<p>This week, I’m joined by Lou Beckett – mum of two, history teacher and wife of comedian Rob Beckett – who shares a hilariously raw take on what it really means to be the default parent. Lou talks about carrying the invisible labour and mental load while Rob is away, the identity freefall of stepping away from work, and why women are still expected to “have it all” while running on no sleep. We get into birth trauma, breastfeeding guilt, and why feeding your baby formula is not a moral failing. Lou explains what it really means to be the default parent, why schools always ring mum first, and how resentment quietly builds over time. We also talk about being completely “touched out” by kids hanging off you all day, and then being expected to switch into sex kitten mode the minute your partner walks through the door. This is a funny, deeply validating conversation for anyone who has ever thought: I love my kids, but I am absolutely done.</p><p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><p>BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE</p><p>Lou’s Book, Lessons from a Default Parent: Surviving the Front Line of Family Life (Without Losing Your Sh*t), is available to buy from 12th February 2026.</p><br><p>WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU</p><p>Got something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.</p><br><p>If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xx</p><br><p>CREDITS:</p><p>Host: Bryony Gordon</p><br><p>Guest: Lou Beckett</p><br><p>Producer: Laura Elwood-Craig</p><br><p>Assistant Producer: Sam Rhodes</p><br><p>Studio Manager: Sam Chisholm</p><br><p>Editor: Luke Shelley</p><br><p>Exec Producer: Jamie East</p><br><p>A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>