Rediscovering joy after hitting rock-bottom with Julie Goodwin
In a VERY SPECIAL episode, I sit down with the legendary Julie Goodwin. She tells me how she began to re-build her life, bit by bit, & slowly rediscover her sense of joy.
This episode contains discussions about sensitive issues, including suicide and mental health. If anything we talk about is difficult for you, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
In this very special episode of Prime Time, I’m joined by the wonderful Julie Goodwin, who you might know from MasterChef, her cookbooks, or her work on radio. But today, Julie shows up as her most honest, generous self, sharing the deeply personal journey she’s been on over the past few years.
We talk about what it means to hit rock bottom, to rebuild slowly and gently, and to rediscover joy in a life that looks very different from the one she thought she’d be living. Julie shares how she found new purpose and energy in her work, how she reconnected with the people and parts of herself that matter most, and the mindset shifts that helped her find peace again.
And because it’s almost Christmas, she’s also sharing her ham glaze secrets - plus two simple recipes to help you make the most of that leftover ham.
You can find more information about Julie Goodwin’s upcoming tour ‘Your Time Starts Now’ here.
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE OF THE PODCAST HERE:
Highlights of the conversation:
What Julie learned after hitting rock bottom: Julie shares openly about her experience with mental health, including time in a facility and how the process of recovery helped her rebuild, one step at a time.
The three filters she uses to shape her life now: Joy, purpose and peace. Julie talks about how she uses these three pillars to guide her choices in midlife and beyond, and how they help her stay grounded in what really matters.
Letting go of roles and embracing change: From downsizing the family home to redefining her identity beyond work, Julie speaks honestly about the grief and freedom that come with transition.
The health shift that followed the mindset shift: Julie talks about quitting alcohol, rebuilding strength, and how focusing on mental health helped her reconnect with her body too - not for the number on the scale, but for how it feels.
Partnership through the ups and downs: Julie reflects on her 30+ year marriage to Mick, the seasons they’ve been through, and how love, humour and honesty helped them find their way through.
A new season of creativity: From books to community projects to her upcoming tour, Julie shares how she’s stitching together a midlife career that’s built on meaning, not just momentum.
Plus, Julie’s secret to the perfect Christmas ham: Stick around to the end for her two go-to ham glaze recipes and how to reinvent the leftovers.
From Bec’s Desk
Merry Christmas everyone!
I hope you’re settling into a wonderful holiday season. This episode really is a treat, isn’t it?
I think you’ll love the honesty of this conversation and the very real Prime Time journey Julie Goodwin is on right now. It’s open, grounded, and refreshingly human.
And don’t skip the ending – Julie shares two of her wonderful ham basting tips that are absolute gold.
Now - get back to that holiday! And enjoy the show.
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