In this special bonus episode, Michelle Ford is joined by Dr Anisha Patel (@doctorsgetcancertoo), a doctor and patient advocate who shares her powerful first-hand experience of bowel cancer.

"There is a global epidemic of this and it's been in the news loads. There was a huge study in The Lancet recently where 27 out of 50 countries have seen this rise in the under 50s. And Cancer Research UK actually published figures that all cancers have risen by 24% since 1995 to 2019 and bowel cancer specifically has risen by 50 % in the last 25 years, which is just shocking really." Dr Anisha Patel

As we mark Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, this conversation shines a light on a growing and often overlooked issue - more younger people are being diagnosed, often without the typical risk factors.

Dr Anisha talks openly about her journey to diagnosis, the realities of navigating the healthcare system as both a doctor and a patient, and why we all need to be better at listening to our bodies and 'knowing our normal'.

Bowel cancer is no longer just a disease affecting older people. Rates in under-50s are rising, and many are diagnosed later because symptoms can be missed or dismissed. Early detection is key - and awareness can save lives. The survival rate for bowel cancer is 90% if caught early enough. If you were born in 1990 or later your chances of getting bowel cancer have increased 4X.

• The rise of bowel cancer in younger people
• Dr Anisha’s personal story and diagnosis
• Why some patients don’t fit the “typical” risk profile
• The importance of being listened to - and advocating for yourself
• How lifestyle, environment, and genetics may all play a role - Dr Anisha talks about the importance of fibre in our diet

Dr Anisha shares the key signs to look out for and an acronym to help you remember:

• B - Blood in your stool
• O - Obvious changes in bowel habits
• W - Unexplained weight loss
• E - Extreme tiredness
• L - lumps in tummy - abdominal pain or discomfort

If something doesn’t feel right and it persists - get it checked - and don't ignore that NHS poop check. It only takes a second and could make all the difference.

You are never too young to know your body. Paying attention to changes and acting early can make all the difference.

🎧 Listen now to hear the full conversation and Dr Anisha’s powerful message on awareness, advocacy, and early detection.

Dr Anisha Patel instagram @doctorsgetcancertoo

Bowel Cancer UK website

#bowelcancer #knowyournormal #coloncancer #bowelcancerawareness

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Explore the 'midlife library' at www.twowomenchatting.com

Connect with Michelle at twowomenchatting@gmail.com for collaborations, ideas, and comments! Remember to rate, review, and share our show to join the laughter-filled conversation about midlife empowerment and beyond...

Follow Michelle on Instagram at @michellefordofficial or Facebook

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this bonus episode of Two Women Chatting, Michelle speaks with Alex Partridge, host of ADHD Chatter podcast and author of Why Does Everybody Hate Me? Living and Loving with Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria.

Together they explore Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) - an intense emotional response to perceived criticism or rejection that is commonly experienced by people with ADHD or autism. Alex shares personal insights into how RSD can shape relationships, self-confidence and everyday interactions.

Alex explains that RSD is one of the most challenging aspects of living with ADHD. Even small comments or situations - like a boss asking for a quick chat - can trigger overwhelming anxiety and catastrophic thinking. These reactions are often rooted in years of criticism or misunderstanding during childhood.

For many people, RSD can cause powerful emotional responses that feel disproportionate to the situation. Feelings of sadness, anger or panic can escalate quickly, creating a cycle of shame and regret once the emotional response has passed.

Michelle and Alex discuss how RSD can affect both personal and professional relationships. When feedback feels like a personal attack, people may react defensively or impulsively - quitting jobs, withdrawing from relationships or later apologising for emotional reactions they feel embarrassed about.

Alex highlights how many people with RSD develop people-pleasing behaviours in an attempt to avoid rejection. While it can feel protective in the moment, constantly prioritising other people’s needs can lead to unhealthy dynamics and difficulty setting boundaries.

The conversation also touches on the unique challenges faced by women with ADHD, many of whom are diagnosed later in life. Alex emphasises the importance of giving women a stronger voice in the neurodiversity conversation, particularly around hormonal changes and how ADHD can present differently for women.

• Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria can trigger intense emotional reactions to perceived criticism.

• These reactions can create a cycle of shame that affects relationships and self-confidence.

• People-pleasing is a common coping strategy but can lead to unhealthy patterns.

• Women with ADHD often face unique challenges and are frequently diagnosed later in life.

Through his honesty and advocacy, Alex Partridge helps bring greater understanding to RSD and offers reassurance to anyone who has struggled with feeling overwhelmed by criticism or rejection.

Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria, ADHD, neurodiversity, mental health awareness, emotional intelligence, Alex Partridge, women and ADHD.

👉 Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and share it with a friend who could use a little midlife magic.

Explore the 'midlife library' at www.twowomenchatting.com

Connect with Michelle at twowomenchatting@gmail.com for collaborations, ideas, and comments! Remember to rate, review, and share our show to join the laughter-filled conversation about midlife empowerment and beyond...

Follow Michelle on Instagram at @michellefordofficial or Facebook

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this warm, insightful, and laugh-out-loud episode, Michelle Ford sits down with presenter, counsellor, and podcast powerhouse Anna Williamson to explore one of midlife’s biggest topics: staying emotionally connected when life, family and festive chaos compete for your attention.

Anna shares how emotional intimacy and active listening keeps long-term relationships thriving, why communication is usually at the heart of every issue, and how understanding the “seasons” of life can help couples navigate natural shifts - even after decades together. They also talk about the highs, lows, and emotional dynamics behind shows like I’m a Celebrity and Celebs Go Dating, where Anna works as an ‘agent’, and what those televised moments can teach us about connection in real life.

With Christmas stress looming, Michelle and Anna dive into practical, compassionate strategies for avoiding conflict, setting boundaries, and staying emotionally connected to your partner. They explore how to find the spark again, how to handle tricky family dynamics without guilt, and why it’s important not to throw around the ‘D’ word. For those re-entering the dating scene in midlife, Anna offers empowering advice on embracing your worth, seeking companionship or romance, and approaching dating with confidence in your 40s and 50s.

Packed with humour, honesty, and actionable advice, this episode is a supportive, relatable conversation for anyone juggling relationships, family expectations, festive pressure, and the emotional load of midlife.

🎙️ Key Insights

Emotional intimacy is essential for healthy midlife relationships

Boundaries during the holidays protect your energy and wellbeing

Good communication is the root of strong connection

Women re-entering dating in their 50s are empowered and discerning

Finding joy in small moments helps ease Christmas stress

Self-care isn’t selfish - it’s the foundation of thriving relationships

Resources:

📘 Anna Williamson Website: annawilliamson.co.uk

📸 Instagram: @annawilliamsonofficial

🎧 Listen to the Luanna Podcast on all major platforms

Connect with Us:

🌟 Website: TwoWomenChatting.com

📸 Instagram: @michelleford_twc

🐦 Twitter/X: @ChattingTwo

📘 Facebook: Two Women Chatting

📺 YouTube: TwoWomenChatting

🎵 TikTok: @twowomenchatting0

🎧 This episode was produced and edited by Emma Tindall.

👉 If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to follow Two Women Chatting on your favourite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. A quick review helps more midlife women discover the show — and keeps these honest conversations going.

🎧 Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.

midlife relationships, emotional intimacy, communication, dating after divorce, Christmas stress, boundaries, family dynamics, self-care, women in midlife, healthy relationships, Luanna podcast, Anna Williamson, Two Women Chatting podcast

👉 Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and share it with a friend who could use a little midlife magic.

Explore the 'midlife library' at www.twowomenchatting.com

Connect with Michelle at twowomenchatting@gmail.com for collaborations, ideas, and comments! Remember to rate, review, and share our show to join the laughter-filled conversation about midlife empowerment and beyond...

Follow Michelle on Instagram at @michellefordofficial or Facebook

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.