid (how do kids end up the opposite of us?), asking once not ten times, and why repeating yourself can actually train children to stop listening. There’s the guilt of always being there versus the skills they build when you’re not, and how on earth you know where that balance should sit. Along the way: granny soup in a flask, leg warmers, hats you absolutely should wear even if you refuse, and the live radio interview that made me realise my anxious parenting might actually be working. We finish with independence vs security, and why this mum still won’t leave her daughter alone at home – plus some very Dutch parenting moves that feel foreign if you didn’t grow up here. If you’re wondering whether you’re getting the balance right between hovering and letting go, and you want a honest kids & family school‑run snapshot of Dutch parenting, this one’s for you. 🎧 Tap follow, share with a friend who gets it, and come say hi on Instagram @heartsandhandlebars.

A freezing cold school‑run parenting chat from our Dutch cargo bike in The Hague, about kids’ friendship drama, Dutch cycling culture and what your job as a parent looks like when the weather – and the social dynamics – are freezing. It’s zero degrees, pouring with rain, and Marley the dog has snuck into the cargo bike again because Zena feels bad for him. On this real‑time ride we talk about what to do when your kid’s friendship falls out but their parents stay awkward (do you message or stay out of it?), why good cycling infrastructure makes all the difference (Scotland vs The Hague in the rain), and why being soaked to the bone on a bike can actually beat sitting in traffic. We also get into control in a car vs a bike, Zena’s favourite school subjects (DART, robotics, poetry in court cases), ear‑piercing in the cold, coffee intake, hyperactivity and the chaos of layers in freezing weather. If you’ve ever wondered why Dutch parents still cycle in weather that would keep most people indoors, or how to navigate the minefield of kids’ friendship fallouts without making things worse, this kids & family school‑run episode is for you. 🎧 Tap follow, share with a friend who gets it, and come say hi on Instagram @heartsandhandlebars.

This is the episode where Hearts and Handlebars gets real in ways we didn't plan. Zena wakes up angry. She tells me straight: "I don't want to talk to you today." And she means it. What follows is a raw, unfiltered argument about rudeness, hypocrisy, and why she refuses to pretend everything's fine just because we're recording. The conversation gets uncomfortable: When a parent is rude and doesn't realize it How perfectionism can kill authenticity (even on a "real" podcast) The moment a nine-year-old calls out her mum for asking her to soften the edges Why "just be yourself" can sound like code for "be yourself, but only the happy parts" Forgiveness, journaling club, and the decision to try again But here's the thing – this is exactly why Hearts and Handlebars exists. Because Zena was right: if we only shared the good moments, we'd just be another perfectly curated podcast. And she refused to let that happen. By the end of the ride, we're okay. But we earned it. 🎧 Tap follow, share with a friend who gets that mornings are messy, and come say hi on Instagram @heartsandhandlebars.

It's 8am on the bike, and Zena is practicing her script about Scottish haggis for a class presentation – while we're having a surprisingly clever conversation about what a school newspaper should actually cover. We dive into: The Brooklyn Beckham Instagram drama: when celebrity family conflicts become a cautionary tale about brand, boundaries, and "inappropriate dancing" What stories would actually interest a school community (spoiler: not just news) Why a newspaper needs pets of the month, book reviews, puzzles, and feel-good pieces – not just hard news How to format a student newspaper so different readers find something that captures them Scripted vs. freestyle: why my daughter refuses to read from a script, and why she's probably right Scottish facts that even confuse the Scots: which way do haggis really run? The mum who can't dance appropriately (according to her nine-year-old) If you're thinking about launching a school newspaper, or you just want to hear how a real journalist approaches storytelling with her daughter, this episode is for you. 🎧 Tap follow, share with a friend, and come say hi on Instagram @heartsandhandlebars.

Real-time school run on the bike with a journalist and her daughter — toothbrush meltdowns, missing hairbands, a stolen rain cover and a cold, wet dash to school. Zena answer kids’ questions, debates Dutch theme-park choices, while Anna recalls an encounter with a kind stranger offering to help with recycling, and reminds you that showing up exactly as you are is more than enough. Hit follow and join the ride.

Hearts and Handlebars is a school‑run parenting podcast recorded in real time on a Dutch cargo bike. BBC foreign correspondent and mum Anna Holligan and her nine‑year‑old daughter Zena share unscripted, honest conversations on the way to school – about parenting, work–life balance, kids’ emotions and everyday family life in The Hague. No studio, no scripts: just curious, real‑time, relatable and often messy chats from the bike lane. Follow @heartsandhandlebars for a ride‑along reminder that showing up exactly as you are is already enough. .

Zena limps to school. Mum skips shower to save time. Join the morning chaos, hit follow, and ride along for imperfect routines, parenting moments, and everyday observations from the bike lane.

A frantic Dutch school run, a mum with 47% battery, and a daughter who turns a damp December bike ride into a conversation about fireworks bans, conscience and the pink‑and‑blue winter sky. In this pilot episode of Hearts and Handlebars, journalist Anna and her Year 5 co‑host Zena race to make the gates on time, talk about kids leaving early for cheaper flights, and wonder what it means to “do the right thing” when term‑time rules and real life collide.​ You’ll hear real‑time faff — ugly caps, wobbly bike locks, dog wrangling and bakery FOMO — alongside big feelings about growing up, seasonal school parties and that strange in‑between stage of being not‑quite‑primary, not‑quite‑secondary. If your own mornings feel more chaos than green‑juice‑at‑5am, this is your invite to ride along and remember that showing up exactly as you are is more than enough.​

In this episode Anna prepares to visit a newborn to report on Dutch kraamzorg for the BBC, reflects on Zena's dramatic birth and reveals how a tragic air disaster still touches their lives — a reminder that imperfect routines and showing up are more than enough.

A chaotic school‑run parenting chat from our Dutch cargo bike in The Hague, about kids’ privacy and boundaries, sneaking toys into school and the unexpected magic of Dutch cycling culture. It’s raining, Zena has forgotten her beloved troll, and on this real‑time ride we’re plotting something sneaky while talking about privacy, trust, acting and parenting. We cover why Zena refuses to let me tell the parent WhatsApp group about annoying kids, and what happens when a nine‑year‑old draws the boundary instead. We get into “Operation Troll Smuggle” – a real‑time plan to sneak a toy into school in a snack box – and an 80‑year‑old woman cycling fast through the rain, as we ask why Dutch cycling infrastructure keeps people mobile for their whole lives. There’s ACT School (Zena’s idea for a theatre‑school project), why acting builds imagination and confidence, and why losing your special troll is genuinely important when you’re a kid – especially if your parent actually listens. Between meeting friends at statues, forgotten homework and making it all work anyway, this is a ride‑along for anyone who’s ever snuck something into school, wondered why Dutch people still cycle in impossible weather, or wanted to hear what happens when a child changes a parenting conversation by saying “no”. 🎧 Tap follow, share with a friend who gets school‑run chaos, and come say hi on Instagram @heartsandhandlebars.