Midlife Answers

This week, I’m chatting with facial cupping expert Sakina about something I think so many of us in our 40s quietly wrestle with: Do I go down the tweakments route… or is there a more natural way to keep my skin feeling alive and glowing? Botox is everywhere right now - it’s almost become a casual part of getting ready. And while there’s zero judgement, I’ve found myself wondering if there’s anothe...

Ever wondered how someone goes from dreaming of writing a book to actually seeing it on the shelf? Children’s author Alex Atkinson joins Thriving in Our 40s to share how she turned a simple idea into two brilliantly spooky stories, and what her writing journey can teach us about creativity, confidence, and following our passions in midlife. We talk about finding self-belief when doubt creeps in, l...

Ever feel like you’re talking to a wall when it comes to your teen? You’re not alone. In this episode of  Thriving in Our 40s , I’m joined by Teen Whisperer, Kirsten Cobabe, to unpack what it really means to  be present  as a parent - beyond the nagging, lecturing, and “just do as I say” moments we all fall into. We explore how to: 💬 Have those tricky, awkward conversations that actually build tr...

Why are so many couples splitting in their 40s and 50s? And how does menopause affect intimacy, desire, and connection? In this week’s  Thriving in Our 40s  episode, we go deep with couples and sex therapist  Suzette Castle-Mackie  - and no topic is off-limits. ✨ Why midlife relationships are under pressure (and the rise of ‘grey divorce’) ✨ The fine line between healthy and destructive conflict...

Your  Menopause 101  guide - from  crash menopause  and  HRT  myths to  sex after menopause  and  midlife mental health . With Dr Angela Sharma & Dr Angela Wright of Spiced Pear Health, we dive into the real questions women face but rarely get answered. This episode of  Thriving in Our 40s  is your  Menopause 101  - an honest, practical conversation with menopause specialists Dr Angela Sharma...

Fashion advice - but not as we know it. In this heartfelt and powerful episode of Thriving In Our Forties, style coach Loulou Storey shares invaluable advice for women who feel disconnected from their wardrobes, unsure of their style, or invisible in midlife. At the heart of Loulou’s approach is her Style Storey Method - a unique process that helps women rediscover their identity through three ene...

Discover how to recognise, support, and celebrate dyslexia at any age - with practical tools and empowering insights from specialist Sasha Dugdale. Is dyslexia misunderstood, and under-celebrated? In this episode of  Thriving in Our Forties , dyslexia specialist  Sasha Dugdale  helps us reframe our understanding of neurodiversity. We explore: The signs of undiagnosed dyslexia in adults How to get...

Feeling overwhelmed, exhausted or just not yourself lately? In this episode, we’re joined by nutritional therapist Kate Chaytor-Norris to explore what stress really does to our bodies - especially in our 40s - and how we can NOURISH ourselves back to balance. We unpack the science, the hormones, and the emotional side of stress, and share practical, compassionate strategies to help you feel more g...

What do we say to our kids about pornography and puberty without it being awkward? In this honest and empowering episode of Thriving in Our Forties , we're joined by Janey Downshire , expert in adolescent development, counselling, and co-author of Teenagers Translated . Together, we unpack the tough but vital topics affecting our children today - online porn, puberty, body anxiety, and emotional l...

Struggling with weight gain, exhaustion, or mood swings? Perimenopause is a huge hormonal shift that affects metabolism, energy, and overall well-being - but you don’t have to just put up with it. There are ways to thrive through this transition! In this episode of Thriving in Our 40s, we’re joined by Functional Health & Performance Coach Natasha Banks to break down how to balance hormones nat...

Hands up - who else finds the older we get, the more  confused we become about what we should and shouldn’t be using on our skin ? The choices are endless! Should we be using retinol? Taking collagen? Trying tweakments? In this episode of Thriving in Our Forties, we’re joined by Tahira, a Conscious Beauty expert and total fountain of knowledge. It’s impossible not to be drawn into her infectious e...

Could your child's screen time be rewiring their brain? Are social media, FOMO, and dopamine addiction making it harder for kids to focus, form real friendships, and build resilience?   In this must-watch Thriving in Our Forties episode, Dr. Charlotte Armitage - psychologist, psychotherapist, and author of Generation Zombie: Why Devices Are Harming Our Children and What We Can Do About It - breaks...

Are you in your 40s and wondering how to stay strong, mobile, and pain-free? In this episode of Thriving in Our Forties, I sit down with Pilates instructor Posie Scrope to explore how Pilates can help support your body as you age - improving core strength, pelvic floor health, bone density, and mental wellbeing. What we cover in this episode:* How Pilates strengthens the pelvic floor & prevent...

Struggling with workouts that no longer feel right? Wondering how hormones impact your strength, energy, and metabolism in your 40s? In this episode of Thriving in Our 40s, we sit down with health and wellness coach Sue Parkyn to break down everything you need to know about training smarter - not harder - after 40.   We’ll cover:   * The impact of HORMONE IMBALANCE  on physical health & fitnes...

What happens when life throws you into uncharted territory? My friend Anna, who I’ve known for 25 years, was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease just two years ago. In this deeply personal and honest conversation, she shares how her world has shifted - physically, emotionally, and mentally - and the lessons she’s learned along the way. From the first symptoms to the stark reality of fac...

On this week’s Transitions Unscripted, I’m honoured to sit down with Becky, someone I’ve known for 10 years but never had the chance to deeply discuss her experience living with alopecia - until now. This is an incredibly personal and powerful conversation, and I want to thank Becky for trusting me to help share her story with all of you. Becky opens up about growing up with alopecia, from the cha...

In this week’s Transitions Unscripted, I sit down with my friend Amy to talk about something so many can relate to: divorce and co-parenting. Amy shares her journey with raw honesty - her vulnerabilities, fears of failure, and deep worries for her boys. At times, she felt utterly terrified. But through it all, she and her ex-husband have worked together to build a loving, stable environment for th...

In this candid video, my brilliant friend Laura shares her deeply personal story of transitioning into a new phase of life. At just 43, she never thought her symptoms could be perimenopause. From night sweats, aches and pains, and low mood, she's faced it all! While menopause is becoming more widely discussed, the difference between perimenopause vs menopause can still be confusing for many. Laura...

In this episode of Transitions Unscripted, we dive into a personal and professional journey with Gaby, a children’s nutritionist and co-founder of Nutrition Academy. After discovering her child had severe allergies, Gaby found herself in a crash course on nutrition, eventually retraining as a children’s nutritionist to support her family’s health - and now yours! We discuss everything from the bas...

In this episode of Transitions Unscripted, we’re joined by my old university friend, Emily Bevan - an actress of stage and screen, and now a published author. Emily’s powerful new book, The Diary of Losing Dad, recounts the heartbreaking months leading up to her father’s death from renal cancer. Through a deeply personal lens, she shares moments of sorrow, but also those of humour and joy, offerin...

Today I sit down with my wonderful friend Helen, who I've known since school, as she opens up about her and her husband's experience with couples therapy. Like many of us, they found themselves not spending quality time together and had stopped communicating effectively. Instead of letting their relationship drift further, they decided to seek help through couples counselling. Helen shares their j...