Life’s 2nd Act: A journey into finding direction and purpose

In this episode of Life's 2nd Act, I speak with Dr. Mark Williamson, co-founder of Action for Happiness, about finding purpose and meaning in midlife.    Mark walked away from a successful corporate career (nine years at Accenture, stints at HP and Orange) after what he calls his "good life crisis."    We talk about that shift, the back pain that turned out to be a wake-up call, and what 15 years...

In this episode, I reflect on the emotional impact of a conversation with Michael Fry, who has faced significant challenges in his life.   I explore the themes of vulnerability, resilience and the importance of acknowledging emotions, particularly during midlife.   I discuss how emotional moments can serve as catalysts for self-discovery and personal growth, encouraging us to embrace feelings and...

In this episode of Life’s 2nd Act, I speak with Lindsey Conen-Smith, a dating and relationship coach, about the complexities of dating in midlife. We discuss the challenges posed by dating apps, the importance of confidence, and the differences in how men and women approach dating.   Lindsey shares insights on the role of therapy, the evolution of online dating and the significance of understandin...

In this episode, I speak to Michael Fry.   He shares his deeply moving journey of resilience and recovery from addiction, mental health struggles and personal loss. He reflects on his childhood, the impact of his brother's death, the challenges of marriage and fatherhood and ultimately a breaking point at 55.   His life then changed, with the help of Stonepillow he found his path to recovery and f...

In this conversation I explore the complex issue of homelessness in midlife with Hilary Bartle, CEO of StonePillow.    Hilary highlights the various causes, societal perceptions and the transformative work being done by Stonepillow. She emphasises that homelessness can affect anyone, regardless of their background and stresses the importance of early intervention and support.    You will gain a de...

In this conversation, Sanjani Shah shares her journey following an unexpected redundancy from her long-term role at the Body Shop.    What’s followed… ‘It's been the best 12 months of my life’ she says.   Emphasising the importance of choice in response to life's challenges, she discusses how her spiritual practices helped her navigate feelings of fear and uncertainty. Sanjani reflects on the powe...

In this episode, I have the privilege of chatting with Carolyn Mayling, who shares her remarkable journey through midlife.   The conversation begins with Carolyn recounting her heart-wrenching experience of losing her daughter, Rosie, to a sudden illness. During this difficult time, she discovered an incredible strength within herself. She also delves into the profound impact of grief on her famil...

In this episode, I chat to Jonathan Besser.   He shares his transformative journey through midlife, discussing the unexpected challenges he faced after a career shift at 40, including imposter syndrome and the importance of support networks.   He emphasises the value of lifelong learning, self-discovery and embracing change as essential components of personal growth. Jonathan's insights highlight...

In this episode of Life's 2nd Act, I speak with Ali Spooner, the 'Midlife Mojo Coach', about the challenges and transformations that come with midlife. We discuss the feeling of losing one's mojo, the importance of self-awareness, and the role of confidence in navigating this phase of life. Ali shares insights on how to identify the signs of losing mojo, the impact of change and loss, and the diff...

In this 'Midlife Musing' I reflect on my experiences of feeling stuck and the journey towards reinvention. I touch on the importance of acknowledging feelings of uncertainty, taking small steps towards change, and prioritising health and well-being. Through self-reflection and connection with others, I explore how to we can navigate this phase of life, encouraging others to embrace their evolving...

In this episode of Life's 2nd Act, it's time for another 'Midlife Musing' on aging... Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought, where did the time go? or Am I too old for this? Today, I'm flipping the script on aging. Aging isn't something to fear, it's a privilege! Society tells us to fight it, but what if we saw it for what it truly is? An opportunity. A gift. A chance not everyone gets. I...

In this episode of Life's 2nd Act, I explore the theme of authenticity in midlife. I chat through the common feelings of discontent and the societal pressures that lead individuals to question their true selves.   I chat about the importance of living in alignment with your values and desires, particularly during midlife, often described as a crossroads... NOT a crisis.   I discuss the challenges...

Yay! I’m celebrating ONE YEAR of Life’s 2nd Act!    And for today’s episode, I’m mixing things up with something COMPLETELY NEW and I'm still shaking my head in disbelief with this ‘conversation’.   Over 24 amazing guests, countless moments, insights, stories, and a whole lot of reflection have brought us here, and it’s like nothing I’ve ever done before.   I’ve collaborated with technology to rel...

In this episode I speak with transformative coach Susanne Kubik about her journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Susanne shares her experiences of breaking free from a life of perfectionism and control.   The conversation explores themes of emotional health, the importance of acknowledging feelings, and the journey towards finding inner peace and authenticity, especially during midlife transit...

In this episode, I speak with Alan Sowersby, who shares his journey of battling OCD throughout his career. Alan discusses the challenges he faced while hiding behind a mask of confidence, the tipping point that led him to seek help, and how he rediscovered his passion for writing. Through poetry and self-expression, Alan learned to embrace his vulnerabilities and celebrate his neurodiversity, ulti...

In this episode, I speak with Dan Bowsher about his personal journey through breakdown, the challenges of midlife and the creation of his podcast, ‘Good Enough Chats’. Dan shares his experiences with mental health, the importance of listening to friends, and the realisation that perfectionism can hinder personal growth. The conversation highlights the significance of open discussions about mental...

In this episode, I speak with Shawn Hamill, who shares his transformative journey from a successful corporate career to a life of purpose and balance.  After realising he was on a fast track to burnout, Sean reflects on his life and decides to reconnect with his dreams. He talks about the importance of finding balance among career, self and family and how he and his wife embraced a sailing adventu...

In this episode of Life's 2nd Act, I speak with Claire and James Davis, founders of a successful luxury fitness retreat company and hosts of the Midlife Mentors podcast.  They discuss the challenges and transformations that come with midlife, including finding purpose, navigating relationships, and understanding hormonal changes. The conversation emphasises the importance of communication, self-aw...

In this episode of Life's 2nd Act, I speak with Dawn Barnes about her career journey, the challenges of burnout, and the transformative power of intuition. Dawn shares her experiences of navigating midlife changes and the importance of listening to one's inner wisdom. The conversation delves into practical strategies for personal growth, stress management and the impact of giving up alcohol on her...

In this episode, I speak with Stephen Thariyan about his personal journey from a successful career in finance and the city to volunteering with the Samaritans.    Stephen shares his experiences in the high-pressure world of finance, the catalyst for his change and the profound impact of listening to those in crisis. He emphasises the importance of empathy, resilience and the privilege of being a s...

In this episode of Life's 2nd Act, I speak with Paul Sutton about the challenges and reflections that come with midlife. He shares his personal journey feeling disconnected, questioning his purpose and struggling to figure out what’s missing. Paul’s story is one so many of us men can relate to.  We explore personal experiences of feeling trapped, the journey of self-discovery and the importance of...

In this episode, I speak to John Hird. John, a seasoned accountant, shares his journey of looking for work in his 50s and the challenges he faced, including being told he was ‘overqualified’ for roles.  He also discusses his brief experience as a prison officer and his decision to start a YouTube channel. John offers advice to others in their 50s, encouraging them to be patient and open to new opp...

In this episode, I speak to Tim Farmer, an expert in mental capacity and brain function. We discuss the importance of understanding mental capacity as we age and how it affects decision-making. Tim shares his journey and passion for helping vulnerable adults and improving assessments of mental capacity. We explore the difference between mental capacity and brain function, the signs of cognitive de...

In this episode, I speak to Anna Coscia.   Anna shares her experiences of facing fear and self-doubt, finding more meaning in her work and navigating the challenges of midlife. She emphasises the importance of managing fear, accepting emotions, and finding support during times of transition.    Anna also highlights the shared experiences of others going through similar challenges and the power of...

In this episode I speak to Jeremy Kourdi. In this moving episode of Life's 2nd Act, we explore the profound journey of navigating life's most challenging moments. Jeremy shares his transformative journey through mid to later life, which includes personal challenges, career shifts, and the importance of self-awareness and resilience.   He reflects on the heart-wrenching loss of his 29-year-old son,...