The Shift with Sam Baker
sam bakerThe 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 | 294 | Founded | 6 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | Health & FitnessPersonal JournalsSociety & Culture | |||
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Latest Episodes
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
My guest today is Dr Katriona O’Sullivan.
Katriona grew up in Coventry and her early life was marked by poverty, addiction and abuse. She became pregnant and subsequently homeless at 15, let down and written off by the adults who were meant to care ... more
My guest today is the acclaimed writer Siri Hustvedt.
The author of seven novels (including my personal favourite What I Loved and the Booker longlisted The Blazing World), five essay collections, a poetry collection and a memoir, The Shaking Woman,... more
There aren’t many people I let make a repeat visit to The Shift, but sometimes a guest proves so popular that I have to make an exception. That’s the case with journalist and author Bryony Gordon.
The first time Bryony came on The Shift we talked me... more
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- Really enjoying
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
Apple Podcasts5Amberanon
United Kingdom17 days ago - 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 Podcasts5ZevaBellel
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 Podcasts5dausmaus
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 Podcasts5Aniabew6United 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 Podcasts5MissyPKUnited Kingdom2 years ago
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #159 |  United States/Society & Culture/Personal Journals |
Apple Podcasts | #49 | United Kingdom/Society & Culture/Personal Journals |
Apple Podcasts | #159 | Canada/Society & Culture/Personal Journals |
Apple Podcasts | #84 |  Australia/Society & Culture/Personal Journals |
Apple Podcasts | #183 |  Italy/Society & Culture/Personal Journals |
Apple Podcasts | #19 |  Ireland/Society & Culture/Personal Journals |
Talking Points
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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?
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
Where can I find podcast stats for The Shift?
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How many listeners does The Shift get?
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What are the audience demographics for The Shift?
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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 Mid•Point with Gabby Logan
5. Begin Again with Davina McCall
How many episodes of The Shift are there?
The Shift launched 6 years ago and published 294 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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Where can I see ratings and reviews for The Shift?
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How do I access podcast episode transcripts for The Shift?
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What guests have appeared on The Shift?
Recent guests on The Shift include:
1. Katriona O'Sullivan
2. Siri Hustvedt
3. Margaret Busby
4. Abi Morgan
5. Emily Nagoski
6. Elif Shafak
7. Christie Watson
8. Martha Wainwright
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.