Motherhood is a wild, beautiful, and often chaotic journey—one that can leave us feeling stretched between self-identity, family life, and career. In this episode of Mum Era, we sit down with Cat Sanz, a fashion entrepreneur and powerhouse, who shares her deeply personal and inspiring journey. Cat opens up about navigating motherhood while staying true to herself, curating a personal style that feels authentic, and embracing life’s transitions with confidence.

We dive into the delicate balance of raising kids, running a business, and prioritising self-care, all while acknowledging the ever-present mental load of parenting. Cat takes us through her career evolution—from working in her husband's real estate business to launching her own fashion brand—and how motherhood reshaped her sense of identity and style. She offers invaluable insights on feeling confident in postpartum dressing, the importance of comfortable fashion, and redefining personal style as a mum.

We also explore the influence of social media on self-perception, the power of personal branding, and the importance of setting boundaries to protect mental wellbeing. With humour, warmth, and honesty, we discuss the realities of juggling it all—work, kids, relationships, and self-worth—while also touching on resilience, healing through loss, and the strength found in familial bonds.

Whether you're in the thick of early motherhood or looking for inspiration to reconnect with yourself, this episode is packed with heart, style, and relatable moments. Tune in for a conversation that encourages you to embrace imperfection, find joy in the little things, and prioritise yourself alongside your family.

Guest: Cat Sanz

Instagram: ⁠@catsanz

Connect with Mum Era Podcast

Email: ⁠⁠hello@mumerapodcast.com⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠mumerapodcast.com⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠@mumerapodcast⁠⁠

Connect with Renee: Instagram: ⁠⁠@reneebargh⁠⁠

Connect with Olivia: Instagram: ⁠⁠@oliviajdavies⁠⁠

Birth is often framed as something to endure rather than embrace, but what if we could shift that narrative? This week, we’re joined by the incredible Bernadette Lack—renowned midwife, birth educator, and founder of Core and Floor Restore—who is on a mission to help women feel strong, informed, and empowered throughout pregnancy, birth, and beyond.

In this powerful conversation, B shares her deeply personal journey, from struggling with incontinence post-birth to becoming a leading advocate for women’s health and birth trauma awareness. With wisdom and warmth, she unpacks the nuances of childbirth and postpartum recovery, shedding light on the physical, emotional, and societal factors that shape a woman's experience.

We dive into the often-overlooked realities of birth trauma, how it manifests, and why it’s crucial to acknowledge and address it. B also highlights the incredible role of oxytocin and the parasympathetic nervous system in fostering a positive birth experience and explains how we can better support women during this transformative time.

From the impact of intergenerational trauma to the importance of understanding our menstrual cycles, this episode is a rich exploration of the many ways women can reclaim their power in motherhood. If you’re navigating pregnancy, postpartum, or simply want to better understand the innate strength of the female body, this conversation is for you.

Join us for an inspiring, eye-opening episode that reminds us of the power, resilience, and wisdom that lie within every mother.

Sponsor:

Nudie Rudie

https://www.nudierudielunchbox.com.au

Discount code for 20% off your entire order: mumera

Guest: Bernadette Lack - Core and Floor Restore

Instagram: ⁠@coreandfloorrestore

Connect with Mum Era Podcast

Email: ⁠⁠hello@mumerapodcast.com⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠mumerapodcast.com⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠@mumerapodcast⁠⁠

Connect with Renee: Instagram: ⁠⁠@reneebargh⁠⁠

Connect with Olivia: Instagram: ⁠⁠@oliviajdavies⁠⁠

The holiday season has come and gone, leaving behind memories of tangled lights, chaotic moments, and the magic mums create for their families. As we embrace the rhythm of a new year, we reflect on the unique challenges of parenting, balancing family life, and preparing for the arrival of a new family member.

With so much love and excitement, Renee shares that she’ll soon take maternity leave from the podcast to welcome her baby. But don’t worry—Mum Era isn’t going anywhere! Olivia will continuing to bring heartfelt conversations to your ears, and Renee will return when she’s ready.

This week, we’re joined by the incredible Jess Urlichs, mother, poet and author whose words have touched the hearts of mothers around the world. Jess shares her journey from navigating postnatal anxiety to building a supportive community through her writing. Her poetry beautifully captures the raw, transformative, and tender moments of motherhood, offering solace and connection.

From tantrums to messy surprises, we laugh, reflect, and share stories every mum can relate to. Jess’s poignant poetry and our honest anecdotes shine a light on the highs, lows, and unbreakable bonds of motherhood.

Join us for an episode filled with warmth, inspiration, and plenty of heart as we navigate the ever-evolving journey of parenthood together.

Sponsor:

Once Upon Photo Books ⁠Get started here⁠

Use code MUMERA25 for 25% off until January 30, 2025!

Guest: Jess Urlichs

Website: ⁠jess urlichs⁠

Instagram: ⁠@jessurlichs⁠

Connect with Mum Era Podcast

Email: ⁠⁠hello@mumerapodcast.com⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠mumerapodcast.com⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠@mumerapodcast⁠⁠

Connect with Renee: Instagram: ⁠⁠@reneebargh⁠⁠

Connect with Olivia: Instagram: ⁠⁠@oliviajdavies⁠⁠

In this heartfelt episode, Renee and Olivia sit down with beloved journalist, presenter, and mum, Edwina Bartholomew, to explore her incredible journey through a transformative year. Edwina shares candid reflections on her recent diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukaemia, a type of blood cancer, and how it has shaped her perspective on motherhood, self-care, and the importance of prioritising health.

Throughout the conversation, Edwina opens up about the bittersweet transitions of motherhood, from the emotional moments of letting go as her children grow to the hilarious parenting mishaps that all mums can relate to. She discusses the challenge of balancing the demands of raising two young children with a high-profile career in breakfast television, sharing her strategies for finding joy and maintaining perspective amidst the chaos.

Edwina’s diagnosis has brought a new focus to her life, emphasising the importance of health check-ups and self-care. She reflects on how this experience has reshaped her priorities, helping her find clarity about what truly matters. Her journey is a powerful reminder for mums everywhere to take care of themselves while caring for others.

The episode also delves into Edwina’s unique family dynamics, as she and her husband navigate life in separate towns while raising their children and working on an ambitious project to renovate a boutique hotel. Her warmth, humour, and wisdom shine as she shares her story, offering valuable insights and encouragement for parents seeking balance in their own lives.

Join us for an episode filled with laughter, heartfelt reflections, and a celebration of the beautiful messiness of parenting.

Don’t forget to connect with us on social media and join the Mum Era Podcast Facebook page for support, community, and more inspiring conversations.

Sponsor:

Nudie Rudie Lunchbox

https://www.nudierudielunchbox.com.au

Discount code for 20% off your entire order: mumera

Guest: Edwina Bartholomew

Instagram: ⁠@edwina_b

Connect with Mum Era Podcast

Email: ⁠hello@mumerapodcast.com⁠

Website: ⁠mumerapodcast.com⁠

Instagram: ⁠@mumerapodcast⁠

Connect with Renee: Instagram: ⁠@reneebargh⁠

Connect with Olivia: Instagram: ⁠@oliviajdavies⁠

In this episode, we share the realities of burnout, the decision to pause, and our heartfelt gratitude for the love and patience from our incredible listeners.

Renee reflects on a family trip to Fiji, where the presence of grandparents transformed the experience, giving her the space to truly unwind and enjoy island life with her son, Tide. We dive into the highs and lows of parenting, exploring the balance of gratitude and expectations when sharing childcare responsibilities with partners.

A candid conversation unfolds about a deeply personal experience Olivia had at a nail salon, where an unsolicited comment about her body sparked reflections on self-image and the emotional toll of body shaming, especially postpartum. We emphasise the importance of kindness, empathy, and creating safe spaces for all women.

We also discuss the emotional complexities of motherhood, touching on birth trauma and the importance of honouring both a mother’s and baby’s well-being. Processing these moments and respecting individual journeys is vital, and we advocate for greater support for mothers in every aspect of parenting.

To close, we lighten the mood with tales of grocery store chaos and the magic of attending a Coldplay concert, reminding ourselves of the joy in everyday moments.

Join us for a heartfelt, reflective, and uplifting start to the season.

Connect with Mum Era Podcast

Email: ⁠hello@mumerapodcast.com⁠

Website: ⁠mumerapodcast.com⁠

Instagram: ⁠@mumerapodcast⁠

Connect with Renee: Instagram: ⁠@reneebargh⁠

Connect with Olivia: Instagram: ⁠@oliviajdavies⁠

We're back baby!!!

In our latest episode, Renee and Olivia are back after a short break to tackle these very feelings with our wonderful guest, Lael Stone. Lael, a parenting expert, author, and educator, joins us to share her insights on the often chaotic yet beautiful journey of motherhood, offering guidance on navigating toddler tantrums, the pressures of modern parenting, and the art of balancing it all.

We dive into the transformative impact of parenthood on relationships, exploring how childbirth and parenting can redefine our partnerships. Through stories of personal growth and shared experiences, we discuss the significance of communication and self-awareness in co-parenting. Our conversation with Lael reveals how our personal histories can shape our approach to parenting, and how healing past traumas can lead to more mindful and compassionate parenting practices. We aim to provide reassurance and practical tools to help other parents manage the emotional rollercoaster that comes with raising resilient children.

This episode is packed with valuable advice on addressing challenging behaviors and fostering emotional intelligence in our kids. From managing toddler power struggles to teaching accountability, Lael's insights underscore the importance of authentic communication and connection. We also reflect on the societal expectations placed on mothers and the necessity of modeling self-care and boundary-setting for our children. Join us as we embrace the messiness of parenting, celebrate small victories, and encourage a nurturing environment for our families. Don’t forget to connect with us on social media and join our Mum Era podcast village hub for support and community.

In todays episode we're joined by Luca McCabe from Boob to Food, who offers invaluable wisdom from her latest book “Toddler To Table” on transitioning toddlers to solid foods, complete with heartfelt anecdotes and practical tips.

From navigating the minefield of picky eaters to establishing mealtime boundaries, we cover it all. Discover why consistent family meals matter and the secret to making mealtime less stressful without resorting to backup meals. Luka's insights into the importance of offering a variety of foods, including "safe" options, will change the way you approach the dinner table. Plus, we share our favourite simple recipes and strategies for efficient meal prep, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more with your family.

But the journey doesn't stop at food. We also explore the humbling, often messy realities of motherhood. From battling persistent NITS to navigating gastro outbreaks, Renee and Olivia's stories highlight the necessity of flexibility and a solid support system. Tune in to laugh, cry, and feel inspired as we share the indescribable, and sometimes unbelievable, moments that come with raising young kids. Get ready for an episode packed with heartfelt anecdotes and practical advice that every parent can relate to.

Sponsor:

Saba Organics

https://www.sabaorganics.com

Discount code for 20% off your first purchase: mumera

Guest:

Luka McCabe

https://boobtofood.com

Book:

https://learn.boobtofood.com/product/toddler-to-table/

Connect with Luka

@boobtofood

@lukamccabe

Connect with Mum Era Podcast

Email: ⁠hello@mumerapodcast.com⁠

Website: ⁠mumerapodcast.com⁠

Instagram: ⁠@mumerapodcast⁠

Connect with Renee: Instagram: ⁠@reneebargh⁠

Connect with Olivia: Instagram: ⁠@oliviajdavies⁠

Ever wondered why thoughtless comments about pregnancy sizes are still a thing? In this episode, we share personal experiences of pregnancy, shedding light on the insensitive comments many expectant mothers face. We discuss the psychological and emotional impact of such remarks, offering both humorous and poignant reflections. Alongside these stories, we recount a peculiar parking incident in our apartment complex, illustrating the everyday annoyances that often come with motherhood.

We also explore the vital aspects of postpartum support and recovery, emphasising the importance of having a strong support system in place. Through our own stories and reflections, we offer practical advice on nourishing oneself, managing household chores, and seeking help from friends, family, or professionals like doulas and pelvic floor physios. By highlighting the small yet significant acts of kindness that can make a big difference, we aim to provide valuable insights for new and expecting mums.

Additionally, we discuss the significance of setting and communicating boundaries as new parents. Sharing personal anecdotes, we emphasise the need to protect the precious time with your newborn and partner while managing the guilt of limiting visitors. We also touch on essential postpartum items, breastfeeding aids, and innovative tools that can ease the journey of motherhood. Finally, we reflect on the beauty of pre-birth rituals like baby blessings and the importance of celebrating and supporting each other, not just during significant life events but in everyday moments as well.

Sponsor:

Wild

https://wearewild.com/

Discount code for 20% off all products: MUMERA20

Connect with Mum Era Podcast

Email: ⁠hello@mumerapodcast.com⁠

Website: ⁠mumerapodcast.com⁠

Instagram: ⁠@mumerapodcast⁠

Connect with Renee: Instagram: ⁠@reneebargh⁠

Connect with Olivia: Instagram: ⁠@oliviajdavies⁠