Surrogacy, Fatherhood & Family Life with Stuart Armfield & Francis Haugen
Today, we’re joined by two amazing guests - Stuart Armfield and Francis Haugen - for a powerful and honest conversation all about their journey to parenthood through surrogacy.
Stuart and Francis open up about the emotional rollercoaster of starting a family as a same-sex couple, the challenges they faced along the way, and the absolute joy of becoming dads. From the very first step to meeting their baby for the first time, this episode is full of heart, hope, and helpful advice for anyone considering surrogacy or curious about what the journey really looks like.
In this episode, we’ll cover:
When and why surrogacy became the right path for them
The emotional and practical realities of finding a surrogate
How they navigated unexpected challenges and supported each other
Handling judgment, assumptions, and awkward questions
What it felt like to meet their baby for the very first time
How becoming parents changed their relationship
The biggest surprises of fatherhood - and what they wish they’d known
Whether you’re exploring alternative paths to parenthood or just want to hear a truly heartwarming story, Stuart and Francis bring vulnerability, humour and inspiration to one of our most moving episodes yet.
✨ Follow Stuart https://www.instagram.com/stueyarmfield and Francis https://www.instagram.com/francishaugen
🎥 You can also watch their family journey on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC4851n8f6HEqxxpK8JCZ4bg
Go to see their show
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/bloomsbury-theatre/events/2025/oct/stuart-and-francis-show-live
--------
48:47
--------
48:47
Building a Brand, Mum Life, Renovating and Self Care with Jemma Solomon
Today’s guest is Emily’s lovely friend Jemma Solomon - aka The Label Lady! Jemma is a mum of three, a former nurse, and the founder of one of the most recognisable home organisation brands in the UK. She's someone who’s built a hugely successful business from scratch - using Instagram and a whole lot of grit.
In this fun, honest, and inspiring chat, we cover everything from career changes to family life, social media pressure, and navigating renovation chaos with your partner.
In this episode, we’ll chat about:
How Jemma went from NHS nurse to successful entrepreneur
The reality of running a business on social media while raising kids
What it’s really like being in the public eye (with a famous sister!)
Parenting styles, boundaries, and how she shows up for her kids
Her recent health and fitness journey - and what’s kept her motivated
Her upcoming home renovation (and whether she’s more “Pinterest plan” or “wing it”)
Encouragement for anyone thinking of making a big life change
Whether you're dreaming of starting something new or just need a good dose of real talk and motivation, Jemma brings the laughs, the insight, and a whole lot of heart.
✨ Follow Jemma @label.lady.1 or shop her labels at https://www.thelabellady.com
--------
39:33
--------
39:33
Menopause & Perimenopause 101 with Dr. Alice Scott
Today we’re diving into a topic that affects women eventually — What They Don’t Tell You About... Perimenopause & Menopause. We’re joined by Dr. Alice Scott, GP and British Menopause Society specialist (and Emily’s own doctor), for a myth-busting, info-packed, and empowering conversation about hormones, symptoms, and support.
In this episode, we’ll cover:
What perimenopause actually is — and why so many women don’t realise they’re in it
The truth about HRT, weight gain, low libido, and mental health
The most common (and misunderstood) symptoms
How partners can support without stepping on eggshells
What lifestyle changes actually help — and why exercise isn’t just about losing weight
When to see a doctor, how to advocate for yourself, and what questions to ask
This is one of our most requested topics — and whether you’re in your 30s, 40s, 50s or just planning ahead, Dr. Alice’s expert advice, warmth and clarity make this an essential listen.
Follow Dr. Alice Scott at dralicescott.co.uk or visit essexprivatedoctors.com to learn more.
--------
38:38
--------
38:38
A Midwife’s Honest Guide to Birth & Beyond
Today, we're joined by the brilliant Marie Louise – better known as The Modern Midwife – to talk about What They Don’t Tell You... about birth, recovery and the mental load of motherhood. With over a decade of NHS experience and two children of her own, Marie shares expert advice and honest truths about pregnancy, birth plans, pain relief, mum guilt, intrusive thoughts, and the pressure on modern mums to “do it all.”
In this episode, we’ll talk about:
What birth plans are really for – and how to prepare for the unpredictable
Why it’s not normal for breastfeeding to hurt
The pressure to “bounce back” and why it's time to let that go
Intrusive thoughts and the early signs of postnatal anxiety
How partners can truly support new mums
We hope this conversation reassures, informs and supports you – whether you're pregnant, postpartum, or supporting someone who is.
Follow Marie on Instagram @the_modern_midwife and check out her books and courses at themodernmidwife.com.
--------
38:01
--------
38:01
Backstage to Bedtime: Motherhood with Kimberley Walsh
Today, we’re chatting with the fabulous Kimberley Walsh about What They Don’t Tell You... About Raising Boys, Rediscovering Yourself and Staying Sane(ish). As a singer, presenter, interiors lover and mum of three boys, Kimberley opens up about parenting chaos, career balance, and why she has a secret stash of toothbrushes in the downstairs utility room!
In this episode, we talk about:
The beauty and bedlam of life with three boys
Why each child needs different parenting
Chore charts, mum guilt and “bruh” on repeat
What it was really like doing a Girls Aloud tour as a mum
Embracing the mess, the love, and the chaos of a busy home
Creative hacks (and one truly regrettable lemon carpet)
Follow her on Instagram at @kimberleywalshofficial and find out more about Kimberley's new paint colour at www.wickes.co.uk/kimberley-walsh
Join Emily and Matt Norris as they pull back the curtain on real-life parenting, the highs and lows of marriage, and everything in between.
With 20 years together, three kids, a dog, and a home renovation under their belts, Emily brings her signature positivity and practical tips, while Matt keeps things grounded with his honest, often humorous, dad’s-eye view. Expect raw and relatable chats, lessons learned (and mistakes made), and the advice they wish they had heard sooner.
Whether you’re in the thick of parenting or just love a good family chat, What They Don’t Tell You (but we will!) is here to tell you what no one else does – with warmth, wit, and a touch of British moaning. Parenting, marriage, and family life – no one hands you a manual, but we’re here to share what we’ve learned along the way.
New episodes every Monday
UK