Unfiltered and Unbound

S2:E5 Newly Single, Slightly Terrified, a Field Report

https://buymeacoffee.com/unfilteredunbound [https://buymeacoffee.com/unfilteredunbound] Dating after 50 is equal parts exciting, ridiculous and mildly terrifying — and Barbara Smit is our woman in the field. She's not an expert. She's just actually out there: she's met the apps, survived the messages, dodged a scammer or two, and lived to file this report. In one of the most honest conversations of the season, we get into ghosting, the charming "blue-eyed, blonde Aussie" scammer nobody warns you about, the pub-based safety system Barbara swears by — and the quiet, unglamorous work of figuring out who you are after 20 years of marriage. No fairytales. No "just put yourself out there!" No toxic positivity. Just the field report. In this episode * (01:23) The 2026 dating landscape — and why you supposedly can't just meet someone at the pub anymore * (02:40) Four years single, 20 years married: "Okay, who am I actually?" * (05:10) Losing yourself in a marriage — and getting some help to find your way back * (09:24) The unexpected good: respectful younger men who genuinely give her hope * (11:31) Ghosting, and the dark patch of 12 men in a row — "It's not me, it's them" * (14:04) Cougar, gold digger, lonely — the labels women cop no matter who they date * (16:10) The scammer who wasn't a Nigerian prince — $20, then $50, then $100, then $5,000 * (20:16) The shame women carry about being scammed — and why we need to talk about it * (22:48) The "hello baby, hello darling" red flag * (24:44) Barbara's safety system: public first dates, a signal to the bar staff, and an exit through the kitchen * (28:11) Boundaries — set them before you go in, because most will push * (31:00) For the woman who doesn't know where to start: fix yourself first, find your sisters in arms * (35:08) The dating survival kit: a book on stoicism, a bestie, and a good local barman * (36:43) The field report headline: terrifying, ridiculous, funny — and, somehow, still fun About our guest Barbara Smit is Kate's "woman in the field" — a Perth local, originally from South Africa, who's spent the last few years navigating midlife dating firsthand after a 20-year marriage. She's generous, funny and refreshingly unfiltered about all of it, scams included. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/unfilteredandunbound [https://www.facebook.com/unfilteredandunbound]

S2:E4 The Truth About Aging and Marketing: Why Women Over 50 Are the Hidden Powerhouse

The episode discusses the underrepresentation of women over 50 in advertising and the impact of this demographic on consumer spending. It highlights the need for brands to recognize and market to this demographic effectively. Takeaways * Underrepresentation of women over 50 in advertising * The significant impact of women over 50 on consumer spending Chapters * 00:00 The Invisible Market * 10:33 The Commercial Success of Inclusive Marketing https://buymeacoffee.com/unfilteredunbound [https://buymeacoffee.com/unfilteredunbound] https://www.facebook.com/unfilteredandunbound [https://www.facebook.com/unfilteredandunbound] A copy of the research article this podcast episode is based on is located here -https://spectacular-syrniki-ec0636.netlify.app/ [https://spectacular-syrniki-ec0636.netlify.app/]

S2:E3 Why Rushing Legal Decisions in Later Life Divorce Can Cost You Thousands

NAVIGATING GREY DIVORCE: PRACTICAL ADVICE AND EMOTIONAL INSIGHTS In this episode of Unfiltered and Unbound, we delve into the realities of separation later in life — a journey filled with emotional, legal, and financial considerations. Ella Hickman, a family law specialist, shares grounded advice on managing the process with confidence, emphasizing the importance of support, early legal guidance, and emotional well-being.Main topics include: * The emotional journey of grey divorce and common feelings * Key legal steps and practical document gathering * Handling finances, superannuation, and property division * Strategies to avoid conflicts and support adult children * When to seek urgent legal advice and mediation benefits * Challenging myths about life after divorce and rebuilding identity Timestamps: 00:00 - What makes grey divorce uniquely challenging and empowering 02:21 - What is grey divorce and why is its prevalence increasing? 04:44 - Emotional triggers and reassessment in midlife 07:41 - Overcoming the fear of money and financial insecurity 10:23 - Managing shame and social perceptions around separation 13:05 - Reinventing yourself and thriving post-divorce 16:15 - Practical first steps for women considering separation 19:13 - The importance of legal advice and early planning 34:33 - How mediation facilitates fair and cost-effective outcomes 37:02 - Immediate legal considerations in high-risk situations 38:50 - Supporting adult children through separation 46:37 - Surprising realizations women have about life after divorce 47:30 - Overcoming fear to start anew and find happinessResources & Links: * Legal Aid Australia [https://www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/] * Buy Me a Coffee - [http://buymeacoffee.com/unfilteredunbound] Support independent podcasts * Follow me on facebook https://www.facebook.com/unfilteredandunbound [https://www.facebook.com/unfilteredandunbound] Connect with Ella Hickman: * Hickman Family Lawyers [https://hickmanfamilylawyers.com.au/] This episode offers compassionate insights and actionable advice for women facing the complex realities of grey divorce, emphasizing that new beginnings are not just possible — they can be transformative.

SE2:E2 The Money Conversations we need to have in our 50's

The episode delves into the importance of financial awareness and the need for women in their 50s to have open conversations about finances. It highlights the impact of social conditioning, the importance of financial literacy, approaching conversations with aging parents, starting small to reduce stress, and the empowerment through financial understanding. Takeaways * Financial awareness * Conversations about finances Connect with Kate: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/kate_bax/] * Podcast Website [https://unfilteredandunbound.riverside.com/] * Email: unfiltered@podcastsbykate.com [unfiltered@podcastsbykate.com] * Buy me a coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/unfilteredunbound [https://buymeacoffee.com/unfilteredunbound] * Facebook https://www.facebook.com/unfilteredandunbound [https://www.facebook.com/unfilteredandunbound]

SE2:E1 Reclaiming Confidence: How Critical Thinking Calms the Mental Chaos

The conversation delves into the importance of critical thinking and decision-making, defining critical thinking, managing cognitive load, the impact of role models and biases, setting boundaries, teaching critical thinking to adults, and innovative tools for critical thinking. The conversation delves into the evolution of critical thinking, its role in decision-making, the impact of AI, personal stories, practical exercises for improvement, and the empowerment that comes from critical thinking. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining agency and responsibility in decision-making and the need for more responsible decision-making in the face of increasing information availability. Takeaways * Critical thinking is a combination of skills, knowledge, and attitude * Setting boundaries and making decisions in advance can help manage cognitive load and decision fatigue Critical thinking is essential for maintaining agency and responsibility in decision-making. * The evolution of critical thinking is influenced by the increasing availability of information and the need for more responsible decision-making. Chapters * 00:00 Introduction to Critical Thinking and Decision Making * 10:42 Role Models and Biases in Decision Making * 16:38 Setting Boundaries and Strategic Thinking * 24:17 Innovative Tools for Critical Thinking * 30:40 The Impact of AI on Critical Thinking * 42:10 Practical Exercises for Improving Critical Thinking * 50:04 Empowerment Through Critical Thinking Connecting with Bethan Home | Bethan Winn: Critical Thinking and Communications Trainer [https://jpn01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bethanwinn.com.au%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C6f54c12f550f4841d71408deaf34c4d8%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639140838338593795%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=by7TdDjDaw56MOkVOccjkxmjisFNRX3a0za7Z4dU2As%3D&reserved=0] Bethan on LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethanwinn/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethanwinn/] Order a copy of Bethan's book the Human Edge https://www.bethanwinn.com.au/product-page/pre-order-the-human-edge [https://www.bethanwinn.com.au/product-page/pre-order-the-human-edge] Buy me a coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/unfilteredunbound [https://buymeacoffee.com/unfilteredunbound] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/kate_bax/] * Podcast Website [https://unfilteredandunbound.riverside.com/] * Email: unfiltered@podcastsbykate.com [unfiltered@podcastsbykate.com] Follow me on Facebook for behind the scenes, upcoming episode notifications, and sending through any questions or guest suggestions you might have. https://www.facebook.com/unfilteredandunbound [https://www.facebook.com/unfilteredandunbound]