Mamas Mess and Magic

In this episode we explore the transition from the reflective Year of the Snake into the bold and energetic Year of the Fire Horse, beginning with Chinese New Year.What might this shift in energy mean for us mums? We talk about why we have felt restless lately and how this new year might bring a sense of clarity, courage, and permission to do things differently.We also share simple and fun Chinese New Year activities to try with kids, from making red envelopes and lantern crafts to learning about zodiac animals and creating family traditions that celebrate renewal and good fortune.Whether you’re curious about zodiac symbolism or just looking for meaningful ways to celebrate with your children, this episode blends cultural inspiration with permission to run in a new direction.Love Marina & Jen

NEWS!Children’s coloured play sand sold in the UK and Australia has been recalled after testing found asbestos. Understandably, parents are asking big questions, especially about long term risk.In this episode, we break down what’s actually happened, how asbestos exposure works, and why health authorities say the immediate risk is considered low. We also explore the concerns that aren’t being widely addressed, including online marketplace purchases and what this could mean years from now.Most importantly, we share calm, practical steps parents can take today: stop using recalled or unverified products, follow disposal and cleaning guidance and keep simple documentation .... without panicking!This is about being informed, not alarmed and making sure families feel protected, not powerless. 💛Here is the government recall and guidance link: Product Recall: Hobbycraft Giant Box of Craft (2601-0364) - GOV.UKAlso make sure to follow us on IG @mamasmessandmagic where we will share more about products and news updates. Jen & Marina❤️

Have you ever noticed your period lining up with your sister, daughter, best friend, or even everyone in the house at once? In this episode, we chat on the mystery of menstrual syncing what’s real, what’s coincidence, and why it feels so powerful when it happens. From shared routines and stress levels to hormones, sleep, and the way our brains love a good pattern, we explore the science (and the stories) behind why our cycles sometimes seem to fall into step.Cycles, like motherhood, are flexible, messy, and deeply human... hope you enjoy! Love Jen & Marina

The world's on fire … and somehow, the internet is mostly fixated on the Beckham family feud!!In this episode of Mamas Mess & Magic, we step away from the gossip (well mostly) and look at what stories like this really reveal about how family conflict is framed, why women are so quickly blamed and how little space there is for nuance, context, and simple human mistakes.We talk motherhood, mother-in-law dynamics, media narratives and why forgiveness and resolution rarely make headlines but matter deeply when families, children, and long-term relationships are involved.It’s light where it can be, serious where it needs to be, and a reminder that choosing humanity over outrage is sometimes the most radical move of all.Love Jen & Marinax

Its January and holiday deals are everywhere, but watch out so are term-time fines.In this episode, we unpack the reality many families are facing right now: cheaper off-peak holidays versus strict school attendance rules.We break down what the term-time holiday rules actually are, how fines work, and why a single week away can result in a penalty. But we also talk about family wellbeing and why peak season travel simply doesn’t work for every family ... even us!!From guilt and judgement to fairness and flexibility we explore the messy middle, there’s no “right” choice, just the one that works best for your family.As always, we share real talk, honest reflections, and invite listeners to weigh in with their own experiences.LoveJen & Marina

Happy New Year Mamas! In this episode, we take a warm look back at 2025. We share listener messages that made us smile, laugh, and feel truly seen, reflect on our most-loved episodes, and celebrate a few fun milestones from the year and of course, all the fun and chaos of Christmas.We then look ahead to 2026 with excitement, teasing some of the guests we’ll be welcoming onto the show for you, from local specialists to thought-provoking experts and authors who’ve reached out to collaborate with us. We’re also opening the door to more real mums to come and share their stories and perspectives, because everyone has a story to tell.Join us for a relaxed catch-up filled with reflection, gratitude, and a little peek at the magic to come.Love Jen & Marinax

In this Christmas Eve episode, we take a moment to slow down and reflect on the mess and magic of motherhood at this time of year. We share what our Christmas Eves look like and germs and all, then close with our own ’Twas the Night Before Christmas' poem, written especially for mamas.This episode is a gentle pause in the middle of the Christmas chaos, a reminder that perfection isn’t the goal, presence is and that however today looks, you are already enough.Merry Christmas from both of us Jen & Marina x

Christmas is rolling in fast!! And today we talk about the pressure mums feel at Christmas to look a certain way, eat a certain way, and still enjoy the season without guilt. We chat honestly about body image, festive food, and the tension between dressing up and staying comfortable.This is your reminder you don’t need to earn Christmas joy. Please wear the dress, eat the food ... at the same time! And let yourself enjoy the magic exactly as you are.Love Jen & Marinax

In this episode, The Gift List, we are talking all about the Christmas pressure to buy, buy, buy and why so many of us carrying the entire mental load of presents for everyone. We chat about the pressure of trying to get “the perfect gift,” the pressure to keep up with what other families are doing, and that nagging mum guilt that whispers “Is it enough?”We also dive into something one mum shared with us in our research: kids don’t actually need more things ... they want your time. So we explore what that means in real life, how to reframe gift giving this year, and some beautiful, simple “time gifts” that create real connection without the stress.If you’re feeling the present buying pressure or you’re questioning whether you’ve done enough this year, this episode will feel a bit like a warm hug and a gentle reminder the magic isn’t in the stuff ... it’s in you Mama.Love Jen & Marina

Christmas lights in November? Mince pies already on the shelves? Yep… we’re asking “Xmas already?!” in this week’s episode of Mamas Mess & Magic.We chat about the timing, the comfort, and the cosy early-sparkle that’s creeping in this year. Plus a heart warming chat about the big festive magic that makes this season so special for our kids. (Santa Chat! Headphones recommended if you’ve got little believers nearby! 💛)A fun, relatable episode to make you laugh, nod along, and maybe even sneak on a Christmas playlist a bit early, even if you're team Grinch!It’s beginning to look a lot like… November! 🎄hahaLoveJen & Marina

This week on Mamas Mess & Magic, we’re celebrating Children in Need with this episode: “Pudsey Power.”Join us as we chat about the joy of giving, the lessons in kindness our kids teach us, and how small acts of love can make a big impact. From bake sales to bedtime talks about compassion, this episode is a warm reminder that when families come together, real magic happens. 💛🐻Love Jen & Marina

Fireworks! Woohoo! The noise, the sparkle, the squeals of delight (and maybe a few hands over ears). Jen’s got the safety goggles, Marina’s got the sparklers, and our kids? They’ve got all the fun. Join us as we talk about the big booms, the little joys, and how mamas can make magical memories whilst keeping it real.Tell us are you and your kids firework lovers? Comment below. LoveJen & Marina

Mornings. For some mums, they’re calm and cosy. For others… total chaos.In this episode, Jen and Marina compare their very different starts to the day.Marina’s up early, soaking in the quiet before her kids wake, no TV, just peace.Jen? She’s hitting snooze, clutching coffee, and letting the TV keep things calm while everyone gets ready.But after a Netmums article said no TV before school, we’re asking ... is it really that bad? And should schools be telling parents what to do in their own homes?Join us as we chat guilt, screens, sanity, and finding a morning rhythm that actually works for you.Do you ban TV before school... or is it your secret survival tool? Let us know, comment below. Love Jen & Marina

This week on Mamas Mess & Magic, we’re opening our hearts for a very special episode; our Baby Loss Round Table, recorded as part of Baby Loss Awareness Week.Joined by the incredible and brave Bev, we talk openly about loss, love, and the parts of motherhood that often go unspoken. This conversation is honest, full of compassion and while it’s not always easy to hear, it’s one of the most meaningful we’ve shared.💛 Trigger Warning:This episode includes detailed and unfiltered discussions of pregnancy and baby loss, including ectopic pregnancy, medical termination, and seeing or holding babies after loss.Please take care of your heart! If you’re pregnant, in a tender place, or not ready to hear these stories, it’s absolutely okay to skip this one for now.If you do listen and feel you need additional support, it is available to you wherever you are:UK: SANDS | Tommy’s | The Miscarriage AssociationAustralia: Pink Elephants | Bears of HopeUSA: Share Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support | March of DimesYour story matters. Your baby matters.And you are never, ever alone. 💫Love Jen & Marina🌈Follow us on Instagram @mamasmessandmagic

This week, things get itchy as we dive into one of the least-glamorous sides of parenting: threadworms (aka bum worms 🪱). From the horror of discovering them to the endless laundry, midnight itching, and awkward pharmacy chat, we’re talking about the realities. We share our own family experiences, a few shudder-worthy facts (did you know one worm can lay up to 10,000 eggs in a night?!), and the weird comfort that comes from knowing you’re definitely not the only one.Expect laughs, ick and a reminder that mamahood isn’t just mess and magic ... sometimes it’s worms too!!💩 Honest chat. 🧼 Hygiene hacks. ❤️ Solidarity for every parent who’s ever muttered, “What is my life right now?”Jen & Marina

Ever noticed how some days you feel like Supermum and others you’re running on fumes? In this episode of Mamas Mess & Magic, we dive into the impact of monthly cycles on motherhood. From bursts of energy to moments where patience runs thin, we explore how our hormones influence daily life with little ones and how tuning into these rhythms can help us mother with more ease and compassion.We’ll share personal stories, practical tips, and gentle reminders that your cycle isn’t a weakness, it’s wisdom. Do you know your follicular from your luteal? Come have a listen. Jen & Marina

Summer with kids is equal parts sunshine and survival! In this episode, we catch up on our very different summers... one carefully planned (maybe a little too planned) and one completely go-with-the-flow. Despite the different approaches, there were plenty of tantrums, snack demands, sibling squabbles, and messes… along with laughter, magic, and those fleeting moments that made it all worthwhile.We also reflect on the bittersweet back-to-school shift (yes, we actually miss them!) and raise the question: how on earth do full-time working mums juggle summer? Maybe a roundtable in the future…Plus, stay tuned as we tease our next episode: navigating the rollercoaster of mama emotions throughout the monthly cycle.Jen & Marina

Sex after babies. Is it the same? (Spoiler: nope.) In this episode we get honest about what intimacy can look like once you become parents, messy, funny, sometimes non-existent, but definitely not hopeless.We share real barriers mamas and couples face like exhaustion, hormones, body changes and that pesky mental load, alongside a few surprising stats, laughs, and ways to reconnect when the mood feels miles away.This isn’t about pressure or perfect advice. It’s about keeping it real, finding your own rhythm, and remembering that intimacy can return in new and meaningful ways.Whether you’re weeks postpartum or years down the track, this chat is full of reassurance (and a bit of cheeky humour).Hope you enjoy!Jen and Marina x

After a little break (thanks, dodgy wifi and the general juggle of mum life), Mamas Mess & Magic is officially back in your ears!In this mini reboot episode, we catch up on where we’ve been and what’s been going on behind the scenes. We’re also giving you a sneak peek at what’s coming this season, from honest chats about sex after babies, to surviving the summer holidays with your kids (without losing your mind).So grab a cuppa, hide in the laundry if you need to, and come hang out. We’ve missed you.Jen and MarinaX

Meet Emily, a working mum struggling to keep it all together whilst expanding her career and raising two young children. In this touching and relatable story, Emily’s world starts to crumble under the weight of endless responsibilities and a blind denial, until her son opens her eyes, helping her open up and find a way to reclaim her balance.

Your host shares her deeply personal story of battling postnatal anxiety, the sleepless nights, the paralysing fear, and the moment she finally reached out for help. This powerful yet hopeful episode is a reminder that speaking up can be the bravest step toward healing.If you have a story you would like to share, we would love to hear from you, feel free to email us at [email protected] LoveJen & Marina

In this special episode for Mental Health Awareness we introduce our mini 3 episode series and talk about the invisible mental load so many mothers carry. From the never-ending to-do lists to the constant pressure to keep it all together, we’re exploring how motherhood can take a toll on mental health and why opening up is the first step to finding strength. How are you feeling today? Let us know in the comments.

Spoiler Alert! In this episode, we review the eye-opening TV program Adolescence and unpack its take on the hidden dangers of unsupervised tech use among young people.Marina shares her insights on the recent acclaimed program and the need to bridge the generational disconnect between parents and teens, highlighting how digital exposure affects emotional processing. Tune in for an honest conversation on how we can better understand and support our kids in today’s tech-driven world.Have you seen the show? What did you think? Drop a comment below. Jen and Marina

Today is Mental Health Awareness Day, and we are tackling the all too familiar feeling of mum guilt. From the pressure to do it all to the nagging voice of self-doubt, it can feel relentless. But not today, we are flipping the script and exploring the surprising power of smiling, self-care, and those so called ‘hippy’ things that can help us break the cycle of negative thoughts. Tune in for our take, practical tips, and a little reminder that taking care of you isn’t selfish... It is essential Mama!What is the best, or worst thing your little has said to you to make the mum guilt worse? Share in the comments below or over on our @mamasmessandmagic IG page.Jen & Marina

Zero judgement here!!In this conversation we explore the complexities of screen time in the modern digital age, discussing its impact on children's attention spans, behaviour, and the challenges we all as parents face in finding a healthy balance. We share personal experiences, strategies for setting boundaries, the importance of leading by example and the need for awareness of the potential negative effects of excessive screen time while acknowledging there are benefits screens can provide. Ultimately, we emphasize the importance of creating healthy habits and engaging in family activities to foster a balanced lifestyle.We want to hear from YOU ... what are your thoughts and feelings around this tricky subject, how are you approaching finding the balance with your families.. comment below or drop us an email at [email protected] you for listening.Jen and Marina

Ever felt like if one more little hand touches you, you might burst? You're not alone!! In this episode, we’re diving into the very real and rarely talked about experience of being touched out or even Tapped Out as Jennifer described it in this episode, when constant physical contact, demands, and closeness become overwhelming. We share honest reflections, relatable stories, and simple strategies to help you find space, regulate your nervous system, and reconnect with yourself and your little ones.LoveJen and Marina

Sleep deprivation is practically a rite of passage in mamahood, but just because it’s common doesn’t mean it’s easy! In this episode, we are talking about the relentless exhaustion and night time battles that comes with our little humans.The struggles of sleep deprivation (it’s more than just missing hours!) The physical, emotional, and mental toll of long-term sleep deprivation Practical ways to survive the fog of exhaustion sharing our stories and some useful solutions So if you are running on fumes, this one’s for you. Grab a coffee (or two), press play, and know you’re not alone in the exhaustion. What’s the funniest thing tiredness has made you do?Put the remote in the fridge? Tried to unlock your house with a dummy? Tell us your best sleep-deprived moments below or with a message on Instagram @mamasmessandmagic – we always love a laugh!

Welcome to Mamas Mess and Magic! We are so excited to have you here for this real, raw, and refreshingly honest podcast about mamahood... the messy, the magical, and everything in between.In this initial episode we, your hosts, Jen and Marina introduce ourselves and dive into the heart of why we have created this space. Expect candid chats, lots of laughter, and the reassurance that you are never alone in this wild ride of mamahood.What we cover:Who we are: meet your hosts and hear our stories.What this podcast is about: honest, unfiltered conversations on mamahood.Why we started this: the pressures, expectations, and the reality we all face (plus prosecco!)What's coming next: Insight in what to expectWhether you’re listening during a 3am feed, cooking dinner or hiding in the bathroom for a moment of peace, we are here for you. If you enjoyed this first episode, we would love for you to hit ‘follow’ and leave us a review! It helps other mums find the podcast, and we are so grateful for your support.Got a topic you would love us to cover? Send us a message on Instagram @mamasmessandmagic we love to hear from you!Let’s do this together Mama!