What started as a joke became a movement.
Jane McCann built an audience of 200,000 women not by having it all figured out — but by being radically honest about figuring it out at all.
In this conversation, Jane and Jen explore what midlife actually gives you when you stop treating it as something to survive. Beauty standards that were never yours. The unexpected freedom after divorce. Why the women thriving in their 50s are the ones who finally stopped performing usefulness.
Plus, how Jane turned group travel into an invitation for women to say yes to themselves in a completely new landscape.
If you’ve felt the pull toward a version of yourself you haven’t fully stepped into yet, this one’s for you.
Links & References:
Connect With Jane McCann
Connect With Jennifer Jefferies
Show Note:
Jane and Jennifer discuss how Jane started the “Middle-Aged Goddess” platform as a joke, but it has grown into a supportive online community for women going through midlife transitions. They talk about the importance of creating spaces where women can be open and vulnerable about their experiences.
Embracing aging and redefining beauty standards @ 5:14
Jane shares her journey of letting go of societal beauty standards and embracing the changes of aging, from her hair to her body. They discuss the double standards that women face compared to men, and the pressure to “age gracefully” versus owning one’s appearance.
The gifts of midlife @ 24:19
Jane describes how her midlife transition, including her divorce, gave her a sense of freedom and clarity about who she wants to be. They talk about the importance of giving yourself permission to reinvent and prioritize your own needs.
Curated travel experiences for women @ 35:40
Jane discusses how she started organizing group travel experiences for women, providing a supportive environment for them to explore new places and connect with each other. They talk about the benefits of guided tours versus solo travel.
Choosing kindness and supporting other women @ 48:35
Jane emphasizes the importance of women supporting and championing each other, especially in the face of global challenges. She encourages choosing kindness in how we speak to ourselves and others.
Recap and final thoughts @ 51:34
Jennifer and Jane reflect on the gifts of aging and how it gets better with each decade. They encourage women to believe in themselves and not buy into the narrative that aging is a loss.