Manage episode 521129850 series 3644386
A quiet letter. A packed car on the way back from university. A house that suddenly feels bigger than your life. These moments whisper the same question: who are you now? Coach and founder Mary Van Eker joins us to share the story behind her new signature 'The Me I Forgot' Programme, a 4 week programme designed for women 45+ who want to rediscover their identity, purpose, and joy after decades of caregiving or career-first living.
We dive into the real triggers that spark change—menopause, empty nests, shifting family dynamics—and how to turn them into a reset rather than a crisis. Mary unpacks her coaching craft: creating a mental “clearing” where thinking deepens, using silence to surface insight, and blending agile methods with human warmth. Think sprints, backlogs, and tiny experiments that build confidence without burnout.
She speaks candidly about belonging, from Liverpool’s grit to Portsmouth’s community, and how parenting four children trained her to hold space, listen for truth, and celebrate the moment a client’s face lifts with an aha.
This conversation moves beyond platitudes. You’ll hear practical steps to reclaim your voice, set boundaries, and map a life that feels chosen. We explore women’s networks as lifelines, the courage to be seen and heard, and the gentle power of asking one question without apology: what do you want? If your inner narrator has gone quiet, Mary’s invitation is simple and strong—have a go, learn in public, and iterate toward a life that fits.
Ready to find the you that went quiet while you were holding everyone else together? Listen now, share this with a friend who needs it, and tell us one small step you’ll take this week.
If you find value here, follow the show, leave a review, and help more women see what’s possible.
Tune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website.
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Chapters
1. Welcome & Episode Set-Up (00:00:00)
2. Meet Mary Van Eker & New Programme (00:01:06)
3. The Me I Forgot: Why It Exists (00:03:04)
4. Triggers: Pension Letter And Empty Nest (00:06:15)
5. Midlife Challenges Women Face (00:10:14)
6. The Clearing: Nature As Sanctuary (00:14:12)
7. Shaking The Tree: Life Shapers (00:18:23)
8. Corporate Roots And Belonging (00:27:04)
9. Parenting As A Defining Force (00:32:46)
10. Inspirations: Family And Women Allies (00:36:45)
11. Squirrels: Crafting, Reuse, And Inequity (00:44:22)
12. Coaching Alchemy And Aha Moments (00:49:09)
13. Authenticity, Purpose, And Voice (00:54:41)
14. Where To Find Mary & Programme (00:58:44)
263 episodes