When I started this podcast, I had no fancy mic, no clue how to edit, and absolutely no idea what I was doing, just a whole lot of courage and a clear intention to have honest conversations about the messy middle of life. In this solo episode, I’m reflecting on what I’ve learned about fear, confidence, and taking bold steps even when you feel wildly unprepared. Because confidence isn’t built in comfort; it’s built in motion. Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Unra...

In this episode of The Unravelling, I’m joined by Donna — a life-seeking, deep-thinking, conversation-loving woman who’s discovering what it really means to live on her own timeline. From modelling in her 20s, to embracing motherhood in her 30s, to starting over with photography in her 40s, Donna has always done things a little later than expected — and she’s learning that maybe that’s her strength. Now in her 50s, she’s navigating the changes of menopause, the shifting face in the mirror, an...

In this episode, Sharon sits down with Sarah Thomson, multi award winning digital business coach, and founder of Online Social Butterfly, to talk about what happens when a life built on achievement meets the messy middle of midlife. Sarah’s story is one of evolution — from corporate high-flyer to entrepreneur, from people-pleasing perfectionist to woman learning the art of rest, and from the hustle of “doing it all” to embracing compassion and crone energy. They chat about career pivots, peri...

In this engaging conversation, Sharon Wilkes-Burt and Donnaprana explore the journey of self-discovery and resilience through various life stages. From teenage years filled with angst to the pressures of adulthood, they discuss how societal expectations shape our understanding of success. The conversation delves into the impact of trauma, the importance of self-compassion, and the liberating experience of embracing one's true self in midlife. Donnaprana shares her insights on the signifi...

Eliza has lived through seasons of not fitting in, building a career she never planned, raising kids while feeling quietly alone, and now caring for her mum through Alzheimer’s. Along the way, she’s carried questions about what she deserves, what really matters, and how to live with both grief and gratitude. In this heartfelt conversation, she shares her unravelling, the shifts, the sadness, and the slow rediscovery of joy. At its heart, this is a story about kindness, connection...

Cath, founder of Edit & Style by Caterina, knows firsthand how confidence and style are deeply connected. From a teenage girl struggling with self-doubt to a woman navigating career changes, motherhood, infertility, and perimenopause, Cath has learned to embrace her evolving self—and help other women do the same. In this episode, we talk about the emotional side of style, the power of wardrobe choices to boost confidence, and practical ways to love the body you’re in right now. We also sh...

Linda describes herself as a British expat recreating home comforts one pork pie at a time. Tea, nostalgia a bit of cheek, baker turned writer From teenage motorbike rides and early marriage, to award-winning bridal dressmaking and walking barefoot out of hospital during one of her darkest moments, Linda’s life has been anything but ordinary. In this episode of The Unravelling, Linda shares her journey through motherhood, divorce, sobriety, ADHD-fuelled creativity, and the discovery that pe...

Karen’s life has taken her from Liverpool to the Australian outback, from running a bustling bridal business to hosting soulful Rainbow Frequency gatherings. In this episode of The Unravelling, she shares her midlife rebirth, the spiritual awakening that began in her 40s, and why life now feels like a homecoming to self. We explore her belief that when someone criticises you, triggers you, or annoys you, it’s actually a gift. A mirror showing you something about yourself. We als...

⚠️ Trigger warning: This episode contains discussions about suicide and suicide grief, which may be distressing for some listeners. Please take care of yourself, and if you need support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 in Australia, Samaritans on 116 123 in the UK, or visit findahelpline.com to locate support in your area. Please note: There are moments in this episode where my mic dips in and out — I’m still learning and improving my podcast setup, but these stories are too important to hold ba...

From small-town New Zealand to Asia’s luxury hotel circuit, from surviving toxic relationships to building a thriving bridal hair business, Robyn’s life has been anything but ordinary. In this conversation, we talk about the moments that shaped her, the shock firings, the love stories, the brave leaps, and the heartbreaking losses, and how she’s rebuilt herself each time. Robyn shares how she’s navigated her 20s, 30s, 40s and now her 50s, why tenacity has been her greatest a...

In this episode of The Unravelling, I’m joined by Sara, a woman whose path has been anything but straight, and all the richer for it. From shy teen to hairdresser, aviation trainer, wellness centre owner, and now reiki master and human design guide . Sara’s journey is a powerful reminder that transformation doesn’t come from following a script. It comes from listening inward, questioning the rules, and letting go of the stories that once defined us. We talk about judgement and how that ...

I didn’t want to look back and think, why did I keep doing all that… when I could’ve been walking along the coast with a coffee.” At 43, Clare’s life didn’t crack, it crumbled. What started as random health issues soon turned into panic attacks, personality changes, and years of feeling like a stranger to herself. She jokes that she could write a book based on her health notes alone… and honestly, she could. In this raw, funny, and deeply honest episode, Clare opens up about the seven-year st...

You know that thing you keep saying you’ll do one day? The idea, the dream, the change you’ve been thinking about for ages? Well… what if you just started? Midlife isn’t about having it all figured out—it’s about giving yourself permission to begin, even when it’s messy, uncertain, or totally out of your comfort zone. In this episode, we’re talking about: Why waiting until you feel “ready” is a trap How to embrace a midlife experiment mindset—because you don’t have to get it perfect, jus...

Midlife is like an overstuffed junk drawer—you know there’s something important in there, but first, you’ve got to pull everything out, untangle the mess, and figure out what’s actually worth keeping. In this episode, we’re embracing the art of pulling threads—following our curiosity, questioning old stories, and making sense of the chaos (without needing all the answers right away). We’ll chat about: 🧵 Why curiosity is your secret weapon in midlife (even when life feels like a hot mess) &nbs...

Midlife can be a lot. One minute you’re power-walking through life like you’ve got it all figured out, and the next, you’re raging in the supermarket because they changed the yoghurt packaging. Again. So, how do we actually take care of ourselves in the messy middle? Not with bubble baths or green smoothies (though no judgment if that helps), but with radical kindness, the kind that lets us be human, flawed, and figuring it out as we go. In this episode, we’re unpacking: 💛 Why midlife is not ...

Who Even Am I Now? – Identity in the Messy Middle Midlife has a way of pulling the rug out from under us, doesn’t it? One minute, you think you know who you are—the roles you play, the way you show up in the world—and the next, you’re staring in the mirror wondering, Wait… who even is this person? In this episode, we’re diving into identity in the messy middle—how it shifts, unravels, and (eventually) starts to make sense again. We’ll explore: ✨ The layers of identity—personal, physical, and ...

Welcome to Unravelling the Diary of a Midlife Mess—the podcast for women who feel like they were handed midlife with no manual, no warning, and chin hairs that appeared overnight. One day you’re navigating the school calendars and career growth, and the next, you’re wondering who the woman in the mirror even is. Each day feels like a Midlife Lucky Dip, where you’re unsure if you’ll meet your confident queen or your emotional wreck, if this is you... You're in good company. In this...

In this episode, I dive into the power of journaling and how it has been an absolute lifeline for me through the ups and downs of midlife. From brain fog to identity shifts, writing things down has helped me untangle the mess and find clarity, even on the messiest of days. I share why journalling isn’t just about writing, it’s about creating a space where you can vent, reflect, and reconnect with yourself. Whether you're just starting or have journalled for years, this episode will show...