The Midlife Shift with Alex Brooks

Travel, storytelling, and smart escapes collide in this episode of the Midlife Shift. We’re diving into the latest 2026 travel trends with acclaimed travel writer Sue Williams and industry expert Bec Hurley. From book-inspired getaways to digital detox destinations, discover how Australians over 50 are rewriting the rulebook on meaningful, affordable, and unforgettable holidays.What’s a Readaway? Think book-inspired getaways, digital detox escapes, and meaningful travel – all rolled into one. Whether you're dreaming of a girls’ trip, craving a solo recharge, or looking for affordable holiday tips, this episode is packed with ideas, tips, stories and laughs. Stay tuned for the Top 6 Readaway Destinations revealed at the end!

Stepping up as a carer of elderly parents or sick family members can feel anxiety-inducing, but finding a new way forward can also be an opportunity for deep connection. In this touching and surprisingly uplifting episode of The Midlife Shift, host Alex Brooks sits down with carer extraordinaire Mitch Gibson and Tea Time founder Jimmy Leishman. They discuss the wild new ways our generation is navigating getting older, caring for others, and why technology might just be the helping hand we all need.Mitch and Jimmy explore how "care tech" is fighting isolation in aged-care and why human connection remains king. They discuss how to have those hard conversations about end-of-life wishes (without being morbid), why you need to "gather your crew" when things get tough, and the practical realities of being a "TED" (The Elder’s Daughter).

Are you really sorting out the best way to financially retire, or just hoping it all works out? In this episode of The Midlife Shift, Alex Brooks is joined by superannuation expert Andrew Boal from Deloitte and Domain’s national property editor Alice Stoltz to unpack the BIG midlife financial questions: how to stay in touch with what you earn and spend, how your home shapes your retirement, and how to future-proof your life when everything feels so… abstract.This episode dives into some of the unique benefits of Australia’s compulsory superannuation system and how to make the best midlife money moves for your future — whatever that might look like.

They don’t do tents, they don’t do middle seats, and they definitely don’t do cask wine. Meet the travel snobs from the Nine series Travel Guides.In this laugh-out-loud episode of The Midlife Shift, Australia’s favourite travel snobs Kevin and Janetta sit down with host Alex Brooks to unpack their golden rules for travel, relationships, and living well after 50. This couple planned to retire and have spent the last ten years travelling the world on Channel Nine’s coin to appear in their Logie-winning lifestyle TV program.They dish out all the top travel tips - from the type of suitcase you simply must have through to the forensic packing requirements needed to travel extensively.They explain how to exploit your budget in the best way (hint: you need an airline membership) and what top 5 destinations all people over the age of 50 need to put on their list. With her label maker and ziploc bags in hand, Kevin and Janetta reveal how to travel in style without losing your cool (or your bags). They share what it’s really like working and travelling as a couple, and how getting older just means upgrading your standards—not giving up on adventure.Whether you’re planning your next holiday or just love a brutally honest chat, this one is for those who still want the window seat in life and will never settle down to stay put. 

What does midlife look like for one of Australia's favourite TV personalities? From 90s MTV fame to narrating RBT, this conversation with Andrew Daddo covers the hilarious, the heartfelt, and the human side of getting older.In this episode of The Midlife Shift, host Alex Brooks talks to beloved Australian presenter, author, and podcast host Andrew Daddo. Andrew shares candid stories about his famous family, his decades-long career, his obsession with golf, and his "poo theory" of parenting, all while reflecting on what really matters after 50.Andrew shares his trademark wit and insights on navigating midlife. He covers:The Daddo Legacy: Andrew talks about the famously close-knit Daddo siblings, the family's obsession with golf (and who is really the best), and the joy of creating trophies to bring everyone together.Parenting Older Kids: Hear Andrew's hilarious "poo theory" of parenting, how his kids keep him in check (no more saying "gay abandon"), and the realities of embarrassing them, speedos and all.Reflections on a 90s Career: Looking back at his time as one of the first Australian VJs on MTV, interviewing Elle Macpherson and Billy Connolly, and why he had to leave it all behind.The Reality of RBT: Andrew shares what it's really like narrating Australia's "bogans behaving badly," his take on human frailty, and the infamous "call a mate" story.Money, Ageing & Super: Andrew's "hard saver" mentality, taking superannuation seriously in a freelance world, and his hilarious (and painful) encounter with sandalwood oil in Sri Lanka.Dealing with Grief & Tragedy: A candid discussion on family tragedy, including his twin brother's life-changing accident and the loss of his best friend, and how storytelling helps process grief.This is a candid, funny, and surprisingly deep conversation about family, finding your passion, and navigating the weirdness of midlife.

How do we know how long we will actually live and whether our money go the distance? These are the important but hairy unknowns that can derail even the best-laid retirement plans. Add in unexpected health issues or market downturns, and it's easy to feel overwhelmed.In this episode of The Midlife Shift, host Alex Brooks talks to aged care expert Rachel Lane and actuary Stephen Huppert to tackle the two biggest curveballs that can blow up your retirement: longevity risk and health span changes. They break down the complexities of planning for an unknown future and offer clear strategies to help you navigate the decades after work with confidence.Rachel and Stephen share their expert insights on future-proofing your finances and lifestyle. This is an essential guide to understanding the real risks of retirement and how to build a plan that gives you confidence for the future.Find Rachel Lane here Get her book Downsizing Made SimpleGet her book Aged Care. Who Cares?‍LinkedInAged Care GurusFind Stephen Huppert here Check out his websiteLinkedInCitro is here to helpA CITRO GUIDE: 10 lifestyle swaps for longevity11 ways to make retirement income last as long as you doCracking the annuities code: get retirement income certaintyA CITRO GUIDE: Calculating retirement3 enriching phases of superannuation: what you should knowUnderstanding superannuation and how retirement income worksUnlock your entitlements: 12 amazing benefits for older AustraliansThe $16,304 question - can you afford to rent in retirement?

It starts with a small worry, then a doctor's visit, and before you know it, you're navigating the complex, emotional, and often confusing world of caring for your ageing parents. How do you manage it all without losing your sanity, your savings, or your relationships?In this episode of The Midlife Shift, host Alex Brooks talks to legendary Australian comedian and author Jean Kittson for a heartfelt, hilarious, and deeply practical guide to one of life's most challenging journeys. Drawing from her experience caring for her parents, Elaine and Roy, Jean shares the wisdom every family needs to hear.Jean shares her trademark wit and wisdom to demystify the aged care journey and empower you as a carer. She covers:Navigating the System: A no-nonsense guide to the My Aged Care portal and the ACAT assessment, and why it's crucial to get your parents into the system as early as possible.The "All Goes to Shit Kit": Learn about the essential legal and financial documents you need in place before a crisis hits, including Wills, Enduring Power of Attorney, and Advanced Care Directives.Becoming a Medical Advocate: Jean explains the importance of being your parents' voice in hospitals, the value of a good geriatrician, and how to ensure they get the care they deserve.Demystifying Palliative Care: Discover what palliative care truly is (and isn't), when it should begin, and how it can support not just the patient but the entire family.The Emotional Journey: Jean speaks candidly about sibling dynamics, the challenge of anticipatory grief, and the importance of having difficult conversations about end-of-life wishes.This is an essential, honest, and often humorous guide to navigating one of life's most difficult chapters with grace, humour, and knowledge.Find Jean Kittson hereWebsiteInstagram @jeankittsonGet Jean's book We need to talk about Mum & Dad‍Get Jean's book You're Still Hot to MeCitro is here to helpShould your senior parents still be driving?10 smart tech devices to help ageing parents stay independent10 signs your ageing parents may need more help than you think10 things I learned from parenting my parentsSandwich generation: when kids, parents and creaky joints collide

As we get older, our bodies change. Suddenly, we’re battling belly fat, our metabolism seems to have ground to a halt, and navigating nutrition feels like a minefield of conflicting advice. Do we cut carbs? Boost protein? What on earth is a microbiome and why should we care?In this episode of The Midlife Shift, host Alex Brooks talks to accredited practicing dietitian Geraldine Georgeou for a sanity-saving guide to food and health after 50. Geraldine demystifies the science and cuts through the diet-culture noise to deliver practical, powerful advice on how to eat for lasting vitality. Discover why your gut is your second brain, how hormonal changes impact your body shape, and what you really need to look for in a blood test.This is an essential guide to help you build a nutritional framework that supports your health as you age.Find Geraldine Georgeou hereWebsite: Designer DietsBook: The Australian Healthy Skin DietCitro is here to helpA CITRO GUIDE: Mastering menopauseHow to end the junk food battle once and for allMaintain brain health with the MIND dietMediterranean diet 101: healthy eating for healthy ageingControl your blood pressure with the DASH dietThe truth about protein: how much you really need for healthy ageing5 reasons we remain in the dark about perimenopauseGood ways to rejuvenate your gut health (yep, including a poo transplant)Gut instinct: how to prevent age-related digestive issues like heartburnActivate your inner ally: get your gut microbiome to blossomAFTER WATCHING, PLEASE FILL OUT OUR SURVEYYour responses will help shape upcoming episodes of The Midlife Shift with Alex Brooks. Access the survey here.Please reach out if you need anything [email protected]

How do you fund your life when the paycheques stop? For many of us, the world of superannuation and retirement planning is filled with confusing terms that make us want to ignore it completely. But what if you could make it simple?In this episode of The Midlife Shift, host Alex Brooks talks to money expert Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon and retirement commentator Kaye Fallick for a frank and practical guide to funding your future. They explore why women are often behind the eight ball and reveal why you should think of your super as "free money" to pay more attention to it. Discover the crucial interplay between the government Age Pension and your own super savings, and why the standard retirement budget might not apply if you still have a mortgage.This is an essential guide to help you get your financial ducks in a row for a comfortable and empowered retirement.Find Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon hereWebsite: Nicole's Smart MoneyInstagram: @nicolepedmckmoneyFind Kaye Fallick hereWebsite: Staying ConnectedInstagram: @connected_retirementCitro is here to helpHow much super is enough? Spoiler: no magic number existsI’m not panicking about a global recession (but I am reviewing my super strategy)How to make sure you avoid the new 15% super taxPutting extra money into super just got even more attractiveSuper theft: check your super, check your password is unique5 game-changing super moves to make in the lead up to retirementThe case for and against setting up a self-managed super fundNicole’s super boosters: 7 ways to swell your super fund in a single financial yearUnderstand the ‘4% rule’ and why you must drawdown your superAFTER WATCHING, PLEASE FILL OUT OUR SURVEYYour responses will help shape upcoming episodes of The Midlife Shift with Alex Brooks. Access the survey here.Please reach out if you need anything [email protected]

What do you get when you sit down with an Australian screen legend Denise Drysdale who has worked with everyone from Ernie Sigley to Hugh Grant? You get hilarious stories about work husbands, candid conversations about ageing and some surprisingly frank advice on planning for the next chapter.In this episode of The Midlife Shift, host Alex Brooks talks to the one and only Denise ‘Ding Dong’ Drysdale about her incredible six decades in entertainment. Denise shares intimate memories of her 35-year partnership with her beloved “work husband” Ernie Sigley and the heartbreak of watching him develop Alzheimer's later in life.Denise opens up about why she believes health span is more important than lifespan and offers a powerful argument for why everyone should have the right to choose their own end-of-life journey.Expect unfiltered thoughts on everything from body confidence to the importance of wills and why she’s already sorted her prepaid funeral. Denise gets real about her own health battles, including a detached retina and trigeminal neuralgia, and shares her secrets for navigating the third act of life with humour and resilience. Oh, and if you listen to the end, you’ll find out her secret to perfect roast potatoes and why she thinks it’s never too late to get a fashion deal.Find Denise hereWebsiteCitro is here to helpHow to exercise through menopause and beyondCould delaying menopause help us live longer?Dementia and cognitive decline 101How to nurture social connections to feel like you truly belong7 top legal tips to make your will watertightHow to make a free will onlineAFTER WATCHING, PLEASE FILL OUT OUR SURVEYYour responses will help shape upcoming episodes of The Midlife Shift with Alex Brooks. Access the survey here.Please reach out if you need anything [email protected]

What happens when two of Australia’s funniest women sit down for an unfiltered chat about midlife, friendship and money? Lots of talking over each other but also big reveals about menopause, the ADHD brain and, well, sharing toothbrushes. In this episode of The Midlife Shift, host Alex Brooks talks to two sassy women, I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here host Julia Morris and The Project host Kate Langbroek about everything from surviving teenage kids, health tips (both have dealt with cancer diagnoses in their families), the importance of managing money and the myths around superannuation. Expect some insights on hurtling towards midlife, cancel culture and some eyebrow-raising confessions (yes, involving toothbrushes and… eyebrows). Kate and Julia also share thoughts on ADHD, menopause and the late diagnosis wave as well as what matters more: health or wealth? Oh, and if you listen to the end, you’ll discover why Julia refuses to wear shapewear and Kate is into sun gazing and dancing in the rain.   Find Julia hereInstagram: @ladyjuliamorrisBook: Julia Morris makes it easyFind Kate hereInstagram: @katelangbroekBook: Ciao Bella!Podcast: The Buck Up with Kate Langbroek and Nath ValvoCitro is here to helpHow to exercise through menopause and beyondCould delaying menopause help us live longer?Dementia and cognitive decline 101Your secret weapon against frailty: muscle powerHow to nurture social connections to feel like you truly belongHello muscles: 10 benefits of strength trainingAFTER WATCHING, PLEASE FILL OUT OUR SURVEYYour responses will help shape upcoming episodes of The Midlife Shift with Alex Brooks. Access the survey here.Please reach out if you need anything [email protected]

What's the real science behind ageing, longevity and keeping your skin looking good for longer? In Alex's eye-opening interview with board-certified dermatologist Dr Natasha Cook you'll learn the science behind the right supplements and nutrition to live better for longer - as well as what your bottom reveals about your true skin age 😳. From understanding epigenetics and cellular senescence to debunking anti-ageing myths, Dr Cook unpacks the truth about what works to improve your healthspan so your biological age differs from your ‘time on planet’ years. Learn how time-restricted eating, antioxidants, and lifestyle changes can help you age gracefully without wasting money on overpriced supplements or trendy skincare fads. Dr Cook then dives into the power of epigenetics, explaining how 80% of your ageing is controllable through daily choices like diet, exercise, and sun protection... plus, we talk spermicine, snail's mucus and the importance of flossing.Watch the episode hereClick here for the video transcriptFind Dr Cook heredr:NC SkincareInstagramSkin Laser Longevity ClinicCitro is here to helpA CITRO GUIDE: 10 lifestyle swaps for longevity10 surprising habits that could be ageing you prematurelyDelaying menopause to increase longevityIs it too late to start botox when you're already over 50?5 ways lasers and dermatologists can reverse skin ageing4 pillars for optimal skin health as we get olderFurther reading on the issues we touched on in this episode‍Epigenetics: A new bridge between nutrition and healthWhy your face ages and what you can do"Turkey neck" surgery (platysmaplasty)Does cellular senescence hold secrets for healthier ageing?Can intermittent fasting improve health?Collagen supplements: The secret to perfect skin, or marketing hype?4 benefits of olive oil for the faceSpermidine and skin healthPlease fill out our survey to let us know what you think. 🙏

From The Biggest Loser to 12 week body transformations, Michelle Bridges has been transforming and helping people become healthier versions of themselves for decades. Michelle Bridges started teaching fitness classes at the age of 14, hit our TV screens on The Biggest Loser in her 30s and had her first child at the age of 45. She’s always been a hard worker, but acknowledges how difficult it is for women to fit everything in. Growing up as the youngest daughter of a single mum in an era where kids weren’t allowed to get in the way of work, she knew from the start that she wanted to raise her son Axel differently. So she’s worked doubly hard to be a present parent; being there for school pick ups, sporting events and even coaching Axel’s soccer league at one point (lucky kids!).Watch the episode hereClick here for the video transcriptMichelle says she was flippant about her fertility and feels blessed to have been able to get pregnant at 44, an age when she was likely experiencing perimenopause. The trainer says she knew remarkably little about perimenopause and menopause, until she began diagnosing her own symptoms after she experienced brain fog and problems sleeping. She talks to The Midlife Shift about what midlife wellness really means to her, including the importance of protein, strength training and dealing with different perimenopause symptoms. Michelle also explains how she manages diet, nutrition and supplements – including a rundown on those she takes herself – before diving into the money lessons she wishes she’d learned earlier. Michelle explains how her upbringing geared her towards financial independence – she now contributes to a self-managed superannuation scheme. She  shares her hopes for retirement income and how she'll spend it all on physio and fitness to stay as well as she can for as long as she can.Find Michelle hereMichelle Bridges 12WBTBooks by Michelle Bridges’We Have a Situation’ podcastCitro is here to helpMastering menopause - a Citro guideCould delaying menopause help women live longer?How to exercise during menopause and beyondHello muscles: 10 benefits of strength trainingFurther readingMenopause and cholesterolVitamin D and perimenopauseMenopause and proteinVitamin B6 toxicityCreatine for women’s healthDebunking the myths about HRT/MHTPlease fill out our survey to let us know what you think. 🙏