Redefining Midlife with Jo Clark Jo Clark

Episode 88 of the Redefining Midlife podcast focuses on debunking the myth of a one-size-fits-all approach to health and wellness, tailored especially for busy midlife women. Each person’s body and experience is as individual and diverse as our fingerprints, increasing the need for personalised health and wellness strategies. In this solo episode, I touch on topics including:


The ever-changing landscape of health needs, particularly during and after the menopause transition and the importance of adapting to evolving requirements.


Real-life examples of my body and how past experiences, injuries, and health issues shape current health needs and wellness practices.


The distinction between lifespan and healthspan.


Ways I am embracing the mind-body connection with an approach to health and wellness that addresses both mental and emotional well-being.



The Better Than Before membership (BTB) provides health and wellness resources, community support, and accountability for women in transition. As mentioned I will be sharing further details about upcoming workshops and how to sign up in the next episode.

You can also find me on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/joclarkcoaching/ and Private Facebook Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenswellnesscollective1.

Here’s to redefining midlife and making our next half of life even better than the first.

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to interview amazing everyday midlife women who are doing incredible things. My goal is to use this platform to amplify their voices and showcase their achievements, instead of constantly focusing on celebrity culture. Today, we have an inspiring guest, Angela Hucker, who will share her story with us. Angela is a rare gem in her field, with over 20 years of experience as an industry expert in the male-dominated world of construction. She has an impressive portfolio which includes projects in power, oil and gas, renewables, infrastructure, commercial, civil, and industrial sectors. She has even been featured on the U.S. TV show Megastructures. However, it is her firsthand experience as a FIFO (fly-in-fly-out) worker in remote areas of Australia that has ignited her mission to eradicate the challenges faced by women in the industry and advocate for much-needed change. Angela is the founder and CEO of EPIC (Empowering People in Construction), a dynamic venture that aims to reshape the Australian construction sector by tapping into the potential of women. She is a true force for change in our society and as you will hear in our conversation, she is incredibly humble yet determined and powerful. Tune in and enjoy our discussion which covers:


Living life to the fullest, adapting to challenges, and embracing change.


Large-scale projects with budgets reaching billions, like Dubai International Airport and Ferrari Resort.


The less visible aspects of construction management, such as handling disputes and overseeing contractors.


A confrontation that had Angela terrified and determined to make a change to the industry.


The new laws that have recently been implemented and still require significant attention.


The importance of addressing subconscious biases and educating others to create a cultural shift and change behaviours.


Focusing on retention and addressing issues rather than just increasing the number of women in the construction industry.



Angela's drive to transform the industry is infectious, motivating us all as we follow her lead. I would love you to follow Angela and her company EPIC. You can find details on her website https://epicservices.group/ and LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-hucker/.

The Better Than Before membership (BTB) provides health and wellness resources, community support, and accountability for women in transition. As mentioned in this episode I will be sharing further details about upcoming workshops and how to sign up shortly.

You can also find me on Instagram –

https://www.instagram.com/joclarkcoaching/ and Private Facebook Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenswellnesscollective1.

Here’s to redefining midlife and making our next half of life even better than the first.

The symptoms of menopause and being overworked can often overlap, making it difficult for women to connect the dots early on. They may dismiss their exhaustion and lack of sleep as simply being overburdened with responsibilities. However, it can be hard to distinguish between hormonal changes and other stressors in life.
Today's special guest is Dr. Niamh Leonard, a GP and menopause specialist who has helped countless women manage their menopause symptoms. With a master's degree in sports and exercise medicine, she also emphasises the importance of staying active and eating well during menopause, not just for longevity but for overall quality of life. Dr. Leonard strongly believes that if women have access to accurate information, they will make the best decisions for their health. Our healthcare needs change as we age, and Niamh reminds us of this reality. Listen in as we chat about:


Are hot flushes a common experience for all women?


Understanding the importance of pH levels and beneficial bacteria in the vagina for protection against UTIs.


The function of our ovaries when producing hormones and how levels of oestrogen can fluctuate and how women may be able to supplement effectively.


How it can be challenging to find a knowledgeable and understanding GP.


Is fasting a good idea for women going through perimenopause and menopause? Some ideas that may help and useful information about the research.


Things to look forward to post menopause and changes that can alleviate symptoms.



Menopause really is a second spring and is a time to be embraced not feared! I encourage you to follow Niamh on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/mymenopausedoctor/

Further information and links can also be found below:


Australian Menopause Society - https://www.menopause.org.au/


Jean Hailes For Women’s Health - https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/


Wellfemme Telehealth - https://wellfemme.com.au/



The Better Than Before membership (BTB) provides health and wellness resources, community support, and accountability for women in midlife. As mentioned in this episode I will be sharing further details about upcoming workshops and how to sign up shortly.

You can also find me on Instagram –

https://www.instagram.com/joclarkcoaching/ and Private Facebook Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenswellnesscollective1.

Here’s to redefining midlife and making our next half of life even better than the first.

The term ‘midlife’ can make many of us uncomfortable due to its negative connotations and societal expectations. Midlife is also a stage of life that is often misunderstood and misrepresented in media and advertising. 

Due to increased life expectancy, midlife has become a newly defined stage and in this episode, I am redefining midlife - exactly as the podcast says. Tune in as I talk about this important topic and cover:


Why we need to rebrand midlife. 


When midlife occurs - typically between the ages of 40 - 65.


The multiple transitions that occur (physically, emotionally, and spiritually) during this stage.


The internal and external changes that occur as we re-evaluate our goals, relationships and sometimes even contemplate our own mortality.


The societal pressures to look young and defy the ageing process, especially for women.


The positive benefits of wisdom, resilience, emotional maturity, freedom and increased happiness that occur in midlife. 



Reframing how we view midlife isn't just about boosting our self-esteem, it's about living our best lives. By embracing this stage with enthusiasm and openness, we open ourselves up to new opportunities for growth, fulfilment, and happiness. You’re not too old and it’s never too late to redefine your midlife. 

You can also find me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joclarkcoaching/ and Private Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenswellnesscollective1.

Here’s to redefining midlife and making our next half of life even better than the first.

There have been several common themes throughout the 84 episodes of the Redefining Midlife Podcast so far and in today’s solo episode I would like to share with you 3 Essential Strategies to Thrive in Midlife. Research emphasises the critical importance of lifestyle habits during this phase and how implementing modest changes can yield significant health improvements. Despite knowing the importance, many women struggle to translate this knowledge into action. Listen as I talk about:


Prioritising health and wellness for longevity and firing on all cylinders.


Investing in yourself for self-discovery and personal growth, in particular moving from living on autopilot to living a life by design.


How small steps, like journaling or seeking mentorship, can lead to transformative change.


The significance of cultivating supportive relationships and surrounding yourself with supportive and uplifting people.


Exploring new groups, hobbies, or communities to connect with like-minded individuals.



Implementing these three essentials—prioritising health, investing in self, and cultivating supportive relationships—can transform your midlife. I look forward to bringing you further insights and guests who can provide knowledge and value alongside the life you are building and thriving in.

You can also find me on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/joclarkcoaching/ and Private Facebook Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenswellnesscollective1.

 

Here’s to redefining midlife and making our next half of life even better than the first. 

The emotional rollercoaster of midlife can be like a tangled mess of wild emotions, ranging from ecstatic highs to abysmal lows and this can come as a huge surprise for many women. For this episode we have the pleasure of inviting Kirstin Bouse back to the podcast, a Clinical and Forensic Psychologist with nearly three decades of experience who specialises working with midlife women. When her own perimenopause journey began six years ago, Kirstin looked to psychology and other health disciplines to make sense of and address what she was experiencing. It was like looking for a needle in a haystack. Since then, with considerable perseverance Kirstin found many colleagues across health disciplines ‘hiding in the shadows’ who are experienced in, and passionate about, working with women during this significant life stage. Listen in as Kirstin shares her experience and knowledge and we talk about:



How we cannot ignore the histories of our lives that we bring to menopause and, although there are many events that affect us internally, they also have an external expression and experience.

Statistics that suggest the higher rate of depression and anxiety at various stages of the menopause transition and how it tends to look different than at other times in a woman’s life.

When rage takes over, the anger and irritability side of the roller coaster.

Fluctuations of hormones, crashes in mood, and women who may not fit the typical criteria for depression, making us feel like we’re going a bit mad.

Challenges in identity, value and how we feel about ourselves.

Kirstin has brought practitioners together and founded All About Her - The Centre for Menopause. The Centre is a community of practitioners from a wide range of health-related disciplines dedicated to elevating the voices, wellbeing, and lives of those who are navigating the menopausal years. As such, All About Her offers up-to-date information, evidence-based health-care services and innovative events and programs to menopausal women. In line with their core purpose of being ‘All About Her’, they offer their practitioner ongoing professional development and training and opportunities for collaboration and innovation.

I encourage you to find out more at www.allabouthercentre.com.au and follow Kirstin on Instagram @the_midlife_psychologist and @allabouthercentre. She can also be reached on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/kirstin-bouse.

To access her resources you can also visit https://www.allabouthercentre.com.au/webinars/clients 

You can also find me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joclarkcoaching/ and Private Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenswellnesscollective1.

Here’s to redefining midlife and making our next half of life even better than the first.