Two Women Chatting
Michelle Ford
Welcome to the Two Women Chatting Podcast! Join Michelle Ford for your weekly dose of laughter, wisdom, and candid conversations tailored for midlife women navigating empty nests and embracing change.
Tune in to hear Michelle delve into the complexities and chaos of midlife, chatting to a variety of renowned celebrities and experts every week. From empowering discussions on women's health, lifestyle, and self-care to career transitions, relationships, and wellness; they explore a range of topics with wit, warmth, and genuine curiosity.
Explore the 'midlife library' at www.twowomenchatting.com, brimming with useful expert blogs, resources, and irresistible offers to fuel your personal development journey; not to mention exclusive listener discounts and offers with our sponsorship partners.
Connect with Michelle at [email protected] for collaborations, ideas, and comments! Remember to rate, review, and share our show to join the laughter-filled conversation about midlife empowerment and beyond...
Follow Michelle on Instagram at @michelleford_twc or Facebook to be the first to hear about guests and behind the scenes content.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Top 10 Two Women Chatting Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Two Women Chatting episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Two Women Chatting for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Two Women Chatting episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Welcome to Season 8!
Two Women Chatting
09/17/24 • 3 min
Michelle Ford is back with more inspiring chats, heartfelt stories, and laughter-filled moments in Season 8 of Two Women Chatting!
Coming up, Michelle will be welcoming incredible guests, including Coronation Street star Sue Cleaver, who opens up about her new book A Work In Progress. Sue opens up about the complexities of her life, from being adopted (and her incredible story of finding her birth mother), always feeling a bit different, to her experiences of resilience, rebellion, and self-discovery. This episode is a heartfelt conversation about ageing positively, embracing who you are, and finding joy in life’s second act - with behind-the-scenes stories, life lessons and what it's like to be part of such an iconic TV show.
Michelle also sits down with the brilliant Donna Ashworth, whose new book Growing Brave encourages us to embrace our inner strength and courage through her poetry beloved by millions.
Three clues to one of Michelle's celebrity guests: she loves chunky jewellery, wears fab bright colours and is a dab hand at a Victoria sponge. You'll have to wait for announcements to see who will be joining TWC to chat about visibility and confidence as we age. Follow on instagram @michelleford_twc or Facebook for an announcement very soon!
But that's not all! Stay tuned as we explore important topics like brain health, caring for elderly parents, and strategies to improve our sleep. You won't want to miss these insightful conversations that could make a real difference in your life.
And if you're in the mood for some adventure, Michelle shares a thrilling story about a pirate rescue that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It's a tale of bravery, resilience, and the power of the human spirit.
Plus, she'll be discussing how to find the bright side of winter, the importance of adding strength training to our health routine to future proof our health with Kate Rowe-Ham, and the power of breathwork for overall well-being. These are topics that will empower you to live your best life.
So, grab a cup of tea, find a cozy spot, and get ready to be inspired, enlightened, and entertained. Follow Two Women Chatting podcast on your smart speaker or any platform for conversations that will uplift your spirit and nourish your soul.
Subscribe now so you don't miss a single moment of these engaging discussions.
Thank you for tuning in, and remember, you are never alone in this journey of life. Thanks for being part of the TWC community!
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Dawn Dines | Drink Spiking - the danger to midlife women
Two Women Chatting
06/10/24 • 32 min
In this episode of Two Women Chatting, Michelle and special guest Dawn Dines, founder of Stamp Out Spiking, tackle the serious issue of drink spiking, with a particular focus on its rise among midlife individuals. They explore personal accounts, including a powerful testimony from Michelle's daughter Jemima, who shares her traumatic spiking experience in Singapore. Together, they discuss the importance of awareness and legislative change to better protect victims.
Key Insights:
🎙️ Understanding Drink Spiking: Dawn explains that drink spiking occurs when someone puts something in your system without your consent or knowledge. She emphasises that spiking can happen to anyone, regardless of age or gender.
🎙️ Recognizing the Signs: Learn to recognize the signs of spiking. Dawn advises, "If you start to feel blurred vision, feel really drunk really quickly, and have an out-of-body experience, then you need to get to a trusted member of staff or a friend quickly."
🎙️ Challenges in Reporting: Many spiking incidents go unreported due to embarrassment or lack of knowledge on how to report them. Dawn and Michelle discuss the need for better awareness and reporting mechanisms to ensure victims are protected and supported.
🎙️ Raising Awareness and Legislative Change: Dawn shares her efforts in raising awareness, training police forces, and advocating for legislative changes to combat drink spiking. She highlights the ongoing nature of this issue, stating, "Drink spiking has been going on for 20 years, which is why I've been personally campaigning for that long."
Love these insights? Share your thoughts and stories at [email protected] and don't forget to rate and review us on your favourite podcast platform!
Episode Resources:
Connect with Dawn Dines, founder of Stamp Out Spiking, and learn more about her campaign. Click here for the TWC blog about spiking and useful resources
Website: stampoutspiking.org | Twitter: @StampOutSpiking | Instagram: @stampoutspiking
Connect with Us:
🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.com
🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting
🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo
🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting
🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting
Tune in for an eye-opening episode on 'Rise in Midlife Drink Spiking' with Dawn Dines!
midlife women - podcast - drink spiking - women over 40
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Rosie Nixon | Say Hello to Kindness!
Two Women Chatting
01/23/24 • 32 min
Join Liz and Michelle for a captivating conversation with Rosie Nixon, the illustrious editor at large of Hello Magazine, as she delves into the transformative power of kindness and its profound impact on mental health. In this illuminating episode, Rosie shares her inspiring journey advocating for kindness through the groundbreaking campaign she spearheaded at Hello! Magazine. Tune in as she emphasizes the crucial need to introduce a 'kindness quota' (KQ) and incorporate kindness teachings within school curriculums, shedding light on the profound benefits kindness brings to personal well-being.
Key Insights:
🎙️ The Healing Force of Kindness: "Being kind has far-reaching benefits, from heart health to fostering optimism and resilience against depression. This rise in Oxytocin results in your body actually having a physical reaction to an act of kindness.”
🎙️ Combating Online Hate: "Social media platforms bear a significant responsibility in curbing online hate. Britain's strides in online safety legislation set an example, but there's more ground to cover."
🎙️ Life Balance and New Ventures: "Often kindness all comes down to the things that are the most simple - and they’re free.”
Love these kindness insights? Don’t forget to rate and review us on your podcast platform! Share your stories of kindness at [email protected]!
Episode Resources:
About Rosie Nixon: Connect with Rosie, the advocate for kindness and mental health, through her impactful work at Hello! Magazine. Her book Be Kind and her fiction series based on the Stylist is in bookstores and online everywhere.
Twitter: @rosiejnixon | Instagram: @rosiejnixon
Connect with Us:
🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.com
🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting
🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo
🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting
🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting
Tune in for an enlightening conversation on kindness, mental health, and life balance with Rosie Nixon!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Pet Bereavement | All Dogs Go To Heaven
Two Women Chatting
11/22/22 • 15 min
On this episode, Liz and Michelle chat about the grief of losing podcast ‘mascot’ Maisie, Michelle’s 14-year-old rescue dog.
As Maisie’s health deteriorated, Michelle had to make the tough decision to let her go. They talk about coming to that decision and how Michelle is handling pet bereavement. Liz and Michelle also discuss how to tell your adult kids about the loss, when they live away from home.
For Michelle, coping has been all about keeping busy and distracted, moving furniture and plants to disguise the empty space, clearing out Maisie’s drawer and washing her beds to give to a dog shelter.
Linda Magistris, the founder of the Good Grief Trust, reached out to Michelle to give her the name of a wonderful organisation called The Blue Cross which looks after sick, injured and homeless pets.
As an empty nester, in time, Michelle will be able to have more time freedom and the ability to be more spontaneous and be able to see that as a positive. Whilst Liz, who lost her dog Billy a few years ago, decided to get a new puppy and has a few regrets about acting so quickly - but loves her new pooch Teddy to bits!
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- You have got to do what is right for your animal even though it is difficult.
- Take a clip of hair and maybe keep their collar and nametag.
- Keep busy, it will help to distract you.
- When you’re ready, give their food, treats and beds to a pet charity.
EPISODE RESOURCES
Connect with Us:
🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting
🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo
🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting
🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting
🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.Com/my-blog
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Suzy Reading | Top Tips on Sleep and Finding the Bright Side of Winter
Two Women Chatting
10/08/24 • 35 min
In this enlightening episode of Two Women Chatting, Michelle is joined by psychologist, author and wellbeing expert Suzy Reading to share her top tips for improving sleep and embracing the winter season. Suzy offers practical advice on how to prioritise self-care, create a sleep-friendly routine and even find joy in the colder, darker months. From yoga nidra to gut health, Suzy explains how these often-overlooked factors can make a world of difference in how we sleep and thrive.
Key Insights:
🎙️Selfishness vs. Self-Advocacy: Suzy discusses the misconception of selfishness when it comes to prioritising personal wellbeing. She explains the importance of advocating for yourself and taking time to rest and recharge, particularly when it comes to sleep.
🎙️The Power of Consistency in Sleep Hygiene: A regular sleep routine is crucial for good rest. Suzy shares unexpected tips, like incorporating muscle relaxation exercises and practising yoga nidra, to help calm your mind and body before bed.
🎙️Gut Health and Its Impact on Sleep: Gut health plays a significant role in your overall wellbeing and sleep quality. Suzy explains how what you eat and when you eat can affect your rest, offering practical advice on improving gut health for better sleep.
🎙️Surviving and Thriving in Winter: Winter doesn’t have to be something we just “get through.” Suzy introduces the concept of going into “hibernation mode” as a way to embrace the season, with tips for creating cozy, restful routines that help you not only survive but thrive during the colder months.
Enjoyed this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop us a line at [email protected] and leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform.
Episode Resources:
- Suzy Reading’s New Book: Self-Care For Winter – Learn how to care for your body, mind, and spirit throughout the winter months.
- Follow Suzy on Instagram: @SuzyReading for more tips on wellbeing and self-care.
Connect with Us:
🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.com
🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting
🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo
🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting
🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting
Tune in for this insightful episode, Top Tips on Sleep and Finding the Bright Side of Winter, and learn how to create restful routines, prioritise your wellbeing, and discover joy even during the winter months.
sleep, midlife, challenges, caring, nurturing, modern life, stimulation, busyness, self-care, relaxation, consistency, regularity, rest, wakefulness, diet, gut health, exercise, yoga, calming practices, HRT, probiotics, magnesium spray, rest, self-care, winter
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Midlife Mentors | Grumpy Old Men - is andropause real or a myth?
Two Women Chatting
06/03/24 • 35 min
In this episode of Two Women Chatting, Michelle and special guests James and Claire Davis, also known as the Midlife Mentors, explore the challenges and opportunities that come with fluctuating hormones in midlife, with particular reference to andropause and its impact on ageing men. Michelle questions why it is that previously easy going men become stubborn and sometimes downright irritable in midlife - more grumpy 'Victor Meldrew' (the fictional character from BBC's One Foot in the Grave) and less smooth and charming George Clooney!
Together they delve into the importance of embracing ageing positively and taking proactive steps to enhance physical and mental well-being, while understanding each other on a deeper level. Why do so many men experience a midlife crisis? Is there such a thing as the male menopause?
Key Insights:
🎙️ Embracing Ageing: James and Claire emphasise the importance of embracing ageing in a positive way and taking proactive steps to improve physical and mental well-being during midlife.
🎙️ Understanding Andropause: They discuss andropause, the decline of testosterone in men, and its significant impact on physical and psychological health. Understanding this phase can help in managing its effects more effectively.
🎙️ Managing Andropause: The Midlife Mentors provide practical tips for managing andropause, including maintaining physical fitness, adopting a healthy diet, and cultivating a positive mindset. They highlight, "Address lifestyle factors before considering hormone treatment."
🎙️ Importance of Relationships: Open communication and connection are crucial in relationships during midlife. James and Claire stress the significance of maintaining strong relationships and the role they play in overall well-being.
"Embrace ageing in a positive way and get more from life."
Love these insights? Share your thoughts and stories at [email protected] and don't forget to rate and review us on your favourite podcast platform!
Episode Resources:
About James and Claire Davis: Connect with the Midlife Mentors and learn more about their approach to midlife wellness.
Website: themidlifementors.com | Twitter: @MidlifeMentors | Instagram: @themidlifementors
Connect with Us:
🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.com
🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting
🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo
🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting
🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting
Tune in for an insightful episode on 'Grumpy Old Men' with James and Claire Davis!
podcast - midlife women - midlife men - andropause - male menopause - ageing well - grumpy old men - testosterone - decreasing hormones - hormones in men
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Sally Gunnell | Midlife MOT
Two Women Chatting
01/30/24 • 39 min
Join Liz and Michelle for an invigorating conversation with the incredible Sally Gunnell, Olympic gold medalist and wellbeing advocate, as she shares insights on optimizing health and wellbeing in the journey of aging. Sally delves into the importance of exercise, joint health, and muscle strength for maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle.
Key Insights:
🎙️ Wellbeing Wisdom: "Wellbeing is a holistic journey, a personal exploration. HRT can be transformative, boost confidence and enhance the overall enjoyment of life."
🎙️ Active Aging: "You can enjoy exercise at any level. When it comes to joint pain; hydration, adaptability, and a preventative mindset are crucial. My muscles have felt the impact of time, but I've learned to prevent aches and stay agile by nurturing muscle strength."
🎙️ Sleep, Relaxation, and Stress Reduction: "Improving my sleep has been a game-changer. It's boosted my confidence and enjoyment in public speaking. Holistic approaches like breath work and meditation are integral to stress reduction."
🎙️ Preventative Living: "Prevention is key to an active and pain-free lifestyle. Adapting to how you feel, making small changes, and nurturing overall wellbeing are essential aspects of aging gracefully."
Love these insights? Share your thoughts and stories at [email protected], and don't forget to rate and review us on your favourite podcast platform!
TWC Partners:
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Episode Resources:
About Sally Gunnell: Connect with Sally Gunnell, the champion of wellbeing and active aging.
Website: sallygunnell.com | Twitter: @SallyGunnell | Instagram: @sallygunnell
Connect with Us:
🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.com
🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting
🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo
🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting
🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting
Tune in for an empowering conversation on aging gracefully, prioritizing health, and embracing an active lifestyle with Sally Gunnell!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Neens and dB | Midlife Rants and Big Pants
Two Women Chatting
02/06/24 • 39 min
Join Michelle and Liz in a spirited conversation with Neens and dB from Rants and Big Pants, a dynamic space advocating for the representation and empowerment of midlife women. In this episode, they explore the origins of Rants and Big Pants, the impact of the menopause conversation, and the importance of normalising menopause experiences.
Key Insights:
🎙️ Creating Rants and Big Pants: "Neens and dB share the inspiration behind Rants and Big Pants, a platform challenging stereotypes and advocating for midlife women. It's a space where authenticity and representation matter."
🎙️ Menopause Conversations: "Discover the impact of discussing menopause openly and the need to normalise these experiences. The conversation sheds light on breaking down taboos and fostering understanding."
🎙️ Size by Side Campaign: "Explore the Size by Side campaign, a movement promoting body positivity and style for all sizes. The hosts delve into the importance of embracing diversity and challenging societal norms."
🎙️ OurPact for Child Safety: "Neens and dB discuss the dangers of the TikTok generation and how they use ‘OurPact’, a software for controlling children's social media usage, may be useful for listeners. It's a valuable insight into ensuring the safety of kids online and fostering responsible digital habits."
🎙️ Weekenders: "The conversation concludes with a preview of the upcoming Weekender organised by Rants and Big Pants. Michelle and Liz explore topics like authenticity, happiness, affordability, and empowering women."
Love these insights? Share your thoughts and stories at [email protected] and don't forget to rate and review us on your favourite podcast platform!
Episode Resources:
About Rants and Big Pants: Connect with Neens and dB, the visionaries behind Rants and Big Pants, redefining the narrative for midlife women.
Website: rantsandbigpants.com | Instagram: @rantsandbigpants | Facebook: Rants and Big Pants
Connect with Us:
🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.com
🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting
🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo
🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting
🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting
Tune in for an inspiring conversation on authenticity, empowerment, child safety, and creating a supportive space for midlife women with Neens and dB from Rants and Big Pants!'
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
BA Paris | A New Chapter in Midlife
Two Women Chatting
02/20/24 • 32 min
Ever found yourself wanting to start a new chapter in midlife? Have you got a book in you? Join Liz and Michelle in an eye-opening conversation with the incredible B.A. Paris, bestselling author of psychological thrillers, ‘Behind Closed Doors’ and ‘The Guest’ as she takes us through her inspiring journey of transitioning to a successful writing career in her 50s.
Key Insights:
🎙️ Reinventing Midlife: "It's never too late to pursue your passion. Midlife can be the perfect time for a fulfilling career change and self-discovery."
🎙️ The Publishing Journey: "Finding an agent and getting published requires perseverance and adaptability. B.A. Paris shares her experience and valuable insights into navigating the competitive world of publishing."
🎙️ The Allure of Psychological Thrillers: "Discover why psychological thrillers continue to captivate readers. B.A. Paris sheds light on the genre's popularity and its unique ability to evoke fear and suspense."
🎙️ Crafting Stories: "Explore B.A. Paris's writing process, drawing inspiration from real-life stories, and the importance of adding depth and authenticity to fictional narratives."
🎙️ 'The Guest': "Get a sneak peek into B.A. Paris's latest novel, 'The Guest.' Learn about the inspiration behind the story and the creative process involved in bringing it to life."
Love these insights? Share your thoughts and stories at [email protected], and don't forget to rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform!
Episode Resources:
About B.A. Paris: Connect with Bernadette Paris, the mastermind behind gripping psychological thrillers.
Website: baparis.com | Twitter: @BAParisAuthor | Instagram: @baparisauthor
Connect with Us:
🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.com
🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting
🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo
🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting
🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting
Tune in for a captivating conversation on reinventing yourself, the world of publishing, and the allure of psychological thrillers with B.A. Paris!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jessica Buchanan | Kidnapped by Somalian Pirates
Two Women Chatting
10/15/24 • 56 min
Michelle sits down with Jessica Buchanan, a former teacher working in Somalia who shares her harrowing experience of being kidnapped and held captive for 93 days. Jess recounts the moment she realised something was wrong and the events that led to her abduction. She vividly describes the conditions she endured during captivity, including sleeping outside in the desert and facing the constant threat of violence. Despite the challenges, Jess demonstrates remarkable resilience and finds solace in introspection and planning for the future.
Key Insights:
🎙️The Power of Instincts: "Jess emphasises the importance of trusting your instincts and recognizing warning signs. Her story highlights how these gut feelings can be crucial in life-threatening situations."
🎙️ Resilience in Adversity: "The resilience and strength of the human spirit shine through Jess's account. She shares how introspection and future planning helped her endure the harsh conditions of captivity."
🎙️ Gratitude Amid Hardship: "Gratitude played a significant role in Jess's survival. She discusses how finding peace and perspective, even in the darkest times, helped her maintain hope and resilience. Meditating and breath work allowed her to unpack past trauma, helping her cope through the long 93 days of captivity."
🎙️ Connecting to Survive: "Jess talks about her ability to connect with her captors, which ultimately saved her life. She reflects on the profound impact of human connection in difficult circumstances and the challenges of reintegrating into normal life post-rescue."
Love these insights? Share your thoughts and stories at [email protected] and don't forget to rate and review us on your favourite podcast platform!
This episode is sponsored by Sarah Haran - use code TWC24 to get 25% off your first bag, plus 3 re-style accessories at checkout!
Episode Resources: About Jess Buchanan: Connect with Jess Buchanan and learn more about her incredible story of survival and resilience. Website: jessbuchanan.com | Instagram: @jessicabuchanan
Connect with Us:
🌟 Midlife Library: TwoWomenChatting.com
🌟 Instagram: Two Women Chatting
🌟 Twitter: ChattingTwo
🌟 Facebook: Two Women Chatting
🌟 Youtube: TwoWomenChatting
Tune in for an inspiring discussion on 'From Captivity to Courage: A Journey of Survival and Resilience' with Jess Buchanan!
Kidnapping, captivity, survival, resilience, betrayal, introspection, planning, kidnapping, survival, gratitude, connection, rescue, reintegration, parenting, purpose
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FAQ
How many episodes does Two Women Chatting have?
Two Women Chatting currently has 93 episodes available.
What topics does Two Women Chatting cover?
The podcast is about Society & Culture, Change, Midlife, Lifestyle, Wisdom, Wellness, Women'S Health, Podcasts, Self-Improvement, Education and Relationships.
What is the most popular episode on Two Women Chatting?
The episode title 'Janey McGill | It's Never Too Late For Adventure' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Two Women Chatting?
The average episode length on Two Women Chatting is 35 minutes.
How often are episodes of Two Women Chatting released?
Episodes of Two Women Chatting are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of Two Women Chatting?
The first episode of Two Women Chatting was released on Nov 5, 2021.
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