In this episode of the Real Life Real Kitchen podcast, host Zoe Willis interviews Katherine Hale, CEO and founder of Thrive in Motherhood. They discuss the concept of matrescence, the transition from womanhood to motherhood, and the unique challenges faced by corporate moms. Katherine shares insights on the pressures of perfectionism, the importance of community support, and the need for career clarity. They explore the significance of recognizing seasons of life, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care for mothers. The conversation emphasizes the empowerment of women through coaching and the importance of redefining success in motherhood.

Welcome to the Real Life. Real Kitchen Podcast with your host, Zoë F. Willis, English mother-of-many, Mum Mentor, and your host at this weekly gathering of real talk, real food, and real family life.

Each week I sit down with someone whose work nourishes minds, bodies, or communities. From the kitchen table to the wider world, these are the quiet voices making a loud difference.

Katherine is CEO and Founder of Thrive in Motherhood. She supports driven, high-achieving career women in early motherhood to achieve career success without sacrificing time with their family or their health. She also works with organisations to strengthen their leadership pipelines, reduce attrition rates and enhance retention by helping them focus on the wellbeing of female talent.

1. Website: https://www.thriveinmotherhood.co.uk
2. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrive_in_motherhood
3. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-allt-4221b726/

📝 Command the Chaos – The Mum Life Management Planner

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In this episode of the Real Life Real Kitchen podcast, host Zoe Willis engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Liz Corcoran, a functional medicine doctor and psychiatrist. Dr. Corcoran shares her journey into medicine, driven by a natural curiosity about human behavior and a desire to help others, particularly those with special needs in her family. She discusses the differences between psychiatry and psychology, emphasizing the importance of understanding the whole person rather than just their symptoms. Dr. Corcoran highlights the complexity of mental health, which is influenced by a person's history, culture, and biology, and the necessity of building trust and rapport in the healing process.

As the conversation progresses, Dr. Corcoran explains her transition to functional medicine, which focuses on addressing the root causes of health issues rather than merely treating symptoms. She discusses the significance of nutrition and lifestyle changes in improving health outcomes, particularly for children. The episode also touches on the importance of family dynamics in fostering healthy eating habits and the role of the microbiome in overall well-being. Dr. Corcoran provides practical advice for families looking to make healthier choices, emphasizing that small, incremental changes can lead to significant improvements in health and vitality.

Welcome to the Real Life. Real Kitchen Podcast with your host, Zoë F. Willis, English mother-of-many, Mum Mentor, and your host at this weekly gathering of real talk, real food, and real family life.

Each week I sit down with someone whose work nourishes minds, bodies, or communities. From the kitchen table to the wider world, these are the quiet voices making a loud difference.

Dr Liz has a passion for empowering people to restore their health through changing how they interact with their world. Through her own and family members’ struggles with health she was led to Functional Medicine. She graduated Royal Free University College London in 2005 and completed MRCPsych training in psychiatry. She has completed further education with the Institute of Functional Medicine and is a Certified Practitioner.

1. Website: bit.ly/drlizcorcoran
2. Instagram: @drlizcorcoran
3. Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/drlizcorcoran/
4. Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@drelizabethcorcoran5912

🥒 Dr. Liz's Freebies – Checklists to reset your children's health

https://realliferealkitchen.myflodesk.com/drlizcorcoran

📝 Command the Chaos – The Mum Life Management Planner

https://realliferealkitchen.kaifecta.com/store/command-the-chaos-mum-life-management-planner-80-page-printable-home-family-organiser-for-busy-mums

💌 Join The Kitchen Correspondence – my weekly letter with episodes, reflections & family food wisdom

In this episode of the Real Life Real Kitchen podcast, host Zoe Willis speaks with Laura Bloomberg, a specialist in dyslexia and specific learning difficulties. They discuss Laura's journey into the field, the complexities of dyslexia, and the importance of understanding individual learning profiles. The conversation highlights the overlap between dyslexia and other conditions, the challenges faced by dyslexic learners in traditional education systems, and the need for tailored teaching strategies. Laura emphasizes the strengths of dyslexic individuals and advocates for better training and support for educators to empower them in helping all learners succeed. In this conversation, Zoe & Laura discuss the challenges faced by children with learning difficulties, particularly dyslexia. They explore the need for better training for teachers, the importance of understanding and supporting neurodiverse learners, and the stigma surrounding learning challenges. Practical strategies for parents and educators are shared, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and communication. The discussion also touches on the significance of working memory in learning and the need for effective reading comprehension strategies.

Welcome to the Real Life. Real Kitchen Podcast with your host, Zoë F. Willis, English mother-of-many, Mum Mentor, and your host at this weekly gathering of real talk, real food, and real family life.

Each week I sit down with someone whose work nourishes minds, bodies, or communities. From the kitchen table to the wider world, these are the quiet voices making a loud difference.

Laura Bloomberg (BEd Hons, Dip RSA), founder of Dyslexia Understood, has had over 30 years’ teaching experience in state and private schools. She is a specialist dyslexia teacher (Level 5 OCR) and previously an assessor (Level 7 OCR). Laura works with local authorities, schools, and parents, helping to remove barriers to learning for pupils with specific learning difficulties (SpLD). She is also an accredited trainer on the evidence-based ‘Inference Training – Reading Comprehension Intervention’ programme and she delivers training online in the UK and Internationally. Laura also delivered the Level 5 OCR Diploma in ‘Teaching Learners with Dyslexia/Specific Learning Differences’ and was a visiting lecturer at the University of Hertfordshire, School of Education. Laura is also a qualified NLP Mindset Coach, EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique – Energy Tapping) Practitioner and a Hypnotherapist.

1. Website: http://www.dyslexiaunderstood.co.uk
2. Email: Dyslexiaunderstood@outlook.com

📝 Command the Chaos – The Mum Life Management Planner

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💌 Join The Kitchen Correspondence – my weekly letter with episodes, reflections & family food wisdom

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☕ Support the Show – help keep the kettle on and the podcast going

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If this episode made you...

In this episode of the Real Life Real Kitchen podcast, host Zoë Willis speaks with Carly Church, founder of We've Got Your Mama https://wegotyoumama.com/, about her journey from the entertainment industry to creating a supportive community for mothers. Carly shares her insights on the importance of maternal mental health, the loneliness epidemic among new parents, and the need for supportive systems.

They discuss the challenges mothers face, the significance of community, and the role of technology in parenting. Carly emphasizes the importance of financial literacy for mothers and the need for flexible work models to support families. The conversation highlights the necessity of empowering mothers to set boundaries and advocate for their needs, ultimately aiming to create a more supportive environment for mothers everywhere.

Welcome to the Real Life. Real Kitchen Podcast with your host, Zoë F. Willis, English mother-of-many, Mum Mentor, and your host at this weekly gathering of real talk, real food, and real family life.

Each week I sit down with someone whose work nourishes minds, bodies, or communities. From the kitchen table to the wider world, these are the quiet voices making a loud difference.

Carly Church is a mother of three, former entertainment industry professional, and the founder of We Got You Mama—a growing platform, podcast, and movement dedicated to supporting mothers through pregnancy, postpartum, and every stage beyond. She is also the author of We Got You Mama: The No-Nonsense, Expert-Packed Guide to Going from Surviving to Thriving, the firstof what will be a series designed to help mothers feel supported, informed, and empowered during one of the most vulnerable seasons of their lives.

Known for her refreshingly honest voice, sharp humor, and deep empathy, Carly brings both lived experience and thought leadership to conversations around maternal mental health, postpartum wellness, and the systemic gaps that leave so many mothers unsupported. After navigating anxiety, depression, and years of undiagnosed ADHD, she experienced firsthand how motherhood can both crack you open—and reveal how little infrastructure exists to truly care for moms. That realization sparked the creation of We Got You Mama, where Carly now builds expert collaborations, books, retreats, and tools that help women build their village and move from survival mode into sustainable thriving.

As a speaker and guest, Carly is equal parts insightful and hilarious, blending storytelling, research, and real talk to spark connection, relief, and meaningful change.

Now You Know What to Do List - https://wegotyoumama.com/

When a baby arrives, everyone wants to help — but most people don’t actually know how to help in a way that truly supports mom.

The Now You Know What to Do List is a beautifully designed, easy-to-share printable that takes the guesswork out of showing up. It offers clear, practical, and compassionate ways friends, family, and loved ones can provide real support — the kind that actually makes a difference.

From meals and errands to emotional check-ins and household help, this list turns good intentions into meaningful action. And truthfully? These reminders are welcomed at every age and stage of motherhood, not just the newborn days. Because support shouldn’t be awkward. And moms shouldn’t have to ask for what they need.

• Website:

In this episode of the Real Life Real Kitchen podcast, Zoe Willis interviews Bonnie Landry of the Make Joy Normal podcast. They discuss the importance of seeking joy in parenting, the journey of homeschooling, and the philosophy of discipline that focuses on teaching rather than punishment.

Bonnie shares her insights on resilience, self-care, and managing clutter in the home, emphasizing that parenting is a journey filled with challenges and opportunities for growth. In this conversation, Bonnie and Zoe explore the challenges and strategies of managing home life, particularly for mothers. They discuss the importance of recognizing life stages, embracing incremental changes, and creating calm spaces that reflect personal values. The dialogue emphasizes minimalism, the balance between professional cleaning tips and real-life parenting, and the significance of gratitude in daily life. Ultimately, they highlight the need for boundaries and simplicity to foster a more manageable and fulfilling home environment.

Welcome to the Real Life. Real Kitchen Podcast with your host, Zoë F. Willis, English mother-of-many, Mum Mentor, and your host at this weekly gathering of real talk, real food, and real family life.

Each week I sit down with someone whose work nourishes minds, bodies, or communities. From the kitchen table to the wider world, these are the quiet voices making a loud difference.

Bonnie Landry is an ordinary Catholic wife and mom, living on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada with her family. She and her husband Albert have raised (and are still raising) seven children who range in age from 18-37. Four are now married, and the avalanche of grand-babies has begun.

Bonnie’s mission is joy. Living simply, discipline with dignity, fostering community and encouraging others are all central to her life. This mission encourages others to be present to the people they love.

She strives to make joy normal.

Homeschooling her kids for the last thirty two years confirms that strong relationships are fundamental for success in education. And the rest of life. Life is kind of a bust if you can’t get along with people.

• Website: https://www.bonnielandry.ca/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/make.joy.normal/
• Other: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1052191

📝 Command the Chaos – The Mum Life Management Planner

https://realliferealkitchen.com/mum-life-management-planner/

💌 Join The Kitchen Correspondence – my weekly letter with episodes, reflections & family food wisdom

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☕ Support the Show – help keep the kettle on and the podcast going

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If this episode made you nod, laugh, or breathe a little deeper — please:

• Follow or subscribe to the show
• Leave a short review (it really helps!)
• Share this episode...

In this episode of the Real Life Real Kitchen podcast, host Zoe F. Willis engages in a heartfelt conversation with midwife Lisa Nicholls, who shares her extensive, 35-year experience in midwifery and the journey that led her from Texas to the UK.

The discussion covers various aspects of childbirth, including the human element of midwifery, the balance between motherhood and career, and the differences between community and hospital midwifery.

Lisa emphasizes the importance of creating a comfortable birth environment, understanding the roles of obstetricians and midwives, and the significance of listening to mothers' instincts.

The conversation also touches on the emotional and spiritual aspects of childbirth, particularly in relation to the Christmas season, highlighting the miracle of birth and the unconditional love between a mother and her child.

With your host, Zoë F. Willis, English mother-of-many, Mum Mentor, and your host at this weekly gathering of real talk, real food, and real family life.

Each week I sit down with someone whose work nourishes minds, bodies, or communities. From the kitchen table to the wider world, these are the quiet voices making a loud difference.

📝 Command the Chaos – The Mum Life Management Planner

https://realliferealkitchen.com/mum-life-management-planner/

🥰 The Ultimate Postpartum Meal Prep Pack - Setting up a new mama and her baby just right

https://realliferealkitchen.com/product/the-ultimate-postpartum-meal-prep-pack/

💌 Join The Kitchen Correspondence – my weekly letter with episodes, reflections & family food wisdom

https://realliferealkitchen.myflodesk.com/socials

☕ Support the Show – help keep the kettle on and the podcast going

https://the-real-life-real-kitchen.captivate.fm/support

If this episode made you nod, laugh, or breathe a little deeper — please:

• Follow or subscribe to the show
• Leave a short review (it really helps!)
• Share this episode with a fellow mum who might be quietly asking the same questions

• 📸 Instagram – @realliferealkitchen
• 👩‍👧‍👦 Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/realliferealkitchen
• ▶️ YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/@Realliferealkitchen
• 🏡 Website – www.realliferealkitchen.com

· Midwifery combines science and art, emphasizing the human element.

· Every birth is unique and cannot be fully captured in textbooks.

· Creating a comfortable environment is crucial for a positive birth experience.

· Mothers should advocate for themselves and trust...

In this episode of the Real Life Real Kitchen podcast, host Zoe Willis speaks with Serena Dodd, the Aliveness Coach, about the transformative power of coaching and creating personal boundaries (especially for busy mums!) during the Christmas season.

They explore the differences between coaching and therapy, the importance of self-worth, and how to identify and manage energy drains in relationships. Serena emphasizes the need for clients to engage actively in their growth and the significance of setting boundaries to protect one's energy, especially for mothers balancing multiple responsibilities.

In this conversation, Serena and Zoe explore the complexities of managing family dynamics, particularly during the holiday season. They discuss the importance of mindfulness, personal power, and the ability to observe relationships with compassion. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of curiosity in communication, the practice of letting go of expectations, and the empowerment that comes from delegation.

They also touch on the evolving roles of women in both family and career contexts, highlighting the need for choice and flexibility in navigating these dynamics.

Welcome to the Real Life. Real Kitchen Podcast with your host, Zoë F. Willis, English mother-of-many, Mum Mentor, and your host at this weekly gathering of real talk, real food, and real family life.

Each week I sit down with someone whose work nourishes minds, bodies, or communities. From the kitchen table to the wider world, these are the quiet voices making a loud difference.

I’m Serena Dodd, known as The Aliveness Coach. I work with people who look successful on the outside but quietly feel stuck, disconnected, or like they’ve lost their spark. My focus is on moving them out of autopilot and back into a life and business that feel alive, purposeful, and energising.

I’m also the founder of Fly – The Coaches Network, a community for established coaches who are tired of figuring it all out alone. Fly gives them the connection, confidence, and clarity to grow their business while staying true to the work they’re here to lead.

My background spans 20 years in global events and television before I made a bold shift into coaching. I now combine performance coaching, positive psychology, and breathwork with a direct, practical approach to create real change.

• Website: https://www.serenadodd.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamserenadodd/
• Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/serenadodd/

📝 Command the Chaos – The Mum Life Management Planner

https://realliferealkitchen.com/mum-life-management-planner/

💌 Join The Kitchen Correspondence – my weekly letter with episodes, reflections & family food wisdom

https://realliferealkitchen.myflodesk.com/socials

☕ Support the Show – help keep the kettle on and the podcast going

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📗The Let Them Theory, by Mel Robbins

https://amzn.to/4iZvR0V

In this Christmas Survival Guide edition, Zoe Willis shares practical tips and strategies for parents to maintain peace and joy during the busy holiday season. She emphasizes the importance of saying no to overwhelming commitments, organizing gift giving early, managing overstimulation from festivities, and setting boundaries to ensure a tranquil Christmas experience for families.

with Zoë F. Willis, English mother-of-many, Mum Mentor, and your host at this weekly gathering of real talk, real food, and real family life.

This is one of my short Mum Chats — a personal musing on various aspects of motherhood.

If you’ve ever reheated your tea three times before drinking it, you’re in the right place.

Whether you’re folding laundry, wrangling dinner, or just carving out five minutes of calm then this one’s for you.

📝 Command the Chaos – The Mum Life Management Planner

https://realliferealkitchen.com/mum-life-management-planner/

💌 Join The Kitchen Correspondence – my weekly letter with episodes, reflections & family food wisdom

https://realliferealkitchen.myflodesk.com/socials

☕ Support the Show – help keep the kettle on and the podcast going

https://the-real-life-real-kitchen.captivate.fm/support

If this episode made you nod, laugh, or breathe a little deeper — please:

• Follow or subscribe to the show
• Leave a short review (it really helps!)
• Share this episode with a fellow mum who might be quietly asking the same questions

• 📸 Instagram – @realliferealkitchen
• 👩‍👧‍👦 Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/realliferealkitchen
• ▶️ YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/@Realliferealkitchen
• 🏡 Website – www.realliferealkitchen.com

Takeaways:

• In the lead-up to Christmas, it is imperative for mothers to prioritize their peace, allowing the option to decline excessive commitments that may lead to overwhelm.
• The importance of early gift planning cannot be overstated; organizing presents in advance can significantly alleviate last-minute stress.
• Families are encouraged to minimize the quantity of gifts received, focusing instead on meaningful experiences that foster connection and joy among loved ones.
• Maintaining a consistent routine during festive occasions is essential, as it helps children navigate excitement while avoiding meltdowns due to overstimulation.
• When it comes to holiday meals, preparing simple, familiar foods can make gatherings more enjoyable for children amidst the chaos of traditional celebrations.
• Establishing boundaries around gift-giving and social expectations during the holiday season is crucial for maintaining one's mental health and overall well-being.