The Midlife Mentors

Latest Episodes:

Alcohol Free For Year: Claire's Journey Aug 09, 2025

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In this week's episode I - James, am joined by someone very special - my wife and co-founder of The Midlife Mentors, Claire - as she marks one year alcohol-free.

We dive into the real, raw, and uplifting story behind her decision to stop drinking, what the journey’s been like, the unexpected challenges, and the powerful benefits she’s discovered along the way.

So, whether you’re sober-curious, considering cutting back, or just intrigued by what life looks like without alcohol, this is a conversation full of insight, inspiration, and honesty.

We hope you enjoy listening.

Join our Ibiza Retreat in October: https://themidlifementors.com/retreats/

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Rethinking Depression & The Serotonin Myth: Professor Joanna Moncrieff Aug 02, 2025

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CAUTION: If you are taking antidepressants or any other psychiatric medication, do not stop or adjust your dosage without first consulting a qualified healthcare professional. Coming off medication without proper guidance can lead to withdrawal symptoms.

In this episode we’re joined by Professor Joanna Moncrieff, psychiatrist, researcher, and author of Chemically Imbalanced - a bold book that challenges one of modern medicine’s most accepted beliefs: that depression is caused by a “chemical imbalance” of serotonin in the brain.

We saw Joanna on Dr Chatterjee's Feel Better, Live More podcast and really hoped she'd agree to come onto ours - which she thankfully did!

In the UK alone, antidepressant prescriptions have almost doubled in the past decade – from 47 million in 2011 to 85.6 million in 2022–23. That’s over 8.6 million adults now taking them each year.

But what if we’ve been sold the wrong story? And what are the real effects of these drugs - especially for those of us navigating the complex emotional terrain of midlife?

In this episode, we explore the truth about the “chemical imbalance” theory, what psychiatric drugs actually do to the brain, the long term potential dangers, and what you can do to support your mental health without relying solely on medication.

Get ready for an eye-opening conversation that could change the way you think about mental health and what really drives healing.

Chemically Imbalanced: The Making And Unmaking Of The Serotonin Myth:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Chemically-Imbalanced-Making-Unmaking-Serotonin-ebook/dp/B0DHV5LJX8/

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

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Calm in Chaos: 8 Tips For Uncertain Times Jul 26, 2025

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There’s no denying it, we are living in turbulent times.

We’re navigating a world that feels increasingly unstable - economically, environmentally, politically and spiritually.

And in the midst of it all, our nervous systems - our precious minds, hearts and bodies are overwhelmed.

The temptation is to spiral into fear, disconnect or over-control.

But the truth is, uncertain times will continue to come - so how we deal with them is crucial to our wellbeing and our future.

We need practices that anchor us and rhythms that restore us. We need to be intentional about what we allow into our psyche.

So in this episode, we want to share 8 holistic practices to help you not just survive but thrive - and remain rooted, responsive, and awake to what really matters.

Ibiza Retreat: 3 Spaces Left: https://themidlifementors.com/retreats/

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Peak Health, High Stakes: How Leaders Stay Sharp with Dr Jack Kriendler Jul 19, 2025

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On this week’s episode we have a guest that we’ve been genuinely excited to bring on - Dr. Jack Kriendler.

Jack is a physician, entrepreneur, and visionary in the field of performance health. He’s the Founder and CEO of WellFounded Health, the world’s first health service dedicated to founders, CEOs, and their investors - people whose personal health and decision-making have far-reaching ripple effects.

His approach combines cutting-edge science, personalised medicine, and a deep understanding of what it means to live and lead well - especially when the stakes are high and the pressure is constant.

Before founding WellFounded, Jack created London’s renowned Centre for Health and Human Performance (CHHP), and he’s worked with elite athletes, tech leaders, and executives around the globe.

In today’s conversation, we’re diving into the midlife health traps high achievers face, the real metrics that matter for longevity and vitality, and how you can start making smarter, sharper decisions about your health - right now.

https://wellfounded.health/

3 Spaces left for Ibiza Retreat: https://themidlifementors.com/retreats/

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Chasing Happiness Vs Living In Peace Jul 13, 2025

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We’re taught to chase happiness like it’s the prize. But what if the real treasure is peace - deep, unshakeable, soul-settling peace?

In this episode, Claire & James explore why happiness so often eludes us…and why peace might be what we’re truly craving.

It’s time to stop striving and start coming home to yourself.

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

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Biohacking Menopause: Interview with Gerontologist Zora Benhamou Jul 06, 2025

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In this week's episode we’re diving into the world of menopause, longevity and cutting-edge wellness with guest Zora Benhamou.

Zora is a gerontologist, menopause advocate, and biohacker. She’s the host of the Hack My Age podcast and has interviewed over 200 experts around the world on how to navigate menopause.

In this episode, we’ll be busting myths and hearing Zora’s top biohacks for thriving — not just surviving — this stage of life.

Whether you’re going through menopause, supporting someone who is, or just curious about ageing well — this one’s packed with insight.

Find out more about Zora and her work here: https://hackmyage.com/

And follow Zora on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/HackMyAge/

We have just 3 places left on our Retreat in Ibiza in October. Find out more here: https://themidlifementors.com/retreats/

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Are Midlife Hormones Hijacking Your Relationship? Jun 28, 2025

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This episode is a deeply personal one. We’re lifting the lid on a topic that doesn’t get nearly enough airtime – what happens when both partners go through midlife hormonal changes at the same time.

That point where menopause and andropause collide, creating a perfect storm of symptoms, misunderstandings, and emotional strain. But also, an opportunity.

We’ll be sharing our own journey, the truth about how it’s affected our relationship, and the tools we’ve used to stay connected, resilient, and supportive through the messiness of midlife.

We hope you enjoy listening.

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Felling lost, disconnected and desperately want some clarity and confidence about the next stage of your life? Take a look at our Ibiza Reset Retreat:

https://themidlifementors.com/retreats/

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Bridging Generations & The Power Of Perspective: Interview with Dr Eliza Filby Jun 14, 2025

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This week, we're joined by the brilliant Dr. Eliza Filby - historian, writer, speaker, and one of the UK’s leading voices on generations and how they’re reshaping work, family, identity, and society itself.

Eliza’s work explores how the beliefs and behaviours of different age groups are evolving in today’s rapidly changing world - from the Bank of Mum and Dad to the shifting sands of career, purpose, and legacy in midlife.

We dive into what makes this midlife moment so unique, how to bridge the generational divide, and why understanding your time and context can be a superpower.

It’s insightful, thought-provoking, and packed with gold for anyone navigating the complexities of modern midlife.

To connect with Dr Eliza, use the below links:

https://www.instagram.com/dr_eliza_filby/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS82Ka2wcPerdEGx6Z1d1eA

https://www.tiktok.com/@eliza_filby

https://drelizafilby.substack.com

https://www.elizafilby.com/books

Stuck and not sure how to move forward? Check out our Ibiza Reteat:

https://themidlifementors.com/retreats/

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Are Gen X-ers Really Over & Out Or Are We Just Getting Started? Interview With Journalist Stephen Armstrong May 31, 2025

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In this episode, we’re joined by the insightful journalist and author, Stephen Armstrong, for a candid conversation about Generation X - those of us sandwiched between the Baby Boomers and Millennials.

Having seen Stephen’s article 50 And Out in The Independent, where he talked about the future of Gen X, we just knew we had to get him onto our podcast to dig deeper.

Stephen reveals the unique struggles Gen X men face as they hit midlife, from career crossroads to dealing with the weight of unspoken expectations. We reminisce about the freedom and world of possibility that followed the end of the cold war, backpacking, music and of course, we can't talk about Gen X without touching on the island that defined a generation and inspired one of Stephen’s books - Ibiza.

Tune in for an eye-opening, fun chat about where we are now, and what it means to be a Gen X-er in 2025.

Read Stephen's Article Here:

https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gen-x-work-jobs-b2727513.html

Connect with Stephen on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/stephenarmstronguk

Find Stephen's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/author/B0034O40M8

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

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Double Standards Between Men & Women At Midlife? May 25, 2025

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In this episode, we’re diving into something that doesn’t get talked about enough - the double standards at midlife for men and women - in the press and in society as a whole.

Increasingly, and brilliantly - midlife women are being encouraged to see this stage of their life as empowering and liberating - a positive midlife crisis - as they question their marriages, sexuality and what’s next for them. However, for men, this stage of life is often mocked. They’re labelled as grumpy, broken, or just going through a cliché.

We’ve seen this first-hand. James has faced resistance from female journalists unwilling to even entertain the idea of male midlife struggles — writing it off as “just another moan from a middle-aged man.”

But here’s the truth: both men and women deserve space to evolve, reflect, and grow in this season of life — without shame or judgment.

So today, we’re calling out the bias, sharing our personal experiences, and exploring how we can rewrite the narrative — together.

Let’s get into it.

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

JAMES' BOOK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Midlife-Male-Handbook-Thriving-Andropause/dp/0912106395

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