
Unfollowing Mum
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.
Latest episodes

May 22, 2024 • 41min
EP 55 Scapegoating, estrangement & lies with Harriet Gleeson
On this episode, host and coach Harriet Shearsmith talks to psychotherapist Harriet Gleeson about her experiences of estrangement due to lies and scapegoating. You can find Harriet at https://www.harrietgleesontherapy.co.uk or follow her on instagram at @the.good.enough.therapist Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 15, 2024 • 28min
Ep54 Fight response, anger & shame
On this episode, host and coach Harriet Shearsmith talks about fight response, anger and shame. You can find her here: https://www.instagram.com/unfollowing_mum Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 1, 2024 • 38min
Ep53 Self care, boundaries & guilt for cycle breakers with Emma Benyon
On this episode, host and coach Harriet Shearsmith chats with coach Emma Benyon about self care, guilt and setting boundaries as a cycle breaking parent. You can find Emma here: https://www.instagram.com/emmabenyon.coach and https://emmabenyoncoaching.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 24, 2024 • 56min
EP52 Generational trauma & toxic family dynamics as a child of immigrants
On this week's episode, host Harriet Shearsmith chats to Rachel Varkey, host of It's Fine! Pod, about her experiences of generational trauma and toxic family dynamics as a child of immigrants. They talk about the 'that's just white woman stuff' myth that surrounds cycle breaking and challenging our generational trauma.You can find Rachel here: https://www.instagram.com/itsfinethepod?igsh=N3Fjdmp5ZXRtNXE1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 17, 2024 • 28min
EP 51 Why is setting boundaries with your partner's family SO tough?
On this episode, host and coach Harriet Shearsmith talks about setting boundaries with your partner's family and why it's so tough - from when they won't to navigating healthy reactions when you've never experienced them before, she breaks it down in this short episode.You can get in touch with Harriet at @tobyandroo or harriet@tobyandroo.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 10, 2024 • 26min
Ep 50 Late ADHD/ASD diagnosis and childhood trauma
On this episode, host Harriet Shearsmith talks about her experience of late ASD/ADHD assessment and how that feels as someone who grew up with a toxic parent. You can find Harriet at @tobyandroo on instagram and tiktok or email her at harriet@tobyandroo.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

6 snips
Mar 12, 2024 • 34min
Ep49 F.O.G - Fear, Obligation & Guilt: a narcissistic parent's toolkit
Explore FOG - Fear, Obligation & Guilt, and how toxic narcissistic parents use it to manipulate children. Learn about the lasting effects on identity and relationships, including difficulty in setting boundaries and suppressing empathy.

Mar 6, 2024 • 29min
EP48 Complicated feelings that come up around Mother's Day
On this episode, host and coach Harriet Shearsmith shares insights into Mother's day from the perspective of an estranged or low contact adult children from her instagram community and her own experiences. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 28, 2024 • 27min
EP 47 Baiting - what is it & how do we stop it?
On this episode, host Harriet Shearsmith talks about baiting - why narcissistic parents do it and how you can combat against it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 20, 2024 • 22min
EP 46 Ending relationships and attachment styles
On this week's episode host and coach Harriet Shearsmith talks about endings - her relationship with them, how that is impacted by attachment styles and why it relates of our toxic parents.As promised the recommended quiz for attachment styles is: https://www.attachmentproject.com/attachment-style-quiz/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.