Midlife Unfiltered: The Season Of Me

in this week's in real life 'fireside chat' Erica and I are talking about Beauty. Why we do what we do and is it different now in midlife? Join us for this open and honest talk about how we have felt and now feel about many things 'Beauty'. If it's in the eye of the beholder, what are we saying to ourselves when we look in the mirror?

We also make reference to a podcast chat that really opened Anita's eyes and perspective on Beauty - Beauty in the USA. A chat between Alyssa Vingan from 'The New Guarde' and Jessica DeFino from 'The Review of Beauty' both here on Substack.

Catch The New Guarde here: https://thenewgarde.substack.com/?utm_source=global-search

The Review of Beauty here: https://jessicadefino.substack.com/

See you next week!

Anita & Erica.

Thank you to everyone who tuned into our live video! Join us for our next live video in the app.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit midlifeunfiltered.substack.com

With an open heart and mind, Anita wanted to soak it all in. The challenges and beauty. Spiritual experiences and personal growth. Having lost her Dad in February then experiencing a cyclone and Covid before she went, India offered healing, anchoring her in shared values whilst away and upon returning home. Perceptions and Perspectives are explored.

We’re curious. What are your pre-conceived ideas and thoughts about India?

In this conversation we are confident some of those perceptions will be busted

Have you been to India? Why did you travel there? Is your family from India? What would you like to share?

—-

Thank you to everyone who tuned into our live video. Join us for our next live video in the app.

Anita and Erica xx

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit midlifeunfiltered.substack.com

Thank you for watching our live video! And if you’re listening on the Podcast, thank you to you too.

Towards the end of this chat we talk about being on your own side. How honouring our values and beliefs can help us ride the waves of midlife - with self-compassion. This is something that Erica will be teaching in her next round of SOMA:HOME . Learn the tools and skills to help you:

* Befriend your sensitivity (and embrace its gifts)

* Manage overwhelm with more confidence (the downward spiral is not your only option)

* Show up for self-caring practices (even if they never seem to stick)

Find out more about SOMA:HOME here on https://www.ericawebb.com.au/soma-home.

See you next Monday for our weekly raw and real ‘fireside’ chats. We’d love it if you’d join us then too.

Anita & Erica xx

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit midlifeunfiltered.substack.com

Have you ever felt dismissed or the health care you're receiving is not complete? This week Anita shares why she recently changed endocrinologists. There was a significant gap in her bone health treatment (she's osteoporotic) that needed to be filled.

A: "Why didn't we have the conversation?"

Dr: "Because you weren't showing any menopause symptoms."

RED FLAGS ladies!

In this 'about real life' chat Anita and Erica talk about:

1. The importance of advocating for yourself. To be heard. To get the right health outcomes for you - because there are gaps in women's health - gaps in knowledge and in treatment know-how...even in specialty fields like endocrinology.

2. Backing yourself in that chat with your health professional - think about what you want to walk away with from that meeting - write it down and take those notes in with you so you can achieve your aim. Don't make yourself small. With respect, stay open and curious.

3. Because of my own reading and discussion with my GP, I had learned that MHT (Menopause Hormone Therapy) where it's appropriate, is endorsed by clinicians in Australia for post-menopausal women, even if we are not experiencing any symptoms. Is it the same in other countries? My endocrinologist did not talk about this option with me.

4. Time to change specialists. Choosing an endocrinologist who specialised in women's health and menopause with an interest in bone health.

5. What Anita's new endocrinologist has done for her already and how different the experience has been. Blood work and xrays.

For those who are curious, here is a link to Australia's "Practitioner's Toolkit for the Menopause" which includes a General Guide for Bone Health Assessment and management for post menopausal women with no minimal trauma fracture and aged 65 years or younger. It's on page 10.

Soon, In the podcast we will feature a Bone Health Series so look out for that ladies.

We'd love to hear from you if you've switched doctors or found a new one because of a health gap in your treatment experience. We're eager to tell 'in real life' stories of women on our podcast. Maybe that's you. Simply email us at [email protected] and let's take it from there.

Thanks for listening. Share it on if you found it helpful or think someone you respect will too. Leave your thoughts as a comment or email us. Soooo many options :)

To your midlife health and being your own health advocate.

Anita & Erica xx

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit midlifeunfiltered.substack.com

The Disruption is real in midlife. The changes are BIG. They can hit us from out of nowhere while others we sense are coming, but they knock us off our feet just the same.

If you're a woman in midlife, you'll absolutely know what we're talking about.

Midlife Unfiltered - The Season of me is about taking back your power and choosing yourself in this often challenging but also incredibly liberating time of life.

We explore often taboo topics and bust outdated stereotypes. Have conversations with experts and other women who openly share their midlife experiences too - so you know you're not alone. No woman should feel alone. Conversations that help to broaden your perspectives and with that, explore new possibilities, widen your awareness and deepen your understanding about stuff that matters.

Season 1 - Future You covered - the foundational topics that we believe will help us stand strong as we transition.

Season 2 - The Disruption. Stuff that happens from the inside like the Menopause Transition. And the disruption that happens 'to' us; those things that hit us from the outside.

You will hear:

What this podcast is about and the topics we've covered so far in our 2 Seasons. Some we talk about briefly, others are simply listed out.

Season 1: Future You

Ep #1 - Future You

Ep #2 - Great Expectations

Ep #3 - Curiosity

Ep #4 - Making Space - with guests Cat Matson and Alex Hanlon

Ep #5 - Death - Where We Fear To Tread

Ep #6 - Death - with End of Life Doula Jacqui Williams

Ep #7 - Grief - More Than Death

Ep #8 - Joy - with guest Anne Maree Wilshire

Season 2: The Disruption

Ep #1 - The Disruption - Intro

Ep #2 - The Menopause Transition - with women's health expert and GP Dr Kelly Teagle

Ep #3 - The Menopause Transition Without HRT - with naturopath and menopause expert Angel Counsel

Ep #4 - The Menopause Transition an Integrative Medicine Approach - with Dr Karen Coates

Ep #5 - The Psychology of Menopause - with Dr Kirstin Bouse

Ep #6 - Her Story - Part 1 - Liz and Lyndal's openly share their Menopause Transition stories; Part 2 - Tina, Cynthia and Natalia openly share their Menopause Transition stories

Ep #7 - Being a Pattern Interruptor in Midlife - with Katy Abbott

Ep #8 - Stress and Your Nervous System - with Erica and Anita

Ep #9 - Body Image in Midlife - with Anita & Erica

Ep #10 - Identity in Midlife - with guests Cat Matson and Alex Hanlon

Ep#11 - Does Where We Die Make A Difference? - with guest End Of Life Doula Jacqui Williams

Ep #12 - Our Midlife Disruption Stories - Anita & Erica

Ep #13 - Midlife Career Disruption - with guest Wendy Alexander, Career Coach & Author

Ep #14 - Self-Compassion in Midlife - with Erica & Anita

What's coming up next for Midlife Unfiltered - The Season of Me.

How you can be involved - Share your midlife story; suggest expert guests.

Don’t forget to subscribe to us on Substack and grab your free (and very handy) Season 2 Midlife Unfiltered workbook:

Subscribe Here >> https://midlifeunfiltered.substack.com/

Mentioned in this Episode:

We'd love to hear from you!

Email us if you'd like to share your midlife story, if there's someone you think we should chat to or what you'd like us to chat about. We're all ears!

e: [email protected]

Subscribe to Midlife Unfiltered on Substack and be notified with a short email about when our next Video conversation will be and when we've released a new podcast Episode. No need to think...it just happens :)

https://midlifeunfiltered.substack.com/

About your Midlife Unfiltered Hosts:

Anita McLachlan was at the helm of Sequins and Sand for over 15 years. As Australia’s Cossie Whisperer, Anita has helped thousands of women find a swimsuit they feel great in and the freedom that comes with feeling confident in it. She’s now turning her experiences and attention to helping women in midlife navigate this often tumultuous time and feel the power this time of life brings - to feel confident in midlife.

Erica Webb is a counsellor, somatic exercise coach and self-kindness advocate. As a highly sensitive person (HSP) herself, she supports other HSPs to navigate what it looks like to prioritise their own mental fitness, claim the self-care that truly nurtures their body and mind, and work through the unique challenges of being a sensitive human in an often insensitive world.

Connect with Anita and Erica at Midlife Unfiltered:

Substack: https://midlifeunfiltered.substack.com

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlife.unfiltered

If you enjoy the topics explored in this podcast and would like more, then sign up to receive Midlife Mojo, Anita's weekly Wednesday newsletter. In it, Anita explores health, wellness and the emotions of midlife to power-up your midlife and beyond. Because girl…you are just getting started :) Become a Sequins and Sand VIP here to receive it in your inbox. It’s free. Insights and wisdom, no hard sell. https://www.sequinsandsand.com.au/vip.html

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit midlifeunfiltered.substack.com

Compassion. A little easier to offer out than in? Perhaps … but self-compassion could just change your (mid)life.

In this episode, join co hosts Anita McLachlan and Erica Webb as they chat about self-compassion as a powerful tool for supporting your midlife ups and downs.

You will hear:

* What self-compassion is (and isn’t)

* The ‘how-to’ of self-compassion

* Why compassion and ‘niceness’ are not the same thing and how you might be confusing them

* Why your capacity for outward compassion is tied to your ability to offer it inward

* And more.

Don’t forget to join us on Substack and grab your Season 2 Midlife Unfiltered workbook:

Mentioned in this Episode:

Kristin Neff’s self-compassion research and writing: https://self-compassion.org/the-research/

Connect with Erica:

https://www.ericawebb.com.au

About your Midlife Unfiltered Hosts:

Anita McLachlan was at the helm of Sequins and Sand for over 15 years. As Australia’s Cossie Whisperer, Anita has helped thousands of women find a swimsuit they feel great in and the freedom that comes with feeling confident in it. She’s now turning her experiences and attention to helping women in midlife navigate this often tumultuous time and feel the power this time of life brings.

Erica Webb is a counsellor, somatic exercise coach and self-kindness advocate. As a highly sensitive person (HSP) herself, she supports other HSPs to navigate what it looks like to prioritise their own mental fitness, claim the self-care that truly nurtures their body and mind, and work through the unique challenges of being a sensitive human in an often insensitive world.

Connect with Anita and Erica at Midlife Unfiltered:

Substack: https://midlifeunfiltered.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlife.unfilteredFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/midlife.unfilteredEmail: [email protected]

If you enjoy the topics explored in this podcast and would like more, then sign up to receive Midlife Mojo, Anita's weekly Wednesday newsletter. In it, Anita explores health, wellness and the emotions of midlife to power-up your midlife and beyond. Because girl…you are just getting started :) Become a Sequins and Sand VIP here to receive it in your inbox. It’s free. Insights and wisdom, no hard sell. https://www.sequinsandsand.com.au/vip.html

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit midlifeunfiltered.substack.com

Disruption. It seems to infiltrate everything in midlife from identity and purpose to physical wellbeing and body image. Today, we’re talking about career in midlife. How do we navigate career in the midst of midlife and all that brings?

In this episode, join co hosts Anita McLachlan and Erica Webb as they chat with Wendy Alexander from Happy Career Hub about the disruptions Wendy has experienced and how, in midlife, she finally gave herself permission to build her career exactly as she wanted.

You will hear:

* Wendy’s experiences navigating menopause and its impact on her career (they were big and sometimes very, very challenging)

* The challenges and opportunities surrounding menopause, particularly in the workplace

* Wendy’s advice around the need for open conversations and safe spaces conversations about menopause and its impacts, including in the workplace.

* Discussion around the need for corporate support for midlife women. Wendy’s transition from corporate life to helping others navigate their careers - which stemmed from her own midlife journey.

Don’t forget to join us on Substack and grab your Season 2 Midlife Unfiltered workbook: https://midlifeunfiltered.substack.com/

About our guest, Wendy Alexander:

Wendy, from Happy Career Hub, is an Interview and Career Coach who helps people look so good that hiring managers can’t ignore them. She is also the author of the book Internal Uprising: Reclaiming Your Voice And Wisdom Through Midlife, Menopause And Beyond which you can find here.

Connect with Wendy via her website, https://happycareerhub.com/ and on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyaalexander/

About your Midlife Unfiltered Hosts:

Anita McLachlan was at the helm of Sequins and Sand for over 15 years. As Australia’s Cossie Whisperer, Anita has helped thousands of women find a swimsuit they feel great in and the freedom that comes with feeling confident in it. She’s now turning her experiences and attention to helping women in midlife navigate this often tumultuous time and feel the power this time of life brings.

Erica Webb is a counsellor, somatic exercise coach and self-kindness advocate. As a highly sensitive person (HSP) herself, she supports other HSPs to navigate what it looks like to prioritise their own mental fitness, claim the self-care that truly nurtures their body and mind, and work through the unique challenges of being a sensitive human in an often insensitive world.

Connect with Anita and Erica at Midlife Unfiltered:

Substack: https://midlifeunfiltered.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlife.unfilteredFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/midlife.unfilteredEmail: [email protected]

If you enjoy the topics explored in this podcast and would like more, then sign up to receive Midlife Mojo, Anita's weekly Wednesday newsletter. In it, Anita explores health, wellness and the emotions of midlife to power-up your midlife and beyond. Because girl…you are just getting started :) Become a Sequins and Sand VIP here to receive it in your inbox. It’s free. Insights and wisdom, no hard sell. https://www.sequinsandsand.com.au/vip.html

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit midlifeunfiltered.substack.com

We’re talking about disruption in the second season of Midlife Unfiltered, and today we thought it was time we shared our stories of midlife disruption.

Welcome to this episode of Midlife Unfiltered - a podcast about unapologetically embracing the Season of Me.

In this episode, join co hosts Anita McLachlan and Erica Webb as they chat about the disruptions they’ve experienced in midlife (so far!).

You will hear:

About your Midlife Unfiltered Hosts:

Anita McLachlan was at the helm of Sequins and Sand for over 15 years. As Australia’s Cossie Whisperer, Anita has helped thousands of women find a swimsuit they feel great in and the freedom that comes with feeling confident in it. She’s now turning her experiences and attention to helping women in midlife navigate this often tumultuous time and feel the power this time of life brings.

Erica Webb is a counsellor, somatic exercise coach and self-kindness advocate. As a highly sensitive person (HSP) herself, she supports other HSPs to navigate what it looks like to prioritise their own mental fitness, claim the self-care that truly nurtures their body and mind, and work through the unique challenges of being a sensitive human in an often insensitive world.

Connect with Anita and Erica at Midlife Unfiltered:

Substack: https://midlifeunfiltered.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlife.unfilteredFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/midlife.unfilteredEmail: [email protected]

If you enjoy the topics explored in this podcast and would like more, then sign up to receive Midlife Mojo, Anita's weekly Wednesday newsletter. In it, Anita explores health, wellness and the emotions of midlife to power-up your midlife and beyond. Because girl…you are just getting started :) Become a Sequins and Sand VIP here to receive it in your inbox. It’s free. Insights and wisdom, no hard sell. https://www.sequinsandsand.com.au/vip.html

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit midlifeunfiltered.substack.com

Death. We’ve been there in Season 1 and we’re going there again in Season 2. Death and disruption … let’s talk about it.

Welcome to this episode of Midlife Unfiltered - a podcast about unapologetically embracing the Season of Me.

In this episode, join Anita McLachlan (flying solo as host - Erica was in another important call) as she chats with End of Life Doula Jacqui Williams about where we die and whether it matters. You will hear:

* Why we need to educate people about their options regarding death.

* Why planning for death is essential, but expectations may not always align with reality.

* How conversations about death should happen early and often.

* Why not everyone will have the opportunity to die at home, and that's okay.

* The tools and resources are available to help families navigate end-of-life care.

We’re so glad you’re here. It’s time to live life on your terms. It’s time for Midlife Unfiltered.

Mentioned in this episode:

Workshops with Jacqui Williams - Let’s Talk About It

Episode 6, Season 1 of Midlife Unfiltered: Facing Death with guest Jacqui Williams, end of life doula

Book: The Gift of a Good Death by Lisa Twigg

App: Gather My Crew

Advanced Care Planning Australia

Jacqui talks about the Sunflower graphic which is a helpful, easy to use resource to help the team who may be helping your loved one as they are in their care, appreciate them as a person, not a bed number. Find that here.

About our guest, Jacqui Williams:

Jacqui Williams is an End of Life Doula and Funeral Celebrant in the Brisbane, Redlands and Sunshine Coast Area.

Website: https://endoflifetransitions.com.au/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/end_of_life_transitions

About your Midlife Unfiltered Hosts:

Anita McLachlan was at the helm of Sequins and Sand for over 15 years. As Australia’s Cossie Whisperer, Anita has helped thousands of women find a swimsuit they feel great in and the freedom that comes with feeling confident in it. She’s now turning her experiences and attention to helping women in midlife navigate this often tumultuous time and feel the power this time of life brings.

Erica Webb is a counsellor, somatic exercise coach and self-kindness advocate. As a highly sensitive person (HSP) herself, she supports other HSPs to navigate what it looks like to prioritise their own mental fitness, claim the self-care that truly nurtures their body and mind, and work through the unique challenges of being a sensitive human in an often insensitive world.

Connect with Anita and Erica at Midlife Unfiltered:

Substack: https://midlifeunfiltered.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlife.unfilteredFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/midlife.unfilteredEmail: [email protected]

If you enjoy the topics explored in this podcast and would like more, then sign up to receive Midlife Mojo, Anita's weekly Wednesday newsletter. In it, Anita explores health, wellness and the emotions of midlife to power-up your midlife and beyond. Because girl…you are just getting started :) Become a Sequins and Sand VIP here to receive it in your inbox. It’s free. Insights and wisdom, no hard sell. https://www.sequinsandsand.com.au/vip.html

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit midlifeunfiltered.substack.com

Identity. You don’t have to be having a ‘midlife crisis’ for questions of identity to loom large in your midlife years. But what does that truly mean and how can you build or uncover an identity that just seems to fit?

Welcome to this episode of Midlife Unfiltered - a podcast about unapologetically embracing the Season of Me.

In this episode, join co hosts Anita McLachlan and Erica Webb as they chat with their guests, Alex Hanlon and Cat Matson about identity in Midlife.

You will hear:

- About the complexities of identity in midlife, including how how personal roles, societal expectations, and cultural influences shape our sense of self.

- The disruption that often accompanies this life stage, the importance of values, and the role of role models in navigating identity shifts.

- The role of introspection and the acceptance of uncertainty as we redefine who we are beyond our professional and familial roles.

- Societal perceptions of midlife crises, and the power of storytelling in shaping self-perception.

- The need for compassion, acceptance, and the creation of space for self-discovery and reflection.

We’re so glad you’re here. It’s time to live life on your terms. It’s time for Midlife Unfiltered.

About our guests:

Alex HanlonCat Matson

About your Midlife Unfiltered Hosts:

Anita McLachlan was at the helm of Sequins and Sand for over 15 years. As Australia’s Cossie Whisperer, Anita has helped thousands of women find a swimsuit they feel great in and the freedom that comes with feeling confident in it. She’s now turning her experiences and attention to helping women in midlife navigate this often tumultuous time and feel the power this time of life brings.

Erica Webb is a counsellor, somatic exercise coach and self-kindness advocate. As a highly sensitive person (HSP) herself, she supports other HSPs to navigate what it looks like to prioritise their own mental fitness, claim the self-care that truly nurtures their body and mind, and work through the unique challenges of being a sensitive human in an often insensitive world.

Connect with Anita and Erica at Midlife Unfiltered:

Substack: https://midlifeunfiltered.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlife.unfilteredFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/midlife.unfilteredEmail: [email protected]

Time Stamps:

00:00 Defining Identity in Midlife

02:47 The Disruption of Identity

05:45 Shifting Perspectives on Roles

08:56 The Essence of Who We Are

11:56 Role Models and Their Influence

14:53 Cultural Perspectives on Identity

17:53 Values and Their Impact on Identity

20:57 The Complexity of Identity Formation

23:50 Navigating Relationships and Identity

27:14 The Great Unraveling of Identity

30:01 Discovering and Creating Identity

32:50 Embracing the Unknown

37:59 Recognizing Personal Values and Mission Statements

39:53 The Unique Experience of Grief and Identity

41:45 Excavating Identity Through Life Experiences

44:43 The Impact of Teenage Years on Identity

48:58 Midlife Reflections: Crisis or Opportunity?

51:40 The Power of Stories in Shaping Identity

57:51 Compassion and Acceptance in Midlife

01:01:11 Creating Space for Self-Discovery

01:05:52 Questions for Reflection and Growth

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit midlifeunfiltered.substack.com