This week on Two Women Chatting, Michelle is recording on location from the Pinecraft Inn in Sarasota, Florida with special guest Kendra Cross, who offers a heartfelt window into the Amish and Mennonite way of life. Raised in these communities, Kendra shares her personal story of multigenerational wisdom, strong women, and cultural connection.

Kendra speaks candidly about growing up in a male-dominated culture, the misconceptions outsiders often have, and the ways in which community, storytelling, and tradition shape Amish life. With honesty and clarity, she explores what it means to honour your roots while helping others understand a world that often feels hidden.

Key Insights:

🎙️ Stories Over Screens: In a culture without modern distractions, storytelling is at the heart of family and connection. Kendra reflects on how these traditions preserved community and passed down strength through generations.

🎙️ Community & Culture: Amish and Mennonite life is deeply rooted in togetherness. Whether it’s shared work, meals, or worship, the focus is on mutual support and belonging.

🎙️ Understanding a Male-Dominated Culture: Kendra explains the unspoken rules women navigate in traditional communities. “You don’t have to agree with the system,” she says, “but once you understand the rules, you can learn how to play the game.”

🎙️ Dispelling Myths: From dress codes to education, Kendra clears up common misconceptions about the Amish and Mennonite way of life - offering thoughtful insights that go beyond what most people assume.

🎙️ Wisdom Passed Down: Inspired by her grandmother, Kendra celebrates the quiet strength of women who’ve shaped communities through faith, love, and lived experience - often shared in the simplest of settings, like generations of women gathered around a quilt, telling stories and singing together.

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 Kendra?

🧵 Take a tour with Kendra Cross: Discover Sarasota Tours – Amish Experience

Thank you to our season 9 sponsor: Hair Today More Tomorrow - with expert tips on managing hair in midlife from trichologist Sara G Allison on www.twowomenchatting.com

Connect with Us:

🌟 Website: TwoWomenChatting.com

📸 Instagram: @michelleford_twc

🐦 Twitter/X: @ChattingTwo

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Amish, Mennonite, Kendra Cross, Sarasota, storytelling, community, faith, simplicity, multigenerational women, traditions, quilt circle, culture, female strength, male-dominated society, empowerment, rural life, spirituality, women supporting women, connection through story, Discover Sarasota Tours

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This week on Two Women Chatting, Michelle welcomes actress and advocate Tamzin Outhwaite for a heartfelt and empowering conversation about navigating midlife, finding strength in sisterhood, and building community through shared experience. From the highs of her acting career to the deeply personal challenges of grief, menopause, and hormonal shifts, Tamzin opens up with warmth, honesty, and humour.

Have you ever felt like you’re juggling too much, or that your female friendships offer more fulfilment than romance? Tamzin shares how her platonic bonds have become her emotional foundation and how her initiative We Free Women is helping others find that same strength and connection. Whether you’re approaching midlife or deep in the thick of it, this episode is a reminder that you’re not alone—and that community can be the most powerful medicine of all.

🎙️ Acting as Connection: For Tamzin, acting has always been about creating human connection. It’s a way of telling stories that resonate - and it’s what keeps her passionate about her craft.

🎙️ Midlife, Menopause & Hormones: Tamzin speaks candidly about managing hormonal changes and embracing the shifts that come with midlife. Understanding your body is essential to feeling empowered.

🎙️ The Power of Platonic Love: Tamzin shares how her deep, loyal female friendships fill her emotional cup - so much so that there’s no space for romance right now!

🎙️ Regaining Power in Midlife: From saying no more often to finding comfort in spiritual techniques, Tamzin talks about the quiet revolution of reclaiming personal power as a woman in midlife.

🎙️ We Free Women & Helping Others Heal: Born from her own journey through grief, We Free Women is a collective supporting women through retreats, connection, and sisterhood - especially for those who might not otherwise be able to afford 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!

💫 We Free Women Retreats: wefreewomen.com

📸 Follow Tamzin Outhwaite on Instagram: @glamzin @wefreewomen

🌟 Website: TwoWomenChatting.com

📸 Instagram: @michelleford_twc

🐦 Twitter/X: @ChattingTwo

📘 Facebook: Two Women Chatting

📺 YouTube: TwoWomenChatting

TikTok @TwoWomenChatting0

Join us for this uplifting conversation on grief, growth, and the fierce beauty of female connection.

Tamzin Outhwaite, menopause, midlife women, sisterhood, platonic love, female friendship, grief, retreats, We Free Women, acting, empowerment, personal growth, women supporting women, hormones, HRT, mental health, women in midlife, strength in community, self-care, women’s health

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

This week on Two Women Chatting, Michelle sits down with Becky Holmes to uncover the dark yet strangely humorous world of romance fraud. From fake online lovers to AI-powered scams, Becky shares her journey from posting on Twitter to publishing a book that cleverly blends humour with insight on this serious issue.

Have you ever wondered how scammers manipulate emotions, why victims get trapped, or how AI is changing the game? This episode dives deep into the psychological tricks scammers use, the red flags to watch out for, and the gender bias in how society views fraud victims. Plus, Becky explains how humour can be a powerful tool in tackling tough topics. Whether you're a seasoned online dater or just scam-curious, this conversation is packed with insights to help you stay informed and protected.

🎙️ The Power of Humour in Serious Topics: Humour can break down barriers and make tough conversations more accessible. Becky shares how using wit helps raise awareness and support victims.

🎙️ Red Flags in Online Romance: Scammers often use love bombing, evasiveness, and financial requests to manipulate their victims. Learning to spot these signs early can prevent heartache and loss.

🎙️ AI & The Future of Scams: AI is making scams more convincing through deepfakes and realistic chatbots. As technology evolves, staying skeptical of online interactions is more important than ever.

🎙️ Coercive Control & Emotional Manipulation: Romance scams aren’t just about money - scammers build trust and emotional dependence. Many victims struggle to leave due to fear, guilt, or isolation.

🎙️ The Reality of Romance Fraud: Anyone can fall victim to a scam, regardless of intelligence or background. Instead of blaming victims, we need to focus on raising awareness and fighting stigma.

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!

📖 Becky Holmes' Book: Keanu Reeves is Not in Love with You

🐦 Follow Becky Holmes on Twitter: @deathtospinach

🌟 Website: TwoWomenChatting.com

📸 Instagram: @michelleford_twc

🐦 Twitter/X: @ChattingTwo

📘 Facebook: Two Women Chatting

📺 YouTube: TwoWomenChatting

Join us for this eye-opening discussion on the hidden dangers of online romance, the psychology behind scams, and how to protect yourself from digital deception!

romance fraud, humour, online dating, red flags, AI, scams, Becky Holmes, Twitter, mental health, vulnerability, social media, fraud, romance fraud, coercive control, victimization, gender bias, psychological impact, online dating, awareness

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

This week on Two Women Chatting, we’re exploring the fascinating world of colour psychology with expert Anita Feron Clark. Have you ever noticed how wearing a particular shade can lift your mood or make you feel more confident? Anita breaks down the science behind colour, its emotional impact, and how midlife women can harness it to enhance well-being, self-care and personal style. Whether you’re drawn to neutrals or love a bold pop of colour, this conversation will change the way you see your wardrobe - and yourself.

Key Insights:

🎙️ The Emotional Power of Colour: “Colour has such a profound impact on your emotions. It can invigorate, calm, soothe, uplift, and ground you.”

🎙️ Dopamine Dressing Explained: “Dressing in colours that make you happy can provide an instant mood boost - your visual cortex is looking for that dopamine hit!”

🎙️ Evolving Your Colour Choices: “As we age, our personal style and relationship with colour naturally evolve. Embracing change is key to feeling fabulous at any stage of life.”

🎙️ Colour as Self-Care: “Incorporating colour into daily life isn’t just about fashion - it’s a powerful form of self-care that influences perception, attention, and even memory.”

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!

Thank you to our season 9 sponsor Hair Today More Tomorrow - your solution to thinning hair. https://www.hairlossconsultant.co.uk/

Episode Resources:

About Anita Feron Clark: Discover more about Anita and her expertise in colour psychology and personal styling.

Website: feronclarkstyle.com

Instagram: @feronclarkstyle 

Connect with Us:

🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.com

🌟 Instagram: @michelleford_twc

🌟 Twitter: @ChattingTwo

🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting

🌟 YouTube: TwoWomenChatting

Join us for this vibrant conversation on The Psychology of Colour: Unlocking Emotions with Anita Feron Clark!

colour psychology, fashion, midlife women, dopamine dressing, emotional health, self-care, colour confidence, mental health, personal style, colour choices.

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

Welcome back to a brand-new season of Two Women Chatting! We’re opening this season with a fascinating conversation with Dame Stella Rimington, the first female Director General of MI5, whose career spans real-world espionage and gripping spy fiction. From classified files to bestselling thrillers, she’s got stories that would make Bond jealous!. She takes us behind the scenes of intelligence work, the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field, and the surprising realities of spy life versus fiction.

Key Insights:

🎙️ Breaking Barriers in MI5: Dame Stella’s journey from an unexpected entry into MI5 to leading the agency is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and determination. She shares the hurdles she faced as the first woman in such a high-profile intelligence role.

🎙️ The Truth About Espionage: Forget the Hollywood glamour - real-life spying is a far cry from the world of 007. Dame Stella reveals the actual challenges, complexities, and ever-evolving threats that define modern intelligence work.

🎙️ Media Intrusion and Leadership: Becoming the public face of MI5 came with its own set of difficulties. Dame Stella discusses the intense media scrutiny she faced and the impact it had on her personal and professional life.

🎙️ Women Supporting Women—or Not?: Leadership for women often comes with unexpected rivalry instead of support. Dame Stella reflects on the gender dynamics she encountered throughout her career.

🎙️ From Intelligence to Intriguing Fiction: Drawing from her years in counterterrorism and espionage, Dame Stella has carved out a successful second career as a thriller writer. She shares how her novels blend reality with creative storytelling.

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!

Thank you to our season 9 sponsor Hair Today More Tomorrow - your solution to thinning hair. https://www.hairlossconsultant.co.uk/

Episode Resources:

About Dame Stella Rimington: Discover more about Dame Stella and her fascinating career in both intelligence and fiction writing.

📚 Website

📖 Books

Connect with Us:

🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.com

🌟 Instagram: @michelleford_twc

🌟 Twitter: @ChattingTwo

🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting

🌟 YouTube: TwoWomenChatting

Keywords:

Dame Stella Rimington, MI5, espionage, women in leadership, counterterrorism, spy novels, media intrusion, intelligence services, writing thrillers, gender equality.

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

Hello, and welcome back to another exciting season of Two Women Chatting with me, Michelle Ford. 

I’ll be diving deep into the heart of midlife topics that truly matter. Whether you're breezing through your early 40s or hitting those fabulous 50s, this season is packed full of engaging discussions that will empower, uplift, inspire, and entertain.

Join me as I chat with an amazing array of guests—think celebrities, experts, actors, authors, campaigners, and yes, even a couple of distinguished Dames! I've got such an incredible lineup this season that you won't want to miss a single episode.

I’ll be covering a variety of captivating topics. Have you ever wondered about the hidden dangers of romance scams? I’m chatting to Becky Holmes, author of ‘Keanu Reeves is NOT in love with you. We’ll be chatting about how to spot the scams and the red flags. Ever been curious about what it’s like to grow up Amish? I’ll sit down with someone who’s lived that experience and discuss the contrasts of faith, community, and identity.

I’ll also be delving into the critical topic of bone health—an area that gains importance as we age— and I’ll be kicking off the new season with Dame Stella Rimington, the Queen of Spies herself, - plus I’ve got a fabulous guest who will be a special guest for my 100th episode! Any guesses on who it might be? She’s an absolutely the ‘gold-standard’ in her field!

And for those looking to enhance their confidence, we’ll explore the intriguing world of colour psychology with Anita Feron Clark—discover how the colours we wear can profoundly impact our mood and self-esteem.

Throughout the season, I’ll also be shining a light on women who truly support women. From community builders to inspiring leaders, we’ll celebrate the shared strength and resilience we find in each other when we walk the walk, not just talk the talk.

You can listen to Two Women Chatting wherever you get your podcasts—whether you prefer Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or a different platform, I’m right there with you! And don’t forget to check out twowomenchatting.com to sign up for my newsletter with extra content.  

I’m over on instagram at michelleford_twc for behind the scenes and topical midlife content.

So, buckle up for a fantastic season filled with insightful conversations and intriguing guests. I can't wait to share this journey with you. Stay tuned, and let’s chat about life, love, and all things midlife!

Until next time, take care, keep shining, and remember, we’re halfway through, not halfway done! New season starts 25 March 2025!

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

In this festive episode of Two Women Chatting, Michelle welcomes back Hannah Bartlett from Jolly Festive for another holiday season! Past Christmas episodes with Hannah have been among our most downloaded to date, so she’s back by popular demand to sprinkle more holiday cheer. Together, they dive into practical tips for making your money go further, taking care of yourself during the busy season, and embracing fun, sustainable ways to reuse Christmas decor and cards. Hannah also shares advice on staying safe from scams during the holidays. Finally, the episode wraps up with a special trip down memory lane, revisiting the best moments from previous Christmas specials.

Key Takeaways:

🎙️ Stretch Your Christmas Budget: Discover creative and practical ways to save money while still enjoying a magical holiday season.

🎙️ Self-Care During the Holidays: Prioritize your well-being with simple strategies to reduce stress and avoid festive burnout, including the use of an advent candle to carve out mindful, reflective moments each day.

🎙️ Sustainable Christmas Ideas: Learn how to reuse and recycle decorations, cards, and wrapping materials in fun, eco-friendly ways.

🎙️ Best of Christmas Past: Relive the top moments from previous Christmas episodes with Jolly Festive for timeless inspiration.

Episode Resources:

🌟 Visit Jolly Festive’s website for more holiday inspiration: jollyfestive.com

🌟 Follow Jolly Festive on Instagram: @JollyFestive

Connect with Us:

🌟 Website: TwoWomenChatting.com

🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting

🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo

🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting

🌟 YouTube: Two Women Chatting

Tune in to the Christmas Special for tips, nostalgia, and holiday cheer to make this festive season your best yet!

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

In this transformative episode of Two Women Chatting, Michelle speaks with breath work coach Caroline Boyle, exploring the profound impact of breath work on wellness, mental health, and emotional resilience. Caroline shares her personal journey with breath work, especially its supportive role during her battle with breast cancer and the loss of her father. Together, they uncover the science and benefits behind conscious breathing, including its effectiveness for managing stress, enhancing athletic performance, supporting respiratory health, and even facilitating emotional release. Caroline offers practical techniques for integrating breath work into daily life, making it accessible for everyone looking to deepen their well-being and emotional healing.

Key Takeaways:

🎙️ Breath work for Emotional and Physical Healing: Breath work offers a powerful means of emotional release and healing, even supporting trauma recovery without verbal processing.

🎙️ Daily Benefits of Breath Awareness: Simple, intentional breath work techniques can alleviate stress, improve mental clarity, and support emotional stability.

🎙️ Breath and Physical Health: Nose breathing enhances respiratory function, detoxification, and overall health, as 70% of metabolic waste is expelled through breathing.

🎙️ Supportive for Menopause and Hormonal Changes: Regular breath work can be a valuable tool for managing symptoms related to menopause and other hormonal shifts, providing calmness and stability.

Episode Resources:

🌟 Connect with Caroline Boyle on Instagram at @breathwork_with_caroline.

🌟 Learn more on her website: carolineboyle.com

Connect with Us:

🌟 Website: TwoWomenChatting.com

📸 Instagram: @michelleford_twc

🐦 Twitter/X: @ChattingTwo

📘 Facebook: Two Women Chatting

📺 YouTube: TwoWomenChatting

Tune in to The Power of Breathwork for Midlife Wellness for insights on integrating this powerful tool into your daily life for better health, resilience, and peace.

breathwork, menopause relief, stress management, emotional healing, midlife wellness, conscious breathing, hormonal balance, mental clarity, trauma recovery, Caroline Boyle, breath coach, resilience, grief recovery, wellness over 50, breathing techniques, nervous system regulation, nose breathing, breast cancer healing, natural health tools

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

In this insightful episode of Two Women Chatting, Michelle is joined by Clare Jefferies, owner of four Home Instead franchises, who opens up about her journey into elder care and shares her experiences of caring for ageing parents. Clare emphasises the need for compassionate, person-centred care and offers practical advice on navigating the complexities of the ageing process. The conversation explores proactive approaches to caregiving, from creating safe home environments to discussing sensitive topics like power of attorney and incontinence support. Clare also shares tips on evaluating care homes, seeking help from social services, and the importance of self-care for caregivers. Together, Michelle and Clare tackle the emotional challenges of caregiving, offering insights to empower listeners in their own journeys with ageing loved ones.

Key Takeaways:

🎙️ Compassionate, Person-Centred Care: Supporting ageing parents requires sensitivity, open communication, and tailoring care to respect each individual’s needs and dignity.

🎙️ Plan Ahead: Establish a power of attorney, promote a safe home environment, and discuss care options early on to prevent crises and ensure family peace of mind.

🎙️ Utilise Resources and Support: Tap into organisations like Age UK and social services, ask for help without guilt, and use available resources to support both caregivers and families.

🎙️ Prioritise Caregiver Well-Being: Acknowledge and address complex emotions like guilt and frustration, and remember that self-care is essential for sustaining energy and compassion in caregiving.

Episode Resources:

Connect with Clare Jefferies:

• linkedin.com/in/clarejefferies
• Home Instead: homeinstead.co.uk/wimbledonandkingston

Connect with Us:

Connect with Us:

🌟 Website: TwoWomenChatting.com

📸 Instagram: @michelleford_twc

🐦 Twitter/X: @ChattingTwo

📘 Facebook: Two Women Chatting

📺 YouTube: TwoWomenChatting

Tune in to Supporting Our Ageing Parents for insights on compassionate caregiving, proactive elder support, and navigating the emotional journey of caring for loved ones.

Ageing parents, home care, power of attorney, difficult conversations, support, care homes, aging parents, care, home environment, physical health, mental health, levels of care, incontinence, social services, immersive training, complex emotions

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

In this inspiring episode, Dame Prue Leith joins Michelle to share her insights on embracing colour and confidence in midlife, encouraging listeners to experiment with their personal style as a means of self-expression. Prue discusses her philosophy that fashion should be fun and that age should never limit our choices. The conversation then moves to a deeply personal topic: assisted dying. Prue, an advocate for the right to a dignified death, shares her perspective on why this choice should be available and respected. She also introduces her latest cookbook, Life's Too Short to Stuff a Mushroom, which focuses on simple, enjoyable recipes designed to make cooking accessible for everyone. 

Key Takeaways:

🎙️ The Power of Colour and Fashion: Embracing colour can boost confidence and help combat feelings of invisibility, making fashion a fun and powerful form of self-expression in midlife.

🎙️ Dignity in Dying: Prue believes that the right to a dignified death is just as important as dignity in life and shares her insights on compassionate options.

🎙️ Accessible Cooking for All: With her latest cookbook, Prue aims to make cooking approachable and enjoyable, especially for those hesitant in the kitchen.

🎙️ Healthy Food for Children: Teaching children to love nutritious food early on is essential for their development.

Episode Resources:

• Life’s Too Short to Stuff a Mushroom by Prue Leith
• This episode is sponsored by Kettlewell – discover your colour palette and feel your best self at kettlewellcolour.co.uk, complete the colour quiz for 15% off your first order.

Connect with Us:

🌟 Website: TwoWomenChatting.com

📸 Instagram: @michelleford_twc

🐦 Twitter/X: @ChattingTwo

📘 Facebook: Two Women Chatting

📺 YouTube: TwoWomenChatting

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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