The Mid•Point with Gabby Logan

Romesh Ranganathan

<p>Comedian, writer, and broadcaster,<a href="https://www.romeshranganathan.co.uk/tour/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Romesh Ranganathan</a>, joins Gabby to talk about how he’s learned to manage his inner critic in the years leading up to the midpoint; why he loves making people laugh; plus, the sometimes complex relationships you have with your parents, and how that can impact the way you parent. </p><br><p>Romesh also shares what happened at his worst stand-up gig, what he thinks is key to a happy, long term relationship, and why he believes small changes are the key to lasting health gains in midlife.&nbsp;</p><br><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Gabby & Kenny - The (soon to be) Empty Nest

<p>Gabby and Kenny are preparing to be fully fledged empty nesters, and in this special episode, they come together to talk about how they are feeling about the prospect and what they’ve already learned since their son, Reuben, left home last year.&nbsp;</p><br><p>They also chat about the exploits that have put Kenny’s midlife fitness surge on hold, as well as his internet shopping mishaps, and they indulge in a different kind of pillow talk!&nbsp;</p><br><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Summer Special: Family

<p><br></p><p><em>This episode contains some strong language. </em></p><br><p>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.&nbsp;</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>Gabby Logan’s latest book <a href="https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-midpoint-plan/gabby-logan/9780349439396#:~:text=The%20Midpoint%20Plan%3A%20Taking%20charge,in%20midlife%20and%20beyond%20(Hardback)&amp;text=MAKE%20THE%20MIDPOINT%20THE%20START,is%20your%20midlife%20survival%20kit." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The MidPoint Plan</a> is available now.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Summer Special: Midlife Blessings

<p>This week, we’re giving the midlife crisis a makeover and celebrating midlife blessings!</p><br><p>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.&nbsp;</p><br><p><br></p><br><p>Gabby Logan’s latest book <a href="https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-midpoint-plan/gabby-logan/9780349439396#:~:text=The%20Midpoint%20Plan%3A%20Taking%20charge,in%20midlife%20and%20beyond%20(Hardback)&amp;text=MAKE%20THE%20MIDPOINT%20THE%20START,is%20your%20midlife%20survival%20kit." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The MidPoint Plan</a> is available now. </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Paula Radcliffe

<p>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.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><br><p>Hosted on Acast. See&nbsp;<a href="http://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a>&nbsp;for more information.&nbsp;</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Moving At Any Stage of Life - LIVE with Sweaty Betty

<p>This is a very special LIVE episode of <em>The Mid•Point</em>, in partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/sweatybetty/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Sweaty Betty</em></a>!&nbsp;</p><br><p>Gabby is joined by not one, not two, but three brilliant guests this week: menstrual health expert, yoga teacher, and registered nutritionist,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/eatlovemove/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Le’Nise Brothers</a>; lecturer in Reproductive and Molecular Genetics at University College London and CEO and Founder of&nbsp;<em>Hertility,</em>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/dr.helenoneill/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dr Helen O’Neill</a>; and former Olympian, personal trainer, and patron of the Menopause Mandate,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/michellegriffithrobinson/?hl=en-gb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Michelle Griffith Robinson</a>.&nbsp;</p><br><p>This lively panel discuss movement and exercise through different stages of women’s lives;&nbsp;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.&nbsp;</p><br><p>It’s a perfect time to open up the conversation on this topic, because <em>Sweaty Betty</em> 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.</p><br><p>Ready to try it out? The collection is available online now at<a href="https://bit.ly/3yiOB8O" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> <strong>sweatybetty.com</strong></a> and in selected stores across the UK.</p><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Alex Horne

<p>The taskmaster himself joins Gabby this week! Comedian and <a href="https://www.channel4.com/programmes/taskmaster" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Taskmaster</em></a> 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!&nbsp;</p><br><p>You can still get tickets to Alex’s latest tour with the <em>The Horne Section </em><a href="https://www.thehornesection.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp; </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Kate Thornton

<p><em>Warning: This episode contains strong language.&nbsp;</em></p><br><p>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.&nbsp;</p><br><p>You can hear more from Kate on her podcast <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/5TqKXb1glaCE88vEjqGAvv?si=f781f7e7f9bd4369" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>White Wine Question Time</em></a><em> </em>or tune into her weekend radio shows on <a href="https://hellorayo.co.uk/greatest-hits/shows/katethornton-afternoons/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Greatest Hits Radio</em></a><em>.&nbsp;</em></p><br><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Elis James

<p>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.&nbsp;</p><br><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Lauren Mahon

<p>Podcaster and activist Lauren Mahon popped by the studio this week with her dog, Ray! Lauren chats to Gabby about the seismic impact<em>&nbsp;</em><a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0608649/episodes/player" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>You, Me And The Big C</em></a>&nbsp;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&nbsp;<a href="https://girlvscancer.co.uk/smashthestigma/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">GIRLvsCANCER</a>&nbsp;or<a href="https://www.macmillan.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">&nbsp;Macmillan</a>.</p><br><p><em>Warning: This podcast contains strong language.</em></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Milton Jones

Comedian <a href="https://www.miltonjones.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Milton Jones</a> 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.<hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Jill Halfpenny

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 href="https://www.waterstones.com/book/a-life-reimagined/jill-halfpenny/9781035037582" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>A Life Reimagined</em>:<em> My Journey of Hope in the Midst of Loss</em></a><em>. </em>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 <em>Alcoholics Anonymous</em>; 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. <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Dr Federica Amati on Nutrition

<p>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.&nbsp;</p><br><p>Federica’s latest book <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/458947/every-body-should-know-this-by-amati-dr-federica/9780241679616" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Every Body Should Know This</em></a> is out now. </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Nikki Fox

<p>BBC News’ Disability Correspondent, documentary maker, and presenter on&nbsp;<em>Watchdog</em>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<em>The One Show</em>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/nikkifox/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Nikki Fox</a>, 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.</p><br><p>You can find out more about&nbsp;<em>Muscular Dystrophy UK</em>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.musculardystrophyuk.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Jason Fox

<p>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! </p><br><p>You can find out more about the charity Foxy co-founded <a href="https://www.rock2recovery.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>, and his latest book <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/453301/embrace-the-chaos-by-fox-jason/9781787636729" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Embrace The Chaos: 52 Tactics to Make Every Day Count</em> </a>is available now. </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Adele Roberts

DJ, presenter, and Guinness World Records holder, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/adeleroberts/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Adele Roberts</a>, 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 <a href="https://www.waterstones.com/book/personal-best/adele-roberts/9781399732826" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Personal Bes</em>t</a> is available now. <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Gabrielle

<p>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. </p><br><p>Gabrielle’s new album <em>A Place In Your Heart</em> is available now, and you can grab tickets for her tour <a href="https://www.gabrielle.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;</p><br><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Dr Chris van Tulleken on Ultra-Processed Food

This week Gabby is joined by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/doctorchrisvt/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dr Chris van Tulleken</a>, author of <a href="https://www.waterstones.com/book/ultra-processed-people/chris-van-tulleken/9781529160222" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Ultra-Processed People: Why Do We All Eat Stuff That Isn’t Food … and Why Can’t We Stop?</em></a><em> </em>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.<hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Konnie Huq

Former <em>Blue Peter</em> presenter turned children's author <a href="https://konnie-huq.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Konnie Huq</a> 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!<hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Richard Hammond

Richard Hammond joins Gabby this week to talk about the “pale stale male” and what he’s doing to avoid becoming one! The former <em>Top Gear </em>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 (<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1JRR7EeuEWBwYzPurwsIUo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Who We Are Now</em></a>) 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 <em>Top Gear</em>. Also, listen out for Richard’s confession: which new pointless midlife hobby he is really enjoying?<hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Gabby & Kenny - Travel Special

<p>This is a special episode in partnership with <a href="https://www.britishairways.com/travel/home/public/en_gb/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>British Airways</em></a>.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Laura Smyth

<p>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. </p><br><p><a href="https://laurasmyth.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Laura Smyth</a> 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. </p><br><p>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. </p><br><p>You can catch her on tour in 2024 - grab your tickets <a href="https://laurasmyth.com/pages/tour-dates" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>. </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Rachel Burden

<p>Journalist, broadcaster, and one half of the<em> 5 Live Breakfast</em> 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 - <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001xwqx/episodes/guide" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Cafe Hope</em></a> - 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<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0349433208/ref=nosim?tag=drdannypenman-21" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> <em>Deeper Mindfulness: The New Way to Rediscover Calm in a Chaotic World</em></a> is available now.&nbsp;</p><br><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Dr Jen Gunter on Menopause

Gynaecologist and bestselling author <a href="https://drjengunter.com/about-me/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dr Jen Gunter</a> 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 <a href="https://drjengunter.com/#" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a> including <a href="https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-menopause-manifesto/dr-jennifer-gunter/9780349427607" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>The Menopause Manifesto</em>. </a><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Helen Glover MBE

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 <a href="https://www.waterstones.com/book/how-to-build-a-healthy-brain/kimberley-wilson//9781529351491?sv1=affiliate&amp;sv_campaign_id=626889&amp;awc=3787_1711389796_bfb67ac6d4cc27c9840fe71d775950c0&amp;utm_source=626889&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_campaign=Preisvergleich" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>How To Build A Healthy Brain</em></a>, <a href="https://www.kimberleywilson.co/about" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kimberley Wilson</a>, 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!<hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Matt Baker MBE

<p>One of the nation’s best loved presenters, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mattbakerofficial/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Matt Baker</a>, 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 <em>Blue Peter; </em>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 <em>The Raymond Blanc Gardening School</em> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/augusts_garden/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">August Bernstein </a>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.&nbsp;</p><br><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Jill Douglas MBE

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 <em>Rugby Special </em>- 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 <em>(</em><a href="https://www.myname5doddie.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>My Name’5 Doddie Foundation</em></a>). MND is most commonly diagnosed in midlife, so Professor of Neurology and Complex Disease Genetics at King’s College London, <a href="https://www.kcl.ac.uk/people/ammar-al-chalabi" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ammar Al-Chalabi</a>, also joins to discuss some of the misconceptions about the disease and some advancements that have been made thanks to fundraising in recent years. <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Nicky Campbell OBE

<p>TW: This episode contains references to child sexual abuse, and discussions about suicide.</p><br><p>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 <em>The Masked Singer</em> 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.&nbsp;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, <a href="https://www.thecalmzone.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>CALM</em></a> - about how talking openly about suicide as a human behaviour might actually help prevent it.&nbsp;</p><br><p>You can find Nicky’s podcast <em>Different</em> <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0cbg34g" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>, and the episode of <em>The Spark</em> which Simon refers to (featuring Rory O’Connor), <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m001jsk0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;</p><br><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Emma Hayes OBE

<p>On the cusp of taking on arguably the biggest job in women’s sport, six-time<em>&nbsp;Women's Super League&nbsp;</em>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&nbsp;<a href="https://www.waterstones.com/book/owning-your-menopause-fitter-calmer-stronger-in-30-days/kate-rowe-ham/9781399725835" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Owning Your Menopause: Fitter, Calmer, Stronger in 30 Days</em>,</a>&nbsp;Kate Rowe-Ham, also joins to talk about the kinds of exercise that could help women navigate midlife.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><br><p><em>TW: This episode does contain references to miscarriage.</em></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Krishnan Guru-Murthy

Hot off the <em>Strictly Come Dancing</em> tour and straight from presenting a live news bulletin, Gabby is joined today by Krishnan Guru-Murthy! Krishnan is a longstanding presenter of <em>Channel 4 News</em> 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 <em>Strictly </em>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 <a href="https://www.theguthealthdoctor.com/clinic" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Gut Health Clinic</a>, 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. <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>