
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
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 297 | Founded | 6 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | Society & CulturePersonal JournalsHealth & Fitness | |||

My guest today is the woman who put Cleanse & Polish cleanser and muslin cloths in bathroom cabinets all over the country, Liz Earle.
Back in the 1980s, Liz started her career as a beauty editor, before going on to found a skincare empire that start... more
My guest this week is a historian columnist television presenter and vocal advocate for better sex for women!
I first encountered Dr Kate Lister when I stumbled across her brilliant instagram account @whoresofyore, along with half a million others. more
My guest this week is Maria Semple the author of one of my favourite books of all time, Where’d you go bernadette,.
Once encountered, Bernadette Fox is never forgotten. I wasn’t alone, Bernadette was translated into 40 languages, sold over 200k copi... more
Today’s episode will take you ricocheting back to the 90s - in all the ways.
Canadian singer, songwriter, photographer and producer Melissa Auf der Maur is best known as the bassist of Hole throughout the mid/late 90s, and consequently had a front ... more
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Relatively new listener to The Shift and really enjoying it. In the latest Bryony Gordon interview Sam says that the topic of ‘people pleasing’ comes up in most of her interviews. I would love to hear a discussion about this that acknowledges the biological drive to please others - we are social creatures, we need the approval of others to survive, we need others to like us in order to combat loneliness etc. As a woman in midlife I totally get the problems associated with 40+ years of people ple... more
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….
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!
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
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!
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #137 | |
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Apple Podcasts | #171 | |
Apple Podcasts | #247 | |
Apple Podcasts | #56 | |
Apple Podcasts | #118 |
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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A candid, thoughtful show centered on women navigating midlife and beyond, covering work, health, relationships, aging, body image, and personal reinvention. Conversations with acclaimed authors, journalists, artists, and activists come from a place of honesty, humor, and resilience, often exploring trauma, empowerment, and the changing cultural scripts for women over 40. The episodes consistently spotlight reinvention, mentorship, and the realities of aging—delivering practical insights for listeners seeking meaning, community, and inspiration in midlife. A standout trait is the host's focused curiosity and ability to draw intimate, life-changing moments from a diverse slate of guests, making it a resonant resource for listeners and potent... more
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These podcasts share a similar audience with The Shift:
1. How To Fail With Elizabeth Day
2. Postcards From Midlife
3. Therapy Works
4. The Clearing with Katherine May
5. The Mid•Point with Gabby Logan
The Shift launched 6 years ago and published 297 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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Recent guests on The Shift include:
1. Liz Earle
2. Dr Kate Lister
3. Maria Semple
4. Melissa Auf der Maur
5. Katriona O'Sullivan
6. Siri Hustvedt
7. Margaret Busby
8. Abi Morgan
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