The Wobbly Middle

21/03/2026

"For the first time, midlife women can start at the front facing of AI learning — just as any other demographic can do." 💥

Too long in the tooth? We don't think so.

Jacquie Duckworth spent 30 years in mainstream media, got made redundant at 45, and built something extraordinary — Visible Start, a free career returner programme now sponsored by WPP, the world's largest advertising network.

We negotiated with toddlers. We'll figure out the algorithm.

Full episode out now — listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or find us wherever you get your podcasts. 🎧

And if this resonates, share it with a woman who needs to hear it today. 💪

Thank you to AJ Bell Money Matters for supporting The Wobbly Middle.

05/03/2026

Huzzah! After a two hour train delay, I am here! 🙃

04/03/2026

What are you waiting for? 🔥

If you’re curious about comedy, listen to this pod. Lynn Harris talks about the women in midlife joining her comedy school and the fire in their bellies.

Don’t wait to turn into someone else — which you won’t.

You already have all the raw material you need. Your perspective. Your life. Your unique lens on the world.
“People do it. I see it every day.”

🎧 Listen to The Wobbly Middle wherever you get your podcasts. 📩 Follow us on Substack — link in bio.

This episode is supported by AJ Bell Money Matters - helping women feel good, investing.

19/02/2026

Carri is one of my oldest friends.

My mum taught her pottery.
Her mum taught me how to sew and blow-dry my hair.

Over the years, whatsapps and wedding dress, we’ve discussed almost everything - except our working selves. Until now.

In this conversation we talk about what happens when the job you chose no longer feels like yours, and why sometimes changing direction isn’t brave… it’s necessary.

🎙️ A very special episode, out now.

15/02/2026

When I asked Carri Simmons how she kept going through years of study, placements, family life and the exams, she said that once she’d decided on her path, there was no turning back: the certainty, the goal, the mission all gave her energy. She said,

"I've never been happier when I was pursuing that, which is a strange thing to say 'cause it's a very hard journey ... but overall, having a sense of purpose has been really containing for me as a person."

Carri speaks about it with honesty and generosity in this episode, and I’m so glad her story will soon be out in the world.

New episode of The Wobbly Middle out 17 February. Listen wherever you get your podcasts or subscribe to our newsletter so you never miss an episode: https://thewobblymiddle.substack.com/

“Change sometimes begins with a quiet knowing that something has to shift.”

For women navigating the wobbly middle of their careers in midlife, it is exciting to share that Carri Simmons nee Duys (1996) will be the next guest on “The Wobbly Middle”.

This UK based podcast, in its third season, explores midlife career pivots and features thoughtful conversations about juggling change alongside parenting, family life and finding the courage to take meaningful purposeful action.

Carri, former drama teacher who returned to university at 38 to retrain as a clinical psychologist, shares her story in the next episode which airs on 17 February.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts, follow The Wobbly Middle on your usual platform.

Thank you for inspiring others, Carri, both locally and across the globe!

20/01/2026

Launch day interview! Thank you Sophie Law and

19/01/2026

24/10/2025

🎯 Are you looking for a grant?

Read our latest newsletter for good practical advice on preparing grant applications from our interview with Joy Foster . Link in the bio.

Plus, discover: ✨ Grants available for women in business from 🎙️ Microgrants for Podcasters from 🌱 Grants for Social Entrepreneurs from

Listen to the full interview with on The Wobbly Middle 🎧 wherever you get your podcasts.

mywobblymiddle

09/10/2025

Different ways of thinking can change the world.

18/07/2025

🎙 NEW EPISODE — Season 2 Finale: Salima Saxton

From centre stage to the school gate and back again, actress / writer / podcaster / coach, Salima shares how she reawakened her creative life after years on mute by writing her way back to herself.

🔥 She talks about wanting to do big things.
🔥 The propulsive power of women’s anger.
🔥 And why she’s done with the myth of “balance.”

“Balance is overrated. A poison chalice. If you want to do something big, it’s going to be messy.”

If you’ve ever felt like you left parts of yourself behind—this one’s for you.

🎧 Listen now: https://pod.fo/e/2fcefe

21/06/2025

Hedge funder lawyer to femtech entrepreneur, Rachael Newton on how to make a change in our lives...

Listen here: https://pod.fo/e/2e7ee9

Or wherever you get your podcasts.