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MUMBELIEVABLE with Sonia Beldom
David Baddiel - Mum’s porno poetry nearly ruined my life
David Baddiel's latest book is all about his family and much of the narrative concerns his Mumbelievable mother. You possibly won't believe some of the stories about her but they're true. Sonia shares mum stories with David - two women who were in some ways similar but in reality poles apart. This is a must listen!
In this episode of Mumbelievable, host Sonia Beldom talks with comedian, author, and television presenter David Baddiel about his new book "My Family: The Memoir" They dive into the quirky and often embarrassing antics of their mothers, sharing stories that are both hilarious and poignant.
David recounts his mother's obsession with golf memorabilia and her affair with a collector, revealing the complexity of her character and the unusual upbringing he experienced. They also discuss the challenges and joys of having eccentric, transgressive mothers and how these relationships shaped their lives.
Sonia and David celebrate the vivid, flawed, and ultimately lovable personalities of their mums, weaving humour and heartfelt moments into their conversation.
00:00 Introduction to Mumbelievable podcast
00:27 Meet David Baddiel: A Comedian's Tale
01:44 Embarrassing Mum Stories
02:07 The Truth About Family Dynamics
07:20 The Golf Obsession and David White
10:31 A Mother's Fantasies and Realities
14:27 The Impact of Trauma and War
22:20 Reflections on a Flawed but Beloved Mother
22:40 The Complexity of Maternal Love
23:32 A Mother's Eccentricities and Love
24:25 The Impact of a Mother's Actions
25:11 Family Dynamics and Mental Health
27:38 Parental Neglect and Personal Growth
31:15 Humour as a Coping Mechanism
33:49 Exploring Maternal Sexuality
37:55 The Blurred Lines of Truth and Fiction
44:38 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections
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16. Andrew Pierce on his two mums, Betty and Margaret
38:23||Season 1, Ep. 16In this deeply moving and personal episode, Sonia Beldom interviews Andrew Pierce, a journalist and political pundit, about his latest book, 'Finding Margaret, Solving the Mystery of My Birth Mother.' Pierce shares his heart-wrenching journey of being adopted by his loving mum, Betty, while also uncovering the story of his birth mother, Margaret, an Irish nurse. The conversation delves into the challenges of adoption, the quest for identity, and the emotional reunions that shaped Andrew's understanding of family and heritage. This episode offers a poignant look at the extraordinary lives of the two women who made Andrew who he is today.00:00 Introduction and Personal Background00:35 Introducing Andrew Pierce and His Book01:08 Andrew's Adoption Story02:49 Margaret's Struggles and Sacrifices05:11 Discovering the Truth About Margaret06:49 The Search for Margaret10:03 Reuniting with Margaret16:00 Reflecting on Family and Identity21:25 A Letter Published in the Daily Mirror22:15 Family Reactions and Emotional Impact24:14 Career Beginnings and Family Support26:15 Reflections on Adoption and Family Bonds30:07 Traits and Characteristics from Both Mothers32:50 Memorable Moments and Final Thoughts
15. Ian Shaw on his mum's agoraphobia, Tupperware parties and keeping secrets
32:27||Season 1, Ep. 15In this episode of 'Mumbelievable,' host Sonia welcomes renowned jazz singer Ian Shaw to share heartfelt and humorous stories about his mother, Megan. From her life in North Wales and her eccentric ways to her struggle with agoraphobia, Ian's recounting of his childhood is both touching and amusing. The episode delves into Megan's influence on Ian's musical journey, her remarkable red hair, and her battle with agoraphobia. Ian talks about how his mother's unique character had a profound impact on his life and career. The episode wraps up with Sonia's 'Mini Mum Survey,' where Ian reflects on the funniest, most cringe-worthy, and most admirable aspects of his mum. Ian was born in St Asaph in North Wales and took his music degree at the University of London. His career in performance began in the 1980s on the alternative cabaret circuit, alongside such performers as Julian Clary and Jo Brand. At the same time, he was playing in piano bars and at festivals in London and throughout Europe. He is the host of International Ronnie Scott's Radio.00:00 Introduction to Mumbelievable Podcast00:42 Guest Introduction: Ian Shaw01:46 Ian Shaw's Mother: Megan's Story02:16 Musical Family Background03:29 Eccentricities and Agoraphobia05:04 Food Memories and Eating Disorders06:26 Neighbourhood Characters and Childhood Memories08:48 Unfulfilled Talents and Rejection Letters14:23 Funny Misunderstandings and Mix-ups16:25 Funny Group Names and TV Concepts17:02 Memories of Barbara Windsor17:59 Mother's Agoraphobia and Support21:06 Post-War Generational Issues25:06 Cherished Memories and Voices29:26 Mini Mum Survey31:44 Conclusion and Farewell
13. Zeb Soanes announces his Mumbelievable Mum
31:01||Season 1, Ep. 13Zebedee Soanes, was born in Lowestoft in Suffolk. Zeb is a British radio presenter, you’ll recognise the voice, who hosts the weekday evening music show Relaxing Evenings with Zeb Soanes on Classic FM. He was previously a newsreader and continuity announcer on BBC Radio 4. He presents live concerts, specialising in narrated orchestral work. He’s also published the children’s book series Gaspard the Fox.
12. Judi Spiers on her Mumbelievable mum
36:27||Season 1, Ep. 12Judi Spiers, the amazing broadcaster on tv and radio (currently Boom Radio), has a whole raft of stories to share with Sonia about her mum. From the Buckingham Palace garden party story to the Passover recipe she demonstrated on Judi's tv show, Judi is clearly a chip of the old block!
11. Frank Allen searches for memories of his Mum
31:13||Season 1, Ep. 11Frank Allen was a leading light, well actually, bass guitar with the 60s super group, The Searchers - 6 Top 10 Hits including 3 No1s. His mum never had a record player so she didn't buy any of his records and she didn't actually go to see him play. Nevertheless, she was a supportive mum even though she thought leaving his job at Penguin Books was a bit of a risk.
10. With The Coupon Kid, Jordon Cox
30:15||Season 1, Ep. 10At the age of 15, Jordon Cox started to look for ways to save money in a bid to help his mum who was struggling with her finances. In the process he discovered the benefit of coupons and has dedicated himself to sharing that knowledge, earning him the nickname, The Coupon Kid. Jordon tells us about his mum, Debbie, their visual similarities (and differences!), how she reacted to him appearing on TV and why Disney World is such a special destination for them both.
9. Justin Moorhouse and his Mumbelievable complicated Mum
38:32||Season 1, Ep. 9Justin Moorhouse grew up in Ashton under Lyne and after a short spell as a salesman he entered a stand-up comedy competition and won it. It led to a part in Peter Kay's Phoenix Nights, and to numerous tv and radio aopearances. On this edition of Mumbelievable he talks to Sonia about the complicated relationship he has with his mum, Janice. Justin never met his biological father, Keith, but had a step dad called Phil, Janice's teenage boyfriend. Janice was a tough lady, she had to be and Justin tells us why and how that has affected the relationship they have today. Intelligent, considered and sensitive, it's not all laughs with Justin, but there are some funny bits!
8. Helen Lederer is not bitter - about her MUMBELIEVABLE Mum
30:49||Season 1, Ep. 8Helen Lederer has just released her memoir "Not That I'm Bitter" and as well as plugging the book (gently) Helen talks to Sonia about her mum and quizzes Sonia about her mum. Lederer is without doubt a leader in British comedy, being one of the first women to do stand-up in the 80's. She appeared in Absolutely Fabulous as Catriona and you've seen and heard her in a huge variety of shows on screen, on radio and on stage.