Second Act is the podcast and community for women in midlife who refuse to fade into the background. Join midlifer Ateh Jewel as she speaks to celebrity guests about the moment they knew they were in their 'second act', and how they're changing the game in their next one. We're not interested in any of the usual stereotypes about age - whether you're 40 plus, 60 plus or 100 plus this is the place for you. No topic is off-limits. We'll be covering fashion, beauty, menopause, parents, kids, spouses, sex and more. Send in your questions and dilemmas to secondactpod@hellomagazine.com, and together with celebrity guests and experts, we will help bring you the clarity and community you've been looking for.
Andi Oliver: How I saved my own life after a complete nervous breakdown
Chef, broadcaster, and national treasure Andi Oliver sits down for an intimate, deeply moving conversation about life, love, and liberation. Reflecting on her first act – a turbulent chapter marked by the sudden loss of her brother, growing up as the only Black girl in her school, and surviving a struggle with compulsive eating – Andi opens up about the pivotal moment at age 30 that saved her life, and the lessons she's taking into her 60s. To find out more about Andi's work with WaterAid in Malawi, head to wateraid.org/champions Chapters 00:00 - Introduction & Fan Memories 00:01:15 - Summarizing Life's "First Act" in 3 Words 00:03:40 - Early Struggles: Racism, Hypervigilance & Sibling Loss 00:05:18 - My Nervous Breakdown Was My Breakthrough 00:07:20 - Compulsive Eating & Healing My Relationship with Food 00:11:00 - Numbing the Pain: Understanding Emotional Vocabularies 00:14:00 - Stepping Into the Second Act: Overcoming Fear & Chaos 00:15:30 - Breaking the Habit of Being Chronically Late 00:18:25 - Boundaries, Rejection, and Radical Honesty 00:20:25 - How Music and Cooking Saved My Soul 00:25:00 - Becoming a Young Mum at 20: How Motherhood Saved Me 00:31:40 - Watching Your Grown Children Make Mistakes 00:37:30 - Surviving the Teenage Years: Advice for Parents 00:39:50 - Sisterhood & Growing Up with Neneh Cherry 00:43:50 - Embracing "Auntie Energy" & Midlife Grace 00:45:30 - Why I Haven't Married My Partner of 30 Years 00:47:35 - Supporting Loved Ones Through Heartbreak and Betrayal 00:49:50 - The Toughest 10 Years: Processing Sudden Grief 00:52:45 - Life-Changing Lessons on Water & Hope in Malawi 01:00:50 - Using Your Platform for Purpose as You Age 01:02:35 - High-End Travel, Aging, and Self-Care 01:06:00 - Escaping Depression Through Colour, Jewels & Dressing Big 01:10:30 - Glowing at 63: Skin Secrets & Celebrating Birthdays 01:11:55 - What I Would Tell My Younger Self 01:13:00 - Listener Dilemma: Protecting Your Child from Toxic Partners Second Act is the podcast and community for women in midlife who refuse to fade into the background. Join host, midlifer, mum-of-two and divorcee Ateh Jewel as she navigates her own second act by speaking to celebrity guests about what age means to them, and how they're approaching this new phase of life. If you've got a question or dilemma you'd like Ateh, her celebrity guests and experts to answer, drop her a line at secondactpod@hellomagazine.com and make sure to tune in to hear the answer. From HELLO! magazine Producer: Millie Jackson Editor: Liam Davis Executive producer: Danielle Lawler Follow @hellomag on Instagram and watch all new episodes on HELLO! magazine's YouTube channel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Kerry Ellis: I still pick myself apart in photos after toxic Noughties dieting culture
Queen of the West End Kerry Ellis opens up about performing for the royal family, balancing motherhood with a global career, taking up running in midlife and how she inspired Cynthia Erivo’s Wicked career. Second Act is the podcast and community for women in midlife who refuse to fade into the background. Join host, midlifer, mum-of-two and divorcee Ateh Jewel as she navigates her own second act by speaking to celebrity guests about what age means to them, and how they're approaching this new phase of life. If you've got a question or dilemma you'd like Ateh, her celebrity guests and experts to answer, drop her a line at secondactpod@hellomagazine.com and make sure to tune in to hear the answer. From HELLO! magazine Producer: Millie Jackson Editor: Chelsey Ranore Executive producer: Danielle Lawler Follow @hellomag on Instagram and watch all new episodes on HELLO! magazine's YouTube channel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Why am I suddenly so flipping angry?
Anna Mathur, psychotherapist and author of How to Stop Snapping at the People You Love, joins Isabel this week to discuss perimenopause, rage and more. Want your question answered by our experts? Email secondactpod@hellomagazine.com with your burning midlife questions. From HELLO! magazine Producer: Millie Jackson Editor: Chelsey Ranore Executive producers: Danielle Lawler and Isabel Mohan Follow @hellomag on Instagram and watch all new episodes on HELLO! magazine's YouTube channel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Robinne Lee: A car crash taught me not to sweat the small stuff
Author and actress Robinne Lee joins Ateh on this week's episode to dish on the global phenomenon of her bestselling novel-turned-hit-movie, The Idea of You, the staggering, real-life car crash that shifted her entire worldview, her fiercely bold decision to move her family 6,000 miles away to Paris, and fighting back against Hollywood’s rampant midlife misogyny. Second Act is the podcast and community for women in midlife who refuse to fade into the background. Join host, midlifer, mum-of-two and divorcee Ateh Jewel as she navigates her own second act by speaking to celebrity guests about what age means to them, and how they're approaching this new phase of life. If you've got a question or dilemma you'd like Ateh, her celebrity guests and experts to answer, drop her a line at secondactpod@hellomagazine.com and make sure to tune in to hear the answer. From HELLO! magazine Producer: Millie Jackson Editor: Liam Davis Executive producer: Danielle Lawler Follow @hellomag on Instagram and watch all new episodes on HELLO! magazine's YouTube channel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Emma Straub: How I learned to cope with grief after the death of my father
Bestselling author Emma Straub joins Ateh to discuss her writing, how she coped with her grief following the death of her father, and how she turned her boyband obsession into a bestselling novel. She also explains how she curates unshakeable self-confidence. Second Act is the podcast and community for women in midlife who refuse to fade into the background. Join host, midlifer, mum-of-two and divorcee Ateh Jewel as she navigates her own second act by speaking to celebrity guests about what age means to them, and how they're approaching this new phase of life. If you've got a question or dilemma you'd like Ateh, her celebrity guests and experts to answer, drop her a line at secondactpod@hellomagazine.com and make sure to tune in to hear the answer. From HELLO! magazine Producer: Millie Jackson Editor: Liam Davis Executive producer: Danielle Lawler Follow @hellomag on Instagram and watch all new episodes on HELLO! magazine's YouTube channel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Why is it so hard to lose weight now I’m over 40?
Emma Bardwell, leading menopause nutritionist and author of The 30g Plan Cookbook, joins Isabel to discuss weight loss and nutrition in your 40s and beyond. Want your question answered by our experts? Email secondactpod@hellomagazine.com with your burning midlife questions. From HELLO! magazine Producer: Millie Jackson Editor: Chelsey Ranore Executive producers: Danielle Lawler and Isabel Mohan Follow @hellomag on Instagram and watch all new episodes on HELLO! magazine's YouTube channel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Paula Sutton: My mum died and we were crumbling – inside my midlife move out of London
This episode is brought to you by L'Oréal Paris Magic Retouch. The delightful queen of vintage Paula Sutton sits down with Ateh Jewel this week to share details about her incredible midlife journey from her high-powered London career to rural Norfolk’s favourite vintage tastemaker. Second Act is the podcast and community for women in midlife who refuse to fade into the background. Join host, midlifer, mum-of-two and divorcee Ateh Jewel as she navigates her own second act by speaking to celebrity guests about what age means to them, and how they're approaching this new phase of life. If you've got a question or dilemma you'd like Ateh, her celebrity guests and experts to answer, drop her a line at secondactpod@hellomagazine.com and make sure to tune in to hear the answer. From HELLO! magazine Producer: Millie Jackson Editor: Celine Ponio Bagtas Executive producer: Danielle Lawler Follow @hellomag on Instagram and watch all new episodes on HELLO! magazine's YouTube channel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Midlife on Your Own Terms: Second Act Live with Jo Good
In this very special live recording of the Second Act podcast at the Bankside Hotel in London, Ateh is joined by beloved guest, broadcaster and social media star Jo Good, aka MiddleAgedMinx. Jo and Ateh discuss living midlife on your own terms, including the secrets to style and confidence at any age, and Jo's renewed approach to life after her recent near-death experience. Plus, our dynamic duo fielded burning audience questions. Products in the goodie bag: Skincare Heroes Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Overnight Treatment (deluxe size) The Cosmetic Consult – Miracle Skin Transformation L'Oreal Paris – Revitalift Laser Triple Action Creamy Serum (Melasyl, Vit C, Niacinamide) No7 – Future Renew™ Damage Reversal Serum Neal's Yard Remedies – Wild Rosehip Beauty Balm Elemis – Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm Skin + Me – Cleanser Super Facialist – Salicylic Acid Anti-Blemish Cleansing Wash QV – Gentle Wash Cornish Seaweed Bath Co. – Renewal Bio-Active Moisturiser Weleda – Skin Food Simple – Kind to Skin Biodegradable Cleansing Wipes Hair & Scalp Rescuers Charles Worthington – Meno Plex Hair Mask Color Wow – Youth Juice Scalp Serum Philip Kingsley – Haircare Treatment Cornish Seaweed Bath Co. – Nutri Therm Hair Serum Tangle Teezer The Mini Ultimate Detangler Hair Brush Everyday Glamour & Eyes BBB London – Clear Brow Lock Invisible Brow Styling Jelly Maybelline – Grippy Primer Fushi Wellbeing – Cherry Lip Oil Tatti Lashes – Natural Strip Lashes Peep Club – Ultra Gentle Lid & Lash Spray Wellness, Body & Treats Purolabs – Magnesium Bisglycinate Perfectil – Platinum Radiance Liquid I.V. – Hydration Multiplier HIRO – Hydration Tablets Bio+Me – Fibre+Protein Bar CleanCo – Non-Alcoholic Cocktails Sanctuary Spa – Aqua Serenity Body Wash Producer: Millie Jackson Director of Photography: Christian Cometa Sound Engineer: Sam Chisholm Executive Producers: Isabel Mohan, Danielle Lawler, Leanne Bayley and Sophie Vokes-Dudgeon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fran Cutler: How I navigate midlife as a lone wolf
In this week’s episode of Second Act, Ateh sits down with the ultimate London tastemaker, party architect, and business liaison to the stars, Fran Cutler. From her childhood growing up in gangster-era Soho pubs to organising iconic bashes for the likes of Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell, Fran has seen and heard it all – and she’s kept the secrets safe. Second Act is the podcast and community for women in midlife who refuse to fade into the background. Join host, midlifer, mum-of-two and divorcee Ateh Jewel as she navigates her own second act by speaking to celebrity guests about what age means to them, and how they're approaching this new phase of life. If you've got a question or dilemma you'd like Ateh, her celebrity guests and experts to answer, drop her a line at secondactpod@hellomagazine.com and make sure to tune in to hear the answer. From HELLO! magazine Producer: Millie Jackson Editor: Liam Davis Executive producer: Danielle Lawler and Jessica Callan Follow @hellomag on Instagram and watch all new episodes on HELLO! magazine's YouTube channel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nisha Katona: Whatever your age, you can make a career from something you love - here's how
Lawyer-turned-restauranteur Nisha Katona joins Ateh on the podcast to talk about her wild midlife career transition, and how she's stepping into the next gear in her 40s. Second Act is the podcast and community for women in midlife who refuse to fade into the background. Join host, midlifer, mum-of-two and divorcee Ateh Jewel as she navigates her own second act by speaking to celebrity guests about what age means to them, and how they're approaching this new phase of life. If you've got a question or dilemma you'd like Ateh, her celebrity guests and experts to answer, drop her a line at secondactpod@hellomagazine.com and make sure to tune in to hear the answer. From HELLO! magazine Producer: Millie Jackson Editor: Chelsey Ranore Executive producer: Danielle Lawler Follow @hellomag on Instagram and watch all new episodes on HELLO! magazine's YouTube channel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How do you know whether to stay or go?
This episode of Second Act Unpacked is brought to you by amicable. Experts on divorce, separation and family law reform Kate Daly joins Isabel to discuss relationships in midlife – when is it best to call time? What do you do once you decide divorce is the only option? Is it possible to have an 'amicable' separation? Come to our live event in June with Second Act favourite Jo Good. Link here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/second-act-live-midlife-on-your-own-terms-with-ateh-jewel-and-jo-good-tickets-1991576028513 Have a question you'd like answered on Unpacked? Email us at secondactpod@hellomagazine.com Host: Isabel Mohan Producer: Millie Jackson Editor: Celine Ponio Bagtas Executive producers: Isabel Mohan and Danielle Lawler Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jane Green: How I knew it was time to end my marriage after 18 years
This episode is brought to you by amicable. New York Times Bestselling author Jane Green opens up about shame she felt of living a lie, ending her marriage, losing her identity and coming out as bisexual in her second act. Second Act is the podcast and community for women in midlife who refuse to fade into the background. Join host, midlifer, mum-of-two and divorcee Ateh Jewel as she navigates her own second act by speaking to celebrity guests about what age means to them, and how they're approaching this new phase of life. If you've got a question or dilemma you'd like Ateh, her celebrity guests and experts to answer, drop her a line at secondactpod@hellomagazine.com and make sure to tune in to hear the answer. From HELLO! magazine Producer: Millie Jackson Editor: Chelsey Ranore Executive producer: Danielle Lawler Follow @hellomag on Instagram and watch all new episodes on HELLO! magazine's YouTube channel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nicki Chapman: What really happened in the 90s
This week presenter Nicki Chapman opens up about her wild showbiz past, the terrifying brain surgery that made her face her own mortality, and why she is fiercely grateful to turn 60. After a glittering PR career looking after The Spice Girls, Take That and S Club 7, Nicki Chapman’s life came to an abrupt standstill when she was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2019. The Magic Radio host now has a renewed positivity for life after doctors warned she could have died during the operation to remove the benign tumour. Second Act is the podcast and community for women in midlife who refuse to fade into the background. Join host, midlifer, mum-of-two and divorcee Ateh Jewel as she navigates her own second act by speaking to celebrity guests about what age means to them, and how they're approaching this new phase of life. If you've got a question or dilemma you'd like Ateh, her celebrity guests and experts to answer, drop her a line at secondactpod@hellomagazine.com and make sure to tune in to hear the answer. From HELLO! magazine Producer: Millie Jackson Editor: Liam Davis Executive producers: Danielle Lawler and Isabel Mohan Follow @hellomag on Instagram and watch all new episodes on HELLO! magazine's YouTube channel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I'm single in midlife but dating apps terrify me - help!
In the first ever episode of Second Act's new bonus series, Second Act Unpacked, comedian and author Helen Thorn joins Isabel to take a deep dive into navigating the dating scene in midlife. Following a difficult and highly publicised divorce, Helen gets refreshingly candid about what it’s really like to put yourself back out there in your 40s. Have a question you'd like Host: Isabel Mohan Producer: Millie Jackson Editor: Celine Ponio Bagtas Executive producers: Isabel Mohan and Danielle Lawler Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Shazia Mirza: I led a secret double life as a comedian
This week, brilliant comedian and presenter Shazia Mirza joins Ateh on the podcast. From her early days navigating a strict upbringing in Birmingham to her secret double life as a science teacher by day and an aspiring stand-up comic by night, Shazia opens up about the sheer tenacity it took to break free. Second Act is the podcast and community for women in midlife who refuse to fade into the background. Join host, midlifer, mum-of-two and divorcee Ateh Jewel as she navigates her own second act by speaking to celebrity guests about what age means to them, and how they're approaching this new phase of life. If you've got a question or dilemma you'd like Ateh, her celebrity guests and experts to answer, drop her a line at secondactpod@hellomagazine.com and make sure to tune in to hear the answer. From HELLO! magazine Producer: Millie Jackson Editor: Chelsey Ranore Executive producer: Danielle Lawler Follow @hellomag on Instagram and watch all new episodes on HELLO! magazine's YouTube channel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Andrea McLean: I was 24 hours from death – here's what I learnt
Former Loose Women host Andrea McLean opens up about her unusual childhood, the shame of failure in her 50s, her terrifying dice with death, and how she found the strength to start again. When Andrea Mclean hit rock bottom and lost everything she had worked for in her fifties, she felt so much shame she refused to even tell her closest friends. Second Act is the podcast and community for women in midlife who refuse to fade into the background. Join host, midlifer, mum-of-two and divorcee Ateh Jewel as she navigates her own second act by speaking to celebrity guests about what age means to them, and how they're approaching this new phase of life. If you've got a question or dilemma you'd like Ateh, her celebrity guests and experts to answer, drop her a line at secondactpod@hellomagazine.com and make sure to tune in to hear the answer. From HELLO! magazine Producer: Millie Jackson Editor: Chelsey Ranore Executive producer: Danielle Lawler Follow @hellomag on Instagram and watch all new episodes on HELLO! magazine's YouTube channel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Gabby Logan: My biggest mistakes and why I’m owning up to them
In an intimate conversation that spans the highs of a 30-year broadcasting career to the deeply personal depths of family grief, Gabby Logan opens up about the moments that truly define her. The trailblazing presenter reflects on her 'soulful' journey – one marked by the early loss of her brother and a career that she was once told would expire before she hit 30. Gabby shares the touching story of the 'sliding doors' night she met her husband of 25 years, Kenny Logan, and the secret to their enduring support for one another. In a particularly moving segment, she recalls the "privileged" final hours spent with her father, Terry Yorath. Second Act is the podcast and community for women in midlife who refuse to fade into the background. Join host, midlifer, mum-of-two and divorcee Ateh Jewel as she navigates her own second act by speaking to celebrity guests about what age means to them, and how they're approaching this new phase of life. If you've got a question or dilemma you'd like Ateh, her celebrity guests and experts to answer, drop her a line at secondactpod@hellomagazine.com and make sure to tune in to hear the answer. From HELLO! magazine Producer: Millie Jackson Editor: Celine Ponio Bagtas Executive producers: Danielle Lawler and Isabel Mohan Follow @hellomag on Instagram and watch all new episodes on HELLO! magazine's YouTube channel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Karen Millen: How I bounced back at 63 after losing everything
Fashion mogul Karen Millen OBE opens up about the ‘disaster and downfall’ that came after she sold her business for £100m, how she bounced back after losing everything and how she is starting again in her 60s. Second Act is the podcast and community for women in midlife who refuse to fade into the background. Join host, midlifer, mum-of-two and divorcee Ateh Jewel as she navigates her own second act by speaking to celebrity guests about what age means to them, and how they're approaching this new phase of life. If you've got a question or dilemma you'd like Ateh, her celebrity guests and experts to answer, drop her a line at secondactpod@hellomagazine.com and make sure to tune in to hear the answer. From HELLO! magazine Producer: Millie Jackson Editor: Celine Ponio Bagtas Executive producers: Danielle Lawler and Isabel Mohan Follow @hellomag on Instagram and watch all new episodes on HELLO! magazine's YouTube channel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bryony Gordon: At 45 I'm scared of getting addicted to Botox
Journalist and author Bryony Gordon opens up to Ateh this week about her struggles with addiction and alcoholism, the OCD that has shaped much of her life and how her body image has changed in midlife. Second Act is the podcast and community for women in midlife who refuse to fade into the background. Join host, midlifer, mum-of-two and divorcee Ateh Jewel as she navigates her own second act by speaking to celebrity guests about what age means to them, and how they're approaching this new phase of life. If you've got a question or dilemma you'd like Ateh, her celebrity guests and experts to answer, drop her a line at secondactpod@hellomagazine.com and make sure to tune in to hear the answer. From HELLO! magazine Producer: Millie Jackson Editor: Liam Davis Executive producers: Danielle Lawler and Isabel Mohan Follow @hellomag on Instagram and watch all new episodes on HELLO! magazine's YouTube channel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Adele Roberts: Bowel cancer at 42 gave me the chance to live again
Inspirational Radio 1 DJ Adele Roberts opens up about the second chance her bowel cancer diagnosis gave her, her surprise Royal fan club, why she came out on Big Brother and the ‘big mistake’ which changed her life. Second Act is the podcast and community for women in midlife who refuse to fade into the background. Join host, midlifer, mum-of-two and divorcee Ateh Jewel as she navigates her own second act by speaking to celebrity guests about what age means to them, and how they're approaching this new phase of life. If you've got a question or dilemma you'd like Ateh, her celebrity guests and experts to answer, drop her a line at secondactpod@hellomagazine.com and make sure to tune in to hear the answer. From HELLO! magazine Producer: Millie Jackson Editor: Chelsey Ranore Executive producers: Danielle Lawler and Isabel Mohan Follow @hellomag on Instagram and watch all new episodes on HELLO! magazine's YouTube channel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
