CrunchyTales team is a powerhouse of expertise on midlife, ageing, and longevity, with a special focus on empowering women over 50 to thrive in every aspect of their lives. 

Introducing The CrunchyTales Team

We’re a diverse and dynamic team of writers, researchers, illustrators, and subject matter experts from around the world, united by a shared mission to redefine what it means to age with confidence and vitality. We bring insights from various backgrounds, blending professional knowledge with personal passion, to create content that informs, inspires, and celebrates this transformative chapter.

With us, you’ll find guidance that’s thoughtful, evidence-based, and relevant, tailored to empower you as you embrace the richness of midlife and beyond.

Michela Di Carlo | Founder & Chief Editor

Michela, founder and chief editor of CrunchyTales.com, leads the first illustrated online magazine dedicated to bold, dynamic women over 50, redefining midlife as a vibrant, empowering journey. A bilingual lifestyle journalist and speaker with a Master’s in Communication from the University of Rome, Michela is a distinguished contributor to Italy’s leading publications for Italy’s major publications, including La Repubblica and ANSA news agency. Her work focuses on uplifting women navigating the “second act” of life, showcasing the bright side of ageing through inspiring content and events across the UK. Michela is also the creator of The Beauty of Ageing, a pioneering pro-age live radio show, and a fierce advocate for lifelong learning and empowerment for women over 50.

Veronica Niccolai | Art Director

Veronica Niccolai, a creative with a background in fine arts and a degree in architecture from Florence University, has built a professional path that encompasses editorial illustration, graphic design, and artistic direction for cultural events. As the Art Director of CrunchyTales and part of the Lucca Crea team, she brings her vision to the realization of international festivals such as Lucca Comics and Games. Her architectural training also shapes her approach to music: as a DJ and producer, she has earned the title of ‘sound architect’ for her ability to translate architectural principles into structured soundscapes. 

Silvia Pellegrino | Content Producer

A writer, feminist, and migrant with a deep love for dogs, beards, music, and indie films—the “Frances Ha” type. Raised in a quietly matriarchal family, Silvia gravitates toward emotionally available people with strong opinions. She collects teaspoons and waistcoats, and her dog doubles as her full-time therapist. One day, she dreams of taking him to the theatre. With a background in journalism and film criticism, she also hopes to study tarot—not to foresee the future entirely, just the dull parts, so she can rewrite them into something far more exciting.

Giulia Marchetti | Social Media Manager

Giulia Marchetti, better known as Jus, is a social media manager with a background in linguistics and a strong passion for digital communication. With experience in photography, videomaking, and storytelling, she knows how to turn ideas and emotions into engaging visual content. Her expertise allows her to manage and optimize social media communication, creating content that not only tells stories but also strengthens brand identity and drives engagement.

Penny Pepper, Jennifer Thompson, Deborah Cross, Jane Ashton, Jo Moseley, Stella Fosse, Colleen Rosenblum, Deborah Darling, Nikki Love, Amy Schmidt, Nuthan Manohar, Kristen Jensen, Kavita Ahuja, Vanessa Rhodes, Nancy Burger, Valentina Harris, Joyce Connor, Kelly Howard, Anne Poirier, Nicole Christina, Diana Place

Lorenza Bacino, Joanna Lawson, Martina Moretti, Silvia Russano, Amy Spencer, Hanna Suni, Laura Jackson.

Hanna Suni, Veronica Niccolai