S2 Episode 10: Identity in Midlife with guests Alex Hanlon and Cat Matson

Midlife Unfiltered: The Season Of Me

Identity. You don’t have to be having a ‘midlife crisis’ for questions of identity to loom large in your midlife years. But what does that truly mean and how can you build or uncover an identity that just seems to fit?

Welcome to this episode of Midlife Unfiltered - a podcast about unapologetically embracing the Season of Me.

In this episode, join co hosts Anita McLachlan and Erica Webb as they chat with their guests, Alex Hanlon and Cat Matson about identity in Midlife.

You will hear:

- About the complexities of identity in midlife, including how how personal roles, societal expectations, and cultural influences shape our sense of self.

- The disruption that often accompanies this life stage, the importance of values, and the role of role models in navigating identity shifts.

- The role of introspection and the acceptance of uncertainty as we redefine who we are beyond our professional and familial roles.

- Societal perceptions of midlife crises, and the power of storytelling in shaping self-perception.

- The need for compassion, acceptance, and the creation of space for self-discovery and reflection.

We’re so glad you’re here. It’s time to live life on your terms. It’s time for Midlife Unfiltered.

About our guests:

Alex HanlonCat Matson

About your Midlife Unfiltered Hosts:

Anita McLachlan was at the helm of Sequins and Sand for over 15 years. As Australia’s Cossie Whisperer, Anita has helped thousands of women find a swimsuit they feel great in and the freedom that comes with feeling confident in it. She’s now turning her experiences and attention to helping women in midlife navigate this often tumultuous time and feel the power this time of life brings.

Erica Webb is a counsellor, somatic exercise coach and self-kindness advocate. As a highly sensitive person (HSP) herself, she supports other HSPs to navigate what it looks like to prioritise their own mental fitness, claim the self-care that truly nurtures their body and mind, and work through the unique challenges of being a sensitive human in an often insensitive world.

Connect with Anita and Erica at Midlife Unfiltered:

Substack: https://midlifeunfiltered.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlife.unfilteredFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/midlife.unfilteredEmail: [e-mail]

Time Stamps:

00:00 Defining Identity in Midlife

02:47 The Disruption of Identity

05:45 Shifting Perspectives on Roles

08:56 The Essence of Who We Are

11:56 Role Models and Their Influence

14:53 Cultural Perspectives on Identity

17:53 Values and Their Impact on Identity

20:57 The Complexity of Identity Formation

23:50 Navigating Relationships and Identity

27:14 The Great Unraveling of Identity

30:01 Discovering and Creating Identity

32:50 Embracing the Unknown

37:59 Recognizing Personal Values and Mission Statements

39:53 The Unique Experience of Grief and Identity

41:45 Excavating Identity Through Life Experiences

44:43 The Impact of Teenage Years on Identity

48:58 Midlife Reflections: Crisis or Opportunity?

51:40 The Power of Stories in Shaping Identity

57:51 Compassion and Acceptance in Midlife

01:01:11 Creating Space for Self-Discovery

01:05:52 Questions for Reflection and Growth

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit midlifeunfiltered.substack.com