The Mid•Point with Gabby Logan

This episode contains some strong language. This week it’s all about family on The Mid•Point; whatever form it takes and whoever you include in yours, family is an important part of our lives - particularly in midlife. We’ve cherry picked the best bits on this topic from Gabby’s recent chats with her guests, including Matt Baker, the Reverend Kate Bottley, Jill Halfpenny, Milton Jones, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, LeAnn Rimes, Dara Ó Briain, Elizabeth Day, Kate Thornton, and Adele Roberts.Gabby Logan’s latest book The MidPoint Plan is available now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we’re giving the midlife crisis a makeover and celebrating midlife blessings!Gabby has cherry picked the best bits on this topic from recent chats with her guests, including Lee Mack, Gabrielle, Richard Hammond, Ed Balls, Rosie Nixon, Adele Roberts and the Reverend Kate Bottley. Gabby Logan’s latest book The MidPoint Plan is available now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paula Radcliffe MBE joins Gabby this week! The three-time winner of the London Marathon talks about turning 50, The Olympics and why strength training is so important. In 2002, Paula received numerous accolades including an OBE, BBC Sports Personality of the Year and IAAF Athlete of the Year. Across her incredible career, Paula competed at four consecutive Olympic Games from 1996-2008, and won a gold medal in the marathon at the 2005 World Championships in Helsinki. She still likes to run, but has found that she isn't competitive anymore (well, not very), which she finds quite refreshing. In 2020, her daughter was diagnosed with a rare germ cell tumour, so she and her family have been through a lot over the last few years. She talks to Gabby about the stress that this has put on her daughter and how much her family and friends have rallied.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a very special LIVE episode of The Mid•Point, in partnership with Sweaty Betty! Gabby is joined by not one, not two, but three brilliant guests this week: menstrual health expert, yoga teacher, and registered nutritionist, Le’Nise Brothers; lecturer in Reproductive and Molecular Genetics at University College London and CEO and Founder of Hertility, Dr Helen O’Neill; and former Olympian, personal trainer, and patron of the Menopause Mandate, Michelle Griffith Robinson. This lively panel discuss movement and exercise through different stages of women’s lives; menstruation, maternity, and menopause. Their personal experiences are woven in with practical information about what is going on in our bodies at these different stages, and how movement and nutrition can play a part at each stage. In front of a brilliant audience of Mid•Pointers, they celebrate the joy of movement and the collective power of the sisterhood when women come together to share experiences and move their bodies. It’s a perfect time to open up the conversation on this topic, because Sweaty Betty is celebrating the launch of their new FemTech collection. The innovative new collection is designed by women, for women, and includes the technical Leak Protect Power Legging and ultra-soft All Day Maternity styles, to empower women to keep moving through menstruation, maternity and menopause.Ready to try it out? The collection is available online now at sweatybetty.com and in selected stores across the UK. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DJ, presenter, and Guinness World Records holder, Adele Roberts, chats to Gabby this week about how a midlife bowel cancer diagnosis has completely changed her outlook on life, and crucially, her relationship with herself. Adele shares some of the realities of living with a stoma (also known as ‘naughty Audrey’); how she coped with the brutality of chemotherapy; as well as why movement was medicine for her long before her cancer diagnosis and why it’s important to start small but dream big. She also discusses the importance of representation; how she’s battled social anxiety throughout her career; as well as her relationship with her long term partner, Kate. Her book Personal Best is available now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Popstar Gabrielle joins Gabby to talk about why she’s living her best life in her fifties! They discuss all the learnings that have come with age, including better boundaries, emotional resilience, and knowing how to strike a better balance in life. Gabrielle also talks about how music was always her friend growing up; how she managed the demands of touring with the symptoms of the menopause; and why being a grandma is bringing her so much joy right now. Gabrielle’s new album A Place In Your Heart is available now, and you can grab tickets for her tour here.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Gabby is joined by Dr Chris van Tulleken, author of Ultra-Processed People: Why Do We All Eat Stuff That Isn’t Food … and Why Can’t We Stop? Poor diet has overtaken tobacco as the leading cause of early death, and so they discuss what ultra-processed food is and how we can easily identify it, how it has been designed to keep us eating it, and why we should always look beyond health claims on packaging. Chris also shares why it's not his intention to tell people what to eat, but rather it is his mission is to expose the food industry for what it is, and take away some of the shame and stigma around what we eat and what we are feeding our families. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Blue Peter presenter turned children's author Konnie Huq chats to Gabby this week about a wide range of topics, including why she feels modern life is getting more and more absurd by the minute, how she wrestled with stereotyping in her younger years and ended up presenting TV before she had finished school, and why she thinks middle aged women rock! Konnie also explains why she is happy being an analogue person in a digital world, how her early experiences filming for Comic Relief informed her outlook on life, and why we might all benefit from being a little more patient and having slightly lower expectations. Despite declaring that she is not a podcast person, Konnie’s honesty cuts through the noise and will have many of you nodding in agreement! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richard Hammond joins Gabby this week to talk about the “pale stale male” and what he’s doing to avoid becoming one! The former Top Gear presenter warns of the dangers of living in an echo chamber when you get to this stage of life, and why he’s hoping his new podcast (Who We Are Now) might contribute to more mentally healthy middle aged men. They also discuss whether his approach to risk has changed following two serious car accidents, one of which resulted in a brain injury and left him in a coma. Richard also shares his thoughts on the importance of male friendships; how exercise becomes an act of self care as you get older; and why there will always be a need for a show like Top Gear. Also, listen out for Richard’s confession: which new pointless midlife hobby he is really enjoying? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a special episode in partnership with British Airways.Gabby and Kenny Logan reminisce about the memorable trips they’ve taken over the course of their lives, from Kenny’s first long haul flight when he was initially selected to play rugby for Scotland, to Gabby’s trip to the Commonwealth Games as a 16 year old athlete; from an unforgettable break to Bali where they fully recharged, to and trips with their young children to Japan and South Africa which changed their perspectives on the world. They discuss how their approach to travel has changed over the years - Kenny no longer takes pride in arriving as close as he can to check-in closing, and Gabby is trying to slow down and enjoy the airport experience more. As well as the travel opportunities that have been unlocked now they are in midlife. Some travel experiences change you forever and stay with you long after you’ve touched down on home soil - even embarrassing moments that you might rather forget, as Gabby explains! So the Logan’s also give their top tips for making the most of your next trip. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are starting a new era of the podcast as we mean to go on, with a brilliant guest who epitomises all the things we celebrate on this show. Laura Smyth decided to radically change her life at the midpoint, leaving her dependable job as a teacher for the uncertain world of stand up comedy. But just as she was getting into her stride, Laura was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. She talks to Gabby about all she has learned from that experience, including how she dragged herself out of a pit of despair and resentment by learning to love herself fully and throwing herself unabashedly down what she describes as a wellness rabbithole. Laura also speaks about learning that stress is a sign to rest, and why she doesn’t feel bad about saying no to things anymore. Laura’s story proves that it’s never too late to build the life you want, but also that things don’t always go to plan, so don’t wait until you’re facing death to really start living. You can catch her on tour in 2024 - grab your tickets here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Journalist, broadcaster, and one half of the 5 Live Breakfast presenting team, Rachel Burden, joins Gabby on the podcast this week. Rachel talks about how years of very early wake up calls have taught her not to get too paranoid about the amount of sleep she gets, instead looking at the bigger picture and the positive effects of being stimulated and nourished by a job you love. As a working mum of four, Rachel also discusses making life decisions as a family unit, striving to have the things you want in life rather than trying to have it all, and how her youngest child’s premature birth proved just how little we can actually control in life. Rachel also talks about the joy of taking up walking football in midlife, and her new project - Cafe Hope - which she’s hoping will provide some relief from the daily news cycle. Dr Danny Penman also joins to speak about his experience using meditation as pain relief after a serious paragliding accident, and how taking time out for meditation can actually save you time in the long run. His new book Deeper Mindfulness: The New Way to Rediscover Calm in a Chaotic World is available now.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gynaecologist and bestselling author Dr Jen Gunter is our special expert guest this week! Dr Gunter is here to shed some light on what is happening to the body when it goes through the menopause transition. Jen also takes your questions on everything from brain fog to weight gain and supplements to HRT - busting a few myths along the way! Hopefully you’ll feel better informed about what is happening to your body through this time, but also hopeful about what awaits on the other side of the menopause. You can find out more about Dr Gunter’s published works here including The Menopause Manifesto. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s not every week we have a double olympic champion on the podcast, but this week rower Helen Glover is adding a touch of greatness to proceedings. Speaking directly from a training camp in Portugal ahead of what will hopefully be her fourth olympic games, Helen reveals what motivated her to come out of retirement - not once, but twice - and what it’s like juggling motherhood with the demands of being an elite athlete. Helen speaks about the way that her perspective has changed as she’s got older; how going through multiple pregnancies has actually made her feel stronger; and her anxieties about retiring completely from the job she still loves. Author of How To Build A Healthy Brain, Kimberley Wilson, also joins to discuss the relationship between exercise and brain health, and why every time you move your body you give your brain a boost! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the nation’s best loved presenters, Matt Baker, brings his infectious enthusiasm to the podcast this week! By happy accident, this episode is all about midlife pivots and making bold steps towards doing more of the work you love. Listen to hear the unlikely story of how Matt came to be on our screens presenting Blue Peter; how his dyslexia set him up with what he describes as a high tolerance for failure and gave him a sense of fearlessness; how he navigated the role reversal that many of us go through in midlife when our parents begin to need more help and support; and there’s even an old fashioned midlife chat about the thankless task of trying to exercise with a bad back! Head Tutor at The Raymond Blanc Gardening School August Bernstein also joins to talk about making the most of your green spaces, and how you can get started on growing your own vegetables with nothing more than a windowsill.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jill Douglas MBE has been part of some of the biggest sporting events on television for the last three decades, and this week she joins Gabby to reflect on how this Scottish farmer’s daughter became a self confessed newshound, then somewhat unexpectedly found herself presenting Rugby Special - and hasn’t looked back since! They discuss some of the secrets to longevity in an industry that was obsessed with youth, and how in midlife, Jill is more motivated than ever to keep doing the job she loves. Jill speaks about her longtime friend, former Scottish rugby player Doddie Weir; how his diagnosis of motor neurone disease sharpened her own focus, and the charity they helped build together before his death (My Name’5 Doddie Foundation). MND is most commonly diagnosed in midlife, so Professor of Neurology and Complex Disease Genetics at King’s College London, Ammar Al-Chalabi, also joins to discuss some of the misconceptions about the disease and some advancements that have been made thanks to fundraising in recent years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TW: This episode contains references to child sexual abuse, and discussions about suicide.Gabby is joined by one of the great voices of our time; radio and television broadcaster, Nicky Campbell. They discuss Nicky’s professional versatility and esteemed career; his midlife diagnosis of ADHD; his great love of animals and how his beloved dog, Maxwell, helped him through a mental breakdown; his antics on The Masked Singer and why sometimes you need to do something purely for the fun of it. Nicky also talks about the moment he realised that the sexual abuse he and his classmates had suffered when they were at school was publicly known, and he had to confront what had happened to him in his childhood. Nicky decided to use his professional platform to help others do the same, and was inundated with calls and emails from survivors; some middle aged men had never told a soul about what had happened to them prior to speaking with Nicky. He speaks about how challenging that was at times, but also how galvanising survivors to seek justice and representing them at the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry, is a great source of pride for him. They also speak to Simon Gunning - CEO of suicide prevention charity, CALM - about how talking openly about suicide as a human behaviour might actually help prevent it. You can find Nicky’s podcast Different here, and the episode of The Spark which Simon refers to (featuring Rory O’Connor), here.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the cusp of taking on arguably the biggest job in women’s sport, six-time Women's Super League winning football manager, Emma Hayes, joins Gabby on the podcast this week. As well as revealing the relentlessness of life as a top coach, Emma speaks candidly about her struggle with Endometriosis; what it was like entering sudden menopause after having an emergency hysterectomy; the ecstasy and agony of making a huge life decision whilst in the fog of grief after losing her beloved father; how fighting for others can sometimes feel more natural than fighting for oneself, and that scheduling meetings with yourself might actually be the best form of selfcare! Menopause fitness coach and author of Owning Your Menopause: Fitter, Calmer, Stronger in 30 Days, Kate Rowe-Ham, also joins to talk about the kinds of exercise that could help women navigate midlife.  TW: This episode does contain references to miscarriage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hot off the Strictly Come Dancing tour and straight from presenting a live news bulletin, Gabby is joined today by Krishnan Guru-Murthy! Krishnan is a longstanding presenter of Channel 4 News and has reported from all over the world in the 26 years that he’s been part of the team, but it’s not his distinguished career that the two discuss at length today. Krish shares what Strictly gave him in terms of unbottling his fun side and reconnecting with frivolous fun in his fifties, and how the last year has seen him take back control and refuse to give up on his health. Dr Emily Porter, specialist dietician at The Gut Health Clinic, also joins to shed more light on ways you can improve your gut health by thinking about both the contents and timings of your meals, and how a pre-diabetic or T2 diabetes diagnosis does not mean you lose all agency over your blood sugar levels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TW: This episode contains references to eating disorders. Model, content creator, and author, Louise Boyce aka Mama Still Got It, is stopping by Gabby’s podcast room this week. Louise shares her experiences as a very young model in the 90’s; how she healed her relationship with her body after suffering from bulimia; re-entered the industry as a ‘plus size model’ (at a healthy size 14) and made a successful career out of it. She explains how that journey has led her to where she is now: a middle-aged social media star, who makes thousands of people laugh with her videos depicting the mundane - and often challenging - aspects of motherhood. Stylist and founder of Green Edit, Charlotte Handley Green, is also on the podcast to talk about fashion and styling in midlife. She speaks about the importance of streamlining your wardrobe and building up ‘staples’ and ‘showstoppers'; how style is ageless and we should only be concerned with how our clothes make us feel - as well as the importance of good underwear! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Queen of Taupe joins Gabby on the podcast this week! Interior designer and entrepreneur, Kelly Hoppen CBE, shares some easy wins when it comes to refreshing your home interiors, as well as the secret to remaining energised and passionate about your work even when you’ve been doing it for five decades. Kelly shares why she doesn’t think she’ll ever retire, the morning routine that sustains her, finding love after divorce, and why age is irrelevant when it comes to beauty. As Gabby steps up her half marathon training and as part of her ongoing partnership with Runna, Olympic marathon runner and coach, Steph Davis, is also here to share her top tips for anyone thinking of getting into or returning to running in midlife. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Editor-in-Chief of HELLO! magazine, and now creative consultant, coach, author, and podcast host, Rosie Nixon, drops by Gabby’s podcast room for a chat this week. From the outside, Rosie seemed to have it all in midlife; the job, the family, the glamorous lifestyle. But on the inside things felt very different, and although she loved her job, she was edging closer and closer to burnout. Rosie hit a breaking point and decided that she needed to make some radical changes; she wanted to enter her fifties on her terms. Rosie tells Gabby all that she’s come to realise through this process, including reassessing her values and redefining what success means to her at this stage of her life. They also speak with psychodynamic psychotherapist, Isobel Williams, about how it's never too late to make a little space for yourself and explore how talking therapy can be helpful at any age. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For some, sleeping is as easy as closing your eyes, for others, it’s a nightly struggle. The cornerstone of good health can be frustratingly elusive, particularly in midlife, so we thought it was time to speak with an expert on all things the land of nod! Sleep Physiologist and the Chief Medical Officer of re-sleep, Stephanie Romiszewski, has some no-nonsense advice to share, based on scientific research and her years of clinical experience, including delivering Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBTi). You might be surprised to learn that bedtimes are out, and get up times are in; sleep aids and nighttime routines can sometimes increase sleep anxiety and actually keep you awake; changing your expectations of sleep might be key to making sleeping easier; and couples who sleep in separate beds might have had it right all along! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

Singer songwriter Sophie Ellis-Bextor is Gabby’s guest this week! Gabby chats to her about being a working mum to five boys and what it’s like when your eldest is leaving home the same week that your youngest is starting school; how her legendary Kitchen Discos came about; hearing the voice of her inner critic less as she ages and the liberation this brings; and her ‘rate your childhood’ survey that you won’t be able to stop thinking about! Zoologist and author of Bitch, Lucy Cooke, also joins to talk about how sex and heteronormative bias have been present in the scientific study of animals since Darwin’s day, and have influenced the way we see the females of all sorts of species – including our own. Listen on to hear how Orcas recognised the power of post-menopausal women before humans did!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today is a first for the podcast: it’s the first time our celebrity guest and our expert guest are a married couple, recording from the same house. Gary Neville is known for his glittering football career playing for Manchester United and England, while his wife, Emma, is a counsellor and Menopause Coach with her own online platform This Is Me. The couple chat to Gabby about everything from dealing with teenagers who find you painfully embarrassing, to Gary’s emotional attachment to oven chips. They both share their perspective on Emma’s early menopause, and discuss the many quirks of the Neville family – a modern day sporting dynasty! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Warning: This episode contains some Christmas spoilers and is best enjoyed by adults only! Kenny Logan joins Gabby this week for a walk down memory lane and to discuss the highs and lows of Logan Christmases past. From the best and worst gifts - including nipple tassels, dressing gowns, and unicycles - to food failures, and Santa spycams! As we look towards New Year they also reflect on the importance of Hogmanay in their household and ponder their new year's resolutions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TW: There are references to eating disorders in this episode. Psychotherapist and best-selling author, Julia Samuel, is back on the podcast for a festive special. Christmas is supposed to be a happy time of year, but despite our best intentions, it’s not always as simple as that! Between grief, heartbreak, illness, and challenging family dynamics, Christmas can be a difficult time to navigate. This is why Julia is back to respond to some of your questions and dilemmas and share some of the wisdom she’s gleaned from over 30 years’ worth of clinical experience.Together they discuss navigating your first Christmas after the death of a loved one; ways you can support someone who is grieving at this time of year; how to try to make the best of your last Christmas with someone who has a terminal illness; developing rituals - which Julia describes as habits with soul – which might help you manage triggers; why sometimes family issues such as favouritism are best discussed in January; and managing clashes of personality between your partner and your parents. Plus, why the turkey is almost certainly not going to be perfect! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Double GRAMMY award winner LeAnn Rimes dropped by to chat with Gabby this week about all the lessons she’s learned on her way to the midpoint. LeAnn opens up about surviving child stardom and how she ended up divorced and in rehab by the age of thirty; rebuilding her sense of self in the early stages of new romance; healing through music and finding her place within a blended family; and how middle age has bestowed on her more confidence than ever, plus a newfound passion for tennis! LeAnn will be back in the UK to finish her latest world tour at The London O2 on 8 May 2024. Personal Trainer and J7 Health Centre owner, Javeno Mclean, also joins Gabby to speak about how he is determined to help everyone – regardless of age or ability – to benefit from exercise. Disabled people travel far and wide to train with Javeno, but through social media he’s encouraging people around the world to reframe their thinking and focus on what people can do rather than what they can’t do. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TW: The episode contains references to suicide and depression, so please take care whilst listening. If you are affected by anything you hear in this episode, you can reach out to The Samaritans for free on 116 123.Journalist, broadcaster, and new host of University Challenge, Amol Rajan, is Gabby’s guest this week. Amol speaks very openly about how he’s recalibrating his sense of self since turning 40 and learning how to live with grief since his beloved father died. He also chats about his upbringing; how being raised by immigrant parents informed his sense of ambition, and why he thinks we should reclaim that word. They also discuss balancing work and parenting, and how being a father to a new-born again means that Amol is having to adjust what he calls “the hobs of life” – listen to find out exactly what that means! Alongside Amol, we also hear from host of the Financial Times’ Money Clinic Podcast, Claer Barrett, because what retirement looks like for a lot of midpointers is changing, and Claer has some advice on how to prepare financially for this. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TW: There are references to pregnancy loss and infertility in this episode.Presenter, producer, and journalist, Anna Richardson, joins Gabby this week to talk about everything from returning to education in your 50’s, to the lonely road of infertility; from how difficult yet vital it is to speak truth to power, to what a memory palace is! Beauty guru Nadine Baggott is also back with lots of beauty tips for our midlife skin, including what neck cream you really need - the answer might surprise you! For more anecdotes and wisdom from Anna, check out her podcast It Can't Just Be Me.Here are some useful links to products Nadine recommends in this episode:Retinal Serum, Geek and GorgeousRetinal Intensive Cream, Avène (USA)The Crystal Retinal Family, Medik8 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we have an expert taking centre stage! Psychosexual and Relationship Therapist and Psycho-Sexologist, Kate Moyle, is here to talk sex and intimacy. It’s something many people still struggle to talk about, but midlife can radically change the landscape when it comes to sex; certainly, when we asked The Mid.Pointers for questions to put to Kate, you delivered! In this episode, Kate tries her best to answer those questions on everything from libido imbalance to fetishes, pelvic floor strength to sex after parenthood. If you want to explore this topic further, get a copy of Kate’s book The Science of Sex: Every Question About Your Sex Life Answered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gabby is joined by one of the most recognisable names in the British restaurant world: Michelin Star chef, restaurateur, and broadcaster, Angela Hartnett OBE. Angela shares her experience of going through the menopause in somewhere as hot and pressurised as a top kitchen; how she’s learned in midlife that sometimes you need to ask for help; where her love of food comes from and why food and family are so intertwined; as well as the things she’s doing to ensure that she’s thriving when she is 90 years of age! Medical Scientist and Public Health Nutritionist, Dr Federica Amati, also joins to discuss the science behind her new book: Recipes For A Better Menopause. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WARNING: This episode contains strong language.Comedian, presenter, and author, Dara Ó Briain, joins Gabby to talk about how midlife is treating him; how it has expanded his comedy and allowed him to become more of a storyteller; and what it’s like touring alongside being a dad and getting usurped in popularity by their new dog. Co-author of Ravenous, Henry Dimbleby, also joins to discuss the state of our national food system and why it needs to radically change to protect our future health and the environment. But fear not, despite the severity of the outlook, Dara reassures that we’ll never run out of things to laugh about! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s guest has been compared with the Vicar of Dibley, and she doesn’t mind one bit! This week, the Reverend Kate Bottley brings all the warmth and humour that Dawn French’s character was famous for, and then some. Gabby and Kate discuss all the big topics in this episode: love, death, and skinny dipping! Professor Mike Tipton also joins them to talk about best practices for those who are new to wild swimming, and Kate shares why it’s the one hobby she has stuck with. Below are some links to studies Mike references in this episode:The Physiological Society - Cold water immersion: kill or cure?British Journal of Sports Medicine - Cold water therapies: minimising risksBMJ Case Reports - Open water swimming as a treatment for major depressive disorder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Property expert and broadcaster, Sarah Beeny, chats with Gabby this week about the opportunities that you can unlock in midlife, the joy of being a groupie mum, and the breast cancer diagnosis which she refuses to let define her. Sarah’s new book, The Simple Life: How I Found Home, charts her life through the properties she’s restored, renovated, and loved, and they discuss the importance of making a house a home. They also discuss all things property finance and pensions with host of the Financial Times' Money Clinic podcast and author of What They Don’t Teach You About Money, Claer Barrett.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gabby and Kenny get together for a wee debrief after completing Kenny Logan’s Rugby World Cup Challenge, in memory of their great friend Doddie Weir and in aid of My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. They talk about the highs and lows of the weeklong cycle-walk challenge, carrying the Ireland v Scotland Rugby World Cup match ball from Edinburgh to the game in Paris, as well as what it meant to them to meet so many people affected by Motor Neuron Disease along the way. You can still donate to this great cause by clicking here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Few former politicians have had successful reincarnations as television presenters, but Ed Balls is one of them. He joins Gabby to talk about how he is loving the so-called midlife crisis because it’s only really at the midpoint that he’s been able to say yes to the many things he would like to try – including famously, dancing on Strictly! Ed also discusses what raising a young family within the world of politics was like, the new podcast he's cohosting Political Currency, and Gabby gets his thoughts on how middle-aged women in particular could have a huge say in the next General Election. They also speak to psychiatrist and author of How To Build A Healthy Brain and Unprocessed, Kimberley Wilson, about the significance of diet and exercise on brain health and what we need to be doing in midlife to give ourselves the best chance against Dementia. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gabby’s guest this week is a comedian, writer, and TV presenter, and he’s also turning the midlife crisis on its head! For Lee Mack, the midlife crisis is more like the midlife question mark: a time when you question some of the ways you’ve been told to live. Lee shares why things like meditation, veganism, and sobriety, have become increasingly important to him at the midpoint, as well as why he loves time off more and more but would trade it all for a shot at playing football for FC Barcelona! Entrepreneur and behaviour change coach, Andy Ramage, also joins to talk about how he is helping people who want to take a break from drinking alcohol.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Presenter, author, and outdoor evangelist, Julia Bradbury, is with Gabby on the podcast this week. Julia talks about how her breast cancer diagnosis has had a profound effect on her midlife, and how it partly inspired her new book Walk Yourself Happy. As well as the power of walking, they discuss the other lifestyle habits which Julia researched for the book, such as nutrition and breathwork, and how this has informed changes in her own life. Determined to give herself the best fighting chance against cancer and secure her longevity, this is an uplifting reminder that we have agency over our own bodies even in the face of illness. Dr Caroline Leek, founder of Fruit Fly Collective, also joins to discuss how to talk to children about cancer and signposts valuable resources, such as Parenting With Cancer, which families can use when they receive a cancer diagnosis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trigger Warning: Miscarriage is discussed in this episode, so please take care whilst listening.We are finishing our mini-series featuring extraordinary people with inspiring stories to tell by hearing from former RAF fast jet pilot, Mandy Hickson.Mandy always dreamed of following in her grandfather’s footsteps and becoming a pilot, but in her early adulthood, this was simply not an option: women were not allowed to be pilots in the RAF. But as soon as that rule changed, there was no stopping Mandy! She became only the second female to fly a Tornado GR4 on the front line, and in her career, she completed 45 missions over Iraq and three duty tours.In this episode, Mandy speaks about how difficult it is to become a fighter pilot (regardless of gender), what it was like knowing she was a test case and how she overcame that, what the military taught her about unselfish behaviour and how there is always more to be gained from working as a team, as well as what it was like juggling being a mum with a high-pressure role in the air force, and the issues this still poses for female fast jet pilots today.Since leaving the RAF, Mandy has set up her own business and travels the country speaking at schools and businesses and sharing all she’s learned. Mandy has also published a memoir, An Officer Not A Gentleman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.