
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 24, 2023 • 57min
EP18 Trauma, cycle breaking & overwhelm with Libby Ward
On this episode, host Harriet Shearsmith speaks with Libby Ward, digital content creator known as Diary of an Honest Mom, about childhood trauma and overwhelm as a cycle breaking mother. You can find Libby on Instagram at https://instagram.com/diaryofanhonestmom or buy her journal here: https://amzn.to/3VWtz7p Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 17, 2023 • 35min
EP 17 Was it neglect or just "a different time?"
On this episode, host Harriet Shearsmith talks about her experience with neglect as a child and why growing up with narcissistic parents makes that so difficult to reconcile. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 10, 2023 • 1h 3min
EP 16 Toxic shame with Maggie Nick
On this episode, host Harriet Shearsmith talks toxic shame and how we can parent our children without shame with therapist & parenting expert Maggie Nick who is known online as Maggie With Perspecticals.You can find Maggie at : https://instagram.com/maggiewithperspectacles and https://www.tiktok.com/@maggiewithperspectacles Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 3, 2023 • 1h 5min
EP 15 Addressing generational trauma in parenting with Dr Emma Svanberg
On this episode host Harriet Shearsmith talks with Dr Emma Svanberg, clinical psychologist and author of Parenting for Humans, about generational trauma, cycle breaking parenting and reparenting yourself. You can find more from Emma at:Instagram: https://instagram.com/mumologistBuy her brilliant book "Parenting for Humans" https://amzn.to/3FaLKyP Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 26, 2023 • 1h 10min
EP 14 Parentification & parental alcoholism with Jemma Wilson
On this episode, host Harriet Shearsmith talks to Jemma Wilson about her lived experience with an alcoholic mother and growing up raising her younger siblings as a teenager. You can find Jemma at https://instagram.com/roseandhoneyphotographer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 19, 2023 • 28min
EP 13 Misconception, excuses & estranged parents on tiktok
On this episode, host Harriet Shearsmith talks about the comments she receives from estranged parents across social media and WHY that happens?! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 12, 2023 • 53min
EP 12 Adopted by a Narcissist with Gaynor CherieAnn
On this episode host Harriet Shearsmith speaks candidly with author of An Adoptee's Journey: Letters of my life Gaynor CherieAnn about her experience growing up as an adoptee in a toxic family dynamic with a narcissistic mother. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 5, 2023 • 25min
EP 11 Prince Harry, Jennette McCurdy & the impact of public figures discussing estrangement
Prince Harry and Jennette McCurdy discuss the impact of public figures discussing estrangement. They explore societal misconceptions, the challenges faced by individuals who are estranged, and the importance of supporting others. The conversation delves into Prince Harry's book launch and the public discussion around estrangement within the royal family. They also touch on Dylan Sprouse's experiences with narcissism and how public figures sharing their experiences can influence the broader conversation on estrangement.

Mar 29, 2023 • 1h 14min
EP 10 Narcissistic parents with Helen Villiers & Katie McKenna
Psychotherapists Helen Villiers and Katie McKenna discuss the dynamics of narcissistic parents and the effects of emotional abuse on adult children. They explore topics such as manipulation tactics, codependency, healing from past relational patterns, toxic positivity, and the need for safe relationships and therapy.

Mar 22, 2023 • 1h 27min
EP 9 Childhood trauma & toxic family with Elspeth Van Der Hole
Guest Elspeth Van Der Hole discusses childhood trauma, toxic family dynamics, challenging toxic beliefs, millennials vs Gen Zs hair salon behavior, pressure to be a perfect parent, setting boundaries, the psychological link between trauma and brain chemistry, stigmatization of mental health, healing from childhood trauma, and finding peace in toxic family dynamics.