What mistake do all would-be novelists make? What's it like to be nominated for the Booker prize? And what's the best drink to pair with a Greggs Steak Bake? Helping us answer all these questions is the brilliant novelist Charlotte Mendelson!

We discuss Charlotte's latest book, Wife, plus her work as a creative writing teacher. She tells us what all her students have in common, reveals her top tips for finishing your novel, and shares the best piece of writing advice she was ever given. We also discuss the economics of being a writer, and accidentally have a serious debate about AI.

Then it's time for relationship chat as we look at how people end up in bad partnerships, and why they stay. Charlotte talks about the pressure of being a poster family when you're a gay parent, and what it's like to have adult kids.

Plus: book recommendations if you're going through a divorce, why Calpol syringes are better than turkey basters, and that time Charlotte saw Keir Starmer in a Gail's.

Wife is out now, and it's a great read for anyone interested in breakups, jokes, lesbians and/or Australians.

We are bringing our BRAND NEW SHOW, Hot Mess, to theatres all over the country in 2025! The preview shows are in South East London this February. Then it all kicks off in Horsham, Stockport, Harlow, Birmingham, Wrexham, Salisbury and Farnham in March. In April we're coming to Leeds, Sheffield, Stroud and Epsom. Then we're off to Dunstable, Chelmsford, Worthing, Cardiff, Worcester, and many more... Visit scummymummies.com for dates and tickets.

*WE HAVE A SHOP!* Visit scummymummiesshop.com for our ace t-shirts, mugs, washbags, sweatshirts and beach towels. FREE UK DELIVERY!

We're on X (@scummymummies), Instagram, and Facebook. If you like the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe.

Thank you for listening!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Time for the filthiest, silliest and sweariest episode of the year - it's the Scummy Mummies Christmas Podcast!

We are joined by our old friends Miserable Steve, Nurse Jessie and Sam Pamphilon. We discuss our highs and lows of 2024, and find out what Steve means when he talks about getting his balls drained.

Of course, our festive Scummy traditions return - join us as we wish Linda a happy birthday, and find out if Jessie has a new job. Plus: who will win this year's Ham Review?

There's a hilarious story about not defrosting some gammon, a warning about the dangers of Chinese laxative tea, and a deep dive into the origins of our 2024 slogan, "No tuna, no vape." And not one, but two stupid quizzes!

We also share the strongest Scummy Mummy Confession we heard this year, and enjoy a heated and graphic debate about the best way to unblock a toilet.

Trigger warnings: sexual deviancy, toilet "humour", guinea pig death/exhumation.

Ellie used Felicity Cloake's ham recipe, while Helen went with one by Sarah Rossi. Her brilliant book, What's for Christmas Dinner?, is out now.

Thank you for listening. And a special shoutout to all those who have listened to every episode of our podcast for the last 11 bloody years. We really appreciate your support and tolerance. As always, this Christmas Special is for you.

See you in 2025 with our brand new show, Hot Mess, and massive UK tour! Some tickets on sale now via scummymummies.com.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, lots of love from Helen and Ellie xxx

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are modern mums more stressed than their predecessors, and if so, why? What's the best way to deal with anger, and what should you do if you've shouted at your children? How do you accept that you're just not good enough? Answering all these questions is the amazing psychotherapist Anna Mathur!

She tells us all about her brilliant new book, The Uncomfortable Truth: Change Your Life By Taming Ten Of Your Greatest Fears. We discuss everything from death and rage to phone addiction and crap holidays. Then we round off with some Confessions involving coping strategies, lentils, and Miserable Steve and his enormous hose.

Anna's latest book is out now! You can follow her on Instagram @annamathur.

*WE ARE ON TOUR!* Many dates are sold out but there are still a few tickets left for Twickenham tonight and tomorrow, and Finchester on Friday. Then next week we're off to Winchester, Wells and Leatherhead. And we round off the year on 17 and 18 December, followed by Kent on the 19th. Plus look out for tickets to our brand new 2025 show, Hot Mess - they make great xmas presents! Go to scummymummies.com for dates and tickets.

*WE HAVE A SHOP!* Visit scummymummiesshop.com for our ace t-shirts, mugs, washbags, sweatshirts and beach towels. FREE UK DELIVERY!

We're on X (@scummymummies), Instagram, and Facebook. If you like the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe.

Thank you for listening!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.