The Mid•Point with Gabby Logan

This episode contains strong language. 

This week journalist and podcaster, Bryony Gordon, speaks to Gabby about the acceptance she’s found in midlife, and how experiencing early menopause made her think about what she really wants and taught her to be less of a “chaise longue!” Listen on to hear more about that... Bryony also speaks candidly about alcoholism and sobriety, as well as living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder from a young age. She chats about using exercise as a mental health tool, as well as focusing on nourishing herself rather than punishing herself when it comes to what she eats. 

Bryony’s new podcast The Life of Bryony and her latest book Mad Woman are both available now, and you can visit Mental Health Matesto find out more about Bryony’s charity and find a walk near you. 

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Entrepreneur, medical research catalyst, and author, Victoria Jackson joins Gabby to talk about the power of keeping things simple to keep yourself moving forward - no need for complicated steps, just do the next thing! Victoria may be on the cusp of turning seventy, but she went through an extraordinary transformation at the midpoint of her life following her daughter’s life changing medical diagnosis, and her story is hugely inspiring. Victoria says it’s her sense of purpose and intention which has defined her from the age of seventeen, and that’s why she continues to try and find a cure for autoimmune disease worldwide, as well as make cosmetics which empower women at the same time! She discusses the power of resilience and the common trait between the many powerful women she knows, including Gloria Steinem and Oprah Winfrey.  

Victoria’s latest book We All Worry Now What? is available now.

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It's the last episode in the series and the time to discover whether Gabby has hit the health goal which motivated her to kick this whole series off. To help her determine how she's fared, Gabby is once again joined by Dr Amy McKenzie, Director of Clinical Research at Lingo by Abbott.

The pair discuss what's worked for Gabby over the last few weeks, any challenges she's faced, habits she'll be taking forward and what impact the experience has had on her.

Find out more at hellolingo.com/uk

Get 15% off* the Lingo 2-week Learn Plan with code TMP15.

*Code valid until 31 December 2024. New Lingo customers only. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Please see hellolingo.com/uk to redeem offer.

Lingo is not for medical use. 18+ only.

© 2024 Abbott. The biosensor housing, Lingo, and related trademarks are marks of the Abbott group of companies.

This podcast and the guests are part of a paid advertisement for Lingo.

#HelloLingouk

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This episode contains strong language.

Comedian and podcaster, Josh Widdicombe, can’t wait to tell Gabby how happy he is to be eligible for this podcast! Josh shares why he feels so much more comfortable in midlife thanks to all the life changes he made around the time of his fortieth birthday, including becoming sober and re-evaluating his relationship with work. He also talks about his love of podcasting, sporting autobiographies, and late night sourdough toast! 

Grab tickets to Josh’s Not My Cup Of Tea tour here.

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Gabby welcomes wellness coach Adrienne Adhami to the latest episode of The MidPoint's Guide To Hitting Your Health Goals, in

partnership with Lingo by Abbott, as she looks to perfect her approach to training.

The pair discuss the importance of achieving movement throughout the day, strength training and how we can best prepare and

recover from exercise as part of our daily routine.

Get 15% off* the Lingo 2-week Learn Plan with code TMP15.

*Code valid until 31 December 2024. New Lingo customers only. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Please see hellolingo.com/uk to redeem offer.

Find out more at hellolingo.com/uk

Lingo is not for medical use. 18+ only.

© 2024 Abbott. The biosensor housing, Lingo, and related trademarks are marks of the Abbott group of companies.

This podcast and the guests are part of a paid advertisement for Lingo.

#HelloLingouk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Latin dance champion and Strictly Come Dancing head judge, Shirley Ballas, cha-cha-cha’s into the studio to chat with Gabby this week. Shirley tells Gabby why her marriage to dance has never faltered, and how attitudes to weight and appearance have changed within the sport but the scars still run deep. They discuss staying fit and healthy beyond the midpoint, and how Shirley is trying to manage a spinal condition with ice baths and an anti-inflammatory diet. She also speaks about dealing with her brother’s suicide; her relationship with her son, Mark, who really helped her when she was struggling with the perimenopause; and of course, this year’s Strictlycast!

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Next up in The MidPoint's Guide To Hitting Your Health Goals, brought to you in partnership with Lingo by Abbot, Gabby sits down with Liz Earle to talk hormones.

Gabby has previously spoken honestly and publicly about her perimenopause experience in the past, but what actions can she take now to help her manage the impact of her hormones?

Liz and Gabby discuss sleep, food choices and what to do with the wealth of data now available to us thanks to devices such as Lingo.

Will this help get Gabby one step closer to completing her health goal?

Get 15% off* the Lingo 2-week Learn Plan with code TMP15.

*Code valid until 31 December 2024. New Lingo customers only. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Please see hellolingo.com/uk to redeem offer.

Lingo is not for medical use. 18+ only.

#HelloLingo

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Founder of Menopause Care and co-author of Menopausing: The Positive Road Map To Your Second Spring, Dr Naomi Potter is Gabby’s special expert guest this week. They discuss all things menopause and address concerns regarding HRT dosage as well as lifestyle remedies which can help ease symptoms without medical interventions. They also discuss the use of testosterone, some of the strengths and weaknesses of the menopause movement, and why further research needs to be done to help women experiencing surgical menopause after cancer treatment. 

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In this episode of The MidPoint's Guide To Hitting Your Health Goals, brought to you in partnership with Lingo by Abbott, Gabby sits down with Dr Rupy Aujla - the host of The Doctor’s Kitchen podcast.

In her quest to maintain consistent energy levels throughout the day Gabby has decided to take a look at her diet with Dr Rupy; an expert in nutrition and its impact on the body.

The conversation sheds some light on the challenges presented to Gabby by her career and schedule when it comes to making the right food choices. Plus, we discover the impact that even seemingly healthy meals can have on your glucose levels.

Find out more at hellolingo.com/uk

Get 15% off* the Lingo 2-week Learn Plan with code TMP15.

*Code valid until 31 December 2024. New Lingo customers only. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Please see hellolingo.com/uk to redeem offer.

Lingo is not for medical use. 18+ only.

© 2024 Abbott. The biosensor housing, Lingo, and related trademarks are marks of the Abbott group of companies.

This podcast and the guests are part of a paid advertisement for Lingo. #HelloLingo

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Journalist, broadcaster, and now author, Louise Minchin, overcomes wild weather, technical issues, and a hotel turn-down, to chat to Gabby this week on The Mid•Point! Louise shares her love of swimming, and how finding a passion for triathlon later in life unwittingly helped her to navigate the menopause; she describes it as “self medication”. Louise also talks about big midlife decisions and what it was like when she left BBC Breakfast to pursue her writing career, as well as her obsession with reality TV, and how snacks and naps are two of her favourite things!

Louise’s new novel Isolation Islandis out now.

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Welcome to this new mini-series from The MidPoint, this is The MidPoint's Guide To Hitting Your Health Goals, brought to you in partnership with Lingo by Abbott.

In this raw and honest series we follow Gabby as she takes on a five week challenge to hit a personal health goal and in doing so, works out the right way to stay on top of your health when you reach the midpoint.

Within each episode Gabby will be sitting down with an expert from a different field, from nutrition to exercise, to help her make informed decisions about all areas of her life as we track her progress.

In this first episode, Gabby speaks with Dr Amy McKenzie, Director of Clinical Research at Lingo, to get the lowdown on how her Lingo continuous glucose monitor can help her throughout her journey.

Get 15% off* the Lingo 2-week Learn Plan with code TMP15.

*Code valid until 31 December 2024. New Lingo customers only. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Please see hellolingo.com/uk to redeem offer.

Lingo is not for medical use. 18+ only. Lingo, and related trademarks are marks of the Abbott group of companies.

This podcast and the guests are part of a paid advertisement for Lingo.#HelloLingo

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Ahead of Dyslexia Awareness Week in the UK, Gabby and Kenny sit down to talk about Kenny’s experience of dyslexia. Kenny shares some of the emotional turmoil that accompanies the condition and dogged his school days, he explains how dyslexia manifests for him personally and not only affects his ability to read, and the strategies he’s developed over the years to overcome it. They discuss how things have changed for the better as the condition has become more widely understood, and Mark Daniell joins them to shed more light on ways he helps dyslexic children who aren’t being served by the current mainstream education system. Mark is an early-years learning specialist and author at You Are The Star books; keep listening to hear his practical advice on ways to support children with dyslexia with their learning. 

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Busted bassist turned actor, presenter, and podcaster, Matt Willis, joins Gabby this week to talk about his decision to open up about his experience of recovery and why he decided to make the Matt Willis: Fighting Addictiondocumentary at the midpoint of his life. Matt talks about the issues and difficulties when it comes to recovery, and why sobriety has to come first now. They also discuss Matt’s deep love for his wife, Emma Willis, and what it was like working together on Love Is Blind UK; adapting to raising teenagers; and his new midlife hobby which isn’t very rock and roll!

You can listen to Matt’s podcast On The Mend here.

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In this episode, Gabby sits down with the Chief Medical Officer at Alzheimer's Research UK, Professor Jonathan Schott. Jonathan is also Professor of Neurology at the Dementia Research Centre and UCL’s Institute of Neurology, and is therefore very well placed to explain the latest research findings when it comes to dementia and how to try to optimise brain health in general. 

They discuss the 14 modifiable risk factors that have been identified by the Lancet Commission - including two which have recently been added to the list - and how these risk factors interact with each other and impact our brain health. They also unpick the top lines when it comes to how preventable dementia really is, and the new test and potential treatments which have got professionals such as Professor Schott hopeful about the future. 

Professor Schott also answers your questions on everything from how food, sleep, and exercise impacts brain health, to whether there are any links between dementia and the menopause, and how you can flex your memory muscles. 

You can find the Think Brain Health check-in mentioned in this episode here.

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On this episode of The Mid.Point, Gabby is joined by Model and TV and radio presenter Lisa Snowdon.

Lisa got spotted by a talent scout at aged just 19, and quickly became one of the UK’s top models, known for high fashion covers such as Vogue, and beauty adverts too. Lisa’s move into TV was in 2006, when she was announced as the Head Judge of ‘Britain’s Next Top Model’. 

In 2008, she appeared on Strictly Come Dancing - the same year she began co-hosting the Capital London Breakfast Show (initially with Jonny Vaughn, and later with Dave Berry). She finished her early morning stint in 2015. On top of all the TV and modelling work she does, Lisa also finds time to be an Ambassador for Breast Cancer Care andThe Meningitis Trust.

Lisa is very honest and open about her menopause and the challenges she's had with HRT. She also talks about the imposter syndrome she has faced and overcome in her career, the early days of modelling and the gratitude she feels now, for how her life has turned out.

We hope you enjoy the chat!

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Comedian, writer, and broadcaster,Romesh Ranganathan, joins Gabby to talk about how he’s learned to manage his inner critic in the years leading up to the midpoint; why he loves making people laugh; plus, the sometimes complex relationships you have with your parents, and how that can impact the way you parent.

Romesh also shares what happened at his worst stand-up gig, what he thinks is key to a happy, long term relationship, and why he believes small changes are the key to lasting health gains in midlife. 

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Gabby and Kenny are preparing to be fully fledged empty nesters, and in this special episode, they come together to talk about how they are feeling about the prospect and what they’ve already learned since their son, Reuben, left home last year. 

They also chat about the exploits that have put Kenny’s midlife fitness surge on hold, as well as his internet shopping mishaps, and they indulge in a different kind of pillow talk! 

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This episode contains some strong language.

This week it’s all about family on The Mid•Point; whatever form it takes and whoever you include in yours, family is an important part of our lives - particularly in midlife. 

We’ve cherry picked the best bits on this topic from Gabby’s recent chats with her guests, including Matt Baker, the Reverend Kate Bottley, Jill Halfpenny, Milton Jones, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, LeAnn Rimes, Dara Ó Briain, Elizabeth Day, Kate Thornton, and Adele Roberts.

Gabby Logan’s latest book The MidPoint Plan is available now.

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This week, we’re giving the midlife crisis a makeover and celebrating midlife blessings!

Gabby has cherry picked the best bits on this topic from recent chats with her guests, including Lee Mack, Gabrielle, Richard Hammond, Ed Balls, Rosie Nixon, Adele Roberts and the Reverend Kate Bottley. 

Gabby Logan’s latest book The MidPoint Plan is available now.

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Paula Radcliffe MBE joins Gabby this week! The three-time winner of the London Marathon talks about turning 50, The Olympics and why strength training is so important. In 2002, Paula received numerous accolades including an OBE, BBC Sports Personality of the Year and IAAF Athlete of the Year. Across her incredible career, Paula competed at four consecutive Olympic Games from 1996-2008, and won a gold medal in the marathon at the 2005 World Championships in Helsinki. She still likes to run, but has found that she isn't competitive anymore (well, not very), which she finds quite refreshing. In 2020, her daughter was diagnosed with a rare germ cell tumour, so she and her family have been through a lot over the last few years. She talks to Gabby about the stress that this has put on her daughter and how much her family and friends have rallied.  

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This is a very special LIVE episode of The Mid•Point, in partnership with Sweaty Betty! 

Gabby is joined by not one, not two, but three brilliant guests this week: menstrual health expert, yoga teacher, and registered nutritionist, Le’Nise Brothers; lecturer in Reproductive and Molecular Genetics at University College London and CEO and Founder of Hertility, Dr Helen O’Neill; and former Olympian, personal trainer, and patron of the Menopause Mandate, Michelle Griffith Robinson. 

This lively panel discuss movement and exercise through different stages of women’s lives; menstruation, maternity, and menopause. Their personal experiences are woven in with practical information about what is going on in our bodies at these different stages, and how movement and nutrition can play a part at each stage. In front of a brilliant audience of Mid•Pointers, they celebrate the joy of movement and the collective power of the sisterhood when women come together to share experiences and move their bodies. 

It’s a perfect time to open up the conversation on this topic, because Sweaty Betty is celebrating the launch of their new FemTech collection. The innovative new collection is designed by women, for women, and includes the technical Leak Protect Power Legging and ultra-soft All Day Maternity styles, to empower women to keep moving through menstruation, maternity and menopause.

Ready to try it out? The collection is available online now atsweatybetty.com and in selected stores across the UK.

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The taskmaster himself joins Gabby this week! Comedian and Taskmaster grand creator, Alex Horne, talks about what it’s like making one of the most beloved comedy shows on TV, as well sharing what his showbiz marriage is like with his co-host, Greg Davies. Alex also talks about his other successful marriage and how family life at the midpoint is shaping up, including why his kids are still embarrassed of him despite the fact he makes a really cool show on the telly. They also discuss the importance of movement and staying active so that you can enjoy later life; how Alex has learned to put family first and how to holiday better; and why he and Gabby both love a good wedding! 

You can still get tickets to Alex’s latest tour with the The Horne Sectionhere. 

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Warning: This episode contains strong language. 

Kate Thornton is as frank and funny as ever, and this week she joins Gabby to talk about everything from single motherhood and presenting prime time Saturday night telly, to the power of talking therapy and recovering from an eating disorder. Kate speaks about the importance of female friendships and how her girl gang are her life raft, and also why her happiest times have been the years she has been a mum to her son, Ben. Kate speaks openly about her ongoing experience of the menopause, and why the right doctor is as fundamental as the right therapist when you’re a middle aged woman. 

You can hear more from Kate on her podcast White Wine Question Timeor tune into her weekend radio shows on Greatest Hits Radio. 

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Gabby chats to comedian and broadcaster, Elis James, who is slightly resentful about being eligible for the show! Elis talks about the pitfalls of parenting, including the impossible task of policing children’s access to phones and social media, and explains why he is evangelical about cycling and insufferable on endorphins. They also talk about how Elis’ father’s Parkinson's disease diagnosis has made him think differently about aging, and why both he and Gabby focus on healthspan rather than lifespan. 

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Podcaster and activist Lauren Mahon popped by the studio this week with her dog, Ray! Lauren chats to Gabby about the seismic impact You, Me And The Big C had on the way people talk about cancer, but also the emotional heavy lifting it required from her on a personal level. She also talks about experiencing a medical menopause as part of her cancer treatment, why it's okay to wallow sometimes, and how liberating it was learning to drive on the cusp of midlife! They also discuss life after cancer, in particular how to approach sex and intimacy - something Lauren is on a mission to get us talking about more. For more information or support on this issue you can head to GIRLvsCANCER or Macmillan.

Warning: This podcast contains strong language.

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Comedian Milton Jones joins Gabby to talk about why he sees midlife as being like the “second time round to the buffet!” They also talk about his Christian faith and how attitudes towards faith can change as we get older. They also discuss having aging parents, and Milton speaks very openly about what it was like caring for his mum who suffered from Alzheimer's. Milton also shares what he has come to understand about comedy, over the many years spent honing his craft and before selling out big arenas. They also debate whether or not you should take more risks in midlife, and relish the joy of knowing yourself better at the midpoint.

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Jill Halfpenny has been acting on our screens for over 30 years, but she is not here to talk about one of her character’s storylines but rather her own life story which is the basis of her new memoir A Life Reimagined:My Journey of Hope in the Midst of Loss.Jill talks to Gabby about how burying grief and trauma can manifest later in life and the importance of acknowledging emotions; her experience of recovery with Alcoholics Anonymous; the almighty shock of losing her partner, Matt, in eerily similar circumstances to her father; how grief changes over time and the tools she’s collected along the way that enable her to stay hopeful about the future. This is a really open and honest conversation about love and loss, and how you rebuild your life at the midpoint.

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Gabby is joined by expert guest Dr Federica Amati to talk about all things nutrition, and to answer your questions on everything from which foods are particularly beneficial in midlife, to what to feed the teenagers in your life. They also chat about the importance of questioning sources when it comes to nutritional advice; tweaking your mindset to focus on what foods you can add rather than restrict; when to exercise in relation to meal times; and how a plant first approach to building your plate can be particularly helpful when you’re going through the menopause. 

Federica’s latest book Every Body Should Know This is out now.

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BBC News’ Disability Correspondent, documentary maker, and presenter on Watchdog and The One Show, Nikki Fox, brings lots of warmth and humor to the podcast this week. Nikki shares how she found the love of her life after throwing what she describes as the wedding to herself, aka Fox Fest - her fortieth birthday party! Nikki also opens up about living with Muscular Dystrophy and how it impacts her day-to-day life as a news correspondent; the power of hard work and positive thinking; coming to terms with how your body changes in midlife; and why more needs to be done to support disabled people to thrive.

You can find out more about Muscular Dystrophy UK here.

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Former SBS Sergeant turned TV presenter and author, Jason Fox, joins Gabby on the podcast this week. Jason speaks at length about how being diagnosed with PTSD and medically discharged from the military sparked a chain of events which led to thoughts of suicide. He explains how being honest with himself and owning his mistakes on the brink of midlife was the first step towards getting well again, and how it took several attempts for him to find the right help. Jason speaks about all he’s learned and how he’s connected with - as he describes it - his inner hippy!

You can find out more about the charity Foxy co-founded here, and his latest book Embrace The Chaos: 52 Tactics to Make Every Day Countis available now.

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DJ, presenter, and Guinness World Records holder, Adele Roberts, chats to Gabby this week about how a midlife bowel cancer diagnosis has completely changed her outlook on life, and crucially, her relationship with herself. Adele shares some of the realities of living with a stoma (also known as ‘naughty Audrey’); how she coped with the brutality of chemotherapy; as well as why movement was medicine for her long before her cancer diagnosis and why it’s important to start small but dream big. She also discusses the importance of representation; how she’s battled social anxiety throughout her career; as well as her relationship with her long term partner, Kate. Her book Personal Best is available now.

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Popstar Gabrielle joins Gabby to talk about why she’s living her best life in her fifties! They discuss all the learnings that have come with age, including better boundaries, emotional resilience, and knowing how to strike a better balance in life. Gabrielle also talks about how music was always her friend growing up; how she managed the demands of touring with the symptoms of the menopause; and why being a grandma is bringing her so much joy right now.

Gabrielle’s new album A Place In Your Heart is available now, and you can grab tickets for her tour here. 

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This week Gabby is joined by Dr Chris van Tulleken, author of Ultra-Processed People: Why Do We All Eat Stuff That Isn’t Food … and Why Can’t We Stop?Poor diet has overtaken tobacco as the leading cause of early death, and so they discuss what ultra-processed food is and how we can easily identify it, how it has been designed to keep us eating it, and why we should always look beyond health claims on packaging. Chris also shares why it's not his intention to tell people what to eat, but rather it is his mission is to expose the food industry for what it is, and take away some of the shame and stigma around what we eat and what we are feeding our families.

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Former Blue Peter presenter turned children's author Konnie Huq chats to Gabby this week about a wide range of topics, including why she feels modern life is getting more and more absurd by the minute, how she wrestled with stereotyping in her younger years and ended up presenting TV before she had finished school, and why she thinks middle aged women rock! Konnie also explains why she is happy being an analogue person in a digital world, how her early experiences filming for Comic Relief informed her outlook on life, and why we might all benefit from being a little more patient and having slightly lower expectations. Despite declaring that she is not a podcast person, Konnie’s honesty cuts through the noise and will have many of you nodding in agreement!

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Richard Hammond joins Gabby this week to talk about the “pale stale male” and what he’s doing to avoid becoming one! The former Top Gearpresenter warns of the dangers of living in an echo chamber when you get to this stage of life, and why he’s hoping his new podcast (Who We Are Now) might contribute to more mentally healthy middle aged men. They also discuss whether his approach to risk has changed following two serious car accidents, one of which resulted in a brain injury and left him in a coma. Richard also shares his thoughts on the importance of male friendships; how exercise becomes an act of self care as you get older; and why there will always be a need for a show like Top Gear. Also, listen out for Richard’s confession: which new pointless midlife hobby he is really enjoying?

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This is a special episode in partnership with British Airways.

Gabby and Kenny Logan reminisce about the memorable trips they’ve taken over the course of their lives, from Kenny’s first long haul flight when he was initially selected to play rugby for Scotland, to Gabby’s trip to the Commonwealth Games as a 16 year old athlete; from an unforgettable break to Bali where they fully recharged, to and trips with their young children to Japan and South Africa which changed their perspectives on the world. They discuss how their approach to travel has changed over the years - Kenny no longer takes pride in arriving as close as he can to check-in closing, and Gabby is trying to slow down and enjoy the airport experience more. As well as the travel opportunities that have been unlocked now they are in midlife. Some travel experiences change you forever and stay with you long after you’ve touched down on home soil - even embarrassing moments that you might rather forget, as Gabby explains! So the Logan’s also give their top tips for making the most of your next trip.

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We are starting a new era of the podcast as we mean to go on, with a brilliant guest who epitomises all the things we celebrate on this show.

Laura Smyth decided to radically change her life at the midpoint, leaving her dependable job as a teacher for the uncertain world of stand up comedy. But just as she was getting into her stride, Laura was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. She talks to Gabby about all she has learned from that experience, including how she dragged herself out of a pit of despair and resentment by learning to love herself fully and throwing herself unabashedly down what she describes as a wellness rabbithole. Laura also speaks about learning that stress is a sign to rest, and why she doesn’t feel bad about saying no to things anymore.

Laura’s story proves that it’s never too late to build the life you want, but also that things don’t always go to plan, so don’t wait until you’re facing death to really start living.

You can catch her on tour in 2024 - grab your tickets here.

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Journalist, broadcaster, and one half of the5 Live Breakfast presenting team, Rachel Burden, joins Gabby on the podcast this week. Rachel talks about how years of very early wake up calls have taught her not to get too paranoid about the amount of sleep she gets, instead looking at the bigger picture and the positive effects of being stimulated and nourished by a job you love. As a working mum of four, Rachel also discusses making life decisions as a family unit, striving to have the things you want in life rather than trying to have it all, and how her youngest child’s premature birth proved just how little we can actually control in life. Rachel also talks about the joy of taking up walking football in midlife, and her new project - Cafe Hope - which she’s hoping will provide some relief from the daily news cycle. Dr Danny Penman also joins to speak about his experience using meditation as pain relief after a serious paragliding accident, and how taking time out for meditation can actually save you time in the long run. His new bookDeeper Mindfulness: The New Way to Rediscover Calm in a Chaotic World is available now. 

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Gynaecologist and bestselling author Dr Jen Gunter is our special expert guest this week! Dr Gunter is here to shed some light on what is happening to the body when it goes through the menopause transition. Jen also takes your questions on everything from brain fog to weight gain and supplements to HRT - busting a few myths along the way! Hopefully you’ll feel better informed about what is happening to your body through this time, but also hopeful about what awaits on the other side of the menopause. You can find out more about Dr Gunter’s published works here including The Menopause Manifesto.

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It’s not every week we have a double olympic champion on the podcast, but this week rower Helen Glover is adding a touch of greatness to proceedings. Speaking directly from a training camp in Portugal ahead of what will hopefully be her fourth olympic games, Helen reveals what motivated her to come out of retirement - not once, but twice - and what it’s like juggling motherhood with the demands of being an elite athlete. Helen speaks about the way that her perspective has changed as she’s got older; how going through multiple pregnancies has actually made her feel stronger; and her anxieties about retiring completely from the job she still loves. Author of How To Build A Healthy Brain, Kimberley Wilson, also joins to discuss the relationship between exercise and brain health, and why every time you move your body you give your brain a boost!

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One of the nation’s best loved presenters, Matt Baker, brings his infectious enthusiasm to the podcast this week! By happy accident, this episode is all about midlife pivots and making bold steps towards doing more of the work you love. Listen to hear the unlikely story of how Matt came to be on our screens presenting Blue Peter;how his dyslexia set him up with what he describes as a high tolerance for failure and gave him a sense of fearlessness; how he navigated the role reversal that many of us go through in midlife when our parents begin to need more help and support; and there’s even an old fashioned midlife chat about the thankless task of trying to exercise with a bad back! Head Tutor at The Raymond Blanc Gardening School August Bernsteinalso joins to talk about making the most of your green spaces, and how you can get started on growing your own vegetables with nothing more than a windowsill. 

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Jill Douglas MBE has been part of some of the biggest sporting events on television for the last three decades, and this week she joins Gabby to reflect on how this Scottish farmer’s daughter became a self confessed newshound, then somewhat unexpectedly found herself presenting Rugby Special- and hasn’t looked back since! They discuss some of the secrets to longevity in an industry that was obsessed with youth, and how in midlife, Jill is more motivated than ever to keep doing the job she loves. Jill speaks about her longtime friend, former Scottish rugby player Doddie Weir; how his diagnosis of motor neurone disease sharpened her own focus, and the charity they helped build together before his death (My Name’5 Doddie Foundation). MND is most commonly diagnosed in midlife, so Professor of Neurology and Complex Disease Genetics at King’s College London, Ammar Al-Chalabi, also joins to discuss some of the misconceptions about the disease and some advancements that have been made thanks to fundraising in recent years.

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TW: This episode contains references to child sexual abuse, and discussions about suicide.

Gabby is joined by one of the great voices of our time; radio and television broadcaster, Nicky Campbell. They discuss Nicky’s professional versatility and esteemed career; his midlife diagnosis of ADHD; his great love of animals and how his beloved dog, Maxwell, helped him through a mental breakdown; his antics on The Masked Singer and why sometimes you need to do something purely for the fun of it. Nicky also talks about the moment he realised that the sexual abuse he and his classmates had suffered when they were at school was publicly known, and he had to confront what had happened to him in his childhood. Nicky decided to use his professional platform to help others do the same, and was inundated with calls and emails from survivors; some middle aged men had never told a soul about what had happened to them prior to speaking with Nicky. He speaks about how challenging that was at times, but also how galvanising survivors to seek justice and representing them at the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry, is a great source of pride for him. They also speak to Simon Gunning - CEO of suicide prevention charity, CALM - about how talking openly about suicide as a human behaviour might actually help prevent it. 

You can find Nicky’s podcast Different here, and the episode of The Spark which Simon refers to (featuring Rory O’Connor), here. 

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On the cusp of taking on arguably the biggest job in women’s sport, six-time Women's Super League winning football manager, Emma Hayes, joins Gabby on the podcast this week. As well as revealing the relentlessness of life as a top coach, Emma speaks candidly about her struggle with Endometriosis; what it was like entering sudden menopause after having an emergency hysterectomy; the ecstasy and agony of making a huge life decision whilst in the fog of grief after losing her beloved father; how fighting for others can sometimes feel more natural than fighting for oneself, and that scheduling meetings with yourself might actually be the best form of selfcare! Menopause fitness coach and author of Owning Your Menopause: Fitter, Calmer, Stronger in 30 Days, Kate Rowe-Ham, also joins to talk about the kinds of exercise that could help women navigate midlife.  

TW: This episode does contain references to miscarriage.

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Hot off the Strictly Come Dancing tour and straight from presenting a live news bulletin, Gabby is joined today by Krishnan Guru-Murthy! Krishnan is a longstanding presenter of Channel 4 News and has reported from all over the world in the 26 years that he’s been part of the team, but it’s not his distinguished career that the two discuss at length today. Krish shares what Strictlygave him in terms of unbottling his fun side and reconnecting with frivolous fun in his fifties, and how the last year has seen him take back control and refuse to give up on his health. Dr Emily Porter, specialist dietician at The Gut Health Clinic, also joins to shed more light on ways you can improve your gut health by thinking about both the contents and timings of your meals, and how a pre-diabetic or T2 diabetes diagnosis does not mean you lose all agency over your blood sugar levels.

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TW: This episode contains references to eating disorders.

Model, content creator, and author, Louise Boyce aka Mama Still Got It, is stopping by Gabby’s podcast room this week. Louise shares her experiences as a very young model in the 90’s; how she healed her relationship with her body after suffering from bulimia; re-entered the industry as a ‘plus size model’ (at a healthy size 14) and made a successful career out of it. She explains how that journey has led her to where she is now: a middle-aged social media star, who makes thousands of people laugh with her videos depicting the mundane - and often challenging - aspects of motherhood. Stylist and founder of Green Edit, Charlotte Handley Green, is also on the podcast to talk about fashion and styling in midlife. She speaks about the importance of streamlining your wardrobe and building up ‘staples’ and ‘showstoppers'; how style is ageless and we should only be concerned with how our clothes make us feel - as well as the importance of good underwear!

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The Queen of Taupe joins Gabby on the podcast this week! Interior designer and entrepreneur, Kelly Hoppen CBE, shares some easy wins when it comes to refreshing your home interiors, as well as the secret to remaining energised and passionate about your work even when you’ve been doing it for five decades. Kelly shares why she doesn’t think she’ll ever retire, the morning routine that sustains her, finding love after divorce, and why age is irrelevant when it comes to beauty. As Gabby steps up her half marathon training and as part of her ongoing partnership with Runna, Olympic marathon runner and coach, Steph Davis, is also here to share her top tips for anyone thinking of getting into or returning to running in midlife.

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Former Editor-in-Chief of HELLO!magazine, and now creative consultant, coach, author, and podcast host, Rosie Nixon, drops by Gabby’s podcast room for a chat this week. From the outside, Rosie seemed to have it all in midlife; the job, the family, the glamorous lifestyle. But on the inside things felt very different, and although she loved her job, she was edging closer and closer to burnout. Rosie hit a breaking point and decided that she needed to make some radical changes; she wanted to enter her fifties on her terms. Rosie tells Gabby all that she’s come to realise through this process, including reassessing her values and redefining what success means to her at this stage of her life. They also speak with psychodynamic psychotherapist, Isobel Williams, about how it's never too late to make a little space for yourself and explore how talking therapy can be helpful at any age.

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For some, sleeping is as easy as closing your eyes, for others, it’s a nightly struggle. The cornerstone of good health can be frustratingly elusive, particularly in midlife, so we thought it was time to speak with an expert on all things the land of nod! Sleep Physiologist and the Chief Medical Officer of re-sleep, Stephanie Romiszewski, has some no-nonsense advice to share, based on scientific research and her years of clinical experience, including delivering Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBTi). You might be surprised to learn that bedtimes are out, and get up times are in; sleep aids and nighttime routines can sometimes increase sleep anxiety and actually keep you awake; changing your expectations of sleep might be key to making sleeping easier; and couples who sleep in separate beds might have had it right all along!

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TW: There are references to fertility treatment and miscarriage in this episode, so please take care whilst listening.

Journalist and broadcaster, Emma Barnett, is on the precipice of midlife, and so she joins Gabby this week to talk about how she feels about this next stage of life. Emma also sheds light on what it's like living with endometriosis - a condition which, as yet, has no cure - as well as what it’s like hosting Woman’s Hour,one of BBC Radio 4’s flagship shows;her journey through fertility treatment and why she felt compelled to share the realities of it; as well as the importance of surrounding yourself with people who have had similar experiences to you when you’re going through challenging or traumatic times. Dr Nighat Arif, a GP specialising in women’s health, also joins to talk about thyroid health and why women may see their thyroid function change as they age. Dr Arif’s book, The Knowledge, is out now.

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Singer songwriter Sophie Ellis-Bextor is Gabby’s guest this week! Gabby chats to her about being a working mum to five boys and what it’s like when your eldest is leaving home the same week that your youngest is starting school; how her legendary Kitchen Discos came about; hearing the voice of her inner critic less as she ages and the liberation this brings; and her ‘rate your childhood’ survey that you won’t be able to stop thinking about! Zoologist and author of Bitch, Lucy Cooke, also joins to talk about how sex and heteronormative bias have been present in the scientific study of animals since Darwin’s day, and have influenced the way we see the females of all sorts of species – including our own. Listen on to hear how Orcas recognised the power of post-menopausal women before humans did! 

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Today is a first for the podcast: it’s the first time our celebrity guest and our expert guest are a married couple, recording from the same house. Gary Neville is known for his glittering football career playing for Manchester United and England, while his wife, Emma, is a counsellor and Menopause Coach with her own online platform This Is Me. The couple chat to Gabby about everything from dealing with teenagers who find you painfully embarrassing, to Gary’s emotional attachment to oven chips. They both share their perspective on Emma’s early menopause, and discuss the many quirks of the Neville family – a modern day sporting dynasty!

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Warning: This episode contains some Christmas spoilers and is best enjoyed by adults only!

Kenny Logan joins Gabby this week for a walk down memory lane and to discuss the highs and lows of Logan Christmases past. From the best and worst gifts - including nipple tassels, dressing gowns, and unicycles - to food failures, and Santa spycams! As we look towards New Year they also reflect on the importance of Hogmanay in their household and ponder their new year's resolutions.

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TW: There are references to eating disorders in this episode. 

Psychotherapist and best-selling author, Julia Samuel, is back on the podcast for a festive special. Christmas is supposed to be a happy time of year, but despite our best intentions, it’s not always as simple as that! Between grief, heartbreak, illness, and challenging family dynamics, Christmas can be a difficult time to navigate. This is why Julia is back to respond to some of your questions and dilemmas and share some of the wisdom she’s gleaned from over 30 years’ worth of clinical experience.

Together they discuss navigating your first Christmas after the death of a loved one; ways you can support someone who is grieving at this time of year; how to try to make the best of your last Christmas with someone who has a terminal illness; developing rituals - which Julia describes as habits with soul – which might help you manage triggers; why sometimes family issues such as favouritism are best discussed in January; and managing clashes of personality between your partner and your parents. Plus, why the turkey is almost certainly not going to be perfect!

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Double GRAMMY award winner LeAnn Rimes dropped by to chat with Gabby this week about all the lessons she’s learned on her way to the midpoint. LeAnn opens up about surviving child stardom and how she ended up divorced and in rehab by the age of thirty; rebuilding her sense of self in the early stages of new romance; healing through music and finding her place within a blended family; and how middle age has bestowed on her more confidence than ever, plus a newfound passion for tennis! LeAnn will be back in the UK to finish her latest world tour at The London O2 on 8 May 2024. Personal Trainer and J7 Health Centre owner, Javeno Mclean, also joins Gabby to speak about how he is determined to help everyone – regardless of age or ability – to benefit from exercise. Disabled people travel far and wide to train with Javeno, but through social media he’s encouraging people around the world to reframe their thinking and focus on what people can do rather than what they can’t do.

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TW: The episode contains references to suicide and depression, so please take care whilst listening. If you are affected by anything you hear in this episode, you can reach out toThe Samaritansfor free on 116 123.

Journalist, broadcaster, and new host of University Challenge,Amol Rajan, is Gabby’s guest this week. Amol speaks very openly about how he’s recalibrating his sense of self since turning 40 and learning how to live with grief since his beloved father died. He also chats about his upbringing; how being raised by immigrant parents informed his sense of ambition, and why he thinks we should reclaim that word. They also discuss balancing work and parenting, and how being a father to a new-born again means that Amol is having to adjust what he calls “the hobs of life” – listen to find out exactly what that means! Alongside Amol, we also hear from host of the Financial Times’ Money Clinic Podcast, Claer Barrett, because what retirement looks like for a lot of midpointers is changing, and Claer has some advice on how to prepare financially for this.

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TW: There are references to pregnancy loss and infertility in this episode.

Presenter, producer, and journalist, Anna Richardson, joins Gabby this week to talk about everything from returning to education in your 50’s, to the lonely road of infertility; from how difficult yet vital it is to speak truth to power, to what a memory palace is! Beauty guru Nadine Baggott is also back with lots of beauty tips for our midlife skin, including what neck cream you really need - the answer might surprise you!

For more anecdotes and wisdom from Anna, check out her podcast It Can't Just Be Me.

Here are some useful links to products Nadine recommends in this episode:

Retinal Serum, Geek and Gorgeous

Retinal Intensive Cream, Avène (USA)

The Crystal Retinal Family, Medik8

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This week, we have an expert taking centre stage! Psychosexual and Relationship Therapist and Psycho-Sexologist, Kate Moyle, is here to talk sex and intimacy. It’s something many people still struggle to talk about, but midlife can radically change the landscape when it comes to sex; certainly, when we asked The Mid.Pointers for questions to put to Kate, you delivered! In this episode, Kate tries her best to answer those questions on everything from libido imbalance to fetishes, pelvic floor strength to sex after parenthood. If you want to explore this topic further, get a copy of Kate’s book The Science of Sex: Every Question About Your Sex Life Answered.

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Gabby is joined by one of the most recognisable names in the British restaurant world: Michelin Star chef, restaurateur, and broadcaster, Angela Hartnett OBE. Angela shares her experience of going through the menopause in somewhere as hot and pressurised as a top kitchen; how she’s learned in midlife that sometimes you need to ask for help; where her love of food comes from and why food and family are so intertwined; as well as the things she’s doing to ensure that she’s thriving when she is 90 years of age! Medical Scientist and Public Health Nutritionist, Dr Federica Amati, also joins to discuss the science behind her new book: Recipes For A Better Menopause.

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WARNING: This episode contains strong language.

Comedian, presenter, and author, Dara Ó Briain, joins Gabby to talk about how midlife is treating him; how it has expanded his comedy and allowed him to become more of a storyteller; and what it’s like touring alongside being a dad and getting usurped in popularity by their new dog. Co-author of Ravenous, Henry Dimbleby, also joins to discuss the state of our national food system and why it needs to radically change to protect our future health and the environment. But fear not, despite the severity of the outlook, Dara reassures that we’ll never run out of things to laugh about!

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This week’s guest has been compared with the Vicar of Dibley, and she doesn’t mind one bit! This week, the Reverend Kate Bottley brings all the warmth and humour that Dawn French’s character was famous for, and then some. Gabby and Kate discuss all the big topics in this episode: love, death, and skinny dipping! Professor Mike Tipton also joins them to talk about best practices for those who are new to wild swimming, and Kate shares why it’s the one hobby she has stuck with. 

Below are some links to studies Mike references in this episode:

The Physiological Society - Cold water immersion: kill or cure?

British Journal of Sports Medicine - Cold water therapies: minimising risks

BMJ Case Reports - Open water swimming as a treatment for major depressive disorder

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Property expert and broadcaster, Sarah Beeny, chats with Gabby this week about the opportunities that you can unlock in midlife, the joy of being a groupie mum, and the breast cancer diagnosis which she refuses to let define her. Sarah’s new book, The Simple Life: How I Found Home, charts her life through the properties she’s restored, renovated, and loved, and they discuss the importance of making a house a home. They also discuss all things property finance and pensions with host of the Financial Times' Money Clinic podcast and author of What They Don’t Teach You About Money, Claer Barrett.  

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Gabby and Kenny get together for a wee debrief after completing Kenny Logan’s Rugby World Cup Challenge, in memory of their great friend Doddie Weir and in aid of My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. They talk about the highs and lows of the weeklong cycle-walk challenge, carrying the Ireland v Scotland Rugby World Cup match ball from Edinburgh to the game in Paris, as well as what it meant to them to meet so many people affected by Motor Neuron Disease along the way.

You can still donate to this great cause by clicking here.

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Few former politicians have had successful reincarnations as television presenters, but Ed Balls is one of them. He joins Gabby to talk about how he is loving the so-called midlife crisis because it’s only really at the midpoint that he’s been able to say yes to the many things he would like to try – including famously, dancing on Strictly! Ed also discusses what raising a young family within the world of politics was like, the new podcast he's cohosting Political Currency, and Gabby gets his thoughts on how middle-aged women in particular could have a huge say in the next General Election. They also speak to psychiatrist and author of How To Build A Healthy BrainandUnprocessed, Kimberley Wilson, about the significance of diet and exercise on brain health and what we need to be doing in midlife to give ourselves the best chance against Dementia.

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Gabby’s guest this week is a comedian, writer, and TV presenter, and he’s also turning the midlife crisis on its head! For Lee Mack, the midlife crisis is more like the midlife question mark: a time when you question some of the ways you’ve been told to live. Lee shares why things like meditation, veganism, and sobriety, have become increasingly important to him at the midpoint, as well as why he loves time off more and more but would trade it all for a shot at playing football for FC Barcelona! Entrepreneur and behaviour change coach, Andy Ramage, also joins to talk about how he is helping people who want to take a break from drinking alcohol. 

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Presenter, author, and outdoor evangelist, Julia Bradbury, is with Gabby on the podcast this week. Julia talks about how her breast cancer diagnosis has had a profound effect on her midlife, and how it partly inspired her new book Walk Yourself Happy.As well as the power of walking, they discuss the other lifestyle habits which Julia researched for the book, such as nutrition and breathwork, and how this has informed changes in her own life. Determined to give herself the best fighting chance against cancer and secure her longevity, this is an uplifting reminder that we have agency over our own bodies even in the face of illness. Dr Caroline Leek, founder of Fruit Fly Collective, also joins to discuss how to talk to children about cancer and signposts valuable resources, such as Parenting With Cancer, which families can use when they receive a cancer diagnosis.

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Trigger Warning: Miscarriage is discussed in this episode, so please take care whilst listening.

We are finishing our mini-series featuring extraordinary people with inspiring stories to tell by hearing from former RAF fast jet pilot, Mandy Hickson.

Mandy always dreamed of following in her grandfather’s footsteps and becoming a pilot, but in her early adulthood, this was simply not an option: women were not allowed to be pilots in the RAF. But as soon as that rule changed, there was no stopping Mandy! She became only the second female to fly a Tornado GR4 on the front line, and in her career, she completed 45 missions over Iraq and three duty tours.

In this episode, Mandy speaks about how difficult it is to become a fighter pilot (regardless of gender), what it was like knowing she was a test case and how she overcame that, what the military taught her about unselfish behaviour and how there is always more to be gained from working as a team, as well as what it was like juggling being a mum with a high-pressure role in the air force, and the issues this still poses for female fast jet pilots today.

Since leaving the RAF, Mandy has set up her own business and travels the country speaking at schools and businesses and sharing all she’s learned. Mandy has also published a memoir, An Officer Not A Gentleman.

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Trigger Warning: This week's episode contains a conversation about the loss of a child.

This is the second instalment of our special mini-series focusing on extraordinary people with remarkable stories to share. Gabby was inspired to break away from the usual roster of celebrities and experts, and instead spotlight ordinary people who have real insight when it comes to overcoming adversity; Fiona Spargo-Mabbs has exactly that.

In 2014, Fiona’s worst nightmare became a reality when a police officer stood on her doorstep in the early hours of the morning and informed her that her youngest son, Dan, was in intensive care. This was the start of the worst few days of her life, as specialists raced against time to counter the effects of an extremely strong dose of MDMA (ecstasy) which Dan had consumed whilst at a rave with his friends. All of them had taken the drug, but Dan had been the one who had unknowingly taken the dose which was twelve times stronger than had caused deaths in the past.

Dan never came home, and in the years since, Fiona has had to come to terms with her family’s new reality. She talks about this, and how she and her husband, Tim, have thrown themselves into making sure that teenagers and parents have the drug education they need in order to avoid any other young person dying needlessly. You can find out more about The Daniel Spargo-Mabbs Foundation here, and purchase Fiona’s book I Wish I’d Knownhere.

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This month, Gabby presents a special mini-series focusing on extraordinary people with remarkable stories to share. The Oprah Winfrey Show was formative viewing for Gabby, and having rediscovered its early episodes, she was inspired to break away from the usual roster of celebrities and experts and instead spotlight ordinary people who have shown remarkable strength of character and overcome adversity. Over the course of the next three episodes you'll hear three very different stories, but all of them will leave you feeling inspired.

We’re kicking off the series with a power couple; Ed and Lois Jackson. Back in 2017, Ed was enjoying his career as a professional rugby player and he and Lois were looking forward to their upcoming nuptials, but a split-second misjudgement at a barbecue changed the trajectory of both of their lives forever. Ed suffered an almost catastrophic spinal cord injury and was lucky to survive the accident. They speak about what it was like being told that he would never walk again, and Ed’s extraordinary reaction to that news. We hear how they have navigated the highs and lows of the last six years, how Ed went from being paralysed in all four limbs to climbing Yr Wyddfa/ Snowdon in 12 months, and how reframing and gratitude helped them to find a greater purpose and form their charity Millimetres 2 Mountains.

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To round out our series of summer specials, we’ve combed the archive for some of the most insightful chats we’ve had about the menopause. There are a myriad of symptoms associated with menopause and it manifests differently for everyone, so it’s important we continue to talk about it and to share helpful tips that make this stage of life a little easier to navigate. 

In this episode, you’ll hear from writer Lorraine Candy, model Penny Lancaster, MP Carolyn Harris who campaigned to make HRT more affordable for women in England, TV presenters Davina McCall and Lorraine Kelly, plus functional nutritionist Pippa Campbell, who explains why our body shape may change as we go through the menopause.

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This is the second of our special compilation episodes this summer; perfect for you to dip in and out of on your holidays, or to accompany you on any long journeys. This week we’re focusing on a topic that comes up a lot on The Mid.Point: relationships. Be they romantic, familial, or purely platonic, they can often take on a new importance when navigating midlife. 

Like everything, relationships change and evolve over time and sometimes they no longer serve us by the midpoint, hence why many people find themselves navigating the end of a significant partnership or friendship at this time of life. However, scientific research suggests that there are anti-ageing properties bound up in social interactions and a sense of community, so it’s vitally important that we keep making friendships throughout our lives. But it can be hard to put yourself out there, especially when it comes to dating. These are all aspects that our wonderful guests - Elizabeth Day, Phil Neville, Rob Rinder, Jane Fallon, Kelly Cates, Kirsty Gallacher, Kenny Logan, sobriety advocate Matt Pink, and Professor Rose Anne Kenny – all touch on in this week’s episode. 

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School’s out, and so is the rule book! This summer we’re bringing you a special mini-series which takes you on a trip through the archive, showcasing the best snippets from our vast and varied line up of guests. Each week we’ll be focusing on a topic that’s particularly pertinent to those of us at the midpoint, and this week we’re celebrating the joys of getting older. 

There’s still a pervading sense of pessimism when it comes to the mainstream narrative on ageing, but the chats on this podcast over the last three years have proved that most midlifers are anything but! Celebrities and experts all agree that there are so many good things that come with midlife. In this episode, you’ll hear the likes of Sharleen Spiteri, Colin Murray, Edith Bowman, Trevor Nelson, Zoe Lyons, Nihal Arthanayake, Phil Neville, Olivia Williams, and fitness expert, James Smith, being positively old!

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Author of It’s Not A Diet and founder of supplement brand Will Powder,  Davinia Taylor, is here to explain the principles behind her new book Hack Your Hormones. You may well remember Davinia from her days as an actress on Hollyoaks and being a renowned party girl in the 90’s - painting London red with The Primrose Set! But gone are those hedonistic days, and in the last 14 years, Davinia has learned lots from her own journey from alcoholic to wellness advocate. She talks to Gabby all about biohacking, and ways you can support and stimulate certain hormones such as dopamine, to get the best out of your mind and body. They also discuss ways to optimise and track your sleep, and the things to avoid in the ingredient lists of many household foods.

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By its very nature, this expert episode on grief is raw and emotional, and some tears were shed in the making of it. But Psychotherapist, best-selling author, and podcaster, Julia Samuel, is here to guide us through the many shades of grief; something which impacts all our lives in one way or another and particularly in midlife. 

Julia very generously answers your questions on everything from practical ways to support loved ones who are grieving, dealing with living losses such as divorce, and visualisation techniques which can help to stop you from ruminating on the “what if’s” that come with a loss which is open-ended or without conclusion. Alongside her practical advice, Julia also speaks about some of the fundamentals when it comes to bereavement; why grieving always takes longer than anyone wants, the power of walking and talking, the compounding effect of multiple losses, and how grieving together helps us to build strong familial bonds.  

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Comedian, radio presenter, and brand-new host of The Late Late Show, Patrick Kielty, is reaching new heights at the midpoint! Not only does he bring the laughs this week but he also brings the wisdom, including the importance of creating opportunities for yourself, how not to prepare for the London Marathon, and why you must make sure the material at your wake is good! Patrick also explains how one drunk phone call from a pub car park in rural Ireland turned into a life in LA, getting married to Cat Deeley, and the birth of their two children. Gabby also reunites Patrick with physical activity expert and celebrity trainer, Professor Greg Whyte OBE, who speaks about the importance of movement and strength training as we get older - Guinness less so, sorry Paddy. 

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Full disclosure: this episode is highly likely to make you hungry! Gabby is joined by one of the most revered chefs in the country, MasterChef: The Professionals judge and Mere Restaurant chef owner, Monica Galetti. Monica grew up in Samoa imbibing the food centric culture there, before travelling to New Zealand to train as a chef and landing in the UK in Chef Michel Roux Jr’s Michelin kitchen! After juggling competing priorities for many years, pressures on her business and her family meant Monica had to step back from MasterChef last year. Monica explains what she learned in that time, and how she’s now finding the joy in what she does again. Monica also talks about finding her "fit crew" and feeling more confident than ever in the gym, the importance of a happy kitchen, as well as her beloved “boys” – her three dogs! Sporting Director, Calvin Mudd, also joins to explain what Canicross is and why it might be you and your canine companion’s new favourite form of exercise. 

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We’ve got another expert episode for you, and this time we’re tackling a subject that’s been making the headlines of late… AI! We’ve all heard about it, but what do most of us really know about artificial intelligence beyond the scary stories? How is it going to change our everyday lives, and how prevalent is it already? Gabby is putting all your questions to tech journalist and AI commentator, Lara Lewington.

Lara has presented and reported for the BBC’s flagship technology programme, Click, since 2011, and she recently made A Documentary: By ChatGPT for BBC Radio 4. Lara explains some of the pitfalls of AI, as well as some of the ways we might be able to use it to our advantage when it comes to things like healthcare, drug discovery, and policing social media. She also explains what data is harvested from us already (often unknowingly), and how personal data trackers are being used to help prevent illnesses and increase longevity – things which are all made possible by AI. 

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It’s been an interesting career trajectory for TV presenter, Alex Jones; from having Davina McCall invigilate her university exams whilst competing on a reality TV show, to broadcasting to millions every night hosting BBC’s The One Show. But there is always more to a story like this than meets the eye… And there is a reason Alex has remained at the helm of the weeknight show for the last 12 years. Now at 46 years old, we find out what she’s learned en route to the midpoint and how she balances work with being mother to three children under six years old! Alex’s youthful outlook on life shines through her wealth of hilarious anecdotes, from bartering for directions with paparazzi to bargaining with Chris Evans over chips and champagne. They are also joined by Uju Asika, writer of Raising Boys To Do Better,to talk abouthow we can support boys navigating the modern world and offer practical tips on how to bring up kind children in an oftentimes prejudiced world. 

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From the U.N.’s International Court of Justice to the bejeweled Strictly ballroom at Blackpool, this week’s guest’s journey to the midpoint has been quite an extraordinary one. Gabby chats with barrister and broadcaster Rob Rinder MBE, ahead of the release of his debut novel The Trial. They talk about everything from why it’s important that we keep in mind the myriad of human reasons why people behave in the way they do, how forgiveness is sacred but is not the same as forgetting and how Rob lives in forgiveness even though his family were victims of the Holocaust, to why he can’t bear the “farting smugness” of some yoga classes and why he will forever be a match-maker and a romantic! Psychotherapist and best-selling author, Julia Samuel, also joins to offer an expert view on inherited trauma and behaviours, and practical ways to help you deal with that – which is the focus of her latest book Every Family Has A Story.

Julia mentions the work of Charles Duhigg around habit forming and you can find out more about his work here. The latest of Rob’s factual series, The Holyland and Us - Our Untold Stories, is also still available to watch on BBC iPlayer. 

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In the interests of fairness - and keeping everyone in the family happy - Gabby’s son Reuben joins her on the podcast this week, ahead of leaving home to begin his professional career as a rugby player. It’s a very open discussion about what it means to be a teenage boy in the modern world, including Reuben’s take on masculinity and whether toxic influencers online actually have any influence at all. They also speak about how Reuben dealt with anxiety and the pressures of school, being added to the club WhatsApp group and preparing to enter a professional workplace for the first time, as well as what it’s like being mum to a sporty child – and the ways they (inevitably) find you annoying! 

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This week’s guest is usually the one asking the questions, more accustomed to interviewing some of the world’s biggest R&B stars, but today it’s his turn to come up with the answers! Gabby is joined by critically acclaimed radio host and DJ Trevor Nelson MBE, to talk about how he’s feeling about life on the cusp of his 60th birthday. Trevor talks about the power of saying no, the secret to longevity in an industry that’s preoccupied with youth, enjoying the simple things in life and why he is absolutely a dog person! Sarah Gilchrist from Gilchrist Performance also joins to talk about how you can optimise sleep and recovery when – like Trevor – you don’t work a traditional 9-5. 

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Kenny joins Gabby on the anniversary of his Prostatectomy to talk about how the diagnosis affected him and the changes his body has gone through in the year since his operation. It’s also a frank and honest chat about how the couple have navigated this together – and yes, there is quite a lot of chat about erectile function! They also discuss the fear of saying the wrong thing in today’s world, how signing up to challenges can really help to keep you motivated around the 50 mark, and a rather memorable holiday story involving one delirious Kenny and a thermometer!

If you or someone you know have recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer, you might like to listen back to the special episode Gabby and Kenny recorded alongside Kenny’s Consultant Urologist, Declan Cahill. If you want to know more about Declan Cahill's work you will find his website here, and Prostate Cancer UK has some very useful links and resources, too. Crucially, like many men, Kenny did not experience any symptoms before his diagnosis and sadly we know that 1 man dies of prostate cancer every 45 minutes, so if you or someone close to you wants to get checked, ask your GP for a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) and urine test - two simple tests that save lives.

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Journalist, podcaster, and former Editor in Chief, Lorraine Candy, spent her career writing for and about women in some of the nation’s best-known publications, but when she started experiencing what she calls her “physical and emotional unraveling”, she had no idea that what she was experiencing was in fact the perimenopause. Now, Lorraine is on a mission to share all that she’s learned about the menopause, to ensure that no woman feels alone or ashamed if their minds and bodies begin to change, and her new book What’s Wrong With Me? 101 Things Midlife Women Need to Know is out this week. Gabby and Lorraine also speak with warmth and humour about issues that impact all midpointers, such as dealing with living losses, finding a new sense of identity, as well as the many upsides of midlife! Life coach, Ed Haddon, is also on hand to discuss how coaching can be a great way of re-establishing your purpose in midlife. 

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The gut is often referred to as ‘the second brain’ and Dr Megan Rossi is here to tell us why! Megan - aka The Gut Health Doctor - is here to shine a light on our gut microbiome’s incredible potential, a fascinating and relatively new area of scientific research which Dr Rossi has dedicated her career to. She talks about how the brain and the gut interact and why paying attention to the health of your gut microbiome can positively affect your mental health, not only that, but you can also increase your gut’s ability to recycle oestrogen by eating certain foods – an important note for women in midlife. Megan is also here to break down some of the myths around carbs, gluten, and food intolerances - including how to reintroduce important prebiotic foods you thought didn’t agree with you - and we also put your questions to Megan. Plus, if you’re a frequent flyer, be sure to listen to the end for top tips on how to avoid Mile High IBS!

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We’re keeping it in the family this week, with Gabby’s daughter Lois Logan joining her to talk about something that many teenagers (and parents) will be dealing with right now: leaving school and revising for exams! Lois and Gabby also discuss their different perspectives on things like beauty standards on social media, the moment your children become teenagers and no longer want to spend as much time with you, and what it’s like seeing your mum go through the menopause just as your hormones kick into life. Lois might be the youngest guest ever on The Mid.Point, but she certainly has plenty of insight to share. 

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This week, Gabby takes a deep dive into the biology of ageing with Professor Rose Anne Kenny. Professor Kenny is a physician, researcher, and the founding principal investigator of The Irish LongituDinal study on Ageing. Rose Anne is also a best-selling author, and Gabby has read her book - Age Proof: The New Science of Living a Longer and Healthier Life -cover to cover! They discuss key topics from her research, including what epigenetics are and how we can influence them and our biological ageing, the commonalities that people living in the so-called Blue Zones have and what this teaches us about how to live long and healthy lives, and how research shows it’s never too late to make a difference to how you’re ageing on the inside. Professor Kenny also answers your questions on everything from supplements and exercise, to how much we should eat as we get older.  

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Despite still being in her thirties, Olympic gold medallist and British sporting icon, Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to navigating big transitions in life. Having retired from professional sport in 2016, Jess talks about how she had been so focused on being the best heptathlete she could be, that despite being happy to retire, she had no plan B when the time came. However, motherhood had set her on a journey to learning more about the significance of hormonal cycles and changes, and from this a new passion was born! Jess speaks about how she's determined to help women unlock their performance goals and understand more about their bodies, and GP and menopause specialist Dr Louise Newson also joins to discuss the hormonal changes that can occur particularly in midlife.

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Gabby welcomes broadcaster and writer, Adrian Chiles, to the podcast room! Adrian speaks with his usual candour about how getting his dream job set him on a path of self-reflection, resulting in newfound religion and a midlife diagnosis of ADHD. Adrian also challenges society’s perception of what alcoholism is, and shares some of what he’s learned from writing his book The Good Drinker. We also hear from Matt Pink, Co founder of the Dryy app, about his decision to adopt an alcohol free life and how he’s helping other people to reevaluate their relationship with alcohol. 

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It’s not every day you get to chat to a Hollywood actress, but this week, Gabby does exactly that! Olivia Williams has starred in some hugely successful films, such as Sixth Sense, Rushmore and The Heart of Me. She has rubbed shoulders with some of the biggest names in the business, and yet she has managed to retain a certain level of anonymity which has enabled her to enjoy her family life. She speaks about the double-edged nature of fame when you’re an actress, the importance of not caring, and of course, what it is like to be playing The Queen Consort in The Crown. Olivia also speaks very openly about living with cancer following her diagnosis in 2018, and through sharing her own experience, she explains exactly why early detection is so important. Functional Nutrition and Weight Loss Practitioner, Pippa Campbell, also gives her thoughts on eating the right foods for your metabolic type, something she fully explores in her book Eat Right Lose Weight.  

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Kenny joins Gabby for another special episode this week!

The couple come together to talk about the prospect of their soon to be empty nest and how best to prepare for it, as well as how to support your children through tough exam periods.

Gabby also puts your questions to Kenny, and they discuss everything from each other’s pet peeves to what lessons their children are teaching them about life! 

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This week’s guest is not (quite!) at the midpoint of life yet, but as a retired sportsperson, James Haskell has already experienced many things we go through in midlife.

It’s sometimes said that sportspeople have two deaths, but if anything, James has just had multiple rebirths. Since retiring from rugby, he’s tried his hand at many things and is now a successful podcaster, author, and DJ. Given that he is knowledgeable on such a wide range of topics, Gabby puts your questions to him as today’s “expert” – although he prefers “Agony Aunt” as a title!

He shares his thoughts on everything from fitness to mental health, physical recovery to career change. James’ latest book Approach Without Caution: The 5-Step Plan to Take Control of Your Life is out now.

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Writer and host of the very successful podcast How To Fail, Elizabeth Day, has come very close to turning failure into an academic discipline! And she is sharing all she has learned with Gabby this week. 

Elizabeth’s podcasts and books have helped to reshape the language around failure and now she is hoping to do the same with friendship, starting with her new book Friendaholic: Confessions of a Friendship Addict. 

As you'll hear, it turns out that the mid point is a great time to take stock of your friend inventory! Elizabeth does also discuss how she is coming to terms with infertility in midlife, so please take care whilst listening.

Nutritionist and author, Rhiannon Lambert, is also here to discuss how our gut microbiome changes in midlife and ways we can mitigate negative side effects such as bloating. 

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Strictly dancer and now judge, Anton Du Beke, chats to Gabby about show business and the importance of honing your craft, why he couldn’t have imagined being a dad before he was fifty, and of course, what Strictly has taught him about women in their midlife!

Former Olympian and Physical Activity Expert , Professor Greg Whyte, is also on the podcast to talk about “the bare minimum” when it comes to movement, and how it might be more than you think…

Fear not, Greg has plenty of tips for how we can incorporate more exercise into our daily lives! You can find out more about Greg’s work here. 

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We have a new addition to The Mid•Point podcast!

We are letting experts take centre stage in a new topic-led strand to educate us in a series of episodes on subjects that are of particular interest to midlifers.

For this first one, Gabby is joined by health and beauty journalist Nadine Baggott, who is here to answer all your questions on anything from dry pre-menopausal skin to the pro’s and cons of botox, from hair loss hacks to which five products middle-aged people should invest in without breaking the bank.

Nadine also talks about how over time she has come to embrace her face and body for all that it is, and see beauty as a more holistic enterprise which starts from within.

You can find more tips plus product and treatment reviews on Nadine’s Youtube channel and Instagram.

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Kenny Logan and Kirsty Gallacher join Gabby for a special bonus episode, focusing on special friendships – special, but not that special you understand! Gabby and Kirsty have been best friends since before Gabby and Kenny became an item, and so Kenny explains how he felt he joined their relationship and not the other way around.

They try to get to the bottom of why some people’s partners are closer to some friends than others, and the importance of trust and respect in any friendship but particularly in midlife.

Things take a slightly strange turn when throuples are discussed and we hear an awful lot about one particular pair of Wimbledon boxer shorts, but do listen out for Kirsty’s wonderful impressions of Kenny!

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This week’s guest is a sports presenter, broadcaster and fitness fanatic who Gabby knows very well. In fact, they've known each other for over 25 years and Gabby is godmother to one of her sons!

In this frank and honest chat, Kirsty Gallacher talks to Gabby about dating in later life and the pros and cons of dating apps. They discuss why a lot of people lose their confidence after a break up, and Kirsty opens up about the struggles she had after her divorce, which were laid bare for all the country to see.

Gabby and Kirsty are also joined by relationship expert, Annabelle Knight, who gives some sage advice for anyone looking to get back into dating in midlife. The key might just be to pick up the phone...

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This week’s guest has had two very successful careers to date, firstly as a footballer and secondly as a TV presenter, who has hosted BBC’s Match of the Day for the last 24 years! So, you could say that Gary Lineker knows a thing or two about adapting to changes that the rolling years can bring. He speaks about the contentment he has found in solitude as he gets older, and why sometimes a canine friend is all you need.

At the midpoint, Gary also found a new passion for cooking – although he reveals why he won’t be cooking on our screens any time soon! – and became more vocal and politically engaged on Twitter which led to some very positive experiences, primarily welcoming refugees into his home.

We also have hair expert Michael Douglas back on the podcast, to give some tips to both men and women who might be struggling with hair loss in midlife.

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Comedian, Zoe Lyons, has learned some midlife lessons the hard way, after going through what she describes as a “pretty blokey” midlife crisis. Thankfully, she is out the other side – two sports cars lighter! – and Zoe shares all she learned from that experience with us on this week’s podcast.

From making a success of her career in the brutal world of comedy to the grief and relief she feels for our body as she navigates midlife, from the gutsy confidence of chin hair to menopause rage, and why developing alopecia at 50 finally made her “grow up” – Gabby and Zoe discuss it all!   

They are also joined by Menopause Fitness Coach, Kate Rowe-Ham, to talk about how alcohol hits differently in midlife and what benefits can be felt from forming new habits.

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The Mid•Point is back! In this special episode, Gabby is joined by her husband, Kenny, to bring you a flavour of what’s to come in Series 7, which will be dropping into your feeds from Wednesday, 22 February. 

Former international rugby player, Kenny, got a taste for the podcast game when he featured on The Prostate Episode, but that’s not what he joins Gabby to discuss this week. The Logans take a light-hearted look back on the week, including Kenny’s beloved Scotland’s achievements in the Six Nations rugby championship, Gabby’s late night escapades in Edinburgh, how Kenny has come to terms with his dyslexia, and what Valentine’s Day means for those in long-term relationships – including tales of how Kenny wooed Gabby back in 1999!

Please get in touch via The Mid Pointers facebook group if you have any relationship or family dilemmas that you’d like Gabby and Kenny to discuss in future episodes.

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