Host: Kimberley Lipschus Guest: Dr. Sharon Blackie

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Kimberley Lipschus is joined by Dr Sharon Blackie, mythologist, psychologist, and much loved author and advocate of female-led storytelling. The episode explores the untapped potential that midlife holds when viewed through the lens of myth, fairy tales and female empowerment.

Sharon shares how her lifelong engagement with folklore and mythology, particularly European traditions, has shaped her understanding of women’s journeys and creative expression. The discussion unpacks the “post-heroic” journey, the stages of fairy tales that illuminate midlife transitions, and the concept of the mythical misfit—those who question the dominant cultural myths and seek new stories to live by. Sharon also explores the divine feminine: wisdom embedded in older women archetypes, and shares how her knowledge of working with fairy tales and folklore to provide tools for both personal growth and creative practice.

Listeners will gain insights into:

• How midlife can be a period of internal exploration and transformation.
• The unique lessons that fairy tale heroines offer for navigating life and creative work.
• How to embrace the “wise woman” archetype in personal and narrative storytelling.
• The power of community, relationality, and connection to land in shaping story.
• Practical inspiration for writers, creatives, and anyone navigating transitions in life.

Timestamps:

• 00:02 – Episode Introduction
• 01:11 – Sharon’s journey into mythology and storytelling
• 02:40 – Fairy tales as early lessons in resilience and community
• 03:10 – Midlife crises and the search for inspiration
• 05:22 – Hero’s journey vs. post-heroic journey
• 07:16 – Origins of myths, folklore, and fairy tales
• 10:27 – Fairy tales as tools for personal growth and creativity
• 12:06 – Loss of family/home in fairy tales and personal journeys
• 14:05 – Midlife, menopause, and internal transformation
• 18:45 – The role of “hags” and wise women in myth and story
• 20:50 - The heroic lens is an inflated archetype
• 21:40 - The way Hero’s journey has been applied - search for glory
•  24:20 - The women are the grail bearers and not about killing
• 25:12 – Shifting from heroic to community-focused narratives
• 30:00 – Mythical misfits and embracing uniqueness
• 33:46 – Reimagining fairy tales for contemporary audiences. How authors use them
• 35:49 – How landscape, place & setting influence a story
• 38:40 – The divine feminine as a narrative and creative force
• 42:28 – Wells, water, and the life-giving force of women in myth
• 43:30 – Sharing the Siberian myth of the woman who becomes a fox
• 50:46 - reference to the Dalai Lama, who said the world could be saved by the Western woman.

Recommended For:

Writers, creatives, and anyone interested in the heroine's journey. Relevant to anyone in midlife seeking wisdom, inspiration, and guidance for both life and art.