The Midlife Mentors

Latest Episodes:

Charles Cumming: What It Really Takes to Become A Best Selling Spy Novelist Feb 14, 2026

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Calling all budding espionage writers…

In this solo episode, James sits down with one of the most respected names in modern spy writing, Charles Cumming, author of the critically acclaimed Box 88 series - novels celebrated for their psychological depth, moral tension and razor-sharp realism.

But this isn’t just a conversation about spy stories. It’s about beginnings.

How does a spy novelist actually get started? What sparks the first book? How do you land an agent, secure a publishing deal and sustain momentum in a fiercely competitive creative world? And why does it often take years - often decades - for stories to make it to the screen?

James also explores Charles’ extraordinary real-life brush with the intelligence services, including being approached by MI6 - and how that encounter reshaped his understanding of secrecy, power and responsibility.

This is a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the craft of espionage writing — and a masterclass in longevity, discipline and producing work that stands the test of time.

If you’ve ever wanted to write… or simply love the shadowy world of spies and secrets… this one’s for you.

https://charlescumming.co.uk/

IBIZA RETREAT: https://themidlifementors.com/retreats/

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Procrastination (Revisted) Feb 09, 2026

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Procrastination - we all do it. But what happens when it’s stopping us from moving forward with goals that are really important to us? We can get really stuck in a rut with this, believing that we’ll never move ahead, which makes us procrastinate more!
In this episode we discuss why we procrastinate, what kinds of people suffer from it the most and what are the main psychological drivers for this behaviour.
Finally - as always, we share 10 tips that will help you overcome procrastination so you can finally stop holding yourself back and live the life you deserve.

Ibiza Retreat: https://themidlifementors.com/retreats/

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Is Masculinity Being Dismantled? An interview with David Maywald Jan 31, 2026

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In this episode, we’re talking about masculinity - what it means, what it’s allowed to be, and why so many men feel increasingly unsure how to show up in the world and at work - without being labelled toxic, outdated, or problematic.
Our guest is David Maywald, author of The Relentless War On Masculinity. David argues that while some harmful behaviours needed challenging, we’ve also lost sight of healthy masculinity and that many capable, well-intentioned men, especially in midlife, are paying the price.
In this episode we explore whether masculinity is being evolved or quietly dismantled, why so many men feel sidelined and what reclaiming a grounded, healthy masculinity - that’s aligned with the healthy feminine - could actually look like today.
So buckle up and join us for this uplifting conversation.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaywald/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Relentless-War-Masculinity-Does-Ever-ebook/dp/B0FY3XV55T

Ibiza Retreat: https://themidlifementors.com/retreats/

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Rethinking Exercise & Nutrition At Midlife Jan 25, 2026

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In this episode, we talk about the shifts we’ve both had to make in how we approach health, training and nutrition in midlife.

We talk honestly about what wasn’t working anymore, the habits that were quietly backfiring and the practical changes we’ve made to support energy, hormonal balance, recovery and long-term health and happiness.

If you’re someone who’s tried harder and harder only to feel worse, this conversation will probably sound very familiar.

Ibiza Retreat: https://themidlifementors.com/retreats/

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Men's Mental Fitness: An Interview With Neil Smith Jan 18, 2026

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On today’s episode we’re joined by someone who’s making a real impact in the mental health space.

Neil Smith is the co-founder of Mettle alongside Bear Grylls, an innovative mental wellbeing app designed to help men build confidence, resilience and emotional strength through practical, science-backed tools.

The focus of Mettle is on everyday mental fitness - not waiting until crisis hits, but empowering users to understand their emotions, develop healthier coping strategies and give them permission to take control of their mind in a simple, accessible way.

We talk to Neil about his stellar TV career, the inspiration behind the app, why so many people, especially men, struggle to access the right kind of support, and how Mettle is helping change the conversation around male mental health.

https://bemettle.com/

https://www.instagram.com/be.mettle/

The Midlife Mentors Ibiza Retreat: https://themidlifementors.com/retreats/

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Goals Without The Guilt Jan 11, 2026

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Welcome back to The Midlife Mentors and the first episode of 2026.

This year, James and I decided to look ahead at the things we’d like to achieve a little differently.
We didn’t want to pile pressure on ourselves. We didn’t want January to turn into another month of guilt, comparison or ‘I should be doing more’.
So in this episode we’re sharing the simple way we’re approaching our goals this year - with three things we advise not to do, and three things that we’re focusing on instead - so together, with us, you can move forward without the shame or the stress.

IBIZA RETREAT: https://themidlifementors.com/retreats/

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Our 2025 Review: What's Shifted & Shaped Us (Fitness, Faith & Friendships) Dec 20, 2025

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As 2025 draws to a close, this episode feels rather special to us. It’s not about goals or resolutions - it’s a review - where we share what’s shaped us and what’s mattered most along the way.

We touch upon how our bodies have changed and how we’ve adapted our training, friendships and connections, faith and James’ book.

We also want to take this opportunity to say a heartfelt thank you to you all - for listening, for sharing the podcast, for your kind messages and your trust.

This will be our final episode before Christmas and the New Year, and wherever you are listening from, we hope this season brings you joy, rest and a moment to breathe before the next chapter begins.

See you in 2026!

Our 2026 Ibiza Retreat is LIVE: https://themidlifementors.com/retreats/

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Datable Over 40: Expectation, Reality & Enjoying The Journey (Interview with Julie Krafchick & Yue Xu) Dec 06, 2025

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In this week’s episode of The Midlife Mentors Podcast, we’re joined by two incredible women who have spent years on the front line of love and relationships - active daters turned true insiders - Julie and Yue.

They’re the powerhouse duo behind the award-winning Dateable podcast and authors of How To Be Dateable, a guide that’s helped countless people navigate the wild world of love in the digital age.

Their work has been celebrated by the New York Times, The Huffington Post, Oprah Daily and so many others.

Julie brings her background in human-centred design and deep qualitative research, while Yue draws on her experience as a dating coach - together offering a rare blend of insight, humour and grounded wisdom.

In our conversation, we dive into expectations around dating at midlife, the biggest misconceptions, how apps have reshaped the landscape, and what’s coming next - whether the future is even more digital led, or if there’s a swing back to real-world connection. And of course, they share some brilliant tips to help you actually enjoy the process!

You can find Julie and Yue at dateablepodcast.com and on Instagram @dateablepodcast

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The Changes That Deepened Our Marriage This Year Nov 23, 2025

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In this week’s episode of The Midlife Mentors podcast, we’re opening up about the things that have shifted in our marriage over the past year. It hasn’t all been smooth sailing - far from it. There were seasons that stretched us, humbled us and asked more of us than we expected.

But through honest reflection, deeper faith, and a bit of guidance from outside, we’ve found our way into a stronger, more grounded partnership. A love with more tenderness, more truth… and far more respect.

We each share the three changes we’ve seen in the other that have made a powerful, positive difference. Our hope is that something in our story helps you feel seen, less alone, and encouraged about what’s possible in your own relationships.

None of us have it all figured out. We’re all learning, growing, and doing the best we can. So take what resonates - and be gentle with yourself along the way.

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Hot Topics: The Sudan Crisis, EV Tax, Trans Women In Locker Rooms & The John Lewis Christmas Ad! Nov 15, 2025

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Welcome back to our monthly Hot Topics episode - where we cut through the noise and dive into the stories everyone’s talking about.

This week, we’re covering a wide mix: the new pence-per-mile tax proposal for EV drivers, we question why there’s so little noise about the Sudan crisis and Hamas atrocities since the ceasefire.

We also look at the controversy over a trans woman using the women’s changing room at Gold’s Gym, the vicar who’s been warned a bible verse on his camper van might be hate speech, and of course the John Lewis Christmas ad that’s already dividing the nation. Let’s get into it.

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