Reclaiming Joy: Why Fun Matters for Women After 35

Reclaiming Joy: Why Fun Matters for Women After 35

From Really Good Conversations by Amy Faulkner

February 23, 2026 · 29 min · Season 1 · Episode 66

About this episode

Amy Faulkner discusses the importance of joy and fun for women over 35 with the co-founders of House of Zim.

Summary When was the last time you had a night out that felt completely worth it? In this episode, Amy is joined by 'The Jodie's', Jodie Whelan and Jodie de Vries , founders of House of Zim ; a women-only events concept redefining what a great night out looks like for women over 35. Guest Jodie Whelan and Jodie de Vries are co-founders of House of Zim , a Sydney-based women-only events concept designed for women over 35. With backgrounds in brand and marketing, they've combined strategic thinking with lived experience to create thoughtfully curated, early-evening dance events that prioritise connection, nostalgia and joy. Overview Between careers, children, responsibilities and the constant pressure to optimise our lives, joy can quietly slip down the priority list. And when getting out requires organising childcare, coordinating diaries and reshuffling life's logistics, the stakes feel higher. If you're going to make the effort, it needs to be worth it. House of Zim was built around that idea - "a guaranteed good night". Together, they explore why women-only spaces feel different, what actually happens on a dance floor when women feel safe, and how music reconnects us with parts…

People in this episode

Host: Amy Faulkner

Guests: Jodie Whelan, Jodie de Vries

Topics covered

  • joy
  • women's events
  • dance
  • identity
  • friendship
  • self-care

Keywords

  • joy
  • women over 35
  • dance events
  • House of Zim
  • self-care
  • connection
  • nostalgia

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: House of Zim

Places: Sydney

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