Vanessa Feltz and Daughter Partner to Launch Mental Health Parenting Podcast
Renowned broadcaster Vanessa Feltz is stepping into the podcasting realm, this time joining forces with her daughter, child therapist Saskia Joss, to address a growing concern in family life: childhood anxiety. The pair are set to launch a new series titled *Help! My Child’s Anxious*, produced by Global, with the first episode premiering on Thursday, 26 June.
The collaboration draws on both personal and professional expertise. Vanessa Feltz brings a wealth of life experience as not only a respected television and radio presenter but also as a single parent and grandmother. Alongside her, Saskia Joss contributes her specialised knowledge as a child therapist, focusing on anxiety and trauma, further enriched by her work as the author of *My Child’s Anxiety Is Giving Me Anxiety.*
Each week, listeners can expect candid discussions exploring the complexities of raising children in today’s world. Episodes will delve into current events, draw on the Feltz-Joss mother-daughter dynamic, and feature advice rooted in lived experience and therapeutic insight. The duo aim to offer practical strategies while also sharing anecdotes from their own relationship, illuminating the challenges and joys family life can present.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Vanessa Feltz expressed her enthusiasm about the new partnership. “It’s a genuine pleasure to work alongside my daughter, Saskia, in this new venture. We want to offer reassurance and guidance to parents who feel overwhelmed by their children’s anxieties. By blending our perspectives, we hope to create a supportive community for listeners navigating similar issues,” she said.
The timing of this initiative appears particularly pertinent. Recent polling by Ipsos revealed that one in four parents of children aged 4-17 in the UK have reported their child experiencing anxiety or panic attacks within the past year. This statistic underscores the urgent need for accessible resources and open discussion surrounding children’s mental health—something the podcast aims to provide.
Joss highlighted the importance of parental support in tackling childhood anxiety. “Many parents tell me they feel alone or unsure how to help when their child is struggling. Our podcast is about demystifying these experiences and handing parents and carers tools and compassion, based on both research and real-world application. Teaming up with my mum means we can also offer different generational viewpoints, which I hope will be valuable for listeners.”
The format of *Help! My Child’s Anxious* is designed to be approachable. Alongside exploring news stories and trends affecting families, the podcast invites questions from parents, carers and even grandparents, who may wish to seek advice on sensitive topics in a non-judgemental setting. Feltz and Joss aim to foster a sense of community while breaking down the stigma surrounding children’s mental health challenges.
In a broader context, the collaboration is indicative of a shift towards multi-generational conversations on parenting, mental health, and resilience. Both Feltz and Joss see their project as a way to not only share their collective expertise, but also to hear from families affected by anxiety, spotlighting shared struggles and possible solutions.
Listeners can find the podcast on Global Player as well as all major podcast streaming platforms. Its arrival comes at a time when many are seeking connection and understanding in a fast-paced, often stressful world—a reminder that seeking help, and talking openly, is a sign of strength.
As awareness grows around children’s mental health, initiatives like this may play a crucial role in equipping families with the knowledge and empathy they need to navigate uncertain times. With *Help! My Child’s Anxious*, Vanessa Feltz and Saskia Joss hope to provide just that: a lifeline of information, comfort and conversation for families everywhere.