45. Not Out….

Episode 20's guest is Freya Lewis - survivor of the Manchester Arena attack in May 2017, Children of Courage Award winner, author and now a fresher at Drama School! Freya is also a resident of the same Cheshire village as me, and talks to me about how living in the village (Holmes Chapel) helped her heal and re-set during her recovery from appalling injuries. That same village was also the home town of superstar Harry Styles, and Freya talks about watching him on his journey in X factor and being catapulted into mega stardom. Despite being a survivor of that appalling attack, Freya speaks with positivity and hope and the end result is a fun, uplifting conversation about what's next for her and the benefits of being part of a small village community. This is one hell of an uplifting episode. Enjoy!

In this episode, I talk to Rachel Peru - a silver haired curve model, producer and host of Out Of The Bubble podcast, Instagram influencer and part of Platinum's magazine 50 over 50. Rachel became a curve model at the age of 46 and hasn't looked back since. On the episode she talks about how she practically "fell" into modelling, what it brings to her life and gives tips about how other women can feel great about themselves. Rachel also runs a coaching business doing just that very thing - Rediscover You. If you'd like to contact Rachel, you can using the links in the text above or find her on Instagram & Twitter.

Debbie Haynes is a successful entrepreneur and business owner who had a complete epiphany and realised her true calling in life was to get involved with rescuing mistreated elephants in the wild. Debbie had the guts to follow her heart and today works with a charity Wildlife SOS, being based as their UK representative with trips to India to help rescue and rehabilitate these gorgeous creatures. If you want to know more about Wildlife SOS, you can do so here. I hope you like the episode and Debbie's tale gives you the initiative and confidence to follow your own dreams. Go sister!

Are you well over 45 and want to start a business but not a clue where to start? Mark Elliott - serial entrepreneur and MBA is the co-founder of Start Up School For Seniors is now a Business Coach and still an Entrepreneur working with people aged 45+ on how to start and develop a successful business. Using his vast array of experience and expertise Mark talks to me about what people of this age can do to help their fledgling business rocket skyward; where and how to find funding and some real hacks that the mainstream "business experts" won't tell you. In the conversation, Mark talks about some of the organisations that can offer funding, advice & support. These are: Local Enterprise Partnerships Business Funding Council I hope the episode helps any potential Richard Bransons out there and you learn something from the conversation. I know I did. And if you are setting off on the trail to entrepreneurship, may the sun light your path. Go get em!

Does menopause make your working days a living hell? Are you trying to cope still smashing your job whilst being floored by menopausal symptoms? You aren't alone! 75% of women have debilitating symptoms that affect their performance; 25% of menopausal women consider leaving because of it; 10% actually do. Liz Clayton-Jones of Queen Bee who specialises in working with women suffering menopausal symptoms that affect their performance talks to me about how bad this phenomenon is in the workplace and some of the things we can do about it. Her sound and comforting advice is worth taking a listen, if only to confirm that you aren't the only one suffering. In the podcast, Liz mentions a raft of organisations that can help. You can find these here: Gen M - Curated "best of" information on menopause on the web British Menopause Society - Long established UK establishment Positive Pause - Great “magazine” site for information, and they can help organisations set up the right HR policies and procedures Hen Picked - Useful info site with a bit of a different angle Menopause Matters - A site set up by Diane Danzebrink who campaigns for support and education in all matters menopause.

Lost your job overnight due to the pandemic? This is the episode for you. It's chock full of advice and good ideas how to secure a job when you're over 45. Olga Crosse of Crosse HR is the guest and she has oodles of tips on how to get a job when you're over 45. From how to draft out your CV - what you should and shouldn't include, through to what HR departments are looking for in applications. Think of this episode as a consultation with your very own personal HR advisor Olga's advice is so upbeat, soothing but yet inspirational. Crosse HR works as an external HR partner with businesses of all sizes, and with over 20 years in the industry, Olga is an HR guru. She is more than well placed to offer sound and honest advice to job hunters out there of a certain age. We hope this helps :)

Episode 14 is our anniversary edition!!! We turn one in January 2021, and in it founder & producer Una Cottrell talks openly and honestly about what prompted her to set up the podcast; what she learnt during her year of podcasting; the fabulous guests she's interviewed and why she's looking forward to 2021's episodes. We'd love you to be part of the 45NotOut community - be part of our Facebook group here Enjoy!!!! Una x

Do you wonder, as a middle-aged woman, just exactly what type of exercise you should be doing? Or how much each week to keep you fit and healthy as you progress to later life? I have someone who can answer that :) Laura Walker is a fitness practitioner who specialises in working with people in mid-life to advise them exactly the type of the exercise they should be doing; just how long and how often and she takes into account any existing health conditions that necessitate that some form of exercises should be amended or avoided altogether. In the podcast, Laura freely disseminates excellent tips and advice - not just on exercise - but on diet and also how to improve that all important pelvic floor. If you'd like to know more details about Laura, you can it here and can also book an initial consultation with her. As ever, my thanks go to Laura for her time and wisdom. I hope you enjoy the episode x

Debbie Hayes is a contributing author, a  business coach and has been dubbed the Queen of Clarity by her clients. She is the perfect guest to shine some hope and positivity into these dark times, and is more than well placed to dispense advice about how to slay Imposter Syndrome and to live a more positive life generally.  Debbie gives simple and very do-able tips about how to lift yourself up from the darkest times and how to maintain that during everyday life.  She is absolute tonic for what we're living through right now.  The episode is just over 45 minutes  and I defy you not to feel lighter after listening to her wise advice.   If you need to look for extra help, the Samaritans are available 24/7 on 116 123 or find other ways to talk to them on their website

With the UK in recession right now, and all that that implies, in this episode I talk to Martin Williamson, Insolvency Practitioner and founder of Insolvency Practitioners Direct along with his other consultancy, Business Doctors . From his experience, Martin is able to talk expertly about what businesses might experience over the coming months and how to hold on to your job as an employee. Martin speaks empathically and effectively, as he offers tips and advice about what to do if you find your business in difficulties and how you can engage with business owners as an employee, if you're worried about your current position. What Martin has to say is pure gold, and I hope it helps to smooth the way over these difficult times.

This episode is all about Empty Nest Syndrome. To get the professionals' take on the syndrome, I speak to Sarah Calvert, a London based psychotherapist who specialises in relationship/family issues. Sarah gives a comprehensive explanation of it, why it affects us and, more importantly, strategies you can implement to alleviate some of the symptoms. If you are struggling and need to consult a therapist, UKCP publish a list of professionals who can help in your area. You can also try your GP. Enjoy the episode x

Jenny Stallard is an established freelance journalist and published author, but she's also recently launched the freelance wellbeing platform - FREELANCE FEELS. Jenny talks to me how she got into journalism in the first instance, on going freelance and how experiencing a difficult time that lead her to launch Freelance Feels. She talks openly with honestly about the struggles in freelancing as a career, and I'm sure this will resonate with freelancers in any sector. My thanks go to Jenny for speaking to me and I hope you find value in what she talks about. Enjoy!

Adrian Foster-Fletcher is a businessman and an ex Headhunting consultancy owner, who specialises in helping job-seekers aged 50 and over find their dream job. Adrian has written a book - OVER50? GET THAT NEXT JOB - giving tips and advice to those in this age range looking for work. Adrian has had a vast career starting in the early days of the IT industry and then pivoted into Executive Search (Head Hunting). His interview with me is an enjoyable and light-hearted chat packed with tons of advice, whether you're job-hunting or not. At just over 30 minutes long, it's an easy listen.

Aisha Riaz, MD of The E Word, is my Millenial Voice. Well below the age of 45, Aisha gives the benefit of her experience as a millennial entering the working world; what she thinks of the generation of working women who went before her and how it is possible to pivot in your career to a very different industry sector and succeed. Aisha radiates positivity and empowerment in the episode, and at just over 20 minutes in length is an easy and inspiring listen. So empowering!

Amanda Coleman is a former Director of Communications at Greater Manchester Police and has newly launched her own consultancy - Amanda Coleman Communications. She's also just published her first book - Crisis Communication Strategies. So it was the perfect time to talk to Amanda. She spoke about why she started her own business, on writing the book and getting it published and fabulous tips and wisdom about how to get into and surviving in PR. Amanda is amazingly honest and open about her career, and I dare you not to feel inspired.

In this episode, Rachel Morgan-Trimmer is a Neurodiversity consultant and public speaker, Her company Sparkle Class works with individuals and organisations to provide neurodiversity consultancy, leadership development and career coaching. I talk to Rachel about her own diagnosis with Autism and ADHD and how she has coped with a career and setting up her own businesses. Rachel is full of advice and support about how to traverse the "neurotypical" landscape with these conditions. Rachel is honest about her own journey and how to accept any limitations a condition may give you, and to move onward to fulfil your potential. You can find Rachel's social media platforms here: Twitter, Linked In and Facebook

Viv Parry of Be Amazing, is an entrepreneur, high-growth consultant and leadership coach and is the guest for Episode 4. Viv talks to me about her career to date, how she got there and how she conquered some of the most difficult times in her life and career. Viv talks authentically and openly about how she overcome these difficult times and what was the catalyst for change. A very heart-warming listen. You can find Viv on LinkedIn Twitter and Instagram

In this episode, Naomi Timperley talks about her recent change of career path, how she got to where she is today, and what she'd like to see in the working sphere for women - of all ages. An honest and truly inspiring talk from one of the tech industry's female leaders. Well worth the 20 mins or so to listen in :)

Welcome to episode 2 of 45NotOut. In it, we interview Tessa Medina-Rios about her amazing, globe-trotting performing career and starting a new enterprise after age 45. Tessa's enterprise - Future Performers - was formed to help potential performers achieve their place in a dance school of their choice. In the episode, Tessa talks about how she ended up living and working in Venezuela and running a circus business when back in the UK, that was mentioned on CBBC! Future Performers Instagram and website

Launch episode of 45 NotOut - the podcast for sassy career women aged 45 and above who are still serious about their career and want the world to know that ;). Looking at what the series of episodes will contain and what the podcast wants to achieve :). Connect with us: Instagram: @45not_out. Email: 45plusnotout@gmail.com