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Podcast

201: NEXT CHAPTER: A special rerun season (intro)

In this special season of the podcast, host, Rachel Lankester revisits some of the brilliant conversations from the archives about creating a new chapter in life.

Having recently turned 60 herself, Rachel reflects on what it means to move into a new stage of life, why she’s increasingly thinking beyond midlife and her idea of entering the “youth of her elderhood”. She explores the different ways women can create change, reinvent themselves and embrace whatever comes next.

She talks about:

Why she’s created a dedicated Next Chapter season and guests included
Turning 60 and why it feels like the beginning of a completely new chapter
Moving beyond midlife and embracing the idea of elderhood
How studying gerontology is moving her into her own next chapter
The different ways women navigate major life changes and create new possibilities
The wisdom, creativity, resilience and freedom that can come with creating your own next chapter

And more!

This season brings together inspiring stories of women creating new chapters through reinvention, healing, creativity and embracing life beyond midlife. Rachel also reflects on her own next chapter and what might come next. If you’re thinking about yours, there’s plenty here to inspire you. Make the very best of your next chapter.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it and maybe leave a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you’re listening. Thank you!

Find out how to leave a review here.

Podcast

200: Rocking midlife with Dr Ellen Albertson

Body image, self-worth and ageing are all key midlife topics and many women struggle deeply with their bodies at midlife, often in silence.

Dr Ellen Albertson is passionate about changing that. She’s a psychologist, registered dietitian, board-certified health and wellness coach and author of Rock Your Midlife. She’s known as The Midlife Whisperer and it’s easy to understand why. She’s been in my midlife orbit since I started this adventure and it’s great to finally get to talk to her.

If you’ve ever felt at odds with your body, unsure who you’re becoming or simply tired of being told that midlife is something to “get through”, this conversation is both reassuring and quietly radical.

We talk about:

Why so many women feel betrayed by their bodies at midlife
How media and beauty culture profit from women’s self-doubt
The difference between caring for your body and controlling it
Why self-compassion is the foundation for lasting change
Ellen’s experience of breast cancer, near-blindness and what those moments taught her
Menopause as a neurological and emotional shift, not just a physical one
Letting go of old identities and creating something new
Finding love, intimacy and connection later in life
Why curiosity is one of the most powerful tools we have
The seven steps Ellen outlines in Rock Your Midlife
Rebuilding relationships as we grow and change
Why midlife is about expansion, not disappearance

And lots more.

Dr Ellen’s website: themidlifewhisperer.com

Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | YouTube

Dr Ellen’s book: Rock Your Midlife: 7 Steps to Transform Yourself and Make Your Next Chapter Your Best Chapter

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it and maybe leave a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you’re listening. Thank you!

Find out how to leave a review here.

👉 Subscribe to my YouTube channel here

Podcast

182: MENOPAUSE MATTERS: How to do a midlife refuel | Maryon Stewart (re-release)

Maryon Stewart is known as the pioneer of the natural menopause movement. She created a non-drug but scientifically based program to overcome issues associated with menopause and has helped thousands of women. She’s written 28 books and is also a campaigner for education around drugs. She’s made it her mission to ensure women have all the information they need to manage menopause effectively without the need for medication in most instances.

We talk about:

What it means to manage your menopause naturally
Why HRT isn’t the magic solution to hormonal issues
The need for a midlife refuel
The biggest nutritional deficiencies seen in midlife women
The most common issues women present with who come to consult with Maryon
The most embarrassing issues women are coping with
Maryon’s advice for low libido and vaginal dryness
How we can improve our diet and what it helps
Bloating in midlife and how to fix it
Why we can get more urinary tract infections and what to do about that

And more!

Find out more about Maryon:

Maryon’s website: femmar.com

Maryon’s book: Manage Your Menopause Naturally

Instagram | Midlife Refuel Facebook Group

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it and maybe leave a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you’re listening. Thank you!

Find out how to leave a review here.

Podcast

177: Betrayal, healing, and resilience with Tracey Yarad

Tracey Yarad is an Australian singer-songwriter and pianist who transformed personal heartbreak into powerful storytelling. After a devastating betrayal in midlife, she channelled her pain into her one-woman musical show All The Pretty Things, now touring in Australia and the UK. Through raw honesty, humour, and music, she’s helping others heal while reclaiming her own voice. So powerful and inspiring!

We talk about:

Tracey’s journey and the birth of her show
The betrayal and its impact
The aftermath and healing process
The evolution of her show and its emotional depth
The role of meditation and celibacy
Her move to New York and new beginnings
The creation of her book and its impact
The power of forgiveness and letting go
Broader lessons and connections

And more!

Tracey’s shows: https://traceyyarad.com/all-these-pretty-things

Tracey’s website: www.traceyyarad.com

Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it and maybe leave a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you’re listening. Thank you!

Find out how to leave a review here.

Podcast

173: Finding our purpose at midlife with Lesley Jane Seymour

Lesley Jane Seymour is a media entrepreneur and the former editor of More magazine. She founded Covey Club, an online community for women over 40, which grew out of a survey that More magazine readers took after the iconic magazine closed. She’s been a leading light in the media industry for many years, and she was the editor of Marie Claire magazine before taking over More. She’s passionate about helping women 40+ create fabulous change in their lives.

We talk about:

The closure of More magazine
The creation and mission of Covey Club
The power of midlife women
Older women saving the world
The fight for gender equality
Networking and support for entrepreneurs
Lesley’s transition to entrepreneurship
The power of women supporting women
Lesley’s work with Michelle Obama
Lesley’s decision to leave publishing
Embracing lifelong learning and new experiences

And lots more!

Lesley’s website: coveyclub.com

Her podcast: Reinvent Yourself

Facebook | Instagram | Linkedin

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it and maybe leave a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you’re listening. Thank you!

Find out how to leave a review here.

Podcast

170: Unpicking menopause narratives with Dr Sarah White

Dr. Sarah White is the CEO of Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving women’s health across Australia through every life stage. She is part of the National Women’s Health Advisory Council and the Women’s Health Products Working Group at Australia’s Medicines Regulator. She’s an honorary research fellow at Melbourne University and still an active researcher. We had an impassioned conversation about how menopause narratives are being manipulated, the likely reasons for that, and how women can get the reliable information they need.

We talk about:

Sarah’s career journey
The importance of accurate and accessible health information
Who Dr Jean Hailes was
The first rigorous survey on how menopause affects Australian women
How menopause data is being manipulated and why
The impact of industry influence on women’s health
Reframing menopause from a strengths-based approach
Combating gendered ageism
The influence of marketing and misinformation
The pressure to maintain a youthful appearance
The commercial drivers behind the promotion of HRT
Questioning what’s being said, by whom and why
Considering lifestyle changes in the menopause toolbox
Research on public health priorities and health inequities

And more!

This is such an important conversation for anyone interested in menopause!

Website: www.jeanhailes.org.au

Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube

Why not explore more…

Menopause in Africa with Sue Mbaya

Sue Mbaya is the founder of Menopause Solutions Africa leading menopause awareness and seeking to normalize the change while empowering women.

Being wiser about menopause with Tania Elfersy

Tania Elfersy talks about how we can be wiser about the menopause transition, so we suffer less and feel its power more.

The embodied experience of postmenopause with Stella Duffy

Talking to writer and psychotherapist Stella Duffy about her PhD on postmenopause and the impact of gendered ageism on women’s third act.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it and maybe leave a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you’re listening. Thank you!

Find out how to leave a review here.

Podcast

168: DNA surprises, identity, healing and growth with Maria Leonard Olsen

This is such a fascinating podcast! Maria Leonard Olsen is a lawyer, an author, a TEDx speaker, and a mentor to women in recovery. She wrote 50 After 50: Reframing the Next Chapter of Your Life and is host of the Becoming Your Best Version podcast. She’s had a very full and fascinating life – so far. She has so many enthralling stories to share.

We talk about:

Maria’s background and passion for travel
Exploring other cultures and overcoming historical prejudices
The power of continuous growth and trying new things
Racial prejudice and mixed heritage identity
Unveiling family secrets: Maria’s DNA test surprise
Navigating the legal and emotional implications of misattributed parentage
Connecting with a previously unknown biological parent
Grappling with changed heritage and identity
Maria’s difficult journey to sobriety
Breaking the silence on sexual assault
The importance of self-care in midlife
What somatic healing means to Maria
Lifelong learning

And more!

Maria’s website: www.marialeonardolsen.com

Book: 50 After 50: Reframing the Next Chapter of Your Life

Podcast: Becoming Your Best Version

TEDx Talk: Turning Life’s Challenges Into a Force for Good

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

Other resources mentioned:

Remote Year (Travel group)

23andMe: DNA Genetic Testing For Health, Ancestry And More

Why not explore more..

Surviving a Somali desert kidnapping with Jessica Buchanan

Meet the remarkable Jessica Buchanan, the NYT bestselling co-author of Impossible Odds, a memoir that details her 93 days held in the desert by Somali land pirates, and her dramatic rescue by US Navy SEAL Team VI.

Pole dancing over 50 with Makeda Smith

Makeda Smith is a celebrity publicist, pole and exotic dancer. She began her pole and aerial training at the age of 50 and created her own exotic dance brand called FlyingOver50.

The joy of adventure with Alice Morrison

Alice Morrison is an adventurer. She’s the Indiana Jones for girls. She’s done so many things that would test anyone’s endurance. The Marathon des Sables, the Tour d’Afrique, she was the first woman to walk the full length of the Draa River in Morocco where she lives.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it and maybe leave a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you’re listening. Thank you!

Find out how to leave a review here.

Podcast

165: Midlife update, solo with Rachel

A midlife update from Rachel on what’s been happening lately and what’s coming up for her as we move towards summer.

She talks about:

Cherishing loved ones and coping with grief
Recent podcast episodes
- Being a veteran
- Black menopause and staying curious
- Staying strong and healing
- Embodied experience of postmenopause
- Discovering the joy of volunteering
- Finding what works in midlife
- The power of herbs
Questioning big claims about hormone therapy and future health
The Mind Body Spirit Festival (London) and Everywoman Festival (Cardiff)
Poverty in later life being a gendered issue
The growing concern of digital exclusion

And more!

Mentioned in the podcast:

Let’s Focus On Known Facts About HRT | MenoClarity IG

Jean Hailes research

Everywoman Festival | Mind Body Spirit Festival

This podcast is dedicated to Rachel’s friend Uwe Mathon.

Why not explore more…

The embodied experience of postmenopause with Stella Duffy

Talking to writer and psychotherapist Stella Duffy about her PhD on postmenopause and the impact of gendered ageism on women’s third act.

Staying strong and healing well with Dr Kristie Ennis

Dr Kristie Ennis wants to empower people to do more than they think they can and realize they are stronger than they think.

The power of herbs for menopause with Hannah Charman

Hannah Charman is a medical herbalist specializing in helping women who prefer a natural route through menopause.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it and maybe leave a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you’re listening. Thank you!

Find out how to leave a review here.

Podcast

149: Creating a career you love with Carolyn Parry

Carolyn Parry is the founder of Career Alchemy, helping early-stage and established professionals escape from a job they hate and create a career they love, on purpose.

She’s an award-winning career coach, a TEDx speaker and host of the Change Your Story podcast. She is the President of the Career Development Institute and based in Wales.

We talk about:

Carolyn’s own career crisis
Knowing what you don’t want is as important as knowing what you want.
The emotional labor that women do in the office
How technology has changed the workplace
Why women have an advantage over men
The importance of investing in yourself
The three types of people you find at work
The choice of what story to write
How to reconnect with what really matters
The impact of imposter syndrome
Maintaining a sense of purpose is important for mental health
Finding the courage to change track
How to pivot into a new industry
Exploring ways to do life differently
How to become a non-exec director
How to get involved in your community

And more!

Carolyn’s website: careeralchemy.co.uk

Podcast: Change Your Story

Linkedin | Twitter | Instagram

Resources mentioned:

Thinking, Fast and Slow | Citizens’ Advice Bureau

Why not explore more…

Making The Most Of Midlife With Karen Skidmore

Talking to consultant Karen Skidmore about the shifts we need to make in midlife so we make the very most of this transformational time.

How To Prepare For A Midlife Change Of Career

Changing career in midlife might be scary but it’s not impossible. Here are top tips for how to go about a midlife career change.

Turning Midlife Into Prime Time With Juju Hook

Juju Hook, author of Hot Flashes, Carpools, and Dirty Martinis, tells us how to get out of our own way when trying to make change in midlife.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it and leave a review on iTunes or wherever you’re listening. Thank you!

Podcast

145: Leaning into midlife, solo with Rachel

A solo podcast from Rachel with more midlife musing on life, the universe and everything in between! Let’s lean into midlife and our wisdom years!

She talks about:

The new BSI Menstruation and Menopause in the Workplace Guide launch with Mariella Fostrup
How we need a revolution in how women especially older ones are viewed in the world
The inaugural MenoClarity Live summit in September
Out and about talking about midlife and menopause
The podcast season so far
One year off the booze!
How we only make change when we decide to

And more!

[The BSI Guide] Menstruation, Menstrual Health And Menopause In The Workplace

[Register Here] MenoClarity Live: Menopause Without The Hype | Friday 29th September 2023 | 9.30-17.00 UK Time

Time Magazine: Now’s The Time To Bring Up Menopause At Work

100 Days Without Alcohol

Why not explore more..

Caring For Older Parents With Liz O’Donnell

Liz O’Donnell is the founder of Working Daughter, a community supporting people caring for loved ones and especially older parents.

What Happens When You Mix Menopause And Alcohol?

We may like a drink, but is menopause and alcohol good for us or a mix to be avoided? Here are some things to consider.

Emotional Eating And Drinking With Vicky Midwood

Vicky Midwood talks about disordered eating or drinking, and understanding the impact past behavior can have on us in midlife.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it and leave a review on iTunes or wherever you’re listening. Thank you!

Podcast

137: Being wiser about menopause with Tania Elfersy

Tania Elfersy is a transformative coach, speaker and award-winning author, specializing in midlife women’s health. She’s spent years researching what causes and what can relieve symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause and became free of her own physical and emotional symptoms naturally and simply. Rachel quoted her extensively in her own book. Tania set up The Wiser Woman project in 2015 to help women transform their experience of midlife change. She’s the author of a brilliant new book, The Wiser Woman’s Guide To Perimenopause and Menopause.

We talk about:

What lead Tania to the work she does
How the body doesn’t malfunction suddenly in midlife
The innate brilliance of the body and what that means for menopause symptoms
The difference between how we respond to issues in pregnancy and menopause
The importance of focusing on the emotional and spiritual side of the midlife journey
The insight that allowed Tania to free herself from her own menopause symptoms
The interplay between Mind, Thought and Consciousness
Tania’s concerns about the narrative in the UK
Difference between the UK menopause narrative and North America
How women can best help themselves during midlife change
Tania’s thoughts on the Davina McCall documentary Sex, Mind and the Menopause

And more!

You can read a full transcription of this podcast here.

You can find out more about Tania:

Tania’s website: thewiserwoman.com

Facebook | Twitter

Tania’s book: The Wiser Woman’s Guide To Perimenopause and Menopause

Additional Resources:

14 of Tania Elfersy podcasts interviews

Calm after the storm: perimenopause, menopause, the brain, HRT, dementia and Alzheimer’s

Menopause in the workplace: a podcast and call to action!

Davina McCall: sex, myths and the menopause

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it and leave a review on iTunes or wherever you’re listening. Thank you!

Podcast

136: Midlife update, solo with Rachel

Rachel’s back with a solo update on what’s been happening in her world and the exciting launch of MenoClarity.

She talks about:

An update on her mum post breaking her hip
Adapting to a new way of living
The fluctuation of mental capacity
Digital exclusion and Internet upgrade issues
Levels of customer service for older people and how those need to change
The wonders of the Amazon Alexa Show
Her trip to the Philippines
Working remotely and more wonders of technology
Setting up MenoClarity – who the team is and their aims
Creating unbiased balance when it comes to menopause
Stopping the climate of fear and creating better narratives for all women especially young ones
Questioning the over promotion of hormone therapy and especially as a preventative medicine
The original source of the menopause as a hormone deficiency narrative – the 1966 book Feminine Forever, financed by HRT manufacturers
How the women in the Blue Zones do not owe their long healthful lives to hormone therapy
Use of the phrase medical gaslighting to shut down discussion
International Women’s Day and what older women need to thrive
Equity versus equality