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The Shift with Sam Baker

sam baker
Aging
Mental Health
Menopause
Ageism
Perimenopause
Frida Kahlo
Grief
Creativity
Love
PEN International
Friendship
Cancer
Women's Health
Writing
Women's Rights
Healing Through Cooking
The Artist's Way
Midlife Reevaluation
Mexican Golden Age
New York Downtown Art Scene

The Shift is a podcast that aims to tell the truth about being a woman post-40, created and hosted by writer and broadcaster, Sam Baker. Did you ever wonder why you stop hearing so many women's voices once they pass 40? That's where The Shift comes in - a frank, funny, sometimes heartbreaking, always honest look at what it means to be a woman in midlife and beyond. Work, life, love, health, sex, m... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes263Founded5 years ago
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Personal JournalsHealth & FitnessSociety & Culture

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Latest Episodes

My guest today is the BBC’s Chief International Correspondent, Lyse Doucet.

Since starting work at the corporation almost forty years ago, Lyse has covered all the major wars in the Middle East, reporting from Afghanistan Iraq Iran Jordan Israel Pak... more

YouTube

(This episode first aired in November 2023)

Today’s guest is the Sunday Times’ Style’s beauty columnist India Knight. Every week thousands of women turn to her column for beauty advice - not beauty junkies, not trend followers, just regular women li... more

YouTube

(This episode first aired in August 2022.)

My guest today is the writer Hilma Wolitzer. Born in 1930, Hilma had her first poem published at the age of 9. She then shelved that ambition in favour of marriage and children, as women were expected to in... more

YouTube

(This episode was first published in November 2022.)

Today's guest is one of my personal heroes, Caryn Franklin. Caryn started her career in the 80s as a fashion editor before moving into TV where she presented, amongst other things, BBC’s The Cloth... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Lyse Doucet
BBC's Chief International Correspondent
BBC
Episode: Lyse Doucet – my extraordinary 40 years on the frontline
India Knight
Sunday Times Styles Beauty columnist, author of India Knight's Beauty Edit
The Sunday Times
Episode: India Knight on finally gaining a sense of self in her 50s - from the archives
Hilma Wolitzer
Acclaimed writer known for her novels and short stories
Episode: Hilma Wolitzer: 80 years of writing – and not done yet (from the archives)
Caryn Franklin
Fashion activist, co-founder of All Walks Beyond the Catwalk, and author of Skewed.
Episode: Caryn Franklin on why fashion still fails older women - from the archives
Lisa Jewell
One of Britain's best loved novelists
Author
Episode: Lisa Jewell on hitting a golden seam of success in her 50s - FROM THE ARCHIVES
Thomasina Miers
Cook, MasterChef winner, and co-founder of Wahaca
Wahaca
Episode: Thomasina Miers on the midlife Mexican escape that rebuilt her
Laura Lippmann
Award-winning crime writer known for her novel 'The Lady In The Lake'
Episode: Laura Lippmann is having a second coming at 60
Betsy Lerner
Novelist and former editor/agent, known for her debut novel, Shred Sisters.
Episode: Betsy Lerner is on a mission to destigmatise mental health in her 60s
Glynnis MacNicol
Author of 'I'm Mostly Here to Enjoy Myself' and advocate for women's agency in midlife
Episode: Glynnis MacNicol: everything you've been told about being a middle-aged woman is a lie

Host

Sam Baker
Writer and broadcaster, creator and host exploring women's experiences post-40, with a focus on honesty and humor.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 850 ratings
  • Love it all!

    I found my way to this podcast via Sam Baker’s riveting Substack newsletter. Both are brilliant and desperately needed in the expanding conversation around midlife for women. I loved the episode about women’s (repressed) anger but all of the guests and interviews are top notch and have lead me to some personal breakthroughs….

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ZevaBellel
    France10 months ago
  • How many f's do you give?

    5! Because this is the most genuine, refreshing, thoughtful, freaking smart, thought-provoking and sometimes heartbreaking podcast there is. As is Sam Baker. Best interviews, best questions, best conversations, and best guests.

    And I'd give it another 100 f's for being the best weekly inoculation against internalized misogyny, and a balm for the wounds inflicted by all types of misogyny, too..

    Thank you Sam Baker and all your guests!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    dausmaus
    Canadaa year ago
  • Love it

    I have been listening for a couple of years now- I love it. The guests are so interesting, it is by far the best list of guests of any podcast. Sam is such a skilled interviewer- asks interesting questions (always super prepared) and listens and let the guest speak! I found so many wonderful women and stories through this podcast. Love the list of questions at the end- if there is ever a space for another one I would love to to hear a holiday spot recommendation- I am sure I would discover some ... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Aniabew6
    United Kingdoma year ago
  • Great podcast

    Absolutely loving these wonderful interesting conversations thank you! Ive enjoyed every one Ive listened to so far and am looking forward to continuing catching up on the past episodes whilst waiting for the new ones to drop!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MissyPK
    United Kingdoma year ago
  • Brilliant!

    Hi Sam - I absolutely love your podcast! You interview such interesting people with fascinating stories to tell. Thank you for the great work you do. I have just ordered your book “The Shift” and hope it will help me to navigate my way through the highs and lows of being in my fifties. Sally

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    SJ_NZ
    New Zealanda year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Overall, feedback reflects a deep sense of connection and empowerment drawn from the conversations, which significantly resonate with the audience's own journeys.
Many reviews specifically mention the host's skillful interviewing style, allowing guests to express themselves without interruption, fostering insightful dialogues.
Listeners appreciate the authenticity and depth of the discussions, often highlighting the relatability and support found in the narratives shared.
The podcast is praised for its exploration of underrepresented topics regarding midlife experiences, making it a valuable resource for women seeking understanding and community.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Lyse Doucet – my extraordinary 40 years on the frontline
Q: How do you balance work and personal life in such a demanding career?
It's a constant challenge, but I believe personal relationships should add value to your life, not subtract from it.
Lyse Doucet – my extraordinary 40 years on the frontline
Q: How has your approach to journalism changed as you've gotten older?
It hasn't really changed; I still feel the same passion and commitment to my work.
Hilma Wolitzer: 80 years of writing – and not done yet (from the archives)
Q: What advice would you give younger women?
To keep on going and not to put themselves down, but to raise themselves up and just to go forward and to have courage in their own convictions.
Hilma Wolitzer: 80 years of writing – and not done yet (from the archives)
Q: Did you ever question the life that was mapped out for you, that you would get married and have children?
Yes, definitely. I wanted something else, and the second wave of feminism really helped me a lot, giving me permission to be more ambitious.
India Knight on finally gaining a sense of self in her 50s - from the archives
Q: What advice would you give younger women?
To be true to themselves and to appreciate their individuality rather than conforming to societal pressures.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Shift

What is The Shift about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The content centers on the experiences and voices of women over 40, exploring various aspects of midlife including health, identity, relationships, and societal expectations. Each episode features intimate interviews with guests who share their personal journeys, challenges, and triumphs, providing listeners with relatable stories that resonate with their own lives. Key themes such as mental health, menopause, body image, and career reinvention are prevalent, making the discussions both insightful and empowering for women navigating the complexities of midlife and beyond. Through humor and honesty, the series aims to challenge societal norms surrounding aging and amplify women's narratives, establishing a community of support and understand... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The Shift?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Shift:

1. Postcards From Midlife
2. How To Fail With Elizabeth Day
3. Therapy Works
4. The Mid•Point with Gabby Logan
5. Begin Again with Davina McCall

How many episodes of The Shift are there?

The Shift launched 5 years ago and published 263 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact The Shift?

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What guests have appeared on The Shift?

Recent guests on The Shift include:

1. Lyse Doucet
2. India Knight
3. Hilma Wolitzer
4. Caryn Franklin
5. Lisa Jewell
6. Thomasina Miers
7. Laura Lippmann
8. Betsy Lerner

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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