Best The Wobbly Middle Podcasts (2025)

1
Setting Her Own Stones: Building a Life-Shaped Business 31:49

3d ago31:49

31:49

Sophia Champion de Crespigny loved physics. She studied civil engineering for 8 years, fascinated by structure and design. In the workplace, however, she found herself wading through actual sewage in the field - and the more metaphorical kind in the office. Engineering may have been the plan but it turns out it wasn’t the fit. When Sophie finally q…

1
Salima Saxton - Who to leave at the party and the perils of a forever home 49:51

4d ago49:51

49:51

One night, after service in the restaurant, I stumbled across a Moth Story that stopped me in my tracks. If you haven’t heard of them, think TED Talks—but personal storytelling. It was Salima Saxton, talking about a Valentine’s Day when her beloved husband, Carl, an entrepreneur, told her he couldn’t go on. Everything unraveled. Salima took charge.…

1
Trump’s Middle East Tour, Peace Talks in Disarray, Trade War Ceasefire 42:02

7d ago42:02

42:02

This week, President Trump’s whirlwind tour of the Middle East sees him striking arms deals and declaring an end to nation-building, even as he engages in tense discussions with former jihadist-turned-Syrian leader Ahmed al-Shara. Meanwhile, in Istanbul, Russian and Ukrainian negotiators prepare for the first peace talks in three years — without Pu…

1
Q&A with Patsy Day; Advice on Your Saga from Susannah de Jager 13:42

10d ago13:42

13:42

We’ve got mail. Susannah and Patsy open the mailbag and respond to some of your excellent (occasionally panic-tinged) every-woman questions about navigating midlife career change. This means, Patsy, who usually prefers to hide behind the microphone (and strong opinions about editing), has to sit in front of it. Susannah on the other hand is already…

1
Putin-Xi Pact, India-Pakistan Crossfire, Netanyahu’s Push 40:15

14d ago40:15

40:15

This week, Chinese leader Xi Jinping visits Moscow for a Victory Day parade and meetings meant to showcase and strengthen a strategic alliance. Both Xi and Russian President Putin have taken aim at US economic and military policies and are presenting themselves as a counterbalance to Western influence. Meanwhile, India launches airstrikes against P…

1
Break. Return. Rise. 31:14

17d ago31:14

31:14

When Hannah McCracken returned to advertising after a career break raising her children, she anticipated going back at the same level, with some flexibility. She was met with a “no” — neatly packaged as professional advice: expect less. Less responsibility. Less pay. Less relevance. But for Hannah, time out never meant value lost. She had built her…

1
100 Days of Unmaking the World America Made 41:52

21d ago41:52

41:52

This week marks the first 100 days of President Trump’s second term. From dismantling key alliances and trade agreements to sidelining democratic values and global institutions, are Trump's actions rapidly unraveling the post-WWII world order and 80 years of American-led international leadership? What does this mean for US influence, global stabili…

1
Hot To Go-Bag: Bonus Episode with Aundrea Cline-Thomas 8:32

24d ago8:32

8:32

We get the inside scoop on what it was really like producing a live, chaotic political interview with then-candidate Donald Trump — the pressure, the reputational stakes, and Aundrea’s strategies for the toughest of interviews. This bonus episode is packed with big energy, behind-the-scenes moments plus Aundrea’s “Wobbly Middle” Go-Bag essentials. …

1
Ukraine Plan, Kashmir Crisis, Pentagon Chaos 42:41

28d ago42:41

42:41

This week, after President Trump floated a plan for Ukraine to cede territory to Russia, Moscow launched its deadliest strike on Kyiv since last summer. While the attack drew rare criticism from Trump, the administration has offered Kyiv only vague assurances about the country’s future security under the proposed plan that was presented as an ultim…

1
Lights, Camera... Pivot! 31:30

1M ago31:30

31:30

Newsrooms collapsing. Journalism jobs vanishing. Three-time Emmy winner and TV reporter Aundrea Cline-Thomas saw the signs flashing like a breaking news ticker: the industry she loved was falling apart live on air. Stepping behind the camera, Aundrea launched her own production company, Mountain Court Media, as well as the community initiative The …

1
Easing Chinese Tariffs, Defying Judicial Orders, Wobbling German Government 43:51

1M ago43:51

43:51

This week, the Trump administration quietly eased tariffs on a wide range of Chinese goods, a move critics say exposes weakness in the US trade war stance. Meanwhile, President Trump has refused to secure the return of Kilmar Ábrego García, who was unlawfully deported to a prison in El Salvador, escalating showdown between the president and the jud…

1
US-China Trade War, Tariff Whiplash, Iran Talks 42:04

1M ago42:04

42:04

A dramatic escalation in the US-China trade war sent markets reeling this week and raised fears of a prolonged economic standoff between the world’s two largest economies. Both sides seem to be playing a game of chicken, unveiling new rounds of retaliatory tariffs almost daily. And American businesses and consumers, as well as American allies and t…

1
Liberation Day Tariffs, Hegseth’s Asia Tour, and Le Pen Conviction Fallout 42:41

2M ago42:41

42:41

President Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs announcement on Thursday sent shockwaves through global markets and sparked promises of retaliation from both adversaries and allies. And earlier this week, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s visit to Asia signaled a shift in US military strategy, with key meetings in Japan and the Philippines that could …

1
The Wobbly Middle Season Two 1:03

2M ago1:03

1:03

Do you feel a pull towards something new but aren’t sure what’s next? So do we! Following a No. 1 ranking on Apple Podcasts GB Careers chart, hosts Susannah de Jager and Patsy Day—who leapt off their own corporate career ladders—return for Season 2 on Wednesday, April 23 with more inspiring conversations about bold career shifts, unexpected opportu…

1
Signalgate Blows Up, Turkey in Crisis, Vance Visits Greenland 40:53

2M ago40:53

40:53

This week, news that top Trump administration officials discussed operational details of a US attack on the Houthis in an unsecure Signal group chat raised profound questions about the administration’s security procedures, as well as demonstrating what those officials really think about Europe. Meanwhile, the arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu, mayor of Ista…

1
Germany Gets Serious, Israel Breaks Ceasefire, Trump Threatens Iran 43:09

2M ago43:09

43:09

This week, Germany bets big on its future as parliament approves Friedrich Merz’s bold €1 trillion push for defense and infrastructure, shattering borrowing limits to counter Russia and cut reliance on the US. Is the debt gamble worth it? In the Middle East, Israel’s renewed assault on Gaza shatters a fragile ceasefire, killing more than 400 and ig…

1
Putin Stalls Ceasefire & Europeans See Trump as a Threat 44:59

2M ago44:59

44:59

This week Russia hints at openness to a cease-fire in Ukraine but with tough conditions—stalling tactic or real breakthrough? Meanwhile, European allies increasingly see President Trump as a growing security threat, raising questions about reliance on the US and the impact on nuclear deterrence. And a judge rules President Trump overstepped by free…

1
Trump’s Trade War, China’s Warning, and Europe’s Challenge 42:55

3M ago42:55

42:55

This week before delivering his address to Congress, President Trump sparked a trade war with America’s three largest trading partners—Canada, Mexico, and China—triggering swift retaliatory tariffs and rattling global markets. Meanwhile, during China’s National People’s Congress annual meeting, Premier Li Qiang announced increased defense spending,…

1
Germany Moves Right, US Abandons Ukraine, and Gaza Truce Extension 41:19

3M ago41:19

41:19

The center barely held in Germany, as Germany moved sharply to the extremes, with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) doubling its support in just four years. Can Germany retake the lead in Europe, which is now more urgent than ever? Meanwhile, President Trump continued to walk away from Ukraine, siding with Russia at the UN and forcing Kyi…

1
US-Russia Reset, New Gaza Plans, and Xi’s Big Tech Bet 44:07

3M ago44:07

44:07

US and Russian negotiators met in Saudi Arabia this week and, in a stunning reset, agreed to re-establish normal relations and work together to end the Ukraine war. Meanwhile, from Mar-a-Lago President Trump blamed Ukraine for the war and called President Volodymyr Zelensky “a dictator.” What does this shift mean for Ukraine, NATO, and US security …

1
Leaders meet in Munich to discuss future of NATO and Ukraine 32:18

3M ago32:18

32:18

As world leaders gather in Munich this week for their annual security conference, Ukraine will once again take center stage – though mainly because of the two people who won’t be there. Presidents Trump and Putin discussed the war and committed to work towards peace in a phone call, but didn’t commit to involving Ukraine in the talks. Meanwhile, De…

1
Trump’s Gaza Plan, USAID Overhaul, and Tariffs 42:04

3M ago42:04

42:04

President Trump’s proposal for US control of Gaza and relocating its population sparked global backlash this week and was deemed unrealistic and illegal. Top administration officials are now walking back elements of the proposal, insisting US troops won’t be used to clear the territory and relocation would be temporary. Is this just another Trump n…

1
Trump’s World—The Return of Great Power Politics 41:14

4M ago41:14

41:14

Donald Trump’s first week in office has ushered in a new era in America’s relationship with the world. Pax Americana out; Great Power Competition is in. Whether it is buying Greenland, controlling Panama, threatening tariffs on Colombia, Mexico, Canada, and China, Trump wields American power to get what he wants. That creates both new opportunities…

1
Europe and Asia Respond to Trump’s Return 41:56

4M ago41:56

41:56

On Monday, European leaders watched the inauguration of President Trump from Davos and fretted about his threats to impose sweeping tariffs, his demands for significant increases in European defense spending, and the possibility he may shift America’s stance toward Ukraine. He already has followed through on withdrawing from the Paris climate agree…

1
Biden’s Foreign Policy Legacy and What Trump is Inheriting 41:16

4M ago41:16

41:16

President Biden entered office with ambitious foreign policy goals and is leaving a complicated legacy. Though he navigated the global COVID-19 pandemic, rallied allies to support Ukraine, and implemented policies to address climate change, challenges such as the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal, record illegal border crossings, the war in Gaza, and …

1
Susannah de Jager - Wobbly middles and having it all but not at the same time 34:40

4M ago34:40

34:40

Susannah is an entrepreneur who loves change. Her career has taken her from CEO of a boutique asset management business to an independent financial services advisor and founder and host of the brilliant Oxford+ and The Wobbly Middle podcasts. Susannah has a passion for embracing transitions, cooking and eating - the perfect How to Cook a Gremlin gu…

1
Trump's Expansionist Ambitions and Tech Titans' Disruptions 43:56

4M ago43:56

43:56

In this episode, we unpack the first major global stories of 2025. Donald Trump’s expansionist rhetoric this week toward Greenland and Panama reflects his “America First” doctrine and risks violating international law, alienating allies, and deepening global tensions. How serious is he? Meanwhile, tech titans Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg stir misi…

1
Dr David Jack - aesthetics genius, skincare brand creator, podcaster talks the heaven that is the River Cafe and two seismic events that changed the course of his life 28:57

4M ago28:57

28:57

Its not every NHS doctor that turns their hand to entrepreneurship but Dr. Jack likes to tread his own path and wring the most out of life. We chat about the impetus that led him to establish acclaimed clinics in London and Scotland with interiors he designed, along with a skincare brand and podcast, Face Values. His enthusiasm for life is infectio…

1
A Portrait of Passion and Courage 36:44

5M ago36:44

36:44

Donna was in her 40s when she picked up a camera. A stay-at-home mum in a new country, she poured her passion for food into a blog to fill the long school days. Good photos were essential, so—like every resourceful mother—she taught herself. The result? Drool-worthy, award-winning images that launched a stellar career. Now in her 50s, professional …

1
Fergus Chamberlain - Founder of authentic Mexican food business - Gran Luchito - talks winning over Fortnum and Masons, heartbreak cassoulet and dinner with Richard Branson and Thomasina Miers 28:18

5M ago28:18

28:18

I first bonded with the wonderful and talented Fergus Chamberlain when we traded stories of our time working in Michelin kitchens. Fergus founded authentic Mexican food company Gran Luchito in 2012 after a trip to Oaxaca changed the course of his life. Starting his career as a food buyer at Sainsbury’s, Fergus always knew he wanted to run his own c…

1
Ursula Ferrigno - Author, Chef, Teacher talks manifesting husbands, casting food spells and Russell Norman's legacy 24:27

5M ago24:27

24:27

Ursula is an author, chef and teacher who has written several evocative cook books including Cucina del Veneto, Cuicina di Amalfi and Lemons and Limes. She also contributes beautiful recipes to a number of publications including Red and Delicious magazine. She started her career demonstrating dishes at Books for Cooks in Notting Hill, as an ode to …

1
Syria’s Revolution, Europe’s Support for Ukraine, and Trump’s Media Battles 43:43

5M ago43:43

43:43

In our final episode of 2024, we’ll dig into the stories that are not only dominating the headlines this week but also will command attention well into 2025. First, how is the Syrian revolution already reshaping the Middle East and how will it affect the balance of power in the region? Then, European leaders, including Ukraine’s President Volodymyr…

1
The Entrepreneur Masterclass: Debbie Wosskow’s Blueprint for Success 31:50

5M ago31:50

31:50

Notebooks at the ready—this is a masterclass in taking ideas to thriving ventures from one of the UK’s most dynamic businesswomen. Debbie Wosskow OBE has built, scaled, and sold multimillion-pound businesses, including Love Home Swap, and now leads the charge for female founded businesses with the £250 million Invest in Women Taskforce and her new …

1
Chloe McCoy - Masterchef the Professionals 2024 Pastry Queen - discusses her dramatic body transformation, dream Taylor Swift dinner party and kitchen control freakery 36:12

5M ago36:12

36:12

I met Chloe when we worked together at Kitchen W8. Straight away her talent, humour and ambition were clear. I persuaded her to work with me at an independent brasserie in Notting Hill. While this stint was brief - all the chefs there were equally struck by Chloe's culinary gifts - both as a mentor and just an excellent and unique chef. Chloe's sta…

1
The End of the Assad Regime 39:59

5M ago39:59

39:59

This week we saw the end of one of the world’s most brutal dictatorships with the swift and unexpected fall of the Assad Regime in Syria. The Syrian rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a former Al Qaeda affiliate that broke with the group years ago, has formed a transitional government that is pledging inclusivity while emphasizing accountability for…

1
Ed Hough - Trailblazing co-founder of Safari Series talks plastic surgery ice breakers, food time travel and looking your gremlins in the eye 39:11

5M ago39:11

39:11

Ed and Moon Hough founded the incredible Safari Series, in the foothills of Mount Kenya to bring a more modern, ecological and equitable safari experience to the country. Their passion and vision are infectious. I was lucky enough to chef at this unique camp for a month this year and it was life changing. Their philosophy, gorgeous team and camp ar…

1
South Korea's Martial Law, France's No-Confidence Vote, and Syria's Rebels Advance 40:42

6M ago40:42

40:42

Political chaos reigned this week as South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared and then lifted martial law within hours amid public outrage, parliamentary backlash, and mounting calls for his impeachment. Meanwhile, France’s political upheaval came with the passing of a no-confidence measure against Prime Minister Michel Barnier and his cabinet…

1
Chiara Tomasoni - Masterchef the Professionals 2024 disruptor, River Cottage Head Chef, talks love at first scallop, serving skeletons and cooking gremlins with discomfort 43:02

6M ago43:02

43:02

Chiara sees food differently. She is a disruptor who isn't afraid of taking risks! Chiara draws on her heritage and love of using all of the ingredient - root to tip, nose to tail. After university she went into private cheffing. Chiara then landed her dream job at the River Cottage, where she not only fell in love but ascended to Head Chef at the …

1
From Lab to Lifeline: When Brain and Heart Collide 35:45

6M ago35:45

35:45

Born in the New Mexico deserts where running water was a luxury, Dr. Emily Connally was an unlikely contender for the ivory towers of Harvard and Oxford — but with grit, brilliance, and a touch of rebellion, she soared. Yet her greatest achievements may not be in the lab... When the pandemic struck, Emily applied the same expertise she used to map …

1
Remi Williams - Chef Patron of Smoke and Salt, Masterchef the Professionals 2024 contestant talks Greg Wallace sabotage, heartbreak souffle and cooking yourself out of a mess 44:07

6M ago44:07

44:07

I met this week's guest, Remi Williams in the notoriously relaxed setting of the Masterchef the Professionals kitchen earlier this year?! His creativity and cool, calm demeanour immediately struck me. Following filming I asked him if I could come and do a shift at his restaurant in Tooting, Smoke and Salt which showcases curing, smoking and preserv…

1
1,000 Days of Ukraine War, Global Summits, and RFK Impact on Global Health 41:08

6M ago41:08

41:08

This week marked the 1,000 day of the Ukraine War. We'll unpack recent developments, including Ukraine's use of US-supplied ATACMS missiles to strike Russian territory for the first time, intensified Russian attacks near Kurakhove, the pause in operations at the US embassy in Kyiv, and Russia's updated nuclear deterrence doctrine. Then world leader…

1
From Courtroom to Chef’s Kitchen: A Feast of Grit and Glory 32:18

6M ago32:18

32:18

Sophie was 37 when she was diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. Recovered but with a heavy dose of heartache, she had a choice to make: return to the legal career she had spent years building or follow her passion into the fires of the kitchen. With humour, grit, and inspiring zest, Sophie Archer reveals how her strength grew to fuel her culi…

1
Kate Kindersley founder of African artisanal homeware brand, Hadeda talks butter, tahini addiction and marrying a kind man 26:39

6M ago26:39

26:39

Kate Kindersley founded Hadeda, a unique home collection sourced from artisans across fashion, ceramics, art, weaving, beading and carpentry from Africa and around the globe. Kate grew up between Africa and the UK. The business is informed by a belief in the enduring value of craft and design over mass production. In this episode Kate and Sophie di…

1
Jane Montgomery - Leiths legendary culinary teacher, chef and content creator discusses weird snacking habits, lemon obsession and the wonder that is Joanne McNally 33:01

6M ago33:01

33:01

Jane is a true multi-hyphenate. She is a chef, professional culinary teacher at Leiths School of Food and Wine, pastry guru and inspiring creator of recipe content, janeexplainsforforkssake. She combines self deprecating humour with incredible skills to make her demonstrations mesmerising. Jane joins me to talk about the life changing events that l…

1
Trump's Cabinet Picks Point to Significant Shifts in Global Policy 40:51

6M ago40:51

40:51

This week, we’ll analyze what Donald Trump’s early picks for key positions reveal about his approaches to foreign policy, national security, and international economic policy. We’ll explore who may benefit from his return to office—including potential gains for Russia, Israel, Gulf states, and the Global South—as well as those who may face setbacks…

1
How to Cook a Gremlin Trailer 0:44

6M ago0:44

0:44

By Sophie Archer

1
Trump's Election Victory: Reactions, Implications, and Expectations 42:20

7M ago42:20

42:20

This week, Americans overwhelmingly voted for Donald Trump to become the 47th president of the United States. While the polls predicted a tight race, they underestimated Trump's support, and he soared back to the White House along with large Republican gains in the House and Senate. Susan Glasser, James Harding, and Peter Speigel join World Review …

1
From Delivery Room to Disruptor: When the Gloves Came Off 27:54

7M ago27:54

27:54

Midwife Nina Van Schaick felt a deep calling to support mothers through the transformative experience of childbirth. But as she witnessed the trauma caused by failures in maternal care, she knew change was urgently needed. With less than 2% of pharmaceutical R&D dedicated to maternal health, Nina decided to take action herself. Join the warm, funny…

1
Japan's Snap Election, Gaza Humanitarian Crisis, North Korean Troops in Kursk 42:31

7M ago42:31

42:31

Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party faced a major setback in Sunday's snap elections after failing to obtain a majority of seats in the Lower House for the first time in 15 years. How will this shocking parliamentary loss affect the long-standing party, and what will it mean for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s future? Then, aid entering Gaza is at its…

1
Unfinished Business 32:45

7M ago32:45

32:45

What happens when one of the most influential woman in the City resigns at the top of her game? Dame Helena Morrissey stunned the financial world when she stepped down as CEO of Newton Asset Management at 50 — without a fully formed plan. In this compelling episode, Helena opens up about the unfinished business that drove her forward; and how she l…

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The Wobbly Middle Podcasts

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