Advertise on podcast: Unravelling: The Diary of a Midlife Mess

In this episode, Janine shares her journey through midlife, career, and family, highlighting resilience, societal changes, and the joys of grandparenting. She reflects on her early life, career challenges, and the evolving relationship with her children and grandchildren. Janine Davison shares her journey through life's challenges, menopause, and building a successful online business while balancing family life. This episode offers insights into resilience, embracing change, and empowering women in midlife to thrive in the digital age. midlife, resilience, career, family, grandparents, societal change, personal growth, motherhood, life stages women in business, midlife empowerment, menopause, online coaching, life balance, entrepreneurship, personal growth, AI in business, women over 50, life lessons  key  topics Midlife identity unraveling Career resilience and challenges Societal changes and generational differences Parenting and grandparenting experiences Personal growth and self-awareness Janine's early life and strengths Impact of menopause on personal and professional life Transition from real estate to online coaching The importance of community and connection in business Relearning old rules and embracing new opportunities The role of discipline and accountability in success Balancing family life with entrepreneurship The evolution of women over 50 in business The power of mindset and self-belief Future goals and community building  takeaways Resilience is built through facing societal and personal challenges. Career paths can be unconventional but rewarding. Understanding generational differences fosters better relationships. Journaling and self-reflection are vital for personal growth. Grandparenting offers a unique opportunity to connect and influence. Menopause can be a catalyst for personal growth and change. Building a community provides support and accountability. Discipline and consistent action are key to business success. Reevaluating life priorities often leads to new opportunities. Women over 50 have immense experience and value to offer. Embracing technology and AI can empower midlife entrepreneurs. Self-care and setting boundaries are essential for well-being. Sharing stories helps normalize midlife challenges. Flexibility in business allows for better work-life balance. Continuous learning and adaptation are vital for growth. https://midlifersinbusiness.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/midlifers_in_business Join here:  https://www.skool.com/midlifers-in-business/about?ref=2223610ebdff49c39efabc554b8d63f3 The Glow Deeper Retreat is a one-day, in-person experience for women ready to sit with themselves properly — no "manifest your best life" fluff, just structured, guided space to actually reflect. We start with a hands-on makeup workshop — unhurried, no pressure to "get it right," just a gentle way in. Then we move into the journalling and reflective work this podcast is built on: the same questions I ask my guests every episode, except this time i  Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Unravelling: The Diary of a Midlife Mess. If something resonated with you today, I’d love to hear your thoughts,  come join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram @theglowupguide_au or visit sharonwilkesburt.com for more resources and support. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you’re enjoying the journey so far!

In this engaging conversation, Sharon Wilkes-Burt and Jodie Allsopp Studley delve into the complexities of midlife, exploring themes of self-discovery, creativity, and the challenges of parenting. Jodie shares her unique approach to journaling through visual art, contrasting it with traditional written diaries. They discuss the expectations of youth versus the realities of adulthood, the importance of visualization in achieving goals, and Jodie's journey from dental therapy to naturopathy. The conversation highlights the significance of adventure in life and the role of mentors in navigating challenges. In this conversation, Jodie Allsopp Studley shares her journey through motherhood, personal loss, and the challenges of self-discovery. She emphasizes the importance of resilience, health, and the value of life experiences in shaping one's identity. The discussion highlights the need for support and mentorship, especially during times of change and uncertainty, and the significance of trusting oneself amidst life's challenges. In this conversation, Sharon Wilkes-Burt and Jodie Allsopp Studley explore the evolving landscape of personal development for women, particularly in midlife. They discuss the importance of understanding hormonal changes, the need for community support, and the significance of self-care and communication. The dialogue emphasizes the necessity of breaking the silence around menopause and encourages women to embrace their voices and experiences. The Glow Deeper Retreat is a one-day, in-person experience for women ready to sit with themselves properly — no "manifest your best life" fluff, just structured, guided space to actually reflect. We start with a hands-on makeup workshop — unhurried, no pressure to "get it right," just a gentle way in. Then we move into the journalling and reflective work this podcast is built on: the same questions I ask my guests every episode, except this time i  Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Unravelling: The Diary of a Midlife Mess. If something resonated with you today, I’d love to hear your thoughts,  come join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram @theglowupguide_au or visit sharonwilkesburt.com for more resources and support. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you’re enjoying the journey so far!

The childhood message that you are not enough can follow you for decades - until one crisis forces you to rewrite the whole story.  Sharon Wilkes-Burt sits down with photographer and creative Anna Debenedictis for a deeply personal conversation about friendship wounds, identity, motherhood, and the unexpected path back to yourself. Anna shares the moments that shaped her, from being the youngest child in a traditional Italian family in Montreal to chasing big dreams in New York, studying photography at the Fashion Institute of Technology, and building a life across Canada, the U.S., England, Ireland, and Australia. Along the way, she opens up about the teenage friendship betrayal that still echoes in her life, the pressure to shrink herself, and the years of putting everyone else first. You'll discover:   Why the first heartbreak for many women comes from friends, not romance  How Anna learned to trust her ambition, even when the world around her did not  What happened when marriage, motherhood, and identity collided  Why IVF, a health scare, and a surprise pregnancy changed everything  How her photography business became a way to preserve the family memories she once longed to be part of  Sharon and Anna also unpack the quiet emotional cost of being the dependable one - the one who smiles, performs, and holds everything together while falling apart on the inside. By the end, Anna’s story becomes something bigger than one woman’s journey. It’s a reminder that reinvention is possible, that motherhood is not “just” anything, and that the version of you from before the world told you who to be might still be waiting to come forward.Essential listening if you’ve ever felt lost in a life transition, outgrown an old identity, or needed a reminder that the messiest chapters can become the most meaningful. Guests Anna Debenedictis is a photographer and mother known for turning family moments into legacy images, shaped by a life lived across multiple countries and a personal journey through reinvention, loss, and self-discovery. Find more of Anna's work at https://www.instagram.com/thelifestylephodographer/ https://thelifestylephodographer.com.au/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and overview of Anna's journey 01:14 Unraveling the concept of life's many unravelings 02:32 Discovering Anna's teenage self and dreams 04:11 The impact of friendship and heartbreak at 16 07:03 Anna's early influences and childhood in Montreal 11:17 Moving to New York and pursuing dance and photography 21:12 The importance of friendship and family in her life 25:44 Motherhood in her 30s and 40s 36:14 The unraveling of marriage and starting anew 41:43 The point where the wheels fell off 43:29 Hiding feelings and inner struggles 50:14 The shift to legacy and memory keeping 55:18 Advice to young Anna and reflections on authenticity  Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Unravelling: The Diary of a Midlife Mess. If something resonated with you today, I’d love to hear your thoughts,  come join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram @theglowupguide_au or visit sharonwilkesburt.com for more resources and support. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you’re enjoying the journey so far!

Amy Jacobson built a career reading human behaviour for a living, but it took a corporate exit at 40, a skeptical husband, and a full-blown midlife reckoning before she turned that skill on herself. In this episode, Amy takes us through the decades: the bullied teenager who's since made peace with those years, the 20-something so desperate to fit in she made choices she's not proud of, the exhausted 30-something juggling mum guilt and other women's judgement, and the 40-something who finally realised her husband, kids and business aren't more important than her... just as important. We talk imposter syndrome in someone whose literal job is emotional intelligence, why she still doesn't call herself an author despite two Wiley-published books, and her advice for anyone stuck in their own version of "is this it?": stop problem-solving for five minutes and ask what's actually triggering you. KEY TOPICS: Amy's teenage years and self-perception The role of resilience and choices in adolescence Midlife crisis and redefining success The impact of menopause on identity The importance of curiosity and self-awareness CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to Unraveling the Diary of a Midlife Mess 01:12 The Journey of Self-Discovery Through Different Life Stages 10:53 Navigating the Twenties: Aspirations and Identity 17:45 The Blur of Motherhood in the Thirties 24:51 Judgment and Identity in Motherhood 31:07 Personal Growth Through Entrepreneurship in the Forties 34:36 The Journey of Self-Trust 37:00 Navigating Menopause and Identity 39:33 Slowing Down: A Hard Lesson 43:05 The Power of Human Stories 49:34 Curiosity and Unraveling 55:10 Embracing Uncertainty and Self-Compassion 01:01:40 Journaling as a Tool for Reflection 01:03:08 Advice to My Younger Self https://amyjacobson.com.au/books/ https://www.instagram.com/amyjacobson_ei/  Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Unravelling: The Diary of a Midlife Mess. If something resonated with you today, I’d love to hear your thoughts,  come join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram @theglowupguide_au or visit sharonwilkesburt.com for more resources and support. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you’re enjoying the journey so far!

In this engaging interview, Sonia Bell shares her journey through life's pivotal moments, from childhood curiosities to becoming a dedicated teacher and lifelong learner. Discover how her experiences with family, education, and self-discovery shaped her into the inspiring woman she is today. Sonia Bell shares her inspiring journey from teaching challenges to creating a mobile classroom business that supports homeschooling and children with special needs. Discover her insights on resilience, system reform, and empowering families. Chapters 02:50 The Journey of Self-Discovery Through Journaling 05:57 Reflections on Childhood and Family Dynamics 08:58 Aspirations and Influences: The Path to Teaching 12:01 The Impact of Teachers and Memorable Experiences 14:54 The Struggles of Young Adulthood and Relationships 18:06 Understanding Neurodivergence and Personal Growth 24:51 Sonia's Unique Path to Education 27:29 Reinventing Life in the Thirties 36:03 Navigating the Challenges of Teaching 39:23 The Impact of Motherhood and Advocacy 46:57 The Evolution of Teaching and Its Challenges 48:37 The Challenges of Traditional Teaching 50:02 Breaking Free from the System 52:27 Creating a New Educational Model 54:18 Helping Students with Unique Needs 56:24 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 57:31 The Unraveling Moment 01:01:15 Building a Unique Educational Service 01:04:27 Becoming Braver and More Confident 01:09:28 Showing Up for Yourself 01:11:47 Advice to My Younger Self  key  topics Childhood influences and early education Life challenges and resilience during divorce Discovering neurodivergence and embracing identity Balancing motherhood, education, and personal growth The impact of teachers and mentors on Sonia’s life Self-awareness and the journey to authenticity Personal journey from teaching to entrepreneurship Creating a mobile classroom for homeschooling and special needs Overcoming systemic challenges in education Empowering families and children with medical needs Building confidence and trust in oneself www.thetouringteacher.com.au Email: [email protected] https://www.instagram.com/thetouringteacherperth/  Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Unravelling: The Diary of a Midlife Mess. If something resonated with you today, I’d love to hear your thoughts,  come join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram @theglowupguide_au or visit sharonwilkesburt.com for more resources and support. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you’re enjoying the journey so far!

More than just laughs, this episode reveals how life's wildest journeys—from childhood antics to international adventures—shape who we become. Michelle shares stories from her unforgettable teen years growing up in South Shields, her wild adventures in Greece, and how her relentless drive turned a tiny salon into a thriving business, all while juggling family, friendship, and her quest for self-discovery. Discover how her entrepreneurial spirit, resilience, and unshakeable positivity propelled her through the chaos, highlighting lessons many women face but rarely talk about: the unraveling of identity during perimenopause, navigating loss, and the importance of self-care at any age.  You'll hear how the law of attraction, a healthy dose of naivety, and sheer persistence led her to Australia—a chapter that marked both a physical and emotional migration.In this candid conversation, Michelle and Sharon break down:   Childhood memories of mischief and innocence before life got complicated  How the menopause journey can feel like an identity crisis—plus practical advice on managing those symptoms  The power of positivity, affirmations, and trusting the universe when life takes unexpected turns  The significance of building a chosen family abroad, and the bittersweet realities of missing home  Why self-compassion, putting your oxygen mask first, and rewriting your story are your secret weapons  If you're navigating life's twists and turns, feeling the weight of societal expectations, or simply craving stories of resilience and humor, this episode is your antidote. Perfect for women over 40, entrepreneurs, or anyone seeking inspiration to embrace change and find joy in the unraveling. Get ready to laugh, reflect, and rediscover your inner strength—because life's messiness is where the magic begins.  Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Unravelling: The Diary of a Midlife Mess. If something resonated with you today, I’d love to hear your thoughts,  come join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram @theglowupguide_au or visit sharonwilkesburt.com for more resources and support. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you’re enjoying the journey so far!

Danielle Frank has lived a lot of lives — Hollywood publicist, luxury brand director, debut author, professional aunt — and she's here to tell you that none of the detours were mistakes. In this conversation, Danielle traces the thread from a type-A teenager in New York with a very specific life plan, through Miramax in its prime, a 50% pay cut that turned out to be the best decision she ever made, two serious relationships that taught her more about herself than any self-help book, and the moment she finally stopped waiting to feel ready and just... started writing. We talk about the particular kind of confidence that only comes from walking away from things that don't fit. About choosing a life that's actually yours rather than the one you inherited as a blueprint. And about why, when her nieces and nephews wouldn't stop whining, she wrote a book about wine instead. Funny, honest, and unexpectedly moving — this one's for anyone who's ever wondered if they took a wrong turn, and needed someone to tell them the map was always theirs to draw. A Wine Lover's Guide to Parenting is available now. BARNES & NOBLE https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-wine-lovers-guide-to-parenting-danielle- frank/1148414693?ean=9781967598069 AMAZON https://a.co/d/abO3q7K INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/createagreatstory/?hl=en WEBSITE www.daniellefrankauthor.com LINKED IN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankdanielle/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/danielle.frank.7583  Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Unravelling: The Diary of a Midlife Mess. If something resonated with you today, I’d love to hear your thoughts,  come join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram @theglowupguide_au or visit sharonwilkesburt.com for more resources and support. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you’re enjoying the journey so far!

Fee Taylor has lived the kind of life other people convince themselves isn't possible. She emigrated to Tasmania with 650 quid and two suitcases. She built a career as a glass artist and taught English in Japan. She pivoted — more than once — without a plan B to fall back on. And now, in her second half of life, she's created the Golden Gap Year: a permission slip for women 50+ who are done waiting for the right moment to actually feel alive. In this episode, Fee and I talk about the golden thread of resilience that runs through a life that looks, from the outside, like one long act of bravery. We get into growing up across continents (she had her life story written down on paper by age 10), finding her people after moving back to England, discovering glass art by accident, and what it felt like when midlife arrived — quietly, and then all at once. We also talk about spasmodic dysphonia, a chronic throat condition that has taken some of Fee's voice — literally — and how someone whose whole personality runs on connection learns to keep showing up anyway. If you've ever stood at a crossroads and chosen the safe road because the other one felt too selfish, too risky, or just too late — this one's for you. You can find out more about Fiona Taylor and her Golden Gap offers at Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/choosehealthybyfiona/ Website: https://choosehealthy.com.au/  Spasmodic dysphonia is a chronic, rare neurological voice disorder causing involuntary vocal cord spasms, resulting in strained, broken, or breathy speech. Primarily affecting speech muscles, it is treated withBotox injections to reduce spasms and voice therapy to improve function, though no cure exists. It is most common in women aged 30–50. The Glow Deeper Retreat is a one-day, in-person experience for women ready to sit with themselves properly — no "manifest your best life" fluff, just structured, guided space to actually reflect. We start with a hands-on makeup workshop — unhurried, no pressure to "get it right," just a gentle way in. Then we move into the journalling and reflective work this podcast is built on: the same questions I ask my guests every episode, except this time i  Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Unravelling: The Diary of a Midlife Mess. If something resonated with you today, I’d love to hear your thoughts,  come join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram @theglowupguide_au or visit sharonwilkesburt.com for more resources and support. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you’re enjoying the journey so far!

What does it look like to build a life from the inside out not from a plan, but from instinct, love, and a refusal to let other people's opinions run the show? This week on Unravelling, I'm sitting down with Bella Freeman — Perth-based entrepreneur, mentor, mum of two, and one of those humans who makes you feel like anything is possible just by being in her orbit. Bella's story moves through boarding school in the UK, a teenage year living in Kentucky, a romance that started at a royal shoot and nearly ended in Hollywood, and the decision to choose love over a career trajectory that included press junkets with Brad Pitt. (Yes, really.) She talks about the OCD that surfaced after her parents divorced and quietly threaded through her life, the early years of motherhood in Australia when finances were tight and connection felt hard to find, and the business she almost didn't start because she was too worried about what people would think. And then there's the chapter she didn't plan for — her eldest daughter's eating disorder, the hospital visits during COVID, and the relationship that deepened in the hardest of circumstances. This is a conversation about friendship, loyalty, determination, and what it means to build a life that actually fits. Bella's the kind of woman who carries her story lightly but deeply — and I think you're going to love her. The Glow Deeper Retreat is a one-day, in-person experience for women ready to sit with themselves properly — no "manifest your best life" fluff, just structured, guided space to actually reflect. We start with a hands-on makeup workshop — unhurried, no pressure to "get it right," just a gentle way in. Then we move into the journalling and reflective work this podcast is built on: the same questions I ask my guests every episode, except this time i  Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Unravelling: The Diary of a Midlife Mess. If something resonated with you today, I’d love to hear your thoughts,  come join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram @theglowupguide_au or visit sharonwilkesburt.com for more resources and support. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you’re enjoying the journey so far!

What happens when the woman who built everything, the business, the reputation, the carefully constructed independence starts to feel the veil being ripped away? This week's guest is Janelle, founder of Dark Cherry and one of Perth's most celebrated wedding cake artists. But this isn't really a story about cake. It's a story about a girl who was adopted, raised by the best mama ever, spent her teenage years in a goth phase she has zero regrets about, and moved to London on a whim (technically a surprise 50th birthday party) — staying for twelve years because she fell in love with the light, the history, and the particular freedom of having no safety net. Now she's back in Australia, deep in the perimenopause trenches, and doing the kind of soul-reckoning that nobody puts on the brochure. She's named her inner imposter Tiffany. She's questioning whether hyper-independence has been her superpower or her shield. And she's dreaming of writing a cookbook with her mum. We talk about the creativity that lives inside overwhelm, the tears that arrive uninvited, the moment you stop making Peppa Pig cakes and start making art — and what it means to finally, at this particular age, be coming home to yourself. This one's for every woman who thought she had it handled. https://www.darkcherry.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/thisdarkcherry/ resources Josh Fraser Young - Psychologist - https://www.instagram.com/joshfraseryoung/ Speech Prof - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/speechprof/ Dadhugs4yoursoul - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dadhugs4yoursoul/ Will Hitchens - Australian Mental Health Advocate - https://www.instagram.com/willhitchens/ The Glow Deeper Retreat is a one-day, in-person experience for women ready to sit with themselves properly — no "manifest your best life" fluff, just structured, guided space to actually reflect. We start with a hands-on makeup workshop — unhurried, no pressure to "get it right," just a gentle way in. Then we move into the journalling and reflective work this podcast is built on: the same questions I ask my guests every episode, except this time i  Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Unravelling: The Diary of a Midlife Mess. If something resonated with you today, I’d love to hear your thoughts,  come join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram @theglowupguide_au or visit sharonwilkesburt.com for more resources and support. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you’re enjoying the journey so far!

This week on Unravelling, I'm joined by Tara Clark — makeup artist, business owner, mother of four, and a woman who has spent most of her life being told she's superwoman. And for a long time, she believed it. We follow Tara from a dance-loving girl who found high school friendships challenging, through a wild and liberating early twenties, a marriage, a separation, an IVF journey that gave her twins, and somehow — against all odds — four children under four.  Along the way she built Black Lash Makeup and The Lip Lab Perth, tattooed "I can do both" on her arm, and kept pushing through. Until last year, when everything caught up with her and life unravelled. In this conversation we talk about what it really means to be part of the sandwich generation — still raising kids while watching your parents need more of you than you have left to give. We talk about performing strength, the cost of being the one who holds it all together, and what it looks like when that finally starts to crack. Tara's unravelling isn't a breakdown. It's an awakening. And her honesty about where she is right now — still in it, still figuring it out — is exactly the kind of conversation we need more of. Funny, warm, and completely real — this one's for every woman who's ever thought "I should be doing more." The Glow Deeper Retreat is a one-day, in-person experience for women ready to sit with themselves properly — no "manifest your best life" fluff, just structured, guided space to actually reflect. We start with a hands-on makeup workshop — unhurried, no pressure to "get it right," just a gentle way in. Then we move into the journalling and reflective work this podcast is built on: the same questions I ask my guests every episode, except this time i  Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Unravelling: The Diary of a Midlife Mess. If something resonated with you today, I’d love to hear your thoughts,  come join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram @theglowupguide_au or visit sharonwilkesburt.com for more resources and support. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you’re enjoying the journey so far!

What happens when you grow up without a roadmap — no female role models, a mum who handed you a too-big bra and told you to figure it out — and decide to build a life anyway, entirely on self-belief? You get Jenni Spence. In this episode of Unravelling: The Diary of a Midlife Mess, I sit down with the hilariously brilliant hairdresser, salon owner and South African-turned-Australian Jenni Spence — who has been cutting, colouring and quietly revolutionising the hair industry for over 40 years. We talk about a childhood full of Wham posters and makeshift bra stuffing, the strict upbringing that somehow produced a woman who never takes no for an answer, and the career she built from scratch with no blueprint and no safety net. We get into the move to Australia with her son and her parents, the loneliness of starting over in a new country, and the relationship breakdown that unravelled everything  and somehow led to everything good. We also get into the big stuff: how the industry has changed, why education matters more than ever, managing clients armed with AI images, and what it looks like to keep growing when the world expects you to slow down. Funny, raw, deeply wise and completely unrepeatable — Jenni is the kind of woman who makes you want to call your friends, go outside, and remind yourself that you are, in fact, bloody marvellous. Episode themes: resilience, self-belief, reinvention, women in business, hairdressing industry, mentorship, humour, midlife, starting over  keywords hairdressing, industry evolution, mentorship, career journey, personal growth, industry change, self-belief, Australia, South Africa, salon success resilience, personal growth, industry evolution, education, humor, authenticity, women in business, life lessons  key  topics Childhood and teenage experiences of the speakers Industry evolution and changing client expectations The importance of mentorship and role models Personal growth and resilience in the industry Resilience and overcoming challenges The evolution of the beauty industry and education The role of humour and authenticity in personal and professional life Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Backgrounds 01:58 Childhood Diaries and Teenage Revelations 04:02 Music, Influences, and Cultural Memories 07:01 Perceptions of Womanhood and Family Influences 09:53 Role Models and Industry Icons 15:04 Career Beginnings and Education in Hairdressing 20:06 Success in the 20s and Career Aspirations 24:48 Family, Moving to Australia, and Building a Business 30:00 Industry Changes and Client Expectations 35:01 Reflections on Industry Transformation and Future Trends 02:28 Industry changes and the shift away from traditional services 04:57 The importance of continuous education and staying current 08:02 Managing client expectations in the age of AI and digital manipulation 12:01 The industry as a secret society and the move towards openness 15:04 The significance of humility and lifelong learning 20:06 The impact of COVID-19 and personal unraveling 24:48 The importance of self-care, support networks, and humor 30:00 Reflections on resilience, growth, and future outlooks Instagram @aoki_hair The Glow Deeper Retreat is a one-day, in-person experience for women ready to sit with themselves properly — no "manifest your best life" fluff, just structured, guided space to actually reflect. We start with a hands-on makeup workshop — unhurried, no pressure to "get it right," just a gentle way in. Then we move into the journalling and reflective work this podcast is built on: the same questions I ask my guests every episode, except this time i  Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Unravelling: The Diary of a Midlife Mess. If something resonated with you today, I’d love to hear your thoughts,  come join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram @theglowupguide_au or visit sharonwilkesburt.com for more resources and support. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you’re enjoying the journey so far!

What happens when the woman who seemed to have it all — the big title, the big school, the big responsibility,  finally breaks? In this episode, we sit down with Jenny Cole, coach, facilitator, and recovering school Principal, whose career came to a dramatic halt when she walked out of a case conference at 40 and never went back. Jenny takes us from her teenage years growing up in a cul-de-sac in Western Australia — full of beach days, big dreams, and Boy George on the walls — through her rapid rise in educational leadership, and into the burnout, ego, and identity crisis that was quietly building beneath the surface. She shares what she wishes she'd known about emotions, energy, friendships, and asking for help. We talk perimenopause, positive psychology, people pleasing, and her brilliant "Jeff Test" for women who are over-functioning and under-valuing themselves. This one is warm, funny, honest, and deeply human. A must-listen for any woman who has ever defined herself by what she does — and is ready to reconnect with who she actually is. https://positivelybeaming.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/positivelybeamingjenny/ The Glow Deeper Retreat is a one-day, in-person experience for women ready to sit with themselves properly — no "manifest your best life" fluff, just structured, guided space to actually reflect. We start with a hands-on makeup workshop — unhurried, no pressure to "get it right," just a gentle way in. Then we move into the journalling and reflective work this podcast is built on: the same questions I ask my guests every episode, except this time i  Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Unravelling: The Diary of a Midlife Mess. If something resonated with you today, I’d love to hear your thoughts,  come join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram @theglowupguide_au or visit sharonwilkesburt.com for more resources and support. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you’re enjoying the journey so far!

What does it take to come home to yourself? For Sarah McLeod, personal stylist and founder of SJM Styling, the answer involved leaving Sydney's traffic jams behind, returning to Perth's beaches, and embarking on the biggest personal development project of her life: opening a cafe as a single woman building a new life from scratch. In this heartfelt conversation, Sarah takes us through the decades, from the sports-mad kid who expressed herself through bold fashion choices, to navigating university and hospitality careers, to facing family health crises that shaped her perspective on what truly matters. We explore her decision to remain single by choice, the reality of making that work financially and emotionally, and what it really means to build community and friendship in a new chapter of life. Sarah shares the challenges and triumphs of business ownership, the journey to unshakeable self-confidence, and how she discovered that helping women feel spectacular in their clothes was her true calling. This episode is for anyone who's ever wondered if it's too late to start over, if choosing yourself is selfish, or if the life you're building on your own terms is enough. Spoiler: it absolutely is. Topics covered: Growing up with sports as identity and fashion as self-expressionThe reality of single life by choice in your 40sMaking the move from big city to hometownBuilding new friendships and community after 40The personal development crucible of business ownershipFinding confidence through personal stylingLiving by your values and celebrating who you areConnect with Sarah: SJM Styling Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Technical Challenges 05:58 Exploring Teenage Diaries and Personal Growth 11:52 High School Experiences and Identity Formation 17:54 Fashion and Self-Expression in Adolescence 23:58 Body Positivity and Self-Confidence 29:55 University Life and Freedom of Expression 30:27 Uniforms and Self-Expression 31:16 The Transition from High School to University 32:46 Choosing a Career Path in Hospitality 34:30 Life in Your 30s: Career and Personal Growth 37:03 Balancing Personal Life and Career 40:36 The Impact of the Sydney Olympics 42:05 Returning to Perth: A New Chapter 44:08 Finding Balance in Life Choices 46:11 Career Changes and New Beginnings 49:15 Building a New Life in Perth 52:14 Reflections on Personal Growth 53:14 Owning a Cafe: Challenges and Rewards 59:18 The Struggles of Business Ownership 01:02:30 Navigating Friendship and Business Challenges 01:06:05 The Journey to Personal Styling 01:11:54 Empowering Women Through Fashion 01:17:58 The Transformative Power of Self-Image 01:29:07 Life Lessons and Personal Mantras  Sonnet 4.5 The Glow Deeper Retreat is a one-day, in-person experience for women ready to sit with themselves properly — no "manifest your best life" fluff, just structured, guided space to actually reflect. We start with a hands-on makeup workshop — unhurried, no pressure to "get it right," just a gentle way in. Then we move into the journalling and reflective work this podcast is built on: the same questions I ask my guests every episode, except this time i  Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Unravelling: The Diary of a Midlife Mess. If something resonated with you today, I’d love to hear your thoughts,  come join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram @theglowupguide_au or visit sharonwilkesburt.com for more resources and support. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you’re enjoying the journey so far!

Nic is 54. A mother of four adult children. A woman who grew up alongside her kids. A fighter,  because she had to be. In this episode of The Unravelling, Nic shares the unpolished truth of a life lived in survival mode for decades: becoming a mother at 21, leaving an abusive relationship while pregnant with her fourth child, navigating single motherhood, social anxiety, trauma held in the body, perfectionism disguised as control , and a second marriage that ended before it ever truly began. We talk about what happens when you don’t get time to reflect because you’re too busy parenting. How external judgement becomes an inner critic. What it means to be strong but still deeply unsafe inside yourself. And the slow, confronting work of realising that fixing your life starts with knowing yourself. At 50, everything collapsed and cracked open at once — the death of her mother, the arrest of her son, and the beginning of a business that would become an unexpected place of healing. A shop born not from a business plan, but from a simple, defiant truth: life is to be lived. This is a conversation about grief, responsibility, self-authority, guarding your heart without closing it, and the quiet power of finally seeing yourself clearly. All the versions of Nic that came before? They’d be proud of who she is now. takeaways Life is to be lived fully and authentically.Navigating teenage years involves conflict with parental expectations.Self-discovery is a lifelong journey that evolves over time.Parenting challenges often come with societal judgments.Finding strength in adversity is crucial for personal growth.Coping with loss can lead to profound transformation.Starting a business can be a path to self-empowerment.External opinions can influence self-worth and decisions.Embracing change is essential for personal development.Women have the power to inspire and heal through shared stories. The Glow Deeper Retreat is a one-day, in-person experience for women ready to sit with themselves properly — no "manifest your best life" fluff, just structured, guided space to actually reflect. We start with a hands-on makeup workshop — unhurried, no pressure to "get it right," just a gentle way in. Then we move into the journalling and reflective work this podcast is built on: the same questions I ask my guests every episode, except this time i  Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Unravelling: The Diary of a Midlife Mess. If something resonated with you today, I’d love to hear your thoughts,  come join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram @theglowupguide_au or visit sharonwilkesburt.com for more resources and support. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you’re enjoying the journey so far!