How To Be 60 with Kaye Adams

In this heartfelt episode of How to Be 60 , Kaye Adams and Karen Mackenzie sit down with Heather James, mother of the beloved and inspirational Deborah James, also known as “Bowel Babe.” Two years after Deborah's passing, Heather reflects on her journey through grief, resilience, and the strength of familial bonds. She shares profound insights into coping with loss, embracing life’s fleeting momen...

In this midweek catch-up, Kaye and Karen dive into the all-too-relatable dilemma of parenting adult kids—when to let go, and when to hover like a true 'helicopter mum.' From Kaye’s inner turmoil over her daughter’s first road trip to Karen’s laissez-faire approach to her globetrotting kids, they ask: do we worry for them, or for ourselves? With a hilarious sidetrack on dinner plans, mysterious wal...

In this week's episode, Kaye and Karen are joined by Adrian Chiles, broadcaster, writer, and self-proclaimed "muser." Adrian shares his thoughts on the challenges and revelations of growing older, balancing a high-profile career with personal satisfaction, and the complexities of living with ADHD. From reflections on the passing of time to navigating career shifts, Adrian offers a candid perspecti...

In this midweek catch-up, Kaye and Karen explore the complexities of widowhood and what it means to be considered 'vulnerable' after 60. Sharing stories from listeners and reflecting on their own experiences, they dive into the emotional journey of losing a partner, navigating life alone, and whether the term 'single' fits the bill. From Harriet Harman's candid insights on grieving and moving forw...

In this episode of How to Be 60 , we sit down with the redoubtable Harriet Harman, former MP and now Baroness Harman, who shares her straight-talking views on embracing age, tackling gender inequality, and life after losing her husband. At 74, Harriet’s not interested in looking younger or playing by society’s rules—she’s owning her age and challenging others to do the same. Drop us an email with...

In this bonus episode, Kaye and Karen take a breather to chat about life through the decades, reflecting on their conversation with journalist Carol Malone, who’s just turned 70. With humor and honesty, they discuss everything from fast-paced 20s and career highs, to the ups and downs of health, relationships, and confidence in later life. They also share stories from their listeners—women who ope...

In this episode of How To Be 60 , we sit down with the legendary columnist and broadcaster Carole Malone as she reflects on approaching 70 and what it means to embrace the later years of life. Carole shares the highs and lows of her 60s, from navigating a demanding career to choosing not to have children, and the challenges of staying active despite health setbacks. Tune in as we discuss redefinin...

In this episode of How to Be 60 , we are joined by the legendary Michel Roux Jr., former chef of the iconic Le Gavroche, a restaurant that shaped culinary excellence for over 50 years. Michel opens up about closing this family institution to focus on a new chapter of life. We discuss his thoughts on work-life balance, the pressures of perfection in the kitchen, and how he's savoring this new seaso...

We're delving into the archives for this midweek treat of an episode from How to Be 60! This week Kaye & Karen talk to the lady of the Cruise, Jane McDonald about her life, taking a break from touring, love and loss, and her future in campervans.   We're back at the Edinburgh Fringe next week with the second of our live shows with Clive Anderson and Jojo Sutherland. Would you join Jane ou...

In this episode of How to Be 60 , Kaye Adams and Karen McKenzie are joined by the hilarious and candid Jenny Eclair. Jenny reflects on her evolving relationship with her grandson, navigating the world of grandparenting, and how her drive for success has changed over time. She shares funny and touching insights into her life, career, and thoughts on aging, all while promoting her new memoir. For ti...

This week on How To Be 60 , we welcome back the fantastic Sue Cleaver, who shares how turning 60 has been a transformative journey of self-compassion and personal growth. Sue opens up about her struggles with anxiety, overcoming feelings of self-doubt, and how therapy helped her learn to embrace who she truly is. Her new memoir, A Work in Progress , captures these moments and more, offering reader...

We're digging into the archives for this week's episode to share one of our favourite episodes with currently Strictly Come Dancing cast member, Toyah Willcox. The ever-regenerating actress and musician has topped YouTube charts for her Sunday Lunch series with husband Robert, and in this early episode Kaye & Karen talk to Toyah about her upbringing, finding humour in everything she does, and...

In this week's episode of How To Be 60 , we talk with Philip Dundas, who bravely recounts his experience of surviving historic abuse at Edinburgh schools. Philip opens up about the emotional weight of breaking decades of silence, his journey through therapy, and the resilience it took to confront his past. Now, as he prepares for a fresh start in his third act of life, Philip reflects on healing,...

This week on How To Be 60 , we’re catching up with the one and only Dick Strawbridge, who’s done it all—from military operations to TV stardom, and of course, restoring that stunning French chateau. Known for his practical skills, larger-than-life personality, and can-do attitude, Dick shares how life really began at 50 when he and Angel took the plunge into chateau life. We talk family, love, and...

This week on How To Be 60 , Kaye and Karen are joined by the iconic Dame Arlene Phillips, who proves that age really is just a number. At 81, the legendary choreographer shares her insights on staying vibrant, her passion for dance, and why she surrounds herself with younger people to keep her ideas fresh and contemporary. Arlene opens up about her remarkable career—from creating Hot Gossip to cho...

This week on How To Be 60 , Kaye and Karen sit down with the remarkable Melanie Reid, a journalist whose life took a dramatic turn after a devastating horse-riding accident left her paralyzed. At 67, Melanie opens up about the stark realities of living with a disability, the emotional and physical challenges she faces daily, and how she's learned to find joy and meaning in the little things. Her s...

This week on How To Be 60 , we're joined by the fabulous Anna Ryder Richardson, who’s swapped the world of interior design for the wild side—literally! Anna, who first burst onto our screens with Changing Rooms , spills the tea on her rollercoaster journey through a tough divorce, finding new purpose, and why taking on a zoo might just be her most daring adventure yet. It’s been a bumpy ride, but...

This week on "How to Be 60," join us as BBC News anchor Reeta Chakrabarti shares her fascinating journey from the vibrant streets of Birmingham and Calcutta to the bustling newsrooms of the BBC. Born in London and raised across two continents, Reeta delves into how her multicultural upbringing shaped her into the acclaimed journalist she is today. We'll explore her recent endeavors, her thoughts o...

This week, "How to Be 60" features the amazing Michelle Collins, famed for her role as Cindy Beale on EastEnders. Michelle shares her experiences of returning to the show, the camaraderie with her co-stars, and the personal challenges she's faced, including the death of her mother, as well as finding love and contentment in her 60s. Tune in for an episode rich with stories, resilience, and inspira...

On this week's How To Be 60, Bobby Davro joins us ahead of his Edinburgh Fringe show "Bobby Davro: Everything is Funny... If You Can Laugh at It". Bobby takes us through the highs and lows of his life, from his heyday on TV to his current run at the Edinburgh Fringe. He talks about the recent loss of his fiancée, a stroke on stage, and and his belief that laughter truly is the best medicine. Bobby...

This week on the How to Be 60 podcast, Melanie Cantor shares her journey from celebrity agent to celebrated author, discussing the risks and rewards of her career shift at 50. Discover how embracing her passion for writing led to newfound success and fulfillment, and join her as she explores the complexities of 'having it all' as a woman in today's world. Melanie’s latest book, The F**k It! List ,...

This week on How to Be 60, we're thrilled to be joined by Linda Plant, the businesswoman Lord Alan Sugar trusts to grill his apprentices. Dubbed the "Queen of Mean," Linda shares her incredible journey from a market stall in Leeds to building a multimillion-pound fashion empire, as well as her personal take on relationships and the balance of power. Discover why Linda, despite her high-powered car...

In this week’s episode of How to Be 60, we’re joined by the incredible Sally Jones, who shares her poignant and inspiring journey of caring for her husband John following his Alzheimer's diagnosis. Sally opens up about the challenges and emotional nuances of being a caregiver, the adjustments required in her life, and how she finds joy and contentment amidst these changes. From balancing a demandi...

Join us on this week's How to be 60 as we dive into the world of aesthetic transformation with Cindy Jackson, whose passport says 68, but her appearance tells a different story. Cindy shares her journey through multiple cosmetic procedures, including rhinoplasty, facelifts, and laser resurfacing, to achieve the look she desired. We explore the motivations behind her choices, the societal impact of...

This week on "How to Be 60," Kaye Adams is joined by the fabulous Kiki Dee, who takes us through her remarkable journey from the vibrant Motown era to duets with Elton John and beyond. Listen in as Kiki discusses navigating the peaks and valleys of a lifetime in music, maintaining her authenticity in an industry that's constantly changing, and embracing the twists and turns of life after 60. It's...