I'm Not Done Yet

What does it mean to keep living fully as we grow older, and why should our later years be a time to wind down rather than discover new possibilities?

In this episode of I’m Not Done Yet, host Andrew Middleton speaks with octogenarian author John Uttley about his latest novel, The End of the Line, published when he was 81. As part of the INDIE series, this conversation explores ageing, grief, love and the importance of finding purpose, challenging the assumption that our most meaningful experiences must belong to our younger years.

Through the story of Jim, the novel examines how reconnecting with relationships, community and everyday life can bring renewed vitality, even when loss and uncertainty have changed the world around us. John and Andrew discuss why our need for connection does not disappear with age, how our identities continue to evolve, and why maintaining our interests, passions and sense of possibility matters throughout life.

In this episode, we explore:

• Writing in Your 80s: John shares the inspiration behind The End of the Line and what led him to publish a standalone novel at 81, following his previous trilogy.

• Purpose and Meaning: How reconnecting with community, relationships and everyday experiences can bring fresh energy and direction to later life.

• Love and Connection: Why romance, friendship and intergenerational relationships remain important as we grow older.

• Living Beyond Loss: How we can navigate grief while continuing to experience joy, connection and personal growth.

• Ageing on Our Own Terms: Why our lives should not be defined solely by health concerns or assumptions about what older people can and cannot do.

This is an uplifting and thoughtful conversation about staying engaged with life, finding new reasons to look forward, and recognising that our capacity for change, connection and discovery does not have an age limit.

Discover more about John Uttley and his latest novel:

🌐 John Uttley’s website: https://www.johnuttleyauthor.co.uk/

📚 Read The End of the Line on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1066671303

About I’m Not Done Yet

Hosted by Andrew Middleton, I’m Not Done Yet challenges conventional ideas about ageing, retirement and what it means to build a fulfilling life beyond midlife, celebrating the experience, knowledge and potential we continue to bring to the world.

Follow I’m Not Done Yet on Spotify for more conversations about purpose, possibility and proving that our story is far from over.

What happens when you reach your 40s, 50s or 60s and realise you are not done yet, but you are no longer sure what comes next?

In this episode of I'm Not Done Yet, host Andrew Middleton speaks with Judith Phoenix-Meese, career coach, medium, author and Reiki Master to explore the INDY years, a stage of life when changing priorities, new possibilities and a desire for something more can prompt us to rethink our future.

Judith shares her journey from a 30-year career in recruitment, CV writing and executive coaching to discovering her mediumship and developing her spiritual practice. They also discuss workplace ageism, the challenges experienced professionals face when they feel overlooked, and why the skills, knowledge and life experience gained over decades should be recognised with valuable assets.

In this episode, we explore

• What the INDY years mean and why midlife can be an opportunity for reinvention
• How analytical planning and intuitive wisdom can work together to guide important decisions
• Judith's journey from recruitment and executive coaching to mediumship and Reiki
• How ageism affects experienced professionals and how to recognise the value you bring
• Ways to rebuild confidence, reconnect with your strengths and discover what comes next

Whether you are reconsidering your career, exploring a new direction or simply feeling that there is more to come, this conversation offers a reminder that there is no single way to navigate your next chapter.

Connect with Judith Phoenix-Meese

🌐 Website: https://theaboveandbeyond.co.uk/

💼 LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/judithphoenixmeese-aboveandbeyond

About I'm Not Done Yet

Hosted by Andrew Middleton, I’m Not Done Yet challenges conventional ideas about ageing, retirement and what it means to build a fulfilling life beyond midlife, celebrating the experience, knowledge and potential that continue to grow throughout our lives.

Follow the podcast on Spotify and join the conversation about what comes next, because experience still counts and you are not done yet.

In this inspiring episode, Andrew sits down with Arthur Tom, who, at 90 years old, continues to prove that age is no barrier to living a purposeful and fulfilling life. With an incredible YouTube channel, a passion for sharing stories, and no plans to slow down anytime soon, Tom discusses what later life really looks like.

Together, they explore the wisdom that comes with age, the importance of staying active and engaged, and the fact that there is always something new to learn and achieve. Tom shares fascinating stories from his life, valuable lessons he has learned along the way, and practical advice for anyone looking to make the most of every stage of life.

This is a heartfelt conversation about resilience, purpose, and embracing the opportunities that come with Maturing. Whether you are planning for later life or simply looking for inspiration, Tom's perspective is sure to leave a lasting impression.

In this powerful and inspiring episode, Andrew is joined by special guest Beverley Poole, who shares her extraordinary story of survival and recovery after suffering a major heart attack just six months ago.

As a fit, active and health-conscious woman in her mid-fifties, Beverley never imagined she would face such a life-threatening medical emergency. What makes her story even more remarkable is that, despite only a tiny portion of her heart functioning at the time, her active lifestyle helped keep her body going, ultimately giving her a fighting chance of survival.

Together, Andrew and Beverley discuss the frightening events leading up to her heart attack, the devastating impact it had on her both physically and emotionally, and the challenges she has faced throughout her recovery journey. Beverley speaks candidly about the shock, fear and uncertainty that followed, as well as the valuable lessons she has learned about health, resilience and the importance of appreciating every day.

This honest and heartfelt conversation sheds light on the realities of heart disease, challenges common misconceptions about who is at risk, and highlights the importance of recognising potential warning signs before it is too late.

A moving, thought-provoking and ultimately uplifting episode that serves as a reminder that life can change in an instant, and that our health should never be taken for granted.

After years in a structured job, stepping into self employment can feel like learning a new language. In this episode, I talk openly about my own experience and the support I received from Robin Waite at Fearless Business. He helped me understand my audience, shape a clear story for INDY, and trust my own strengths. We look at why the corporate mindset can be hard to shake off and how you can find your feet when you start working for yourself. A gentle and honest conversation for anyone who is thinking about making the same move.

In this episode, Andrew talks with Yvonne, a former Mercer partner and one of the most respected voices on ageing workforce strategy. Fresh from her own rewirement, Yvonne shares how she has built a balanced life that mixes art, yoga, creative education, board work, family, and the simple pleasure of quiet days.

They explore the biggest shifts in longevity, the need to retain older workers, and why raising employment among people aged fifty to sixty four could unlock more than one hundred billion pounds for the UK. Yvonne explains how flexible retirement could work in practice, drawing on her recent testimony to the House of Lords and her conversations with global employers.

The pair also shine a light on the power of creativity. Yvonne tells the story of how arts and crafts support wellbeing, community, and purpose, and why anyone can begin at any age. They wrap up with reflections on purpose, ikigai, staying focused, and creating a life that feels rich far beyond the workplace.

If you are curious about longer lives, later careers, and building a meaningful next chapter, this conversation will give you plenty to think about.

For many INDYs, one-to-one coaching no longer fits. In this inspiring INDY Story interview, Rebecca, CEO of Vistage UK, explains how joining or leading a Vistage group can offer something far more powerful: shared wisdom, fresh perspectives, and real connection. Whether you want to explore new ideas, grow your business, or lead others as a Chair, this conversation reveals how peer learning can open the door to your next chapter.

In this episode, we sit down with Carolyn Whitehouse to explore the realities of money in your 50s, 60s, and beyond. Whether you're approaching retirement, already there, or just trying to navigate financial decisions later in life, this chat covers the real-life challenges many face—and how to deal with them.We discuss:🔸 The emotional and psychological impact of money in midlife🔸 Common financial mistakes people make in their 50s and 60s🔸 How beliefs around money formed earlier in life can still affect you🔸 Navigating the pressure of helping adult children while securing your own future🔸 What to do if you feel like you're "behind" financially🔸 Strategies for building confidence and clarity with your moneyWhether you're dealing with financial regret, retirement planning, or rethinking your relationship with money, Carolyn shares compassionate and practical advice to help you move forward with confidence.👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more honest conversations about life, money, and purpose in your next chapter.

Our INDY community wanted to hear more stories from people embracing the ‘I’m Not Done Yet’ lifestyle – so we’ve made it happen!

In the first episode of our newly focused INDY Voices podcast, we chat with Verity, who blends tea tasting, wedding ceremonies, and running a marquee business.

Hear how she’s living her INDY years with purpose and flexibility.

This is just the beginning of many inspiring stories from real people like you!

A thought-provoking dialogue with fitness expert Liz about the keys to maintaining good health and fitness as we age. In this episode, we delve into the nuances of lifestyle changes and habits crucial for sustaining fitness in later years.