Making a podcast is an easy, independent way for you to get your ideas out to an audience. We had no idea what we were doing when we started but 40 episodes later we've learned a lot. We hope we can inspire you to give it a go.

We talk you through how we developed the idea for The Right Side of 40 podcast. We share how we recorded, edited, and published the episodes. We also built a website and launched a social media marketing campaign. We know we got some things right and there are things we wish we had done better. However, we are proud we tried something new post-40.

Episode length: 65 minutes

Further reading and other resources

https://www.rightsideof40pod.com/resources

www.rightsideof40pod.com/blog40plus

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We talk to Lena Rantsevich about rethinking recruitment. Lena is launching an app called Reputy that allows people to evidence their 'human' skills to build up a profile that makes them more attractive to employers and helps people to change jobs more easily because of these transferable skills.

We talk core skills, hot beverages, introverts, mothering, and how reframing your experience or hobbies - including Caroline's quilt - could get you the career change you have been craving.

Episode length: 71 minutes

Further reading and other resources

https://www.rightsideof40pod.com/resources

If you enjoyed this episode then listen to Episode 25 on workplace mindset and wellbeing, or Episode 14 where Helen tells us how she became a social worker drawing on skills she developed during her life that had prepared her for a challenging but rewarding career change post-40. In Episode 33, Polly Collingridge talks to us about how Cultural Intelligence, otherwise known as CQ, is a key value for organisations who wish to create better connections between their workforce and clients. In Episode 6, Louisa Steensma-Williamson describes how you can look at your core skills and reinvent yourself after redundancy.

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Could a neurodiversity diagnosis help you in mid-life? As greater understanding emerges that ADHD and autism present differently in women to men, more women are accessing tests for neurodiversity post-40.

We talk to two cousins about their post-40 assessments - Joanne Limburg was diagnosed with autism and Lisa Gee was diagnosed with ADHD. Throughout their lives they knew they were considered 'odd' or 'different' and that assumptions about their behaviour have affected their education, life and work.

We discuss the negative economic effects of neurodiversity for those who struggle to work full-time or fit into a traditional workplace structure. We also learn some new ways of understanding neurodivergent traits including spikiness and fizziness!

Lisa and Joanne tell us how their diagnosis has enabled them to be more open about their conditions in the workplace and the relief they have felt at now being able to access support and help.

'The sense that... I might be entitled to something, I might be entitled to help, I might not have to struggle in the way that I thought everybody struggled but just managed it better.'

'And I might be able to forgive myself for struggling and allow myself to struggle and allow myself to say, you know what, I'm not going to do this or I'm taking time out because it's harder for me than other people.'

Episode length: 65 minutes

Further reading and other resources

https://www.rightsideof40pod.com/resources

If you enjoyed this episode then listen to Episode 25 on Workplace mindset and wellbeing. Zeenat Noorani talks about creating workplaces that make everyone feel valued and how this particularly benefits the neurodivergent.

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

Pip Bradley got the idea for her business whilst eating at a local pub. With no chilli sauce to add to her meal, Pip wrote up a list of ingredients on the back of a beer mat for her ideal hot sauce. Pip now makes and sells a range of hot sauces, creating not just a succcessful microbusiness but a lifestyle as well.

Pip's story is one of a true creative, using her natural talents and instincts to create her products and grow her brand organically. She runs 'Pip's Hot Sauce' with her partner in life and work, Matt. Their working relationship is a brilliant example of the power of partnership and how important it is to have someone you trust who encourages you to go for it.

'We're doing something that's very much a creative endeavour... and that's how I like it.'

Pip is an active member of a creative community in Birmingham whose support and collaboration have helped her find new directions for the brand. She has also created opportunities for other independent makers to reach customers by setting up Kings Heath Artisan Market in Birmingham.

Pip encourages us to 'just get on with' whatever we want to do, and by the end of this episode you will be sketching out your own ideas for that business you've always wanted to run. Her advice for those thinking about setting up on their own: 'Either shut up or do it.'

Episode length: 55 minutes

Further reading and other resources

https://www.rightsideof40pod.com/resources

If you enjoyed this episode then listen to Episode 4, Stand-up comedy, where Rachel Parkin talks about how she has set up a comedy night in Birmingham, and Episode 35 where Sarah Parkin (yes, they are sisters) tells us about her different approach to work - are they side hustles or is this a portfolio career?

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How does it feel if your family or friends don't understand what you do for a living? Is it important? Do you care? Does it make you feel lonely?

The workplace is a minefield of potential social awkwardness and it doesn't get any easier in midlife.

Socially Awkward Questions - if you dare ask them, we'll answer!

Episode length: 14 minutes

Listen to more Socially Awkward Questions on The Right Side of 40 podcast. Do you have to sign every birthday card at work? Should you message a colleague on holiday? Have you embarrassed yourself on a video call? And what about when your colleague changes their pronouns at work - how do you respect their choice? Do your colleagues leave the office kitchen in a mess? What if your office is too hot or too cold? Do you have to go to your boss's wedding? Do you have to make tea for EVERYONE?! And what about swearing? Do you have to change your work style post-40? What can I wear for work once I turn 40? Should you ever date a co-worker? Should you correct their grammar or spelling?

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Sarah Parkin is a tutor, councillor, gardener and celebrant... multiple side hustles or is this what is now being called a 'portfolio career'?

The cost of living crisis means more people are juggling multiple careers or jobs but it's not just about money, it is also about taking control. Sarah tells us how she manages her many roles to support her family but also how saying 'yes' to things has given her the confidence to find her life's purpose.

'By the age of 52, I have found what I want to do when I'm a grown-up.'

We talk self-employed anxiety, resilience, finding your voice and whack-a-mole. Sarah is someone who is writing her own story and has found a new career celebrating other people's.

Episode length: 62 minutes.

Further reading and other resources

https://ww.rightsideof40pod.com/resources

If you enjoyed this episode then listen to Episode 18, Two careers and counting, Claire tells us how she trained to be a counsellor thinking that she was swapping an old career for a new one but realised that one complimented the other.

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Even if they ask you? Do we even care so much about gramma & spelleeng enny moor?

The workplace is a minefield of potential social awkwardness and it doesn't get any easier in midlife.

Socially Awkward Questions - if you dare ask them, we'll answer!

Episode length: 10 minutes

Listen to more Socially Awkward Questions on The Right Side of 40 podcast. Do you have to sign every birthday card at work? Should you message a colleague on holiday? Have you embarrassed yourself on a video call? And what about when your colleague changes their pronouns at work - how do you respect their choice? Do your colleagues leave the office kitchen in a mess? What if your office is too hot or too cold? Do you have to go to your boss's wedding? Do you have to make tea for EVERYONE?! And what about swearing? Do you have to change your work style post-40? What can I wear for work once I turn 40? Should you ever date a co-worker?

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

Polly Collingridge talks to us about how Cultural Intelligence, otherwise known as CQ, is a key value for organisations who wish to create better connections between their workforce and clients - and leads to improved productivity. CQ also provides a common language to negotiate difference without conflict and can help our diverse workforces feel included and communicate effectively.

Sounds great but what is it, how do we get it, or do we have it already?

Polly describes how CQ asks us to question the assumptions we make about people. We are taught that we should treat others how WE wish to be treated but is that enough? Cultural Intelligence encourages us to treat others how THEY would like to be treated.

How do you think you would score if you took a CQ test?

Episode length: 58 minutes

Further reading and other resources

https://ww.rightsideof40pod.com/resources

If you enjoyed this episode, listen to our Career Conundrums in Episodes 12 and 13 where we talk about imposter syndrome, being branded as negative, quiet quitting and unsolvable problems. We also looked to Gen Z and what we can learn from them in terms of work/life balance.

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Should you tell anyone? What happens if you split up? What happens if YOU are the boss?

The workplace is a minefield of potential social awkwardness and it doesn't get any easier in midlife.

Socially Awkward Questions - if you dare ask them, we'll answer!

Episode length: 11 minutes

www.rightsideof40pod.com/episodes

Listen to more Socially Awkward Questions on The Right Side of 40 podcast. Do you have to sign every birthday card at work? Should you message a colleague on holiday? Have you embarrassed yourself on a video call? And what about when your colleague changes their pronouns at work - how do you respect their choice? Do your colleagues leave the office kitchen in a mess? What if your office is too hot or too cold? Do you have to go to your boss's wedding? Do you have to make tea for EVERYONE?! And what about swearing? Do you have to change your work style post-40? What can I wear for work once I turn 40?

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

'I want women to be reading my books and think, I feel heard by you.'

We also learn that creating these books is a team effort. Kerry describes the need to trust other people and let editors and publishers bring their expertise to get the finished book over the line. It's not easy to hand over the baby but she has learned to let go.

Episode length: 68 minutes

Further reading and other resources

https://www.rightsideof40pod.com/resources

If you enjoyed this episode, listen to Janet Awe talk about her love of storytelling and her career in TV and film development. Janet shares her story in Episode 16

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

The workplace is a minefield of potential social awkwardness and it doesn't get any easier in midlife.

Socially Awkward Questions - if you dare ask them, we'll answer!

Episode length: 2 minutes

Listen to more Socially Awkward Questions on The Right Side of 40 podcast. Do you have to sign every birthday card at work? Should you message a colleague on holiday? Have you embarrassed yourself on a video call? And what about when your colleague changes their pronouns at work - how do you respect their choice? Do your colleagues leave the office kitchen in a mess? What if your office is too hot or too cold? Do you have to go to your boss's wedding? Do you have to make tea for EVERYONE?! And what about swearing?

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

Listen to our new episode where we discuss tissues, time machines and the tendency to not recognise our own worth.

Let us know what you think. What do you wish you had packed for your post-40 journey?

Episode length: 46 minutes

We're on the Right Side of 40 - are you?

Further reading and other resources

https://www.rightsideof40pod.com/resources

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

What's your favourite swear word and do you swear in front of Grandma?

The workplace is a minefield of potential social awkwardness and it doesn't get any easier in midlife.

Socially Awkward Questions - if you dare ask them, we'll answer!

Episode length: 7 minutes

Listen to more Socially Awkward Questions on The Right Side of 40 podcast. Do you have to sign every birthday card at work? Should you message a colleague on holiday? Have you embarrassed yourself on a video call? And what about when your colleague changes their pronoun at work - how do you respect their choice? Do your colleagues leave the office kitchen in a mess? What if your office is too hot or too cold? Do you have to go to your boss's wedding? And do you have to make tea for EVERYONE?!

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

Do you have a dream you can't give up on? Gabrielle Gascoigne always wanted to be a doctor, however, life took her down another path... or two... or three. She didn't give up though, and at the age of 46, Gabrielle began studying medicine at University College London. It wasn't easy but she has gone on to have a successful career and is now a Specialty Doctor in Palliative Medicine.

Gabrielle's story shows us there isn't one way to live a life or get where you want to be, and women often have a different experience of their working lives. For Gabrielle, her journey to become a doctor was always meant to be 'Gabrielle's way'. Listen to this amazing story of a young girl who became a determined mother raising young girls but also did not give up on her dream.

Gabrielle talks about how her experiences have shaped her as a doctor in a positive way. We also discuss the benefits of good palliative care and what it can mean for friends and family to be part of a 'good death'.

Episode length: 70 minutes

We're on the Right Side of 40 - are you?

Further reading and other resources

https://www.rightsideof40pod.com/resources

If you enjoyed this episode then listen to Episode 14 where Helen talks about how she realised that the skills she had developed during her life had prepared her for the challenging but rewarding career change to become a social worker. In Episode 18, Two careers and counting, Claire tells us how she trained to be a counsellor thinking that she was swapping an old career for a new one but realised that one complimented the other.

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

What if my workplace is huge? What if I ... *whispers* ... I don't drink tea?

The workplace is a minefield of potential social awkwardness and it doesn't get any easier in midlife.

Socially Awkward Questions - if you dare ask them, we'll answer!

Episode length: 7 minutes

Listen to more Socially Awkward Questions on The Right Side of 40 podcast. Do you have to sign every birthday card at work? Should you ever message a colleague on holiday? Have you embarrassed yourself on a video call? And what about when your colleague changes their pronoun at work - how do you respect their choice? Do your colleagues leave the office kitchen in a mess? What if your office is too hot or too cold? Do you have to go to your boss's wedding?

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

In this episode, we meet Zeenat Noorani who is a workplace mindset and wellbeing coach. Zeenat talks us through some of the techniques and therapies she uses with individuals and organisations to promote wellbeing. Zeenat explains how the best organisations have a growth mindset and how looking deeper at behaviour and productivity can help managers identify individuals who need more support in the workplace.

Zeenat also shares with us her fascinating journey from professional skater and teacher, to wellbeing coach and campaigner against loneliness in adults and young people.

Finally, Zeenat encourages us to 'listen to ourselves and others' and ask ourselves 'who am I really'. Listen to this fascinating episode about how to break habits and limiting beliefs.

Episode length: 64 minutes

We're on the Right Side of 40 - are you?

Further reading and other resources

https://www.rightsideof40pod.com/resources

If you enjoyed this episode then listen to Episode 21 with Menopause champion, Lauren Chiren. Find out how a menopause coach can help you and how being menopause savvy can improve productivity for organisations and their employees.

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

What would you do? And do you then have to invite them to your wedding?

Socially Awkward Questions - if you dare ask them, we'll answer!

The workplace is a minefield of potential social awkwardness and it doesn't get any easier in midlife.

Episode length: 11 minutes

Listen to more Socially Awkward Questions on The Right Side of 40 podcast. Do you have to sign every birthday card at work? Should you ever message a colleague on holiday? Have you embarrassed yourself on a video call? And what about when your colleague changes their pronoun at work - how do you respect their choice? Do your colleagues leave the office kitchen in a mess? What if your office is too hot or too cold?

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

Pickleball? Yes, pickleball. It has an odd name but it's one of the fastest-growing sports in the world so we had to find out more. Social, fun, intergenerational and easy to play - what's not to love? Even better, the court is smaller and the ball is slower - is this the perfect game for the over-40s? We learn all about this accessible sport including 'no volleying in the kitchen' and 'don't forget to bend low when you are dinking'.

We all know we need to stay fit and healthy post-40 and maybe we can get you addicted to Pickleball like Raelene.

Episode length: 45 minutes

We're on the Right Side of 40 - are you?

Further reading and other resources

https://www.rightsideof40pod.com/resources

If you enjoyed this episode then listen to Episode 10 where we talk to Selena Whitehead about the benefits of cold water swimming. Did you know it can improve your mental health and approach to life and work?

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

Temperature wars!! Apparently one of the main reasons people didn't want to go back into the office post-Covid. Are you too hot, too cold or just fed up?

Socially Awkward Questions - if you dare ask them, we'll answer!

The workplace is a minefield of potential social awkwardness and it doesn't get any easier in midlife.

Episode length: 13 minutes

Listen to more Socially Awkward Questions on The Right Side of 40 podcast. Do you have to sign every birthday card at work? Should you ever message a colleague on holiday? Have you embarrassed yourself on a video call? And what about when your colleague changes their pronoun at work - how do you respect their choice? Do your colleagues leave the office kitchen in a mess? And what do you do if someone eats your food?

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

Lauren Chiren thought she had signs of early dementia and had handed in her notice from her senior level job when her doctor told her she was 'just' going through the menopause. Now a passionate advocate for all things hormonal, Lauren wants to ensure that all women have the support they need in the workplace. Lauren tells us how menopause coaching is not just about supporting individuals but creating a whole new mindset for organisations that helps them retain key staff members. Being menopause supportive is business savvy.

Did you know your hormones could be your superpowers? Lauren explains how understanding them can lead to greater productivity in the workplace as well as improved mental wellbeing.

More than anything Lauren wants to demystify a previously taboo subject and wants us all to shout out loud and proud: 'MENOPAUSE!!'

This episode is powered by HRT.

Episode length: 58 minutes

We're on the Right Side of 40 - are you?

Further reading and other resources

https://www.rightsideof40pod.com/resources

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

Stolen lunches, dirty dishes, and a lot of crumbs. Food dilemmas at work give us plenty to feel awkward about.

Socially Awkward Questions - if you dare ask them, we'll answer!

The workplace is a potential minefield and it doesn't get any easier in midlife.

Episode length: 12 minutes

Listen to more Socially Awkward Questions on The Right Side of 40 podcast. Do you have to sign every birthday card at work? Should you ever message a colleague on holiday? Have you embarrassed yourself on a video call? And what about when your colleague changes their pronoun at work - how do you respect their choice?

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

Where is your place in the world? After Karen Bailey's children had flown the nest, she decided to have a new adventure volunteering at an elephant sanctuary in Cambodia. Holidays give us time to think about big life decisions but Karen did not expect her trip to Cambodia to have such a profound effect on her life or the lives of the people she met. By the end of her visit, she had set up an education charity aiming to break the cycles of poverty in rural communities in Cambodia.

Everyone can make a difference but who knows when that moment of inspiration will come.

'Just get started and the rest takes care of itself.'

If you would like to donate to Cambodia Development Project please follow this PayPal link: https://www.paypal.me/CDPO

Episode length: 56 minutes

We're on the Right Side of 40 - are you?

If you enjoy this episode, check out our other inspirational stories of women who have pursued new careers and passions post-40. We discuss stand-up comedy, wild swimming, TV and film development, and how a lifetime of listening is good training for a career in counseling and social work. Are you on the Right Side of 40?

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

Claire tells us how the intensive training she undertook gave her the confidence to see that she already had a lot of the skills required to make counselling a successful career. We also learn about Claire's role as a grief counsellor which is not something she ever expected to do.

We're on the Right Side of 40 - are you?

Episode length: 49 minutes

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

The workplace is a minefield of potential social awkwardness and it doesn't get any easier in midlife.

Socially Awkward Questions - if you dare ask them, we'll answer!

'Anyone who is looking at work emails on holiday is clearly having a bad holiday.'

Episode length: 5 minutes

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

There's so much advice here for budding writers and producers about never giving up on your passion and staying true to your own creative voice. And never be afraid to go back to school, particularly if it's film school! Janet leaves us with the best question you can ask yourself in your 40s or at any point in your life - 'how do you want to spend the rest of your days?'

In Trying Something New we talk to women who have started new careers or have finally got round to tackling some of those dreams they've had on hold.

We're on the Right Side of 40 - are you?

Episode length: 65 minutes

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

The workplace is a minefield of potential social awkwardness and it doesn't get any easier in midlife.

Socially Awkward Questions - if you dare ask them, we'll answer!

'I've gotten a lot better at admitting that I don't understand something, openly.'

'Unfortuntately, fundamentally, a lot of things I cannot change about myself. And some things you are always going to feel awkward about.'

Episode length: 9 minutes.

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

Episode length: 46 minutes

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

We explore 'quiet quitting' and what managers should look out for. We talk about cynicism, unsolveable problems and finding your 'Goldilocks Zone'. We also look to Gen Z and what we can learn from them in terms of work/life balance.

Episode length: 39 minutes

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

Episode length: 43 minutes

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

The workplace is a minefield of potential social awkwardness and it doesn't get any easier in middle-age.

Socially Awkward Questions - if you dare ask them, we'll answer!

'Life's hard enough without everybody commenting on how you look.'

Episode length: 11 minutes

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

Episode length: 49 minutes

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

The workplace is a minefield of potential social awkwardness and it doesn't get any easier in middle age.

Socially Awkward Questions - if you dare ask them, we'll answer!

Does your boss need to see your holiday beach selfies?

Episode length: 7 minutes

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

We're on the Right Side of 40 - are you?

Episode length: 65 minutes

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

Sometimes we are afraid of getting things wrong in the workplace or accidentally offending a co-worker when we are not sure of the right thing to say.

The workplace is a minefield of potential social awkwardness and it doesn't get any easier in middle-age.

Socially Awkward Questions - if you dare ask them, we'll answer!

Episode length: 3 minutes

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

'If you have an opportunity to do something different, let's for goodness sake, make sure that it's something that you love, that you're good at, and can add value, and make a difference, and that becomes your purpose.'

We're on the Right Side of 40 - are you?

Episode length: 75 minutes

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

The workplace is a minefield of potential social awkwardness and it doesn't get any easier in middle age.

Socially Awkward Questions - if you dare ask them, we'll answer!

"Camera on or off?"

Episode length: 18 minutes

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

In Trying Something New we talk to women who have started new careers or have finally got round to tackling some of those dreams they've had on hold.

We're on the Right Side of 40 - are you?

Episode length: 32 minutes

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

The workplace is a minefield of potential social awkwardness and it doesn't get any easier in midlife.

Socially Awkward Questions - if you dare ask them, we'll answer!

'Eve, you're making this too complicated. We're talking about cake and birthday cards!'

Episode length: 9 minutes

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

We're on the Right Side of 40 - are you?

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

It's an old cliché that women (or men) aged over 40 are on the 'wrong side' of life. Our amazing guests tell us about the new careers and hobbies they kickstarted post-40. We hope they will inspire you.

With good humour, and many years of life and work experience to draw on, Eve and Caroline explore what it's like for women today working in our 40s, 50s, and 60s.

We also discuss career dilemmas that we may be facing in the work-place. It's not easy navigating the ups and downs but being older brings a fresh perspective – and remember, you are not alone!

We're on the Right Side of 40 - are you?

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

Our aim is to use our experience to explore lots of different ways to answer that question and rethink how we deal with work and life now that we’re supposed to be older and wiser. Deciding if we’re on the right or the wrong side of 40, or somewhere in between, is up to each of us to decide for ourselves.

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