The Happy Middle with Suzy Darke

Today I chat to Karen Arthur , a multifaceted artist, broadcaster, and menopause diversity advocate. Karen discusses her journey from teaching to becoming an 'accidental activist' and a voice for diverse British menopausal experiences through her podcast ' Menopause Whilst Black '. She shares how her personal struggles with mental health led to her speaking out about her own experience of menopaus...

In today's episode (which is the last one of the season before the podcast goes on its summer break) I chat with the wonderful Siobhan Strode . Siobhan is a word witch and mentor and she helps her clients raise their voices and create change in the world. She's an ex-teacher, nearly 40, lives in Devon with three sons, her dog Strike, and her childhood sweetheart husband. She's also an intersection...

Today’s guest is the wonderful Sas Petherick, a coach, coaching supervisor, and founder of the Self Belief Coaching Academy. We talk about her understanding of self doubt, how it acts as a self-protective mechanism, and about why self doubt can feel especially prominent during midlife. Sas provides valuable insights on managing self doubt, listening to our healthy adult self, and embracing change....

Today, I want to share with you a concept I haven't been able to stop thinking about since Julia Goodall talked about it in episode three. So let's dive in and explore what it means for us as midlife individuals looking to navigate the sometimes tricky in-betweenness of this phase. So, what do you think? Does the concept of a second adolescence resonate with you? I'd love to hear your thoughts and...

This week I thought I'd share some of my favourite bits from The Happy Middle so far. I've been lucky to have interviewed some really inspiring people who've shared their stories so generously. Enjoy the episode and please share this on Instagram (make sure you tag me too so I see it!) Thanks for listening, please come and say hello over on Instagram and do check out my work online.

In this episode, I welcome Penny Wincer, a Melbourne-born author, writing coach, and podcast host based in London. Penny shares her midlife journey from a freelance photographer to a writer and non-fiction coach all while navigating life as a single parent and caregiver. We chatted about the challenges of caregiving, and the importance of self-compassion and Penny is exceptionally honest about the...

Today's guest is Katy Murray, a women's leadership coach, inclusion facilitator, speaker, and author of Changemakers, a women's guide to stepping up without burning out . Katy works with female leaders who want to make a real difference in the world by helping them to find the right balance between work and looking after themselves. It was a real pleasure to chat with Katy and I hope you enjoy the...

Do you save your clothes for best? I have to admit that I do and my guest today, personal stylist and image consultant Emma Carr wants us all to stop doing that. I worked with Emma a few years ago when I felt like I had no idea how I wanted to look anymore after having children and hitting my 40s. I love Emma's approach to helping us navigate changes in our lives and identities through style. We c...

When the word feels heavy and hopeless prioritising pleasure can feel taboo. In today's episode of The Happy Middle I chat with creator, violist, mother, and pleasure activist Meena Bhasin. We explored how sensuality and rage transform during midlife and how you can channel your rage into powerful, positive energy. And Meena discusses why pleasure is a powerful act of resistance. I hope this episo...

In this episode, Laura Clark, a menopause dietitian and food therapist with over 25 years of experience, discusses her holistic approach to helping midlife women navigate the menopausal transition through better nutrition, understanding food relationships, and addressing emotional well-being. We chat about the importance of contextualising diet within a broader lifestyle perspective, acknowledging...

Today's guest is Julia Goodall, a clinical psychologist turned psychotherapist and relationship coach. She helps clients find joy in everyday life and love in extraordinary ways and I loved our chat so much, which meandered from exploring the the nuances between therapy and coaching through to the importance of open communication in relationships. We also explored some of the challenges and opport...

This podcast episode features a rich conversation with Lucy Lucraft, a midlife, ADHD-diagnosed mother, journalist turned podcast producer, and advocate for a free Palestine. Lucy & I delve into midlife experiences, discussing the challenges and weirdness of navigating the 'middle bit' of life, from peri-menopause and its symptoms, which can intersect with ADHD symptoms, to the adjustments in r...

Welcome to my new podcast The Happy Middle. I'm Suzy Darke and this podcast is for women navigating midlife with its ups, downs, and 'messy middles'. This first episode is mostly about me, my life, and my midlife journey, from motherhood to menopause, to finding my creative voice and becoming a coach. So curl up, grab a cuppa and dive in, I'm so glad you're here. Episode highlights: 02:01 Meet the...