The Hagnificent Podcast

Top education professor shares how she overcame imposter syndrome and masculine 'posturing' in academia and Whitehall to become one of the most influential forces in teacher training policy in midlife

Mary-Louise chats to Professor Sam Twiselton OBE, a hugely influential education academic who has become one of the most respected voices shaping how we train teachers in the UK. Sam shares how she has managed to quietly overcome imposter syndrome and male dominated environments to realise her vision for a teaching workforce that's well prepared and supported to do the 'incredibly complicated thing' of getting classes of children to learn. Topics: Midlife, imposter syndrome, female leadership, female influence, education policy, teacher training, school behaviour, perimenopause, menopause. Outline: * [0:00:00] Introduction to the Hagnificent Podcast and the episode's focus (on reclaiming terms for older women, and introducing Professor Sam Twistleton OBE). * [0:04:00] Guest welcome and beginning of conversation about Sam's Hagnificent icons. * [0:06:36] Discussion of Sam’s mum's career as a teacher and her influence on Sam. * [0:07:12] Recounting Sam’s Oxford University experience and her inspiring philosophy tutor,  * [0:09:11] Reflections on managing imposter syndrome and adapting to elite academic environments. * [0:11:06] Discussion of perspectives on private vs. state education and continuing the icons list. * [0:12:35] Sam transitions to discuss career pathways, PGCE, and early years in higher education. * [0:15:21] Highlights from Sam’s professional journey, including roles at Sheffield Hallam and discussions on educational policy climates. * [0:33:50] Sam’s experiences in midlife, menopause, and navigating professional/emotional challenges. * [0:37:35] Gender dynamics in leadership and advisory environments, with reflections on challenges faced as a woman. * [0:44:23] Achievements and challenges with reforms in teacher training, accreditation processes, and reviewing professional milestones. * [0:49:53] Sam reveals her Hagnificent personal object and story * [0:53:20] Current and future professional involvement—Sam discusses ongoing advisory roles and aspirations. * [0:54:32] Legacy, future aspirations, and “golden thread mark two” for systemic improvements in teacher training. Follow Professor Sam Twiselton on LinkedIN [https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-twiselton-obe-37897b2b/] Follow Hagnificent on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/hagnificentpod/]

TV and stage star shares how her career has reached new heights in midlife after life-changing therapy and becoming a single mum - Holly Atkins

Mary-Louise chats to Holly Atkins, an actor who's enjoying a self-described "midlife renaissance" after life-changing hypnotherapy, and becoming a single mum after giving birth to her second child. Holly shares how this increased confidence, plus changes in the industry thanks to the #MeToo movement, has seen her career reach new heights - and why she's determined to keep dressing like a bag of sweets. Topics: Midlife, acting, stage, theatre, TV, perimenopause, Hypnotherapy, birth, fertility, miscarriage, workplace equality, #MeToo, patriarchy, body image, hormone replacement therapy, hypnotherapy. Outline * 0:00:00 Mary-Louise Clews introduces the Hagnificent mission, focusing on rejecting dominant narratives that diminish older women and instead celebrating their transformation in midlife and beyond. * 0:01:24 Mary-Louise introduces her guest, actor Holly Atkins' and gives a sensitive topics warning. * 0:03:41 Holly reveals her Hagnificent Icons 0:08:00 Discussion of opportunities and challenges Holly has encountered during her career, including body shaming, sexism, #MeToo, and the impact of female leadership. * 0:14:16 Focus on Holly's personal journey, her early career and how she is enjoying a Midlife Renaissance after experiencing fertility struggles, hypnotherapy, and motherhood. 0:36:57 Holly's personal growth in midlife, including relationship changes, community support, perimenopause, and HRT experiences. * 0:45:33 Holly reveals her Hagnificent object. Follow Holly Atkins on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/starrlasagne?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==] Follow Hagnificent on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/hagnificentpod?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==⁠https://www.instagram.com/hagnificentpod?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==] Access support for miscarriage [https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChsSEwj_gMuGhrCPAxVKklAGHRmlIlsYACICCAEQABoCZGc&co=1&ase=2&gclid=Cj0KCQjwn8XFBhCxARIsAMyH8BuSIvUu9WT4F0mrbLl8ygbh4W1U8NiTCuOtlWa6DeskXSNGfsgIGgkaAqbHEALw_wcB&cce=2&category=acrcp_v1_32&sig=AOD64_1A4c43h5JatdHJrCXKgag7cM1OuQ&q&nis=4&adurl&ved=2ahUKEwjAv8SGhrCPAxUbQUEAHddOAuUQ0Qx6BAgbEAE] Access ⁠support for fertility issues⁠ [https://fertilitynetworkuk.org/] Access support for workplace sexism [https://www.rightsofwomen.org.uk/get-advice/sexual-harassment-at-work-law/] This episode has been produced for entertainment purposes only and is in no way meant to be taken as medical advice or advice in any way.

Inspiring writer, teacher and can-can dancer shares how she's survived working class imposter syndrome, age discrimination and arts elitism to transform herself twice in midlife.

Welcome to your next must-listen episode of the Hagnificent podcast, in which our host, journalist Mary-Louise Clews interviews Michelle Porter, a local Lewes hero of hers and an inspirational survivor who has transformed herself in mid-life not just once, but twice: first, after a hormonal breakdown at 40, becoming a mummy blogger praised by Margaret Atwood; and second, pivoting to a teaching career during the pandemic. Mary-Louise and Michelle discuss the importance of resilience, self-acceptance, challenges around age discrimination and the value of experience, particularly for older women from working-class backgrounds. Topics: Menopause, perimenopause, Michelle Porter, transformation, mental health, working class, teaching career, creative writing, Margaret Atwood, pandemic impact, self-esteem, resilience, age discrimination, role models, personal growth Outline 00:00 Mary-Louise Clews introduces the podcast's mission, focusing on reclaiming derogatory terms used for older women, and introduces her guest, Michelle Porter, alocal hero and friend who has transformed herself twice in her life. She mentions the podcast's recording location in her camper van and warns about background noise. 03:40 Michelle reveals her "Hagnificent icon," Kit, a neighbour who inspires her with her flamboyant style and carefree attitude. 06:05 Michelle talks about her early career, includingworking at a college library and teaching can-can dancing. 07:10 Michelle recounts her menopausal breakdown at age 40, losing her house and feeling extreme anxiety and paranoia. 07:35 Michelle shares how she sought help and began to recover, finding new energy and creativity in writing and organising vintage fairs. She shares the highlight of her blogging career when Margaret Atwood endorsing her blog. 09:45 Michelle discusses how the pandemic affectedher freelance writing work, with businesses cutting marketing budgets. She also shares her frustration with age discrimination in job interviews, leading her to retrain as a teacher. 13:20 Michelle describes deciding to pivot into education tobuild on her passion for literature, and how she found new confidence in her abilities after enrolling on a teaching course at Brighton Met. 14:55 Michelle and Mary-Louise discuss overcoming impostersyndrome, coming from a working-class background and working in the media, the arts and education. 17:28 Michelle talks about the challenges of retaking hermath GCSE and achieving a pass, boosting her confidence. 18:18 Michelle describes being accepted on a PGCE course atBrighton University, focusing on teaching English in the FE sector. 21:42 Michelle reflects on the practical challenges of beinga working-class woman and mum, focusing on financial survival rather than creative pursuits. 26:59 Michelle talks about her novel and novella, focusingon themes of resilience and the challenges of motherhood. 28:26 Discussion on the importance of diversity in the artsand the need for continued efforts to provide opportunities for underrepresented groups. 32:45 Michelle reveals her Hagnificent object and reflectson her transformation from a low point in her 40s to a more confident and resilient person in her 50s. 36:20 Mary-Louise and Michelle talk about the challenges ofageing and emphasise the importance of celebrating real women and the wisdom that comes with age. Follow Michelle on Instagram: @mcporterwriter Follow Hagnificent on Instagram: @hagnificentpod Access support for mental health challenges: www.mind.org.uk This episode has been produced for entertainment purposes only and is in no way meant to be taken as medical advice or advice in any way.

Opera Superstar shares how she has transformed her life after an early menopause wrecked her voice + stage career - Kate Valentine

Mary-Louise chats to Kate Valentine, a former opera singer superstar, about how she recovered from the devastating impact of an early menopause on her ability to perform at the height of her career. Kate shares how she vowed to make sure no one else has to face being robbed of their whole identity with no support or information. Topics: Menopause, early menopause, opera singing, vocal health, Kate Valentine, Fiona Mackenzie, vocal fold surgery, hormone replacement therapy, voice change, identity crisis, vocal massage therapy, performance psychology, voice use, hydration, vocal exercises, community support. 0:01:24 Who are Kate Valentine's Hagnificent icons? 0:04:57 When did opera become her passion? 0:08:37 What roles is she most proud of? 0:13:48 How did her voice start changing due to hormonal changes? 0:15:46 Impact of early menopause on health (vocal cord swelling, hormone changes) 0:15:50 Impact of hormone replacement therapy (testosterone effects on voice) 0:30:52 Impact of early menopause on mental health and life expectations (including starting a family) 0:30:52 Impact of early menopause on identity (feeling left out, loss of motherhood) 0:34:49 Impact of menopause on career (vocal challenges, professional uncertainty)0:18:23 Did anyone notice her vocal health issues?0:22:53 What happened during her vocal injury? 0:31:57 When did she decide to leave performing? 0:42:18 What support does Valentine Voice Care offer? 0:38:10 What advice does she have for maintaining vocal health? 0:45:21 How can women use their voice confidently post-menopause? Follow Kate and Valentine Voicecare on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valentinevoicecare?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Access early menopause support: https://www.daisynetwork.org/ Support Hagnficent: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hagnificentpod/ This episode has been produced for entertainment purposes only and is in no way meant to be taken as medical advice or advice in any way.

The Hagnificent Podcast - Trailer

Welcome to The Hagnificent Podcast — where we’re on a mission to reclaim the words used to diminish older women. Crone, biddy, witch, HAG....This podcast takes these stereotypes meant to shame and silence us and says: Screw that. We're not going anywhere. We have so much more to say, so much more to shout about, and a fuck of a lot more to give. Join journalist Mary-Louise Clews as she navigates her own passage into Hagnificence by celebrating the extraordinary and inspirational transformation stories of women in midlife and beyond.