The Present Day Wise Woman

Jennifer Jefferies
  • 5.0 (1)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

This isn’t just another podcast. It’s a reckoning — and a rally cry. Hosted by Jennifer Jefferies — corporate speaker, naturopath, author, and proud midlife disruptor — The Present Day Wise Woman Podcast is where fierce, funny, wise women come to be seen, heard, and celebrated. Because midlife women are ready to stop shrinking and start setting fires. Each episode spotlights women who’ve faced the flames and come back stronger. We talk power, purpose, ageing boldly, speaking up, starting over — and everything they told us to quiet down about. No fluff. No beige. No pretending we’ve got it

  1. 1D AGO

    The wise woman way to becoming a Crone with Dr Alice MacKinnon | Ep. 41

    In this tender and truth-filled episode, Jennifer sits down withDr. Alice MacKinnon — emotion coach, mindfulness teacher, and proud apprentice to the way of the Crone. Together they explore what it really means to flourish from the inside out, to age as initiation, and to embody the calm, grounded wisdom that our world so deeply needs. Alice shares how Emotional Freedom Techniques, mindful movement, and gentle presence can help us return to ourselves as we navigate this powerful season of life — the time of the Wise Woman. Becoming a Wise Woman @ 0:00 Jennifer and Alice discuss the journey of becoming awise woman or "crone" - a process that is an ongoing apprenticeship rather than a destination. They explain how it involves releasing old patterns, embodying presence and emotional freedom, and deepening one's connection to nature and the earth. Accessing Inner Wisdom @ 6:17 Alice shares how as she has aged, she has gained adeeper understanding and compassion for her younger selves and inner parts. She has developed tools like tapping and qigong to calm her nervous system and access her inner wisdom and stillness. Building Community @ 27:12 Jennifer and Alice discuss the importance of communityand connection with other women on the wise woman path. They share examples of the supportive communities they have built, including online programs, in-person gatherings, and a "crone collective" they participate in. Reclaiming the Crone @ 33:03 Jennifer and Alice explore the history and reclamationof the word "crone", tracing its origins to "crown" and thepower and wisdom of older women. They discuss ways that crones can use their voice and presence to positively impact the world, from peaceful protest to holding space for healing. Closing Reflections @ 45:02 In closing, Alice offers a message of encouragement towomen approaching or in this stage of life, reminding them that they deserve the richness, connection, and sense of purpose that this phase can bring. Jennifer emphasizes the importance of seeing oneself as worthy of a seat at the table.   CONTACT ALICE THE WISE WOMAN WAY program with Alice and Jen https://jenniferjefferies.com/the-wise-woman-way-101/ Website: https://aliceionamackinnon.com/ QiGong Online Class with Alice: https://aliceionamackinnon.com/qigong-online-classes/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sally.mackinnon.73 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aliceionamackinnon/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-alice-mackinnon-phd-3b0014244/

    50 min

  2. 2D AGO

    Who Profits From Burnout | Ep. 40

    Burnout did not sneak up on women. And menopause did not suddenly become a problem that needed fixing. In this episode, Jennifer Jefferies cuts through the noise and names what many women feel but rarely hear said out loud. That exhaustion, brain fog, emotional flatness and quiet rage so many women over 40 carry is not a personal failure. It is the result of systems that learned how far they could stretch women, then profited when we finally broke. This is an unfiltered conversation about burnout, menopause, nervous system overload and the industries that benefit from keeping women tired, compliant and doubting themselves. It is also a powerful reframe of midlife as a moment of clarity, authority and wisdom rather than decline. If you have ever asked yourself what is wrong with me, this episode offers a far better question. 00:00 – Burnout and menopause were engineered, not accidental Women’s exhaustion was ignored, then monetised once it became visible. Midlife women are told they are the problem while others profit. 01:20 – Burnout is framed as personal failure to protect systems Calling burnout a resilience issue avoids accountability for broken work and social structures. 02:40 – Menopause exposes burnout, it does not cause it Hormonal change collides with decades of emotional load, caregiving and pressure already carried by women. 04:30 – You cannot fix systemic overload with supplements The wellness industry treats symptoms while ignoring the root cause. Burnout packaged as self-care is still burnout. 06:20 – Women’s emotional labour props up modern culture The system relies on women coping, adapting and absorbing stress until capacity breaks. 08:30 – Menopause becomes the perfect scapegoat Midlife women are medicalised instead of supported, allowing workplaces and industries to avoid change. 10:40 – The nervous system is the missing piece Chronic stress keeps women in survival mode, disrupting sleep, weight, motivation and health. 13:10 – A regulated midlife woman threatens the status quo Rested, self-trusting women stop people pleasing, question urgency and leave draining systems. 15:00 – Real support looks different Stabilisation before optimisation, rest without guilt, strength without punishment and authority without apology. 16:40 – The real question Not “what’s wrong with me?” but “who benefits from me staying tired?” Connect With Jennifer Jefferies Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/presentdaywisewoman ⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thepresentdaywisewoman⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferjefferies/⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@jenniferjefferiesoz/ ⁠⁠ Website: ⁠https://www.jenniferjefferies.com⁠

    13 min

  3. 6D AGO

    When the body tells the truth with Inna Segal | Ep. 39

    Healing, truth, and what becomes possible when we actually listen to the body. I’m joined by Inna Segal, global pioneer in energy medicine and bestselling author of The Secret Language of Your Body. After years of illness and the stillbirth of her child, Inna experienced a profound personal healing that changed everything. We talk about why the body never lies, how emotions lodge themselves in our tissues, why symptoms shift when we don’t listen, and why midlife is a powerful,often confronting, initiation into deeper healing. This isn’t surface-level wellness.
It’s about responsibility without blame, listening without bypassing, and letting the body lead the way back to wholeness. Importance of listening to the body @ 0:00 Inna Segal discusses how the body never lies and how most people don't know how to listen to it. She explains that we often suppress or run away from uncomfortable physical sensations instead of delving into them to understand the underlying emotional and energetic causes. Emotions and the body @ 2:29 Inna explains how emotions are stored in different parts of the body, and how we often generalize and confuse emotions because we don't understand the specific storylines they represent. She provides examples of how rejection can manifest in different areas of the body. Displacement of symptoms @ 9:44 Inna discusses how the body can displace symptoms as a protective mechanism, and how this process has changed in the post-COVID era. She shares a detailed example of a client's health journey to illustrate how unresolved emotional issues can manifest physically over time. Responsibility vs. blame in healing @ 20:12 Inna emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for one's healing journey without self-blame. She shares her own experience of needing to prioritize her own emotional processing while caring for others, and provides guidance on how to create the space and conditions for this work. Midlife as a time of transformation @ 43:38 Inna explains why midlife, particularly the transition to menopause, is a time when suppressed emotions and unresolved issues tend to surface. She contrasts this natural process with the common medical approach of simply trying to "balance hormones" rather than addressing the deeper underlying causes. Practical steps for self-exploration @ 56:54 Inna provides a step-by-step process for women to begin reconnecting with their bodies and emotions, including breathing exercises, journaling, and using tools like her Heart Healing Cards to facilitate self-reflection and reclamation.   Contact Inna https://www.innasegal.com/ https://www.instagram.com/innasegalauthor/ https://www.facebook.com/inna.segal1 https://www.linkedin.com/in/inna-segal-a70b7221/ https://www.youtube.com/InnaSegal

    1h 10m

  4. FEB 10

    Quiet Courage: Redefining Strength in Hard Seasons with Beth Hanishewski | Ep. 38

    Three weeks ago, Beth Hanishewski underwent a double mastectomy. She’s not here for sympathy. She’s here because navigating work, leadership, and relationships in the midst of cancer treatment has sharpened the message she’s been teaching for decades: that real strength isn’t muscling through. It’s quieter than that. It’s choosing your attitude, tending your mindset, setting clear boundaries, and letting support in. Beth is often called the Swiss Army knife of coaches. Not because she has all the answers, but because she has an uncanny ability to see straight to the heart of a problem and break complex challenges into small, doable steps. She does it with humanity, humour, and a depth that cuts through noise. Yes, Beth is an internationally recognised speaker, coach, and writer with over 20 years’ experience. She’s shared stages with Jack Canfield, Robin Sharma, Lisa Nichols and Mike Dooley. But what defines her work isn’t hype, it’s her depth, her clarity, and her lived integrity. In this conversation, we talk about quiet courage, agency in hard moments, navigating relationships and boundaries during illness, redefining resilience, embracing the Crone, and trusting your inner wisdom, especially when life throws you a plot twist you didn’t order.   Chicken Farmer Turned Coach @ 0:00 Beth shares how she unexpectedly became a chicken farmer, despite initially resisting the idea. She describes falling in love with the chickens and how they have become an integral part of her life and work as a mindset coach. Metastatic Breast Cancer Diagnosis @ 7:29 Beth reveals her diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer, which she discovered through a routine medical appointment. She provides details on the aggressive nature of her cancer, the treatment plan, and the emotional journey of processing this unexpected "plot twist" in her life. Navigating Relationships and Boundaries @ 25:37 Beth discusses the importance of managing relationships and setting boundaries during her cancer journey. She shares insights on how to have compassionate yet clear conversations with loved ones about privacy, support, and her needs. Beth emphasizes the power of saying "no" and prioritizing self-care. Redefining Resilience and Strength @ 33:19 Beth reflects on the myths surrounding resilience and strength, highlighting how quiet courage, mindset, and the ability to receive support are more important than "muscling through" difficult circumstances. She shares how her cancer experience has amplified her understanding of these concepts. Embracing the Crone @ 59:20 Beth and Jennifer explore the concept of the "crone" - the wise, powerful, and unapologetic older woman. They discuss reclaiming this archetype, the importance of speaking one's truth, and the dichotomy of caring deeply while also not caring what others think. Advice for Her Younger Self @ 1:07:46 If Beth could whisper wisdom to her 18-year-old self, she would encourage herself to trust her intuition and inner wisdom more, rather than constantly seeking external validation and influence. CONTACT BETH https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethhanishewski/ https://www.facebook.com/mindsetcoaching https://www.instagram.com/mindsetcoaching/ https://bethhanishewski.com/

    1h 11m

  5. FEB 2

    The Day We Stopped Asking Permission with Inessa Love | Ep. 37

    If you’re less interested in fitting in and more interested in living in alignment with who you actually are now, this one’s for you. Today I’m joined by Inessa Love, co-founder of Sassy Silver Surfers, a movement born from a quiet refusal to shrink. Inessa didn’t take up surfing to prove anything. She took it up because something in her said now. Not louder. Not faster. Just truer. This conversation isn’t about conquering waves or chasing youth. It’s about the rebellion that comes with age, the kind that doesn’t shout, doesn’t perform, and doesn’t explain itself. We talk about changing your mind without apology, navigating spaces that weren’t built for you, and why midlife isn’t the end of becoming, it’s where discernment finally takes the lead. Introductions and Surfing Journeys @ 0:00 Jennifer introduces Inessa, co-founder of Sassy Silver Surfers, a community of midlife women who have taken up surfing. They discuss how they both started surfing later in life and the journey of overcoming fears and redefining their goals. Redefining Success and Embracing Change @ 3:53 Inessa shares how she initially tried to progress to bigger waves, but then realized she didn't need to perform or push herself beyond her comfort zone. She emphasizes the importance of defining success on your own terms and being open to changing your goals as your needs and interests evolve. Navigating the Male-Dominated Surf Culture @ 12:17 Jennifer and Inessa discuss the challenges of being women in a traditionally male-dominated sport, and how they've learned to navigate the lineup and choose their battles. They emphasize the importance of finding supportive communities and not letting the negativity of others hold them back. The Power of Role Models and Community @ 40:14 Inessa highlights the value of seeking out role models, both online and in real life, to inspire and empower midlife women. She also emphasizes the importance of building a supportive community, as it can be a powerful antidote to the cultural messages that tell women to stay small and quiet as they age. Embracing Authenticity and Not Fitting In @ 43:07 In a reflective moment, Inessa shares that a key lesson for her has been to embrace not fitting in, and to focus on being true to herself rather than trying to conform to societal expectations. She encourages others to do the same, and to not let the pressure to fit in hold them back from pursuing their passions. Contact Inessa Love Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sassysilversurfers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/808225893264023

    44 min

  6. JAN 28

    The Power of Stories That Matter with Alice MacKinnon | Ep. 36

    Dr Alice MacKinnon, a Doctor of Adult Education and longtime storyteller, explains why the stories we choose to share in our elder years become some of the most powerful tools for connection, healing, and wisdom. We explore: Why wisdom stories, not outrage, are what the world is starving forHow reclaiming the matriarchal voice is cultural repairWhy deep listening creates real safety and generational healingAlice and Jennifer offer a simple call to action: Share a story that matters, and make space for another woman to do the same. Your story is medicine. It’s time to tell it. The power of stories that matter @ 0:01 Jennifer and Alice discuss the importance of sharing stories that hold wisdom, guidance, and inspiration, in contrast to the sensationalism and anger that often dominates online and media narratives. They emphasize the need to reclaim the art of storytelling, especially among women and elders, as a way to shape a more compassionate, sustainable, and regenerative future. Reclaiming the matriarchal voice @ 6:30 Alice explains how the patriarchal system has historically suppressed the voices of women, especially older women, and the critical need for those voices to be heard. She contrasts the extractive, competitive mindset of the patriarchy with the collaborative, nurturing approach of the matriarchy, and the importance of women coming together to share their stories and wisdom. The power of listening and creating safe spaces @ 24:57 Jennifer and Alice discuss the importance of deep listening and creating safe spaces for women to share their stories. They share an example of a community meeting where the women's stories were finally heard by the men, leading to a breakthrough in understanding. They emphasize the need to practice listening skills and discernment to ensure stories are shared in appropriate contexts. Sharing stories for healing and hope @ 35:39 Alice and Jennifer emphasise the urgent need for women to share their stories of wisdom, healing, and hope, as a counterpoint to the anger and division prevalent in media and society. They discuss strategies for women to start sharing stories with trusted friends and in small groups, and highlight the power of collective storytelling to shape a better future. Sharing stories that matter @ 1:05:18 Jennifer and Alice issue a call to action for listeners to share this podcast episode with a friend and start a monthly story-sharing practice. They also promote their own "Stories That Matter" community, which provides a supportive space for women to learn the art of storytelling and deep listening. Sharing Stories That Matter https://jenniferjefferies.com/sstm-program/

    1h 10m

  7. JAN 27

    When We Mock Women as Karens We Mock Ourselves | Ep. 35

    What started as a meme has become a muzzle. The word Karen is now used to shame women into silence, to make us doubt our right to speak up. In this raw, no-BS episode, Jennifer calls out how this label keeps women small, and how changing our self-talk, language, and even scent rituals can help us reclaim power from the inside out. It’s time to retire the mockery and rise as women who use our voices, unapologetically, fiercely, and together. The problem with the "Karen" label @ 0:00 Jennifer discusses how the term "Karen" has evolved from describing entitled behavior to becoming a way to mock and silence women who speak up or challenge the status quo. She argues that this reinforces the idea that there is a "right" and "wrong" way for women to use their voices, and that this undermines women's collective confidence and empowerment. The power of our self-talk @ 4:29 Jennifer emphasizes how the words we use, even in casual self-deprecation, can have a profound impact on our physiology and self-perception. She encourages reframing negative self-talk with more empowering language, as our bodies and minds respond to the stories we tell ourselves. Aromatherapy and affirmations as tools @ 8:31 Jennifer discusses how essential oils and affirmations can be used together to help shift our emotional state and self-perception. She recommends specific oils like geranium, rose, frankincense, and sweet orange to address issues like self-judgment, emotional walls, and lack of joy. Breaking the cycle of self-mockery @ 10:30 Jennifer calls on women to stop participating in the "casual cruelty" of mocking themselves and other women, as this reinforces the idea that women should stay small and quiet. She encourages choosing kinder, more empowering language, as this can help heal something ancient within us and pave the way for women to speak their truth unapologetically. Recap and key message @ 11:57 Jennifer concludes by emphasizing that when women use their voices, it makes it safer for others to do the same. She reframes the term "Karen" as a "legendary woman who's strong enough to use her voice unapologetically," and states that this is how women will rise - one unapologetic truth at a time.

    11 min

  8. JAN 26

    Choosing Aliveness After Loss with Anne Martin | Ep. 34

    She packed the caravan, took the dog, and didn’t ask for permission. Anne Martin chose aliveness after loss. After the death of her husband, she listened to the quiet voice that said now and travelled Australia solo with her dog Rosie - not to prove anything, but to live. Confidence didn’t come before the journey. It grew because of it. Anne is a rock and roll dancer, teacher, and founder of Tiny Tappers, a dance group for children with special needs where belonging matters more than perfection. This episode is about trusting yourself, choosing joy, and stepping forward when life changes shape. Grounded. Brave. Fully alive.   Introductions and Casual Conversation @ 0:00 Jennifer and Anne engage in casual conversation as they set up and test the recording equipment. They discuss the purpose of the meeting, which is for an informal chat, and ensure the technical aspects are working properly. Anne's Solo Caravan Adventure @ 5:00 After the passing of her husband, Anne decided to fulfill their dream of traveling to New South Wales. Despite initial hesitation, she listened to her intuition and set out on a solo road trip with her dog Rosie. Anne shares how she overcame her fears, learned new skills, and found a sense of freedom and confidence through the journey. The Impact of Anne's Story @ 9:11 Anne's story of solo travel was featured in a local publication, inspiring other women to embark on similar adventures. She shares how she creatively addressed safety concerns, like using a makeshift "passenger" in the car, which ended up resonating with readers and encouraging more women to explore solo travel. The Joys of Dancing @ 20:26 Anne discusses her lifelong passion for dancing, which she shared with her late husband. She explains how dancing has been a source of joy, confidence, and community for her, and how she now teaches dance classes with her new partner, Trevor. Jennifer and Anne reflect on the physical, mental, and social benefits of dancing. Founding Tiny Tappers @ 25:35 Anne shares her experience of founding the Tiny Tappers dance group for children with special needs in Townsville. She describes how she initially struggled to adapt her teaching approach, but ultimately found great fulfillment in creating a space for the children to express themselves through music and movement. Advice for Women Seeking Courage @ 32:06 Anne encourages women who may be doubting themselves to listen to their intuition and take the first step, even if it feels risky. She emphasizes the importance of self-belief and not overthinking, and shares how her own journey has taught her to trust her gut and embrace new experiences. Contact Anne Martin https://www.borderrockers.com/ https://www.facebook.com/borderrockers https://www.instagram.com/border_rockers/

    37 min
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About

This isn’t just another podcast. It’s a reckoning — and a rally cry. Hosted by Jennifer Jefferies — corporate speaker, naturopath, author, and proud midlife disruptor — The Present Day Wise Woman Podcast is where fierce, funny, wise women come to be seen, heard, and celebrated. Because midlife women are ready to stop shrinking and start setting fires. Each episode spotlights women who’ve faced the flames and come back stronger. We talk power, purpose, ageing boldly, speaking up, starting over — and everything they told us to quiet down about. No fluff. No beige. No pretending we’ve got it

Information

  • Creator
    Jennifer Jefferies
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    41
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Jennifer Jefferies
  • Show Website
    The Present Day Wise Woman

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