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Midlife Sparkle with Belinda Stark
Welcome to Midlife Sparkle with Belinda Stark – the podcast that celebrates the messy, magical middle of life.
I'm Belinda Stark – coach, writer, mum, and midlife cheerleader. I know firsthand how this season can feel like a rollercoaster: one minute you're craving change, the next you're clinging to what's familiar. Whether you're navigating menopause, identity shifts, career pivots, or relationships evolving, this podcast is your reminder that you're not alone – and it's not too late to reclaim your sparkle.
Each week, you'll hear honest conversations with inspiring women, expert voices, and real stories from the messy middle. We’ll explore everything from mindset and wellbeing to alcohol, ageing, motherhood, purpose, and the quiet courage it takes to start again.
This is your space for reflection, laughter, lightbulb moments, and gentle nudges forward – no perfectionism, pressure, or pretending required.
Let’s rewrite the rules of midlife, one story at a time.
Midlife Sparkle with Belinda Stark
Luan Lawrenson-Woods
In this episode of Sober Sparkle I sit down with award-winning patient advocate and podcast host Luan Lawrenson-Woods. After her diagnosis with invasive lobular breast cancer, Luan discovered just how overwhelming the health system can feel - the jargon, the choices, the pressure - and turned that experience into a mission to help women advocate for themselves with calm, clarity and confidence.
We talk about why self-advocacy matters, what informed consent really means in practice, and how to prepare for appointments so I’m not walking out thinking, “I wish I’d asked that.” Luan shares her practical Six Steps of Self-Advocacy (her “SAS”) and shows how small changes - a written question list, a supportive “wing person”, and better filters for online information - can transform decision-making and reduce regret. https://www.luanlawriewoods.com.au/self-advocacy-resources
Luan also explains her shift from private patient to public advocate, why community and lived experience are so powerful, and how respectful, values-led communication can sit comfortably alongside medical expertise. This conversation is a reminder that my healthcare is about me, and my voice belongs in the room.
Key takeaways and actions
- I have the right to ask questions and participate fully in my care. That isn’t being difficult - it’s being informed.
- Preparation helps under pressure. I’ll write my questions, bring a support person to take notes, and ask for plain-English explanations.
- I’ll “cut the CRAP” when I’m online: watch for conspiracy, requests for money, anecdotes in place of evidence, and check who published it.
- Self-advocacy can be respectful and values-based. If something doesn’t sit right, I’ll seek clarification or a second opinion. Here's the free resource. https://www.luanlawriewoods.com.au/self-advocacy-resources
- After appointments, I’ll check in with myself: did I feel heard, do I understand my options, and what do I need next?
- The Six Self-Advocacy Steps is SSAS (not SAS). Listeners can find it here: https://www.luanlawriewoods.com.au/self-advocacy-resources