The Midlife Mentors

Send a text

Today we’re joined by Dr Max Pemberton and Dr Courtney Raspin, authors of The Weight Loss Prescription, to unpack one of the most talked-about health shifts of our time: GLP-1 weight-loss medications.

Are they a miracle? A medical breakthrough? Or a shortcut that risks creating new problems?

In this conversation we explore what happens when you remove someone’s primary coping mechanism, food, and why anxiety, low mood or even addiction can surface if the psychological work isn’t done alongside the medical treatment. 

We tackle the tension...

Send a text

In our 20s and 30s, expectations feel hopeful - like there’s always more time, more chances, more room to fix things. 

But in midlife, expectations hit us differently. They’re no longer just about what might happen…they’re about who we thought we’d be by now.

In this episode, we’re diving into why the disappointment of unmet expectations feels more personal in midlife, what’s happening in your brain when reality doesn’t match the picture you had in your head, and how to update your expectations with...

Send a text

Calling all budding espionage writers…

In this solo episode, James sits down with one of the most respected names in modern spy writing, Charles Cumming, author of the critically acclaimed Box 88 series - novels celebrated for their psychological depth, moral tension and razor-sharp realism.

But this isn’t just a conversation about spy stories. It’s about beginnings.

How does a spy novelist actually get started? What sparks the first book? How do you land an agent, secure a publishing deal and sustain momentum in a f...

Send a text

Procrastination - we all do it. But what happens when it’s stopping us from moving forward with goals that are really important to us? We can get really stuck in a rut with this, believing that we’ll never move ahead, which makes us procrastinate more!

In this episode we discuss why we procrastinate, what kinds of people suffer from it the most and what are the main psychological drivers for this behaviour.

Finally - as always, we share 10 tips that will help you overcome procrastination so you can fina...

Send a text

In this episode, we’re talking about masculinity - what it means, what it’s allowed to be, and why so many men feel increasingly unsure how to show up in the world and at work - without being labelled toxic, outdated, or problematic.

Our guest is David Maywald, author of The Relentless War On Masculinity. David argues that while some harmful behaviours needed challenging, we’ve also lost sight of healthy masculinity and that many capable, well-intentioned men, especially in midlife, are paying the price.

In this episode we explor...

Send a text

In this episode, we talk about the shifts we’ve both had to make in how we approach health, training and nutrition in midlife.

We talk honestly about what wasn’t working anymore, the habits that were quietly backfiring and the practical changes we’ve made to support energy, hormonal balance, recovery and long-term health and happiness.

If you’re someone who’s tried harder and harder only to feel worse, this conversation will probably sound very familiar.

Ibiza Retreat: https://themidlifementors.com/retreats/

Support the show

Send a text

On today’s episode we’re joined by someone who’s making a real impact in the mental health space.

Neil Smith is the co-founder of Mettle alongside Bear Grylls, an innovative mental wellbeing app designed to help men build confidence, resilience and emotional strength through practical, science-backed tools.

The focus of Mettle is on everyday mental fitness - not waiting until crisis hits, but empowering users to understand their emotions, develop healthier coping strategies and give them permission to take control of their mind in a simple, access...

Send a text

Welcome back to The Midlife Mentors and the first episode of 2026.

This year, James and I decided to look ahead at the things we’d like to achieve a little differently.

We didn’t want to pile pressure on ourselves. We didn’t want January to turn into another month of guilt, comparison or ‘I should be doing more’.

So in this episode we’re sharing the simple way we’re approaching our goals this year - with three things we advise not to do, and three things that we’re foc...

Send a text

As 2025 draws to a close, this episode feels rather special to us. It’s not about goals or resolutions - it’s a review - where we share what’s shaped us and what’s mattered most along the way.

We touch upon how our bodies have changed and how we’ve adapted our training, friendships and connections, faith and James’ book.

We also want to take this opportunity to say a heartfelt thank you to you all - for listening, for sharing the podcast, for your kind messages and your trust.<...

Send a text

In this week’s episode of The Midlife Mentors Podcast, we’re joined by two incredible women who have spent years on the front line of love and relationships  - active daters turned true insiders - Julie and Yue.

They’re the powerhouse duo behind the award-winning Dateable podcast and authors of How To Be Dateable, a guide that’s helped countless people navigate the wild world of love in the digital age. 

Their work has been celebrated by the New York Times, The Huffington Post, Oprah Daily and so many other...

Send a text

In this week’s episode of The Midlife Mentors podcast, we’re opening up about the things that have shifted in our marriage over the past year. It hasn’t all been smooth sailing - far from it. There were seasons that stretched us, humbled us and asked more of us than we expected.

But through honest reflection, deeper faith, and a bit of guidance from outside, we’ve found our way into a stronger, more grounded partnership. A love with more tenderness, more truth… and far more respect.

We each share...

Send a text

Welcome back to our monthly Hot Topics episode - where we cut through the noise and dive into the stories everyone’s talking about. 

This week, we’re covering a wide mix: the new pence-per-mile tax proposal for EV drivers, we question why there’s so little noise about the Sudan crisis and Hamas atrocities since the ceasefire. 

We also look at the controversy over a trans woman using the women’s changing room at Gold’s Gym, the vicar who’s been warned a bible verse on his camper van might be h...

Send a text

Most people think they’re tired because they’re doing too much…But the truth is - it’s not always that they’re tired from doing. They’re tired from leaking energy in a hundred tiny ways they can’t see.

It’s not laziness, it’s not lack of motivation - it’s death by a thousand energy leaks. You’re on the hamster wheel, working harder, pushing through… But you’re not topping up your tank - physically, mentally, or emotionally.

And that’s what we’re diving into today - how to run...

Send a text

In this episode I, James, am flying solo and discussing all things 'motivation' and most importantly, sharing what to do when it disappears. Newsflash, this happens to all of us! The gym kit’s staring at you, the emails are piling up, and even the things you used to love feel like a chore.

It’s not that you’ve become lazy - it’s that your motivation’s done a disappearing act. And if you’re in midlife, there’s probably a reason for that.

So iIn today’s episode, I’m goi...

Send a text

In this episode, we’re tackling a sensitive and  tough conversation that can save lives. We’re joined by Dan Somers and Dr Susie Bennett from the men’s mental health charity ManUp to talk about male suicide - particularly why men are disproportionately affected, how the empathy gap shows up, and what’s really driving the crisis beneath the surface: lack of purpose, isolation and useful tools for emotional regulation.

We unpack the gender differences that too often get ignored, how cultural scripts keep men emotionally armoured, and the practical steps that help...

Send a text

This week on Hot Topics we’re not holding back as we dive headfirst into the stories making waves - from the UK workforce health crisis to the rise of AI and what it means for our jobs, the push for digital ID cards, and the shocking Manchester synagogue attack. 

We’ll also celebrate England women’s rugby triumph and share some very exciting personal news.

Fair warning: we get emotional, we get opinionated, and yes - there’s some swearing. But that’s because these conversations matter.

Need to res...

Send a text

This week, it’s just me Claire, as I fly solo - having a very real conversation about something that’s been on my heart and mind.

Unless you live under a rock,  you may have noticed that the the world feels as though it’s spinning faster and getting louder by the day. One minute it’s a new disaster, the next it’s more division, more fear, more noise, more hate. There’s this collective heaviness many of us are carrying - a mix of sadness, anxiety, and overwhelm - all while try...

Send a text

How many times have you said yes when every part of you wanted to say no? How many years have been spent keeping the peace, avoiding conflict, or chasing approval - at the cost of your own wellbeing? 

For so many of us, people pleasing has been a way of life. It starts young, becomes automatic, and by midlife we can find ourselves running on empty, resentful, or wondering who we even are anymore.

In today’s conversation, we’re diving into why people pleasing shows up so strongly, the hidde...

Send a text

Today we’re diving into a subject that resonates far beyond midlife - the crisis of modern masculinity and why so many men, young and old, feel increasingly lost, and how this has led to the rise of the 'manosphere'.

We’re joined by James Bloodworth, journalist and author of Lost Boys, a powerful and thought-provoking book that shines a light on the struggles facing young men in Britain today. 

From work and identity, to mental health and belonging, James has uncovered stories that raise urgent questions about the future of ma...

Send a text

Today we’re talking about the positive power of boredom! 

We’ve just got back from three nights completely off-grid, staying in a little shepherd’s hut - no WiFi, no screens, just the two of us, a lake to swim in, good books, naps in the afternoon, and cooking over an open fire.

At first, we’ll admit, it felt strange not having the usual distractions - no endless scrolling, no notifications buzzing, no constant to-do list. But something interesting happened once we settled into the stillness: we slowed down, we...

Send a text

Welcome back to The Midlife Mentors! We’re shaking things up with a brand new format we’re calling Hot Topics.

Each month we’ll take a look at some of the stories making headlines that we think matter most to us in midlife - whether that’s health, money, culture, or just things that get us talking.

This week we’re diving into the shocking Mounjaro price hike and what it means for people trying to look after their health, the growing Gen X pension gap, and the controversy around L’O...

Send a text

We recently sat down with Michael Serwa, the UK's top life coach - who is brutally honest, unapologetically confident and will kick your backside into transformation. 

As a life coach of 22 years, Claire followed Michael’s inspirational rise to success during that time. A chance meeting at James’ book launch meant she finally connected in person and we invited him on the podcast.

Born in Poland, Michael arrived in London 20 years ago speaking barely a word of English. After six years in retail he started his coaching business with...

Send a text

In this week's episode I - James, am joined by someone very special - my wife and co-founder of The Midlife Mentors, Claire - as she marks one year alcohol-free. 

We dive into the real, raw, and uplifting story behind her decision to stop drinking, what the journey’s been like, the unexpected challenges, and the powerful benefits she’s discovered along the way. 

So, whether you’re sober-curious, considering cutting back, or just intrigued by what life looks like without alcohol, this is a conversation full of insight, inspiration, and hone...

Send a text

CAUTION: If you are taking antidepressants or any other psychiatric medication, do not stop or adjust your dosage without first consulting a qualified healthcare professional. Coming off medication without proper guidance can lead to withdrawal symptoms. 

In this episode we’re joined by Professor Joanna Moncrieff, psychiatrist, researcher, and author of Chemically Imbalanced - a bold book that challenges one of modern medicine’s most accepted beliefs: that depression is caused by a “chemical imbalance” of serotonin in the brain.

We saw Joanna on Dr Chatte...

Send a text

There’s no denying it, we are living in turbulent times. 

We’re navigating a world that feels increasingly unstable - economically, environmentally, politically and spiritually.

And in the midst of it all, our nervous systems - our precious minds, hearts and bodies are overwhelmed.

The temptation is to spiral into fear, disconnect or over-control.

But the truth is, uncertain times will continue to come - so how we deal with them is crucial to our wellbeing and our future.

We ne...

Send a text

On this week’s episode we have a guest that we’ve been genuinely excited to bring on - Dr. Jack Kriendler.

Jack is a physician, entrepreneur, and visionary in the field of performance health. He’s the Founder and CEO of WellFounded Health, the world’s first health service dedicated to founders, CEOs, and their investors - people whose personal health and decision-making have far-reaching ripple effects.

His approach combines cutting-edge science, personalised medicine, and a deep understanding of what it means to live and lead well - especi...

Send a text

We’re taught to chase happiness like it’s the prize. But what if the real treasure is peace - deep, unshakeable, soul-settling peace?

In this episode, Claire & James explore why happiness so often eludes us…and why peace might be what we’re truly craving.

It’s time to stop striving and start coming home to yourself.

Ibiza Retreat: https://themidlifementors.com/retreats/

Support the show

Please remember, if you find the show helpful or it makes you laugh, motivates and inspires you - please d...

Send a text

In this week's episode we’re diving into the world of menopause, longevity and cutting-edge wellness with guest Zora Benhamou.

Zora is a gerontologist, menopause advocate, and biohacker. She’s the host of the Hack My Age podcast and has interviewed over 200 experts around the world on how to navigate menopause.

In this episode, we’ll be busting myths and hearing Zora’s top biohacks for thriving — not just surviving — this stage of life.

Whether you’re going through menopause, supporting someone who is, or just curious about ageing well —...

Send a text

This episode is a deeply personal one. We’re lifting the lid on a topic that doesn’t get nearly enough airtime – what happens when both partners go through midlife hormonal changes at the same time.

That point where menopause and andropause collide, creating a perfect storm of symptoms, misunderstandings, and emotional strain. But also, an opportunity.

We’ll be sharing our own journey, the truth about how it’s affected our relationship, and the tools we’ve used to stay connected, resilient, and supportive through the messiness of midlife.

We hope...

Send a text

This week, we're joined by the brilliant Dr. Eliza Filby - historian, writer, speaker, and one of the UK’s leading voices on generations and how they’re reshaping work, family, identity, and society itself.

Eliza’s work explores how the beliefs and behaviours of different age groups are evolving in today’s rapidly changing world - from the Bank of Mum and Dad to the shifting sands of career, purpose, and legacy in midlife. 

We dive into what makes this midlife moment so unique, how to bridge the generational divide, a...

Send a text

In this episode, we’re joined by the insightful journalist and author, Stephen Armstrong, for a candid conversation about Generation X - those of us sandwiched between the Baby Boomers and Millennials. 

Having seen Stephen’s article 50 And Out in The Independent, where he talked about the future of Gen X, we just knew we had to get him onto our podcast to dig deeper.

Stephen reveals the unique struggles Gen X men face as they hit midlife, from career crossroads to dealing with the weight of unspoken expectations.  We remini...

Send a text

In this episode, we’re diving into something that doesn’t get talked about enough - the double standards at midlife for men and women - in the press and in society as a whole. 

Increasingly, and brilliantly - midlife women are being encouraged to see this stage of their life as empowering and liberating - a positive midlife crisis - as they question their marriages, sexuality and what’s next for them. However, for men, this stage of life is often mocked. They’re labelled as grumpy, broken, or just going through a...

Send a text

In this episode  we’re shining a light on a topic that quietly affects almost one in two men by the age of fifty: hair loss.

Now - losing your hair might sound purely cosmetic, but it can gnaw at confidence, self-image and even mental health. So what happens when you decide to take action—publicly?

My guest knows a thing or two about living in the spotlight. You may have seen him masterminding the business behind those signature super-car wraps at Yannimize. Today, Bav par...

Send a text

In today’s episode, we’re talking about patience and the often uncomfortable season of waiting. Whether you're waiting for clarity, breakthrough or healing — in your work, finances or relationships - this is for you. 

We’ll explore what it means to wait well, why the pause has purpose, and how to find peace in the in-between. Let’s lean into the stillness and discover what it’s trying to teach us.

Ibiza Retreat: https://themidlifementors.com/retreats/

James Book: The Midlife Male Handbook: Thriving Through Andropause

Amazon: htt...

Send a text

Today we’re talking hormones, strength, and sustainable energy for midlife guys - with James.

Six months ago James' bloodwork flagged borderline-low testosterone. He felt it too - sluggish mornings, stubborn belly-fat, zero motivation in the gym. Rather than jump straight to injections, he decided to run a personal experiment. Fast-forward to his latest lab results: his total T is up by almost 50 percent.

So in this short episode James breaks down the exact six-pillar protocol that moved the needle: dialling-in sleep, lifting heavy, fuelling with th...

Send a text

On today’s episode we’re tackling the big one: stepping out of that oh‑so‑snug comfort zone so we can finally stretch, grow, and live a little larger and longer.

If you’ve ever felt that quiet itch - a ‘there’s‑got‑to‑be‑more’ whisper - stick around. 

We unpack the science of discomfort, share a couple of our own spectacular stumbles, and give you practical moves to trade safe and small for bold and brilliant.

So, grab your coffee, lace up those metaphorical boots, and let’s get unco...

Send a text

If you’ve been following us for a while, you’ll know that we love a good old cold plunge, so when the opportunity came up to speak to Dan Bosomworth, founder of ice bath company Brass Monkey we leapt at it.

We cover Dan’s own journey into cold water therapy, the mental and physical improvements he experienced, and the multitude of benefits cold water immersion can provide. 

From starting out with an old chest freezer in his garage, to building a brand that’s supplying commercial ice bath units glo...

Send a text

This week we’ve got something a little bit different for you. 

It was recorded live just a couple of days ago at the Ideal Home Show in London where I Claire, interview James about his new book - diving into why he wrote it, what it covers, who it’s for and the key takeaways that will help midlife men as they transition through andropause.

PS listen out for the big reveal in here too about what's next for us!

James' book - The Midlife Male Handbook is av...