This week's dilemma is one of the rawest we've had so far, so we brought Kate Ferdinand (the queen of blended families!) into the studio for some expert support. Listen in as Anna and Kate help out a step-mum who admits that when her stepchildren are around, she resents not being her partner's 'number one'. Along the way Kate discusses being step-mum to footballer Rio Ferdinand’s kids, and shares some of the challenges she’s faced.  Anna and Kate are joined in the studio by the brilliant psychotherapist Sam Pennells-Nkolo from The London Practice. Kate Ferdinand is a big advocate for championing and celebrating blended families. You can hear more from her by listening to her podcast Blended, or reading her book How To Build a Family. Kate’s latest book, The Family Tree, is out on the 8th of June. … Have questions about sex? Divorce? Motherhood? Menopause? Mental health? With no topic off limits, Anna’s here to prove that whatever you’re going through, it’s not just you. If you have a dilemma you’d like unpacked, visit itcantjustbeme.co.uk and record a voice note. Or tell Anna all about it in an email to [email protected] This podcast contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children. Listener caution is advised. Please note that advice given on this podcast is not intended to replace the input of a trained professional. If you’ve been affected by anything raised in this episode and want extra support, we encourage you to reach out to your general practitioner or an accredited professional.  From Podimo & Mags Creative Producer: Alice Homewood with support from Laura Williams Editor: Kit Milsom Theme music: Kit Milsom Executive producers for Podimo: Jake Chudnow and Matt White Follow @annarichardso and @podimo_uk on Instagram for weekly updates

When Izzy Judd and her husband Harry decided to start a family, they had no idea what kind of journey lay ahead of them. They battled through miscarriage, IVF and some very dark days to get to where they are now - a happy family of five. In this week’s episode Izzy joins Anna to tackle a dilemma from a midwife who’s going through IVF. She wishes her friends and family could understand what she’s going through and stop suggesting she should ‘just adopt’ instead. Anna and Izzy are joined by Anne Bracken for this episode. Anne is a specialist fertility counsellor and author of Mind Body Baby. We’d like to thank The Fertility Network and The Fertility Foundation for their help and advice for this episode. We encourage anyone struggling with their fertility journey to access their resources online.  … Have questions about sex? Divorce? Motherhood? Menopause? Mental health? With no topic off limits, Anna’s here to prove that whatever you’re going through, it’s not just you. If you have a dilemma you’d like unpacked, visit itcantjustbeme.co.uk and record a voice note. Or tell Anna all about it in an email to [email protected] This podcast touches on adult themes, including miscarriage and suicidal ideation, that may not be suitable for children. Listener caution is advised. Please note that advice given on this podcast is not intended to replace the input of a trained professional. If you’ve been affected by anything raised in this episode and want extra support, we encourage you to reach out to your general practitioner or an accredited professional.  From Podimo & Mags Creative Producer: Alice Homewood with support from Laura Williams Editor: Kit Milsom Theme music: Kit Milsom Executive producers for Podimo: Jake Chudnow and Matt White Follow @annarichardso and @podimo_uk on Instagram for weekly updates

Medical doctor and TV presenter Ranj Singh came out at the age of thirty after being married to a woman. In this episode he and Anna reflect on their own experiences of coming out, and unpack a dilemma from a gay woman who wants her male exes to know that their relationship was authentic. We want to thank Erene Hadjiioannou who joined Anna and Ranj for this recording. Erene is an Integrative Psychotherapist who specialises in LGBT+ matters. In the episode Erene recommends a resource called Mapping Your Sexuality. You can find it here.  Dr Ranj also recommended The Sleep Charity. … Have questions about sex? Divorce? Motherhood? Menopause? Mental health? With no topic off limits, Anna’s here to prove that whatever you’re going through, it’s not just you. If you have a dilemma you’d like unpacked, visit itcantjustbeme.co.uk and record a voice note. Or tell Anna all about it in an email to [email protected] This podcast contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children. Listener caution is advised. Please note that advice given on this podcast is not intended to replace the input of a trained professional. If you’ve been affected by anything raised in this episode and want extra support, we encourage you to reach out to your general practitioner or an accredited professional.  From Podimo & Mags Creative Producer: Alice Homewood with support from Laura Williams Editor: Kit Milsom Theme music: Kit Milsom Executive producers for Podimo: Jake Chudnow and Matt White Follow @annarichardso and @podimo_uk on Instagram for weekly updates

Comedian Rosie Jones joins Anna to tackle a dilemma from a woman preparing to get back on the dating scene. Along the way Rosie opens up about her own dating history, and reveals the moving moment she realised she was worthy of love as a woman living with cerebral palsy. Anna and Rosie are joined in the studio by Jennie Williams, CEO of Enhance the UK. This charity runs The Love Lounge, an initiative that gives disabled people one-to-one advice on dating and intimacy. We want to thank Enhance the UK for their support in making this episode. … Have questions about sex? Divorce? Motherhood? Menopause? Mental health? With no topic off limits, Anna’s here to prove that whatever you’re going through, it’s not just you. If you have a dilemma you’d like unpacked, visit itcantjustbeme.co.uk and record a voice note. Or tell Anna all about it in an email to [email protected] This podcast contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children. Listener caution is advised. Please note that advice given on this podcast is not intended to replace the input of a trained professional. If you’ve been affected by anything raised in this episode and want extra support, we encourage you to reach out to your general practitioner or an accredited professional.  From Podimo & Mags Creative Producer: Alice Homewood with support from Laura Williams Editor: Kit Milsom Theme music: Kit Milsom Executive producers for Podimo: Jake Chudnow and Matt White Follow @annarichardso and @podimo_uk on Instagram for weekly updates

Scarlette Douglas (I'm a Celeb 2022, A Place in the Sun) helps Anna unpack a dilemma from a woman who thinks her boyfriend resents her successful career. In this episode Scarlette offers her advice and opens up about her own experience with an ex who she felt wasn’t supportive of her dreams. Anna and Scarlette are joined in the studio by psychotherapist Sam Pennells-Nkolo from The London Practice. … Have questions about sex? Divorce? Motherhood? Menopause? Mental health? With no topic off limits, Anna’s here to prove that whatever you’re going through, it’s not just you. If you have a dilemma you’d like unpacked, visit itcantjustbeme.co.uk and record a voice note. Or tell Anna all about it in an email to [email protected] This podcast contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children. Listener caution is advised. Please note that advice given on this podcast is not intended to replace the input of a trained professional. If you’ve been affected by anything raised in this episode and want extra support, we encourage you to reach out to your general practitioner or an accredited professional. For more information and resources on the topic of controlling behaviour go to womensaid.org.uk or refuge.org.uk From Podimo & Mags Creative Producer: Alice Homewood with support from Laura Williams Editor: Kit Milsom Theme music: Kit Milsom Executive producers for Podimo: Jake Chudnow and Matt White Follow @annarichardso and @podimo_uk on Instagram for weekly updates