The Mid•Point with Gabby Logan

It’s the week before Christmas, and whilst there are still 101 jobs to be done, step away from the to-do list and take some time out for a giggle with Gabby and Claudia! Strictly and Traitors host Claudia Winkleman spills the beans on her family traditions, what she loves most about this time of year, and why personalised gifts are always a winner. They also chat about how Claudia’s career has gone from strength to strength since she turned 50, how getting a dog has changed her, and why we shouldn’t get hung up on aging and just demand bigger fonts! This episode contains strong language.

Rosemary Ferguson was one of the most recognisable models of the 90’s, and on the cusp of 50, she still graces the pages of fashion magazines - but this is not the reason she is on The Mid•Point! Rose has turned a lifelong interest in health and nutrition into a career, and now works as a nutritionist and functional medicine practitioner and has just founded The R Health Club. In this episode, we learn more about Rose’s journey and her family’s interest in wellness before it was known as wellness; how the most basic changes can help more than you realise; and why she always advocates for balance over restriction when it comes to what we eat. Rose also answers your questions on everything from how much protein we really need to the power of cruciferous vegetables, how to safeguard your liver through the festive season to what to eat to help manage perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms.

The breadth and depth of topics discussed on this episode with comedian Marcus Brigstocke may be unexpected, but just like the journey to the midpoint in life, this podcast is full of surprises! As well as being very open and honest about his experiences with addiction and the whirlpool of shame he says it creates, Marcus explains why he thinks porn addiction is more common than you might think, and the links he sees between smartphones, dopamine, and this type of addiction. He also discusses the power of now and learning to live with discomfort; blending families in midlife and having children who are at very different ages and stages; plus, how he juggled working on an oil rig and being a podium dancer in his early years! This episode has it all. Remember, you can still secure tickets to Marcus’ new stand-up show, set to hit theatres nationwide in 2025.  TW: This episode contains references to suicide, as well as discussions about addiction and disordered eating.

It can feel difficult to make new connections in midlife, and perhaps you feel you don’t need to? Maybe making new friends is something you had written off for this stage of life? This week Emmy Award-winning journalist Allison Gilbert talks to Gabby about the health importance of making new connections at any age and stage. Allison shares what she learned from teaming up with the late great Dr. Ruth to write The Joy of Connections, and offers advice on creating opportunities to make new friendships as well as tips to strengthen existing relationships. She stresses why effort and ownership is key; the benefits of quality over quantity; and why meaningful connections are even more important in the age of social media.

Julian Clary takes time out of Panto season to chat with Gabby about the sense of urgency and clarity that getting older has brought him; how much he still loves making others laugh, hence why retirement is not for him; and why he doesn’t believe midlife needs to be about any kind of crisis. The comedian, actor, and writer, brings his trademark risqué comedy and candour to this episode, and also discusses the excesses of his youth, his memories of Strictly Come Dancing, paying tribute to his great friend Paul O’Grady, and the synchronicity of dogs - how the universe will always provide the right canine friend just at the right time! You can catch Julian on stage at the Polladium Pantomime until January 2025, and his new novel A Curtain Call To Murder is available now.

This episode contains strong language. This week journalist and podcaster, Bryony Gordon, speaks to Gabby about the acceptance she’s found in midlife, and how experiencing early menopause made her think about what she really wants and taught her to be less of a “chaise longue!” Listen on to hear more about that... Bryony also speaks candidly about alcoholism and sobriety, as well as living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder from a young age. She chats about using exercise as a mental health tool, as well as focusing on nourishing herself rather than punishing herself when it comes to what she eats. Bryony’s new podcast The Life of Bryony and her latest book Mad Woman are both available now, and you can visit Mental Health Mates to find out more about Bryony’s charity and find a walk near you. 

Entrepreneur, medical research catalyst, and author, Victoria Jackson joins Gabby to talk about the power of keeping things simple to keep yourself moving forward - no need for complicated steps, just do the next thing! Victoria may be on the cusp of turning seventy, but she went through an extraordinary transformation at the midpoint of her life following her daughter’s life changing medical diagnosis, and her story is hugely inspiring. Victoria says it’s her sense of purpose and intention which has defined her from the age of seventeen, and that’s why she continues to try and find a cure for autoimmune disease worldwide, as well as make cosmetics which empower women at the same time! She discusses the power of resilience and the common trait between the many powerful women she knows, including Gloria Steinem and Oprah Winfrey.  Victoria’s latest book We All Worry Now What? is available now.

This episode contains strong language.Comedian and podcaster, Josh Widdicombe, can’t wait to tell Gabby how happy he is to be eligible for this podcast! Josh shares why he feels so much more comfortable in midlife thanks to all the life changes he made around the time of his fortieth birthday, including becoming sober and re-evaluating his relationship with work. He also talks about his love of podcasting, sporting autobiographies, and late night sourdough toast! Grab tickets to Josh’s Not My Cup Of Tea tour here.