Two Women Chatting

Exciting times ahead as Liz and Michelle begin podcasting weekly! Join them on the sofa with a cuppa talking about parents weekend, bagels in Central Park, Funny Girl on Broadway, mince pies in October, a trip to the Orkneys, Michelle's 'roadkill bingo', Gator-nado, not apple sauce and a made bed being a haven amongst chaos.   For great resources, blogs and useful info for mid-lifers, check o...

In part 2 of our Menopause series we chat to incredible women from the Menopause Mandate - Alice Smellie, Laura Biggs, Lisa Snowden and Lavina Mehta MBE. However it affects you (whether you are the menopausal woman or the partner or child of one!), we can probably all agree that choice, affordability of & access to HRT plus education can make it better and more positive. We are not advocating...

On this bonus episode, we chat to Michelle Bresnahan, founder of A Life for Cure , created in memory of her son Ryan Bresnahan. It's so important that we talk about the symptoms of meningitis B, the vaccines available (spoiler alert: they are not the meningitis vaccines you get at school - you need to PAY for them to protect your kids from this strain at college) and raise awareness within our sch...

Is your head spinning on the topic of menopause? Thank goodness we have incredible women like the members of the Menopause Mandate who are helping to distil all the information in one place - educating, campaigning, raising awareness and fighting for the rights of menopausal women. Join us as we chat to Carolyn Harris MP, health journalist Alice Smellie and CEO of Intuitive Events Laura Biggs who,...

On this episode we explore the benefits of collagen in midlife, how to start running at any age, the joy of golf and self care.   We're joined by Jenni Falconer, Smooth FM breakfast show presenter, host of RunPod and co-founder of Kollo Health . Did you know collagen can help joint aches as an anti inflammatory, can delay greying hair (& losing hair), help weight loss, reduce cellulite, r...

Welcome to Part 2 of our popular Empty Nest series! Now ranked in the top 25 empty nest podcasts globally —and #1 in the UK —this episode dives deep into life after your kids leave home . That quiet house, the less laundry, the unexpected gap—how do you cope, reconnect, and create a fulfilling new chapter? Hosts Liz and Michelle chat with a panel of experts and empty nesters offering honest advice...

The empty nest phase is a huge transition — full of emotions, challenges, and new opportunities. Whether you’re bracing yourself for your child leaving for university or looking forward to newfound freedom, this bonus episode offers guidance and support to help you prepare before they go . Join hosts Liz and Michelle as they speak with experts and parents who’ve been through it, sharing honest adv...

⚠️ Content warning: this episode contains discussion of mental health, self-harm and coercion that may be triggering for some listeners. Have you heard of sextortion ? It’s the shocking and growing online crime where images or videos are used to manipulate, threaten or blackmail — often targeting teenagers. In this deeply moving episode, we’re joined by Roxy and Gay Longworth , co-authors of When...

Feel stuck in a job that doesn’t spark joy? Wondering if it’s too late to start over? Think again. This week, Liz and Michelle are joined by Lyndsey Simpson , founder of 55/Redefined , the UK’s boldest champion for over-50s career reinvention. If you've been wondering whether it’s time to pivot, restart, or finally follow that dream—you’ll want to hear this. Lyndsey shares powerful advice about bu...

Liz and Michelle speak with Clarissa Drysdale Anderson, Chair of You Can Free Us Foundation, about the harrowing reality of modern slavery affecting over 40 million people globally. Motivated by a personal incident involving Michelle’s daughter, they explore rescue, advocacy, and rehabilitation efforts—including support for women and children fleeing Ukraine. Learn what everyday steps you can take...

Feel forgetful, distracted or mentally overloaded in midlife? It might not just be menopause. In this episode, Liz and Michelle talk to executive functioning expert Victoria Bagnall , who explains why so many women are misdiagnosed—or completely missed—when it comes to ADHD. Victoria shares why symptoms often show up (or worsen) during perimenopause, the role of trauma and genetics, and how simple...

Anthea Turner—TV icon and style legend—shares her honest, expert-backed secrets to aging well in this inspiring episode. From her iconic hairstyles to daring reality TV adventures, Anthea embodies confidence and vitality at 61. Drawing on insights from top health, beauty, and style experts, her book How to Age Well: The Secrets offers practical advice to boost your health, wellbeing, and confidenc...

Jo Martin, mental health consultant and MHFA instructor, joins Liz and Michelle to reveal the surprising health risks some face when retiring, including why executives can suffer catastrophic events after leaving work. Drawing on her vast global experience in mental health, Jo shares expert tips on how to prepare for retirement years ahead by building hobbies, social connections, and routines that...

Jenny Seagrove, renowned actress and founder of Mane Chance Sanctuary, shares her inspiring journey from Hollywood to creating a safe haven for rescued horses. In this episode, she reveals how her deep connection with horses led to a powerful mission of healing and animal welfare. Liz and Michelle explore the unique bond between humans and horses, the sanctuary’s impact, and how midlife can be a t...

Liz and Michelle welcome Anne Bangs and Doreen Hall from TLC to explore the unique challenges of “carenting”—the balancing act of caring for aging parents while supporting adult children launching into independence. This episode is essential listening for the sandwich generation navigating midlife’s emotional, practical, and financial demands. Discover expert advice on managing stress, setting bou...

Join Liz and Michelle as they explore easy, realistic weight loss strategies for women over 50. No fad diets—just practical tips, honest stories, and mindset shifts to help you feel your best during midlife. Perfect for empty nesters navigating changing bodies, hormones, and busy lives with kindness and humor. Expect conversations about weight loss without burnout — gentle habits that stick; navig...

Liz and Michelle dive into a refreshing take on the festive season in this midlife episode. With adult children at home (or visiting), they explore how holidays evolve beyond childhood traditions—after all, life doesn’t stop at 50! From redefining expectations and saying no to overwhelming hosting, to finding joy in new rituals and carving out meaningful holiday moments, this episode offers honest...

In this heartfelt and insightful episode, Michelle and Liz chat with Dr Dominique Thompson, award-winning GP, author, and expert in young people's mental health, to explore the emotional journey of empty nest syndrome and the complex transitions facing parents—especially mothers—as children leave home. Together, they unpack the grief, guilt, freedom, and identity shifts that come with midlife pare...

In the very first episode of Two Women Chatting , hosts Liz and Michelle kick off their midlife mission with warmth, wit, and real talk. As two friends navigating life after 50, they share their own experiences of empty nesting, menopause, career reinvention, and everything in between. Whether it’s the shock of your kids leaving home (only to return with laundry), changing bodies, evolving relatio...