40ish - Navigating midlife and perimenopause

Today on 40ish: It may be Nicole’s most rock n’ roll Saturday night ever as she treats herself to “putting on a small washing load” and Lauren has bought a ticket to an antiques fair. Wild. Reckless. Who even are we anymore? We’ve got some lovely listener feedback (including a genuinely helpful iron supplement tip, who knew we’d become this demographic), before diving into a dilemma that is equal parts hilarious and slightly unhinged: what do you do when your husband develops a deep and ongoing appreciation for Emma Willis? In other news a listener shares the heartbreak of discontinued lipstick and perfume. If you’re enjoying the episode, share it with a friend who also thinks a quiet wash cycle is now a legitimate weekend plan. Get in touch! Email hello@40ish.co.uk Instagram https://www.instagram.com/40ish.podcast  TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@40ish.podcast Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/share/DVQWb6y2vesgeHEK/?mibextid=LQQJ4d  To order our book HAVE YOU TRIED THIS?” click here  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Have-You-Tried-This-Only/dp/1801293139/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1O7EA4ZF1O5CS&keywords=have+you+tried+this&qid=1699449028&sprefix=have+you+tried+%2Caps%2C125&sr=8-2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on 40ish:, things get deep (briefly) because Nicole meditated (we know, who is she?), and we also tackle the Oscars - mainly how illegally and problematically handsome Paul Anthony Kelly is. Also, are we just too old to get Timothée Chalamet. Is he brilliant? Is he a Year 8 boy? A listener has a dilemma with a truly stomach dropping moment;  discovering a Mumsnet thread that may or may not be about you. Cue paranoid spiralling. In meltdown news: themes include being called rude by a stranger (how very dare they), and a listener rant that will resonate with anyone who has ever tried to enjoy a peaceful dog walk only to be ambushed by a neighbour with strong bin opinions. If you’re enjoying the episode, share it with a friend who also pretends to understand Timothée Chalamet. Get in touch! Email hello@40ish.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on 40ish, Nicole reports from the glamorous world of post-surgery recovery where the main event of the day is… taking painkillers. Timing them, thinking about them, planning the next one. Meanwhile, Lauren has a mysterious foot situation developing. There is very validating listener feedback about the extremely serious issue of designated mugs. We also tackle this week’s dilemma where a woman is left wondering if some friendships can recover after youve been seriously let down. Plus we share some midlife meltdowns, including an existential crisis in the cereal aisle and a listener asking the question many of us are secretly thinking: what exactly is the point of Facebook now? Expect rants, honesty and the comforting reminder that midlife is mostly just trying to take the right painkiller at the right time while drinking out of the correct mug. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Perimenopause, brain fog and relationships  This week on 40ish: Nicole debates if she’s doing too little or too much post surgery - (the fact she cant stand her living room wall paint suggests the former) and Lauren attends her 30yr school reunion. The listeners have feedback for James after his appearances on the show (Let’s just say his comments about women drivers have not gone unnoticed). We also tackle this week’s dilemma from Clare who asks how do you deal with partners  who simply don’t understand that perimenopause gives rage. Plus we share some midlife meltdowns, including the moment an iPhone storage warning leads to the rabbit hole of just how dull your life is judging by your screenshots. Get in touch! Email hello@40ish.co.uk Instagram https://www.instagram.com/40ish.podcast  TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@40ish.podcast Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/share/DVQWb6y2vesgeHEK/?mibextid=LQQJ4d  To order our book HAVE YOU TRIED THIS?” click here  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Have-You-Tried-This-Only/dp/1801293139/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1O7EA4ZF1O5CS&keywords=have+you+tried+this&qid=1699449028&sprefix=have+you+tried+%2Caps%2C125&sr=8-2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on 40ish: It’s Lauren’s birthday and she’s apparently a fortune teller now. Nicole is feeling grateful for all her ‘get well soon’ gifts and lighting the candle whilst wearing crystals in her bra. We solve a listener dilemma involving overhearing two women casually tearing apart a friend at a party. Do you tell her? Confront them? Pretend you never heard it? Or carry the resentment like a weight around your neck? Plus: where are we with trainers? Specifically sneakerinas. Are they chic? Are they confusing? Are we too old to understand what’s happening to footwear? A listener meltdown finds a midlifer deeply distressed about Asda discontinuing her seeded loaf. Midlife: it’s petty, profound and occasionally 49p more expensive than it used to be. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on 40ish: Nicole returns to work post op, but now she’s officially menopausal and quietly wondering if she’s evolved beyond the podcast. Has she transcended? (short answer, no) Meanwhile Lauren absolutely has not evolved, as her cycle has somehow synced with her dog’s. Yes. The dog. There are hormones in the air and no one feels entirely stable about it. Plus both women mess about kissing celebrities (don’t worry, it’s ai) We tackle a listener dilemma involving a Mother-in-Law who has requested a private Mother’s Day audience exclusively with “the people I gave birth to.” No spouses. No extras. Just the original cast. Is it sentimental? territorial? A ticketed event? Whilst another woman asks if your algorithm is serving you up grouting videos does this make you dull? Join us for midlife in all of its glory. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on 40ish: James is back! giving us a peek inside the internal world of the midlife male brain including a deep dive into his two-fridge conundrum — while Lauren admits she’s spectacularly hopeless at booking holidays. A listener is being tormented by her husband's (quite frankly revolting sounding) lamp and lactose-intolerant folks rejoice — a milky hack promises sweet relief. Expect laughs, relatable fails, and all the midlife messiness you didn’t know you needed. Get in touch! Email hello@40ish.co.uk Instagram https://www.instagram.com/40ish.podcast  TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@40ish.podcast Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/share/DVQWb6y2vesgeHEK/?mibextid=LQQJ4d  To order our book HAVE YOU TRIED THIS?” click here  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Have-You-Tried-This-Only/dp/1801293139/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1O7EA4ZF1O5CS&keywords=have+you+tried+this&qid=1699449028&sprefix=have+you+tried+%2Caps%2C125&sr=8-2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on 40ish, Nicole is facing every podcaster’s worst nightmare: being replaced. (Temporarily, while she recovers from her op - but still.) Enter James - Brave. Unprepared. About to be exposed to levels of menopause and nunny chat that no man could ever train for. Will he survive? Will he make eye contact again? Only time will tell. Meanwhile, Lauren has had a life-altering revelation about pesto that has raised serious questions about her past, her judgement, and possibly her entire personality. Plus, a listener asks whether the “thumbs- up” emoji  is a perfectly normal response or a pass agg move? Whilst another woman writes in from the trenches of sick children, relentless rain, and the kind of exhaustion that turns you into a barely functioning medieval peasant. Prepare for replacement anxiety and emoji politics. Get in touch! Email hello@40ish.co.uk Instagram https://www.instagram.com/40ish.podcast  TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@40ish.podcast Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/share/DVQWb6y2vesgeHEK/?mibextid=LQQJ4d  To order our book HAVE YOU TRIED THIS?” click here  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Have-You-Tried-This-Only/dp/1801293139/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1O7EA4ZF1O5CS&keywords=have+you+tried+this&qid=1699449028&sprefix=have+you+tried+%2Caps%2C125&sr=8-2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on 40ish: Stop the Press! Nicole has changed foundation brands and has also been rebranded “The Immaculate Bob Lady” Lauren is in some very functional new Uniqlo trousers - they may qualify her for early admission to the National Trust but she has recently discovered she’s an icon, so it’s all ok. A listener asks if she’s being oversensitive when her husband teases her about her outfit - babe, we’ve heard worse - and one woman rants about a pair of shoes that are “So Her” but is too scared to ask for custody. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on 40ish: it's Nicole's birthday. Both Lauren and her padel friends have baked for her although Nicole has to quite literally ‘spell it out’. Lauren shares her latest Amazon purchase - anal gland chews for smelly rear ends (they're for the dog - relax!) and graphically overshares her experience trying on SKIMS. Meanwhile, a listener writes in to ask if she's being unreasonable to be annoyed with her husband sexting her whilst he is away for two weeks and she is left holding the fort at home. Finally, a gym Karen unleashes a rant about girls who scroll Insta whilst strolling slowly as a sloth on the treadmills.  Get in touch! Email hello@40ish.co.uk Instagram https://www.instagram.com/40ish.podcast  TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@40ish.podcast Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/share/DVQWb6y2vesgeHEK/?mibextid=LQQJ4d  To order our book HAVE YOU TRIED THIS?” click here  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Have-You-Tried-This-Only/dp/1801293139/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1O7EA4ZF1O5CS&keywords=have+you+tried+this&qid=1699449028&sprefix=have+you+tried+%2Caps%2C125&sr=8-2 This episode is sponsored by London Nootropics Get 20% off at LondonNootropics.com with the code 40ISH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on 40ish: Lauren buys oat bran.She doesn’t know why. She doesn’t know how to use it. She just knows she should. Nicole, newly Botoxed and feeling refreshed, takes great pleasure in mocking the oat-bran era… before promptly opening her Ocado app to add some to her own basket. It’s fibre fabulous! We also hear from a listener who unleashes menopausal rage at her kids’ headteacher during a Duke of Edinburgh presentation (honestly, that alone would test anyone’s sanity), and another who asks the truly important midlife question: Is it disgusting to try on knickers in a changing room? Expect judgement, solidarity and the comforting reminder that none of us are alone - even when we’re standing on the pavement holding an empty M&S basket. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on 40ish, Lauren and Nicole debut a brand-new game: What’s the Most Middle-Aged Thing in Your Amazon Basket? Brace yourselves; there is nothing remotely sexy about it. Lauren is also celebrating a genuine midlife milestone: she remembered her PIN without having to lock her card. Growth. A listener writes in with a juicy dilemma as she weighs up her stale marriage against some unexpectedly flirty messages from an old flame, and in news that has personally offended us, Gen Z are listing items on Vinted as “Vintage Y2K.”Vintage?! We were there!  Get in touch! Email hello@40ish.co.uk Instagram https://www.instagram.com/40ish.podcast  TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@40ish.podcast Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/share/DVQWb6y2vesgeHEK/?mibextid=LQQJ4d  To order our book HAVE YOU TRIED THIS?” click here  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Have-You-Tried-This-Only/dp/1801293139/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1O7EA4ZF1O5CS&keywords=have+you+tried+this&qid=1699449028&sprefix=have+you+tried+%2Caps%2C125&sr=8-2 This episode is sponsored by London Nootropics Get 20% off at LondonNootropics.com with the code 40ISH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on 40ish: Nicole is still in wardrobe crisis. She’s retreated back to skinny jeans and some decidedly mumsy leather trousers (absolutely do not say the word jeggings). Meanwhile, she’s attempting—against all odds—to convince Lauren to sign up for a 26-mile charity walk. (Spoiler: the chances are slim)  as Lauren is far too busy debating whether it’s socially acceptable to join in a TikTok dance with a group of 12-year-olds. Elsewhere, a listener writes in with an excruciating dilemma after finding herself Maid of Honour to a spectacularly rude bride, and another woman shares a mortifying café mix-up when she confidently shares a coffee with a total stranger. It’s midlife confusion, second-hand embarrassment, and questionable fashion choices—business as usual. Get in touch! Email hello@40ish.co.uk Instagram https://www.instagram.com/40ish.podcast  TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@40ish.podcast Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/share/DVQWb6y2vesgeHEK/?mibextid=LQQJ4d  To order our book HAVE YOU TRIED THIS?” click here  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Have-You-Tried-This-Only/dp/1801293139/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1O7EA4ZF1O5CS&keywords=have+you+tried+this&qid=1699449028&sprefix=have+you+tried+%2Caps%2C125&sr=8-2 This episode is sponsored by London Nootropics Get 20% off at LondonNootropics.com with the code 40ISH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on 40ish Lauren has done her back in by making the bed. Tragic? Yes. Painful? Also yes. Meanwhile Nicole is floating serenely on a cloud of oestrogen but despite the hormonal induced glow her family are still approaching with caution. They discuss the Beckham feud (because it’s deliciously unavoidable)  Lauren's apparent inability to choose shoes that Nicole doesn't deem "DISGUSTING" and why underwear is not optional (and why Nicole needs to repeat this)  Plus: A listener dilemma about hairy arms and meltdowns over Best Before dates and the pronunciation of the letter “H”  It’s Midlife, Minor injuries and Major opinions. Get in touch! Email hello@40ish.co.uk Instagram https://www.instagram.com/40ish.podcast  TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@40ish.podcast Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/share/DVQWb6y2vesgeHEK/?mibextid=LQQJ4d  To order our book HAVE YOU TRIED THIS?” click here  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Have-You-Tried-This-Only/dp/1801293139/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1O7EA4ZF1O5CS&keywords=have+you+tried+this&qid=1699449028&sprefix=have+you+tried+%2Caps%2C125&sr=8-2 This episode is sponsored by London Nootropics Get 20% off at LondonNootropics.com with the code 40ISH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on 40ish: Nicole is just one more day away from her HRT implant and her husband is bravely counting down the hours until he can exist, speak, or inhale oxygen without being informed he’s irritating. (Stay strong, Adam). Meanwhile, Lauren and her husband enjoy the most middle-aged date imaginable: a couples health scan. Meanwhile, a listener writes in with her dilemma: She desperately wants to go nowhere and do absolutely nothing, yet is deeply offended when she’s not invited. It’s advanced-level FOMO that only midlife can deliver. And then, naturally, we arrive at bin bag rage. Because bin bags have one job. Splitting open on the clean kitchen floor is just rage baiting in all it’s glory.  Email hello@40ish.co.uk Instagram https://www.instagram.com/40ish.podcast  TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@40ish.podcast Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/share/DVQWb6y2vesgeHEK/?mibextid=LQQJ4d  To order our book HAVE YOU TRIED THIS?” click here  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Have-You-Tried-This-Only/dp/1801293139/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1O7EA4ZF1O5CS&keywords=have+you+tried+this&qid=1699449028&sprefix=have+you+tried+%2Caps%2C125&sr=8-2 This episode is sponsored by London Nootropics Get 20% off at LondonNootropics.com with the code 40ISH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on 40ish: Lauren innocently considers buying some new trainers and is promptly informed by her son she’s an “NPC”. Rude. Confusing (Isn’t that a car park?) We unpack the insult, and whether footwear is now a personality flaw. Meanwhile, the brain fog is fogging as Nicole misplaces her keys and eventually finds them in the last place any sane person would look. And in dilemma territory, things take a deeply uncomfortable turn when a listener realises her doctor is a man she once dated…and he’s about to look at her bum. Is it ever acceptable to say, “Well, this is awkward,” while wearing a paper gown? Midlife confusion, lost keys, and emotional damage. Business as usual. Email hello@40ish.co.uk Instagram https://www.instagram.com/40ish.podcast  TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@40ish.podcast Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/share/DVQWb6y2vesgeHEK/?mibextid=LQQJ4d  To order our book HAVE YOU TRIED THIS?” click here  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Have-You-Tried-This-Only/dp/1801293139/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1O7EA4ZF1O5CS&keywords=have+you+tried+this&qid=1699449028&sprefix=have+you+tried+%2Caps%2C125&sr=8-2 This episode is sponsored by London Nootropics Get 20% off at LondonNootropics.com with the code 40ISH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on 40ish: Nicole finds unexpected emotional support from ChatGPT and, honestly, it’s more validating than most real-life husbands. Speaking of husbands, they are absolutely not winning at life this week. Both Lauren and Nicole have suffered through a list of their offences, including breathing, speaking, napping on the sofa, and the ultimate crime: wearing jeans on the bed. Meanwhile, a listener writes in with anxiety after being asked to take part in a group singalong at a friend’s 50th birthday. Is it a lovely gesture or full on cringe? It’s Midlife dilemmas, minor marital crimes, and awkwardness guaranteed. Email hello@40ish.co.uk Instagram https://www.instagram.com/40ish.podcast  TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@40ish.podcast Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/share/DVQWb6y2vesgeHEK/?mibextid=LQQJ4d  To order our book HAVE YOU TRIED THIS?” click here  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Have-You-Tried-This-Only/dp/1801293139/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1O7EA4ZF1O5CS&keywords=have+you+tried+this&qid=1699449028&sprefix=have+you+tried+%2Caps%2C125&sr=8-2 This episode is sponsored by London Nootropics Get 20% off at LondonNootropics.com with the code 40ISH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today’s episode of 40ish: Lauren is spiralling over the sudden disappearance of Hermesetas and asking how is she supposed to drink a hot beverage now? Whilst Nicole is back at her spiritual home (Costco) and thrilled with her new veg chopper. In other news that nobody emotionally prepared us for: skinny jeans are back. We discuss how to wear them in midlife without looking like you’re heading out to a 2010 Topshop launch in a statement necklace and ballet pumps.. A listener writes in with a bad taste in her mouth (spoiler alert: it’s her mother in laws disgusting cakes) And finally, a listener meltdown involving a first day at a new job, peri-menopausal surprise bleeding, navy trousers doing God’s work, and asking a woman half your age for a tampon. Mortifying. Yes, Highly relatable also yes.  Grab a cuppa (with no hermasetas) and some cake (not that cake) and enjoy!  Email hello@40ish.co.uk Instagram https://www.instagram.com/40ish.podcast  TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@40ish.podcast Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/share/DVQWb6y2vesgeHEK/?mibextid=LQQJ4d  To order our book HAVE YOU TRIED THIS?” click here  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Have-You-Tried-This-Only/dp/1801293139/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1O7EA4ZF1O5CS&keywords=have+you+tried+this&qid=1699449028&sprefix=have+you+tried+%2Caps%2C125&sr=8-2 This episode is sponsored by London Nootropics Get 20% off at LondonNootropics.com with the code 40ISH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on 40ish Lauren faces the ultimate midlife thrill - a trip to Halfords - does she know where her wheel nut key is? Does it exist?  Meanwhile, Nicole is failing the Highway Code and wondering why nobody answers their phone anymore. A listener writes in with a dilemma that perfectly sums up January. She is cheating on her husband - he’s fully invested in the January health kick - whilst she is hiding croissant in her handbag. Add in Drew Barrymore going makeup-free (groundbreaking? discuss), and Lauren finally airing her beef with Billie Eilish and honestly, it’s a full buffet of nonsense, judgement, and solidarity. Email hello@40ish.co.uk Instagram https://www.instagram.com/40ish.podcast  TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@40ish.podcast Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/share/DVQWb6y2vesgeHEK/?mibextid=LQQJ4d  To order our book HAVE YOU TRIED THIS?” click here  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Have-You-Tried-This-Only/dp/1801293139/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1O7EA4ZF1O5CS&keywords=have+you+tried+this&qid=1699449028&sprefix=have+you+tried+%2Caps%2C125&sr=8-2 This episode is sponsored by London Nootropics Get 20% off at LondonNootropics.com with the code 40ISH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome back to the first episode of 40ish for 2026. Nicole returns from holiday feeling mumsy, while Lauren kicks off the new year by injuring her shoulder blade… in her sleep. Because apparently even resting is dangerous now. We dive into a listener dilemma after an awkward Christmas Day gift exchange leaves some lingering hurt, and 40ish listeners share their post-Christmas meltdowns - festive cheer fortyish style, Plus, we cover the truly important cultural questions of the month: Celebs turning 50, our thoughts on Timothée Chalamet, and how on earth Liz Hurley is looking that incredible at 60. It’s a very on-brand return to midlife chaos, honesty, and laughs. Email hello@40ish.co.uk Instagram https://www.instagram.com/40ish.podcast  TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@40ish.podcast Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/share/DVQWb6y2vesgeHEK/?mibextid=LQQJ4d  To order our book HAVE YOU TRIED THIS?” click here  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Have-You-Tried-This-Only/dp/1801293139/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1O7EA4ZF1O5CS&keywords=have+you+tried+this&qid=1699449028&sprefix=have+you+tried+%2Caps%2C125&sr=8-2 This episode is sponsored by London Nootropics Get 20% off at LondonNootropics.com with the code 40ISH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices