Almost Forty

You’re intelligent, Self-aware and you know how to articulate exactly why they don’t serve you.So why can’t you stop? Why do you still reach for your phone at 6pm instead of being present? Why do you say yes when you mean no? Why do you start fights to avoid what’s really bothering you? Why do you organise the pantry for the tenth time instead of sitting with yourself? In this honest and open conversation, psychologist Jacquie Ward and I dismantle everything you thought you knew about self-sabotage. Spoiler: it doesn’t actually exist. In This Episode We Explore:The Midlife Reckoning ∙ Why turning 40 hits different (and it’s not just about the number) ∙ The grief of bigger kids and the season shift nobody prepares you for ∙ The known spike in maternal depression when all kids start school - and why it happens ∙ “If not now, then when?” - the delicious freedom and anxiety of finite timeWhat Self-Sabotage Actually Is ∙ Why “self-sabotage” is really maladaptive self-soothing (and why this reframe changes everything) ∙ The behaviors smart women reach for: phone scrolling, conflict-seeking, over-functioning, food, hypervigilance ∙ Starting fights to avoid inner conflict - the pattern nobody talks about ∙ How we use “acceptable” addictions to numb out (and why they’re so accessible)The Patterns Keeping You Stuck ∙ “I’m self-reflective, not always self-aware” - why you can intellectualize everything but still can’t change ∙ The mental load makes better choices practically impossible sometimes ∙ Why you can’t selectively numb (what you’re losing when you disconnect from discomfort) ∙ People-pleasing: the hardest thing to let go of at 40Tiger Energy vs Swan Energy ∙ Why discipline culture and “tough love” keeps burning you out ∙ The masculine energy of Goggins-style motivation (and when it actually works vs when it destroys) ∙ “All tiger energy, zero swan energy” - which one are you? ∙ How to be goals-driven without being rigidThe Uncomfortable Work of Real Change ∙ Being able to tolerate discomfort is the skill of our generation ∙ Naming the feeling dissolves 80% of its power ∙ Why you can’t sit through a full-length movie (and what that’s really about) ∙ The practice: brain dump everything swirling in your head today - not Pinterest-worthy, just rawWhat Actually Works ∙ Why compassion beats discipline for sustainable change ∙ Understanding what’s driving the behavior underneath ∙ How Jacquie broke her pattern of using food to self-soothe (Magnums for breakfast, lolly stashes around the house, managing Crohn’s disease) ∙ The shift from self-contempt to curiosity. Jacquie Ward is a psychologist based in South Sydney who works with children, adolescents, and their families both in person and online. After the birth of her first child, a deep love of learning combined with a fascination for developmental psychology and attachment theory led her to pursue a complete career change. Almost 10 years, two more babies, and approximately 5,000 textbooks later, she found herself immersed in her dream job.For Jacquie, working with children, teens, and their families as they navigate challenges with mental health and wellbeing is the ultimate privilege. She’s also a mum of three (11, 9, and 5), married to her high school sweetheart Dave, and has lived the midlife transformation she talks about in this episode - from chronic people-pleasing and maladaptive coping to a softer, more sustainable way of being.Connect with Jacquie:Website: jacquieward.com.auInstagram: @jacquie_ward_https://www.instagram.com/sweat.chill.exhale?igsh=MWlvbTdib2pram9haA==If you want even more- head over to our subscriber only podcast  https://apple.co/iamFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylielately?igsh=MW0xZGxmZXdqYmw2bQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

My word for 2026 surprised me. Not because it sounded inspiring, but because it made me uncomfortable. Every woman knows the feeling of over functioning, micro managing and the push and pull of being responsible for far too much. We carry things we shouldn't have to, and sometimes we carry things far too long- to the where it becomes unhelpful. In this episode, I’m unpacking what it really looks like to get out of your own way when responsibility has gone too far. Not in a “do better” way  but in a way that actually gives you your power back. The quiet link between resentment and over-responsibility How control and micromanaging can be nervous system responses, not personality traits  The difference between being responsible and being over-responsible What I realised I was taking responsibility for that was never mine Why insight alone wasn’t enough What actually created change How letting go of certain responsibilities (especially as a parent) can be for the best What it means to be responsible for your reactions without blaming yourself This isn’t about fixing yourself.I t’s about noticing where you’ve been carrying too much – and what happens when you stop.If you’ve ever thought “why do I feel resentful when I’m doing everything right?”  This episode might land closer than you expect. Listen to more unfiltered reflections and deeper conversations inside Almost Confidential 💛  https://apple.co/iamSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I’m joined by Amy- the founder of The Hosted Home Collective, Airbnb Community Leader, property educator, and the mind behind design-led and a brand new tech-forward start up. Amy shares the mindset shifts that have shaped her success, the business lessons learned from scaling across hospitality, education, and tech, and how intentional design plays a role not just in homes, but in life itself. We talk manifesting, motherhood, creating work that supports the life you actually want, and what it really takes to level up without burning out. This conversation is part strategy, part mindset, and part permission slip for designing a life that feels as good as it looks.  Try Ethena ( Amy's Tech Start up) The Hosted Home on IG Check out Amy's courses here Listen to amy's podcast here  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Kylie answers a DM from a Mum seeking support around difficult post school transitions for her son. This episode touches on d overwhelm and offers practical tool kit strategies to regulate the nervous system compassionately. This is one for any parent who knows what it's like for their child to struggle with big feelings, sensory overwhelm, dysregulation, acting out or shutting down. Listen to the most unfiltered episodes via inside Almost Confidential 💛 the subscriber-only series where we explore the thoughts we don’t always share out loud: Access here  and   Connect on social here with KylieSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This conversation centres on personal growth: evolving beyond old versions of ourselves, navigating complex relationships, and learning to stay open even when it feels uncomfortable. Rachel Maksimovic shares her own season of transition from rebranding her work, deepening her self-awareness, and moving out of survival mode while we explore the impact of past experiences on present relationships, the art of communicating honestly, and the courage it takes to let your walls soften. If you’re in a moment of change, questioning what comes next, or trying to move forward while staying grounded in who you’re becoming, this episode will land deeply.   Listen to more unfiltered reflections and deeper conversations inside Almost Confidential 💛 the subscriber-only series where we explore the thoughts we don’t always share out loud: Access Bonus Content here Follow me on Instagram: Follow me on IG here   Follow Rachel on Instagram and check out Rachel’s Book here : Shop Rachel's book here.   Check out Rachel's Podcast here: Listen to Now What? The Podcast   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if one DM could change your entire life? Today, Kylie talks to founder and product innovator Sally Cotching about taking risks, problem solving relentlessly and the mindset shifts that helped her take an idea and turn it into something truly exceptional. Sally is an Australian Entrepreneur living in LA with a passion for developing products with a focus on Women's wellness- Sally follows her vision and shares her insights into what it takes to succeed.   Follow Sally ON IG here Check out ARC gummies here Visit Aries Brands for more info Shop the Vibes Only range Listen to more unfiltered reflections and deeper conversations inside Almost Confidential 💛 the subscriber-only series where we explore the thoughts we don’t always share out loud: ALMOST CONFIDENTIAL Follow Kylie ON IG See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this honest and vulnerable solo episode, I’m sharing five life lessons I can’t ignore anymore. These are the truths that keep showing up and they are uncomfortable at times, grounding at others, and deeply relatable for any woman who feels stretched, overwhelmed, or caught between who she’s been and who she’s becoming. From emotional boundaries to presence, burnout patterns to the stories we tell ourselves, this episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and recognise the truths that are often hardest to face but impossible to avoid. If you’re moving through a season of growth, exhaustion, clarity, or recalibration , this one is for you. Listen to more unfiltered reflections and deeper conversations inside Almost Confidential 💛 the subscriber-only series where we explore the thoughts we don’t always share out loud: https://apple.co/iamFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylielately?igsh=MW0xZGxmZXdqYmw2bQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is for the women who know what it's like to lose themselves- in relationships, in the striving to "have it all" and in the undoing- when it falls apart.   Hannah Rose Keys joins the pod to share the lessons she has learnt when it comes to choosing herself, deleting dating apps, the big and small self betrayals and so much more.  Together we explore what it actually looks like to choose yourself in your late thirties, to rebuild your identity and values from the inside out, and to finally step into a life that feels like your own.If you enjoy this episode, make sure you’re following the podcast and tap the five stars or leave a review - it really helps the show reach more women who need these conversations. You can find Hannah online here  https://www.instagram.com/hannahrosekeys?igsh=aXpuNm44azViN3g=  Listen to more unfiltered reflections and deeper conversations inside Almost Confidential 💛 the subscriber-only series where we explore the thoughts we don’t always share out loud: https://apple.co/iamSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is the episode every woman needs to hear- and the one I nearly didnt upload- simply because it has some uncomfortable truths in it. We’re talking about the three modes that quietly shape how we live, love, parent, and push through. Understanding these 3 modes, will change how you think and act- because feeling rigid,  anxious, exhausted, or disconnected from ourselves- should not be the normal.  Listen to more unfiltered reflections and deeper conversations inside Almost Confidential 💛 the subscriber-only series where we explore the thoughts we don’t always share out loud:  https://apple.co/iamFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylielately?igsh=MW0xZGxmZXdqYmw2bQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this conversation with Dr Erin Bowe, we talk about what happens when women in their 30s and 40s reach the point where they can’t keep pretending "everything’s fine". We explore the rise in late ADHD and autism diagnoses, the emotional toll of constantly holding it together, and what it means to finally step out from behind the mask.Dr Erin shares her insights as a clinical psychologist, author, and business coach, helping women understand the link between overwhelm, trauma, and the deep need to feel safe enough to be themselves.This episode is for every woman who’s ever wondered why she can’t keep up the way she used to- and for the woman who knows it’s time to rebuild her life in a way that feels real.  Listen to more unfiltered reflections and deeper conversations inside Almost Confidential 💛 the subscriber-only series for the insights that will never make it to the main feed: https://apple.co/iam About Dr Erin Bowe:Dr Erin Bowe is a clinical psychologist, author, and business coach known for her trauma-informed work with women. With over 15 years of experience, she helps mission-driven women overcome self-doubt and step confidently into thought leadership. Erin offers ADHD and autism assessments for high-achieving women who’ve kept it all together with perfectionism and routines, until the scaffolding starts to fall apart.She is the author of More Than a Healthy Baby and Social Media Detox for Mums, and her online training programs have supported thousands of health professionals in more than 45 countries.Learn more about Dr Erin’s work:Website: https://doctorerin.com.auInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctorerinbowe/?hl=enBook a free 15-minute chat (Australia only): https://doctorerin.as.me/?appointmentType=78011189 Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylielately?igsh=MW0xZGxmZXdqYmw2bQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is for every parent who’s ever felt overstimulated, touched-out, or like the noise or intensity- will never stop. For the parents who worry their kids can be “too much” not just for themselves, but for others too.  Access EXCLUSIVE & AD FREE EPISODES here: apple.co/iam    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unpacking the last few weeks including personal challenges, parenting moments and triggering comments.  Access EXCLUSIVE & AD FREE EPISODES here: apple.co/iamSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when someone who once followed me online becomes a real-life friend? Assumptions, unexpected “quirks” and the things you don’t know about me  EXCLUSIVE & AD FREE EPISODES here: apple.co/iam Follow me on IG @kylielately  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is burnout just part of motherhood? In this conversation with naturopath and nutritionist Cassie Davenport, we dive into the impossible equation of trying to do it all. The pressure, exhaustion, and the toll it takes. We talk about what burnout really looks like beyond “just being tired,” from numbing out and snapping to the way it can impact your cycle, your mood, and your energy. Cassie brings her evidence-based yet practical approach, showing how small, sustainable changes can make a big impact when you’re running on empty. Cassie is a degree-qualified naturopath and nutritionist passionate about co-creating achievable solutions with her clients by blending the latest research with traditional herbal medicine. ✨ Follow Cassie here:https://www.cassiedavenport.com.au/meet-cassie Book with Cassie here: cassiedavenport.com.au/meet-cassie Access EXCLUSIVE & AD FREE EPISODES here: apple.co/iam Follow  on IG @kylielately  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

School holidays can feel like a juggle between work, parenting, and the endless list of things to organise- I am trying to reduce the stress and get ahead of the curve, a little. From taking a proactive approach to planning, finding practical ways to manage it all. This episode is here to share ideas, reassurance, and a few simple reminders that can hopefully make the break feel a little lighter. Access EXCLUSIVE & AD FREE EPISODES here: apple.co/iam Follow on IG @kylielately See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do you do when you feel out of alignment in life? How do you turn inwards and make decisions that make sense for you- when they might not make sense to others? In this episode, I’m joined by Renee Moore, the founder of CINCH Skin, for an honest conversation about courage, clarity, and giving yourself permission to evolve your own metrics of success. We discuss what you need to stop doing in order to grow- not only in business but also in life. Renee shares her behind-the-scenes journey of launching CINCH into Priceline, the very big decision to later pull the range from shelves, and the lessons that came with facing problems and failures head on. We dive into the realities of navigating anxiety, finding self-connection and alignment, and redefining what success really looks like- especially as a busy Mum. Listen ad free and access extra weekly episodes here: apple.co/iam Shop Cinch here: https://cinchskin.com/collections/shop-all Follow Cinch here: https://www.instagram.com/cinchskin/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen Ad Free & Access Weekly Bonus Episodes Here: apple.co/iam A personal catch up unpacking Mum life moments, unexpected conversations and a new way of manifesting instead of ruminating See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our brains are wired to take shortcuts to help us but sometimes these "shortcuts" quietly work against us in moments that matter most. In this episode you'll hear about three of the most common mental shortcuts aka our biases that end up derailing our marriages, parenting, and even the way we speak to ourselves. These are the hidden patterns that can leave us feeling misunderstood, stuck, or disconnected  and once you see them, you can start shifting them. A must-listen if you’ve ever wondered why love feels harder than it should, why parenting brings guilt, or why your self-talk gets in the way of what you truly want. These 3 shortcuts feel protective  but they’re actually stopping you from getting what you want in love, parenting, and life. Access EXCLUSIVE & AD FREE EPISODES here: apple.co/iam Follow me on IG @kylielately    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do you do when the person you've built a life with is the same person who is silently destroying it? In this candid episode I am joined by Investigative Journalist and Author Nicole Madigan to discuss her new book- Torn. T We explore the hidden dynamics of betrayals, the internal conflict many women face when the person they love the most- is the very person who is causing them to question everything, including their sense of self. Torn explores the true stories of four women and how they navigated the decision to stay in their relationships after uncovering betrayals, or to leave. "This is an episode for any woman who has ever felt torn about the right thing to do, in a very wrong situation" Follow Nicole here :https://www.instagram.com/bynicolemadigan/?hl=en Grab a copy of Torn here: https://www.booktopia.com.au/torn-nicole-madigan/book/9781763516496.html Access EXCLUSIVE & AD FREE EPISODES here: apple.co/iam Follow me on IG @kylielatelySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’ve been sitting on an idea or perhaps holding your voice back and shrinking yourself or your work to keep other people comfortable - this episode is for you. We’re digging into the quiet (but powerful) difference between fearing other people’s judgement and fearing your own regret and how one of those is costing more than you realise. I share real lessons from recent in-collaboration sessions with women in regards to business but also in regards to how we show up in all areas of life.    Access EXCLUSIVE & AD FREE EPISODES here: apple.co/iam Be part of the inner circle on Sunroom @kylielately Follow me on IG @kylielately & TikTok @kylielately  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.