Ruthie Henshall: "My Mother Told Me She Didn't Want Me”

Ruthie Henshall: "My Mother Told Me She Didn't Want Me”

Author: Giovanna Fletcher July 28, 2026 Duration: 59:09

Trigger warning: this episode contains discussions of suicide, mental illness and childhood trauma that some listeners may find upsetting.


Ruthie Henshall has spent decades captivating audiences on stage, but in this episode she joins Giovanna to talk about the role that has shaped her most: being a mum!


Ruthie reflects on choosing motherhood at the height of her career, raising two daughters as a single parent, and how becoming a mum changed her ambitions forever.


She also opens up about her own childhood, the lasting impact it had on her parenting, and the unexpected healing she found with her mother later in life.


Ruthie's new memoir, The Showgirl and the Prince, is out now!




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Giovanna Fletcher’s Happy Mum Happy Baby picks up the threads of her bestselling book, creating a space where the polished facade of parenting is gently set aside. Each episode unfolds through candid, comforting conversations with well-known mothers and fathers, though the focus is less on their fame and more on their shared, human experience. Giovanna, or Gi as she’s often known, guides these discussions through every facet of raising children-the unexpected joys, the exhausting lows, the personal challenges, and the quiet rewards. The core idea that resonates throughout this podcast is the liberating notion that perfection is a myth; everyone is simply navigating parenthood as best they can. Listening feels like being part of a supportive, honest chat among friends who understand that the journey is messy and beautiful in equal measure. You’ll hear real stories that validate your own, offering both solace and a much-needed laugh. It’s a warm, inclusive audio journal that celebrates the collective reality of family life, making it a deeply relatable listen for anyone in the thick of it.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Happy Mum
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