The Middle-aged Bodcast

This week we're joined by Brian Hall for a really honest chat about men's mental health, tech overload, and what happens when you try to switch off from it all.

We talk about Brian's journey from working in tech to stepping away from the constant noise and learning to better understand his own emotions. It turns into a proper conversation about why men find it hard to open up, how different things can be depending on where you live, and why having those spaces to talk really matters.

We also get into how much time we all spend on our phones without even realising and what it's doing to our attention spans.

Beta read Brian's book: How to Feel Your Feels

📱 Follow The Middle-aged Bodcast Online!

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midagedbodcast

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/middleagedbodcast

🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/MidagedBodcast

🔵 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/middleagedbodcast.bsky.social

🌐 Website: https://middleagedbodcast.co.uk

🥾 Bodcast Charity Walk: JustGiving page.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we're back with another weigh-in update, although Rich may have slightly undone his progress with a weekend away in York.

Rich talks about his trip to the historic city, including great food, the Jorvik Viking Centre, and surprisingly enjoying an ABBA tribute show, having not been that big of a fan previously. Meanwhile, T.A. shares what it was like finally seeing two Sopranos actors live after a six-year wait, and why audience Q&As can be a risk if the questions aren't up to par.

We're also introducing our brand new segment, "Talk The Walk", where we'll be tracking our training for the upcoming 12-mile charity walk for Andy's Man Club.

🥾 Bodcast Charity Walk JustGiving page.

📱 Follow The Middle-aged Bodcast Online!

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midagedbodcast

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/middleagedbodcast

🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/MidagedBodcast

🔵 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/middleagedbodcast.bsky.social

🌐 Website: https://middleagedbodcast.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nicola Bardon joins us to talk turning 40, independence, and building an award-winning podcast from scratch.

Nicola is the host of Tis Yourself, a popular Irish interview podcast known for relaxed, honest conversations with actors, musicians and public figures. In 2022, she won Best New Podcast at the Irish Podcast Awards and she's been growing the show ever since.

In this honest and funny conversation, we chat about turning 40, the expectations society places on women around marriage and children, and learning to focus on your own path rather than comparing yourself to others.

We also discuss:

• Starting and growing an independent podcast
• Saying no and protecting your time
• Friendships and identity in midlife
• Success without ticking society's boxes

If you're navigating midlife, rethinking milestones, or considering starting a podcast yourself, this episode is about carving your own path and defining success on your terms.

Follow Nicola's podcast Tis Yourself.

📱 Follow The Middle-aged Bodcast Online!

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midagedbodcast

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/middleagedbodcast

🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/MidagedBodcast

🔵 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/middleagedbodcast.bsky.social

🌐 Website: https://middleagedbodcast.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Raging Rich and T.A. Shelano are back on the scales as the weigh-in makes a much requested return to the Middle-aged Bodcast.

We talk honestly about emotional eating, winter indulgence and getting real about accountability.

Rich talks a recent comedy gig he attended, with a random William Shakespeare reference. We also talk about why pubs, town halls and shared spaces in the community still matter more than ever.

Plus, we look ahead to what's coming next this season, with guest episodes, our 12 mile charity walk, and a few surprises on the horizon.

📱 Follow The Middle-aged Bodcast Online!

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midagedbodcast

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/middleagedbodcast

🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/MidagedBodcast

🔵 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/middleagedbodcast.bsky.social

🌐 Website: https://middleagedbodcast.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first episode of Season 6, we sit down to look back at what 2025 taught us and how we're feeling heading into a new year.

We talk honestly about winter blues, trying to stay motivated when it's cold and dark on the commute to and from work, and why reflecting on the good stuff matters more than we often realise. There's chat about cooking experiments, holding ourselves accountable, and our plans for a charity walk to raise awareness around men's mental health.

As always, it's a relaxed, no-nonsense conversation about midlife, mindset, and doing our best to keep moving forward: Even when things aren't perfect.

📱 Follow The Middle-aged Bodcast Online!

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midagedbodcast

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/middleagedbodcast

🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/MidagedBodcast

🔵 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/middleagedbodcast.bsky.social

🌐 Website: https://middleagedbodcast.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s The Middle-aged Bodcast with Raging Rich and T.A. Shelano.

It’s 2026 and the Bodcast is back:

• 3 seasons
• 10 episodes per season
• With extra bonus Bodcasts in between
• Honest discussions with great guests on a range of topics
• And all the usual Bodcast Banter

The Middle-aged Bodcast

Getting older, but having some laughs!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're heading into the Bodcast archives once more to bring you a series of clips from previous guests who have spoken openly about mental health, vulnerability, and the realities of midlife.

Featuring:

• Laura (Season 1, our first ever guest!)
• Mel from Men Against Mountains (Season 2)
• Alan Rose (Season 3)
• Caralyn Dreyer (Season 4)

Click the names to listen to the full episodes.

📱 Follow The Middle-aged Bodcast Online!

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midagedbodcast

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/middleagedbodcast

🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/MidagedBodcast

🔵 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/middleagedbodcast.bsky.social

🌐 Website: https://middleagedbodcast.co.uk

Season 6 of the Middle-aged Bodcast begins 24th February 2026.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're heading into the Bodcast archives to bring you a series of clips from previous guests who have spoken openly about physical health, lifestyle changes, and the realities of midlife.

Featuring:

• Aimee P (Season 2)
• Dan H (Season 5)
• Joel & Jay-Jay Flanagan-Grannemann (Season 4)
• Tom Campbell (Season 4)

Click the names to listen to the full episodes.

📱 Follow The Middle-aged Bodcast Online!

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midagedbodcast

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/middleagedbodcast

🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/MidagedBodcast

🔵 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/middleagedbodcast.bsky.social

🌐 Website: https://middleagedbodcast.co.uk

Season 6 of the Middle-aged Bodcast begins 24th February 2026.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi Bodcasters, we're still putting the finishing touches on Season 6 and so we're bringing you one more repost episode. In this episode, T.A. Shelano tells Rich about a trip to a well known coffee shop and the chaos that ensued when trying to order via an app when there is limited internet available. We never could have imagined what one of the conversations in this episode would lead to, and we are forever grateful.

Original Episode Description:

This week, Raging Rich and T.A. Shelano reflect on their night out seeing Katherine Ryan live in Wolverhampton - did the comedy queen deliver? Meanwhile, T.A. shares his frustrations with a certain coffee shop chain, where poor signal and Mrs Shelano’s unwavering commitment to using their app turn a simple coffee run into an ordeal. Rich also discusses Liz McClarnon’s new online community for travellers looking to see the world without flying. Plus, T.A. talks about meeting a fellow author in person for the first time at a recent writer's retreat after previously connecting online. The lads also give a big shoutout to Dan from Casting Views after T.A.’s recent guest spot on Mind Wipe. Join the guys for laughs, rants, and the usual middle-aged musings!

T.A. Shelano on Casting Views

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6PPWWI0BGFEDvCohA9cNr6?si=83eae6ce71374a5d

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/180-mind-wipe-featuring-ta-shelano/id1585420067?i=1000692727078

Gem Writes Things on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@gemwritesthings

Liz McClarnon - No Fly Traveller on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/no_fly_traveller/

📱 Follow The Middle-aged Bodcast Online!

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midagedbodcast

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/middleagedbodcast

🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/MidagedBodcast

🌐 Website: https://middleagedbodcast.co.uk

Please make sure to follow us on our socials and subscribe on your preferred podcasting platform to be among the first in the know for Season 6!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi Bodcasters, we're still working on Season 6 and so this week we have another repost for you, our chat with independent author Alan Rose about his writing and being a facilitator for Andy's Man Club.

Original Episode Description:

In this episode of The Middle-Aged Bodcast, hosts Raging Rich and T.A. Shelano welcome author Alan Rose, who shares his journey as a writer and advocate for men's mental health. Alan discusses his involvement with Andy's Man Club, a support group promoting open conversations among men, and reflects on his personal experiences with group therapy, the role of facilitators, and the importance of creating safe spaces.

He also delves into his debut novel, Worn With Pride, and shares his plans for a short story anthology, the challenges of self-publishing, and the themes of brotherhood and hope in his work. His passion for cooking intertwines with his writing journey, offering a source of positivity in daily life.

This engaging conversation highlights the evolving landscape of literature and creativity while emphasising the significance of mental health and storytelling.

You can follow Alan on the following platforms:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alanroseauthor/
• Threads: https://www.threads.net/@alanroseauthor
• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/alanrose.bsky.social

Order your copy of Alan's debut novel "Worn With Pride" at Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/7MvnmGx

📱 Follow The Middle-aged Bodcast Online!

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midagedbodcast

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/middleagedbodcast

🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/MidagedBodcast

🌐 Website: https://middleagedbodcast.co.uk

Please make sure to follow us on our socials and subscribe on your preferred podcasting platform to be among the first in the know for Season 6!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.