Ep 186. Trying, Failing, and Mum Hacks That Actually Work with Victoria Vanstone

If you’ve ever found yourself rage-walking through the neighbourhood, shouting into the void of motherhood, or quietly fantasising about a solo trip to Italy (just for a little peace and quiet), then today’s episode is for you.

In this episode of The Science of Motherhood, Dr. Renee White chats with author, podcast host, and reformed party girl Victoria Vanstone about the beautifully messy journey of parenting. From learning to parent without wine to redefining what being a “good mum” really means, Victoria shares her laugh out loud stories and sobering truths with honesty, warmth, and a big side of humour.

Her latest book Muming: A Year of Trying and Failing to Be a Better Parent is a brutally honest, hilarious, and deeply relatable look at modern motherhood. Vic pulls back the curtain on shouting matches, parenting guilt, sticker chart flops, and her deeply sacred ritual: the rage walk. Through it all, she reminds us that even in the chaos, love is what shines through.

Whether you’re in the thick of toddler tantrums, losing your voice to the morning school run, or wondering if everyone else has it more together than you, Vic’s here to tell you: they don’t. And that’s more than okay.

You’ll hear about:

• Victoria’s rocky start to motherhood – and how she adjusted from wild nights to white couches and rage walks
• The pivotal moment that sparked her parenting reset – and why she said yes to a flyer in the school carpark
• Why trying and failing is actually the point – and what a year of ‘better parenting’ really looked like
• Mum hacks and survival tools – from fake flour on your face to avoiding camping at all costs
• The power of real mum friendships – and why a sticky note and a block of Lindt chocolate can mean everything

This is your permission slip to laugh, cry, and let go of the pressure to get it “right” all the time. Because as Victoria reminds us, failing might just be our superpower and none of us are doing it alone.

Resources and Links:

📲 Want to chat more about this? Connect with Renee on Instagram: @fillyourcup_

🌐 Want to learn more about Dr Renee White and explore Fill Your Cup Doula services

🍪 If you want to gobble up our famous Chocolate + Goji lactation cookies, look no further!

📘 Mumming: A Year of Trying and Failing to Be a Better Parent – Available now via Booktopia, QBD, Harry Hartog, and all good bookstores

🎧 Sober Awkward Podcast – Winner of Best Wellbeing Podcast 2023: soberawkward.com

📲 Follow Victoria on Instagram: @drunkmummysobermummy and @soberawkward

🌐 Victoria’s blog: drunkmummysobermummy.com

If this episode had you nodding along, crying with laughter, or breathing a sigh of relief pass it on to a fellow mum who needs to hear it. And don’t forget to hit subscribe so you never miss an episode of The Science of Motherhood.