Michelle Ford Interviews

In this special bonus episode, Michelle Ford is joined by Dr Anisha Patel (@doctorsgetcancertoo), a doctor and patient advocate who shares her powerful first-hand experience of bowel cancer."There is a global epidemic of this and it's been in the news loads. There was a huge study in The Lancet recently where 27 out of 50 countries have seen this rise in the under 50s. And Cancer Research UK actually published figures that all cancers have risen by 24% since 1995 to 2019 and bowel cancer specifically has risen by 50 % in the last 25 years, which is just shocking really." Dr Anisha PatelAs we mark Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, this conversation shines a light on a growing and often overlooked issue - more younger people are being diagnosed, often without the typical risk factors.Dr Anisha talks openly about her journey to diagnosis, the realities of navigating the healthcare system as both a doctor and a patient, and why we all need to be better at listening to our bodies and 'knowing our normal'.⚠️ Why this mattersBowel cancer is no longer just a disease affecting older people. Rates in under-50s are rising, and many are diagnosed later because symptoms can be missed or dismissed. Early detection is key - and awareness can save lives. The survival rate for bowel cancer is 90% if caught early enough. If you were born in 1990 or later your chances of getting bowel cancer have increased 4X.🧠 What we cover in this episodeThe rise of bowel cancer in younger peopleDr Anisha’s personal story and diagnosisWhy some patients don’t fit the “typical” risk profileThe importance of being listened to - and advocating for yourselfHow lifestyle, environment, and genetics may all play a role - Dr Anisha talks about the importance of fibre in our diet🚨 Symptoms not to ignoreDr Anisha shares the key signs to look out for and an acronym to help you remember:B - Blood in your stoolO - Obvious changes in bowel habitsW - Unexplained weight lossE - Extreme tirednessL - lumps in tummy - abdominal pain or discomfortIf something doesn’t feel right and it persists - get it checked - and don't ignore that NHS poop check. It only takes a second and could make all the difference.🎯 Key takeawayYou are never too young to know your body. Paying attention to changes and acting early can make all the difference.🎧 Listen now to hear the full conversation and Dr Anisha’s powerful message on awareness, advocacy, and early detection.Dr Anisha Patel instagram @doctorsgetcancertooBowel Cancer UK website#bowelcancer #knowyournormal #coloncancer #bowelcancerawareness👉 Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and share it with a friend who could use a little midlife magic.Explore the 'midlife library' at www.twowomenchatting.comConnect with Michelle at [email protected] for collaborations, ideas, and comments! Remember to rate, review, and share our show to join the laughter-filled conversation about midlife empowerment and beyond...Follow Michelle on Instagram at @michellefordofficial or Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Understanding Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria with Alex PartridgeIn this bonus episode of Two Women Chatting, Michelle speaks with Alex Partridge, host of ADHD Chatter podcast and author of Why Does Everybody Hate Me? Living and Loving with Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria.Together they explore Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) - an intense emotional response to perceived criticism or rejection that is commonly experienced by people with ADHD or autism. Alex shares personal insights into how RSD can shape relationships, self-confidence and everyday interactions.What is Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria?Alex explains that RSD is one of the most challenging aspects of living with ADHD. Even small comments or situations - like a boss asking for a quick chat - can trigger overwhelming anxiety and catastrophic thinking. These reactions are often rooted in years of criticism or misunderstanding during childhood.The Emotional ImpactFor many people, RSD can cause powerful emotional responses that feel disproportionate to the situation. Feelings of sadness, anger or panic can escalate quickly, creating a cycle of shame and regret once the emotional response has passed.Relationships and Self-PerceptionMichelle and Alex discuss how RSD can affect both personal and professional relationships. When feedback feels like a personal attack, people may react defensively or impulsively - quitting jobs, withdrawing from relationships or later apologising for emotional reactions they feel embarrassed about.The People-Pleasing TrapAlex highlights how many people with RSD develop people-pleasing behaviours in an attempt to avoid rejection. While it can feel protective in the moment, constantly prioritising other people’s needs can lead to unhealthy dynamics and difficulty setting boundaries.Women and ADHDThe conversation also touches on the unique challenges faced by women with ADHD, many of whom are diagnosed later in life. Alex emphasises the importance of giving women a stronger voice in the neurodiversity conversation, particularly around hormonal changes and how ADHD can present differently for women.Key Takeaways• Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria can trigger intense emotional reactions to perceived criticism.• These reactions can create a cycle of shame that affects relationships and self-confidence.• People-pleasing is a common coping strategy but can lead to unhealthy patterns.• Women with ADHD often face unique challenges and are frequently diagnosed later in life.Through his honesty and advocacy, Alex Partridge helps bring greater understanding to RSD and offers reassurance to anyone who has struggled with feeling overwhelmed by criticism or rejection.Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria, ADHD, neurodiversity, mental health awareness, emotional intelligence, Alex Partridge, women and ADHD.👉 Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and share it with a friend who could use a little midlife magic.Explore the 'midlife library' at www.twowomenchatting.comConnect with Michelle at [email protected] for collaborations, ideas, and comments! Remember to rate, review, and share our show to join the laughter-filled conversation about midlife empowerment and beyond...Follow Michelle on Instagram at @michellefordofficial or Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this warm, insightful, and laugh-out-loud episode, Michelle Ford sits down with presenter, counsellor, and podcast powerhouse Anna Williamson to explore one of midlife’s biggest topics: staying emotionally connected when life, family and festive chaos compete for your attention.Anna shares how emotional intimacy and active listening keeps long-term relationships thriving, why communication is usually at the heart of every issue, and how understanding the “seasons” of life can help couples navigate natural shifts - even after decades together. They also talk about the highs, lows, and emotional dynamics behind shows like I’m a Celebrity and Celebs Go Dating, where Anna works as an ‘agent’, and what those televised moments can teach us about connection in real life.With Christmas stress looming, Michelle and Anna dive into practical, compassionate strategies for avoiding conflict, setting boundaries, and staying emotionally connected to your partner. They explore how to find the spark again, how to handle tricky family dynamics without guilt, and why it’s important not to throw around the ‘D’ word. For those re-entering the dating scene in midlife, Anna offers empowering advice on embracing your worth, seeking companionship or romance, and approaching dating with confidence in your 40s and 50s.Packed with humour, honesty, and actionable advice, this episode is a supportive, relatable conversation for anyone juggling relationships, family expectations, festive pressure, and the emotional load of midlife.🎙️ Key InsightsEmotional intimacy is essential for healthy midlife relationshipsBoundaries during the holidays protect your energy and wellbeingGood communication is the root of strong connectionWomen re-entering dating in their 50s are empowered and discerningFinding joy in small moments helps ease Christmas stressSelf-care isn’t selfish - it’s the foundation of thriving relationshipsResources:📘 Anna Williamson Website: annawilliamson.co.uk📸 Instagram: @annawilliamsonofficial🎧 Listen to the Luanna Podcast on all major platformsConnect with Us:🌟 Website: TwoWomenChatting.com📸 Instagram: @michelleford_twc🐦 Twitter/X: @ChattingTwo📘 Facebook: Two Women Chatting📺 YouTube: TwoWomenChatting🎵 TikTok: @twowomenchatting0🎧 This episode was produced and edited by Emma Tindall.👉 If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to follow Two Women Chatting on your favourite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. A quick review helps more midlife women discover the show — and keeps these honest conversations going.🎧 Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.midlife relationships, emotional intimacy, communication, dating after divorce, Christmas stress, boundaries, family dynamics, self-care, women in midlife, healthy relationships, Luanna podcast, Anna Williamson, Two Women Chatting podcast👉 Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and share it with a friend who could use a little midlife magic.Explore the 'midlife library' at www.twowomenchatting.comConnect with Michelle at [email protected] for collaborations, ideas, and comments! Remember to rate, review, and share our show to join the laughter-filled conversation about midlife empowerment and beyond...Follow Michelle on Instagram at @michellefordofficial or Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this fun, laugh-filled and genuinely eye-opening episode, Michelle Ford sits down with women’s health nutritionist Emma Bardwell to tackle one of the most underrated pillars of midlife wellbeing: fibre - the true unsung hero of women’s health. Between giggles over “poophoria” (yes, it’s a thing!) and some serious myth-busting, Michelle and Emma unpack why getting enough fibre and protein is essential - especially if you’re using GLP-1 weight-loss injections like Ozempic, Wegovy or Mounjaro. As Emma explains, these medications slow digestion, making fibre even more important for gut motility, nutrient absorption and long-term health.Forget fibre’s dusty, boring reputation - this episode gives it a full glow-up. Through perimenopause and menopause, when hormones fluctuate and the gut becomes increasingly linked to mood, energy and resilience, fibre becomes a midlife powerhouse. Michelle and Emma explore how nourishing your gut supports immunity, mental wellbeing, metabolism and overall vitality, and why our midlife microbiome deserves centre stage. With Emma’s straight-talking, practical approach, you’ll learn simple, everyday ways to boost your fibre intake - no chia-seed obsession required.By the end, you’ll never look at your plate (or your bowel movements!) the same way again.🎙️ Key Insights • Fibre lowers the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and colon cancer • A high-fibre diet reduces inflammation and supports a stronger immune system • Good gut health boosts brain health and emotional wellbeing • Fibre may help remove microplastics from the body • Protein + fibre is the midlife power combo - stabilising energy, supporting hormone balance and improving satiety • Talking openly about gut health (and yes, poo!) helps normalise midlife wellbeingResources: 📘 Emma Bardwell Website: emmabardwell.com 📸 Instagram: @emma.bardwell The Fibre Effect is published February 2026 The 30g Plan is available in all good bookshopsConnect with Us:🌟 Website: TwoWomenChatting.com 📸 Instagram: @michelleford_twc 🐦 Twitter/X: @ChattingTwo 📘 Facebook: Two Women Chatting 📺 YouTube: TwoWomenChatting 🎵 TikTok: @twowomenchatting0🎧 This episode was produced and edited by Emma Tindall.👉 If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to follow Two Women Chatting on your favourite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. We’d also love it if you could leave us a review — your feedback helps more listeners discover the show and keeps these conversations going.🎧 Listen and subscribe on [Apple Podcasts], [Spotify], [Amazon Music], or wherever you get your podcasts.gut health, fibre, fiber, digestive health, bowel movements, midlife wellness, women’s health, nutrition, gut-brain connection, dietary fibre, healthy ageing, Two Women Chatting podcast👉 Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and share it with a friend who could use a little midlife magic.Explore the 'midlife library' at www.twowomenchatting.comConnect with Michelle at [email protected] for collaborations, ideas, and comments! Remember to rate, review, and share our show to join the laughter-filled conversation about midlife empowerment and beyond...Follow Michelle on Instagram at @michellefordofficial or Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this deeply comforting and enlightening episode of Two Women Chatting, Michelle Ford is joined by world-renowned psychic medium Sally Morgan to explore intuition, gut instinct, and the soul’s journey beyond the physical world.Sally shares how midlife is often a time when our psychic awareness and intuition naturally open up, giving us a stronger “spidey sense” and a clearer connection to the spiritual realm. She explains why trusting your gut isn’t just a metaphor - it’s a powerful way to navigate life, make decisions, and sense the energy around you.The conversation also explores the comforting truths about passing over: that death is far more about love than fear, no one ever passes alone, and our loved ones are accompanied into the spirit world. Sally introduces the concept of “spiritual capital”, explaining how the emotional and energetic resources we build over a lifetime can help us stay grounded, resilient, and connected to both ourselves and the people we love.Whether you’re curious about developing your intuition, seeking reassurance about grief, or wanting to understand the soul’s journey, this episode offers insight, warmth, and practical guidance for embracing your midlife psychic abilities.🎙️ Key Insights from This Episode✨ Midlife can be a time of heightened intuition and psychic awareness✨ Trusting your gut instinct — your inner “spidey sense” — is powerful and meaningful✨ The moment of death is a transition filled with pure love, not fear✨ No one ever passes alone — loved ones are always accompanied✨ Guilt about “not being there in time” is unnecessary✨ The spirit world is full of connection, comfort, and peace✨ Building your spiritual capital supports emotional strength and resilienceThis episode is perfect for anyone interested in midlife wellbeing, intuition, spiritual growth, psychic development, grief support, and personal empowerment.Resources:📘 Sally Morgan: sallymorgan.tv 📸 Instagram: @sallymorganpsychicConnect with Us:🌟 Website: TwoWomenChatting.com 📸 Instagram: @michelleford_twc 🐦 Twitter/X: @ChattingTwo 📘 Facebook: Two Women Chatting 📺 YouTube: TwoWomenChatting 🎵 TikTok: @twowomenchatting0🎧 This episode was produced and edited by Emma Tindall.👉 If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to follow Two Women Chatting on your favourite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. We’d also love it if you could leave us a review — your feedback helps more listeners discover the show and keeps these conversations going.🎧 Listen and subscribe on [Apple Podcasts], [Spotify], [Amazon Music], or wherever you get your podcasts.👉 Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and share it with a friend who could use a little midlife magic.Explore the 'midlife library' at www.twowomenchatting.comConnect with Michelle at [email protected] for collaborations, ideas, and comments! Remember to rate, review, and share our show to join the laughter-filled conversation about midlife empowerment and beyond...Follow Michelle on Instagram at @michellefordofficial or Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.