This week, I’m chatting with facial cupping expert Sakina about something I think so many of us in our 40s quietly wrestle with:
Do I go down the tweakments route… or is there a more natural way to keep my skin feeling alive and glowing?

Botox is everywhere right now - it’s almost become a casual part of getting ready. And while there’s zero judgement, I’ve found myself wondering if there’s another path… something that still makes my midlife skin look fresh, lifted, and me.

That’s where facial cupping comes in.

Sakina talks me through how it actually works (yes, it’s more than a TikTok trend), why it’s becoming such a powerful alternative to tweakments, and what it can do for circulation, lymphatic drainage, sculpting, and that healthy glow we all miss sometimes.

We also go a bit deeper - into the mindset around aging, and the way men and women are allowed to age so differently. And I loved what Sakina had to say about developing a healthier relationship with getting older. Spoiler: it has nothing to do with creams or serums… and everything to do with surrounding yourself with people who bring out your joy.

If you’re standing at that midlife crossroads and thinking, Do I need injectables, or is there something else? - this episode is such an encouraging place to start.

Please do follow along for more episodes of Thriving in our 40s - it's simple, just click subscribe! Thank you.

To discover more about Sakina and her work, please check out:

The Facial Cupping Expert website

IG: @thefacialcuppingexpert

Ever wondered how someone goes from dreaming of writing a book to actually seeing it on the shelf?

Children’s author Alex Atkinson joins Thriving in Our 40s to share how she turned a simple idea into two brilliantly spooky stories, and what her writing journey can teach us about creativity, confidence, and following our passions in midlife.

We talk about finding self-belief when doubt creeps in, learning to take feedback with confidence, and surrounding yourself with a community that lifts you up.

Alex also shares her take on inspiring kids to fall in love with reading - and why staying curious and open-minded matters at any age.

A heartfelt, funny and inspiring chat that reminds us it’s never too late to start your next chapter.

Listen now!

Further Reading:

Buy Spooksmiths Investigate from your local bookshop

Alex Atkinson Website

Save the Cat

Save the Cat Writes a Novel

Into The Woods

Write Mentor

Ever feel like you’re talking to a wall when it comes to your teen? You’re not alone.

In this episode of Thriving in Our 40s, I’m joined by Teen Whisperer, Kirsten Cobabe, to unpack what it really means to be present as a parent - beyond the nagging, lecturing, and “just do as I say” moments we all fall into.

We explore how to:
💬 Have those tricky, awkward conversations that actually build trust
💛 Support rather than dictate and meet your teen in their world
🌱 Give autonomy in a life ruled by school, rules, and routines
🌞 Look at the whole picture of teen mental health - sleep, sunlight, laughter, connection
🙌 Move away from perfection and pressure to raise whole humans, not just high achievers

I even share a few of my own fails (because let’s be honest, we’ve all had them).

It’s not about being the perfect parent, it’s about presence over pressure, and guidance over control.

🎧 Listen now

To learn more about Kirsten's work, please visited:

www.kirstencobabe.com

@kirstencobabe

#ThrivingInOur40s #ParentingTeens #ParentingPodcast #TeenMentalHealth #ConsciousParenting #PresenceOverPressure #GuidanceOverControl #RaisingWholeHumans