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Finding the Joy in Midlife
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10. Anna Williamson | Emotional Intimacy, Family Conflict & Dating in Midlife
42:11||Season 10, Ep. 10In 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 InsightsEmotional intimacy is essential for healthy midlife relationshipsBoundaries during the holidays protect your energy and wellbeingGood communication is the root of strong connectionWomen re-entering dating in their 50s are empowered and discerningFinding joy in small moments helps ease Christmas stressSelf-care isn’t selfish - it’s the foundation of thriving relationshipsResources:📘 Anna Williamson Website: annawilliamson.co.uk📸 Instagram: @annawilliamsonofficial🎧 Listen to the Luanna Podcast on all major platformsConnect 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
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9. Emma Bardwell | Why Fibre Might Be the Midlife Superpower You’re Missing
32:21||Season 10, Ep. 9In 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 wellbeingResources: 📘 Emma Bardwell Website: emmabardwell.com 📸 Instagram: @emma.bardwell The Fibre Effect is published February 2026 The 30g Plan is available in all good bookshopsConnect 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.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
8. Sally Morgan | The Secret Midlife Power You’ve Been Ignoring: Trust Your Gut & Connect with Spirit
35:12||Season 10, Ep. 8In 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.🎙️ Key Insights from This Episode✨ 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 resilienceThis episode is perfect for anyone interested in midlife wellbeing, intuition, spiritual growth, psychic development, grief support, and personal empowerment.Resources:📘 Sally Morgan: sallymorgan.tv 📸 Instagram: @sallymorganpsychicConnect 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.
7. Dr Helen Wall | ADHD in Midlife? Why It’s Not Too Late to Finally Understand Your Brain
39:44||Season 10, Ep. 7In 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 ADHDHow to tell the difference between ADHD and perimenopause symptomsThe upsides of an ADHD brain (and how to make them work for you)How to prepare for and navigate your doctor’s appointmentWhy diagnosis can be the first step toward empowerment and self-compassionResources:📘 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: @doctorhelenwallConnect 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
6. Lisa Jewell | The Accidental Author Who Conquered Crime Fiction
32:07||Season 10, Ep. 6In 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.Key Insights:🎙️ 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.Resources:📘 Don't Let Him In by Lisa Jewell – Buy the Book 📸 Lisa on Instagram: @lisajewellukConnect 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.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
5. Nicky Hambleton-Jones | From Brutal TV Drop to Midlife Glow-Up
26:32||Season 10, Ep. 5In 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).Key Insights:🎙️ "You’ve Been Dropped" and What Comes NextNicky 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-BeliefMore than clothes - Nicky explains how what we wear can shape how we feel, move through the world, and face challenges.🎙️ The Ava Storm Alter EgoMeet Ava Storm - Nicky’s fearless inner voice. She shares how creating this persona helped her silence self-doubt and imposter syndrome.🎙️ Manifesting a Midlife ComebackFrom vision boards to intentional living, Nicky is proof that reinvention is possible at any age - with the right mindset and wardrobe.🎙️ Lipstick, Compliments & Confidence BoostsYou 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.Resources:📘 Bolder, Not Older by Nicky Hambleton-Jones: Buy the Book📸 Nicky on Instagram: @nhj_styleConnect 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.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
4. Gaby Roslin | Colour, Confidence & Choosing Joy Every Day
23:10||Season 10, Ep. 4In 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.Key Insights:🎙️ Joy as a Daily PracticeGaby shares her favourite “tiny tasks” to lift your mood, including her famous three jumps for joy routine.🎙️ Shyness & Self-BeliefDespite decades on TV, Gaby reveals she’s still shy - and how embracing vulnerability helped her connect more deeply with others.🎙️ Ageing with ConfidenceFrom media stereotypes to body image, Gaby discusses why women should wear what they love, ignore outdated rules and celebrate midlife.🎙️ Kindness & ConnectionHer simple mantra? Smile, say hello, and spread joy - because positivity is contagious.🎙️ Colour as EmpowermentGaby explains how colour and playfulness can boost confidence and challenge the grey narratives often placed on women in media.Resources:📘 Spread the Joy by Gaby Roslin – now available in paperback🎙️ Reasons to Be Joyful Podcast📸 Follow Gaby Roslin on Instagram: @gabyroslinConnect 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.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