ROUNDTABLE: Breaking Stereotypes and Finding Strength in parenting young
In this roundtable discussion, host Davina Smith explores the realities of young parenthood with Dr Arianne Reis from Young Well Being’s and psychologist Dr Felicity Chandler from the Gidget Foundation. They share insights on the mental health challenges young parents face, the intersection of adolescence and matrescence, and how societal stereotypes often overlook the resilience of young families. Hear powerful stories of young mums reclaiming their narrative, from battling isolation to pursuing education and careers while parenting. This conversation highlights why support, not judgment, can make all the difference. Gidget Foundation Australia has created a series of books called ‘Bunny Books’ to reach out to those that may be suffering. Available through booktopia here. Need support? Head to the Gidget Foundation Australia website for more information. You can learn more about and register for Young Well Beings here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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22:09
Young, In Love, & Unexpectedly Pregnant: Georgie & Zac’s Story
From a cheeky Snapchat message to raising two daughters under three, Georgia and Zac's story is raw, hilarious, and deeply relatable. In this episode, they open up about falling in love fast, becoming parents before they felt “ready,” and the emotional highs and lows of navigating pregnancy, birth, and postpartum in their 20s. Georgia shares what it was like giving birth to a surprise breech baby, the mental toll of a second pregnancy while parenting a toddler, and the guilt of feeling like she “missed” nine months of her eldest’s life. Zach offers a rare glimpse into modern fatherhood, from the helplessness of early labour to learning that sometimes, the best support is just listening. Thanks to Homb for making this episode possible. To learn more about Homb’s services, visit homb.com.au. Need support? Head to the Gidget Foundation Australia website for more information. Keep up with Georgie & Zac on their TikTok, @georgieandzac See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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ROUNDTABLE: Inside the true cost of IVF
Join Davina Smith as she zooms out from individual stories to tackle the complex world of fertility struggles. Joined by Fertility specialist Dr Lionel Reyftmann and Registered Psychologist Matt Aquilina from the Gidget Foundation Australia, this conversation explores the tyranny of statistics and the mental marathon of treatment, but also, the impact of celebrity narratives and the quiet grief many carry. Gidget Foundation Australia has created a series of books called ‘Bunny Books’ to reach out to those that may be suffering. Available through booktopia here. Need support? Head to the Gidget Foundation Australia website for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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The Wiggle, The Wait, and the Babies: Caterina’s solo journey through IVF
You may know her as the bright, bubbly Wiggle lighting up stages for kids across the country, but behind the scenes, Caterina Mete was on a deeply personal mission: to become a mum, on her own terms. In this heartfelt episode, Caterina opens up to Davina about the emotional rollercoaster of choosing solo motherhood and going through IVF alone. She talks about the unexpected comfort she found in connecting with other solo mums, the pressure to stay positive in the face of uncertainty, and the power of choosing joy - even when the journey is scary. Thanks to Homb for making this episode possible. To learn more about Homb’s services, visit homb.com.au. Need support? Head to the Gidget Foundation Australia website for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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ROUNDTABLE: Cracking the Modern Dad Code with Dr Golly
Join host Davina Smith, Paediatrician Dr Golly, and Clinical Psychologist at the Gidget Foundation Matt Aquilina as they unpack the pressure men feel to be the “fixer,” how fatherhood can stir up old wounds, and why many dads feel emotionally sidelined just when they’re needed most. But they also go deeper, into the part of parenting no one talks about at the baby shower: how intimacy between partners often shifts after birth. Gidget Foundation Australia has created a series of books called ‘Bunny Books’ to reach out to those that may be suffering. Available through booktopia here. Need support? Head to the Gidget Foundation Australia website for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Join news presenter Davina Smith in a podcast that tells the silent truth of Perinatal Depression and Anxiety (PNDA) loudly, in raw and honest accounts from some of the one in five mothers and one and ten fathers living with it. Paired with expert insights from psychologists and counsellors in the field, this podcast, made in partnership with Gidget Foundation Australia, explores the realities of parenthood, breaks down stigma surrounding perinatal mental health, and gives you the tools on how and when to seek support.
Australia