It Takes a Village: Unfiltered conversations with working parents in Australia's media and marketing industries. Hosts Lauren Thornborough & Lou Wilson, alongside industry guests, explore every facet of the parenting journey, from navigating newborn fog to teenage curveballs, single parenting, and all the realities in between. This warm, human "people podcast" isn't just about babies or burnout; it's about ambition, identity, and connection.
Ep 10: Uber Parents - Flexibility, Ambition & The Realities of Raising Kids with Katie and Michael Levine
Hosts Lou and Lauren welcome Katie and Michael Levine for a candid discussion on high-powered careers and modern parenthood, exploring both parents' perspectives. They honestly delve into challenges like guilt and overwhelm, the value of flexible work, and progressive parental support (like Uber's). Gain insights on self-compassion, aligning with what feels right, and authenticity to family needs. An essential listen for all working parents.
The Village (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-village-working-parents/posts/?feedView=all)
It Takes A Village is hosted by Lauren Thornborough (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-thornborough-3ba36412/?originalSubdomain=au) and Lou Wilson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-wilson-31110a44/?originalSubdomain=au)
Senior Producer Tina Matolov
Audio Editor and Sound Design Thom Lion
Recorded at the Mamamia studios
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
28 Apr 2026
Ep 9: Melinda Petrunoff: Plan Your Leave, Live Your Life – The Power of Intention for Working Parents.
Join Lou, Lauren, and Melinda Petrunoff, MD of Pinterest ANZ, as she shares her 25-year journey from the dot-com boom to leading a global tech brand. Mel candidly discusses the challenges and triumphs of raising three boys (including twins!) while navigating a high-flying career. She'll delve into the vital importance of planning, self-care, and building a trusted support system. Discover her insights on balancing ambition with presence, managing the mental load, and why setting clear boundaries and intentions is crucial for every working parent.
The Village (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-village-working-parents/posts/?feedView=all)
It Takes A Village is hosted by Lauren Thornborough (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-thornborough-3ba36412/?originalSubdomain=au) and Lou Wilson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-wilson-31110a44/?originalSubdomain=au)
Senior Producer Tina Matolov
Audio Editor and Sound Design Thom Lion
Recorded at the Mamamia studios
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
21 Apr 2026
Ep 8: "Go Easy On Yourself" - Bel Harper on the Realities of Parenting Teenagers, Industry Change, and Finding Your Village.
Join Lou, Lauren, and Bel Harper, Chief Product and Marketing Officer at oOh!media, as she shares her journey to influential leadership. Bel opens up about how motherhood became a pivotal moment, shaping her career path and leadership philosophy. She discusses breaking norms with part-time work and the evolution of flexibility in media, often navigating this while her pilot partner is away. Bel emphasizes the importance of empathy, advocating for support systems, and her personal mantra: "go easy on yourself." Discover her insights on creating a workplace where parents thrive and balancing career ambition with family life.
The Village (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-village-working-parents/posts/?feedView=all)
It Takes A Village is hosted by Lauren Thornborough (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-thornborough-3ba36412/?originalSubdomain=au) and Lou Wilson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-wilson-31110a44/?originalSubdomain=au)
Senior Producer Tina Matolov
Audio Editor and Sound Design Thom Lion
Recorded at the Mamamia studios
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
14 Apr 2026
Ep 7: The Pat Crowley Way: Trust, Vulnerability, and the Unstoppable Power of Family.
Join Lou, Lauren and Pat Crowley (General Manager, Marketing, Paid and Owned Media, CBA) as he shares his raw and inspiring story. With over 30 years in media and advertising, Pat opens up about his journey into fatherhood, admitting that he had to learn to be a father, having lacked a male role to guide him. He discusses the profound impact of family trauma, the challenges of raising resilient kids, and why he chose to put family first. Pat reveals the vital lessons learned from loss, the power of a strong support network and his unique philosophy on leading with authenticity and vulnerability in both his career and his cherished family life.
The Village (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-village-working-parents/posts/?feedView=all)
It Takes A Village is hosted by Lauren Thornborough (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-thornborough-3ba36412/?originalSubdomain=au) and Lou Wilson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-wilson-31110a44/?originalSubdomain=au)
Senior Producer Tina Matolov
Audio Editor and Sound Design Thom Lion
Recorded at the Mamamia studios
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
7 Apr 2026
Ep 6: Georgie Nichols: When Family Comes First - Fighting for What's Right in Your Career
Georgie Nichols (Chief Revenue Officer, Mamamia) shares her 30-year journey in media & marketing, advocating for parents while challenging the notion that "balance is bullshit." She recounts her fight against pregnancy discrimination early in her career and the profound impact of her daughter's health challenges during HSC. Georgie emphasizes the crucial role of supportive leadership and finding a workplace aligned with your values. Her story highlights personal resilience, the "gift of time," and the importance of advocating for yourself and your family, even when it means making tough career decisions.
The Village (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-village-working-parents/posts/?feedView=all)
It Takes A Village is hosted by Lauren Thornborough (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-thornborough-3ba36412/?originalSubdomain=au) and Lou Wilson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-wilson-31110a44/?originalSubdomain=au)
Senior Producer Tina Matolov
Audio Editor and Sound Design Thom Lion
Recorded at the Mamamia studios
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
31 Mar 2026
Ep 5: "Having It All is Not Doing It All": Aimee Buchanan on Crafting a Career and Family Life on Her Own Terms.
Join Lou, Lauren, and WPP Media CEO ANZ Aimee Buchanan as she shares her journey from media assistant to industry leader. Aimee candidly opens up about returning to work after her first child, the self-doubt, and the pivotal "Emma moment" that changed her perspective. Discover how her early life experiences shaped her empathetic leadership style, her focus on people and culture, and why she firmly believes "having it all is not about doing it all." This episode is for anyone navigating work, family, and the power of a strong support system.
The Village (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-village-working-parents/posts/?feedView=all)
It Takes A Village is hosted by Lauren Thornborough (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-thornborough-3ba36412/?originalSubdomain=au) and Lou Wilson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-wilson-31110a44/?originalSubdomain=au)
Senior Producer Tina Matolov
Audio Editor and Sound Design Thom Lion
Recorded at the Mamamia studios
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
24 Mar 2026
Ep 4: Whose Meeting is More Important? Ricky Chanana on the Mental Load and the Quest for Visible Fatherhood.
Join Lou, Lauren and guest Ricky Chanana (Director of Sales, PubMatic Australia and NZ) as he bravely shares his deeply personal journey from an "invisible" work-driven dad to consciously "visible" after a pivotal family event. He candidly discusses the mental load of parenting, his 'two H's' in communication with his wife Michelle, and challenging societal norms around fatherhood. Ricky highlights the vital role of empathetic leadership and open dialogue in both home and career, urging parents to foster strong support networks. He believes true ambition encompasses both professional success and being a truly present parent.
The Village (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-village-working-parents/posts/?feedView=all)
It Takes A Village is hosted by Lauren Thornborough (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-thornborough-3ba36412/?originalSubdomain=au) and Lou Wilson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-wilson-31110a44/?originalSubdomain=au)
Senior Producer Tina Matolov
Audio Editor and Sound Design Thom Lion
Recorded at the Mamamia studios
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
17 Mar 2026
Ep 3: "If It's Not Okay, It's Not The End": Kate Smaile's Story of Resilience, Loss, and Becoming a Better Leader
Kate Smailes (Managing Partner, Havas Blvd & Chief Client Officer) takes us on her deeply personal IVF journey, sharing the raw reality of six pregnancies, multiple miscarriages, and finally welcoming twin girls. She reveals how Havas has transformed their HR policies, introducing miscarriage and fertility leave, and the profound impact this had.
Kate candidly discusses the mental load of returning to work with young twins, the challenges of daycare sickness, and her shift to a more empathetic leadership style. She advocates for open workplace conversations, building your "village," and crucial industry support for parents, including benefits like egg freezing. This is one emotional and important episode about what life is like when the journey to parenthood doesn’t fit in a neat box.
The Village (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-village-working-parents/posts/?feedView=all)
It Takes A Village is hosted by Lauren Thornborough (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-thornborough-3ba36412/?originalSubdomain=au) and Lou Wilson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-wilson-31110a44/?originalSubdomain=au)
Senior Producer Tina Matolov
Audio Editor and Sound Design Thom Lion
Recorded at the Mamamia studios
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
10 Mar 2026
Ep 2: Boundaries, Not Barriers: And Always Running Your Own Race with Pia Coyle
Join Pia Coyle, MD at PHD Sydney & mum of three in a blended family, as she tackles media's relentless pace and the art of "boundaries, not barriers." With 23 years experience, Pia candidly shares how parenthood transformed her into a principled leader, advocating for flexibility and designing roles for success for returning parents. Learn why she believes in running your own race and showing up authentically, even when life feels like a constant negotiation, from boardrooms to the breakfast table.
The Village (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-village-working-parents/posts/?feedView=all)
It Takes A Village is hosted by Lauren Thornborough (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-thornborough-3ba36412/?originalSubdomain=au) and Lou Wilson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-wilson-31110a44/?originalSubdomain=au)
Senior Producer Tina Matolov
Audio Editor and Sound Design Thom Lion
Recorded at the Mamamia studios
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
3 Mar 2026
Ep 1: Willie Pang: "Dad, You're Not Listening" - The Wake-Up Call That Changed Everything
Join Lauren and Lou as they sit down with Willie Pang (Country Manager, Amazon Ads) for a candid conversation about balancing a high-pressure career with fatherhood.
Willie shares how his incredible career journey, including a weekly commute from Sydney to San Francisco with a newborn at home, profoundly shaped his approach to family life.
He opens up about the reality of "dad guilt," the pivotal moment his son told him "Dad, you're not listening to me," and the importance of joint decision-making with your partner.
Discover Willie's three core values for a fulfilling career and family life, why he reassessed his relationship with alcohol, and why simply 'being present in the moment' can be the most powerful act of all. An honest, raw, and insightful discussion for every working parent.
The Village (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-village-working-parents/posts/?feedView=all)
It Takes A Village is hosted by Lauren Thornborough (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-thornborough-3ba36412/?originalSubdomain=au) and Lou Wilson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-wilson-31110a44/?originalSubdomain=au)
Senior Producer Tina Matolov
Audio Editor and Sound Design Thom Lion
Recorded at the Mamamia studios
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
28 Feb 2026
Introducing... It Takes A Village
Honest conversations with parents in media - because behind every pitch, campaign and client win is someone managing a whole other job outside the office.
It Takes a Village is a 10-part podcast series that shares unfiltered stories from working parents across the media, marketing and creative industries. Hosted by Lauren Thornborough and Lou Wilson, two seasoned leaders and co-founders of The Village, each episode offers a personal window into what it really looks like to build a career while raising a family.
From newborn chaos to teenage curveballs, single parenting, co-parenting and everything in between, these stories are as diverse as the families behind them. This series isn’t just about babies or burnout. It’s about ambition, identity and what it means to thrive when life doesn’t fit neatly into office hours. This isn’t a parenting podcast. It’s a people podcast about those doing big things at work, while carrying even bigger loads at home.
The Village (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-village-working-parents/posts/?feedView=all)
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
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