Welcome to your next must-listen episode of the Hagnificent podcast, in which our host, journalist Mary-Louise Clews interviews Michelle Porter, a local Lewes hero of hers and an inspirational survivor who has transformed herself in mid-life not just once, but twice: first, after a hormonal breakdown at 40, becoming a mummy blogger praised by Margaret Atwood; and second, pivoting to a teaching career during the pandemic. Mary-Louise and Michelle discuss the importance of resilience, self-acceptance, challenges around age discrimination and the value of experience, particularly for older women from working-class backgrounds.
Topics: Menopause, perimenopause, Michelle Porter, transformation, mental health, working class, teaching career, creative writing, Margaret Atwood, pandemic impact, self-esteem, resilience, age discrimination, role models, personal growth
Outline
00:00 Mary-Louise Clews introduces the podcast's mission, focusing on reclaiming derogatory terms used for older women, and introduces her guest, Michelle Porter, alocal hero and friend who has transformed herself twice in her life. She mentions the podcast's recording location in her camper van and warns about background noise.
03:40 Michelle reveals her "Hagnificent icon," Kit, a neighbour who inspires her with her flamboyant style and carefree attitude.
06:05 Michelle talks about her early career, includingworking at a college library and teaching can-can dancing.
07:10 Michelle recounts her menopausal breakdown at age 40, losing her house and feeling extreme anxiety and paranoia.
07:35 Michelle shares how she sought help and began to recover, finding new energy and creativity in writing and organising vintage fairs. She shares the highlight of her blogging career when Margaret Atwood endorsing her blog.
09:45 Michelle discusses how the pandemic affectedher freelance writing work, with businesses cutting marketing budgets. She also shares her frustration with age discrimination in job interviews, leading her to retrain as a teacher.
13:20 Michelle describes deciding to pivot into education tobuild on her passion for literature, and how she found new confidence in her abilities after enrolling on a teaching course at Brighton Met.
14:55 Michelle and Mary-Louise discuss overcoming impostersyndrome, coming from a working-class background and working in the media, the arts and education.
17:28 Michelle talks about the challenges of retaking hermath GCSE and achieving a pass, boosting her confidence.
18:18 Michelle describes being accepted on a PGCE course atBrighton University, focusing on teaching English in the FE sector.
21:42 Michelle reflects on the practical challenges of beinga working-class woman and mum, focusing on financial survival rather than creative pursuits.
26:59 Michelle talks about her novel and novella, focusingon themes of resilience and the challenges of motherhood.
28:26 Discussion on the importance of diversity in the artsand the need for continued efforts to provide opportunities for underrepresented groups.
32:45 Michelle reveals her Hagnificent object and reflectson her transformation from a low point in her 40s to a more confident and resilient person in her 50s.
36:20 Mary-Louise and Michelle talk about the challenges ofageing and emphasise the importance of celebrating real women and the wisdom that comes with age.
Follow Michelle on Instagram: @mcporterwriter
Follow Hagnificent on Instagram: @hagnificentpod
Access support for mental health challenges: www.mind.org.uk
This episode has been produced for entertainment purposes only and is in no way meant to be taken as medical advice or advice in any way.
