The Pivot For Life Podcast

When the Pivot Chooses You: Dylan’s Story of Courage, Humour & Living with MND

Jo sits down with her childhood friend Dylan, who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in July 2024.   Dylan shares how his life changed, from a thriving career and busy family life to navigating a terminal illness, and why he has chosen to face it with humour, courage and perspective. This is a deeply human conversation about what really matters when life takes an unexpected turn.   This episode of The Pivot for Life Podcast is a deeply personal and meaningful one. Jo sits down with her childhood friend Dylan, who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in July 2024.   Growing up, their lives were closely connected - through school, church, and the everyday moments that shape lifelong friendships. Like so often happens, life later took them in different directions… until, in an unexpected way, it brought them back together again. In this honest and deeply human conversation, Dylan shares what life looked like before his diagnosis - a full and busy life shaped by career, family, and future plans - and the moment everything changed. But more than anything, this episode is about the choice that followed. While Dylan could not choose what happened to him, he speaks openly about the moment he realised he could choose how he would respond.   A pivot.   One where he could have stepped into fear, sadness, or withdrawal… or instead, choose to meet life with humour, courage, and perspective. This conversation gently explores what it means to face uncertainty, to find lightness even in the hardest moments, and to reconnect with what truly matters.   It’s a powerful reminder that even in the most unexpected circumstances… we still have a choice in how we show up.   Key takeaways 1. “Spend time with those that you love. Just make time.” 2. MND Association — Information & Support: https://www.mndassociation.org 3. Courage isn’t always loud — sometimes it’s simply how we show up each day   Links 1. GoFundMe — Support Dylan & Family: https://gofund.me/81d7346cf 2. Mind: https://www.mndassociation.org [https://www.mndassociation.org]   Connect with us Website: https://joryeclarityandcourage.com/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jorye_clarity_and_courage/ FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582610676624# TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@joryeclarityandcourage?lang=en

Our Pivots: From Property to Purpose

Guest: Sarah Stenton, Founder of Middle Age Madness Host: Jo Rye   Welcome to the very first episode of The Pivot For Life Podcast! I’m your host, Jo, and I couldn’t think of a better way to start this journey than by sitting down with my wonderful friend, Sarah. This is a conversation that’s been years in the making, two mates, a few life-changing curveballs, and a whole lot of laughter and honesty. In this episode, we get raw and real about the moments that forced us to stop, step back, and fundamentally change the direction of our lives. We talk about the “perfect storm” of events that led to my brain hemorrhage and Sarah’s own story of navigating a health scare with her husband, the stress of running a business, and the perimenopause that ultimately sparked her phenomenal online community, Middle Age Madness. Together, we explore what it really takes to let go of who you thought you had to be and find the courage to step into who you’re truly meant to become. If you’ve ever felt like you’re running on a hamster wheel and wondered if there’s more to life, this one’s for you.   What We Cover in This Episode We kick things off with a proper introduction to Sarah, a friend, a survivor, and a self-confessed “rock star”, before diving into how Middle Age Madness was born out of sheer frustration with the menopause. Sarah shares what life looked like before her pivot: running an estate agency, molding herself to fit in, and slowly losing sight of who she was. Then we explore the “perfect storm” that changed everything, COVID, mounting business stress, and the terrifying moment her husband collapsed from a blood clot. I open up about my own story: the 10-mile run, the brain hemorrhage, and what it felt like when my body finally said "no". We talk about the clarity that comes after a forced stop and how facing fear, whether on social media or in front of a mirror, has shaped our new chapters. Sarah gets honest about body confidence, posting a video in a swimsuit, and explains why she chose to protect her peace that day. We share the power of becoming your own biggest cheerleader, the importance of letting go of people who make you feel smaller, and how the menopause, for all its havoc, can strip away the bullshit and help you step into what Sarah calls "cronehood". We discuss the ripple effect of holding each other’s hands through hard times, the challenge of dealing with online trolls, and why, after everything, life finally feels calm, fabulous, and exactly where we’re meant to be.   Resources & Links - Connect with Sarah: Find her incredible community on Facebook at Middle Age Madness. https://www.facebook.com/middleagemadness [https://www.facebook.com/middleagemadness] - Connect with Jo: For more resources and support, visit Clarity & Courage. https://joryeclarityandcourage.com/ [https://joryeclarityandcourage.com/] - Book Mentioned: When the Body Says No by Dr Gabor Maté https://www.amazon.co.uk/When-Body-Says-No-Hidden/dp/178504222X [https://www.amazon.co.uk/When-Body-Says-No-Hidden/dp/178504222X] - Music: Let the Road by Peter Ash   Thank You for Listening!   Thank you for joining me on this first episode. If today’s conversation has inspired you, please share it with someone who might need to hear it. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review; it truly helps these stories reach more people who might be on the edge of their own pivot. Until next time, stay curious, stay courageous, and keep pivoting for life. Jo x

Trailer for The Pivot For Life Podcast

The Pivot For Life Podcast is where real people share real stories of change, courage, and clarity. Hosted by Jo Rye, a coach and founder of Clarity & Courage, this podcast explores the powerful moments that inspire us to take a different path — the life pivots that shape who we become. Through warm, honest conversations, Jo and her guests talk about what happens when life invites us to change — whether through loss, new beginnings, or the call to follow a long-forgotten dream. You’ll hear stories of career reinventions, relocations, rediscoveries, and quiet acts of bravery that transformed ordinary lives into extraordinary journeys. Having faced her own life-altering pivot, Jo brings empathy, humour, and insight to every episode — reminding us that even in the messiness of change, there’s always growth, wisdom, and possibility. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain about what’s next, this podcast is your invitation to pause, reflect, and find the courage to pivot — for life. ✨ Because one pivot can change everything.