PODCAST

Midlifing

Lee Miller and Simon Ellis

Two friends Lee and Simon have serious conversations about silly things, and silly conversations about serious things. Together they dig into the pleasures, absurdities and imperfections of being human.
Start Here
81: And now for the weather
81: And now for the weather
Yesterday
27 mins
81: And now for the weather
81: And now for the weather
Simon and Lee discuss the terrible romantic idea that 'no' will become a 'yes', and the differences between wooing and harrassing. Lee then describes a moment of shame and Simon says 'wow' a lot.Get in touch with Lee and Simon at info@midlifing.net or @midlifingpod on Instagram.Related links:Tre Piani by Nanni Moretti: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_FloorsRiccardo Scamarcio: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riccardo_ScamarcioAlba Rohrwacher: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alba_RohrwacherEvery Breath You Take lyrics: https://www.musixmatch.com/lyrics/The-Police/Every-Breath-You-TakePretty in Pink: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pretty_in_PinkMinions: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minions_(film)---The Midlifing logo is adapted from an original image by H.L.I.T: https://www.flickr.com/photos/29311691@N05/8571921679 (CC BY 2.0)
Yesterday
27 mins
80: I don't find halloumi upsetting
80: I don't find halloumi upsetting
Lee and Simon get off to a rocky technical start before having a conversation about mistakes, being given notes, Wagatha Christie, judging others, Thich Nhat Hanh's Teachings on Love, and a conversation with a drunk young man.Get in touch with Lee and Simon at info@midlifing.net or @midlifingpod on Instagram.Related links:Douglas Wright Dance Company: http://douglaswright.netWagatha Christie: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wagatha_ChristiePeter Andre chipolata story: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/peter-andre-rebekah-vardy-wagatha-trial-b2077529.htmlThich Nhat Hanh's "Teachings on Love": https://www.amazon.co.uk/Teachings-Love-Thich-Nhat-Hanh/dp/8176211672---The Midlifing logo is adapted from an original image by H.L.I.T: https://www.flickr.com/photos/29311691@N05/8571921679 (CC BY 2.0)
May 18 2022
27 mins
79: A low-digit odd number
79: A low-digit odd number
Lee and Simon go on a weird trip together and talk about furniture, moving, photographing dead people and consumer capitalism. They also try to remember each other's birthdays.Get in touch with Lee and Simon at info@midlifing.net or @midlifingpod on Instagram Related links:Chet Hanks (known professionally as Chet Hanx): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chet_Hanksnominative determinisn: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nominative_determinismMan and van: https://www.comparethemanandvan.co.ukGimme Shelter (documentary): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gimme_Shelter_(1970_film) Altamont: The Rolling Stones, the Hells Angels, and the Inside Story of Rock's Darkest Day: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Altamont-Rolling-Stones-Angels-Darkest-ebook/dp/B018E2H3PAGrey Gardens: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grey_GardensLee Miller war photographer (famous image of dead SS soldier): https://onlyoldphotography.tumblr.com/post/28610021513/lee-miller-dead-ss-guard-floating-in-canal ---The Midlifing logo is adapted from an original image by H.L.I.T: https://www.flickr.com/photos/29311691@N05/8571921679 (CC BY 2.0)
May 11 2022
23 mins
78: Eternal bosom of hot love
78: Eternal bosom of hot love
Moving house, disassembling emotions, being in relationships, more on the scam (is it or isn't it?), and thinking about other people having sex. Get in touch with Lee and Simon at info@midlifing.net or @midlifingpod on InstagramRelated links:Relate campaign: https://www.homecare.co.uk/news/article.cfm/id/1647938/relate-campaign-joy-sex-later-life-intimate-images-older-peoplePrisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall: https://earthbound.report/2016/08/17/book-review-prisoners-of-geography-by-tim-marshall/Angela Raynor and Basic Instinct: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-61228236---The Midlifing logo is adapted from an original image by H.L.I.T: https://www.flickr.com/photos/29311691@N05/8571921679 (CC BY 2.0)
May 4 2022
27 mins
77: Throw it in, seal it up
77: Throw it in, seal it up
Lee and Simon talk about being scammed, being back out in the wild, and hand gel.Get in touch with Lee and Simon at info@midlifing.net or @midlifingpod  on InstagramRelated links:nothing more serious than a speeding ticket: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/boris-johnson-partygate-fine-police-b2064208.htmlRwanda asylum plan: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rwanda_asylum_planAkshata Murty’s non-domicile tax status: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/rishi-sunak-wife-tax-green-card-b2062534.htmlThis too shall pass: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/This_too_shall_pass---The Midlifing logo is adapted from an original image by H.L.I.T: https://www.flickr.com/photos/29311691@N05/8571921679 (CC BY 2.0)
Apr 27 2022
24 mins
76: Some kind of beautiful kimono
76: Some kind of beautiful kimono
Lee and Simon talk about judgement, cynicism, hope, forgiveness, communities of the spirit, and surprises.Get in touch with Lee and Simon at info@midlifing.net or @midlifingpod on InstagramRelated links:Lisbon tree planting: https://www.theportugalnews.com/news/2022-03-29/lisbon-to-plant-two-trees-for-every-one-felled/66082Milan's urban forestry: https://www.treehugger.com/milan-urban-forestry-greening-project-5201037Ben Rawlence's The Treeline: https://blackmountainscollege.uk/the-treeline/Nick Cave on cynicism and hope: https://www.theredhandfiles.com/do-you-still-believe-in-us/we are not our thoughts: https://medium.com/@marjoriedadhich/you-are-not-your-thoughts-8dc916959e53Trello: http://trello.comintroversion / extroversion: https://positivepsychology.com/introversion-extroversion-spectrum/ ---The Midlifing logo is adapted from an original image by H.L.I.T: https://www.flickr.com/photos/29311691@N05/8571921679 (CC BY 2.0)
Apr 20 2022
28 mins
75: The heron that shits on the iceberg of your life
75: The heron that shits on the iceberg of your life
This is another strange one. Simon starts with a lie and they go from there to talk about, well, mid-life, merch, getting caught up in the ambitions of children and a not-quite-existential moment.Warning: parts of this episode might not make sense if you haven't listened to Episode 74. Get in touch with Lee and Simon at info@midlifing.net or @midlifingpod on InstagramRelated links:Oliver Spencer clothing: https://oliverspencer.co.ukecru: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EcruOn circlusion (25 December 2020): https://www.midlifing.net/1480717/6984637-on-circlusion Wework: https://www.wework.com/Hipster timeline: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hipster_(contemporary_subculture)news aggregator: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/News_aggregatorflipboard: https://flipboard.comreal-time bidding: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Real-time_biddingdumb phones: https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/nokia-8110-kaios-experience-review/air gap: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_gap_(networking)Edward Snowden: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_SnowdenPeter Gabriel song 'The Veil' about Snowden: https://youtu.be/nqFKjz4l9u0---The Midlifing logo is adapted from an original image by H.L.I.T: https://www.flickr.com/photos/29311691@N05/8571921679 (CC BY 2.0)
Apr 13 2022
30 mins
74: Coming to you live from purgatory
74: Coming to you live from purgatory
Simon and Lee wander all over the show: smart speakers, Bridgerton (spoiler alert – Antony and Kate get it on), getting cut, listener questions (and feedback), making horse lips and cosmetic surgery.Get in touch with Lee and Simon at info@midlifing.net or @midlifingpod on InstagramRelated links:Ezra Miller injunction: https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/actor-ezra-miller-ordered-stay-hawaii-couple-83793977Bridgerton: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BridgertonBrad Pitt in Thelma and Louise: https://www.theringer.com/movies/2020/5/21/21266834/thelma-and-louise-brad-pitt-masculinityWho else might have played Brad Pitt's role in Thelma and Louise: https://www.moviefone.com/2017/06/27/brad-pitt-thelma-and-louise-role-robert-downey-jr/Sam and Dianne (Cheers): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sam_and_DianeQuarter-life crisis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quarter-life_crisisThe Human League 'Don't You Want Me': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeSPbHPnOksJackdaw: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_jackdawZoom makeover: https://familyapp.com/10-minute-zoom-makeover-prepared-polished-present/Lee's new job announcement: https://www.falmouth.ac.uk/news/dr-lee-miller-appointed-head-postgraduate-researchBought the farm: https://writingexplained.org/idiom-dictionary/bought-the-farm1000 true fans: https://kk.org/thetechnium/1000-true-fans/---The Midlifing logo is adapted from an original image by H.L.I.T: https://www.flickr.com/photos/29311691@N05/8571921679 (CC BY 2.0)
Apr 6 2022
25 mins
73: A cloth ear for comedy
73: A cloth ear for comedy
Simon and Lee start with some follow up and listener feedback and get stuck there. Get in touch with Lee and Simon at info@midlifing.net or @midlifingpod on Instagram.Related links:Sniffari: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/pets/news-features/sniffaris-training-treats-raise-happier-dog/rethink.org: https://www.rethink.org/advice-and-information/carers-hub/suicidal-thoughts-how-to-support-someone/man cave: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Man_cavelowkey shitty: https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Lowkey%20shitty---The Midlifing logo is adapted from an original image by H.L.I.T: https://www.flickr.com/photos/29311691@N05/8571921679 (CC BY 2.0)
Mar 30 2022
26 mins
72: Thrusting show titles at me
72: Thrusting show titles at me
Lee and Simon get stuck in an acronym loop while discussing perceived value and worth at work (and in life). Then they move onto talking about dicks on TV and in films.Get in touch with Lee and Simon at info@midlifing.net.Related links:Steel Magnolias: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steel_MagnoliasIt was Bette Midler in Beaches! "That's enough about me": https://youtu.be/9IJvgD7c1KoP&O Ferries sackings: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-60792039Three poisons of Buddhism (greed, hatred, delusion): https://tricycle.org/beginners/buddhism/three-poisons/Bristol stool chart: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bristol_stool_scaleTrading Places, PCP: https://getyarn.io/yarn-clip/18ea9d01-4d93-4fcf-aed6-acb231268accInga from Sweden requesting help with her rucksack (from 2:00min): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goSeIDDMwgEKPI: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Performance_indicatorIt's KTP not KPT: http://ktp.innovateuk.org (do NOT click on this link else your soul will die)Euphoria (TV series): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euphoria_(American_TV_series)Pam and Tommy (TV series): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pam_%26_TommyHow 'X' And 'Minx' Unpack The Politics Of Porn In The '70s: https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/x-minx-70s-porn-politics_n_6234a9f2e4b046c938db4eae'I was running naked with a fake penis’: how Simon Rex found redemption playing a washed-up porn star: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2022/mar/11/i-was-running-naked-with-a-fake-penis-how-simon-rex-found-redemption-playing-a-washed-up-porn-starHow the Sausage Gets Made: Inside Hollywood's Prosthetic Penis Craze: https://theconversation.com/more-penises-are-appearing-on-tv-and-in-film-but-why-are-nearly-all-of-them-prosthetic-146906Average penis size by country -- worldwide comparison: https://www.worlddata.info/average-penissize.phpWhat size is the average penis?: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/271647---The Midlifing logo is adapted from an original image by H.L.I.T: https://www.flickr.com/photos/29311691@N05/8571921679 (CC BY 2.0)
Mar 23 2022
27 mins
71: Are we just going to get into this?
71: Are we just going to get into this?
Simon and Lee talk about depression, suicide and asking for help.UK: https://www.samaritans.orgUSA: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.orgAustralia: https://www.lifeline.org.au NZ: https://www.lifeline.org.nzWorldwide: https://www.who.int/health-topics/suicideGet in touch with Lee and Simon at info@midlifing.net.Related links:The Sorrows of Young Werther: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sorrows_of_Young_WertherNot saying 'committed suicide': https://www.irmi.com/articles/expert-commentary/language-matters-committed-suicide13 Reasons Why: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1837492/Katherine Langford: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katherine_Langford Male to female suicide rates by country: https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/male-female-ratio-of-suicide-rates---The Midlifing logo is adapted from an original image by H.L.I.T: https://www.flickr.com/photos/29311691@N05/8571921679 (CC BY 2.0)
Mar 16 2022
25 mins
70: Don't kill the pig Jefrey
70: Don't kill the pig Jefrey
Lee and Simon talk about their responsibility to keep up with the news, and what news to keep up with.Get in touch with Lee and Simon at info@midlifing.net.Related links (and necessary corrections):Moustafa Bayoumi in the Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/mar/02/civilised-european-look-like-us-racist-coverage-ukrainewhat Russia wants in Ukraine: https://kottke.org/22/03/why-russia-is-invading-ukrainered top newspapers: https://wordhistories.net/2017/03/02/red-top/red circle of shame: https://partner.studentbeans.com/blog/gen-z-trends/circle-of-shame/Tucker Carlson and Ketanji Brown Jackson's LSAT score: https://www.theguardian.com/media/2022/mar/04/tucker-carlson-ketanji-brown-jackson-lsat-scores-credentials---The Midlifing logo is adapted from an original image by H.L.I.T: https://www.flickr.com/photos/29311691@N05/8571921679 (CC BY 2.0)
Mar 9 2022
26 mins
69: I realised you are right about everything
69: I realised you are right about everything
Lee and Simon struggle with the news and talk about responsibility for things that are too big. They also respond to some relieving questions from a listener, and weigh in briefly on Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron.Get in touch with Lee and Simon at info@midlifing.net.Related links (and necessary corrections):The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Marvelous_Mrs._Maiselminority rule (Nassim Nicholas Taleb): https://medium.com/incerto/the-most-intolerant-wins-the-dictatorship-of-the-small-minority-3f1f83ce4e15#.z5ry4bucqLayla Moran naming 35 oligarchs: https://www.democraticunderground.com/100216395989Midlifing episode about miscarriage and unspoken tensions: https://www.midlifing.net/1480717/6965252-it-hurts-so-much-to-hear-you-say-that-part-2-of-2Fury Road, Charlize Theron and Tom Hardy: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2022/feb/23/charlize-theron-tom-hardy-mad-max-fury-road-bookAtomic Blonde: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atomic_BlondeNena, 99 Luftballons: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fpu5a0Bl8eY---The Midlifing logo is adapted from an original image by H.L.I.T: https://www.flickr.com/photos/29311691@N05/8571921679 (CC BY 2.0)
Mar 2 2022
25 mins
68: Incidents and accidents, hints and allegations
68: Incidents and accidents, hints and allegations
Simon and Lee start with a little bit of ambition-related follow up, before slipping into a conversation about retirement, the future and the intrinsic value of doing things.Get in touch with Lee and Simon at info@midlifing.net.Related links (and necessary corrections):Paul Simon, Graceland (1986) - Lee wins! - https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graceland_(album)Brene Brown dealing with Joe Rogan situation: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/digital/brene-brown-spotify-update-1235089635/Storm Eunice: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Storm_EuniceAnthropocene: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AnthropoceneCarbon shadow: https://www.iema.net/articles/casting-carbon-shadows---The Midlifing logo is adapted from an original image by H.L.I.T: https://www.flickr.com/photos/29311691@N05/8571921679 (CC BY 2.0)
Feb 23 2022
26 mins
67: Walt Whitman is robbing from the bible
67: Walt Whitman is robbing from the bible
Simon and Lee start talking about how the pandemic has shown their characters and Lee suspects he has joined the great resignation.Get in touch with Lee and Simon at info@midlifing.net.Related links (and necessary corrections):Kath and Kim 'look at me': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSMmxyGeEb4I am legion and we are many: https://biblehub.com/mark/5-9.htmWhitman, 'I contain multitudes': https://poets.org/poem/song-myself-51Exorcist 'Your mother is in here': https://youtu.be/LHnDyOr0DfIThe great resignation: https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20210629-the-great-resignation-how-employers-drove-workers-to-quitReacher (TV show): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reacher_(TV_series)Lee Child's Jack Reacher: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_ReacherKea flies off with Go Pro: https://youtu.be/WvHZy9i9LMA---The Midlifing logo is adapted from an original image by H.L.I.T: https://www.flickr.com/photos/29311691@N05/8571921679 (CC BY 2.0)
Feb 16 2022
26 mins
66: A non-sequitur too far
66: A non-sequitur too far
Lee and Simon start by livin' on a prayer but the conversation gets tainted by hope, disappointment and despair. Get in touch with Lee and Simon at info@midlifing.net.Related links (and necessary corrections):taint: https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=To%20TaintBoosey & Hawkes: https://www.boosey.com spit valve etiquette: https://wilktone.com/?p=3440Ball culture: https://lgbt.fandom.com/wiki/Ball_cultureParis is Burning: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paris_Is_Burning_(film)
Feb 9 2022
25 mins
65: A one in one out policy
65: A one in one out policy
Lee and Simon deal with the fallout from episode 64 when some (faithful) listeners demand a public apology. They then talk about forgiveness. Get in touch with Lee and Simon at info@midlifing.net.Related links (and necessary corrections):Apple cider vinegar and hair: https://www.healthline.com/health/apple-cider-vinegar-hairOlive oil and hair: https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/olive-oil-hair-careRichard Serra: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_SerraWhat am I, chopped liver?: https://knowyourphrase.com/what-am-i-chopped-liver---The Midlifing logo is adapted from an original image by H.L.I.T: https://www.flickr.com/photos/29311691@N05/8571921679 (CC BY 2.0)
Feb 2 2022
26 mins
64: The half-life of friendships
64: The half-life of friendships
Lee and Simon talk about making new friends.Get in touch with Lee and Simon at info@midlifing.net.Related links (and necessary corrections):making new friends as an adult: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/jan/18/theres-no-easy-way-to-make-new-friends-as-an-adult-and-sometimes-our-friendships-can-feel-like-a-chorehamsters, covid and Hong Kong: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-60095060frolleague: https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=frolleaguereminiscence bump: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reminiscence_bumpparasocial interaction: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parasocial_interaction---The Midlifing logo is adapted from an original image by H.L.I.T: https://www.flickr.com/photos/29311691@N05/8571921679 (CC BY 2.0)
Jan 26 2022
24 mins
63: The insurmountable problem of world messiness
63: The insurmountable problem of world messiness
Lee and Simon talk about Conrad the seagull and (unrelated) how ambitions seem to change in mid-life. Get in touch with Lee and Simon at info@midlifing.net.Related links (and necessary corrections):Marie Kondo sparking joy: https://konmari.com/marie-kondo-rules-of-tidying-sparks-joy/Bad Batch: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars:_The_Bad_BatchSeagull development: https://animalwhoop.com/about-seagulls-and-seagull-babies/Seoul Olympics: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1988_Summer_Olympicswhakapapa: https://teara.govt.nz/en/whakapapa-genealogy---The Midlifing logo is adapted from an original image by H.L.I.T: https://www.flickr.com/photos/29311691@N05/8571921679 (CC BY 2.0)
Jan 19 2022
25 mins
62: I am not sure that biting hard on a stick will do it for me
62: I am not sure that biting hard on a stick will do it for me
Lee and Simon indulge in a personality test (separately and together).(Sorry about Simon's crackly audio)Get in touch with Lee and Simon at info@midlifing.net.Related links (and necessary corrections):Jon Kabat-Zinn: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jon_Kabat-Zinndon't know mind: https://jackkornfield.com/practice-dont-know-mind/Novak Djokovic as political pawn to Scott Morrison: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-01-06/novak-djokovic-the-unlikely-hostage-in-petty-political-saga-/100741720Florence Griffith Joyner: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florence_Griffith_JoynerScarJo: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scarlett_JohanssonBennifer: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BenniferEnneagram of personality: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enneagram_of_PersonalityEnneagram test: https://www.truity.com/test/enneagram-personality-testEnya "Orinoco Flow (Sail Away)": https://youtu.be/2zkjQVh5KmQ Suzanne Vega "Left of Center": https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Left_of_Center_(Suzanne_Vega_song)Suzanne Vega "Luka": https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luka_(song)---The Midlifing logo is adapted from an original image by H.L.I.T: https://www.flickr.com/photos/29311691@N05/8571921679 (CC BY 2.0)
Jan 12 2022
25 mins