Shelle Luscombe is an entertainer, a singer, a presenter, a voiceover artist. She turned 50 in 2021 and she set out to have 50 memorable experiences. She also wanted to raise money for a cause very close to her heart, having two copies of the Alzheimer's risk gene and having lost both parents to dementia. Three years on, she's raised over £12,000 pounds.

She's been on daytime TV and came close to winning a national award for her creative fundraising efforts. She's determined to live life to the full and continue campaigning for a cure for dementia.

We talk about:

- The inspiration behind the 50 challenges

- Shelle’s TV appearance and the power of PR

- Wacky challenges: unicycles, stand-up comedy, hair cutting and more

- The tragedy of dementia and personal risk

- Shelle’s musical journey and album release

- Living life to the fullest and Shelle’s determination

- The challenges of dementia care

- Seeking a new future and navigating midlife challenges

- Good days and bad days

- Supporting others through similar experiences

- Being willing to pivot

- Being willing to challenge ourselves

- Understanding dementia, Alzheimer’s and other related illnesses

- Rachel’s cat’s first appearance on the podcast

- The wonder of cats

- Lucifer as a name for a cat

- Difficulties of accessing support

- Hope for the future

And more!

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it and leave us a 5* review on iTunes or wherever you’re listening.

Order the ebook or audiobook (narrated by Rachel) versions of Rachel’s book, Magnificent Midlife: Transform Your Middle Years, Menopause And Beyond at magnificentmidlife.com/book

The paperback can be purchased on Amazon or other online retailers:

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/

US & Canada: https://www.amazon.com/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/

Australia: https://www.amazon.com.au/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/

You can listen to all the other episodes and get the show notes at magnificentmidlife.com/podcast.

Recommended by the Sunday Times.

Feedspot #3 in best midlife podcasts and #14 in best women over 50 podcasts worldwide.

You'll find lots of strategies, support, and resources to help make your midlife magnificent at magnificentmidlife.com.

Check out Rachel's online Revitalize Experience, a 6-week intensive small group mentoring experience or 1-1 Midlife Mentoring.

This is such a fascinating podcast! Maria Leonard Olsen is a lawyer, an author, a TEDx speaker, and a mentor to women in recovery. She wrote 50 After 50: Reframing the Next Chapter of Your Life and is host of the Becoming Your Best Version podcast. She’s had a very full and fascinating life – so far. She has so many enthralling stories to share.

We talk about:

- Maria’s background and passion for travel

- Exploring other cultures and overcoming historical prejudices

- The power of continuous growth and trying new things

- Racial prejudice and mixed heritage identity

- Unveiling family secrets: Maria’s DNA test surprise

- Navigating the legal and emotional implications of misattributed parentage

- Connecting with a previously unknown biological parent

- Grappling with changed heritage and identity

- Maria’s difficult journey to sobriety

- Breaking the silence on sexual assault

- The importance of self-care in midlife

- What somatic healing means to Maria

- Lifelong learning

And more!

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it and leave us a 5* review on iTunes or wherever you’re listening.

Order the ebook or audiobook (narrated by Rachel) versions of Rachel’s book, Magnificent Midlife: Transform Your Middle Years, Menopause And Beyond at magnificentmidlife.com/book

The paperback can be purchased on Amazon or other online retailers:

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/

US & Canada: https://www.amazon.com/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/

Australia: https://www.amazon.com.au/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/

You can listen to all the other episodes and get the show notes at magnificentmidlife.com/podcast.

Recommended by the Sunday Times.

Feedspot #3 in best midlife podcasts and #14 in best women over 50 podcasts worldwide.

You'll find lots of strategies, support, and resources to help make your midlife magnificent at magnificentmidlife.com.

Check out Rachel's online Revitalize Experience, a 6-week intensive small group mentoring experience or 1-1 Midlife Mentoring.

Sue Mbaya is the founder and director of Menopause Solutions Africa and host of the Pause for Menopause podcast. She’s leading menopause awareness in Africa and seeking to normalize the change while empowering women. She has over 20 years of policy advocacy, advisory and development experience at national, regional and global levels with a focus on African States and the African Union. Sue’s work and influence in the area of menopause have been recognized globally and I was delighted to be able to entice her onto the podcast!

We talk about:

- How Sue became so involved and passionate about menopause

- The impact of stress and other life events on menopause symptoms

- The psychological impact of menopause and the decision to use HRT

- The challenges of getting access to healthcare in Africa

- How menopause is not prioritized in Africa

- The differences in terms of appreciation, knowledge, sentiment towards menopause as well as women getting older in general

- Gendered ageism

- The disparity in access to help and healthcare across the continent

- 1 gynecologist for every 100,000 women in Kenya

- Progress and initiatives in menopause awareness in Africa

- Changing narratives so women don’t have to just power through menopause

And more!

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it and leave us a 5* review on iTunes or wherever you’re listening.

Order the ebook or audiobook (narrated by Rachel) versions of Rachel’s book, Magnificent Midlife: Transform Your Middle Years, Menopause And Beyond at magnificentmidlife.com/book

The paperback can be purchased on Amazon or other online retailers:

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/

US & Canada: https://www.amazon.com/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/

Australia: https://www.amazon.com.au/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/

You can listen to all the other episodes and get the show notes at magnificentmidlife.com/podcast.

Recommended by the Sunday Times.

Feedspot #3 in best midlife podcasts and #14 in best women over 50 podcasts worldwide.

You'll find lots of strategies, support, and resources to help make your midlife magnificent at magnificentmidlife.com.

Check out Rachel's online Revitalize Experience, a 6-week intensive small group mentoring experience or 1-1 Midlife Mentoring.