Tender Conversations, Thriving in a World That Won't Slow Down, and lots, lots more...
If you’re in the thick of the ‘sandwich generation’ chances are you may be facing some ‘difficult’ conversations with loved ones…
Back at the start of 2026, I recommended the book “Listen” by Dr Kathryn Mannix, and so it was a delight to find, and listen, to her reframing those ‘difficult’ conversations as ‘tender’ conversations over on the Club Sandwich podcast…do give it a listen if you have been putting off (or dreading) one of these…she shares so much good advice both on navigating conversations with elderly relatives but also with siblings and our own children.
Meanwhile, over on Middling Along…if life keeps speeding up and the demands keep stacking (kids, parents, work, your own busy brain) then this one’s for you.
In this episode I interview speaker, writer and self-development expert Lily Silverton about her book “Prioritize This: A Practical Guide for Thriving in a World That Won’t Slow Down”.
We dig into three chapters that land hardest for the midlife squeezed middle: stress, overwhelm, and procrastination and some practical, brain-based tools for each. Lily is candid about her own experiences navigating the combination of a seriously ill father and young children, and why she has no time for self-help advice written for people with no heed for the demands of real life.
We discuss:
The two most robust, evidence-backed interventions — movement and social connection.
Building your own bespoke stress toolkit (the “pick and mix”, not the prescriptive programme)
SITs and SATs: stress-inducing vs stress-alleviating thoughts, and turning the dial down on catastrophising
The multitasking myth — why it’s really task switching, and what each switch costs you
Three questions to cut through overwhelm
Procrastination as emotional management, not time management - aka “what feeling am I avoiding?”
AI, the hamster wheel, and whether technology will actually save us time...
The Menopause Mandate 2026 survey is open for responses and has helped generate some real traction over the last few years, including getting menopause in to NHS health checks for 40+… this year it is asking what you think good menopause care really looks like, from healthcare professionals and employers.
The survey will take around 10-15 minutes, and it’s completely anonymous.
I found the tips in this Instagram post really practical and helpful - and whilst they are aimed at neurodivergent individuals, I think most of them would apply for plenty of us who might not be (and especially around perimenopause)…
Last of all, whilst it does pain me to send business to Amaz*n, two of my lovely past podcast guests have wonderful books that are just 99p on Kindle at the moment:
Anna Kilpatrick’s book “Not Needing New: A Practical Guide to Finding the Joy of Enough” (listen to my interview with Anna here)…
…and Julie Smith’s new book “Contagious Confidence” which is released next week (click here to listen to Julie talk about coaching yourself confident).
That’s all from me for now, but just a wee reminder that the June Coaching Prompt for paid subscribers will be out later this week, so if you’d like to upgrade to paid, and support me and the podcast…please smash that upgrade button…!
Emma x