Magnificent Midlife

200: Rocking midlife with Dr Ellen Albertson

Body image, self-worth and ageing are all key midlife topics and many women struggle deeply with their bodies at midlife, often in silence. Dr Ellen Albertson is passionate about changing that. She's a psychologist, registered dietitian, board-certified health and wellness coach and author of Rock Your Midlife. She's known as The Midlife Whisperer and it's easy to understand why. She's been in my midlife orbit since I started this adventure and it's great to finally get to talk to her. If you've ever felt at odds with your body, unsure who you're becoming or simply tired of being told that midlife is something to "get through", this conversation is both reassuring and quietly radical. We talk about: -Why so many women feel betrayed by their bodies at midlife -How media and beauty culture profit from women's self-doubt -The difference between caring for your body and controlling it -Why self-compassion is the foundation for lasting change -Ellen's experience of breast cancer, near-blindness and what those moments taught her -Menopause as a neurological and emotional shift, not just a physical one -Letting go of old identities and creating something new -Finding love, intimacy and connection later in life -Why curiosity is one of the most powerful tools we have -The seven steps Ellen outlines in Rock Your Midlife -Rebuilding relationships as we grow and change -Why midlife is about expansion, not disappearance And lots more. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it and leave us a 5* review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening. Order Rachel's book, Magnificent Midlife: Transform Your Middle Years, Menopause And Beyond, recommended in The New York Times as one of seven top books about menopause at magnificentmidlife.com/book [http://magnificentmidlife.com/book] The paperback can also be purchased on Amazon or other online retailers: UK [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/]: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/] US & Canada [https://www.amazon.com/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/]: https://www.amazon.com/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ [https://www.amazon.com/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/] Australia [https://www.amazon.com.au/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/]: https://www.amazon.com.au/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ [https://www.amazon.com.au/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/] You can listen to all the other episodes and get the show notes at magnificentmidlife.com/podcast [http://magnificentmidlife.com/podcast]. Podcast recommended by the Sunday Times. FeedSpot #5 in 40 Best Midlife Podcasts [https://podcast.feedspot.com/midlife_podcasts/] FeedSpot #7 in 100 Best Midlife Women Podcasts [https://podcast.feedspot.com/midlife_women_podcasts/] FeedSpot #2 in 10 Best UK Life Hacks Podcasts [https://podcast.feedspot.com/uk_life_hacks_podcasts/] You'll find lots of strategies, support and resources to help make your midlife magnificent at magnificentmidlife.com [http://magnificentmidlife.com/]. Check out Rachel's online Revitalize Experience [https://magnificentmidlife.com/revitalize/], a 6-week intensive small group mentoring experience or 1-1 Midlife Mentoring [https://magnificentmidlife.com/midlife-mentoring/].

199: Working in an ageist world with Lucy Standing

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 CVs -How AI could reduce age bias rather than reinforce it (if used differently) -Why community and shared action are essential when navigating career change later in life -The real reasons people over 50 struggle to get hired and what does make a difference -Why this is not a DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) issue, but a structural economic one -What governments, employers and individuals could do right now to create change -How organisations like Brave Starts are combining individual support with policy advocacy And lots more. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it and leave us a 5* review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening. Order Rachel's book, Magnificent Midlife: Transform Your Middle Years, Menopause And Beyond, recommended in The New York Times as one of seven top books about menopause at magnificentmidlife.com/book [http://magnificentmidlife.com/book] The paperback can also be purchased on Amazon or other online retailers: UK [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/]: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/] US & Canada [https://www.amazon.com/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/]: https://www.amazon.com/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ [https://www.amazon.com/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/] Australia [https://www.amazon.com.au/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/]: https://www.amazon.com.au/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ [https://www.amazon.com.au/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/] You can listen to all the other episodes and get the show notes at magnificentmidlife.com/podcast [http://magnificentmidlife.com/podcast]. Podcast recommended by the Sunday Times. FeedSpot #5 in 40 Best Midlife Podcasts [https://podcast.feedspot.com/midlife_podcasts/] FeedSpot #7 in 100 Best Midlife Women Podcasts [https://podcast.feedspot.com/midlife_women_podcasts/] FeedSpot #2 in 10 Best UK Life Hacks Podcasts [https://podcast.feedspot.com/uk_life_hacks_podcasts/] You'll find lots of strategies, support and resources to help make your midlife magnificent at magnificentmidlife.com [http://magnificentmidlife.com/]. Check out Rachel's online Revitalize Experience [https://magnificentmidlife.com/revitalize/], a 6-week intensive small group mentoring experience or 1-1 Midlife Mentoring [https://magnificentmidlife.com/midlife-mentoring/].

198: Redefining the grandparent role with DeeDee Moore

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 grandparents make -How mindful grandparenting begins with intention, self-reflection and honest conversations -What parents actually want from grandparents and what grandchildren remember most -Navigating tricky in-law relationships with curiosity, respect and emotional maturity -Why maintaining a relationship with a daughter- or son-in-law matters more than many grandparents realise -How technology - including AI - can help grandparents stay connected, especially across distance -The importance of embracing your grandchildren's world rather than expecting them to adapt to yours -Why grandparenting is a role worth preparing for, not something to "wing" And more. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it and leave us a 5* review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening. Order Rachel's book, Magnificent Midlife: Transform Your Middle Years, Menopause And Beyond, recommended in The New York Times as one of seven top books about menopause at magnificentmidlife.com/book [http://magnificentmidlife.com/book] The paperback can also be purchased on Amazon or other online retailers: UK [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/]: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/] US & Canada [https://www.amazon.com/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/]: https://www.amazon.com/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ [https://www.amazon.com/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/] Australia [https://www.amazon.com.au/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/]: https://www.amazon.com.au/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ [https://www.amazon.com.au/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/] You can listen to all the other episodes and get the show notes at magnificentmidlife.com/podcast [http://magnificentmidlife.com/podcast]. Podcast recommended by the Sunday Times. FeedSpot #5 in 40 Best Midlife Podcasts [https://podcast.feedspot.com/midlife_podcasts/] FeedSpot #7 in 100 Best Midlife Women Podcasts [https://podcast.feedspot.com/midlife_women_podcasts/] FeedSpot #2 in 10 Best UK Life Hacks Podcasts [https://podcast.feedspot.com/uk_life_hacks_podcasts/] You'll find lots of strategies, support and resources to help make your midlife magnificent at magnificentmidlife.com [http://magnificentmidlife.com/]. Check out Rachel's online Revitalize Experience [https://magnificentmidlife.com/revitalize/], a 6-week intensive small group mentoring experience or 1-1 Midlife Mentoring [https://magnificentmidlife.com/midlife-mentoring/].

197: Getting stronger and fitter in midlife with Vijay Bassi Reed

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 achievement -Why alcohol and menopause often don't mix (and why opting out is allowed) -Letting go of "shoulds" and lowering tolerance for bullsh*t in midlife -Why starting before you feel "ready" matters more than perfect timing And more. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it and leave us a 5* review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening. Order Rachel's book, Magnificent Midlife: Transform Your Middle Years, Menopause And Beyond, recommended in The New York Times as one of seven top books about menopause at magnificentmidlife.com/book [http://magnificentmidlife.com/book] The paperback can also be purchased on Amazon or other online retailers: UK [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/]: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/] US & Canada [https://www.amazon.com/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/]: https://www.amazon.com/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ [https://www.amazon.com/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/] Australia [https://www.amazon.com.au/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/]: https://www.amazon.com.au/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ [https://www.amazon.com.au/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/] You can listen to all the other episodes and get the show notes at magnificentmidlife.com/podcast [http://magnificentmidlife.com/podcast]. Podcast recommended by the Sunday Times. FeedSpot #5 in 40 Best Midlife Podcasts [https://podcast.feedspot.com/midlife_podcasts/] FeedSpot #7 in 100 Best Midlife Women Podcasts [https://podcast.feedspot.com/midlife_women_podcasts/] FeedSpot #2 in 10 Best UK Life Hacks Podcasts [https://podcast.feedspot.com/uk_life_hacks_podcasts/] You'll find lots of strategies, support and resources to help make your midlife magnificent at magnificentmidlife.com [http://magnificentmidlife.com/]. Check out Rachel's online Revitalize Experience [https://magnificentmidlife.com/revitalize/], a 6-week intensive small group mentoring experience or 1-1 Midlife Mentoring [https://magnificentmidlife.com/midlife-mentoring/].

196: Fearless pivots with Susan Dabbar

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 start making space for themselves -The rise of the "I don't give a f***" woman – and why it matters -Female friendship as an underestimated source of power -The coming wealth transfer – and what it could mean when money lands in women's hands -Why AI risks reinforcing ageism and sexism if women don't shape it -Building something meaningful in your 60s – and aiming high without apology And more. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it and leave us a 5* review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening. Order Rachel's book, Magnificent Midlife: Transform Your Middle Years, Menopause And Beyond, recommended in The New York Times as one of seven top books about menopause at magnificentmidlife.com/book [http://magnificentmidlife.com/book] The paperback can also be purchased on Amazon or other online retailers: UK [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/]: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/] US & Canada [https://www.amazon.com/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/]: https://www.amazon.com/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ [https://www.amazon.com/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/] Australia [https://www.amazon.com.au/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/]: https://www.amazon.com.au/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ [https://www.amazon.com.au/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/] You can listen to all the other episodes and get the show notes at magnificentmidlife.com/podcast [http://magnificentmidlife.com/podcast]. Podcast recommended by the Sunday Times. FeedSpot #5 in 40 Best Midlife Podcasts [https://podcast.feedspot.com/midlife_podcasts/] FeedSpot #7 in 100 Best Midlife Women Podcasts [https://podcast.feedspot.com/midlife_women_podcasts/] FeedSpot #2 in 10 Best UK Life Hacks Podcasts [https://podcast.feedspot.com/uk_life_hacks_podcasts/] You'll find lots of strategies, support and resources to help make your midlife magnificent at magnificentmidlife.com [http://magnificentmidlife.com/]. Check out Rachel's online Revitalize Experience [https://magnificentmidlife.com/revitalize/], a 6-week intensive small group mentoring experience or 1-1 Midlife Mentoring [https://magnificentmidlife.com/midlife-mentoring/].