Episodes 93
Avg. Duration 43m
Activity Dormant
Apple Rating 4.8 (20)
Since Jan 2023
Latest Episode Oct 2025

Publishing Details

Schedule
Weekly
Format
Episodic
Consistency
34%
Hosting
feeds.acast.com

Contact & Outreach

About This Podcast

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.

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Recent Episodes

Ep92 EMDR with Shelley Bradley-Scholey

Oct 01, 2025 40m

On this episode host Harriet Shearsmith speaks with trauma expert Shelley Bradley-Scholey. Shelley is the founder of Fortitude Psychological Therapy an independent therapy practice, She is an…

Ep91 Parentification, young parents & moving into helping professions

Sep 24, 2025 58m

On this episode host Harriet Shearsmith chats with Chantelle about her experiences of growing up with a teen mum, parentification and how she used her experiences to inspire her work as a child…

Ep90 Enmeshed, estranged & toxic patterns: parents & in-laws

Sep 17, 2025 54m

On this episode Harriet Shearsmith speaks with Hazel about her experiences of enmeshment with her father and subsequent estrangement, only for her to witness similar patterns of dysfunction with her…

EP89 Unknown number: Toxic parenting extreme

Sep 10, 2025 37m

On this episode host Harriet Shearsmith talks about Netflix documentary Unknown Number: The Catfish Highschool which follows the shocking case of Kendra Licari and her horrendous abuse of her…

Ep88 Summer holidays & IPT-AST to improve parenting skills

Jul 16, 2025 37m

On this episode host Harriet Shearsmith talks about her experience of summer holidays growing up and how it differs from her parenting experience, she shares powerful insights from her book…

Ep87 TW parental death after estrangement

Jul 09, 2025 35m

On this episode, host Harriet Shearsmith shares a letter from 'Tanya' about parental suicide after estrangement, an enabling parent who haven't worked on their own trauma and continue to choose…

Ep86 The golden child with Lauren Smallcomb

Jul 02, 2025 54m

On this episode of the show, host Harriet Shearsmith talks with author of Golden Child: My descent to scapegoat and rise to freedom and mind & body practitioner Lauren Smallcomb about her…

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

Jun 25, 2025 43m

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…

Ep84 Being the scapegoat: the slow burn route to estrangement

Jun 18, 2025 46m

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…

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

Jun 11, 2025 29m

On this episode, host Harriet Shearsmith chats about the difference between emotionally immature, narcissistic and toxic parents.You can find Harriet's book Unfollowing Mum: Break unhealthy patterns…

EP82 The "phone works both ways" dads

Mar 05, 2025 1h 2m

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…

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

Feb 26, 2025 32m

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…

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

Feb 12, 2025 51m

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…

EP79 What happens when your narc parent is cheated on?

Jan 29, 2025 35m

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…

EP78 Estrangement, alienation & freedom

Jan 22, 2025 50m

On this episode, host Harriet Shearsmith talks with 'Laura' about her lived experiences with a narcissistic mother who alienated her father and eroded her self worth and confidence. 'Laura' shares…

EP77 University & estrangement

Jan 15, 2025 26m

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…

EP76 Happy New Year

Jan 08, 2025 25m

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…

EP75 Christmas boundaries with Natasha Nyeke

Dec 18, 2024 45m

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…

EP74 Unethical care & how to find the right therapist or coach

Dec 11, 2024 32m

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…

EP73 Sleep: the impact of narcissistic parents & attachment styles

Dec 04, 2024 49m

On this episode, host Harriet Shearsmith chats with Holistic Sleep Coach Kelly about her experiences of growing up with a narcissistic parent and how that influences her work. They chat about…

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Unfollowing Mum have?

Unfollowing Mum has published 93 episodes since January 2023, covering topics in Health & Fitness, Kids & Family.

Is Unfollowing Mum still active?

Unfollowing Mum is currently dormant with new episodes weekly. Average episode length is 43m.

How do I contact Unfollowing Mum for sponsorship or guest appearances?

Sign up on Grep.FM to access contact details for Unfollowing Mum, including email and social media links.

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