Why are so many women being diagnosed with ADHD in midlife? and what does menopause have to do with it?

In this episode, Michelle chats with Women’s Psychologist Leanne Mulheron about the rising awareness of ADHD in midlife women, and how it often overlaps with menopause. As more women begin to wonder if their symptoms are more than just hormonal changes, there’s a growing understanding that ADHD may be part of the picture.

Leanne shares why so many women are only being diagnosed later in life, and what that means emotionally, socially, and medically. They also explore the link between ADHD and PMDD, the role of hormones and medication, and therapeutic strategies that can help women feel more in control and supported.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Is it just brain fog - or something more?” this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:

• ADHD symptoms in women are frequently masked, which can delay diagnosis.
• Medication is not one-size-fits-all and must be carefully managed.
• Social interactions can be draining and overwhelming for women with ADHD.
• PMDD and ADHD share neurotransmitter dysregulation and often overlap.
• Therapeutic strategies can improve quality of life and emotional regulation.
• Many with ADHD excel in high-pressure or crisis situations.
• Empathy and resilience are common characteristics in those with ADHD.
• Cortisol levels can impact the ability to relax and sleep effectively.

If you’d like to connect with Leanne to learn more, you can reach her at Affinity Psychology

If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with a friend or someone who might need to hear this conversation. The more we talk about ADHD and midlife, the more supported women will feel.

I’d also love to hear from you! Your feedback helps shape future episodes and keeps the conversation going. Feel free to reach out anytime at michelle@your2ndact.com.

If you enjoyed this chat, why not share the love with a 5⭐ rating or a quick review? Your words might be exactly what another woman needs to hear today.

✨ Let’s stay connected:

• 📺 Watch this episode on YouTube
• 📲 Follow on Instagram
• 💬 Join the private Facebook group

Imagine reaching midlife and deciding to take a gap year, on your own, without your family, and without all the usual responsibilities. How many times have you thought, "I wish I could just do that," but for some reason, you don’t because you’re scared of change and the unknown? Well, today’s guest is anything but scared of having a go. Monique van Tulder took the leap. She stepped away from her busy life, not to escape, but to reconnect with herself, recharge, and rediscover who she truly is.

Monique’s gap year wasn’t about running away from life, it was about creating the time and space she needed for self-reflection and personal growth. Her journey not only gave her the clarity she needed but also inspired her to write A Grown Up’s Gap Year. In her book, Monique shares how taking time for yourself, embracing change, and stepping into the unknown can lead to a deeper understanding of who you are and what you want from life.

Monique offers practical advice for women who feel stuck or overwhelmed, reminding us that it’s never too late to make a change. Sometimes, all it takes is asking, "Why not now?"

To follow Monique’s journey and get your copy of A Grown Up’s Gap Year, visit her on Instagram.

Takeaways:

• Self-care is essential for personal well-being.
• Traveling alone can be a transformative experience.
• Midlife is a time for self-discovery and change.
• Confidence grows when you prioritise your own needs.
• It’s okay to say no to things that don’t serve you.
• Asking 'why not now?' can motivate action.

💬 If this episode resonated with you...
I’d love to hear from you! Your feedback helps shape future episodes and keeps the conversation going. Feel free to reach out anytime at michelle@your2ndact.com

Also, if you enjoyed this chat, why not share the love with a 5⭐ rating or a quick review? Your words might be exactly what another woman needs to hear today.

✨ Let’s stay connected:

• 📺 Watch this episode on YouTube
• 📲 Follow on Instagram
• 💬 Join the private Facebook group

So many women in midlife find themselves thinking, “What happened to my sex drive?” Whether it feels like it’s gone on a long holiday or disappeared completely, it’s something that’s often joked about, but rarely talked about honestly.

In this episode, I chat with Amy Campbell, a clinical psychologist, sex therapist, and author of The Mindful Sex Guide, about the very real challenges women face around sex, desire, and intimacy during midlife. We explore everything from the impact of menopause and hormonal shifts, to the mental load, body image, and relationship dynamics that can quietly affect your libido.

Amy shares what’s really going on beneath the surface, how to start reconnecting with your sexual self, and why it’s never too late to redefine what pleasure and intimacy look like. We also unpack the difference between spontaneous and responsive desire (hint: if you're waiting to feel like it, you might be waiting a looooooooong time).

This conversation is all about removing the shame, breaking down myths, and giving women the tools to feel empowered and connected, both to themselves and their partners.

Key takeaways:
• Libido changes in midlife are common and normal.
• Menopause isn’t the only factor impacting desire.
• Stress, relationship dynamics, and body image all play a role.
• Understanding responsive vs. spontaneous desire is key.
• Pleasure doesn’t have to mean performance or pressure.
• Intimacy can (and should) evolve as we age.
• Many women were raised with shame around sex.
• Communication and curiosity are vital in long term relationships.
• Mindful sex can help women feel more present and connected.
• Your sexuality doesn’t disappear with age - it can deepen.

This episode is an honest, empowering reminder that it’s okay to ask questions, get curious, and prioritise your sexual wellbeing, no matter what age or stage you're at. So here’s to discovering more sexy time in midlife!

💬 If this episode resonated with you...
I’d love to hear from you! Your feedback helps shape future episodes and keeps the conversation going. Feel free to reach out anytime at michelle@your2ndact.com

Also, if you enjoyed this chat, why not share the love with a 5⭐ rating or a quick review? Your words might be exactly what another woman needs to hear today.

✨ Let’s stay connected:

• 📺 Watch this episode on YouTube
• 📲 Follow on Instagram
• 💬 Join the private Facebook group

Michelle x

Instead of the kids moving out, you pack up and leave, giving them the family home while you and your partner start fresh somewhere new. That’s exactly what Sara and her husband did, and in this conversation, Sara shares how this bold move transformed her life, relationships, and business.

She opens up about the unexpected benefits, from watching her son’s step into independence, to discovering the joy of a slower pace and finding a welcoming new community. Most importantly, this time away gave Sara the space to finally write her first book, something she’d been wanting to do for years, sparking new creative passions and exciting opportunities.

We also explore how she’s redefined family dynamics, adapted her business, and deepened her relationship with her husband.

Key takeaways:

• The empty nest can be redefined in positive, empowering ways.
• Adult children can thrive when given independence and responsibility.
• Slowing down can lead to unexpected personal growth and creativity.
• Remote work allows for a more flexible, fulfilling lifestyle.

This episode is a refreshing reminder that change doesn’t have to be something we fear, it can be the start of an exciting new chapter.

I’m all about supporting midlife women in any way I can, and writing a book is such a massive achievement. So, if you’re keen to check out Sara’s book, Beyond Solo, here it is!

💬 If this episode resonated with you...
I’d love to hear from you! Your feedback helps shape future episodes and keeps the conversation going. Feel free to reach out anytime at michelle@your2ndact.com

Also, if you enjoyed this chat, why not share the love with a 5⭐ rating or a quick review? Your words might be exactly what another woman needs to hear today.

✨ Let’s stay connected:

• 📺 Watch this episode on YouTube
• 📲 Follow on Instagram
• 💬 Join the private Facebook group

Michelle x

As we move through midlife, we often focus on the changes we’re experiencing, but what about the men in our lives? Our husbands, partners, brothers, and friends are navigating their own challenges, often in silence.

In this deeply relatable conversation, Michelle speaks with Tim Hewson, founder of Mongrels Men, a groundbreaking charity supporting men’s mental health. Tim shares his personal journey of hiding his struggles for 20 years and how hitting rock bottom after divorce led him to create a safe, supportive community for men to connect, share, and heal.

Together, Michelle and Tim explore why so many men find it hard to open up, why isolation hits hard in midlife, and how women can play a crucial role in helping the men they love seek support. They also unpack the alarming rates of male suicide, the stigma around vulnerability, and why we need to change the conversation around masculinity - not just for men, but for all of us.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Many men are taught to hide their struggles, leaving them isolated and unsupported.
✅ Community and connection are powerful tools for improving men’s mental health.
✅ Suicide rates among men are alarmingly high - 75% of deaths by suicide are male.
✅ Women can play a pivotal role in encouraging men to seek help and open up.
✅ Midlife can be a time of loneliness for men, and building friendships can help break that cycle.
✅ Educational programs are key to reshaping conversations around mental health.
✅ Supporting the mental health of the men in our lives ultimately strengthens our families and communities.

🔗 Connect with Tim:
Instagram
Website

💬 If this episode resonated with you...
I’d love to hear from you! Your feedback helps shape future episodes and keeps the conversation going. Feel free to reach out anytime at michelle@your2ndact.com

Also, if you enjoyed this chat, why not share the love with a five-star rating or a quick review? 💫 Your words might be exactly what another woman needs to hear today.

✨ Let’s stay connected:

• 📺 Watch this episode on YouTube
• 📲 Follow on Instagram
• 💬 Join the private Facebook group

Michelle x

Feeling stuck in a style rut? You’re not alone. In this episode, I’m joined by Courtney a fashion stylist, content creator, and someone who’s completely reinvented herself in midlife.

After 30 years in corporate, Courtney found herself questioning what was next (sound familiar?). She made the bold decision to walk away from the safe path and discovered a whole new beginning through styling. Her second act didn’t just change her career, it reignited her purpose.

In this chat, we cover:
✨ How to rebuild confidence through what you wear
🎨 Why colour is your secret styling weapon
👗 Getting more from the wardrobe you already have
💡 Why it’s never too late to try something new
👠 How to play with trends without losing yourself
❤️ Reconnecting with your personal style (and loving it again)
🌟 Real-life inspiration from someone who completely changed direction and made it work

✨ Let’s make midlife your most stylish chapter yet.

🔗 Connect with Courtney:
Instagram
Website

💬 If this episode resonated with you...
I’d love to hear from you! Your feedback helps shape future episodes and keeps the conversation going. Feel free to reach out anytime at michelle@your2ndact.com

Also, if you enjoyed this chat, why not share the love with a five-star rating or a quick review? 💫 Your words might be exactly what another woman needs to hear today.

✨ Let’s stay connected:

• 📺 Watch this episode on YouTube
• 📲 Follow on Instagram
• 💬 Join the private Facebook group

Michelle x

We know how important female friendships are in midlife - hey, imagine life without them… scary, right? These relationships are our lifelines, our sounding boards, and our greatest cheerleaders, but what happens when a friendship no longer aligns with who you are? When it quietly starts to feel more draining than uplifting, and you’re faced with the uncomfortable truth that it might be time to walk away?

In this solo episode, Michelle dives into the emotional rollercoaster of midlife friendships, how they change, why some fade, and how to navigate it all without guilt. Drawing from her own reflections and powerful conversations in her community, she opens up about the bittersweet nature of letting go, while embracing the joy of meaningful new connections.

She also shares Mel Robbins' concept of the three pillars of friendship - proximity, timing, and energy, and how they can help us better understand the evolution of our relationships.

Resources & Links:

If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear from you! Your feedback helps shape future episodes and keeps the conversation going. Feel free to reach out anytime at michelle@your2ndact.com

Also, if you enjoyed this chat, why not share the love with a five-star rating or a quick review? 💫 Your words might be exactly what another woman needs to hear today.

✨ Let’s stay connected:

• 📺 Watch this episode on YouTube
• 📲 Follow on Instagram
• 💬 Join the private Facebook group
• 🎧 Mel Robbins episode mentioned: "Why Making Friends As An Adult Feels Impossible"

Lastly, if you know a woman who might need to hear this episode share it with her. These kinds of conversations can be the gentle nudge someone needs.

Michelle x

Midlife is often seen as a time of reflection, but for many women, it’s also a time of bold reinvention. In this episode, I speak with Ren, co-founder of ReLove, about how she embraced her 2nd Act by starting a much needed charity, one that not only changed her life, but is transforming the lives of others.

ReLove provides furniture and household essentials to people in crisis, particularly women escaping domestic violence, homelessness, and other hardships. Through this work, Ren is not just offering physical support, but also restoring dignity, stability, and hope.

We explore the challenges of starting something completely new in midlife, the emotional and logistical hurdles of running a charity, and the incredible impact that comes from stepping into a purpose driven life. We also discuss the alarming rise in homelessness among women over 45 and the urgent need for more support and awareness.

Women in their second acts aren’t just reinventing themselves, they’re championing change, lifting others up, and proving that midlife is the perfect time to give back in meaningful ways. Ren’s journey is a testament to the power of purpose, community, and the ripple effect of kindness.

Resources & Links:

If you’ve been looking for a way to give back, I urge you to support this amazing charity. Whether it’s by volunteering your time, donating furniture, or contributing funds, every little bit helps. Click the link for more information on how you can be part of the ReLove movement.

If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear from you! Your feedback helps shape future episodes and keeps the conversation going. Feel free to reach out anytime at michelle@your2ndact.com.

And if you enjoyed this chat, why not share the love with a five-star rating or a quick review? Your words might be exactly what another woman needs to hear today.

Catch this episode on YouTube, stay connected with me on Instagram for exclusive updates, and join my private Facebook group to dive even deeper into our community.

Michelle x