wisdom for what’s next
This isn’t just another podcast.
It’s a reckoning — and a rally cry.
Hosted by Jennifer Jefferies — corporate speaker, naturopath, author, and proud midlife disruptor — The Present Day Wise Woman Podcast is where fierce, funny, wise women come to be seen, heard, and celebrated.
Because high achieving women 40+ are ready to stop shrinking and start setting fires.
Each episode spotlights women who’ve faced the flames and come back stronger. We talk power, purpose, ageing boldly, speaking up, starting over — and everything they told us to quiet down about.
No fluff. No beige. No pretending we’ve got it all together.
Just real conversations, lived wisdom, and the kind of fire that doesn’t fade with age — it deepens.
This is for the ones rewriting the rules. Reclaiming their voice.
And refusing to disappear quietly.
We’re here to Rise, Strong, Together.
About The Host
I’m Jen Jefferies – naturopath, speaker, author, and proud disruptor of the “be quiet and age gracefully” narrative.
I’m in my 60s, took up surfing at 56, live by the Bare Arse Minimum philosophy, and believe midlife isn’t the end of anything. It’s the beginning.
Waves don’t ask permission – they rise, crash, and remake the shore. That’s the force that forges everything.
In 2025, I stood on the TEDx stage to speak about what we lose – and what we can reclaim – when older women are written out of the story.
This podcast continues that conversation. It’s my way of passing the mic to the women who’ve lived it, felt it, and are ready to rise stronger than ever.
We’re not done. We’re just getting started.
Let’s rise strong, together.
Podcast Purpose Statement
To amplify the voices of seasoned, fierce, and wise women who refuse to shrink or stay silent.
The Present Day Wise Woman Podcast is a rebellion against invisibility, a bold reclamation of power, presence, and purpose, shared through raw, unfiltered stories from women who’ve lived it.
This isn’t just a podcast.
It’s a movement.
A mic passed from one trailblazer to the next.
And it’s time to turn the volume all the way up.
Rogue Wisdom – The Label That Exhausted You
Jennifer Jefferies shares how burnout, activism and the suffragettes reignited her purpose and inspired the Present Day Wise Woman Movement.
Choosing To Be Lifefull with Robyn Moore | Ep. 88
Robyn Moore AM, voice of Blinky Bill, shares how to thrive through adversity, embrace life, choose empowering words and rediscover your spark.
Midwife to Dominatrix with Vicky Feeney | Ep. 87
Vicky Feeney shares her journey from midwife to dominatrix, overcoming burnout, embracing authenticity and creating a life built around joy and self-care.
Don’t Shrink Get Loud with Menopunks | Ep. 86
Jennifer Jefferies talks with filmmaker Alicia J. Rose about Menopunks, HRT, the WHI controversy, menopause, midlife power and women’s health.
Rogue Wisdom – I Didn’t Want to Live in That World | Ep. 85
Jennifer Jefferies shares how burnout, activism and the suffragettes reignited her purpose and inspired the Present Day Wise Woman Movement.
Angela Counsel – Permission To Not Know | Ep. 84
Angela Counsel shares why she walked away from a successful menopause business to reclaim her inner wisdom, self-trust and a more meaningful life.
Catherine DeVrye – The Roads Less Travelled | Ep. 83
Catherine DeVrye shares lessons from 150 countries on resilience, courage, hope, midlife adventure and finding humanity beyond the headlines.
The NaNaz – When Years Left Get Louder Than Years Lived | Ep. 82
Meet The NaNaz, the punk band proving life after 50 can be louder, braver and more creative. A powerful conversation about midlife and finding your voice.
The Oncology Doula – What Fifty Years at the Bedside Taught Me About Living with Ann Wax | Ep. 81
Discover what 50 years in oncology taught Ann Wax about self-worth, speaking up, purpose, ageing with intention and becoming your own lifeguard.
Rogue Wisdom – What’s Really Behind Burnout | Ep. 80
Discover why burnout is often identity exhaustion for midlife women. Learn how perimenopause, purpose and self-worth shape true recovery.
The Housing Fix Hiding in Plain Sight with Vicki Robin | Ep. 79
Discover how Vicki Robin explores financial security, community, affordable housing and ageing with practical ideas for women over 50 seeking stability.
Will Someone Fear My Son with Kathryne Imabayshi | Ep. 78
Kathryne Imabayashi shares how parents can raise emotionally healthy boys, trust their intuition, support mental wellbeing and learn from Japan’s elder wisdom.
The Woman Who Decided Which Ideas Change the World Inside TED with Kelly Stoetzel | Ep. 77
Discover how Kelly Stoetzel helped shape TED Talks, why authentic ideas matter, and the power of confidence, leadership and creating lasting impact.
What We Don’t Heal, We Hand On with Sharyn McKenzie | Ep. 76
Explore inherited trauma, childhood programming and ancestral energy healing with Sharyn McKenzie, and learn how to break patterns passed through generations.
Midlife Identity and the Question That Changes Everything | Ep. 75
Jennifer Jefferies asks the question that cuts straight through: Who are you when you’re not doing everything for everyone else?
What Wouldnt You Be Caught Dead in with the Gippsland end of life doulas | Ep. 74
Discover how end-of-life doulas help families prepare for death with dignity, reduce fear, and create meaningful conversations about life, legacy and choice.
Stop Blaming Start Building Martha Mok on What That Actually Takes | Ep. 73
Martha Mok shares lessons on midlife reinvention, confidence, relationships, AI, emotional healing and building a thriving community for women.
What a 69 Year Old Aromatherapist Can Teach You About AI with Danielle Sade | Ep. 72
Tammy Silk shares a powerful conversation on vulnerability, women’s emotional wellbeing, leadership, menopause, identity, healing, and walking between cultures with strength and heart.
The Cost of Being the Strong One with Tammy Silk | Ep. 71
Tammy Silk shares a powerful conversation on vulnerability, women’s emotional wellbeing, leadership, menopause, identity, healing, and walking between cultures with strength and heart.
Corporate Culture Is Cannibalising Midlife Women | Ep. 70
Jennifer Jefferies explores the hidden impact of corporate culture on women’s health and how to rebuild life, energy and purpose sustainably.
Healing the Wounds Between Women with Hanna Milling | Ep. 69
Hanna Milling talks sisterhood wounds, shadow work, feminine leadership, healing generational trauma, and redefining what true sisterhood means.
Pull Up Your Own Chair with LJ Kennealy | Ep. 68
Former Wing Commander LJ Kennealy shares her journey through the Royal Australian Air Force, UN Women, conflict zones and advocating for women veterans in Australia.
The Bias Baked In Tracey Spicer on AI Power and Women | Ep. 67
Tracey Spicer joins Jennifer Jefferies to discuss AI bias, women’s rights, ethical technology, media power, the manosphere, and how women can shape a more inclusive future.
Breaking the Too Late Myth Starting Over in Your 40s 50s and Beyond with Lisa Nichols | Ep. 66
Lisa Nichols shares powerful wisdom on starting over, reclaiming your voice, healing after grief, and embracing your next chapter with confidence after 40, 50 and beyond.
Rogue Wisdom – The Wait Trap | Ep. 65
In this powerful episode, Jennifer Jefferies explores the “wait trap” keeping women stuck in midlife. Learn why readiness is a myth, how identity erosion happens, and why confidence only comes after action. If you’ve been waiting for the right time, this episode is your wake up call.
Don’t Do What Is Expected with Cherisa Peace | Ep. 64
Former Army Major Cherisa Pearce on life after service, finding your people, radical resilience, and why you should never do what’s expected of you.
Seattle Women’s Chorus with Beth Ann Bonnecroy | Ep. 63
Meet Beth Ann Bonnecroy, the first female resident conductor of the Seattle Women’s Chorus, as she shares the power of music, community, courage, and connection through choral singing.
What happens to a community when its elders are erased? | Ep. 62
Raga D’Silva, activist, author, co-creator of Older Queer Voices, and co-founder of the UK’s only queer-led speakers’ agency, has spent years refusing to let that question go unanswered.
Reinvention Real Beauty and Saying Yes to Yourself with Jane McCann | Ep. 61
Discover how Jane McCann is redefining midlife, beauty, and freedom. A powerful conversation on reinvention, confidence, and saying yes to yourself.
ROGUE WISDOM: REWIREMENT not RETIREMENT | Ep. 60
Discover why midlife is not about slowing down but stepping into power. Explore rewirement, menopause, identity shifts, and the rise of the present-day wise woman.
Truth-Telling, Sisterhood and the Power of Story with Anita Heiss | Ep. 59
Anita Heiss is an award-winning author, professor, public intellectual, and proud Wiradjuri woman. She writes romance and joy alongside truth-telling and sovereignty – creating space for urban Black women to be seen in their full humanity.
The Night They Arrested Mardi Gras with Kate Rowe | Ep. 58
Kate Rowe was 26, sitting on the bonnet of a truck rolling down Oxford Street, chanting at the top of her lungs. Sydney’s very first Mardi Gras.
The Art of Not Slowing Down with Mama See | Ep. 57
At 72 years young, Lak Nge Mooi, the legendary Mama See, is here to prove that age isn’t a decline; it’s just the beginning.
Cricket Grannies Redefining the Golden Years | Ep. 56
Trading traditional retirement for cricket bats at the Jinja Cricket Academy, these women are building a powerhouse community on the shores of Lake Victoria.
Why We Don’t Listen to the People Who Love Us Most | Ep. 55
Discover why we ignore advice from those closest to us and how listening to wise elders can prevent burnout, repeated mistakes and unnecessary struggle.
The Courage to Be Fearless with Anita Mattu | Ep. 54
Discover how Anita Mattu overcame imposter syndrome, dyslexia, and adversity to live authentically. Learn how to create courage and embrace your true self.
Perimenopause. Menopause. The midlife transition. | Ep. 53
Ann Marie McQueen is a veteran health journalist, award-winning reporter, and the founder of Hotflash Inc — and she has built a platform that cuts through the noise to deliver the evidence and the lived experience.
No More Disappearing Andi Osho on Owning Midlife Out Loud | Ep. 52
Andi Osho shares insights on perimenopause, resilience, creativity, and visibility in midlife. A powerful conversation on confidence, purpose, and owning your voice.
Marathons Mastectomies and Going Topless with Louise Butcher | Ep. 51
Louise Butcher shares her breast cancer journey, body confidence and flat closure advocacy. A powerful conversation on authenticity, resilience and healing.
Unfit to Ultra Endurance Redefining DNF with Heather Rickard | Ep. 50
At 65, Heather Rickard runs ultramarathons and redefines DNF as Did Not Fear. Discover mindset, endurance, courage and midlife transformation inspiration.
Reclaiming Your Message with Tamsen Webster | Ep. 49
Tamsen Webster shares how women in midlife can reclaim their voice, own their message, and use the Red Thread framework to say what people cannot unhear.
The Microbiome Matriarch Why Your Internal Dirt Matters with Martha Carlin | Ep. 48
Martha Carlin shares how gut health and the microbiome influence Parkinson’s, menopause hormones and energy. Learn how simple health signals reveal your body’s internal balance.
Uncovering the Legend of Amelia Earhart with Rachel Hartigan | Ep. 47
Rachel Hartigan explores Amelia Earhart’s adventurous life, disappearance, courage, independence, and what her story means for women today.
Why Your Tolerance for Fools Drops Sharply as You Age | Ep. 46
Jennifer explores why many women feel “done” with nonsense in midlife. Discover how menopause, hormones, boundaries and wisdom reshape women’s energy and truth.
Compassionate Badassery – The Wise Woman In Residence with Dr Alice Mackinnon | Ep. 45
Stop shrinking & start leading. Dr Alice Mackinnon shares mindfulness as a martial art, nervous system tools & calm authority for wise women.
How One Woman Turned Period Poverty Into a National Movement with Rochelle Courtenay | Ep. 44
Rochelle Courtenay founder of Share the Dignity reveals the reality of period poverty in Australia and how one ‘check your privilege’ moment sparked real change now.
Resisting Silencing and Reclaiming Women’s Power with Wendy Harmer | Ep. 43
Wendy Harmer shares her story of resilience, comedy and women’s voices, urging women to resist silencing and stay fierce in their power.
The Sacred Storyteller How Irish Legends Guide Life’s Transitions with Eimear Burke | Ep. 42
Eimear Burke, Chosen Chief of OBOD, shares Druid wisdom on elderhood, rites of passage and Irish legends to guide life’s transitions.
The wise woman way to becoming a Crone with Dr Alice Mackinnon | Ep. 41
Alice shares how Emotional Freedom Techniques, mindful movement, and gentle presence can help us return to ourselves as we navigate this powerful season of life — the time of the Wise Woman.
Who Profits From Burnout | Ep. 40
Burnout and menopause are not personal failures. This powerful breakdown explores how systems profit from women’s exhaustion and why midlife clarity is being mislabelled as dysfunction.
When the Body Tells Truth with Inna Segal | Ep. 39
I’m joined by Inna Segal, global pioneer in energy medicine and bestselling author of The Secret Language of Your Body.
Quiet Courage Redefining Strength in Hard Seasons with Beth Haneshewski | Ep. 38
Beth Hanishewski shares quiet courage after a double mastectomy: mindset, boundaries, relationships, and redefining strength in hard seasons. Listen now.
The Day We Stopped Asking Permission with Inessa Love | Ep. 37
Midlife isn’t the end, it’s the upgrade. Inessa Love of Sassy Silver Surfers shares courage, community, and redefining success without apology.
The Power of Stories That Matter with Alice MacKinnon | Ep. 36
Dr Alice MacKinnon, a Doctor of Adult Education and longtime storyteller, explains why the stories we choose to share in our elder years become some of the most powerful tools for connection, healing, and wisdom.
When We Mock Women as Karens We Mock Ourselves | Ep. 35
The “Karen” label has become a muzzle for women. Jennifer unpacks self-talk, language, and scent rituals to reclaim your voice.
Choosing Aliveness After Loss with Anne Martin | Ep. 34
After loss, Anne Martin caravanned solo with her dog Rosie. A story of courage, joy, dancing, and trusting your intuition.
Deep Listening Elderhood and Truth with Professor Jackie Huggins | Ep. 33
Prof Jackie Huggins on deep listening, elderhood and truth-telling. A powerful conversation on reconciliation, justice and treaty.
The Courage to Belong with Catherine McGregor | Ep. 32
Catherine McGregor AM joins PDWW to discuss identity, military service, courage, belonging, writing, cricket, and advocating for the trans community with honesty and depth.
Wifedom, Truth, and the Power of Womens Voices | Ep. 31
A powerful conversation with acclaimed author Anna Funder on women’s invisible labour, truth-telling, resistance, and reclaiming erased histories.
What if the boldest thing you can be is calm? | Ep. 30
Bold is not loud. Jennifer Jefferies explores calm leadership, gentle boldness, psychological safety, and how grounded presence creates courage and trust.
The Woman Who Brought Aromatherapy Home to Korea – Jin Hee Park | Ep. 29
Jin Hee Park shares how she pioneered aromatherapy in Korea, blended Eastern and Western healing, and learned that saying no is essential for self care and wellbeing.
What Fear Taught Me Standing on the TED Red Dot | Ep. 28
Neen James explore luxury mindsets, human connection, cultural shifts, and creating unforgettable experiences that make people feel seen.
Luxury Isn’t What You Think with Neen James | Ep. 27
Neen James explore luxury mindsets, human connection, cultural shifts, and creating unforgettable experiences that make people feel seen.
Grannies Gone Full Rebel | Ep. 26
In this episode, Sharon Styman shares how she turned business chaos into clarity, broke ground as the first female Twin Towns board member, and embraced leadership, purpose, and ease in her 60s.
Turning Chaos into Clarity with Sharon Styman | Ep. 25
In this episode, Sharon Styman shares how she turned business chaos into clarity, broke ground as the first female Twin Towns board member, and embraced leadership, purpose, and ease in her 60s.
Redefining Success with Suzi Dafnis | Ep. 24
Discover Suzi Dafnis’ insights on reinvention, wellbeing and building purpose-driven businesses without burnout on this PDWW episode.
Redefining gender equality fearlessly with Myra Betron | Ep. 23
Myra Betron unpacks real gender equality, power, choice, structural bias, and her mission through PowerHerData. A fearless and data driven conversation.
Art of Raising Hell with Kindness with Molly Lee | Ep. 22
Soap maker and activist Molly Lee shares how creativity, protest and micro philanthropy shape her life. A powerful chat on purpose, compassion and ageing boldly.
Pelvic Floors, Orgasms & Ageing Gracefully (Sort Of) with Dr Sarah Mattin | Ep. 21
Dr Sarah Mattin breaks down pelvic floors, incontinence, orgasms and ageing. Learn how pelvic power shapes confidence, pleasure and long term wellbeing.
The Drop in Estrogen isn’t the villain | Ep. 20
Why menopause is not the villain. Jen shares how adrenal health, sleep, toxins and muscle strength create a smooth, empowered transition.
The woman that remembered what the world forgot with Barbara Walker | Ep. 19
Some women don’t just live through history, they rewrite it. Barbara G. Walker is one of them. At 95, she remains a scholar, truth-teller, and author of 24 groundbreaking books on mythology, symbolism, and the sacred feminine.
Let’s Talk About Sex Intimacy and Desire with Vivian Baruch | Ep. 18
Relationship therapist and wise woman Vivian Baruch returns to talk about the topics too many women were never taught to talk about: sex, intimacy, desire, and passion.
One Race – One Human Race with Jane Elliot | Ep. 17
Controversial, courageous, and uncompromising, Jane has challenged classrooms, corporations, and governments to face the hard truths about privilege, prejudice, and power.
Wendy McCarthy AC Leading with Head and Heart | Ep. 16
Discover how Lee Reeves and the Red Hat Society inspire women to age boldly with laughter, colour, and sisterhood. A joyful tribute to living unapologetically.
Who Am I, Just One Person, to Help the World | Ep. 15
Feeling small in a big world? Discover how your unique “piece of the puzzle” can spark real change. Hope, purpose, and action start with you.
From Red Hats to Purple Passion – Living Boldly with Lee Reeves | Ep. 14
Discover how Lee Reeves and the Red Hat Society inspire women to age boldly with laughter, colour, and sisterhood. A joyful tribute to living unapologetically.
What happens when the cheering stops? | Ep. 13
From hating volleyball in high school to Olympic gold, five-time Olympian and straight-talking Aussie legend Nat Cook OAM joins Jen to unpack what it really takes to win, in sport and in life. Nat shares the raw truth about resilience, confidence, and the grind behind the glory, plus life after the Games, the Aussie Athlete Fund, and her vision for Brisbane 2032. This is a conversation about mindset, transition, and legacy, because as Nat says, winning isn’t a score. It’s an attitude.
Relationships don’t come with a rulebook | Ep. 12
Relationships don’t come with a rulebook. In this conversation, relationship coach and therapist Vivian Baruch shares how singles can rebuild confidence, how couples can reignite intimacy, and what to do when you’re on the fence about your future together. We also dive into the wisdom of “wise women” and the power of mentorship across generations, because love, connection, and guidance are what truly hold us together.
The BS about being invisible after 50 | Ep. 11
Midlife isn’t a cloak of invisibility, and in this episode, Kim Morrison calls BS on the tired narrative that women fade as they age. Kim, the powerhouse behind Twenty8 Essentials, shares why she’s never bought into that story and how rituals, mindset, and self-care are the keys to staying vibrant, grounded, and unapologetically seen. We dive into reframing ageing, redefining beauty, and the sparkle that comes from embracing our authentic selves. This is a raw, real, and joy-filled conversation between two wise women and great mates, and it’s one you will love.
ROGUE WISDOM Stop Apologising for Wanting More | Ep. 10
From the boardroom to the bedroom, I dive into the cost of playing small, why women’s natural collaboration is the engine of progress, and how to reclaim unapologetic desire without guilt. Wanting more doesn’t make you greedy, it makes you alive.
Two sisters. One Vision. A legacy of courage and sisterhood. | Ep. 9
From humble beginnings to industry pioneers, their story is pure heart, grit, and wisdom, carried forward for the next generation of women rising.
Want real life wisdom? Sit with a Nonna. | Ep. 8
“Nonna’s” are not just by blood. My “Nonna” is by love and community. Nonna Irene Miller shares about the heart of Italian culture: family, wisdom, and belonging.
She turned a Couch to 5K into a Couch to Ultra | Ep. 7
Canadian beach volleyballer Sarah Maxwell shares her journey to Australia, embracing reinvention, stillness, and presence. Her candid wisdom inspires far beyond sport.
Sarah Maxwell from beach volleyball dreams to life on her terms | Ep. 6
Canadian beach volleyballer Sarah Maxwell shares her journey to Australia, embracing reinvention, stillness, and presence. Her candid wisdom inspires far beyond sport.
Wisdom With Jen – The Invisibility Cloak | Ep. 5
Discover why women over 50 feel invisible and how to reclaim space, voice, and power in this empowering Rogue Wisdom with Jen episode.
From bankruptcy to breakthrough Robyn Henderson’s story is proof that rock bottom can be the start of something extraordinary | Ep. 4
Robyn Henderson shares her journey through bankruptcy, reinvention, and wisdom, offering raw lessons on resilience, creativity, and community.
If not you, who? If not now, when? Jenny Dowell’s fearless wisdom. | Ep. 3
In this conversation, Jenny shares her journey into public service, her challenges as mayor, her resilience through illness, and the legacy she continues to build. Her story is a reminder to every woman listening: be brave, your voice matters, and the time is now.
What if your biggest heartbreak, deepest burnout, and wildest reinvention all led you to your most powerful, wholehearted self—at 62? | Ep. 2
Dr. Alice MacKinnon shares raw truths on courage, purpose, activism & surf at 46—wisdom for women rising unapologetically.
Too old? Too late? I call BS. This is where we rise louder than ever. | Ep. 1
Welcome to the first episode of The Present Day Wise Woman Podcast — where the stories are raw, the wisdom is lived, and the women are bloody legendary.
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