The Mid•Point with Gabby Logan

Gabby Logan

Gabby Logan is middle-aged and unashamed.But what does it mean to be at the halfway stage of your life? Here, Gabby talks candidly to well-known faces about their own midlife challenges and expectations, drawing on the advice of experts from sleep gurus, nutritionists, and doctors specialising on hormone treatment.

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

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235 episodes
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Episodes235

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Nov 22, 2023 · 41 min
Kate Moyle on Sex
This week, we have an expert taking centre stage! Psychosexual and Relationship Therapist and Psycho-Sexologist, Kate Moyle, is here to talk sex and intimacy. It’s something many people still struggle to talk about, but midlife can radically change the landscape when it comes to sex; certainly, when we asked The Mid.Pointers for questions to put to Kate, you delivered! In this episode, Kate tries her best to answer those questions on everything from libido imbalance to fetishes, pelvic floor strength to sex after parenthood. If you want to explore this topic further, get a copy of Kate’s book The Science of Sex: Every Question About Your Sex Life Answered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 15, 2023 · 52 min
Angela Hartnett OBE
Gabby is joined by one of the most recognisable names in the British restaurant world: Michelin Star chef, restaurateur, and broadcaster, Angela Hartnett OBE. Angela shares her experience of going through the menopause in somewhere as hot and pressurised as a top kitchen; how she’s learned in midlife that sometimes you need to ask for help; where her love of food comes from and why food and family are so intertwined; as well as the things she’s doing to ensure that she’s thriving when she is 90 years of age! Medical Scientist and Public Health Nutritionist, Dr Federica Amati, also joins to discuss the science behind her new book: Recipes For A Better Menopause. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 8, 2023 · 55 min
Dara Ó Briain
WARNING: This episode contains strong language. Comedian, presenter, and author, Dara Ó Briain, joins Gabby to talk about how midlife is treating him; how it has expanded his comedy and allowed him to become more of a storyteller; and what it’s like touring alongside being a dad and getting usurped in popularity by their new dog. Co-author of Ravenous, Henry Dimbleby, also joins to discuss the state of our national food system and why it needs to radically change to protect our future health and the environment. But fear not, despite the severity of the outlook, Dara reassures that we’ll never run out of things to laugh about! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 1, 2023 · 43 min
Kate Bottley
This week’s guest has been compared with the Vicar of Dibley, and she doesn’t mind one bit! This week, the Reverend Kate Bottley brings all the warmth and humour that Dawn French’s character was famous for, and then some. Gabby and Kate discuss all the big topics in this episode: love, death, and skinny dipping! Professor Mike Tipton also joins them to talk about best practices for those who are new to wild swimming, and Kate shares why it’s the one hobby she has stuck with. Below are some links to studies Mike references in this episode: The Physiological Society - Cold water immersion: kill or cure? British Journal of Sports Medicine - Cold water therapies: minimising risks BMJ Case Reports - Open water swimming as a treatment for major depressive disorder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 24, 2023 · 1 hr 7 min
Sarah Beeny
Property expert and broadcaster, Sarah Beeny, chats with Gabby this week about the opportunities that you can unlock in midlife, the joy of being a groupie mum, and the breast cancer diagnosis which she refuses to let define her. Sarah’s new book, The Simple Life: How I Found Home, charts her life through the properties she’s restored, renovated, and loved, and they discuss the importance of making a house a home. They also discuss all things property finance and pensions with host of the Financial Times' Money Clinic podcast and author of What They Don’t Teach You About Money, Claer Barrett. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 17, 2023 · 35 min
Kenny Logan - Rugby World Cup Challenge
Gabby and Kenny get together for a wee debrief after completing Kenny Logan’s Rugby World Cup Challenge, in memory of their great friend Doddie Weir and in aid of My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. They talk about the highs and lows of the weeklong cycle-walk challenge, carrying the Ireland v Scotland Rugby World Cup match ball from Edinburgh to the game in Paris, as well as what it meant to them to meet so many people affected by Motor Neuron Disease along the way. You can still donate to this great cause by clicking here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 10, 2023 · 58 min
Ed Balls
Few former politicians have had successful reincarnations as television presenters, but Ed Balls is one of them. He joins Gabby to talk about how he is loving the so-called midlife crisis because it’s only really at the midpoint that he’s been able to say yes to the many things he would like to try – including famously, dancing on Strictly! Ed also discusses what raising a young family within the world of politics was like, the new podcast he's cohosting Political Currency, and Gabby gets his thoughts on how middle-aged women in particular could have a huge say in the next General Election. They also speak to psychiatrist and author of How To Build A Healthy Brain and Unprocessed, Kimberley Wilson, about the significance of diet and exercise on brain health and what we need to be doing in midlife to give ourselves the best chance against Dementia. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 3, 2023 · 1 hr 7 min
Lee Mack
Gabby’s guest this week is a comedian, writer, and TV presenter, and he’s also turning the midlife crisis on its head! For Lee Mack, the midlife crisis is more like the midlife question mark: a time when you question some of the ways you’ve been told to live. Lee shares why things like meditation, veganism, and sobriety, have become increasingly important to him at the midpoint, as well as why he loves time off more and more but would trade it all for a shot at playing football for FC Barcelona! Entrepreneur and behaviour change coach, Andy Ramage, also joins to talk about how he is helping people who want to take a break from drinking alcohol. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 26, 2023 · 1 hr 3 min
Julia Bradbury
Presenter, author, and outdoor evangelist, Julia Bradbury, is with Gabby on the podcast this week. Julia talks about how her breast cancer diagnosis has had a profound effect on her midlife, and how it partly inspired her new book Walk Yourself Happy. As well as the power of walking, they discuss the other lifestyle habits which Julia researched for the book, such as nutrition and breathwork, and how this has informed changes in her own life. Determined to give herself the best fighting chance against cancer and secure her longevity, this is an uplifting reminder that we have agency over our own bodies even in the face of illness. Dr Caroline Leek, founder of Fruit Fly Collective, also joins to discuss how to talk to children about cancer and signposts valuable resources, such as Parenting With Cancer, which families can use when they receive a cancer diagnosis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 19, 2023 · 1 hr 2 min
Extraordinary People: Mandy Hickson
Trigger Warning: Miscarriage is discussed in this episode, so please take care whilst listening. We are finishing our mini-series featuring extraordinary people with inspiring stories to tell by hearing from former RAF fast jet pilot, Mandy Hickson. Mandy always dreamed of following in her grandfather’s footsteps and becoming a pilot, but in her early adulthood, this was simply not an option: women were not allowed to be pilots in the RAF. But as soon as that rule changed, there was no stopping Mandy! She became only the second female to fly a Tornado GR4 on the front line, and in her career, she completed 45 missions over Iraq and three duty tours. In this episode, Mandy speaks about how difficult it is to become a fighter pilot (regardless of gender), what it was like knowing she was a test case and how she overcame that, what the military taught her about unselfish behaviour and how there is always more to be gained from working as a team, as well as what it was like juggling being a mum with a high-pressure role in the air force, and the issues this still poses for female fast jet pilots today. Since leaving the RAF, Mandy has set up her own business and travels the country speaking at schools and businesses and sharing all she’s learned. Mandy has also published a memoir, An Officer Not A Gentleman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 12, 2023 · 55 min
Extraordinary People: Fiona Spargo-Mabbs
Trigger Warning: This week's episode contains a conversation about the loss of a child. This is the second instalment of our special mini-series focusing on extraordinary people with remarkable stories to share. Gabby was inspired to break away from the usual roster of celebrities and experts, and instead spotlight ordinary people who have real insight when it comes to overcoming adversity; Fiona Spargo-Mabbs has exactly that. In 2014, Fiona’s worst nightmare became a reality when a police officer stood on her doorstep in the early hours of the morning and informed her that her youngest son, Dan, was in intensive care. This was the start of the worst few days of her life, as specialists raced against time to counter the effects of an extremely strong dose of MDMA (ecstasy) which Dan had consumed whilst at a rave with his friends. All of them had taken the drug, but Dan had been the one who had unknowingly taken the dose which was twelve times stronger than had caused deaths in the past. Dan never came home, and in the years since, Fiona has had to come to terms with her family’s new reality. She talks about this, and how she and her husband, Tim, have thrown themselves into making sure that teenagers and parents have the drug education they need in order to avoid any other young person dying needlessly. You can find out more about The Daniel Spargo-Mabbs Foundation here, and purchase Fiona’s book I Wish I’d Known here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 5, 2023 · 52 min
Extraordinary People: Ed and Lois Jackson
This month, Gabby presents a special mini-series focusing on extraordinary people with remarkable stories to share. The Oprah Winfrey Show was formative viewing for Gabby, and having rediscovered its early episodes, she was inspired to break away from the usual roster of celebrities and experts and instead spotlight ordinary people who have shown remarkable strength of character and overcome adversity. Over the course of the next three episodes you'll hear three very different stories, but all of them will leave you feeling inspired. We’re kicking off the series with a power couple; Ed and Lois Jackson. Back in 2017, Ed was enjoying his career as a professional rugby player and he and Lois were looking forward to their upcoming nuptials, but a split-second misjudgement at a barbecue changed the trajectory of both of their lives forever. Ed suffered an almost catastrophic spinal cord injury and was lucky to survive the accident. They speak about what it was like being told that he would never walk again, and Ed’s extraordinary reaction to that news. We hear how they have navigated the highs and lows of the last six years, how Ed went from being paralysed in all four limbs to climbing Yr Wyddfa/ Snowdon in 12 months, and how reframing and gratitude helped them to find a greater purpose and form their charity Millimetres 2 Mountains. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 29, 2023 · 46 min
The Menopause
To round out our series of summer specials, we’ve combed the archive for some of the most insightful chats we’ve had about the menopause. There are a myriad of symptoms associated with menopause and it manifests differently for everyone, so it’s important we continue to talk about it and to share helpful tips that make this stage of life a little easier to navigate. In this episode, you’ll hear from writer Lorraine Candy, model Penny Lancaster, MP Carolyn Harris who campaigned to make HRT more affordable for women in England, TV presenters Davina McCall and Lorraine Kelly, plus functional nutritionist Pippa Campbell, who explains why our body shape may change as we go through the menopause. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 22, 2023 · 45 min
Relationships in Midlife
This is the second of our special compilation episodes this summer; perfect for you to dip in and out of on your holidays, or to accompany you on any long journeys. This week we’re focusing on a topic that comes up a lot on The Mid.Point: relationships. Be they romantic, familial, or purely platonic, they can often take on a new importance when navigating midlife. Like everything, relationships change and evolve over time and sometimes they no longer serve us by the midpoint, hence why many people find themselves navigating the end of a significant partnership or friendship at this time of life. However, scientific research suggests that there are anti-ageing properties bound up in social interactions and a sense of community, so it’s vitally important that we keep making friendships throughout our lives. But it can be hard to put yourself out there, especially when it comes to dating. These are all aspects that our wonderful guests - Elizabeth Day, Phil Neville, Rob Rinder, Jane Fallon, Kelly Cates, Kirsty Gallacher, Kenny Logan, sobriety advocate Matt Pink, and Professor Rose Anne Kenny – all touch on in this week’s episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 15, 2023 · 40 min
The Joys of Getting Older
School’s out, and so is the rule book! This summer we’re bringing you a special mini-series which takes you on a trip through the archive, showcasing the best snippets from our vast and varied line up of guests. Each week we’ll be focusing on a topic that’s particularly pertinent to those of us at the midpoint, and this week we’re celebrating the joys of getting older. There’s still a pervading sense of pessimism when it comes to the mainstream narrative on ageing, but the chats on this podcast over the last three years have proved that most midlifers are anything but! Celebrities and experts all agree that there are so many good things that come with midlife. In this episode, you’ll hear the likes of Sharleen Spiteri, Colin Murray, Edith Bowman, Trevor Nelson, Zoe Lyons, Nihal Arthanayake, Phil Neville, Olivia Williams, and fitness expert, James Smith, being positively old! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 8, 2023 · 49 min
Davinia Taylor
Author of It’s Not A Diet and founder of supplement brand Will Powder, Davinia Taylor, is here to explain the principles behind her new book Hack Your Hormones. You may well remember Davinia from her days as an actress on Hollyoaks and being a renowned party girl in the 90’s - painting London red with The Primrose Set! But gone are those hedonistic days, and in the last 14 years, Davinia has learned lots from her own journey from alcoholic to wellness advocate. She talks to Gabby all about biohacking, and ways you can support and stimulate certain hormones such as dopamine, to get the best out of your mind and body. They also discuss ways to optimise and track your sleep, and the things to avoid in the ingredient lists of many household foods. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 1, 2023 · 33 min
Julia Samuel on Grief
By its very nature, this expert episode on grief is raw and emotional, and some tears were shed in the making of it. But Psychotherapist, best-selling author, and podcaster, Julia Samuel, is here to guide us through the many shades of grief; something which impacts all our lives in one way or another and particularly in midlife. Julia very generously answers your questions on everything from practical ways to support loved ones who are grieving, dealing with living losses such as divorce, and visualisation techniques which can help to stop you from ruminating on the “what if’s” that come with a loss which is open-ended or without conclusion. Alongside her practical advice, Julia also speaks about some of the fundamentals when it comes to bereavement; why grieving always takes longer than anyone wants, the power of walking and talking, the compounding effect of multiple losses, and how grieving together helps us to build strong familial bonds. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 25, 2023 · 59 min
Patrick Kielty
Comedian, radio presenter, and brand-new host of The Late Late Show, Patrick Kielty, is reaching new heights at the midpoint! Not only does he bring the laughs this week but he also brings the wisdom, including the importance of creating opportunities for yourself, how not to prepare for the London Marathon, and why you must make sure the material at your wake is good! Patrick also explains how one drunk phone call from a pub car park in rural Ireland turned into a life in LA, getting married to Cat Deeley, and the birth of their two children. Gabby also reunites Patrick with physical activity expert and celebrity trainer, Professor Greg Whyte OBE, who speaks about the importance of movement and strength training as we get older - Guinness less so, sorry Paddy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 18, 2023 · 56 min
Monica Galetti
Full disclosure: this episode is highly likely to make you hungry! Gabby is joined by one of the most revered chefs in the country, MasterChef: The Professionals judge and Mere Restaurant chef owner, Monica Galetti. Monica grew up in Samoa imbibing the food centric culture there, before travelling to New Zealand to train as a chef and landing in the UK in Chef Michel Roux Jr’s Michelin kitchen! After juggling competing priorities for many years, pressures on her business and her family meant Monica had to step back from MasterChef last year. Monica explains what she learned in that time, and how she’s now finding the joy in what she does again. Monica also talks about finding her "fit crew" and feeling more confident than ever in the gym, the importance of a happy kitchen, as well as her beloved “boys” – her three dogs! Sporting Director, Calvin Mudd, also joins to explain what Canicross is and why it might be you and your canine companion’s new favourite form of exercise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 11, 2023 · 30 min
Lara Lewington on AI
We’ve got another expert episode for you, and this time we’re tackling a subject that’s been making the headlines of late… AI! We’ve all heard about it, but what do most of us really know about artificial intelligence beyond the scary stories? How is it going to change our everyday lives, and how prevalent is it already? Gabby is putting all your questions to tech journalist and AI commentator, Lara Lewington. Lara has presented and reported for the BBC’s flagship technology programme, Click, since 2011, and she recently made A Documentary: By ChatGPT for BBC Radio 4. Lara explains some of the pitfalls of AI, as well as some of the ways we might be able to use it to our advantage when it comes to things like healthcare, drug discovery, and policing social media. She also explains what data is harvested from us already (often unknowingly), and how personal data trackers are being used to help prevent illnesses and increase longevity – things which are all made possible by AI. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.