Magnificent Midlife

Lucy Standing is the co-founder of Brave Starts, a not-for-profit supporting people in midlife and beyond to rethink work, purpose and what comes next. She's the author of Age Against the Machine, a chartered psychologist with a background in recruitment and a passionate voice on ageism, work and the realities of longer working lives. Brave Starts supports more than 900 members navigating career change, redundancy, freelance and portfolio work or simply asking better questions about how they want to spend the years ahead. This is a fascinating conversation about working in an ageist world. We talk about: -Why retirement is a relatively modern invention and why it no longer fits the reality of longer, healthier lives -The myths surrounding older workers, productivity and motivation -How ageism operates "through the back door" in recruitment systems -Why CVs are one of the least effective tools for predicting job success -The concept of predictive validity and what actually works better than interviews and C

I'm delighted to be introducing a brand-new topic to the podcast: modern grandparenting. It's not a life stage I'm personally entering just yet - but as Magnificent Midlife continues to evolve, it's one that feels increasingly important to talk about. My guest is Dee Dee Moore, founder of More Than Grand, an online hub dedicated to helping new grandparents make the very best of their role. Dee Dee brings a sharp understanding of family dynamics, communication and boundaries - and a refreshing honesty about how easy it is to get grandparenting wrong, even with the best intentions. We talk about: -Why grandparenting has become more complicated and more emotionally loaded than ever before -The growing trend of parents limiting or cutting off contact with grandparents (and why it happens) -How modern parenting culture, social media and constant advice have increased anxiety for new parents -Why supporting the parents - not indulging the grandchild - is the most important grandparent role -Common missteps gra

Vijay Bassi Reed is a former communications specialist who retrained in midlife as a personal trainer and nutrition coach. She is also a competitive HYROX and fitness racer. Her midlife transition emerged from burnout and hormonal change, leading to a deliberate reassessment of health, work and identity - and a stronger, more sustainable way of living. We talk about: -Vijay's journey from senior corporate communications roles to midlife personal trainer and nutrition coach -How anxiety, burnout and perimenopause quietly derailed confidence (long before menopause was named) -Why so many women are offered antidepressants  -Menopause as an opportunity to reassess identity, values and how we want to live -The role of structured movement in rebuilding trust in the body -Discovering strength training, HIIT - and unexpectedly falling in love with running -What HYROX is and why it's resonating with women in their 40s, 50s and beyond -Completing a first marathon in midlife  -Cultural attitudes to food, alcohol and

Susan Dabbar is the founder and editor-in-chief of PROVOKEDmagazine – a bold, unapologetic digital magazine for women 50+, challenging and redefining how older women are seen, heard and represented. Susan's career has been shaped by fearless pivots. She began as a naval architect designing nuclear submarines, went on to shape brand strategy at companies including Disney and Nestlé, played professional poker, worked as an international education consultant – and then, in her 60s, launched a media platform because she couldn't find content that truly respected women's intelligence and lived experience. We talk about: -Why Susan launched Provoked after retiring – and why she wasn't finished yet The cultural gap in media for women over 50 (and why "Good Housekeeping" still exists) -Designing nuclear submarines – and knowing when it's time to walk away -What poker taught Susan about patience, power and underestimation -The myth of "passion" and why it can hold women back -How women learn to stop performing and sta

I was deeply moved by my guest Lisa Boehm. Lisa's life changed forever when her daughter, Katie, was killed in a car accident – an experience no parent should ever have to endure. In the years since, she's found remarkable strength and purpose, transforming her grief into a force for healing and connection. This is probably the most difficult interview I've ever done. I hope you find it as powerful as I did. Lisa is a certified grief educator, author of Journey to Healing: A Mother's Guide to Navigating Child Loss, and founder of the Angel Moms Community, where she supports other parents walking this most difficult path. We talk about: -Navigating grief as a parent -Understanding grief and its complexities -Misconceptions about grief -Communicating with grievers and what to say -The healing process as an active journey -Honoring loved ones -The impact of grief on identity and relationships -The transformative power of gratitude -Grief and family dynamics -Navigating grief in relationships -The role of therapy

Caron Grossman is a registered nurse, breathwork facilitator, author and heart attack survivor. Her memoir, Listen to Your Heart Song: Navigating the Unexpected, weaves together her experiences of adolescent grief, addiction, recovery and a near-fatal heart attack, offering hope, honesty and practical insight for anyone navigating their own unexpected life events. We talk about: -How Caron's heart attack actually began  -Why the classic male symptoms of heart attack still dominate emergency call scripts and training -How many women are told they're having an anxiety attack or indigestion when they're actually having a cardiac event -The legacy of her mother's early death from a misdiagnosed heart attack, and how that shaped Caron's life and choices -The emotional impact of "doing everything right" and still having a heart attack  -Practical tools for women worried about heart disease risk -The importance of tuning into unusual symptoms in women  -How grief in adolescence led Caron into addiction, binge eating

Tami Stackelhouse is an award-winning author, founder of the International Fibromyalgia Coaching Institute and executive producer of the documentary Invisible. She's dedicated to helping people with fibromyalgia reclaim control of their bodies and their lives, so they no longer feel trapped by pain, exhaustion or uncertainty. Fibromyalgia is so often misunderstood, minimised or brushed aside – and yet it affects many women in midlife. I've been wanting to explore this topic for ages and I'm delighted to finally do so with someone who brings both deep expertise and lived experience. If you're navigating unexplained pain, relentless fatigue, brain fog or simply want to understand this condition better, this conversation is one you won't want to miss. We also talk about: -The impact of age and gender on fibromyalgia -Common misconceptions and stigmas -Daily life and management strategies -Tami's personal journey in overcoming fibromyalgia -The need for more research and awareness -The historical context of fibro

I'm delighted to welcome back Keren Etkin to the podcast! Keren is a gerontologist, entrepreneur, and author of The AgeTech Revolution – a fascinating book about the intersection of technology and ageing. I love that she describes herself as an AgeTech evangelist – it captures her passion perfectly. Keren is also the founder of The Gerontechnologist and The AgeTech Academy, both dedicated to helping us understand and shape the future of ageing through innovation. We talk about how technology is reshaping the way we age, the opportunities and challenges ahead, and what it all means for those of us in midlife and beyond. We also talk about: -Tech adoption by older adults -Motivation and digital literacy -Challenges in healthcare technology -Making technology accessible -Addressing scams and digital literacy -Robotics and caregiving -Age-inclusive societies and technologies -The future of technology and personal reflections And more! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it and leave us a 5* revie

Alison Larkin is a bestselling author, comedian, producer, and narrator of over 250 audiobooks. Her acclaimed autobiographical novel The English American tells the story of an adopted English woman who finds her birth parents in America. She's also the creator of the hit one-woman show Grief… a Comedy and author of the book of the same name. Rachel first saw Alison perform at London's Soho Theatre and knew she'd be a perfect podcast guest. This conversation is funny, heartfelt, and full of insight about identity, creativity, and finding humour in life's toughest moments. We talk about: -The journey of love and loss -Finding joy after grief -Exploring love beyond death -Embracing clarity in midlife -The power of storytelling -The life of a comedian -Alison's journey of comedy and fundraising -Multiple voices and identities -Fiction vs. memoir -The craft of writing -Grief and connection -Intuition and spirituality in life's journey And more! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it and leave us a

Want to rethink everything you thought you knew about menopause? I’m thrilled to welcome back Tania Elfersy, someone I really admire and a woman with a truly refreshing take on this stage of life. This is a conversation between two women who care deeply about the state of the menoverse today! I first came across Tania while writing my book and was immediately struck by her wisdom and insight. The last time she joined me on the podcast, our conversation about menopause was very feisty – and this one is just as spirited. Tania brings such clarity, compassion and common sense to the menopause conversation. I can’t wait for you to hear this episode – it’s sure to challenge, inspire and maybe even transform how you think about current menopause narratives. We talk about: -How fear-based menopause marketing took root in the UK and spread globally -Why so much hormone therapy research is being misunderstood, misrepresented, and selectively used -The real impact of celebrity endorsements and influencer-led “menopause

We’re bringing back another powerful episode for our special Menopause Matters Season - this time with the fabulous Karen Newby. Karen is a nutritionist who’s been practising nutritional therapy for over a decade, specialising in women’s hormonal health - particularly menopause. She’s the author of The Natural Menopause Method, a brilliant nutritional guide to perimenopause and beyond, and her brand-new book The Natural Menopause Method Cookbook is out now. In her new book, Karen has compiled 60 simple, flavour-packed recipes designed to help combat and minimise the most common menopause symptoms. These are meals made for time-poor menopausal women who still want to eat well — full of nutrition and bursting with taste. From Salmon Traybake with Tarragon Pesto to ‘Stop Feeling 100’ Joint Rejuvenation Smoothie, these recipes tackle issues like fatigue, hot flushes, brain fog, irritability, and sleeplessness — showing how food can truly be medicine for this stage of life. In our conversation, Karen brings a

We’re bringing back another great episode for our special Menopause Matters Season — this time with the fabulous Tania Dalton. Tania is a healthy aging coach and fitness trainer, known for her inspiring approach to redefining what’s possible as we age. She’s passionate about showing that menopause isn’t an ending, but the beginning of a whole new chapter. Since we first recorded this episode, Tania has continued her mission, working as an online health coach helping women over 50 regain their energy so they can thrive in their careers and their lives. She’s also launched an exciting new venture — the Midlife Women’s Clinic, an online service for Australian women navigating perimenopause. The clinic provides education and connects women with GPs, Nurse Practitioners, Naturopaths, Psychologists, Nutritionists, and other experts who specialise in perimenopause. Tania brings such inspiration and practical wisdom to this conversation, sharing how lifestyle choices can transform how we age and how midlife can be th

We’re bringing back another ground-breaking episode for our special Menopause Matters Season — this time with the inspiring Karen Arthur. Karen is an educator, fashion designer, dancer, podcaster, broadcaster, author and artist. She’s the host of the Menopause Whilst Black podcast, which she created to amplify the voices of Black women going through menopause. Karen brings such honesty, creativity, and joy to this conversation. She reminds us that menopause isn’t one size fits all and that midlife can be a time to set boundaries, honour ourselves, and open up to what’s possible. And that representation matters. Here’s what we cover: -How the Black Lives Matter movement inspired Karen to create her podcast -Why menopause isn’t one size fits all -The importance of workplace support through menopause -The different menopause experience of Black women -How to actually make a difference around racial injustice -Karen’s personal journey with depression -Her realization she was going through menopause and how it cha

We’re bringing back another great episode for our special Menopause Matters Season – this time with the brilliant Angela Counsel. Angela is a naturopath, kinesiologist, and mindset coach working with women in midlife. Like me, she’s on a mission to spread the word that menopause doesn’t have to be a struggle. It can be a time of stepping into your wisdom and falling in love with yourself and your life. This conversation was recorded at a time when Covid-19 was very much part of our everyday lives, so we talk a lot about how to support both our hormonal balance and our immune systems in that context. Angela shares deep knowledge and practical tips, all grounded in her belief that midlife is a time of empowerment, not decline. This conversation is very much grounded in Lifestyle Medicine. Here’s what we cover: -How our jobs can impact our health -How a miscarriage led Angela to study naturopathy -The impact of stress on women’s bodies and how it can cause early menopause -The importance of hormonal balance at a

We’re bringing back another episode for our special Menopause Matters Season — this time with the wonderful Clarissa Kristjansson. She’s a Mindfulness and Menopause expert, author of The Mindful Menopause, and host of the Thriving Thru Menopause podcast. Clarissa is passionate about changing the way women think about menopause and aging. She brings such warmth and wisdom to this conversation, showing how mindfulness and a truly holistic approach can transform our experience of midlife. Her work continues to challenge unhelpful narratives and empower women to take charge of their own journey. Here’s what we cover: Why Clarissa became so passionate about menopause The power of mindfulness and a truly holistic approach Busting myths and unhelpful menopause narratives How women can take charge of their own experience Menopause, ageism, and the challenges of the workplace The potential impact of toxins in our lives Clarissa’s best tips for thriving through midlife and beyond And more! If you enjoyed this episode

We’re revisiting another brilliant conversation for our special Menopause Matters Season — this time with the inspiring Breeda Bermingham. She’s a social entrepreneur, founder of the Midlife Women Rock Project, and author of Midlife Women Rock: A Menopause Story for a New Generation. A former midwife and nurse, Breeda went back to full-time education at 49, completing both a psychology degree and a master’s in sociology. Impressive doesn’t even begin to cover it! This was such a moving conversation — Breeda’s wisdom and passion continue to have a profound impact on me. With more and more fear around menopause conversations, Breeda’s call to action on menopause is just as timely as ever. Here’s what we cover: -Why she wrote her book and the urgency of changing menopause narratives -Breaking taboos and giving women’s voices space to be heard -The legacy of Feminine Forever and the medicalization of menopause -Her Menopause Cafés in Ireland and the power of shared stories -What it was like returning to full-time

This is a re-release episode with the brilliant Jackie Lynch, Registered Nutritional Therapist and author of The Happy Menopause. I just love that title! Jackie’s work is all about how nutrition can help us flourish in midlife and beyond. ✨ Book news! Jackie’s latest book The Happy Menopause Guide to Energy: Nutrition to Rejuvenate Your Brain & Body is now out. While her original book The Happy Menopause: Smart Nutrition to Help You Flourish is a symptom-by-symptom guide you can dip in and out of, this new sister copy takes a different approach. It’s essentially a journey through one of her clinical programmes in book form. So many of the women Jackie sees in her clinic struggle with physical and/or mental energy in midlife, so she decided to take a deep dive into the subject. In this new book, she guides readers through a step-by-step process to regain mental clarity, physical stamina, and overall vitality. It helps you pinpoint what’s draining your energy and create a tailored action plan to rejuvenate

Maryon Stewart is known as the pioneer of the natural menopause movement. She created a non-drug but scientifically based program to overcome issues associated with menopause and has helped thousands of women. She’s written 28 books and is also a campaigner for education around drugs. She’s made it her mission to ensure women have all the information they need to manage menopause effectively without the need for medication in most instances. We talk about: -What it means to manage your menopause naturally -Why HRT isn’t the magic solution to hormonal issues -The need for a midlife refuel -The biggest nutritional deficiencies seen in midlife women -The most common issues women present with who come to consult with Maryon -The most embarrassing issues women are coping with -Maryon’s advice for low libido and vaginal dryness -How we can improve our diet and what it helps -Bloating in midlife and how to fix it -Why we can get more urinary tract infections and what to do about that And more!   If you enjoyed this

In this solo episode, host Rachel Lankester introduces a brand-new special season of the Magnificent Midlife Podcast: Menopause Matters. With World Menopause Day around the corner, Rachel is shining a spotlight on some of the inspiring menopause conversations from the Magnificent Midlife archives. She shares her own early menopause diagnosis story, why lifestyle (as) medicine (the theme of this year's World Menopause Day) is so powerful, and what listeners can expect from this empowering rerun series. She talks about: -Why she has created a dedicated menopause season -Her own early menopause diagnosis at 41 -The theme of lifestyle as medicine for World Menopause Day -Nutrition, fitness, culture, stress, and relationships etc. during menopause -Revisiting expert voices including Maryon Stewart, Karen Newby, Jackie Lynch, Karen Arthur, and Breeda Bermingham and more! -How these timeless conversations support hormonal health through perimenopause and beyond -Why menopause isn’t an end point, but an ongoing journ

Want to add something fabulous to your life? Meet Melissa Talago, a serial entrepreneur and portfolio careerist with a single minded passion: to live a life less ordinary. She runs Hoomin, providing content marketing and communications leadership to tech companies. She's also the founder of Glamoraks, a global community for women who hike. She wrote a book on how to divorce amicably and in her spare time, works for adventure travel company Water by Nature, taking guests on sailing trips. This is Melissa's second appearance on the podcast, as I wanted to catch up on all the exciting things she does to make her life less ordinary. We talk about: - Melissa’s inspiring journey and career transformation - Balancing her career and personal life - Her insights from Glamoraks - Her backpacking adventures - How to live a life less ordinary - Overcoming challenges and embracing change - The power of travel and human connections - Encouraging all of us to take action - Living a life with purpose And much m