In this episode I chat to personal trainer and author Jacqueline Hooton about the importance of strength and fitness for women in midlife and beyond. Jacqueline shares her insights on how to start exercising safely, debunks myths about strength training making women bulky, and discusses how fitness can support independence, health, and happiness as we age. Whether you're new to exercise or looking to enhance your current routine, Jacqueline’s practical advice and motivational stories will encourage you to invest in your health today for a healthier, more vibrant future.

Key Topics Covered:

• The motivation behind Jacqueline’s book, Strong: The Definitive Guide to Active Ageing
• Why strength training is vital for women in midlife and beyond
• The relationship between menopause, aging, and health risks like cardiovascular disease and bone loss
• Practical tips for beginners: starting with walking, bodyweight exercises, and resistance bands
• Debunking myths about strength training and muscle bulk
• How to adapt training during injuries and health challenges
• The importance of visualizing your future self and setting meaningful goals
• Fun ways to stay active, including dance and outdoor activities
• Building a sustainable, enjoyable fitness routine with support and accountability

Resources:

Jacqueline’s website: https://www.hergardengym.co.uk/

Jacqueline’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hergardengym

Strong: The Definitive Guide to Active Ageing https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/strong-the-definitive-guide-to-active-ageing-jacqueline-hooton-2?variant=41459815219278

If you enjoy the podcast please help us grow by sharing this episode, or writing a review.

You can also find me at www.thetripleshift.org / www.managingthemenpause.com / www.holdingupthesky.com

connect with me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmacthomas/

follow along on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/middlingalong_podcast/

or subscribe to my Substack at https://middlingalong.substack.com/

In this episode we chat to Julie Smith about the nuances of confidence and practical strategies to boost yours. Julie shares insights from her coaching experience and her award-winning book, Coach Yourself Confident, offering tips on overcoming self-doubt, managing setbacks, and cultivating humble confidence.

Key Topics Covered:

• Why confidence often hides behind other development themes
• The concept of humble confidence — aligning your capabilities with your self-view
• The importance of realistic, grounded self-assessment
• Common misconceptions about confidence and success
• The impact of societal norms and gender differences on confidence
• Recognizing and managing internal saboteurs like comparisonitis and perfectionism
• Practical exercises to strengthen your confidence muscle
• Handling external setbacks and life's inevitable challenges
• The power of awareness, language, and self-compassion in building confidence

Special Highlights:

• The "full stop" technique to combat negative self-talk
• Naming your inner critic (sorry Nigel!) for greater self-awareness
• Embracing the idea that confidence fluctuates — it’s normal to feel confident sometimes and doubtful others
• Insights from The Authority Gap on gender and confidence

Julie’s book Coach Yourself Confident is a finalist for a prestigious business book award, with a special Kindle offer for just 99p until mid-August 2025: https://mybook.to/CYC-eb

Connect with Julie:

• Website: talentsprout.co.uk
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-smith-talent-sprout/

Resources:

• Download Tara Mohr’s cheat sheet on minimizing language in emails: https://www.taramohr.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Before-You-Hit-Send-Checklist-Tara-Mohr.pdf

If you enjoy the podcast please help us grow by sharing this episode, or writing a review.

You can also find me at http://www.thetripleshift.org

connect with me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmacthomas/

follow along on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/middlingalong_podcast/

or subscribe to my Substack at https://middlingalong.substack.com/

In this episode I’m joined by author, speaker, and researcher Dr Giselle Goodwin. With over 25 years of entrepreneurial experience and a PhD exploring women, work, and well-being, Giselle shares her expert perspectives on the societal pressures women face, the evolution of gender roles, and practical strategies for reclaiming happiness and balance in midlife. From unpacking the cultural myths around "having it all" to redefining masculinity and supporting women in the workplace, this conversation offers empowering insights for women navigating the complexities of modern life.

Inside this episode:

- The cultural messaging that has shaped women’s perceptions of what they should be and do

- How societal expectations around gender roles have evolved over the last century

- The concept of the "third job" women undertake (beyond work and family) and its impact on health and happiness

- Practical tips for setting boundaries, delegating, and embracing your authentic self

- How to challenge the "good girl" persona and prioritize your well-being

- The importance of engaging men and boys in creating more equitable relationships and societal norms

- Strategies to support working mothers, carers, and those with dual roles in the workplace

- The science of happiness and how behaviours can boost well-being

So can we have it all? [Spoiler alert: probably not, or at least, not all at the same time…]

You can find out more at https://gisellegoodwin.com and take the quiz to discover your next steps: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/1137296/136174346959848534/share

Follow Giselle on Instagram: @GiselleGoodwinWrites

Find Giselle on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisellegoodwin

Buy a copy of Can Women Really Have It All at https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/106877861X?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_4W08MB5PP8KRT2X7XZRV&

If you enjoy the podcast please help us grow by sharing this episode, or writing a review.

You can also find me at www.thetripleshift.org and www.managingthemenpause.com

connect with me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmacthomas/

follow along on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/middlingalong_podcast/

or subscribe to my Substack at https://middlingalong.substack.com/