Mid Life Bites

Kirstin Bouse
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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. 3d ago

    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/

  2. Jul 23

    When Your Capacity Changes: Understanding Midlife Overload with Karen Fossey

    Have you ever found yourself wondering, "Why can't I cope the way I used to?" In this episode of Midlife Bites, Kirsten Bouse is joined by clinical psychologist Karen Fossey to explore one of the most common yet least understood experiences of midlife: a reduced sense of capacity. From brain fog and emotional overwhelm to decision fatigue and physical exhaustion, Karen explains why so many women feel like they're no longer functioning as they once did—and why it's not a personal failure. Together, they unpack the biological, psychological, and social factors that all contribute to this shift, while offering compassionate strategies for navigating this new season of life. This conversation is a powerful reminder that midlife isn't about getting back to who you used to be—it's about creating a wiser, more sustainable version of yourself.  What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhat "Capacity" Really Means Karen introduces the concept of capacity as the psychological and emotional bandwidth we rely on to navigate everyday life. She explains why many women feel their ability to cope, organise, regulate emotions, and juggle responsibilities changes during midlife. Why Midlife Feels So Overwhelming Discover how hormonal changes, sleep disruption, brain fog, emotional regulation, and life pressures all combine to reduce capacity—even when your external workload hasn't changed. It's Not About Being Busy One of the biggest misconceptions is that only women with demanding schedules struggle. Karen explains why reduced capacity is often an internal shift rather than simply a reflection of how much is on your to-do list. The Hidden Weight Women Carry From caring for family members to managing invisible emotional labour, Kirsten and Karen explore how many women carry responsibilities they rarely stop to question—and why it's time to reassess what's truly theirs to hold. Moving Beyond Guilt and Self-Criticism Midlife often exposes lifelong patterns of self-sacrifice and people-pleasing. Learn why guilt can become such a powerful barrier to change and how self-compassion becomes an essential part of healing. Grieving the Woman You Used to Be Many women mourn the capable, energetic version of themselves they once knew. Karen explains why acknowledging this grief is an important step toward embracing the next chapter. Creating a New Relationship with Yourself Rather than trying to "get back to normal," this episode encourages women to redefine success, rebuild identity, and develop healthier boundaries that honour their current capacity. Key Takeaways Reduced capacity is a normal part of many women's midlife experience.  Hormonal changes affect cognitive function, emotional regulation, sleep, and energy.  External responsibilities aren't the only cause—internal changes play a significant role.  Comparison with other women only increases self-judgment and guilt.  Self-compassion is a practice, not simply being "nice" to yourself.  Therapy can help women identify what they truly need to carry and what they can let go of.  Midlife isn't about returning to your old self—it's an opportunity to become someone more aligned with who you are today. Notable Quotes"Capacity is the common thread that runs through so many women's experiences in midlife.""This isn't a busy person issue—it's about our internal resources.""Do you actually want to go back to your old self?""Midlife isn't about getting rid of symptoms—it's about creating the life you want moving forward."Resources Mentioned The Biopsychosocial Model  Self-Compassion practices  Parts Work  Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)  Compassion-Focused Therapy principles  All About Her Centre  Midlife Bites Podcast ConnectKirsten Bowles  Clinical Psychologist  Founder of All About Her Centre https://allabouthercentre.com.auKaren Fossey  Clinical Psychologist  Yarra Valley, Victoria  In-person and Telehealth appointments  All About Her Centre Practitioner Call to ActionIf this episode resonated with you, remember that you're not failing—you may simply be carrying more than your current capacity allows. Follow Midlife Bites for more honest conversations about the realities of midlife, and if you found this episode helpful, leave a review and share it with another woman who needs to hear that she's not alone. 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. Jul 16

    More Than Hormones: Reclaiming Identity Through Menopause with Dr. Catherine Stovold

    What if the hardest part of menopause isn't the hot flushes—but losing sight of who you are? In this episode of Midlife Bites, Kirsten Bouse sits down with psychologist Dr. Catherine Stovold to explore why midlife is far more than a medical transition. Together, they discuss the emotional, relational, and identity shifts women experience during menopause, the critical role psychology plays in supporting women, and why this stage of life deserves a more holistic approach. Drawing from both lived experience and years of clinical practice, Catherine shares why she is passionate about helping women navigate pivotal life transitions with compassion, curiosity, and hope. The conversation also highlights the importance of moving beyond diagnoses to understand the whole person—and how rebuilding identity can become one of the most powerful parts of the menopause journey. Whether you're experiencing menopause yourself, supporting someone who is, or you're a health professional working with midlife women, this episode offers valuable insight into one of life's biggest transitions.  What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhy Psychology Belongs in the Menopause Conversation Kirsten and Catherine discuss how menopause is often treated purely as a medical issue while the emotional, psychological, and relational impacts are overlooked. They explore why psychologists are uniquely positioned to support women through this life stage. The Hidden Identity Crisis of Midlife As children become independent, careers evolve, and relationships shift, many women begin asking, "Who am I now?" Catherine explains why identity work has become one of the most rewarding parts of her practice. Looking Beyond Anxiety and Depression Many women initially seek therapy for anxiety or depression, but those symptoms often point to much deeper life transitions. Catherine shares how she uncovers the broader story behind the diagnosis. Supporting Women Through Major Life Transitions From motherhood to menopause, life is full of pivotal moments that reshape our sense of self. Catherine explains why these transitions deserve understanding rather than pathologizing. Creating a Safe Space for Healing Discover Catherine's collaborative and compassionate therapeutic approach that helps clients feel heard, understood, and empowered from the very first session. Acceptance Over Self-Criticism Learn how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), self-compassion, and mindfulness help women navigate menopause without believing they're "broken." The Importance of Accessible Mental Health Care Catherine also shares her passion for supporting rural and remote women who often face limited access to specialist psychological services. Key Takeaways Menopause is far more than a hormonal transition—it's an emotional and identity transformation.  Many women experience relationship changes, grief, loneliness, and uncertainty during midlife.  Anxiety and depression may be symptoms of deeper life transitions rather than the core issue.  Identity work is a powerful part of helping women rediscover purpose and joy.  Compassion, curiosity, and collaboration create meaningful therapeutic relationships.  Psychology has a vital role to play in menopause care alongside medical treatment.  Women don't need fixing—they need understanding, support, and space to rebuild. Notable Quotes"Women aren't broken—they're moving through a transition.""So many women don't know what brings them joy anymore.""Psychology deserves a much bigger place in the menopause conversation.""The work I love most is helping women rebuild who they are."Resources Mentioned Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)  Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)  Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)  Mindfulness practices  Self-compassion approaches  All About Her Centre  Midlife Bites Podcast ConnectKirsten Bowles  All About Her Centre https://allabouthercentre.com.auDr. Catherine Stovold  Psychologist specialising in women's mental health, life transitions, perinatal wellbeing, and menopause support.  Connect via LinkedIn and her professional website.  If this conversation resonated with you, be sure to follow Midlife Bites so you never miss an episode. If you found it helpful, leave a review—it helps more women discover the conversations they need during midlife. Know someone navigating menopause or questioning who they are in this season of life? Share this episode with them—they may need to hear they're not alone. 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. 12/10/2024

    Supporting Women Through Menopause with Kirstie Clarke

    In this episode of ALL ABOUT HER, Kirstin welcomes back Kristie Clarke, a clinical psychologist who specializes in supporting women through the challenges of menopause. Together, they dive deeper into the unique needs of women during this transformative stage of life and explore strategies for making menopause "all about her." Key Topics: Revisiting the inspiration behind "All About Her" and why this life stage deserves a focus on women’s individual needsKristie Clarke’s continued work with menopausal women, addressing common challenges such as stress, mood changes, and work/life balanceThe critical role of education and finding menopause-informed healthcare providersPersonal reflections and shared experiences in navigating perimenopause and menopauseAs a returning guest, Kristie brings fresh insights and perspectives, making this episode a meaningful continuation of the conversation about menopause support and empowerment. Tune in for practical advice, compassionate discussions, and inspiring takeaways! 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/

    Supporting Women Through Menopause with Kirstie Clarke

  5. 12/03/2024

    Embracing Change: A Psychologist's Perspective on Menopause with Kirstie Clarke

    Clinical psychologist Kristie Clarke shares her personal experiences and professional insights on navigating the menopausal transition. Kristie discusses the challenges she faced in finding the right support, the impact on her high-achieving career, and how her journey has shaped her approach to working with menopausal women. The conversation explores common symptoms, the importance of a holistic view, and Kristie's encouragement to embrace the opportunities for personal growth during this transformative stage of life. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Kristie’s Personal Journey: How her experiences with perimenopause and menopause have influenced her professional practice.Common Menopausal Challenges: Cognitive changes, chronic fatigue, burnout, and a loss of confidence.Holistic Approach: Why addressing both mental health and hormonal changes is essential.Practical Support: Strategies for making lifestyle adjustments and finding resilience during menopause.Encouragement and Hope: Insights into building support networks, embracing change, and fostering personal growth. About Kristie Clarke: Kristie Clark is a clinical psychologist and the owner of a group psychology practice. Her own journey through menopause inspired her to specialize in supporting women during this transformative life stage. By combining professional expertise with personal experience, Kristie offers compassionate, holistic care that empowers women to navigate menopause with confidence and resilience. 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/

    Embracing Change: A Psychologist's Perspective on Menopause with Kirstie Clarke

  6. 10/22/2024

    Menopause and Mental Health Key Findings from the Senate Inquiry

    In this episode, the host Kirstin Bouse discusses the findings of a recent Senate inquiry in Australia that looked at the wide-ranging impacts of menopause on women's health, careers, families, and overall well-being. The inquiry received over 290 submissions from women sharing their lived experiences, as well as healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers. The key takeaways were stark - menopause has a profound impact on women's mental health, often leaving them feeling like they don't recognize themselves anymore due to changes in their cognitive abilities, emotional regulation, and overall sense of self. However, Kirstin notes that mental health services and many healthcare providers still don't have a strong enough understanding of how menopause can trigger issues like anxiety and depression.  This reinforces what Kirstin sees in her own clinical work - that the psychological and emotional toll of menopause is often overlooked, even as women struggle to cope with the transition. By unpacking the findings of this important inquiry, Kirstin aims to shine a light on the need for greater awareness, education, and support around menopause.  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/

    Menopause and Mental Health Key Findings from the Senate Inquiry

  7. 10/08/2024

    Gut Health for Women in Perimenopause and Menopause

    Gut health plays a vital role in women's health, especially during the hormonal shifts of perimenopause and menopause, yet it's often overlooked. In this episode, nutritionist and naturopath Susie Garden joins Kirsten Bouse to explore the significant impact of gut health on hormone balance, energy levels, and overall well-being. Susie explains how to identify both the subtle and more obvious signs of an unhealthy gut, such as bloating, reflux, and excess gas. She highlights that these symptoms are not "normal" and should be addressed, as they indicate imbalances in the gut microbiome. Key Topics: Recognizing gut health symptoms beyond just diarrhea or constipationUnderstanding when gut issues indicate an underlying problemAddressing gut health concerns, even if they appear to be "normal"Whether you're dealing with ongoing gut issues or looking to enhance your health during menopause, this episode is full of valuable insights. Susie emphasizes the importance of paying attention to gut symptoms that may seem normal but could signal an imbalance, encouraging listeners to track how long these issues persist. 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/

    Gut Health for Women in Perimenopause and Menopause

  8. 10/01/2024

    Redefining Priorities: Navigating Menopause with Purpose

    In this episode, Kirsten Bouse, Clinical Psychologist and Founder of All About Her, welcomes psychologist Angela Brooks-Horn back to discuss the transformative experience of menopause. Angela shares her unique perspective, viewing menopause as an opportunity for women to pause, reflect, and redefine their priorities. Together, they explore how this life stage can offer personal growth and self-reflection, with women often at a point where careers are established and children are grown. Tune in for an insightful conversation about supporting women through this pivotal transition. Takeaways: Menopause can be a powerful opportunity for personal growth and self-reflection.It's a time to slow down, reassess priorities, and redefine goals.With established careers and grown children, women can focus more on themselves.Menopause is a natural transition that offers space for new perspectives on life. If any of this resonates, know that support is available. With over 25 years of experience, Angela uses a variety of evidence-based therapeutic approaches to help her clients navigate the transition from perimenopause to post-menopause, a time that can ultimately lead to greater freedom, personal growth, and self-assurance. Angela’s approach is grounded in authenticity and humour, and she offers a compassionate guiding hand to women ready to face their challenges head-on. For more information and resources on menopause and mental health, visit All About Her Centre. 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/

    Redefining Priorities: Navigating Menopause with Purpose
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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
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Mid Life Bites
  • Show Website
    Mid Life Bites

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