The 6 Stages Every Relationship Goes Through & Where Most Break Down - With Thais Gibson)

This week I’m dipping back into the archives with one of the most relistened episodes of Almost 40: a conversation with my mum. It started as a joke. My podcast manager suggested I ask mum the questions you’d want answered before the end of someone’s life. Mum was 57 at the time of recording! What unfolded surprised me. Mum shares why her proudest achievement isn’t her kids or grandkids, but the sharp left turn she took into a whole new career despite a lifelong fear of exams and a belief that she wasn’t smart enough. We talk about what it was like having two babies by 19, the day I rolled off a hospital bed at twelve weeks old (yes, I’m the fractured skull child), and why “I don’t know how you do it” rarely lands the way people intend. We also unpack something I can’t stop thinking about: why women call their achievements luck. Mum bought her own home after her divorce and is now mortgage free, and her first instinct was to call herself lucky rather than proud. Becoming a mum myself changed how I see her, and this conversation changed it again. In this episode: • The career change my mum made in midlife and the self-doubt she pushed through • Being a young mum at 19 and how you cope when there’s no other option • Why “I don’t know how you do it” lands differently when you’re in survival mode • Luck versus pride: how women talk themselves out of their own achievements • The one thing mum would do differently, and what it reveals about parenting, guilt and work ethic If you love this one, come join me over on Almost Confidential for the more personal episodes.

Dr Lara Goode opens up about her recent realisation and diagnosis about of what her psychologist called "severe combined type ADHD" at 35. Lara runs her own allied health clinic, is a Mum of two boys and she’s only now meeting herself for the first time - at 35. In this episode, Lara and I unpack what a late ADHD diagnosis actually feels like: the relief, the rage, and the question she now asks herself every day - is this actual Lara, or performing Lara? We talk about: Getting diagnosed with ADHD at 35 and grieving the years it was missed Good girl conditioning, people pleasing and having no boundaries Masking, mirroring and being a chameleon in relationships Why anger in women is treated as “unbecoming”, and why our mid-thirties is when the rage shows up Burnout, high standards and genuinely believing in bandwidth you don’t have Postnatal anxiety and the undoing that motherhood brings What Lara would say to her younger self Whether or not ADHD is part of your story, if you’ve ever felt like you’ve spent your life performing a version of yourself, this one is for you. Follow Dr Lara Goode on Instagram Follow Kylie on Instagram Want more? access exclusive Almost Confidential Episodes here: The unfiltered personal episoides in full.

What makes a Miserable Mum? Is it linked to life satisfaction? If you’re feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, carrying the mental load, or struggling to enjoy family life, this episode is for you. In this episode of Almost Forty, Kylie is joined by Alison from Our Neurodiverse Family for an honest conversation about the recent social media trend surrounding "Things we do because we refuse to be Miserable Mum's". This conversation is all about motherhood, parenting, family systems, resentment, unrealistic expectations and the hidden factors that contribute to mum burnout. Together they explore why so many women feel exhausted by the pressure of being a “good mum” and why the answer isn’t necessarily becoming a better parent - it’s identifying what actually matters, letting go of what doesn’t, and redesigning the systems that are creating friction in everyday family life. Topics discussed include: • The mental load of motherhood • Family dinners and parenting expectations • Mum guilt and resentment • Family systems that reduce overwhelm • Neurodivergent families and practical supports • Teaching kids independence and life skills • Fend For Yourself Dinner (FFYD) • Letting go of perfectionism • Finding more joy and life satisfaction as a parent Whether you’re navigating motherhood, parenting neurodivergent children, feeling overwhelmed by family responsibilities, or simply looking for practical ways to make family life feel easier, this episode is packed with relatable stories, permission slips and actionable ideas. Follow Alison from Our Neurodiverse Family on Instagram here and remember to dm her the wprd BRAINSTORM to secure one of her FREE limited sessions Head over to the Our Neurodiverse Website here for more info

In this personal solo episode of Almost Forty, I’m taking a moment to reflect on the first six months of the year and unpack some of the changes. This is an honest conversation about where I was in January compared to where I am now, in Mid June. This episode is also packed with reflective prompts to help you pause, check in with yourself and consider what progress you’ve made, what you’re still carrying, and what you want the second half of the year to look like. In this episode: Reflecting on the first six months of the year Burnout, over-functioning and hypervigilance Financial goals and taking responsibility for the things that matter Relationships, self-trust and letting people in Work, purpose and creating a life that feels more aligned Why your camera roll can reveal more than you realise Journal prompts for a mid-year reset and reflection If you’d like a copy of the journal prompts from this episode, send me a DM on Instagram with the word RESET and I’ll send them through. If you’re enjoying Almost Forty, make sure you’re following or subscribing so you never miss an episode. Topics discussed: mid-year reset, personal growth, burnout recovery, self-trust, relationships, journaling, goal setting, reflection, ADHD, mindset, women’s wellbeing, personal development. Unlock Exclusive Subscriber Episodes Here: https://apple.co/iam

This episode is all about practical, research-backed tips to enhance communication and emotional connection in relationships. Hosted by Kylie, this episode revisits her most listened-to podcast on communication, expanding on key principles for secure interactions. In this ep Kylie covers: Debunking the "mind reader myth" and the importance of clear communication Differentiating between facts and feelings to prevent misunderstandings The significance of regulation and self-awareness in conflict resolution Managing unmet needs and how to respond when they are ignored The value of post-conflict debriefs and continuous learning Maintaining appreciation and affirmation over time Recognising triggers Follow Kylie on Instagram here Listen to the 10 Golden Rules Of Communication Episode here