In this episode, Emma welcomes Jane Moffett, a coach and author who specializes in helping women navigate the transitions in their careers and lives. Jane is the founder and director of Kangaroo Coaching, a company that works with organisations who are committed to creating progressive workplace cultures. She runs coaching programmes for new parent employees and their line managers, offers 1:1 and group coaching, and is a researcher and writer. Her most recent work is with women who are navigating their way out of work and into their next stage of life. She regularly runs her ‘Empowered Women’ courses aimed at the late-career stage, and her book ‘What next? The savvy woman’s guide to redefining retirement’ is out on 9th September.

• Postmenopausal Zest: coined by Margaret Mead, this concept refers to a renewed sense of purpose and clarity that many women experience after menopause. Jane emphasizes the importance of authenticity during this stage, encouraging women to pursue what truly lights them up.
• The Third Stage of Women’s Careers: This stage is characterized by a shift from “work you need to do” to “work you want to do.” Jane highlights the importance of leveraging past experiences and networks when transitioning into new ventures.
• Entrepreneurship Among Women: The fastest-growing cohort of entrepreneurs is women in their fifties. Jane encourages bravery and proactivity, urging women to draw on their strengths and reach out to their networks.
• Navigating Empty Nest Syndrome: Acknowledging the psychological transition when children leave home can help women focus on their own identities and aspirations.
• Investing in Intangible Assets: Jane discusses the concept of investing in productive, vitality, and transformational assets to enhance longevity and fulfilment in life. Self-knowledge and community involvement are crucial for successful transformation.
• Finding Purpose: The Japanese concept of "Ikigai" is introduced as a framework for finding purpose by combining what you love, what you’re good at, and what contributes to others. Jane shares practical exercises like free writing to help individuals discover their purpose.
• The Gender Pension Gap: Women often retire with significantly less in pension savings compared to men, primarily due to salary disparities and career breaks. Jane stresses the importance of considering pension wealth in life planning, especially during major life transitions like divorce.
• Redefining Retirement: The traditional binary view of work and retirement is evolving; people are exploring varied paths that may include part-time work, entrepreneurship, or new hobbies. Planning for retirement should focus on creating a fulfilling and personalized experience.

• Jane’s Website: Kangaroo Coaching – where you can find resources and a workbook for self-reflection: https://kangaroocoaching.net/from-retired-to-redefined
• Jane’s Book: What Next? The Savvy Woman's Guide to Redefining Retirement – available from September 9, 2025
• Exploratory Writing by Alison Jones – a resource for reflective writing practices.

If you enjoy the podcast please help us grow by sharing this episode, or writing a review.

Want to work with me?

Join me over at www.holdingupthesky.com

Coaching with me at http://www.thetripleshift.org

Menopause in the workplace support at www.managingthemenopause.com

Connect with me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmacthomas/

Follow along on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/middlingalong_podcast/

Or subscribe to my Substack at https://middlingalong.substack.com/

In this enlightening episode I chat with Dr Rachael Crystal, a GP and accredited menopause specialist, about the complex relationship between burnout and perimenopause.

We explore how hormonal changes, stress, and life pressures intertwine, impacting women's mental and physical well-being during midlife.

Rachel shares her Masters research on the lived experiences of professional women navigating burnout during perimenopause, revealing key themes like loss of identity, the importance of support, and pathways to empowerment. If you're curious about recognizing burnout, understanding hormonal impacts, or seeking ways to thrive through midlife, this episode is packed with valuable insights and hope.

Key Points & Takeaways:

• Burnout & Perimenopause Overlap: Many women experience symptoms like exhaustion, brain fog, and emotional detachment during perimenopause, often exacerbated by stress and life pressures. These symptoms can be mistaken for other issues, leading to confusion and delayed support.
• The Role of Hormones: Fluctuating oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels during perimenopause impact brain function, resilience, and stress management, making women more vulnerable to burnout.
• Research Insights: Rachael's qualitative research with 15 women uncovered four key themes, including the "lost in transition" feeling—women feeling a loss of identity and grappling with the invisible pressures of work and life.
• Challenges in Diagnosis: Many women struggle to get clear answers, often being misdiagnosed or told their symptoms are due to stress or depression. Blood tests may not always provide clarity in perimenopause.
• Pathways to Empowerment: Supportive interventions like hormone replacement therapy (HRT), coaching, counseling, and building community can help women regain confidence, set boundaries, and re-evaluate their lives.
• The Power of Community & Support: Normalizing conversations about menopause and burnout, creating safe spaces, and sharing stories can reduce stigma and foster resilience.
• Hope & Positive Change: Many women find empowerment and renewed confidence after navigating these challenges, often emerging with clearer boundaries, stronger self-awareness, and a sense of freedom.

Connect with Rachael and learn more about her work at Manchester Menopause Hive (https://manchestermenopausehive.co.uk/) and via The Burnout Revolution podcast and Substack newsletter (https://rachaelchrystal.substack.com/podcast)

If you enjoy the podcast please help us grow by sharing this episode, or writing a review.

Want to work with me?

Join me over at www.holdingupthesky.com - our new community for women navigating the "midlife collision"

Coaching with me at http://www.thetripleshift.org

Menopause in the workplace support at www.managingthemenopause.com

Connect with me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmacthomas/

Follow along on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/middlingalong_podcast/

Or subscribe to my Substack at https://middlingalong.substack.com/

In this episode I chat to personal trainer and author Jacqueline Hooton about the importance of strength and fitness for women in midlife and beyond. Jacqueline shares her insights on how to start exercising safely, debunks myths about strength training making women bulky, and discusses how fitness can support independence, health, and happiness as we age. Whether you're new to exercise or looking to enhance your current routine, Jacqueline’s practical advice and motivational stories will encourage you to invest in your health today for a healthier, more vibrant future.

Key Topics Covered:

• The motivation behind Jacqueline’s book, Strong: The Definitive Guide to Active Ageing
• Why strength training is vital for women in midlife and beyond
• The relationship between menopause, aging, and health risks like cardiovascular disease and bone loss
• Practical tips for beginners: starting with walking, bodyweight exercises, and resistance bands
• Debunking myths about strength training and muscle bulk
• How to adapt training during injuries and health challenges
• The importance of visualizing your future self and setting meaningful goals
• Fun ways to stay active, including dance and outdoor activities
• Building a sustainable, enjoyable fitness routine with support and accountability

Resources:

Jacqueline’s website: https://www.hergardengym.co.uk/

Jacqueline’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hergardengym

Strong: The Definitive Guide to Active Ageing https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/strong-the-definitive-guide-to-active-ageing-jacqueline-hooton-2?variant=41459815219278

If you enjoy the podcast please help us grow by sharing this episode, or writing a review.

You can also find me at www.thetripleshift.org / www.managingthemenpause.com / www.holdingupthesky.com

connect with me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmacthomas/

follow along on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/middlingalong_podcast/

or subscribe to my Substack at https://middlingalong.substack.com/

In this episode we chat to Julie Smith about the nuances of confidence and practical strategies to boost yours. Julie shares insights from her coaching experience and her award-winning book, Coach Yourself Confident, offering tips on overcoming self-doubt, managing setbacks, and cultivating humble confidence.

Key Topics Covered:

• Why confidence often hides behind other development themes
• The concept of humble confidence — aligning your capabilities with your self-view
• The importance of realistic, grounded self-assessment
• Common misconceptions about confidence and success
• The impact of societal norms and gender differences on confidence
• Recognizing and managing internal saboteurs like comparisonitis and perfectionism
• Practical exercises to strengthen your confidence muscle
• Handling external setbacks and life's inevitable challenges
• The power of awareness, language, and self-compassion in building confidence

Special Highlights:

• The "full stop" technique to combat negative self-talk
• Naming your inner critic (sorry Nigel!) for greater self-awareness
• Embracing the idea that confidence fluctuates — it’s normal to feel confident sometimes and doubtful others
• Insights from The Authority Gap on gender and confidence

Julie’s book Coach Yourself Confident is a finalist for a prestigious business book award, with a special Kindle offer for just 99p until mid-August 2025: https://mybook.to/CYC-eb

Connect with Julie:

• Website: talentsprout.co.uk
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-smith-talent-sprout/

Resources:

• Download Tara Mohr’s cheat sheet on minimizing language in emails: https://www.taramohr.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Before-You-Hit-Send-Checklist-Tara-Mohr.pdf

If you enjoy the podcast please help us grow by sharing this episode, or writing a review.

You can also find me at http://www.thetripleshift.org

connect with me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmacthomas/

follow along on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/middlingalong_podcast/

or subscribe to my Substack at https://middlingalong.substack.com/

In this episode I’m joined by author, speaker, and researcher Dr Giselle Goodwin. With over 25 years of entrepreneurial experience and a PhD exploring women, work, and well-being, Giselle shares her expert perspectives on the societal pressures women face, the evolution of gender roles, and practical strategies for reclaiming happiness and balance in midlife. From unpacking the cultural myths around "having it all" to redefining masculinity and supporting women in the workplace, this conversation offers empowering insights for women navigating the complexities of modern life.

Inside this episode:

- The cultural messaging that has shaped women’s perceptions of what they should be and do

- How societal expectations around gender roles have evolved over the last century

- The concept of the "third job" women undertake (beyond work and family) and its impact on health and happiness

- Practical tips for setting boundaries, delegating, and embracing your authentic self

- How to challenge the "good girl" persona and prioritize your well-being

- The importance of engaging men and boys in creating more equitable relationships and societal norms

- Strategies to support working mothers, carers, and those with dual roles in the workplace

- The science of happiness and how behaviours can boost well-being

So can we have it all? [Spoiler alert: probably not, or at least, not all at the same time…]

You can find out more at https://gisellegoodwin.com and take the quiz to discover your next steps: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/1137296/136174346959848534/share

Follow Giselle on Instagram: @GiselleGoodwinWrites

Find Giselle on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisellegoodwin

Buy a copy of Can Women Really Have It All at https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/106877861X?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_4W08MB5PP8KRT2X7XZRV&

If you enjoy the podcast please help us grow by sharing this episode, or writing a review.

You can also find me at www.thetripleshift.org and www.managingthemenpause.com

connect with me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmacthomas/

follow along on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/middlingalong_podcast/

or subscribe to my Substack at https://middlingalong.substack.com/

Get ready to bust through nutrition overwhelm with brilliant nutritionist Emma Bardwell as she returns to the podcast to share insights from her latest book, The 30g Plan. If you're feeling a bit ‘headless chicken’ reading all the endless diet advice and trying to juggle balanced eating, Emma’s here to cut through the noise and give you a straightforward plan to boost your fibre, protein, and plant power.

In this episode, Emma shares her top hacks and hints to make healthy eating achievable and enjoyable. Discover the magic of storage p*rn—yes, beautiful food prep that motivates you! Learn how to tweak and swap ingredients to keep meals exciting, even if you're cooking for fussier family members.

Emma emphasizes that imperfection is okay: it's what we do most of the time that truly counts. If aiming for three perfect meals a day feels daunting, start small: focus on getting a nutritious breakfast right, and build from there.

Plus, Emma reveals her favourite quick recipes and lunchtime ideas, along with her top time-saving hacks, shortcuts, and must-have gadgets that make healthy cooking a breeze—all designed to fit into busy, overwhelmed schedules and ready in 30 minutes or less!

And don’t miss her tip on Myota, a gentle fibre supplement that supports gut health without fuss.

Whether you're looking to overhaul your diet or just find simple ways to eat better without the stress, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you thrive.

Tune in and get inspired to make nourishing, fuss-free meals part of your everyday life!

If you enjoy the podcast please help us grow by sharing this episode, or writing a review.

You can also find me at http://www.thetripleshift.org

connect with me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmacthomas/

follow along on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/middlingalong_podcast/

or subscribe to my Substack at https://middlingalong.substack.com/

Join us for a gorgeous conversation with writer and passionate cold water swimmer Sara Barnes.

Over the past decade, Sara’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. From barely being able to walk in her fifties to reclaiming an active, outdoor life amidst the stunning landscapes of the Lake District, she’s navigated major surgeries, embarked on solo campervan adventures through Scotland, and published not one but two compelling books: The Cold Fix and her debut novel, The Winter of Our Lives.

In this episode, Sara shares her transformative story of resilience, discovery, and connection. Discover how cold water swimming became a powerful tool for overcoming anxiety and reconnecting with nature—and yourself. She reveals creative ways to get your own "Cold Fix," the importance of community, and how immersing in nature can shift your perspective on aging, confidence, and what’s possible.

Sara also discusses her solo adventures, including a campervan journey that taught her invaluable lessons about adapting, slowing down, and embracing the present. Plus, she explores her dream of moving to France and how health scares helped her realize what truly matters—less stuff, more experience, and the freedom of just being.

Whether you're a seasoned swimmer or curious about taking the plunge for the first time, Sara’s insights will inspire you to step outside your comfort zone, reconnect with nature, and discover your own limits and capabilities.

You can find Sara and her beautiful images of wild swimming at https://www.instagram.com/bumblebarnes/?hl=en

Sara’s books:

The Cold Fix (Vertebrate Adventure Books, 2022)

The Winter of Our Lives (HarperCollins, 2023)

(and for the interview with Siobhan Daniels I mention in this episode, check out: https://middlingalong.com/episodes/middling-along-13-siobhan-daniels-on-the-retirement-rebellion-and-her-solo-vanlife-travels-around-the-uk/)

If you enjoy the podcast please help us grow by sharing this episode, or writing a review.

You can also find me at www.thetripleshift.org

connect with me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmacthomas/

follow along on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/middlingalong_podcast/

or subscribe to my Substack at https://middlingalong.substack.com/

Join us in this inspiring episode as we sit down with Elizabeth Willetts, the founder of Investing in Women, a groundbreaking job board and community dedicated to empowering women and promoting family-friendly workplaces. With over 17 years of recruitment experience, Elizabeth is passionate about helping professionals find fulfilling flexible and part-time work that fits their lives.

What You’ll Learn:

• The mission behind Investing in Women and how it supports both women and forward-thinking employers.
• Elizabeth’s journey in the recruitment industry, including her experiences at one of the Big 4 firms and a leading UK recruitment agency.
• Insights into the benefits of flexible work arrangements and how they can help close the gender pay gap.
• A behind-the-scenes look at Elizabeth’s debut book, Flex, a dynamic guide for anyone seeking to build a successful career on their own terms.
• Tips for career pivots, including how to leverage your network and build relevant skills when transitioning to a new industry.

Key Highlights:

• Discover the challenges faced by parents in the job market and how Investing in Women addresses these issues.
• Hear Elizabeth’s thoughts on the importance of hybrid roles and flexibility in today’s workplace.
• Learn about Subject Access Requests (SAR) and how they can empower individuals who have faced redundancy.
• Elizabeth shares her top advice for those considering a career change, including the significance of crafting thoughtful cover letters and documenting achievements.

You can get your own copy of Flex: Smart Strategies to Build a Successful Career Around Your Life at https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/Flex-by-Elizabeth-Willetts/9781394267798

Find Elizabeth at https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-willetts/ and sign up to her newsletter and/or job board at https://investinginwomen.co.uk/

If you enjoy the podcast please help us grow by sharing this episode, or writing a review.

You can also find me at www.thetripleshift.org

connect with me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmacthomas/

follow along on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/middlingalong_podcast/

or subscribe to my Substack at https://middlingalong.substack.com/