In this fun, laugh-filled and genuinely eye-opening episode, Michelle Ford sits down with women’s health nutritionist Emma Bardwell to tackle one of the most underrated pillars of midlife wellbeing: fibre - the true unsung hero of women’s health. Between giggles over “poophoria” (yes, it’s a thing!) and some serious myth-busting, Michelle and Emma unpack why getting enough fibre and protein is essential - especially if you’re using GLP-1 weight-loss injections like Ozempic, Wegovy or Mounjaro. As Emma explains, these medications slow digestion, making fibre even more important for gut motility, nutrient absorption and long-term health.
Forget fibre’s dusty, boring reputation - this episode gives it a full glow-up. Through perimenopause and menopause, when hormones fluctuate and the gut becomes increasingly linked to mood, energy and resilience, fibre becomes a midlife powerhouse. Michelle and Emma explore how nourishing your gut supports immunity, mental wellbeing, metabolism and overall vitality, and why our midlife microbiome deserves centre stage. With Emma’s straight-talking, practical approach, you’ll learn simple, everyday ways to boost your fibre intake - no chia-seed obsession required.
By the end, you’ll never look at your plate (or your bowel movements!) the same way again.
🎙️ Key Insights
• Fibre lowers the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and colon cancer
• A high-fibre diet reduces inflammation and supports a stronger immune system
• Good gut health boosts brain health and emotional wellbeing
• Fibre may help remove microplastics from the body
• Protein + fibre is the midlife power combo - stabilising energy, supporting hormone balance and improving satiety
• Talking openly about gut health (and yes, poo!) helps normalise midlife wellbeing
Resources:
📘 Emma Bardwell Website: emmabardwell.com
📸 Instagram: @emma.bardwell
The Fibre Effect is published February 2026
The 30g Plan is available in all good bookshops
Connect with Us:
🌟 Website: TwoWomenChatting.com
📸 Instagram: @michelleford_twc
🐦 Twitter/X: @ChattingTwo
📘 Facebook: Two Women Chatting
📺 YouTube: TwoWomenChatting
🎵 TikTok: @twowomenchatting0
🎧 This episode was produced and edited by Emma Tindall.
👉 If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to follow Two Women Chatting on your favourite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. We’d also love it if you could leave us a review — your feedback helps more listeners discover the show and keeps these conversations going.
🎧 Listen and subscribe on [Apple Podcasts], [Spotify], [Amazon Music], or wherever you get your podcasts.
gut health, fibre, fiber, digestive health, bowel movements, midlife wellness, women’s health, nutrition, gut-brain connection, dietary fibre, healthy ageing, Two Women Chatting podcast
👉 Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and share it with a friend who could use a little midlife magic.
Explore the 'midlife library' at www.twowomenchatting.com
Connect with Michelle at twowomenchatting@gmail.com for collaborations, ideas, and comments! Remember to rate, review, and share our show to join the laughter-filled conversation about midlife empowerment and beyond...
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