Midlife Answers

Belly Fat After 40: Best Workouts for Midlife Belly Fat Loss #32

Why does belly fat seem to appear more easily after 40 — even when your diet and exercise haven’t changed? In this episode of our midlife podcast for women, I’m joined by personal trainer Sue Parkyn [https://www.sueparkynwellness.com] to talk about midlife belly fat, hormones, strength training, cardio, cortisol, and why some workouts can actually work against women in perimenopause and menopause. We explore: * Why belly fat changes in midlife * Why sit-ups and excessive cardio often don’t work * The role of hormones, stress and sleep * Why strength training matters after 40 * How to lose belly fat in midlife without exhausting yourself This episode is about understanding what’s happening in your body — and learning how to work with it, not against it. 🎧 Listen now — and follow this link to explore more episodes of Midlife Answers [https://linktr.ee/midlifeanswers]. ✨ RISE is my midlife reinvention coaching programme helping women rebuild confidence, reconnect with themselves, and navigate midlife with more clarity and self-belief. Find out more at midlifeanswers.com [http://midlifeanswers.com] Have a midlife question you’d love covered in a future episode? Send it via this link or DM me on Instagram @midlifeanswers [https://www.instagram.com/midlifeanswers/]. If anything discussed in this episode brings up difficult feelings for you, please consider speaking with your GP, a healthcare professional, or a qualified therapist who can provide personalised support. Sue Parkyn: www.sueparkynwellness.com [http://www.sueparkynwellness.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sueparkynwellness?igsh=OGpwY2dmdHlmMG82&utm_source=qr [https://www.instagram.com/sueparkynwellness?igsh=OGpwY2dmdHlmMG82&utm_source=qr] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16uEvg5kFy/?mibextid=wwXIfr [https://www.facebook.com/share/16uEvg5kFy/?mibextid=wwXIfr] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sueparkynwellness?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sueparkynwellness?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios]

How to Stop Caring What People Think in Midlife | Confidence, Boundaries & People-Pleasing #31

Still worrying about what other people think — even in midlife? In this episode of our midlife podcast for women, I’m joined by transformational coach Tara Lynn to explore why people-pleasing runs so deep — and how to start letting it go. We unpack the link between conditioning, your nervous system, and the fear of judgement… and why it can feel so hard to speak up, even when you know what you want. Plus, simple, practical ways to: * Stop overthinking conversations * Set boundaries without over-explaining * Trust your own voice again * Shift from “what will they think?” to “what do I want?” If you’re ready to feel more confident, more authentic, and less influenced by others’ opinions — this episode is for you. If this resonates, you might also enjoy episodes on midlife confidence, boundaries, and managing emotional overwhelm. If anything discussed in this episode brings up difficult feelings for you, please consider speaking with your GP, a healthcare professional, or a qualified therapist who can provide personalised support. 🎧 Follow Midlife Answers for more bite-sized episodes on hormones, health, confidence and wellbeing in midlife. About RISE Coaching RISE is my midlife reinvention coaching programme for women who want to rebuild confidence, reconnect with themselves, and navigate this stage of life with more clarity and self-belief. If you’ve been caring for everyone else while quietly losing yourself, this is a space to pause, reflect, and focus on what you need now. Through practical tools and supportive guidance, RISE helps you move beyond self-doubt, set boundaries without guilt, and step into a more grounded, confident version of yourself. Find out more at midlifeanswers.com [http://midlifeanswers.com] A little note from me… If you enjoy listening to Midlife Answers and know others who would too, I’d really appreciate your support: * Subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen * Rate and review — it helps more women find the podcast * Share or tag @midlifeanswers [https://www.instagram.com/midlifeanswers/] on Instagram * Support the podcast via Buy Me A Coffee [http://buymeacoffee.com/midlifeanswers] Find Out More Tara Lynn https://www.taralynncoaching.com/ [https://www.taralynncoaching.com/] Podcast Editor — Mike Roberts https://vault.makingdigitalreal.co.uk [https://vault.makingdigitalreal.co.uk/]

Why Do I Suddenly Feel Unsure of Myself? Rebuilding Confidence in Midlife #30

Feeling unsure of yourself can be shocking — especially when you’ve built a career, raised a family, and always tried to ‘have it together.’ In this episode of our midlife podcast for women, I’m joined by Holly, a psychotherapist specialising in self-doubt, anxiety and self-worth, and we talk about why confidence often dips in midlife — what’s happening biologically, psychologically and socially — and how to start rebuilding it. We explore why so many women in their late 30s, 40s and early 50s begin to question their decisions, their voice, and even their value — and, importantly, what you can do about it. This is a reassuring, practical conversation designed to help you feel more like yourself again — and to remind you that you’re not alone in this. In this episode, we cover: * Why confidence often drops during perimenopause and midlife * The biological, psychological and social factors at play * How self-doubt becomes more entrenched over time * The link between stress, overwhelm and confidence * A powerful reframe: why confidence comes after action, not before * Simple, realistic ways to start rebuilding self-trust A note on support: If anything discussed in this episode brings up difficult feelings for you, please consider speaking with your GP, a healthcare professional, or a qualified therapist who can provide personalised support. 🎧 Listen now — and follow this link [https://linktr.ee/midlifeanswers] to explore more episodes of Midlife Answers. About RISE Coaching: RISE is my midlife reinvention coaching programme for women who want to rebuild confidence, reconnect with themselves, and navigate this stage of life with more clarity and self-belief. If you’ve been caring for everyone else while quietly losing yourself, this is a space to pause, reflect, and focus on what you need now. Through practical tools and supportive guidance, RISE helps you move beyond self-doubt, set boundaries without guilt, and step into a more grounded, confident version of yourself. Find out more by visiting midlifeanswers.com [https://www.midlifeanswers.com/] About Midlife Answers: Midlife Answers is a midlife podcast for women where each episode focuses on one real question about hormones, health, wellbeing and confidence — answered clearly, practically and compassionately with expert insight. Have a question? Send it via this link or DM me on Instagram @midlifeanswers [https://www.instagram.com/midlifeanswers/] — no topic is off-limits. A little note from me… If you enjoy listening to Midlife Answers and know others who would too, I’d really appreciate your support: * Subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen [https://linktr.ee/midlifeanswers] * Rate and review — it helps more women find the podcast * Share or tag @midlifeanswers [https://www.instagram.com/midlifeanswers/] on Instagram * Support the podcast via Buy Me A Coffee [buymeacoffee.com/midlifeanswers](or green tea!) Find Out More: Holly Ziff: Psychotherapy & Counselling: https://www.hollyziff.com [https://www.hollyziff.com] Podcast Editor — Mike Roberts: https://vault.makingdigitalreal.co.uk [https://vault.makingdigitalreal.co.uk/]

Feeling Lost in Midlife: Why You Don’t Feel Like Yourself & How to Find Your Way Again #29

Feeling lost in midlife is more common than you might think — but it can feel incredibly isolating when you’re in it. In this episode of Midlife Answers, we explore one of the most searched and quietly felt questions: Why do I feel like I’m not myself anymore? In this episode of our midlife podcast for women, I’m joined by Suzette, a therapist specialising in identity, relationships and emotional wellbeing, to unpack what’s really going on when you feel lost — and how to start reconnecting with yourself again. We talk about the impact of midlife transitions, including hormonal changes, career shifts, family dynamics and emotional load — and why this stage of life can trigger a deeper sense of disconnection or lack of direction. In this episode, we cover: * Why feeling “lost” in midlife is different from stress or burnout * Midlife identity shifts and the pressure of time and life decisions * Hormones, perimenopause and emotional wellbeing * Guilt, expectations and putting yourself last * Signs you may need professional support * Practical ways to reconnect with yourself today * Simple tools like the five senses exercise, gratitude and time in nature Suzette shares how feeling lost is often not a failure, but a signal that something within you is ready to change. With small, intentional steps, it is possible to find clarity, direction and a renewed sense of self. ✨ If you’re feeling disconnected, overwhelmed or unsure of your next step, this conversation will help you feel less alone — and more grounded. If anything discussed in this episode brings up difficult feelings for you, please consider speaking with your GP, a healthcare professional, or a qualified therapist who can provide personalised support. 🎧 Listen now — and follow this link [https://www.midlifeanswers.com] to explore more episodes of Midlife Answers. If this resonated, you might also find these episodes helpful: * Burnout in Midlife: When Rest Isn’t an Option [https://open.spotify.com/episode/4FZxMSa3zxI0IUXLCNOIt8?si=737c8d26580f48a8] — when feeling lost is actually exhaustion * Resentment in Midlife Relationships [https://open.spotify.com/episode/0e0AkUbe2aP7gGZDdoSqrf?si=f159c0a9228d43f1]— when disconnection starts showing up in your relationship * Menopause 101 [https://open.spotify.com/episode/6siiD1YTbZ4cAAeRxsEVfc?si=d5284d6a8cd84811]— understanding the hormonal changes that can affect mood, identity and how you feel day to day About Midlife Answers Midlife Answers is a midlife podcast for women where each episode focuses on one real question about hormones, health, wellbeing and confidence — answered clearly, practically and compassionately with expert insight. Have a question? Send it via this link [https://www.midlifeanswers.com] or DM me on Instagram @midlifeanswers [https://www.instagram.com/midlifeanswers/] — no topic is off-limits. A little note from me… If you enjoy listening to Midlife Answers and know others who would too, I’d really appreciate your support: 1. Subscribe [https://www.midlifeanswers.com] on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen 2. Rate and review — it helps more women find the podcast 3. Share or tag @midlifeanswers [https://www.instagram.com/midlifeanswers/] on Instagram 4. Support the podcast via Buy Me A Coffee [buymeacoffee.com/midlifeanswers] (or green tea!) Find Out More: Suzette Castle-Mackie: https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/counsellors/suzette-castle-mackie [https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/counsellors/suzette-castle-mackie] Podcast Editor — Mike Roberts: https://vault.makingdigitalreal.co.uk [https://vault.makingdigitalreal.co.uk/]

Why Am I Gaining Weight in My 40s? Perimenopause, Hormones & Midlife Weight Gain Explained | Dr Sharma #28

If you’ve been asking yourself, “Why am I gaining weight in my 40s when nothing has changed?” — you’re not alone. Many women reach midlife eating the same foods, moving their bodies in the same way, yet suddenly their weight, shape or confidence around their body feels different. It can feel confusing, frustrating, and deeply personal. In this episode of our midlife podcast for women, I’m joined by Dr Sharma of Spiced Pear Health, a GP specialising in menopause and women’s health. Together we explore why midlife weight gain happens, what’s normal during perimenopause, and when it may be worth speaking with a healthcare professional. We talk about the biological changes that occur during midlife — including hormonal fluctuations, cortisol and stress, muscle loss and metabolism — and why your body may respond differently to diet and exercise than it did in your 20s or 30s. This conversation moves away from blame or extremes and focuses instead on understanding what’s happening in your body so you can move forward with more clarity, confidence and self-compassion. In This Episode We Discuss • Why midlife weight gain commonly happens during perimenopause • How hormonal changes, cortisol and stress can influence weight around the middle • Why your body may change even if your diet and exercise habits stay the same • The connection between muscle loss, metabolism and ageing • Whether high-intensity workouts still work during perimenopause • When weight changes may be worth discussing with your GP or healthcare professional • Small, realistic steps to support your body during midlife Support If anything discussed in this episode brings up difficult feelings for you, please consider speaking with your GP, a healthcare professional, or a qualified therapist who can provide personalised support. About Midlife Answers Midlife Answers is a midlife podcast for women where each episode focuses on one real question about hormones, health, wellbeing and confidence — answered clearly, practically and compassionately with expert insight. Have a question you’d like me to ask an expert — about midlife health, family, careers or relationships? You can submit it via the link below or DM me on IG @midlifeanswers [https://www.instagram.com/midlifeanswers/] A little note from me.... If you enjoy listening to ⁠Midlife Answers⁠ [https://www.midlifeanswers.com/] and you know others who would enjoy it too, I would really appreciate your help with the below -  1/ Please subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen by clicking ⁠HERE⁠ [https://linktr.ee/midlifeanswers] 2/ Please rate and review - it really helps Midlife Answers reach more people needing that extra support in midlife. 3/ Share the love! Share or tag @⁠midlifeanswers⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/midlifeanswers/] on IG and I'll share the love right back - maybe even get a pic of yourself listening to Midlife Answers and I will repost it 4/ If you’re able, you can support Midlife Answers by buying me a coffee. It helps cover behind-the-scenes costs like editing, hosting, and tech. No pressure at all, just a heartfelt thank you if you do. Every little bit really helps keep the podcast going. Buy Me A Coffee (or green tea!) [http://buymeacoffee.com/midlifeanswers] Find Out More: Dr Sharma: www.spicedpearhealth.com [http://www.spicedpearhealth.com/] Podcast Editor - Mike Roberts: https://vault.makingdigitalreal.co.uk [https://vault.makingdigitalreal.co.uk/]