The Midlife Rebel Podcast

Host - Nadine Shaw - Midlife Rebel; Natural Wellness Advocate, Astrologer, Gene Keys Guide,Human Design Enthusiast

Welcome to Midlife Rebel , the podcast for women in their 40s and 50s who are done playing by the old rules.  Here, we redefine what it means to thrive in midlife—where health, purpose, and freedom meet. Each week, we explore the intersection of body, mind, and spirit through honest conversations about holistic health, emotional healing, and awakening to your next chapter. With expert guests, soulful stories, and practical wisdom, you’ll find the tools and inspiration to live with more vitality, authenticity, and joy. Whether you’re reinventing yourself, reclaiming your wellbeing, or simply craving deeper meaning, Midlife Rebel invites you to embrace your evolution and design life on your own terms. Contact Nadine: https://midliferebel.beam.ly/contact

  1. Real Girl's Talk: Midlife, But Not As You Expected - Angela Burk

    3D AGO

    Real Girl's Talk: Midlife, But Not As You Expected - Angela Burk

    Send us Fan Mail Midlife can feel like someone quietly changed the rules while you weren’t looking. Your body shifts, relationships evolve, work stops fitting the way it used to, and suddenly you’re asking bigger questions about who you are and what you actually want. In this conversation, I’m joined by Angela Burk, author of Real Girl’s Guide to Midlife, for a take on midlife that’s honest, confronting at times, and often very funny. We talk about how midlife doesn’t always arrive when we expect — sometimes it begins in our mid-30s — and why so many women feel like they’re the only ones struggling while everyone else seems fine on the surface. Angela shares what she calls radical midlife self-possession: recognising where we’ve edited ourselves through people pleasing, peacekeeping, and keeping the peace at our own expense. We also get into boundaries, including the simple but powerful idea that “no” can be a complete sentence. From there, the conversation moves into the layered reality of midlife — perimenopause, menopause, divorce, parenting, and the emotional whiplash that can come with it. Angela reflects on her own experience, what it took to face how she was showing up during the harder years, and how writing became a way to process, connect the dots, and let go of shame. We also touch on advocating for your health, finding the right support, and trusting yourself enough to seek a second opinion when something doesn’t feel right. If this resonates, share it with a friend who might need to hear it, and follow the show so more women can find these conversations and feel less alone. You can find Angela's full profile in our Guest Directory https://midliferebel.beam.ly/person/angela-burk Hey there, Rebel,  I'd love you to send me a text to let me know what you thought of the episode, if you have any questions, or if you've got suggestions for future topics or guests you'd like to hear from. Send me a text and I promise I'll reply!

    56 min
  2. Using Astrology For Midlife Decisions - Aleksandra Ceho

    MAR 26

    Using Astrology For Midlife Decisions - Aleksandra Ceho

    Send us Fan Mail What if astrology isn’t fluff at all, but a practical tool for leaders who want clarity, timing, and better decisions? In this conversation I’m joined by astrologer, martial artist, and Hermetic practitioner Aleksandra Ceho. We explore astrology’s deeper roots—from Hermes Trismegistus and the mystery schools—to how these ancient principles can be applied in modern life and business. Aleksandra explains how a true astrological reading goes far beyond Sun signs, revealing strengths, blind spots, and the Almutin—a key indicator in the chart that often explains why certain roles feel natural while others never quite fit. From there we move into practical applications. Mercury highlights communication, marketing, and technology. Jupiter supports growth and expansion. Saturn governs systems, structure, and long-term sustainability. Aleksandra also shares how astrology can be used differently depending on whether the founder is the brand, or whether the business operates as its own entity. We talk about timing launches and projects, why “good” transits still require accountability, and how eclipses can serve as moments of reset rather than chaos. Finally we zoom out to the bigger sky. With Pluto in Aquarius, Saturn and Neptune moving into Aries, and Uranus entering Gemini, Aleksandra sees the coming years as a shift toward ideas, innovation, and bold action. Her advice is simple: cultivate foresight and preparation. Look before you leap, prepare before you leap, and know what you’ll need when you land. If you’re curious about using astrology as a tool for insight, strategy, and self-understanding, this conversation offers a grounded introduction. You can find Aleksandra's full profile in our Guest Directory https://midliferebel.beam.ly/person/aleksandra-ceho Hey there, Rebel,  I'd love you to send me a text to let me know what you thought of the episode, if you have any questions, or if you've got suggestions for future topics or guests you'd like to hear from. Send me a text and I promise I'll reply!

    1h 3m
  3. Midlife Awakening Starts Within - Kay Whitaker

    MAR 19

    Midlife Awakening Starts Within - Kay Whitaker

    Send us Fan Mail What if the chaos we see around us is amplified by the noise we carry within? And what if clearing that noise is simpler than we think? In this conversation, I’m joined by elder and lineage keeper Kay Cordell Whitaker to explore Ka Ta See, an ancient tradition with roots in Peru and the Egyptian mystery teachings. Kay shares wisdom that has been passed down through her teachers for generations, along with insights from her new book, The Seven No-Nos: A Guide to Awakening and Freedom. According to Kay, much of our culture runs on what she describes as an upside-down wheel — patterns of judgment, rigid expectations, assumptions, and rushed conclusions that quietly shape how we see ourselves and the world. Her work invites us to recognise the habits that keep us stuck: blind beliefs, judgments, expectations, assumptions, jumping to conclusions, arrogance, and negative perception. In our conversation, we explore how these patterns can become masks that influence our choices, and how simple practices — even something as straightforward as a notebook exercise — can help us begin to see them clearly. Kay also shares one of the core ideas within Ka Ta See: that everything is alive. The rock, the river, the sun, and even the space between things carry presence and intelligence. From this perspective, she introduces the idea of “spirit senses,” and how subtle impressions — images, feelings, and knowing — move through the body. We also talk about the song ceremony, a practice of returning to a pure feeling such as love, beauty, or awe and allowing that state to grow. Kay describes this as a way of reconnecting with our true signature — something many people begin searching for during midlife when familiar roles and identities start to fall away. Throughout the conversation we explore how ancient wisdom can meet everyday life: shifting from judgment to discernment, noticing the “I already know that” trap, and choosing curiosity over certainty. If midlife is a time of questioning, re-imagining, and remembering who you are beneath the noise, this conversation offers a thoughtful place to start. You can find Kay's full profile in our Guest Directory https://midliferebel.beam.ly/person/kay-whitaker Hey there, Rebel,  I'd love you to send me a text to let me know what you thought of the episode, if you have any questions, or if you've got suggestions for future topics or guests you'd like to hear from. Send me a text and I promise I'll reply!

    1h 5m
  4. The Midlife Skincare Wake-Up Call - Stevie Smilas

    MAR 12

    The Midlife Skincare Wake-Up Call - Stevie Smilas

    Send us Fan Mail You deserve skin that thrives without a daily dose of hidden chemicals. In this conversation with Zero Zero Founder, Stevie Smilas, we pull back the curtain on “clean” beauty and uncover what’s hiding in plain sight: fragrance loopholes that can contain hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, palm-derived glycerin quietly slipping into formulas, and label theatre that sells a hero oil in name only. If your hormones feel off, your skin looks irritated, or midlife has you questioning what you put on your body, this episode offers a practical reset. We share the origin story of Zero Zero Skincare — born from one beloved moisturiser and a four-month deep dive into formulation. The result? A radically simple routine: cleanser, nutrient-dense face oil, and moisturiser — built on seven ingredients that all earn their place. We explore how natural ingredients can support a plump, glowy look without retinol’s irritation cycle, how prickly pear seed oil delivers vitamin C from a whole-plant source, and why seabuckthorn is a quiet workhorse for barrier health. We also make the case for transparent labels with common names, single-origin oils for consistency, and a firm stance against undisclosed fragrance. Beyond skin, we talk impact. With skill-based, teachable manufacturing and flexible shifts, a beauty brand can open doors for people returning after illness, caregiving, incarceration, or career gaps. It’s proof that a product can be gentle on your skin and strong in its values. If you’re tired of bathroom overwhelm, start with subtraction: drop the perfume, skip the gimmicks, and lean on fewer, better ingredients. You can find Stevie's full profile in our Guest Directory https://midliferebel.beam.ly/person/stevie-smilas Hey there, Rebel,  I'd love you to send me a text to let me know what you thought of the episode, if you have any questions, or if you've got suggestions for future topics or guests you'd like to hear from. Send me a text and I promise I'll reply!

    57 min
  5. Sex in Your 40s & 50s: How to Reignite The Spark - Elana Auerbach

    MAR 5

    Sex in Your 40s & 50s: How to Reignite The Spark - Elana Auerbach

    Send us Fan Mail What if desire hasn’t disappeared in midlife… it’s just been buried under stress, hormones, and a lot of responsibility? In this conversation, I sit down with sensuality educator and author Elana Auerbach to talk honestly about why intimacy changes in our 40s and 50s — and how we can reconnect without pressure, performance, or pretending everything’s fine. Elana shares her “Sure Thing” ritual — a simple weekly container that takes sex off the negotiation table and replaces it with intention. No waiting for the perfect mood. No silent rejection stories. Just a protected space to turn toward each other and rebuild connection step by step. We also get practical about peri-menopause and menopause. Shifting sensitivity, dryness, fluctuating desire, exhaustion — these aren’t personal failures. They’re physiological shifts. We talk about what can actually help, from understanding responsive desire to using quality lubrication, supportive supplements, and, where appropriate, HRT. But this isn’t just about hormones. It’s also about shame. The productivity culture that keeps pleasure last. The internalised voices that tell us our bodies are a problem. Elana shares a powerful exercise to help you identify the “borrowed” shame and return it — so you can come back to your body with more compassion. We also explore the parts of us that show up in intimacy — the Perfectionist, the Guard, the Inner Lover — and how awareness alone can shift the energy from tense and disconnected to curious and present. And if you’re single, separated, or your partner travels? This conversation still matters. Pleasure isn’t dependent on relationship status. Small solo rituals — baths, walks, breathwork, mindful touch — can regulate your nervous system and keep you connected to yourself. This is intimacy in midlife without drama. Without blame. Without pretending you should feel 25 again. If this episode speaks to you, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs this conversation, and leave a rating or review. It helps more women in their 40s and 50s find their way here. You can find Elana's full profile in our Guest Directory https://midliferebel.beam.ly/person/elana-auerbach Hey there, Rebel,  I'd love you to send me a text to let me know what you thought of the episode, if you have any questions, or if you've got suggestions for future topics or guests you'd like to hear from. Send me a text and I promise I'll reply!

    1h 2m
  6. Do You Need HRT?  Everything You Need To Know - Patricia Hernandez

    FEB 26

    Do You Need HRT? Everything You Need To Know - Patricia Hernandez

    Send us Fan Mail Hot flushes. Sleepless nights. Weight gain that makes no sense. And a GP quick to hand you a patch. But what if the problem isn’t simply “low hormones”? In this episode, functional hormone and health coach Patricia Hernandez lays out a smarter sequence for women in perimenopause and menopause: test first, repair the foundations, then make a measured decision about HRT. We unpack why so many women “do everything right” and still gain weight. Why night sweats don’t automatically mean low oestrogen. And how gut health, liver detoxification, and blood sugar regulation shape nearly every symptom you’re experiencing. Patricia breaks down the exact labs that cut through the noise — comprehensive blood panels interpreted in context, DUTCH testing to understand hormone metabolism, and GI mapping to uncover hidden infections, leaky gut, and depleted beneficial bacteria. We also have an honest conversation about HRT.  Why pellets can backfire.  Why delivery methods you can control matter.  And the golden rule: start low, re-test often, and never add hormones to a body that can’t clear them. You’ll learn how “less is more” prevents overshooting into oestrogen dominance or androgen excess — and how to spot red flags like sudden bloating, wired-and-tired energy, and rapid weight gain. Then we get practical. We walk through Patricia’s “flush” protocol: a Mediterranean-leaning plan tailored to your labs, strategic fibre and protein for satiety and hormone clearance, and targeted supplements like magnesium glycinate and key botanicals to calm the adrenals and restore sleep. We cover smart training shifts during gut repair — pulling back on intensity, prioritising walking and strength training with intention — and why undereating plus overtraining keeps cortisol high and fat loss stalled. Patricia also shares a powerful 90-day case study: severe oestrogen dominance and gut dysfunction transformed into clear thinking, stable energy, and a leaner, calmer body — without adding hormones. This is a grounded, empowering roadmap for midlife women: Know your numbers.  Sequence the work.  Personalise the plan.  Then decide whether HRT is the final polish — not the starting point. If this episode gives you clarity, share it with a friend who needs it. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us the one symptom you’re most ready to solve — we’re listening. You can find Patricia's full profile in our Guest Directory https://midliferebel.beam.ly/person/patricia-hernandez Hey there, Rebel,  I'd love you to send me a text to let me know what you thought of the episode, if you have any questions, or if you've got suggestions for future topics or guests you'd like to hear from. Send me a text and I promise I'll reply!

    1h 7m
  7. Why Cardio Stops Working in Midlife (& what to do instead) - Erin Henry

    FEB 19

    Why Cardio Stops Working in Midlife (& what to do instead) - Erin Henry

    Send us Fan Mail Perimenopause and menopause bring real physiological shifts that change how women respond to exercise, food, and stress. Registered dietitian and strength coach Erin Henry joins me to explain those changes clearly, and to share what actually helps women build strength, stabilise energy, and feel capable again. Our conversation starts with the physiology. Declining oestrogen, reduced insulin sensitivity, and a more reactive stress response change how women respond to food and training. Erin explains why eating less and doing more cardio often backfires, and why progressive strength training becomes a cornerstone in this phase of life. Lifting heavier loads recruits more muscle, supports bone density, and improves metabolism across the whole day. If the weights never increase, the body has no reason to adapt — and effort alone won’t change that. From there, we move into the practical levers that make the biggest difference. Sleep is a performance tool, not a luxury. Simple wind-down routines, thoughtful alcohol timing, and — for some women — magnesium can improve sleep quality and lower anxiety. Nutrition is anchored in protein, with around 30 grams per meal helping recovery, stabilising energy, and reducing cravings. Erin also shares how vegetarians can meet protein needs with planning and quality supplements. We touch on data too — labs, CGMs, and HRV — as ways to validate lived experience and cut through conflicting advice. The conversation widens to identity. Midlife is a moment to choose stronger rather than smaller, boundaries rather than people-pleasing, and intention rather than panic. As energy improves and brain fog lifts, many women notice changes that ripple outward — better sleep, improved body composition, and a renewed sense of confidence in their bodies. Erin also outlines her Strong Start one-to-one coaching approach, designed to build a pain-free foundation and progress with purpose. If this episode resonates, follow the show, leave a review, and share it with a friend who’s ready for a smarter, steadier approach to perimenopause and beyond. Join Erin's Midlife Metabolism Masterclass here Find Erin Henry in our Guest Directory:  https://midliferebel.beam.ly/person/erin-henry Hey there, Rebel,  I'd love you to send me a text to let me know what you thought of the episode, if you have any questions, or if you've got suggestions for future topics or guests you'd like to hear from. Send me a text and I promise I'll reply!

    1h 8m
  8. The Truth About Rage, Menopause, and Your Nervous System - Dr Evette Rose

    FEB 12

    The Truth About Rage, Menopause, and Your Nervous System - Dr Evette Rose

    Send us Fan Mail Hot flushes, brain fog, sudden midlife rage — these experiences are often treated as problems to suppress or manage. In this conversation, we look at them differently: as signals the body is trying to get through. This week, I’m joined by Dr Evette Rose, author, spiritual teacher, and trauma recovery expert, to explore how emotions shape physiology and why midlife turns the volume up. Evette shares her own path — from burnout and atheism to mapping the links between unresolved trauma and specific physical symptoms — and explains how learning to regulate the nervous system can turn sensitivity into steadiness. We unpack psychosomatics in a practical, grounded way. How stacked stress shows up as IBS, palpitations, or mental fog. Why you can often feel someone’s emotional state before they say a word. And why fast, instinctive knowing is often more accurate than overthinking. Epigenetics comes into the picture as lived reality, not a buzzword — families pass on stress responses, not fixed destinies. If something is showing up in your body, it’s something you can work with. Menopause becomes a kind of compass in this conversation. Anger that’s been buried starts to rise. Boundaries that were once ignored become non-negotiable. The cupboard door that never closes turns into a symbol for respect that’s been missing. Evette explains why hot flushes often link to anger and the need to expel what’s no longer healthy, and why brain fog can signal overwhelm or dissociation rather than decline. You’ll come away with simple tools you can use straight away: a 90-second breath hold to interrupt reactive responses, 13 quick breaths to reset, hard walks to burn off cortisol, and specific sound frequencies to support nervous system regulation. We also talk about timing — why it matters to delay big decisions until you’re regulated, so change comes from clarity rather than old wounds. If you’re ready to move from knee-jerk reactions to grounded change, this episode offers a steady place to start. Subscribe, share it with someone who needs firmer footing, and leave a review to help more midlife rebels find their way. You can find Evette's profile in our Guest Directory https://midliferebel.beam.ly/person/evette-rose Hey there, Rebel,  I'd love you to send me a text to let me know what you thought of the episode, if you have any questions, or if you've got suggestions for future topics or guests you'd like to hear from. Send me a text and I promise I'll reply!

    1h 8m
5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Welcome to Midlife Rebel , the podcast for women in their 40s and 50s who are done playing by the old rules.  Here, we redefine what it means to thrive in midlife—where health, purpose, and freedom meet. Each week, we explore the intersection of body, mind, and spirit through honest conversations about holistic health, emotional healing, and awakening to your next chapter. With expert guests, soulful stories, and practical wisdom, you’ll find the tools and inspiration to live with more vitality, authenticity, and joy. Whether you’re reinventing yourself, reclaiming your wellbeing, or simply craving deeper meaning, Midlife Rebel invites you to embrace your evolution and design life on your own terms. Contact Nadine: https://midliferebel.beam.ly/contact