
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 | 285 | Founded | 6 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | Personal JournalsHealth & FitnessSociety & Culture | |||

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
Somehow it’s the end of our 20th season and I’m delighted to say that my guest today is a woman who has spent the last decade giving us a masterclass in ageing. One of my very own old bird role models, Prue Leith.
Now 86, Prue has lived a multitude ... more
This week I’m delighted to welcome back the powerhouse Poorna Bell. Poorna is a journalist, author and speaker known for her advocacy on body image and diversity. And now she’s adding ageing to the list of things she is not about to shut up about.
W... more
My guest today doesn’t really need an introduction. Elizabeth Gilbert is many things - an internationally bestselling author of the global phenomenon, Eat Pray Love, a Time 100 most influential person, a speaker and a teacher, with millions of online... more
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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!
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
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 | #130 | |
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Apple Podcasts | #210 | |
Apple Podcasts | #89 | |
Apple Podcasts | #209 |
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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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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These podcasts share a similar audience with The Shift:
1. How To Fail With Elizabeth Day
2. Begin Again with Davina McCall
3. The Mid•Point with Gabby Logan
4. Off Air with Jane & Fi
5. Happy Place
The Shift launched 6 years ago and published 285 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. Martha Wainwright
2. Prue Leith
3. Poorna Bell
4. Elizabeth Gilbert
5. Fatima Bhutto
6. Catherine Newman
7. Amy Larocca
8. Melani Sanders
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