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Unfollowing Mum

Latest episodes

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Jun 25, 2025 • 43min

Ep85 Breaking no contact after 4 years, harassment and toxic parents

On this episode, host Harriet Shearsmith shares a recent experience where she had to break no contact with her mother due to harassment, how she handled the situation and what it looks like to stay in a place of 'self' during these experiences.Harriet’s books:Unfollowing Mum: Break unhealthy patterns and be the parent you wish you’d had is available here: https://amzn.to/3FKHqdeCycle Breakers: Free yourself from emotionally immature parents and be the parent you wish you’d had (US edition): https://www.amazon.com/Cycle-Breakers-Yourself-Emotionally-Immature/dp/B0F1ZY9G8K/Visit harrietshearsmith.com for resources on estrangement and navigating family dysfunction or to submit a letter to the podcast. You can also book a session with Harriet here: https://app.simplymeet.me/harrietshearsmith Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jun 18, 2025 • 47min

Ep84 Being the scapegoat: the slow burn route to estrangement

On this episode, host Harriet Shearsmith reads out a letter from a listener, sharing their experience of growing up in a toxic family dynamic as the scapegoat and how that led to estrangement.Harriet’s books:Unfollowing Mum: Break unhealthy patterns and be the parent you wish you’d had is available here: https://amzn.to/3FKHqdeCycle Breakers: Free yourself from emotionally immature parents and be the parent you wish you’d had (US edition): https://www.amazon.com/Cycle-Breakers-Yourself-Emotionally-Immature/dp/B0F1ZY9G8K/Visit harrietshearsmith.com for resources on estrangement and navigating family dysfunction or to submit a letter to the podcast. You can also book a session with Harriet here: https://app.simplymeet.me/harrietshearsmith Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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9 snips
Jun 11, 2025 • 29min

EP83 Narcissistic, Emotionally immature & toxic - what is the difference?

Delve into the intriguing distinctions between narcissistic behavior and emotional immaturity in parents. Discover personal stories that highlight the complexities of family dynamics and the impact of toxic traits on relationships. Gain insights on navigating these challenges, fostering self-awareness, and setting boundaries. Explore the healing journey, which can be as daunting as climbing a mountain, yet emphasizes the possibility of genuine transformation with dedication. This engaging discussion encourages reflection and connection through shared experiences.
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Mar 5, 2025 • 1h 2min

EP82 The "phone works both ways" dads

On this episode, host Harriet Shearsmith speaks with an anonymous guest regarding her experiences with parental alcoholism, a narcissistic and self centred father and toxic parent dynamics.You can find Harriet's book Unfollowing Mum: Break unhealthy patterns and be the parent you wish you'd had here: https://amzn.to/3Xdu12Y Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Feb 26, 2025 • 33min

EP81 "You remind me of my mum" :: Navigating familiar triggers

On this episode, host Harriet Shearsmith talks about the experience of being triggered - both memories that conversations with people will bring up, and what it is like to recognise your abusive parent's behaviours in someone else.You can find Harriet's book Unfollowing Mum: Break unhealthy patterns and be the parent you wish you'd had here: https://amzn.to/3Xdu12Y Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Feb 12, 2025 • 52min

EP80 *TW* Abusive step parents, enabling parents & the physiological effect of trauma

On this episode host Harriet Shearsmith chats with Diana, childhood sexual abuse and cancer survivor, about her experiences growing up in an abusive household and discovering the betrayal of her mum in adulthood. They discuss the physiological impact of trauma and Diana's views on her healing journey. For more from Diana, you can find her here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diana__pearson__Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/diana__pearson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jan 29, 2025 • 36min

EP79 What happens when your narc parent is cheated on?

On this episode, host Harriet Shearsmith talks about her experience of growing up with a narcissistic parent who has been cheated on and how that unique dynamic can present in the parent/child relationship.You can get a copy of Harriet's book Unfollowing Mum: Break unhealthy patterns and be the parent you wanted here: https://amzn.to/42rOl3N Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jan 22, 2025 • 51min

EP78 Estrangement, alienation & freedom

The conversation dives into the profound effects of estrangement from toxic family members, particularly a narcissistic mother. Personal stories reveal the journey through emotional manipulation and the reclamation of self-worth via therapy. Listeners will resonate with themes of finding freedom amidst familial alienation and the importance of distancing oneself from harmful influences for mental well-being. The discussion also touches on the complexities of childhood trauma and the quest for healthier family dynamics.
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Jan 15, 2025 • 26min

EP77 University & estrangement

On this episode, host Harriet Shearsmith shares the first written submission for the lived experience stories shared on the podcast. This listener has shared their lived experience of going to university and becoming estranged, as well as some resources for fellow estranged students.https://www.standalone.org.uk/guides/adultchildren/https://www.bethanywebster.com/blog/going-no-contact/https://www.ucas.com/applying/applying-university/individual-needs/estranged-studentsGrab a copy of Harriet's therapist recommended book Unfollowing Mum: Break Unhealthy patterns and be the parent you wish you'd had here: https://amzn.to/3E4hdVC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jan 8, 2025 • 26min

EP76 Happy New Year

On this episode, host Harriet Shearsmith talks about the new year and what it means for cycle breakers, estrangements and toxic family dynamics.Order Harriet's new book here: https://amzn.to/3DW5ZCv Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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