What They Don’t Tell You… About Being 9 Years Old (interviewing our son)
This week’s episode of What They Don’t Tell You is extra special, we’re joined by our 9-year-old son, Jackson. He has requested to make this episode for some time!
We ask him everything from the best thing about being nine to what food he’d eat forever, and his answers are just as funny and surprising as you’d expect. We also chat about what school should be like, the “totally unfair” rules at home, and what he thinks we get up to when he’s not around.
Along the way, we talk about sibling love, big future dreams, and even what law Jackson would make if he ruled the world. And of course, we finish with a rapid-fire round to find out if he’s team dogs or cats, pizza or tacos, and whether he’d rather fly or be invisible.
It’s a lighthearted, heartwarming, and laugh-out-loud episode that gives you a glimpse into family life, from Jackson’s point of view.
--------
16:29
--------
16:29
Parenting, Pressure & Addictions: The Honest Conversation (with Cat Sims)
This week on What They Don’t Tell You, we sit down with writer, podcaster, and queen of parenting honesty Cat Sims (@notsosmugnow) for a conversation that’s as funny as it is heartfelt.
From the hilarious chaos of parenting fails to the surprising lessons that come with raising kids, Cat opens up about the highs and lows of family life.
She chats with us about how social media can be both a lifeline and a pressure cooker for parents, and shares her own approach to keeping her marriage strong while juggling kids, work, and everything in between.
We also dive into how to talk about anxiety and mental health with children, and what it really takes to keep the spark alive when you’re knee-deep in family life.
If you’ve ever laughed through a parenting fail, felt the weight of comparison online, or wondered how other couples make it work, this episode is a must-listen.
Follow Cat and order her books https://notsosmugnow.komi.io/
--------
57:46
--------
57:46
Making Learning & School Feel Easier (for Kids & Parents) with Sophie David aka LitttleHappyLearners
Back to School with Sophie David (Happy Little Learners)
Back-to-school season can stir up a mix of emotions - excitement, nerves, and even a bit of Sunday-night dread, for both kids and parents.
In this episode, Emily and Matt sit down with Sophie David, founder of Happy Little Learners, to explore the unspoken pressures families face as September rolls around.
From big transitions like starting school for the first time or moving up to secondary, to supporting kids through worry and building motivation for learning, Sophie shares practical, play-based strategies to make the school journey smoother.
We talk about:
- Signs a child might be struggling with school changes
- How to support anxious children without overreacting
- Practical ways to beat the Sunday-night worry
- Making learning playful (and avoiding power struggles!)
- The surprising things parents overthink when it comes to school prep
Whether your child is eager to get back into the classroom or dragging their heels, this conversation is packed with tips to help you—and them—navigate the new term with confidence.
Follow Sophie https://www.instagram.com/littlehappylearners/
Visit her website https://www.littlehappylearners.co.uk/
--------
1:01:45
--------
1:01:45
The Truth About Ultra-Processed Food & Family Eating Habits
This week on What They Don’t Tell You, Emily and Matt sit down with dietitian and author Nichola Ludlam-Raine to unpack the hot topic of ultra-processed foods (UPFs). From sneaky “healthy” products that are more processed than you’d think, to the everyday guilt parents feel about feeding their kids, Nichola breaks down the science in a relatable, real-world way.
They chat about how to make peace with UPFs without cutting everything out, the swaps that actually work for busy families, and why balance matters more than perfection. Plus, Nichola shares how writing her book changed the way she feeds her own family, and gives her top one small change tip for anyone feeling overwhelmed.
It’s a refreshing, guilt-free conversation about food, family, and the reality of modern life.
Follow Nichola https://www.instagram.com/nicsnutrition
Visit her website https://nicsnutrition.com/
Grab her book https://amzn.eu/d/3VZ9Uvw
--------
42:47
--------
42:47
Breaking Cycles and Raising Daughters Differently I Louise Pentland on Parenting, Weddings + More
This week on What They Don’t Tell You, we’re joined by the wonderful Louise Pentland - YouTuber, author, Disney superfan, and proud mum of two girls.
Emily and Matt sit down with Louise to chat about:
✨ Her lifelong love of Disney (and the magic that never fades)
✨ How her childhood shaped the way she parents today
✨ The unexpected joys and challenges of raising girls in 2025
✨ What it was really like being one of the original YouTubers
✨ Writing her brand-new children’s book, and whether her daughters approved!
✨ The highs, lows, and funny behind-the-scenes moments of her wedding day
Plus, Louise opens up about the pressures of sharing so much of her life online, how she protects time for herself and her family, and of course, she takes on our quick-fire round (spoiler: we get her ultimate Disney princess pick 👑).
It’s honest, heartfelt, and full of laughs, the kind of chat you’ll wish you were having over a glass of wine (or a Diet Coke!).
Get a copy of her amazing new children's novel 'Adventures in Lylaland' here https://amzn.eu/d/5FbAp9t
Follow Louise on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/louisepentland
and YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/Louisepentland
You will not be disappointed! xx
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