Age: 53.
Basic bio: Lorraine is the mother of four children ages 10-19, co-host of the UK podcast Postcards From Midlife, and bestselling author of “Mum What’s Wrong With You?” 101 Things Only Mothers of Teenage Girls Know. She is the former editor-in-chief of UK Elle, Cosmopolitan, and The Sunday Times Style, and an occasional columnist. She’s a dog lover, slow cold water swimmer, and art fan from Cornwall.
Beyond the bio: There’s a revolution happening in the UK right now: Women are finally talking about menopause and perimenopause and I am so proud to have been part of this as the former editor of the magazines Gen-X women read here. I went mad at 47 as my hormones fluctuated and if I had known what was going on then my life at work and home would have been easier. Co-hosting our podcast helped me understand.
What makes you a grown-ass lady? Knowing that change is painful as we embrace our magnificent second acts, but I now know we CAN cope when life is overwhelming if we know why this transformation is happening. Knowledge is power for Gen X women. When we unleash our power we are unstoppable.
Here’s her TueNight 10:
On the nightstand: Therapist Julia Samuel's book Every Family Has A Story.
Can't stop/won't stop: Calling out society’s muting of midlife women. Also swimming outside in all weathers. It's bonkers but addictive and makes you feel amazing for days.
Jam of the minute: Is “jam” a US word? If it means music then we have a TV show called Derry Girls, it's a comedy about Northern Ireland in the 90s. The 90s playlist on Spotify is spectacular. I am also a big fan of Lizzo and my 18-year-old introduced me to the french feminist rapper Angele.
Thing I miss: Friends and relatives who I’ve lost. Remembering them reminds me aging is a privilege and not everyone gets to experience it.
'80s crush: Midge Ure, the lead singer of Ultravox. George Michael always.
Current crush: Dwayne The Rock Johnson. He is hilarious. Or Keanu, who is every woman over forty's crush.
Latest fav find: All six of the books on the Women's Prize For Fiction shortlist which I am helping judge this year. Women writers are so funny, even when they write about sad subjects.
Last thing you lost: My phone. Luckily I found it while using the torch (flashlight) on it to look for it in my handbag. This happens about three times a day.
Best thing that happened recently: Hearing my 19-year-old daughter talk about her University course. She is one of a handful of girls doing mechanical engineering and she loves it and I love her passion for it. And seeing my 10-year-old daughter play football, which is finally available to girls schools here in the UK. It is her great passion. Also our podcast has been super successful thanks to lovely Gen-X listeners this season who have bonded as a community to spread the word. Women actively supporting women makes me happy.
Looking forward to: Finishing my second book on how our identity changes in midlife for 4th Estate by June! Writing is a lonely task and I want to get back out into the world again.