Becoming a single mum is one of the most daunting and overwhelming life changes someone will ever go through. Whether you are pregnant or have teenagers, you will most likely be confused and struggling with what to do next. I became a single mum in 2013 when my daughter was just a few months old, and it has been a challenging but rewarding journey ever since. This Podcast (and the website www.singlemothersurvivalguide) was created to assist newly single mothers in all things they may need to know about. SO WHAT IS THE SINGLE MOTHER SURVIVAL GUIDE PODCAST ABOUT? A Podcast for single mums, made by a single mum… The Single Mother Survival Guide Podcast includes a mixture of me babbling about single mums business and interviews and discussions with different people and experts about different topics. First off the ranks this includes an interview with a Wills and Estate lawyer which contains everything YOU need to know about getting a Will done, an interview with a financial adviser on everyday money management, savings, spending and so forth, an interview with an online security expert so that YOU know how to keep yourself secure online, an open interview with a domestic violence survivor and advocate, and another interview with a financial adviser on everything to do with insurance, and what you should think about getting insured to ensure the financial safety for you and your kids. Coming up after that I have chats with people including parenting experts, family lawyers, and a life coach. I also chat about the social stigma of being a single mum, single parent travel, everyday tips to make YOUR life easier, dating, personal budgeting, resources out there to help YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN, child support, domestic violence, successful co-parenting, advantages to being a single mum, and the list goes on…
In this episode, I'm talking about what it means to date with intention after separation or divorce. Whether you've found yourself jumping into relationships too quickly, avoiding dating altogether, or feeling unsure about what you're actually looking for, this conversation is for you. We explore the importance of understanding your values, being clear about your goals, and making conscious decisions rather than reacting out of fear, loneliness, or old patterns. Dating with intention isn't about finding someone as quickly as possible; it's about approaching relationships in a way that aligns with the life you want to create. Links mentioned in the episode: Continue the conversation with these episodes: Episode 148 - Let's talk dating! Episode 156 - Speed dating; what you need to know Episode 365 - 11 dating tips for single mums Episode 371 - 15 red flags for single mums to be aware of when online dating Episode 418 - Ten dating red flags you need to know about Episode 493 - Dating again as a mum - What's different (and how to stay true to you) Episode 503 - Dating after divorce: Are you actually ready? Download the E-book, I'm A Single Mum... Now What? - HERE Click HERE to learn more about the Trauma coaching and support group program. Join the Thrive Tribe waitlist HERE . Click HERE to join the free Facebook Group, The Single Mother Survival Guide Support Forum. Download the E-book – Thirteen single mothers share their struggles, top tips, and their favourite things about being a single mother – HERE . To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com . Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide . And join the email list there too. Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , or Pinterest .
In this episode, I'm sharing eight things I wish every single mum knew. These are the lessons, truths, and reminders that have come up again and again throughout my own journey, my coaching work, and nearly a decade of conversations with single mums through this podcast. If you've ever felt overwhelmed, questioned yourself, or wondered whether you're doing enough, this episode is for you. Consider it a friend-to-friend conversation over a cup of tea filled with encouragement, perspective, and the reminders I believe every single mum deserves to hear. Links mentioned in the episode: Download the E-book, I'm A Single Mum... Now What? - HERE Click HERE to learn more about the Trauma coaching and support group program. Join the Thrive Tribe waitlist HERE . Click HERE to join the free Facebook Group, The Single Mother Survival Guide Support Forum. Download the E-book – Thirteen single mothers share their struggles, top tips, and their favourite things about being a single mother – HERE . To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com . Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide . And join the email list there too. Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , or Pinterest .
In this episode, I'm sharing five decisions that profoundly changed the course of my life. Inspired by a conversation with my daughter about "sliding door moments," I reflect on the choices that shaped who I am today and the life I've built. It's easy to think our lives are changed by luck, timing, or circumstances, but when I look back, it's the decisions made at pivotal crossroads that stand out the most. Many of those choices felt uncertain, uncomfortable, and even scary at the time, yet they ultimately led me in the direction I needed to go. This episode is an invitation to reflect on the power of your own decisions and the role they play in shaping your future. Links mentioned in the episode: Download the E-book, I'm A Single Mum... Now What? - HERE Click HERE to learn more about the Trauma coaching and support group program. Join the Thrive Tribe waitlist HERE . Click HERE to join the free Facebook Group, The Single Mother Survival Guide Support Forum. Download the E-book – Thirteen single mothers share their struggles, top tips, and their favourite things about being a single mother – HERE . To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com . Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide . And join the email list there too. Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , or Pinterest .
In this episode, I'm exploring what actually creates happiness after divorce, and why it's often not what we think. Many of us believe we'll finally be happy when the divorce is finalised, the finances are sorted, the co-parenting settles down, or a new relationship comes along. While those things can certainly help, lasting happiness doesn't have to wait until everything in life is fixed. I share what I've observed from working with single mums over the years and why the women who find happiness sooner are often the ones who learn how to create it alongside life's challenges, rather than after them. This episode is an invitation to rethink where happiness comes from and how you can begin cultivating it right now. Links mentioned in the episode: Download the E-book, I'm A Single Mum... Now What? - HERE Click HERE to learn more about the Trauma coaching and support group program. Join the Thrive Tribe waitlist HERE . Click HERE to join the free Facebook Group, The Single Mother Survival Guide Support Forum. Download the E-book – Thirteen single mothers share their struggles, top tips, and their favourite things about being a single mother – HERE . To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com . Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide . And join the email list there too. Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , or Pinterest .
In this episode, I'm talking about what I believe is one of the biggest mistakes women can make after separation - staying emotionally stuck in the story of what happened. While it's easy to focus on the practical challenges of separation, the emotional patterns we hold onto can have an even greater impact on our healing, confidence, and future. I explore what emotional stuckness can look like, why so many of us fall into it, and how it can quietly keep us from moving forward. Most importantly, I share practical steps you can take today to begin reclaiming your power, shifting your focus, and creating space for the next chapter of your life. Links mentioned in the episode: Check out the following episodes: Episode 289 - Six biggest mindset mistakes when getting divorced Episode 301 - Four biggest mindset mistakes that can affect your decision making Episode 389 - Navigating divorce with kids: 3 mistakes to avoid as a mum Episode 504 - When your ex still controls your mood Download the E-book, I'm A Single Mum... Now What? - HERE Click HERE to learn more about the Trauma coaching and support group program. Join the Thrive Tribe waitlist HERE . Click HERE to join the free Facebook Group, The Single Mother Survival Guide Support Forum. Download the E-book – Thirteen single mothers share their struggles, top tips, and their favourite things about being a single mother – HERE . To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com . Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide . And join the email list there too. Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , or Pinterest .
In this episode, I shift the focus to parenting toddlers as a single mum, a stage that can feel incredibly demanding and overwhelming. Alongside the tantrums, big emotions, and constant needs, you're also carrying the full load of daily life, often while feeling exhausted and stretched thin. I introduce the Circle of Security approach, which centres on one powerful idea: your child needs you as both a secure base to explore the world and a safe haven to return to when things feel too much. We explore how this simple framework can help you better understand your toddler's needs, create emotional safety, and feel more grounded in your parenting even when things feel chaotic. Links mentioned in the episode: Download the E-book, I'm A Single Mum... Now What? - HERE Click HERE to learn more about the Trauma coaching and support group program. Join the Thrive Tribe waitlist HERE . Click HERE to join the free Facebook Group, The Single Mother Survival Guide Support Forum. Download the E-book – Thirteen single mothers share their struggles, top tips, and their favourite things about being a single mother – HERE . To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com . Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide . And join the email list there too. Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , or Pinterest .
In this episode, I introduce the concept of emotion coaching and how it can completely shift the way you parent your teen. For many of us, we were never really taught how to handle emotions growing up... often learning to suppress, ignore, or fix them instead. So when our children express big emotions, it can feel uncomfortable and hard to know what to do, or even trigger us. I share how emotion coaching helps your teen understand, regulate, and move through their feelings in a safe and supported way, without dismissing or trying to fix them. This conversation offers a more connected and compassionate approach to supporting your child through their emotions. Links mentioned in the episode: Download the E-book, I'm A Single Mum... Now What? - HERE Click HERE to learn more about the Trauma coaching and support group program. Join the Thrive Tribe waitlist HERE . Click HERE to join the free Facebook Group, The Single Mother Survival Guide Support Forum. Download the E-book – Thirteen single mothers share their struggles, top tips, and their favourite things about being a single mother – HERE . To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com . Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide . And join the email list there too. Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , or Pinterest .
In this episode, I'm talking about what it's really like to parent teens as a single mum, and why it can feel so intense and overwhelming. Beyond navigating teenage emotions and behaviour, you're also carrying the full mental load of running a household, managing finances, and handling co-parenting or solo parenting dynamics. While I'm still learning in this stage myself, today I share a few practical insights and approaches that have helped me, in the hope that they support you too as you navigate this challenging and important phase of motherhood. Links mentioned in the episode: Download the E-book, I'm A Single Mum... Now What? - HERE Click HERE to learn more about the Trauma coaching and support group program. Join the Thrive Tribe waitlist HERE . Click HERE to join the free Facebook Group, The Single Mother Survival Guide Support Forum. Download the E-book – Thirteen single mothers share their struggles, top tips, and their favourite things about being a single mother – HERE . To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com . Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide . And join the email list there too. Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , or Pinterest .
In this episode, I'm talking about how to help your child study especially during those early high school years when everything can feel overwhelming for both you and them. I share a different way of thinking about studying, not as something kids should automatically know how to do, but as a skill that needs to be taught and supported. We explore how creating emotional safety, staying regulated as a parent, and focusing on effort rather than results can make a real difference in how your child approaches learning. If study time has been stressful in your home, this episode offers a more compassionate, practical approach to supporting your child without losing your mind in the process. Links mentioned in the episode: AI tools shared in this episode: Goblin - AI tool designed to help people that helps people with tasks they find overwhelming or difficult. Tiimo - turns to-dos into doable plans with visual timelines. Motion - helps you intelligently plan your day, schedule meetings and tasks, and build the perfect to-do list. Qustodio - a parental control solution that enables parents to supervise their children's device use to keep them safe online. Download the E-book, I'm A Single Mum... Now What? - HERE Click HERE to learn more about the Trauma coaching and support group program. Join the Thrive Tribe waitlist HERE . Click HERE to join the free Facebook Group, The Single Mother Survival Guide Support Forum. Download the E-book – Thirteen single mothers share their struggles, top tips, and their favourite things about being a single mother – HERE . To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com . Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide . And join the email list there too. Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , or Pinterest .
In this episode, I talk about one of the hardest moments many single mums experience - when your child says they want you and your ex to get back together. If you've ever heard those words, you'll know how quickly guilt, sadness, and self-doubt can come up. I share why your child expressing this doesn't mean you've made the wrong decision, but rather that they are trying to process the changes in their world. This conversation offers reassurance, understanding, and gentle guidance to help you navigate these moments with more clarity and compassion - for both your child and yourself. Links mentioned in the episode: Download the E-book, I'm A Single Mum... Now What? - HERE Click HERE to learn more about the Trauma coaching and support group program. Join the Thrive Tribe waitlist HERE . Click HERE to join the free Facebook Group, The Single Mother Survival Guide Support Forum. Download the E-book – Thirteen single mothers share their struggles, top tips, and their favourite things about being a single mother – HERE . To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com . Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide . And join the email list there too. Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , or Pinterest .
In this episode, I talk about financial independence and why it matters so much in the life of a single mum - not just practically, but emotionally too. Through my work with women over the years, I've seen how closely financial independence is tied to emotional independence. When you begin to feel more capable and in control of your finances, something powerful shifts within you. In this conversation, I explore that connection and why building financial confidence can be a key part of rebuilding your sense of self and moving forward. Links mentioned in the episode: Download the E-book, I'm A Single Mum... Now What? - HERE Click HERE to learn more about the Trauma coaching and support group program. Join the Thrive Tribe waitlist HERE . Click HERE to join the free Facebook Group, The Single Mother Survival Guide Support Forum. Download the E-book – Thirteen single mothers share their struggles, top tips, and their favourite things about being a single mother – HERE . To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com . Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide . And join the email list there too. Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , or Pinterest .
In this episode, I talk about high-conflict co-parenting and why it can feel so overwhelming and difficult to navigate. If you're dealing with a high-conflict ex, I want you to know, you're not crazy, and this isn't just about two people who don't get along. I explore how these dynamics are often linked to the nervous system, and how understanding this can shift the way you respond and protect your emotional wellbeing. If co-parenting has been affecting your mood and energy, this conversation will help you make sense of it and feel more grounded in how you handle it. Links mentioned in the episode: Download the E-book, I'm A Single Mum... Now What? - HERE Click HERE to learn more about the Trauma coaching and support group program. Join the Thrive Tribe waitlist HERE . Click HERE to join the free Facebook Group, The Single Mother Survival Guide Support Forum. Download the E-book – Thirteen single mothers share their struggles, top tips, and their favourite things about being a single mother – HERE . To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com . Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide . And join the email list there too. Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , or Pinterest .
In this episode, I talk about something that isn't often spoken about after separation or divorce - the identity crisis that can follow. While so much focus is placed on the logistics and practical changes, many single mums find themselves quietly asking, "Who am I now?" when everything familiar has shifted. I explore why this transition can feel so destabilising, especially when you've gone from being part of a partnership to standing on your own. If you've been feeling unsure of your identity or questioning your place in this new chapter, this conversation is here to help you understand what's happening, and remind you that you're not alone in it. Links mentioned in the episode: You can download our resource guide HERE filled with gentle journaling prompts to help you reflect, reconnect with yourself, and navigate this new chapter with more clarity and confidence. Download the E-book, I'm A Single Mum... Now What? - HERE Click HERE to learn more about the Trauma coaching and support group program. Join the Thrive Tribe waitlist HERE . Click HERE to join the free Facebook Group, The Single Mother Survival Guide Support Forum. Download the E-book – Thirteen single mothers share their struggles, top tips, and their favourite things about being a single mother – HERE . To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com . Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide . And join the email list there too. Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , or Pinterest .
In this episode, I talk about something many single mums struggle with after separation - how to stop letting your ex control your mood. If a single message, email, or interaction can ruin your entire day, you're not alone. This is a common challenge that comes up again and again in my coaching work. In this conversation, I share why this dynamic happens and offer a few practical tips to help you begin taking back control of your emotional space. Links mentioned in the episode: Download the E-book, I'm A Single Mum... Now What? - HERE Click HERE to learn more about the Trauma coaching and support group program. Join the Thrive Tribe waitlist HERE . Click HERE to join the free Facebook Group, The Single Mother Survival Guide Support Forum. Download the E-book – Thirteen single mothers share their struggles, top tips, and their favourite things about being a single mother – HERE . To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com . Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide . And join the email list there too. Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , or Pinterest .
In this episode, I talk about the emotional rollercoaster of dating after divorce or separation. For many single mums, the idea of dating again can feel exciting, overwhelming, and even a little terrifying (especially if the dating world looks completely different from when you were last single). Some women jump straight back in, while others feel scared or swear they'll never date again. In this conversation, I explore these common reactions and share some gentle guidance on how to know when you might actually be ready to start dating again. Links mentioned in the episode: Check out my past episodes on dating: Episode 300 - Dating, new relationships, and blending families Episode 365 - 11 dating tips for single mums Episode 418 - Ten dating red flags you need to know about Episode 493 - Dating again as a mum - What's different (and how to stay true to you) Download the E-book, I'm A Single Mum... Now What? - HERE Click HERE to learn more about the Trauma coaching and support group program. Join the Thrive Tribe waitlist HERE . Click HERE to join the free Facebook Group, The Single Mother Survival Guide Support Forum. Download the E-book – Thirteen single mothers share their struggles, top tips, and their favourite things about being a single mother – HERE . To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com . Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide . And join the email list there too. Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , or Pinterest .
In this episode, I talk about something that comes up again and again when I'm coaching single mums: the idea of needing closure. Many women feel like they can't truly move forward until their ex apologises, admits what happened, or finally understands their side of the story. But here's the thing - closure doesn't have to come from the other person. In this conversation, I explore why waiting for that moment can keep you stuck, and how real closure is something you can choose and create for yourself as part of your healing journey. Links mentioned in the episode: Download the E-book, I'm A Single Mum... Now What? - HERE Click HERE to learn more about the Trauma coaching and support group program. Join the Thrive Tribe waitlist HERE . Click HERE to join the free Facebook Group, The Single Mother Survival Guide Support Forum. Download the E-book – Thirteen single mothers share their struggles, top tips, and their favourite things about being a single mother – HERE . To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com . Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide . And join the email list there too. Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , or Pinterest .
In this episode, I discuss something many single mums face, but few people prepare you for - your first weekend without your children. The silence, the empty bedrooms, the strange feeling in your body when the house suddenly feels too quiet. It can feel deeply unsettling, like a huge emotional shift that no one warns you about. In this conversation, I share why that first weekend can feel so hard, what's really happening emotionally, and some gentle guidance on what not to do. Plus, what might help instead as you navigate this new experience. Links mentioned in the episode: Download the E-book, I'm A Single Mum... Now What? - HERE Click HERE to learn more about the Trauma coaching and support group program. Join the Thrive Tribe waitlist HERE . Click HERE to join the free Facebook Group, The Single Mother Survival Guide Support Forum. Download the E-book – Thirteen single mothers share their struggles, top tips, and their favourite things about being a single mother – HERE . To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com . Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide . And join the email list there too. Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , or Pinterest .
In this special 500th episode, I take a moment to reflect on the journey of the podcast and the many conversations I've had with single mums over the years. After hundreds of episodes, coaching sessions, and messages from this community, I've noticed a pattern in things that come up again and again. This episode is a distillation of the patterns, fears, blocks, breakthroughs, and truths I've witnessed throughout 500 episodes of time. Wherever you're at in your journey, this conversation is for you. Links mentioned in the episode: Check out my blog post on Grey Rock 101: How to Respond When Your Ex Pushes Your Buttons Download the E-book, I'm A Single Mum... Now What? - HERE Click HERE to learn more about the Trauma coaching and support group program. Join the Thrive Tribe waitlist HERE . Click HERE to join the free Facebook Group, The Single Mother Survival Guide Support Forum. Download the E-book – Thirteen single mothers share their struggles, top tips, and their favourite things about being a single mother – HERE . To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com . Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide . And join the email list there too. Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , or Pinterest .
In this episode, I'm talking about co-parenting and why it can feel so triggering - sometimes even more than when you were in the relationship. If you've ever wondered, "Why is he still affecting me?" or felt frustrated that one text message can shift your entire mood, this conversation is for you. I explain why co-parenting is such a uniquely complex dynamic - distance without disconnection, responsibility without emotional safety - and why your reactions don't mean you're failing or not healed. Co-parenting is hard, and if you're feeling activated, there's a reason for that. Links mentioned in the episode: Link to Episode 329 - Dealing with high-conflict people in divorce, with Bill Eddy Download the E-book, I'm A Single Mum... Now What? - HERE Click HERE to learn more about the Trauma coaching and support group program. Join the Thrive Tribe waitlist HERE . Click HERE to join the free Facebook Group, The Single Mother Survival Guide Support Forum. Download the E-book – Thirteen single mothers share their struggles, top tips, and their favourite things about being a single mother – HERE . To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com . Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide . And join the email list there too. Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , or Pinterest .
In this episode, I'm talking to the single mum who's quietly wondering, "What is wrong with me?" If you've been feeling more emotional, more exhausted, or less able to cope than you used to, this is for you. I share the important difference between change and transition, and why feeling disoriented or overwhelmed doesn't mean you're broken. It may simply mean you're in transition. And that's something we need to talk about. Links mentioned in the episode: Download the E-book, I'm A Single Mum... Now What? - HERE Click HERE to learn more about the Trauma coaching and support group program. Join the Thrive Tribe waitlist HERE . Click HERE to join the free Facebook Group, The Single Mother Survival Guide Support Forum. Download the E-book – Thirteen single mothers share their struggles, top tips, and their favourite things about being a single mother – HERE . To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com . Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide . And join the email list there too. Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , or Pinterest .
