Former teacher Jenny Lucas turned job rejection and a late autism/ADHD diagnosis into self-discovery, writing a book and launching a business to help others navigate life post-diagnosis.

Late Diagnosis to Self-Discovery: How Neurodivergence Rewrites Life After Midlife

Career Triggers and Burnout: After 16 years as a teacher, Jenny Lucas left the profession due to burnout. Being passed over for a local authority job she was already doing sparked her decision to work for herself.

The Path to Diagnosis: Realizations began while seeking support for her seven-year-old daughter. Recognizing female-presenting ADHD and autism traits in herself, Jenny obtained a late diagnosis in 2022 via the "Right to Choose" NHS pathway.

Navigating Identity and Strain: Post-diagnosis brought a sense of grief for her past self and local support gaps. Stepping back from masking and people-pleasing initially strained her marriage before leading to deeper self-acceptance.

Reinvention and Advocacy: Harnessing her hyperfocus, Jenny authored Autism, ADHD and Me, built an online membership community, and now coaches late-diagnosed adults through their own reinventions.

Is midlife something to fear or your greatest opportunity for reinvention?

In this episode of the Reinventors Podcast, Fiona Bugler sits down with James Davis, psychologist, coach and co-founder of Midlife Mentors, to explore what really happens to our minds and bodies as we age.

Together they discuss why so many people feel stuck on "autopilot", how chronic stress impacts both physical and mental health, and why creating lasting change starts from within—not with quick fixes.

You'll learn about:

-Why we spend most of life operating on autopilot

-The psychology behind lasting behaviour change

-The truth about male hormone decline (andropause)

-Stress, cortisol and their impact on health and longevity

-Why strength training, sleep and community become more important with age

-Morning habits that build resilience and clarity

-The reality of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and weight-loss injections

-How to become your "Future Self" and make better daily decisions

-Practical ways to reinvent yourself in midlife

Whether you're navigating your 40s, 50s or beyond or simply want to build a healthier, more intentional future, this conversation is packed with practical, evidence-based advice to help you thrive.

This week on The Reinventors Podcast, I speak to brand strategist, executive coach and PhD researcher Sandra Peat about reinvention after some of life’s biggest challenges.

After navigating breast cancer, redundancy and menopause all at once, Sandra shares how she rebuilt her identity beyond work, embraced uncertainty and created a more intentional life and career. From leading strategy teams at global brands like Red Bull and Bacardi, to launching a portfolio career focused on coaching, thought leadership and personal growth, this is a powerful conversation about what success really looks like in midlife.

We discuss:

- Reinvention after illness and career change

- Why fitness, strength training and meditation became non-negotiables

- Midlife confidence, identity and purpose

- The future of work, AI and personal branding

- Why women 40+ need more support through transition

- Building a life around passion, wellbeing and longevity

- Creating work that aligns with who you really are

A motivating conversation for anyone navigating change, questioning their next chapter, or looking to live and work with more intention.

Listen now and join the conversation around reinvention, longevity and purposeful living.

This episode covers all things nutrition for those seeking a longer healthier life.

It is a comprehensive discussion on nutrition for longevity with Dr. Carrie Ruxton, dietitian, covering Mediterranean diet, weight management, macronutrients, supplements, and holistic approaches to midlife health.

In this episode of The Reinventors Podcast, Fiona is joined by Dr Kristina Curtis, a specialist in health behaviour change, to explore what really drives lasting change… and why it’s rarely as simple as “just be more disciplined.”

They break down the science behind behaviour change, including the COM-B model (motivation, capability and opportunity), and how small, consistent actions can lead to meaningful reinvention over time.

The conversation dives into midlife transformation, why change often becomes possible later in life, and how removing long-standing barriers can unlock a new chapter of health and wellbeing.

They also explore:

• Why intrinsic motivation matters more than external pressure

• The power of identity change over short-term fixes

• The role of social connection and community in long-term success

• Common blockers like failed attempts, pain, and mindset

• How to build habits that actually stick

Plus, a powerful reminder… you may not have “forever” to make changes. The idea of “20 last summers” puts urgency behind taking action now.

A practical, honest and evidence-based conversation for anyone looking to improve their health, energy and longevity… and finally make change last.

In this special London Marathon week episode of The Reinventors, Fiona is joined by Craig and Emmanuel to explore how running can change not just individual lives, but entire communities. From training in Iten, Kenya, to supporting young athletes through Team Emmanuel, this conversation is about connection, purpose and giving back. They discuss grassroots impact, sustainable tourism, community reinvention, and the power of running to create opportunity, discipline and hope. A powerful episode for runners and non-runners alike.

In this episode of Reinvent, I sit down with Louise Prado, founder of Rejuvenate and a former corporate high-flyer who made a powerful shift at 50.

After years of living on adrenaline, flying globally, overworking, and twice experiencing life-threatening sepsis, Louise realised she wasn’t truly healthy, she was running on cortisol. What followed wasn’t an overnight transformation, but a decade-long journey of small, consistent change.

We talk about:

• Leaving the corporate pressure cycle without abandoning ambition

• The hidden impact of stress and cortisol on belly fat and hormones

• Strength training in midlife and why walking is underrated

• Biohacking, oxygen therapy, red light therapy and cellular health

• Therapy, boundaries and choosing your tribe wisely

• Alcohol in moderation and redefining balance

• Why inner peace, not aesthetics, is the real transformation

Louise shares how she balances running her agency with farm life, strength training, and a calmer approach to dating and longevity.

This is a conversation about evolving, not escaping. About ageing with intention. And about embracing movement and change.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in overdrive, this one’s for you.

Fiona sits down with Julia Chi Taylor, former international athlete, therapist, and life strategist, to explore what it really means to keep reinventing, at every age.

They start with Julia’s surname and the story behind it (plus the reinventions that came with love, relationships, and identity), then go deeper into the mindset shifts that help people move from feeling stuck to feeling free.

Julia shares why self-awareness is the real starting point, how old patterns and “not good enough” beliefs can quietly run the show, and why getting the right support (a coach, a guide, a community) can change everything.

They also talk endurance, discipline, and joy, from barefoot running and long-term goals, to daily routines that keep you consistent without making life feel like a slog.

The episode finishes with a powerful reminder that longevity is not just about adding years, it’s about adding life to your years, and it’s never too late to change your story.

In this special bonus episode of The Reinventors Podcast, Fiona shares an unexpected and unforgettable moment, becoming an impromptu guest on The Chris Evans Breakfast Show.

What started as a spontaneous call turned into a powerful conversation about reinvention, longevity, mindset, and what’s possible in midlife and beyond.

Fiona reflects on following Chris Evans’ own reinvention journey over the years, from party culture to marathon running and wellbeing, and why his message so closely aligns with the values behind Live to Reinvent.

Together, they explore why life doesn’t go “downhill” after 50, why the later decades can be the richest, most exciting part of life, and how small mindset shifts can unlock energy, confidence, and purpose at any age.

From talking about Fiona's marathon mindset to building a new business at 58, this episode is about backing yourself, taking opportunities when they appear, and choosing to live fully.

This bonus episode is for anyone who’s questioning what’s next, feeling stuck, or wondering if it’s too late to start again. It’s a reminder that reinvention is always possible, and that the best years may still be ahead.

This one is a powerful listen.

Fiona speaks with Lisa Jackson, author and runner, about what it really takes to keep going when life changes everything. Lisa opens up about love, loss, grief, and the long road back to herself, and how running, community, and purpose helped her rebuild.

A huge part of Lisa’s story is running. She’s completed 109 marathons, is a proud member of the 100 Marathon Club, and shares the honest reality of losing your running mojo, then finding your way back again, one small step at a time.

This episode is for anyone in midlife (or beyond) who’s feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like they’ve lost their momentum. You’ll leave with practical perspective, and a reminder that small steps still count.

📚 Lisa’s new book Still Running After All These Tears is released 8 January and is available via Amazon.