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

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

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This week on Two Women Chatting, Michelle welcomes pop icon and powerhouse woman Sinitta for an inspiring and deeply personal conversation. Sinitta opens up about her early career, her longtime friendship with Simon Cowell, the highs and lows of fame, and how she’s now using her platform to empower other women.

From her early years shaped by a showbiz childhood to founding Sin's Angels, a collective for women rediscovering their strength, Sinitta shares what it means to find your voice, create space for others, and thrive on your own terms. Whether you're a fan of 80s pop or passionate about women supporting women, this is an episode that celebrates strength, reinvention and sisterhood.

Key Insights:

🎙️ Finding Her Voice in the Music Industry: Sinitta talks about the shift from early record deals to finding creative freedom through her collaboration with Simon Cowell - finally being able to express her own musical identity.

🎙️ The Truth Behind the Spotlight: Fame, she says, is a double-edged sword. Sinitta reflects on the challenges of living in the public eye, learning to deal with press scrutiny, and maintaining her resilience.

🎙️ Women Empowering Women: Through Sin's Angels, Sinitta is on a mission to support and uplift midlife women - creating a space for growth, confidence and second acts.

🎙️ Motherhood & Reinvention: As her children prepare to leave home, Sinitta speaks openly about the emotional challenges of motherhood and embracing the next chapter with purpose.

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 Sinitta and discover the inspiring work of Sins Angels?

🌟 Sins Angels on Instagram: @thesinsangelsofficial

🐦 Twitter/X: @thesinsangels

📸 Sinitta’s Instagram: @thesinittaofficial

🐦 Twitter/X: @sinittaofficial

Connect with Us:

🌍 Website: TwoWomenChatting.com

📸 Instagram: @michelleford_twc

🐦 Twitter/X: @ChattingTwo

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Thank you to my season 9 sponsor Hair Today More Tomorrow - for more details visit their website and see Sara's blog about midlife hair on www.twowomenchatting.com

Sinitta, music career, Simon Cowell, fame, empowerment, Sins Angels, talent discovery, motherhood, stage name, women empowerment

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

This week on Two Women Chatting, Michelle is recording on location from the Pinecraft Inn in Sarasota, Florida with special guest Kendra Cross, who offers a heartfelt window into the Amish and Mennonite way of life. Raised in these communities, Kendra shares her personal story of multigenerational wisdom, strong women, and cultural connection.

Kendra speaks candidly about growing up in a male-dominated culture, the misconceptions outsiders often have, and the ways in which community, storytelling, and tradition shape Amish life. With honesty and clarity, she explores what it means to honour your roots while helping others understand a world that often feels hidden.

Key Insights:

🎙️ Stories Over Screens: In a culture without modern distractions, storytelling is at the heart of family and connection. Kendra reflects on how these traditions preserved community and passed down strength through generations.

🎙️ Community & Culture: Amish and Mennonite life is deeply rooted in togetherness. Whether it’s shared work, meals, or worship, the focus is on mutual support and belonging.

🎙️ Understanding a Male-Dominated Culture: Kendra explains the unspoken rules women navigate in traditional communities. “You don’t have to agree with the system,” she says, “but once you understand the rules, you can learn how to play the game.”

🎙️ Dispelling Myths: From dress codes to education, Kendra clears up common misconceptions about the Amish and Mennonite way of life - offering thoughtful insights that go beyond what most people assume.

🎙️ Wisdom Passed Down: Inspired by her grandmother, Kendra celebrates the quiet strength of women who’ve shaped communities through faith, love, and lived experience - often shared in the simplest of settings, like generations of women gathered around a quilt, telling stories and singing together.

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 Kendra?

🧵 Take a tour with Kendra Cross: Discover Sarasota Tours – Amish Experience

Thank you to our season 9 sponsor: Hair Today More Tomorrow - with expert tips on managing hair in midlife from trichologist Sara G Allison on www.twowomenchatting.com

Connect with Us:

🌟 Website: TwoWomenChatting.com

📸 Instagram: @michelleford_twc

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Amish, Mennonite, Kendra Cross, Sarasota, storytelling, community, faith, simplicity, multigenerational women, traditions, quilt circle, culture, female strength, male-dominated society, empowerment, rural life, spirituality, women supporting women, connection through story, Discover Sarasota Tours

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