The Mid•Point with Gabby Logan

Trigger Warning: This week's episode contains a conversation about the loss of a child.This is the second instalment of our special mini-series focusing on extraordinary people with remarkable stories to share. Gabby was inspired to break away from the usual roster of celebrities and experts, and instead spotlight ordinary people who have real insight when it comes to overcoming adversity; Fiona Spargo-Mabbs has exactly that.In 2014, Fiona’s worst nightmare became a reality when a police officer stood on her doorstep in the early hours of the morning and informed her that her youngest son, Dan, was in intensive care. This was the start of the worst few days of her life, as specialists raced against time to counter the effects of an extremely strong dose of MDMA (ecstasy) which Dan had consumed whilst at a rave with his friends. All of them had taken the drug, but Dan had been the one who had unknowingly taken the dose which was twelve times stronger than had caused deaths in the past.Dan never came home, and in the years since, Fiona has had to come to terms with her family’s new reality. She talks about this, and how she and her husband, Tim, have thrown themselves into making sure that teenagers and parents have the drug education they need in order to avoid any other young person dying needlessly. You can find out more about The Daniel Spargo-Mabbs Foundation here, and purchase Fiona’s book I Wish I’d Known here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This month, Gabby presents a special mini-series focusing on extraordinary people with remarkable stories to share. The Oprah Winfrey Show was formative viewing for Gabby, and having rediscovered its early episodes, she was inspired to break away from the usual roster of celebrities and experts and instead spotlight ordinary people who have shown remarkable strength of character and overcome adversity. Over the course of the next three episodes you'll hear three very different stories, but all of them will leave you feeling inspired.We’re kicking off the series with a power couple; Ed and Lois Jackson. Back in 2017, Ed was enjoying his career as a professional rugby player and he and Lois were looking forward to their upcoming nuptials, but a split-second misjudgement at a barbecue changed the trajectory of both of their lives forever. Ed suffered an almost catastrophic spinal cord injury and was lucky to survive the accident. They speak about what it was like being told that he would never walk again, and Ed’s extraordinary reaction to that news. We hear how they have navigated the highs and lows of the last six years, how Ed went from being paralysed in all four limbs to climbing Yr Wyddfa/ Snowdon in 12 months, and how reframing and gratitude helped them to find a greater purpose and form their charity Millimetres 2 Mountains. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To round out our series of summer specials, we’ve combed the archive for some of the most insightful chats we’ve had about the menopause. There are a myriad of symptoms associated with menopause and it manifests differently for everyone, so it’s important we continue to talk about it and to share helpful tips that make this stage of life a little easier to navigate. In this episode, you’ll hear from writer Lorraine Candy, model Penny Lancaster, MP Carolyn Harris who campaigned to make HRT more affordable for women in England, TV presenters Davina McCall and Lorraine Kelly, plus functional nutritionist Pippa Campbell, who explains why our body shape may change as we go through the menopause. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the second of our special compilation episodes this summer; perfect for you to dip in and out of on your holidays, or to accompany you on any long journeys. This week we’re focusing on a topic that comes up a lot on The Mid.Point: relationships. Be they romantic, familial, or purely platonic, they can often take on a new importance when navigating midlife. Like everything, relationships change and evolve over time and sometimes they no longer serve us by the midpoint, hence why many people find themselves navigating the end of a significant partnership or friendship at this time of life. However, scientific research suggests that there are anti-ageing properties bound up in social interactions and a sense of community, so it’s vitally important that we keep making friendships throughout our lives. But it can be hard to put yourself out there, especially when it comes to dating. These are all aspects that our wonderful guests - Elizabeth Day, Phil Neville, Rob Rinder, Jane Fallon, Kelly Cates, Kirsty Gallacher, Kenny Logan, sobriety advocate Matt Pink, and Professor Rose Anne Kenny – all touch on in this week’s episode.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

School’s out, and so is the rule book! This summer we’re bringing you a special mini-series which takes you on a trip through the archive, showcasing the best snippets from our vast and varied line up of guests. Each week we’ll be focusing on a topic that’s particularly pertinent to those of us at the midpoint, and this week we’re celebrating the joys of getting older. There’s still a pervading sense of pessimism when it comes to the mainstream narrative on ageing, but the chats on this podcast over the last three years have proved that most midlifers are anything but! Celebrities and experts all agree that there are so many good things that come with midlife. In this episode, you’ll hear the likes of Sharleen Spiteri, Colin Murray, Edith Bowman, Trevor Nelson, Zoe Lyons, Nihal Arthanayake, Phil Neville, Olivia Williams, and fitness expert, James Smith, being positively old! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author of It’s Not A Diet and founder of supplement brand Will Powder,  Davinia Taylor, is here to explain the principles behind her new book Hack Your Hormones. You may well remember Davinia from her days as an actress on Hollyoaks and being a renowned party girl in the 90’s - painting London red with The Primrose Set! But gone are those hedonistic days, and in the last 14 years, Davinia has learned lots from her own journey from alcoholic to wellness advocate. She talks to Gabby all about biohacking, and ways you can support and stimulate certain hormones such as dopamine, to get the best out of your mind and body. They also discuss ways to optimise and track your sleep, and the things to avoid in the ingredient lists of many household foods. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

By its very nature, this expert episode on grief is raw and emotional, and some tears were shed in the making of it. But Psychotherapist, best-selling author, and podcaster, Julia Samuel, is here to guide us through the many shades of grief; something which impacts all our lives in one way or another and particularly in midlife. Julia very generously answers your questions on everything from practical ways to support loved ones who are grieving, dealing with living losses such as divorce, and visualisation techniques which can help to stop you from ruminating on the “what if’s” that come with a loss which is open-ended or without conclusion. Alongside her practical advice, Julia also speaks about some of the fundamentals when it comes to bereavement; why grieving always takes longer than anyone wants, the power of walking and talking, the compounding effect of multiple losses, and how grieving together helps us to build strong familial bonds.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Comedian, radio presenter, and brand-new host of The Late Late Show, Patrick Kielty, is reaching new heights at the midpoint! Not only does he bring the laughs this week but he also brings the wisdom, including the importance of creating opportunities for yourself, how not to prepare for the London Marathon, and why you must make sure the material at your wake is good! Patrick also explains how one drunk phone call from a pub car park in rural Ireland turned into a life in LA, getting married to Cat Deeley, and the birth of their two children. Gabby also reunites Patrick with physical activity expert and celebrity trainer, Professor Greg Whyte OBE, who speaks about the importance of movement and strength training as we get older - Guinness less so, sorry Paddy.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Full disclosure: this episode is highly likely to make you hungry! Gabby is joined by one of the most revered chefs in the country, MasterChef: The Professionals judge and Mere Restaurant chef owner, Monica Galetti. Monica grew up in Samoa imbibing the food centric culture there, before travelling to New Zealand to train as a chef and landing in the UK in Chef Michel Roux Jr’s Michelin kitchen! After juggling competing priorities for many years, pressures on her business and her family meant Monica had to step back from MasterChef last year. Monica explains what she learned in that time, and how she’s now finding the joy in what she does again. Monica also talks about finding her "fit crew" and feeling more confident than ever in the gym, the importance of a happy kitchen, as well as her beloved “boys” – her three dogs! Sporting Director, Calvin Mudd, also joins to explain what Canicross is and why it might be you and your canine companion’s new favourite form of exercise.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’ve got another expert episode for you, and this time we’re tackling a subject that’s been making the headlines of late… AI! We’ve all heard about it, but what do most of us really know about artificial intelligence beyond the scary stories? How is it going to change our everyday lives, and how prevalent is it already? Gabby is putting all your questions to tech journalist and AI commentator, Lara Lewington. Lara has presented and reported for the BBC’s flagship technology programme, Click, since 2011, and she recently made A Documentary: By ChatGPT for BBC Radio 4. Lara explains some of the pitfalls of AI, as well as some of the ways we might be able to use it to our advantage when it comes to things like healthcare, drug discovery, and policing social media. She also explains what data is harvested from us already (often unknowingly), and how personal data trackers are being used to help prevent illnesses and increase longevity – things which are all made possible by AI.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s been an interesting career trajectory for TV presenter, Alex Jones; from having Davina McCall invigilate her university exams whilst competing on a reality TV show, to broadcasting to millions every night hosting BBC’s The One Show. But there is always more to a story like this than meets the eye… And there is a reason Alex has remained at the helm of the weeknight show for the last 12 years. Now at 46 years old, we find out what she’s learned en route to the midpoint and how she balances work with being mother to three children under six years old! Alex’s youthful outlook on life shines through her wealth of hilarious anecdotes, from bartering for directions with paparazzi to bargaining with Chris Evans over chips and champagne. They are also joined by Uju Asika, writer of Raising Boys To Do Better, to talk about how we can support boys navigating the modern world and offer practical tips on how to bring up kind children in an oftentimes prejudiced world.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From the U.N.’s International Court of Justice to the bejeweled Strictly ballroom at Blackpool, this week’s guest’s journey to the midpoint has been quite an extraordinary one. Gabby chats with barrister and broadcaster Rob Rinder MBE, ahead of the release of his debut novel The Trial. They talk about everything from why it’s important that we keep in mind the myriad of human reasons why people behave in the way they do, how forgiveness is sacred but is not the same as forgetting and how Rob lives in forgiveness even though his family were victims of the Holocaust, to why he can’t bear the “farting smugness” of some yoga classes and why he will forever be a match-maker and a romantic! Psychotherapist and best-selling author, Julia Samuel, also joins to offer an expert view on inherited trauma and behaviours, and practical ways to help you deal with that – which is the focus of her latest book Every Family Has A Story. Julia mentions the work of Charles Duhigg around habit forming and you can find out more about his work here. The latest of Rob’s factual series, The Holyland and Us - Our Untold Stories, is also still available to watch on BBC iPlayer.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the interests of fairness - and keeping everyone in the family happy - Gabby’s son Reuben joins her on the podcast this week, ahead of leaving home to begin his professional career as a rugby player. It’s a very open discussion about what it means to be a teenage boy in the modern world, including Reuben’s take on masculinity and whether toxic influencers online actually have any influence at all. They also speak about how Reuben dealt with anxiety and the pressures of school, being added to the club WhatsApp group and preparing to enter a professional workplace for the first time, as well as what it’s like being mum to a sporty child – and the ways they (inevitably) find you annoying!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s guest is usually the one asking the questions, more accustomed to interviewing some of the world’s biggest R&B stars, but today it’s his turn to come up with the answers! Gabby is joined by critically acclaimed radio host and DJ Trevor Nelson MBE, to talk about how he’s feeling about life on the cusp of his 60th birthday. Trevor talks about the power of saying no, the secret to longevity in an industry that’s preoccupied with youth, enjoying the simple things in life and why he is absolutely a dog person! Sarah Gilchrist from Gilchrist Performance also joins to talk about how you can optimise sleep and recovery when – like Trevor – you don’t work a traditional 9-5.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kenny joins Gabby on the anniversary of his Prostatectomy to talk about how the diagnosis affected him and the changes his body has gone through in the year since his operation. It’s also a frank and honest chat about how the couple have navigated this together – and yes, there is quite a lot of chat about erectile function! They also discuss the fear of saying the wrong thing in today’s world, how signing up to challenges can really help to keep you motivated around the 50 mark, and a rather memorable holiday story involving one delirious Kenny and a thermometer!If you or someone you know have recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer, you might like to listen back to the special episode Gabby and Kenny recorded alongside Kenny’s Consultant Urologist, Declan Cahill. If you want to know more about Declan Cahill's work you will find his website here, and Prostate Cancer UK has some very useful links and resources, too. Crucially, like many men, Kenny did not experience any symptoms before his diagnosis and sadly we know that 1 man dies of prostate cancer every 45 minutes, so if you or someone close to you wants to get checked, ask your GP for a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) and urine test - two simple tests that save lives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Journalist, podcaster, and former Editor in Chief, Lorraine Candy, spent her career writing for and about women in some of the nation’s best-known publications, but when she started experiencing what she calls her “physical and emotional unraveling”, she had no idea that what she was experiencing was in fact the perimenopause. Now, Lorraine is on a mission to share all that she’s learned about the menopause, to ensure that no woman feels alone or ashamed if their minds and bodies begin to change, and her new book What’s Wrong With Me? 101 Things Midlife Women Need to Know is out this week. Gabby and Lorraine also speak with warmth and humour about issues that impact all midpointers, such as dealing with living losses, finding a new sense of identity, as well as the many upsides of midlife! Life coach, Ed Haddon, is also on hand to discuss how coaching can be a great way of re-establishing your purpose in midlife.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The gut is often referred to as ‘the second brain’ and Dr Megan Rossi is here to tell us why! Megan - aka The Gut Health Doctor - is here to shine a light on our gut microbiome’s incredible potential, a fascinating and relatively new area of scientific research which Dr Rossi has dedicated her career to. She talks about how the brain and the gut interact and why paying attention to the health of your gut microbiome can positively affect your mental health, not only that, but you can also increase your gut’s ability to recycle oestrogen by eating certain foods – an important note for women in midlife. Megan is also here to break down some of the myths around carbs, gluten, and food intolerances - including how to reintroduce important prebiotic foods you thought didn’t agree with you - and we also put your questions to Megan. Plus, if you’re a frequent flyer, be sure to listen to the end for top tips on how to avoid Mile High IBS! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re keeping it in the family this week, with Gabby’s daughter Lois Logan joining her to talk about something that many teenagers (and parents) will be dealing with right now: leaving school and revising for exams! Lois and Gabby also discuss their different perspectives on things like beauty standards on social media, the moment your children become teenagers and no longer want to spend as much time with you, and what it’s like seeing your mum go through the menopause just as your hormones kick into life. Lois might be the youngest guest ever on The Mid.Point, but she certainly has plenty of insight to share.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Gabby takes a deep dive into the biology of ageing with Professor Rose Anne Kenny. Professor Kenny is a physician, researcher, and the founding principal investigator of The Irish LongituDinal study on Ageing. Rose Anne is also a best-selling author, and Gabby has read her book - Age Proof: The New Science of Living a Longer and Healthier Life - cover to cover! They discuss key topics from her research, including what epigenetics are and how we can influence them and our biological ageing, the commonalities that people living in the so-called Blue Zones have and what this teaches us about how to live long and healthy lives, and how research shows it’s never too late to make a difference to how you’re ageing on the inside. Professor Kenny also answers your questions on everything from supplements and exercise, to how much we should eat as we get older.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Despite still being in her thirties, Olympic gold medallist and British sporting icon, Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to navigating big transitions in life. Having retired from professional sport in 2016, Jess talks about how she had been so focused on being the best heptathlete she could be, that despite being happy to retire, she had no plan B when the time came. However, motherhood had set her on a journey to learning more about the significance of hormonal cycles and changes, and from this a new passion was born! Jess speaks about how she's determined to help women unlock their performance goals and understand more about their bodies, and GP and menopause specialist Dr Louise Newson also joins to discuss the hormonal changes that can occur particularly in midlife. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gabby welcomes broadcaster and writer, Adrian Chiles, to the podcast room! Adrian speaks with his usual candour about how getting his dream job set him on a path of self-reflection, resulting in newfound religion and a midlife diagnosis of ADHD. Adrian also challenges society’s perception of what alcoholism is, and shares some of what he’s learned from writing his book The Good Drinker. We also hear from Matt Pink, Co founder of the Dryy app, about his decision to adopt an alcohol free life and how he’s helping other people to reevaluate their relationship with alcohol.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s not every day you get to chat to a Hollywood actress, but this week, Gabby does exactly that! Olivia Williams has starred in some hugely successful films, such as Sixth Sense, Rushmore and The Heart of Me. She has rubbed shoulders with some of the biggest names in the business, and yet she has managed to retain a certain level of anonymity which has enabled her to enjoy her family life. She speaks about the double-edged nature of fame when you’re an actress, the importance of not caring, and of course, what it is like to be playing The Queen Consort in The Crown. Olivia also speaks very openly about living with cancer following her diagnosis in 2018, and through sharing her own experience, she explains exactly why early detection is so important. Functional Nutrition and Weight Loss Practitioner, Pippa Campbell, also gives her thoughts on eating the right foods for your metabolic type, something she fully explores in her book Eat Right Lose Weight.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kenny joins Gabby for another special episode this week! The couple come together to talk about the prospect of their soon to be empty nest and how best to prepare for it, as well as how to support your children through tough exam periods. Gabby also puts your questions to Kenny, and they discuss everything from each other’s pet peeves to what lessons their children are teaching them about life!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s guest is not (quite!) at the midpoint of life yet, but as a retired sportsperson, James Haskell has already experienced many things we go through in midlife.It’s sometimes said that sportspeople have two deaths, but if anything, James has just had multiple rebirths. Since retiring from rugby, he’s tried his hand at many things and is now a successful podcaster, author, and DJ. Given that he is knowledgeable on such a wide range of topics, Gabby puts your questions to him as today’s “expert” – although he prefers “Agony Aunt” as a title! He shares his thoughts on everything from fitness to mental health, physical recovery to career change. James’ latest book Approach Without Caution: The 5-Step Plan to Take Control of Your Life is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Writer and host of the very successful podcast How To Fail, Elizabeth Day, has come very close to turning failure into an academic discipline! And she is sharing all she has learned with Gabby this week. Elizabeth’s podcasts and books have helped to reshape the language around failure and now she is hoping to do the same with friendship, starting with her new book Friendaholic: Confessions of a Friendship Addict. As you'll hear, it turns out that the mid point is a great time to take stock of your friend inventory! Elizabeth does also discuss how she is coming to terms with infertility in midlife, so please take care whilst listening. Nutritionist and author, Rhiannon Lambert, is also here to discuss how our gut microbiome changes in midlife and ways we can mitigate negative side effects such as bloating.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Strictly dancer and now judge, Anton Du Beke, chats to Gabby about show business and the importance of honing your craft, why he couldn’t have imagined being a dad before he was fifty, and of course, what Strictly has taught him about women in their midlife! Former Olympian and Physical Activity Expert , Professor Greg Whyte, is also on the podcast to talk about “the bare minimum” when it comes to movement, and how it might be more than you think… Fear not, Greg has plenty of tips for how we can incorporate more exercise into our daily lives! You can find out more about Greg’s work here.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We have a new addition to The Mid•Point podcast! We are letting experts take centre stage in a new topic-led strand to educate us in a series of episodes on subjects that are of particular interest to midlifers.For this first one, Gabby is joined by health and beauty journalist Nadine Baggott, who is here to answer all your questions on anything from dry pre-menopausal skin to the pro’s and cons of botox, from hair loss hacks to which five products middle-aged people should invest in without breaking the bank. Nadine also talks about how over time she has come to embrace her face and body for all that it is, and see beauty as a more holistic enterprise which starts from within.You can find more tips plus product and treatment reviews on Nadine’s Youtube channel and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kenny Logan and Kirsty Gallacher join Gabby for a special bonus episode, focusing on special friendships – special, but not that special you understand! Gabby and Kirsty have been best friends since before Gabby and Kenny became an item, and so Kenny explains how he felt he joined their relationship and not the other way around. They try to get to the bottom of why some people’s partners are closer to some friends than others, and the importance of trust and respect in any friendship but particularly in midlife. Things take a slightly strange turn when throuples are discussed and we hear an awful lot about one particular pair of Wimbledon boxer shorts, but do listen out for Kirsty’s wonderful impressions of Kenny! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s guest is a sports presenter, broadcaster and fitness fanatic who Gabby knows very well. In fact, they've known each other for over 25 years and Gabby is godmother to one of her sons! In this frank and honest chat, Kirsty Gallacher talks to Gabby about dating in later life and the pros and cons of dating apps. They discuss why a lot of people lose their confidence after a break up, and Kirsty opens up about the struggles she had after her divorce, which were laid bare for all the country to see. Gabby and Kirsty are also joined by relationship expert, Annabelle Knight, who gives some sage advice for anyone looking to get back into dating in midlife. The key might just be to pick up the phone... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s guest has had two very successful careers to date, firstly as a footballer and secondly as a TV presenter, who has hosted BBC’s Match of the Day for the last 24 years! So, you could say that Gary Lineker knows a thing or two about adapting to changes that the rolling years can bring. He speaks about the contentment he has found in solitude as he gets older, and why sometimes a canine friend is all you need. At the midpoint, Gary also found a new passion for cooking – although he reveals why he won’t be cooking on our screens any time soon! – and became more vocal and politically engaged on Twitter which led to some very positive experiences, primarily welcoming refugees into his home. We also have hair expert Michael Douglas back on the podcast, to give some tips to both men and women who might be struggling with hair loss in midlife. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Comedian, Zoe Lyons, has learned some midlife lessons the hard way, after going through what she describes as a “pretty blokey” midlife crisis. Thankfully, she is out the other side – two sports cars lighter! – and Zoe shares all she learned from that experience with us on this week’s podcast.From making a success of her career in the brutal world of comedy to the grief and relief she feels for our body as she navigates midlife, from the gutsy confidence of chin hair to menopause rage, and why developing alopecia at 50 finally made her “grow up” – Gabby and Zoe discuss it all!   They are also joined by Menopause Fitness Coach, Kate Rowe-Ham, to talk about how alcohol hits differently in midlife and what benefits can be felt from forming new habits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Mid•Point is back! In this special episode, Gabby is joined by her husband, Kenny, to bring you a flavour of what’s to come in Series 7, which will be dropping into your feeds from Wednesday, 22 February. Former international rugby player, Kenny, got a taste for the podcast game when he featured on The Prostate Episode, but that’s not what he joins Gabby to discuss this week. The Logans take a light-hearted look back on the week, including Kenny’s beloved Scotland’s achievements in the Six Nations rugby championship, Gabby’s late night escapades in Edinburgh, how Kenny has come to terms with his dyslexia, and what Valentine’s Day means for those in long-term relationships – including tales of how Kenny wooed Gabby back in 1999!Please get in touch via The Mid Pointers facebook group if you have any relationship or family dilemmas that you’d like Gabby and Kenny to discuss in future episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Saturday night telly, sports coverage and breakfast on Good Morning Britain, Ben Shephard has truly done it all. He tells Gabby about his current training plan and remembers turning up to a dance audition in a pair of dirty rugby shorts. He also considers what makes a happy, long-lasting marriage.  Gabby and Ben are also joined by the mentor, coach and charity fundraiser Ivan Hollingsworth - one of 25 inspiring people from Ben's forthcoming book 'Humble Heroes.'  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A stalwart of the stand-up circuit and renowned actor, Kerry Godliman has a CV that many would envy.Kerry tells Gabby about how doing stand-up can feel like having a superpower. She talks about being comfortable in her skin as a mid-life performer, and about losing the ‘bolshy’ approach with which she manoeuvred the male-dominated world of comedy in the 1990’s.Gabby is also joined by Dr Julia Jones. A self described 'smart-wellness' expert, Dr Julia practises a number of bio-hacks in order to help people live healthier for longer. Gabby and Dr Julia discuss the benefits of fostering a healthy gut biome, fasting, music and cold water immersion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

He’s been on our screens since 1998, and Presenter Vernon Kay is still keeping us company. Vernon tells Gabby how he found himself on TV after an initial modelling career. They discuss the highs and lows of the digital age, how he first came to know about the menopause whilst he was working as a school caretaker and how ‘contentment’ could be the ultimate goal. Gabby and Vernon are also joined by James Boardman a.k.a. ’The Man Coach’ - a former Sergeant Royal Marine Commando who strives to help men lead fulfilling lives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Having been a regular on our screen for so many years, Kate Silverton has achieved the thing so many of us are scared to do: change career in midlife. Gabby and Kate discuss the sense of purpose she now has from her new job, having children later in life and the value of compassion in parenting.Gabby is also joined by Dr Sara Matthews to discuss the menopause, HRT, and what is being done to break down the stigma that surrounds them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With a career that spans nearly 4 decades, Jo Whiley has many stories to share.Gabby and Jo discuss how her love of music led her to an incredible career and also a marriage that has lasted over 30 years, plus they talk about how she tackled the negative reporting around her BBC Drivetime show and how her sister has always kept her grounded.Gabby is also joined by Kate Rowe-Ham a menopause coach and founder of @owningyourmenopause, to speak about the importance of exercise.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After spending 12 years in prison for crimes he did not commit, presenter and British broadcast journalist Raphael Rowe has since paved a way for himself and reclaimed his life by dedicating his career to shining a light on the prison system and miscarriages of justice.Gabby and Raphael discuss how prison made him the man he is today, how he remained focussed and determined during his time in prison as well as what it has been like building relationships, raising a family and learning to trust people again.Gabby is also joined by Ted Rosner, co-founder of Redemption Roasters, a prison-based coffee roastery, to speak about the importance of providing employment opportunities for ex-offenders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Getting out of her comfort zone is less and less appealing for author and television producer Jane Fallon; she is much happier doing the things that make her happy. Gabby and Jane discuss the stigma around the menopause, her journey into published written work and how that her career in television has allowed her to write such gripping books. Jane Fallon is well known for being a producer on BBC's Eastenders, and more recently for her super toned arms along with her array of incredible novels including: Faking Friends, Getting Rid of Matthew and Worst Idea Ever. Gabby is also joined by Yoga teacher and Life coach Mia Togo High, to shine a light on the importance of movement in our day to day lives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As he gets and older, and possibly wiser (which he debates), award-winning comedian, actor, writer, television presenter and author, Matt Lucas  reflects on how his father's death at the age of 52 inspired him on to embark on a weight loss journey, how his friendships have ebbed and flowed over the years as well as the twists and turns of his career that have lead him to where he is today.Matt is best known for his work on BBC sketch comedy series Little Britain and Come Fly With Me, as well as blockbuster hits such as Alice in Wonderland and Bridesmaids. He has been a staple in many of our lives, making us laugh and bringing joy to our hearts.Gabby is also joined by High Performance Consultant and sleep expert, Sarah Gilchrist of Gilchrist Performance, to shine a light on the importance of sleep health in mid-life and healthy sleep habits to implement to live a happy and balanced life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Midpoint is back and in this very special episode, we’re starting with a story close to Gabby’s heart. In a series of candid conversations between Gabby and her husband Kenny, together they chart his journey with prostate cancer.From shocking diagnosis to surgery finally, recovery, you'll join them at each stage hearing the pre-op jitters, the challenges faced afterwards and the answer to that critical question: how's the sex life?On the way, they meet Kenny's consultant Urologist, Declan Cahill who explains what's really going on in the prostate and the operating theatre. He also debunks some of the biggest myths surrounding the third biggest cancer killer in the UK.It's National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and we know that 1 man dies of prostate cancer every 45 minutes. If you, or someone close to you, wants to get checked, ask your GP for a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) and urine test. Two simple tests that save lives.For more information, head over to www.prostatecanceruk.org. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After humble beginngs in Northern Ireland and difficulty at school, Colin Murray's success was not a given. But his driving work ethic, intelligence and passion have delivered him to dizzying heights. Throughout the 1990's he slid from the news room into music journalism, eventually finding himself on BBC Radio 1, where he broadcast to the nation for a decade. In 2003, he jumped onto our screens as one of the hosts of the breakfast show RI:SE on Channel 4 and, over time, became one of the go-to voices and youth of music, TV, and radio. Since then he's moved to BBC Radio 5Live, and showcased a deep love and knowledge for sport, presenting for Match of The Day 2, Talk Sport and, of course, on his fantastic show, 'Fighting Talk' which he presents every Saturday morning at 11 o'clock. It's clear that his career has blossomed, but he's chosen not to have a family or children. Now, at 45, is that a choice he still stands by? Are the physical changes of midlife breaking his stride? And how has he mellowed in his approach to life as a whole? We also hear from Alexis Willis, author of How Much Brain Do We Really Need? who explains what we can do to develop and protect our brain health, into midlife and beyond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Martin Lewis. A man who spent a lifetime championing the consumer. As a financial journalist, he started a newsletter which grew and grew into the behemoth that is MoneySavingExpert.com. In 2012 he sold it for a purported £87 million, which makes Martin a very wealthy man; yet his passion for taking on the underdog and fighting for consumer rights has not dimmed. A joyful and energetic man with a passion for his work and his family, but how have his achievements shaped his midlife? Could he ever conceive of slowing things down? And is his game affected by those emerging aches and pains? Gabby is also joined by no-nonsense personal trainer and fitness guru, James Smith to demystify exercise, midlife, conficence and the menopause. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mary Portas is not afraid of change and is never short of new ideas. An innovative bussiness woman, she transformed Harvey Nichols into a global fashion brand in the 90's and has graced our screens and our bookshelves in the two decades since. She's advised governments and developed clothing lines of her own. But now, at 61, how does she feel about the Mary underneath all of this? Is she afraid of slowing down? Or does parenting Horatio, who's just 9 years old, keep her feeling energised? Mary reflects on the importance of following your heart, and fixing her broken sleep pattern. We also hear from Nick Littlehales, who tells us how to create the ideal conditions for mental recovery and preparing for sleep. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patrice Evra, a hero to many both on and off the pitch. Described as the best left-back in Europe by Fergie, for years his leadership and passion helped bring Manchester United and the French national team to cup glory. But Patrice has battled through poverty, sexual abuse and homelessness to get to where he is. Now, at nearly 41, Patrice reflects on the boy he left behind and the man he has become. We also hear from Dr Nerina Ramlakhan, who helps us understand how to switch off and appreciate the present moment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlene White is best known for presenting ITV News and making us laugh on Loose Women. This week she reveals some of the things she wishes she'd known about earlier. Together they explore the missed signs and signals of her mum’s menopause, what it’s like to parent younger children as we slow down in midlife, and temping her parent’s expectations when she had a family later than they would have liked. Gabby is also joined by Dr Dawn from Embarrassing Bodies who tells us the tell-tale of signs sexual dysfunction and what we can do to fix it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tamzin Outhwaite may be best known for her role as Mel Owen on EastEnders but has never been defined by it. Her work ethic and strength of character has led her to pull focus on so many shows - Red Cap, Hustle, Hotel Babylon, The Fixer, Silent Witness, Law & Order UK, the list goes on. Away from the studios, she’s also graced the stage, performing in Grease, Oliver, Stepping out and, of course, Sweet Charity. In this episode Gabby and Tamzin discuss their meeting in the most unlikely of places, and explore how they deal with judgement, challenge, and change. Tamzin reflects on what she’s missed in life, and, crucially, what she’s got now. They are also joined by award-winning life coach Simon Alexander Ong who explains how to manage our energy levels and use that knowledge to make our lives fuller. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2001 Will Young was crowned winner of Pop Idol. His debut single ‘Evergreen’ became the fastest selling in UK history and he became a star overnight. After eight albums, three books, award-winning stage shows, and a very popular podcast Will’s star power has not waned, but his personal life is transformed. Now 43, he’s overcome addiction, battled with PTSD, stood up for the rights of others and, in a crushing blow, mourned the death of his brother Rupert. So what does peace mean to Will now? Does he miss the fast pace of pop stardom? And how does he care for himself when things get tough? Gabby and Will are also joined by nutritionist Nicola Moore who explains how rewiring our brains can reset our relationship to food. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gabby Logan is middle aged and unashamed. But what does it mean to reach the halfway stage? Because things are changing; emotionally, physically, mentally. And with that our expectations, priorities, ambitions, and dreams rightly shift too. In the fifth season of The MidPoint you'll hear how Emily Dean, Will Young, Tamzin Outhwaite, Patrice Evra and so many others, are navigating this transitional point in their lives. Now's the perfect time to hit subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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