The term ‘midlife’ can make many of us uncomfortable due to its negative connotations and societal expectations. Midlife is also a stage of life that is often misunderstood and misrepresented in media and advertising.

Due to increased life expectancy, midlife has become a newly defined stage and in this episode, I am redefining midlife - exactly as the podcast says.

There have been several common themes throughout the 84 episodes of the Redefining Midlife Podcast so far and in today’s solo episode I would like to share with you 3 Essential Strategies to Thrive in Midlife. Research emphasises the critical importance of lifestyle habits during this phase and how implementing modest changes can yield significant health improvements.

The emotional rollercoaster of midlife can be like a tangled mess of wild emotions, ranging from ecstatic highs to abysmal lows and this can come as a huge surprise for many women. For this episode we have the pleasure of inviting Kirstin Bouse back to the podcast, a Clinical and Forensic Psychologist with nearly three decades of experience who specialises working with midlife women.

In this episode we meet Dr. Karen Coates, a leading holistic medical doctor and naturopathic physician. She shares insights on longevity medicine, lifestyle choices, and evidence-based healthcare. She co-authored How to Be Well, a Handbook for Women with Sharon Kolkka and her expertise has attracted the attention of Australia's highest profile celebrities and elite Olympic athletes.

Today we'll be discussing intuitive eating. Dr. Jen Salib Huber, is a registered dietitian & naturopathic doctor who helps women manage menopause without diets or food rules. During this transition, many women experience weight gain & body changes, influenced by society. Dr. Huber works to normalise that bodies change & aims to teach women to become intuitive eaters & build body confidence.

When I think of today's guest, Tania Jolley, the words that come to mind include self-belief, intelligence, tenacity, courage, and determination. An extraordinary woman who wears many hats - innovator, entrepreneur, wife, mother, and a fierce player in the beauty industry with her groundbreaking product, Lashes of Change. In our chat we find inspiration as she makes a positive impact on the world.

Since the start of the year, how many women have managed to stick to their resolutions? There are several common hurdles in achieving goals, such as lack of clarity, accountability, and fear of failure. In today’s short solo episode, I’m breaking those goals into actionable steps, and focusing on progress over perfection to achieve success.

Recently, I spoke at a conference to women in their forties to mid-sixties who were going through multiple transitions & feeling unprepared. They realised they had lost a sense of self & hadn't thought about what they wanted this stage of life to be like. That's why investing in personal development is necessary. Today we explore common barriers that may hold you back from exploring this further.

Today I have the pleasure of introducing my good friend Kirstie Smolenski. She is a multifaceted woman juggling various roles and pursuing new educational endeavours at 56. Her journey emphasises the importance of taking action, embracing change, and seizing opportunities for personal growth and reinvention. As you’ll hear in our chat, Kirstie continues to defy the expectations around her.

Step into the powerful story of Barb Mosslar, a woman who has risen above countless adversities throughout her life. Her journey is one of incredible transformation & resilience, as she has overcome challenges that could have easily held her back. The Barb Mosslar we meet in this episode is a very different woman to the one from her younger years. Listen in as Barb shares many remarkable stories.

Women in midlife are seeking a life full of energy, both now and into the future. We lead busy lives and often it can be hard to make time for healthy habits. In today’s episode we’re diving into the fascinating world of habits, in particular, micro-habits. I can honestly say, adding micro-habits into my day over time changed my life and it's changing the lives of the women that I coach & mentor.

For as long as this podcast has lived, I have dreamed of this show being a place where everyday women in this stage of life can also feel seen and heard. And today I have the pleasure of introducing you to Michelle Parsonage, who also has a podcast very similar to this one. As you listen to her story, you might hear parts of Michelle's background story and find that they might be similar to yours.

By the time you get to midlife, us women have gone through some sort of hardship, adversity & difficult times and Kat Finnerty has certainly had her fair share. When she was diagnosed with MS at 24 and given a prognosis that she would be wheelchair-bound by 40 she refused to let her disease define her. Against all odds, Kat managed to cure her "incurable" disease & that is only part of her story.

In today’s solo episode I’m exploring big transitions, specifically when entering the empty nest stage. Every single major life stage or transition that your child enters also means that you have one as well. I've experienced them all firsthand, so I know that they can be incredibly difficult and emotional. Tune in as I share my strategies that have supported me through these transitions.

Today I have Jane Bards, a dedicated psychologist, working in private practice, where she employs a holistic & neuro affirming approach to therapy. Her therapeutic style combines evidence-based practices with a deep understanding of individual needs, fostering personal growth & resilience. Jane has completed additional study in perinatal psychology & is a Circle of Security Parenting facilitator.

Jo Harvey brings vibrancy & energy to this conversation which flows into a smile. Jo is candid, refreshingly honest and generously shares her own ups and downs throughout her life. After a career in publishing, Jo established 50sowhat, a community for like-minded and the young-at-heart where you can celebrate being as relevant, hip, and cool as the first time you slipped on a pair of skinny jeans.

I'm beyond thrilled to have one of the world's leading researchers in this area on the podcast. Belinda Beck is a Professor of Exercise Science at Griffith University Gold Coast, QLD and the Menzies Health Institute Queensland. The changes in hormones due to the menopause transition and getting older has a huge impact on bone health and osteopenia and osteoporosis are important topics to consider.

Today I’m revisiting episode 19 which talks about the power of a word for the year. This has helped me to be more intentional about my thoughts and my actions. If you’re feeling the need for a change, or you’re wanting to improve something, a great way to go into a brand spanking new year is to have a focus word.

In today's episode, we're delving into a topic that strikes a chord with many women—navigating the complexities of the festive season. Beyond the glittering lights and holiday cheer, this time of year can bring unique challenges, stress, and heightened expectations. Joining us for this insightful discussion is Kirsten Bouse, a clinical and forensic psychologist with nearly 3 decades of experience.

Last week we were joined by the amazing Bev Williams-Krause and uncovered more stories that I thought possible. We are back for part two and in this episode we chat about:

Feeling confident about our bodies in midlife, her immigration to Australia, Surgically induced menopause at 40 and ongoing challenges with HRT and her breast implant journey.