In this no-holds-barred conversation, Michelle chats with journalist, author, and campaigner Kate Muir about the silent epidemic affecting women in midlife - bone health. They unpack the emotional and physical toll of menopause, how hormonal changes can impact everything from mental health to neurodivergence, and why it’s time for women to take charge of their midlife wellbeing. From wild swimming to strength training to HRT, Kate advocates for preventative healthcare and reclaims the midlife “crisis” as a powerful turning point. Plus, she shares highlights from her new book, How to Have a Magnificent Midlife Crisis.

🎙️ Menopause, Mental Health & Neurodivergence: Kate explains how hormonal shifts can bring mental health challenges and reveal or intensify neurodivergent traits in midlife - making awareness and proper support systems essential.

🎙️ Lifting for Longevity: Strength training isn’t optional. Kate breaks down how weight-bearing exercise and vaginal estrogen are key to protecting bone health, reducing UTIs, and improving quality of life after 40.

🎙️ Midlife as a Second Act: Rather than seeing midlife as a decline, Kate encourages women to embrace it as a time for reinvention, joy, and self-discovery - central themes in her latest book.

🎙️ The Vaginal Microbiome Matters: Often overlooked, the vaginal microbiome plays a critical role in long-term health. Kate explains how estrogen, supplements and awareness can help reduce infections and support longevity.

📘 How to Have a Magnificent Midlife Crisis by Kate Muir: Buy the Book

📸 Kate Muir on Instagram: @menoscandal

🌟 Website: TwoWomenChatting.com

📸 Instagram: @michelleford_twc

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Keywords:

midlife crisis, women's health, menopause, wild swimming, mental health, HRT, emotional changes, healthcare advocacy, longevity, exercise, bone health, UTI, estrogen, vaginal health, neurodivergence, midlife, self-care, strength training

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This week on Two Women Chatting, Michelle welcomes the brilliant and bold Tova Leigh - writer, performer, and fierce advocate for female empowerment - for a refreshingly honest and insightful conversation. From reclaiming the word "gossip" as a force for good to navigating midlife friendships, Tova shares her journey of self-expression, boundary-setting and building meaningful female connections.

They also dive into deeper issues like toxic masculinity, the rise of figures like Andrew Tate, and the role of technology in shaping how young boys and girls perceive themselves. Tova brings a fresh lens to complex issues, while reminding women that they hold incredible power - in their voices, their friendships and their choices.

🎙️ Reclaiming Gossip: Tova reframes gossip not as something petty, but as a historically vital form of connection and communication among women - one rooted in trust and intimacy.

🎙️ Finding Power in Boundaries: Saying “no” isn’t selfish - it’s necessary. Tova talks about how boundaries protect our mental health and help foster healthier, more respectful relationships.

🎙️ The Evolution of Female Friendship: In midlife, women often find deeper, more meaningful friendships. Tova shares how her retreats and creative work help women foster true community and support.

🎙️ Toxic Masculinity & Technology’s Role: Tova discusses the troubling rise of toxic male influencers like Andrew Tate and how education, awareness, and community can push back against harmful narratives targeting young boys.

Tova brings her one woman show Honey I’m Losing It to in London on 24 July. Tickets available here https://www.jw3.org.uk/whats-on/tova-leigh-honey-im-losing-it

Love these insights?

Share your thoughts and stories at twowomenchatting@gmail.com, and don’t forget to rate and review us on your favourite podcast platform!

💫 Tova Leigh's Website: www.tovaleigh.com

📸 Follow Tova on Instagram: @tova_leigh

🌟 Website: TwoWomenChatting.com

📸 Instagram: @michelleford_twc

🐦 Twitter/X: @ChattingTwo

📘 Facebook: Two Women Chatting

📺 YouTube: TwoWomenChatting

Whether you’re finding your feet in midlife or learning to say “no” for the first time, this episode is a powerful reminder that sharing stories and standing together makes us all stronger.

Tova Leigh, empowerment, women, gossip, boundaries, friendships, midlife, community, creativity, storytelling, toxic masculinity, Andrew Tate, humor, social media, parenting, education, relationships, women's empowerment, sisterhood, self-expression

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

This week on Two Women Chatting, Michelle is joined by dynamic duo Marie Thom and Yvonne Vincent for a witty, heartfelt conversation about navigating midlife with confidence, creativity, and community. From finding their voices through writing to embracing ageing with a sense of humour, Marie and Yvonne share how life after 40 can be the most empowering chapter yet.

They also introduce their exciting new podcast, Hear Me Roar, which celebrates the midlife journeys of both women and men - breaking down stereotypes and sparking conversations about confidence, body image and wellness. Whether it’s publishing a book, transforming your health, or simply learning to laugh at the chaos; this episode is a joyful reminder that it’s never too late to rewrite your story.

Key Insights:

🎙️ Confidence Through Connection: Marie and Yvonne highlight how midlife friendships - often formed later in life - can be deeply supportive and transformative.

🎙️ Humour as Healing: Finding the funny in everyday moments isn’t just entertaining - it’s empowering and helps build community.

🎙️ Rewriting the Midlife Narrative: Their upcoming podcast, Hear Me Roar, will spotlight stories of personal growth, health and real-life reinventions from both women and men.

🎙️ Body Image and Self-Worth: Even with improved health, many still struggle with self-perception - Marie and Yvonne encourage open conversations about confidence and embracing change.

Love these insights? Share your thoughts and stories at twowomenchatting@gmail.com, and don’t forget to rate and review us on your favourite podcast platform!

Episode Resources:

📘Midlife Drama’s in Pyjamas: Book Link

Podcast: @hearmeroarhere

Facebook: Growing Old Disgracefully

Facebook: Midlife Dramas in Pyjamas

Connect with Us:

🌟 Website: TwoWomenChatting.com

📸 Instagram: @michelleford_twc

🐦 Twitter/X: @ChattingTwo

📘 Facebook: Two Women Chatting

📺 YouTube: TwoWomenChatting

Join us for this uplifting episode on the power of female friendships, laughter, and building a midlife that’s bold, joyful, and entirely your own.

midlife, confidence, female friendships, community, health, wellness, humor, writing, empowerment, aging, personal transformation, podcast, body image, self-esteem, women, men

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