エピソード

  • Lisa Jewell | The Accidental Author Who Conquered Crime Fiction

    Lisa Jewell | The Accidental Author Who Conquered Crime Fiction
    2025/11/04
    In this episode of Two Women Chatting, Michelle sits down with chart-topping author Lisa Jewell to talk about the twists and turns of storytelling - both on and off the page. From an out-of-work secretary in her 20s to the queen of psychological thrillers, Lisa shares how she found her voice, leaned into her dark side, and built a literary career that’s captured the world’s attention. Lisa reflects on how personal experiences, including a coercive past relationship, inspires her most complex characters. She also dishes on the exciting Netflix adaptation of her work, her bold pivot from rom-coms to thrillers, and the creative process behind her chilling new novel Don't Let Him In. Whether you're a budding writer, a thriller junkie, or just love a good story about reinvention, this is an episode not to miss.Key Insights:🎙️ From Redundancy to Bestseller List Lisa reveals how being out of work at 27 combined with a nudge from a friend led her to write her first novel and completely reinvent her life.🎙️ Rom-Coms to Darkness Once known for her light-hearted fiction, Lisa explains how and why she transitioned to psychological thrillers - and why exploring the dark side keeps her inspired.🎙️ Coercive Control in Fiction Lisa opens up about how personal experiences shaped her latest characters, especially the manipulative, controlling figures that dominate her most gripping books.🎙️ Lights, Camera, Adaptation Netflix has come calling. Lisa talks about the surreal experience of having her stories adapted for the screen and the reality of letting go of creative control.🎙️ Confidence, Creativity & Constant Motion Even 20+ novels in, Lisa shares how she keeps the ideas flowing and how confidence in her storytelling continues to grow with every book.Resources:📘 Don't Let Him In by Lisa Jewell – Buy the Book 📸 Lisa on Instagram: @lisajewellukConnect 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.Lisa Jewell, psychological thriller, writing journey, women in literature, character development, coercive control, dark fiction, Don't Let Him In, book adaptation, Netflix thriller, midlife reinvention, self-belief, female authors, storytelling, confidence👉 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 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.
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    32 分
  • Nicky Hambleton-Jones | From Brutal TV Drop to Midlife Glow-Up

    Nicky Hambleton-Jones | From Brutal TV Drop to Midlife Glow-Up
    2025/10/28
    In this empowering episode of Two Women Chatting, Michelle sits down with stylist, author, and TV presenter Nicky Hambleton-Jones to talk about bouncing back from public rejection, rediscovering purpose, and helping women feel bolder—not just older. Best known for fronting Channel 4’s 10 Years Younger, Nicky opens up about being abruptly dropped from the show, how that rocked her confidence, and the bold choices she made to reclaim her voice.With warmth, honesty, and a little lipstick, Nicky shares how personal style can be a radical act of self-expression - especially in midlife.Her book Bolder, Not Older is a rallying cry for women who want to dress for confidence, not for the gaze of others. Whether you’re navigating change, battling imposter syndrome, or just looking to shake up your style, this conversation will leave you feeling inspired (and maybe reaching for a red lip).Key Insights:🎙️ "You’ve Been Dropped" and What Comes NextNicky unpacks the moment she was let go from 10 Years Younger, revealing how she rebuilt her self-belief and found a new mission in fashion.🎙️ Style as Self-BeliefMore than clothes - Nicky explains how what we wear can shape how we feel, move through the world, and face challenges.🎙️ The Ava Storm Alter EgoMeet Ava Storm - Nicky’s fearless inner voice. She shares how creating this persona helped her silence self-doubt and imposter syndrome.🎙️ Manifesting a Midlife ComebackFrom vision boards to intentional living, Nicky is proof that reinvention is possible at any age - with the right mindset and wardrobe.🎙️ Lipstick, Compliments & Confidence BoostsYou don’t leave the house without your phone - so why not your confidence? Nicky shares why compliments matter and how style rituals can uplift us daily.Resources:📘 Bolder, Not Older by Nicky Hambleton-Jones: Buy the Book📸 Nicky on Instagram: @nhj_styleConnect 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.Nicky Hambleton-Jones, Bolder Not Older, reinvention, confidence, midlife style, women’s empowerment, fashion and age, personal transformation, self-belief, imposter syndrome, TV rejection, Ava Storm, manifestation, ageing and beauty, compliments, wardrobe reset, identity, midlife makeover👉 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 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.
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    27 分
  • Jane Moore | Midlife, Caregiving & Why Politicians Fear Loose Women

    Jane Moore | Midlife, Caregiving & Why Politicians Fear Loose Women
    2025/10/14
    Kicking off this conversation, Michelle is joined by journalist, broadcaster, and Loose Women panellist Jane Moore to unpack the realities of midlife, caregiving, being a good friend and women’s representation in the media. Jane reflects on her journey through journalism and television, from the challenges of caring for elderly parents to the unexpected personal growth that came from stepping into reality TV on I’m a Celebrity.With honesty and warmth, Jane shares how Loose Women has become a loyal space for women’s voices, tackling everything from relationships and mental health to politics and power - while breaking stereotypes about women on TV. She opens up about the behind-the-scenes camaraderie among panellists, her most memorable moments on the show, and why women’s programming still faces uphill battles in today’s media landscape.This episode is both a celebration of female empowerment and a candid look at the challenges facing women in midlife, caregiving, and the television industry.Key Insights:🎙️ Midlife & CaregivingJane highlights the emotional and practical challenges of supporting elderly parents - while stressing the importance of prioritising your own mental health.🎙️ Reality TV as GrowthFrom the jungle to the studio, Jane reflects on how reality TV offered surprising lessons in resilience and self-discovery.🎙️ Loose Women’s LegacyFar more than panel debates, Loose Women has built extraordinary audience loyalty by tackling taboo topics like menopause 15 years before the mainstream and creating community.🎙️ Media RepresentationJane discusses why women’s programming matters, the dangers of stereotypes, and how clickbait culture is reshaping journalism.🎙️ Authenticity & ConnectionBehind the scenes, the panellists are far from rivals - they’re allies, supporting each other through both personal and professional highs and lows.Resources:📸 Follow Jane on Instagram: @janepmooreConnect with Us:🌟 Website: TwoWomenChatting.com📸 Instagram: @michelleford_twc🐦 Twitter/X: @ChattingTwo📘 Facebook: Two Women Chatting📺 YouTube: TwoWomenChatting🎵 TikTok: @twowomenchatting0🎧 Produced and edited by Emma Tindall.👉 If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to follow Two Women Chatting on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. Please 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.Jane Moore, midlife, caregiving, reality TV, Loose Women, women's health, media representation, I'm a Celebrity, mental health, support networks, Loose Women, media representation, women empowerment, personal growth, relationships, pandemic reflections, television industry, panel discussions, memorable moments👉 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 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.
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    41 分
  • Donna Ashworth | Midlife Joy & Letting Go of Perfection

    Donna Ashworth | Midlife Joy & Letting Go of Perfection
    2025/10/07
    In this uplifting episode of Two Women Chatting, Michelle is joined by Britain's number 1 bestselling nonfiction author Donna Ashworth to explore the healing power of poetry, the importance of community, and the choice to embrace joy - even in life’s most challenging moments. From her journey as an Instagram poet to becoming a celebrated author, Donna shares the philosophy behind her latest anthology Joy Chose You and the deeply personal process of curating poems that resonate with readers. Together, Michelle and Donna discuss how words can act as medicine for the soul, the role of female empowerment and friendship, and why self-acceptance is the foundation of happiness. They also talk about the importance of controlling your 'feed'. The episode concludes with Donna reading her poem Joy Chose You, a moving reminder that joy often arrives quietly, waiting for us to notice.Key Insights:🎙️ Joy Amidst Challenges: Donna explains that joy isn’t something we chase - it’s something we allow, even during difficult times.🎙️ Words as Medicine: Poetry’s magic lies in its ability to comfort, heal, and inspire, acting as medicine for the soul.🎙️ Connection & Community: Human connection and shared experiences are vital for mental health, belonging, and empowerment.🎙️ Self-Acceptance & Growth: Embracing who we are allows us to grow, thrive, and be open to life’s simple pleasures.🎙️ Curating Positivity: From balancing negative news with uplifting stories to selecting poems for her anthology, Donna shares how focusing on the good transforms perspective."Joy isn’t something we have to chase - it chooses us when we’re ready."Episode Resources:📘 Explore Donna Ashworth’s books, including Joy Chose You and other bestselling anthologies: Donna Ashworth Books📸 Follow Donna on Instagram: @donnaashworthwordsConnect 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.Donna Ashworth, Joy Chose You, poetry, female empowerment, midlife women, Instagram poet, bestselling author, community, connection, mental health, self-acceptance, personal growth, friendship, inspiration, 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 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.
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    40 分
  • Elizabeth Day | How to Fail and Find Strength in Vulnerability

    Elizabeth Day | How to Fail and Find Strength in Vulnerability
    2025/09/30
    Kicking off the first episode of Season 10, Michelle sits down with acclaimed journalist, novelist, and How to Fail podcast host Elizabeth Day to explore what we can learn from failure - and why our leaders need to fail better. Elizabeth opens up about how personal struggles, including fertility loss and heartbreak, shaped her outlook on vulnerability and strength. She also dives into the themes of her new novel One of Us, a psychological drama about power, privilege and the damage done by emotional dishonesty.This conversation covers not just how to embrace failure, but why vulnerability and emotional accountability are essential qualities for anyone in leadership - especially in today’s political climate. With her trademark warmth and clarity, Elizabeth explains why we need to stop idolising perfection and start expecting humanity from the people in charge.Key Insights:🎙️ Failure as FreedomElizabeth shares how failure has liberated her from perfectionism - and how asking guests about their lowest moments has helped her (and her listeners) grow.🎙️ Politics, Power & Emotional IntelligenceDrawing from themes in One of Us, Elizabeth critiques the lack of vulnerability in modern leadership and unpacks how emotional repression shows up in politics.🎙️ Vulnerability in the Public EyeFrom fertility grief to fame, Elizabeth reflects on how sharing the “unspoken” parts of her life helped her build a more meaningful connection with her audience.🎙️ Fiction as a MirrorElizabeth explains why writing fiction allows her to interrogate privilege, family secrets, and emotional suppression in a way journalism never could.Resources:📘 One of Us by Elizabeth Day: Buy the Book📸 Elizabeth Day on Instagram: @elizabday🎧 This episode was produced and edited by Emma Tindall.Connect with Us:🌟 Website: TwoWomenChatting.com📸 Instagram: @michelleford_twc🐦 Twitter/X: @ChattingTwo📘 Facebook: Two Women Chatting📺 YouTube: TwoWomenChatting🎵 TikTok: @twowomenchatting0👉 If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to follow Two Women Chatting on your favorite 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.Elizabeth Day, How to Fail, failure, vulnerability, leadership, emotional intelligence, politics, power, fertility grief, IVF, fiction, writing, privilege, personal growth, podcast, midlife, women authors, psychological drama, novel, self-awareness, female empowerment, mental health, public figures, reinvention👉 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 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.
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    42 分
  • 🎙️ Season 10 of Two Women Chatting is here!

    🎙️ Season 10 of Two Women Chatting is here!
    2025/09/28

    Michelle Ford is back with a brand-new season of Two Women Chatting – the podcast for midlife women - and this time, the universe has spoken: the theme is JOY.


    In this trailer, Michelle shares what’s coming up in Season 10, including conversations with some incredible guests:

    ✨ Elizabeth Day on her moving new book One of Us

    ✨ Donna Ashworth on her uplifting anthology Joy Chose You

    ✨ Jane Moore with her wise, witty take on midlife

    ✨ Gaby Roslin on spreading joy in everyday life

    ✨ Nicky Hambleton-Jones on being bolder not older


    More guests to come throughout the season chatting about midlife inspiration, finding purpose, joy and living well in our second spring.

    Expect laughter, honesty, and plenty of “me too” moments – all wrapped in the kind of midlife chat you’d have with your best friend over coffee (or wine 🍷).


    👉 Follow Two Women Chatting wherever you get your podcasts, share with a friend who needs a little joy, and don’t forget to leave us a review so more women can find the show.


    Season 10 starts 30 September – come join the conversation!


    🎧 Listen & follow Two Women Chatting wherever you get your podcasts.

    ⭐ Leave us a review — it helps more women find us!

    💌 Share with a friend who loves a good chat.

    👉 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.
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    3 分
  • Summer Rewind: Jenny Eclair on Life After Menopause

    Summer Rewind: Jenny Eclair on Life After Menopause
    2025/08/05

    In the latest 'out of the archives' Summer Rewind episode, we revisit our hilarious, sharp and heartfelt conversation with comedian, author and podcaster Jenny Eclair, all about life after menopause, ageing unapologetically, and embracing the next chapter with grit, wit, and a sense of humour.



    💬 What You’ll Hear In This Episode:


    • Why boredom in your 50s and onwards is a myth – Jenny shares how she’s always busy, never bored, and how developing the “craft hormone” in midlife keeps her creative and curious.
    • Menopause and beyond – the emotional rollercoaster, society’s expectations, and what it means to become invisible when the work slows down.
    • Men vs Women in ageing – why, by 60, men risk turning into “human Toby jugs”, while women remain their harshest critics.
    • From slipper shufflers to death duties – Jenny’s hilariously honest take on relationships, including why she finally got married for practical reasons (spoiler: it's about inheritance tax).
    • The joy (and ache) of being or not being a grandmother.
    • Turning 60 during lockdown and not being able to use her hard-earned Oyster card for free travel!
    • How friendships shift in your 60s — and her candid reflections on not always being the best friend when work got in the way.
    • And most importantly, why laughter really is the best medicine for navigating midlife madness.


    This episode is a funny, fearless and refreshingly honest look at midlife, ageing, relationships, and identity — with plenty of relatable moments and laugh-out-loud lines.


    • 📍 Listen now on all major podcast platforms or at twowomenchatting.com


    This episode first broadcast in March 2024


    Connect with Us:

    🌟 Website: TwoWomenChatting.com

    📸 Instagram: @michelleford_twc

    🐦 Twitter/X: @ChattingTwo

    📘 Facebook: Two Women Chatting

    📺 YouTube: TwoWomenChatting

    Tiktok TwoWomenChatting0


    Email: twowomenchatting@gmail.com


    menopause podcast, Jenny Eclair interview, life after menopause, midlife women podcast, women over 50, ageing and friendship, invisibility in midlife, menopause and marriage, Two Women Chatting podcast, Michelle Ford, Summer Rewind, comedy and menopause, postmenopause life, women and ageing, podcast for women over 40

    👉 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.
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    28 分
  • Summer Rewind: Dilly Carter on Clearing Clutter, Preserving Memories & Making Space

    Summer Rewind: Dilly Carter on Clearing Clutter, Preserving Memories & Making Space
    2025/07/29

    In this Summer Rewind episode of Two Women Chatting, we're joined by organisation expert and 'Sort Your Life Out' TV favourite Dilly Carter, bringing her no-nonsense wisdom and heartfelt compassion to one of midlife’s trickiest transitions - what to do with 'all the stuff' once the kids move out, or when it's time to help parents downsize.


    💬 We talk:


    * What’s really worth keeping from early memories (hint: maybe just one of each…)

    * How to involve your kids in what stays and what goes (they might surprise you!)

    * Turning chaos into calm by categorising memories

    * Where to start when it all feels overwhelming


    💡 Plus:


    * The secret to reducing clutter (spoiler: it’s not just about storage!)

    * When one of you is a hoarder - what then?

    * Clever ways to make cash from unwanted items

    * Dilly’s golden rules for helping elderly parents move or sorting a family home with care, compassion and clarity

    * Donating with purpose - how to benefit others with what you let go


    🎁 And her go-to items that are actually worth investing in for a more organised life.


    This is an episode packed with practical, kind-hearted advice and the occasional laugh about just how attached we can become to a drawer full of tangled cables. Whether you're staring down an attic full of forgotten toys or trying to respectfully declutter after loss, this one's for you.


    📦 Less mess, more meaning.

    🎙️ Listen now on the Two Women Chatting podcast wherever you get your podcasts.


    Check out our helpful blog on this very subject. Click here.

    Dilly Carter - instagram @declutterdollies


    First aired May 2024


    Connect with Us:

    🌟 Website: TwoWomenChatting.com

    📸 Instagram: @michelleford_twc

    🐦 Twitter/X: @ChattingTwo

    📘 Facebook: Two Women Chatting

    📺 YouTube: TwoWomenChatting

    Tiktok TwoWomenChatting0




    👉 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.
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    28 分