Psychologist Dr Linda Papadopoulos has been looking into the cognitive impact of self-perception for many years, and so in this episode, we put your questions on body image directly to her, and discuss some of the challenges that are unique to midlife when it comes to accepting how we look. Gabby and Linda talk about how confidence can impact so many things, and why it’s important we manage the way we speak to ourselves - the only thing we can truly control!

They also discuss the impact that social media can have on how we feel about ourselves, and ways to build digital resilience and protect ourselves - and our loved ones - online. Linda shares a little about what she has discovered from studying psychodermatology over the last two decades, and explains how our thoughts have a tangible impact on our bodies, especially when it comes to our skin.

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Nicki Chapman joins Gabby this week to share what it was like promoting the biggest bands in the world of pop, and working at the top of the music industry for twenty years. She’s candid about her strengths and weaknesses, and how it's easy to work hard at a job you love. Nicki also shares what it was like facing her own mortality at the midpoint, when she was diagnosed with a life threatening brain tumour. She talks about her ‘Cry For 30 Seconds’ rule; feeling grateful; and not being afraid to move on from things that no longer make you happy.

Nicki’s book So Tell Me What You Want is available now.

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Warning: This episode contains some strong language.

Comedian Suzi Ruffell joins Gabby to talk about growing up and realising she was gay without any positive point of reference, and why now - on the cusp of midlife - she’s more determined than ever to celebrate the joy of being gay and having a family of her own. They also talk about the Kate Winslet effect; why it’s only when you really try for something and risk failure that you create something you’re really proud of; and why Suzi’s dad is more proud of the miles she travels than the TV shows she appears on! Spoiler alert: Suzi’s dad might be the real star of this episode. 

Tickets are available for Suzi’s forthcoming 2025 tour called The Juggle, and you can listen to her podcasts - Big Kick Energy, Like Minded Friends, and Out with Suzi Ruffell - on all podcast platforms. 

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We’re putting our best foot forward and kicking off 2025 with Dr Rangan Chatterjee! Dr Chatterjee has been a practicing medical doctor for over twenty years, but he turned his attention to writing and podcasting because he wanted to help more people be the architects of their own health. Rangan is ringing in the new year with the release of his latest book Make Change That Lasts, and this is what today’s conversation is all about; how to make meaningful, long-term health and lifestyle changes. Gabby and Rangan discuss the power of daily rituals, no matter how short on time you are; why small things done consistently can have a big impact; why living in line with your values is so important to your overall health; and perhaps surprisingly, why Rangan feels we are over reliant on experts!

For more on this you can also check out Dr Chatterjee’s podcast Feel Better Live More, and order Make Change That Lasts from January 2, 2025.

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Warning: This episode contains Christmas spoilers! And is not suitable for young ears.

In this festive special, you get three members of the Logan family instead of one! Gabby is joined by Lois and Kenny to relive some of their most memorable (and embarrassing) Christmas moments, and share their favourite Yuletide traditions. You’ll be left wondering whether a white wine Fanta spritz is worth a try? How old is too old for Kids’ Mass on Christmas Eve? And is there anything more pointless than decorative Christmas crackers? They also reflect on 2024; how Gabby and Kenny have adjusted to a fully empty nest (spoiler alert: listening to The Mid.Point is key), and how Lois has found her first term at university.

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It’s the week before Christmas, and whilst there are still 101 jobs to be done, step away from the to-do list and take some time out for a giggle with Gabby and Claudia! Strictly and Traitors host Claudia Winkleman spills the beans on her family traditions, what she loves most about this time of year, and why personalised gifts are always a winner. They also chat about how Claudia’s career has gone from strength to strength since she turned 50, how getting a dog has changed her, and why we shouldn’t get hung up on aging and just demand bigger fonts! 

This episode contains strong language.

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The breadth and depth of topics discussed on this episode with comedian Marcus Brigstocke may be unexpected, but just like the journey to the midpoint in life, this podcast is full of surprises!

As well as being very open and honest about his experiences with addiction and the whirlpool of shame he says it creates, Marcus explains why he thinks porn addiction is more common than you might think, and the links he sees between smartphones, dopamine, and this type of addiction. He also discusses the power of now and learning to live with discomfort; blending families in midlife and having children who are at very different ages and stages; plus, how he juggled working on an oil rig and being a podium dancer in his early years! This episode has it all.

Remember, you can still secure tickets to Marcus’ new stand-up show, set to hit theatres nationwide in 2025. 

TW: This episode contains references to suicide, as well as discussions about addiction and disordered eating.

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Julian Clary takes time out of Panto season to chat with Gabby about the sense of urgency and clarity that getting older has brought him; how much he still loves making others laugh, hence why retirement is not for him; and why he doesn’t believe midlife needs to be about any kind of crisis. The comedian, actor, and writer, brings his trademark risqué comedy and candour to this episode, and also discusses the excesses of his youth, his memories of Strictly Come Dancing, paying tribute to his great friend Paul O’Grady, and the synchronicity of dogs - how the universe will always provide the right canine friend just at the right time! 

You can catch Julian on stage at the Polladium Pantomime until January 2025, and his new novel A Curtain Call To Murder is available now.

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This episode contains strong language. 

This week journalist and podcaster, Bryony Gordon, speaks to Gabby about the acceptance she’s found in midlife, and how experiencing early menopause made her think about what she really wants and taught her to be less of a “chaise longue!” Listen on to hear more about that... Bryony also speaks candidly about alcoholism and sobriety, as well as living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder from a young age. She chats about using exercise as a mental health tool, as well as focusing on nourishing herself rather than punishing herself when it comes to what she eats. 

Bryony’s new podcast The Life of Bryony and her latest book Mad Woman are both available now, and you can visit Mental Health Mates to find out more about Bryony’s charity and find a walk near you. 

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