The Mid•Point with Gabby Logan

Lorraine Kelly really needs no introduction. A daughter of Scotland and stalwart of the screen, her light touch on tough subjects has made her a British icon. But whilst she makes it all look effortless, Lorraine has battled behind to overcome those who underestimate her, from bullies in the playground to the bosses in all male newsrooms, her indomitable work ethic and fantastic enthusiasm have taken her from strength to strength. Over the last three decades she's witnessed sweeping change not only in her profession, but herself as well. Now, at 61, she reflects on how well the menopause mixed with live TV, and, in the wake of Carolyn Harris, tells us how important the job really can be at that time. But we also hear from Dr Amir Khan who tells us about the early warning signs of Cancer, what we should be looking out for and when to act. This really is one you won’t want to miss. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A hero to many, Jürgen Klopp has achieved what very few have. In the often tribal world of football, he's united fans, pundits and players alike, whilst successfully leading Liverpool FC to domestic and European triumph. Outspoken and easy to laugh, yet measured and deliberate too, his virtues off and on the pitch are celebrated in equal measure. But, now 54, does the bond with his youngest players flow as freely? Is he as authoritarian as he once was? And, could we ever see him leave the pitch to lead a country? By his own admission Jürgen will not hesitate to devour the contents of a full fridge, so you’ll also hear from the best-selling author and nutritionist Rhiannon Lambert, who tells us how her book 'The Science of Nutrition' can help us maintain a healthy relationship with the food we love. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The daughter of a top horse trainer, and herself a champion jockey, Clare Balding OBE made the leap into broadcasting as the BBC's racing specialist. Since then though, she’s reported on everything, from the Olympic Games and Wimbledon to Royal Weddings and Crufts. But for a decade she was also hiding her sexuality and looked to her father for approval. Now, at 50, and many many accolades later, Clare finds motivation from within and her wife Alice, who’s always there to lend a hand. Clare is unceasingly playful and energised, but is also afraid of purchasing tampons from the shop - so how does she feel about having her first hot flush? Gabby invites her to talk about menopause, whilst hearing an inspiring story from Carolyn Harris, the MP who’s cross party bill has taken the subject all the way to Whitehall - and won.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nihal Arthanayake, a rapper turned broadcaster who knows a thing or two about shaking things up. Born to Buddhist parents of Sri Lankan origin in Essex, Nihal performed for five years as an MC before turning his hand to promotion and freelance music journalism. After years championing Asian and Desi bests in dark club basements, he eventually found a home at the BBC hosting award-winning shows on Radio One and BBC Asian Network, before moving to 5 Live, where he now interrogates an eclectic and often starry guest list - from political heavyweights and famous musicians, to unmissable stories and important debates. In this interview Nihal describes how he's 'floated through life', but we don't think that's entirely true. Guided by curiosity, and unshakable self-belief, it's clear Nihal has carved his own route to the top. But now, having just turned 50, is he slowing down? Will he ever 'grow out' of his Air Force 1s? And is music the key to staying young at heart? You'll have to listen to find out, but you'll also hear from author and founder Lucy Kellaway, who at 57, left a high-powered role at the Financial Times to retrain as a maths teacher, and has never looked back.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Midpoint is back and we’re kicking things off with an absolute powerhouse, both on stage and in everyday life. Sharleen Spiteri has never been one to sit on the fence; In the nineties, she broke new ground with an androgenous look and searing vocals that challenged an industry of men. Since then, her band Texas have sold over forty million records, including thirteen top-ten singles and three number-one albums, but she’s not stopping yet. At fifty-four, Sharleen is as passionate, energised and daring as ever, touring the world once again with new LP 'Hi'. But things have changed ever so slightly. Now four years into the menopause, Sharleen cuts life on the road with more leisurely pursuits, spending time in the garden and hiding her enviable wardrobe from her teenage daughter Misty. We also hear from menopause expert Dr Shahzadi Harper, who tells us why testosterone could be the key to inspiring a brilliant sex life, into midlife and beyond.   This episode contains language that's not suitable for young children.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gabby Logan will not succumb to beige middle-age - and neither should you! As we reach the middle of our lives things are changing; emotionally, physically, mentally. And with that our expectations, priorities, ambitions, and dreams shift too.  But what's really going on when we reach our mid-points? With a little help from a host of well-known faces and some knowledgable experts, Gabby hopes to find the answers. In the fourth season of The MidPoint you'll hear from Clare Balding, Nihal Arthanayake, Sharleen Spiteri, James Nesbitt and so many more. So what are you waiting for? Hit subscribe now.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.