Beanstalk Single Mums

We can hardly be blamed for getting caught up in consumerism at Christmas. It is everywhere! We are constantly encouraged to buy more, to eat more, and to keep up with everyone around us. Quite frankly, it's exhausting. Are you ready to pull in the reigns this Christmas and to offer a little of what you have to those in desperate need? Christmas is a time to accept our place on the globe, to practice gratitude for all we have and to help our children understand how and why to give to charity. If I've not convinced you, then Noddy Sharma from World Vision certainly will. He explains how donating is so much more than a simple act of giving. It will educate your kids, help them to see the bigger picture of the world around them and instil wonderful values that they will hold in their hearts forever, and maybe even pass down to their own children. How giving to charity at Christmas can really help your kids Listen to Noddy and I discuss: For more podcasts like this and heaps of other free single mum resources head to the Beanstalk Mums website.

I honestly don't believe there is a parent alive who doesn't struggle at times. How can we not? There are no hard and fast rules for parenting. No guide to follow, or exams to pass. Yes, parenting is a mission of trying your best and sometimes winning but sometimes not. All the while learning but constantly evolving because no two days and no two kids are the same. Fun heh? In this podcast I chat to the Managing Director of Parentline, Kimberley Harper, about getting the support you need and deserve in your parenthood journey. And, even better, getting it for free. So have a listen and learn ways to make parenting easier, calmer and happier for everyone in the family. Kimberley and I talk about: For more podcasts like this and heaps of other free single mum resources head to the Beanstalk Mums website.

Christmas can be a particularly hard time for many single mothers. We feel pressured to create a picture-perfect Christmas for our kids, complete with stereotypical family and presents galore. Is it any wonder that we experience more Christmas-fear than Christmas-cheer? To help lighten the load for struggling single mums, I chat to Major Beth Twivey from The Salvation Army about how we can reach for support during the festive season (and the rest of the year). Or, if you're in a position to donate, we go full-circle and also discuss the many clever, thoughtful and fun ways give to those in need at Christmas. In this chat, Major Beth Twivey and I cover: For more podcasts like this and heaps of other free single mum resources head to the Beanstalk Mums website.

You've been through hell and high water, but finally you and your ex have got your courts orders approved by the family court in relation to the care of your children after separation. All you need to do now, is follow them. Simple. Not always. It is way too common for co-parents to breach carefully planned court orders, which can cause havoc for everyone, including the children involved. So what should you do if this happens to you? Enter: Eustacia Yates from Australia’s first non-profit law firm, New Way Lawyers. Eustacia brings her depth of practical experience and technical knowledge to this chat, where she explains exactly what to do if your ex has breached your family court orders. In this episode Eustacia and I discuss: For more podcasts like this and heaps of other free single mum resources head to the Beanstalk Mums website.

It is a myth that you need to hire lawyers to separate and divorce. You don't. Property settlement is essentially a financial exercise that a lot of separating couples can work through together with the support of an expert. Which is where Belinda from Divide comes in. Belinda works with separating couples throughout Australia to help you financially separate and have your orders approved by the family court, without using lawyers. The end result is a more amicable split which will encourage a healthier co-parenting relationship and leave more money for you both to begin your new lives. Not only this, Belinda is a whizz at tax and super in a financial split so her advice will pay-off now and way into the future. Or, to put it another way, nothing will come back and bite you on bum further down the track. Sounds good? Find out more in this podcast. Listen to Belinda and I discuss: For more podcasts like this and heaps of other free single mum resources head to the Beanstalk Mums website.

It's that time of year ladies ... don't delay and confirm your income with Services Australia today! Why? Because once you have, Services Australia can get to work and balance your child care subsidy for the financial year. If you are hesitant for any reason, listen to this podcast with Hank Jongen, General Manager of Services Australia, because he has a great way of explaining the process that makes it all sound super simple. Whether you don't know where to start, you're concerned about a debt, or you just want to get it right moving forward, you'll get the support you need. And, if you don't, Hank explains where to go for more support - and this is not just the usual channels ... Hank explains:

A low conflict separation might seem like a contradiction in terms but it really is possible for many ex-couples. Maybe not right now, but certainly in time. The truth is, it only takes one person to counteract conflict with a more effective and peaceful resolution process. If you want to be this person, this podcast will help you move your separation out of the combat zone and into a collaborative, working space. I chat to Lisanne Iriks, who is an award-winning mediator and coach and the owner of Life Mediation. Having been a mediator for over 12 years, specialising in family mediation, Lisanne is perfectly placed to share her knowledge around this tricky topic. Even if you think there is no hope for you and your ex, it is likely you will find some of Lisanne suggestions helpful, so listen and learn ladies ... Lisanne and I discuss a lot of stuff, including: free consultation

Do you, like me, feel that you have lost touch of what your personal style is? Or do you know what you want your style to be but don't have the time to rock it? Then stay tuned. I chat to Danielle Johansen from Threadicated, an online and shipped to your door personal fashion styling service. This is a lady who has spent years in the fashion industry understanding trends, body types and style. Remember, style is not just about the latest trends for the rich and famous. It's about expression, self-care and feeling good about yourself when you strut out your front door every day. Listen to Danielle and I talk about: Threadicated 20% OFF

Lockdowns are becoming part and parcel of daily life here in Australia, but they certainly don't get easier, especially if you are losing work each time. On this podcast, I chat to Hank Jongen, General Manager of Services Australia, who are doing a heroic job of getting covid disaster payments out to those in need, when they need it. This factual chat will put you on the right path to get support whether you're in lockdown or isolation, and losing money (or your mind) as a result of it. Hank explains:

Terrified of dating after being off the scene for so long? We get it! I chat to Elly Johnson who, alongside Leena Sisco, owns TruthLove Academy, designed to help women date smart and date safe. Elly explains how to get perfectly poised to make your debut into the dating world. Then, once you're off and running, how to protect yourself, enjoy yourself and ultimately attract an amazing partner. Our conversation includes but is not limited to:

I talk to Tim Loh who is the Assistant Commissioner at the ATO and tax time spokesperson for 2021 to help single mums across Australia with their tax returns. In this podcast we cover-off on these points:

Get the absolute latest information available about the all-new Family Home Guarantee in this chat with Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Housing, the Hon Michael Sukkar MP. We cover: What the Family Home Guarantee is; the motivation behind the scheme; the impact owning a home can have on single parent families; the eligibility criteria for the Family Home Guarantee; property price threshold amounts (stay posted, they are increasing!); and how to apply and get further information, here's the link Michael talks about: NHFIC.

Desperate for your forever home? We can help! I chat with Louis Christopher from QSM Research about the facts that matter when looking to purchase a property, whether that be right now, or at some point in the future. We discuss: An overview of the Australian property market with speculation to the future; the impact of Covid, JobKeeper and HomeBuilder; the implications of long-term renting; why purchasing a property is a sensible option if you struggle to save; choosing the right area to buy in (which may not necessarily be where you want to live); and clever options to propel you onto the first rung of the ladder.

Stressed out kids = stressed out parents, and vice versa. For this reason, I chat to Dr Louise Metcalfe about how to help our children manage stress and anxiety on a daily basis. We discuss: Why it's so important for the gorgeous little people in our worlds to understand their emotions and take care of their mental health; the benefits of the much undervalued and underrated activity of breathing, the advantages of getting kids to talk and who they can talk to; different kinds of stress relieving resources that can work for kids; how to help kids manage overwhelm as part of a normal day; and how the Gheorg app can play a positive part in helping your child develop resilience and manage stress.

YES, it can work and I have seen the proof! So this podcast is all about making online dating work for you. I chat to the perfect person, Sharon Draper who is a psychologist and the relationship expert at eharmony. We discuss: Why online dating is a good way for single mums to meet potential partners; the importance of "self" when you online date; resources to get started; timelines around online dating and what not to expect; the new "video date" phenomenon and how it seriously helps the online dating process; and the "adventure" aspect of dating online and how to make it a positive experience.

Beyond Blue were kind enough to let me borrow their lead clinical advisor, Grant Blashki, to discuss this all-important topic of understanding and managing anxiety as a single mother. Listen to us chat about: What anxiety actually is and the different types (yes, there is more than one type!); the red flags that suggest anxiety is reaching a level where you should take action; simple things you can do during a busy single mum day to help manage anxiety; why it's so important for our children that we manage our anxiety successfully; and where to go for more free support to assess, understand and manage your anxiety.

Yes! You can have a satisfying sex life with yourself! I talk to Chantelle Otten, Ambassador and resident Sexologist at Lovehoney, Australia's No.1 sexual happiness people. We cover: The benefits of regular and satisfying self-pleasure (this may surprise you); Chantelle's top tips to get started with your sensual self-pleasure journey; sex toys for the novice and something new and exciting to extend your collection; how (as a busy single mum) you can find time for self-pleasure in the bedroom (or bathroom?); and the confidence factor i.e. how to build it and give yourself the confidence to explore.

I chat to mother and daughter sexperts, Dr Janet Hall and Ella Hall from Women's Pleasure Power about how to have mind-blowing orgasms and a wonderfully fulfilled sex life. We discuss: Why it's so important to have lots of wonderful orgasms; what a "full body orgasmic state" is and how to achieve it; some sneaky snippets and tips from Dr Jan and Ella's "Claim Your Pleasure Power eCourse"; how to handle low esteem in the bedroom; and points to fine tune solo sex or self pleasure.

Love your wine a little too much? You are not alone. More and more mums are turning to alcohol to help ease the stresses of daily life. I chat to Victoria Vanstone from Drunk Mummy Sober Mummy about her story that led her to sobriety and to become a more present and patient mother. We chat about: Why you don't have be in rehab to admit to a drinking problem; signs that your drinking has reached an unhealthy level; different drinking styles you may resonate with; how kids are affected by a mum who drinks heavily and how they can benefit if you limit or stop; next steps to find support if you are concerned about your alcohol intake; and why it's never too late to address and change your drinking habits

I speak to Alison Howard from 1800RESPECT to help single mums who are struggling to move forward and live healthy, happy lives following the trauma of a DV relationship. We discuss: The issues you might experience following a DV relationship; the cycle of domestic violence - what it is and how to break it; advice on parenting with your abuser; how to help your children heal from the impact of the relationship whilst healing yourself; dating again - what to consider, red flags and where to find help; and where to find the support you need to heal from the trauma caused by an abusive relationship.