Turns out that tomorrow I will be exactly six months from my 50th birthday. So…what am I going to do about it? Cry? Cheer? Buy a Brazilian Butt Lift?

The true answer to the question that I’m going to get creative as a means to strike up a conversation. And what better way to do that than by resurrecting the podcast!

Step back in time

If you’ve followed my work you might know that I did a full 365 days of podcasting under the banner of ‘The Toni Daily‘. Its aim was to connect with others – inviting people (as my favourite Fun Lovin’ Criminals album did) to “Come find yourself”. At the time, it was a very helpful tool to work through some big-ass topics that affect us all. It also resulted in some unexpected and welcome conversations and a fabulous gift in the form of a very fitting piece of merch that a listener had made for me (thank you Gemma!).

Where’s your head at?

As navel-gazelly and self-indulgent as podcasting may seem, the process of opening up on topics such as grief, ageing, estrangement, parenting and family (plus LOTS of friendship and silliness) provided a way to work through what was going on in my mind – and the minds of plenty of other people who found themselves in a similar position to me.

Some topics resonated so deeply with people that I pulled together a series of ‘Tell me on a Sunday’ specials that combined a number of episodes into bumper sessions – I’ve popped the first three below if you’d like to check them out:

Yoga: Tell me on a Sunday #1 – Yoga – The Toni Daily | Podcast on Spotify

Estrangement: Tell me on a Sunday #2 – Estrangement – The Toni Daily | Podcast on Spotify

Alcohol: Tell me on a Sunday #3 – Alcohol – The Toni Daily | Podcast on Spotify

Finding the right space to talk

It can be hard to just leap in on some of these big topics. And sometimes we want to talk or chew over a challenge but find it doesn’t coincide with when our friends or family are around. Sometimes (as I find with a couple of podcasts I listen to), it’s just helpful to hear someone share their experiences as a means to organise our own thinking or to feel less alone.

What I discovered from the listeners is that I was joining people on their dog-walks, whilst they were travelling to see distant relatives and even (much to my surprise) in the bath. People were recommending episodes to friends and loved ones who, in turn, found it comforting to hear someone share a painful truth that they too were living with.

Some people just wanted to hear me bang on about a skiiers penis and Tena Lady. My position is this: you can listen to whatever episode you like, and listen wherever you like – I will not judge you!

Let’s get ready to rumble

So, are you ready to join me as I rumble my way towards my half-century? Are you a 49er too? Reminiscing about your own 50th approach or want to find out what’s in store?

Whatever you’re at – I’d love you to join me and get involved. Please check out today’s episode where you’ll find me on my dog walk and getting ready to go to war with the school….fml. Comments on all posts are very welcome! I’d love to hear what you think 🙂