The Midlife Mentors
We’re The Midlife Mentors. Here to lift the lid on our no nonsense approach to midlife health and happiness.As midlifers, we’re constantly told we need have it all figured out. But in fact most of us don’t.Our mission is not only to de-bust the crazy diet and fitness myths, but to empower and educate from an authentic and balanced perspective based on reality.It’s time to step away from the madness we manifest in our attempts to attain goals that are unachievable, as we help you focus on the daily opportunities that redefine who and what...
Banning Social Media for Under-16s: What You Need To Know - An Interview With Lord Bethell
Send us Fan Mail
What if we look back on social media the same way we now look back on smoking?
In this thought-provoking episode, we're joined by Lord Bethell, one of the leading voices behind the push for stronger online protections for children and the proposed social media legislation in the UK.
We explore why governments are finally stepping in, what age verification could mean for young people, the hidden impact of algorithms on developing minds, and why some experts believe social media has become one of the biggest public health challenges...
Why We Remember Criticism and Forget the Good
Send us Fan Mail
Why is it that one piece of criticism can stay with us for years, yet we quickly forget the things that are going well?
The answer lies in our psychology. Human beings are wired to spot threats and problems. It's how we survived. But in today's world, that negativity bias can leave us stressed, anxious and focused on what's wrong.
In this episode, James is flying solo exploring the science of gratitude. Not as a fluffy self-help idea, but as a practical tool for improving wellbeing, resilience and perspective.<...
The Courage to Begin Again As A Midlife Woman: With Executive Coach Hazel Martin
Send us Fan Mail
This week, I, Claire - go solo for a beautiful conversation with executive coach Hazel Martin and, honestly, this episode went somewhere completely different from where I expected.
We started out talking about career change for midlife women and how our purpose shifts as we enter our menopause years, but what unfolded was a much deeper conversation about the stories we tell ourselves, the dreams we've quietly put on hold, and why so many women reach midlife feeling disconnected from the parts of themselves that once felt most alive.
...
The Unhealthy Pursuit Of Optimal Health
Send us Fan Mail
In this episode of The Midlife Mentors we’re talking about health optimisation.
Today we find ourselves living in a obsessive health optimisation culture where we're tracking our sleep, monitoring our HRV, counting steps, taking supplements, cold plunging, fasting and trying to optimise every aspect of our lives.
Twenty years ago most people just wanted to lose a bit of weight and feel healthier. Today, health has become a performance metric. And yet despite having more information than ever before, many people seem more anxious, overwhelmed and confused about the...
Who Am I Now? The Midlife Identity Shift
Send us Fan Mail
Have you ever looked at your life and thought, "I don't feel like me anymore?"
Maybe everything looks fine on the surface. The career, the family, the home, the responsibilities you've spent years building. But underneath, something feels different. You feel restless, disconnected, flat... or perhaps you're questioning things that once seemed certain.
If that sounds familiar, you're not alone.
In today's episode, we're talking about one of the most common but least discussed experiences of midlife: the shift in identity that happens as our roles change...
When Fatherhood Doesn't Happen: A Conversation About Male Childlessness With Dr. Robin Hadley
Send us Fan Mail
Today’s episode is a really important conversation and honestly, one we don’t hear enough about.
Because Claire has spoken about female childlessness on this podcast a few times, but we’ve not discussed male childlessness… particularly the emotional impact of it, the silence around it, and why so many men feel they have to carry that experience alone.
Whether it’s through circumstance, infertility, relationships not working out, or simply life not unfolding the way someone expected, involuntary male childlessness can have a profound effect on identity, mental hea...
The Cost Of Chronic Dysregulation & Why Resilience Needs A Rebrand
Send us Fan Mail
In this episode, we’re exploring why 'resilience' needs a rebrand.
The old model went out of fashion. It was all about pushing through, staying positive and performing no matter what - especially in the work environment. But in a world of relentless uncertainty and rising pressure, many of us aren’t just tired - we’re chronically dysregulated.
True resilience has had to adapt. It looks different now and our work with organisations confirms the shift. It’s about learning how to regulate your nervous system, protect your attention...
Peptides & Longevity: Miracle Breakthrough or Risky Trend? Interview with Dr Enayat.
Send us Fan Mail
This week on The Midlife Mentors, we’re diving into one of the most talked-about and misunderstood areas in health right now: peptides and longevity.
We’re joined by Dr. Enayat, a GP and founder of Human Longevity Clinics, who’s working at the cutting edge of personalised, preventative medicine.
You’ve probably seen peptides all over social media, touted as the new shortcut to fat loss, muscle gain, and turning back the clock. But here’s the truth: this isn’t biohacking for beginners.
Dr. E breaks down wh...
The Age Rebellion: Why Midlife Is Our Time to Rise - Interview with Lyndsey Simpson
Send us Fan Mail
Today on The Midlife Mentors, we’re joined by Lyndsey Simpson, serial entrepreneur, author of The Age Rebellion - and a powerful voice challenging everything we’ve been told about getting older.
Because here’s the truth - we’re living longer than ever before - decades longer, in fact - and yet so many of us are still following an outdated societal script of winding down, playing small, or waiting for 'retirement' to finally live.
Lyndsey is leading what she calls an 'age rebellion' - a movement...
Picked Last: How School PE Trauma Might Still Affect Your Relationship With Exercise
Send us Fan Mail
A recent Age UK study found that nearly a third of adults still feel affected by their school PE experiences… with many put off exercise for life.
Not because they’re lazy, but because of how it made them feel.
Being picked last. Feeling judged. Not fitting in.
And what’s interesting is - those moments didn’t stay in childhood. They shaped the story you might still be telling yourself now… “I’m not sporty”, “exercise isn’t for me” or "I’m not good enough…"
So today, we’re g...
Stories Your Family Has Been Meaning to Tell: An Interview With Neil Taylor
Send us Fan Mail
If you're in the position where you still have a parent, or both parents, alive and well - this episode poses the question - how well do you really know them? Not just as mum or dad - but as people, with their own stories, struggles and choices.
After losing his father, our guest on today's episode - Neil Taylor, realised something most of us avoid. He'd run out of time to ask his dad the things that truly mattered. Since then, he's dedicated his life to capturing parent's stories that...
Separation After Infidelity: A Guide To Moving Forward With Self Compassion
Send us Fan Mail
Today we’re tackling a tricky subject - separation after infidelity…
This episode was inspired by a workshop we were asked to run for a corporate client on the subject, and despite the tough emotional angle, we were blown away by the engagement from participants, so we thought we’d share what we talked about here.
This isn’t about blame or picking apart what went wrong. It’s about recognising that when trust is broken, it doesn’t just affect the relationship - it shakes our sense of self, safety...
Choosing More: Life Beyond Alcohol - Interview with Casey Davidson
Send us Fan Mail
In this episode we’re joined by Casey Davidson, a life and sobriety coach from Seattle and host of the Hello Someday podcast. Casey helps high-achieving women who feel stuck in the cycle of trying to moderate their drinking take a step back through a 100-day alcohol-free challenge.
We talk about the myths around moderation, why midlife can be a turning point for many women’s relationship with alcohol, the social pressures around drinking, and why you don’t have to hit rock bottom to decide you want something different.
If you...
The Overlooked Secret to Success
Send us Fan Mail
Most people think success comes from doing more. More hours, more strategy, more hustle.
But what if the real edge isn’t in your work schedule, but in your body?
Today, we’re talking about the overlooked foundation of success and why the most successful people in the world prioritise their health first.
Support the show
Please remember, if you find the show helpful or it makes you laugh, motivates and inspires you - please do like, share and...
Raising Teens: From Conflict To Connection - Interview with Dr Suzanne Simpson
Send us Fan Mail
If you’re in midlife and raising teenagers, you’ll know it can sometimes feel like you’re living with a complete stranger.
One minute they’re the child who used to tell you everything… and the next they’re behind a closed door, headphones in and phone glued to their hand. It can leave even the most loving, well-meaning parent wondering: am I getting this right?
In this episode we’re joined by Dr Suzanne Simpson, who has spent years working with teenagers in educational and psychiatric settings. She shares powe...
5 Nutrition Tips For Midlife Energy, Health & Happiness
Send us Fan Mail
In this episode we’re revisiting something we get asked about a lot! Midlife nutrition tips. This isn’t about complicated diets or biohacks, it’s simple principles - how and what should we really be eating in midlife to stay healthy and happy?
Because the truth is, the way many of us ate in our 20s and 30s often stops working in our 40s and 50s. Energy drops, weight creeps up, and recovery takes longer.
So in this episode we’re going to share five simple nutrition principl...
The GLP-1 Revolution: Upacking The Real Story, With Dr Max Pemberton & Dr Courtney Raspin
Send us Fan Mail
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 ten...
Examining Our Expectations At Midlife
Send us Fan Mail
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...
Charles Cumming: What It Really Takes to Become A Best Selling Spy Novelist
Send us Fan Mail
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 moment...
Procrastination (Revisted)
Send us Fan Mail
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...
Is Masculinity Being Dismantled? An interview with David Maywald
Send us Fan Mail
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 exp...
Rethinking Exercise & Nutrition At Midlife
Send us Fan Mail
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<...
Men's Mental Fitness: An Interview With Neil Smith
Send us Fan Mail
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...
Goals Without The Guilt
Send us Fan Mail
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...
Our 2025 Review: What's Shifted & Shaped Us (Fitness, Faith & Friendships)
Send us Fan Mail
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 tru...
Datable Over 40: Expectation, Reality & Enjoying The Journey (Interview with Julie Krafchick & Yue Xu)
Send us Fan Mail
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 ot...
The Changes That Deepened Our Marriage This Year
Send us Fan Mail
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 sh...
Hot Topics: The Sudan Crisis, EV Tax, Trans Women In Locker Rooms & The John Lewis Christmas Ad!
Send us Fan Mail
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 mig...
The Energy Audit: When You're Running on Empty...
Send us Fan Mail
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...
When Motivation Disappears
Send us Fan Mail
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 g...
Male Suicide: Unmasking The Crisis - with Dan Somers & Dr Susie Bennett
Send us Fan Mail
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 tha...
Hot Topics: Digital ID, AI & The State Of The Nation
Send us Fan Mail
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 r...
Anchored In The Storm
Send us Fan Mail
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 t...
The 'People Pleasing' Dilemma: Is It Costing You More Than You Think?
Send us Fan Mail
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 h...
Lost Boys: The Crisis Of Modern Masculinity, with James Bloodworth
Send us Fan Mail
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 futur...
The Benefits Of Being Bored
Send us Fan Mail
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 do...
Hot Topics: Mounjaro, Pensions & OnlyFans!
Send us Fan Mail
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 controvers...
Michael Serwa: The UK's Top Life Coach Talks Life, Success & Transformation
Send us Fan Mail
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 busin...
Alcohol Free For Year: Claire's Journey
Send us Fan Mail
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, inspirat...
Rethinking Depression & The Serotonin Myth: Professor Joanna Moncrieff
Send us Fan Mail
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 Cha...
