We’re hearing a lot about the benefits of cold-water therapy, but what about heat therapy? Writer and avid cold-water swimmer Emma O’Kelly joins Liz on this episode to take a deep dive into the health benefits of heat. Emma covers the history of saunas in Nordic bathing traditions, and shares more on what studies say on the benefits of deep heat for our physical and mental health. Liz and Emma also discuss sauna rituals, the different kinds of saunas Emma encountered (from ice to peat bog!),...

Are you living the life you truly want? Founder of the I Quit Sugar movement, TV host and author Sarah Wilson joins Liz on this episode to share how she carved her own path to health and happiness. Sarah and Liz discuss the ‘uncertainty epidemic’, what it really means to thrive in midlife, and how to find what brings you joy. The episode also covers the benefits of walking in nature and meditation, and Sarah shares how she quit sugar, plus how you can too. Links mentioned in the...

In a midlife makeup muddle? Beauty columnist India Knight joins Liz on this episode of the podcast to share advice on adapting our beauty and makeup routines in midlife. Liz and India share their personal views on how midlife women are portrayed in the media, and discuss their opinions on tweakments, injectables and hair removal. India reveals common skincare concerns as we age, plus her favourite ingredients and products for maturing skin when it comes to cleansing, exfoliating, brightening,...

Don’t want age to slow you down? Dr Nichola Conlon joins Liz on this episode of the podcast to share how we can reverse our biological age and improve our health span. Nichola, who is lead scientist and founder of supplement brand Nuchido, shares all we need to know about Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (also known as NAD) - a natural molecule found in every cell in our bodies that is vital for energy production and repair. In this episode, brought to you in partnership with Nuchido,...

Do you avoid conflict at all costs? Psychotherapist, artist and author Philippa Perry joins Liz on this episode to share how we can better handle conflict in all of our relationships. In this episode, Philippa reveals the different coping methods for stressful situations - thinking, feeling or doing - and how understanding them can be key to navigating conflict with our loved ones. Liz and Philippa also discuss why conflict isn’t always a bad thing, why it may be worse to ignore it...

Do you know what brings you joy? GB Olympian, personal trainer, and life coach Michelle Griffith-Robinson joins Liz on this episode to share how to approach the menopause like an Olympian. In this Menopause Month episode, Michelle shares why fitness is a non-negotiable for her physical and mental health, the importance of strength training for midlife women, and how to find out what makes you spark. Michelle also shares her personal experience of the menopause and the symptoms she...

What do you want to know about HRT? GP and the UK’s leading menopause specialist Dr Louise Newson joins Liz to discuss the practicalities of HRT for Menopause Month. The episode uncovers the truth about HRT ‘high-dose’ prescribing, and answers commonly asked hormone replacement therapy questions - such as how it works and the different delivery methods available to us. Liz and Louise also discuss how oestrogen can reduce the risk of chronic health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease...

Does your stressed skin need saving? By Sarah co-founder Sarah Murrell joins Liz on this episode of the podcast to share how we can better manage stressed and sensitive skin types. Sarah shares the key differences between sensitive and sensitised skin, and what can cause inflammation and skin barrier issues.  Liz and Sarah discuss ingredients and aggressors to avoid here, and why less is often more when it comes to caring for your complexion. The episode - brought to you in partnership with...

Did you know a huge number of women face more barriers than others when it comes to receiving vital menopause care? GPs Dr Nighat Arif and Dr Kuki Avery join Liz on this episode to explore inequalities in menopause healthcare, and what can be done to make it truly accessible to all. Dr Nighat reveals the barriers to menopause care faced by ethnic minority women, such as being left out of clinical research and the conversations surrounding menopause, institutionalised racism, and generational...

It is with a very heavy heart that we let you know that Dr Uchenna Okoye died just a few weeks after this episode was recorded. She passed away at her home on the 15th September 2023. We are heartbroken and shocked beyond measure at this news. At the wishes of her family and colleagues we’re sharing this episode with you as a tribute to her tremendous tenacity and talent, and to acknowledge the legacy she leaves in the world of dentistry. We really hope you can enjoy this episode in the...

Are you happy with your sex life? Pyschosexual and relationship therapist Kate Moyle joins Liz on this episode of the podcast to share how we can make sex more fulfilling throughout our lives. In this episode, Kate, who is also a psychosexologist, reveals how we can explore sexual preferences, expand our horizons and maximise pleasure. Kate shares the importance of communication for a healthy relationship, plus why we may need to broaden our definition of what sex actually is. Liz and Kate...

How do you know if your hormones are unbalanced? Functional nutritionist Pauline Cox joins Liz on this episode of the podcast to dive into the relationship between food and our hormones. Pauline shares how healthy eating can support the endocrine system, and the crucial role hormones, such as progesterone and oestrogen, have on our mental and physical wellbeing. The episode also covers symptoms and causes of unbalanced hormones, plus how to bring the body back to balance with simple tweaks...

Struggling with adult children leaving home for the first time? Award-winning journalist and parenting expert Lorraine Candy joins Liz on this episode of the podcast to share advice on navigating and coping with empty nest syndrome. In this episode - brought to you in partnership with TV Licensing - Liz and Lorraine recall their own experiences of sending their adult children off to university and the emotions that came with. Lorraine reveals why treating your children as your ‘best friend’...

Have you or someone close to you been affected by depression? Psychiatrist and academic Professor Joanna Moncrieff joins Liz on this episode of the podcast to ‘debunk’ the chemical imbalance theory of depression. In this episode, Joanna covers her review of studies on Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), one of the main medications prescribed to those with depression. Her review concluded that there’s ‘no clear evidence’ that low serotonin causes depression in the first place. Liz...

Would you say you’re a perfectionist? Thomas Curran, Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychological and Behavioural Sciences at the London School of Economics, joins Liz to share how we can stop being so obsessed with perfectionism. Thomas reveals why being perfect isn’t necessarily a good thing, how nurture and nature come into play here, and how to measure levels of perfectionism. The episode covers the reasons why perfectionism seems to be on the rise due to modern culture, deficit...

Interested in intermittent fasting? Clinical educator and researcher Megan Ramos joins Liz on this episode of the podcast to share the potential benefits of this practice for women. Megan shares how fasting has helped her own health, how time restricted eating may aid chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome, and why body size isn’t necessarily a great indicator of overall health. The episode also covers the differences between visceral fat and subcutaneous...

Since 1980, the number of people around the world with type 2 diabetes has quadrupled. Kidney specialist Dr Jason Fung joins Liz for this episode of the podcast to cover the rise in obesity and type 2 diabetes - and what can be done about it. In this episode, Jason explains how dietary interventions such as intermittent fasting or low-carb eating may be able to reverse the dietary disease, plus why all calories aren't equal. Liz and Jason discuss how we can avoid spiking our blood sugars, how...

Want to know more about the connection between your brain and your hormones? Professor Jayashri Kulkarni joins Liz on this episode of the podcast to share how hormones influence our brains - and what it means for longevity. Jayashri, a professor in psychiatry, reveals what brought her to the profession, plus discusses the different types of oestrogen and their receptors, the benefits of testosterone, and the effects of other hormones on the brain. Liz and Jayashri also cover cognitive...

Struggling with chronic pain, anxiety, or burnout? The Lightning Process practitioner Lauren Stoney joins Liz on this episode of the podcast to share how this training programme can help people to bounce back from chronic issues. Lauren reveals how she uses The Lightning Process to help those struggling with burnout, anxiety and chronic pain issues such as fibromyalgia and migraine by rewiring nerve pathways. Liz explains how the neurophysiological technique - originally developed by Phil...

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

Ready to make your physical fitness more of a priority? Award-winning 'Midlife Mentors', Claire and James Davis, join Liz on this episode of the podcast to share advice on how to reclaim your body and mind - without making huge sacrifices. Claire and James share how to adjust your workout routine for midlife, and the importance of recovery and consistency here. The episode also covers how to successfully build positive new habits, nutrition principles for midlife, and incorporating healthy...

Did you know that after the age of 50, more women will have bladder issues than those who don’t? Consultant gynaecologist and urogynaecologist Professor Vik Khullar joins Liz on this episode of the podcast to discuss the impact bladder issues can have - and why women shouldn’t have to suffer in silence. Liz and Vik discuss how lowering oestrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause can affect the bladder, the potential benefits of topical probiotics, and the key differences between...

Want to build a life full of meaning? Clinical psychologist Dr Sam Akbar joins Liz on this episode of the podcast to reveal the tools you need to go from just surviving to absolutely thriving. Sam shares how she helps patients struggling with trauma, explains how being more open with emotions can help you to become resilient to stress, and walks Liz through an experiment to learn what happens when you push feelings away. Liz and Sam discuss why our thoughts don’t define us, why values are the...

We're often told saturated fat is bad for our health - but is it? Dr Zoe Harcombe joins Liz on this episode of the podcast to share why we may need to rethink saturated fat and cholesterol, and the implications for our health. Liz and Zoe discuss increasing rates of obesity, whether current dietary guidelines may need updating, and debunk common myths about fat in our food. The episode also takes a closer look at ‘good’ HDL cholesterol and ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol - and what the evidence may...

Want to know more about government action on menopause? Carolyn Harris MP joins Liz on this episode of the podcast to speak up about the menopause care that women deserve. Carolyn, who is the Labour MP for Swansea East, reveals her own experience of the menopause, and discusses with Liz what the government is doing to support menopausal women. The episode also covers new changes to how we pay for HRT prescriptions, women and the criminal justice system, and the complaints on menopause that...