Ian Shaw on his mum's agoraphobia, Tupperware parties and keeping secrets

07/17/24 • 32 min

In this episode of 'Mumbelievable,' host Sonia welcomes renowned jazz singer Ian Shaw to share heartfelt and humorous stories about his mother, Megan.

From her life in North Wales and her eccentric ways to her struggle with agoraphobia, Ian's recounting of his childhood is both touching and amusing. The episode delves into Megan's influence on Ian's musical journey, her remarkable red hair, and her battle with agoraphobia.

Ian talks about how his mother's unique character had a profound impact on his life and career.

The episode wraps up with Sonia's 'Mini Mum Survey,' where Ian reflects on the funniest, most cringe-worthy, and most admirable aspects of his mum.

Ian was born in St Asaph in North Wales and took his music degree at the University of London. His career in performance began in the 1980s on the alternative cabaret circuit, alongside such performers as Julian Clary and Jo Brand. At the same time, he was playing in piano bars and at festivals in London and throughout Europe. He is the host of International Ronnie Scott's Radio.

00:00 Introduction to Mumbelievable Podcast

00:42 Guest Introduction: Ian Shaw

01:46 Ian Shaw's Mother: Megan's Story

02:16 Musical Family Background

03:29 Eccentricities and Agoraphobia

05:04 Food Memories and Eating Disorders

06:26 Neighbourhood Characters and Childhood Memories

08:48 Unfulfilled Talents and Rejection Letters

14:23 Funny Misunderstandings and Mix-ups

16:25 Funny Group Names and TV Concepts

17:02 Memories of Barbara Windsor

17:59 Mother's Agoraphobia and Support

21:06 Post-War Generational Issues

25:06 Cherished Memories and Voices

29:26 Mini Mum Survey

31:44 Conclusion and Farewell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of 'Mumbelievable,' host Sonia welcomes renowned jazz singer Ian Shaw to share heartfelt and humorous stories about his mother, Megan.

Ian talks about how his mother's unique character had a profound impact on his life and career.

The episode wraps up with Sonia's 'Mini Mum Survey,' where Ian reflects on the funniest, most cringe-worthy, and most admirable aspects of his mum.

00:00 Introduction to Mumbelievable Podcast

00:42 Guest Introduction: Ian Shaw

01:46 Ian Shaw's Mother: Megan's Story

02:16 Musical Family Background

03:29 Eccentricities and Agoraphobia

05:04 Food Memories and Eating Disorders

06:26 Neighbourhood Characters and Childhood Memories

08:48 Unfulfilled Talents and Rejection Letters

14:23 Funny Misunderstandings and Mix-ups

16:25 Funny Group Names and TV Concepts

17:02 Memories of Barbara Windsor

17:59 Mother's Agoraphobia and Support

21:06 Post-War Generational Issues

25:06 Cherished Memories and Voices

29:26 Mini Mum Survey

31:44 Conclusion and Farewell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Previous Episode

David Baddiel - Mum’s porno poetry nearly ruined my life

David Baddiel's latest book is all about his family and much of the narrative concerns his Mumbelievable mother. You possibly won't believe some of the stories about her but they're true. Sonia shares mum stories with David - two women who were in some ways similar but in reality poles apart. This is a must listen!

In this episode of Mumbelievable, host Sonia Beldom talks with comedian, author, and television presenter David Baddiel about his new book "My Family: The Memoir" They dive into the quirky and often embarrassing antics of their mothers, sharing stories that are both hilarious and poignant.

David recounts his mother's obsession with golf memorabilia and her affair with a collector, revealing the complexity of her character and the unusual upbringing he experienced. They also discuss the challenges and joys of having eccentric, transgressive mothers and how these relationships shaped their lives.

Sonia and David celebrate the vivid, flawed, and ultimately lovable personalities of their mums, weaving humour and heartfelt moments into their conversation.

00:00 Introduction to Mumbelievable podcast

00:27 Meet David Baddiel: A Comedian's Tale

01:44 Embarrassing Mum Stories

02:07 The Truth About Family Dynamics

07:20 The Golf Obsession and David White

10:31 A Mother's Fantasies and Realities

14:27 The Impact of Trauma and War

22:20 Reflections on a Flawed but Beloved Mother

22:40 The Complexity of Maternal Love

23:32 A Mother's Eccentricities and Love

24:25 The Impact of a Mother's Actions

25:11 Family Dynamics and Mental Health

27:38 Parental Neglect and Personal Growth

31:15 Humour as a Coping Mechanism

33:49 Exploring Maternal Sexuality

37:55 The Blurred Lines of Truth and Fiction

44:38 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Next Episode

Andrew Pierce on his two mums, Betty and Margaret

In this deeply moving and personal episode, Sonia Beldom interviews Andrew Pierce, a journalist and political pundit, about his latest book, 'Finding Margaret, Solving the Mystery of My Birth Mother.'

Pierce shares his heart-wrenching journey of being adopted by his loving mum, Betty, while also uncovering the story of his birth mother, Margaret, an Irish nurse. The conversation delves into the challenges of adoption, the quest for identity, and the emotional reunions that shaped Andrew's understanding of family and heritage. This episode offers a poignant look at the extraordinary lives of the two women who made Andrew who he is today.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Background

00:35 Introducing Andrew Pierce and His Book

01:08 Andrew's Adoption Story

02:49 Margaret's Struggles and Sacrifices

05:11 Discovering the Truth About Margaret

06:49 The Search for Margaret

10:03 Reuniting with Margaret

16:00 Reflecting on Family and Identity

21:25 A Letter Published in the Daily Mirror

22:15 Family Reactions and Emotional Impact

24:14 Career Beginnings and Family Support

26:15 Reflections on Adoption and Family Bonds