Unfollowing Mum
Harriet Shearsmith
Unfollowing Mum : Break Unhealthy habits and be the parent you wish you'd had is available for preorder NOW!A therapist recommended podcast for cycle breakers by someone who has lived the experience. Host Harriet Shearsmith knows first hand how challenging it can be to navigate estrangement, toxic family and dysfunctional dynamics in a digital age where setting boundaries and protecting your peace is harder than ever. In 2023 we’re unfollowing mum. We’re breaking the cycle, unsubscribing from the drama by healing generational trauma and putting ourselves and our mental health first. Each week I will answer your anonymous questions, discuss experiences and tackle the issues surrounding estrangement, generational trauma and navigating toxic families. Sometimes I’ll speak to experts, people with lived experience and other cycle breakers to share their point of view.You’re not alone, there is a community of people navigating parenthood without solid role models, learning to love themselves after emotional abuse whilst breaking the cycle for the future generations 💜 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
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.
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.
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.
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.
9 snips
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.
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.
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.
Dec 18, 2024 • 45min
EP75 Christmas boundaries with Natasha Nyeke
On this final episode of the year, host Harriet Shearsmith talks with therapist Natasha Nyeke about boundaries at Christmas.You can find Harriet's book Unfollowing Mum: Break Unhealthy Patterns and be the parent you wish you'd had here: https://amzn.to/41BCzn3 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 11, 2024 • 32min
EP74 Unethical care & how to find the right therapist or coach
On this episode, host Harriet Shearsmith has a bit of a rant about unethical care, a lack of trauma informed care and why finding the right therapist matters.You can find Harriet's book: Unfollowing Mum: Break unhealthy patterns and be the parent you wish you'd had here: https://amzn.to/3VxO1ME Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 4, 2024 • 49min
EP73 Sleep: the impact of narcissistic parents & attachment styles
Kelly Dawson, a holistic sleep coach and mother of three, shares her insights on the impact of narcissistic parenting on sleep patterns and attachment styles. She discusses how childhood experiences shape adult sleep issues, emphasizing the need to break harmful cycles. Kelly highlights the importance of meeting emotional needs in parenting, offers practical sleep solutions, and examines the role of technology in exacerbating sleep disruption. Her personal anecdotes provide a relatable backdrop for navigating the complexities of sleep and parenthood.
