MUMBELIEVABLE with Sonia Beldom

On Mumbelievable, the podcast about mothers, Sonia Beldom speaks with broadcaster, singer and author Janie Lee Grace (From Wham to Woo), whose career spans touring with Wham, working with George Michael and Boy George, and radio success including launching the Steve Wright afternoon show, plus her wellbeing work and The Sober Club. Janie describes growing up anxious and insecure with a mother, Norma, who had bipolar disorder and was repeatedly sectioned and hospitalised, while her father also struggled, leaving her without stability. She explains how family constellations and therapy transformed her perspective by revealing her mother’s childhood trauma—her own mother died when she was nine and she wasn’t told—allowing Janie to make peace in Norma’s later years. They discuss parenting fears, Janie’s later-in-life accidental pregnancy and four children, her alcohol-free advocacy, and Norma’s vibrant, kind, no-filter personality.00:00 Welcome to Mumbelievable00:39 Meet Janie Lee Grace01:54 Ambition vs upbringing04:15 Mum's mental illness07:17 Making peace at last08:05 Family constellations breakthrough13:25 Reframing motherhood fears15:27 Painting a picture of Norma17:17 When illness becomes identity18:28 Parents Meet Pop Stars19:23 Mum With No Filter20:12 Wig Crash At Work22:20 Why I Avoided Motherhood23:48 Pregnancy Mistaken For Cyst24:55 Kids Discover My Pop Past26:02 Sober Club And Family27:46 Alcohol Myths And Choice29:06 Mum’s Late-Life Drinking31:32 New Projects And Awards32:21 Julie Walters Casting Pick32:59 Wig Holiday And Tooth Fairy34:40 Daffodils Sea And Farewell35:17 Why Mum Was Unbelievable

On the Mumbelievable Podcast, host Sonia Beldom welcomes actress, presenter, author and award-winning travel writer Julie Peasgood to talk about her mother, Pearl Margaret Peasgood. Julie shares how Pearl joined Bertram Mills Circus at 18, performed with Japanese artists, learned juggling and tightrope skills, and later raised four children while juggling three jobs—shop work, sewing as an expert seamstress, and laying out the deceased—during financially tight times. Julie recalls Pearl’s practical, resourceful “no such word as can’t” attitude, spontaneous overnight projects, love of gardening, and pride in Julie’s performing career, plus vivid family memories like “mum days,” custard tarts, and a favourite white-sauce fish dish. Sonia also contrasts her own mother’s unfiltered behaviour and later-life sectioning, while Julie reflects on the legacy of belief and ambition she’s passed to her daughter and grandchildren.00:00 Welcome to Mumbelievable00:36 Meet Julie Peasgood01:23 Mum the Circus Star02:38 Running Away to Perform05:23 Pearl the Can Do Mum07:16 Growing Up on a Budget08:37 Food Memories and Laughs12:28 Quirks and Big Dreams14:26 Sonia on Her Mum15:37 Sectioned at Eighty17:34 Care Home Meds Drama18:26 Wishing For Deeper Talks19:01 Cruise Life And Pearl21:32 Sex Tips Book Breakthrough24:12 Unfiltered School Shock25:40 Lessons Passed Down26:45 Mini Mum Survey27:25 Practical Surprises And Sight Loss31:02 Lioness Mum And Big Energy33:11 Legacy And Farewell

In this episode of the Mumbelievable Podcast, Sonia celebrates all mums and welcomes broadcaster, author and comedian Robin Ince, who shares stories about his mother and the lasting impact of a major car crash just before his third birthday that left her in a coma and psychologically changed. Robin describes blaming himself as a child, trying to comfort her during mental-health struggles, and how the change affected his whole family, including his older sisters. He reflects on her eccentric humour—wigs, a Vatican letter, meeting the Pope—and later dementia, recalling how Rising Damp repeatedly made her laugh. The conversation also touches on anxiety, a late ADHD diagnosis, learning who a parent was before motherhood, and the love and resilience shown by both his mum and dad.00:00 Podcast Welcome and Guest Intro01:25 Sock Radar and Dog Stories02:05 The Unwritten Mum Book02:29 Crash That Changed Everything04:11 Flashbulb Memory and Guilt04:48 Trying to Make Mum Smile05:50 Kids Fear Change and Sartre Tale07:01 Wigs Eccentricity and The Pope08:43 Hidden Insecurities and School Trauma09:29 Who She Was Before Motherhood10:36 Wartime Selves and Lasting Loss14:20 Dad Refused to Give Up15:37 Sonia's Mum Sectioned and Aftermath17:14 Funny Care Home Conversations18:10 Blog to Podcast Origin Story19:01 Telling Dad About Blog20:00 Mum Quotes Two Hearts20:55 Family at the Palladium21:51 Funeral to Awards Night23:44 Jokes and Protectiveness24:27 Late ADHD Diagnosis26:06 Mum Sectioned Story28:14 Mumbelievable Mum Survey28:48 Embarrassing Mum Moments30:39 Rising Damp Poem32:27 No Unfinished Business32:42 Why She Was Mumbelievable34:30 Her Legacy in You35:16 Final Thanks and Farewell

Join Sonia Beldom in another heartfelt episode of the Mumbelievable Podcast, where she delves into the inspiring stories of our marvellous and maddening mums. In this episode, Sonia interviews renowned British jazz musician Julian Joseph, where they discuss the profound influence of his mother, Ursula Joseph, on his life and career. From surprise pianos to powerful life lessons, Julian shares touching anecdotes and reflects on the unfiltered love and wisdom his mother imparted. Discover the fascinating intersections of music, culture, and family in this moving tribute to extraordinary moms.00:00 Introduction to the Mumbelievable Podcast00:53 Guest Introduction: Julian Joseph01:31 Julian's Musical Journey and Family Influence02:33 Julian's Mother's Influence and Early Life04:00 Family Life and Musical Upbringing06:37 Julian's Mother's Legacy and Personality07:41 Julian's Mother's Journey to Britain09:56 The Significance of the Letter 'J'11:52 Julian's Mother's Commanding Presence13:45 Sonia's Personal Reflections15:42 Julian's Musical Tribute to His Mother16:20 A Musical Tribute to My Mother17:10 Embracing Heritage and Identity17:55 A Mother's Belief and Support20:06 Reflecting on Childhood Lessons21:41 Cherished Memories and Cooking22:35 Coping with Loss and Legacy26:36 Parenting Wisdom and Boundaries30:21 Current Projects and Inspirations33:40 Final Thoughts and Tribute

In this heartfelt episode of the Mumbelievable podcast, host Sonia Beldom invites guest Julia Champion from Champion Talent to share stories about her mother, Della Chapman. Julia reminisces about Della's remarkable life, from her upbringing in a council house in Luton to becoming a renowned artist and loving mother. They discuss how Della's creativity and supportive nature shaped Julia's life and career. The conversation also highlights the unique challenges and joys of growing up with such vibrant, creative parents. Join us for an intimate and touching exploration of the mother-daughter bond and the lasting impact of maternal influence.00:00 Introduction00:41 Meet Julia Champion: PR Powerhouse01:18 Julia's Perfect Mum: Della Chapman02:41 Growing Up in a Creative Household04:05 School Days and Social Stigmas07:17 Della's Early Life and Legacy15:05 Julia's Teenage Rebellions18:01 Embarrassing Moments with Mum18:37 Mum's Unique Fashion Choices19:57 Theatre Mishaps and Public Embarrassment21:27 Reflecting on Parenting and Habits24:49 Funny Stories and Childhood Memories29:09 Mum's Labels and Notes32:57 Dealing with Dementia33:51 Final Reflections and Gratitude

This episode of the Mumbelievable podcast delves into the lives and legacies of extraordinary mums, host Sonia Beldom welcomes the hilarious and internet sensation, Alyssa Kyria, also known as the Funny Mummy. Alyssa shares anecdotes and stories about her vibrant and spirited mum, Christine Moody, from her free-spirited youth in southeast London to her adventures in Cairo and everything in between. They discuss Christine's relentless positivity, her knack for connecting with people, and her unabashed promotion of Alyssa's comedy career. Tune in for heartfelt stories, laugh-out-loud moments, and a celebration of the women who shape us.00:00 Introduction00:58 Meet Alyssa Kyria: The Funny Mummy02:15 Christine's Early Life and Personality03:28 Christine's Adventurous Spirit06:32 Raising a Family Abroad13:03 Parenting Styles and Influences18:23 Comedy Beginnings and School Memories19:30 Parental Influence on Comedy20:58 First Comedy Shows and Family Reactions23:00 Current Comedy Projects and Social Media29:05 Mother's Legacy and Influence33:00 Conclusion and Farewell

Exploring Motherhood: A Heartfelt Conversation with Bobby FrictionIn this episode of Mumbelievable, host Sonia celebrates the multifaceted lives of mothers through heartfelt conversation and shared experiences. Sonia and her guest, DJ and BBC presenter Bobby Friction, delve into tales of their unique mothers, from Bobby's charismatic and glamourous mother to Sonia's neurodiverse and free-spirited mum. With anecdotes touching on love, resilience, cultural identity, and personal struggles, this podcast episode offers a touching tribute to the enduring impact of motherhood. Tune in for laughs, insights, and heartwarming stories that underscore the profound influence of mother figures on our lives.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:39 Guest Introduction: Bobby Friction00:55 Bobby's Relationship with His Mother02:07 Bobby's Mother's Background07:37 Cultural Integration and Challenges11:13 Bobby's Personal Struggles and Music as an Escape14:56 Reflections on Family and Neurodivergence17:18 Comparing Parental Experiences20:00 Warrior Queen: Bobby's Mother's Strength21:32 Warrior Strength of My Mum23:31 Parenting Styles and Reflections26:58 Wishes for My Mum's Past30:08 Mini Mum Survey32:21 Pride and Success38:49 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Mumbelievable Legacies: Understanding Our Moms with Professor Catherine LovedayIn this heartfelt episode of the Mumbelievable podcast, host Sonia Beldom dives deep into how our mothers shape us, joined by special guest Professor Catherine Loveday. They share personal stories about their relationships with their own mums, their mental health challenges, and the legacies left behind. Catherine reveals insights from her professional and personal journey dealing with her mother's dementia, while Sonia reflects on her late mother's influential nature. This episode is a touching exploration of love, resilience, and understanding the impact of our mothers. Tune in for an engaging conversation about memory, empathy, and the unique bonds we share with our mums.00:00 Introduction to the Mumbelievable Podcast00:44 Guest Introduction: Professor Catherine Loveday01:28 Catherine's Journey with Her Mother's Dementia03:42 The Impact of Memory Loss on Family05:17 Catherine's Mother's Background and Marriages08:32 Parenting Styles and Childhood Reflections13:37 Influence of Mothers on Personal Growth19:28 Cultural Openness and Legacy21:36 Understanding Mum's Mental Health22:37 Collecting and Curating Memories25:08 The Role Reversal: Becoming the Parent26:35 The Concept of a 'Spar'32:02 Embarrassing Moments and Vulnerabilities35:26 The Healing Power of Laughter37:35 Summing Up: Resilience and Determination