Mid Life Bites

Kirstin Bouse
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

Midlife Bites is the unapologetic, unfiltered podcast for women standing in the messy middle of life where the rules you’ve lived by stop working, the roles you’ve carried feel too heavy, and the version of you in the mirror feels like a stranger. Hosted by Clinical Psychologist and midlife mentor Kirstin Bouse, Midlife Bites gets real about how midlife “bites” the moments it stings, why it happens, what changes in the fallout, and the surprising clarity that can come after. Some weeks it’s just Kirstin, cutting through the noise with equal parts fierce truth-telling and deep compassion. Other weeks, you’ll hear from women who’ve lived their own “midlife bite” moments and from experts who understand exactly what’s going on beneath the surface, biologically, psychologically, and socially. This is not another midlife makeover show. It’s a place to name the hard stuff, strip away the shame, and find your own way forward on your terms.If you’ve been thinking, “Why the hell don’t I feel like myself anymore?” … you’re in the right place.

  1. 2 days ago

    Reinvention, Style, and Strength in Midlife with Emma Mun Gavin

    In this episode of Midlife Bites, clinical psychologist and host Kirstin Bouse sits down with Emma Mun Gavin—mother of four, military wife, and midlife reinvention advocate—to explore what it really means to rebuild yourself when life forces you to start again. Emma shares her deeply personal journey through a series of major life upheavals: her husband’s medical discharge from the military after 25 years due to complex PTSD, depression, anxiety, and physical injuries; losing her own job after nearly two decades in Sydney; and relocating her family back to Perth, a place that felt unfamiliar despite being “home.” Amidst caring for her family and navigating her husband’s mental health, Emma found herself facing a powerful question so many women ask in midlife:  “Who am I now?” From here, Emma 2.0 began to emerge. Through therapy, boxing, and intentionally building new community connections, Emma slowly rebuilt her identity. A surprising but transformative part of her healing came through fashion—shifting from conservative corporate attire to bold, expressive style that mirrored the woman she was becoming. Today, she helps other women reclaim joy and confidence through color, experimentation, and unapologetic self-expression. This episode is an inspiring reminder that midlife reinvention is not only possible—it can be a profound act of self-advocacy, courage, and joy. Listen in if you’ve ever wondered: “How do I rebuild myself after everything in my life changes?” “Is it too late to rediscover who I am?” “Can self-expression really transform identity?” Connect with Kirstin: 🌐 allabouthercentre.com.au 🎧 Follow Midlife Bites wherever you get your podcasts. Click subscribe or follow to make sure you get notified about new episodes.  Visit here to access a comprehensive resource hub for Australian women navigating menopause, offering trusted professionals, support, and information all in one place. https://www.allabouthercentre.com.au/

  2. 10 Sept

    Who Am I Becoming?

    Welcome to the very first episode of Midlife Bites! In this debut, host Kirstin Bouse—clinical psychologist and midlife mentor—opens up an honest conversation about what it really feels like to be a woman in midlife. From the disorienting shifts of perimenopause and menopause to the deeper emotional tug of wondering, “Where did I go?”, Kirstin normalises the ups and downs of this messy, powerful chapter of life. She reframes midlife not as a failure, but as a natural transition—one that can be just as transformative as puberty or pregnancy. This episode is an invitation to stop clinging to who you used to be and instead explore the more exciting question: Who am I becoming? Along the way, Kirstin introduces her signature program, WANT, designed to help women reconnect with themselves and clarify what’s next. Tune in to embrace midlife as a time of growth, reclamation, and possibility—and maybe even share your own story with the community. Click subscribe or follow to make sure you get notified about new episodes.  Visit here to access a comprehensive resource hub for Australian women navigating menopause, offering trusted professionals, support, and information all in one place. https://www.allabouthercentre.com.au/

  3. 3 Sept

    Grief in Midlife (not the usual type)

    In this episode of Midlife Bites, clinical psychologist and host Kirstin Bouse explores the quiet but powerful experience of grief in midlife—not the grief of losing others, but the more subtle losses that come with menopause, changing identities, and shifting bodies. Drawing from her own experience of having to give up strength training due to persistent pain, Kirstin reflects on how these changes can challenge our sense of self and belonging. She unpacks modern grief theories, explaining that grief isn’t linear but rather an oscillation between loss and adaptation—a continual movement between acknowledging what’s gone and adjusting to what’s next. This episode is a heartfelt invitation to honor past versions of yourself, accept the uncertainty of who you’re becoming, and recognize that growth and loss often coexist in midlife. Listen in if you’ve ever wondered: “Why do I feel sad about things that don’t seem like losses?”“Who am I now that so much has changed?”“Can grief and growth really happen at the same time?”Connect with Kirstin: 🌐 allabouthercentre.com.au 🎧 Follow Midlife Bites wherever you get your podcasts. Click subscribe or follow to make sure you get notified about new episodes.  Visit here to access a comprehensive resource hub for Australian women navigating menopause, offering trusted professionals, support, and information all in one place. https://www.allabouthercentre.com.au/

  4. 27 Aug

    The Invisible Load in Midlife

    You know that mental checklist that never seems to end? The one running quietly in the background — keeping track of everyone’s needs, appointments, and emotions? That’s the invisible load — and in midlife, it only seems to get heavier. In this episode of Midlife Bites, clinical psychologist and host Kirsten Bouse unpacks the hidden weight so many women carry — the constant managing, fixing, remembering, and caring that leaves us drained and disconnected from ourselves. She dives into why this load intensifies during perimenopause and midlife, how it quietly shapes our relationships, and what it really takes to start lightening it. Kirsten doesn’t promise quick fixes — instead, she offers honest reflection, small but powerful shifts, and an invitation to finally put yourself back on your own list. If you’ve ever thought, “I’m tired of being the one who holds it all together,” this episode will feel like a deep exhale. Click subscribe or follow to make sure you get notified about new episodes.  Visit here to access a comprehensive resource hub for Australian women navigating menopause, offering trusted professionals, support, and information all in one place. https://www.allabouthercentre.com.au/

  5. 20 Aug

    Finding Ourselves in Midlife with Kaz Amos

    In this episode of Midlife Bites, host Kirstin Bouse welcomes fellow psychologist Kaz Amos for an open and heartfelt conversation about the messy, beautiful middle of life. Kaz shares her winding path from personal training and counselling to finally becoming a registered psychologist—while juggling family, business, and the realities of midlife. Together, Kirstin and Kaz explore what it really means to navigate this season: the physical and emotional upheaval of perimenopause, shifting identities, changing relationships, and those moments when we feel a little invisible. They also talk about the power of therapy—not just for individuals, but for couples learning to reconnect in new ways—and the importance of having safe spaces and honest conversations. From Kaz’s women’s group (“The Love Club”) to the solidarity of Generation X women demanding better research and cultural awareness around menopause, this episode reminds us that we’re not alone in these transitions. The conversation even touches on the overlap of perimenopause and adult ADHD, highlighting how complex and layered midlife can be. It’s real, relatable, and deeply validating—an invitation to keep talking, sharing, and supporting one another through this transformative stage of life. Listen in if you’ve ever wondered: “Is it just me feeling this way?”“What’s happening to my body and mind?”“How do I find myself again in midlife?”Connect with Kirstin: 🌐 allabouthercentre.com 🎧 Follow Midlife Bites wherever you get your podcasts. Click subscribe or follow to make sure you get notified about new episodes.  Visit here to access a comprehensive resource hub for Australian women navigating menopause, offering trusted professionals, support, and information all in one place. https://www.allabouthercentre.com.au/

  6. 13 Aug

    Good Woman Rules and Midlife Reckoning

    We’ve all grown up with the “good woman rules”—be nice, don’t make a fuss, put everyone else first. Sound familiar? In this episode of Midlife Bites, host Kirstin Bouse—clinical psychologist and midlife mentor—calls out the unspoken rules that have shaped us since childhood and left so many of us feeling exhausted, resentful, and stuck. From Disney movies to family expectations to society’s obsession with youth and beauty, these rules are everywhere. But here’s the truth: midlife is the perfect time to finally see them for what they are—and start breaking them. Kirstin explores the impact these rules have on our mental health, relationships, and sense of self, and invites you to imagine what life could look like if you ditched them for good. Because this chapter of life isn’t about pleasing others—it’s about reclaiming your voice, your needs, and your joy. ✨ Your midlife rebellion starts here. Click subscribe or follow to make sure you get notified about new episodes.  Visit here to access a comprehensive resource hub for Australian women navigating menopause, offering trusted professionals, support, and information all in one place. https://www.allabouthercentre.com.au/

  7. 6 Aug

    From Surviving to Thriving: Reinventing Yourself After Menopause with Tania Dalton

    Can menopause become the beginning of the best chapter of your life? In this inspiring episode of Midlife Bites, Kirstin Bouse is joined by accredited health coach, certified menopause coach, personal trainer, and founder of the Midlife Women's Health Clinic, Tanya Dalton. Tanya shares her deeply personal story of navigating a difficult perimenopause transition while also confronting her own mortality after reaching the same age her father was when he passed away. What began as one of the hardest seasons of her life ultimately became a catalyst for profound personal growth, self-discovery, and reinvention. Together, Kirsten and Tanya explore why menopause isn't simply something to survive—it can become an opportunity to redefine who you are, reconnect with what truly matters, and create a healthier, more fulfilling future. This conversation is filled with hope for any woman wondering whether life after menopause can still hold adventure, purpose, and joy.  What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhen Midlife Brings Everything Into Question Tanya reflects on entering perimenopause while confronting her father's early death at age 47, creating a powerful period of self-reflection about mortality, purpose, and how she wanted to live the rest of her life. Why Fighting Menopause Made Everything Harder Like many women, Tanya initially resisted the changes happening to her body. She shares why learning to work with her body instead of against it completely changed her experience. Grieving Your Younger Self From body changes and shifting identity to giving up parts of the image she'd held onto for decades, Tanya opens up about the grief that often accompanies menopause—and why it's a necessary part of moving forward. Discovering Your Most Authentic Self Rather than viewing menopause as decline, Tanya explains how it became the season where she finally stopped worrying about other people's opinions and began living life on her own terms. What Your Body Is Really Asking For The conversation explores how menopause encourages women to prioritise sleep, recovery, movement, nourishment, and self-care instead of constantly pushing through exhaustion. You Are More Capable Than You Think Tanya shares how she completed her first marathon at 47, later achieved a full Ironman, and recently completed Tasmania's famous Overland Track—proving that midlife can be a beginning rather than an ending. Building a Healthy Life That Feels Effortless As a menopause coach and health professional, Tanya explains why sustainable habits—not restriction, perfection, or punishment—create long-term wellbeing. Key Takeaways Menopause can become a powerful turning point rather than a period of decline.  Grieving your younger self creates space for discovering who you are becoming.  Midlife often brings greater authenticity and freedom from people-pleasing.  Health is about far more than weight—it includes sleep, movement, nutrition, stress management, and joy.  Consistency matters more than perfection.  Women are capable of achieving extraordinary things well beyond midlife.  Self-compassion is one of the most important skills to develop during this life stage. Notable Quotes"Menopause became one of the hardest—and ultimately one of the best—things that ever happened to me." "You are capable of so much more than you can ever imagine." "It's not about fighting your body. It's about listening to it." "This isn't the end of your life—it's the beginning of a new chapter." Resources Mentioned Midlife Women's Health Clinic  Menopause Coaching  Health Coaching  Strength training and healthy ageing  Sustainable lifestyle habits  All About Her Centre  Midlife Bites Podcast Connect Kirstin Bouse  Clinical Psychologist  Founder, All About Her Centre https://allabouthercentre.com.auTanya Dalton  Accredited Health Coach  Certified Menopause Coach  Personal Trainer  Founder, Midlife Women's Health Clinic  Energised Ageing (formerly Beautiful Midlife)  If today's conversation encouraged you, remember that menopause doesn't signal the end of possibility—it may be the very beginning of your next adventure. Follow Midlife Bites for more honest conversations about women's health and wellbeing. If you found this episode valuable, leave a review and share it with another woman who needs a reminder that her best years may still be ahead. Click subscribe or follow to make sure you get notified about new episodes.  Visit here to access a comprehensive resource hub for Australian women navigating menopause, offering trusted professionals, support, and information all in one place. https://www.allabouthercentre.com.au/

  8. 30 July

    Is It Perimenopause or Neurodivergence? Understanding the Hidden Connection with Karen Fossey

    What happens when the changes of perimenopause uncover something that has been there all along? In this follow-up conversation on Midlife Bites, Kirstin Bouse welcomes back clinical psychologist Karen Fossey to explore the growing intersection between perimenopause, menopause, ADHD, and autism. As hormonal changes reduce our capacity to manage life's demands, many women begin questioning why everyday tasks suddenly feel impossible. For some, this isn't simply menopause—it may be the first time lifelong neurodivergent traits become impossible to mask. Together, Kirsten and Karen unpack why so many women are receiving ADHD and autism diagnoses in midlife, how masking can hide neurodivergence for decades, and why therapy plays such an important role in making sense of a late diagnosis. Whether you're curious about your own experiences or supporting someone through this journey, this episode offers compassionate insight into one of the fastest-growing conversations in women's mental health.  What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhy Perimenopause Becomes the "Great Unmasker" Karen explains how declining capacity during perimenopause often exposes neurodivergent traits that women have unknowingly compensated for throughout their lives. Masking Can Only Last So Long Learn how perfectionism, over-preparation, people-pleasing, hyper-organisation, and constant self-monitoring help many neurodivergent women function for years—until those coping strategies become too exhausting to maintain. When Everyday Life Suddenly Feels Harder From forgetting appointments and losing track of household tasks to social exhaustion and sensory overwhelm, Kirsten and Karen discuss the subtle signs that often prompt women to ask deeper questions about themselves. Is It ADHD, Autism, Perimenopause... or Both? One of the biggest challenges is that many symptoms overlap. The conversation explores why proper assessment takes time and why there is rarely a simple answer. The Emotional Impact of a Late Diagnosis Receiving an ADHD or autism diagnosis in midlife can bring relief, grief, anger, validation, and countless questions about identity. Kirsten and Karen discuss how women process these emotions with compassion. Why Therapy Matters Beyond Diagnosis A diagnosis is only the beginning. Therapy provides space to understand lifelong patterns, reframe past experiences, and build a more compassionate relationship with yourself. Self-Compassion After Years of Self-Criticism As women begin understanding how their brains work, many discover a level of self-compassion they've never previously experienced—giving themselves permission to stop constantly pushing beyond their limits. Key Takeaways Perimenopause often reduces the capacity needed to maintain lifelong masking strategies.  ADHD and autism don't suddenly appear during menopause—they may simply become more visible.  Many women discover neurodivergence after years of believing everyone experiences life the same way.  Symptoms of menopause and neurodivergence frequently overlap, making careful assessment essential.  A diagnosis can bring relief alongside grief, anger, and identity shifts.  Therapy helps women make sense of their experiences beyond simply receiving a diagnostic label.  Understanding your neurotype can lead to healthier boundaries, greater self-awareness, and lasting self-compassion. Notable Quotes"Perimenopause can become the great unmasker of neurodivergence." "Demand begins to outweigh capacity." "It's not that neurodivergence suddenly appears—it becomes harder to hide." " A diagnosis isn't always what someone needs. Sometimes they need understanding." Resources Mentioned ADHD in women  Autism in women  Perimenopause and menopause  Neurodivergence and masking  Executive functioning  Psychological assessment  All About Her Centre  Midlife Bites Podcast ConnectKirstin Bouse  Clinical Psychologist  Founder, All About Her Centre https://allabouthercentre.com.auKaren Fossey  Clinical Psychologist  Specialist in women's mental health  Yarra Valley, Victoria  Telehealth and in-person consultations  All About Her Centre Practitioner  If this conversation resonated with you, remember that struggling more in midlife doesn't automatically mean you're "failing." Sometimes it's an invitation to better understand how your brain has always worked. Follow Midlife Bites for more honest conversations about women's mental health, and if you found this episode helpful, please leave a review and share it with someone who may be asking the same questions about themselves. Click subscribe or follow to make sure you get notified about new episodes.  Visit here to access a comprehensive resource hub for Australian women navigating menopause, offering trusted professionals, support, and information all in one place. https://www.allabouthercentre.com.au/

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About

Midlife Bites is the unapologetic, unfiltered podcast for women standing in the messy middle of life where the rules you’ve lived by stop working, the roles you’ve carried feel too heavy, and the version of you in the mirror feels like a stranger. Hosted by Clinical Psychologist and midlife mentor Kirstin Bouse, Midlife Bites gets real about how midlife “bites” the moments it stings, why it happens, what changes in the fallout, and the surprising clarity that can come after. Some weeks it’s just Kirstin, cutting through the noise with equal parts fierce truth-telling and deep compassion. Other weeks, you’ll hear from women who’ve lived their own “midlife bite” moments and from experts who understand exactly what’s going on beneath the surface, biologically, psychologically, and socially. This is not another midlife makeover show. It’s a place to name the hard stuff, strip away the shame, and find your own way forward on your terms.If you’ve been thinking, “Why the hell don’t I feel like myself anymore?” … you’re in the right place.

Information

  • Creator
    Kirstin Bouse
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Mid Life Bites
  • Show Website
    Mid Life Bites

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