Unravelling: The Diary of a Midlife Mess

Sharon Wilkes-Burt
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Unravelling: The Diary of a Midlife Mess is the podcast for women who’ve hit midlife and are wondering, What the hell happened? ICF Life & Confidence coach Sharon Wilkes-Burt takes you through the identity crises, the confidence wobbles, and the downright weirdness of life in messy middle with journal prompts, real talk, and a generous splash of radical kindness. If life feels like an unfinished book, let’s scribble in the margins together.

  1. The walk out that changed everything. Burnout to beaming with Jenny Cole

    5D AGO

    The walk out that changed everything. Burnout to beaming with Jenny Cole

    What happens when the woman who seemed to have it all — the big title, the big school, the big responsibility,  finally breaks? In this episode, we sit down with Jenny Cole, coach, facilitator, and recovering school Principal, whose career came to a dramatic halt when she walked out of a case conference at 40 and never went back. Jenny takes us from her teenage years growing up in a cul-de-sac in Western Australia — full of beach days, big dreams, and Boy George on the walls — through her rapid rise in educational leadership, and into the burnout, ego, and identity crisis that was quietly building beneath the surface. She shares what she wishes she'd known about emotions, energy, friendships, and asking for help. We talk perimenopause, positive psychology, people pleasing, and her brilliant "Jeff Test" for women who are over-functioning and under-valuing themselves. This one is warm, funny, honest, and deeply human. A must-listen for any woman who has ever defined herself by what she does — and is ready to reconnect with who she actually is. https://positivelybeaming.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/positivelybeamingjenny/ Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Unravelling: The Diary of a Midlife Mess. If something resonated with you today, I’d love to hear your thoughts, come join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram @theglowupguide_au or visit sharonwilkesburt.com for more resources and support. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you’re enjoying the journey so far! Let’s Begin | You’re not too late, too much, or too lost. This is just the middle ... and there’s gold in here.

    55 min
  2. Sparkle, Solo, and Spectacularly Herself: Sarah McLeod on the Joy of Choosing You

    FEB 15

    Sparkle, Solo, and Spectacularly Herself: Sarah McLeod on the Joy of Choosing You

    What does it take to come home to yourself? For Sarah McLeod, personal stylist and founder of SJM Styling, the answer involved leaving Sydney's traffic jams behind, returning to Perth's beaches, and embarking on the biggest personal development project of her life: opening a cafe as a single woman building a new life from scratch. In this heartfelt conversation, Sarah takes us through the decades, from the sports-mad kid who expressed herself through bold fashion choices, to navigating university and hospitality careers, to facing family health crises that shaped her perspective on what truly matters. We explore her decision to remain single by choice, the reality of making that work financially and emotionally, and what it really means to build community and friendship in a new chapter of life. Sarah shares the challenges and triumphs of business ownership, the journey to unshakeable self-confidence, and how she discovered that helping women feel spectacular in their clothes was her true calling. This episode is for anyone who's ever wondered if it's too late to start over, if choosing yourself is selfish, or if the life you're building on your own terms is enough. Spoiler: it absolutely is. Topics covered: Growing up with sports as identity and fashion as self-expressionThe reality of single life by choice in your 40sMaking the move from big city to hometownBuilding new friendships and community after 40The personal development crucible of business ownershipFinding confidence through personal stylingLiving by your values and celebrating who you areConnect with Sarah: SJM Styling Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Technical Challenges 05:58 Exploring Teenage Diaries and Personal Growth 11:52 High School Experiences and Identity Formation 17:54 Fashion and Self-Expression in Adolescence 23:58 Body Positivity and Self-Confidence 29:55 University Life and Freedom of Expression 30:27 Uniforms and Self-Expression 31:16 The Transition from High School to University 32:46 Choosing a Career Path in Hospitality 34:30 Life in Your 30s: Career and Personal Growth 37:03 Balancing Personal Life and Career 40:36 The Impact of the Sydney Olympics 42:05 Returning to Perth: A New Chapter 44:08 Finding Balance in Life Choices 46:11 Career Changes and New Beginnings 49:15 Building a New Life in Perth 52:14 Reflections on Personal Growth 53:14 Owning a Cafe: Challenges and Rewards 59:18 The Struggles of Business Ownership 01:02:30 Navigating Friendship and Business Challenges 01:06:05 The Journey to Personal Styling 01:11:54 Empowering Women Through Fashion 01:17:58 The Transformative Power of Self-Image 01:29:07 Life Lessons and Personal Mantras  Sonnet 4.5 Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Unravelling: The Diary of a Midlife Mess. If something resonated with you today, I’d love to hear your thoughts, come join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram @theglowupguide_au or visit sharonwilkesburt.com for more resources and support. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you’re enjoying the journey so far! Let’s Begin | You’re not too late, too much, or too lost. This is just the middle ... and there’s gold in here.

    1h 10m
  3. Life is to be lived - A mother's message with Nicola Moxham

    FEB 1

    Life is to be lived - A mother's message with Nicola Moxham

    Nic is 54. A mother of four adult children. A woman who grew up alongside her kids. A fighter,  because she had to be. In this episode of The Unravelling, Nic shares the unpolished truth of a life lived in survival mode for decades: becoming a mother at 21, leaving an abusive relationship while pregnant with her fourth child, navigating single motherhood, social anxiety, trauma held in the body, perfectionism disguised as control , and a second marriage that ended before it ever truly began. We talk about what happens when you don’t get time to reflect because you’re too busy parenting. How external judgement becomes an inner critic. What it means to be strong but still deeply unsafe inside yourself. And the slow, confronting work of realising that fixing your life starts with knowing yourself. At 50, everything collapsed and cracked open at once — the death of her mother, the arrest of her son, and the beginning of a business that would become an unexpected place of healing. A shop born not from a business plan, but from a simple, defiant truth: life is to be lived. This is a conversation about grief, responsibility, self-authority, guarding your heart without closing it, and the quiet power of finally seeing yourself clearly. All the versions of Nic that came before? They’d be proud of who she is now. takeaways Life is to be lived fully and authentically.Navigating teenage years involves conflict with parental expectations.Self-discovery is a lifelong journey that evolves over time.Parenting challenges often come with societal judgments.Finding strength in adversity is crucial for personal growth.Coping with loss can lead to profound transformation.Starting a business can be a path to self-empowerment.External opinions can influence self-worth and decisions.Embracing change is essential for personal development.Women have the power to inspire and heal through shared stories.Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Unravelling: The Diary of a Midlife Mess. If something resonated with you today, I’d love to hear your thoughts, come join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram @theglowupguide_au or visit sharonwilkesburt.com for more resources and support. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you’re enjoying the journey so far! Let’s Begin | You’re not too late, too much, or too lost. This is just the middle ... and there’s gold in here.

    58 min
  4. Receiving the gifts you didn't chase with Reem Kubba

    JAN 25

    Receiving the gifts you didn't chase with Reem Kubba

    In this episode of The Unravelling, I’m joined by Reem Kubba — marketing strategist, SEO whisperer, founder of The SEO Room, and creator of Joy Voice AI. But this conversation goes far beyond business. Reem shares her journey from Iraq to New Zealand as a teenager navigating identity, cultural expectations, and belonging — without the internet, without a roadmap, and with only American movies as a guide. A high achiever who once topped her school in Iraq, she later found herself questioning success, underachieving, and trying to fit into worlds that didn’t quite fit her. Having lived in six countries — Iraq, Jordan, New Zealand, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Australia — Reem reflects on how each culture shaped her worldview, her ambition, and her sense of self. She opens up about making life-changing declarations before having clear plans, trusting divine support when logic said otherwise, and repeatedly taking leaps that others didn’t understand. We talk candidly about her lowest point — when outward success masked inner emptiness — and how EMDR therapy became a turning point in reconnecting with herself beyond roles, titles, and external validation. Reem shares powerful insights about receiving versus striving, why business is the greatest personal development journey there is, and how learning to be okay with failure changed everything. This episode is a beautiful exploration of faith, identity, unravelling old beliefs, and learning to listen to your inner voice — not the loud one shaped by culture and expectation, but the quiet whisper that knows what you need to release next. If you’ve ever done “all the right things” and still felt unfulfilled… this one’s for you. Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Unravelling: The Diary of a Midlife Mess. If something resonated with you today, I’d love to hear your thoughts, come join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram @theglowupguide_au or visit sharonwilkesburt.com for more resources and support. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you’re enjoying the journey so far! Let’s Begin | You’re not too late, too much, or too lost. This is just the middle ... and there’s gold in here.

    1h 16m

  5. 11/02/2025

    Doing it scared - Solo Episode and Season 2 sign off

    When I started this podcast, I had no fancy mic, no clue how to edit, and absolutely no idea what I was doing,  just a whole lot of courage and a clear intention to have honest conversations about the messy middle of life.  In this solo episode, I’m reflecting on what I’ve learned  about fear, confidence, and taking bold steps even when you feel wildly unprepared.  Because confidence isn’t built in comfort; it’s built in motion. Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Unravelling: The Diary of a Midlife Mess. If something resonated with you today, I’d love to hear your thoughts, come join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram @theglowupguide_au or visit sharonwilkesburt.com for more resources and support. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you’re enjoying the journey so far! Let’s Begin | You’re not too late, too much, or too lost. This is just the middle ... and there’s gold in here.

    9 min
  6. Living on her own timeline - Donna Fortune's midlife unravelling

    10/26/2025

    Living on her own timeline - Donna Fortune's midlife unravelling

    In this episode of The Unravelling, I’m joined by Donna — a life-seeking, deep-thinking, conversation-loving woman who’s discovering what it really means to live on her own timeline. From modelling in her 20s, to embracing motherhood in her 30s, to starting over with photography in her 40s, Donna has always done things a little later than expected — and she’s learning that maybe that’s her strength. Now in her 50s, she’s navigating the changes of menopause, the shifting face in the mirror, and the unravelling of relationships that no longer feel balanced. We talk about ageing, beauty standards, and the way midlife asks us to let go of who we’ve been in order to step into who we’re becoming. Donna also shares her belief that the challenges women face with hormones today may be shaped by the environment we live in, and why she thinks this messy middle is less about answers and more about awareness. Alongside her personal journey, Donna has built a business as a personal brand photographer and consultant. Through Donna Fortune Photography, she helps women show up authentically in front of the camera, with a strong desire to promote a healthy self-image and a positive approach to ageing. If you’ve ever felt the “WTF” of midlife while also being excited for what’s ahead, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Connect with Donna here:  📸 Instagram: @donna_fortune_photography 🌐 Website: donnafortunephotography.com Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Unravelling: The Diary of a Midlife Mess. If something resonated with you today, I’d love to hear your thoughts, come join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram @theglowupguide_au or visit sharonwilkesburt.com for more resources and support. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you’re enjoying the journey so far! Let’s Begin | You’re not too late, too much, or too lost. This is just the middle ... and there’s gold in here.

    1h 6m
  7. From Hustle to Harmony with Sarah Thomson

    10/19/2025

    From Hustle to Harmony with Sarah Thomson

    In this episode, Sharon sits down with Sarah Thomson, multi award winning digital business coach, and founder of Online Social Butterfly, to talk about what happens when a life built on achievement meets the messy middle of midlife. Sarah’s story is one of evolution — from corporate high-flyer to entrepreneur, from people-pleasing perfectionist to woman learning the art of rest, and from the hustle of “doing it all” to embracing compassion and crone energy. They chat about career pivots, perimenopause brain fog, the realities of parenting when it doesn’t come naturally, and the courage it takes to stop soldiering on. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Who am I without my work?” or felt scared that slowing down might mean losing yourself — this conversation is for you.Takeaways Self-compassion is crucial during challenging times. It's important to allow others to help and support you. Navigating motherhood can be overwhelming, but it's okay to seek help. Finding balance between work and family is essential for well-being. Health challenges can lead to important life changes and self-discovery. Women often feel pressured to conform to societal expectations. Embracing change and being open to new routines can be liberating. Confidence in one's abilities can fluctuate throughout life. It's okay to prioritize personal happiness over societal norms. Learning to say no is a powerful act of self-care. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Unraveling the Midlife Mess 02:03 Exploring Teenage Diaries and Early Influences 05:54 Navigating Career Choices and Early Success 11:58 The Evolution of Self-Confidence 17:46 Motherhood: Challenges and Realizations 23:50 Finding Balance in Work and Family Life 29:57 Turning Points and Life Changes 35:55 Health Challenges and Self-Compassion 41:57 Embracing Change and New Routines 47:48 Lessons Learned and Advice for Women 53:52 Conclusion and Reflections on the Journey You can find Sarah over at @onlinesocialbutterfly or tune in to her excellent podcast The Social Circus Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Unravelling: The Diary of a Midlife Mess. If something resonated with you today, I’d love to hear your thoughts, come join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram @theglowupguide_au or visit sharonwilkesburt.com for more resources and support. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you’re enjoying the journey so far! Let’s Begin | You’re not too late, too much, or too lost. This is just the middle ... and there’s gold in here.

    57 min
  8. The Art of being Unf**kwithable with Donna Williams

    10/12/2025

    The Art of being Unf**kwithable with Donna Williams

    In this engaging conversation, Sharon Wilkes-Burt and Donnaprana explore the journey of self-discovery and resilience through various life stages. From teenage years filled with angst to the pressures of adulthood, they discuss how societal expectations shape our understanding of success. The conversation delves into the impact of trauma, the importance of self-compassion, and the liberating experience of embracing one's true self in midlife. Donnaprana shares her insights on the significance of meditation, healthy living, and the power of community support in navigating life's challenges. Ultimately, the discussion highlights the beauty of personal growth and the freedom that comes with self-acceptance. Discover more about Donna, and her beautiful Swiss mountain life, her retreats and practices at https://emergencyoga.org/ Or over at https://www.instagram.com/emergencyoga/ Takeaways Meditation is a crucial practice for self-awareness. Self-compassion can transform your internal narrative. Your identity can evolve; you can redefine yourself. Healthy eating significantly impacts mental health. Surround yourself with supportive people. Embrace the freedom that comes with aging. Trauma can lead to profound personal growth. It's okay to let go of relationships that no longer serve you. Life experiences shape our resilience and character. You can have anything you want in life if you believe it.  Titles Unraveling the Journey of Midlife From Teen Angst to Midlife Wisdom Sound bites "I think this is the making of us." "I rarely felt I wasn't going to survive." "This is a total life hack." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:53 Teenage Years and Early Influences 06:01 Defining Success in the 20s 08:46 Career Focus in the 30s 11:47 Turning 40: Reflections and Changes 14:34 Trauma and Growth in the 40s 17:38 Embracing Freedom in the 50s 20:37 The Thread of Nature and Independence 23:23 Unraveling and Identity 26:26 Lessons from Unraveling 29:22 Advice for Women in Transition Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Unravelling: The Diary of a Midlife Mess. If something resonated with you today, I’d love to hear your thoughts, come join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram @theglowupguide_au or visit sharonwilkesburt.com for more resources and support. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you’re enjoying the journey so far! Let’s Begin | You’re not too late, too much, or too lost. This is just the middle ... and there’s gold in here.

    56 min
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About

Unravelling: The Diary of a Midlife Mess is the podcast for women who’ve hit midlife and are wondering, What the hell happened? ICF Life & Confidence coach Sharon Wilkes-Burt takes you through the identity crises, the confidence wobbles, and the downright weirdness of life in messy middle with journal prompts, real talk, and a generous splash of radical kindness. If life feels like an unfinished book, let’s scribble in the margins together.

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