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The Mid•Point with Gabby Logan
Emma Barnett
Season 7, Ep. 49
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TW: There are references to fertility treatment and miscarriage in this episode, so please take care whilst listening.
Journalist and broadcaster, Emma Barnett, is on the precipice of midlife, and so she joins Gabby this week to talk about how she feels about this next stage of life. Emma also sheds light on what it's like living with endometriosis - a condition which, as yet, has no cure - as well as what it’s like hosting Woman’s Hour, one of BBC Radio 4’s flagship shows; her journey through fertility treatment and why she felt compelled to share the realities of it; as well as the importance of surrounding yourself with people who have had similar experiences to you when you’re going through challenging or traumatic times. Dr Nighat Arif, a GP specialising in women’s health, also joins to talk about thyroid health and why women may see their thyroid function change as they age. Dr Arif’s book, The Knowledge, is out now.
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16. Alex Horne
49:31The taskmaster himself joins Gabby this week! Comedian and Taskmaster grand creator, Alex Horne, talks about what it’s like making one of the most beloved comedy shows on TV, as well sharing what his showbiz marriage is like with his co-host, Greg Davies. Alex also talks about his other successful marriage and how family life at the midpoint is shaping up, including why his kids are still embarrassed of him despite the fact he makes a really cool show on the telly. They also discuss the importance of movement and staying active so that you can enjoy later life; how Alex has learned to put family first and how to holiday better; and why he and Gabby both love a good wedding! You can still get tickets to Alex’s latest tour with the The Horne Section here.15. Kate Thornton
52:00Warning: This episode contains strong language. Kate Thornton is as frank and funny as ever, and this week she joins Gabby to talk about everything from single motherhood and presenting prime time Saturday night telly, to the power of talking therapy and recovering from an eating disorder. Kate speaks about the importance of female friendships and how her girl gang are her life raft, and also why her happiest times have been the years she has been a mum to her son, Ben. Kate speaks openly about her ongoing experience of the menopause, and why the right doctor is as fundamental as the right therapist when you’re a middle aged woman. You can hear more from Kate on her podcast White Wine Question Time or tune into her weekend radio shows on Greatest Hits Radio.14. Elis James
45:33Gabby chats to comedian and broadcaster, Elis James, who is slightly resentful about being eligible for the show! Elis talks about the pitfalls of parenting, including the impossible task of policing children’s access to phones and social media, and explains why he is evangelical about cycling and insufferable on endorphins. They also talk about how Elis’ father’s Parkinson's disease diagnosis has made him think differently about aging, and why both he and Gabby focus on healthspan rather than lifespan.13. Lauren Mahon
49:10Podcaster and activist Lauren Mahon popped by the studio this week with her dog, Ray! Lauren chats to Gabby about the seismic impact You, Me And The Big C had on the way people talk about cancer, but also the emotional heavy lifting it required from her on a personal level. She also talks about experiencing a medical menopause as part of her cancer treatment, why it's okay to wallow sometimes, and how liberating it was learning to drive on the cusp of midlife! They also discuss life after cancer, in particular how to approach sex and intimacy - something Lauren is on a mission to get us talking about more. For more information or support on this issue you can head to GIRLvsCANCER or Macmillan.Warning: This podcast contains strong language.12. Milton Jones
40:50Comedian Milton Jones joins Gabby to talk about why he sees midlife as being like the “second time round to the buffet!” They also talk about his Christian faith and how attitudes towards faith can change as we get older. They also discuss having aging parents, and Milton speaks very openly about what it was like caring for his mum who suffered from Alzheimer's. Milton also shares what he has come to understand about comedy, over the many years spent honing his craft and before selling out big arenas. They also debate whether or not you should take more risks in midlife, and relish the joy of knowing yourself better at the midpoint.11. Jill Halfpenny
57:25Jill Halfpenny has been acting on our screens for over 30 years, but she is not here to talk about one of her character’s storylines but rather her own life story which is the basis of her new memoir A Life Reimagined: My Journey of Hope in the Midst of Loss. Jill talks to Gabby about how burying grief and trauma can manifest later in life and the importance of acknowledging emotions; her experience of recovery with Alcoholics Anonymous; the almighty shock of losing her partner, Matt, in eerily similar circumstances to her father; how grief changes over time and the tools she’s collected along the way that enable her to stay hopeful about the future. This is a really open and honest conversation about love and loss, and how you rebuild your life at the midpoint.10. Dr Federica Amati on Nutrition
46:04Gabby is joined by expert guest Dr Federica Amati to talk about all things nutrition, and to answer your questions on everything from which foods are particularly beneficial in midlife, to what to feed the teenagers in your life. They also chat about the importance of questioning sources when it comes to nutritional advice; tweaking your mindset to focus on what foods you can add rather than restrict; when to exercise in relation to meal times; and how a plant first approach to building your plate can be particularly helpful when you’re going through the menopause. Federica’s latest book Every Body Should Know This is out now.9. Nikki Fox
45:53BBC News’ Disability Correspondent, documentary maker, and presenter on Watchdog and The One Show, Nikki Fox, brings lots of warmth and humor to the podcast this week. Nikki shares how she found the love of her life after throwing what she describes as the wedding to herself, aka Fox Fest - her fortieth birthday party! Nikki also opens up about living with Muscular Dystrophy and how it impacts her day-to-day life as a news correspondent; the power of hard work and positive thinking; coming to terms with how your body changes in midlife; and why more needs to be done to support disabled people to thrive.You can find out more about Muscular Dystrophy UK here.8. Jason Fox
44:27Former SBS Sergeant turned TV presenter and author, Jason Fox, joins Gabby on the podcast this week. Jason speaks at length about how being diagnosed with PTSD and medically discharged from the military sparked a chain of events which led to thoughts of suicide. He explains how being honest with himself and owning his mistakes on the brink of midlife was the first step towards getting well again, and how it took several attempts for him to find the right help. Jason speaks about all he’s learned and how he’s connected with - as he describes it - his inner hippy! You can find out more about the charity Foxy co-founded here, and his latest book Embrace The Chaos: 52 Tactics to Make Every Day Count is available now.