In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend and colleague Pearl Clinton — a proud CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), powerhouse businesswoman, and lifelong advocate for Deaf rights. Pearl is also the heart behind Sign Life, which highlights the importance of Deaf Support Workers and lived experience in supporting the Deaf community.
This is an honest and emotional conversation where Pearl shares her journey, including the loss of her father and the expectation she faced as a child to interpret during that traumatic time. We also dive into the challenges of entering the sign language interpreting profession, the realities of learning and using British Sign Language (BSL), and the joys and struggles of working in this world we’ve both been part of for so long.
It’s informal, heartfelt, and perfectly timed for International Week of Deaf People / International Sign Language Week. Pearl has encouraged me throughout my whole career, and I admire her greatly — so this conversation means the world to me.
If you care about Deaf advocacy, CODA stories, BSL, and the power of friendship and lived experience, this episode is for you.
A heartfelt conversation with CODA and Deaf rights advocate Pearl Clinton on loss, lived experience, and the challenges and joys of the BSL interpreting world.
💜 New Episode Alert 💜
This week on The Adequate Mother Podcast I sit down with one of my dearest friends, Pearl Clinton — a proud CODA, powerhouse businesswoman, and lifelong advocate for Deaf rights.
Our chat is raw, honest, and emotional. Pearl opens up about the loss of her father and the expectation she faced to interpret as a child during that painful time. We also dive into:
🤟 The challenges of becoming a BSL interpreter
🤟 Why lived experience matters in Deaf advocacy
🤟 The story behind Sign Life and its incredible impact
🤟 The joys & struggles of working in the sign language world
This conversation means the world to me — Pearl has encouraged me throughout my whole career, and I admire her deeply. ✨
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you tune in.
🎥 BSL interpreted version available on YouTube.
#DeafAwareness #CODAStories #BritishSignLanguage #DeafRights #InternationalSignLanguageWeek
In this solo episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of my career as a sign language interpreter. I share where you might find interpreters, the kinds of work we do (and don’t do), who’s responsible for booking access, and why the “third person in the room” dynamic can feel awkward if you’re not used to it.
I’ll also give you some top tips for working with interpreters, a quick overview of qualifications and organisations like NRCPD, and a heart-to-heart on what it’s really like doing this job. This was a quick pod before i went on holiday and just to try and some interaction from you guys before content for international sign language week starts.
What are you questions ask away
Think of me as your friend who happens to be an interpreter—this is just my lived experience, not a rule book. 💬 I’d love to hear what you think, so share your feedback and questions!
✨ Connect with me on Instagram: @HayleyBrown_andco
sign language interpreter
BSL
SSE
British Sign Language
Deaf awareness
NRCPD
sign language
interpreter career
In this episode of Inadequate Mother, I sit down with my friend and fellow interpreter — a single mum whose journey to motherhood is nothing short of a miracle. As soon as I met Cat at university, I could see she was born to be a mother.
After being diagnosed with a blocked fallopian tube and going through the challenges of IVF treatment, she was told her chances of conceiving were very slim. Against all odds, she naturally became pregnant on her damaged side and went on to deliver a healthy, beautiful baby boy.
Now, she’s navigating, co-parenting with her ex, and managing her career as a qualified interpreter while carrying the weight of past struggles, resilience, and an unshakable determination to thrive.
This raw and inspirational conversation explores:
✨ The reality of infertility, IVF, and unexpected pregnancy.
✨ What it’s like to be a single mother while balancing a professional career.
✨ The emotional toll of feeling “inadequate” as a mother — and why those feelings don’t define us.
✨ How interpreters (and women in general) are more than just their professional roles we are mothers, women of experience, and people with untold stories.
💡 Whether you’re navigating infertility, single parenthood, or the pressure to “have it all together,” this story is proof that hope and determination can create miracles.
📺 Watch the BSL-accessible version of this podcast on YouTube.
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you stream
IVF success story, infertility journey, blocked fallopian tube pregnancy, miracle baby story, single motherhood podcast, co-parenting stories, interpreter life, motherhood struggles, inspirational motherhood podcast, feeling inadequate as a mom,
IVF success story, infertility journey, blocked fallopian tube pregnancy, miracle baby story, single motherhood, co-parenting experiences, interpreter life, motherhood struggles, inspirational motherhood, resilience in motherhood, women balancing career and family, accessible podcast, BSL interpreter podcast, deaf accessible content, inclusive podcast, British Sign Language, deaf awareness, podcast with BSL
This week, I’m diving into a topic that could be seen as controversial….— the intersection of being a sign language interpreter and a content creator in today’s digital world. Managing professional Boundaries.
I’ve been creating social media content for over six years, and it’s become part of my identity — bold, raw, transparent, creative, and unapologetically myself. But working in a professional institution with an important code of ethics means constantly navigating what’s “acceptable” as the rules of professionalism shift in our digital era.
In this candid solo episode, I share my personal experiences:
• The delicate balance between professional ethics and online authenticity
• How having a public platform can shift how people see you in your professional role
• Why I started creating content during lockdown (for both personal and professional reasons)
• The importance of using and preserving your skills — for me, that means keeping my sign language and connection alive and strong after 12+ years of learning it to serve the Deaf community
This isn’t a lecture — it’s an honest, reflective share of one experience and perspective professional identity in the age of AI, livestreams, and global connection. Would love to hear the oppinions of spoken language interpreters to see if this applys to them also.
📌 Let’s stay connected:
Instagram: @HayleyBrown_andco
Podcast available on all platforms — with BSL-interpreted episodes on YouTube.
If you work in a professional capacity, create content, or have ever wrestled with where the two worlds meet, this episode is for you.
#InadequateMotherPodcast #SignLanguageInterpreter #Professionalism #ContentCreation #SocialMediaEthics
In this honest solo episode of Inadequate Mother Podcast I’m sharing a life update six months after publishing my ambitious “goals before 40” list in February. It was born from a place of fear, watching my mum’s mental health crumble at 40, spiralling into alcohol addiction, and ultimately losing her five years later. Seeing echoes of her journey in my mothering has lit a fire for change in my whole life. There are some change we can control and some things we need just to sit on and wait.
Today, I reflect on the shifts I’ve made and those still to come. My daughter’s university placement is still in limbo, love life is evolving kinda, and I’m reflecting on what success looks like beyond fear-driven goals. This episode also outlines the new direction for the podcast: more intentional, accessible and listening to what you guys want me to talk about.
When we publicly share our goals we shouldn’t be ashamed if these goals aren’t attained. The reality is we are here for the journey and I’m all about sharing the journey with as much honesty my family will be comfortable with.
This show is fully BSL‑interpreted and Deaf‑accessible, and open to all women (and partners, caregivers, interpreters, Deaf community) who crave authenticity over perfection.
Tune in to hear:
• What’s changed in six months since my “before 40” declaration
• Why fear doesn’t have to be the driver anymore
• How shaping new plans is ok and so is hitting pause.
• life insight but mostly a vision for the future of this podcast
#InadequateMotherPodcast #LifeUpdate #Before40 #MotherhoodJourney #MentalHealthAwareness #AccessiblePodcast #BSLInterpreted #DeafAccessible
What does it take to get your whole self — body, soul, and identity — out into the Moroccan desert? In this powerful and intimate episode of Inadequate Mother, I sit down beneath the desert sun with Penny Gunn, founder of Sign for Thoughts, an organisation delivering Deafblind awareness training and challenging societal norms around disability and communication.
Penny shares her incredible journey as a Deafblind woman, mother, and advocate. We talk about the complexities of raising children while navigating the world through a unique sensory lens, what it really means to be independent, and how she got her "arse into the desert" — figuratively and literally.
This conversation is raw, warm, and deeply human. Penny opens up about the layers of her identity, the intersections of being a disabled mother in a world not built for inclusion, and what she wishes the world truly understood about Deafblindness. We explore themes of visibility, community, resistance, and self-definition — all in the spirit of radical honesty that Inadequate Mother is known for.
As always, this episode is part of my commitment to platforming voices too often left out of mainstream narratives and ensuring content is accessible for the sign language community.
✨ This episode is available in BSL on YouTube.
🔗 Follow, share, and join the conversation — because Inadequate is more than enough.
This is a mini vlog This is a mini vlog capturing some of the feelings I’m leaving with after attending my very first Deaf yoga retreat—not as an interpreter, not as a facilitator, but simply as me, sharing space with a Deaf community in a social and embodied way.
Even though I’m regularly immersed in sign languages and the Deaf community in my professional life, this retreat was something else entirely. For the first time, I wasn’t working—I was present. Fully.
Led by an incredible CODA facilitator, the retreat offered something truly powerful. Her visual delivery gently pulled us inward, guiding us through deep self-reflection and stillness.
And the silence? It was deafening.
Not in a scary way—but in the way that made me realise just how much I rely on talking to distract myself from my own mind. How much I “fart out of the brain” (yes, I said it).
This space didn’t allow for that. It didn’t need to.
I’m leaving scented, centred, and full of gratitude.
If you’ve ever wondered what it might be like to take part in something like this—either in the Deaf community or outside of your usual roles—I’d love to hear from you.
👇🏽 Drop a comment if this resonates
📲 Connect with me on Instagram: @hayleybrownandco
🎙️ You can also catch me on my podcast Adequate Mother, available on all platforms.
Let’s make something happen.
🎙️ This Week on An Indequate Mother | “Interpreter Inadequacy: A Real Talk with My Uni Mate 13 Years On”
This episode is one you’ve asked for — and I’m so grateful to finally share it.
Just before flying off to Morocco, I was joined by a brilliant, qualified Sign Language Interpreter — a dear friend and fellow graduate from our university cohort 13 years ago. We trained together, grew together, and now reconnect to talk openly and honestly about what it really feels like to walk the path of interpreting.
We explore:
✨ The complexity of the profession
✨ Feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt
✨ The pressure of “ranking up” in a field that demands so much
✨ Why vulnerability and community are essential in this work
This conversation is for every Interpreter — new, seasoned, or somewhere in between — who’s ever felt like they’re not quite “enough.” You are not alone. This is tough work, and it’s okay to feel it deeply.
I don’t have your answers — but I do have space for accessible, real conversations. Let’s build a supportive community of Sign Language users, learners, and professionals where we can reflect, connect, and grow.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
📺 Watch the full, BSL-accessible version here on YouTube.
📲 Let’s keep the conversation going over on Instagram: @hayleybrownandco
🫶 Let’s feel Inadequate — together.
#SignLanguageInterpreter #InterpreterJourney #DeafCommunity #BSLInterpreter #InterpreterLife #AnAdequateMother #InterpreterSupport #BSLConversation #RealTalk #ProfessionalGrowth #VulnerabilityInWork #WomenInInterpreting #AccessibleContent #HayleyBrownPodcast
Welcome to the “Inadequate Mother” podcast a space dedicated to real conversations about feeling inadequate, breaking barriers, and building true inclusivity. Each month, we feature a special guest to explore powerful stories and random topics that challenge the single narrative and help us all feel less alone. This season, we’re diving deep into issues like representation, neurodiversity, and the impact of technology on accessibility.
Weekly, join us as we learn to embrace the inadequate feeling when learning British Sign Language (BSL) together, discussing the challenges and triumphs of integrating into the Deaf community as hearing learners. We’ll share honest reflections on feeling lost, misunderstood, or anxious, and offer practical tips to promote understanding
Today’s episode features Pamela Aculey, award-winning author, entrepreneur, and founder of Just Like Me Books and MIXD Reality. Pamela pioneered the UK’s first inclusive, interactive children’s picture books using augmented reality (AR) technology—transforming how stories are told for children of all backgrounds and abilities. Inspired by her autistic son, Pamela’s mission is to champion diversity, neurodiversity, and accessibility in education. We discuss how her technology could revolutionise communication and representation in the Deaf community, and why inclusive storytelling matters for everyone. Listen now to hear how Pamela’s journey is changing the narrative for children and families everywhere.
If you’ve ever found yourself drawn to British Sign Language and thought, Why does this just make sense to me? — You’re not alone.
This Part 2 of my signlanguage series
In this week’s episode of Inadequate Mother, I’m going full Hayley Brown waffle about how BSL became not just a job, but part of my identity. I share how learning sign language helped me come to terms with my dyslexia in a whole new light, and how it shaped my career as a sign language interpreter.
This episode is part of the honest, messy series where I open up about becoming an interpreter while dealing with all the other hats we wear — mum, friend, daughter, all while battling the never-ending voice of feeling not enough.
I talk about:
• Why sign language made sense for my dyslexic brain
• How interpreting helped me understand myself
• The absolute chaos of jumping from BSL Level 3/4 to Level 6
• Short-term memory struggles (cheers, menopause)
• And why we need more honest conversations in the BSL community
If you’re a single mum trying to build a career, a student trying to get through your BSL levels, or just someone who’s felt like a bit of an outsider – this one’s for you.
I’ve been chatting about all this over on Instagram @hayleybrownandco — come and say hi, share your thoughts, and let’s keep this conversation going. We need more interpreters, and we need to talk about how hard it actually is.
Subscribe, share, and stick around – I’ll be here waffling as long as you’re listening
#BritishSignLanguage #DyslexiaAndProud #InadequateMotherPodcast #SingleMumCareer #BSLInterpreterJourney
In this heartfelt episode of INADEQUATE Mother, I share my personal journey into the world of British Sign Language (BSL) and becoming a BSL interpreter. This is the first in a series where I’ll speak openly about the path into this beautiful, challenging, and often misunderstood career — especially for those of us who didn’t grow up in the Deaf community.
👉 If you’re learning sign language, training to become an interpreter, or simply curious about what it takes to step into the Deaf community as an outsider — this episode is for you.
🎓 I answer some of the questions I’ve received from the trainee BSL community on Instagram, reflecting on everything from mental health, imposter syndrome, and motherhood, to identity, purpose, and perseverance.
For me, becoming a sign language interpreter wasn’t just a job — it was a calling. I found this path during one of the hardest chapters of my life: I was grieving the loss of my mum to alcoholism, navigating life as a single parent, and surviving a toxic relationship. Amidst the chaos, I graduated with my degree (while pregnant with my second daughter, Ava!) — and that moment changed everything.
✨ Learning sign language is more than just gaining a skill — it’s a mirror into how you connect, communicate, and care. I truly believe sign language belongs in all schools, not just for Deaf pupils but for hearing ones too.
📺 This episode is fully BSL interpreted on YouTube.
🔔 Hit subscribe to follow the series and hear more about my lived experiences.
💬 Got questions, worries, or doubts about learning BSL or becoming an interpreter? Share them in the comments — let’s build a supportive space for everyone trying to find their way.
00:00 Introduction & welcoming Jassa Ahluwalia
01:47 Jassa's background and dual heritage
05:22 Growing up British-Indian and navigating identity
09:10 Language, accent, and being ‘not Punjabi enough’
13:35 Jassa’s journey into acting and early career experiences
17:20 Being mixed race in the media industry
21:45 Creating #BothNotHalf and its impact
27:12 The power of storytelling and reclaiming narratives
33:00 Shifting perspectives on masculinity and emotions
39:05 Reflections on privilege, responsibility, and allyship
45:50 Jassa’s advice for young creatives
48:30 Final thoughts and where to find Jassa online
In this episode of The Inadequate Mother, Hayley Brown sits down with actor, writer, and dual heritage advocate Jassa Ahluwalia for an open and honest chat about identity, belonging, and breaking binary thinking. Known for his work on TV (including Some Girls and Unforgotten) and for his powerful online movement around the phrase “Both Not Half”, Jassa shares his experiences growing up with mixed British-Indian heritage, feeling disconnected from both cultures, and the journey towards embracing all sides of who he is.
Hayley and Jassa delve into the language of identity, the limits of labels like “half-Indian” or “not Indian enough”, and how parenthood, society, and systemic thinking can shape the way we see ourselves. It’s a heartfelt and reflective conversation full of real talk, mutual discovery, and compassion—for ourselves and our children.
Find out more about Jassa’s work and his book Both Not Half here:
🌐 https://www.jassaahluwalia.com
📘 Order the book: https://www.jassaahluwalia.com/book
Follow Hayley on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/hayleybrown_andco/
0:00:09 - Introduction of Leanne Edge and her background
0:05:00 - Discussion about working as a single mom and business flexibility
0:11:48 - Challenges of parenting teenagers
0:20:00 - Conversation about family dynamics and single parenting
0:34:57 - Discussion about Botox regulations changes
0:40:35 - Introduction of PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) treatment for hair loss
0:42:00 - Details about PRP treatment and its benefits
In this episode of Inadequate Mother, Hayley Brown sits down with aesthetician and salon owner Leanne Edge of Edge Studio (Nuneaton) to chat about motherhood, business, and the beauty world — including the major changes to Botox rules coming into effect on June 1.
Leanne explains what these UK Botox regulation changes mean for practitioners and clients, how it will impact pricing, and what women need to know if they are booking treatments.
They also dive into:
Life as single mothers balancing teens and business
Setting boundaries and handling mom guilt
PRP treatments for hair loss and skin rejuvenation
The emotional load of parenting and why repair matters
This is an open, relatable, and insightful chat about beauty, self-care, and motherhood, with plenty of tips and laughs along the way.
Don’t forget to subscribe, comment, and follow for more accessible, honest conversations.
Find Leanne at: https://www.instagram.com/edge.studio.uk/
Follow Hayley at: https://www.instagram.com/hayleybrown_andco/
In this insightful episode of Inadequate Mother, host Hayley Brown sits down with returning guest Andy Palmer for a candid conversation spanning weight loss drugs, body image, gym confidence, parenting challenges, and societal pressures.
Andy bravely shares his personal journey using Mounjaro (a weight loss drug), the psychological struggles around food, and how he’s transforming his health while navigating gym culture. Hayley opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of her daughter preparing to leave for university, the societal pressure mothers face, and why self-acceptance — especially around feelings of inadequacy — is so important.
Together they dive into big topics like:
- The stigma and science behind weight loss medications
- Masculine vs. feminine energy in single parenting
- Economic privilege and environmental responsibility
- Why younger generations hold the key to future social change
- The power of saying things out loud and talking to yourself for mental wellbeing
This is a raw, funny, and thoughtful episode that reminds us we’re all figuring it out — and that’s okay.
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more open, accessible, and real conversations.
Follow Hayley on Instagram: @hayleybrown_andco
Follow Andy on Instagram: @palmer_j_andy
0:00:00 - Podcast introduction
0:02:23 - COVID mask campaign details
0:10:40 - Identity journey discussion
0:22:16 - Birth and communication challenges
0:29:34 - Making friends as a deaf mother
0:38:52 - Advice for deaf mothers
0:42:46 - Hearing aid technology discussion
Deaf Motherhood, Identity & Lipreading in a Pandemic Episode with Amy MortonThe Inadequate Mother Podcast I sit down with the brilliant Amy Morton, founder of Living with Hearing Loss, to explore her powerful journey through Deaf motherhood, identity, and advocacy.
Amy shares how becoming a mother reshaped her sense of self, and why she launched Living with Hearing Loss during the COVID-19 pandemic—a time when lipreaders like her faced immense challenges due to mask mandates and inaccessible communication.We’ve known each other for years, and this episode gave us a beautiful chance to reconnect and reflect on everything that’s changed in the last five years.
From navigating motherhood as a Deaf woman to building community and raising awareness, Amy’s story is both moving and inspiring.✨ This episode is fully interpreted in British Sign Language (BSL) to ensure accessibility for our Deaf audience.
🎥 Watch now and join the conversation about inclusion, motherhood, and the power of shared experience.
💬 Drop a comment to share your story or tag another mum who needs to hear this
[0:04:15] - Start of the main podcast interview
[0:06:16] - Discussion about being a psychic
[0:08:00] - Difference between intuition and psychic abilities
[0:14:01] - Conversation about masculine and feminine energy
[0:22:56] - Discussing challenges for mothers
[0:34:37] - Twin flame experiences
[0:45:25] - Discussion about deaf intuition and access to information
[0:52:22] - Self-acceptance and setting boundaries
[0:53:42] - Future plans and retreats
Welcome back to The Inadequate Mother Podcast! This week, I’m deeply honoured to introduce my very first Deaf guest—the incredible Kori, an intuitive spiritual guide whose Deaf identity strengthens her connection to the spiritual world in powerful, profound ways.
As its deaf awareness week I thought what a perfect time to show case deaf gain.In this episode, we explore how spiritual gifts can be deepened through Deafness and neurodiversity.
Kori shares her journey of embracing her identity, not just as a Deaf woman, but as a healer, guide, and light for others. We discuss twin flames and what it means to hold masculine and feminine energy.
Her insight has helped me—and now hopefully you—understand the many layers of self-improvement, healing, and inner wisdom.
This conversation is more than just inspiring—it’s a reminder that our so-called “limitations” often amplify our intuitive abilities. Where we may lack in one area, we gain in another—and in Kori’s case, her Deaf identity is not a barrier, but a spiritual amplifier.
If you’re part of the Deaf community, interested in intuitive coaching, or navigating spiritual growth. this episode is for you.
BSL-interpreted | Deaf-accessible podcast episode
Find out more about Kori at https://www.koribella.com
Connect with Kori https://www.instagram.com/iamkoribella?igsh=NjNvcGRmdjN3dXlm&utm_source=qr
Follow Hayley Brown on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayleybrown_andco
Share your thoughts in the comments or DM me your experiences.
In this open, honest and insightful episode of An Inadequate Mother, Hayley Brown sits down with Lenny, a devoted father with a background in the military and police, to talk about the myths and realities of “inadequate parenting.” Together, they explore what it truly means to parent in today’s high-pressure society, the importance of emotional repair, and how gentle parenting differs from permissive parenting.
Lenny shares real-life examples from his parenting journey, explains how emotional intelligence is the foundation for lifelong learning, and offers practical tools for managing mistakes and building stronger connections with children.
Whether you’re a single parent, a co-parent, or simply navigating your own healing while raising little ones, this powerful episode will inspire, challenge, and support you on your journey.
Watch Lenny, Cruz and Moana on their YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@UCiSF4aZWaCARJhiOFzPBeyw
Follow Hayley Brown on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayleybrown_andco
Share your thoughts in the comments or DM me your experiences.
0:00 - Podcast Introduction
0:03 - Meeting Andy Palmer
0:04 - Relationship Breakup Discussion
0:08 - Parenting Transitions
0:10 - Changing Masculinity
0:13 - Women's Changing Needs
0:22 - Single Life Insights
0:29 - Vulnerability and Attractiveness
0:33 - Social Media and Relationships
0:38 - Dating Apps Talk
0:41 - Closing Thoughts
In this candid and heartfelt episode of An Inadequate Mother, Hayley Brown is joined by Andy Palmer, CEO of Cambridgeshire Deaf Association, for a raw and real conversation about relationships, parenting, emotional growth, and navigating single life.
Hayley opens up about her recent breakup and the emotional journey of preparing for her eldest daughter to leave for university. Together, Hayley and Andy reflect on how masculinity and relationship expectations are evolving, the pressures facing modern parents, the loneliness of single life, and the importance of emotional intelligence in today’s world.
If you're a single parent, someone feeling inadequate about love and relationships, or just looking for a relatable chat full of warmth, wisdom, and humour, this episode is for you.
🌱 Topics we explore:
🎧 Tune in for Part 1 of this beautiful, real conversation — Part 2 is coming soon!
#singleparenting #relationships #anadequatemother #parentingpodcast #selfgrowth
0:00 - Introduction and podcast overview
1:37 - Importance of talking about parenting challenges
2:20 - Hope for reconnecting with teenagers
4:46 - Teenage brain development and natural rebellion
6:22 - Discussing family conflict and emotional expression
9:36 - Generational gap and societal changes
13:32 - Impact of past trauma on parenting
15:55 - Bringing subconscious patterns into conscious awareness17:19 - Teenage brain development
19:09 - Identifying personal trigger points
23:08 - Body language and facial expressions
26:46 - Importance of repair in parent-teen relationships
29:31 - Asking for help and being a good parent
😤 Are you struggling to keep your cool with your teenager? You're not alone. In this heartfelt solo episode of An Inadequate Mother, Hayley Brown opens up about losing her temper, feelings of failure, and how to repair the connection with your teen. She shares deeply personal stories, practical strategies, and emotional insights to help other mums navigating the toughest stage of parenting.
💬 Topics covered:
💡 Whether you're a solo parent or just feeling overwhelmed, this episode is a reminder that you're not an inadequate mother — you're just a human one.
🎧 Listen now and follow @hayleybrownandco for more real talk on parenting.
#parenting #mumlife #anadequatemother #teenagers #parentingteens #mentalhealth #connection #gentleparenting
[00:00] Introduction and podcast overview[02:28] Welcoming Siobhan, discussing interpreting and comedy[03:08] Talking about being a comedian[04:12] Siobhan winning a comedy competition[05:00] Discussion about financial inadequacy[06:35] Bedtime challenges with children[07:19] Parenting and children growing up[09:27] Parenting advice and information overload[11:46] Discussion about young motherhood[12:46] Talking about Siobhan's mother and motherhood challenges[14:57] Discussing neurodiversity and childhood experiences[16:09] Social media and neurodiversity[19:00] Interpreting profession and confidence[22:31] Balancing interpreting and comedy[25:29] Professional boundaries in interpreting[28:45] Importance of attitude in interpreting[30:43] Comedy and audience interaction[33:47] Experiences with comedians and interpreting[36:39] Discussion about mixed-race identity[41:18] Siobhan's podcast "Following Through"[48:56] Social media and podcast challenges
This week on An Inadequate Mother, Hayley sits down with the hilariously honest and wonderfully eccentric Siobhan Dodd — a comedian, mother, and British Sign Language interpreter.
Together they explore the complex identities that mothers juggle: from freelance careers to creative pursuits and parenting pressures. Siobhan shares her journey in comedy (including winning a national award!), embracing her neurodiversity, and why she finally owns the title of comedian after 13 years.
The conversation also dives into interpreter culture, confidence, the evolving definition of professionalism, and how social media intersects with creative identity. And yes… there's also some solid chat about bedtime battles, childhood chaos, and the odd poo story.
Whether you're a mum, multi-hyphenate creative, or just trying to figure it all out — this one’s for you.
This episode includes discussions around mental health, alcohol addiction, grief, and references to childhood trauma. These topics may be sensitive or triggering for some listeners.
If you or someone you know needs support, here are some helpful links:
Mind UK – Mental health support and resources
Samaritans – 24/7 support: call 116 123 (UK)
Alcohol Change UK – Support with alcohol-related issues
YoungMinds – Mental health support for young people and parents
You’re not alone.
Follow Siobhan Dodd on Instagram: @unclesiobhan
Listen to The Following Through Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your pods
Book recommendations: Both, Not Half by Jassa Ahluwalia
