The Mid•Point with Gabby Logan

Mark Watson is a comedian, author and sports pundit. Taking to the stand-up stage with his first gig in 2002, he won the Daily Telegraph Open Mic Competition that same year and the rest is history… well, not quite? Mark and Gabby talk candidly about his divorce, using it as material for his comedy and, at times, misjudging how much to share. He opens up about his absent dad-guilt due to touring, and why the need for validation can be pragmatic for a comedian, rather than an ego stroke. Mark turned 40 during the lockdown, giving him an opportunity to reassess his priorities when it came to his physical and mental health; which is why he started therapy and continues to run. Mel Deane, a former international rugby player and now fitness coach, joins us to speak about the benefits of adding weight training to a workout routine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andi Osho is what the cool kids of our day would call your typical "Slashie", meaning she cannot be defined by just one occupation. She is an award-winning comedian, writer, actress and on top of that she is the only person to win Celebrity Mastermind, not once, but twice.    For the past eighteen years Andi has graced our screens in a variety of ways from comedy shows such as Live at the Apollo and Mock of the Week, to dramas such as Michaela Coel's HBO/BBC, I May Destroy You and BBC 1's Line of Duty.    In this episode, we discuss everything from Andi's drive to continue to innovate herself even when the road ahead is not clear, her frustration with the comedy world as a Black woman and how she is now at peace with the idea of not having her own children.    We're also joined by dietitian Ruth Wood, who gives us some insight into the best foods and nutrients for us and why that 7pm spin class might not be the best idea after all. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

International broadcaster and host of critically acclaimed podcast, Soundtracking, Edith Bowman joins The Midpoint this week. For over two decades, Edith has held court in the UK’s largest media houses. From MTV and Capital FM to Channel 4, Virgin Radio and of course Radio 1 she's lived life in the fast lane. But she was forced to slow down when BBC management altered her contract, and the course of her working life. Edith has since found a second focus in film and is riding new highs after she hosted the BAFTAs earlier this year. She's also moved to the Cotswolds, brought a gorgeous dog and rekindled her love of fitness. So how has this city-dweller adjusted to countryside living? Has she regained the work-life balance lost in lockdown? And now, at 47, what does she think of the word 'perimenopause'? Edith's family also have a long history with Cancer, so leading menopause expert and founder of the balance menopause app and The Menopause Charity, Dr. Louise Newson, is here to tell us what's really going on when it comes to HRT and the Big C. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The highest try scorer of all time in Ireland, and the 8th in the history of the sport he's earned his place in the Rugby Union Hall of Fame. But after retiring in 2014, Brian O'Driscoll has had to pull focus, from adoring crowds and adrenaline fuelled games to neighbour, father, husband and friend. So how has he made the switch from the self-directed sporting hero, to caring and supportive family man? What was it like to let his team mates go? How is he coping with new baby Ted at 42? And does he ever wish people would stop talking to him about Rugby? We also hear from exercise physiologist Dr Peter Herbert, who tells us why High Intensity training is best, at any age! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Penny Lancaster. Rock wife, beauty queen, photographer, TV presenter, and now, Special Constable with City of London Police. At 50, she embraced the midpoint gear shift with absolute fearlessness and tenacity. She's also an extremely kind, giving person who's grounded by family and believes strongly in supporting those in need. But Penny spent much of last year's lockdown plagued by hot sweats, mood swings, sleepless nights and a changing physique. So, in this episode we're also talking to functional nutritionist Pippa Campbell, to help us understand the menopause and midlife metabolism. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alexandra Shulman led British Vogue for over 25 years until stepping down in 2017. Under her direction the magazine saw its readership rise to unprecedented levels, offering women a more accessible and inclusive blueprint for what fashion could mean to them. She also championed British designers and was one of the first to feature plus-size bodies on the magazine's cover. Despite this, she never quite fit in, and was heavily criticised by tabloids and the fashion elite for her appearance and salt of the earth attitude. So what does think about Vogue's direction now? And how has she adjusted to life without it? We also speak to Sunday Times bestselling author Davinia Taylor about the vital link between gut health, mental health, weight and addiction. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gareth Thomas, a man who can be truly proud of who he is and where he's come from. As a former captain of the British and Irish Lions, and the second highest try scorer for Wales, Gareth is without doubt a sporting hero. But he's also one of the few British sportsman to publicly come out as gay. That was back in 2009 and it transformed his life forever. In this episode Gareth reflects on why self-acceptance was the tool that saved his life, and how he used it to overcome the loneliness that had gripped him for so many years. But in 2020, life changed once more, when he was diagnosed with HIV and was forced to face the stigma that still surrounds it. Gareth has broken sporting records, written a best-seller (with another on the way) and is a passionate advocate for LGBTQI+ awareness. These are all undoubtedly impressive, but it's his growth mindset and boundless positivity that are truly inspiring. But you'll also hear from Frances Edmonds, author of 'Repotting Your Life: Reframe Your Thinking', who'll arm you with a practical guide to tackling your midlife pivots with absolute confidence. This is one you won't want to miss. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ruby Wax OBE is no stranger to change. Once the comedy queen of screen and stage, she's now more likely found reflecting on mindfulness having swapped the stand up circuit for the writer's shed. In the past decade she's graduated from Oxford university, written four best-selling books and has found a new calling, centred on helping others overcome poor mental health. But none of this has come easy. Despite grieving for a television career cut short and a battle with her own depression, Ruby has reinvented herself with fearlessness and grit, and recommends you do the same. So how does she manage her health and happiness now? And does she ever miss the glamour of her former life? Ruby also lets us in on the secret of a long and happy marriage and we find out how to overcome insomnia from Mirana Levy, who didn't sleep a wink for nearly eight years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gabby Logan will not succumb to beige middle-age. And neither should you. But, as we reach the middle of our lives things are changing; emotionally, physically, mentally. And with that our expectations, priorities, ambitions, and sense of self shift too. So what's really going on when we reach the mid-point? With a little help from a host of well-known faces and brilliant experts, Gabby hopes to find some answers. In this third season you'll hear from Ruby Wax, Gareth Thomas, Andi Osho, Alex Shulman and so many more. So what are you waiting for? Now’s the time to hit subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A life shaped by football, but never on the pitch,  Kelly Cates is the Sky Sports Premier League anchor who, at 45 and in lockdown, finds herself reflecting on the sliding doors moments that define our lives. What does romance look like after divorce? How does she judge the successful career she's had so far? And where would she be now if she'd only finished those maths and chemistry degrees? Plus, radio presenter and sobriety guru Janey Lee Grace joins to explain how laying off the booze could transform your life forever.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.