Midlife Answers

Rachel Fortune
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Midlife Answers is a short-form midlife podcast for women navigating the messy, meaningful middle years. Through honest, unscripted conversations, we explore midlife transitions including perimenopause and menopause, relationships, confidence, wellbeing, identity, & reinvention. Each episode offers real midlife conversations with women who’ve been there (or are right in it), sharing practical advice, lived experience, & reassurance that you’re not alone. A midlife podcast for women seeking guidance, perspective, & support through life’s transitions — and the confidence to move forward.

  1. Jul 15

    Could Alcohol Be Making My Menopause Symptoms Worse? #39

    Could that evening glass of wine be doing more than helping you unwind? In this episode of Midlife Answers, I’m joined by Kate Bee, founder of The Sober School, former BBC journalist and certified Life Coach, to explore how our relationship with alcohol can change during perimenopause and menopause, and why it's not simply about willpower. Kate shares why so many women find themselves drinking more in midlife, the hidden role of stress, hormones and habit, and how alcohol can quietly affect everything from sleep and anxiety to mood and menopause symptoms. This isn't a conversation about labels, shame or giving up alcohol. It's about understanding what's happening, creating healthier patterns, and feeling empowered to make choices that work for you. We explore: Why alcohol can affect us differently during perimenopause and menopauseThe connection between hormones, stress and drinking habitsWhy changing your relationship with alcohol isn't about willpowerHow alcohol may be impacting your sleep, anxiety and menopause symptomsHow habits form—and the small changes that can help shift themCreating a healthier relationship with alcohol that feels right for you Whether you're questioning that nightly glass of wine or simply curious about how alcohol affects your body in midlife, this conversation offers practical insights without judgement. 🎧 Follow this link to explore more episodes of Midlife Answers wherever you get your podcasts. You might also enjoy: Menopause 101: HRT, Symptoms & Mental Health #17 Midlife Burnout: When Rest Isn't an Option #23 ✨ RISE is my coaching programme designed to help women navigate midlife with greater confidence, clarity and self-belief. Through one-to-one coaching, we'll help you reconnect with who you are, overcome what's holding you back and move confidently into your next chapter. Discover more at midlifeanswers.com. ☕ If you enjoy Midlife Answers and would like to support the podcast, you can buy me a coffee via this link. Every contribution helps cover the behind-the-scenes costs of producing the podcast and allows me to continue bringing expert answers to the questions women are asking in midlife. 💬 Have a midlife question you'd love answered in a future episode? Send it via the link below or message me on Instagram @midlifeanswers. Your question could inspire a future episode. If anything discussed in this episode resonates with your own experiences or raises concerns about your relationship with alcohol, please consider speaking with your GP, a qualified healthcare professional or a trained therapist who can offer personalised advice and support. Learn More: The Sober School: website & instagram

    Could Alcohol Be Making My Menopause Symptoms Worse? #39

  2. Jul 8

    What Is Causing My Chronic Pain? | Stress, the Nervous System & the Mind-Body Connection #38

    Why does chronic pain continue long after an injury has healed? Could stress, emotions and your nervous system be playing a bigger role than you realise? In this episode of Midlife Answers, I’m joined by Stress and Chronic Pain Coach Jeannie Kulwin to explore the science behind chronic pain, neuroplasticity and the mind-body connection. This is also a deeply personal conversation for me. After living with chronic back pain and sciatica for the past 18 months, I reached a point where I needed to look beyond scans, medication and treatments. Discovering neuroplasticity has completely changed the way I think about pain and, for the first time in a long time, given me genuine hope. Together, we explore why chronic pain is always real, how stress and fear can influence the nervous system, and the simple first steps that can help break the cycle of persistent pain. In this episode: What chronic pain actually isThe difference between structural pain and neuroplastic painHow stress and emotions can affect physical symptomsWhy MRI scans don't always explain ongoing painThe role of perfectionism, people-pleasing and fearPractical first steps to begin supporting recoveryWhether you're living with back pain, sciatica, migraines, IBS or another persistent symptom, this episode offers reassurance, practical guidance and hope. Resources from Jeannie Kulwin 🎥 Watch the FREE workshop replay: Exactly What to Do When Symptoms Flarehttps://jeannie-kulwin.lpcontent.net/tms-when-symptoms-flare 📞 Interested in Jeannie's Chronic Pain Group Coaching Programme or 1:1 support?Book a free discovery call:https://calendly.com/jkulwin/coaching 📱 Follow Jeannie on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jeanniekulwincoaching/ 🌐 Visit Jeannie's website:https://www.jeanniekulwin.com/ 🎧 Follow this link to explore more episodes of Midlife Answers wherever you get your podcasts. Continue listening: Why Am I So Angry in Midlife? Choosing Joy Over "Why Me?" (#35) ✨ RISE is my midlife coaching programme, helping women rebuild confidence, reconnect with themselves, and navigate midlife with greater clarity, courage and self-belief. Discover more at midlifeanswers.com. ☕ If you enjoy Midlife Answers and would like to support the podcast, you can buy me a coffee via this link. Your support helps cover the behind-the-scenes costs of creating these conversations and allows me to keep bringing expert answers to the questions women are asking in midlife. Have a midlife question you'd love covered in a future episode? Send it via the link in the show notes or DM me on Instagram @midlifeanswers. If anything discussed in this episode raises concerns about your own health or brings up difficult feelings, please speak with your GP, another qualified healthcare professional, or a registered therapist who can provide personalised advice and support.

    What Is Causing My Chronic Pain? | Stress, the Nervous System & the Mind-Body Connection #38

  3. Jul 1

    Can you still be a mother, and still find yourself again? With author Comisa Somerset #37

    What happens to your identity when your children leave home, and how do you find yourself again while still being a mother? In this episode of our midlife podcast for women, I’m joined by author Cosima Somerset to explore motherhood in midlife, the emotional shift of the empty nest years, identity changes, and what happens when a role that has shaped so much of your life begins to evolve. Cosima shares her deeply personal story of navigating this new chapter after her children left home, and how meeting Father Joe - the Catholic priest and yoga teacher at the centre of her debut book The Catching Force - changed the way she viewed herself, healing, pain and the future ahead. We talk about the idea of being “Still a Mother, Still Me” — why motherhood doesn’t end when children leave home, but changes shape — and how this stage of life can become an opportunity to reconnect with yourself and build a life that still feels meaningful. We explore: * The emotional reality of the empty nest years * How motherhood changes when children leave home * Identity, purpose and finding yourself again in midlife * Why a new chapter doesn’t mean losing who you are * Cosima’s journey with Father Joe, yoga and healing * How travel, spirituality and new experiences shaped her life after motherhood * Building a full and meaningful life in your 50s and beyond This episode is about understanding that motherhood can evolve — and that you can continue to grow, change and rediscover yourself without leaving that part of you behind. 🎧 Follow this link to explore more episodes of Midlife Answers wherever you get your podcasts. You might also enjoy: ✨ Feeling Lost in Midlife: Why You Don’t Feel Like Yourself & How to Find Your Way Again #29 ✨ Why Do I Suddenly Feel Unsure of Myself? Rebuilding Confidence in Midlife #30 ✨ RISE is my midlife coaching programme helping women rebuild confidence, reconnect with themselves, and navigate midlife with more clarity and self-belief. Discover more at midlifeanswers.com ☕ If you enjoy Midlife Answers and would like to support the podcast, you can buy me a coffee (or green tea!) via this link. Your support helps cover the behind-the-scenes costs of creating these conversations and allows me to keep bringing expert answers to the questions women are asking in midlife. Have a midlife question you’d love covered in a future episode? Send it via this link or DM me on Instagram @midlifeanswers. If anything discussed in this episode brings up difficult feelings for you, please consider speaking with your GP, a healthcare professional, or a qualified therapist who can offer personalised support.

    Can you still be a mother, and still find yourself again? With author Comisa Somerset #37

  4. Jun 24

    What’s Next for Me in Midlife? | Reinvention, Purpose & the Matriarch Phase with Katie Brindle #36

    Why do so many women reach a point in midlife where they start asking… what’s next for me? In this episode of our midlife podcast for women, I’m joined by Chinese Medicine practitioner, best-selling author and podcaster Katie Brindle to explore reinvention in midlife, identity shifts, purpose, confidence, menopause, and why this stage of life can actually become one of the most powerful transitions a woman experiences. We explore: Why so many women experience a “what now?” moment in midlifeThe “matriarch” phase and stepping into a new kind of powerReinvention, identity shifts and purpose after 40Why midlife can feel overwhelming and emotionally complexThe Chinese Medicine concept of the “second spring”How small shifts can create meaningful change over timeThe importance of community, support and shared experiencesGratitude, mindset and simple ways to feel more grounded and positive This episode is about understanding that midlife isn’t the end of something — it can also be the beginning of a completely new chapter. You can also explore more from Katie Brindle on her podcast Own Your Health and in her book Yang Sheng. 🎧 Listen and follow this link to discover more episodes of Midlife Answers. You might also enjoy: Confidence & Reinvention in Midlife with Holly Ziff #30Strength Training & Fitness in Midlife with Sue Parkyn #32Cognition, Brain Fog & Mental Clarity in Midlife with Natasha Banks #33 ✨ RISE is my midlife coaching programme helping women rebuild confidence, reconnect with themselves, and navigate midlife with more clarity and self-belief. Discover more at midlifeanswers.com Have a midlife question you’d love covered in a future episode? Send it via this link or DM me on Instagram @midlifeanswers. If anything discussed in this episode brings up difficult feelings for you, please consider speaking with your GP, a healthcare professional, or a qualified therapist who can offer personalised support.

    What’s Next for Me in Midlife? | Reinvention, Purpose & the Matriarch Phase with Katie Brindle #36

  5. Jun 17

    Why Am I So Angry in Midlife? Choosing Joy Over “Why Me?” #35

    Why does anger show up so strongly in midlife — especially after life-changing experiences like illness, divorce, burnout or loss — and why do so many women find themselves stuck in “why me?” thinking? In this episode of Midlife Answers, I’m joined by Marina Efraimoglou, entrepreneur and founder of the award-winning Euphoria Retreat in Greece, to explore anger, acceptance, and what it really takes to move from victimhood into a more conscious, intentional way of living after trauma and disruption. After surviving a cancer diagnosis with just a 20–25% chance of survival, Marina completely redefined her life — stepping away from a successful career in banking and business to create one of Europe’s leading holistic wellness retreats, blending ancient Greek and Chinese therapies with modern science, nutrition and emotional healing. We talk about: * Why anger often appears after major life transitions and emotional shock * The difference between feeling anger and being defined by it * Moving from “why me?” into acceptance and responsibility * How midlife can amplify misalignment in our lives and choices * Why anger isn’t always negative — and how it can become a catalyst for growth * The impact of societal conditioning on how women experience and express anger * What it really means to step into emotional maturity and self-leadership in midlife This conversation is about understanding anger differently — not as something to suppress or judge, but as something that can guide us towards change, clarity and a more aligned way of living. 🎧 Listen now — and follow this link to explore more episodes of Midlife Answers. You might also enjoy: * Resentment in Midlife Relationships: How to Talk to Your Partner Without Blame #26 * Feeling Lost in Midlife: Why You Don’t Feel Like Yourself & How to Find Your Way Again #29 * Life After Divorce: How Do I Rebuild My Life in Midlife? Emotional & Practical Steps #27 ✨ RISE is my midlife coaching programme helping women rebuild confidence, reconnect with themselves, and navigate midlife with more clarity and self-belief. Discover more at midlifeanswers.com ☕ If you enjoy Midlife Answers and would like to support the podcast, you can buy me a coffee (or green tea!) via this link. Your support helps cover the behind-the-scenes costs of creating these conversations and allows me to keep bringing expert answers to the questions women are asking in midlife. Have a midlife question you’d love covered in a future episode? Send it via this link or DM me on Instagram @midlifeanswers. If anything discussed in this episode brings up difficult feelings for you, please consider speaking with your GP, a healthcare professional, or a qualified therapist who can offer personalised support.

    Why Am I So Angry in Midlife? Choosing Joy Over “Why Me?” #35

  6. Jun 10

    Does Face Yoga Actually Work for Sagging Skin in Midlife? #34

    Why does our face suddenly seem to change in midlife — with more sagging around the jawline, cheeks and eyes — even when our skincare routine hasn’t really changed? In this episode of our midlife podcast for women, I’m joined by face fitness expert Philippa Mitchell, founder of Luminous Face Yoga, to explore face yoga in midlife, facial ageing, collagen loss, muscle tone, stress, posture, and the everyday habits that quietly affect how our skin looks and feels over time. We also talk about the pressure many women feel around ageing, unrealistic beauty expectations, and what it really means to age naturally whilst still wanting to look and feel our best. We explore: ~ Why skin changes in our 40s and 50s~ Collagen loss, muscle tone and facial ageing~ Stress, tension and how they affect the face~ What face yoga actually is — and how it works~ Whether facial muscles can really be trained~ The most common face yoga mistakes people make~ Lifestyle habits that support healthier skin ageing~ A simple face yoga exercise to start trying today This episode is about understanding what’s happening beneath the surface — and exploring realistic, supportive ways to care for yourself in midlife, without pressure or judgement. 🎧 Listen now — and follow this link to explore more episodes of Midlife Answers. You might also enjoy:Cognition in Midlife with Natasha Banks #33Strength Training & Fitness in Midlife with Sue #32 Stop Caring What Other Think with Tara Lynn #31 ✨ RISE is my midlife coaching programme helping women rebuild confidence, reconnect with themselves, and navigate midlife with more clarity and self-belief. Discover more at midlifeanswers.com Have a midlife question you’d love covered in a future episode? Send it via this link or DM me on Instagram @midlifeanswers. If anything discussed in this episode brings up difficult feelings for you, please consider speaking with your GP, a healthcare professional, or a qualified therapist who can offer personalised support.

    Does Face Yoga Actually Work for Sagging Skin in Midlife? #34

  7. Jun 3

    Why Am I So Forgetful? Brain Fog, Memory & Mental Clarity in Midlife #33

    Why does cognition feel harder in midlife — with more forgetfulness, brain fog, and mental fatigue — even when nothing else has changed? In this episode of our midlife podcast for women, I’m joined by wellness consultant Natasha Banks to explore cognition in midlife, brain fog, memory changes, hormones, stress, sleep, nutrition, and why so many women feel less mentally sharp during perimenopause and menopause. We also talk about the brain–body connection, why the brain uses so much energy, and the role of nutrients, strength training and lifestyle in supporting mental clarity. We explore: Brain fog, memory changes and cognition in midlifeWhy hormones affect focus, mood and mental clarityStress, cortisol and cognitive functionWhy the brain is such an energy-demanding organKey nutrients for memory, focus and brain healthCreatine, strength training and cognitionSimple ways to support mental clarity day to day This episode is about understanding what’s happening in your brain — and what you can actually do to support it in midlife. 🎧 Listen now — and follow this link to explore more episodes of Midlife Answers. You might also enjoy:Confidence in Midlife with Holly #30Strength Training & Fitness in Midlife with Sue #32 ✨ RISE is my midlife coaching programme helping women rebuild confidence, reconnect with themselves, and navigate midlife with more clarity and self-belief. Discover more at midlifeanswers.com Have a midlife question you’d love covered in a future episode? Send it via this link or DM me on Instagram @midlifeanswers. If anything discussed in this episode brings up difficult feelings for you, please consider speaking with your GP, a healthcare professional, or a qualified therapist who can offer personalised support. Interested in trying Creatine for yourself? For 20% off Creatine Monohydrate - shop here and use code W-TWC20 at checkout.

    Why Am I So Forgetful? Brain Fog, Memory & Mental Clarity in Midlife #33

  8. May 20

    Belly Fat After 40: Best Workouts for Midlife Belly Fat Loss #32

    Why does belly fat seem to appear more easily after 40 — even when your diet and exercise haven’t changed? In this episode of our midlife podcast for women, I’m joined by personal trainer Sue Parkyn to talk about midlife belly fat, hormones, strength training, cardio, cortisol, and why some workouts can actually work against women in perimenopause and menopause. We explore: Why belly fat changes in midlifeWhy sit-ups and excessive cardio often don’t workThe role of hormones, stress and sleepWhy strength training matters after 40How to lose belly fat in midlife without exhausting yourself This episode is about understanding what’s happening in your body — and learning how to work with it, not against it. 🎧 Listen now — and follow this link to explore more episodes of Midlife Answers. ✨ RISE is my midlife reinvention coaching programme helping women rebuild confidence, reconnect with themselves, and navigate midlife with more clarity and self-belief. Find out more at midlifeanswers.com Have a midlife question you’d love covered in a future episode? Send it via this link or DM me on Instagram @midlifeanswers. If anything discussed in this episode brings up difficult feelings for you, please consider speaking with your GP, a healthcare professional, or a qualified therapist who can provide personalised support. Sue Parkyn: www.sueparkynwellness.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sueparkynwellness?igsh=OGpwY2dmdHlmMG82&utm_source=qr Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16uEvg5kFy/?mibextid=wwXIfr LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sueparkynwellness?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios

    Belly Fat After 40: Best Workouts for Midlife Belly Fat Loss #32
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About

Midlife Answers is a short-form midlife podcast for women navigating the messy, meaningful middle years. Through honest, unscripted conversations, we explore midlife transitions including perimenopause and menopause, relationships, confidence, wellbeing, identity, & reinvention. Each episode offers real midlife conversations with women who’ve been there (or are right in it), sharing practical advice, lived experience, & reassurance that you’re not alone. A midlife podcast for women seeking guidance, perspective, & support through life’s transitions — and the confidence to move forward.

Information

  • Creator
    Rachel Fortune
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Rachel Fortune
  • Show Website
    Midlife Answers