Midlife Answers

Are your poor sleep, anxiety, aches and pains and other symptoms really down to perimenopause — or could stress and fear be making them worse?It's very easy in midlife to put everything down to changing hormones and assume there's not much we can do about it. But what if there's more to the story?In this episode of our midlife podcast for women, I'm joined by Jeannie Kulwin, Stress & Chronic Pain Coach, returning for her second conversation on Midlife Answers. We explore the relationship between hormonal changes, stress, fear and the mind-body connection, and why the way we think about our symptoms may influence how we experience them.We talk about:- How to understand what's hormonal, what's stress-related and where the two can overlap.- Why stress and life events can make physical symptoms feel worse.- How fear and negative thinking can contribute to insomnia, anxiety and persistent pain.- Jeannie's own experience of insomnia and how she began to change her relationship with sleep.- Why our need to control everything can sometimes create more stress and suffering.- How perfectionism and people-pleasing can affect our sense of safety.- A simple exercise to identify the thoughts and beliefs that may be increasing our fear around perimenopause.Jeannie also shares a practical starting point: write down your five biggest beliefs about perimenopause and ask yourself whether each one is bringing fear or a sense of safety.If you enjoyed this conversation, you might also like our first episode with Jeannie: What Is Causing My Chronic Pain? Ep38Find Jeannie:Website: www.jeanniekulwin.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/jeanniekulwincoaching  Stay connected with Midlife Answers:For support navigating change and working out what's next, find out more about RISE, my midlife reinvention coaching programme.If you've enjoyed the episode, please follow or subscribe to Midlife Answers so you don't miss a future conversation.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.

Ever finish a conversation and wonder why you said so much? Perhaps you find yourself over-explaining, justifying your decisions or replaying conversations afterwards, wishing you’d said less. You know what you want to say, but somehow the message gets lost along the way.So why do we over-explain ourselves, and how can we learn to speak with more confidence in midlife?In this episode of our midlife podcast for women, I’m joined by Helen von Dadelszen, a vocal coach, to explore why we sometimes struggle to find the right words, trust what we have to say and know when to stop talking.Whether you’re saying no, sharing your opinion or trying to make a good impression, this conversation explores how nerves, self-doubt and ingrained communication habits can affect the way we express ourselves. We also look at how our confidence in communication can change as we get older, and why learning to trust our own voice matters.In this episode, we explore:Why we over-explain ourselves, from nerves and excitement to wanting to keep the peaceHow communication habits develop and influence the way we speakWhy second-guessing ourselves can make it harder to communicate clearlyWhat happens when nerves send our minds and bodies into overdriveHow to slow down, find our words and feel more in control of conversationsPractical techniques to help you make your point without over-explainingWhy confidence comes from trusting yourself and taking action, rather than waiting until you feel readyHelen shares practical ways to organise your thoughts, communicate more clearly and recognise when you’ve said enough. The reminder? You don’t need to find the perfect words every time; you can build confidence by practising, one conversation at a time.Find HelenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-von-dadelszenInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/present_potential/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCB_2NMosqJQBBiv5ux3mYHgBook – Courageous Action: https://courageousaction.ch/Business – Present Potential: https://academy.presentpotential.ch/🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Follow Midlife Answers on your favourite podcast platform so you don’t miss future episodes.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 you’re navigating change and wondering what comes next, you can also explore my RISE midlife coaching programme via Midlife Answers.

What if getting older gives us more freedom to make the changes we want, rather than fewer options?In this episode of our midlife podcast for women, I’m joined by Stephanie Georges, a former top-ranked Wall Street analyst and senior executive in technology and telecommunications, and co-founder of the Meraki Dignity Project, to explore how to take more risks in midlife, navigate uncertainty and find the confidence to try something new.We discuss why we often focus on what we might lose when making a change, how to distinguish a smart risk from a reckless one, and why staying where we are can carry its own risks. Stephanie also shares how curiosity, asking questions and having conversations can help us discover new possibilities, even when we don’t have all the answers.In this episode, we explore:- Why we focus on what we might lose when considering a change, rather than what we might gain- How to approach risk more thoughtfully, without needing certainty about the outcome- Why doing nothing can carry its own risks- How getting older can bring greater freedom, perspective and choice- How curiosity can help us recognise new possibilities and interests- Why urgency doesn’t mean rushing into a decision- How asking questions and having conversations can help us find a new directionIf you’re considering a career change, questioning what comes next or feeling ready for a new direction, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on midlife reinvention and a reminder that you don’t need to have everything figured out before you begin.Interested in coaching? If you’re navigating change and trying to work out what’s next, find out more about my RISE midlife reinvention coaching programme and how we can work together to find clarity and move forwardExplore the Meraki Dignity Project: Find out more about Stephanie’s work and the support available through the Meraki Dignity ProjectEnjoyed this episode? Please follow or subscribe to Midlife Answers wherever you listen to your podcasts. It really does help more people find the show. And if you know someone who might find this conversation helpful, please share it with them.I love hearing from you, so if you’ve got a midlife question you’d love us to cover in a future bite-sized episode, send it to me on Instagram at @midlifeanswers

Does HRT protect your brain, or could it increase your risk of dementia? With new research making headlines, it’s understandable that women are feeling confused about what to believe.In this episode of Midlife Answers, I’m joined by Dr Angela Wright, GP, Clinical Sexologist, BMS and coSRH Registered Menopause Specialist, and Co-founder of Spiced Pear Health, for a conversation about HRT, menopause, brain fog and dementia.We look at what the latest research is actually telling us, why one study doesn’t necessarily give us the whole picture, and why the timing and type of HRT matter when interpreting the evidence.We also explore the difference between the cognitive changes many women experience during perimenopause and the signs that might warrant further investigation. And, beyond HRT, Angela shares practical advice on looking after our brains as we get older, from sleep and exercise to social connection, learning and managing stress.In this episode, we discuss:Why HRT and dementia have been making headlines, and how to interpret the latest research.Whether starting HRT at a particular age makes a difference to long-term brain health.Why HRT is primarily prescribed to manage menopause symptoms, rather than to prevent future illness.Menopause-related brain fog, memory lapses and difficulty finding the right words.How brain fog can differ from cognitive changes that need medical assessment.The role of sleep, exercise, heart health, social connection and continued learning in supporting brain health.What women can do in midlife to support their health as they get older.The key takeaway: the research is evolving, but HRT has not been proven to prevent dementia and should not be started for that purpose. If you're considering HRT for menopause symptoms, speak to a qualified healthcare professional about your individual circumstances, benefits and risks.Midlife Answers brings you honest, expert-led conversations about the questions that come up in midlife, helping you make sense of what's changing and feel more informed about what comes next.If you found this episode useful, share it with someone who might appreciate a clearer perspective on HRT and brain health.A note on the researchA large UK Biobank study published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia in August 2026 found an association between HRT use and lower dementia risk. However, as this was an observational study, it cannot establish that HRT prevents dementia. The wider evidence remains mixed, and NICE guidance does not recommend HRT specifically for dementia prevention.If you're considering HRT for menopause symptoms, speak to your healthcare professional about the potential benefits and risks for your individual circumstances.

You’ve worked hard, built the career, raised the family, achieved the things you thought would make you happy — so why can you still feel empty, lost or like something is missing in midlife?In this episode of our midlife podcast for women, I’m joined by Nathalie Cordell, an accredited psycho-spiritual coach and writer, to explore why achieving everything we thought we wanted doesn’t always bring the fulfilment we expected.After 20 years climbing the corporate ladder in pharma, Nathalie got tired of climbing and decided to see if she could fly instead. She retrained as a coach, earning an MA in Psychosynthesis Leadership Coaching, and now helps women discover who they really are and reclaim their authentic power.We talk about:- Why high-achieving women can still feel empty or disconnected- How trying to be everything to everyone can make us lose touch with ourselves- Why feeling lost or stuck in midlife doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong- What it means to reclaim the parts of ourselves we may have pushed aside- Why we don’t always need to know exactly what comes next- How surrender can help us let go of the need to control everything- The simple question Nathalie suggests asking when you feel stuck: What brings me joy?If you’re questioning your identity, purpose or what you want next in midlife, this conversation offers a reassuring reminder that you may not be lost at all — you may simply be in the middle of a transition.About Nathalie:Nathalie is the author of Awakening the Sleeping Queen, a book about the journey home to yourself. She also writes Soul Seeds on Substack, a space for women navigating the messy middle of life.Find Nathalie:About the book: https://www.cordellcoaching.com/the-book-awakening-the-sleeping-queenLink tree: https://linktr.ee/NathalieCordellLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathalie-cordell/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathaliecordellcoaching/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cordell.leadership.coaching.with.soulSoul seeds blog: https://nathaliecordell.substack.com/If this episode resonates, subscribe or follow Midlife Answers and share it with someone who might need to hear it. It really helps more people find the podcast.And if you’re thinking about what’s next for you and would like some support navigating change, finding clarity and working out what’s next, you can find out more about my RISE midlife reinvention coaching programme via this link.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.

Have you ever wondered what life coaching is really like, or whether it could help you navigate a period of change?In this episode of Midlife Answers, I’m joined by my RISE coaching client, Loulou, for an honest conversation about her experience of working with me.We talk about what drew her to coaching, what surprised her along the way, and what she’s taking from the experience as she moves into her next chapter.Loulou also shares the importance of having someone who can help you step back, create space, find clarity and sometimes see things from a completely different perspective.One thing she said really stayed with me:“You bringing me back to reclaim, recover, reset myself was a huge part of where I am now.”If you’ve ever been curious about coaching, or feel like something in your life needs to change but you’re not quite sure what comes next, this conversation is for you.Stay curious. You never know where it might lead.If you're feeling a bit stuck, unclear about what's next, or simply know that something needs to change, this is exactly the kind of work I explore with women through my RISE Midlife Reinvention Coaching programme.If you'd like to explore whether coaching could help, get in touch to book a free discovery call. No pressure or expectation — just a chance to have a chat and see if it feels right for you.Find out more at www.midlifeanswers.com or email [email protected] more about Loulou and her style work on Instagram: @louloustorey_stylistWant to explore coaching?

Have you ever found yourself looking outside yourself for love, validation or reassurance that you’re enough?In this episode of our midlife podcast for women, I’m joined by author Sacha Hughes, who shares her honest journey through grief, divorce, relationships, people pleasing and self-sabotage — and how she began to rebuild her relationship with herself.We talk about:• What self-sabotage can actually look like in everyday life• Why we can look to relationships and external validation to feel worthy• People pleasing, losing trust in our intuition and abandoning ourselves• How divorce can become a catalyst for finding yourself again• What self-love really means — and why it isn’t about perfection• Boundaries, protecting your energy and choosing yourself• How meditation and stillness can help you reconnect with yourselfSacha is the author of Love, Grief & More Sex Than Pinot.If you’re at a point where you’re wondering what’s next and ready to make some changes, my RISE Midlife Reinvention Coaching programme can help you find the clarity and confidence to move forward. Find out more at midlifeanswers.com.Have a midlife question you’d love covered? DM me @midlifeanswers.If this episode resonated with you, I’d love you to subscribe to *Midlife Answers* so you don’t miss the next question we explore. And if you know someone who might need to hear this conversation, please share it with them — it might be exactly what they need right now.If anything discussed brings up difficult feelings, please consider speaking with your GP, a healthcare professional, or a qualified therapist for personalised support.Sacha Hughes:Instagram: @sachahughes Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SachaHughesAuthorWebsite: www.sachahughes.com

Have you been feeling flat, disconnected or just not quite like yourself lately? How do you know whether it’s simply a difficult period, the demands of midlife or something more?In this episode of Midlife Answers, I’m joined by psychotherapist Holly Ziff, who specialises in anxiety, self-doubt and self-worth, for an honest conversation about depression in midlife.We talk about what depression can actually look and feel like, why it can be difficult to recognise when life is already busy and demanding, and what to do if you’re worried something isn’t quite right.Holly shares five questions to ask yourself if you’re concerned you might be depressed, as well as practical ways to seek support and start moving forward.In this episode, we discuss:The difference between feeling low, overwhelmed and experiencing depressionWhat emotional and physical numbness can look likeSigns of depression including loss of interest, low energy and changes in sleep or appetiteFive questions that can help you recognise when something may need further supportWhen to speak to your GP and what treatment and therapy options may look likeWhy shame can prevent people from asking for helpSmall, practical ways to reconnect with people, activities and the things that matter to youOne of Holly’s key messages is that you don’t have to wait until you feel better to start living well. Holly Ziff: www.hollyziff.com🎧 Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts.This episode is for general information and discussion and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health advice. If you’re concerned about your mental health or think you may be experiencing depression, please speak to your GP or another qualified healthcare professional.

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 youWhether 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 #17Midlife 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

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.