Midlife Illuminated

For the final episode of this season, I share an unforgettable experience with a remarkable 96-year-old who is a living testament to the power of the human spirit. Recently, I was privileged to walk in the footsteps of the Windemere Children, in the stunning landscape of the Lake District. Their story provides proof that we can find our way out of despair - and that there is hope for today's child...

Did you know that simply chatting to a stranger improves our wellbeing (and the state of humanity)? In this life-affirming, re-released conversation, I chat with veteran journalist Joe Keohane, author of "The Power of Strangers: The Benefits of Connecting in a Suspicious World". At a time when we are increasingly isolated on our screens and “othering” is on the rise, this conversation is a timely...

What if volunteering not only helps others...but is also one of the kindest things you can do for yourself ? In this episode, I chat through the powerful ways that volunteering lifts us up. I also share personal stories of how my own life has been transformed through giving my time to help others. Whether you’re already a volunteer or are toying with the idea, you'll hear that volunteering is far...

In this moving and inspiring episode, I chat to a wise, gentle mid-lifer called Karen Villet. Karen is a cancer survivor, mother and (since we recorded this conversation) now a functional medicine health coach. You'll hear about: The importance of releasing self-criticism to make space for self-compassion and growth. The difference between surviving and thriving . Chronic disease as a teacher (and...

We're in the midst of exam season - and that can be a huge source of stress. So I thought I'd re-share my top tips on how you can help your kids to cope with exams. As a former managing director, I also give you an insight into what helps young people to thrive in the workplace - and it's definitely not all about exam results! You can find my Calm Kit here: https://peppermintwellness.co.uk/the-cal...

Do you love novels - but struggle to justify reading for pleasure? That used to be me too. But I've come to see how reading fiction is hugely beneficial for our wellbeing. In this episode, you'll learn how reading a novel can lower your stress levels, help your sleep...and even improve your relationships. Plus, I share my tips for books I've loved. I hope this inspires you to curl up with a good b...

This is a soulful, thought-provoking conversation with Georgie Stewart, an award-winning illustrator artist who I had the privilege of coaching recently. Georgie went from being totally overwhelmed by work (and a sugar addiction) to feeling radiant, joyful and fulfilled. We explore: How it feels to treat your body like a machine that exists to work. Why many of us use overwork as a distraction fro...

In this episode, I’m sharing something profoundly life-changing. It's the simple daily practice that helps me build my resilience, boost my mood and shift into a mindset of abundance — even in life’s hardest moments. Yes, we’re talking about gratitude . Tune in to hear me share: Why a daily gratitude practice is the ultimate way to shift out of a negative, scarcity mindset and increase your level...

As we launch into spring, it felt the perfect time to re-share an uplifting conversation about the role of nature's cycles in our life. You'll love listening to the wisdom of Sadie Pickering - a woman who is truly in harmony with nature and someone who is a personal inspiration to me. Sadie is the founder of Soul Beauty Rituals and runs the Cosmic Cycling Club. She helps people to come home to the...

Wouldn't it be great to have a simple, effective way to sort your head out quickly whenever you're stuck in emotional turmoil? That's exactly what journalling can give you. And it's not only proven to be powerfully effective - it's also free! In this episode, I share how I use daily journalling to break out of anxious thinking and access clarity, calm and focus. I hope this episode inspires you to...

On the 5th anniversary of this podcast, I'm revisiting my eye-opening conversation with functional medicine expert, Dr Sarah Davies. You'll hear me share what my younger son suffered as a little boy. Year after year, he was put on increasing amounts of medication that didn't cure him. That's because the experts in charge of his care had no understanding of the role of gut health. H...

What is your inner voice telling you? Is it nice or nasty? Transforming how you speak to yourself is vital if you'd like to improve your wellbeing and begin to thrive in life. In this episode, I share some simple tips on how you can switch from damning yourself to supporting yourself. You can watch my free self-compassion video by going to the pop-up on my website: https://peppermintwellness.co.uk...

Welcome to episode 100 of this podcast! On this milestone episode, it felt right to share the absolute bedrock of my wellbeing: the weekly Jewish Sabbath. I lift the lid on what the Sabbath means to me - and how you can create your own sanctuary in time (you don't need to be Jewish to have a regular day of rest!). In our unpredictable, chaotic, stressful, tech-filled world, a weekly respite is mor...

Talking to others is a crucial part of our wellbeing: particularly if we're struggling with something and need a compassionate, listening ear. But our tongue can cause us - and others - significant harm. If we use our power of speech to gossip, complain or put ourselves down, that has a negative impact on our own wellbeing - not to mention the effect is has on other people. In this episode, I help...

I understand how it feels to put your own body's needs last...because that used to be me too. As you'll hear in this episode, I used to be dismissive (and even contemptuous) of even the most basic bodily needs. I hope that this episode encourages you to listen to your precious body - and start to give it the care it craves. To access my free self-compassion video, just sign up via the pop-up on my...

In this episode, I spill the beans on what I learnt during my many years working in PR for the food industry. I thought I'd re-share this, following my recent appearance on the BBC film "Irresistible: Why We Can't Stop Eating". During those years in PR, I gained a first-hand insight into how we're being manipulated into eating foods that gradually destroy our health. This is information that we AL...

It sounds far-fetched to go from feeling toxic and self-hating - to feeling calm and positive...within 6 weeks (without any drugs or expensive interventions). That was precisely the experience of Abbe Meek, a 52-year-old mum of two who hit menopause and fell to pieces. Abbe tweaked her morning routine - and was astonished to discover that it transformed her life and her relationship with her famil...

I recently became an empty nester. For the first time in 26 years, I have none of my kids living at home. In this episode, I share how we can navigate this time with acceptance, joy and optimism. Whether you are currently experiencing empty nesting or have years to go before you reach this transition, I hope this episode reassures you and gives you hope. Join me for my free masterclass: "How to re...

When life feels overwhelming, it's tempting to make ourselves feel better by turning to food (and most likely food that is not good for us). In this episode, I share a few tips on tackling stress eating - starting with being kind to ourselves. PLEASE NOTE: the information in this podcast is not designed to address eating disorders, which need specialist support. Join my Freshly Minted membership f...

However challenging this year has been for you, please know that you really can end it feeling calmer, more energised and more positive about yourself. No matter how many times you've not managed to stick to healthy habits in the past, I believe that you can change your mindset and start to care for your own wellbeing. Have a listen to my chat with Abigail Best - one of the ladies who has turned h...

I don't know about you...but I often feel like I'm constantly behind and racing just to stay still. That changed over the course of this summer, when I did a 7-week social media detox (I intended to do 6 weeks but was enjoying it so much that I've stayed away from being 'out there' for an extra week). In this episode, I share how I've gained a huge boost of clarity, headspace and perspective. You'...

With the frenetic, back-to-school period about to kick in, I thought I'd re-share with you some guidance on how to stay grounded in the face of so much stress. This chat with Terri Creeden will make you think differently about what it means to lead your family. She shares how essential it is that we engage in self-care so that we have the capacity to help our family members to fulfill their own po...

I'm delighted to re-share this eye-opening conversation on a topic which affects ALL of us. As you'll hear Gwyneth Moss explain, we have all picked up limiting beliefs when we were young children. These limiting beliefs (also known as "false truths") are often what are sabotaging us as adults. In this episode, you'll learn how false truths dictate our thoughts, behaviours and...

This is a re-release of episode 56 of my podcast. - and one of my favourite conversations. If I could persuade everyone to adopt just one habit, it would be a daily gratitude practice. It's no exaggeration to say that this is a practice that transforms people's lives on every level. This is a deeply uplifting conversation with the inspirational Holly Bertone. Holly discovered the power of...

You might be feeling stuck, frustrated and taken for granted - you might be feeling that life is passing you by, and that it's too late for you to create the life you want. I hope that this episode gives you hope that midlife is a golden period of opportunity to shake up your life and redesign it in a way that fulfils you. This is a very deep, soulful conversation with a wise, inspiring midlifer,...