The Happy Middle with Suzy Darke

Today I chat to Karen Arthur, a multifaceted artist, broadcaster, and menopause diversity advocate.

Karen discusses her journey from teaching to becoming an 'accidental activist' and a voice for diverse British menopausal experiences through her podcast 'Menopause Whilst Black'.

She shares how her personal struggles with mental health led to her speaking out about her own experience of menopause, and becoming her most honest and liberated self.

We delve into the importance of normalising menopause conversations beyond the stereotypical images and we talk about the positive shifts that are happening within the current generation of midlife and older women.

It's a really joyful and empowering episode. You'll love Karen and you'll love this conversation.

Episode highlights:

04:25 The Birth of the Menopause Whilst Black Podcast

15:21 Embracing Authenticity and Setting Boundaries

22:08 Affirmations and Self-Belief

23:02 Intentional Dressing and Mood

26:22 Empowerment Through Clothing

30:54 Menopause and Personal Liberation

Referenced in the episode:

• 'How Depression & Menopause Freed Karen Arthur' YouTube Video
• Karen's Book: Grandma's Locks

Thanks for listening, please come and say hello over on Instagram and do check out my work online.

In today's episode (which is the last one of the season before the podcast goes on its summer break) I chat with the wonderful Siobhan Strode.

Siobhan is a word witch and mentor and she helps her clients raise their voices and create change in the world. She's an ex-teacher, nearly 40, lives in Devon with three sons, her dog Strike, and her childhood sweetheart husband.

She's also an intersectional feminist and you'll either find her at social justice rallies or down the beach paddling with her kids.

Siobhan and I have known each other online for years and years and it was such a treat to have a proper deep and meaningful with her.

In this episode we talk about finding our voices in midlife, connecting with our values, and caring less. And we ponder over exactly when you can call yourself 'midlife'.

Episode highlights:

01:41 Defining Midlife

03:59 Life Changes and Reinvention

07:25 Finding and Using Your Voice

11:07 Embracing Authenticity Online

16:27 Balancing Personal and Professional Life

26:47 Rediscovering Playfulness and Creativity

Referenced in the episode:

• Sas Petherick
• Lucy Lucraft
• Keri Jarvis
• The Happy Middle Episode One

About Siobhan:

Instagram: @thissisterscribes

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siobhan-strode84/

Find out more: https://www.thissisterscribes.com/

Thanks for listening, please come and say hello over on Instagram and do check out my work online.

Today’s guest is the wonderful Sas Petherick, a coach, coaching supervisor, and founder of the Self Belief Coaching Academy.

We talk about her understanding of self doubt, how it acts as a self-protective mechanism, and about why self doubt can feel especially prominent during midlife.

Sas provides valuable insights on managing self doubt, listening to our healthy adult self, and embracing change.

A big takeaway from this episode is the vital importance of truthful self-expression, and how it can lead to both more meaningful connections and societal change.

Episode highlights:

06:11 Navigating Midlife Changes

10:45 Embracing Self-Compassion

17:56 Connecting with Your Healthy Adult Self

23:19 Embracing Rejection and Detachment

25:38 The Power of Collective Healing

32:16 Disruptive Women and Societal Change

39:58 The Importance of Truth and Imagination

Referenced in the episode:

• Self Belief School

About Sas Petherick:

Instagram:

Find out more: https://selfbelief.school/

Listen to Courage & Spice: https://selfbelief.school/podcast/

Thanks for listening, please come and say hello over on Instagram and do check out my work online.

Today, I want to share with you a concept I haven't been able to stop thinking about since Julia Goodall talked about it in episode three. So let's dive in and explore what it means for us as midlife individuals looking to navigate the sometimes tricky in-betweenness of this phase.

So, what do you think? Does the concept of a second adolescence resonate with you? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences.

Episode highlights:

02:25 Emotional Turmoil and Self-Discovery

09:11 Transitioning to Midlife: The Second Adolescence

11:07 Revisiting Emotions and Rebellion

13:27 Physical Changes in Midlife

15:39 Sexuality and Pleasure in Midlife

17:44 Boundless Possibilities in Midlife

Referenced in the episode:

• Episode Three with Julia Goodall

Thanks for listening, please come and say hello over on Instagram and do check out my work online.

This week I thought I'd share some of my favourite bits from The Happy Middle so far. I've been lucky to have interviewed some really inspiring people who've shared their stories so generously.

Enjoy the episode and please share this on Instagram (make sure you tag me too so I see it!)

Thanks for listening, please come and say hello over on Instagram and do check out my work online.

In this episode, I welcome Penny Wincer, a Melbourne-born author, writing coach, and podcast host based in London. Penny shares her midlife journey from a freelance photographer to a writer and non-fiction coach all while navigating life as a single parent and caregiver.

We chatted about the challenges of caregiving, and the importance of self-compassion and Penny is exceptionally honest about the lack of societal support for carers.

I'm so grateful Penny was able to be my guest and for her thoughtful exploration of balancing personal aspirations with caregiving responsibilities. It's a wonderful chat and I hope you enjoy it too.

Episode highlights:

05:54 The Struggle and Strength of Caring for a Disabled Child

10:55 The Critical Role of Carers in Society

12:57 Self-Care and Society's Role in Supporting Carers

27:01 Finding Creativity and Purpose in the Midst of Caring

Referenced in the episode:

About Penny:

Website: Penny's Website

Instagram: Penny Wincer

Twitter: @pennywincer on Twitter

Today's guest is Katy Murray, a women's leadership coach, inclusion facilitator, speaker, and author of Changemakers, a women's guide to stepping up without burning out. Katy works with female leaders who want to make a real difference in the world by helping them to find the right balance between work and looking after themselves.

It was a real pleasure to chat with Katy and I hope you enjoy the episode.

Episode highlights:

04:10 Navigating Midlife Transitions

09:55 The Importance of Community

23:06 Balancing Joy and Burnout

26:11 The Power of Small Habits

27:16 Collective Support and Systemic Change

29:30 The Challenge of Rest

32:21 Finding and Using Our Voice

Referenced in the episode:

• Buy Katy's book

About Katy:

Instagram: @Katycatalyst on Instagram

Find out more: Katy's Website

Thanks for listening, please come and say hello over on Instagram and do check out my work online.

Do you save your clothes for best? I have to admit that I do and my guest today, personal stylist and image consultant Emma Carr wants us all to stop doing that.

I worked with Emma a few years ago when I felt like I had no idea how I wanted to look anymore after having children and hitting my 40s. I love Emma's approach to helping us navigate changes in our lives and identities through style.

We chatted about the complexities women face in midlife, including transitions like starting businesses, going through divorces, and experiencing menopause, and how these can lead to a loss of personal style and self-identity. Emma generously shared insights from both her professional work with clients and her personal journey highlighting the therapeutic aspect of style and the empowering effect of embracing one’s evolving self and body through all of life's stages.

Episode highlights:

03:39 The Impact of Motherhood and Career on Style

07:15 The Significance of Clothes and Self-Perception

12:28 The Inner Work Behind Style Choices

22:35 Embracing Change and Self-Love in Midlife

30:21 The Power of Midlife and Looking Forward

About Emma:

Instagram: @thefashioncraver

Find out more: https://www.cravepersonalstyling.com/about

Thanks for listening, please come and say hello over on Instagram and do check out my work online.

When the word feels heavy and hopeless prioritising pleasure can feel taboo. In today's episode of The Happy Middle I chat with creator, violist, mother, and pleasure activist Meena Bhasin.

We explored how sensuality and rage transform during midlife and how you can channel your rage into powerful, positive energy. And Meena discusses why pleasure is a powerful act of resistance.

I hope this episode serves as a reminder to embrace your rage and experience pleasure in abundance.

Episode highlights:

04:06 The Power and Expression of Rage

14:06 Reclaiming Sensuality and Sexuality in Midlife

20:46 Pleasure as Resistance: A Revolutionary Act

28:57 Personal Reflections on Navigating Midlife

Find Meena on Instagram

Thanks for listening, please come and say hello over on Instagram and do check out my work online.

In this episode, Laura Clark, a menopause dietitian and food therapist with over 25 years of experience, discusses her holistic approach to helping midlife women navigate the menopausal transition through better nutrition, understanding food relationships, and addressing emotional well-being.

We chat about the importance of contextualising diet within a broader lifestyle perspective, acknowledging the complex factors affecting women's health and habits during menopause, (such as hormone fluctuations and the influence of diet culture) and, of course, Laura's messy middle too.

If you've felt flummoxed by menopause diet culture this is the episode for you!

Episode highlights:

03:09 Understanding Menopause: Symptoms and Dietary Impacts

10:26 Challenging Weight Loss Narratives and Embracing Sustainable Health

25:28 Midlife Transitions: Beyond Diet to Life's Complexities

30:29 Ambition and Balance in Midlife: A Personal Reflection

About You know me!

Instagram: @menopause.dietitian on Instagram

Find out more: Laura's Website

Thanks for listening, please come and say hello over on Instagram and do check out my work online.