Middling Along

• Julie Smith is here to Coach you Confident!

  In this episode we chat to Julie Smith about the nuances of confidence and practical strategies to boost yours. Julie shares insights from her coaching experience and her award-winning book, Coach Yourself Confident, offering tips on overcoming self-doubt, managing setbacks, and cultivating humble confidence.   Key Topics Covered: Why confidence often hides behind other development themes The concept of humble confidence — aligning your capabilities with your self-view The importance of realistic, grounded self-assessment Common misconceptions about confidence and success The impact of societal norms and gender differences on confidence Recognizing and managing internal saboteurs like comparisonitis and perfectionism Practical exercises to strengthen your confidence muscle Handling external setbacks and life's inevitable challenges The power of awareness, language, and self-compassion in building confidence Special Highlights: The "full stop" technique to combat negative self-talk Naming your inner critic (sorry Nigel!) for greater self-awareness Embracing the idea that confidence fluctuates — it’s normal to feel confident sometimes and doubtful others Insights from The Authority Gap on gender and confidence Julie’s book Coach Yourself Confident is a finalist for a prestigious business book award, with a special Kindle offer for just 99p until mid-August 2025: https://mybook.to/CYC-eb Connect with Julie: Website: talentsprout.co.uk LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-smith-talent-sprout/  Resources: Download Tara Mohr’s cheat sheet on minimizing language in emails: https://www.taramohr.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Before-You-Hit-Send-Checklist-Tara-Mohr.pdf  If you enjoy the podcast please help us grow by sharing this episode, or writing a review. You can also find me at http://www.thetripleshift.org   connect with me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmacthomas/   follow along on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/middlingalong_podcast/  or subscribe to my Substack at https://middlingalong.substack.com/

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• Dr Giselle Goodwin asks...Can women really have it all?

  In this episode I’m joined by author, speaker, and researcher Dr Giselle Goodwin. With over 25 years of entrepreneurial experience and a PhD exploring women, work, and well-being, Giselle shares her expert perspectives on the societal pressures women face, the evolution of gender roles, and practical strategies for reclaiming happiness and balance in midlife. From unpacking the cultural myths around "having it all" to redefining masculinity and supporting women in the workplace, this conversation offers empowering insights for women navigating the complexities of modern life.   Inside this episode: - The cultural messaging that has shaped women’s perceptions of what they should be and do   - How societal expectations around gender roles have evolved over the last century   - The concept of the "third job" women undertake (beyond work and family) and its impact on health and happiness   - Practical tips for setting boundaries, delegating, and embracing your authentic self   - How to challenge the "good girl" persona and prioritize your well-being   - The importance of engaging men and boys in creating more equitable relationships and societal norms   - Strategies to support working mothers, carers, and those with dual roles in the workplace   - The science of happiness and how behaviours can boost well-being     So can we have it all? [Spoiler alert: probably not, or at least, not all at the same time…] You can find out more at https://gisellegoodwin.com  and take the quiz to discover your next steps: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/1137296/136174346959848534/share  Follow Giselle on Instagram: @GiselleGoodwinWrites Find Giselle on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisellegoodwin  Buy a copy of Can Women Really Have It All at https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/106877861X?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_4W08MB5PP8KRT2X7XZRV&    If you enjoy the podcast please help us grow by sharing this episode, or writing a review. You can also find me at www.thetripleshift.org and www.managingthemenpause.com  connect with me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmacthomas/  follow along on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/middlingalong_podcast/ or subscribe to my Substack at https://middlingalong.substack.com/

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• Emma Bardwell is back with The 30g Plan to beat food overwhelm

  Get ready to bust through nutrition overwhelm with brilliant nutritionist Emma Bardwell as she returns to the podcast to share insights from her latest book, The 30g Plan. If you're feeling a bit ‘headless chicken’ reading all the endless diet advice and trying to juggle balanced eating, Emma’s here to cut through the noise and give you a straightforward plan to boost your fibre, protein, and plant power.   In this episode, Emma shares her top hacks and hints to make healthy eating achievable and enjoyable. Discover the magic of storage p*rn—yes, beautiful food prep that motivates you! Learn how to tweak and swap ingredients to keep meals exciting, even if you're cooking for fussier family members.   Emma emphasizes that imperfection is okay: it's what we do most of the time that truly counts. If aiming for three perfect meals a day feels daunting, start small: focus on getting a nutritious breakfast right, and build from there.   Plus, Emma reveals her favourite quick recipes and lunchtime ideas, along with her top time-saving hacks, shortcuts, and must-have gadgets that make healthy cooking a breeze—all designed to fit into busy, overwhelmed schedules and ready in 30 minutes or less!   And don’t miss her tip on Myota, a gentle fibre supplement that supports gut health without fuss.   Whether you're looking to overhaul your diet or just find simple ways to eat better without the stress, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you thrive.   Tune in and get inspired to make nourishing, fuss-free meals part of your everyday life!   If you enjoy the podcast please help us grow by sharing this episode, or writing a review. You can also find me at http://www.thetripleshift.org   connect with me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmacthomas/   follow along on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/middlingalong_podcast/  or subscribe to my Substack at https://middlingalong.substack.com/ 

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• Sara Barnes on resilience, rediscovering nature (and herself) and redefining adventures

  Join us for a gorgeous conversation with writer and passionate cold water swimmer Sara Barnes.     Over the past decade, Sara’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. From barely being able to walk in her fifties to reclaiming an active, outdoor life amidst the stunning landscapes of the Lake District, she’s navigated major surgeries, embarked on solo campervan adventures through Scotland, and published not one but two compelling books: The Cold Fix and her debut novel, The Winter of Our Lives.     In this episode, Sara shares her transformative story of resilience, discovery, and connection. Discover how cold water swimming became a powerful tool for overcoming anxiety and reconnecting with nature—and yourself. She reveals creative ways to get your own "Cold Fix," the importance of community, and how immersing in nature can shift your perspective on aging, confidence, and what’s possible.     Sara also discusses her solo adventures, including a campervan journey that taught her invaluable lessons about adapting, slowing down, and embracing the present. Plus, she explores her dream of moving to France and how health scares helped her realize what truly matters—less stuff, more experience, and the freedom of just being.     Whether you're a seasoned swimmer or curious about taking the plunge for the first time, Sara’s insights will inspire you to step outside your comfort zone, reconnect with nature, and discover your own limits and capabilities.   You can find Sara and her beautiful images of wild swimming at https://www.instagram.com/bumblebarnes/?hl=en Sara’s books: The Cold Fix (Vertebrate Adventure Books, 2022) The Winter of Our Lives (HarperCollins, 2023)  (and for the interview with Siobhan Daniels I mention in this episode, check out: https://middlingalong.com/episodes/middling-along-13-siobhan-daniels-on-the-retirement-rebellion-and-her-solo-vanlife-travels-around-the-uk/)  If you enjoy the podcast please help us grow by sharing this episode, or writing a review. You can also find me at www.thetripleshift.org   connect with me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmacthomas/   follow along on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/middlingalong_podcast/  or subscribe to my Substack at https://middlingalong.substack.com/  

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• Elizabeth Willetts on Flex, career pivots, and taking control of your career journey

  Join us in this inspiring episode as we sit down with Elizabeth Willetts, the founder of Investing in Women, a groundbreaking job board and community dedicated to empowering women and promoting family-friendly workplaces. With over 17 years of recruitment experience, Elizabeth is passionate about helping professionals find fulfilling flexible and part-time work that fits their lives.   What You’ll Learn: The mission behind Investing in Women and how it supports both women and forward-thinking employers. Elizabeth’s journey in the recruitment industry, including her experiences at one of the Big 4 firms and a leading UK recruitment agency. Insights into the benefits of flexible work arrangements and how they can help close the gender pay gap. A behind-the-scenes look at Elizabeth’s debut book, Flex, a dynamic guide for anyone seeking to build a successful career on their own terms. Tips for career pivots, including how to leverage your network and build relevant skills when transitioning to a new industry. Key Highlights: Discover the challenges faced by parents in the job market and how Investing in Women addresses these issues. Hear Elizabeth’s thoughts on the importance of hybrid roles and flexibility in today’s workplace. Learn about Subject Access Requests (SAR) and how they can empower individuals who have faced redundancy. Elizabeth shares her top advice for those considering a career change, including the significance of crafting thoughtful cover letters and documenting achievements. You can get your own copy of Flex: Smart Strategies to Build a Successful Career Around Your Life at https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/Flex-by-Elizabeth-Willetts/9781394267798 Find Elizabeth at https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-willetts/ and sign up to her newsletter and/or job board at https://investinginwomen.co.uk/ If you enjoy the podcast please help us grow by sharing this episode, or writing a review. You can also find me at www.thetripleshift.org  connect with me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmacthomas/  follow along on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/middlingalong_podcast/ or subscribe to my Substack at https://middlingalong.substack.com/   

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