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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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes288Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Personal JournalsSociety & CultureHealth & Fitness

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Artwork for The Shift

Latest Episodes

This episode of The Shift first aired in June 2024.

I first came across today’s guest, Dr Emily Nagoski, on this very podcast, when my then guest Sarah Knight (creator of the NoFucks Given franchise) raved about the transformational power of her run... more

YouTube

This episode of The Shift first aired in August 2021.

My guest today is one of the most intelligent, thoughtful people I’ve ever interviewed - and I’ve interviewed A LOT. Writer and academic, Elif Shafak has written 19 books and 12 novels and been s... more

YouTube

This episode of The Shift first aired in June 2022.

I’ve lost count of the number of women I’ve spoken to who were taken totally by surprise by perimenopause but, to date, none of them actually had medical training. Todays guest changes all that. Be... more

YouTube

This episode of The Shift revisited was first aired in February 2023.

I first met today's guest, Canadian singer-songwriter Martha Wainwright, when I interviewed her in Glasgow at the end of 2022. We got talking about the nuts and bolts of midlife i... more

YouTube

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
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Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Elif Shafak
Writer and academic
Author of The Island of Missing Trees
Episode: Elif Shafak on the power of older women & why menopause can be the end of shame - THE SHIFT REVISITED
Christie Watson
Award-winning writer, former nurse with 20 years in pediatric intensive care
Episode: Christie Watson on menopause, mischief and midlife - THE SHIFT REVISITED
Martha Wainwright
Canadian singer-songwriter, guest on episode
Musician
Episode: Martha Wainwright on music, motherhood & finding love in midlife - FROM THE ARCHIVES
Prue Leith
Chef, businesswoman, author, broadcaster; notable public figure
Prue Leith Ltd / Various ventures
Episode: Prue Leith: 'I've had HRT patches on my bum for more than 40 years!'
Poorna Bell
Journalist, author and speaker focused on body image and diversity, author of She Wanted More
Author, Journalist
Episode: Poorna Bell is rewriting the rules around ageing
Elizabeth Gilbert
Internationally bestselling author known for 'Eat Pray Love' and other notable works.
Episode: Elizabeth Gilbert: "It's quite radical, what happens to us as we get older"
Fatima Bhutto
Author and prominent speaker, known for her exploration of coercive relationships and family trauma.
Not specified
Episode: Fatima Bhutto: surviving a coercive relationship & letting go of shame
Catherine Newman
Author known for her significant works exploring women's experiences in midlife.
Episode: Catherine Newman on surviving the midlife sandwich – THE SHIFT LIVE
Amy Larocca
Award-winning journalist, author of How to Be Well, Actually
Episode: Amy Larocca: 'the wellness industry sets women up to fail'

Host

Sam Baker
Writer, broadcaster, and host of The Shift, guiding wide-ranging conversations with women about aging, identity, and midlife.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 872 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
    Francea year 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 Kingdom2 years 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 Kingdom2 years 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 Zealand2 years ago

Listeners Say

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

The show is valued for its honest, empowering look at midlife, with many calling episodes life-changing or deeply resonant.
Guests are consistently described as fascinating and diverse, contributing to a rich archive of inspiring stories.
Listeners praise the host's thoughtful interviewing and preparation, noting guests shine in open, insightful conversations.

Chart Rankings

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

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Christie Watson on menopause, mischief and midlife - THE SHIFT REVISITED
Q: How would you describe the emotional journey of midlife and menopause?
The guest talks about a spectrum from terror to awe, the sense of losing one's sense of self, and the possibility of finding meaning and spirituality through this transformation.
Christie Watson on menopause, mischief and midlife - THE SHIFT REVISITED
Q: What led you to therapy and how did that change things for you?
She explains feeling overwhelmed, sleep-deprived, and overwhelmed by life as a single parent; therapy helped her confront unresolved trauma and navigate the perimenopause with professional support, highlighting privilege and access to care.
Christie Watson on menopause, mischief and midlife - THE SHIFT REVISITED
Q: Tell me about The Fish Finger Freezer.
Christie describes how she first noticed perimenopause at 42, including a dramatic episode in a Sainsbury's car park where she climbed into the fish finger freezer. It sparked the realization that something hormonal and unnatural was happening, leading her to pursue help and eventually write about the experience.
Elif Shafak on the power of older women & why menopause can be the end of shame - THE SHIFT REVISITED
Q: How has aging changed your perspective on women's visibility and voice in patriarchal contexts?
With age comes a quieter confidence and a demand to be heard on one's own terms; the pressure to conform shifts as women gain life experience and solidarity with others who share similar struggles.
Elif Shafak on the power of older women & why menopause can be the end of shame - THE SHIFT REVISITED
Q: What does home mean to you, given your nomadic upbringing and movement between cultures?
Home is not a single place for me; it's a sense of belonging that can exist in multiple cities, especially London, and it's tied to the people and cultures that nurture me.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About The Shift

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

A candid, often humorous exploration of what it means to be a woman post-40, with deep dives into aging, menopause, relationships, health, career shifts, and personal growth. Episodes center on intimate conversations with prominent women from literature, journalism, activism, and the arts, offering practical insights, redefining midlife agency, and challenging societal norms around aging. A notable strength is the diverse roster of guests and the host's interview approach, which tends to be thoughtful, well-prepared, and focused on empowering listeners to rethink the second half of life. The show stands out for its frank discussions, relatable storytelling, and a sense of community for women navigating midlife across multiple disciplines an... more

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How many subscribers and views does The Shift have?

To see how many followers or subscribers The Shift has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

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 Clearing with Katherine May
5. Dial Emma

How many episodes of The Shift are there?

The Shift launched 6 years ago and published 288 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?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

Where can I see ratings and reviews for The Shift?

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What guests have appeared on The Shift?

Recent guests on The Shift include:

1. Elif Shafak
2. Christie Watson
3. Martha Wainwright
4. Prue Leith
5. Poorna Bell
6. Elizabeth Gilbert
7. Fatima Bhutto
8. Catherine Newman

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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