Welcome to Midlife Illuminated! I’m Suzy Glaskie, Functional Medicine Health Coach and founder of Peppermint Wellness. I've learnt the hard way how to thrive in midlife. And now I'm looking forward to sharing what I've learnt with you. I hope that this podcast helps you to rediscover your own light - and start to shine.
…
continue reading
Welcome to The Happy Middle – a podcast for women who are deep in the messy middle bit of life. Join me for honest conversations, interviews and stories that will will leave you feeling reassured, supported and hopeful. We’ll be normalising the trickier bits of midlife, celebrating the good stuff and asking how we can turn the messy middle into a happier one. Categories: Self-improvement, Personal Journals, Careers Format: Weekly, for a season (12 weeks) with planned hiatus. Mixture of guest ...
…
continue reading
Interviews with authors & experts in publishing & self-publishing, designed for entrepreneurs who want to write their game-changing book.
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
How gratitude will make you stronger, happier & healthier (re-release)
1:04:57
1:04:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:04:57
This is a re-release of episode 56 of my podcast. - and one of my favourite conversations. If I could persuade everyone to adopt just one habit, it would be a daily gratitude practice. It's no exaggeration to say that this is a practice that transforms people's lives on every level. This is a deeply uplifting conversation with the inspirational Hol…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
A midlife pivot to fulfilment & happiness
48:49
48:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:49
You might be feeling stuck, frustrated and taken for granted - you might be feeling that life is passing you by, and that it's too late for you to create the life you want. I hope that this episode gives you hope that midlife is a golden period of opportunity to shake up your life and redesign it in a way that fulfils you. This is a very deep, soul…
…
continue reading
In this episode, I share a story from my past which nearly resulted in tragedy - for me and for many others. I'm very aware how fortunate I am to be here, alive and well, to share this with you today. You'll hear why our brains are so deeply vulnerable - and how easily they can malfunction from what we put in our body. I hope that sharing my story …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Finding the Courage to Speak up with Siobhan Strode
40:40
40:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:40
In today's episode (which is the last one of the season before the podcast goes on its summer break) I chat with the wonderful Siobhan Strode. Siobhan is a word witch and mentor and she helps her clients raise their voices and create change in the world. She's an ex-teacher, nearly 40, lives in Devon with three sons, her dog Strike, and her childho…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Understanding Self Doubt in Midlife with Sas Petherick
45:35
45:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:35
Today’s guest is the wonderful Sas Petherick, a coach, coaching supervisor, and founder of the Self Belief Coaching Academy. We talk about her understanding of self doubt, how it acts as a self-protective mechanism, and about why self doubt can feel especially prominent during midlife. Sas provides valuable insights on managing self doubt, listenin…
…
continue reading
Here are my honest reflections on the perimenopause and menopause - and what I wish that all women knew. I share the ways that I'm preparing for this transition - and the many ways that I used to sabotage my body's ability to balance itself. I'm glad I know better now. I hope this episode inspires you to care for yourself, whatever your age or stag…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Navigating the Messy Middle: Embracing Midlife as a Second Adolescence
21:57
21:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:57
Today, I want to share with you a concept I haven't been able to stop thinking about since Julia Goodall talked about it in episode three. So let's dive in and explore what it means for us as midlife individuals looking to navigate the sometimes tricky in-betweenness of this phase. So, what do you think? Does the concept of a second adolescence res…
…
continue reading
This week I thought I'd share some of my favourite bits from The Happy Middle so far. I've been lucky to have interviewed some really inspiring people who've shared their stories so generously. Enjoy the episode and please share this on Instagram (make sure you tag me too so I see it!) Thanks for listening, please come and say hello over on Instagr…
…
continue reading
It's been a long time since I've showed up here....much longer than I'd planned. I've lived through the darkest days - and also the lightest. I'm now a grandmother, which has given me a whole new perspective on life. I hope my thoughts on this prompt you too to relook at your North Star. Do get in touch with me and let me know. You can find me on t…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Navigating Midlife and Caregiving with Penny Wincer
39:33
39:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:33
In this episode, I welcome Penny Wincer, a Melbourne-born author, writing coach, and podcast host based in London. Penny shares her midlife journey from a freelance photographer to a writer and non-fiction coach all while navigating life as a single parent and caregiver. We chatted about the challenges of caregiving, and the importance of self-comp…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Conversations on Change, Joy, and Purpose with Katy Murray
46:24
46:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:24
Today's guest is Katy Murray, a women's leadership coach, inclusion facilitator, speaker, and author of Changemakers, a women's guide to stepping up without burning out. Katy works with female leaders who want to make a real difference in the world by helping them to find the right balance between work and looking after themselves. It was a real pl…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Finding Your Style in Midlife with Emma Carr
34:20
34:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:20
Do you save your clothes for best? I have to admit that I do and my guest today, personal stylist and image consultant Emma Carr wants us all to stop doing that. I worked with Emma a few years ago when I felt like I had no idea how I wanted to look anymore after having children and hitting my 40s. I love Emma's approach to helping us navigate chang…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Practicing Pleasure as an Act of Resistance with Meena Bhasin
34:08
34:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:08
When the word feels heavy and hopeless prioritising pleasure can feel taboo. In today's episode of The Happy Middle I chat with creator, violist, mother, and pleasure activist Meena Bhasin. We explored how sensuality and rage transform during midlife and how you can channel your rage into powerful, positive energy. And Meena discusses why pleasure …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Navigating Midlife Nutrition and Lifestyle with Laura Clark
39:26
39:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:26
In this episode, Laura Clark, a menopause dietitian and food therapist with over 25 years of experience, discusses her holistic approach to helping midlife women navigate the menopausal transition through better nutrition, understanding food relationships, and addressing emotional well-being. We chat about the importance of contextualising diet wit…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Exploring Midlife, Relationships, and Joy with Julia Goodall
35:24
35:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:24
Today's guest is Julia Goodall, a clinical psychologist turned psychotherapist and relationship coach. She helps clients find joy in everyday life and love in extraordinary ways and I loved our chat so much, which meandered from exploring the the nuances between therapy and coaching through to the importance of open communication in relationships. …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Navigating Midlife, Perimenopause, and Neurodivergence with Lucy Lucraft
32:02
32:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:02
This podcast episode features a rich conversation with Lucy Lucraft, a midlife, ADHD-diagnosed mother, journalist turned podcast producer, and advocate for a free Palestine. Lucy & I delve into midlife experiences, discussing the challenges and weirdness of navigating the 'middle bit' of life, from peri-menopause and its symptoms, which can interse…
…
continue reading
Welcome to my new podcast The Happy Middle. I'm Suzy Darke and this podcast is for women navigating midlife with its ups, downs, and 'messy middles'. This first episode is mostly about me, my life, and my midlife journey, from motherhood to menopause, to finding my creative voice and becoming a coach. So curl up, grab a cuppa and dive in, I'm so gl…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The antidote to feeling frazzled (and why I'm going quiet)
17:43
17:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
17:43
In this (the final episode in this season of Midlife Illuminated) I share something that every woman needs. Particularly in midlife, when we are overwhelmed by the needs of others. It's the need to return to ourselves. In the classic book Women Who Run With The Wolves, this is described as "homing". With thanks to Clarissa Pinkola Estes - author of…
…
continue reading
Women have always been conditioned to put their own wellbeing last. Research shows that their pets get better care than they do. Pets are wonderful companions: they need and deserve our care. But don't we deserve some care too? Research has also shown that this "me-last" conditioning leads to serious consequences when it comes to our health outcome…
…
continue reading
Getting yourself healthy doesn't have to be hard work. It can actually be, yes, pleasurable! Here's my Peppermint Tea chat with Katy Grele, a 51-year-old mum who has come through breast cancer. Katy wasn't interested in doing any more short-lived, quick-fix diet plans. She wanted to adopt healthy habits to see her through the menopause...and the re…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Why I'm thinking about the end of my life
21:17
21:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:17
Ever tried a quick-fix way to lose weight or feel better or look younger? Ever tried a wellness gimmick that promised overnight miracles? We need to think beyond the short-term. We need to think about how we'd like to feel and live in the last years of our life. I hope this episode gives you a different perspective on weight loss, ageing - and on c…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Women and burnout: why we can't go on like this
25:01
25:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:01
There's a crisis amongst women at work. Burnout is the no. 1 reason why women are leaving (or planning to leave) their job. I've been there myself. My mental and physical health suffered when I tried to juggle a high-stress PR job with caring for very young children. I talk through why we're at breaking point - and what you can do to protect yourse…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
What I learnt in Greece - and why we've misunderstood "diet"
20:38
20:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:38
I'm just back from a sailing holiday in Greece. It rained a lot...but at least the food was fabulous. I thought I'd share with you what I've learnt about the fabled "Mediterranean diet". As you'll hear, food is SO much more than fuel - and the Mediterranean diet is SO much more than what's on our plate. I hope this episode gives you practical, simp…
…
continue reading
Exams are a source of huge stress and anxiety - both for kids and parents. As a health coach and mum of three, I share my top tips on how you can help your kids to cope with exam season. As a former managing director, I also give you an insight into what helps young people to thrive in the workplace - and it's not all about exam results. Access my …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
What I've learnt in 25 years of being a mum
23:50
23:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:50
As my son celebrates his 25th birthday, I've been reflecting on what I've learnt in a quarter of a century of being a mum. I thought I'd share some of my insights with you. I hope this episode reassures you that you don't need to set the bar so high for yourself. Have a read of my blog on 25 things I've learnt as a mum: https://peppermintwellness.c…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
I'm launching my community - and you're invited!
7:56
7:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
7:56
My Freshly Minted membership is launching next week - and I couldn't be more excited to welcome you into it! Tune in to hear one of my former coachees describing what it feels like to be "freshly minted". Here's where you can find details on my Freshly Minted membership (and a little video from me): https://peppermintwellness.co.uk/freshly-minted-m…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The ONE big thing that will help you stick to healthy habits
17:02
17:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
17:02
In this episode, I share the magic of what's known as "collective effervescence" - and its role in transforming our health and wellbeing. Find your tribe - and you'll find your wellbeing. I hope this episode inspires you to seek out your tribe and go to where people grow. It's the fastest, easiest, most joyful way to change your life. Here's where …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Can you hear your body talking to you? Here's how to listen in.
19:48
19:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:48
I learnt the hard way how to listen to my body's signals. In this episode, I share how my body screamed at me - and how I was deaf to what it was saying. I saw each new symptom as something I needed to mask or get rid of. I didn't understand that the root cause of them all was stress. I also guide you to tune in to what your body is telling you - a…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Go easy on yourself: you're not Gwyneth Paltrow!
16:30
16:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:30
A goal to "get ourselves healthy" can look like a towering, daunting mountain to climb. It can also mean endless failed attempts that leave us with no faith in our ability to change. Being harsh to ourselves is a terrible motivator. In this episode, I share a much more effective, gentler way to adopt healthy habits - and start to thrive. I hope it …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
I used to be a fake-food pusher: here's what I learnt about the food industry
22:48
22:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:48
In this episode, I spill the beans on what I learnt during my many years working in PR for the food industry. During those years, I gained a first-hand insight into how we're being manipulated into eating foods that gradually destroy our health. I hope this episode empowers you to eat to thrive - despite the overwhelming influence of ultra-processe…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Blood sugar shockers! What I learnt from wearing a blood glucose monitor
22:56
22:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:56
You're probably being sabotaged by your blood sugar on a daily basis - without realising how it's affecting you. If we want to feel better physically, mentally and emotionally (and protect our health from chronic disease) managing our blood sugar is an absolute must. In this episode, I share how my brain, mood, energy and productivity were massivel…
…
continue reading
Do you feel like there aren't enough hours in the day? That you don't have a minute for yourself? That you just don't have the time to look after yourself? I know that feeling well. In fact, I share an excruciatingly embarrasingly incident in this episode that illustrates this (very graphically)! You'll also hear me giving you pointers on how you c…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The life-changing magic of decluttering my kitchen
18:42
18:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:42
Have you ever thought about how clutter is draining your energy and affecting your self-esteem? I've struggled with clutter for as long as I can remember. And I've frequently found myself feeling bad when I look at stuff that I've bought and have never actually used. Have a listen to what happened when I enlisted the help of Christal - a fabulous p…
…
continue reading
Welcome to my first episode of Midlife Illuminated, in which I share a deeply personal and profound experience I had recently. I've learnt a lot this year about the magic that happens when we grant outselves space to listen to our own inner wisdom. I hope that listening to me gives you licence to trust your own voice - and to discover your own happ…
…
continue reading
Welcome to Midlife Illuminated! Here's a little introduction from me on the theme of uncovering your light - and sharing it with others. I look forward to sharing lots of lightbulbs moments with you.! Alongside listening to me on this podcast, you also have the opportunity to be supported by me in person. I invite you to join me live at Midlife Mon…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Goodbye Wellness Unwrapped - hello Midlife Illuminated!
8:47
8:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:47
Hello again! I'm back after an extended break from podcasting. Thank you for bearing with me! Creating some distance from the podcast and going quiet gave me space to think. Tune in to this episode to discover where that thinking time took me. I'm excited to share that a change is on its way. This podcast will have a new name and a new direction fr…
…
continue reading
In this final (very mini) episode of this season of Wellness Unwrapped, I share a few thoughts on cutting myself some slack and giving myself some space. I hope it inspires you to do the same! I look forward to rejoining you here at some point in the Autumn. In the meantime, I wish you a wonderful summer and hope you enjoy listening (or re-listenin…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
What we need to know about the menopause and food
56:57
56:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:57
It's not news to most women that their bodies can be ruled by their hormones! But what is less well known is that food can help balance out our hormones and keep us on an even keel. My guest on this episode, Charlotte Hunter, has been a registered and qualified Nutritional Therapist since 2010. Since then, she has helped many men, women and childre…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Are you being sabotaged by limiting beliefs?
1:01:21
1:01:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:01:21
This is a big, big subject...and one which affects ALL of us. As you'll hear Gwyneth Moss explain, we all picked up limiting beliefs when we were very young children. These limiting beliefs (also known as "false truths") are often what are sabotaging us as adults. In this exceptionally eye-opening conversation, you'll learn how false truths dictate…
…
continue reading
This is a gorgeous, sparkling conversation with someone who really does radiate vitality and joy. It's all about the fascinating topic of colour. Have you ever stopped to think that colour has the power to heal us and to affect our behaviour? Dr Deanna Minich is someone who has devoted much of her career to studying this phenomenon. She is a nutrit…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Why we need to put our own wellbeing first!
1:10:14
1:10:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:10:14
I found this conversation so deeply thought-provoking that I've been playing Lucy Barnwell's words in my head to remind myself of what's important in life. Lucy is someone who truly lives by what she believes. And yet, Lucy is no wellness "guru". In fact, until recently, she dismissed everything to do with wellbeing as "a load of hooey" (if you're …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The transformational power of dancing
1:08:48
1:08:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:08:48
This episode is a total joy. It's a conversation with my dear friend Debbie Hilton and it's all about something which comes naturally to all of us - but which most of us don't often do as adults. Dancing! It's beyond question that dancing is medicine. And it's medicine that we all have a right to benefit from. I feel truly privileged to be able to …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Find your inner harmony with nature's cycles
1:07:51
1:07:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:07:51
As we launch ourselves into spring, it felt the perfect time to share an uplifting conversation about the role of nature's cycles in our life. My guest is Sadie Pickering - truly someone who is in harmony with nature and who has been a personal inspiration to me for several years. I've learnt so many life-enhancing self-care rituals from Sadie and …
…
continue reading
In the first part of this episode, I share a deeply personal and very emotional story. It's the story of my younger son, Louis, and what happened to him as a small child when he was put on medication following a (wrong) diagnosis of a chronic bowel condition. He suffered for years because of a misguided attempt to fix a symptom whilst ignoring the …
…
continue reading
I feel that this conversation is one of the most important I've had so far on the podcast. As my guest Susan Hyatt lays bare, diet culture is trapping girls and women in a cycle of suffering. (And I know from my work as a health coach that men are affected in exactly the same way). It horrifies me that children are being caught in this toxic cultur…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Natural remedies for balance, calm and vibrancy
1:09:01
1:09:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:09:01
I really loved this conversation with the incredibly upbeat, sunny Nikki Hill. Nikki shares lots of gentle, accessible inspiration for you to care for your own wellbeing - using simple, natural, joyful methods that require little money, time or energy. We chat about how you can tap into the healing, hormone-balancing, restorative power of herbs - a…
…
continue reading
If I could persuade everyone to adopt just one habit, it would be a daily gratitude practice. It's no exaggeration to say that this is a practice that transforms people lives on every level. This week's episode is a deeply uplifting conversation with the inspirational Holly Bertone. Holly lives and breathes gratitude. She discovered its power after…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
I took a psychedelic drug. Here's why.
1:21:19
1:21:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:21:19
This episode will come as a real shock to people who know me – because I’ve always been staunchly against drugs. So what persuaded me to change my mind and volunteer for my first ever experience of a psychedelic drug? You may have read about new research showing the remarkable effects of magic mushrooms in treating a host of mental disorders, such …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Why forgiveness is the greatest healer
1:17:08
1:17:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:17:08
[Warning: this episode contains an account of a violent attack.] It has long been known that forgiveness is the path to inner peace and happiness. And there are further, immense benefits from being able to let go of resentment and anger towards those who have wronged us: forgiveness has been shown to lead to remarkable physical healing from all sor…
…
continue reading
Many people assume that I've always been an upbeat health coach with a picture-perfect, healthy lifestyle. But that is very, very far from the truth and I really feel it's important for my listeners to know that I have previously sunk very low. In this special, end-of-year episode, I swop roles and am interviewed by my friend Kate Moryoussef. Kate …
…
continue reading