She left Holby City, dropped 3 stone, gained a granddaughter, and is still lighting up the West End in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. This week, actress and accidental TikTok star Catherine Russell joins us to talk joyful ageing, misophonia, campervan blow-ups, ditching the hair dye — and why she’s determined to choose joy in her 60s.

Got your own reinvention (or campervan row) to share?

We’d love to hear from you at podcast@htb60.com

And don’t forget — we’re at the Edinburgh Fringe, 10–12 August at 2:45PM.

Book tickets now via Gilded Balloon or the Fringe website — it’ll be emotional, and probably inappropriate.

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

On this week’s Midweek Catchup, Karen shares something profoundly personal: her recent breast cancer diagnosis. From finding a lump, to unexpected test results, to prepping for surgery — she opens up about the emotional rollercoaster, the conversations with family, and the quiet strength it takes to keep going when life changes overnight.

This episode is about the surrealness of it all — how it doesn’t feel like it’s happening, how you shop for post-surgery bras while still cycling to appointments, and how even in the middle of it, there’s room for strawberries, courgettes, and a little lipstick.

Whether you’ve faced something similar, or you’re supporting someone who has, Karen’s story will resonate — honest, grounded, and full of heart.

Get in touch with your thoughts at podcast@htb60.com.

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

She’s 63 with a biological age of 20 — and Kaye and Karen are trying to smile through the envy. In this episode, they’re joined by journalist and author Sandra Parsons, whose book Age Less is flying off shelves faster than a pair of sensible Skechers. Sandra shares how she rewired her body (and mindset) through fibre, fasting, running, and yes — cauliflower for breakfast.

From the science of glycans and autophagy to the reality of longevity clinics and the occasional well-timed Turkish bath, this is a warm, witty deep-dive into what happens when you stop accepting age as inevitable — and start treating it as optional.

Also featuring: alpacas, biological rage, and why cauliflower might just be the new Chardonnay.

Get in touch with your thoughts at podcast@htb60.com – and yes, there’s still time to book tickets for the How to Be 60 live show at the Edinburgh Festival (Aug 10–12, 2:45pm) at https://tickets.gildedballoon.co.uk/event/14:5856/

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

On this week’s Midweek Catchup, Karen returns from her Hebridean holiday – campervan, cow traffic, and all – and declares herself a far superior driver (Stephen’s bruised knuckles may disagree). Meanwhile, Kaye faces the emotional landmine of letting go – almost – of her late mum’s chandelier, dad’s favourite chair, and that ugly-but-meaningful desk… all for the Yorkshire Auction House.

Plus: why Kaye’s poached eggs could double as weapons, and the moment she had to place a jumbo salt tub on the dinner table.

Whether you're downsizing, free camping, or trying to impress the neighbours with wild salmon (don’t), there’s something here for everyone who knows this chapter of life is never dull.

Get in touch with your thoughts at podcast@htb60.com – and yes, there’s still time to book tickets for the How to Be 60 live show at the Edinburgh Festival (Aug 10–12, 2:45pm) at https://tickets.gildedballoon.co.uk/event/14:5856/

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

On this week’s episode, we’re joined by author and menopause campaigner Kate Muir, who takes us through the glorious chaos of her fifties—from divorce and career detonation to therapy, HRT, and finally, healing on a Hebridean beach.

Kate lays bare the mess and magic of a “magnificent midlife crisis,” revealing how hormonal havoc triggered a total life reboot—and why she believes therapy is more necessity than indulgence. From tear-stained shopping lists to surprise late-life love, her story is raw, witty, and defiantly hopeful.

Whether you're battling brain fog or just wondering what's next, this is a must-listen for anyone trying to make sense of their second act.

Kate's new book, How to Have a Magnificent Midlife Crisis: Rethink, Reboot, Revive and Thrive, is out now.

Get in touch with your thoughts at podcast@htb60.com.

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

On this week’s Midweek Catchup, we find Karen fresh off the plane from Italy — sun-kissed, smug, and still moaning about Kaye’s teacups. Meanwhile, Kaye's dealing with a holiday-free existential wobble, thanks to ITV’s major cuts to Loose Women. But true to form, she’s channeling change into downsizing chaos, emotional reinvention... and maybe offloading a baby grand piano.

From lipstick regrets to toe-breaking tragedies and a t-shirt that defied hygiene norms, it’s never just about summer holidays. Because no one tells you your sixties will involve arguing over crockery while secretly Googling “Russian Red vs. Chili.”

Whether you’re team mug-specific or team make-do, this one’s for anyone balancing life’s curveballs with a dodgy yoga pose and a bit of perspective.

Get in touch with your thoughts at podcast@htb60.com.

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

On this week’s episode, we’re joined by the world’s coolest makeup artist and Glow Up judge, Val Garland, who proves that ageing doesn’t mean fading — it means owning. From painting gold curtains post-divorce to redefining what it means to be stylish at 66, Val shares how she lives boldly, dresses on her own terms, and refuses to shrink to fit.

We talk fearless reinvention, finding your signature look, and why “you look good for your age” isn’t the compliment people think it is. Val’s take? “Don’t be old. Be bold.”

Whether you’re still figuring out your red lip or dodging neck masks with questionable results, this one’s for anyone navigating confidence, clothes, and identity in the decade where you stop asking permission.

Get in touch with your thoughts at podcast@htb60.com.

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

On this week’s Midweek Catchup, Karen’s trying to shake a cold and wrangle baby Tulip (not easy when you’ve only packed menthol tissues and blind optimism). Kaye joins her for a heartfelt conversation about motherhood, timing, and the lives we don’t end up living.

It’s a conversation about choice, but also circumstance — and how easy it is to misread someone else’s story.

Whether you’ve raised a brood, hoped to, or never saw it for yourself — this one’s gentle, honest, and wide open.

Get in touch with your thoughts at podcast@htb60.com.

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