• Bedwetting and Boring Coversation! Why Would You Even Listen?
    Mar 26 2026

    Summary

    This week Stuart and Ben had to hastily put together what even they think is their worst episode yet! Why? Because their still recording next weeks guest episode, having started it 2 days ago!! They do manage to chat about their regular highs and lows, Big question and even chat about Chuck Norris.

    That's all coupled with their usual dull ramblings about family life, business and just any other waffle they could think of.


    Do tell us if you think this is the worst episode so far and whether it could indeed get any worse than this?


    You can email us your thoughts on podcast@parentingbusiness.com


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Overview

    01:07 Personal Updates and Positivity

    03:20 Highs and Lows of the Week

    12:04 Family and Parenting Challenges

    15:40 Health and Fitness Goals

    23:28 Engaging Questions and Curiosities

    24:06 Potholes and Local Council Accountability

    28:34 The Impact of Public Sector Productivity

    28:59 The Science of Hair and Aging

    33:26 Reflections on Chuck Norris and Pop Culture

    35:54 Reality TV and Relationship Dynamics

    37:56 Upcoming Guests and Future Episodes

    41:38 Humor and Dad Jokes in Everyday Life


    Keywords

    parenting, business, personal stories, humor, work-life balance, highs and lows, reflections, future plans



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    47 mins
  • It's Been a Coldplay, Manics And The Smiths Kinda Week!
    Mar 19 2026

    Warning

    During this weeks episode we do discuss mental health topics which some listeners may find triggering. If you are struggling with your mental health, please remeber you are not alone and there are organisations and indivudals out there who can absolutely support you, no matter what you're going through.


    Summary

    In this weeks episode Stuart and Ben have had a really mentally challenging week, including some real situations around their businesses that have affected their mental health.

    They also talk about how stresses of running a business can impact personal relationships with partners and how it can lead to bth partners feeling less than fully aknowledged or suppported.


    They also talk about theri highs and lows and Stuart has a new production toy to play with! Ben also has another BIG question and some of his dad jokes!


    Please do support us by leaving a review, comment or by sharing the podcast with other parents and business owners. remember you can also get in touch with your storys, tips, or anything else by emailing us at podcast@parentingbusiness.com



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    52 mins
  • The Chaos of Kids' Parties and Car Troubles
    Mar 12 2026

    Summary

    This week Stuart and Ben waffle on about their usual highs and lows, then get into rants about car troubles, the cost of kids' parties, kids' sickness and how first contact in your business marketing is so imprtant, whether you initially win the customer of not.

    Ben also shares his Dad joke of the week and the guys have a waffle about other goings on.

    Don't forget to please subcribe, like, comment and leave us a review. If you have any questions, top business or parenting tips, or would like to share your experiences, please get in touch by emailing us directly at podcast@parentingbusiness.com


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Listener Feedback

    02:22 Consistency in Podcasting and Audience Engagement

    02:56 Highs and Lows: Car Troubles and Walking Wins

    07:47 Kids' Sick Days and School Policies

    09:31 Enjoying the Simple Moments: Morning in the Garden

    10:23 Low Point: Daughter's Sick Morning

    11:20 Backwards Marathon and Fundraising Challenges

    15:27 Podcast Production and Future Plans

    18:28 Customer Service and Business Relationships

    21:01 Pension and Payroll Mishaps

    22:47 Crocodile Encounters and Travel Tales

    27:31 Kids' Party Planning and Cost-Saving Tips

    39:10 Humorous Dad Jokes and Family Life

    45:14 Party Planning and Celebrations

    49:26 Upcoming Birthdays and Event Planning

    50:48 Closing Remarks and Listener Engagement


    Keywords

    parenting, entrepreneurship, car troubles, kids parties, work-life balance, humor, personal stories

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    54 mins
  • Raw Co-parenting to Raw Dog Food: Craig Mannifield Shares His Story
    Mar 5 2026

    Summary

    In this conversation, Craig Manifield shares his journey from a young roller hockey player in Spain to becoming a successful entrepreneur with multiple businesses, including a tattoo shop and a dog food store. He talks very openly about the challenges of trying to co-parent and the fight to be involved when relationships break down, particularly battling through the court system and the heartache that perceived parential alienation can bring. Craig emphasizes the importance of setting a good example for his children and the support he receives from his brother during tough times. He also shares his aspirations for the future, including dreams of moving to Lanzarote and continuing to grow his businesses while prioritizing family time.

    This is coupled with Stuart and Ben's usual chat about theri weekly lows and highs.


    You can find Craig's businesses at:

    Tattoo82 - https://www.facebook.com/Tattoo82De552bp

    Doberfields - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569110283337


    Don't forget to get in touch with us with your parenting experiences, questions, jokes or anything else. Likwise, if you would like to come onto the show to share your experiences or just want to reach out to us privately, for support, please email us on podcast@parentingbusines.com


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction

    16:51 Craig's Journey: From Roller Hockey to Tattooing

    19:30 Family Dynamics and Business Challenges

    21:23 Balancing Fatherhood and Entrepreneurship

    24:04 The Impact of Family Health on Business Decisions

    26:48 Creating a Community Through Business

    29:33 The Future: Passing the Torch to the Next Generation

    38:08 Balancing Work and Family Life

    43:06 Navigating the Court System as a Parent

    49:42 The Importance of Support Systems

    55:26 Celebrating Business Successes

    57:36 Balancing Business and Family Life

    58:43 Dreams and Future Aspirations

    01:00:37 The Importance of Taking Breaks

    01:02:11 Building Trust with Staff

    01:02:40 Long-Term Plans and Goals

    01:04:37 Maintaining the Charm of a Small Business

    01:07:22 Family Connections and Nostalgia

    01:09:47 Future Family Plans and Experiences

    01:10:51 Advice for Business Owners and Parents

    01:12:24 Promoting Doberfields and Tattoo82

    01:15:43 Honesty and Openness in Parenting Conversations

    01:18:25 The Impact of Parenting on Children

    01:20:48 Navigating Legal Challenges in Parenting

    01:22:41 Addressing Difficult Questions from Children

    01:25:10 Wrapping Up and Encouraging Engagement


    Keywords

    business, parenting, tattooing, dog food, family, entrepreneurship, work-life balance, court system, support systems, advice

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    1 hr and 26 mins
  • Is It OK To Shoot Bambi?
    Feb 26 2026

    Summary

    This week Stuart and Ben chat about the highs and lows of their week, including dealing with staff issues, the importance of family time, and the lessons learned from unexpected situations. The conversation also touches on the emotional aspects of business decisions, the joys of family adventures, and the humorous side of parenting, including a discussion about a new initiative called 'Ponytails In The Pub' for dads to learn hairstyling. Ben also want to start a new segment for the show around dad jokes. Oh, and they discuss shooting Bambi!


    If you want to get involved, have any questions or just want to slate us with your feedback, please do email us as podcast@parentingbusiness.com


    Don't forget to also leave us a 5 star review and subscribe so that you can listen to us talk rubbish every Thursday.


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Parenting and Business

    02:20 Navigating the Lows and Highs of Business

    09:58 Balancing Family Time and Work

    13:49 Challenges of Business Partnerships

    17:00 Family Adventures and Quality Time

    22:00 Learning to Do Hair: A Dad's Journey

    26:58 Lessons from Bedtime Stories

    32:58 Questions from Kids: The Circle of Life

    38:59 Dad Jokes and Listener Engagement

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    45 mins
  • Episode 13 - Balancing Workwear and Family: Shane's Journey
    Feb 19 2026

    Summary

    In this weeks episode Stuart and Ben chat with Shane Fitzgerald, owner of Fitzmark Workwear who shares his insights about running a family business, the challenges of balancing work and family life, and the importance of mental health. He discusses his journey in the workwear industry, the dynamics of parenting, and the value of personal service in business. Shane emphasizes the need for work-life balance and reflects on his experiences as a parent and entrepreneur, offering advice to others in similar situations.

    If you want to contact the show, either leave us a comment or drop us an email to podcast@parentingbusiness.com. Please also make sure you leave us a review or any feedback about how we can improve the show for you.

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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • How To Upset Half The Worlds Population!
    Feb 12 2026

    Summary

    In this weeks episode of The Parenting Business podcast, Stuart and Ben share their weekly low points, including canceled swimming lessons and the struggles of dealing with a teething baby. The conversation shifts to high points, celebrating successes in their personal and professional lives. Stuart then manages to propbably upset half the worlds population, in response to a question one of Ben's children has asked him. Then, just for a change, it's Stuart's turn to rant about holiday planning as a single parent, highlighting the lack of savings for single-parent families when booking vacations. They then chat about the costs of UK holidays versus trips abroad, and conclude with reflections on their experiences and future plans.

    If you want to get in touch or come on the show and chat about your Parenting Business, please do either leave us a comment or email us at podcast@parentingbusiness.com

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to The Parenting Business Podcast

    02:47 Navigating Parenting and Business Challenges

    06:01 Personal Struggles: Leaking Roofs and Teething Babies

    08:58 Highs and Lows of Parenting

    12:01 Finding Balance: Holidays as a Single Parent

    15:04 Celebrating Milestones: Kids in Sports

    17:58 Engaging with the Audience: Listener Interaction

    20:59 Seeking Sponsorship and Support

    24:09 Work-Life Balance: Staff vs. Kids

    27:00 Consumer Advice: Booking Holidays

    30:01 Conclusion and Future Topics

    32:16 The Cost of Family Holidays

    34:43 Exploring UK Holiday Options

    39:54 The Price of UK vs. Abroad Holidays

    46:24 Consumer Advice for Family Holidays

    49:33 Comparing European Holiday Parks

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    49 mins
  • Balancing Flames & Family: Sarah Armson's Journey
    Feb 5 2026

    Summary

    This week Stuart & Ben chat with Sarah Armson, the founder of Actifire, a fire safety consultancy. Sarah shares her journey from working in manufacturing fire doors to launching her own business, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship. She discusses the pivotal moment when she decided to leave her secure job to pursue her passion, driven by the desire to create a better work-life balance for herself and her family. Sarah emphasizes the importance of family support and the role of her business partner, Kieran, in her journey.


    You can find out more about Sarah's passions at:

    www.actifire.co.uk gardensofgiving.com

    And, if you're looking out for support around social media and your children, visit positivesocial.org.uk


    Please don't forget to leave us a review, comment and follow us. You can also email us directly at podcast@parentingbusiness.com


    Keywords

    fire safety, entrepreneurship, work-life balance, women in business, charity work, Actifier, Sarah Armson, Mansfield, youth work, family support, parenting, social media, business owner, work-life balance, youth work, Positive Social, TikTok, WhatsApp, Actifier, family


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    1 hr and 21 mins