Two Women Chatting

In this festive episode of Two Women Chatting, Michelle welcomes back Hannah Bartlett from Jolly Festive for another holiday season! Past Christmas episodes with Hannah have been among our most downloaded to date, so she’s back by popular demand to sprinkle more holiday cheer. Together, they dive into practical tips for making your money go further, taking care of yourself during the busy season, and embracing fun, sustainable ways to reuse Christmas decor and cards. Hannah also shares advice on staying safe from scams during the holidays. Finally, the episode wraps up with a special trip down memory lane, revisiting the best moments from previous Christmas specials.Key Takeaways:🎙️ Stretch Your Christmas Budget: Discover creative and practical ways to save money while still enjoying a magical holiday season.🎙️ Self-Care During the Holidays: Prioritize your well-being with simple strategies to reduce stress and avoid festive burnout, including the use of an advent candle to carve out mindful, reflective moments each day.🎙️ Sustainable Christmas Ideas: Learn how to reuse and recycle decorations, cards, and wrapping materials in fun, eco-friendly ways.🎙️ Best of Christmas Past: Relive the top moments from previous Christmas episodes with Jolly Festive for timeless inspiration.Episode Resources:🌟 Visit Jolly Festive’s website for more holiday inspiration: jollyfestive.com🌟 Follow Jolly Festive on Instagram: @JollyFestiveConnect with Us:🌟 Website: TwoWomenChatting.com🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 YouTube: Two Women ChattingTune in to the Christmas Special for tips, nostalgia, and holiday cheer to make this festive season your best yet! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this transformative episode of Two Women Chatting, Michelle speaks with breath work coach Caroline Boyle, exploring the profound impact of breath work on wellness, mental health, and emotional resilience. Caroline shares her personal journey with breath work, especially its supportive role during her battle with breast cancer and the loss of her father. Together, they uncover the science and benefits behind conscious breathing, including its effectiveness for managing stress, enhancing athletic performance, supporting respiratory health, and even facilitating emotional release. Caroline offers practical techniques for integrating breath work into daily life, making it accessible for everyone looking to deepen their well-being and emotional healing.Key Takeaways:🎙️ Breath work for Emotional and Physical Healing: Breath work offers a powerful means of emotional release and healing, even supporting trauma recovery without verbal processing.🎙️ Daily Benefits of Breath Awareness: Simple, intentional breath work techniques can alleviate stress, improve mental clarity, and support emotional stability.🎙️ Breath and Physical Health: Nose breathing enhances respiratory function, detoxification, and overall health, as 70% of metabolic waste is expelled through breathing.🎙️ Supportive for Menopause and Hormonal Changes: Regular breath work can be a valuable tool for managing symptoms related to menopause and other hormonal shifts, providing calmness and stability.Episode Resources:🌟 Connect with Caroline Boyle on Instagram at @breathwork_with_caroline.🌟 Learn more on her website: carolineboyle.comConnect with Us:🌟 Website: TwoWomenChatting.com🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 YouTube: Two Women ChattingTune in to The Power of Breathwork for Midlife Wellness for insights on integrating this powerful tool into your daily life for better health, resilience, and peace. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this insightful episode of Two Women Chatting, Michelle is joined by Clare Jefferies, owner of four Home Instead franchises, who opens up about her journey into elder care and shares her experiences of caring for ageing parents. Clare emphasises the need for compassionate, person-centred care and offers practical advice on navigating the complexities of the ageing process. The conversation explores proactive approaches to caregiving, from creating safe home environments to discussing sensitive topics like power of attorney and incontinence support. Clare also shares tips on evaluating care homes, seeking help from social services, and the importance of self-care for caregivers. Together, Michelle and Clare tackle the emotional challenges of caregiving, offering insights to empower listeners in their own journeys with ageing loved ones.Key Takeaways:🎙️ Compassionate, Person-Centred Care: Supporting ageing parents requires sensitivity, open communication, and tailoring care to respect each individual’s needs and dignity.🎙️ Plan Ahead: Establish a power of attorney, promote a safe home environment, and discuss care options early on to prevent crises and ensure family peace of mind.🎙️ Utilise Resources and Support: Tap into organisations like Age UK and social services, ask for help without guilt, and use available resources to support both caregivers and families.🎙️ Prioritise Caregiver Well-Being: Acknowledge and address complex emotions like guilt and frustration, and remember that self-care is essential for sustaining energy and compassion in caregiving.Episode Resources:Connect with Clare Jefferies:linkedin.com/in/clarejefferiesHome Instead: homeinstead.co.uk/wimbledonandkingstonConnect with Us:🌟 Website: TwoWomenChatting.com🌟 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelleford_twc/🌟 Twitter: @ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 YouTube: Two Women Chatting🌟 TikTok: Two Women ChattingTune in to Supporting Our Ageing Parents for insights on compassionate caregiving, proactive elder support, and navigating the emotional journey of caring for loved ones.Ageing parents, home care, power of attorney, difficult conversations, support, care homes, aging parents, care, home environment, physical health, mental health, levels of care, incontinence, social services, immersive training, complex emotions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this inspiring episode, Dame Prue Leith joins Michelle to share her insights on embracing colour and confidence in midlife, encouraging listeners to experiment with their personal style as a means of self-expression. Prue discusses her philosophy that fashion should be fun and that age should never limit our choices. The conversation then moves to a deeply personal topic: assisted dying. Prue, an advocate for the right to a dignified death, shares her perspective on why this choice should be available and respected. She also introduces her latest cookbook, Life's Too Short to Stuff a Mushroom, which focuses on simple, enjoyable recipes designed to make cooking accessible for everyone. Key Takeaways:🎙️ The Power of Colour and Fashion: Embracing colour can boost confidence and help combat feelings of invisibility, making fashion a fun and powerful form of self-expression in midlife.🎙️ Dignity in Dying: Prue believes that the right to a dignified death is just as important as dignity in life and shares her insights on compassionate options.🎙️ Accessible Cooking for All: With her latest cookbook, Prue aims to make cooking approachable and enjoyable, especially for those hesitant in the kitchen.🎙️ Healthy Food for Children: Teaching children to love nutritious food early on is essential for their development.Episode Resources:Life’s Too Short to Stuff a Mushroom by Prue LeithThis episode is sponsored by Kettlewell – discover your colour palette and feel your best self at kettlewellcolour.co.uk, complete the colour quiz for 15% off your first order.Connect with Us:🌟 Website: TwoWomenChatting.com🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: @ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 YouTube: Two Women ChattingTune in to Prue Leith | Exploring Dignity in Dying and discover inspiring insights on cooking, colour, confidence, and the power of choice in every stage of life.Colour, confidence, aging, cookbook, cooking tips, assisted dying, dignity, food education, ageism, vibrant fashion Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this inspiring episode of Two Women Chatting, Michelle sits down with wellness advocate and fitness expert Kate Rowe-Ham for a deep dive into the complex journey of menopause and future proofing our health. Kate shares her insights on how strength training, mindful nutrition  and taking charge of personal well-being can transform this life stage. The conversation emphasises the power of health ownership, body confidence, and viewing menopause as a time of growth rather than limitation. Kate and Michelle also bond over their experiences with late ADHD diagnoses, sharing how understanding and embracing their diagnoses has brought a new perspective to midlife.Key Takeaways: 🎙️ Menopause as a Personal Journey: Every woman’s menopause experience is different, there is no such thing as a ‘menopause workout’ - it’s more about how we factor in our changing surroundings including stress and lifestyle..🎙️ The Power of Strength Training: Kate emphasises that strength training is particularly beneficial for midlife women, helping with physical strength and confidence, weight, mood and sleep.🎙️ Taking Control of Health: Owning your health is essential for navigating midlife successfully. Proactive steps can prevent future health issues.🎙️ Navigating Alcohol and Balance: Kate’s journey with alcohol serves as a reminder of the power of self-reflection and making health-aligned choices.🎙️ Late Diagnosis of ADHD: Michelle and Kate share how their late ADHD diagnoses brought clarity and new energy to their midlife journeys, empowering them to embrace life with more understanding and focus.Episode Resources:Follow Kate Rowe-Ham on Instagram: @KateRoweHam and @owningingyourmenopause  for fitness inspiration and wellness tips.MenoMY skincare and supplements for perimenopause and menopauseConnect with Us: 🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.com🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟TikTok Twowomenchatting0🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChattingTune in to discover practical ways to embrace this life stage, support your body, and find strength in health, self-discovery, and new perspectives in midlife.menopause, strength training, health, wellness, nutrition, women empowerment, ADHD, fitness, lifestyle, longevity Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Two Women Chatting, Michelle sits down with Susan Saunders, a renowned brain health coach, to discuss the vital topic of brain health for women over 50. Susan shares her deeply personal journey of caring for her mother with dementia, which inspired her to dive into research on reducing her own risk and helping others do the same. With her expertise, she breaks down the steps we can take to prioritise brain health and offers hope for a healthier future.Key Insights: 🎙️Prioritising Brain Health: "Susan underscores the importance of taking a proactive, holistic approach to brain health. By focusing on nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress management, and cognitive engagement, we can reduce our risk of dementia and enhance our overall well-being." 🎙️Understanding Brain Fog vs. Dementia: "Normal age-related brain fog differs significantly from dementia symptoms. Susan explains the signs to watch out for and emphasises the importance of seeking medical advice if concerns arise." 🎙️Gut Health and the Brain: "The gut-brain connection is more powerful than many realize. Susan discusses how a healthy diet, rich in nutrients, can significantly impact cognitive function and brain health." 🎙️Menopause as a Time of Growth: "Susan highlights the potential for personal growth and reinvention during menopause. Rather than viewing it as a time of decline, it can be an opportunity for empowerment and positive change."Love these insights? Share your thoughts and stories at twowomenchatting@gmail.com, and don't forget to rate and review us on your favourite podcast platform!Episode Resources:About Susan Saunders: Discover more about Susan Saunders and her mission to help women boost their brain power and reduce the risk of dementia.Website: susansaundershealth.com | Instagram: @susansaundershealthConnect with Us: 🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.com🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChattingJoin us for this enlightening episode on 'Clearing the Fog: Boosting Brain Power and Cognitive Function in Midlife' with Susan Saunders!brain health, dementia risk, women over 50, menopause, brain fog, holistic approach, lifestyle choices, nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress management, cognitive engagement, environmental factors, normal aging, dementia symptoms, gut health, medications, research Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michelle sits down with Jessica Buchanan, a former teacher working in Somalia who shares her harrowing experience of being kidnapped and held captive for 93 days. Jess recounts the moment she realised something was wrong and the events that led to her abduction. She vividly describes the conditions she endured during captivity, including sleeping outside in the desert and facing the constant threat of violence. Despite the challenges, Jess demonstrates remarkable resilience and finds solace in introspection and planning for the future.Key Insights: 🎙️The Power of Instincts: "Jess emphasises the importance of trusting your instincts and recognizing warning signs. Her story highlights how these gut feelings can be crucial in life-threatening situations." 🎙️ Resilience in Adversity: "The resilience and strength of the human spirit shine through Jess's account. She shares how introspection and future planning helped her endure the harsh conditions of captivity." 🎙️ Gratitude Amid Hardship: "Gratitude played a significant role in Jess's survival. She discusses how finding peace and perspective, even in the darkest times, helped her maintain hope and resilience. Meditating and breath work allowed her to unpack past trauma, helping her cope through the long 93 days of captivity." 🎙️ Connecting to Survive: "Jess talks about her ability to connect with her captors, which ultimately saved her life. She reflects on the profound impact of human connection in difficult circumstances and the challenges of reintegrating into normal life post-rescue."Love these insights? Share your thoughts and stories at twowomenchatting@gmail.com and don't forget to rate and review us on your favourite podcast platform!This episode is sponsored by Sarah Haran - use code TWC24 to get 25% off your first bag, plus 3 re-style accessories at checkout!Episode Resources: About Jess Buchanan: Connect with Jess Buchanan and learn more about her incredible story of survival and resilience. Website: jessbuchanan.com | Instagram: @jessicabuchananConnect with Us: 🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.com🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChattingTune in for an inspiring discussion on 'From Captivity to Courage: A Journey of Survival and Resilience' with Jess Buchanan!Kidnapping, captivity, survival, resilience, betrayal, introspection, planning, kidnapping, survival, gratitude, connection, rescue, reintegration, parenting, purpose Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this enlightening episode of Two Women Chatting, Michelle is joined by psychologist, author and wellbeing expert Suzy Reading to share her top tips for improving sleep and embracing the winter season. Suzy offers practical advice on how to prioritise self-care, create a sleep-friendly routine and even find joy in the colder, darker months. From yoga nidra to gut health, Suzy explains how these often-overlooked factors can make a world of difference in how we sleep and thrive.Key Insights: 🎙️Selfishness vs. Self-Advocacy: Suzy discusses the misconception of selfishness when it comes to prioritising personal wellbeing. She explains the importance of advocating for yourself and taking time to rest and recharge, particularly when it comes to sleep.🎙️The Power of Consistency in Sleep Hygiene: A regular sleep routine is crucial for good rest. Suzy shares unexpected tips, like incorporating muscle relaxation exercises and practising yoga nidra, to help calm your mind and body before bed.🎙️Gut Health and Its Impact on Sleep: Gut health plays a significant role in your overall wellbeing and sleep quality. Suzy explains how what you eat and when you eat can affect your rest, offering practical advice on improving gut health for better sleep.🎙️Surviving and Thriving in Winter: Winter doesn’t have to be something we just “get through.” Suzy introduces the concept of going into “hibernation mode” as a way to embrace the season, with tips for creating cozy, restful routines that help you not only survive but thrive during the colder months.Enjoyed this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop us a line at twowomenchatting@gmail.com and leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform.Episode Resources:Suzy Reading’s New Book: Self-Care For Winter – Learn how to care for your body, mind, and spirit throughout the winter months.Follow Suzy on Instagram: @SuzyReading for more tips on wellbeing and self-care.Connect with Us: 🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.com🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChattingTune in for this insightful episode, Top Tips on Sleep and Finding the Bright Side of Winter, and learn how to create restful routines, prioritise your wellbeing, and discover joy even during the winter months.sleep, midlife, challenges, caring, nurturing, modern life, stimulation, busyness, self-care, relaxation, consistency, regularity, rest, wakefulness, diet, gut health, exercise, yoga, calming practices, HRT, probiotics, magnesium spray, rest, self-care, winter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this heartwarming episode of Two Women Chatting, Michelle is joined by ‘instagram poet’ and author Donna Ashworth to explore the transformative power of poetry, vibrant colours and the bravery women show in everyday life, especially in midlife. Donna shares her personal journey from blogger to celebrated poet, discussing how creative expression can heal and uplift. She also treats listeners to a live reading of one of her powerful poems from new book Growing Brave, showcasing how poetry can connect and inspire women. Together, they dive into topics like embracing colour for a positive mindset, finding courage in daily choices and the importance of acceptance.Key Insights:🎙️ Dopamine Dressing for a Brighter Outlook: Donna introduces “dopamine dressing” — the idea that wearing bold, vibrant colours can instantly elevate your mood and mindset. Something as simple as a bright outfit can have a huge impact on how you feel and move through the day.🎙️ Bravery in Everyday Life: Bravery doesn’t always mean facing big, dramatic events. Donna and Michelle talk about how women show courage in small, everyday actions—whether it’s through resilience, kindness, or self-care.🎙️ Neurodiversity and hyper empathy: Donna shares how she deals with the ADHD chaos of thoughts, not allowing herself to be 'gaslit' by her inner voice - and how she connects spiritually to the energy of others both past and present. 🎙️ Healing Through Acceptance: Accepting your emotions—whether they’re from anxiety, grief, or daily stresses—helps foster healing. Donna explains how writing can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and talks about the emotional connection between generations of women.Enjoyed this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop us a line at twowomenchatting@gmail.com and leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform.Episode Resources:Donna Ashworth's Poetry Collections: Explore Donna’s books, which celebrate the strength, resilience, and beauty of women, available on major online retailers.Insta: @donnaashworthwords Connect with Us: 🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.com🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChattingJoin us for this inspiring episode, Growing Brave, where we celebrate the joy of colour, the quiet acts of everyday bravery, and the power of poetry to connect women across generations.Donna Ashworth, poetry, bravery, empowerment, midlife women, mental health, colour therapy, energy connection, acceptance, anxiety, hyper empathy, neurodiversity, ADHD, manifesting, inner voice Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this captivating episode of Two Women Chatting, Michelle sits down with the beloved Coronation Street star Sue Cleaver to explore her deeply personal journey and her new book, A Work in Progress. Sue opens up about the complexities of her life, from being adopted and always feeling a bit different to her experiences of resilience, rebellion, and self-discovery. This episode is a heartfelt conversation about ageing positively, embracing who you are and finding joy in life’s second act.Key Insights: 🎙️Navigating Life as an Adoptee: Sue discusses how being adopted shaped her identity, making her feel different even though her family always loved and supported her. Her rebellious spirit helped her navigate the challenges of feeling othered and searching for belonging.🎙The Power of Connection: An almost unbelievable coincidence resulted in Sue finding her birth mother and revealed a family history steeped in the world of acting, bringing Sue’s life full circle. Introducing her birth mother to her adopted mother created a beautiful, extended family, underscoring the power of love and connection.🎙Embracing Midlife and Beyond: Sue shares her journey of questioning long-held beliefs, including her relationship with alcohol during the pandemic. By embracing curiosity and the three principles of mind, consciousness, and thought, she found freedom and trained as a therapist with a renewed sense of purpose.Enjoyed this conversation? We'd love to hear your thoughts! Drop us a line at twowomenchatting@gmail.com, and don’t forget to leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform.Episode Resources:Sue Cleaver's New Book: A Work in ProgressDiscover more about Sue's personal journey of resilience, self-discovery, and the profound moments that shaped her life. Available at all major bookstores and online retailers.Instagram: @official_suecleaverConnect with Us: 🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.com🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChattingJoin us for this inspiring episode with Sue Cleaver, where we explore ageing positively and the power of embracing every chapter of life!Sue Cleaver, Coronation Street, adoption, feeling different, rebelliousness, resilience, becoming a mother, working as a nanny, serendipitous meeting, birth mother, acting, belonging, othered, alcohol, pandemic, freedom, thoughts, beliefs, three principles, mind, consciousness, thought, joy, midlife Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michelle Ford is back with more inspiring chats, heartfelt stories, and laughter-filled moments in Season 8 of Two Women Chatting!Coming up, Michelle will be welcoming incredible guests, including Coronation Street star Sue Cleaver, who opens up about her new book A Work In Progress. Sue opens up about the complexities of her life, from being adopted (and her incredible story of finding her birth mother), always feeling a bit different, to her experiences of resilience, rebellion, and self-discovery. This episode is a heartfelt conversation about ageing positively, embracing who you are, and finding joy in life’s second act - with behind-the-scenes stories, life lessons and what it's like to be part of such an iconic TV show. Michelle also sits down with the brilliant Donna Ashworth, whose new book Growing Brave encourages us to embrace our inner strength and courage through her poetry beloved by millions.Three clues to one of Michelle's celebrity guests: she loves chunky jewellery, wears fab bright colours and is a dab hand at a Victoria sponge. You'll have to wait for announcements to see who will be joining TWC to chat about visibility and confidence as we age. Follow on instagram @michelleford_twc or Facebook for an announcement very soon!  But that's not all! Stay tuned as we explore important topics like brain health, caring for elderly parents, and strategies to improve our sleep. You won't want to miss these insightful conversations that could make a real difference in your life.And if you're in the mood for some adventure, Michelle shares a thrilling story about a pirate rescue that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It's a tale of bravery, resilience, and the power of the human spirit.Plus, she'll be discussing how to find the bright side of winter, the importance of adding strength training to our health routine to future proof our health with Kate Rowe-Ham, and the power of breathwork for overall well-being. These are topics that will empower you to live your best life.So, grab a cup of tea, find a cozy spot, and get ready to be inspired, enlightened, and entertained. Follow Two Women Chatting podcast on your smart speaker or any platform for conversations that will uplift your spirit and nourish your soul.Subscribe now so you don't miss a single moment of these engaging discussions.Thank you for tuning in, and remember, you are never alone in this journey of life. Thanks for being part of the TWC community!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the final episode of Season 7, Michelle sits down with Sara Davison, The Divorce Coach, to discuss the intricacies of navigating divorce in midlife. The conversation delves into the unique challenges faced by individuals during this stage of life and explores why divorce becomes more common, touching on factors such as empty nest syndrome and shifting priorities. Sara offers practical advice on finding a divorce lawyer, managing the cost of divorce, and understanding the different avenues available for ending a marriage.Key Insights: 🎙️Divorce in Midlife: Divorce in midlife can be a challenging experience, but there are resources and support available to help individuals navigate this process. Sara emphasises the importance of building a support team and seeking professional advice.🎙️Choosing the Right Divorce Lawyer: It is important to carefully choose a divorce lawyer who aligns with your needs and goals for the divorce. Sara shares tips on what to look for in a lawyer to ensure a smoother process. You set the tone for the divorce on the type of lawyer you choose.🎙️Recognising and Addressing Toxic Relationships: Toxic relationships can be difficult to recognize, but it is crucial to take back your power and seek help from domestic abuse charities if necessary. Sara highlights the signs to look out for and steps to regain control.🎙️Handling Divorce with a Narcissist: We really dig into how to handle approaching a break-up with a controlling or narcissistic partner in the second half of this episode. For anyone experiencing this kind of relationship, Sara’s guidance here for your emotional and physical wellbeing is really valuable.🎙️Taking Back Your Power: Building a support team of friends, family, and professionals can provide emotional and practical support during the divorce process. Sara also discusses the importance of securing your financial resources and being well-informed about your financial situation.Love these insights? Share your thoughts and stories at twowomenchatting@gmail.com and don't forget to rate and review us on your favourite podcast platform!Episode Resources: About Sara Davison: Connect with Sara Davison, known for her expertise in helping individuals through divorce and rebuilding their lives. Website: saradavison.com | Instagram: @saradavisondivorcecoachConnect with Us: 🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.com🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChattingTune in for an empowering discussion on Divorce with Sara Davison! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Michelle sits down with Jacynth Bassett, a leading pioneer and voice in the anti-ageism movement. Jacynth founded 'Ageism is Never in Style', a global consultancy, campaign, and community dedicated to addressing ageism in all its forms. Join them as they explore the impact of ageism on individuals of all ages and genders, and the intersectionality between ageism and sexism. Jacynth was behind viral campaigns #ILookMyAge #RemoveAntiFromAging viewed 40 million plus times on social media!Key Insights: 🎙️The Impact of Ageism: Ageism affects individuals of all ages and genders. Jacynth discusses how ageist narratives and stereotypes permeate society and the importance of challenging these harmful perceptions.🎙️Ageism at Any Age: Jacynth, being young in the industry, is walking proof that ageism can happen at any age. She shares her personal experiences and the unique challenges she faces as a young advocate in the anti-ageism movement.🎙️Intersectionality of Ageism and Sexism: Ageism intersects with other forms of discrimination, such as sexism. Jacynth delves into the ways gendered ageism affects women and the need for a more inclusive approach in various industries. 🎙️Combating Ageism: Self-awareness and informed choices are crucial in combating ageism. Jacynth shares insights on how individuals and industries can become more age-inclusive and the growing appetite for conversations addressing ageism."Love these insights? Share your thoughts and stories at twowomenchatting@gmail.com and don't forget to rate and review us on your favourite podcast platform!Episode Resources: About Jacynth Bassett: Connect with Jacynth Bassett, the founder of 'Ageism is Never in Style' and a leading advocate for age inclusivity. Website: ageismisneverinstyle.com | Instagram: @jacynthbassettConnect with Us:🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.com🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChattingTune in for an empowering discussion on combatting ageism in midlife with Jacynth Bassett! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you feel the midlife droop setting in? In this episode, Michelle invites Jo Tuffrey, Pilates instructor and health professional, to discuss the physical and mental changes that occur during midlife. Jo shares her personal experience of going through early menopause and the challenges she faced. She also talks about her journey from being a PE teacher to becoming a Pilates instructor and the development of her online Pilates classes and Menopause Metamorphosis program, helping clients salvage strength and confidence in midlife.Key Insights: 🎙️Navigating Menopause: Menopause can have a significant impact on a woman's physical and mental well-being. Jo emphasises the importance of finding supportive communities and resources to navigate this journey, sharing her own experiences and tips.🎙️The Power of Pilates: Pilates is a versatile exercise discipline that can benefit individuals of all ages and fitness levels. Jo highlights how it provides strength, flexibility, and relaxation, and discusses the significance of Pilates for bone health and weight-bearing exercises. 🎙️Overcoming Social Media Pressures: Jo delves into the challenges of comparison on social media and the ever-changing landscape of the fitness industry. She stresses the importance of having confidence in oneself, setting boundaries, and prioritising mental health.🎙️Supporting Others and Self-Care: Making people feel good is a rewarding aspect of any profession. Jo shares the value of supporting others in business, especially women, and the importance of being kind to yourself, overcoming imposter syndrome, and taking a holistic approach to midlife well-being.This episode is sponsored by Sarah Haran Handbags; for versatile bags you can adapt for any occasion. Get 25% off your first Sarah Haran bag, plus three free restyle accessories by going to their website www.sarahharan.com and using code TWC24 at checkout.Love these insights? Share your thoughts and stories at twowomenchatting@gmail.com and don't forget to rate and review us on your favourite podcast platform!Episode Resources: About Jo Tuffrey: Connect with Jo Tuffrey, a dedicated Pilates instructor and advocate for holistic fitness and well-being. Website: jotuffrey.com | Instagram: @jotuffreyConnect with Us:🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.com🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChattingTune in for an inspiring journey of 'Beating The Midlife Droop' with Jo Tuffrey! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you struggle to find five minutes a day to be calm? In this episode, Michelle sits down with Joanne Mallon, the author and life coach behind 'How to Find Calm in 5 Minutes'. Join them as they delve into the secrets of maintaining composure and finding peace in the midst of life's chaos.Key Insights:🎙️ The Reality Behind Appearances: Appearances can be deceiving, so avoid comparing yourself to others and remember that everyone has their own struggles. It’s easy to assume those that appear calm don’t have stress too.  Remember - swan above the water, fast moving legs below!🎙️ Strategies for Appearing Calm: Discover practical strategies for appearing calm, such as slowing down, taking deep breaths, habit stacking and controlling adrenaline. These simple techniques can make a significant difference in how you present yourself in stressful situations.🎙️ Gratitude: taking a moment in the shower every day to be thankful for three things or writing a daily gratitude journal for five minutes can have a huge impact on mental health.🎙️ Manifesting and Taking Action: Explore the concept of manifesting with Joanne, who explains how focusing your attention on what you want to happen and taking action can turn dreams into reality. They also discuss finding calm in a stressful world through small changes like managing phone use and engaging with nature.Love these insights? Share your thoughts and stories at twowomenchatting@gmail.com and don't forget to rate and review us on your favourite podcast platform!This episode is sponsored by Everybudy CBD. Experience relief from midlife discomfort and thrive after menopause. Visit Everybudy.co.uk to explore a selection of CBD products and receive 25% off your first order with code TWC25.Episode Resources:About Joanne Mallon: Connect with Joanne Mallon, the life coach and author dedicated to helping individuals find peace and balance in midlife.Website: joannemallon.com | Twitter: @joannemallon | Instagram: @joannemallonConnect with Us:🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.com🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChattingTune in for a serene journey of how to find calm in 5 Minutes with Joanne Mallon! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Two Women Chatting, Michelle and special guest Dawn Dines, founder of Stamp Out Spiking, tackle the serious issue of drink spiking, with a particular focus on its rise among midlife individuals. They explore personal accounts, including a powerful testimony from Michelle's daughter Jemima, who shares her traumatic spiking experience in Singapore. Together, they discuss the importance of awareness and legislative change to better protect victims.Key Insights:🎙️ Understanding Drink Spiking: Dawn explains that drink spiking occurs when someone puts something in your system without your consent or knowledge. She emphasises that spiking can happen to anyone, regardless of age or gender. 🎙️ Recognizing the Signs: Learn to recognize the signs of spiking. Dawn advises, "If you start to feel blurred vision, feel really drunk really quickly, and have an out-of-body experience, then you need to get to a trusted member of staff or a friend quickly."🎙️ Challenges in Reporting: Many spiking incidents go unreported due to embarrassment or lack of knowledge on how to report them. Dawn and Michelle discuss the need for better awareness and reporting mechanisms to ensure victims are protected and supported.🎙️ Raising Awareness and Legislative Change: Dawn shares her efforts in raising awareness, training police forces, and advocating for legislative changes to combat drink spiking. She highlights the ongoing nature of this issue, stating, "Drink spiking has been going on for 20 years, which is why I've been personally campaigning for that long."Love these insights? Share your thoughts and stories at twowomenchatting@gmail.com and don't forget to rate and review us on your favourite podcast platform!Episode Resources:Connect with Dawn Dines, founder of Stamp Out Spiking, and learn more about her campaign. Click here for the TWC blog about spiking and useful resourcesWebsite: stampoutspiking.org | Twitter: @StampOutSpiking | Instagram: @stampoutspikingConnect with Us:🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.com🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChattingTune in for an eye-opening episode on 'Rise in Midlife Drink Spiking' with Dawn Dines!midlife women - podcast - drink spiking - women over 40 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Two Women Chatting, Michelle and special guests James and Claire Davis, also known as the Midlife Mentors, explore the challenges and opportunities that come with fluctuating hormones in midlife, with particular reference to andropause and its impact on ageing men. Michelle questions why it is that previously easy going men become stubborn and sometimes downright irritable in midlife - more grumpy 'Victor Meldrew' (the fictional character from BBC's One Foot in the Grave) and less smooth and charming George Clooney!Together they delve into the importance of embracing ageing positively and taking proactive steps to enhance physical and mental well-being, while understanding each other on a deeper level. Why do so many men experience a midlife crisis? Is there such a thing as the male menopause?Key Insights:🎙️ Embracing Ageing: James and Claire emphasise the importance of embracing ageing in a positive way and taking proactive steps to improve physical and mental well-being during midlife. 🎙️ Understanding Andropause: They discuss andropause, the decline of testosterone in men, and its significant impact on physical and psychological health. Understanding this phase can help in managing its effects more effectively.🎙️ Managing Andropause: The Midlife Mentors provide practical tips for managing andropause, including maintaining physical fitness, adopting a healthy diet, and cultivating a positive mindset. They highlight, "Address lifestyle factors before considering hormone treatment."🎙️ Importance of Relationships: Open communication and connection are crucial in relationships during midlife. James and Claire stress the significance of maintaining strong relationships and the role they play in overall well-being."Embrace ageing in a positive way and get more from life."Love these insights? Share your thoughts and stories at twowomenchatting@gmail.com and don't forget to rate and review us on your favourite podcast platform!Episode Resources:About James and Claire Davis: Connect with the Midlife Mentors and learn more about their approach to midlife wellness.Website: themidlifementors.com | Twitter: @MidlifeMentors | Instagram: @themidlifementorsConnect with Us:🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.com🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChattingTune in for an insightful episode on 'Grumpy Old Men' with James and Claire Davis!podcast - midlife women - midlife men - andropause - male menopause - ageing well - grumpy old men - testosterone - decreasing hormones - hormones in men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Two Women Chatting, Michelle and special guest Esther Stanhope, the Impact Guru, embark on an empowering journey of mastering midlife small talk and overcoming social anxieties. Esther shares her transformative journey of overcoming stage fright and building confidence in public speaking, emphasising the importance of authenticity and adding value to the audience.Key Insights:🎙️ Networking Strategies for Success: Esther and Michelle dive into practical networking strategies, highlighting the importance of asking questions, listening actively, and utilising open body language to initiate meaningful conversations. 🎙️ Embracing Imperfection: Esther encourages listeners to embrace imperfection and aim for 80% perfection rather than striving for an unattainable ideal. She shares insights on gracefully exiting conversations and confidently navigating social interactions.🎙️ Building Confidence and Taking Risks: Esther inspires everyone to challenge their comfort zones, reinvent themselves, and take risks in networking and professional settings, emphasising the power of confidence and self-discovery in midlife. "Sharing yourself is not selfish. It's actually very generous."Love these insights? Share your thoughts and stories at twowomenchatting@gmail.com and don't forget to rate and review us on your favourite podcast platform!Episode Resources:About Esther Stanhope: Connect with Esther Stanhope, the Impact Guru, and discover more about her empowering journey.Website: estherstanhope.com | Twitter: @EstherStanhope1 | Instagram: @estherstanhopeofficialConnect with Us:🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.com🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChattingTune in for an empowering episode of 'Mastering Midlife Small Talk' with Esther Stanhope!midlife women - networking - career reinvention - empty nest - women over 40 - women over 50 - podcast - two women chatting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Two Women Chatting, Michelle and special guest Sarah Orecchia, founder of Unbeelievable Health, explore the fascinating world of bee products and their remarkable benefits for midlife women. Sarah shares her passion for bees and the various products they produce, delving into their incredible properties and uses.Key Insights:🎙️ Health Benefits of Bee Products: Sarah discusses the incredible health benefits of bee products like propolis, royal jelly, and bee pollen, which have been used for centuries. She explains how these products can help with menopausal symptoms, cognitive function, and pro-aging; "Propolis has antibiotic, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties."🎙️ Immune System Support: Discover how bee products can modulate and balance the immune system, enhancing overall health. Sarah highlights that "Bee products modulate the immune system and balance its functions."🎙️ High-Quality Sourcing: Sarah emphasises the importance of sourcing high-quality bee products and warns of the dangers of honey fraud. Ensuring the purity and authenticity of these products is crucial for reaping their benefits.🎙️ Protecting Bees and Biodiversity: Sarah underscores the necessity of protecting bees and their habitats to maintain biodiversity and the health of our planet. She shares her experience with beekeeping and the critical role bees play in our ecosystem.🎙️ Supporting Women-Owned Businesses: Learn about the Buy Women Built movement, which supports women-owned businesses and encourages collaboration among women entrepreneurs. This initiative fosters a supportive community for women in business."Bee pollen contains every vitamin, mineral, and amino acid known to exist."Love these insights? Share your thoughts and stories at twowomenchatting@gmail.com and don't forget to rate and review us on your favourite podcast platform!Episode Resources:About Sarah Orecchia: Connect with Sarah Orecchia, founder of Unbeelievable Health, and learn more about her work with bee products.Website: unbeelievablehealth.co.uk | Twitter: @UnbelievablHlt | Instagram: @unbeelievablehealthConnect with Us:🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.com🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChattingTune in for an enlightening episode on 'The Benefits of Bee Products for Midlife Women' with Sarah Orecchia! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Season 7 with Michelle Ford! This episode delves deep into the transformative power of manifesting and intentional living with Cherry Healey. Join Michelle and Cherry as they explore the highlights and key takeaways from their insightful conversation:*TW* DISORDERED EATING.Key Insights:🎙️ Understanding Manifesting: Explore how manifesting and the law of attraction can benefit individuals of all beliefs, as Cherry shares her personal experiences and practical tips for manifesting success.🎙️ Overcoming Subconscious Programming: Learn practical strategies for reprogramming your mind and harnessing positive self-talk.🎙️ Embracing Body Positivity: Discover how manifesting can cultivate a healthier relationship with your body and self-image, as Cherry opens up about her own struggles and how manifesting helped her develop a more positive outlook.🎙️ 10 years younger: hear about transformative and inspirational stories from tv series '10 Years Younger'Love these insights? Share your thoughts and stories at twowomenchatting@gmail.com and don't forget to rate and review us on your favourite podcast platform!Episode Resources:About Cherry Healey: Connect with Cherry Healey, advocate for intentional living and body positivity.Website: cherryhealey.com | Twitter: @cherryhealey | Instagram: @cherryhealeyConnect with Us:🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.com🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChattingTune in for an empowering journey of 'Midlife Manifesting' with Cherry Healey!manifesting - midlife women - law of attraction - podcast - vision boards - visualising Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kicking off Season 7 in organised style is the wonderful Dilly Carter from BBC’s ‘Sort Your Life Out’. Though we bid farewell to co-host Liz at the end of last season, she joins us for one last interview with Michelle to unveil some of Dilly’s top kept secrets to transforming spaces and bringing tranquillity into the home.Key Insights:🎙️ Repurposing Spaces: "Discover practical strategies for repurposing your children's rooms as Dilly offers sage advice on boxing up items and making space for the next chapter.”🎙️ Preserving Memories: "Learn the art of curating keepsakes and letting go of clutter with grace. Dilly shares tips on preserving cherished memories while decluttering for a fresh start."🎙️ Turning Clutter into Cash: "Explore strategies for selling belongings and simplifying your life. Dilly offers practical advice on making the most of your possessions and discusses how organised spaces can breathe new life into your home and your mindset."🎙️ Compassionate Conversations: "Navigate the sensitive terrain of decluttering with ageing parents with empathy and understanding. Dilly shares insights on fostering open communication and mutual respect during this process."Love these insights? Share your decluttering journey and tips at twowomenchatting@gmail.com and don't forget to rate and review us on your favourite podcast platform!podcast - midlife women - decluttering - organisation - downsizing - empty nest - parenting - carentingEpisode Resources:Connect with Dilly Carter, the organisational guru known for her transformative approach to decluttering and creating serene living spaces.Website: dillycarter.com | Twitter: @dillycarter | Instagram: @declutterdolliesConnect with Us:🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.com🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChattingTune in for a clutter-free journey through 'Decluttering the Empty Nest' with Dilly Carter! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Michelle and Liz for a lively and candid conversation with Jenny Eclair, the comedic pioneer and author of acclaimed novels like 'Writing on the Wall' and 'Older and Wider'. In this episode, aptly titled 'Life After Menopause,' Jenny shares her anecdotes and insights on ageing, friendships, the entertainment industry, and the often hilarious, yet sometimes challenging journey of post-menopause.Key Insights:🎙️ Embracing Life After Menopause: "Jenny Eclair invites us into the world beyond menopause, revealing it as a realm of self-discovery and newfound authenticity."🎙️ Battling Ageism in Showbiz: "Explore the trenches of the entertainment industry with Jenny as she candidly discusses the uphill battle against ageism. Her experiences shed light on the hurdles faced by older women in the limelight."🎙️ Navigating Youth and Ageing: "Delve into the intricate dance between preserving youthfulness and embracing the beauty of ageing. Jenny's insights offer a roadmap for gracefully navigating societal pressures and finding fulfillment at every age."🎙️ Debunking Menopause Myths: "Join Jenny as she unravels the myths and misconceptions surrounding menopause, debunking stereotypes with wit and wisdom. It's a hilarious yet enlightening exploration of a topic often shrouded in taboo."🎙️ Redefining Midlife Friendships: "Friendships in midlife undergo a metamorphosis, and Jenny's anecdotes offer both laughter and introspection. Discover the nuances of evolving relationships and the value of authentic connections."Love these insights? Share your thoughts and stories at twowomenchatting@gmail.com and don't forget to rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform!Episode Resources:About Jenny Eclair: Connect with Jenny Eclair, the comedic genius and author known for her witty novels like 'Writing on the Wall' and 'Older and Wider', as she continues to challenge norms and entertain audiences.Website: jennyeclair.com | Twitter: @jennyeclair | Instagram: @jennyeclair1960Connect with Us:🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.com🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChattingTune in for a rollicking journey through 'Life After Menopause' with Jenny Eclair! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Picture this: celebrating 50 illustrious years in showbiz and still effortlessly doing the splits on stage!? Join Liz and Michelle as they sit down with the legendary Bonnie Langford on the Two Women Chatting Podcast. From her recent role in 'Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends' to her return to the Tardis in the new Doctor Who series, Bonnie Langford shares her insights on staying vibrant and embracing new opportunities in midlife.Key Insights:🎙️ Escapism Through Work: Bonnie discusses how acting serves as an escape from reality and the reason she continues to strive in her craft, holding her duty to put on a good show of the utmost importance.🎙️ Early Stage Influences: Reflecting on her early stage career, Bonnie shares how growing up in showbiz shaped her and the importance of knowing how to behave (and how not to behave).🎙️ Greatness in Gratitude: Bonnie expresses gratitude for having privacy in her early years in showbiz, a luxury not always granted to young performers today due to social media and external influences.🎙️ ‘How Old Am I?’: Bonnie emphasizes not putting an age limit on anything, ‘I don’t even know how old I am and I don’t care.’ She reiterates that midlife is about embracing new chapters and opportunities, if you find you can no longer do something, there is always something else. Episode Resources:About Bonnie Langford: Connect with Bonnie and stay updated on her latest projects.Twitter: @bonnie_langford | Instagram: @bonnielangfordofficialConnect with Us:🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.com🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChattingDon't miss out on this inspiring conversation with Bonnie Langford. Tune in to the Two Women Chatting Podcast for insights on staying energized, navigating midlife, and embracing new opportunities! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Liz and Michelle for an extraordinary episode of Two Women Chatting, celebrating the spirit of International Women's Day at Wentworth Club. This special compilation brings you the highlights from the event where women from all walks of life gathered to champion inclusion and solidarity.Key Insights:🎙️Demanding a Seat at the Table: Guests discuss how they are done asking for permission and tackle issues such as fair access to healthcare, equal pay, and not relying on ‘allies’ to get the job done. 'No, you don't get today too!' - Jamie Klinger.🎙️Inspiring Inclusion: In a bid to carry forward the mission of inspiring inclusion and equality, the panel discussion serves as a reminder of the progress made and the work yet to be done in women's rights worldwide. "Today makes such a difference. I’ve met so many beautiful people in one room, it was a huge success." - Anthea Turner.🎙️70 Episodes Later: Michelle Ford reflects on how far the podcast has come. "Two years ago, starting with no celebrity connections, we couldn’t have imagined filling Wentworth’s ballroom with such an incredible group of supportive, well-known women and achieving podcast downloads in 95 countries. It proves that midlife is halfway through not halfway done. It’s never too late to pursue a passion or start anew."🎙️Farewell to Liz: Co-host Liz Copping bids her farewell to Two Women Chatting. After two years, she sets off on her own midlife adventures, leaving behind a legacy of inspiring conversations and empowering insights.Love these insights? Share your thoughts and stories at twowomenchatting@gmail.com, and don't forget to rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform!TWC Partners:🌟 Templespa: Elevate your self-care routine with luxurious skincare and wellness products from Templespa. Visit Temple Spa's website to explore their collection, and use code CHATTINGTEMPLESPA for 10% off at checkout. 🌟 Sarah Haran: Elevate your handbag style as you discover the joy of versatility & modern craftsmanship. Use code TWC22 for 22% off with 3 free gifts at their website www.sarahharan.com🌟 Jane Plan: use code TWC50 for £50 of their weight management system. Website www.janeplan.com🌟 Victoria James Concierge: Experience bespoke personal service with Victoria James Concierge. Whether you need travel arrangements, event planning, or lifestyle management, Victoria James Concierge has you covered.Connect with Us:🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.com🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Michelle and Liz for a riveting conversation with Janey McGill as she shares her extraordinary experience leading an expedition with two Omani women across the Empty Quarter, the world's largest sand desert. Janey reflects on the challenges faced, personal growth attained, and the bonds forged with her team. Through her journey, she overcame imposter syndrome, emphasised the importance of setting personal goals, and shattered societal expectations. Janey's film, "Arrowhead," captures the expedition's essence, promoting unity and breaking stereotypes. The conversation also explores the significance of appreciating surroundings, taking breaks, and prioritising self-care for overall well-being.Key Insights:🎙️ Embrace Challenges and Personal Goals: Janey's journey highlights the importance of embracing challenges and setting personal goals beyond societal constraints. Crossing the vast expanse of Rub’ al Khali, the Empty Quarter, they aimed to become the first modern women to conquer this barren waste.🎙️ Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Through self-reflection and a shift in mindset, Janey conquered imposter syndrome, and shared personal reflections of family trauma and upbringing which was brought to a forefront while in the desert.🎙️ Cultural Unity and Humanity: Janey's expedition exemplifies how focusing on shared humanity breaks cultural barriers and stereotypes, promoting unity. ‘You get to the essence that the three of you are just women facing an enormous challenge and you're all the same’.🎙️ Revelations in Extreme Environments: Stepping outside comfort zones reveals inner strengths and weaknesses, fostering personal growth.Episode Resources:Connect with Janey on social media for more inspiring stories and updates.Website: janeymcgill.com | Instagram: @JaneyMcGill | Twitter: @JaneyMcGillAdventureConnect with Us:🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.com🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChattingTune in for an empowering conversation on embracing challenges, prioritizing self-care, and living life to the fullest with Janey McGill! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever wondered what it means to be a Queenager? Is midlife truly a time for rediscovery and empowerment? Join Michelle and Liz in conversation with Eleanor Mills, the founder of Noon, an online community dedicated to empowering women in midlife. In this episode, they delve into the unique challenges and triumphs faced by women over 50, exploring the need for a fresh narrative and media representation. 👑 What is a Queenager?Eleanor Mills defines a Queenager as a woman in her midlife who embraces her wisdom, experience, and power. It's a term that challenges societal norms and celebrates the strength that comes with age. In this episode, Eleanor shares insights into what it means to be a Queenager and how embracing this identity can lead to a fulfilling and purposeful chapter in life.Key Takeaways:🎙️ Recalibrating Perception: "Eleanor Mills advocates for a new narrative surrounding women in midlife. It's a call to challenge stereotypes and embrace the power and wisdom that comes with being a Queenager."🎙️ Media Representation Challenges: "Explore the struggles Eleanor faces in obtaining media representation for women over 50. The conversation sheds light on the beauty-focused media landscape and the need for change."🎙️ Queen-Ager Wisdom: "Eleanor shares insights into the challenges of gendered ageism and double standards faced by older women. It's a conversation about rewriting societal norms and embracing a new chapter in life."🎙️ Shaping Midlife Feminism: "Explore the evolving dynamics of midlife feminism and the crucial role of reshaping corporate culture. Eleanor emphasizes finding joy, rediscovering passions, and building a supportive tribe in midlife."Love these insights? Share your thoughts and stories at twowomenchatting@gmail.com and don't forget to rate and review us on your favourite podcast platform!Episode Resources:Connect with Eleanor Mills, the driving force behind Noon, reshaping narratives for women in midlife.Website: noon.org.uk | Twitter: @EleanorMills | Instagram: @eleanorkjmills @uponnoonConnect with Us:🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.com🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChattingTune in for a captivating conversation on Queenagers, rewriting narratives, and embracing the power of women in midlife with Eleanor Mills! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever found yourself wanting to start a new chapter in midlife? Have you got a book in you? Join Liz and Michelle in an eye-opening conversation with the incredible B.A. Paris, bestselling author of psychological thrillers, ‘Behind Closed Doors’ and ‘The Guest’ as she takes us through her inspiring journey of transitioning to a successful writing career in her 50s.Key Insights:🎙️ Reinventing Midlife: "It's never too late to pursue your passion. Midlife can be the perfect time for a fulfilling career change and self-discovery."🎙️ The Publishing Journey: "Finding an agent and getting published requires perseverance and adaptability. B.A. Paris shares her experience and valuable insights into navigating the competitive world of publishing."🎙️ The Allure of Psychological Thrillers: "Discover why psychological thrillers continue to captivate readers. B.A. Paris sheds light on the genre's popularity and its unique ability to evoke fear and suspense."🎙️ Crafting Stories: "Explore B.A. Paris's writing process, drawing inspiration from real-life stories, and the importance of adding depth and authenticity to fictional narratives."🎙️ 'The Guest': "Get a sneak peek into B.A. Paris's latest novel, 'The Guest.' Learn about the inspiration behind the story and the creative process involved in bringing it to life."Love these insights? Share your thoughts and stories at twowomenchatting@gmail.com, and don't forget to rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform!Episode Resources:About B.A. Paris: Connect with Bernadette Paris, the mastermind behind gripping psychological thrillers.Website: baparis.com | Twitter: @BAParisAuthor | Instagram: @baparisauthorConnect with Us:🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.com🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChattingTune in for a captivating conversation on reinventing yourself, the world of publishing, and the allure of psychological thrillers with B.A. Paris! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever wondered how to redefine intimacy and maintain a satisfying sex life in midlife? Join Liz and Michelle as they dive into the complexities of midlife sex with the brilliant Kate Moyle, a leading expert in psychosexual therapy. Together, they unravel the intricacies of sex beyond intercourse, the importance of communication and fun in long-term relationships, and navigating changes in desire and intimacy. Michelle, Liz, and Kate explore body confidence, managing menopause, using sex toys, and addressing issues like erectile dysfunction.Key Insights:🎙️ Beyond the Basics: "Forget the old-school view of sex—it's more than just the usual stuff. The circular model says it's a diverse experience with 237 reasons why people get down to it. It's not just about making babies; there's a whole lot more to the story!"🎙️ Body Confidence and Menopause: "Body confidence is about how we feel, not how we look. Engaging in activities that make you feel good in your body, such as wearing a texture that feels nice on your skin, can root you in sensations, fostering comfort and pleasure."🎙️ Sex Toys and Openness: "Sex toys are a great addition at any stage, and they're not just about reaching orgasm. Incorporate them into non-genital play, make it fun, and choose together. Pleasure is the measure, and introducing them with a partner can be a great, laughter-filled adventure!""🎙️ Health Benefits of Midlife Sex: "Maintaining a healthy sex life in midlife has numerous benefits, including strengthening the pelvic floor and improving overall well-being."Love these insights? Share your thoughts and stories at twowomenchatting@gmail.com and don't forget to rate and review us on your favourite podcast platform!Also check out our latest blog on Midlife Sexlife in our Midlife Library!Episode Resources:Explore more on this topic with Kate Moyle's book 'The Science of Sex' and her podcast 'The Sexual Wellness Sessions' for additional information and support.Connect with Kate Moyle, a leading expert in psychosexual therapy.Website: katemoyle.co.uk | Twitter: @katemoyletherapy | Instagram: @katemoyletherapyConnect with Us:🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.com🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChattingTune in for a candid conversation on redefining sex, navigating midlife changes, and prioritising pleasure with Kate Moyle! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Michelle and Liz in a spirited conversation with Neens and dB from Rants and Big Pants, a dynamic space advocating for the representation and empowerment of midlife women. In this episode, they explore the origins of Rants and Big Pants, the impact of the menopause conversation, and the importance of normalising menopause experiences.Key Insights:🎙️ Creating Rants and Big Pants: "Neens and dB share the inspiration behind Rants and Big Pants, a platform challenging stereotypes and advocating for midlife women. It's a space where authenticity and representation matter."🎙️ Menopause Conversations: "Discover the impact of discussing menopause openly and the need to normalise these experiences. The conversation sheds light on breaking down taboos and fostering understanding."🎙️ Size by Side Campaign: "Explore the Size by Side campaign, a movement promoting body positivity and style for all sizes. The hosts delve into the importance of embracing diversity and challenging societal norms."🎙️ OurPact for Child Safety: "Neens and dB discuss the dangers of the TikTok generation and how they use ‘OurPact’, a software for controlling children's social media usage, may be useful for listeners. It's a valuable insight into ensuring the safety of kids online and fostering responsible digital habits."🎙️ Weekenders: "The conversation concludes with a preview of the upcoming Weekender organised by Rants and Big Pants. Michelle and Liz explore topics like authenticity, happiness, affordability, and empowering women."Love these insights? Share your thoughts and stories at twowomenchatting@gmail.com and don't forget to rate and review us on your favourite podcast platform!Episode Resources:About Rants and Big Pants: Connect with Neens and dB, the visionaries behind Rants and Big Pants, redefining the narrative for midlife women.Website: rantsandbigpants.com | Instagram: @rantsandbigpants | Facebook: Rants and Big PantsConnect with Us:🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.com🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChattingTune in for an inspiring conversation on authenticity, empowerment, child safety, and creating a supportive space for midlife women with Neens and dB from Rants and Big Pants!' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Liz and Michelle for an invigorating conversation with the incredible Sally Gunnell, Olympic gold medalist and wellbeing advocate, as she shares insights on optimizing health and wellbeing in the journey of aging. Sally delves into the importance of exercise, joint health, and muscle strength for maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle.Key Insights:🎙️ Wellbeing Wisdom: "Wellbeing is a holistic journey, a personal exploration. HRT can be transformative, boost confidence and enhance the overall enjoyment of life."🎙️ Active Aging: "You can enjoy exercise at any level. When it comes to joint pain; hydration, adaptability, and a preventative mindset are crucial. My muscles have felt the impact of time, but I've learned to prevent aches and stay agile by nurturing muscle strength."🎙️ Sleep, Relaxation, and Stress Reduction: "Improving my sleep has been a game-changer. It's boosted my confidence and enjoyment in public speaking. Holistic approaches like breath work and meditation are integral to stress reduction."🎙️ Preventative Living: "Prevention is key to an active and pain-free lifestyle. Adapting to how you feel, making small changes, and nurturing overall wellbeing are essential aspects of aging gracefully."Love these insights? Share your thoughts and stories at twowomenchatting@gmail.com, and don't forget to rate and review us on your favourite podcast platform!TWC Partners:🌟 Kollo Health's Premium Liquid Marine Collagen: Adding a collagen supplement to our diet has really helped us over the past year. We’ve both seen a real improvement in a reduction of fine lines, hair is shinier, and nails definitely stronger! Joint aches in fingers have reduced, and recovery from exercise is far better. Even our husbands use it! Get your first month for £40 (33% off) until March 6 using our specially discounted Kollo Health link or use code TWOWOMENCHATTING online.🌟 Better Gut Probiotic Supplement: Better Gut is a probiotic supplement with a unique formulation that is highly concentrated, containing 50 billion CFU, with bacteria strains specifically selected to help target the symptoms of perimenopausal & menopausal women. Use code TWOWOMEN for 15% off your first order.Episode Resources:About Sally Gunnell: Connect with Sally Gunnell, the champion of wellbeing and active aging.Website: sallygunnell.com | Twitter: @SallyGunnell | Instagram: @sallygunnellConnect with Us:🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.com🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChattingTune in for an empowering conversation on aging gracefully, prioritizing health, and embracing an active lifestyle with Sally Gunnell! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Liz and Michelle for a captivating conversation with Rosie Nixon, the illustrious editor at large of Hello Magazine, as she delves into the transformative power of kindness and its profound impact on mental health. In this illuminating episode, Rosie shares her inspiring journey advocating for kindness through the groundbreaking campaign she spearheaded at Hello! Magazine. Tune in as she emphasizes the crucial need to introduce a 'kindness quota' (KQ) and incorporate kindness teachings within school curriculums, shedding light on the profound benefits kindness brings to personal well-being.Key Insights:🎙️ The Healing Force of Kindness: "Being kind has far-reaching benefits, from heart health to fostering optimism and resilience against depression. This rise in Oxytocin results in your body actually having a physical reaction to an act of kindness.”🎙️ Combating Online Hate: "Social media platforms bear a significant responsibility in curbing online hate. Britain's strides in online safety legislation set an example, but there's more ground to cover."🎙️ Life Balance and New Ventures: "Often kindness all comes down to the things that are the most simple - and they’re free.”Love these kindness insights? Don’t forget to rate and review us on your podcast platform! Share your stories of kindness at twowomenchatting@gmail.com!Episode Resources:About Rosie Nixon: Connect with Rosie, the advocate for kindness and mental health, through her impactful work at Hello! Magazine. Her book Be Kind and her fiction series based on the Stylist is in bookstores and online everywhere. Twitter: @rosiejnixon | Instagram: @rosiejnixonConnect with Us:🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.com🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChattingTune in for an enlightening conversation on kindness, mental health, and life balance with Rosie Nixon! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever found yourself wondering where the line between 'you and me' truly lies? Is a people-pleaser just another word for being ‘nice’? Join Liz and Michelle as they unravel the intricate world of boundaries, opinions, and self-worth in mid-life with the incredible Michelle Elman, a renowned life coach and author. Michelle delves deep into the art of setting boundaries, challenging the belief that self-worth hinges on others' opinions, and revealing the power of embracing discomfort for personal growth.Key Insights:🎙️ The Self-Esteem & People Pleasing: "Even as a people pleaser, remember, not everyone will approve. When you prioritize others' opinions over your own, it often stems from lacking self-esteem."🎙️ Defining Boundaries: "Think of boundaries as the line between 'you and me,' defining acceptable treatment. It's crucial, especially for women taught to prioritize others over themselves."🎙️ Embracing Discomfort: "Setting boundaries isn't about eliminating discomfort or guilt. It's a process. The first time is hardest, but with a clear 'why,' it gets easier. Losing those who resist your boundaries reveals who truly belongs in your life."🎙️ Nurturing Spousal Relationships: "Explore the importance of open communication and the establishment of clear expectations in spousal relationships to navigate change."Love these insights? Share your thoughts and stories at twowomenchatting@gmail.com and don't forget to rate and review us on your favourite podcast platform!Episode Resources:About Michelle Elman: Connect with Michelle Elman, the beacon of wisdom in the realm of life coaching and body positivity.Website: michelleelman.com | Twitter: @michellelelman | Instagram: @michellelelmanConnect with Us:🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.com🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChattingTune in for an enlightening conversation on setting boundaries, overcoming people pleasing, and nurturing relationships with Michelle Elman! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Liz and Michelle in an eye-opening discussion with Jane Michell, the visionary founder of Jane Plan, as she sheds light on the alarming reality of obesity and the urgent need for systemic intervention and education. Jane dives deep into the critical understanding of BMI, highlighting the staggering health repercussions of obesity in the UK and explores the personal responsibilities and societal influences contributing to weight gain.Key Insights:🎙️ Food Triggers Everywhere: "Our environment bombards us with food triggers, while our biology remains tuned for scarcity, contributing to our constant desire to eat.”🎙️ The Emotional Connection with Food: "Our emotional bond with weight is fascinating. Unlike overspending on a credit card, a disappointing scale reading often triggers impulsive eating. We've developed an intense link between our weight and our self-worth, forgetting it's just a number, a biological fact."🎙️ The Alarming Rise in Obesity: “Obesity-related NHS admissions have surged to 3000 daily, doubling in six years. Records show 1.2 million hospitalizations due to obesity, with two-thirds of adults now overweight—costing the NHS a staggering £19.2 billion."🎙️ Navigating Personal Responsibility: “Just look at the Oprah diet pill scandal, I think we can all agree that fundamentally the diet industry has failed the nation because otherwise we would not be in the state we're in today.”Episode Resources:About Jane Michell: Connect with Jane, the founder of healthy weight loss plan, Jane Plan.hello@janeplan.com | Website: janeplan.com | Instagram: @janeplanukIf you’re considering a weight management plan, use code TWC50 to get £50 off Jane Plan.Connect with Us:🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.com🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChattingTune in for an enlightening conversation on health, food and midlife weight loss with Jane Michell! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back by popular demand, Liz and Michelle invite you to a merry conversation with the incredible Hannah Bartlett, the festive maestro from Jolly Festive! In this delightful episode, they dive into the joys of celebrating Christmas in midlife, providing insights and ideas of how to manage all aspects of the holiday, without the overwhelm. Discover the art of making the holiday season a time of joy, ease, and delight; from laying-low on the sugar highs to opting for eco-friendly options without losing an ounce of sparkle.Key Insights:🎙️ Festive Organization: “Is a Christmas spreadsheet too much? What if it’s the ultimate tool to make the season stress-free?”🎙️ The Power of Delegation: "Delegation is key! Everyone wants to be part of the Christmas magic, especially when it comes to prepping versus tidying up."🎙️ Cherishing Moments: "We created a Christmas movie munchies hamper, focusing on cozy moments and enjoying the holiday films and snuggles."🎧 Love these midlife Christmas tips? Don’t forget to rate and review us on your podcast platform. Share your favourite holiday moments at twowomenchatting@gmail.com and check out our website! Episode Resources:About Hannah Bartlett: 50% of the team behind Jolly Festive, spreading nifty tips and creative tricks for you and your family!Jollyfestive.com | hannah@jollyfestive.com | IG: @jollyfestiveConnect with Us:🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.Com/my-blogEmail: twowomenchatting@gmail.comTune in for a stress-free and magical Christmas in midlife with Hannah Bartlett! 🎁🎅🎉 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Laura Hamilton of A Place in the Sun joins Liz and Michelle to dish out travel inspiration. The bubbly TV host shares amazing anecdotes from her travels around the globe, tips on how to plan an affordable getaway, and key things to consider before buying a vacation home overseas. You'll be dreaming of far off destinations after tuning into this fun, upbeat episode full of wanderlust! She also shares details of a new spin-off Channel 4 show. A Place in the Sun, What Happened Next will revisit families and couples as far back as 2007 who took the plunge and bought a property aboard. KEY TAKEAWAYSSolo travel can open you up to meeting new people and forging great memories.Travel by train allows you to see the world in an eco-friendly way while soaking in beautiful scenery.Look for flight and hotel deals separately to find affordable trips without packaged deals.The pandemic has made remote work more flexible for people wanting to travel abroad for longer stints. Consider nomadic visas - check the new blog for details.House swapping like in The Holiday movie could be an adventurous and cost-effective way to travel.BEST MOMENTS "That is not what travel is about for me, it's about the experiences, the people, the sights, the sounds, the tastes.""That intergenerational trip, that is kind of marvellous, isn't it? Because, you know, you think when your adult kids are adults, the last thing they want to do is spend time with you." "We met so many solo, female travellers, and I think it's not something that anyone should be fearful of, because you'd be surprised you meet a lot of people that are doing the same."If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, and review it on your podcast platform. We read every email sent to us at twowomenchatting@gmail.com so please get in touch! Check out our supporting blogs on this topic and many more at www.twowomenchatting.com.EPISODE RESOURCES ABOUT THE HOSTS Liz Copping is a networking pro & event consultant, leaping out of her comfort zone to co-host this podcast.liz@twowomenchatting.com Insta @lizcoppingtwcMichelle Ford is a professional voice actor and empty nester pressing reset, enjoying a new career in podcasting!michelle@twowomenchatting.com Insta @michellefordtwcCONTACT METHODhttps://www.instagram.com/twowomenchatting/https://twitter.com/ChattingTwohttps://www.facebook.com/twowomenchatting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liz and Michelle chat with Tracey Davies, a 50-year-old travel writer and journalist who recently stepped waaay outside her comfort zone to become a stand-up comedian. Tracey shares her journey from signing up for a beginners' comedy course to performing her first open mic night. She opens up about handling hecklers, bombing on stage and finding a supportive community on the comedy circuit. Tracey offers advice for anyone looking to be brave and try something completely new in midlife and her story shows it's never too late to follow a passion or goal.KEY TAKEAWAYSTurning 50 was the catalyst for Tracey to pursue stand-up comedy after interviewing comedians for work.She took a 10-week beginners course and despite finding it challenging, absolutely fell in love with stand-up.Tracey talks about the importance of making comedy personal and telling jokes only you can tell.She emphasises getting experience doing live gigs as that's where you really learn how to handle hecklers, pauses, and forgotten lines.She credits turning 50 with giving her a big confidence boost to feel like she can do anything.BEST MOMENTS "I was honestly swaggering around like I was Joan Rivers thinking, oh my goodness, this is what I want to do now.""I think turning 50 has been such a big confidence boost. Suddenly, I do honestly, I feel like I can do anything.""Every time, I guarantee, I never ever regret going out and getting up on stage."If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, and review it on your podcast platform. We read every email sent to us at twowomenchatting@gmail.com so please get in touch! Check out our supporting blogs on this topic at www.twowomenchatting.com.EPISODE RESOURCES ABOUT THE HOSTLiz Copping is a networking pro & event consultant, leaping out of her comfort zone to co-host this podcast.Liz@twowomenchatting.com Insta @lizcoppingtwcMichelle Ford is a professional voice actor and empty nester pressing reset, enjoying a new career in podcasting!michelle@twowomenchatting.com Insta @michellefordtwcCONTACT METHODhttps://www.instagram.com/twowomenchatting/https://twitter.com/ChattingTwohttps://www.facebook.com/twowomenchatting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Liz and Michelle as they chat with menopause advocate Emma Skeates about embracing the chaos of midlife. Emma shares her journey through a messy divorce and early surgical menopause while raising young children. She details how keeping her sense of humour helped her mental health and inspired her popular blog and book “Confessions of a Menopausal Mayhem Mother.” She recounts mortifying yet relatable stories and discusses how finding laughter in adversity led to a movie deal for her book. KEY TAKEAWAYS Emma started blogging to maintain her mental health after a difficult divorce and early surgical menopause - it became wildly popular by keeping things real amidst the curated lives on social media.She coined "CRAFT disease" as a humorous explanation when brain fog caused her to forget things - it stands for "Can't Remember A Flipping Thing."Emma handpicked British actress Amanda Abbington to play her in the film adaption, opting for a cosy, uplifting tone versus a polished Hollywood depiction.She believes finding laughter in adversity has helped her through many challenges, from divorce to grief over her mum's death..Emma will speak at Pause Live! menopause event on 25 November - with Liz and Michelle also attending - offering a hilarious, unfiltered perspective on relationships and womanhood.BEST MOMENTS  "I'm the only woman in history who gained four and a half stone for her wedding." "I actually had my hysterectomy after I met him and he noticed a huge change in who I was because I'd always been this very vibrant, bouncy, lively, sort of very happy-go-lucky." "Whenever you find yourself in a situation where you are constantly forgetting something, or you're in the wrong place at the wrong time, or you feel, ah, there's a meeting, and I'm supposed to be there, and I'm actually there, C.R.A.F.T disease is absolutely imperative to use."If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, and review it on your podcast platform. We read every email sent to us at twowomenchatting@gmail.com so please get in touch! Check out our supporting blogs on this topic at www.twowomenchatting.com.EPISODE RESOURCES ABOUT THE HOSTLiz Copping is a networking pro & event consultant, leaping out of her comfort zone to co-host this podcast.liz@twowomenchatting.com Insta @lizcoppingtwcMichelle Ford is a professional voice actor and empty nester pressing reset, enjoying a new career in podcasting!michelle@twowomenchatting.com Insta @michellefordtwcCONTACT METHODhttps://www.instagram.com/twowomenchatting/https://twitter.com/ChattingTwo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Liz and Michelle dive into the important topic of gut health. Fun fact that this week’s guest, Pauline Cox, functional nutritionist shared with us: your gut microbiome can be positively affected by stroking a pet, going for a walk, gardening or even kissing your partner!How about that for a biohack?! The gut microbiome impacts nearly every aspect of health from hormonal balance to brain fog. Pauline shares simple, practical tips like going for a morning walk, adding fermented foods like sauerkraut to your diet, and "Marie Kondo-ing" your fridge. The conversation covers the links between gut health and skin care, weight management, oestrogen levels, and more.KEY TAKEAWAYSGut health impacts nearly every aspect of wellbeing including hormones, digestion, sleep, skin, and brain function. The gut microbiome is like a "fingerprint" - partly genetic but also influenced by diet, environment, stress levels, etc.Oestrogen balance is tied to gut health. Certain gut bacteria can reabsorb used oestrogen back into the body instead of allowing the liver to remove it. Regularity of bowel movements helps eliminate excess oestrogen.The gut and brain are constantly communicating via the vagus nerve 'super highway'. An unhealthy gut microbiome can lead to ongoing food cravings as the brain seeks the nutrients it needs whilst a healthy gut helps you feel satiated.Simple daily habits like walking, gardening, petting your dog, or kissing your partner can beneficially diversify your gut microbiome. Soil and animals bring good bacteria.Start by adding good things like fermented foods rather than eliminating everything at once. Sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, beetroot, and kombucha feed gut bacteria.Have at least one good bowel movement per day. Lack of magnesium and fibre or sluggish bile production can cause constipation.Going for a morning walk boosts serotonin, helps with food choices, energises you, and primes digestive processes for the day.Pauline's top 3 basic supplements are magnesium, vitamin D, and omega 3s. Target specific issues like sleep or liver health once those bases are covered. BEST MOMENTS "Your gut and your brain talk to each other all the time via a nerve that's a super, superhighway, and the pathway, the conversation goes both ways.""When you're eating food, let's say your omega 3 rich foods like oily fish and your protein rich foods like eggs, the nerve from your brain to your gut is sensing all the time what you're eating and is the brain getting what it needs to be optimal?""By going for a walk first thing in the morning, you're going to feel more energised. You're going to feel happier because of the levels of serotonin and dopamine within your body. Dopamine is our motivation hormone." If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, and review it on your podcast platform. We read every email sent to us at twowomenchatting@gmail.com so please get in touch! Check out our supporting blogs on this topic in our midlife library at www.twowomenchatting.com.EPISODE RESOURCES Pauline's Instagram @paulinejcoxPauline's book Hungry Woman - and her store Sow & ArrowABOUT THE HOSTLiz Copping is a networking pro & event consultant, leaping out of her comfort zone to co-host this podcast.Liz@twowomenchatting.com Insta @lizcoppingtwcMichelle Ford is a professional voice actor and empty nester pressing reset, enjoying a new career in podcasting!michelle@twowomenchatting.com Insta @michellefordtwcCONTACT METHODhttps://www.instagram.com/twowomenchatting/https://twitter.com/ChattingTwohttps://www.facebook.com/twowomenchatting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liz and Michelle chat with Olympian triple jumper turned motivational speaker Michelle Robinson about caring for ageing parents while juggling our own midlife changes. Michelle shares her emotional journey caring for her vivacious but ailing mother, from cancer to losing mobility. She offers insight on managing expectations, reframing how we talk about "caring", being honest about needing support and striving for small progress each day. Michelle reminds us that together we are stronger, and that while life is not perfect, we can take small steps to cut ourselves some slack!KEY TAKEAWAYS Reframe "caring for" ageing parents as "supporting" and "being there for" them to acknowledge their autonomy.Manage expectations of yourself and others - you can't do it all perfectly all the time. Celebrate small wins.Be authentic and ask for support when you need it - from family, friends, or organisations like Age UK. You don't have to tackle it alone.Strive to be 1% better than yesterday - focus on small improvements to move forward. Perfection doesn't exist.Schedule time for your own needs like solitary walks, coffee with friends, and activities that spark joy. Don't neglect self-care.This stage won't last forever. Have empathy for stressed siblings, and don't take reactions personally. Keep communication open.HRT can help relieve the stress of the menopause transition. Seek medical advice about whether it's right for you.Supporting blog and resources available from our midlife library BEST MOMENTS "I want to be the real model. I don't want them to go out there looking for role models.""Together we are definitely stronger. If there's anything I can do to help people know - be authentic. Sometimes real life is hard work.""You can have it all, but not all at the same time. Manage your expectations - that is not realistic.""I often say, this is layered, it's not going to last forever. So try not to make it fractious.""Asking 'How can I support you?' opens communication without being patronising.""A different walk than just dog walking. That walk is for the joy of it."If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, and review it on your podcast platform. We read every email sent to us at twowomenchatting@gmail.com so please get in touch! Check out our supporting blogs on this topic at www.twowomenchatting.com.EPISODE RESOURCES CONTACT METHODhttps://www.instagram.com/twowomenchatting/https://twitter.com/ChattingTwohttps://www.facebook.com/twowomenchattingemail twowomenchatting@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liz and Michelle are joined by international dating expert, Sami Wunder in this episode to invite women to shift their mindset around dating and start putting themselves first. Sami talks about the importance of authenticity and self-esteem in dating, including how to create superior outcomes for yourself and delivers some unexpected concepts and truths about dating in the modern world. Sami also gives top tips for dating in midlife including how to tackle online dating and how to identify red flags!Midlife library blog on dating - click hereKEY TAKEAWAYSCreate personal clarity, ask yourself why you want to date again and what you expect to get from it. It doesn’t always shave to be serious.In mid-life, you come to the wisdom that this is your life, and you need to live it on your own terms.Hiring a coach, therapist or expert is very helpful if you want to start putting yourself first and working your way through any difficult past relationship issues.We have to let go of the limiting belief that men are only interested in our bodies, it’s not true.Dating confidently is about how you feel about yourself, not getting validation from others.We must learn to date as our authentic selves, be honest about who we are and what we want, be the best version of ourselves, and trust that the right people will come.When creating an online profile, put yourself in your potential partners' shoes, how can you make yourself stand out? Be specific and unique about yourself. Give a sense of who you are as a person.Both men and women have masculine and feminine energy. When dating, women need to harness and exude their feminine energy.Rotational dating is putting the power back in the woman’s hand, giving them choices and options and ultimately, power. Take your time filtering and evaluating in early dating, you don’t have to say yes to exclusivity to anyone.Honour yourself, your time and what you want in dating. Go at the pace that feels tight for you and you will attract far superior outcomes.If a partner isn’t initiating or making an effort, then you will be doing this with them for the rest of your life.Shop around, be authentic, find your USP and use that and don’t undervalue the role of research in yourself and dating.BEST MOMENTS “We are more than our bodies”“Offer yourself compassion”“It's not about how your body looks, it's about how you feel about yourself”“We’re better able to not be judged in middle life than when we were younger”“Dating is all about showing up as your authentic self”“Be your best self and let them come to you”“You attract the opposite energy” “It’s a very man-serving concept, exclusivity”“Go back to old fashioned values…hold out like our mothers did”“You don’t owe anybody sex”If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, and review it on your podcast platform. We read every email sent to us at twowomenchatting@gmail.com so please get in touch! Check out our supporting blogs on this topic at www.twowomenchatting.com.EPISODE RESOURCES sammiwunder.comInstagram @samiwundercoachABOUT THE HOSTLiz Copping is a networking pro & event consultant, leaping out of her comfort zone to co-host this podcast.Liz@twowomenchatting.com Insta @lizcoppingtwcMichelle Ford is a professional voice actor and empty nester pressing reset, enjoying a new career in podcasting!michelle@twowomenchatting.com Insta @michellefordtwcCONTACT METHODhttps://www.instagram.com/twowomenchatting/https://twitter.com/ChattingTwohttps://www.facebook.com/twowomenchatting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liz and Michelle tackle the taboo topic of preparing for the worst, should you find yourself suddenly single through divorce or the death of a partner. They chat with consumer journalist and ITV This Morning's Consumer Editor, Alice Beer, about the uncomfortable but necessary conversations couples should have regarding wills, finances, accounts and more. Alice provides tons of practical advice on ensuring you and your family are looked after, from making a list of all accounts to having a capable friend by your side as you make those difficult calls. This episode will get you motivated to empower yourself with financial knowledge and protect your future, no matter what comes your way. Midlife library blog from Alice available hereKEY TAKEAWAYS Not being married means you have zero rights if your partner dies without a will, their assets won't automatically go to you.Express your wishes clearly in a will about who inherits what, and name an executor who understands your relationship.Go through all accounts - mortgage, loans, pensions, insurance etc - and put both partner's names on everything possible.Appoint your most capable, level-headed friend to help you make necessary calls if you're suddenly single.Use official resources like citizens advice to guide you, not just any google result.Have set responses ready for any requests for money from relatives after a bereavement.BEST MOMENTS "If you're not married to your partner, you absolutely will live in a society where you have no rights." "Empowerment is so much better than denial. Be really brave about saying, can we just set aside Saturday morning with coffee rather than wine, and go through everything." "I know clever, sassy women who suddenly, they know they've got money in the bank somewhere, cannot pay the mortgage a month after their husband has died. And that's ridiculous.""Financial wolves will prey on widows...you could fall into scam traps.""Have a set phrase, like 'Thank you so much. It's not convenient for me to talk right now.'"If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, and review it on your podcast platform. We read every email sent to us at twowomenchatting@gmail.com so please get in touch! Check out our supporting blogs on this topic at www.twowomenchatting.com.Connect with Us:🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.Com/my-blog Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liz and Michelle chat with former Loose Women host Andrea McLean about embracing change in midlife including why Andrea left her TV career to start help empowering women as a life coach. Andrea also talks about menopause, rebuilding yourself and dealing with loneliness head-on through her platform 'This Girl is On Fire'. Andrea offers wisdom on finding your voice, standing in your power and being open to doing things differently in midlife. Her inspiring story proves it's never too late to rediscover what makes you feel alive!KEY TAKEAWAYSAndrea explains how writing "what if it goes right" lists can reframe worrying about change into positive visualisation.She recommends making problems feel smaller through techniques like imagining the issue shrinking while you grow bigger to gain control over overwhelming emotions.Andrea describes building a "blueprint for failure" flowchart to prepare solutions in case plans go awry when making a big life change.She emphasises the power of saying "no" more in midlife to stop pleasing others and prioritise yourself.Andrea shares how joining her Facebook community helps women open up about loneliness in a safe, supportive space.She believes listening to and managing your inner critic is key to overcoming habitual people-pleasing and using your voice.Andrea explains her concept of social media being like your kitchen - you wouldn't tolerate rudeness there, so block trolls to curate a positive space.Midlife library blog about loneliness - click hereBEST MOMENTS "As you imagine them getting smaller, something really funny happens. And the smaller someone gets, the squeakier their voice becomes." "No is a complete sentence. And the first time I heard that, I was mind blown because I was, I'm in my fifties.""I realised, I'm now the same age as my dad was when I was scared to say no to him. I'm now middle-aged and I can say no to myself if I want to.""I want it to be in a safe space where people can actually learn and benefit from it rather than kind of showing off about what I'm doing."If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, and review it on your podcast platform. We read every email sent to us at twowomenchatting@gmail.com so please get in touch! Check out our supporting blogs on this topic at www.twowomenchatting.com.EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.amazon.co.uk/This-Girl-Fire-Thrive-BESTSELLER/dp/1788175123https://andreamclean.comConnect with Us:🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.Com/my-blog Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liz and Michelle chat to tv presenter and author Louise Minchin about dealing with empty nest syndrome. Louise shares her own emotional journey as both her daughters left home for university, including the grief she felt at their absence. She explains how she coped by filling her time with new challenges, becoming an endurance athlete and author. Louise talks about pushing herself out of her comfort zone by swimming through shark infested waters to Alcatraz, ice diving, and other adventures with ordinary women doing extraordinary things that she chronicles in her book Fearless. She shares the importance of celebrating what your body can do, not how it looks. Louise offers inspiration on how to be fearless in trying new things and reinventing yourself in midlife after your kids leave home.Midlife library blog and resources about empty nest syndrome - click here KEY TAKEAWAYSLouise was unprepared for the grief and loss she felt when her daughters first left home for university.She describes it as a rollercoaster - you're no longer in control as a parent when they choose to come back.Louise advises allowing yourself to feel sadness, but also filling your time with new challenges and adventures.She pushed herself by training for triathlons, swimming to Alcatraz, and writing two books, including Fearless.A key message is to celebrate what your body can do, not focus on how it looks.Louise reinvented her career, now calling herself a writer - it's inspiring to pivot even later in life.Her advice is to set goals, take small steps out of your comfort zone, and not let fear of failure hold you back.BEST MOMENTS "I was really... extraordinarily unprepared for her leaving home.""You've got to go with a different kind of rollercoaster. One where you are not in control as a parent anymore.""I'm proud of what my body can do, not about what it looks like.""I walked in going, I'm a writer. And that's so exciting.""Don't be afraid to fall flat on your face."If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, and review it on your podcast platform. We read every email sent to us at twowomenchatting@gmail.com so please get in touch! Check out our supporting blogs on this topic at www.twowomenchatting.com.Connect with Us:🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.Com/my-blog Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this 50th episode celebration, Liz and Michelle chat about turning 50 themselves and the idea of making a 50 at 50 list. They are then joined by celebrity journalist Suzanne Baum who shares some of her own 50 at 50 list, including facing her fears of heights. Suzanne opens up about her career interviewing huge names like David Beckham and Amanda Holden, and how she has used her platform for important issues like the Nicola Bulley case. She gives advice to aspiring journalists and talks about embarrassing moments, dream interviewees, and how certain hard-hitting stories have affected her. An insightful look into the world of journalism and the power of being your true self after 50.KEY TAKEAWAYSSuzanne has built great celeb relationships through integrity e.g. not sensationalising, but she also enjoys breaking real news stories.Turning 50 has given Suzanne the courage to stand up to dodgy media outlets and represent brands she believes in.Mind over matter is key to Suzanne facing fears like heights for her 50 at 50 list.The Nicola Bulley story and talking to people affected by Covid were emotionally tough for Suzanne as a journalist.Suzanne’s dream interviewee is the Spurs football team to impress her kids!Peter Andre and Amanda Holden are two of the nicest celebs Suzanne has interviewed.Suzanne’s advice for aspiring journalists is don’t do it for the money, focus on digital skills, and always research your subject. BEST MOMENTS "I think it makes the reader be able to relate to you as well because you're talking about something so personal and so tragic, I think makes it really meaningful.""I'll tell you what trips me up is the pronunciation of names. So, Virgil van Dyck, who I was interviewing last week, he's... a very famous Liverpool player with 40 million followers. I kept thinking, oh my god, I'm so gonna just say, I'm gonna say his name wrong."But age is a gift and you know every day that we do get it. It's a wonderful thing that we get to do things like this, like the podcast, reinvent ourselves in our lives over 50.If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, and review it on your podcast platform. We read every email sent to us at twowomenchatting@gmail.com so please get in touch! Check out our supporting blogs on this topic at www.twowomenchatting.com.Connect with Us:🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.Com/my-blog Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The more you talk about egg freezing, the more questions it raises. Liz and Michelle are joined by author, speaker and midwife Marley Hall in this episode to talk about egg freezing, IVF, why fertility shouldn't be just a woman's problem and how to approach the thought-provoking topic of fertility with your grown-up children.Midlife library supporting blog on IVF and egg freezing - click hereKEY TAKEAWAYSJennifer Aniston recently opened up about her own struggles with fertility and how much she wishes she had been told about egg freezing.Over time, egg freezing and fertility planning in your 20s will become ‘the norm’.There is a fine line between supporting your child and meddling, especially regarding a topic like fertility, yet there are many stories of the ‘grandparents’ paying for their daughter's eggs to be frozen.There is always the risk of mistakes being made, there are multiple stories of the wrong eggs being fertilised which is devastating for the families involved.There are a lot of emotional implications to egg freezing as well as societal and moral ones too, particularly if you are religious.It’s frightening that many of the regulations surrounding egg freezing and associated fertility treatments are not keeping up with the speed the services are being used.Even the best planning and large financial outlay don’t guarantee a baby.Fertility tests should be used with caution, they can only paint some of the picture and the accuracy is questionable.Women who may struggle to conceive usually have signs, such as irregular periods. BEST MOMENTS “Egg freezing has gone up 64% in two years” (HFEA)“How involved should we be with our kid's fertility journey?”“If grandparents are paying, do they own the eggs?”“There’s no guarantee it’s going to work”“She had gone all those years believing the fertility issues were her but actually it was more likely it was her husband”If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, and review it on your podcast platform. We read every email sent to us at twowomenchatting@gmail.com so please get in touch! Check out our supporting blogs on this topic at www.twowomenchatting.com.EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.twowomenchatting.com/resource-activities/first-steps-in-fertility-treatment%3A-ivf-%26-egg-freezingMidwife Marley’s BookMidwife Marley on InstagramGaia Family - financial planning for IVFJane Plan - weight management system - listener code TWC50 for £50 offConnect with Us:🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.Com/my-blog Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'Tiktok Doc' and resident doctor on BBC Breakfast and ITV's This Morning, Dr. Nighat Arif joins Michelle and Liz to share crucial knowledge about female heart health. As the #1 killer of women, cardiac disease deserves our attention. Dr. Arif breaks down the subtle symptoms women often miss. She urges us to speak up, advocate for ourselves, and not downplay discomfort. Dr. Arif also discusses how menopause changes heart risk and the preventative power of HRT. Her passion for equitable healthcare shines through - she's on a mission to save women's lives. Beyond the vital medical intel, Dr. Arif inspires us to protect our hearts, value our health, and gift our daughters with knowledge. Don't miss this lively, eye-opening chat!Midlife library supporting blog on female heart attack symptoms - click hereKEY TAKEAWAYSWomen have different, subtler heart attack symptoms than men - know them.Heart risk increases after menopause - consider HRT for prevention.Speak up about pain/discomfort - don't downplay it.Advocate for yourself - you know your body best.Asprin is often considered the first option for heart-condition prevention but ensure you look at your own personal health and work with your Dr to see if it is right for youFamily history can indicate if you are someone who is likely to develop a heart condition.Giving up alcohol and looking after your physical fitness are two simple ways you can effectively reduce your risk of a heart attack.BEST MOMENTS"Women have an exceptional, I'll call it a spidey sense that, that we have an intuition and I think for so long that is, We suppress that.""Welcome to a woman's world who's constantly being told by governments what she can and can't do.""My grandmother went through this, my mother went through this. I'm going through it and I'll be damned if my daughter goes through this."VALUABLE RESOURCES Dr. Nighat Arif on InstagramThe Knowledge Book by Dr. Nighat ArifTikTok videos by Dr. Nighat ArifABOUT THE GUESTDr. Nighat Arif is an award-winning GP, resident doctor on BBC Breakfast and ITV's This Morning, women's health expert and author of The Knowledge: Your Guide to Female Health from Menstruation to Menopause. With 15 years of NHS experience, Dr. Arif tirelessly advocates for women's health equity. She spreads her knowledge through fun, engaging social media content and easily digestible resources. Dr. Arif is on a mission to empower women with information to take charge of their well-being. Her warmth and passion for better healthcare access shines through. Dr. Arif is truly a trailblazer for women's medicine and health advocacy.Connect with Us:🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.Com/my-blog Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liz and Michelle are joined by Floral’s Street CEO and founder Michelle Feeney. Michelle has an impressive resume, including growing MAC Cosmetics into the world's biggest beauty brand.Smell is your most powerful sense and, in this episode, they discuss the importance of scent in our everyday lives including our memories, emotions and boosting our confidence. Michelle also talks about why she is passionate about sustainability in the beauty industry, her reasons for founding Floral Street and why midlife is the perfect time to reinvent yourself through your fragrance.KEY TAKEAWAYSThe current younger generation generally separates work from other aspects of their life, something Michelle doesn’t recognise as her work has always been intertwined through all areas of her everyday life. After many years in the beauty industry Michelle took a sabbatical, she found this refreshed herself both creatively and personally, giving her real clarity. She took the time to just be in life existing each and every day.Perfumes and scents should be personal to every woman. Michelle has set out to democratise fragrance, giving every woman out there to choose a scent that works for them.One of the elements for democratising fragrance was affordability. Michelle wanted women to be able to choose scents in the same way they choose their shoes for each day.They don't use the word sex or sexy in any copy on the brand - believing it is up to the woman herself to decide how to feel.Floral Street uses recycled materials including pulp in their packaging, leading the way for the beauty industry in terms of sustainability effort."Our sense of smell is our most powerful sense, it can remind us of people, places and our past and history, we shouldn’t limit ourselves to the one perfume we decided we liked in our 20s but instead tailor each day with a perfume that works for us". BEST MOMENTS “I wasn’t sure the world needed any more beauty products and I wasn’t sure that I was ready to start my own brand”“We don’t use the word sex or sexy in any copy in the brand”“It’s such a personal relationship with a fragrance” “You just buy it because it smells great and it’s good for the environment”If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, and review it on your podcast platform. We read every email sent to us at twowomenchatting@gmail.com so please get in touch! Check out our supporting blogs and resources at www.twowomenchatting.com.EPISODE RESOURCES https://floralstreet.comConnect with Us:🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.Com/my-blog Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How to Age well- our last chat with Anthea Turner!Liz and Michelle are joined by presenter Anthea Turner to talk about divorce, including Anthea’s own, very public personal experience. They discuss how to deal with the rejection that comes with divorce and to put children at the forefront of every decision. Anthea suggests 'control your mouth' and never send toxic messages or emails. Divorce is painful but there is a long time after when you may be attending birthdays, graduations and weddings when you need to be in the same place at the same time.Much of Anthea's advice is in her book How to Survive Divorce.Although divorce rates are actually decreasing for the first time in decades, it’s still something that many women have to go through, particularly in mid-life once kids leave the nest. Liz, Michelle and Anthea discuss why this might be as well as the most common reasons cited for divorce, why it isn’t always 50/50 when it comes to assets and also the implications and impact on others including children as well as the differences gender make in how we cope with divorce emotionally and in the longer-term.Our sponsor for this episode is Dr Elizabeth Hawkes, award-winning oculoplastic surgeon, eye expert and aesthetic surgeon. www.drelizabethhawkes.comKEY TAKEAWAYSThe 5 reasons cited for divorce are adultery, unreasonable behaviour, desertion, two years of separation with consent and five years of separation.Anthea Turner went through a high-profile divorce when she separated from Grant Bovey. They split after he cheated on her with a woman half her age in 2013.Mid-life, when children leave the home, can often trigger separation or divorce as well as any other changes in life such as moving, new jobs and even boredom!You have to look at your exit strategy and think about the impact it will have on the other side of the divorce.Research shows that witnessing high levels of parental conflict before during and after separation has a long-term impact on a child’s welfare. It is clear that reducing parental conflict and focusing on the best interests of the children is the single most important thing a parent can do when separating.Try not to make decisions that are emotion-based, which of course is incredibly difficult but you have to think about the impact acting in anger will have on the rest of your life and those around you too.If you are bored with your life, divorce probably isn’t the answer, you need to find ways to inject fun back into your life.Post-divorce, you can see the real impact a divorce has on those around you, it’s not always easy to see this clearly whilst in the midst of it which is why Anthea gives true insight on the best way to handle it.Anthea wonders if the publicity of her divorce meant that she behaved will more decorum than she actually wanted to. She was always thinking about how things may be perceived.You don’t have to behave like the guests on a reality show, if you and your ex can work at making things amicable it doesn’t just make life for your families and friends better but you will find life post-divorce less stressful and happier too.As women, we can use divorce to be transformative and work on ourselves, the best thing we can do is to build our self-esteem and confidence.BEST MOMENTS “Never send anything you aren’t happy to see on the front page of the daily mail!”“There’s all sorts of interconnecting parts to a divorce”“The time after the divorce is for the rest of your life”“Your softness is not weakness, it’s a strength” “Life gets boring, you shouldn’t’ divorce your partner because of it”“Sometimes fame works against you, sometimes it works for you”“Confidence is the key to life”If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, and review it on your podcast platform. We read every email sent to us at twowomenchatting@gmail.com so please get in touch! Check out our supporting blogs on this topic at www.twowomenchatting.com.EPISODE RESOURCES Anthea's book How to Survive Divorce.Connect with Us:🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.Com/my-blog Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s grass court season and Liz and Michelle are excited for Wimbledon! In this episode, they are joined by tennis powerhouse Judy Murray to talk about her career reinvention as a fiction writer.Judy, (mum to champions Sir Andy Murray and Jamie Murray) has built an incredible career around tennis coaching and reimagined herself countless times including competing on Strictly Come dancing with Anton du Beke, appearing on Masterchef and winning the Slingsby Golf Academy to compete in the Pro-Am at the PGA Tour.Judy chats about women's safeguarding and inappropriate coach/student relationships in tennis, the future of Emma Radacanu, Judy's new golf hobby, the fantastic results of her non-surgical 'tweakment' and Liz & Michelle reminisce about playing tennis in the street growing up.They discuss her new thriller The Wild Card and how it's never to late to chase your dreams. KEY TAKEAWAYSWomen in sports are always playing catch up, Judy felt like it was her duty to speak up for women and advocate for them in a world that is so often centred around the male perspectiveJudy never set out to become a tennis coach, she began working as support help at a club in her free time and the rest is history!Judy’s book The Wild Card has a great underlying message about the power within relationshipsThe pressure put on young tennis players is immense, Emma Raducanu has had a particularly difficult time through the media, receiving a lot of criticism when she is so young and had a lot of challengesThere is a lot of expectation on all tennis players, especially if they do well quickly. It’s not just about playing the game but everything that surrounds that including fitness, practice, training, sponsorship deals and moreA good infrastructure of support and means are essential in helping many sports people succeeJudy’s book isn’t based on a specific person or occurrence but tackles the theme of power imbalance in sports and how coaches need to be properly vetted and players supportedHaving to manage through difficult times often builds a special form of resilience and mental toughness that can help individuals achieve highlyJudy recently had a non-surgical facelift. It helped plump her skin up and improve the appearance of sun damage and agingBeing in the public eye, Judy has always been scrutinised much more than her male peers on her appearance.BEST MOMENTS “I can’t remember a summer I haven’t sat down and watched Wimbledon on TV”“Most of the decision-makers in the tennis world are men”“Tennis is a mental game, it’s about problem-solving within the game, understanding the psychological side of it, adjusting your tactics depending on whom you’re playing” If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, and review it on your podcast platform. We read every email sent to us at twowomenchatting@gmail.com so please get in touch! You can find more great articles and interviews at www.twowomenchatting.comEPISODE RESOURCES The Wild Card: The captivating, uplifting and addictive summer read you don’t want to miss in 2023!Connect with Us:🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.Com/my-blog Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liz and Michelle reminisce about the music and tv of the 70s as they talk to Jan and Sandie, 2 of the 8 magazine girls who interviewed some of the most famous musicians in the world including Marc Bolan, Elton John and ABBA! Jan and Sandie talk about their most standout interviews and share many anecdotes including interviewing Michael Jackson with his overbearing and controlling father, spilling a bloody mary over Donny Osmond and even sharing a spliff with Bob Marley! They also talk about the casual and sometimes dangerous side of the culture in the 60s and 70s and share the process of writing their recent book The Magazine Girls.KEY TAKEAWAYSSandie and Jan were just 16 when they started working as journalists, they look back now at the life they lived and the musicians they interviewed in awe!Although they did get into some tricky situations, they felt like they could handle anything and this belief in themselves kept them safe, they were resilient and knew how to look after themselves.The dark side of the 60s and 70s was surrounding a lot of drug taking, especially among the youth. Heroin and other drugs ruined so many lives which Jan and Sandie saw first-hand.When interviewing Bob Marley, Jan struggled with her nerves and how to approach him and his ways, she ended up sharing a spliff with him! Jan says everything was a lot more laid back in those times, you didn’t have people always looking over your shoulder.In the book, Jan talks about interviewing Michael Jackson and how overbearing, controlling and paranoid his father was during the process.Jan and Sandie’s age tended to disarm many of the musicians, they were seen as either non-threatening or as peers.For 50 years, all 8 of the magazine girls have stuck together, they grew up together and have gone through life as a group. They nurtured one another and weren’t competitive, supporting one another.Some of the reputations of the people they interviewed have come into dispute, Jan and Sandie note that it’s complex and in the modern world there are a lot more opinions and rules compared to the world they were interviewing in.BEST MOMENTS “We were the gogglebox of the past, in person”“I was the youngest journalist ever to interview Elton John”“We were 17 and interviewing Rock Gods”“Everything was a lot more chill and laid back, you didn’t have the thought police looking over your shoulder” “You found something about each other that your loyal and your friendship outweighs everything”“Our kids love all the music we grew up with”“It was a different world them, people, whether for good or bad, accepted peoples ways”If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, and review it on your podcast platform. We read every email sent to us at twowomenchatting@gmail.com so please get in touch! Check out our supporting blogs on this topic at www.twowomenchatting.com.EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magazine-Girls-1960s-1980s/dp/1803136200Connect with Us:🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.Com/my-blog Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Two Women Chatting Liz and Michelle talk to Patsy Dhir, a personal stylist and colour expert who has worked with celebrities such as Julien MacDonald OBE, Paul Costello, Huishan Zhang and Sharon Wauchob as well as working on catwalk shows including London Fashion Week.They ask Patsy to share her tips on choosing fabrics with 'climate control', the importance of good underwear (or shape wear), how to camouflage our less favourite wobbly bits and how to save money when you need an outfit for a special occasion. She also talks about how to make your wardrobe more sustainable giving both planet-saving and money-saving advice, reveals how our bodies change every 7 years and gives tips on how to dress for your unique self.KEY TAKEAWAYSShop your wardrobe, look at what you already have, and can you reinvent it with accessories or even have it altered. There are many ways you can elevate an existing outfit.Try to buy natural and organic fabric pieces and look at things that are classic rather than trend-led.Pre-loved is a great way to get unique and sustainable outfits for your wardrobe. You can also look at hiring something high-end without the price tag of buying it.The best breathable fabrics for long or hot days include natural fabrics such as cotton, linen and ecovero. Linen mixes can be an alternative for a crease-free outfit.If you are petite, then buy petite ranges, otherwise, the proportions will be out and won’t do you justice. Any clothes size can still be 'petite' if you are 5'2" or under.As an apple shape, pay attention to where the waist sits on clothes, a-lines and wrap tops can work very well and ensure to accentuate your slimmer legs with a shorter hemline and the right shoes.Spanx and control wear can make an outfit look sleeker and give you extra confidence. Underwear provides the foundation for any outfit. BEST MOMENTS “It’s not about buying brand new outfits every time”“You can go searching for amazing designers and a fraction of the price”“Just be a bit more mindful about when you’re buying, what you’re buying and what is it made from as well”“Buy well, buy less and buy sustainable”“We have to be a bit kind to ourselves and appreciate our bodies”“Underwear is the building block to your outfit”If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, and review it on your podcast platform. We read every email sent to us at twowomenchatting@gmail.com so please get in touch! Check out our supporting blogs on this topic at www.twowomenchatting.com.EPISODE RESOURCES https://londoncollegeofstyle.com/success-stories/patsy-dhir/www.stylefixuk.comConnect with Us:🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.Com/my-blog Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liz and Michelle have recently spent some time listening to the last year of episodes of Two Women Chatting in preparation for the British Podcast Awards! They both really enjoyed going down memory lane, relearning some fantastic advice and tips from many guests and laughing along the way. They thought it would be great to share a few of their favourite topics all over again. So, whether you’re new here or a seasoned listener, dive in for some of the best bits of Two Women Chatting!TOP 5 EPISODES Toni Hargis | Standing Up to Sexism Liz and Michelle are joined in this episode by Toni Hargis to chat about recognising and dealing with sexism in today's world. A subject that author and columnist Toni covers in her book –How to Stand Up to Sexism. Angie Best | Second Spring One of Two Women Chatting’s funniest episodes! Angie has worked for decades with body health and confidence: experience that she tapped into to create the Absolute Best CBD oil and skincare range. They chat to her about the joys of a 'second spring' and enjoying life as a mature woman. Menopause | Part 1 Liz and Michelle chat to Carolyn Harris MP who helped set up the menopause mandate and tackled wider societal issues that impact women’s menopause and experiences Anthea Turner | How to Age Well: The Secrets TV presenter and author of How to Age Well, Anthea joins Liz and Michelle to talk all things health, beauty and aging, she teaches us all how to age well and not self-sabotage. Linda Magistris | Good Grief Linda talks to Liz and Michelle about grief and how it has no timeline and talks about her organisation and how it is from the bereaved for the bereavedIf you enjoyed this episode, please rate, and review it on your podcast platform. We read every email sent to us at twowomenchatting@gmail.com so please get in touch! Check out our supporting blogs on this topic at www.twowomenchatting.com.EPISODE RESOURCES How to Stand Up to Sexism https://www.tonisummershargis.com/How to Age WellConnect with Us:🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.Com/my-blog Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liz and Michelle are joined by singer, actor, television personality and Eurovision host Claire Sweeney. They chat about Claire’s upcoming role in Coronation Street and of course all things Eurovision including revealing what the ‘alternative scouse commentary is all about and why they think this year the UK might win!KEY TAKEAWAYS There have been some great acts in Eurovision across the years who remain well known today, Cliff Richard, Sandy Shaw and Lulu to name a few!Eurovision being hosted in the UK this year means a lot more of us will probably be watching, and reminiscing, over past years of the programme and what it meant to us.Liverpool is the perfect city to host Eurovision, the birthplace of so many great musical acts and a real music hub.There has been a search to find ‘the voice of Liverpool’ to co-host alongside Claire and she couldn’t be more excited by who has been chosen, a man named Paul Quinn with an encyclopaedic knowledge of Eurovision!If you want to hear the alternative scouse commentary to Eurovision you just have to press the red button to hear Claire and Paul, you can also tune into Radio Merseyside.Claire is everywhere at the moment because of Eurovision as well as, after manifesting for it for 15 years, a role on Coronation Street! Claire will be playing Tyrone’s mum and will be appearing on screens in June.Singing was Claire’s first love and this is something she shares with her 8-year-old son Jaxon.The UK hasn’t won Eurovision for over 25 years, Liz, Michelle and Claire think this year could well be the year!BEST MOMENTS “It’s fun to reminisce…it was such a part of our childhood I think”“It’s lovely that the UK has stepped up and it’s going to be in Liverpool the home of such incredible music acts”“I think we’re going to have a lot of ex-Eurovision artists turning up and in the vicinity” “In 1974 the UK didn’t give any points to ABBA, isn’t that shocking when they won!”If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, and review it on your podcast platform. We read every email sent to us at twowomenchatting@gmail.com so please get in touch! Check out our supporting blogs on this topic at www.twowomenchatting.com.Connect with Us:🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.Com/my-blog  This show was brought to you by Progressive Media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liz and Michelle are joined by TedX speaker, mentor, coach and mental toughness advocate Penny Mallory. After a difficult start in life, Penny has defeated the odds and embraces anything considered tough; from cold therapy to marathons!This episode is an honest, inspiring and sometimes controversial conversation about mental toughness including what it actually is, what happens when we don’t have enough of it and what we all can do to build more resilience into our lives and thrive.KEY TAKEAWAYS Mental toughness is your ability to manage stress, pressure and challenges. Things present in everyday life!What you can deal with and manage varies throughout our lives and even day to day.At times, people just need to accept their reality and work hard. Life isn’t always easy.Empathy and self-awareness are essential components of mental toughness.Age brings wisdom, you see situations differently as you age, and this impacts your resilience to situations.Uncertainty creates stress and the entire world has just gone through one of the biggest uncertainties and stressful situations: the pandemic.The children of the pandemic will be struggling with resilience, especially going into work environments but Penny is a realist and believes they need to help themselves and begin to build mental toughness.The way we learn mental toughness is by going through tough experiences, if we miss out on these or actively avoid them then we are doing ourselves a disservice.Support isn’t always helpful, you have to learn to build your own strategies to help yourself deal with and manage situations, too much support hinders this development.Dealing with a dysfunctional childhood and leaving home at just 14 meant that Penny had to become independent and teach herself almost everything. Although she didn’t realise it at the time, she was building her mental toughness which has put her on the trajectory for everything she has achieved since.Penny believes if this country is going to thrive then we need to learn mental toughness and learn to move forward.There are many chapters in women’s mid-life where mental toughness is a huge asset and benefit, from menopause to the major changes when children leave home.It may feel like a boring answer but eating well and exercising are really the two things that can improve your life at any stage.Practising tolerating discomfort regularly, such as a cold shower, will build discipline and resilience which will translate to other areas in your life.Drive trumps talent. Skill isn’t as important as many people think, the person who wants something the most and works for it will always win. EPISODE RESOURCES https://pennymallory.co.ukhttps://www.instagram.com/mallory.penny/?hl=en Connect with Us:🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.Com/my-blog Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

These days you can barely walk down a high street or flick a magazine without coming across CBD stories and products. It´s a flood of information that is actually quite confusing and overwhelming. Today, with the expert help of Sam Day and Lorraine Clark, the co-founders of HapiHemp, Liz and Michelle discuss some of the most important questions. Including, what exactly CBD is and whether it is even legal in the UK. As well as the various ways you can take it and how all four of them have benefited from using a range of CBD products to help them with sleep issues, anxiety, pain, serious hormonal imbalances, the side effects of cancer treatment and healing after major surgery.KEY TAKEAWAYS If you are on any kind of medication, seek medical advice before using CBD products.CBD is a non-psychoactive, non-addictive component of the hemp plant.CBD broad spectrum does not include THC and will not get you high.CBD is legal in the UK and CBD has been declared safe by the World Health Organisation.Other cannabinoids, including THC or CBN, are illegal.CBD is available in many formats including – gummies, tea, pills, drinks, drops, gels, bath bombs and many more.BEST MOMENTS “It was like somebody had given me my life back.”“Within a week, I had vastly reduced pain all over my body and my fatigue had vastly reduced as well.”“Tom Hanks, he's been using it for anxiety and helping Cornell University with studies on diabetes”“Our tea it's something we've created with a nutritionist”If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, and review it on your podcast platform. We read every email sent to us at twowomenchatting@gmail.com so please get in touch! Check out our supporting blogs on this topic at www.twowomenchatting.com.EPISODE RESOURCES Hapi Hemp - Lorraine Clark and Sam Day Two Women Chatting CBD blog with listener offers and discountsConnect with Us:🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.Com/my-blog Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liz and Michelle welcome ex Blue Peter presenter, Katy Hill, to their new 'Wendy-house'-style TWC studio in the garden.Katy is a personal development and empowerment coach, speaker, podcaster, BAFTA, and NTA award-winning broadcaster, and writer. She is well known as the daredevil Blue Peter presenter who was the first civilian to fly with the Red Arrows and the first woman to present the Hit40UK show.Katy was tenacious in her goals, badgering the editor of Blue Peter with showreels until she got the audition that kickstarted her remarkable career. Given her achievements, it´s hard to believe that she describes herself as ‘the shy girl’ at school! Overcoming this crippling shyness has inspired her to train extensively as a Personal Development Coach and NLP Practitioner and found LIMITLESS By Katy Hill. She coaches women, empowering them to recognise what they want, then overcome their fears and societal resistance to get exactly that. It's not uncommon that midlife women 'lose' themselves and have less confidence. Life coaches can help their clients get back on track with a gameplan to achieve their goals during our empowering second spring. KEY TAKEAWAYS At some point in their lives, most women lose themselves.Women tend to put the needs of others before theirs.Over time many women´s lives narrow to the point where they are confined to “playing chopsticks” instead of being able to enjoy playing the whole keyboard.It´s about taking action. You have to commit to change.Midlife really is your second spring.BEST MOMENTS “Girls still got sewing kits for Christmas, I didn´t want a sewing kit, I wanted to drive a fast-racing car.”“I´ve talked to so many women in midlife who say they’ve lost themselves”“I look on midlife as such a gift”“It´s no good getting all of the knowledge if you are not going to implement it.”If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, and review it on your podcast platform. We read every email sent to us at twowomenchatting@gmail.com so please get in touch! Check out our supporting blogs on this topic at www.twowomenchatting.com.ABOUT KATY HILLKaty Hill is a Personal Development and Empowerment Coach, Speaker, Podcaster, award-winning broadcaster, and writer. Possibly best known by our listeners as a daredevil Blue Peter presenter who was the first civilian to fly with the Red Arrows during her six-year stint on the prestigious children’s tv show.After fronting other iconic tv shows in the UK and hosting radio breakfast shows CapitalFM and Heart she ticked off another first by becoming the first woman to host a network chart with Hit40UKAfter training extensively as a Personal Development Coach and NLP Practitioner - she has founded LIMITLESS By Katy Hill offering 1:1 Coaching, Keynote Speaking, Workshops, and Online CoursesEPISODE RESOURCES LIMITLESSInstagramConnect with Us:🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.Com/my-blog Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To create this star-studded midlife montage episode, Michelle went to meet three fabulous women – Dame Judi Dench, her actress daughter Finty Williams and star of screen and stage, Jenny Seagrove. In the first of a series of montages to celebrate being a midlife or older woman, Michelle asked them all what was the best thing about life in our second spring.Liz and Michelle chat about Jenny Seagrove's charity Mane Chance Sanctuary that rescues and rehabilitates horses with the community,  Dame Judi's tik-tok star grandson, Sam William, dancing with Louis Theroux, Skyfall filming anecdotes and how Judy Dench uses her photographic memory to help her work despite age-related macular degeneration, diagnosed in 2012.“In my mind’s eye I'm 6 feet and willowy and about 39,” she told the Guardian in an interview in 2021.You'll be glad to know Dame Judi did not disappoint - her warmth, laughter and personality shone through, despite her 88 years she is as vibrant as ever - and quite the tik-tok dancer!KEY TAKEAWAYS Whether you see yourself as old is down to how you think about age.Being a midlife woman translates into freedom to do what you want.The older you get, the less what others think matters.Being around young people, staying active, and doing what you love keeps you feeling young, regardless of age.BEST MOMENTS “There is no such thing as an older woman. You still feel incessantly young and ridiculous, but you don´t care so much.”“I don´t have to worry about whether I´m the thinnest or the most glamorous.”“Clint Eastwood said – don´t let the old man in, the same goes for women”“That´s why god gave me elbows.”If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, and review it on your podcast platform.  We read every email sent to us at twowomenchatting@gmail.com so please get in touch! Check out our supporting blogs at www.twowomenchatting.com.EPISODE RESOURCES  Mane Chance SanctuaryABOUT THE HOSTSLiz Copping is a networking pro & event consultant, leaping out of her comfort zone to co-host this podcast.Lizcopping@outlook.com. insta @lizcoppingtwcMichelle Ford is a professional voice actor and empty nester pressing reset, enjoying a new career in podcasting!michelleford1000@gmail.com. insta @michellefordtwcCONTACT METHODhttps://www.instagram.com/twowomenchatting/https://twitter.com/ChattingTwohttps://www.facebook.com/twowomenchattingPODCAST DESCRIPTIONJoin hosts Liz and Michelle redefining life over 50 as empty nesters, embracing the highs and lows of midlife with celebrity guests and experts, sharing a laugh on their podcast sofa. We talk about real concerns, issues, and fun topics that affect us, our friends, and our family. Midlife is not just about the menopause (although we’d be the first to admit it’s right up there!) but it is a time of adventure, change and reset - with plenty of opportunities and challenges along the way. Whether we’re chatting about ‘boomerang kids,’ diet failures (and occasional successes!), pro-ageing, travel, changing relationships, or inspiration for new jobs or activities, there’s always room for one more on our sofa. 2adb69beeeb63230b720f231d3ec431136f6ee99This show was brought to you by Progressive Media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, Liz and Michelle are joined by successful author and award-winning journalist, Alice Hart-Davis.The world is changing fast and having cosmetic work ‘done’ is more common and normalised than ever, especially among celebrities. What are ‘tweakments’, why do we often feel the need to alter ourselves as we age and if you’re considering it what do you need to know? Alice, Liz and Michelle discuss all these questions and more in an open conversation all about tweakments, including Alice’s own knowledge and her expert guide: ‘The Tweakments Guide’KEY TAKEAWAYS Tweakments are non-surgical cosmetic medical procedures. Only consider having Tweakments done by an expert. In the UK, there are a lot of untrained people offering these services, so research carefully.A good practitioner will spend a lot of time studying your face while talking to you, so they can provide you with treatments that are tailored to the way your face looks and moves.Aging is complex with many factors, you often need a variety of treatments for the best result.Take a gentle approach, try one treatment. Then, if you like the results you can do it again and maybe try something else too.Wanting to look your best is not vanity. It's all about what is right for you.BEST MOMENTS “I feel good when I look a bit better if I’m honest and I’m not anti-aging”“These are cosmetic medical procedures. They involve needles, local anaesthetic, or energy-based devices.”“The consultation becomes almost the most important part of the whole treatment journey.”“There's no one tweak that will fix it all.”If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, and review it on your podcast platform. We read every email sent to us at twowomenchatting@gmail.com so please get in touch! Check out our supporting blogs on this topic at www.twowomenchatting.com.EPISODE RESOURCES  Wentworth AestheticsThe Tweakments Guide WebsiteAlice Hart- Davis InstagramABOUT THE GUESTFor over 20 years, Alice Hart-Davis has written about skincare, beauty, anti aging, cosmetic procedures and health for The Telegraph, the Mail on Sunday, the London Evening Standard and many others.That wealth of knowledge that has enabled her to create The Tweakments Guide. Her content platform provides independent information about non-surgical aesthetic treatments, like fillers and lasers. It is a great resource to find out what procedures are available, what it involves and how to find the best practitioner. Connect with Us:🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.Com/my-blog Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liz and Michelle are joined in this episode by Toni Hargis to chat about recognising and dealing with sexism in today's world. A subject that author and columnist Toni covers in her book – How to Stand Up to Sexism.They discuss why, even today, most of us still just accept sexism. As well as, how to empower ourselves, our daughters, and our sisters not to ignore or put up with it anymore. Explaining how we can embrace equity so we can all live in a gender-equal world without bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. They share practical, simple-to-implement ways to do exactly that. Things everyone, male or female, can do to turn the tide.KEY TAKEAWAYS Sexism is treating one sex differently from the other to their disadvantage, which creates a toxic power balance.As well as explaining to our girls what sexism looks like and how to deal with it, we need to educate our boys.There is still a lot of passive sexism e.g. always asking the only woman in the meeting to take the notes.When challenging sexism, what you say, how, and when all need to be weighed up. Toni´s book includes a range of approaches that can easily be adapted to each situation.Eleanor Roosevelt said "No one can make you feel inferior without consent." She is right, people pick on submissive people.Women are constantly told to be nice, so we tend to let people interrupt us, not let us speak, or ignore what we are saying.Nobody says to men they can't have it all - but they will say that to women.Sexism works against men too. It puts them in a box and restricts their choices.Thank goodness for this book. It's a must-read for anyone who wants attitudes to change." Victoria Derbyshire, British journalist, newsreader and broadcaster.BEST MOMENTS “It is education of what it (sexism) is, as well as educating boys not to behave in a certain way.”“Everybody has to challenge it (sexism). If you´re standing back saying nothing, you´re part of the problem.”“Younger women don't have the skills, experience, or confidence.”“There´s a lot of emphasis at the moment on bystander intervention.”“I thought it might be a man-bashing book. It is certainly not, quite the opposite.”If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, and review it on your podcast platform. We read every email sent to us at twowomenchatting@gmail.com so please get in touch! Check out our supporting blogs on this topic at www.twowomenchatting.com.EPISODE RESOURCES  How to Stand Up to Sexism by Toni Summers HargisLaura Bate's TEDx about SexismToni Hargis TwitterToni´s website ABOUT THE GUEST – TONI HARGISToni Summers Hargis is an author and columnist. She's got a law degree and a master's in Organisational Development and has spent years working in corporate HR training and organizational consulting. Toni has always been ardent and vocal about women's rights and equality. When her daughter recently entered the workplace, she was reminded again that despite the efforts of older women and society as a whole sexism was still a huge problem. A realisation that motivated her to write her book How To Stand Up to Sexism. It is a refreshingly down-to-earth and practical book that covers how to recognise and deal with sexism. Toni has written it in a way that equips anyone, male or female, to tackle the issue in an effective and safe way.Connect with Us:🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.Com/my-blog Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Almost everyone has suffered from a broken heart in their lifetime... from that crushing first love loss to longer more mature relationships but rejection during midlife when a relationship breaks down after decades is so devastating with kids, houses, bank accounts, longstanding friends and family all adding to the complexity of a couple uncoupling whether that's by choice or, sadly, not.Liz and Michelle are joined in this episode by Rosie Green, an awarding winning journalist and beauty editor who writes a weekly column in The Mail On Sunday, is a relationships expert on ITV’s This Morning and is the author of the best selling book ‘How To Heal A Broken Heart.'Rosie talks candidly about what she went through after her husband of 26 years suddenly walked out on her and, perhaps more importantly, how she healed.Rosie wrote her brutally honest yet often humorous book to help women in similar positions heal faster and move on. Marian Keyes described it as honest, comforting, and hopeful and Venessa Feltz said it describes what a broken heart actually feels like. During the podcast, Rosie talks through navigating the various stages of heartbreak and the road to being happy again.KEY TAKEAWAYS A lot of women don´t recognise or ignore the warning signs of infidelity. Rosie explains what they are.Often the person who is being unfaithful will feel guilt which translates into them blaming you and being angrier than usual.Rejection leaves deep scars.If you can afford it get professional help, do so. You can be brutally honest and speak openly with them in a way it is hard to do with friends and family.When you are heartbroken your body is under a lot of physical strain, so eating nourishing food is important.If you find yourself in a negative spiral, don´t be afraid to ask for help to break that cycle and do so sooner rather than later.You need to set boundaries and make sure you are not walked over.BEST MOMENTS “Pretty much everybody has experienced heartbreak in one way or another.”“Your book is brutally honest without being bitter.”“It´s one of the few books that actually describes what a broken heart feels like.”“Just because one person doesn’t want you doesn’t mean that you're unlovable.”“I tried some of my summer clothes on - The only thing that I can fit into is my shoes!”If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, and review it on your podcast platform. We read every email sent to us at twowomenchatting@gmail.com so please get in touch! Check out our supporting blogs on this topic at www.twowomenchatting.com.EPISODE RESOURCES Rosie Green’s book – How to Heal a Broken HeartLife's Rosie websiteTwo Women Chatting blogRosie Green is an award-winning journalist who writes a weekly column in the Mail on Sunday. She's a relationships expert on ITV´s This Morning and was a beauty director for 20 years for glossy magazines Elle and Red. She was also Trinny and Susannah´s assistant.When, without any warning, her husband of 26 years walked out on her, she was understandably devastated. But out of this shocking life event came something good. It prompted Rosie to write a book - How to Heal a Broken Heart. It is a heart-warming, optimistic, and sometimes humorous look at what it is like to experience the heartbreak of divorce. The book is full of practical advice designed to help women heal faster and move on. Something that has led The Times to call her the poster girl for divorce.Connect with Us:🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.Com/my-blog Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Liz and Michelle are joined by the irrepressible Angie Best. an alternative health expert and founder of Absolute Best. Angie was a former model who married the legendary English footballer, George Best, with whom she had her son Calum. a huge reality star and TV personality. Angie has worked for decades with body health and confidence: experience that she tapped into to create the Absolute Best CBD oil and skincare range. They chat to her about the joys of a 'second spring' and enjoying life as a mature woman.KEY TAKEAWAYS CBD has been demonised for decades, but things are changing, and its many benefits are once again being understood.Our bodies have a system of endocannabinoid receptors, which the CBD fills up again, fixing so many things in the process.When your endocannabinoid system is out of balance the others cannot operate effectively. When you fix that imbalance, all of the body´s other systems work better.Most of the CBD sold in stores is only an isolate. The products Absolute Best sells are broad spectrum.CBD can be rubbed into the soles of the feet.Using CBD allows your brain to create more serotonin, which enables it to calm down.The Japanese call the menopause your second spring.BEST MOMENTS “You can take your CBD and fix so much”“The reason it can help with so much, including menopause, is because your body needs it.”“The CBD works in your brain; you have receptors for it.”“There's so much that we can do in that latter part of our lives.”If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, and review it on your podcast platform. We read every email sent to us at twowomenchatting@gmail.com so please get in touch! Check out our supporting blogs on this topic at www.twowomenchatting.com.EPISODE RESOURCES  Absolute Best websiteTWC Blog on CBD: A Beginner's GuideConnect with Us:🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.Com/my-blog Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liz and Michelle are joined in this episode by Marianne Jones, to discuss why so many women burn out during midlife, which is exactly what happened to Marianne. She is an award-winning editor, writer, podcaster, and brand & content director who works with the nation’s biggest newspapers and magazines. About 18 months ago, Marianne ended up in A&E and was told she needed to take a significant period off work to recover from burnout. It was tough to do, but the change resulted in a more balanced and positive way of living and has created new opportunities.Midlife burnout is becoming increasingly common, particularly for women. To the point where the World Health Organization (WHO) has now recognised the issue. Marianne talks about what happened to her, and how working from home and letting work define who she was contributed to the situation. She also shares the steps she has taken to recover and build a more balanced life.KEY TAKEAWAYS The lines between work and home have become increasingly blurred, making it harder to switch off.Being constantly stretched and frenetically busy takes a huge toll on your physical health.Being tired but so wired you can´t fall asleep is a big warning sign.If people around you notice changes in your behaviour or worry you are too stressed, listen to them.It is OK to stop and take a break. In fact, it is essential.Throughout the day decompress, Marianne shares several ways to do that.Midlife is a good time to pause, take stock, and start to do things differently. Don´t miss out on the chance to take some of the pressure off and enjoy life more.BEST MOMENTS “Covid has blurred the lines a lot between home and work life.”“Your body just cannot cope, at this stage of life, with what your mind is going through.”“It just felt like I had woken up one day having been flung off a fairground ride onto a sofa with hypertension and the Cockapoo.”“You're still using your skills and abilities, but just not doing so much.”If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, and review it on your podcast platform. We read every email sent to us at twowomenchatting@gmail.com so please get in touch! Check out our supporting blogs on this topic at www.twowomenchatting.com.EPISODE RESOURCES  Sunday Times article by Marianne Jones about Midlife BurnoutConnect with Us:🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.Com/my-blog Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liz and Michelle are joined in this episode by Melinda Messenger, mum of three adult children who is a former Page Three girl and TV presenter. In 2015 she began practising as a qualified psychotherapist. In early April, with The Adventure Boutique, she is taking part in a trek to support the Liang Tang region of Nepal, which was devastated by an earthquake in 2015. And It’s not too late for you to join her!Melinda provides an insight into what it was like to be a Page Three glamour model, including how her view about doing that type of work changed over time. She also talks about her work as a transpersonal integrative psychotherapist. They also discuss the ups and downs of being a parent, personal relationships, and why dating apps are not for her.KEY TAKEAWAYS Despite being willing to model topless, Melinda now realises that it was still a kind of exploitation.Be mindful of what you let into your life and where you let it in from, including on social media.Identify the things that drain your energy and stay away from them.The transpersonal is the part of us that is greater than just our psychological makeup. Who we are underneath it all.Being able to identify behavioural patterns helps you to identify the root of your issues, which is essential if you want things to change.Melinda helps people to untangle the threads and facilitates people healing to regain control over their lives.BEST MOMENTS “I was also complicit in exploiting myself, in a sense.”“When people comment it is a reflection of how they view life, themselves, and others. It's actually got nothing to do with me.”“Anything that's asking for your attention is either going to take or feed your energy.”“Life is about navigating between the depths of the ocean and riding the waves.”“I could use a different name and a different picture, but that’s not really the best start to a new relationship.”If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, and review it on your podcast platform. We read every email sent to us at twowomenchatting@gmail.com so please get in touch! Check out our supporting blogs on this topic at www.twowomenchatting.com.EPISODE RESOURCES  The Adventure Boutique WebsiteABOUT THE GUESTSMelinda shot to fame after being spotted on a billboard ad she did for a windows firm in Swindon in 1997. It was an advert that made an impact - so much so that all the posters were stolen! Despite this vote of confidence, at one stage Melinda felt so self-conscious that she started using heavy makeup to cover up and try to bury those feelings.She went on to become an English television presenter, glamour model, and Page Three girl. Melinda presented the magazine programme Live from Studio Five and was formerly the co-presenter of the reality show Cowboy Builders.Mum to three and now an empty nester, she parted ways with her ex-husband Wayne Roberts in 2012, and she admitted last year that she wanted to start dating again.After quitting regular television work, Melinda undertook training in psychotherapy and has practised since 2015. Now she has a new challenge, taking part in a trek to support the Langtang region of Nepal which was devastated by the 2015 earthquake.Connect with Us:🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.Com/my-blog Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Imagine your best selling novel being transformed into a huge tv series in the USA. That's what happened to Alexandra Potter, author of Confessions of a Forty-Something F-Up! Her brilliantly funny inter-generational book was optioned by Disney and will premiere on Disney+ and ABC on 7 February (a month or two later in the UK) renamed 'Not Dead Yet'.Alexandra joins Liz and Michelle to explain how realising that her life, and those of her friends, were nothing like the perfect lives being conveyed on social media inspired her to write her latest novel. This fun episode provides an insight into what is like to have a novel turned into a TV show by one of the biggest entertainment companies in the world and to know that failing doesn't really mean failure. KEY TAKEAWAYS At a certain age, women start to become invisible, despite the fact they have so much to offer which is one reason Alexandra made sure she included older female characters in her novel.It does not matter if you are in Yorkshire, London, or LA all women have similar relatable experiences and feel the same about things.The way society works makes most people feel like failures when, in reality, they are not failing.It´s never too late and you are never too old to change and do what you want.BEST MOMENTS “We were talking about James Bond actors .. and who walks in? Timothy Dalton”“I was looking at all these kinds of amazing lives, perfect lives, everybody was leading. And it looked nothing like the life I was leading.”“I just think that women when they age, they become invisible… it just drives me nuts”“It was kind of like Cinderella going to the ball,”“You don´t have to put these age limits on things,”If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, and review it on your podcast platform. We read every email sent to us at twowomenchatting@gmail.com so please get in touch! Check out our supporting blogs on this topic at www.twowomenchatting.com.EPISODE RESOURCES Alexandra Potter WebsiteABOUT ALEXANDRA POTTERBorn and raised in Yorkshire, Alexandra lived in Australia and LA for several years before settling back in the UK. Now back in London with her Californian husband and a Bosnian rescue dog, Alexandra loves getting out into nature, trying not to look at her phone, and navigating this thing called mid-life.Her first novel, What’s New, Pussycat? was published in 2000, a week before her 30th birthday, and immediately made the top ten.She has written 12 novels to date. Including Be Careful What You Wish For, Me and Mr. Darcy, which won the Best New Fiction Award at the Jane Austen Regency World Awards. As well as Love From Paris which was shortlisted for the RNA Comedy Award.Her latest novel, Confessions of a Forty-something F##k Up, has now been turned into a tv series by Disney+ for ABC in the States, starring Gina Rodriguez as Nell. The show premieres on 8 February of this year.“Not Dead Yet" follows Nell Stevens (Rodriguez), a broke and newly single self-described disaster, working to restart the life and career she left behind 10 years ago. When she lands the only job she can find – writing obituaries, Nell starts getting life advice from an unlikely source.”Connect with Us:🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.Com/my-blog Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michelle and Liz are joined in this episode by Helen Wills who is the author behind the Actually Mummy website and the host of the Teenage Kicks podcast. A show that is all about navigating teen-related parenting issues. Covering subjects that other blogs, forums, and podcasts tend not to cover. Including self-harm, eating disorders, body image, schizophrenia, sexism, avoiding dating dangers, and much more.During this three women chatting, (2 women plus a Helen) episode, they discuss why she started the podcast, how it works and how it can help. As well as talking about some of the things Helen, as a midlife woman, does to remain energetic and healthy while looking after her two children and running two very busy businesses as she heads towards an empty nest.KEY TAKEAWAYSYour teenager going through some horrible life experiences does not mean that the rest of their life will also be awful.A lot of parents worry that talking about difficult subjects with their kids will give them ideas. The opposite is true, it is far healthier to be ready to talk about these things.Don´t feel you have failed as a parent if your teenager has serious issues.Don´t judge other parents who have children that do have problems.Teenagers are fantastic, don´t fear parenting a teenager.Using bright colours can lift your mood and help you to focus on the positives.If you see someone looking good in something, tell them. Most people love it.BEST MOMENTS “There are 1000s of Facebook groups where you can talk about toilet training woes or sleepless nights, but not my child is self-harming, or my child has an eating disorder”.“I´ve done suicide first aid training and they say… you have to say the word…you have to talk about it... if it´s in their heads that is what gets them to open up.”“If I dress brightly and I´m surrounded by bright colours, I automatically think brightly.”“I did try a gratitude journal, but it made me feel really ungrateful that I had to fill this damn thing in every night.”“Say one nice thing a day (to someone), it takes zero effort, and it makes both people feel good”.If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, and review it on your podcast platform. We read every email sent to us at twowomenchatting@gmail.com so please get in touch! Check out our supporting blogs on this topic at www.twowomenchatting.com.EPISODE RESOURCES  Teenage Kicks PodcastConnect with Us:🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.Com/my-blog Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this episode, Michelle and Liz are joined by Gia Mills, a celebrity make-up artist and the co-founder of Skin in Motion. Products that are designed specifically for menopausal women and athletes. Makeup that stays on regardless of how hot you get. The list of people who use her Skin In Motion products includes Andy Murray, Jeremy Paxman, Poppy and Cara Delavigne, Nadine Baggot, Lisa Faulkner, Sienna Miller, and Natalie Imbruglia. Until the end of January, Two Women Chatting listeners can get 20% off all their products with code TWC20.Gia shares the night-time skincare routine she recommends to her clients including the best order to apply night skincare products to get the optimum results. KEY TAKEAWAYS Menopause has a big impact on how your skin looks and, of course, hot flushes don't help Estrogen helps to regulate collagen production, skin hydration, and pigmentation.Menopausal women need good coverage, but that does not have to mean using thick and claggy products.Argan oil is absorbed well without clogging your pores.Double cleansing improves the level of hydration you get from moisturising and conditioning products.It is possible to quickly calm a hot flush using a misting spray. Gia explains why the one she has developed is so effective.Reducing alcohol consumption has a positive impact on your skin.Having a good night-time regime really supports your skin. BEST MOMENTS “The menopause does affect your skin. And nobody told me that. I just thought I was getting old and haggard.”“What happens when you go through menopause is the collagen depletes, your skin can get a lot drier, more irritable, etc.”“Our products are brilliant with women who are going through certain symptoms of the menopause, and they can make them feel a bit more confident.”“What's great is that the mascara is waterproof, but it's also nourishing, lifting and it's easy to remove.”“We've got our witch-hazel water that I just sort of then double cleanse with and what that does is it gobbles up all this sort of dirt on the top of my skin.”Skin In Motion was founded by celebrity makeup artist and fitness lover Gia Mills, Skin in Motion’s purpose is to empower women with their confidence-boosting beauty products that work for all life stages, so they feel positive about their appearance.It is the UK’s number one active and mid-life beauty brand that is changing the way beauty looks and feels. Effortless, life-proof, all-in-one makeup and skincare formulas that boast long-lasting, sweatproof, and cooling ingredients.Connect with Us:🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.Com/my-blog Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michelle and Liz are joined in this episode by award-winning editor and presenter, Jo Elvin, who is the epitome of what Two Women Chatting represents. Earlier this year Jo resigned from her job as editor of the Mail on Sunday’s YOU magazine after four years at the helm, citing a midlife crisis, having bought a lot of crazy coloured jumpsuits and becoming an avid fan of Korean pop boy bands!But rather than put her feet up, Jo has taken the helm of the Children With Cancer UK charity, continued hosting the Daily Mail Plus talk show/podcast Palace Confidential, become an advocate of the Menopause Mandate and started her podcast Fame. During the show she discusses what triggered her new direction, working in fashion and her philanthropy. We touch on the Harry and Meghan situation as an Australian observing the Royal Family for Palace Confidential and she shares her thoughts about becoming an empty nester in the nearish future - and the best thing about being a midlife woman.KEY TAKEAWAYS Cancer is the biggest killer of children in the UK yet there is little money available for research.Cancer treatments are designed for adults. Often, they are too hard on children´s bodies, they suffer terrible long-term side effects.By the time you reach the mid-life stage you have far more confidence.Midlife is a great time to try some new things.Younger people are increasingly mindful of consumerism and the damage fast fashion does.Jo´s new podcast takes an in-depth look at the way fame changes how a celebrity feels and thinks.BEST MOMENTS “As scary as it was, I wanted to leave the magazine editor job when everyone thought I was great.”“It seems to me that they (Harry and Megan) have gone from one sad situation to another.”“All her clothes are vintage or second hand, so she´s a completely different animal in that respect”“Probably by the end of January, we’ll have raised £300 million for research.”EPISODE RESOURCES FAME podcast with Jo ElvinConnect with Us:🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.Com/my-blog Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In their last podcast of 2022, Michelle and Liz sit down to chat about getting ready for the festive season, a really touristy Christmas market in Berlin, advent calendars, cocktails, avoiding the snooze after lunch, and all things Christmassy. They also talk to Hannah Bartlett, one half of the sister-created company Jolly Festive, who lives and breathes Christmas 365 days a year. She shares some fantastic ways to keep the cost down without having to do without. Including, making your festive gear work harder, reverse advent calendars, modern parlor games, alternative present ideas, Christmas cushions in jumpers, and much, much more.KEY TAKEAWAYS Christmas is about being with the ones you love creating memories and enjoying traditions.You do not have to spend a fortune to enjoy a special festive season.Agreeing in advance to only buy one present or give handmade gifts this year really takes the pressure off.You can find fantastic gifts in charity shops.Having everyone bring their half-empty spirit bottles around and creating cocktails with them is great fun.Buy decorative products that can be used for other celebrations throughout the year.BEST MOMENTS “My mantra is very much a perfect Christmas doesn't have to be perfect.”“I think these are times when we need to think a bit more economically and I've said to the kids do not get us all a gift just go in together the three of you.”“Christmas is about who's around the tree, not what's under it.”“She just trailed all the charity shops in London and got all of her family gifts, things like a £200 Gucci phone case for about five quid.” (article by Suzanne Baum in Metro)“Go back to basics in terms of the decor and really think about what you can collect rather than what you can buy”EPISODE RESOURCES  Jolly FestiveConnect with Us:🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.Com/my-blog Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Grief comes to all of us at one stage or another and so Liz and Michelle wanted to tackle the subject head-on with the CEO and Founder of The Good Grief Trust, Linda Magistris.Join them as they discuss everything from the lack of support for bereaved families to dealing with both the shorter and longer-term impact of losing someone close to you. They also explore the reasons why death is such a taboo subject in the modern world and why it needs to change.KEY TAKEAWAYS There is a lack of centralised support in the health industry for bereavement. Health professionals are very inconsistent in the support and resources they offer to people suffering from grief.Dealing with death isn’t just what happens after you have lost someone. Pre-bereavement support can be invaluable.When founding The Good Grief Trust, Linda recognised that she needed to take things online. So that she could tailor support for every situation as well as keep them continually up to date.Linda’s media background reassured her that she would be able to get a lot of great recognition and support for the charity for free. To date, she has some incredible patrons of the charity including actor Dame Penelope Wilton DBE and former Wham member Shirlie kemp as well as Linda’s former co-star on Grange Hill Todd Carty, and actor, Greg Wise.Connecting various organizations and groups together was one of Linda’s main drives in building The Good Grief Trust. So that everyone could work together to create a strong network of support for anyone and everyone that needs it.There are so many different forms and types of grief, it is essential people get tailored support for what they are going through.We often don’t know how to support those around us suffering from grief, but being compassionate and kind can mean the world to someone, even if you don’t have the right words.There is no timeline for grief. It can also change. What you might need one day might be totally different a week or even an hour later. People need compassion, patience and understanding.BEST MOMENTS “If the health professionals don’t know of the big national charities, they need to have that information, they need to know what is available for everyone”“Bereavement is everyone's business. Bereavement is something that all of us are going to experience at one time” “There is no timeline for grief”“There’s an absolute lack of kindness and understanding”“Your grief is unique”EPISODE RESOURCES The Good Grief TrustABOUT THE GUEST    Linda Magistris Linda first met her partner Graham Theakston when she was an actress in the original cast of Grange Hill in 1978. Graham was one of the directors and by chance, they met again 30 years later.She had been running a portfolio of businesses since they first worked together, from a Wedding Consultancy to Vintage Tea Rooms, and Graham was a BAFTA-winning success in TV and Film and they spent 8 very happy years together until sadly he was diagnosed with a rare soft tissue sarcoma, an aggressive form of cancer, and died five and half months later.After his death, Linda struggled to cope with her grief, with limited access or knowledge around the support services that could help her individual needs. She realised that the UK did not have one central signposting resource to help health professionals in their work supporting the bereaved and so in 2016 The Good Grief Trust charity and website was launched. The Good Grief Trust is now the UK’s leading bereavement network, with over 900 charities and support services under one umbrella.  Linda’s vision is to ensure that no-one who is grieving falls through the net, and that anyone bereaved under any circumstance knows they are not alone and that there is help and hope for a way forward with their life. ‘Grief can be complicated, but access to support should never be’Connect with Us:🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.Com/my-blog Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liz and Michelle are joined in this episode by Janey Lee Grace, Kate Baily and Mandy Manners to discuss sobriety. Both Liz and Michelle are feeling sober curious, to the point where Liz is already drinking a lot less. Both of their guests became sober years ago and today help others to do the same.They talk about the impact stopping drinking has, handling FOMO and getting the buzz without the booze. How sobriety reduces the impact menopause has on our health, confidence and our ability to sleep. They also offer tips on going sober when your partner does not want to do the same.KEY TAKEAWAYS You really can get the buzz without the booze.Don´t look at going sober as giving up something. If you do you will feel deprived and will slip back into drinking.In the UK we have been brainwashed into thinking alcohol is good for us, that we need it to have a good time.Alcohol definitely is not good for us. For example, it shrinks the brain.Liz´s menopausal brain fog has diminished since she stopped drinking.Supporting your body when you stop drinking helps. The podcast includes some fantastic tips.When you don´t drink you give yourself the best chance of better health.Becoming sober is a journey, it takes a while to get used to, but is worth the effort.We are all seasonal beasts, the time of year impacts how you feel and, therefore, how easy it is to maintain sobriety.There are other ways to get that relaxed feeling that you might have got from a glass of wine. Several are shared in the podcast.Non-alcoholic treats are a must.BEST MOMENTS “It's reframing. Giving up something it's such a negative, it is depriving. You're not giving up. You're just changing.”“Keep the ritual - Change the ingredients,”“If you want any kind of behavioural change, you need both the logic and the emotional piece.”“When you take alcohol out of the picture it actually opens you up to living life vibrantly.”“Change is hard, change is uncomfortable. But it's also an opportunity for growth.”EPISODE RESOURCES Book – Happy Healthy Sober by Janey Lee GraceAlcohol-Free Life PodcastABOUT THE GUESTSJaney Lee GraceJaney Lee Grace is a UK-based BBC presenter, and author of Happy Healthy Sober - ditch the booze and take control of your life. and founder of www.thesoberclub.com. – Helping Others to get the Buzz without the booze. She is a trained health and well-being coach.Kate Baily and Mandy MannersIt became clear to both Kate Baily and Mandy Manners that traditional methods and models of sobriety were often not gender-appropriate, trauma-informed, or holistic and so together they built programs, wrote books, and recorded a podcast to raise awareness around what we as women need to get sober. To stay and love being sober. Community, connection, well-being, fun and creativity are cornerstones of Love Sober.Kate & Mandy are both ICF accredited Coaches, Coach Trainers in addictive behaviours, authors & speakers.  Mandy co-wrote the courses Love Yourself Sober & Love Sober Life School with Kate & Kate runs Love Sober & facilitates those courses and continues to record the podcast and create & curate the resources on this site. Connect with Us:🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.Com/my-blog Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, Liz and Michelle chat about the grief of losing podcast ‘mascot’ Maisie, Michelle’s 14-year-old rescue dog.As Maisie’s health deteriorated, Michelle had to make the tough decision to let her go. They talk about coming to that decision and how Michelle is handling pet bereavement. Liz and Michelle also discuss how to tell your adult kids about the loss, when they live away from home.For Michelle, coping has been all about keeping busy and distracted, moving furniture and plants to disguise the empty space, clearing out Maisie’s drawer and washing her beds to give to a dog shelter. Linda Magistris, the founder of the Good Grief Trust, reached out to Michelle to give her the name of a wonderful organisation called The Blue Cross which looks after sick, injured and homeless pets.As an empty nester, in time, Michelle will be able to have more time freedom and the ability to be more spontaneous and be able to see that as a positive. Whilst Liz, who lost her dog Billy a few years ago, decided to get a new puppy and has a few regrets about acting so quickly - but loves her new pooch Teddy to bits! KEY TAKEAWAYS You have got to do what is right for your animal even though it is difficult.Take a clip of hair and maybe keep their collar and nametag.Keep busy, it will help to distract you.When you’re ready, give their food, treats and beds to a pet charity.EPISODE RESOURCES The Good Grief TrustThe Blue CrossConnect with Us:🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.Com/my-blog Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this episode, Liz and Michelle chat remotely. Michelle is off on her empty nest travels again to Tokyo. Meanwhile Maisie, her dog, runs rings around her dog sitter, at home. Despite not being a fan of Japanese food, Michelle steps out of her comfort zone and takes a food tour that includes yakitori, stand up sushi and more. Followed by a painful Peaks of Slimness massage, which was like getting a massage from Rod Hull and Emu! In the meantime, Liz has visited the Spirit of Christmas fair in London, coming back with a lovely gift idea for perfume and jewellery lovers. She has also been working on the website creating resources for their audience, including a philanthropy guide for people who want to help others via the internet.Both of them are horrified at plans to take Bounty out of the Celebrations tub at Christmas! EPISODE RESOURCES  Philanthropy ideas you can do onlinePerfino perfume pendant Connect with Us:🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.Com/my-blog Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michelle and Liz are joined in this episode by guest ‘Miss Moneysaver’ Jasmine Birtles, a Daily Mail columnist, author, money expert and director of not one but three companies! Jasmine is also the founder and editor of one of the best-known money-making websites MoneyMagpie.com; the go-to site for information and advice on making and saving money day-to-day.Jasmine, Michelle and Liz talk about a variety of unique and creative ways you can make money in the current economic crisis, offering their own experiences and advice. Jasmine particularly focuses on sharing ways you can earn cash with little or no cost upfront with what you already have and also reveals the strangest money-making ways she has come across!KEY TAKEAWAYS When Jasmine set up moneymagpie.com, no one was talking about ways to make a bit of extra money on the side. As a freelancer, she had been finding creative ways to make money for most of her life.Dog walking is a great way to make some extra cash that doesn’t cost much to set up and has health benefits too.For empty nesters, letting out a spare room is a simple but effective way to bring in a significant amount of cash each month. There are a variety of ways you can utilise your spare room, from Airbnb to a full-time lodger to foreign exchange students.Childcare jobs offer unique opportunities to make money, you can pick up a few hours of babysitting or set up as a childminder or even train to become a doula to help birthing mothers.Jasmine has come across some very controversial ways to make money in her time, including selling knickers online but also those who make thousands of money from selling their stool!You can make around 2k a day from letting TV and film studios use your home as a set! You don’t even have to have an extravagant house to do this.If you have a creative flare, you can make a significant amount on Etsy but bear in mind after you have made a 1k profit you need to declare it.You can declutter and make cash at the same time by using apps and sites such as Vinted and eBay as well as an old-fashioned British boot sale!BEST MOMENTS “If you’re struggling at the moment and you have a room, rent it out, number 1”“How to make money selling your knickers!”“It’s all about thinking outside of the box”“If you have the knowledge then you can use a small amount of money to beget money”EPISODE RESOURCES Money MagpieConnect with Us:🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.Com/my-blog Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Exciting times ahead as Liz and Michelle begin podcasting weekly! Join them on the sofa with a cuppa talking about parents weekend, bagels in Central Park, Funny Girl on Broadway, mince pies in October, a trip to the Orkneys, Michelle's 'roadkill bingo', Gator-nado, not apple sauce and a made bed being a haven amongst chaos. For great resources, blogs and useful info for mid-lifers, check out our website at www.twowomenchatting.com. We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at twowomenchatting@gmail.com - we read everything. If you like what you hear please follow, subscribe, rate, review and all that good stuff - and tell your friends about Two Women Chatting! Join hosts Liz and Michelle redefining life over 50 as empty nesters, embracing the highs and lows of midlife with celebrity guests and experts, sharing a laugh on their podcast sofa. We talk about real concerns, issues, and fun topics that affect us, our friends, and our family. Midlife is not just about the menopause (although we’d be the first to admit it’s right up there!) but it is a time of adventure, change and reset - with plenty of opportunities and challenges along the way. Whether we’re chatting about ‘boomerang kids,’ diet failures (and occasional successes!), pro-ageing, travel, changing relationships, or inspiration for new jobs or activities, there’s always room for one more on our sofa. Connect with Us:🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.Com/my-blog Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part 2 of our Menopause series we chat to incredible women from the Menopause Mandate - Alice Smellie, Laura Biggs, Lisa Snowden and Lavina Mehta MBE.However it affects you (whether you are the menopausal woman or the partner or child of one!), we can probably all agree that choice, affordability of & access to HRT plus education can make it better and more positive. We are not advocating any one approach but absolutely support raising awareness and breaking down the taboos.The Menopause Mandate is a group of women from all walks of life who share a common interest in peri menopause and menopause. Real women, campaigners, politicians, menopause experts, celebrities and journalists devoted to creating a coalition of campaigners to achieve everyone’s ultimate goal of revolutionising the support and advice women receive from both the health service in the UK and wider society. Celebrities (including Mariella Fostrup, Davina McCall, Gabby Logan, Cherry Healy, Penny Lancaster, Carol Vorderman and Michelle Griffith Robinson) and experts like Dr Naomi Potter, Dr Juliet Balfour involved with Menopause Mandate have helped drive the narrative in the UK, raising awareness and fighting for change in government policy, workplace provisions, education and demystifying the scaremongering of HRT. The “Davina Effect” following Davina McCall’s pioneering documentary “Sex, Myths and the Menopause” was broadcast in May 2021, shining a spotlight on the realities for women going through the menopause.In this episode we continue chatting with Mandate founders & directors health journalist/author (Cracking the Menopause with Mariella Fostrup) Alice Smellie, and CEO of Intuitive Events, Laura Biggs. Along with Carolyn Harris MP & Mariella Fostrup (MM Chair - broadcaster, presenter, author and documentarian including BBC1’s The Truth About Menopause), they set up the Menopause Mandate in 2021. We’re also joined by television/radio presenter and MM patron Lisa Snowden who has openly and honestly shared her personal menopause journey on social media, through women’s groups and her Get Lifted podcast helping thousands of women feel less alone. You may well have seen Lisa on ITV’s This Morning with her fashion advice or on the latest series of Celebrity Masterchef where she was crowned winner! She’s also pretty nifty on the dance floor, making to the final of Strictly Come Dancing a few years ago.Finally, covid exercise hero and MM patron, Lavina Mehta (awarded an MBE for her services in Health & Fitness during the pandemic), chats about her peri-menopause experience and how important exercise and nutrition is for women during peri- and menopause. Lavina’s mission is to break down some of the taboos surrounding women’s health in her South Asian community.During lockdown Lavina provided free twice daily virtual workouts to help keep all ages healthy & mentally positive from home. Along with her 74 year old mother-in-law she continues to offer free Seniors Workouts in Gujarati and English through her Feel Good with Lavina platform.We are big supporters of the work of the Menopause Mandate who, along with other incredible doctors, influencers, experts, podcasters and journalists, continue to support and fight for women in this chapter of their life whether that’s in the workplace, at home or in the medicine cabinet. Join hosts Liz and Michelle redefining life over 50 as empty nesters, embracing the highs and lows of midlife with celebrity guests and experts, sharing a laugh on their podcast sofa. We talk about real concerns, issues, and fun topics that affect us, our friends, and our family. Midlife is not just about the menopause (although we’d be the first to admit it’s right up there!) but it is a time of adventure, change and reset - with plenty of opportunities and challenges along the way. Whether we’re chatting about ‘boomerang kids,’ diet failures (and occasional successes!), pro-ageing, travel, changing relationships, or inspiration for new jobs or activities, there’s always room for one more on our sofa. Connect with Us:🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.Com/my-blog Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this bonus episode, we chat to Michelle Bresnahan, founder of A Life for Cure, created in memory of her son Ryan Bresnahan. It's so important that we talk about the symptoms of meningitis B, the vaccines available (spoiler alert: they are not the meningitis vaccines you get at school - you need to PAY for them to protect your kids from this strain at college) and raise awareness within our school and parent communities.You'll find accompanying blogs and resources on our website www.twowomenchatting.com as well as handy pdfs you can add to your kids 'university packing' kit from Meningitis Now. You can find out more of Ryan's story and the work of Michelle and her family here. Common signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemiaFever with cold hands and feetVomitingDrowsy or difficult to wakeConfusion and irritabilitySevere muscle painPale blotchy skin, spots or rash (See Glass Test (link))Severe headacheStiff neckDislike bright lightsConvulsions or seizuresSomeone with meningitis or septicaemia can get a lot worse very quickly. Keep checking them. DO NOT wait for a rash. If someone is ill and getting worse, trust your instincts - Get medical help immediatelyJoin hosts Liz and Michelle redefining life over 50 as empty nesters, embracing the highs and lows of midlife with celebrity guests and experts, sharing a laugh on their podcast sofa. We talk about real concerns, issues, and fun topics that affect us, our friends, and our family. Midlife is not just about the menopause (although we’d be the first to admit it’s right up there!) but it is a time of adventure, change and reset - with plenty of opportunities and challenges along the way. Whether we’re chatting about ‘boomerang kids,’ diet failures (and occasional successes!), pro-ageing, travel, changing relationships, or inspiration for new jobs or activities, there’s always room for one more on our sofa. Connect with Us:🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.Com/my-blog Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is your head spinning on the topic of menopause? Thank goodness we have incredible women like the members of the Menopause Mandate who are helping to distil all the information in one place - educating, campaigning, raising awareness and fighting for the rights of menopausal women.Join us as we chat to Carolyn Harris MP, health journalist Alice Smellie and CEO of Intuitive Events Laura Biggs who, along with Mariella Fostrup, set up the Menopause Mandate earlier this year. They've already been heard in the Houses of Parliament and their strength (and members are growing).In Part 2 we continue the conversation with Alice and Laura - and also chat to Lisa Snowden and Lavina Mehta MBE who are using their platforms to be authentic and transparent about their perimenopause and menopause journeys - lifting the veil on symptoms, giving advice on exercise, nutrition and self-care - and breaking the taboo in the British Asian culture.HRT isn't for everyone and it's definitely not a one size fits all. There are natural remedies that can help as well. Some women sail through this chapter of their life - and others don't. We hope we can help you feel that there is choice out there, things that you can do to make your 'second spring' better and to celebrate the chapter you're in (and it wouldn't be a bad idea to get your partners to listen to these podcasts either!).Join hosts Liz and Michelle redefining life over 50 as empty nesters, embracing the highs and lows of midlife with celebrity guests and experts, sharing a laugh on their podcast sofa. We talk about real concerns, issues, and fun topics that affect us, our friends, and our family. Midlife is not just about the menopause (although we’d be the first to admit it’s right up there!) but it is a time of adventure, change and reset - with plenty of opportunities and challenges along the way. Whether we’re chatting about ‘boomerang kids,’ diet failures (and occasional successes!), pro-ageing, travel, changing relationships, or inspiration for new jobs or activities, there’s always room for one more on our sofa. Connect with Us:🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.Com/my-blog Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode we explore the benefits of collagen in midlife, how to start running at any age, the joy of golf and self care. We're joined by Jenni Falconer, Smooth FM breakfast show presenter, host of RunPod and co-founder of Kollo Health. Did you know collagen can help joint aches as an anti inflammatory, can delay greying hair (& losing hair), help weight loss, reduce cellulite, reduce fine lines, improve bone density, increase muscle mass, help repair leaky gut, protects heart and cardiovascular health and helps reduce blood pressure. That's a pretty impressive resume for any supplement! Jenni has used collagen for years and ended up setting up her own company. Jenni chats about how she set up the company with her husband, their research and commitment to the product plus her passion for golf and running whilst juggling an incredibly busy midlife. Join hosts Liz and Michelle redefining life over 50 as empty nesters, embracing the highs and lows of midlife with celebrity guests and experts, sharing a laugh on their podcast sofa. We talk about real concerns, issues, and fun topics that affect us, our friends, and our family. Midlife is not just about the menopause (although we’d be the first to admit it’s right up there!) but it is a time of adventure, change and reset - with plenty of opportunities and challenges along the way. Whether we’re chatting about ‘boomerang kids,’ diet failures (and occasional successes!), pro-ageing, travel, changing relationships, or inspiration for new jobs or activities, there’s always room for one more on our sofa. Connect with Us:🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.Com/my-blog Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 We're now in the top 25 globally for empty nest podcasts! (If we're getting really specific no. 6 globally and no.1 in the UK!)Part 2 - Well you’ve dropped them off… and there’s a gap in your life. Don’t be defined by your kids. This is the time to redefine your life, find new purpose, connect with your spouse, and enjoy less laundry! We look at ways to cope and offer some tips and ideas on how to start looking at the positive aspects of being an empty nester - whilst being realistic about the effects on the family left behind. With contributions from Celia Dodd, author of The Empty Nest, Dr Dominique Thompson of Buzz Consulting, Helen Wills, author of Actually Mummy blog and host of Teenage Kicks podcast, Suzanne Baum, lifestyle editor and celebrity interviewer, a dads eye view from actor Dave Keeling and Two Women Chatting listeners, Natalie, Caroline and Steph who all have a different perspective. Join hosts Liz and Michelle redefining life over 50 as empty nesters, embracing the highs and lows of midlife with celebrity guests and experts, sharing a laugh on their podcast sofa. We talk about real concerns, issues, and fun topics that affect us, our friends, and our family. Midlife is not just about the menopause (although we’d be the first to admit it’s right up there!) but it is a time of adventure, change and reset - with plenty of opportunities and challenges along the way. Whether we’re chatting about ‘boomerang kids,’ diet failures (and occasional successes!), pro-ageing, travel, changing relationships, or inspiration for new jobs or activities, there’s always room for one more on our sofa. Connect with Us:🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.Com/my-blog Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Part 1 - Before They Go. This stand alone bonus episode offers advice and tips from experts and parents who have been through it already. They are available totally free from our website and all usual podcast platforms. Part 2 - Once They've Gone available separately. It's time in our lives of dynamic change, emotions and opportunity. The episode are supported by blogs, resources, downloadable checklists and pdfs on our website www.twowomenchatting.com Most parents dread their kids leaving for university or college and taking that step towards becoming an empty nester - whilst others can’t wait for the freedom they’ve earned from parenting for the last 18 or more years. Some may mope for months, whilst others get back into careers or start new hobbies. There’s no right or wrong way to deal with this new chapter of our lives. From handling disappointment and options if your young adult doesn’t get the grades or university place they were hoping for, to transitioning from the small pond of school to the larger pond of higher education. We speak to Dr Dominique Thompson, of Buzz Consulting, who is a multi-award winning GP, mental health expert, TEDx speaker, author, and educator for her thoughts.How do we ‘park the helicopter’ and become consultants rather than managers? It’s not easy to allow our kids some independence and autonomy to make their own decisions (and mistakes) - but it’s all part of growing up. Victoria Bagnall, co-founder of Connections in Mind, offers some great tips.There are some really critical conversations you should have with your teen before you drop them off at college: The three S’s: sextortion (with audio from Roxy Longworth, 19 year old author of ‘When You Lose It’, drink spiking (with audio from Suzanne Baum, journalist) and sexual consent (we’re going to assume you’ve had ‘the talk’ about sex well before they get accepted to college!)Communications expectations between parent and child - being realisticThe three M’s: mental health, medical power of attorney and meningitis (we talk to Michelle Bresnahan from A Life for a Cure/Meningitis Now) Join hosts Liz and Michelle redefining life over 50 as empty nesters, embracing the highs and lows of midlife with celebrity guests and experts, sharing a laugh on their podcast sofa. We talk about real concerns, issues, and fun topics that affect us, our friends, and our family. Midlife is not just about the menopause (although we’d be the first to admit it’s right up there!) but it is a time of adventure, change and reset - with plenty of opportunities and challenges along the way. Whether we’re chatting about ‘boomerang kids,’ diet failures (and occasional successes!), pro-ageing, travel, changing relationships, or inspiration for new jobs or activities, there’s always room for one more on our sofa. Connect with Us:🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.Com/my-blog Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Note: this episode may contain triggers regarding self-harming & mental healthHave you heard of sextortion? If you haven't, do a quick search on Google and you'll probably be horrified. We were.Sexting of images or videos + threat of blackmail (money, loss of reputation etc) = sextortion and it's on the rise, in a big way, aimed at adolescents and young adults. Many parents think their kid is way too smart to fall victim to sending, receiving or asking for explicit images but please don't be naive. Statistics from the Lucy Faithfull Foundation show that 60% of children in the UK have been asked for a sexual image or video. The FBI are taking it so seriously that they've launched a national campaign in the States.In this episode we talk to Roxy and Gay Longworth who are the authors of 'When You Lose It', described by Claudia Winkelman as an "extraordinary and important book" suggesting parents "read it immediately". It details the brutally honest true story told from the perspectives of mother and daughter separately, detailing the consequences of 13 year old Roxy being coerced by an older boy to send explicit images, resulting in a psychotic mental breakdown, self-harming and suicide attempts as her life unravelled around her. Our chat with Roxy and Gay is personal and raw. They are incredibly brave to share their story to raise awareness. Roxy's story happened because of boys at her school, caring so little about her reputation that they were eventually playing Top Trumps with her images.But she's just one of thousands who have been exploited for their vulnerability. Young men are heavily targeted by organised crime, impersonating peers who gain their trust and then ask for explicit images before swiftly demanding money in exchange for not publishing them everywhere. Universities and colleges are very aware of this practice and of the devastating consequences when young people have taken their own lives, believing that their life as they know it is effectively over.We were staggered that the younger generation are not absolutely outraged by the normalisation of sending images (which is a criminal act if under 18 to both send or receive). "Oh yeah, lots of people do that" we heard. But do they know that police can get involved and enhanced background checks might raise flags years later when starting work? They could end up on the sex offenders register just for receiving an image and not deleting it immediately! We definitely don't have all the answers but we do want to highlight this issue and recommend that everyone talks to their kids about sextortion, when they're young and get a phone, when they're in middle school & discovering boys or girls for the first time, when they're leaving the nest for college. Join hosts Liz and Michelle redefining life over 50 as empty nesters, embracing the highs and lows of midlife with celebrity guests and experts, sharing a laugh on their podcast sofa. We talk about real concerns, issues, and fun topics that affect us, our friends, and our family. Midlife is not just about the menopause (although we’d be the first to admit it’s right up there!) but it is a time of adventure, change and reset - with plenty of opportunities and challenges along the way. Whether we’re chatting about ‘boomerang kids,’ diet failures (and occasional successes!), pro-ageing, travel, changing relationships, or inspiration for new jobs or activities, there’s always room for one more on our sofa. Connect with Us:🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.Com/my-blog Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's never too late to redefine yourself and your career. You can set the parameters and the purpose. By midlife we've gained skills that are perfect for dipping your toe back into work (if you've been an at home parent), volunteering or changing direction. With the average life expectancy now of 80 years plus, that's a heck of a long time from midlife to be doing something you don't enjoy or just 'settling'. If the pandemic has shown us anything, we know we can often work from anywhere. For many jobs we are not bound by geography, set hours or even set months of the year! Attitudes towards retirement age are outdated.We're joined by Lyndsey Simpson of 55/Redefined, the UK’s champion for the over-50s. Describing themselves as disruptors, they challenge the status quo, rejecting the idea that the most dynamic part of life is before 50. They advocate for age diversity, positivity and inclusion across all areas of life. We couldn't agree more! On every episode we want to bring you real voices of our listeners who may inspire you to try new things, take a risk, reinvent yourself in midlife. Justine Johnson of Birdie London teamed up with a friend back in 2017 when she was facing the empty nest. Undaunted by not having a clothes merchandising background, she and Theresa just went for it! Between them they now have a thriving business selling gorgeous Merino wool activewear. Listen to Justine at the end of this episode. If you want to skip our nonsense chatter (but why would you?! LOL) you can go straight to the good bit with Lyndsey at around 11:18 Join hosts Liz and Michelle redefining life over 50 as empty nesters, embracing the highs and lows of midlife with celebrity guests and experts, sharing a laugh on their podcast sofa. We talk about real concerns, issues, and fun topics that affect us, our friends, and our family. Midlife is not just about the menopause (although we’d be the first to admit it’s right up there!) but it is a time of adventure, change and reset - with plenty of opportunities and challenges along the way. Whether we’re chatting about ‘boomerang kids,’ diet failures (and occasional successes!), pro-ageing, travel, changing relationships, or inspiration for new jobs or activities, there’s always room for one more on our sofa. Connect with Us:🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.Com/my-blog Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following an incident that happened to Michelle's daughter, Liz and Michelle sit down with Clarissa Drysdale Anderson, chairman of You Can Free Us Foundation, an international human rights organization that is fighting modern slavery around the world through advocacy, rescue, and rehabilitation.The statistics horrified us - over 40 million people (at least) are bound in slavery across the globe. Join us as we chat about the current situation affecting women and children fleeing from Ukraine (You Can Free Us are on the ground, helping women right now) and what we can do to safeguard our families and raise awareness of this terrible problem that could literally be happening in a nail salon down your street.As a footnote to the episode, Michelle was lucky enough to meet Kate Blewett, BAFTA award winning film producer and documentarian of social issues. From Oprah's sofa to our virtual one, she shared a message of her own about modern slavery. Her documentary Slavery - A Global Investigation won a prestigious Peabody Award.Join hosts Liz and Michelle redefining life over 50 as empty nesters, embracing the highs and lows of midlife with celebrity guests and experts, sharing a laugh on their podcast sofa. We talk about real concerns, issues, and fun topics that affect us, our friends, and our family. Midlife is not just about the menopause (although we’d be the first to admit it’s right up there!) but it is a time of adventure, change and reset - with plenty of opportunities and challenges along the way. Whether we’re chatting about ‘boomerang kids,’ diet failures (and occasional successes!), pro-ageing, travel, changing relationships, or inspiration for new jobs or activities, there’s always room for one more on our sofa. Connect with Us:🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.Com/my-blog Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Menopause brain fog symptoms or undiagnosed ADHD?For women 40s plus, we're often the 'missed' generation in neurodiverse diagnosis. One finding estimates that the number of adult women with ADHD who go undiagnosed could be as high as 75%! ADHD affects everyone differently and medical practitioners have thought the depressed feelings and social anxieties were independent conditions or signs of mental illness - or even due to the menopause.So we thought we should go and chat with an expert. Cue Victoria Bagnall, co-founder and managing director of Connections in Mind. We learned a lot - even about ourselves and our family. The great thing is there are so many strategies to help, not least looking after ourselves through yoga, massage and relaxation, and the huge benefits of working on connections with family and friends. You don't need to tell us twice to grab a cuppa and have a chat that's for sure! Now we know it's actual therapy (and there's a lot of truth to that).Victoria is an expert in the field of executive functioning and has committed her life, to her "soul work", of raising awareness about these critical brain functions and how genetics and trauma can influence their development. She is committed to helping society unpick its unconscious bias towards neurodiverse people and help people to understand that executive function challenges are part of being human, and never something to be punished. She is committed to co-creating a new social system in which everyone feels nurtured, supported and valued so that they can flourish. Join hosts Liz and Michelle redefining life over 50 as empty nesters, embracing the highs and lows of midlife with celebrity guests and experts, sharing a laugh on their podcast sofa. We talk about real concerns, issues, and fun topics that affect us, our friends, and our family. Midlife is not just about the menopause (although we’d be the first to admit it’s right up there!) but it is a time of adventure, change and reset - with plenty of opportunities and challenges along the way. Whether we’re chatting about ‘boomerang kids,’ diet failures (and occasional successes!), pro-ageing, travel, changing relationships, or inspiration for new jobs or activities, there’s always room for one more on our sofa. Connect with Us:🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.Com/my-blogEmail: twowomenchatting@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anthea Turner, once named Queen of Breakfast TV and Best Dressed Woman on TV, has been a children’s tv presenter on Blue Peter, anchored GMTV (ITV breakfast show) on the morning sofa, presented the very first National Lottery, been the only non Radio 1 DJ on Top of the Pops, taught us how to be organised (way before the Home Edit and Marie Kondo!), learned to ice skate for Dancing on Ice, lived in the Celebrity Big Brother house, learned to do crazy skiing on reality show The Jump, threw herself backwards out of a helicopter on Celebrity SAS and more recently enjoyed a bit of Dirty Dancing on the reality show. Anthea's iconic hairstyle has inspired thousands of women and her natural zest for life and bubbly personality is probably the best advertisement for her new book How to Age Well: The Secrets. She is the 'poster-girl' for looking fantastic at every decade and it's hard to believe she's now 61. Her 'secrets' are honest, well researched and sensible advice that we should all be following from our twenties but can enhance our health, wellbeing and sense of confidence at absolutely any age. With tips from the health, style and beauty experts she has consulted throughout her career, her book is an easily approachable encyclopaedia on looking and feeling great. Join hosts Liz and Michelle redefining life over 50 as empty nesters, embracing the highs and lows of midlife with celebrity guests and experts, sharing a laugh on their podcast sofa. We talk about real concerns, issues, and fun topics that affect us, our friends, and our family. Midlife is not just about the menopause (although we’d be the first to admit it’s right up there!) but it is a time of adventure, change and reset - with plenty of opportunities and challenges along the way. Whether we’re chatting about ‘boomerang kids,’ diet failures (and occasional successes!), pro-ageing, travel, changing relationships, or inspiration for new jobs or activities, there’s always room for one more on our sofa. Connect with Us:🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.Com/my-blogEmail: twowomenchatting@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's one of those awful scenarios that is darkly joked about... spouses literally dropping dead on the golf course when they retire. But it happens. And it turns out there is a scientific reason for executives (both men and women) to suffer from catastrophic health events when they finally have time for hobbies and leisure. Joining us on the sofa this week is Jo Martin. Jo is a mental health consultant and MHFA (England) instructor. During her colourful life (which should be a stand alone episode!), she has been a matron of a mental hospital in Uganda, developing community projects for women affected by war and violence, spent time working with the Lost Boys of Southern Sudan, worked in Rwanda during the genocide and then into a life alongside her husband in the diplomatic service with postings to Washington, Berlin, Delhi and Rome. Back in the UK she has run her own mental health training and consulting business working with UK and international companies and organisations developing workplace mental health programmes, running awareness courses through her company Working Minds Training and Consulting.  It seems the key to a healthy retirement is to approach it years ahead, incrementally adding hobbies and social relationships that will sustain and stimulate you when your desk is no longer brimming over and your stress levels can reduce. Listen to Jo's advice for living a long and happy life for years after retirement - and how to help you or your partner get ready for a new chapter. Join hosts Liz and Michelle redefining life over 50 as empty nesters, embracing the highs and lows of midlife with celebrity guests and experts, sharing a laugh on their podcast sofa. We talk about real concerns, issues, and fun topics that affect us, our friends, and our family. Midlife is not just about the menopause (although we’d be the first to admit it’s right up there!) but it is a time of adventure, change and reset - with plenty of opportunities and challenges along the way. Whether we’re chatting about ‘boomerang kids,’ diet failures (and occasional successes!), pro-ageing, travel, changing relationships, or inspiration for new jobs or activities, there’s always room for one more on our sofa. Connect with Us:🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.Com/my-blogEmail: twowomenchatting@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jenny Seagrove, apart from being an absolute powerhouse in the acting world, created a sanctuary for horses called Mane Chance Sanctuary. We chat about what that means to her, how it came about and how the relationship between horses and humans can be so valuable. Join hosts Liz and Michelle redefining life over 50 as empty nesters, embracing the highs and lows of midlife with celebrity guests and experts, sharing a laugh on their podcast sofa. We talk about real concerns, issues, and fun topics that affect us, our friends, and our family. Midlife is not just about the menopause (although we’d be the first to admit it’s right up there!) but it is a time of adventure, change and reset - with plenty of opportunities and challenges along the way. Whether we’re chatting about ‘boomerang kids,’ diet failures (and occasional successes!), pro-ageing, travel, changing relationships, or inspiration for new jobs or activities, there’s always room for one more on our sofa. Connect with Us:🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.Com/my-blogEmail: twowomenchatting@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're 'that' generation. The ones sandwiched between seeing our kids off to university but still looking after our parents who are living longer. We call it 'carenting' and in this episode we chat to Anne Bangs and Doreen Hall of TLC to get some tips on handling this period of our lives to help us (and our parents) navigate this chapter of life. Join hosts Liz and Michelle redefining life over 50 as empty nesters, embracing the highs and lows of midlife with celebrity guests and experts, sharing a laugh on their podcast sofa. We talk about real concerns, issues, and fun topics that affect us, our friends, and our family. Midlife is not just about the menopause (although we’d be the first to admit it’s right up there!) but it is a time of adventure, change and reset - with plenty of opportunities and challenges along the way. Whether we’re chatting about ‘boomerang kids,’ diet failures (and occasional successes!), pro-ageing, travel, changing relationships, or inspiration for new jobs or activities, there’s always room for one more on our sofa. Connect with Us:🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.Com/my-blogEmail: twowomenchatting@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join hosts Liz and Michelle redefining life over 50 as empty nesters, embracing the highs and lows of midlife with celebrity guests and experts, sharing a laugh on their podcast sofa. We talk about real concerns, issues, and fun topics that affect us, our friends, and our family. Midlife is not just about the menopause (although we’d be the first to admit it’s right up there!) but it is a time of adventure, change and reset - with plenty of opportunities and challenges along the way. Whether we’re chatting about ‘boomerang kids,’ diet failures (and occasional successes!), pro-ageing, travel, changing relationships, or inspiration for new jobs or activities, there’s always room for one more on our sofa. Connect with Us:🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.Com/my-blogEmail: twowomenchatting@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join hosts Liz and Michelle redefining life over 50 as empty nesters, embracing the highs and lows of midlife with celebrity guests and experts, sharing a laugh on their podcast sofa. We talk about real concerns, issues, and fun topics that affect us, our friends, and our family. Midlife is not just about the menopause (although we’d be the first to admit it’s right up there!) but it is a time of adventure, change and reset - with plenty of opportunities and challenges along the way. Whether we’re chatting about ‘boomerang kids,’ diet failures (and occasional successes!), pro-ageing, travel, changing relationships, or inspiration for new jobs or activities, there’s always room for one more on our sofa. Connect with Us:🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.Com/my-blogEmail: twowomenchatting@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join hosts Liz and Michelle redefining life over 50 as empty nesters, embracing the highs and lows of midlife with celebrity guests and experts, sharing a laugh on their podcast sofa. We talk about real concerns, issues, and fun topics that affect us, our friends, and our family. Midlife is not just about the menopause (although we’d be the first to admit it’s right up there!) but it is a time of adventure, change and reset - with plenty of opportunities and challenges along the way. Whether we’re chatting about ‘boomerang kids,’ diet failures (and occasional successes!), pro-ageing, travel, changing relationships, or inspiration for new jobs or activities, there’s always room for one more on our sofa. Connect with Us:🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.Com/my-blogEmail: twowomenchatting@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join hosts Liz and Michelle redefining life over 50 as empty nesters, embracing the highs and lows of midlife with celebrity guests and experts, sharing a laugh on their podcast sofa. We talk about real concerns, issues, and fun topics that affect us, our friends, and our family. Midlife is not just about the menopause (although we’d be the first to admit it’s right up there!) but it is a time of adventure, change and reset - with plenty of opportunities and challenges along the way. Whether we’re chatting about ‘boomerang kids,’ diet failures (and occasional successes!), pro-ageing, travel, changing relationships, or inspiration for new jobs or activities, there’s always room for one more on our sofa. Connect with Us:🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.Com/my-blogEmail: twowomenchatting@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.