The Happy Middle with Suzy Darke Suzy Darke

In this episode, I welcome Penny Wincer, a Melbourne-born author, writing coach, and podcast host based in London. Penny shares her midlife journey from a freelance photographer to a writer and non-fiction coach all while navigating life as a single parent and caregiver.
We chatted about the challenges of caregiving, and the importance of self-compassion and Penny is exceptionally honest about the lack of societal support for carers.
I'm so grateful Penny was able to be my guest and for her thoughtful exploration of balancing personal aspirations with caregiving responsibilities. It's a wonderful chat and I hope you enjoy it too.
Episode highlights:
05:54 The Struggle and Strength of Caring for a Disabled Child
10:55 The Critical Role of Carers in Society
12:57 Self-Care and Society's Role in Supporting Carers
27:01 Finding Creativity and Purpose in the Midst of Caring
Referenced in the episode:

About Penny:
Website: Penny's Website
Instagram: Penny Wincer
Twitter: @pennywincer on Twitter

Today's guest is Katy Murray, a women's leadership coach, inclusion facilitator, speaker, and author of Changemakers, a women's guide to stepping up without burning out. Katy works with female leaders who want to make a real difference in the world by helping them to find the right balance between work and looking after themselves.
It was a real pleasure to chat with Katy and I hope you enjoy the episode.
Episode highlights:
04:10 Navigating Midlife Transitions
09:55 The Importance of Community
23:06 Balancing Joy and Burnout
26:11 The Power of Small Habits
27:16 Collective Support and Systemic Change
29:30 The Challenge of Rest
32:21 Finding and Using Our Voice
Referenced in the episode:
Buy Katy's book
About Katy:
Instagram: @Katycatalyst on Instagram
Find out more: Katy's Website
Thanks for listening, please come and say hello over on Instagram and do check out my work online.

Do you save your clothes for best? I have to admit that I do and my guest today, personal stylist and image consultant Emma Carr wants us all to stop doing that.
I worked with Emma a few years ago when I felt like I had no idea how I wanted to look anymore after having children and hitting my 40s. I love Emma's approach to helping us navigate changes in our lives and identities through style.
We chatted about the complexities women face in midlife, including transitions like starting businesses, going through divorces, and experiencing menopause, and how these can lead to a loss of personal style and self-identity. Emma generously shared insights from both her professional work with clients and her personal journey highlighting the therapeutic aspect of style and the empowering effect of embracing one’s evolving self and body through all of life's stages.
Episode highlights:
03:39 The Impact of Motherhood and Career on Style
07:15 The Significance of Clothes and Self-Perception
12:28 The Inner Work Behind Style Choices
22:35 Embracing Change and Self-Love in Midlife
30:21 The Power of Midlife and Looking Forward
About Emma:
Instagram: @thefashioncraver
Find out more: https://www.cravepersonalstyling.com/about
Thanks for listening, please come and say hello over on Instagram and do check out my work online.

When the word feels heavy and hopeless prioritising pleasure can feel taboo. In today's episode of The Happy Middle I chat with creator, violist, mother, and pleasure activist Meena Bhasin.
We explored how sensuality and rage transform during midlife and how you can channel your rage into powerful, positive energy. And Meena discusses why pleasure is a powerful act of resistance.
I hope this episode serves as a reminder to embrace your rage and experience pleasure in abundance.
Episode highlights:
04:06 The Power and Expression of Rage
14:06 Reclaiming Sensuality and Sexuality in Midlife
20:46 Pleasure as Resistance: A Revolutionary Act
28:57 Personal Reflections on Navigating Midlife
Find Meena on Instagram
Thanks for listening, please come and say hello over on Instagram and do check out my work online.

In this episode, Laura Clark, a menopause dietitian and food therapist with over 25 years of experience, discusses her holistic approach to helping midlife women navigate the menopausal transition through better nutrition, understanding food relationships, and addressing emotional well-being.
We chat about the importance of contextualising diet within a broader lifestyle perspective, acknowledging the complex factors affecting women's health and habits during menopause, (such as hormone fluctuations and the influence of diet culture) and, of course, Laura's messy middle too.
If you've felt flummoxed by menopause diet culture this is the episode for you!
Episode highlights:
03:09 Understanding Menopause: Symptoms and Dietary Impacts
10:26 Challenging Weight Loss Narratives and Embracing Sustainable Health
25:28 Midlife Transitions: Beyond Diet to Life's Complexities
30:29 Ambition and Balance in Midlife: A Personal Reflection
About You know me!
Instagram: @menopause.dietitian on Instagram
Find out more: Laura's Website
Thanks for listening, please come and say hello over on Instagram and do check out my work online.

Today's guest is Julia Goodall, a clinical psychologist turned psychotherapist and relationship coach. She helps clients find joy in everyday life and love in extraordinary ways and I loved our chat so much, which meandered from exploring the the nuances between therapy and coaching through to the importance of open communication in relationships.
We also explored some of the challenges and opportunities of midlife, including reassessing relationships, friendship dynamics, and the inherent vulnerability and potential for growth during this life stage. I love Julia's encouragement to explore the small, intentional steps towards understanding, expressing feelings, and cultivating joy in everyday life.
So, please, get cosy and dive into our chat.
Episode highlights:
01:46 The Evolution of Julia's Career: A Journey of Adaptation
02:50 Therapy vs. Coaching: Understanding the Differences
06:43 Navigating Midlife: Challenges, Changes, and Rediscovery
14:54 The Dynamics of Relationships and Friendships in Midlife
33:04 Embracing Midlife with Joy and Curiosity
About Julia:
A clinical psychologist turned psychotherapist & relationship coach, helping you to find joy in your everyday life & love in (extra)ordinary ways.
Find Julia on Instagram & explore individual and relationship coaching here
Thanks for listening, please come and say hello over on Instagram and do check out my work online.