Parenting means navigating a whirlwind of advice, opinions, and relentless information. Launching 14 November, the new podcast from CBeebies Parenting will unpack the stories that have got grownups talking from viral trends and parenting dilemmas to the news stories lighting up group chats.
Created by BBC Audio, the weekly podcast is hosted by Radio 1 presenter and new mum, Katie Thistleton and MOBO award-winning rapper and dad of two, Guvna B. CBeebies Parenting Download offers practical information, expert advice, and support to help families through the crucial early years.
The first episode kicks off with a BBC Children in Need special as Katie and Guvna B are joined by dad-of-three Tom Fletcher. Tom has written Pudsey and the Thread of Hope, a heartwarming story that brings Pudsey to life in animation for the first time which will air over the Christmas period on BBC One, CBeebies and iPlayer, with audiences being able to watch a sneak preview during the Children in Need Appeal Show on Friday evening. The iconic bear embarks on an inspiring journey of healing, hope, and adventure alongside Jai, a young boy who’s coping with the death of his father.
Katie Thistleton said: “When I became a new mum earlier this year the main thing I noticed was how overwhelming parenting advice is and how headlines and social media posts can terrify you into thinking you’re doing it all wrong. I really wanted to do a podcast that actually looks at the facts and makes parents feel better”.
Guvna B said: “I love Parenting Download because it’s a community of parents figuring it out, me included. Grief is messy, but Tom Fletcher’s story gave us space to talk openly. I left the conversation more confident as a dad, armed with simple, honest language to use at home”.
Kate Morton, Senior Head of Commissioning for CBeebies said: “With trusted voices, relatable conversation, a healthy dose of humour, CBeebies Parenting Download helps parents and carers make sense of the week and feel a little less alone in the chaos. Along the way, celebrity friends and trusted professionals share their own experiences and advice, offering reassurance, insight, and connection for listeners navigating the ups and downs of early years parenting.
“Whether you’re a first-time parent in your twenties or a grandparent co-parenting in your sixties, this podcast offers a safe, inclusive space to learn, laugh, and feel supported – one week, and one topic at a time.”
CBeebies Parenting Download starts on 14 November, and new episodes will drop weekly on Saturday mornings. Available everywhere, episodes will be distributed across BBC Sounds, RSS feeds, and iPlayer – making it easy for parents to tune in wherever and whenever works for them.
To accompany Pudsey and the Thread of Hope, CBeebies Parenting has created a suite of resources, advice, and guidance designed to help families approach conversations about grief and loss.
The animation comes following the release of a paperback picture book of the same name, also by Tom Fletcher, published by Puffin.
CBeebies Parenting can be found www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/parenting and on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds.
Parents and carers can join the CBeebies Parenting WhatsApp channel for the latest information and updates.
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