Your 2nd Act

As we move through midlife, we often focus on the changes we’re experiencing, but what about the men in our lives? Our husbands, partners, brothers, and friends are navigating their own challenges, often in silence.

In this deeply relatable conversation, Michelle speaks with Tim Hewson, founder of Mongrels Men, a groundbreaking charity supporting men’s mental health. Tim shares his personal journey of hiding his struggles for 20 years and how hitting rock bottom after divorce led him to create a safe, supportive community for men to connect, share, and heal.

Together, Michelle and...

Feeling stuck in a style rut? You’re not alone. In this episode, I’m joined by Courtney a fashion stylist, content creator, and someone who’s completely reinvented herself in midlife.

After 30 years in corporate, Courtney found herself questioning what was next (sound familiar?). She made the bold decision to walk away from the safe path and discovered a whole new beginning through styling. Her second act didn’t just change her career, it reignited her purpose.

In this chat, we cover:
✨ How to rebuild confidence through what you wear
🎨 Why colour is...

We know how important female friendships are in midlife - hey, imagine life without them… scary, right? These relationships are our lifelines, our sounding boards, and our greatest cheerleaders, but what happens when a friendship no longer aligns with who you are? When it quietly starts to feel more draining than uplifting, and you’re faced with the uncomfortable truth that it might be time to walk away?

In this solo episode, Michelle dives into the emotional rollercoaster of midlife friendships, how they change, why some fade, and how to navigate it all without guilt. Drawing from her...

Midlife is often seen as a time of reflection, but for many women, it’s also a time of bold reinvention. In this episode, I speak with Ren, co-founder of ReLove, about how she embraced her 2nd Act by starting a much needed charity, one that not only changed her life, but is transforming the lives of others.

ReLove provides furniture and household essentials to people in crisis, particularly women escaping domestic violence, homelessness, and other hardships. Through this work, Ren is not just offering physical support, but also restoring dignity, stability, and hope.

We ex...

Guys how many of you describe yourself as people-pleasers, perfectionists, or the one who’s always protecting others? Bloody exhausting… isn’t it!

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and today’s guest knows exactly how you feel. Dr. Michelle McQuaid, or Chelle as she’s known, is a globally recognized researcher, bestselling author, and positive psychology expert who combines cutting-edge science with her own deeply personal journey to help women let go of society’s ‘good girl’ expectations and finally live life on their own terms.

Despite building a life that looked picture-perfect on t...

In this episode of Your 2nd Act, I sit down with Kath Elliott, an alcohol coach, to explore the complexities of alcohol consumption, particularly among midlife women. Many of us have grown up with alcohol as a central part of socialising, celebrating, and even unwinding, but at this stage of life, is it really serving us?

Kath shares her personal journey from binge drinking to embracing an alcohol-free lifestyle, highlighting the transformative experiences that led her to become a coach. We dive into the misconceptions surrounding binge drinking, the unique ways alcohol affects women’s health, especially du...

This week, I chat with Hema Prakash, founder of Ponti Health, about the gaps in women’s healthcare, especially in midlife. So many of us feel unsupported and unheard when it comes to perimenopause, menopause, and our overall well-being. Hema saw these challenges firsthand and decided to do something about it. That’s how Ponti Health was born, a place designed to empower women with knowledge, care, and a real sense of control over their health.

In our conversation, we dive into why midlife women need a healthcare revolution. We talk about navigating hormonal changes, the importance of b...

In midlife, many of us start questioning who we really are beyond the roles we have played, whether as a mother, daughter, partner, or professional. But what happens when family secrets come to light and shake the very foundation of our identity?

In this episode, Michelle Scheibner shares her deeply personal journey of uncovering hidden truths within her family and how they shaped her sense of self. Through therapy, introspection, and an ongoing commitment to healing, she has learned that identity is not just about where we come from, but about who we choose to become. We...

Ten years ago, I reluctantly walked into a gym, thinking, "Here we go again, another gym I’ll quit in a few months." But a decade later, I’m still training at the same gym with the same trainer, Dan, an exercise sports scientist who has completely changed my approach to fitness.

In this episode, Dan and I discuss why midlife is the perfect time to focus on strengthening our bodies. We explore the benefits of resistance training for women, including preventing osteoporosis, improving mobility, and maintaining overall health as we age. Dan also shares tips for find...

In this episode, Sophie Scott, award-winning medical journalist, mental health educator, and former ABC presenter, shares her powerful journey through burnout and high-functioning anxiety, offering invaluable insights into reclaiming balance and well-being. Despite her high-profile career and professional success, Sophie opens up about the personal toll of burnout, reminding us that it doesn’t discriminate, it can happen to anyone, no matter how accomplished or put-together they may seem.

Burnout isn’t just about feeling exhausted, it affects your body, mind, and emotions in profound ways, often creeping up unnoticed. Sophie’s story reveals the hidden struggles many f...

Late last year, I sat down with my good friend Jane, who had just taken a bold leap into a new stage of life. After a long and successful corporate career, Jane decided it was time to shake things up. With her daughter away at university, she and her husband Rob packed their bags and set off on an adventure to travel around Australia.

In this engaging conversation, Jane shares what it’s like to step away from the familiar and embrace the unknown. From leaving her career behind to planning a major move, Jane has fully le...

Have you ever felt like midlife is less of a crisis and more of a calling? In this episode, I sit down with Megan Dalla-Camina, an award-winning women’s leadership and empowerment expert and bestselling author of Women Rising, to talk about navigating this transformative stage of life. We explore empowerment, dealing with our inner critic, and how patriarchy has shaped the way we see ourselves and our potential.

Megan breaks down the idea of archetypes that represent the voices of our inner critics, showing how understanding these can help us move forward with more self-awareness. We ta...

50 episodes—what a milestone! In this special episode, I reflect on my journey from where I started to where I am now, and the incredible growth I’ve experienced along the way. With the guidance of my coach, Annie White, I’ve learned how to break free from fear, self-doubt, and the belief that it’s “too late” to create the life I want.

Annie and I explore the challenges many women face in midlife, such as feeling stuck, uncertain, or held back by old conditioning. We discuss how the Spiral program has helped me unlock my potential, r...

This year has been a complete roller coaster, filled with moments of personal growth, unexpected challenges, and incredible opportunities. One of the highlights has undoubtedly been Your 2nd Act. The stories shared by my inspiring guests and the connections I’ve built with you, my listeners, have made this journey so meaningful.

It hasn’t all been easy. Navigating family challenges and stepping outside my comfort zone to pursue new opportunities pushed me in ways I didn’t expect. Hosting my first midlife event next year feels equal parts exciting and terrifying, but I’m learning that taking c...

Ali joins the conversation to share her transformative journey of living alcohol-free for an entire year. With honesty and insight, she opens up about the profound changes she’s experienced in her relationship with drinking, the unexpected challenges of navigating social situations, and the incredible personal growth that has come with choosing sobriety.

Throughout the episode, Ali dives into the science behind alcohol’s effects on the body and mind, offering a fresh perspective on how understanding these facts can help manage cravings and reduce anxiety. She credits the support of a sobriety coach, her close friends, and...

In this episode of Your 2nd Act, Michelle dives into a story you won’t believe—a tale of separation, unexpected connections, and the courage it takes to embrace new beginnings. Fi shares her remarkable journey of amicably splitting from her husband, only to find love with another man who had recently parted ways with his own wife. But here’s the twist: her ex-husband and his ex-wife also began dating each other!!!!!

Fi opens up about the emotional challenges of navigating this unique situation, from discovering her ex-husband’s new relationship to building a blended family dynamic...

In this episode of Your 2nd Act, we explore the unique challenges and opportunities of midlife relationships with Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Dawn Dominguez. As couples face shifting priorities, empty nests, and rediscovering each other, midlife can be a time of both tension and transformation. Dawn brings her expertise to help navigate these moments with intention and clarity.

Dawn unpacks why we’re often drawn to partners who reflect our early caregivers and how this unconscious choice can lead to both connection and conflict. She explains how these dynamics play out over time and offers actionable ad...

Remember the podcast Who the Hell is Hamish?- the shocking tale of one of Australia’s most infamous conmen? In this week’s episode, I chat with Tracy Hall, who was swept into a whirlwind romance with a man she thought was "Max Tavita," a successful businessman with charm and sophistication. But after 18 months, Tracy discovered the devastating truth: "Max" was actually Hamish McLaren, a professional fraudster who conned 15 victims out of $7.6 million, and his total scams worldwide are estimated to have reached between $80 and $100 million.

Tracy takes us deep into her journey of love, betrayal, and...

Show Notes: 

That’s a wrap! - Season 2 Finale.

Season 2 has officially wrapped, and what an incredible journey it has been! I've been honoured to share the voices of such brave and honest women, whose willingness to be vulnerable has inspired not only me but our entire community. These stories have pushed me out of my comfort zone, reminding me just how much we can grow by learning from others' experiences. As your host, I’ve become braver in asking the questions we all want answers to, while always respecting the bound...

In this week's episode of 'Let's Catch Up,' I have an honest and eye-opening conversation with Jacki about the critical importance of financial security and awareness for women. When I posed the questions to our book club about how many of us rely on our partners to look after the major finances such as mortgages and investments, I was surprised to find that most of us admitted we leave those responsibilities to our partners! This raises important questions about why we do this and how we can better safeguard ourselves from potential financial disaster.

Jacki shares...

When we’re faced with hard times and struggles, it can be the moment where we experience tremendous growth, leading to new beginnings. In today's episode, my guest, Jacky, found herself on such a transformative journey. Taking time off from her 30-year teaching career to care for her sick son gave her the opportunity to rethink her life’s direction. This reflection led Jacky to make the bold decision to leave the classroom and launch her own successful business, The Canine Coach and Care, a thriving dog training, daycare, and grooming service.

Jacky opens up about the chal...

Imagine breaking up with your mum! In this episode, Jennifer courageously shares her journey of ending an unhealthy relationship with her mother. She opens up about the years of abuse and trauma she endured and the difficult choice to end this toxic relationship in her 2nd Act, as family ties don’t excuse bad behaviour.

Jennifer emphasises the importance of setting boundaries, even with family, to protect one's well-being. She discusses her healing journey, including therapy, support from her spouse, faith, and personal growth. She also highlights how creating a loving environment for her own family and fi...

I really enjoyed my chat with Tina as we unpacked the emotional impact of seeing our parents age. As members of the ‘sandwich generation,’ many of us find ourselves balancing life between young adult children and aging parents, making it a topic worth discussing.

We explore the guilt of not being able to provide constant care, the balancing act between personal freedom and caregiving responsibilities, and the importance of living life to the fullest. Tina shares her experiences, including heartfelt conversations with her mother about end-of-life wishes and the emotional journey of sorting through a lifetime of memo...

Death has always been a taboo subject in our culture, and when I came across Caroline's story about how she transitioned from a career in PR to working as a death doula in her second act, I was intrigued. Caroline openly shares her journey to finding more meaningful work as a death doula after experiencing the deaths of her own parents and realising the great need for support during the dying process. Providing non-medical assistance and emotional support, Caroline ensures that the wishes of the dying are honoured while offering solace to their families and friends. She passionately advocates...

Ever wondered what it would be like to turn your passion into a job? This episode might be the push you need to get started!  This week I chat with Diana, a former engineer turned romance novelist, who shares her incredible journey and passion for writing. 

Diana gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to become an author. Together, we'll dive into the universal themes and beloved characters that make romance novels so popular and how these stories provide an escape from reality. 

What I love about Diana's story is that her career shi...

Let's Catch Up - Welcome to my first solo episode!I'm thrilled to introduce a brand-new segment called "Let's Catch up," where I dive into topics that matter to me and occasionally bring on friends for their insights. As this podcast is evolving, so am I and I’m eager to share more of myself and my thoughts with you all.

In this episode, I take you on a journey through my personal experiences of self-discovery and growth. I'll share the challenges I've faced and the triumphs that have shaped who I am today. We'll ex...

Emma’s 2nd Act – “I have more energy now than I had in my 30’s and 40’s”This week I chat with Emma, a nutritionist and chef, who shares her inspiring journey of embracing a nomadic lifestyle in her second act. She dives into what motivated this adventurous shift and how it has enriched her life. Living a nomadic lifestyle in the UK, Emma has discovered a new way of life, all while maintaining her passion for women's health.

Emma also talks about her impactful work, including her bestselling "The Happy Hormone Cookbook," which promotes hormone balance and overall...

This week I chat with Leeanne, who shares her inspiring journey of transformation and empowerment. From embarking on a massive weight loss journey (58kg) to embracing a new career as a midlife model, Leeanne's story is truly remarkable. She discusses her decision to start losing weight, the crucial mindset changes, the impact of weight training, and the shift in her relationship with food.

Leeanne also delves into the challenges of changing her mindset, dealing with triggers, and navigating the emotional journey of body transformation. Her story is a testament to the power of self-belief and resilience, showing...

This week I chat with Jo, who shares her journey of navigating midlife and thriving in her 3rd act. If you're curious about how to make your later years the best yet, you won't want to miss this episode. I love learning from older women, and those in their 3rd act are truly making life more interesting, showing us ‘midlifers’ that age is truly just a number.

Jo offers interesting insights into the societal expectations placed on women in the 50s and 60s and how her quest for fulfillment led her on an extraordinary journey of self-discovery. She...

This week I chat with Susi, to explore her transformative journey through menopause with the aid of microdosing. Susi opens up about her personal experience, detailing how microdosing psilocybin mushrooms has positively impacted her menopause symptoms, including hot flushes, mood swings, and brain fog.

Susi breaks down the science behind microdosing, explaining how small doses of psilocybin interact with the brain to alleviate neuro-triggered hormonal imbalances. She sheds light on the potential for microdosing to help reset the brain and improve overall well-being during menopause.

The conversation also delves into the challenges of obtaining microdosing...

It’s not every day that you meet people who truly inspire you the way Ros has inspired me. Her story is raw, but one that needed to be told. 

This week, we embark on an inspiring journey as I sit down with Ros, one of the most resilient women I've ever had the privilege of speaking to. Over the past 12 years, Ros has battled cancer not once, not twice, but three times, facing her fair share of challenges along the way. We delve deep into Ros's remarkable journey, exploring how she navigated through tough emotions, found her...

In Part 2 of our chat, clinical psychologist Kirstin Bouse returns to address all your burning questions about menopause. We cover the benefits of Menopausal Hormonal Therapy (MHT), its effects on mental health and dementia, and strategies for managing libido changes. We also discuss common concerns like memory issues and mood swings, highlighting the importance of family education and open communication. Additionally, we delve into perimenopause's impact on weight gain and societal expectations. Tune in for valuable insights on navigating this stage of life.

As a bonus here are a few links about spontaneous and responsive desire as...

This week I chat with clinical psychologist Kirstin Bouse, who sheds light on the journey through menopause. With personal anecdotes and expert insights, Kirstin reveals the often-overlooked challenges faced by women, while uncovering the surprising links between perimenopause and mental health, including ADHD. As someone who thought I was well-informed, Kirstin's revelations left me amazed. I realised I was seriously in the dark about so many aspects of menopause. Discover the pivotal role of estrogen in women's well-being, its decline posing risks like cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. Kirstin demystifies hormone replacement therapy, advocating for informed choices and comprehensive support...

This week I chat with Julie, who took on an amazing challenge of trying 50 new experiences when she hit the big 5-0. But guess what? She didn't stop there! Julie got such a buzz from completing those challenges that she ended up surpassing her goal and has now tackled over 200! She's been sharing all her adventures on social media, which not only kept her accountable but also helped her kick self-doubt and fear of judgment to the curb. From small tasks to conquering the daunting Balmoral Burn which she went on to win in her age bracket, Julie's journey...

This week I chat with Sharon, a psychic medium, who shares her captivating journey from leaving the corporate world in her 2nd Act to embracing her true calling in psychic mediumship. Along the way, she unveils her early encounters with spirits and the fascinating development of her psychic abilities.

Sharon delves into her beliefs about reincarnation, life after death, and clears up common misconceptions surrounding ghosts. She stresses the importance of confronting fears head-on for personal growth, encouraging listeners to tackle their doubts with courage.

As Sharon dives into topics of psychic protection and guidance...

This week I chat with Rosie, a dynamic strategist and author, about the importance of planning and strategy, especially as we navigate our 2nd Act. Rosie shares the fascinating journey behind her book, 'Go for Bold,' offering invaluable insights into goal setting and staying motivated. Discover the power of designing your roadmap for the future, and prepare to ponder three key questions: What if? What about? What truly matters? Get set to ignite your journey of self-discovery and empowerment!

If you’d like to discover more about Rosie’s work and grab a copy of her book...

This week I chat with Jo, the host of another amazing podcast called "Redefining Midlife." In this conversation, Jo, a midlife mentor, coach, and podcaster, shares her journey from a successful career in education to her current role. Jo discusses the challenges she faced during significant life transitions and offers insights into navigating change.

We explore the significance of mentoring and coaching in midlife, emphasising their impact on personal growth and happiness. Jo highlights the importance of women prioritising themselves and provides practical tips for enhancing health during this stage of life.

If...

This week I chat with Bev, the talented stylist behind the popular Instagram account The Iris May Style. Bev shares her journey of kickstarting her Instagram account dedicated to fashion and styling advice tailored specifically for women navigating the middle years. Drawing from her rich experience in the fashion industry, she sheds light on the dynamic role of a stylist while emphasising the importance of confidence and body positivity. Bev challenges common misconceptions about fashion for women in this age group and advocates strongly for size inclusivity in the industry, recommending brands that cater to diverse body types.

This week's episode takes a different approach as I shine the light on Jacinta, a resilient advocate committed to making a difference in the lives of young people by addressing issues of bullying and domestic violence.  From overcoming high school bullying to navigating an abusive relationship, Jacinta now shares her journey through the "Just Another Girl Project." Traveling across Australia, she visits secondary schools, addressing issues like bullying, mental health, body image, and abusive relationships.

Jacinta's impactful work has earned her recognition, including the prestigious Mental Health Coalition ACT Award. Her inspiring and selfless efforts have left a...

This week I chat with Lindsey, a single mother of six, who bravely shares her journey from excessive drinking to recovery. In this conversation, Lindsay delves into the challenges of being a single mother and how she used alcohol as a coping mechanism, leading to a cycle of self-medication.

Lindsey's story takes us through the chaos her addiction brought into her life and the profound impact on her six children. Despite being a single mother of six, Lindsey found herself in denial about her addiction until unmistakable signs and behaviours forced her to confront the truth.