Fighting the grey stigma
This week I’m joined by author, baker, and champion for midlife women, Catherine Greer, to talk about going grey — why it can feel like an act of rebellion, and a powerful moment for authenticity.
In this episode of Prime Time, I’m joined by the wonderful Catherine Greer — an Australian-Canadian author, copywriter, baker, and mother — to talk about something so many of us are thinking about in midlife: going grey.
Catherine shares her honest journey of choosing to ditch the dye before it became trendy, how it felt to let her natural silver hair come through, and what it taught her about ageing, authenticity, and freedom. We talk about why going grey can feel like an act of rebellion, how the pressure to stay young is still stitched into our culture, and why midlife is actually the vibrant middle — not the end — of our lives.
We also dive into Catherine’s new novel, The Bittersweet Bakery Cafe, a beautiful celebration of resilience, creativity, and starting over in the middle of life. If you’re feeling the pull toward authenticity, creativity, or just a little tired of the endless salon visits, you’ll love this conversation.
"I'm a midlife woman who's learned to embrace authenticity, not fight it. I made the choice to ditch the dye before it became fashionable, because I was tired of the endless cycle of hiding who I really was. I’m not here trying to look younger — I’m here to be myself, more fully than ever.”
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE OF THE PODCAST HERE:
Highlights of the conversation:
How Catherine decided to stop dyeing her hair, and the pivotal moment her teenage son unknowingly gave her the permission she needed.
The emotional process of growing out grey, including living with "badger roots" and learning to see her natural beauty again.
The surprising upside: how natural hair often suits our skin better and feels healthier than we ever remember.
Why midlife is the middle, not the decline, and why we need to claim this season for all it’s worth.
The idea of self-directed ageism, and how we can stop letting outdated narratives tell us we’re “less” as we age.
Building a creative second act: how Catherine started writing her first novel at 49, proving it's never too late to kickstart a dream.
The power of rhythms like Sunday family dinners and creating new traditions when kids grow up or family scatters.
Why midlife women are finally becoming visible again in retail, media, and culture — and why it’s about time!
Embracing authenticity: not feeling pressured to "peacock" or become a caricature of ageing — but simply becoming more of ourselves.
Catherine’s beautiful metaphor: ageing not as peeling away layers but as adding new, richer layers — like a matryoshka doll.
This conversation is for you if you’re ready to live fully in your Prime Time — with less fear, more authenticity, and a whole lot of permission to be exactly who you are.
Find out more about Catherine’s new book The Bittersweet Bakery Cafe here on Amazon.
Other useful links
Preorder your copy of Prime Time: 27 Lessons for the New Midlife
Learn more about our Epic Retirement Flagship Course here — (Our next course for Spring 2025 is on sale!)
Listen to the Prime Time podcast on Apple Podcasts here or Spotify here
Visit the Epic Retirement Club on Facebook here
Sign up for my weekly Epic Retirement newsletter here
Order a copy of How to Have an Epic Retirement on Amazon here (It’s a bestseller!)
Thank you so much for sharing this. I know you wrote this is trending, but I feel so alone in this decision. And, sometimes I regret it when I pull my hair back in an alternative style and out pop all those gray hairs that were hiding under that top level! But, I'm staying the course. It helps to read and hear about others' decision and experience. I love that you shared this topic!
You must be running out of ideas on retirement if you have to resort to whether aged women should dye their hair or grow old gracefully?