Publications
Partners
The parenting bubble doesn't exactly allow for much downtime.
Books and browsing the web makes for distracted parenting but with podcasts, all it takes is an open ear.
Here are five local shows that offer parents that village we keep hearing so much about, but don't always know where to find. (Seriously, anyone with a Google Map link to this elusive and magical village please share!)
Parent24/7
Raising children is a full-time job, and that's why we call our podcast Parent24/7.
Join Parent24 Editor, Elizabeth Mamacos, as she chats to local experts on a variety of topics.
Tune in here.
The Baby Brunch Podcast
Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp co-hosts the Baby Brunch podcasts with a slew of guests, both experts and "ordinary parents doing extraordinary things."
Despite her reputation as an FM radio jock Elana isn't afraid to get super honest, a quality that makes her so relatable.
The topics covered range from navigating marriage and parenting to maintaining a healthy physical and mental lifestyle while raising children.
In the episode The Perfect Relationship: Why Couples Fight, Elana invited her husband, Ian Bredenkamp, to co-host and held nothing back, asking him, "You've been divorced, so how do you know that this is the relationship you want to stay in?"
What follows is a deep conversation and great non-preachy advice. If this sounds like your thing, you'll love Baby Brunch.
Tune in here.
Ask AfroDaddy
Terence Mentor is better known by his parenting alias AfroDaddy and, along with a number of co-hosts, tackles "your questions about Life, the Universe and Parenting."
As an adoptive dad, Terence's parenting journey comes through via his show, and he keeps things very real as he addresses the struggles of parenthood.
He starts each episode by asking guests to finish the sentence "I'm a good parent but..." and the show is particularly dude-friendly.
The episode Two Dads vs Google is the perfect example of this, with Terence enlisting the help of a fellow dad-pal. The two attempt to out-wit the massive search engine on commonly Googled parenting questions, to hilarious effect.
Tune in here.
The Great Equalizer
Unfiltered, honest and irreverent are just a few descriptive words Joburg moms Sam Herbst and Charlene Armstrong use to describe their take on parenting.
No topic is off-limits for these two, who say that every parent knows the embarrassment that comes with the title. They're the best friends you never knew you needed but will be so glad you found.
The duo are particularly great at commenting on the things that suck about parenting, the only rule they stand by is keeping things strictly #nojudgies.
Tune in here.
Also see: Why is it so hard to make friends as a mother?
Know of any other parenting podcasts we could add to our list? Tell us!
The UnPodcast: Its About YOU
Life coach, motivational speaker, and psychology lecturer, Caitlyn de Beer's show brings you "a weekly dose of INSPIRATION relating to you: motherhood, well-being and managing your beautiful self!"
Covering all things motherhood, the KZN-based host talks personal parenting journeys and managing the many challenges that come with being a parent.
Her experience as a coach and motivational speaker is really evident and each episode is imbued with an uplifting feel. Her episode on kindness is a case in point. The mom highlights a moment in one of her favourite books Eat, Pray, Love in which the author Elizabeth Gilbert speaks about smiling at her own reflection not realising that she was looking at herself.
"I love that idea of recognising yourself as a friend... when it comes to loving yourself, it starts in your head-space."
She's genuine, encouraging and perfect for a dose of positivity.
Tune in here.
The Gathered By Claire Podcast
Claire Choudhry is a mom of 2 who began her blog as a way to keep busy. It has since morphed into a space where she is able to nurture her creativity and her Gathered By Claire podcast is in line with this.
She says her show is a mixture of "Conversations about creativity, wellbeing, small business and living a life with purpose and intention."
Her podcast focuses on getting in touch with the body, discussing some pretty niche topics like the fertility awareness method, veganism and "getting out of your comfort zone to make things happen."
Really inspiring and relatable for moms considering starting their own business.
Tune in here.
International parenting podcasts that we love
For One Bad Mother hosts, Biz Ellis and Theresa Thorn put a comedic spin on the motherhood journey particularly its "thrills and embarrassments."
Listen in on the Motherly Podcast for "honest conversations," "diverse experiences" and "the world’s most interesting mothers."
This show bills itself as the "parenting show for everyone" and is hosted by Andrea Silenzi.
Mom to a "differently-wired kid" Debbie chats with "high-profile parenting experts and educators," striving "to change the way difference is perceived and experienced in the world."
From hospital births, home births, water births and every kind of birth story in between, the Birth Hour podcast is perfect for moms-to-be preparing themselves for labour.
Chatback:
Share your stories and questions with us via email at chatback @ parent24.com. Anonymous contributions are welcome.
Don't miss a story!
For a weekly wrap of our latest parenting news and advice, sign up to our Friday Parent24 newsletter.
