In this warm, insightful, and laugh-out-loud episode, Michelle Ford sits down with presenter, counsellor, and podcast powerhouse Anna Williamson to explore one of midlife’s biggest topics: staying emotionally connected when life, family and festive chaos compete for your attention.

Anna shares how emotional intimacy and active listening keeps long-term relationships thriving, why communication is usually at the heart of every issue, and how understanding the “seasons” of life can help couples navigate natural shifts - even after decades together. They also talk about the highs, lows, and emotional dynamics behind shows like I’m a Celebrity and Celebs Go Dating, where Anna works as an ‘agent’, and what those televised moments can teach us about connection in real life.

With Christmas stress looming, Michelle and Anna dive into practical, compassionate strategies for avoiding conflict, setting boundaries, and staying emotionally connected to your partner. They explore how to find the spark again, how to handle tricky family dynamics without guilt, and why it’s important not to throw around the ‘D’ word. For those re-entering the dating scene in midlife, Anna offers empowering advice on embracing your worth, seeking companionship or romance, and approaching dating with confidence in your 40s and 50s.

Packed with humour, honesty, and actionable advice, this episode is a supportive, relatable conversation for anyone juggling relationships, family expectations, festive pressure, and the emotional load of midlife.

🎙️ Key Insights

Emotional intimacy is essential for healthy midlife relationships

Boundaries during the holidays protect your energy and wellbeing

Good communication is the root of strong connection

Women re-entering dating in their 50s are empowered and discerning

Finding joy in small moments helps ease Christmas stress

Self-care isn’t selfish - it’s the foundation of thriving relationships

Resources:

📘 Anna Williamson Website: annawilliamson.co.uk

📸 Instagram: @annawilliamsonofficial

🎧 Listen to the Luanna Podcast on all major platforms

Connect with Us:

🌟 Website: TwoWomenChatting.com

📸 Instagram: @michelleford_twc

🐦 Twitter/X: @ChattingTwo

📘 Facebook: Two Women Chatting

📺 YouTube: TwoWomenChatting

🎵 TikTok: @twowomenchatting0

🎧 This episode was produced and edited by Emma Tindall.

👉 If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to follow Two Women Chatting on your favourite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. A quick review helps more midlife women discover the show — and keeps these honest conversations going.

🎧 Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.

midlife relationships, emotional intimacy, communication, dating after divorce, Christmas stress, boundaries, family dynamics, self-care, women in midlife, healthy relationships, Luanna podcast, Anna Williamson, Two Women Chatting podcast

👉 Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and share it with a friend who could use a little midlife magic.

Explore the 'midlife library' at www.twowomenchatting.com

Connect with Michelle at [email protected] for collaborations, ideas, and comments! Remember to rate, review, and share our show to join the laughter-filled conversation about midlife empowerment and beyond...

Follow Michelle on Instagram at @michelleford_twc or Facebook

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

In this fun, laugh-filled and genuinely eye-opening episode, Michelle Ford sits down with women’s health nutritionist Emma Bardwell to tackle one of the most underrated pillars of midlife wellbeing: fibre - the true unsung hero of women’s health. Between giggles over “poophoria” (yes, it’s a thing!) and some serious myth-busting, Michelle and Emma unpack why getting enough fibre and protein is essential - especially if you’re using GLP-1 weight-loss injections like Ozempic, Wegovy or Mounjaro. As Emma explains, these medications slow digestion, making fibre even more important for gut motility, nutrient absorption and long-term health.

Forget fibre’s dusty, boring reputation - this episode gives it a full glow-up. Through perimenopause and menopause, when hormones fluctuate and the gut becomes increasingly linked to mood, energy and resilience, fibre becomes a midlife powerhouse. Michelle and Emma explore how nourishing your gut supports immunity, mental wellbeing, metabolism and overall vitality, and why our midlife microbiome deserves centre stage. With Emma’s straight-talking, practical approach, you’ll learn simple, everyday ways to boost your fibre intake - no chia-seed obsession required.

By the end, you’ll never look at your plate (or your bowel movements!) the same way again.

🎙️ Key Insights

• Fibre lowers the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and colon cancer

• A high-fibre diet reduces inflammation and supports a stronger immune system

• Good gut health boosts brain health and emotional wellbeing

• Fibre may help remove microplastics from the body

• Protein + fibre is the midlife power combo - stabilising energy, supporting hormone balance and improving satiety

• Talking openly about gut health (and yes, poo!) helps normalise midlife wellbeing

Resources:

📘 Emma Bardwell Website: emmabardwell.com

📸 Instagram: @emma.bardwell

The Fibre Effect is published February 2026

The 30g Plan is available in all good bookshops

🌟 Website: TwoWomenChatting.com

📸 Instagram: @michelleford_twc

🐦 Twitter/X: @ChattingTwo

📘 Facebook: Two Women Chatting

📺 YouTube: TwoWomenChatting

🎵 TikTok: @twowomenchatting0

🎧 This episode was produced and edited by Emma Tindall.

👉 If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to follow Two Women Chatting on your favourite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. We’d also love it if you could leave us a review — your feedback helps more listeners discover the show and keeps these conversations going.

🎧 Listen and subscribe on [Apple Podcasts], [Spotify], [Amazon Music], or wherever you get your podcasts.

gut health, fibre, fiber, digestive health, bowel movements, midlife wellness, women’s health, nutrition, gut-brain connection, dietary fibre, healthy ageing, Two Women Chatting podcast

👉 Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and share it with a friend who could use a little midlife magic.

Explore the 'midlife library' at www.twowomenchatting.com

Connect with Michelle at [email protected] for collaborations, ideas, and comments! Remember to rate, review, and share our show to join the laughter-filled conversation about midlife empowerment and beyond...

Follow Michelle on Instagram at @michelleford_twc or Facebook

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

In this deeply comforting and enlightening episode of Two Women Chatting, Michelle Ford is joined by world-renowned psychic medium Sally Morgan to explore intuition, gut instinct, and the soul’s journey beyond the physical world.

Sally shares how midlife is often a time when our psychic awareness and intuition naturally open up, giving us a stronger “spidey sense” and a clearer connection to the spiritual realm. She explains why trusting your gut isn’t just a metaphor - it’s a powerful way to navigate life, make decisions, and sense the energy around you.

The conversation also explores the comforting truths about passing over: that death is far more about love than fear, no one ever passes alone, and our loved ones are accompanied into the spirit world. Sally introduces the concept of “spiritual capital”, explaining how the emotional and energetic resources we build over a lifetime can help us stay grounded, resilient, and connected to both ourselves and the people we love.

Whether you’re curious about developing your intuition, seeking reassurance about grief, or wanting to understand the soul’s journey, this episode offers insight, warmth, and practical guidance for embracing your midlife psychic abilities.

✨ Midlife can be a time of heightened intuition and psychic awareness

✨ Trusting your gut instinct — your inner “spidey sense” — is powerful and meaningful

✨ The moment of death is a transition filled with pure love, not fear

✨ No one ever passes alone — loved ones are always accompanied

✨ Guilt about “not being there in time” is unnecessary

✨ The spirit world is full of connection, comfort, and peace

✨ Building your spiritual capital supports emotional strength and resilience

This episode is perfect for anyone interested in midlife wellbeing, intuition, spiritual growth, psychic development, grief support, and personal empowerment.

📘 Sally Morgan: sallymorgan.tv

📸 Instagram: @sallymorganpsychic

🌟 Website: TwoWomenChatting.com

📸 Instagram: @michelleford_twc

🐦 Twitter/X: @ChattingTwo

📘 Facebook: Two Women Chatting

📺 YouTube: TwoWomenChatting

🎵 TikTok: @twowomenchatting0

🎧 This episode was produced and edited by Emma Tindall.

👉 If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to follow Two Women Chatting on your favourite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. We’d also love it if you could leave us a review — your feedback helps more listeners discover the show and keeps these conversations going.

🎧 Listen and subscribe on [Apple Podcasts], [Spotify], [Amazon Music], or wherever you get your podcasts.

👉 Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and share it with a friend who could use a little midlife magic.

Explore the 'midlife library' at www.twowomenchatting.com

Connect with Michelle at [email protected] for collaborations, ideas, and comments! Remember to rate, review, and share our show to join the laughter-filled conversation about midlife empowerment and beyond...

Follow Michelle on Instagram at @michelleford_twc or Facebook

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

In this enlightening and deeply relatable episode, Michelle Ford sits down with Dr Helen Wall - GP, women’s health advocate and neurodiversity specialist — to unpack why so many women are being diagnosed (or self-diagnosing) with ADHD in midlife.

Together, they explore how fluctuating hormones, juggling life in the sandwich generation, and seeing their children diagnosed are prompting many women to finally recognise traits in themselves. But this isn’t about “jumping on a trend” - it’s about understanding how ADHD can show up differently in women, and why it’s been hidden for so long.

Dr Helen shares how similar symptoms in peri menopause - like forgetfulness, mood swings and overwhelm - can make things even more confusing, and offers surprising insight into how your old school reports might actually hold the key to telling the difference.

From practical advice on getting the most out of your GP appointment to discovering the positives of an ADHD brain - creativity, energy and empathy - this conversation is empowering, informative and full of lightbulb moments.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your struggles with focus, organisation or burnout could mean more than “just hormones,” this episode will help you make sense of it all - and take practical steps toward understanding yourself better.

🎙️ Key Insights:

• Why so many midlife women are only now recognising ADHD
• How to tell the difference between ADHD and perimenopause symptoms
• The upsides of an ADHD brain (and how to make them work for you)
• How to prepare for and navigate your doctor’s appointment
• Why diagnosis can be the first step toward empowerment and self-compassion

Resources:

📘 Learn more about Dr Helen Wall’s work and advocacy: drhelenwall.com Her book Menopause and ADHD: How to navigate hormone flux and neurodivergence is out in May 2026.

 📸 Follow Dr Helen on Instagram: @doctorhelenwall

Connect with Us:

🌟 Website: TwoWomenChatting.com

📸 Instagram: @michelleford_twc

🐦 Twitter/X: @ChattingTwo

📘 Facebook: Two Women Chatting

📺 YouTube: TwoWomenChatting

🎵 TikTok: @twowomenchatting0

🎧 This episode was produced and edited by Emma Tindall.

👉 If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to follow Two Women Chatting on your favourite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. We’d also love it if you could leave us a review - your feedback helps more listeners discover the show and keeps these conversations going.

🎧 Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music or wherever you get your podcasts.

Keywords: ADHD, women with ADHD, burnout, masking behaviour, neurodiversity, mental health, societal expectations, undiagnosed ADHD, gender and neurodiversity, women’s health, empowerment, female ADHD, midlife women, healthcare inequality, Two Women Chatting podcast

👉 Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and share it with a friend who could use a little midlife magic.

Explore the 'midlife library' at www.twowomenchatting.com

Connect with Michelle at [email protected] for collaborations, ideas, and comments! Remember to rate, review, and share our show to join the laughter-filled conversation about midlife empowerment and beyond...

Follow Michelle on Instagram at @michelleford_twc or Facebook

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

In this episode of Two Women Chatting, Michelle sits down with chart-topping author Lisa Jewell to talk about the twists and turns of storytelling - both on and off the page. From an out-of-work secretary in her 20s to the queen of psychological thrillers, Lisa shares how she found her voice, leaned into her dark side, and built a literary career that’s captured the world’s attention. Lisa reflects on how personal experiences, including a coercive past relationship, inspires her most complex characters. She also dishes on the exciting Netflix adaptation of her work, her bold pivot from rom-coms to thrillers, and the creative process behind her chilling new novel Don't Let Him In. Whether you're a budding writer, a thriller junkie, or just love a good story about reinvention, this is an episode not to miss.

🎙️ From Redundancy to Bestseller List

Lisa reveals how being out of work at 27 combined with a nudge from a friend led her to write her first novel and completely reinvent her life.

🎙️ Rom-Coms to Darkness

Once known for her light-hearted fiction, Lisa explains how and why she transitioned to psychological thrillers - and why exploring the dark side keeps her inspired.

🎙️ Coercive Control in Fiction

Lisa opens up about how personal experiences shaped her latest characters, especially the manipulative, controlling figures that dominate her most gripping books.

🎙️ Lights, Camera, Adaptation

Netflix has come calling. Lisa talks about the surreal experience of having her stories adapted for the screen and the reality of letting go of creative control.

🎙️ Confidence, Creativity & Constant Motion

Even 20+ novels in, Lisa shares how she keeps the ideas flowing and how confidence in her storytelling continues to grow with every book.

📘 Don't Let Him In by Lisa Jewell – Buy the Book

📸 Lisa on Instagram: @lisajewelluk

🌟 Website: TwoWomenChatting.com

📸 Instagram: @michelleford_twc

🐦 Twitter/X: @ChattingTwo

📘 Facebook: Two Women Chatting

📺 YouTube: TwoWomenChatting

🎵 TikTok: @twowomenchatting0

🎧 This episode was produced and edited by Emma Tindall.

👉 If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to follow Two Women Chatting on your favourite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. We’d also love it if you could leave us a review — your feedback helps more listeners discover the show and keeps these conversations going.

🎧 Listen and subscribe on [Apple Podcasts], [Spotify], [Amazon Music], or wherever you get your podcasts.

Lisa Jewell, psychological thriller, writing journey, women in literature, character development, coercive control, dark fiction, Don't Let Him In, book adaptation, Netflix thriller, midlife reinvention, self-belief, female authors, storytelling, confidence

👉 Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and share it with a friend who could use a little midlife magic.

Explore the 'midlife library' at www.twowomenchatting.com

Connect with Michelle at [email protected] for collaborations, ideas, and comments! Remember to rate, review, and share our show to join the laughter-filled conversation about midlife empowerment and beyond...

Follow Michelle on Instagram at @michelleford_twc or Facebook

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

In this empowering episode of Two Women Chatting, Michelle sits down with stylist, author, and TV presenter Nicky Hambleton-Jones to talk about bouncing back from public rejection, rediscovering purpose, and helping women feel bolder—not just older. Best known for fronting Channel 4’s 10 Years Younger, Nicky opens up about being abruptly dropped from the show, how that rocked her confidence, and the bold choices she made to reclaim her voice.

With warmth, honesty, and a little lipstick, Nicky shares how personal style can be a radical act of self-expression - especially in midlife.

Her book Bolder, Not Older is a rallying cry for women who want to dress for confidence, not for the gaze of others. Whether you’re navigating change, battling imposter syndrome, or just looking to shake up your style, this conversation will leave you feeling inspired (and maybe reaching for a red lip).

🎙️ "You’ve Been Dropped" and What Comes Next

Nicky unpacks the moment she was let go from 10 Years Younger, revealing how she rebuilt her self-belief and found a new mission in fashion.

🎙️ Style as Self-Belief

More than clothes - Nicky explains how what we wear can shape how we feel, move through the world, and face challenges.

🎙️ The Ava Storm Alter Ego

Meet Ava Storm - Nicky’s fearless inner voice. She shares how creating this persona helped her silence self-doubt and imposter syndrome.

🎙️ Manifesting a Midlife Comeback

From vision boards to intentional living, Nicky is proof that reinvention is possible at any age - with the right mindset and wardrobe.

🎙️ Lipstick, Compliments & Confidence Boosts

You don’t leave the house without your phone - so why not your confidence? Nicky shares why compliments matter and how style rituals can uplift us daily.

📘 Bolder, Not Older by Nicky Hambleton-Jones: Buy the Book

📸 Nicky on Instagram: @nhj_style

🌟 Website: TwoWomenChatting.com

📸 Instagram: @michelleford_twc

🐦 Twitter/X: @ChattingTwo

📘 Facebook: Two Women Chatting

📺 YouTube: TwoWomenChatting

🎵 TikTok: @twowomenchatting0

🎧 This episode was produced and edited by Emma Tindall.

👉 If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to follow Two Women Chatting on your favourite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. We’d also love it if you could leave us a review — your feedback helps more listeners discover the show and keeps these conversations going.

🎧 Listen and subscribe on [Apple Podcasts], [Spotify], [Amazon Music], or wherever you get your podcasts.

Nicky Hambleton-Jones, Bolder Not Older, reinvention, confidence, midlife style, women’s empowerment, fashion and age, personal transformation, self-belief, imposter syndrome, TV rejection, Ava Storm, manifestation, ageing and beauty, compliments, wardrobe reset, identity, midlife makeover

👉 Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and share it with a friend who could use a little midlife magic.

Explore the 'midlife library' at www.twowomenchatting.com

Connect with Michelle at [email protected] for collaborations, ideas, and comments! Remember to rate, review, and share our show to join the laughter-filled conversation about midlife empowerment and beyond...

Follow Michelle on Instagram at @michelleford_twc or Facebook

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

In this episode, Michelle is joined by beloved broadcaster Gaby Roslin - known for The Big Breakfast, Morning Live, and Magic Radio - to explore how joy, kindness, and colour can transform our lives. Drawing from her uplifting book Spread the Joy, Gaby shares simple, science-backed ways to bring positivity into every day, from smiling at strangers to literally jumping for joy.

Gaby opens up about her lifelong shyness, how she found confidence through connection, and why laughter and silliness are her secret weapons against life’s challenges. She also talks about media ageism, women’s self-image, and why she refuses to apologise for her love of neon. With heartfelt reflections on friendship, creativity, and saying “no” with grace, this conversation is an instant mood booster.

This episode is a joyful reminder that optimism isn’t naive — it’s an act of courage.

🎙️ Joy as a Daily Practice

Gaby shares her favourite “tiny tasks” to lift your mood, including her famous three jumps for joy routine.

🎙️ Shyness & Self-Belief

Despite decades on TV, Gaby reveals she’s still shy - and how embracing vulnerability helped her connect more deeply with others.

🎙️ Ageing with Confidence

From media stereotypes to body image, Gaby discusses why women should wear what they love, ignore outdated rules and celebrate midlife.

🎙️ Kindness & Connection

Her simple mantra? Smile, say hello, and spread joy - because positivity is contagious.

🎙️ Colour as Empowerment

Gaby explains how colour and playfulness can boost confidence and challenge the grey narratives often placed on women in media.

📘 Spread the Joy by Gaby Roslin – now available in paperback

🎙️ Reasons to Be Joyful Podcast

📸 Follow Gaby Roslin on Instagram: @gabyroslin

🌟 Website: TwoWomenChatting.com

📸 Instagram: @michelleford_twc

🐦 Twitter/X: @ChattingTwo

📘 Facebook: Two Women Chatting

📺 YouTube: TwoWomenChatting

🎵 TikTok: @twowomenchatting0

🎧 This episode was produced and edited by Emma Tindall.

👉 If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to follow Two Women Chatting on your favourite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. We’d also love it if you could leave us a review — your feedback helps more listeners discover the show and keeps these conversations going.

🎧 Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Gaby Roslin, Spread the Joy, midlife women, happiness, positivity, ageing, women in media, BBC, Morning Live, The Big Breakfast, mental health, confidence, colour therapy, kindness, empowerment, Reasons to Be Joyful podcast, personal growth, optimism, women’s voices, joy, resilience

👉 Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and share it with a friend who could use a little midlife magic.

Explore the 'midlife library' at www.twowomenchatting.com

Connect with Michelle at [email protected] for collaborations, ideas, and comments! Remember to rate, review, and share our show to join the laughter-filled conversation about midlife empowerment and beyond...

Follow Michelle on Instagram at @michelleford_twc or Facebook

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

Kicking off this conversation, Michelle is joined by journalist, broadcaster, and Loose Women panellist Jane Moore to unpack the realities of midlife, caregiving, being a good friend and women’s representation in the media. Jane reflects on her journey through journalism and television, from the challenges of caring for elderly parents to the unexpected personal growth that came from stepping into reality TV on I’m a Celebrity.

With honesty and warmth, Jane shares how Loose Women has become a loyal space for women’s voices, tackling everything from relationships and mental health to politics and power - while breaking stereotypes about women on TV. She opens up about the behind-the-scenes camaraderie among panellists, her most memorable moments on the show, and why women’s programming still faces uphill battles in today’s media landscape.

This episode is both a celebration of female empowerment and a candid look at the challenges facing women in midlife, caregiving, and the television industry.

🎙️ Midlife & Caregiving

Jane highlights the emotional and practical challenges of supporting elderly parents - while stressing the importance of prioritising your own mental health.

🎙️ Reality TV as Growth

From the jungle to the studio, Jane reflects on how reality TV offered surprising lessons in resilience and self-discovery.

🎙️ Loose Women’s Legacy

Far more than panel debates, Loose Women has built extraordinary audience loyalty by tackling taboo topics like menopause 15 years before the mainstream and creating community.

🎙️ Media Representation

Jane discusses why women’s programming matters, the dangers of stereotypes, and how clickbait culture is reshaping journalism.

🎙️ Authenticity & Connection

Behind the scenes, the panellists are far from rivals - they’re allies, supporting each other through both personal and professional highs and lows.

📸 Follow Jane on Instagram: @janepmoore

🌟 Website: TwoWomenChatting.com

📸 Instagram: @michelleford_twc

🐦 Twitter/X: @ChattingTwo

📘 Facebook: Two Women Chatting

📺 YouTube: TwoWomenChatting

🎵 TikTok: @twowomenchatting0

🎧 Produced and edited by Emma Tindall.

👉 If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to follow Two Women Chatting on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. Please leave us a review - your feedback helps more listeners discover the show and keeps these conversations going.

🎧 Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music or wherever you get your podcasts.

Jane Moore, midlife, caregiving, reality TV, Loose Women, women's health, media representation, I'm a Celebrity, mental health, support networks, Loose Women, media representation, women empowerment, personal growth, relationships, pandemic reflections, television industry, panel discussions, memorable moments

👉 Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and share it with a friend who could use a little midlife magic.

Explore the 'midlife library' at www.twowomenchatting.com

Connect with Michelle at [email protected] for collaborations, ideas, and comments! Remember to rate, review, and share our show to join the laughter-filled conversation about midlife empowerment and beyond...

Follow Michelle on Instagram at @michelleford_twc or Facebook

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

In this uplifting episode of Two Women Chatting, Michelle is joined by Britain's number 1 bestselling nonfiction author Donna Ashworth to explore the healing power of poetry, the importance of community, and the choice to embrace joy - even in life’s most challenging moments. From her journey as an Instagram poet to becoming a celebrated author, Donna shares the philosophy behind her latest anthology Joy Chose You and the deeply personal process of curating poems that resonate with readers. Together, Michelle and Donna discuss how words can act as medicine for the soul, the role of female empowerment and friendship, and why self-acceptance is the foundation of happiness. They also talk about the importance of controlling your 'feed'. The episode concludes with Donna reading her poem Joy Chose You, a moving reminder that joy often arrives quietly, waiting for us to notice.

Key Insights:

🎙️ Joy Amidst Challenges: Donna explains that joy isn’t something we chase - it’s something we allow, even during difficult times.

🎙️ Words as Medicine: Poetry’s magic lies in its ability to comfort, heal, and inspire, acting as medicine for the soul.

🎙️ Connection & Community: Human connection and shared experiences are vital for mental health, belonging, and empowerment.

🎙️ Self-Acceptance & Growth: Embracing who we are allows us to grow, thrive, and be open to life’s simple pleasures.

🎙️ Curating Positivity: From balancing negative news with uplifting stories to selecting poems for her anthology, Donna shares how focusing on the good transforms perspective.

"Joy isn’t something we have to chase - it chooses us when we’re ready."

Episode Resources:

📘 Explore Donna Ashworth’s books, including Joy Chose You and other bestselling anthologies: Donna Ashworth Books

📸 Follow Donna on Instagram: @donnaashworthwords

Connect with Us:

🌟 Website: TwoWomenChatting.com

📸 Instagram: @michelleford_twc

🐦 Twitter/X: @ChattingTwo

📘 Facebook: Two Women Chatting

📺 YouTube: TwoWomenChatting

🎵 TikTok: @twowomenchatting0

🎧 This episode was produced and edited by Emma Tindall.

👉 If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to follow Two Women Chatting on your favourite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. We’d also love it if you could leave us a review - your feedback helps more listeners discover the show and keeps these conversations going.

🎧 Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music or wherever you get your podcasts.

Donna Ashworth, Joy Chose You, poetry, female empowerment, midlife women, Instagram poet, bestselling author, community, connection, mental health, self-acceptance, personal growth, friendship, inspiration, Two Women Chatting podcast

👉 Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and share it with a friend who could use a little midlife magic.

Explore the 'midlife library' at www.twowomenchatting.com

Connect with Michelle at [email protected] for collaborations, ideas, and comments! Remember to rate, review, and share our show to join the laughter-filled conversation about midlife empowerment and beyond...

Follow Michelle on Instagram at @michelleford_twc or Facebook

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

Kicking off the first episode of Season 10, Michelle sits down with acclaimed journalist, novelist, and How to Fail podcast host Elizabeth Day to explore what we can learn from failure - and why our leaders need to fail better. Elizabeth opens up about how personal struggles, including fertility loss and heartbreak, shaped her outlook on vulnerability and strength. She also dives into the themes of her new novel One of Us, a psychological drama about power, privilege and the damage done by emotional dishonesty.

This conversation covers not just how to embrace failure, but why vulnerability and emotional accountability are essential qualities for anyone in leadership - especially in today’s political climate. With her trademark warmth and clarity, Elizabeth explains why we need to stop idolising perfection and start expecting humanity from the people in charge.

🎙️ Failure as Freedom

Elizabeth shares how failure has liberated her from perfectionism - and how asking guests about their lowest moments has helped her (and her listeners) grow.

🎙️ Politics, Power & Emotional Intelligence

Drawing from themes in One of Us, Elizabeth critiques the lack of vulnerability in modern leadership and unpacks how emotional repression shows up in politics.

🎙️ Vulnerability in the Public Eye

From fertility grief to fame, Elizabeth reflects on how sharing the “unspoken” parts of her life helped her build a more meaningful connection with her audience.

🎙️ Fiction as a Mirror

Elizabeth explains why writing fiction allows her to interrogate privilege, family secrets, and emotional suppression in a way journalism never could.

📘 One of Us by Elizabeth Day: Buy the Book

📸 Elizabeth Day on Instagram: @elizabday

🎧 This episode was produced and edited by Emma Tindall.

🌟 Website: TwoWomenChatting.com

📸 Instagram: @michelleford_twc

🐦 Twitter/X: @ChattingTwo

📘 Facebook: Two Women Chatting

📺 YouTube: TwoWomenChatting

🎵 TikTok: @twowomenchatting0

👉 If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to follow Two Women Chatting on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. We’d also love it if you could leave us a review—your feedback helps more listeners discover the show and keeps these conversations going.

🎧 Listen and subscribe on [Apple Podcasts], [Spotify], [Amazon Music], or wherever you get your podcasts.

Elizabeth Day, How to Fail, failure, vulnerability, leadership, emotional intelligence, politics, power, fertility grief, IVF, fiction, writing, privilege, personal growth, podcast, midlife, women authors, psychological drama, novel, self-awareness, female empowerment, mental health, public figures, reinvention

👉 Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and share it with a friend who could use a little midlife magic.

Explore the 'midlife library' at www.twowomenchatting.com

Connect with Michelle at [email protected] for collaborations, ideas, and comments! Remember to rate, review, and share our show to join the laughter-filled conversation about midlife empowerment and beyond...

Follow Michelle on Instagram at @michelleford_twc or Facebook

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