Midlife & Beyond Conversations – Details, episodes & analysis

As Albert Einstein said, “Logic will get you from A to B, but imagination will get you anywhere.”In this reflective solo episode, Jo shares the remarkable story of her grandfather’s survival in World War II and explores how imagination can sustain us through even the darkest times. She invites you to rekindle your own creative spirit - to dream again, to hope again - and to remember that imagination isn’t childish. It’s powerful, healing, and essential to thriving in midlife and beyond.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joblackwellmidlifeandbeyond.substack.com

What is happiness, really — and can we learn to be happier? In this week’s conversation, Jo talks to Christina Lenway, a Happiness Educator and author, about the science and practice of happiness. Christina shares how a personal crisis led her to study happiness academically and discover evidence-based ways to create more joy, meaning, and fulfillment in everyday life.

They explore how happiness isn’t a destination but a skill — one we can strengthen through intention, awareness, and daily practice. From “dialing up the good” emotions to using breathwork and gratitude to shift perspective, Christina explains simple, practical tools anyone can use to feel lighter, calmer, and more at peace.

This is an inspiring and grounded look at how midlife can be a time to reclaim happiness on your own terms — not by pretending everything’s fine, but by choosing how you respond, finding purpose, and building emotional resilience.

Thanks for reading Midlife & Beyond with Jo Blackwell! Subscribe for so you don’t miss new posts and episodes.

💡 In This Episode

* Why happiness is a learnable skill, not a lucky accident

* The surprising science behind positive emotions

* How to “dial up” joy and “dial down” negativity

* What Viktor Frankl and the Holocaust can teach us about inner freedom

* The difference between healthy optimism and toxic positivity

* How breathwork and gratitude retrain your brain for happiness

* Why knowing your values and strengths is key to fulfillment

* Courage, authenticity, and choosing who you want to be — not who life made you

—Connect with Jo Blackwell

Links: https://linktr.ee/joblackwellukYouTube: Jo Blackwell – Midlife & BeyondEmail: jo@joblackwell.co.uk

Helping women 50+ feel braver, bolder, and happier — redefining how we age.

Thanks for reading Midlife & Beyond with Jo Blackwell! This post is public so feel free to share it.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joblackwellmidlifeandbeyond.substack.com

HRT - is it right for you? In this conversation, Dr Ferhat Uddin, NHS General Practitioner and Founder of the private Menopause Clinic, Liberty Health, explains what happens to women's hormones during menopause and answers Jo's questions.

If you book a consultation with Dr Uddin, mention The Midlife Movement or Jo Blackwell for 10% off all services.
0:00 Intro
0:33 Doctor education on menopause
2:48 Working in partnership with doctors
5:04 Reliable sources of information
5:54 What happens to women's hormones in their 40s?
7:08 What happens after periods stop altogether?
8:05 The effect of Oestrogen on the body
9:17 Progesterone
11:13 Testosterone
13:13 Is there a blood test for perimenopause?
14:41 Supplements and natural remedies
15:59 The medicalization of menopause - for and against
17:11 HRT myths 18:15 Risks and Benefits of HRT
19:41 Talking to your doctor
21:23 Liberty Health Clinic

If you've enjoyed this conversation, PLEASE LIKE & SUBSCRIBE.
The Midlife Movement was created to change minds about midlife and growing older, one story at a time. Because we only become invisible when we stop seeing ourselves. See my LinkTree, where you can buy my books, browse my website and subscribe to my Newsletter for free resources.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joblackwellmidlifeandbeyond.substack.com

A short solo podcast this week, reflecting on those who raised us and the mothering energy we all need to find within. 


About the Midlife and Beyond Podcast.  

Like all transitions, midlife can be messy and sad and glorious all at once, leaving many midlife women feeling rather alone and somewhat invisible. But what does this transition we are experiencing lead to?  

I'm Jo Blackwell, a photographer, author and coach for women who want more from their lives post 50, and I'm here to remind you that if we manage our health and embrace it, growing older can lead to one of the greatest periods of growth and transformation of our lives.  

The Midlife Movement was created to change minds about midlife and growing older, one story at a time. Because we only become invisible when when we stop seeing ourselves.  email jo@joblackwell.co.uk to take part in the podcast or suggest guests.  

See The Midlife & Beyond section of my website for more information and resources to help you navigate change with less stress and more joy! www.joblackwell.co.uk 


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joblackwellmidlifeandbeyond.substack.com

PRO AGE warrior, beauty expert and STUDIO10 founder, Grace Fodor is on a mission to help every woman to look and feel their most beautiful and confident version of themselves – at ANY age.

Hitting her mid 40s, Grace found herself labelled as ‘middle aged’ and surrounded by negative anti-ageing stereotypes that didn’t reflect how she felt or lived her life. Grace felt that she wanted to celebrate her age, wear it proudly and feel truly confident – after all beauty doesn’t just belong to youth, it is ageless. So many current beauty standards and brands excluding women after a certain age and ostracising the very audience they want to communicate with. And so STUDIO10 was born.

Studio10 is more than skin deep, it’s a movement. Grace is a PRO AGE warrior passionate about challenging the outdated stereotypes, misconceptions and redefining age and beauty. Standing united to create a voice to give women the recognition they deserve and fight against the notions that make them feel invisible, undervalued and unattractive, stamping out ageism once and for all. It’s time to be seen and be heard – PRO AGE not anti age. I

t’s a high-performing, PRO AGE makeup formulated and designed for mature skins and that are super-easy to use. Skincare-hybrids enriched with the best skin loving and anti-pollution ingredients that are cruelty free, paraben free, dermatologically tested and vegan friendly. Hailed as ‘genius’ by India Knight of the Sunday Times, these ‘real -skin’ essentials are a shortcut to flawless skin, lit from within radiance and ageless beauty. STUDIO10 delivers real results with the least amount of effort. Listeners can receive 10% off using the affiliate code, MIDLIFEMOVEMENT10*
 
About the Midlife and Beyond Podcast.  

Like all transitions, midlife can be messy and sad and glorious all at once, leaving many midlife women feeling rather alone and somewhat invisible. But what does this transition we are experiencing lead to?  

I'm Jo Blackwell, a photographer, author and coach for women who want more from their lives post 50, and I'm here to remind you that if we manage our health and embrace it, growing older can lead to one of the greatest periods of growth and transformation of our lives.  

The Midlife Movement was created to change minds about midlife and growing older, one story at a time. Because we only become invisible when when we stop seeing ourselves.  email jo@joblackwell.co.uk to take part in the podcast or suggest guests.  

See The Midlife & Beyond section of my website for more information and resources to help you navigate change with less stress and more joy! www.joblackwell.co.uk 


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joblackwellmidlifeandbeyond.substack.com

Julia Doherty is a serial Entrepreneur whose most recent venture, Adventure Geek, came about because of her passion for hiking. In this episode, we talk about The Camino Di Santiago, goal setting, accountability, finding creative ideas and her 2023 challenge - a 2,500 mile walk along the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada. Buy Julia’s Book: Once Upon The Camino de Santiago: 21 Life Lessons I Learnt from a Hike Across Spain Buy Julia’s recommendation: Living Forward: A Proven Plan to Stop Drifting and Get the Life You WantSupport Julia’s plans to hike the PCT by clicking on this link


About the Midlife and Beyond Podcast.  

Like all transitions, midlife can be messy and sad and glorious all at once, leaving many midlife women feeling rather alone and somewhat invisible. But what does this transition we are experiencing lead to?  

I'm Jo Blackwell, a photographer, author and coach for women who want more from their lives post 50, and I'm here to remind you that if we manage our health and embrace it, growing older can lead to one of the greatest periods of growth and transformation of our lives.  

The Midlife Movement was created to change minds about midlife and growing older, one story at a time. Because we only become invisible when when we stop seeing ourselves.  email jo@joblackwell.co.uk to take part in the podcast or suggest guests.  

See The Midlife & Beyond section of my website for more information and resources to help you navigate change with less stress and more joy! www.joblackwell.co.uk 


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joblackwellmidlifeandbeyond.substack.com

Business woman, Kathryn came to talk to us as part of the “Life Stories” series. From having a racehorse named after her to travelling when poste restante was de riguer, pre-internet and mobile phones, to coming to terms with not having a family, join us to reminisce and be inspired. Connect with Kathryn via her website: https://www.ignitesuccess.co.uk/


About the Midlife and Beyond Podcast.  

Like all transitions, midlife can be messy and sad and glorious all at once, leaving many midlife women feeling rather alone and somewhat invisible. But what does this transition we are experiencing lead to?  

I'm Jo Blackwell, a photographer, author and coach for women who want more from their lives post 50, and I'm here to remind you that if we manage our health and embrace it, growing older can lead to one of the greatest periods of growth and transformation of our lives.  

The Midlife Movement was created to change minds about midlife and growing older, one story at a time. Because we only become invisible when when we stop seeing ourselves.  email jo@joblackwell.co.uk to take part in the podcast or suggest guests.  

See The Midlife & Beyond section of my website for more information and resources to help you navigate change with less stress and more joy! www.joblackwell.co.uk 


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joblackwellmidlifeandbeyond.substack.com

Introducing your host, Jo Blackwell, Writer, Photographer and the Founder of The Midlife Movement. In this solo episode, Jo recounts her personal journey through the midlife transition and how she became interested in helping other women to find their voice. You can find out more about Jo’s work via her websites: www.themidlifemovement.com and www.joblackwell.co.uk (Writing and Photography) Note: The lines by Henry David Thoreau that Jo (mis)quotes are: “Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and die with their song still inside them.” This is, in fact, a misquote itself, though has passed into common usage.
 
About the Midlife and Beyond Podcast.  

Like all transitions, midlife can be messy and sad and glorious all at once, leaving many midlife women feeling rather alone and somewhat invisible. But what does this transition we are experiencing lead to?  

I'm Jo Blackwell, a photographer, author and coach for women who want more from their lives post 50, and I'm here to remind you that if we manage our health and embrace it, growing older can lead to one of the greatest periods of growth and transformation of our lives.  

The Midlife Movement was created to change minds about midlife and growing older, one story at a time. Because we only become invisible when when we stop seeing ourselves.  email jo@joblackwell.co.uk to take part in the podcast or suggest guests.  

See The Midlife & Beyond section of my website for more information and resources to help you navigate change with less stress and more joy! www.joblackwell.co.uk 


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joblackwellmidlifeandbeyond.substack.com

Is the nature of midlife changing as "Generation X" hits 50? Our guest this week thinks it is! Jeremi Karnell is the CEO of Truelytics, a leading business intelligence SAAS platform in the Wealth Management sector. He lives in Austin, TX with his wife Cindy, his daughter, 9-year-old Aviana, his 8-year-old son Grayson, and his 5-year-old English Bulldog Mickey.
Connect with Jeremi here:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremikarnell/

About the Midlife and Beyond Podcast.  

Like all transitions, midlife can be messy and sad and glorious all at once, leaving many midlife women feeling rather alone and somewhat invisible. But what does this transition we are experiencing lead to?  

I'm Jo Blackwell, a photographer, author and coach for women who want more from their lives post 50, and I'm here to remind you that if we manage our health and embrace it, growing older can lead to one of the greatest periods of growth and transformation of our lives.  

The Midlife Movement was created to change minds about midlife and growing older, one story at a time. Because we only become invisible when when we stop seeing ourselves.  email jo@joblackwell.co.uk to take part in the podcast or suggest guests.  

See The Midlife & Beyond section of my website for more information and resources to help you navigate change with less stress and more joy! www.joblackwell.co.uk 

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joblackwellmidlifeandbeyond.substack.com

My guest, Samantha Sutherland, describes herself as an "Abundance Activator", using tools such as numerology, EFT and biogentics.  "It’s time to let go of fear. It’s time to stop being mediocre. It’s time to unleash your potential. Using my kick ass spiritual approach to feminine empowerment I help you to unveil who you truly are." See more on Samantha's website

About the Midlife and Beyond Podcast.  

Like all transitions, midlife can be messy and sad and glorious all at once, leaving many midlife women feeling rather alone and somewhat invisible. But what does this transition we are experiencing lead to?  

I'm Jo Blackwell, a photographer, author and coach for women who want more from their lives post 50, and I'm here to remind you that if we manage our health and embrace it, growing older can lead to one of the greatest periods of growth and transformation of our lives.  

The Midlife Movement was created to change minds about midlife and growing older, one story at a time. Because we only become invisible when when we stop seeing ourselves.  email jo@joblackwell.co.uk to take part in the podcast or suggest guests.  

See The Midlife & Beyond section of my website for more information and resources to help you navigate change with less stress and more joy! www.joblackwell.co.uk 

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joblackwellmidlifeandbeyond.substack.com