Redefining Midlife with Jo Clark

If you're constantly tired, don't sleep well at night, or feel the effects of the mid-afternoon slump, today's episode is for you. Thea O-Connor joins me today, and we’re talking about naps. Thea O’Connor is a senior workplace wellbeing advisor, speaker and coach. She helps leaders, teams and individuals improve their workplace engagement and effectiveness through body intelligence and...

In this episode of the Redefining Midlife podcast, we dive deep into a topic that is both fundamental and transformational. It's not just about listening, it's about taking action for your well-being. The importance of prioritising one's physical and mental well-being during the often chaotic and hectic midlife years is often understated. As we navigate the tumultuous seas of work, fam...

Remember the start of the year when you set your goals and intentions with such excitement and anticipation? In this episode, I’m circling back to our yearly goals for a review because it’s hard to believe we are almost halfway through the year. In reality, more than half of us might be feeling a bit off course, so I share three key takeaways to help you get back on track. Listen in to find out mo...

Episode 88 of the Redefining Midlife podcast focuses on debunking the myth of a one-size-fits-all approach to health and wellness, tailored especially for busy midlife women. Each person’s body and experience is as individual and diverse as our fingerprints, increasing the need for personalised health and wellness strategies. In this solo episode, I touch on topics including: The ever-changing lan...

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to interview amazing everyday midlife women who are doing incredible things. My goal is to use this platform to amplify their voices and showcase their achievements, instead of constantly focusing on celebrity culture. Today, we have an inspiring guest, Angela Hucker, who will share her story with us. Angela is a rare gem in her field, with over 20 year...

The symptoms of menopause and being overworked can often overlap, making it difficult for women to connect the dots early on. They may dismiss their exhaustion and lack of sleep as simply being overburdened with responsibilities. However, it can be hard to distinguish between hormonal changes and other stressors in life. Today's special guest is Dr. Niamh Leonard, a GP and menopause specialist...

The term ‘midlife’ can make many of us uncomfortable due to its negative connotations and societal expectations. Midlife is also a stage of life that is often misunderstood and misrepresented in media and advertising.  Due to increased life expectancy, midlife has become a newly defined stage and in this episode, I am redefining midlife - exactly as the podcast says. Tune in as I talk about this i...

There have been several common themes throughout the 84 episodes of the Redefining Midlife Podcast so far and in today’s solo episode I would like to share with you 3 Essential Strategies to Thrive in Midlife. Research emphasises the critical importance of lifestyle habits during this phase and how implementing modest changes can yield significant health improvements. Despite knowing the importanc...

The emotional rollercoaster of midlife can be like a tangled mess of wild emotions, ranging from ecstatic highs to abysmal lows and this can come as a huge surprise for many women. For this episode we have the pleasure of inviting Kirstin Bouse back to the podcast, a Clinical and Forensic Psychologist with nearly three decades of experience who specialises working with midlife women. When her own...

In this episode, we are introduced to Dr. Karen Coates, a leading holistic medical doctor and naturopathic physician. She shares insights on longevity medicine, lifestyle choices, and evidence-based healthcare. She has also co-authoured the book How to Be Well , a Handbook for Women with Sharon Kolkka. Karen continues to share her knowledge through regular workshops on integrative medicine, women&...

In episode 81, we'll be discussing a topic you may not have heard of before: intuitive eating. Our guest, Dr. Jen Salib Huber, is a registered dietitian and naturopathic doctor who helps women manage menopause without diets or food rules. During this transition, many women experience weight gain and body changes, influenced by societal pressure for a certain size or shape. Dr. Huber works to n...

When I think of today's guest, Tania Jolley, the words that come to mind include self-belief, intelligence, tenacity, courage, and determination. She is an extraordinary woman who wears many hats - innovator, entrepreneur, wife, mother, and a fierce player in the beauty industry with her groundbreaking product, Lashes of Change. In today’s episode I chat with my friend and find inspiration thr...

Since the start of the year, how many women have managed to stick to their resolutions? There are several common hurdles in achieving goals, such as lack of clarity, accountability, and fear of failure. In today’s short solo episode, I’m breaking those goals into actionable steps, and focusing on progress over perfection to achieve success. Listen in as I discuss: Research that suggests a small pe...

Recently, at a networking conference for women in business, I spoke to women in their forties to mid-sixties who were going through multiple transitions and feeling unprepared. They realised they had lost a sense of self and hadn't thought about what they wanted this stage of life to be like. As someone who has experienced this, I know how overwhelming it can be. That's why investing in pe...

Today I have the pleasure of introducing my good friend Kirstie Smolenski. She is a multifaceted woman juggling various roles and pursuing new educational endeavours at 56. Her journey emphasises the importance of taking action, embracing change, and seizing opportunities for personal growth and reinvention. As you’ll hear in our chat, Kirstie continues to defy the expectations around her, so list...

Step into the powerful story of Barb Mosslar, a woman who has risen above countless adversities throughout her life. Her journey is one of incredible transformation and resilience, as she has overcome challenges that could have easily held her back. The Barb Mosslar we will meet in this episode is a very different woman to the one from her younger years. Today, she is happily living in the vibrant...

Women in midlife are seeking a life full of energy, both now and into the future. We lead busy lives and often it can be hard to make time for healthy habits. In today’s episode we’re diving into the fascinating world of habits, in particular, micro-habits. I can honestly say for me, adding micro-habits into my day over time changed my life and it's changing the lives of the women that I coach...

For as long as this podcast has lived, I have dreamed of this show being a place where everyday women in this stage of life can also feel seen and heard. And today I have the pleasure of introducing you to Michelle Parsonage, who also has a podcast very similar to this one. Like most of us, Michelle doesn't think that her past or her present is particularly interesting or important. That's...

By the time you get to midlife, the majority, if not all women have gone through some sort of hardship, adversity and difficult times and Kat Finnerty has certainly had her fair share. When she was diagnosed with MS at 24 and given a prognosis that she would be wheelchair-bound by 40 she refused to let her disease define her. Against all odds, Kat managed to cure her "incurable" disease...

In today’s solo episode I’m exploring big transitions, specifically when entering the empty nest stage. Every single major life stage or transition that your child enters also means that you have one as well. I've experienced them all firsthand, so I know that they can be incredibly difficult and emotional. Tune in as I share my understanding about how your life can feel like it's suddenly...

The redefining midlife podcast speaks to women, many of whom are mothers. Today I have Jane Bards, a dedicated psychologist, working in private practice, where she employs a holistic and neuro affirming approach to therapy. Her therapeutic style combines evidence-based practices with a deep understanding of individual needs, fostering personal growth and resilience. Jane has completed additional s...

What happens when two women called Jo meet and chat for the Redefining Midlife Podcast? A wonderful and full of life conversation centred around the community! Jo Harvey brings a vibrancy and energy to this conversation which cannot help but ooze and overflow into a smile on your face. She is candid and refreshingly honest and generously shares her own ups and downs throughout her life. After work...

The changes in hormones due to the menopause transition and getting older has a huge impact on bone health and osteopenia and osteoporosis are important topics to consider. It's crucial then that women become proactive and protect their bones more because they're four times more likely to get bone disease than men. And being proactive starts with learning more about bone health. I'm be...

It’s hard to believe 2024 is just around the corner and while we enjoy a break for the festive season, I invite you to a few recaps of popular episodes of the Redefining Midlife Podcast. Firstly, I’m revisiting episode 19 which talks about the power of a word for the year. For the past couple of years, I’ve chosen a word of the year and it’s really helped me to be more intentional about my thought...

In today's episode, we're delving into a topic that strikes a chord with many women—navigating the complexities of the festive season. Beyond the glittering lights and holiday cheer, this time of year can bring unique challenges, stress, and heightened expectations. Joining us for this insightful discussion is Kirstin Bouse, a clinical and forensic psychologist with nearly three decades of...