The Adventurous Ageing Podcast

Rachael Woolston

The way women have been taught to think about ageing is outdated and life limiting This podcast brings together leading experts in health and human performance, alongside women who are actively rewriting the narrative around ageing, showing how you can age adventurously creatively, physically and intellectually. Hosted by Rachael Woolston, a former journalist and founder of The Kickass Midlife Method, you can expect straight-talking conversations that challenge the myths around ageing—and show you how to live, move, work and love with energy, strength and adventure.

Episodes

  1. Jul 30

    How Curiosity & Connection Drives Healthy Ageing | Tina Woods

    Can dancing really help you age better?  In this episode of the Adventurous Ageing Podcast, we were joined by Tina Woods—health technology entrepreneur, longevity expert, author and founder of Collider Health—who unexpectedly became an international DJ at the age of 60. Together, we explore why joy, curiosity, movement and meaningful human connection may be some of the most powerful (and often overlooked) drivers of healthy ageing. After undergoing major foot surgery just before turning 60, Tina discovered a passion for DJing that transformed not only her own life but also inspired the creation of Longevity Raves—bringing together people of all ages through music, movement and community. We discuss why longevity is about far more than supplements, biomarkers and technology, and why human connection, purpose and lifelong learning could be the missing pieces of the healthy ageing puzzle. In this episode you'll learn: Why Tina became a DJ at 60 after a successful career in health technology How dancing supports healthy ageing, wellbeing and longevity The science behind joy, music and human connection Why curiosity is one of the most important traits for ageing well How movement and community benefit both physical and mental health Why healthy ageing is about much more than nutrition and exercise How AI and technology are changing the future of longevity Why it's never too late to reinvent yourself Whether you're navigating menopause, looking to stay active in later life or simply want to build a stronger, healthier future, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on what it really means to age well.

  2. Jul 15

    How to Find Purpose, Confidence & Connection After 40

    In this episode of the Adventurous Ageing Podcast, we chat with Michelle Raymond, founder of The Women's Chapter, entrepreneur and community builder, who shares how some of life's biggest challenges became the catalyst for creating a thriving community that empowers women to connect, grow and reinvent themselves. After navigating burnout, divorce, motherhood and building a business during the pandemic, Michelle reflects on the lessons she's learned about resilience, boundaries, purpose and why meaningful relationships are one of the greatest predictors of a long and fulfilling life. In this conversation, she explains: Why curiosity becomes more valuable as we get older How community and connection improve our health and longevity The importance of setting boundaries to protect your energy Why it's never too late to reinvent your life and career How adversity can become an opportunity for growth Why travel, movement and nature are essential for healthy ageing How redefining success leads to greater happiness in midlife This episode is a must-watch for anyone navigating midlife, building a business, recovering from life's setbacks or looking to create a more meaningful, adventurous future. ✨ Key Message: The most fulfilling chapters of your life don't happen by accident—they're built through curiosity, connection and the courage to embrace change. 00:00 Introduction – Adventurous Ageing Podcast & Guest Intro00:19 Michelle's childhood and entrepreneurial beginnings01:20 Growing up with self-made parents03:20 Work-life balance and becoming a mother04:30 Burnout, adrenal fatigue and recognising the warning signs06:15 Setting healthy boundaries07:30 Why Michelle founded The Women's Chapter09:30 Building a community centred on meaningful connections10:00 Divorce, the pandemic and rebuilding life12:00 Turning adversity into opportunity15:00 Why connection is one of the greatest longevity tools16:15 Curiosity, ageing and finding your tribe18:15 Challenging negative narratives around ageing20:45 Three habits for ageing adventurously21:20 Travel, strength and lifelong adventure23:30 Nature, movement and protecting your wellbeing24:30 Approaching 50 with confidence26:00 Redefining success in midlife27:40 What truly matters as we get older29:00 Final thoughts & closing #HealthyAgeing #Midlife #Women'sHealth #Longevity #Connection #PersonalGrowth #WomenInBusiness #Adventure

  3. Jul 7

    Why So Many Women Lose Their Libido After 50 And What Actually Helps

    In this episode of the Adventurous Ageing Podcast, we chat with Samantha Evans, former nurse, co-founder of Jo Divine, and one of the UK's leading advocates for sexual wellness, who shares why intimacy, pleasure, and sexual health shouldn't be forgotten as we age. After spending years working in nursing, Samantha discovered that many of the intimate health issues women experience—from painful sex and vaginal dryness to low libido—are rarely talked about, especially during menopause. Together with her husband, she founded Jo Divine to educate women and help break the stigma surrounding sex after 50. In this conversation, she explains: Why so many women experience low libido during menopauseHow vaginal health and sexual pleasure are connectedThe surprising health benefits of sex and masturbationWhy your lubricant could be giving you thrush and a serious vaginal infectionHow to rebuild intimacy and confidence after menopause - even when you don’t feel likeAND what sex toys are the best for women post 50 This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating menopause, struggling with intimacy and libido, or wanting honest, evidence-based advice about sexual health in midlife and beyond. 00:00 Introduction – Adventurous Ageing Podcast & Guest Intro 00:28 Samantha Evans' journey from nursing to founding Jo Divine 02:00 Why sexual health became her passion 03:10 Building an online sexual wellness business 05:15 Breaking taboos around women's pleasure 06:20 Discovering the hidden causes of intimate health issues 08:40 The stigma around sex and women's health 10:40 How attitudes towards sexual wellness have changed 13:45 The challenges of censorship and online education 16:40 Menopause, libido and why desire changes 19:00 Why intimacy matters for physical and mental health 23:55 Samantha's essential menopause toolkit 25:40 Vaginal oestrogen, lubricants and common mistakes 30:05 Choosing safe sex toys and intimate products 34:20 Can sex toys improve sexual health? 36:00 Why there's no such thing as "being too old" for intimacy 38:30 Sex, relationships and healthy ageing 40:30 Final thoughts & closing #Menopause⁠ ⁠#SexAfterMenopause⁠ ⁠#LowLibido⁠ ⁠#WomensHealth ⁠#HealthyAgeing⁠ ⁠#SexualWellness⁠ ⁠#Midlife⁠ ⁠#Intimacy

  4. Jul 1

    The 5 Biggest Predictors of Ageing Well According to Geriatrician Dr Lucy Pollock

    In this episode of the Adventurous Ageing Podcast, we chat with Dr Lucy Pollock, consultant geriatrician and author of The Book About Getting Older, who shares her insights from more than 30 years of working with older adults and their families. Dr Pollock challenges many of the myths we hold about aging and explains why the way we think about getting older can have a direct impact on our physical health, cognitive function, and overall quality of life. In this conversation, she explains: Why a positive attitude to ageing can improve physical and mental healthThe "Big Five" lifestyle habits that support healthy longevityHow curiosity, purpose and social connection help us age betterWhy movement and strength training matter at every ageHow to support ageing parents and have important future care conversationsThe hidden risks of medication overload in older adultsWhy taking more risks and saying "yes" can lead to a richer later lifeThis episode is a must-watch for anyone who wants to age with confidence, support their parents through later life, or challenge the outdated belief that growing older means slowing down.✨ Key Message: Growing older isn't about decline—it's about staying curious, connected, strong, and engaged with life. 00:00 Introduction – Adventurous Ageing Podcast & Guest Intro 00:35 Why our mindset about ageing matters 01:10 Dr Lucy Pollock's journey into geriatric medicine 03:15 Why older people need personalised care 04:20 The changing narrative around ageing and baby boomers 06:00 Can we influence how we age?07:05 The Big Five habits for healthy longevity 08:30 Attitude, adventure and ageing well 09:20 The science behind positive ageing beliefs 11:10 Can we change our mindset about getting older? 12:40 Curiosity and lifelong learning 14:00 Why intergenerational relationships matter 15:35 The pressure of perfection and lessons from older generations 17:15 Nutrition, lifestyle and the future of ageing 18:45 What adventurous ageing means to Dr Pollock 20:00 Strength training in your 60s and beyond 21:15 Saying yes to challenges and new experiences 22:40 Why movement is essential at every age 24:05 Supporting ageing parents: where to start 25:00 Advanced care planning and difficult conversations 27:10 Medication overload and how to review prescriptions 29:20 The BRAN framework for understanding medications 31:00 Resolving family relationships and life's important conversations 32:00 Final thoughts and closing #HealthyAgeing #Longevity #Midlife #AgeingWell #StrengthTraining #HealthyLifestyle #AdventurousAgeing

  5. May 12

    Rosie Nixon on Walking Away at the Top — and Reinventing Midlife

    In this powerful episode of the Adventurous Ageing Podcast, Rosie Nixon, former Editor-in-Chief of Hello Magazine and now a life coach and founder of Rosie's Reinvention Retreats, shares her deeply personal journey of burnout, identity crisis, and complete life reinvention. After years of leading one of the UK’s most iconic celebrity and lifestyle magazines, Rosie reached a breaking point that forced her to rethink everything — her career, her values, and what success truly means. In this conversation, she explains:- How burnout led to her breakthrough moment Why reinvention is not starting from scratch The importance of aligning life with your true values The “Pause, Reflect, Organize” method for transformation How women can redefine success in midlife This episode is a must-watch/list for anyone feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or ready for a new chapter in midlife. You don’t need to start over — you just need to realign. 00:00 Introduction 00:38 Rosie Nixon introduction & career background d 02:05 Increasing workload, stress & burnout signs 04:04 Realization of misaligned values 04:38 Question: Was it difficult to step back? 05:14 Defining success personally 06:07 Reinvention is not starting from scratch 06:56 Fear of change & slow transition journey 09:07 Pause, Reflect, Organize concept explained 10:11 Importance of pausing in busy life 13:07 Midlife perspective & redefining retirement 13:44 Core personal values (freedom, family, creativity etc.) 16:11 Tips for feeling stuck – Pause step 17:44 Reflect step (self-awareness & curiosity) 19:33 Organize step (planning & visualization) 21:16 Meaning of adventurous ageing 22:08 Final thoughts & closing #Burnout #Reinvention #Midlife #PersonalGrowth #LifeCoaching

  6. May 5

    GB Olympic Weightlifter on How To Keep Lifting Strong After 45 - Michaela Breeze

    Can you get stronger as you age? Absolutely.In the FIRST episode of the Adventurous Ageing Podcast, host Rachael Woolston sits down with former GB Olympic and Commonwealth weightlifter Michaela Breeze to talk about strength, resilience, recovery, menopause, and why getting older doesn’t mean getting weaker or slower.Michaela shares her journey from a rebellious child to representing Great Britain in Olympic weightlifting, overcoming serious back injuries, and redefining what strength means in midlife.In this conversation, we cover:✅ Women and weightlifting myths✅ Building strength after 45✅ Menopause & perimenopause fitness✅ Injury recovery and training smarter✅ Why recovery matters more than overtraining✅ Staying active for longevity and family lifeIf you’re wondering what your body is still capable of, this episode will inspire you to rethink ageing and performance.00:00 Intro00:16 Meet Olympic weightlifter Michaela Breeze00:55 What Michaela was like as a child01:42 Discovering weightlifting at age 1303:01 Taekwondo and early determination04:01 Proving people wrong mindset05:11 Being a woman in weightlifting in the 90s06:10 Confidence with lifting heavier07:10 Training with the national team08:04 Plateauing and changing mindset08:58 Serious back injury story11:18 Recovery, rehab & relearning movement12:39 Fear of injury when lifting later in life13:15 How beginners should start lifting safely14:27 CrossFit’s impact on women’s strength training15:19 Older women lifting weights today16:54 Perimenopause symptoms and training18:19 Returning to training after retirement19:59 Regaining strength in midlife21:56 What adventurous aging means23:35 Recovery vs overtraining26:08 Raising active children28:43 OutroSubscribe for more conversations on health, longevity, mindset, and adventurous aging.#Weightlifting #Menopause #FitnessOver45 #healthyageing ing #StrengthTraining #Podcast

About

The way women have been taught to think about ageing is outdated and life limiting This podcast brings together leading experts in health and human performance, alongside women who are actively rewriting the narrative around ageing, showing how you can age adventurously creatively, physically and intellectually. Hosted by Rachael Woolston, a former journalist and founder of The Kickass Midlife Method, you can expect straight-talking conversations that challenge the myths around ageing—and show you how to live, move, work and love with energy, strength and adventure.