In the latest 'out of the archives' Summer Rewind episode, we revisit our hilarious, sharp and heartfelt conversation with comedian, author and podcaster Jenny Eclair, all about life after menopause, ageing unapologetically, and embracing the next chapter with grit, wit, and a sense of humour.

• Why boredom in your 50s and onwards is a myth – Jenny shares how she’s always busy, never bored, and how developing the “craft hormone” in midlife keeps her creative and curious.
• Menopause and beyond – the emotional rollercoaster, society’s expectations, and what it means to become invisible when the work slows down.
• Men vs Women in ageing – why, by 60, men risk turning into “human Toby jugs”, while women remain their harshest critics.
• From slipper shufflers to death duties – Jenny’s hilariously honest take on relationships, including why she finally got married for practical reasons (spoiler: it's about inheritance tax).
• The joy (and ache) of being or not being a grandmother.
• Turning 60 during lockdown and not being able to use her hard-earned Oyster card for free travel!
• How friendships shift in your 60s — and her candid reflections on not always being the best friend when work got in the way.
• And most importantly, why laughter really is the best medicine for navigating midlife madness.

This episode is a funny, fearless and refreshingly honest look at midlife, ageing, relationships, and identity — with plenty of relatable moments and laugh-out-loud lines.

• 📍 Listen now on all major podcast platforms or at twowomenchatting.com

This episode first broadcast in March 2024

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menopause podcast, Jenny Eclair interview, life after menopause, midlife women podcast, women over 50, ageing and friendship, invisibility in midlife, menopause and marriage, Two Women Chatting podcast, Michelle Ford, Summer Rewind, comedy and menopause, postmenopause life, women and ageing, podcast for women over 40

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In this Summer Rewind episode of Two Women Chatting, we're joined by organisation expert and 'Sort Your Life Out' TV favourite Dilly Carter, bringing her no-nonsense wisdom and heartfelt compassion to one of midlife’s trickiest transitions - what to do with 'all the stuff' once the kids move out, or when it's time to help parents downsize.

💬 We talk:

* What’s really worth keeping from early memories (hint: maybe just one of each…)

* How to involve your kids in what stays and what goes (they might surprise you!)

* Turning chaos into calm by categorising memories

* Where to start when it all feels overwhelming

💡 Plus:

* The secret to reducing clutter (spoiler: it’s not just about storage!)

* When one of you is a hoarder - what then?

* Clever ways to make cash from unwanted items

* Dilly’s golden rules for helping elderly parents move or sorting a family home with care, compassion and clarity

* Donating with purpose - how to benefit others with what you let go

🎁 And her go-to items that are actually worth investing in for a more organised life.

This is an episode packed with practical, kind-hearted advice and the occasional laugh about just how attached we can become to a drawer full of tangled cables. Whether you're staring down an attic full of forgotten toys or trying to respectfully declutter after loss, this one's for you.

📦 Less mess, more meaning.

🎙️ Listen now on the Two Women Chatting podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

Check out our helpful blog on this very subject. Click here.

Dilly Carter - instagram @declutterdollies

First aired May 2024

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We’re rewinding to one of our most inspiring chats on Two Women Chatting with the brilliant Andrea McLean - bestselling author, broadcaster and midlife reinvention queen.

In this episode, Andrea gets real about the internal monologue of a midlife woman - from the fear of saying "no", to feeling small, stuck, or suddenly invisible. She talks candidly about loneliness, starting over, and creating a roadmap for life’s big decisions (even when they lead to gloriously messy detours).

And yes - we absolutely discuss the time she was interviewing Oprah Winfrey while battling excessive nervous sweating, so intense she had to pad her armpits with pantyliners. Now that’s what we call menopause multitasking!

💬 It’s funny, it’s fearless, and it’s packed with the kind of honesty we all need more of.

👉 Press play if you're ready for a bold, brilliant dose of midlife mojo.

🎧 Available now on all major podcast platforms.

First broadcast in October 2023

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Summer Rewind: We're revisiting some of our most memorable conversations - and this one is an absolute gem!

In this inspiring archive episode, Dame Prue Leith joins Michelle to talk about living boldly, dressing brightly, and speaking out on issues that matter. Prue shares how embracing colour in midlife isn’t just about fashion - it’s about confidence, visibility and joy. Age, she insists, should never limit our choices or silence our sense of fun.

The conversation then takes a heartfelt turn, as Prue opens up about her advocacy for assisted dying - why she believes everyone deserves the right to a dignified end, and how this choice is an extension of dignity in life.

Plus, Prue introduces her cookbook Life’s Too Short to Stuff a Mushroom, designed to help anyone feel at home in the kitchen, with easy, delicious recipes that keep cooking joyful rather than stressful.

Key Takeaways:

🎙️ The Confidence of Colour: Dressing boldly can lift your mood and help you feel seen in midlife.

🎙️ Dignity in Death: Why Prue passionately supports the right to choose a dignified death.

🎙️ Cooking Made Simple: Making tasty, fuss-free food accessible to everyone.

🎙️ Healthy Eating Habits: Why teaching kids to enjoy nutritious food from the start really matters.

🎧 Rewind with us and rediscover why this episode remains so relevant — and so full of heart.

Episode Resources:

•Life’s Too Short to Stuff a Mushroom by Prue Leith

Dignity in Dying

first broadcast: 5 November 2024

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Tune in to hear Dame Prue Leith like you’ve never heard her before - sharing bold views on colour, cooking and why she believes in having control over life’s final chapter.

Colour, confidence, aging, cookbook, cooking tips, assisted dying, dignity, food education, ageism, vibrant fashion

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In this special Summer Rewind episode from the Two Women Chatting archive, Liz and Michelle revisit their inspiring conversation with TV presenter, journalist and author Louise Minchin. Louise opens up about her deeply personal journey through empty nest syndrome, sharing the unexpected grief and sense of loss she felt when both her daughters left home for university.

Louise explains how she overcame this emotional rollercoaster by setting new challenges: becoming an endurance athlete, pushing herself out of her comfort zone, and chronicling her adventures with remarkable women in her bestselling book, Fearless. From swimming through shark-infested waters to Alcatraz to ice diving, Louise shows how embracing adventure and focusing on what your body can do — rather than how it looks — can transform your midlife years.

This episode offers practical advice and inspiration for anyone facing the empty nest: learn to celebrate your achievements, set fresh goals, and reinvent yourself at any stage of life.

For more resources, visit our Midlife Library and blog on empty nest syndrome at twowomenchatting.com.

✅ Louise was surprised by the intensity of grief she felt when her daughters first left home.

✅ She describes parenting at this stage as a rollercoaster — no longer being in control.

✅ Finding new challenges helped her cope: endurance sports, triathlons, and writing books.

✅ Celebrate what your body can do, not just how it looks.

✅ Reinventing your career in midlife is possible and exciting — Louise proudly now calls herself a writer.

✅ Set small goals, step outside your comfort zone, and don’t let fear of failure stop you.

First broadcast: 25 September 2023

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and subscribe on your favourite podcast platform.

We love hearing from you: email us at [email protected].

Explore more blogs and resources on empty nest syndrome and midlife reinvention at www.twowomenchatting.com.

Follow Two Women Chatting on instagram @michelleford_twc

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 In this no-holds-barred conversation, Michelle chats with journalist, author, and campaigner Kate Muir about the silent epidemic affecting women in midlife - bone health. They unpack the emotional and physical toll of menopause, how hormonal changes can impact everything from mental health to neurodivergence, and why it’s time for women to take charge of their midlife wellbeing. From wild swimming to strength training to HRT, Kate advocates for preventative healthcare and reclaims the midlife “crisis” as a powerful turning point. Plus, she shares highlights from her new book, How to Have a Magnificent Midlife Crisis.

🎙️ Menopause, Mental Health & Neurodivergence: Kate explains how hormonal shifts can bring mental health challenges and reveal or intensify neurodivergent traits in midlife - making awareness and proper support systems essential.

🎙️ Lifting for Longevity: Strength training isn’t optional. Kate breaks down how weight-bearing exercise and vaginal estrogen are key to protecting bone health, reducing UTIs, and improving quality of life after 40.

🎙️ Midlife as a Second Act: Rather than seeing midlife as a decline, Kate encourages women to embrace it as a time for reinvention, joy, and self-discovery - central themes in her latest book.

🎙️ The Vaginal Microbiome Matters: Often overlooked, the vaginal microbiome plays a critical role in long-term health. Kate explains how estrogen, supplements and awareness can help reduce infections and support longevity.

📘 How to Have a Magnificent Midlife Crisis by Kate Muir: Buy the Book

📸 Kate Muir on Instagram: @menoscandal

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Keywords:

midlife crisis, women's health, menopause, wild swimming, mental health, HRT, emotional changes, healthcare advocacy, longevity, exercise, bone health, UTI, estrogen, vaginal health, neurodivergence, midlife, self-care, strength training

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This week on Two Women Chatting, Michelle welcomes the brilliant and bold Tova Leigh - writer, performer, and fierce advocate for female empowerment - for a refreshingly honest and insightful conversation. From reclaiming the word "gossip" as a force for good to navigating midlife friendships, Tova shares her journey of self-expression, boundary-setting and building meaningful female connections.

They also dive into deeper issues like toxic masculinity, the rise of figures like Andrew Tate, and the role of technology in shaping how young boys and girls perceive themselves. Tova brings a fresh lens to complex issues, while reminding women that they hold incredible power - in their voices, their friendships and their choices.

🎙️ Reclaiming Gossip: Tova reframes gossip not as something petty, but as a historically vital form of connection and communication among women - one rooted in trust and intimacy.

🎙️ Finding Power in Boundaries: Saying “no” isn’t selfish - it’s necessary. Tova talks about how boundaries protect our mental health and help foster healthier, more respectful relationships.

🎙️ The Evolution of Female Friendship: In midlife, women often find deeper, more meaningful friendships. Tova shares how her retreats and creative work help women foster true community and support.

🎙️ Toxic Masculinity & Technology’s Role: Tova discusses the troubling rise of toxic male influencers like Andrew Tate and how education, awareness, and community can push back against harmful narratives targeting young boys.

Tova brings her one woman show Honey I’m Losing It to in London on 24 July.  Tickets available here https://www.jw3.org.uk/whats-on/tova-leigh-honey-im-losing-it

Love these insights?

Share your thoughts and stories at [email protected], and don’t forget to rate and review us on your favourite podcast platform!

💫 Tova Leigh's Website: www.tovaleigh.com

📸 Follow Tova on Instagram: @tova_leigh

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Whether you’re finding your feet in midlife or learning to say “no” for the first time, this episode is a powerful reminder that sharing stories and standing together makes us all stronger.

Tova Leigh, empowerment, women, gossip, boundaries, friendships, midlife, community, creativity, storytelling, toxic masculinity, Andrew Tate, humor, social media, parenting, education, relationships, women's empowerment, sisterhood, self-expression

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This week on Two Women Chatting, Michelle is joined by dynamic duo Marie Thom and Yvonne Vincent for a witty, heartfelt conversation about navigating midlife with confidence, creativity, and community. From finding their voices through writing to embracing ageing with a sense of humour, Marie and Yvonne share how life after 40 can be the most empowering chapter yet.

They also introduce their exciting new podcast, Hear Me Roar, which celebrates the midlife journeys of both women and men - breaking down stereotypes and sparking conversations about confidence, body image and wellness. Whether it’s publishing a book, transforming your health, or simply learning to laugh at the chaos; this episode is a joyful reminder that it’s never too late to rewrite your story.

Key Insights:

🎙️ Confidence Through Connection: Marie and Yvonne highlight how midlife friendships - often formed later in life - can be deeply supportive and transformative.

🎙️ Humour as Healing: Finding the funny in everyday moments isn’t just entertaining - it’s empowering and helps build community.

🎙️ Rewriting the Midlife Narrative: Their upcoming podcast, Hear Me Roar, will spotlight stories of personal growth, health and real-life reinventions from both women and men.

🎙️ Body Image and Self-Worth: Even with improved health, many still struggle with self-perception - Marie and Yvonne encourage open conversations about confidence and embracing change.

Love these insights? Share your thoughts and stories at [email protected], and don’t forget to rate and review us on your favourite podcast platform!

Episode Resources:

📘Midlife Drama’s in Pyjamas: Book Link

Podcast: @hearmeroarhere

Facebook: Growing Old Disgracefully

Facebook: Midlife Dramas in Pyjamas

Thank you to my season 9 sponsor @hairtodaymoretomorrow

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Join us for this uplifting episode on the power of female friendships, laughter, and building a midlife that’s bold, joyful, and entirely your own.

midlife, confidence, female friendships, community, health, wellness, humor, writing, empowerment, aging, personal transformation, podcast, body image, self-esteem, women, men

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This week on Two Women Chatting, Michelle celebrates the 100th episode with none other than Olympic legend and advocate Dame Kelly Holmes in a powerful and deeply personal conversation. From winning double gold to becoming a fearless voice for LGBTQ+ rights and women's health, Kelly shares her journey of transformation with honesty and passion.

Marking this special milestone episode, Kelly reflects on the ups and downs of life after sport and military service, the power of vulnerability and why she founded The Athena Effect - a new initiative helping women rediscover their confidence, purpose and strength. Whether you're navigating personal change or simply love hearing from inspiring women, this episode will leave you feeling seen, supported and stronger.

Key Insights:

🎙️ Breaking Assumptions & Owning Your Identity: Kelly discusses the impact of societal expectations, the challenges of being misunderstood, and the importance of showing up authentically - both personally and professionally.

🎙️ From Military to Civilian Life: Finding a New Purpose: Kelly shares the often-overlooked struggles women face when transitioning from military service or returning to work after raising families and how transferable skills can be a superpower.

🎙️ Mental Health Matters: The Strength in Vulnerability: From public success to private struggles, Kelly speaks candidly about her mental health journey, the importance of seeking help, and breaking the stigma around emotional well-being.

🎙️ Empowering Women Through Community: The Athena Effect: Passionate about helping women thrive, Kelly explains how The Athena Effect creates spaces for open conversations, empowerment and lasting change.

Love these insights? Share your thoughts and stories at [email protected], and don’t forget to rate and review us on your favourite podcast platform!

Want to learn more from Dame Kelly Holmes and her Athena Effect initiative?

Episode Resources:

🌟 Dame Kelly Holmes on Instagram: @damekellyholmes

🌟 The Athena Effect Website: Events Link Next event 6 March 2026

Campaign for Painful Hysteroscopy - patient leaflet - follow @campaign_painful_hysteroscopy on instagram

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Kelly Holmes, Olympic Champion, LGBTQ+ Advocacy, Women's Empowerment, Diversity, Inclusion, Personal Growth, Mental Health, Women's Health

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This week on Two Women Chatting, Michelle welcomes pop icon and powerhouse woman Sinitta for an inspiring and deeply personal conversation. Sinitta opens up about her early career, her longtime friendship with Simon Cowell, the highs and lows of fame, and how she’s now using her platform to empower other women.

From her early years shaped by a showbiz childhood to founding Sin's Angels, a collective for women rediscovering their strength, Sinitta shares what it means to find your voice, create space for others, and thrive on your own terms. Whether you're a fan of 80s pop or passionate about women supporting women, this is an episode that celebrates strength, reinvention and sisterhood.

Key Insights:

🎙️ Finding Her Voice in the Music Industry: Sinitta talks about the shift from early record deals to finding creative freedom through her collaboration with Simon Cowell - finally being able to express her own musical identity.

🎙️ The Truth Behind the Spotlight: Fame, she says, is a double-edged sword. Sinitta reflects on the challenges of living in the public eye, learning to deal with press scrutiny, and maintaining her resilience.

🎙️ Women Empowering Women: Through Sin's Angels, Sinitta is on a mission to support and uplift midlife women - creating a space for growth, confidence and second acts.

🎙️ Motherhood & Reinvention: As her children prepare to leave home, Sinitta speaks openly about the emotional challenges of motherhood and embracing the next chapter with purpose.

Love these insights? Share your thoughts and stories at [email protected], and don’t forget to rate and review us on your favourite podcast platform!

Want to learn more from Sinitta and discover the inspiring work of Sins Angels?

🌟 Sins Angels on Instagram: @thesinsangelsofficial

🐦 Twitter/X: @thesinsangels

📸 Sinitta’s Instagram: @thesinittaofficial

🐦 Twitter/X: @sinittaofficial

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Thank you to my season 9 sponsor Hair Today More Tomorrow - for more details visit their website and see Sara's blog about midlife hair on www.twowomenchatting.com

Sinitta, music career, Simon Cowell, fame, empowerment, Sins Angels, talent discovery, motherhood, stage name, women empowerment

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