Magnificent Midlife

Stella Duffy is an award-winning writer of 17 novels, over 70 short stories and 15 plays who's also worked in theatre for 35 years as an actor, director and facilitator. She's a psychotherapist and a yoga teacher. She recently completed her doctorate in existential psychotherapy and her research was in the embodied experience of post-menopause. She's been post-menopausal since chemotherapy for breast cancer in her mid-30s. Stella has been active in equalities and diversity work in the arts and LGBTQ+ communities for many decades. Stella is passionate about many things, but especially about challenging narratives around menopause and gendered ageism.

We talk about:

• Stella's experience of menopause coinciding with six months of chemotherapy
• Menopause as a global issue
• Challenging existing narratives
• Societal factors and the impact of money
• Cultural differences in menopause
• The UK's influence on menopause narratives
• Alternative perspectives on menopause
• The importance of lifestyle factors
• Societal perceptions of post-menopausal women in a patriarchal culture
• Dismantling misogynistic stereotypes
• Being inclusive about societal expectations and challenges related to aging
• The societal pressure on women regarding fertility and how it contributes to defining their value.

And more! This is such a rich and empowering conversation.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it and leave us a 5* review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening. Order Rachel's book, Magnificent Midlife: Transform Your Middle Years, Menopause And Beyond, recommended in The New York Times as one of seven top books about menopause at magnificentmidlife.com/book The paperback can also be purchased on Amazon or other online retailers: UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ US & Canada: https://www.amazon.com/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ Australia: https://www.amazon.com.au/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ You can listen to all the other episodes and get the show notes at magnificentmidlife.com/podcast. Podcast recommended by the Sunday Times. FeedSpot #5 in 40 Best Midlife Podcasts FeedSpot #7 in 100 Best Midlife Women Podcasts FeedSpot #2 in 10 Best UK Life Hacks Podcasts You'll find lots of strategies, support and resources to help make your midlife magnificent at magnificentmidlife.com. Check out Rachel's online Revitalize Experience, a 6-week intensive small group mentoring experience or 1-1 Midlife Mentoring.

Lynne Golodner is a novelist writing about strong Jewish women and Jewish culture. She shares her background and journey as a writer, her focus on writing about Orthodox Jewish life, and the challenges and research involved.

Lynne set up her own independent publishing house for women over 40 with strong voices that need to be heard. This is a fascinating dive into an often hidden culture.

Her personal story is fascinating too. She became more religious and immersed herself in Orthodox Jewish life before eventually leaving Orthodoxy, and much of her writing draws on her knowledge and experience of a culture that can often be hidden from the outside world.

We talk about:

-How Lynne became a writer

-Writing about compelling Jewish characters

-Educating others about Jewish culture

-The role of food in Jewish culture

-The significance of hair covering in Jewish culture

-Becoming religious and then leaving Orthodoxy

-Career pivots and founding a publishing house

-Differences in perceptions of older women across cultures

-Benefits of self-publishing and challenges in the publishing industry

-Lessons learned in midlife

And more! It's a fascinating conversation about writing, identity, culture, changing direction and becoming increasingly comfortable with who you are as you get older.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it and leave us a 5* review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening. Order Rachel's book, Magnificent Midlife: Transform Your Middle Years, Menopause And Beyond, recommended in The New York Times as one of seven top books about menopause at magnificentmidlife.com/book The paperback can also be purchased on Amazon or other online retailers: UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ US & Canada: https://www.amazon.com/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ Australia: https://www.amazon.com.au/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ You can listen to all the other episodes and get the show notes at magnificentmidlife.com/podcast. Podcast recommended by the Sunday Times. FeedSpot #5 in 40 Best Midlife Podcasts FeedSpot #7 in 100 Best Midlife Women Podcasts FeedSpot #2 in 10 Best UK Life Hacks Podcasts You'll find lots of strategies, support and resources to help make your midlife magnificent at magnificentmidlife.com. Check out Rachel's online Revitalize Experience, a 6-week intensive small group mentoring experience or 1-1 Midlife Mentoring.

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!

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it and leave us a 5* review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening. Order Rachel's book, Magnificent Midlife: Transform Your Middle Years, Menopause And Beyond, recommended in The New York Times as one of seven top books about menopause at magnificentmidlife.com/book The paperback can also be purchased on Amazon or other online retailers: UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ US & Canada: https://www.amazon.com/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ Australia: https://www.amazon.com.au/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ You can listen to all the other episodes and get the show notes at magnificentmidlife.com/podcast. Podcast recommended by the Sunday Times. FeedSpot #5 in 40 Best Midlife Podcasts FeedSpot #7 in 100 Best Midlife Women Podcasts FeedSpot #2 in 10 Best UK Life Hacks Podcasts You'll find lots of strategies, support and resources to help make your midlife magnificent at magnificentmidlife.com. Check out Rachel's online Revitalize Experience, a 6-week intensive small group mentoring experience or 1-1 Midlife Mentoring.

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. 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!

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it and leave us a 5* review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening. Order Rachel's book, Magnificent Midlife: Transform Your Middle Years, Menopause And Beyond, recommended in The New York Times as one of seven top books about menopause at magnificentmidlife.com/book The paperback can also be purchased on Amazon or other online retailers: UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ US & Canada: https://www.amazon.com/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ Australia: https://www.amazon.com.au/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ You can listen to all the other episodes and get the show notes at magnificentmidlife.com/podcast. Podcast recommended by the Sunday Times. FeedSpot #5 in 40 Best Midlife Podcasts FeedSpot #7 in 100 Best Midlife Women Podcasts FeedSpot #2 in 10 Best UK Life Hacks Podcasts You'll find lots of strategies, support and resources to help make your midlife magnificent at magnificentmidlife.com. Check out Rachel's online Revitalize Experience, a 6-week intensive small group mentoring experience or 1-1 Midlife Mentoring.

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 leave us a 5* review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening. Order Rachel's book, Magnificent Midlife: Transform Your Middle Years, Menopause And Beyond, recommended in The New York Times as one of seven top books about menopause at magnificentmidlife.com/book The paperback can also be purchased on Amazon or other online retailers: UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ US & Canada: https://www.amazon.com/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ Australia: https://www.amazon.com.au/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ You can listen to all the other episodes and get the show notes at magnificentmidlife.com/podcast. Podcast recommended by the Sunday Times. FeedSpot #5 in 40 Best Midlife Podcasts FeedSpot #7 in 100 Best Midlife Women Podcasts FeedSpot #2 in 10 Best UK Life Hacks Podcasts You'll find lots of strategies, support and resources to help make your midlife magnificent at magnificentmidlife.com. Check out Rachel's online Revitalize Experience, a 6-week intensive small group mentoring experience or 1-1 Midlife Mentoring.

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.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it and leave us a 5* review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening. Order Rachel's book, Magnificent Midlife: Transform Your Middle Years, Menopause And Beyond, recommended in The New York Times as one of seven top books about menopause at magnificentmidlife.com/book The paperback can also be purchased on Amazon or other online retailers: UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ US & Canada: https://www.amazon.com/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ Australia: https://www.amazon.com.au/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ You can listen to all the other episodes and get the show notes at magnificentmidlife.com/podcast. Podcast recommended by the Sunday Times. FeedSpot #5 in 40 Best Midlife Podcasts FeedSpot #7 in 100 Best Midlife Women Podcasts FeedSpot #2 in 10 Best UK Life Hacks Podcasts You'll find lots of strategies, support and resources to help make your midlife magnificent at magnificentmidlife.com. Check out Rachel's online Revitalize Experience, a 6-week intensive small group mentoring experience or 1-1 Midlife Mentoring.

Lucy Standing is the co-founder of Brave Starts, a not-for-profit supporting people in midlife and beyond to rethink work, purpose and what comes next. She's the author of Age Against the Machine, a chartered psychologist with a background in recruitment and a passionate voice on ageism, work and the realities of longer working lives. Brave Starts supports more than 900 members navigating career change, redundancy, freelance and portfolio work or simply asking better questions about how they want to spend the years ahead. This is a fascinating conversation about working in an ageist world.

We talk about:

-Why retirement is a relatively modern invention and why it no longer fits the reality of longer, healthier lives

-The myths surrounding older workers, productivity and motivation

-How ageism operates "through the back door" in recruitment systems

-Why CVs are one of the least effective tools for predicting job success

-The concept of predictive validity and what actually works better than interviews and CVs

-How AI could reduce age bias rather than reinforce it (if used differently)

-Why community and shared action are essential when navigating career change later in life

-The real reasons people over 50 struggle to get hired and what does make a difference

-Why this is not a DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) issue, but a structural economic one

-What governments, employers and individuals could do right now to create change

-How organisations like Brave Starts are combining individual support with policy advocacy

And lots more.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it and leave us a 5* review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening. Order Rachel's book, Magnificent Midlife: Transform Your Middle Years, Menopause And Beyond, recommended in The New York Times as one of seven top books about menopause at magnificentmidlife.com/book The paperback can also be purchased on Amazon or other online retailers: UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ US & Canada: https://www.amazon.com/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ Australia: https://www.amazon.com.au/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ You can listen to all the other episodes and get the show notes at magnificentmidlife.com/podcast. Podcast recommended by the Sunday Times. FeedSpot #5 in 40 Best Midlife Podcasts FeedSpot #7 in 100 Best Midlife Women Podcasts FeedSpot #2 in 10 Best UK Life Hacks Podcasts You'll find lots of strategies, support and resources to help make your midlife magnificent at magnificentmidlife.com. Check out Rachel's online Revitalize Experience, a 6-week intensive small group mentoring experience or 1-1 Midlife Mentoring.

I'm delighted to be introducing a brand-new topic to the podcast: modern grandparenting. It's not a life stage I'm personally entering just yet - but as Magnificent Midlife continues to evolve, it's one that feels increasingly important to talk about.

My guest is Dee Dee Moore, founder of More Than Grand, an online hub dedicated to helping new grandparents make the very best of their role.

Dee Dee brings a sharp understanding of family dynamics, communication and boundaries - and a refreshing honesty about how easy it is to get grandparenting wrong, even with the best intentions.

We talk about:

-Why grandparenting has become more complicated and more emotionally loaded than ever before

-The growing trend of parents limiting or cutting off contact with grandparents (and why it happens)

-How modern parenting culture, social media and constant advice have increased anxiety for new parents

-Why supporting the parents - not indulging the grandchild - is the most important grandparent role

-Common missteps grandparents make

-How mindful grandparenting begins with intention, self-reflection and honest conversations

-What parents actually want from grandparents and what grandchildren remember most

-Navigating tricky in-law relationships with curiosity, respect and emotional maturity

-Why maintaining a relationship with a daughter- or son-in-law matters more than many grandparents realise

-How technology - including AI - can help grandparents stay connected, especially across distance

-The importance of embracing your grandchildren's world rather than expecting them to adapt to yours

-Why grandparenting is a role worth preparing for, not something to "wing"

And more.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it and leave us a 5* review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening. Order Rachel's book, Magnificent Midlife: Transform Your Middle Years, Menopause And Beyond, recommended in The New York Times as one of seven top books about menopause at magnificentmidlife.com/book The paperback can also be purchased on Amazon or other online retailers: UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ US & Canada: https://www.amazon.com/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ Australia: https://www.amazon.com.au/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ You can listen to all the other episodes and get the show notes at magnificentmidlife.com/podcast. Podcast recommended by the Sunday Times. FeedSpot #5 in 40 Best Midlife Podcasts FeedSpot #7 in 100 Best Midlife Women Podcasts FeedSpot #2 in 10 Best UK Life Hacks Podcasts You'll find lots of strategies, support and resources to help make your midlife magnificent at magnificentmidlife.com. Check out Rachel's online Revitalize Experience, a 6-week intensive small group mentoring experience or 1-1 Midlife Mentoring.

Vijay Bassi Reed is a former communications specialist who retrained in midlife as a personal trainer and nutrition coach. She is also a competitive HYROX and fitness racer.

Her midlife transition emerged from burnout and hormonal change, leading to a deliberate reassessment of health, work and identity - and a stronger, more sustainable way of living.

We talk about:

-Vijay's journey from senior corporate communications roles to midlife personal trainer and nutrition coach

-How anxiety, burnout and perimenopause quietly derailed confidence (long before menopause was named)

-Why so many women are offered antidepressants

-Menopause as an opportunity to reassess identity, values and how we want to live

-The role of structured movement in rebuilding trust in the body

-Discovering strength training, HIIT - and unexpectedly falling in love with running

-What HYROX is and why it's resonating with women in their 40s, 50s and beyond

-Completing a first marathon in midlife

-Cultural attitudes to food, alcohol and achievement

-Why alcohol and menopause often don't mix (and why opting out is allowed)

-Letting go of "shoulds" and lowering tolerance for bullsh*t in midlife

-Why starting before you feel "ready" matters more than perfect timing

And more.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it and leave us a 5* review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening. Order Rachel's book, Magnificent Midlife: Transform Your Middle Years, Menopause And Beyond, recommended in The New York Times as one of seven top books about menopause at magnificentmidlife.com/book The paperback can also be purchased on Amazon or other online retailers: UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ US & Canada: https://www.amazon.com/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ Australia: https://www.amazon.com.au/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ You can listen to all the other episodes and get the show notes at magnificentmidlife.com/podcast. Podcast recommended by the Sunday Times. FeedSpot #5 in 40 Best Midlife Podcasts FeedSpot #7 in 100 Best Midlife Women Podcasts FeedSpot #2 in 10 Best UK Life Hacks Podcasts You'll find lots of strategies, support and resources to help make your midlife magnificent at magnificentmidlife.com. Check out Rachel's online Revitalize Experience, a 6-week intensive small group mentoring experience or 1-1 Midlife Mentoring.

Susan Dabbar is the founder and editor-in-chief of PROVOKEDmagazine – a bold, unapologetic digital magazine for women 50+, challenging and redefining how older women are seen, heard and represented.

Susan's career has been shaped by fearless pivots. She began as a naval architect designing nuclear submarines, went on to shape brand strategy at companies including Disney and Nestlé, played professional poker, worked as an international education consultant – and then, in her 60s, launched a media platform because she couldn't find content that truly respected women's intelligence and lived experience.

We talk about:

-Why Susan launched Provoked after retiring – and why she wasn't finished yet The cultural gap in media for women over 50 (and why "Good Housekeeping" still exists)

-Designing nuclear submarines – and knowing when it's time to walk away

-What poker taught Susan about patience, power and underestimation

-The myth of "passion" and why it can hold women back

-How women learn to stop performing and start making space for themselves

-The rise of the "I don't give a f***" woman – and why it matters

-Female friendship as an underestimated source of power

-The coming wealth transfer – and what it could mean when money lands in women's hands

-Why AI risks reinforcing ageism and sexism if women don't shape it

-Building something meaningful in your 60s – and aiming high without apology

And more.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it and leave us a 5* review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening. Order Rachel's book, Magnificent Midlife: Transform Your Middle Years, Menopause And Beyond, recommended in The New York Times as one of seven top books about menopause at magnificentmidlife.com/book The paperback can also be purchased on Amazon or other online retailers: UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ US & Canada: https://www.amazon.com/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ Australia: https://www.amazon.com.au/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ You can listen to all the other episodes and get the show notes at magnificentmidlife.com/podcast. Podcast recommended by the Sunday Times. FeedSpot #5 in 40 Best Midlife Podcasts FeedSpot #7 in 100 Best Midlife Women Podcasts FeedSpot #2 in 10 Best UK Life Hacks Podcasts You'll find lots of strategies, support and resources to help make your midlife magnificent at magnificentmidlife.com. Check out Rachel's online Revitalize Experience, a 6-week intensive small group mentoring experience or 1-1 Midlife Mentoring.