The Aunties launches ‘Mums On Call’ – The only mummy podcast not hosted by mums
The Aunties has launched ‘Mums On Call’, a podcast that unveils the unspoken realities of being a mum in the advertising industry.
Hosted by two of The Aunties’ co-founders, senior creatives Lauren Eddy and Katarina Matic will take turns interviewing all kinds of industry mums about their parenting journeys, covering advice for future mums and how we can enact change as an industry to better support all working parents.
Mums on Call will invite two parents per episode to share their unfiltered stories and wisdom. While the hosts will guide the conversations, the show is about creating a platform for mums to share their professional and personal experiences, covering everything from being a creative mum, to fertility, reframing your sense of control and more.
While these Aunties don’t have kids of their own, they’ve noticed how advertising hasn’t always been the most accommodating field for primary caregivers. As a result, young leaders are beginning to question if they are in a career that is conducive to being a parent.
Says Katarina Matic, senior art director at Bullfrog and Mums on Call host: “Working mothers are few and far between in creative departments, so we were curious to know how these mums were (or weren’t) making it work. The idea is that it’s hosted by people without children, so we can ask those ‘silly questions’ about a reality we have no experience of, rather than mums preaching to the choir.
“We hope this – along with the wonderful work being done by MIA – becomes a resource not only for parents, but for business owners, managers and anyone with the power to improve how our industry supports and retains working mums.”
The podcast launches today, October 6th, on Spotify and other popular listening platforms, with new episodes live each fortnight. It is proudly recorded and produced by the team at Bang Bang Studios, on Wurundjeri land.
Says Julia Spencer, freelance creative and co-founder of Mums In Ads: “Agency life and mum life weren’t designed to co-exist, so for those of us braving this bumpy road less travelled, it can be a pretty lonely journey.
“With the launch of this podcast, The Aunties are literally amplifying the voice of motherhood in Adland to better connect us, unite us and help us pave a smoother path for the next generation of women to walk together, with confidence.”
For those looking for more specific motherly advice with an industry lens, the podcast also includes a ‘call in’ segment. Listeners can send their anonymous questions via voicemail or DM @theaunties_gram on Instagram.
The Aunties hope that by pulling back the curtain and letting these mums (and maybe even some dads) tell all, more women will feel inspired to do what needs to be done to make the advertising industry a better place. Not just for mums, but everyone.
Mums on Call is another important initiative from The Aunties. The program connects emerging and established talent through one-on-one mentorship programs and runs a range of events that champion women in creative industries.
Listen to the first three episodes of Mums on Call now on Spotify:
#1: Creative Departments: Where Are All The Mums?
Regina Stroombergen & Julia Spencer from MIA (Mums In Ads) uncover why there are so few mums in creative departments, why they’re a tremendous asset and what the industry needs to do to keep them around.
#2: Reframing Control Over Your Universe
Sarah McGregor & Georgina Pownall discuss how becoming a mum forces you to reframe your sense of control over your universe, and how this new mindset might actually become your superpower.
#3: IVF And All Things Fertility
Claire Tenzer & Amy Hollier share their own fertility journeys and advice for anyone in our industry who’s thinking about starting a family.
10 Comments
Great initiative and idea 🙂 well done
Not a mum but can’t wait to listen.
So cool. So important. LOVE!
Can’t wait to give this a listen, thank you for such a thoughtful and important resource.
A thirst-quenching take on industry wankery. Only on the first episode, but yes. More of this stuff please.
This is awesome. Interested to hear from a woman who is childfree by choice for another perspective as there’s no role models of them in the industry.
This is amazing!! Love this so much – thank you.
From my take (maybe just me?) most of the women (not that there are many) who fill the leadership roles in our industry are child-free and that’s the whole point? Women aren’t being adequately supported through motherhood to get to the upper roles, so will never truly be represented in c-suite etc? Motherhood is a gender equality issue – for this industry and beyond.
Like who? Would love to hear some names
The podcast is literally called mums on call – can’t there be one sole space for mums in this industry to have a conversation about motherhood and career? There’s plenty of platforms for women to talk about their career progression without talking about overcoming the barriers of motherhood – in fact, talking openly about motherhood has never been a conversation that’s welcomed or conductive to careers in most rooms.