This week on Two Women Chatting, Michelle celebrates the 100th episode with none other than Olympic legend and advocate Dame Kelly Holmes in a powerful and deeply personal conversation. From winning double gold to becoming a fearless voice for LGBTQ+ rights and women's health, Kelly shares her journey of transformation with honesty and passion.

Marking this special milestone episode, Kelly reflects on the ups and downs of life after sport and military service, the power of vulnerability and why she founded The Athena Effect - a new initiative helping women rediscover their confidence, purpose and strength. Whether you're navigating personal change or simply love hearing from inspiring women, this episode will leave you feeling seen, supported and stronger.

Key Insights:

🎙️ Breaking Assumptions & Owning Your Identity: Kelly discusses the impact of societal expectations, the challenges of being misunderstood, and the importance of showing up authentically - both personally and professionally.

🎙️ From Military to Civilian Life: Finding a New Purpose: Kelly shares the often-overlooked struggles women face when transitioning from military service or returning to work after raising families and how transferable skills can be a superpower.

🎙️ Mental Health Matters: The Strength in Vulnerability: From public success to private struggles, Kelly speaks candidly about her mental health journey, the importance of seeking help, and breaking the stigma around emotional well-being.

🎙️ Empowering Women Through Community: The Athena Effect: Passionate about helping women thrive, Kelly explains how The Athena Effect creates spaces for open conversations, empowerment and lasting change.

Love these insights? Share your thoughts and stories at twowomenchatting@gmail.com, and don’t forget to rate and review us on your favourite podcast platform!

Want to learn more from Dame Kelly Holmes and her Athena Effect initiative?

Episode Resources:

🌟 Dame Kelly Holmes on Instagram: @damekellyholmes

🌟 The Athena Effect Website: Events Link Next event 6 March 2026

Campaign for Painful Hysteroscopy - patient leaflet - follow @campaign_painful_hysteroscopy on instagram

Connect with Us:

🌍 Website: TwoWomenChatting.com

📸 Instagram: @michelleford_twc

📘 Facebook: Two Women Chatting

📺 YouTube: TwoWomenChatting

Kelly Holmes, Olympic Champion, LGBTQ+ Advocacy, Women's Empowerment, Diversity, Inclusion, Personal Growth, Mental Health, Women's Health

👉 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.com

Connect with Michelle at twowomenchatting@gmail.com 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 @michelleford_twc or Facebook

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.