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 & fitness  

* HOW TO TRAIN EFFECTIVELY during perimenopause  

* The BIGGEST WORKOUT MISTAKES women make in their 40s

* Why HIIT WORKOUTS may be raising your cortisol (and what to do instead)  

* FASTING DONE RIGHT - understanding how the right nutrition and training can maximise results  

* The 3 SIMPLE DAILY QUESTIONS we need to be asking ourselves that will transform our long-term health & strength  

This episode is part of our new expert-led series, where we dive into the SCIENCE, REAL-LIFE EXPERIENCES, AND PRACTICAL STRATEGIES that help us thrive through midlife transitions with confidence, energy, and excitement.  

Have you adjusted your training or nutrition after 40? What’s worked best for you?

We would love to hear from you!

For more on Dr. Mindy Pelz’s fasting expertise, please see here: https://drmindypelz.com/fasting/

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 facing an unsympathetic neurologist, Anna opens up about the challenges of coming to terms with a chronic illness while juggling a career, young children, and a busy life. Simple things, like writing her children's birthday cards, have become impossible. The frustration of a body that sometimes ‘fails’ her is real, but so is her determination.Yet, through it all, Anna has never once thought, Why me? Instead, she has embraced resilience, vulnerability, and self-compassion, learning to adapt and move forward. She shares how talking to friends and family has helped her navigate the toughest emotional moments and how mutual respect and understanding are key to supporting loved ones with chronic illness.Anna also reflects on the impact Parkinson’s has had on her young children, her shift in perspective on taking medication vs. exploring alternative approaches to health, and the challenge of letting go of rigid plans and embracing flexibility in a life filled with unpredictability.This is more than just a story about illness - it's about courage, acceptance, and the transformative power of patience and understanding. Anna’s journey is a testament to what it means to keep moving forward, even when the path ahead is uncertain.Join the conversation. If you or a loved one are living with a chronic illness, we’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments. AND...Don’t forget to subscribe for more raw and inspiring conversations on life’s biggest transitions.

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 challenges of navigating hair loss as a young girl to facing the ups and downs of teenage years and young adulthood. She shares how she learned to respond to negative comments and how her journey has shaped her into the strong, passionate, and resilient woman she is today.We talk about the incredible support of her family, the unspoken ways they protected each other’s feelings, and the often-painful treatments she endured. Becky also offers insights into her decision to wear a wig (the pros might surprise you!) and how she’s uses her experience as a nanny to help children feel empowered about being different.Her story is a powerful reminder: We are all enough, just as we are. Becky’s message challenges societal beauty standards, highlights the importance of representation, and offers heartfelt advice to anyone living with alopecia.Thank you, Becky, for showing us what resilience and self-love truly look like. Further Information Freedom Hair: https://freedomwigs.comIndependent Agent for freedom wigs in the U.K: https://www.instagram.com/positivelyhair_freedomwigs/?hl=en-gb

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 their children. Whether you're a child of separated parents, navigating divorce yourself, or just looking for hope in tough transitions, Amy's story is one of courage, resilience, and a positive outlook for the future. Tune in for heartfelt insights, relatable struggles, and uplifting inspiration. To listen to my previous episode about Couples Therapy - please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_G6MqRSABEg&t=1099sIf you are interested in reading/listening to any of Amy's suggestions, here they are: *Glennon Doyle: We Can Do Hard Things (podcast)* Glennon Doyle: Untamed (Book)* Helen Thorn: Get Divorced, Be Happy (Book)* Helen Thorn: Scrummy Mummies (Book & Podcast)* Esther Perel: Where Should We Begin (Podcast)

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 talks openly about the importance of recognising your symptoms and speaking up to get the help you need. She shares her experience with HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy), weighing the pros and cons, and how taking this step helped her regain her sense of self.On top of everything, Laura runs a thriving farm diversification business, Farm Adventure, where she juggles activities like sheep gathering, tractor racing, and pig herding (so fun!) – all while navigating her perimenopause journey.If you're searching for honest insights on HRT, perimenopause symptoms, or just looking to understand more about this important phase of life, Laura’s story will surely resonate with you.To discover more about Farm Adventure - visit: www.farmadventure.co.uk

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 basics of a balanced breakfast to creative ideas for snacks and handling fussy eaters. Ever wondered if picky eating is more nature or nurture? Gaby shares her insights and top tips on how parents can make the most of meal times, even when on a tight schedule. Learn how a variety of colours and foods can boost your child’s health, why aiming for 80% of the time makes a difference, and - most importantly - that there’s no perfect diet! (My kids absolutely love the popcorn and chocolate snack suggestion, by the way!)Gaby also shares exciting news about the latest from Nutrition Academy. Together with co-founder Agnieszka, they’re launching the Brain Boost Academy - an online course designed for parents of primary school children to support cognitive development. Combining the latest research and their experiences as mums, they’ve crafted a program covering essential areas like balanced nutrition, hydration, the microbiome, the impact of ultra-processed foods, sleep, alternative therapies, and everything else you need to help set up your child for success.Full details about this and where to find Nutrition Academy, please visit: nutrition-academy.co.uk and check out their IG (@nutrition.academy.uk) for all their delicious tasty treats!

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, offering an honest and realistic look at her experience of loss.Emily bravely opens up about her deepest thoughts, including her biggest regret of not being there in her father’s final hours. She discusses why it was so important for her to write this book, and how sharing her story has brought her a sense of healing.A huge thank you to Emily for speaking so openly on such a difficult subject - one that so many people will resonate with. For those going through grief, you don’t have to go through it alone. Lean on your friends and family for support, and remember there are charities like Cruse Bereavement Care that can help guide you through the tough days. You can find Emily's book, "The Diary of Losing Dad", at all good bookshops, including Waterstones, and online at Amazon

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 journey in hopes of breaking the stigma attached to getting help, offering heartfelt advice on how to bring up the idea of therapy with your partner. She also shares tips on finding the right couples therapist for you, debunking the myth that therapy has to be awkward or uncomfortable. Thanks to therapy, Helen and her husband were given the confidence to talk openly, rebuild mutual respect, and strengthen their bond.What you’ll learn in this video:

• How to start the conversation about couples therapy with your partner
• Tips on finding the right couples counsellor
• Why therapy doesn’t have to feel awkward
• How marriage counselling can improve communication and restore mutual respect
• The positive impact couples therapy can have on your relationship

If you’re ready to let go of the stigma and take steps toward a healthier relationship, this video will inspire you to start the conversation!Forgive my sound quality....I will get there!