Walking This Way

Lise catches up with her dear friend from boarding school, Clare Capper, whose transformation story can't fail to leave you feeling inspired. In 2018, at 41, Claire hit rock bottom - drinking too much, smoking, avoiding the life she knew she needed to face. Then, in early 2019, on a hungover morning in Queenstown, New Zealand, Lise planted a seed that would change her life: "Do a triathlon."What happened next was extraordinary.Since then Clare's lost four stone, completed multiple triathlons, fallen in love with cycling and endurance adventures and pushed herself to extraordinary limits. She has:Cycled Land's End to John O'Groats (930 miles in 9 days)Bikepacked 400 miles through the Alps on a mountain bikeCompleted the North Coast 500 in ScotlandRaced gravel bikes across EuropeAnd in May 2026, she's taking on a 500-mile ultra-distance cycling eventBut here's what makes Clare's story so powerful for midlife women: she started all of this at 41. She couldn't swim. She was unfit. She was lost. And she transformed her entire life through movement, one step at a time.In this episode, you'll discover:The moment Clare made the promise that changed everythingHow she learned to swim at 41Swimming on a bungee cord in a wild Dartmoor pool during lockdown (yes, really)The dinner that was just peanuts and jelly babies after cycling 90 milesWhy Clare is motivated by fearHow cycling brings freedom, swimming brings meditation, and walking brings therapyFollow Clare:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clare_cycles/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clare.capper/Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/3500234Be a part of the show: Here's how to get in touch...Follow the show and get all the links you need on LinkTree - https://linktr.ee/walking_this_wayEmail us: walkingthisway@hotmail.comUse the get in touch form HERE - https://tr.ee/r-ePylKE8HSend us a voice message HERE- https://www.speakpipe.com/WalkingThisWayProduced by The Good Studio - thegoodstudio.co.uk

Welcome to Challenge 7! This fortnight's challenge is all about reclaiming movement in midlife through ten focused minutes of mobility work every single day for seven days. It's not about burning calories or heroics - it's about waking up your body, loosening what's stiff, and building a practice that keeps you moving, independent, and confident.This Week's Challenge: The Daily Mobility DisciplineYour mission: Ten minutes of deliberate movement every day for the next seven days.What this means:Ten focused minutes - no distractions, no scrolling, no multi-taskingJust you, your body and intentional attention to how it movesTarget key areas that stiffen in midlife: hips, ankles, thoracic spine, shouldersMove slowly, deliberately, and pay attention to what your body is telling youWhy Mobility MattersIn midlife, our bodies change. Hips tighten, backs stiffen, shoulders shorten, and we lose subtle ranges of movement without noticing. Once it's gone, it's much harder to get back. Mobility isn't fluffit's what keeps us lifting things, keeping up with our kids, and yes, even getting out of bed without groaning.Reflect on Your ExperienceOnce you've completed the seven days, take a moment to reflect:How did your body feel before you started?How does it feel now after the movement?What did you notice about tension, stiffness, or surprise flexibility?Write it down or record a voice note to share how you got on. Share your success: Here's how to get in touch...Follow the show and get all the links you need on LinkTree - https://linktr.ee/walking_this_wayEmail us: walkingthisway@hotmail.comUse the get in touch form HERE - https://tr.ee/r-ePylKE8HSend us a voice message HERE- https://www.speakpipe.com/WalkingThisWayProduced by The Good Studio - thegoodstudio.co.uk

This week on Walking This Way, we’re talking about something that can feel uncomfortable and overwhelming for many of us in midlife: money.Lise is joined by returning guest Adrienne D’Souza (co-pilot of The Money Conversation) for an honest, down-to-earth discussion about:Why so many midlife women lack confidence around moneyThe investing fear that keeps us stuckThe story we tell ourselves about being “bad at maths”And how even £10 can change how you see yourselfTogether, Lise and Adrienne talk about how financial confidence isn’t about being wealthy or clever. It’s about understanding a few key ideas, asking questions without shame and taking small steps that build over time.In this episode, they explore: How early money messages shape our confidence (often without us realising) Why so many midlife women feel they’ve missed their chance The difference between saving and investing - in simple terms What “purchasing power” really means (with a loaf of bread to explain it) How to cope when markets fall and fear creeps in Why starting with £10 can completely shift your mindset Where to find hidden money through simple spending audits How fees quietly eat into long-term returns Listener questions on ISAs, premium bonds and investing in your 60s Why financial clarity is really about self-worthAnd because this is Walking This Way, Lise also reflects on winter moods, hormones, long marriages, teenagers behind bedroom doors and that strange in-between space of still being needed… but differently.About The Money ConversationWebsite: https://www.themoneyconversation.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.moneyconversation/ Important Disclaimer:Lise and Adrienne are not financial advisors - they provide financial education and coaching. All content is for educational purposes only. Always do your own research and consider seeking professional advice for your individual circumstances.Be a part of the show: Here's how to get in touch...Follow the show and get all the links you need on LinkTree - https://linktr.ee/walking_this_wayEmail us: walkingthisway@hotmail.comUse the get in touch form HERE - https://tr.ee/r-ePylKE8HSend us a voice message HERE- https://www.speakpipe.com/WalkingThisWayProduced by The Good Studio - thegoodstudio.co.uk

Welcome to your next Walking This Way Challenge - your fortnightly invitation to try something small, simple and quietly restorative.These challenges are designed to fit into real life. No pressure. No perfection. No special equipment. Just a moment to pause, notice, and perhaps see the world a little differently, together.This fortnight’s challenge: Notice the nature around youIt’s February. The days are short, life can feel busy and full, and energy can be low. This challenge invites you to take small, intentional moments to notice the nature that already exists around you — right where you are.Not a countryside escape. Not a grand gesture. Just what’s quietly happening alongside you every day.Inspired by the RSPB Great British Birdwatch, this challenge is a reminder that gardens, streets and local parks are alive with activity — if we slow down enough to see it.How to try itChoose one or two simple ways to tune in:Stand outside for a minute and really listen to non-human soundsWatch the birds in your garden, on your street or in the parkPut seed out for birds or visiting wildlifeListen to the rainTake one walk this week with no headphones — let nature be your soundtrackPause on a dog walk instead of rushing to tick it off the listYou don’t need to know what the birds are called. You don’t need to do anything with what you notice. Just notice.Share your success: Here's how to get in touch...Follow the show and get all the links you need on LinkTree - https://linktr.ee/walking_this_wayEmail us: walkingthisway@hotmail.comUse the get in touch form HERE - https://tr.ee/r-ePylKE8HSend us a voice message HERE- https://www.speakpipe.com/WalkingThisWayProduced by The Good Studio - thegoodstudio.co.uk

In this episode of Walking This Way, Lise is joined by Tallulah Bamford (nee O'Hea), founder of The Body Conversation, for an open, thoughtful and deeply compassionate discussion about body image, body awareness and how our relationship with our bodies evolves across a lifetime.This conversation moves beyond surface-level body confidence and into something much richer: how early messages about bodies shape us, how those messages linger into midlife, and how awareness - rather than judgement - can be a powerful place to begin healing.Tallulah brings insight from her work with people of all ages, from school settings through to coaching midlife women, offering a rare intergenerational perspective on how body image is formed, challenged and reshaped.In this episode, Lise and Tallulah explore:How body image conversations often begin far earlier than we realiseThe long-term impact of language, messaging and comparisonWhy midlife can resurface old beliefs about bodies, and why that mattersThe difference between body image and body awarenessHow to reconnect with your body in a way that feels safe and supportiveWhy neutrality and curiosity can be more powerful than forced positivityHow we can model healthier body conversations for the next generationThis is a gentle but important reminder that our bodies are not projects to be fixed, they are places we live, experience joy, navigate change and carry wisdom.About TallulahTallulah Bamford is the founder of The Body Conversation, working across generations to open up honest, supportive conversations about body image and body awareness. She works in schools as well as with adults and midlife women, helping people reconnect with their bodies in healthier, more compassionate ways.Be a part of the show: Here's how to get in touch...Follow the show and get all the links you need on LinkTree - https://linktr.ee/walking_this_wayEmail us: walkingthisway@hotmail.comUse the get in touch form HERE - https://tr.ee/r-ePylKE8HSend us a voice message HERE- https://www.speakpipe.com/WalkingThisWayProduced by The Good Studio - thegoodstudio.co.uk

Welcome to your next Walking This Way Challenge - your fortnightly invitation to try something small, manageable and surprisingly powerful.These challenges aren’t about pushing harder, doing more or climbing metaphorical mountains. They’re about tiny shifts that change how we feel, how we notice the world, and how we move through our days.This fortnight’s challenge: embrace the cold (safely)Yes, it’s still January. Yes, it’s freezing. But instead of resisting it or wishing it away, this challenge invites you to lean into the cold - briefly, gently and safely - and notice what happens.This is not about ice baths, frozen rivers or heroic endurance. No Wim Hof extremes here. Think small, intentional moments of cold exposure that help you feel awake, alive and grounded.Simple ways to try it:Step outside first thing in the morning for 30–60 secondsPut your bare feet on the cold groundTurn the shower cool for the last 10–20 secondsOpen a window wide and take a few deep breathsGo for a walk without over-layering — be bold, go out coldAnd then notice the contrast. The warmth when you come back inside. The hot drink. The jumper. The fire. That deep, comforting sense of ahhh.Why this mattersCold has a way of cutting through January heaviness. It wakes up your nervous system, sharpens your breath and brings you back into your body - often at a time of year that can feel flat, heavy or draining. Cold can ignite something in you, just like fire can.Pause and reflectAfter each moment of cold exposure, take a moment to ask:How did my body feel afterwards?Did my mood or energy shift?Did it feel easier as the days went on?Write it down, message Lisa, or send a voice message - especially straight after you’ve come in from the cold.Share your success: Here's how to get in touch...Follow the show and get all the links you need on LinkTree - https://linktr.ee/walking_this_wayEmail us: walkingthisway@hotmail.comUse the get in touch form HERE - https://tr.ee/r-ePylKE8HSend us a voice message HERE- https://www.speakpipe.com/WalkingThisWayProduced by The Good Studio - thegoodstudio.co.uk

Clutter. Stuff. The things we keep “just in case”, the cupboards we avoid opening, and the quiet mental load that comes with living surrounded by things that no longer serve us.In this episode, Lisa is joined by her long-time friend Katrina Hassan, a Master Level Certified KonMari Consultant and founder of Spark Joy London, for an honest, funny and deeply thoughtful conversation about clutter – and why it’s never just about the stuff.Together, they explore how tidying can become a powerful tool for self-trust, decision-making and reclaiming space in midlife – physically, mentally and emotionally.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your home, stuck in old narratives about who you should be, or quietly craving a lighter way of living, this episode is for you.In this episode, we talk about:Why clutter is often a symptom, not the problemHow the KonMari method goes far beyond declutteringThe emotional weight of inherited items and sentimental possessionsLetting go of “shoulds” and perfectionism (including matching wine glasses)What tidying teaches us about confidence, choice and self-trustMidlife transitions, menopause, burnout and the need for spaceHow creating order at home can unlock clarity in work, relationships and lifeAbout this episode's guest: Katrina HassanKatrina Hassan is a Master Level Certified KonMari Consultant and the founder of Spark Joy London. After nearly a decade teaching in a London primary school, Katrina discovered Marie Kondo’s work during pregnancy – a turning point that transformed not just her home, but her entire life.Trained directly by Marie Kondo, Katrina now supports clients through their own “tidying festivals”, helping them create homes – and lives – that feel calmer, lighter and aligned with who they truly are.Be a part of the show: Here's how to get in touch...Follow the show and get all the links you need on LinkTree - https://linktr.ee/walking_this_wayEmail us: walkingthisway@hotmail.comUse the get in touch form HERE - https://tr.ee/r-ePylKE8HSend us a voice message HERE- https://www.speakpipe.com/WalkingThisWayProduced by The Good Studio - thegoodstudio.co.uk

Welcome to your next Walking This Way Challenge - your fortnightly, gentle nudge to do something small that could make a big difference.January can feel endless. The excitement (or chaos) of Christmas has passed, spring feels miles away and there’s pressure everywhere to suddenly become a “better version” of yourself. But nature hibernates in winter, and we’re allowed to as well.This fortnight’s challenge: protect your energyInstead of overhauling your life or setting big resolutions, this challenge invites you to notice what drains you - and make one tiny change to protect your energy.Over the next week or two, simply pay attention to:Conversations that leave you feeling heavy or tenseSituations where you say yes when you really want to say “I’ll think about it”Tasks you take on without being askedTimes of day when your energy dips the mostThen make one small adjustmentNot a dramatic boundary overhaul, just one gentle shift. That might look like:Resting instead of reaching for sugar when you’re tiredLetting a call go to voicemail and replying laterSaying a clear, unapologetic noBlocking out 15 minutes a day to rechargeDeciding something is good enough rather than perfectWhy this mattersThis isn’t about being selfish. It’s about recognising that your energy is valuable and finite. Midlife women give away so much of it and this challenge is about gently bringing some of it back to yourself.Share your success: Here's how to get in touch...Follow the show and get all the links you need on LinkTree - https://linktr.ee/walking_this_wayEmail us: walkingthisway@hotmail.comUse the get in touch form HERE - https://tr.ee/r-ePylKE8HSend us a voice message HERE- https://www.speakpipe.com/WalkingThisWayProduced by The Good Studio - thegoodstudio.co.uk

Hello again, Rockstars – and happy New Year! Welcome to the very first episode of 2026.In this episode of Walking This Way, I’m joined by one of my favourite humans, longest-standing friends, and the original “move every day” inspiration in my life – the brilliant Robyn Phillips.Robyn is a registered osteopath, movement advocate and fierce challenger of the idea that ageing automatically means slowing down or living in pain. She trained while raising two small children, rebuilt her strength after breast cancer, and lives her message every single day: ability matters more than age.This conversation is honest, funny, deeply practical – and exactly what so many midlife women need as we step into a new year without pressure, perfection or punishing resolutions.Tune in to hear us talking about:Why “move every day” doesn’t mean exercise – and definitely doesn’t mean sufferingHow movement builds confidence, independence and connection as we ageRunning, knees, aches, menopause and the myths that stop women even startingWhy fitness plans fail – and what actually works for lifeAgeing well, fear of falling, and why doing too much for older people can be unhelpfulCreating a personal “movement toolbox” for energy, joy and resilienceAnd because this is Walking This Way, I also share:Christmas reflections, family expectations and learning to let goCold water dips, hot tubs, saunas and why water is my happy placeWhy I don’t do New Year’s resolutions – and what I’m choosing insteadPlus, I answer your brilliant voice notes and messages from listeners around the world, covering:Resetting gently after a tough yearBody acceptance, wobbly bits and self-worthRecovery, resilience and becoming “better than before”Divorce, fresh starts and the importance of kindness to yourselfBe a part of the show: Here's how to get in touch...Follow the show and get all the links you need on LinkTree - https://linktr.ee/walking_this_wayEmail us: walkingthisway@hotmail.comUse the get in touch form HERE - https://tr.ee/r-ePylKE8HSend us a voice message HERE- https://www.speakpipe.com/WalkingThisWayProduced by The Good Studio - thegoodstudio.co.uk

Welcome to your next Walking This Way Challenge - the last of 2025 or the first of 2026, depending on when you’re listening.These fortnightly challenges are gentle, doable invitations to carve out a little space just for you. Nothing extreme. Nothing exhausting. Just something that might quietly make life feel better.This fortnight’s challenge: Stop something!January can feel long, cold and relentless - and yet it’s when we’re told to add more: new habits, new goals, new resolutions. This challenge flips that on its head. Instead of starting something new, you’re invited to stop one thing for a month.What could you stop?A daily or weekly habit that causes stress or anxietySomething you do for others that they could do themselvesA behaviour that no longer serves youGood luck, and don't forget to share how you get on.Share your success: Here's how to get in touch...Follow the show and get all the links you need on LinkTree - https://linktr.ee/walking_this_wayEmail us: walkingthisway@hotmail.comUse the get in touch form HERE - https://tr.ee/r-ePylKE8HSend us a voice message HERE- https://www.speakpipe.com/WalkingThisWayProduced by The Good Studio - thegoodstudio.co.uk

Hello again, Rockstars! In this festive episode, I’m joined by the irrepressible Adrienne d’Souza - queen of Christmas chaos, community champion and one of the funniest, warmest women I know.Adrienne spent her life at the heart of Christmas: growing up in her family’s toy shops, running the iconic Hamleys and Harrods toy departments, and later running one of London’s best-loved party shops for 15 years. She has seen everything - the queues, the meltdowns, the impossible-to-find toys, and the mega celebs who tried to do their shopping on 23 December with no security.But this episode is about much more than retail madness. We talk about: ✨ The emotional weight midlife women carry trying to “make the magic happen” ✨ Christmas after losing a loved one, and how Adrienne rebuilt joy after her mum died ✨ Parenting, empty nest Christmases, new traditions and letting go of perfection ✨ Sensory overwhelm and recognising that magical moments aren’t universal ✨ The small, unexpected acts of kindness that become the heart of the seasonAnd Lise answers some of your festive questions, from present wrapping tips (using tea towels!), to the joys of open water swimming.In this episode you’ll hear:The behind-the-scenes reality of Christmas in Harrods and HamleysAdrienne’s first Christmas without her mum — and how she created new traditionsWhy midlife women often feel crushed by expectationsThoughts on sensory overload, neurodivergent families and seasonal overwhelmPractical ideas for finding calm, connection and joy this ChristmasBe a part of the show: Here's how to get in touch...Follow the show and get all the links you need on LinkTree - https://linktr.ee/walking_this_wayEmail us: walkingthisway@hotmail.comUse the get in touch form HERE - https://tr.ee/r-ePylKE8HSend us a voice message HERE- https://www.speakpipe.com/WalkingThisWayProduced by The Good Studio - thegoodstudio.co.uk

Hello Rockstars! Welcome back to your next Walking This Way Challenge - our fortnightly moment to focus on small, achievable wins that boost your wellbeing. This one has a festive twist, because let’s be honest… the next couple of weeks can feel full on.Christmas parties, school events, family logistics, food prep, shopping, wrapping, travelling, trying to keep the magic alive (and not open the mulled wine too early) - it’s a lot. Which is exactly why this challenge matters.For the next two weeks, I want you to find one small moment of calm just for yourself. A quiet pocket of time where you shut out the noise, pause the to-do list, and simply breathe.It doesn’t have to be long. It doesn’t have to be fancy. But it does have to be for you.Whatever you choose, make sure it isn’t housework or Christmas prep disguised as self-care. This is permission, from me, to be totally selfish for once and prioritise calm over chaos.And I’d love to hear how you get on. In fact, you’ll hear messages in this episode from listeners who smashed the first challenge - from extra dog-walk minutes to early-morning pyjama workouts and rediscovering the joy of walking. Your stories genuinely mean the world to me.So good luck, Rockstars. Find your calm, protect it, savour it - and share it with me. All the links you need are below.Share your success: Here's how to get in touch...Follow the show and get all the links you need on LinkTree - https://linktr.ee/walking_this_wayEmail us: walkingthisway@hotmail.comUse the get in touch form HERE - https://tr.ee/r-ePylKE8HSend us a voice message HERE- https://www.speakpipe.com/WalkingThisWayProduced by The Good Studio - thegoodstudio.co.uk

Hello you gorgeous rock stars! Welcome back to Walking This Way - and if you’re new here, you are so very welcome. This is the show for midlife women who want honesty, connection, courage and a bit of nonsense alongside the messy, magical bits of this chapter of life.Today I’m joined by the fabulous Vanessa McDaid, a woman who radiates bravery, energy and kindness. Vanessa and I talk about how we met (spoiler: it involves water, Instagram DMs, and eventually a naked photoshoot with strangers), and how a single toe-dip outside your comfort zone can change everything.Vanessa shares her story of walking away from a high-flying corporate career at 50, navigating family dynamics, volunteering in hospice care, rediscovering purpose and building a life that feels as successful as it looks. We unwrap jealousy, partnership, parenting older kids, midlife emotions, and why this season of life is less about loss, and much more about rebirth, reinvention and rediscovering yourself.If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, tired, unsure, or just quietly desperate for a fresh start… this episode is a gentle hand on your back saying: “Go on. Take the first step.”In this episode you’ll hear:How one brave message led to swimming lessons, new friendships and a life-changing photoshootWhy midlife is the perfect time to pivot, try new things and form new neural pathwaysThe emotional load of modern motherhood, and how jealousy, guilt and resentment show upWhat Vanessa learned from stepping away from corporate life and doing volunteeringHow to change your “state” when life feels stuckWhy this chapter of life is a relaunch, not a declineThe power of vulnerability, female friendships and saying yes before you feel readyBe a part of the show: Here's how to get in touch...Follow the show and get all the links you need on LinkTree - https://linktr.ee/walking_this_wayEmail us: walkingthisway@hotmail.comUse the get in touch form HERE - https://tr.ee/r-ePylKE8HSend us a voice message HERE- https://www.speakpipe.com/WalkingThisWayProduced by The Good Studio - thegoodstudio.co.uk

Hello Rockstars! Welcome to our very first Walking This Way Challenge, your fortnightly dose of tiny-but-mighty self-care.Every two weeks, I’ll set you a small, totally achievable challenge designed to help midlife women build confidence, energy and wellbeing through tiny steps that add up. No marathon training, no Everest expeditions. Just simple wins we can all celebrate.This week, we’re getting moving. Your challenge is to do one small piece of purposeful movement every day that stretches you just a little. Nothing epic. Nothing time-consuming. Just something you’ll feel quietly proud of.If you already walk the dog, add five purposeful minutes. Try ten squats. One burpee (yes, one counts). A gentle jog around the block. Cleaning the windows if you really want to break a sweat! Anything that’s new, intentional, and feels like you’re showing up for yourself.So have a go, keep it small, and please share your wins, wobbles and photos with me. The joy of this community is doing it together.This week’s challenge recap:Choose one small piece of purposeful movement each dayMake it something just a little bit hardKeep it short and achievableShare how you get on with the Walking This Way communityShare your success: Here's how to get in touch...Follow the show and get all the links you need on LinkTreeEmail us: walkingthisway@hotmail.comUse the get in touch form HERESend us a voice message HEREProduced by The Good Studio

Hello you gorgeous rock stars! Welcome to the very first episode of Walking This Way - my new space for midlife women who are ready to rediscover their fabulousness, one brave step at a time.In this episode, I’m sharing how this whole thing began: the moment I realised I’d lost myself a little, the scary trip to a Muay Thai retreat that changed everything and the parkrun that taught me more about courage (and tears!) than any medal ever could.This is about movement, midlife and self-care in its truest sense - showing up for yourself, even when it feels hard. Whether you’re juggling kids, parents, hormones or hope, Walking This Way is here to remind you that every small act of self-love counts.So lace up your trainers, grab a cuppa, and let’s start walking this way together.In this episode you’ll hear:How a Muay Thai retreat helped Lise reconnect with her confidence and purpose.The parkrun story that became a metaphor for showing up — no matter your size, pace or fear.Why courage often looks like everyday self-care.An invitation to midlife women everywhere to take part, share stories and inspire each other.Be a part of the show: Here's how to get in touch...Follow the show and get all the links you need on LinkTree - https://linktr.ee/walking_this_wayEmail us: walkingthisway@hotmail.comUse the get in touch form HERE - https://tr.ee/r-ePylKE8HSend us a voice message HERE- https://www.speakpipe.com/WalkingThisWayProduced by The Good Studio - thegoodstudio.co.uk

Welcome to Walking This Way - the upfront, honest, no-nonsense podcast about midlife for women who are ready to drop the filters and talk about what it’s really like.Join Lise Thorne for straight-talking chats, laughter and the kind of conversations you’ll wish you’d had years ago - about changing bodies, shifting priorities and rediscovering who you are.This is midlife, unfiltered.Subscribe now and walk this way with Lise.Be a part of the show: Here's how to get in touch...Follow the show and get all the links you need on LinkTreeEmail us: walkingthisway@hotmail.comUse the get in touch form HERESend us a voice message HEREProduced by The Good Studio