Beanstalk Single Mums

In this insightful episode of the Beanstalk Mums Podcast, we explore the emotional terrain of co-parenting and conflict resolution with the calm and compassionate Thad Hollis, founder of Better Outcomes Coaching & Mediation. With over 30 years of experience guiding families through separation and beyond, Thad offers practical tools and grounded wisdom to help single mums communicate more clearly, reduce stress, and make decisions that truly centre their children’s wellbeing. Together, we unpack what healthy conflict actually looks like, how to listen (even when it’s hard), and why mediation can be a powerful resource—not just in crisis, but anytime things start to shift. Thad’s approach is gentle, respectful, and refreshingly human. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a co-parenting loop, unsure how to move forward, or just want more peace in your parenting partnership, this episode is here to support you. Real tools, real talk, and a quiet reminder: you don’t have to do this alone. Tune in to feel steady, suppo

Finding Freedom After Separation: A Conversation with Family Lawyer Ella Hickman

In this heartfelt episode of the Beanstalk Mums Podcast, we dive into Women’s Health through the real and relatable lens of motherhood. With the ever-inspiring Ashley Sonnenberg from Mommy and Me Fitness, we explore what it truly means to prioritise your wellbeing in a life filled with demands, love, and little people. Ashley shares her journey from healthcare professional to mama-focused fitness coach, and how she’s helping mums ditch the guilt, perfectionism, and pressure to "do it all." Together, we unpack small, doable shifts that lead to lasting change—because your health isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. From energy and sleep to mindset and movement, this episode gently reminds you that you are worthy of care. You don’t need a perfect routine—you just need a starting point and perhaps a village around you. Tune in to feel seen, supported, and inspired to put yourself back on the list—with kindness and without overwhelm. Links for this episode:

Growing Your Tribe: How Single Mums Can Build Connection and Community Being a single mum doesn’t mean doing it alone! In this episode, we chat with Sarah McLaughlin from Liberty about the power of community and how single mums can build strong, supportive networks. We explore the rise of ‘mommunes’—a growing trend where single mums share living spaces to ease financial pressures, offer mutual support, and create a village-like environment for their children. Sarah shares expert insights on: ✔️ The benefits of co-living for single mums ✔️ How to find (and create) your own community ✔️ Overcoming fears and challenges of shared living ✔️ Practical tips for making it work Whether you're looking for deeper friendships, shared parenting support, or considering co-living, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable advice.  

Co-Parenting Under One Roof: Heather’s Story Breaking up is hard enough, but what happens when you and your ex decide to keep living under the same roof for the sake of your children? In this episode, we chat with Heather, a single mum who navigated 3.5 years of co-parenting while sharing a home with her ex-husband. Heather opens up about why they made this choice, the challenges they faced, and the surprising benefits of keeping their family under one roof post-separation. She shares insights on communication, emotional regulation, and setting boundaries—plus what it was really like when they finally moved into separate homes. We also dive into:

Empowering Dating Advice for Single Mums with Laurie Gerber Balancing parenting, self-care, and the pursuit of love can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, Laurie Gerber, renowned life and relationship coach, shares transformative dating advice tailored for single mums. Laurie has been featured on the Today Show, Dr. Phil, and countless other platforms, offering expert guidance to individuals worldwide. Discover Laurie’s step-by-step approach to preparing for love: The Divorce Detox: Letting go of past attachments and creating space for new possibilities. Modern Dating Strategies: Navigate dating apps with intention and confidence. The Three-Date Rule: Evaluate compatibility using the “Three H’s”—Head, Heart, and Hoo-ha. Building Community: Gain the support you need to thrive in your dating journey. Whether you’re dipping your toes back into the dating world or looking for a meaningful connection, Laurie’s insights will inspire and empower you. Plus, learn about her free webinar packed

Welcome to the Beanstalk Mums Podcast! Here at Beanstalk Mums, we believe that every mum is a powerhouse of potential and strength. Our mission is to uplift, empower, and support single mums on their incredible journey. Each episode is packed with inspiring stories, practical advice, and expert insights tailored to help you tackle the unique challenges and triumphs of single motherhood. Join our vibrant community as we delve into topics that matter most to you – from financial independence and career growth to self-care and parenting tips. At Beanstalk Mums, we understand that your journey is as unique as you are, and we're here to provide a warm, welcoming space where you can find the encouragement and resources you need. Don’t forget to join our supportive Facebook group, The Single Mum Vine, where you can connect with other incredible mums. And be sure to visit beanstalkmums.com.au for a vast library of resources and articles designed just for you. Tune in regularly and become part of a network that celebr

Shining a Light on Australia’s Housing Crisis and Givit’s Impact on Families in Need As the festive season approaches, many are preparing to celebrate, but for countless families in Australia, the Housing Crisis casts a heavy shadow. In this heartfelt episode, we’re joined by Danielle Draper, manager of Givit’s Domestic and Family Violence program, to explore the profound challenges facing single mums and their children. Danielle shares how Givit, a not-for-profit organisation, transforms lives by connecting families in need with essential items—fostering dignity and respect. From helping a mum transition out of refuge with a bed and fridge voucher to delivering nearly 1 million items over four years, Givit’s impact is extraordinary. We delve into the long-term reliance on transitional housing and the emotional toll it takes, especially during the holidays. Danielle also highlights how donors can provide thoughtful contributions, like bicycles that bring joy and connection or Christmas gifts for overlooked tw

In this episode, we hear from Carly, a determined solo mum, who opens up about her path to motherhood after discovering her low egg reserve at age 35. Carly shares her experience with six rounds of egg freezing over four years, eventually turning to a donor to fulfil her dream of becoming a mum. She discusses the emotional rollercoaster of letting go of the “fairy tale” family she had envisioned, overcoming postpartum depression, and finding strength through connection with other single mums. Carly's story is one of resilience, joy, and humour, with valuable advice for women considering solo motherhood and navigating its challenges. From fertility setbacks to the triumph of watching her daughter grow into a compassionate and independent child, Carly shows us that solo motherhood can be both rewarding and empowering. Links for this episode:

In this episode, we sit down with Bec McKay, an experienced educator and advocate for neurodivergent children. With over 20 years in the education and disability sectors and as a homeschooling mum of three neurodivergent children, Beck brings professional expertise and personal experience to the conversation. Together, we explore how understanding neurodivergent behaviour, including recognising meltdowns as physiological responses and non-verbal communication, can shift how we support our children. Bec also emphasises the importance of having high expectations to empower our children and the critical role of self-care for parents to maintain resilience. Tune in for practical advice on providing sensory support, building routines, celebrating small wins, and staying connected with your children during challenging moments. Bec shares essential self-care tips, asking for help, and how to make space for rest so you can continue to show up for your family. For additional support, connect with Bec for a complimenta

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Hey there, 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: Why it's so flippin' hard not to get caught up in consumerism at Chris

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: Understanding that parenting is bloody hard and it's ok to reach for support The biggest parenting struggles for mothers (hint: overwhelm is one of them) How getting support and talking through your parenting problems can seriously help Advice specifically for single mothers who are dealing with financial

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: Why many problems for single mums can feel exacerbated at Christmas The kind of support The Salvation Army offers at Christmas (and throughout the year) - there is heaps! Wonderful ways we can give to those in need How to reach for support through The Salvation Army (which is often the hardest step) How to block out the madness and enjoy Christma

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: Common scenarios around the breaching of court orders and why they may happen The importance of getting orders as perfect as possible from the get-go The right steps to take if the other parent breaches court orders A bit about contravention applications and proceedings T

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: Which kind of cases would or would not require the services of a family lawyer Options available to separating couples if t

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: What CCS is and how it is paid What you need to do to have your CCS balanced How to confirm your income (over and over again if you need to) What to if you don't need to lodge a tax return (don't do nothing!) What outcomes to expect once your CCS has been balanced What support is available if you have