Amanda Keller was thrown an unexpected lifeline in midlife.

Midlife. It's one of those phases when everything feels like it's shifting. Kids are growing up, careers are evolving, and bodies are changing. It can feel like a roller-coaster, full of twists, turns, and the occasional unexpected drop.

But what if there was a secret weapon to help you navigate it all?

According to Australian television and radio presenter Amanda Keller and her best friend Anita McGregor, there is, and it's a simple one: strong female friendship.

In the season four premiere of MID, Mamamia's podcast for Gen X women who are anything but, these two best friends shared how their decades-long bond has been a lifeline through life's biggest challenges.

Watch Amanda Keller on MID. Post continues below.

Evolving together.

When Anita first moved to Australia from Canada, she was overwhelmed by no longer having her "people".

"It's a scary thing. On one hand, I can be whoever I want, but on the other hand, it's like… nobody knows me," Anita recalled. "Those friendships you have with people from childhood or uni — they come with this shorthand. And I didn't have any of that."

Then she met Amanda. They started socialising in a group but quickly formed their own little faction — long walks, deep chats, and showing up for each other through life's highs and lows.

Listen to Anita and Amanda's chat with Holly Wainwright on MID. Post continues below.

It wasn't instant but rather a "slow burn", they both agree. But now, they've been best friends for nearly two decades, even launching their own podcast, Double A Chattery.

As they've gotten older, they've learnt to respect each other's energy, knowing when to check in and when to give space. It's this shared understanding that keeps their friendship so strong.

"I'm being more diligent with myself in protecting myself," Amanda said. "But I know I can say that to you… 'Sorry about that. I just feel like crap today.'"

And you know what? That's the beauty of solid friendships. Life gets busy, but the right people make it easier to prioritise the connection, even in the chaos.

A safe harbour in the storm.

No matter the day, the time, or the topic, Amanda and Anita know they can rely on each other.

"I never feel self-conscious saying to Anita the dumbest, most basic way I cope with anything, and you never make me feel judged," Amanda said.

Because midlife? It throws curve balls. In Amanda's case, her husband, Harley Oliver's, health issues have been a major stressor. Amanda has been candid about Harley's Parkinson's disease diagnosis — and how she's found solace in work.

Amanda Keller. Image: Getty.

"Work has become a great equaliser," she said. "A place where I can be fully engaged and not wallow."

For many women, work is more than a job — it's an identity, a source of purpose, or simply a necessary distraction. "I love what I get from the work I do," Amanda added.

But their friendship isn't about professional advice, added Anita, a forensic psychologist. Instead, their bond allows them to just be — vent, cry, laugh — without judgement or a need to fix anything.

And sometimes, that's all you really need.

Redefining ambition and success.

Midlife is also a reckoning — a moment to reconsider what ambition and success look like. And for Amanda and Anita, being "done" isn't on the cards.

"I thought the daily-ness of radio would have worn me down by now," Amanda admitted on the pod. "By this stage of my life, I thought I'd be wrapping it up. But I actually realised how much I need it right now."

Anita feels the same way. "I love the idea that, at my age, I'm still contributing. I think I have a lot to contribute."

It's a powerful reminder that midlife doesn't have to mean slowing down. Women in their 40s, 50s, and beyond still have so much to learn, achieve and create.

MID host Holly Wainwright with Anita McGregor and Amanda Keller.

Finding the 'glimmers'.

Even with the challenges of life, there's still beauty to be found. Amanda and Anita make a point of looking out for the "glimmers" — the small moments of joy that make it all worthwhile.

Maybe it's a perfect cup of tea. A deep belly laugh with a friend. A quiet moment with family. Those little joys can carry us through tough times.

"It's not the human condition to be happy all the time," Amanda said. "But to recognise those moments when they come along? That's the gift."

Anita added, "You can try to grasp it, but it's ephemeral. It comes and goes whenever it wants."

And that's the trick — spotting those moments when they do come along, and holding onto them for just a little bit longer.

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Midlife might come with its fair share of challenges, but with the support of strong female friendships, it doesn't have to be a solo journey. These relationships offer a safe space to be vulnerable, a source of strength when we need it most, and a reminder to celebrate the small joys that make life meaningful.

As Amanda and Anita show, nurturing these friendships through all the ups and downs is one of the best ways to embrace all the richness life has to offer.

You can listen to Amanda and Anita on their podcast, Double A Chattery, here. You can follow Amanda on Instagram here.

Feature image: Supplied.