Feel stuck in a job that doesn’t spark joy? Wondering if it’s too late to start over? Think again.

This week, Liz and Michelle are joined by Lyndsey Simpson, founder of 55/Redefined, the UK’s boldest champion for over-50s career reinvention. If you've been wondering whether it’s time to pivot, restart, or finally follow that dream—you’ll want to hear this. Lyndsey shares powerful advice about building a fulfilling second (or third!) act, challenging outdated ideas about retirement, and showing how the over-50s are the untapped superpower of the workforce. Whether you’re reentering the workplace, switching careers, or starting a business—this one’s for you.

Plus, at the end of the episode, you’ll hear an inspiring story from Justine Johnson, co-founder of Birdie London, who launched a Merino wool activewear brand with zero fashion background—just guts, vision, and midlife fire!

🕐 Skip to 11:18 to head straight to our chat with Lyndsey (but why miss the laughs?!)

Key Topics:

🎙️ Reinventing your career after 50 – finding purpose and passion in your next chapter

🎙️ Age-positive hiring – why companies need your experience and mindset

🎙️ Breaking outdated retirement norms – new ways to work, live and thrive

🎙️ Real stories of women redefining success on their terms

📚 Resources:

🔗 55/Redefined – Advocating for age diversity in the workplace

🔗 Birdie London – Stylish midlife-founded activewear

💬 Connect with Us:

🌐 Website: TwoWomenChatting.com

📸 Instagram: @michelleford_twc

🐦 Twitter: @ChattingTwo

📘 Facebook: Two Women Chatting

📺 YouTube: Two Women Chatting

📬 Email: [email protected]

career reinvention over 50, second act success, Lyndsey Simpson 55 Redefined, midlife work reboot, changing careers after menopause, starting a business at 50, empty nest entrepreneurship, podcast for women 50+

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

Liz and Michelle speak with Clarissa Drysdale Anderson, Chair of You Can Free Us Foundation, about the harrowing reality of modern slavery affecting over 40 million people globally. Motivated by a personal incident involving Michelle’s daughter, they explore rescue, advocacy, and rehabilitation efforts—including support for women and children fleeing Ukraine. Learn what everyday steps you can take to safeguard your community, raise awareness, and support survivors—even locally. Also hear about Michelle’s encounter with BAFTA-winning documentarian Kate Blewett, whose Slavery – A Global Investigation offered additional perspective on the issue.

Key Topics:

🎙️ Global modern slavery statistics & hidden realities

🎙️ You Can Free Us Foundation’s rescue mission and impact

🎙️ How women & children fleeing war are being victimized—and helped

🎙️ Recognizing signs of exploitation in everyday places

🎙️ Practical actions we can all take to raise awareness and support survivors

Resources:

🔗 You Can Free Us Foundation

🔗 Clarissa Drysdale Anderson profile

Connect with Us:

🌟 Website: TwoWomenChatting.com

📸 Instagram: @michelleford_twc

🐦 Twitter/X: @ChattingTwo

📘 Facebook: Two Women Chatting

📺 YouTube: TwoWomenChatting

Keywords:

modern slavery podcast, You Can Free Us, Clarissa Drysdale Anderson, human trafficking UK, rescue survivors Ukraine, advocacy for exploited women, modern slavery awareness, human rights podcast, Two Women Chatting, midlife women activism

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

Feel forgetful, distracted or mentally overloaded in midlife? It might not just be menopause. In this episode, Liz and Michelle talk to executive functioning expert Victoria Bagnall, who explains why so many women are misdiagnosed—or completely missed—when it comes to ADHD. Victoria shares why symptoms often show up (or worsen) during perimenopause, the role of trauma and genetics, and how simple strategies—like rest, connection and reframing—can transform day-to-day life. This conversation is full of eye-openers, practical tips, and a reassuring message: you’re not alone, and there is support. Expect insight into navigating the messy overlap between neurodiversity and menopause—and why diagnosis in midlife can be life-changing.

Key Topics:

🎙️ ADHD in Midlife – Why so many women are overlooked and misdiagnosed

🎙️ Menopause vs. ADHD – Understanding the difference and the overlap

🎙️ Executive Function Explained – What it is, how it impacts daily life, and how to support it

🎙️ Tools for Thriving – Small, practical strategies that make a big difference

Resources:

🔗 Read: Victoria Bagnall's Post

Connect with Us:

🌟 Website: TwoWomenChatting.com

📸 Instagram: @michelleford_twc

🐦 Twitter/X: @ChattingTwo

📘 Facebook: Two Women Chatting

📺 YouTube: TwoWomenChatting

Keywords: midlife ADHD, menopause brain fog, ADHD diagnosis after 40, neurodiversity in women, ADHD and hormones, executive functioning, undiagnosed ADHD women, perimenopause and attention, midlife mental health, neurodivergent women, women over 50 podcast, ADHD strategies, menopause support

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

Anthea Turner—TV icon and style legend—shares her honest, expert-backed secrets to aging well in this inspiring episode. From her iconic hairstyles to daring reality TV adventures, Anthea embodies confidence and vitality at 61. Drawing on insights from top health, beauty, and style experts, her book How to Age Well: The Secrets offers practical advice to boost your health, wellbeing, and confidence at any age. Join Liz and Michelle as they chat with Anthea about embracing aging with grace, staying fabulous, and living your best midlife life. Perfect for anyone wanting to feel radiant and empowered no matter their decade.

Key Topics:

🎙️ Aging well tips from a TV and style icon

🎙️ Health, beauty & confidence secrets for midlife

🎙️ Staying vibrant and active in your 50s and beyond

🎙️ Behind-the-scenes stories from Anthea’s career

🎙️ How to live boldly and age gracefully

Resources:

🔗 Anthea Turner’s How to Age Well: The Secrets

🔗 Read: Midlife Confidence & Style Tips

Connect with Us:

🌟 Website: TwoWomenChatting.com

📸 Instagram: @michelleford_twc

🐦 Twitter/X: @ChattingTwo

📘 Facebook: Two Women Chatting

📺 YouTube: TwoWomenChatting

📚 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.com/my-blog

✉️ Email: [email protected]

Keywords: Anthea Turner interview, how to age well, aging gracefully tips, midlife health and style, confidence over 50, women over 50 lifestyle, aging well podcast, celebrity style icon, midlife wellbeing, aging secrets book

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

Jo Martin, mental health consultant and MHFA instructor, joins Liz and Michelle to reveal the surprising health risks some face when retiring, including why executives can suffer catastrophic events after leaving work. Drawing on her vast global experience in mental health, Jo shares expert tips on how to prepare for retirement years ahead by building hobbies, social connections, and routines that support lasting wellbeing. If you or your partner are approaching retirement, this episode offers vital advice to help you transition smoothly into a fulfilling and healthy new chapter.

Key Topics:

🎙️ Retirement health risks and why they happen

🎙️ Preparing for retirement mentally and socially

🎙️ Building hobbies and community before leaving work

🎙️ Jo’s global mental health insights and experience

🎙️ Strategies for a long, happy post-retirement life

Resources:

🔗 Working Minds Training and Consulting

🔗 Read: Preparing for Healthy Retirement

Connect with Us:

🌟 Website: TwoWomenChatting.com

📸 Instagram: @michelleford_twc

🐦 Twitter/X: @ChattingTwo

📘 Facebook: Two Women Chatting

📺 YouTube: TwoWomenChatting

📚 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.com/my-blog

✉️ Email: [email protected]

Keywords: retirement health risks, mental health retirement, preparing for retirement, healthy aging, midlife wellbeing, mental health consultant, retirement transition, workplace mental health, women over 50 podcast, midlife podcast

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

Jenny Seagrove, renowned actress and founder of Mane Chance Sanctuary, shares her inspiring journey from Hollywood to creating a safe haven for rescued horses. In this episode, she reveals how her deep connection with horses led to a powerful mission of healing and animal welfare. Liz and Michelle explore the unique bond between humans and horses, the sanctuary’s impact, and how midlife can be a time of purpose and transformation. Perfect for animal lovers and anyone seeking midlife inspiration, this episode offers heartfelt stories and practical insights into sanctuary life and finding meaning beyond the spotlight.

Key Topics:

🎙️ Jenny’s journey from acting to animal advocacy

🎙️ The mission and work of Mane Chance Sanctuary

🎙️ Human-horse healing connection

🎙️ Midlife transformation and purpose

🎙️ Sanctuary life and animal rescue

Resources:

🔗 Mane Chance Sanctuary — manechancesanctuary.org

Connect with Us:

🌟 Website: TwoWomenChatting.com

📸 Instagram: @michelleford_twc

🐦 Twitter/X: @ChattingTwo

📘 Facebook: Two Women Chatting

📺 YouTube: TwoWomenChatting

📚 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.com/my-blog

✉️ Email: [email protected]

Keywords: Jenny Seagrove interview, Mane Chance Sanctuary, horse rescue charity, healing with horses, midlife reinvention, women over 50 inspiration, animal sanctuary podcast, celebrity animal advocate, horse therapy midlife, midlife women podcast

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

Liz and Michelle welcome Anne Bangs and Doreen Hall from TLC to explore the unique challenges of “carenting”—the balancing act of caring for aging parents while supporting adult children launching into independence. This episode is essential listening for the sandwich generation navigating midlife’s emotional, practical, and financial demands. Discover expert advice on managing stress, setting boundaries, and creating harmony as you juggle these overlapping caregiving roles. Whether you’re helping parents age in place or supporting kids through university, this honest, relatable conversation offers strategies to care for others without losing yourself. Tune in for compassionate insights, real stories, and encouragement to thrive during this complex but rewarding life chapter.

Key Topics:

🎙️ What is Carenting? Understanding the sandwich generation experience

🎙️ Stress Management & Boundaries – Protecting your mental health

🎙️ Practical Tips for Supporting Aging Parents and Adult Kids

🎙️ Emotional Challenges & Family Dynamics – Navigating tricky conversations

🎙️ Resources & Community Support – Where to turn for help

Resources:

🔗 TLC Support Services — TLC Website

🔗 Read: Navigating Carenting with Grace — Expert tips and personal stories.

Connect with Us:

🌟 Website: TwoWomenChatting.com

📸 Instagram: @michelleford_twc

🐦 Twitter/X: @ChattingTwo

📘 Facebook: Two Women Chatting

📺 YouTube: TwoWomenChatting

📚 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.com/my-blog

✉️ Email: [email protected]

Keywords: carenting, sandwich generation, caring for aging parents, adult children support, midlife caregiving, stress management midlife, family caregiving tips, empty nest challenges, midlife women podcast, caring for parents and kids

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

Join Liz and Michelle as they explore easy, realistic weight loss strategies for women over 50. No fad diets—just practical tips, honest stories, and mindset shifts to help you feel your best during midlife. Perfect for empty nesters navigating changing bodies, hormones, and busy lives with kindness and humor. Expect conversations about weight loss without burnout — gentle habits that stick; navigating hormonal changes & metabolism shifts in midlife; embracing self-compassion over perfection in your health journey; how to enjoy food and life without guilt or deprivation; and tips for busy women balancing family, work, and self-care. Plus, Liz and Michelle sprinkle in laughter, relatable midlife stories, and encouragement to help you reset your health goals with kindness.

Key Topics:

🎙️ Weight Loss Without Burnout – Gentle, sustainable habits that really work.

🎙️ Hormonal Changes & Metabolism – Understanding your body’s midlife shifts.

🎙️ Self-Compassion & Mindset – Embracing kindness over perfection.

🎙️ Food & Life Enjoyment – How to balance health without guilt.

🎙️ Busy Midlife Women – Tips for juggling family, work, and self-care.

Resources:

🔗 Read: Lazy Weight Loss Tips for Midlife Women — Practical advice and mindset hacks to support your journey.

Connect with Us:

🌟 Website: TwoWomenChatting.com

📸 Instagram: @michelleford_twc

🐦 Twitter/X: @ChattingTwo

📘 Facebook: Two Women Chatting

📺 YouTube: TwoWomenChatting

📚 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.com/my-blog

✉️ Email: [email protected]

Keywords: midlife weight loss, lazy weight loss tips, weight management after 50, hormonal weight loss, empty nest health, healthy habits midlife, women over 50 weight loss, sustainable dieting, pro-ageing health, midlife wellness podcast

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

Liz and Michelle dive into a refreshing take on the festive season in this midlife episode. With adult children at home (or visiting), they explore how holidays evolve beyond childhood traditions—after all, life doesn’t stop at 50! From redefining expectations and saying no to overwhelming hosting, to finding joy in new rituals and carving out meaningful holiday moments, this episode offers honest, relatable chat full of laughter, real-life anecdotes, and ideas for keeping family spirits bright when everyone’s grown.

Expect conversation about letting go of perfection, reimagining traditions, balancing family dynamics, and the emotional shifts that come with more adult, more complex holiday seasons.

Key Topics:

🎙️ Redefining Holiday Traditions – Let go of the old expectations and craft new memories.

🎙️ Hosting with Grace – How to survive—and even enjoy—festivities when your kids are older.

🎙️ Emotional Shifts & Expectations – Understanding the changing family dynamic around the holidays.

🎙️ Midlife Joy in Small Things – Refreshing routines and real connection over perfection.

Resources:

🔗 Read: Kids just left home? Embrace the empty nest!

Perfect if you’re navigating adult children, emotional transitions, and redefining family life during special occasions.

Connect with Us:

🌟 Website: TwoWomenChatting.com

📸 Instagram: @michelleford_twc

🐦 Twitter/X: @ChattingTwo

📘 Facebook: Two Women Chatting

📺 YouTube: TwoWomenChatting

Keywords: festive midlife, holidays with adult children, empty nest holidays, midlife women, holiday traditions after 50, family gatherings, aging parents, family connection, emotional transitions, midlife podcast, reimagining Christmas, adult family dynamics

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

In this heartfelt and insightful episode, Michelle and Liz chat with Dr Dominique Thompson, award-winning GP, author, and expert in young people's mental health, to explore the emotional journey of empty nest syndrome and the complex transitions facing parents—especially mothers—as children leave home. Together, they unpack the grief, guilt, freedom, and identity shifts that come with midlife parenting, the rise of “boomerang kids,” and how women can reconnect with their sense of purpose once their parenting role evolves. It’s a warm, wise, and often funny conversation about one of the most emotionally charged stages of midlife.

Key Insights:

🎙️ Empty Nest, Full Heart – Why it’s normal to feel a mix of sadness and relief—and how to work through both.

🎙️ Boomerang Kids & Shifting Boundaries – The surprising challenges (and silver linings) of grown-up kids moving back home.

🎙️ Rediscovering You – Dr Dominique shares tips on finding new purpose and identity once the kids have flown the nest.

🎙️ Emotional Health in Midlife – The often-unspoken mental health struggles faced by parents during this transition—and how to get support.

Resources:

🔗 Dr Dominique Thompson’s Website

Connect with Us:

🌟 Website: TwoWomenChatting.com

📸 Instagram: @michelleford_twc

🐦 Twitter/X: @ChattingTwo

📘 Facebook: Two Women Chatting

📺 YouTube: TwoWomenChatting

Keywords: empty nest syndrome, midlife parenting, boomerang kids, motherhood identity, mental health, women over 50, midlife transition, self-discovery, parenting teens, empty nest grief, rediscovering purpose, Dominique Thompson

Email: [email protected]

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