As rules were relaxed and we could meet outside or socially distanced we found we got along really well, laughing a LOT and eager to find new purpose in our lives.  We considered starting a business, perhaps along the lines of business networking but it was eventually our kids at a garden ‘focus’ group we dragged them into, that suggested we start a podcast as our conversations seemed to have us all in stitches.

 

Enter stage right, two midlife women with no podcast experience, no celebrity connections but a whole lot of ideas. 

 

We named our company Lifestyle Lounge as the name was available at Companies House but, rule number one, do a thorough google search as we eventually found out it was also the name of a swingers club in LA!  Too late for us unfortunately so that’s stuck but we realised Two Women Chatting was a far better podcast name and, as they say, does exactly what it says on the tin!

 

So began a steep learning curve of website design, multi-track recording, talent booking, graphic design, SEO understanding and so much more.  If it’s your dream to start a podcast, consider how long you think it might take you - and then double it.

 

We did a lot wrong including not listening to our gut and going with suggestions we weren’t comfortable with, we misjudged how much time it took and, how embarrassing is this and never to be repeated, forgot to press record on one particular guest!  Fortunately they were kind enough to do another date with us.

 

But as we became more comfortable and confident, booked more household names like Anthea Turner, Claire Sweeney, Angie Best, Judy Murray and, our greatest to date, Dame Judi Dench, listened to ourselves and, importantly, believed in ourselves we settled in for the long term and embraced stepping outside our comfort zone.  To be fair, I’d had plenty of experience on a mic as a voice actor but reading scripts and audiobooks is entirely different to interview skills, especially when your knees are knocking under the table interviewing a big celebrity!  Liz, with zero mic experience, was timid to begin with but has grown exponentially into an active participant who really enjoys the interviews as much as I do.  We found that our skillsets really complemented each other and we found our groove.

 

So, where are now?  After 6 seasons and 73 episodes, Liz decided to step away from the show to spend more time with her grandchildren, her garden and her golf swing. We both listened to the advice of so many of our guests and setting boundaries, adjusting life balances.  The podcast is now downloaded in 95 countries from Angola to Zimbabwe, mostly by midlife women who want to find an authentic, entertaining chat and maybe learning something along the way.   

 

Season 7 kicked off in early May 2024 with Michelle as the solo host.  The name didn't change as it's still 'two women chatting' (one could argue it was three women chatting before!).

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Season 9 will be back in March 2025 with some great names already booked and lots of midlife topics that listeners have been asking for.

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So please continue to support the programme and keep in touch through email twowomenchatting@gmail.com or instagram @michelleford_twc

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