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In this inspiring conversation, Gill Castle shares her remarkable journey from a traumatic childbirth experience to becoming the first person to swim the English Channel solo with a stoma. She discusses the challenges she faced, her mental health struggles, and how she turned her experiences into a positive force by founding the charity Chameleon Buddies, which supports women affected by childbirth injuries. Gill's story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of community support, as she continues to advocate for awareness and change in the realm of childbirth trauma.

Gill is a middle-aged mother of a teenage boy, who has a permanent stoma after the traumatic childbirth of her son. After a diagnosis of severe mental health issues following the birth, including PTSD, Gill was medically retired from her job as a police officer. During her subsequent recovery, Gill has established an international charity dedicated to supporting women in the UK and Kenya to adapt to life after childbirth trauma or stoma surgery. In 2023, Gill became the first person to successfully swim the English Channel solo with a stoma, which was recognised by the Guinness World Records.

Takeaways

Gill Castle is a former police officer and mother who faced severe childbirth trauma.

She has a permanent stoma due to complications from childbirth.

Gill became the first person to swim the English Channel with a stoma.

She raised £10,000 through her Bikini Challenge to support women injured in childbirth.

Gill founded the charity Chameleon Buddies to help women adapt to life after childbirth injuries.

Her mental health struggles included PTSD after her traumatic experience.

Gill emphasizes the importance of resilience and turning negative experiences into positive actions.

She is climbing Kilimanjaro to raise funds for a hospital wing in Kenya.

Gill advocates for the Birth Trauma Association and MASIC charity.

She is also writing a book about her experiences and journey.

Sound Bites

"I'm going to prove you wrong."

"I ended up raising £10,000."

"I believe that people are like chameleons."

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In this engaging conversation, Margaret Carter, the chairman of the Tyne and Wear South Federation of WIs, shares her journey from being a teacher to leading a significant women's organization. She discusses the importance of adapting the Women’s Institute (the WI) to attract younger members, the role of community and social interaction in combating isolation, and the WI's historical and ongoing advocacy efforts. Margaret emphasizes the need for inclusivity and the value of personal growth, reflecting on her own development of confidence over the years. The conversation highlights the WI's evolution and its relevance in today's society, showcasing the fun and meaningful experiences it offers to women.

“Born in 1954 I am now 70 but in my head I am only 23!

After 36 years of teaching I retired as a comprehensive school deputy headteacher.

I have been married twice and although I never had children I am step- Nana to 7 boys who have enriched my life .

With my husband I have enjoyed travelling to many places our favourite being the Greek Islands.

I am a voracious reader and on holiday I can easily read a book a day.

I love the theatre , country music and Coronation Street.

I am too fond of chocolate and occasionally partake of alcohol in the form of Black Rum and White Zinfandel.”

Takeaways

• Margaret Carter is the chairman of the Tyne and Wear South Federation of WIs.
• The WI was established for the education of women in 1915.
• Margaret emphasises the importance of adapting to attract younger members.
• Community and social interaction are vital for combating isolation.
• The WI engages in advocacy and campaigning on various issues.
• Inclusivity is a key focus for the WI's future.
• Margaret's journey reflects personal growth and increased confidence.
• The WI offers a space for women to be themselves.
• Margaret encourages women to seek opportunities proactively.
• The WI is more than just traditional activities; it fosters fun and meaningful connections.

Resources

Tyne and Wear South Federation of WIs: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BhWpMsTqs/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Email: chairman@twsfwi.com

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In this conversation, Sharon MacArthur, known as Miss Menopause, shares her journey from a senior leader in a FTSE 100 company to becoming an advocate for menopause awareness in the workplace. She discusses the challenges of overcoming ignorance and resistance regarding menopause, the importance of education and community support, and the business implications of menopause. Sharon emphasizes the need for a cultural shift in how menopause is perceived and managed, advocating for better education and resources for both individuals and businesses. She also highlights the role of celebrities in raising awareness and expresses her aspirations for a future where menopause is recognized as a normal part of life.

Miss Menopause was formed over 7 years ago because of a lack of information about menopause in the workplace. Sharon works face to face and online with companies.

She spends time in manufacturing, which is still predominantly dominated by men. Initially reluctant, some of her most profound feedback has been from men who’ve said, ”It’s the best thing I’ve done in a long time.”

Workplaces are starting to understand that menopause is an issue which impacts everyone.

Sharon has appeared on BBC Breakfast, ITN News, Channel 5, Victoria Derbyshire and is a regular on BBC Radio .

Contact Sharon on 07793291409

sharon@missmenopause.co.uk

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In this engaging conversation, Eilidh Whiteford shares her unique journey from a political career to becoming a mother at 50. She reflects on her experiences in academia, the challenges of navigating the political landscape, and the joys and difficulties of motherhood later in life. Eilidh discusses her experiences with menopause, the societal perceptions of older mothers, and the importance of work-life balance. Her story is one of resilience, adaptation, and what it means to be a mother and a professional in today's world.

Eilidh Whiteford was born in 1969 and grew up on the Banffshire coast. After studies in literature at Glasgow University and the University of Guelph, Canada, she taught in adult education before building a career in the voluntary sector. From 2010 to 2017 Eilidh served in the House of Commons as MP for Banff and Buchan. During that time, she was the SNP spokesperson for Work and Pensions, and for Agriculture and Fisheries. Eilidh lives in Cruden Bay with her husband and son, and a grumpy cat. She now works for the strategic advisory firm, True North.

Takeaways

• Eilidh transitioned from politics to consultancy, leveraging her experience.
• Her leap into politics was influenced by a chance conversation at an event.
• Eilidh served as an MP for seven years, achieving significant milestones.
• She became a mother at 50, which she describes as living life upside down.
• Eilidh experienced perimenopause while navigating new motherhood.
• She found the challenges of motherhood to be a great equaliser.
• Eilidh emphasises the importance of adapting to work-life balance.
• She reflects on the infantilising nature of maternity care for older mothers.
• Eilidh believes age is just a number and encourages others to embrace their journeys.

Sound Bites

“Even if you're winning the argument, you may not be winning the vote.”

“I've never heard a parent yet who doesn't say they're constantly exhausted and constantly working really hard at it…it's a great equaliser in lots of ways.

"You can't do HRT while you're still breastfeeding. So I just had to get on with it.”

“If you were a kid in school learning about this [menopause], you'd probably forget it and think, nah, that's not for another 30 years or whatever. But it might help you know what's going on with your mother”

Resources:

UK Parliament: https://members.parliament.uk/member/3911/career

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eilidh_Whiteford

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eilidh-whiteford-979a6a4

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

03:20 From Politics to Public Affairs

04:23 Academic Journey and International Experience

07:17 Transitioning to Politics

11:35 Life After Politics: Becoming a Mother at 50

13:04 Navigating Menopause and Motherhood

16:39 Experiences as an Older Mother

17:45 Reflections on Age and Parenting

22:24 Balancing Career and Family Life

26:23 Cin Cin

27:13 Outro

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When life gives you lemons, get zesty. In this engaging conversation, Sarah Stenton from the Facebook page Middle Age Madness shares her journey from having to sell her home and business to embracing a new career in comedy. She discusses the challenges she faced, including personal crises and the impact of COVID-19 on her business. Sarah emphasises the importance of resilience, community, and humor in navigating life's ups and downs. She also reflects on her plans for the future, including her upcoming comedy shows and a move to France, while highlighting the significance of empathy and support in all that she does.

Sarah Stenton is all about helping ladies (and gents) navigate middle age and the horrors of the menopause using humour to bring people together. Her Facebook page, middle age madness, has over 61,000 followers, she’s written two books and somewhere along the way has morphed into a stand-up comedian. Sarah has taken her new comedy show around the UK and is loving her new career, proof that you are never to old to follow a dream. As featured on BBC & Greatest Hits Radio; from feral body hair to the joys of vibrating chairs – her stories are real, relatable and very, very funny.

Sarah is 53, married to lovely David. They have two children and two dogs as crazy as she is.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sarah Stenton's Journey

04:10 Navigating Life Changes

09:52 Building a Career With Laughter

12:25 The Importance of Empathy and Resilience

16:40 Building a supportive community

22:46 The Edinburgh Fringe and other shows

25:14 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations

27:46 One Last Question

29:36 Closing credits

Takeaways

Sarah Stenton transitioned from running a business to pursuing comedy and writing.

Resilience is key in overcoming life's challenges and changes.

Community support plays a vital role in personal growth and healing.

Laughter can be a powerful tool for coping with difficult situations.

Empathy is essential when connecting with others facing struggles.

Planning and organisation are crucial for balancing work and personal life.

The Edinburgh Fringe is an exciting opportunity for comedians to showcase their talent.

It's important to prioritise self-care while helping others.

Humour can help address serious topics like menopause and personal struggles.

Sarah's journey reflects the importance of following one's passion.

Sound Bites

"I think it's important to be positive."

"You do have to keep a bit of you back."

"You have to look after yourself."

"You can't pour from an empty can."

Episode Resources:

Middle age madness: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Hr1sdPodt/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Middle Age Madness: My Menopause Diary (Sarah’s book) https://www.amazon.co.uk/Middle-Age-Madness-Menopause-Diary/dp/B0BXNK55LB?nodl=1&dplnkId=555d3a54-9b9e-4069-9210-d9ef831d99d5

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In this engaging conversation, Anna Foster shares her journey through the radio industry, discussing the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field and the evolution of women's roles in media. She reflects on her experiences with pay inequality, the impact of ageing on confidence, and the importance of storytelling. The discussion also touches on the value of interviewing ordinary people, personal growth, and the significance of connection and friendship in life.

Anna Foster has been on the air in the North East for 27 years, presenting on TFM, Metro and Magic Radio. She now hosts the mid-morning programme on BBC Radio Newcastle where local people are the stars. She has three grown up children that still leave pizza boxes under their bed, a patient husband and a dog called Hope she found. She is an advocate for those with OCD and passionate about good mental health for all, she loves Tech music, singing Mozart and the Durham fells.

Takeaways

Anna's journey into radio began with a passion for storytelling and curiosity about people.

The radio industry has historically been male-dominated, presenting challenges for women.

Pay inequality was a significant issue in the media industry until 2016.

Ageing can impact confidence, but it also brings a sense of empowerment.

Interviewing ordinary people often yields more profound insights than celebrity interviews.

Being honest and vulnerable on air fosters trust with listeners.

Building connections and friendships is vital for personal growth and happiness.

Embracing opportunities for growth and change is essential at any age.

Sound Bites

“We were known as giggle bitches or gag slags”

“Radio was … quite a man's club”

“And as far as pay goes, like, woof, no equality at all”

“If you share your vulnerabilities, then you might make somebody else feel better”

“Would I want to go through what I did in my 30s? No…. And I wish probably I had stood up a little bit earlier, but I didn't. Because I think we were frightened for our jobs.”

“In a world that's a bit topsy-turvy at the minute, it's nice to know there's a lot more good people”

“People teach you things, amazing things, which actually celebrities tend not to teach you.”

“Time's the most precious thing we have”

“When you get to a certain age, you need to give yourself some challenges.”

“And then I think, why am I too old? Madonna's still slut dropping…you should be allowed to dance. You should be allowed to be seen”

“You're never too old to make new friends”

“And when you are with those people, putting your bloody phone down is really important.”

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A short trailer to introduce a new podcast by Yvonne Vincent and Marie Thom. Hear Me Roar brings you inspriational stories from midlife and beyond.

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