The Mid•Point with Gabby Logan

This episode contains strong language.Comedian and podcaster, Josh Widdicombe, can’t wait to tell Gabby how happy he is to be eligible for this podcast! Josh shares why he feels so much more comfortable in midlife thanks to all the life changes he made around the time of his fortieth birthday, including becoming sober and re-evaluating his relationship with work. He also talks about his love of podcasting, sporting autobiographies, and late night sourdough toast! Grab tickets to Josh’s Not My Cup Of Tea tour here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Latin dance champion and Strictly Come Dancing head judge, Shirley Ballas, cha-cha-cha’s into the studio to chat with Gabby this week. Shirley tells Gabby why her marriage to dance has never faltered, and how attitudes to weight and appearance have changed within the sport but the scars still run deep. They discuss staying fit and healthy beyond the midpoint, and how Shirley is trying to manage a spinal condition with ice baths and an anti-inflammatory diet. She also speaks about dealing with her brother’s suicide; her relationship with her son, Mark, who really helped her when she was struggling with the perimenopause; and of course, this year’s Strictly cast! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Founder of Menopause Care and co-author of Menopausing: The Positive Road Map To Your Second Spring, Dr Naomi Potter is Gabby’s special expert guest this week. They discuss all things menopause and address concerns regarding HRT dosage as well as lifestyle remedies which can help ease symptoms without medical interventions. They also discuss the use of testosterone, some of the strengths and weaknesses of the menopause movement, and why further research needs to be done to help women experiencing surgical menopause after cancer treatment.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Journalist, broadcaster, and now author, Louise Minchin, overcomes wild weather, technical issues, and a hotel turn-down, to chat to Gabby this week on The Mid•Point! Louise shares her love of swimming, and how finding a passion for triathlon later in life unwittingly helped her to navigate the menopause; she describes it as “self medication”. Louise also talks about big midlife decisions and what it was like when she left BBC Breakfast to pursue her writing career, as well as her obsession with reality TV, and how snacks and naps are two of her favourite things! Louise’s new novel Isolation Island is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of Dyslexia Awareness Week in the UK, Gabby and Kenny sit down to talk about Kenny’s experience of dyslexia. Kenny shares some of the emotional turmoil that accompanies the condition and dogged his school days, he explains how dyslexia manifests for him personally and not only affects his ability to read, and the strategies he’s developed over the years to overcome it. They discuss how things have changed for the better as the condition has become more widely understood, and Mark Daniell joins them to shed more light on ways he helps dyslexic children who aren’t being served by the current mainstream education system. Mark is an early-years learning specialist and author at You Are The Star books; keep listening to hear his practical advice on ways to support children with dyslexia with their learning.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Busted bassist turned actor, presenter, and podcaster, Matt Willis, joins Gabby this week to talk about his decision to open up about his experience of recovery and why he decided to make the Matt Willis: Fighting Addiction documentary at the midpoint of his life. Matt talks about the issues and difficulties when it comes to recovery, and why sobriety has to come first now. They also discuss Matt’s deep love for his wife, Emma Willis, and what it was like working together on Love Is Blind UK; adapting to raising teenagers; and his new midlife hobby which isn’t very rock and roll!You can listen to Matt’s podcast On The Mend here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Gabby sits down with the Chief Medical Officer at Alzheimer's Research UK, Professor Jonathan Schott. Jonathan is also Professor of Neurology at the Dementia Research Centre and UCL’s Institute of Neurology, and is therefore very well placed to explain the latest research findings when it comes to dementia and how to try to optimise brain health in general. They discuss the 14 modifiable risk factors that have been identified by the Lancet Commission - including two which have recently been added to the list - and how these risk factors interact with each other and impact our brain health. They also unpick the top lines when it comes to how preventable dementia really is, and the new test and potential treatments which have got professionals such as Professor Schott hopeful about the future. Professor Schott also answers your questions on everything from how food, sleep, and exercise impacts brain health, to whether there are any links between dementia and the menopause, and how you can flex your memory muscles. You can find the Think Brain Health check-in mentioned in this episode here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of The Mid.Point, Gabby is joined by Model and TV and radio presenter Lisa Snowdon. Lisa got spotted by a talent scout at aged just 19, and quickly became one of the UK’s top models, known for high fashion covers such as Vogue, and beauty adverts too. Lisa’s move into TV was in 2006, when she was announced as the Head Judge of ‘Britain’s Next Top Model’. In 2008, she appeared on Strictly Come Dancing - the same year she began co-hosting the Capital London Breakfast Show (initially with Jonny Vaughn, and later with Dave Berry). She finished her early morning stint in 2015. On top of all the TV and modelling work she does, Lisa also finds time to be an Ambassador for Breast Cancer Care and The Meningitis Trust.Lisa is very honest and open about her menopause and the challenges she's had with HRT. She also talks about the imposter syndrome she has faced and overcome in her career, the early days of modelling and the gratitude she feels now, for how her life has turned out.We hope you enjoy the chat! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Comedian, writer, and broadcaster, Romesh Ranganathan, joins Gabby to talk about how he’s learned to manage his inner critic in the years leading up to the midpoint; why he loves making people laugh; plus, the sometimes complex relationships you have with your parents, and how that can impact the way you parent. Romesh also shares what happened at his worst stand-up gig, what he thinks is key to a happy, long term relationship, and why he believes small changes are the key to lasting health gains in midlife.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gabby and Kenny are preparing to be fully fledged empty nesters, and in this special episode, they come together to talk about how they are feeling about the prospect and what they’ve already learned since their son, Reuben, left home last year. They also chat about the exploits that have put Kenny’s midlife fitness surge on hold, as well as his internet shopping mishaps, and they indulge in a different kind of pillow talk!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode contains some strong language. This week it’s all about family on The Mid•Point; whatever form it takes and whoever you include in yours, family is an important part of our lives - particularly in midlife. We’ve cherry picked the best bits on this topic from Gabby’s recent chats with her guests, including Matt Baker, the Reverend Kate Bottley, Jill Halfpenny, Milton Jones, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, LeAnn Rimes, Dara Ó Briain, Elizabeth Day, Kate Thornton, and Adele Roberts.Gabby Logan’s latest book The MidPoint Plan is available now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we’re giving the midlife crisis a makeover and celebrating midlife blessings!Gabby has cherry picked the best bits on this topic from recent chats with her guests, including Lee Mack, Gabrielle, Richard Hammond, Ed Balls, Rosie Nixon, Adele Roberts and the Reverend Kate Bottley. Gabby Logan’s latest book The MidPoint Plan is available now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paula Radcliffe MBE joins Gabby this week! The three-time winner of the London Marathon talks about turning 50, The Olympics and why strength training is so important. In 2002, Paula received numerous accolades including an OBE, BBC Sports Personality of the Year and IAAF Athlete of the Year. Across her incredible career, Paula competed at four consecutive Olympic Games from 1996-2008, and won a gold medal in the marathon at the 2005 World Championships in Helsinki. She still likes to run, but has found that she isn't competitive anymore (well, not very), which she finds quite refreshing. In 2020, her daughter was diagnosed with a rare germ cell tumour, so she and her family have been through a lot over the last few years. She talks to Gabby about the stress that this has put on her daughter and how much her family and friends have rallied.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a very special LIVE episode of The Mid•Point, in partnership with Sweaty Betty! Gabby is joined by not one, not two, but three brilliant guests this week: menstrual health expert, yoga teacher, and registered nutritionist, Le’Nise Brothers; lecturer in Reproductive and Molecular Genetics at University College London and CEO and Founder of Hertility, Dr Helen O’Neill; and former Olympian, personal trainer, and patron of the Menopause Mandate, Michelle Griffith Robinson. This lively panel discuss movement and exercise through different stages of women’s lives; menstruation, maternity, and menopause. Their personal experiences are woven in with practical information about what is going on in our bodies at these different stages, and how movement and nutrition can play a part at each stage. In front of a brilliant audience of Mid•Pointers, they celebrate the joy of movement and the collective power of the sisterhood when women come together to share experiences and move their bodies. It’s a perfect time to open up the conversation on this topic, because Sweaty Betty is celebrating the launch of their new FemTech collection. The innovative new collection is designed by women, for women, and includes the technical Leak Protect Power Legging and ultra-soft All Day Maternity styles, to empower women to keep moving through menstruation, maternity and menopause.Ready to try it out? The collection is available online now at sweatybetty.com and in selected stores across the UK. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The taskmaster himself joins Gabby this week! Comedian and Taskmaster grand creator, Alex Horne, talks about what it’s like making one of the most beloved comedy shows on TV, as well sharing what his showbiz marriage is like with his co-host, Greg Davies. Alex also talks about his other successful marriage and how family life at the midpoint is shaping up, including why his kids are still embarrassed of him despite the fact he makes a really cool show on the telly. They also discuss the importance of movement and staying active so that you can enjoy later life; how Alex has learned to put family first and how to holiday better; and why he and Gabby both love a good wedding! You can still get tickets to Alex’s latest tour with the The Horne Section here.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Warning: This episode contains strong language. Kate Thornton is as frank and funny as ever, and this week she joins Gabby to talk about everything from single motherhood and presenting prime time Saturday night telly, to the power of talking therapy and recovering from an eating disorder. Kate speaks about the importance of female friendships and how her girl gang are her life raft, and also why her happiest times have been the years she has been a mum to her son, Ben. Kate speaks openly about her ongoing experience of the menopause, and why the right doctor is as fundamental as the right therapist when you’re a middle aged woman. You can hear more from Kate on her podcast White Wine Question Time or tune into her weekend radio shows on Greatest Hits Radio.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gabby chats to comedian and broadcaster, Elis James, who is slightly resentful about being eligible for the show! Elis talks about the pitfalls of parenting, including the impossible task of policing children’s access to phones and social media, and explains why he is evangelical about cycling and insufferable on endorphins. They also talk about how Elis’ father’s Parkinson's disease diagnosis has made him think differently about aging, and why both he and Gabby focus on healthspan rather than lifespan.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Podcaster and activist Lauren Mahon popped by the studio this week with her dog, Ray! Lauren chats to Gabby about the seismic impact You, Me And The Big C had on the way people talk about cancer, but also the emotional heavy lifting it required from her on a personal level. She also talks about experiencing a medical menopause as part of her cancer treatment, why it's okay to wallow sometimes, and how liberating it was learning to drive on the cusp of midlife! They also discuss life after cancer, in particular how to approach sex and intimacy - something Lauren is on a mission to get us talking about more. For more information or support on this issue you can head to GIRLvsCANCER or Macmillan.Warning: This podcast contains strong language. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Comedian Milton Jones joins Gabby to talk about why he sees midlife as being like the “second time round to the buffet!” They also talk about his Christian faith and how attitudes towards faith can change as we get older. They also discuss having aging parents, and Milton speaks very openly about what it was like caring for his mum who suffered from Alzheimer's. Milton also shares what he has come to understand about comedy, over the many years spent honing his craft and before selling out big arenas. They also debate whether or not you should take more risks in midlife, and relish the joy of knowing yourself better at the midpoint. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jill Halfpenny has been acting on our screens for over 30 years, but she is not here to talk about one of her character’s storylines but rather her own life story which is the basis of her new memoir A Life Reimagined: My Journey of Hope in the Midst of Loss. Jill talks to Gabby about how burying grief and trauma can manifest later in life and the importance of acknowledging emotions; her experience of recovery with Alcoholics Anonymous; the almighty shock of losing her partner, Matt, in eerily similar circumstances to her father; how grief changes over time and the tools she’s collected along the way that enable her to stay hopeful about the future. This is a really open and honest conversation about love and loss, and how you rebuild your life at the midpoint. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.