Your 2nd Act

Send us Fan Mail A replay of an episode where Michelle had the mic turned on her as a guest on Monique van Tulder’s podcast, How To Run Away (& Other Handy Hints for Your Next Bit). What if midlife isn’t the beginning of the end, but the start of your 2nd act? In this episode of A Grown Up’s Gap Year – The Podcast, Monique sits down with Michelle Parsonage, host of the Your 2nd Act podcast and community for women navigating mid-life change and reinvention. Michelle’s message is all about “the power and beauty of women in their middle years” and the real stories of what happens when women pause, get curious and choose what’s next. Together they talk about what it’s really like to be the capable one who copes – running the domestic corporation, holding the mental load, doing all the invisible work – and then suddenly find yourself asking, *“What now? What about me?”* You’ll hear: How Michelle knew she was ready for her own 2nd act – and why she started a podcast in her 50s Why everyday women’s stories are such powerful fuel for courage and change the difference between blowing everything up and making small, brave moves in your actual life Practical ways to create space for your own next chapter when you’re still busy and needed This isn’t about becoming a different person. It’s about living a little louder as the woman you already are – with more agency, more curiosity, and a 2nd act that actually feels like yours. Episode Resources: YOUR 2ND ACT: INSTAGRAM Additional Resources: Your SPACE Prescription - Anti Guilt Calculator Free Weekly Newsletter Dear Blokes Downloadable Setting Boundaries That Stick - checklist 52 Ideas for YOUR Version of A Grown Up's Gap Year 📚 Get your copy of A Grown Up’s Gap Year the book, from Amazon, moniquevantulder.com, bookshops and libraries, subscribe to the podcast, and take the first step toward your own A Grown Up’s Gap Year. Monique's LinkedIn Monique's Instagram

Send us Fan Mail ARE YOU LIVING A RICH LIFE IN MIDLIFE? In this episode, Michelle sits down with financial wellness expert Betsy Westcott to unpack why so many women in midlife feel disconnected from their finances, unsure of what they really want, and overwhelmed by the idea of taking control of their future. Together, they discuss redefining success, financial confidence, societal conditioning and why creating a rich life is far more than just money. ONE SMALL STEP TO TRY TODAY: Write down what a rich life actually looks like for you - financially, personally and emotionally. Then think about one small step you could take towards creating more of that in your life. If you’re feeling unsure where to begin, reaching out to someone like Betsy who can help guide you through the process, could be a really empowering first step. RESOURCES & LINKS: Betsy Westcott - Financial Wellness Expert Website: Betsy Westcott Social Media: Instagram If this episode resonates with you, I’d love to hear from you. Your feedback helps shape future episodes. Reach out anytime at michelle@your2ndact.com. If you enjoyed this conversation, please consider leaving a 5 ⭐ rating or a short review. Your words might be exactly what another woman needs to hear today. Stay connected: • 📺 Watch on YouTube • 📲 Follow on Instagram Until next time, take care of you… Michelle ❤️

Send us Fan Mail MICHELLE CELEBRATES 3 YEARS OF THE PODCAST WITH HER VERY FIRST GUEST! To celebrate three years of Your 2nd Act, Michelle sits down with her very first podcast guest and one of her oldest friends, Glor, to reflect on just how much life can change in three years. As Michelle and Glor revisit where life was three years ago, they open up about the unexpected emotional shifts that come with this stage of life and why, for many women, midlife can quietly become one of the most freeing chapters yet. IN THIS EPISODE: • The emotional reality of children leaving home • Why Glor feels differently about relationships now • The shift from people pleasing to choosing herself • What freedom in midlife looks like for her today • Why travel has become more important than ever ONE SMALL STEP TO TRY TODAY: Think back to where you were three years ago. Is there something you’ve been wanting to do, change or explore ever since… but you keep putting it off? Maybe this is your reminder that life can change more than you realise in a few short years, but only if you’re willing to take the first small step. Start exploring it. Talk about it. Research it. Book it. Try it. You don’t have to have it all figured out to begin. RESOURCES & LINKS: If this episode resonates with you, I’d love to hear from you. Your feedback helps shape future episodes. Reach out anytime at michelle@your2ndact.com. If you enjoyed this conversation, please consider leaving a 5 ⭐ rating or a short review. Your words might be exactly what another woman needs to hear today. Stay connected: • 📺 Watch on YouTube • 📲 Follow on Instagram Until next time, take care of you… Michelle ❤️

Send us Fan Mail Stuck in midlife? Start here! Are you sick of doing what you’ve always been doing, but deep down craving something more? Maybe you know you want change, but you have absolutely no idea where to start, and honestly? That’s where so many women get stuck. In this episode, Michelle sits down with empowerment coach Maddie Ireland for a powerful and practical conversation about how to stop overthinking, move through fear, and actually begin creating change in midlife. IN THIS EPISODE: Why so many women feel stuck in midlife How fear and overthinking keep us from taking action Nervous system regulation and why it matters The power of starting small Practical tools like journaling and mind mapping How to reconnect with what lights you up ONE SMALL STEP TO TRY TODAY It starts with clarity. Start journaling and ask yourself what truly lights you up and follow that spark! RESOURCES & LINKS • Connect with Maddie on Instagram or via her Website If this episode resonates with you, I’d love to hear from you. Your feedback helps shape future episodes. Reach out anytime at michelle@your2ndact.com. If you enjoyed this conversation, please consider leaving a 5 ⭐ rating or a short review. Your words might be exactly what another woman needs to hear today. Stay connected: • 📺 Watch on YouTube • 📲 Follow on Instagram Until next time, take care of you… Michelle ❤️

Send us Fan Mail STOP OVERTHINKING IT. JUST GO FOR IT. How many times have you had an idea… and overthought it to the point where you did nothing? You go around in circles….. Where do I start? What if it fails? Am I too old for this? and before you know it, the moment passes. And the idea…. it stays exactly where it started… in your head. In this episode, Michelle is joined by Jackie Baron, who after nearly two decades focused on raising her family, found herself ready to do something for herself. Somewhere between endless carpool runs and driving around very smelly boys, she had a lightbulb moment, and this time, she didn’t talk herself out of it. That idea became Neon Goat , a vegan, cruelty-free deodorant brand for tween and teenage boys. But this conversation isn’t really about deodorant. It’s about what happens when you stop overthinking and actually take that first step. Backing yourself in midlife, overcoming imposter syndrome, learning to leverage the skills you already have, and discovering that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself. IN THIS EISODE: • How Jackie turned an everyday frustration into a real business idea • The first practical steps she took to bring Neon Goat to life • The reality of imposter syndrome and starting something new in your 40’s • Why your past experience is more valuable than you think • The importance of taking action before perfection holds you back ONE SMALL STEP TO TRY TODAY: If there’s an idea sitting in the back of your mind, stop trying to figure it all out. Instead, ask yourself: What’s one small step I could take this week? Research it. Talk to someone. Write it down. Just start. Because momentum doesn’t come from having all the answers, it comes from taking action. RESOURCES & LINKS: • Follow Jackie on Instagram to learn more about her amazing product - Neon Goat If this episode resonates with you, I’d love to hear from you. Your feedback helps shape future episodes. Reach out anytime at michelle@your2ndact.com. If you enjoyed this conversation, please consider leaving a 5 ⭐ rating or a short review. Your words might be exactly what another woman needs to hear today. Stay connected: • 📺 Watch on YouTube • 📲 Follow on Instagram • 💬 Join the private Facebook group Until next time, take care of you… Michelle ❤️

Send us Fan Mail WHY I PREFER DATING YOUNGER MEN IN MIDLIFE Dating in midlife can feel like stepping into a completely different world. What happens when the way you’ve always approached relationships no longer feels right? What if trying something different opens your eyes to a new kind of connection? In this episode, Michelle sits down with Cassandra, who in her forties found herself drawn to dating younger men. What began as something unexpected quickly became a shift in how she experiences connection, communication and confidence. This conversation is not about labels or breaking rules for the sake of it. It is about understanding what you want, how you want to feel, and being open to something that challenges the usual expectations of dating in midlife. IN THIS EPISODE: What led Cassandra to start dating younger men in midlife The difference between dating men your age and younger men What surprised her most about the emotional connection Why she felt more seen, valued and understood How this experience changed how she sees herself What becomes possible when you let go of expectations ONE SMALL STEP TO TRY TODAY Take a moment to reflect on what you truly want from connection in this stage of your life. Not what you’ve always done, but what feels right for you now. If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear from you. Your feedback helps shape future episodes. Reach out anytime at michelle@your2ndact.com. If you enjoyed this chat, please consider leaving a 5 ⭐ rating or a short review. Your words might be exactly what another woman needs to hear today. Stay connected: •📺 Watch on YouTube • 📲 Follow on Instagram • 💬 Join the private Facebook group Until next time, take care of you… Michelle ❤️

Send us Fan Mail MIDLIFE DIVORCE: MAKING THE RIGHT DECISIONS. Separation in midlife is something many women don’t see coming… until they’re in it. Julie knows that feeling all too well. After going through a difficult divorce, Julie found herself navigating not only the emotional side of separation but also the financial decisions that come with it, at a time when everything already feels overwhelming. Even with a background in accounting, it wasn’t as straightforward as she expected. How many midlife women find themselves in that position, trying to process what’s happening, while also being expected to make clear, confident decisions that will impact the rest of their lives? In this episode, Julie shares her experience of midlife divorce, what she learnt through that time, and how it ultimately led her to her 2nd Act, supporting women through the financial side of separation, helping them feel more informed, more confident, and less alone when making important decisions. In this episode: Trying to make financial decisions while you’re emotionally overwhelmed Why even women who are “good with money” can struggle during separation The pressure to hold everything together when inside you feel anything but Why having the right support around you can change everything The shift that starts to happen when you begin to find your footing again What life can look like on the other side of separation One small step to try today: If you’re going through a difficult time, remember, you don’t have to do it on your own. There are people like Julie who can support you through it, even when it feels overwhelming to reach out. Resources & Links: Connect with Julie Garis: Simple Split Financials If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear from you. Your feedback helps shape future episodes. Reach out anytime at michelle@your2ndact.com. If you enjoyed this chat, please consider leaving a 5 ⭐ rating or a short review. Your words might be exactly what another woman needs to hear today. Stay connected: •📺 Watch on YouTube • 📲 Follow on Instagram • 💬 Join the private Facebook group Until next time, take care of you… Michelle ❤️

Send us Fan Mail My Women’s Event Sold Out! What This Month Taught Me About Growth & Showing Up! In this solo episode, Michelle reflects on a month that made her stop and take it all in. Three years ago, this was just an idea. Now she has hosted a sold out women’s event, something she never imagined would be possible, and it has shifted how she sees herself and what she is capable of. She shares how saying yes to opportunities, even when they feel uncomfortable, is helping her grow in ways she did not expect. She also opens up about giving herself the space to pause at a women’s wellness retreat, and how taking that time out left her feeling recharged, grounded and ready to keep going. In this episode: • Why putting yourself in the right rooms can quietly change how you see your life • The power of stepping away and giving yourself permission to pause • How small decisions can start to build real confidence and momentum One small step to try today: Keep backing yourself, even if it feels uncomfortable. Choose one small thing you have been putting off and take the first step today. You don’t need to have it all figured out to begin. Resources and Links: If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear from you. Your feedback helps shape future episodes. Reach out anytime at michelle@your2ndact.com. If you enjoyed this chat, please consider leaving a 5 ⭐ rating or a short review. Your words might be exactly what another woman needs to hear today. Stay connected: •📺 Watch on YouTube • 📲 Follow on Instagram • 💬 Join the private Facebook group Until next time, take care of you… Michelle ❤️

Send us Fan Mail STARTING OVER AT 55: THE CAMINO, SOLO TRAVEL AND FINDING LOVE At 55, Jennifer decided to start over by travelling solo and walking the Camino de Santiago, a decision that would eventually lead her to fall in love and build a completely new life in Spain. How many of us daydream about what life might look like if we took a chance on ourselves? With her children grown and life feeling settled from the outside, Jennifer felt a quiet nudge that something more was waiting for her. Instead of ignoring it, she packed up her life in Australia and set off to travel on her own. What began as a journey to walk the Camino soon turned into something far bigger than she ever imagined. In this episode: The moment Jennifer realised something in her life needed to change What gave her the courage to travel solo at 55 Why walking the Camino de Santiago became such a powerful turning point What solo travel teaches you about confidence and trusting yourself The unexpected moments that changed the direction of her life How Jennifer ended up building a new life in Spain and guiding other women on the Camino One small step to try today: If there’s something you keep daydreaming about, write it down. Then ask yourself: What would one small step towards that look like today? Resources & Links: Learn more about Jennifer’s Camino journeys through Crossroads Travel . If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear from you. Your feedback helps shape future episodes. Reach out anytime at michelle@your2ndact.com. If you enjoyed this chat, please consider leaving a 5 ⭐ rating or a short review. Your words might be exactly what another woman needs to hear today. Stay connected: •📺 Watch on YouTube • 📲 Follow on Instagram • 💬 Join the private Facebook group Until next time, take care of you… Michelle ❤️

Send us Fan Mail What happens when life forces you to stop, listen, and truly trust yourself? In this episode, Michelle chats with Sophie Bretag, whose life took a dramatic turn after a cancer diagnosis and lifesaving surgery. Sophie shares how learning to trust her intuition became central to her healing, her decision-making, and how she now lives her life. From turning 40 and questioning old expectations, to setting boundaries and choosing herself during one of the hardest seasons of her life, this conversation is a powerful reminder that midlife can be a turning point, not an ending. This episode explores what it really means to listen to your inner knowing, especially for women who have spent years putting everyone else first. You’ll hear: Why turning 40 was a pivotal moment for Sophie How intuition played a vital role in her health journey Why choosing yourself can feel uncomfortable and even lonely The importance of boundaries for midlife women How to reconnect with what lights you up Why it’s never too late to realign your life If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or quietly questioning what’s next, this conversation will gently encourage you to pause, listen inward, and trust yourself. Resources & Links: If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear from you. Your feedback helps shape future episodes. Reach out anytime at michelle@your2ndact.com. If you enjoyed this chat, please consider leaving a 5 ⭐ rating or a short review. Your words might be exactly what another woman needs to hear today. Stay connected: •📺 Watch on YouTube • 📲 Follow on Instagram • 💬 Join the private Facebook group Until next time, take care of you… Michelle ❤️

Send us Fan Mail THE YEAR I CHOSE ME: WHY SELFISH IS THE NEW FREEDOM If you're a woman over 50 feeling stuck, invisible, or exhausted from putting everyone else first, this episode is for you. Today we explore midlife reinvention, starting over at 50, and why choosing yourself isn’t selfish, it’s freedom. In this episode of Your 2nd Act, Valerie shares how a bold “Selfish Year” at 51 transformed her identity, relationships, and confidence from the inside out. What happens when you finally ask, “What about me?” At 51, Valerie set a daring experiment: a year of being “selfish.” The result? A life rebuilt from the inside out. In this episode, we discuss: • The “sofa moment” that flipped the switch from stuck to start • Red flags we ignore, and why we do it • The fears women whisper (money, age, starting over) and how Valerie moved through them • What a Selfish Year actually looks like day-to-day (boundaries, micro-steps, radical self-honesty) • Journaling as a truth tool: how to spot your own patterns and stop gaslighting yourself • De-centering men, re-centering you, and why many women feel freer single • The transformation: identity, body, work, friendships, what changed and what stayed One small step to try today: Grab a journal. Write for 5 minutes on: “If I chose me today, what would I do?” Then do one tiny thing from the page. Resources & Links Connect with Valerie: The Selfish Year: The Power of Putting Yourself First ( new book ), plus her podcast The Selfish Woman. If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear from you. Your feedback helps shape future episodes. Reach out anytime at michelle@your2ndact.com. If you enjoyed this chat, please consider leaving a 5 ⭐ rating or a short review. Your words might be exactly what another woman needs to hear today. Stay connected: •📺 Watch on YouTube • 📲 Follow on Instagram • 💬 Join the private Facebook group Until next time, take care of you… Michelle ❤️ midlife women, women over 50, female empowerment, starting over at 50, self worth

Send us Fan Mail Perimenopause, Menopause, HRT… why does it all still feel so confusing? Even when you’re living it. In this episode, Michelle Parsonage admits what so many women are quietly thinking: she’s listened to the experts, read the articles, followed the conversations, and still finds herself wondering what perimenopause, menopause and HRT actually mean for her now. So instead of adding to the noise, this conversation goes BACK TO BASICS! Michelle is joined by Sarah Gray, a health professional in pharmacy and nutrition, and a certified menopause practitioner, who explains perimenopause, menopause and hormone therapy in a practical, make-it-make-sense way. No hype. No overwhelm. Just clear answers to the questions women often feel embarrassed to ask. This episode is for women who want clarity, not confusion. You’ll hear: Perimenopause vs menopause vs post-menopause - what the difference actually is Common perimenopause and menopause symptoms women often miss How early perimenopause can start (and why it looks different for everyone) When to see a doctor - and why waiting it out isn’t helpful Testosterone for women: what it does and why it matters What HRT (hormone replacement therapy) really is - and what it’s used for Bio-identical hormones explained in plain English The pill vs HRT - why some women are prescribed the pill during perimenopause How to find menopause-trained doctors and practitioners in Australia Resources & Links: Sarah Gray’s book: It’s Not You, It’s Perimenopause Follow Sarah on Instagram : Find a menopause-trained practitioner (Australia): Australasian Menopause Society Menopause info & symptom checklists: Jean Hailes for Women’s Health Mental health support (Australia): ask your GP about a Mental Health Treatment Plan (rebated psychology sessions) 💬 Listener feedback If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear from you. Your feedback helps shape future episodes. Reach out anytime at michelle@your2ndact.com. If you enjoyed this episode, a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating or short review really helps more women find the podcast, and your words might be exactly what someone else needs to hear. Stay connected: •📺 Watch on YouTube • 📲 Follow on Instagram • 💬 Join the private Facebook group Until next time, take care of you… Michelle ❤️

Send us Fan Mail Your 2nd Act & AIO Wellness present - THE REBOOT This year, Michelle has made ‘collaboration’ a key focus, working alongside like-minded women to create meaningful conversations and experiences. In today’s episode, she’s joined by Rebecca Kaye from AIO Wellness, with whom she’s co-hosting a women’s event called The Reboot in Sydney, Australia. Michelle and Rebecca share why they felt called to create this event and why women’s stories are such a powerful source of inspiration. The Reboot is designed to bring women together through real, relatable stories, meaningful connection and community, and features a lineup of inspiring women who’ll be sharing their journeys on the panel. You’ll hear: What the event is all about and what women can expect on the day The lineup of inspirational women on the panel Why collaboration has become such an important focus this year Why shared stories can spark inspiration and courage Resources & Links: Come on your own or grab a friend and join us for a lovely afternoon on the harbour. The Reboot 📅 7 March 2026 | Rose Bay, Sydney 🎟 Click HERE for full event details and ticket purchases. Follow Rebecca on INSTAGRAM to learn more about her inspiring work. If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear from you. Your feedback helps shape future episodes. Reach out anytime at michelle@your2ndact.com. If you enjoyed this chat, please consider leaving a 5 ⭐ rating or a short review. Your words might be exactly what another woman needs to hear today. Stay connected: •📺 Watch on YouTube • 📲 Follow on Instagram • 💬 Join the private Facebook group Until next time, take care of you… Michelle ❤️

Send us Fan Mail FROM SCHOOL PICK-UP TO SUPER YACHTS: THE MIDLIFE DJ DUO School mums by day, DJ duo by night… In this episode, Michelle chat’s with Bri and Sarah from BSide DJs, two friends who decided midlife was the perfect moment to revive a dream they left behind in their 20s. Between running their marketing agency and raising kids, they’ve carved out a whole new creative chapter, one that now sees them DJing on rooftops, super yachts and even for Steve Jobs’son. We talk about reinvention, courage, friendship, and saying “why not?” when midlife whispers “too late.” You’ll hear: Why midlife is the perfect time to try something new How a tiny spark turned into a thriving DJ business What DJing taught them about creativity and confidence Why friendship is their secret weapon Their biggest “pinch me” moments Advice for any woman sitting on a dream she’s scared to start If you’ve ever thought I wish I’d done that, this episode is your sign: midlife is exactly the time to begin! Resources & Links: You can keep up with Bri and Sarah on Instagram , and if you’re hosting a party or event, they’re absolutely the duo you want behind the decks. If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear from you. Your feedback helps shape future episodes. Reach out anytime at michelle@your2ndact.com. If you enjoyed this chat, please consider leaving a 5 ⭐ rating or a short review. Your words might be exactly what another woman needs to hear today. Stay connected: • 📺 Watch on YouTube • 📲 Follow on Instagram • 💬 Join the private Facebook group Until next time, take care of you… Michelle ❤️

Send us Fan Mail My 2025 Year in Review In this reflective solo episode, Michelle looks back on a year that quietly changed everything. She shares what 2025 taught her about midlife, identity, and learning to let go when life doesn’t look the way you expected. Michelle reflects on the moments that shaped the year, including her daughter leaving home, stepping away from the family business, downsizing, and hosting her first midlife event. Each experience brought a mix of emotion, uncertainty, and unexpected clarity that many women recognise during times of transition. Throughout the episode, Michelle speaks openly about how change can feel uncomfortable and unsettling, and how community, connection, and working alongside women became an anchor during this season. She shares how relationships with women of different generations added perspective, grounding, and a strong sense of belonging. Looking ahead to 2026, Michelle talks about what’s next, including her intention to create more spaces for women to come together, share stories, and feel supported as they move into new chapters. This episode is for women who feel they’re standing at a crossroads, questioning what’s next, and learning to trust themselves through change. Key takeaways: Midlife often brings unexpected change and growth Letting go can be emotional but deeply freeing Community and connection matter more than ever during transition Reinvention is about rediscovering yourself, not starting over Embracing change can lead to clarity, purpose, and confidence Resources & Links If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear from you. Your feedback helps shape future episodes. Reach out anytime at michelle@your2ndact.com . If you enjoyed this chat, please consider leaving a 5 ⭐ rating or a short review. Your words might be exactly what another woman needs to hear today. Stay connected: • 📺 Watch on YouTube • 📲 Follow on Instagram • 💬 Join the private Facebook group Until next time, take care of you… Michelle ❤️

Send us Fan Mail Midlife From Both Sides with Matt Elliott & Susan Pearse In this episode, Michelle sits down with former NRL coach Matt Elliott and award-winning author Susan Pearse for a powerful and honest conversation about midlife seen through both a male and female lens. Together, they unpack how differently men and women experience this stage of life, the challenges that often go unspoken, and the unexpected opportunities that midlife can bring. At the heart of this conversation is emotional health, self-awareness, and the journey of self-discovery that so many face in their second act. Matt and Susan openly share insights from their personal experiences and research, including the reality that many men admit to “just surviving,” while women often feel a deep pull toward growth and reinvention. Spirituality, purpose, connection, and redefining what it truly means to win in midlife are all woven into this thoughtful, inspiring discussion. With reflections shaped by influences such as Deepak Chopra and the Dalai Lama, this episode invites listeners to see midlife not as a decline, but as a time of clarity, confidence, and possibility. Takeaways: Midlife can be a powerful time of reinvention. Men and women often experience midlife very differently. Self-awareness is crucial for personal growth in the second half of life. Emotional health is often overlooked, yet deeply important. Spirituality can play a meaningful role in finding purpose. Defining what “winning” means personally is essential for fulfilment. Connection and relationships are vital at this stage of life. Resources & Links Click the link to purchase their book Winning the Second Half If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear from you. Your feedback helps shape future episodes. Reach out anytime at michelle@your2ndact.com. If you enjoyed this chat, please consider leaving a 5 ⭐ rating or a short review. Your words might be exactly what another woman needs to hear today. Stay connected: • 📺 Watch on YouTube • 📲 Follow on Instagram • 💬 Join the private Facebook group Until next time, take care of you… Michelle ❤️

Send us Fan Mail I Gave Away All My Money…and Instantly Regretted It! Let’s be real, money talk isn’t exactly sexy. But ignoring it can lead to stress, missed opportunities, and even financial struggles, especially in midlife. Many women feel lost or overwhelmed with finances and some rely on partners to manage the complicated stuff, but that doesn’t have to be the case. In this episode, Michelle chats with financial educator Mel Browne about how women can take control of their finances, break down the barriers holding them back, and feel confident with money. They cover practical strategies for investing, understanding super, and navigating the financial impact of menopause. Mel also shares her personal journey from financial uncertainty to becoming a multi-millionaire, proving it’s never too late to take charge of your financial future. Key Takeaways Fear of investing or thinking it’s “too late” can stop women from growing their wealth. Menopause can impact your income, work life, financial decisions and without planning, it can hit hard. Understanding superannuation is crucial to avoid surprises at retirement. Investing doesn’t have to be complicated. Being cautious with money can actually be an advantage if you know how to use it. Real-life stories, like Mel’s, show it’s possible to turn things around and take control of your finances. Financial independence is achievable with knowledge, confidence, and action. Empowerment comes from managing your own money, not relying on anyone else. Resources & Links If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear from you. Your feedback helps shape future episodes. Reach out anytime at michelle@your2ndact.com. If you enjoyed this chat, please consider leaving a 5 ⭐ rating or a short review. Your words might be exactly what another woman needs to hear today. You can check out Melissa’s book for more insights and practical tips. Stay connected: • 📺 Watch on YouTube • 📲 Follow on Instagram • 💬 Join the private Facebook group Until next time, take care of you… Michelle ❤️

Send us Fan Mail My Midlife Job Reset: Finding the Courage to Try Something New! What do you do when you get tired of doing what you’ve always done and start feeling that quiet nudge to try something new? In this week’s solo episode, Michelle shares her story of stepping away from the family business after years of familiarity, comfort, and routine and deciding to start again in a completely different industry. It’s been both terrifying and exciting. From dusting off her old CV to applying for jobs that pushed her out of her comfort zone, Michelle reflects on how courage doesn’t mean you’re not scared, it simply means you’re ready to grow. This episode is for anyone standing at that crossroads in midlife, wondering what’s next. Maybe you’ve lost your spark at work, or maybe you’re craving something that feels more you. Because sometimes, the biggest breakthroughs happen when you take that first small step towards change, even when you have no idea where it might lead. Takeaways Know when a job or role no longer aligns with who you are. Midlife is the perfect time to explore new beginnings. Updating your CV can remind you how much you’ve achieved. Applying for a new job is an act of courage-do it anyway. Confidence grows when you show up as your authentic self. Don’t let inexperience stop you from trying. Taking a leap can lead to unexpected opportunities. Resources & Links If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear from you. Your feedback helps shape future episodes. Reach out anytime at Michelle@your2ndact.com. If you enjoyed this chat, please consider leaving a 5⭐rating or a short review. Your words might be exactly what another woman needs to hear today. Stay connected: Watch on YouTube Follow on Instagram J oin the private Facebook group Until next time, take care of you... Michelle❤️

Send us Fan Mail We’re Starting a Women’s Circle and You’re Invited! As we move through midlife, many of us start to crave deeper connection - real, honest conversations with women who truly understand what we’re going through. In this heartfelt episode, Michelle is joined by her long-time friend Jo to talk about the power of female connection and why they’ve come together to create a new Women’s Circle. They explore how, throughout history, women have gathered in circles to share stories, wisdom and support, something that feels more important than ever today. From the early days of friendship and motherhood to navigating midlife transitions, Michelle and Jo reflect on what it means to be supported, heard and understood by other women. This episode is an invitation to reconnect with yourself and with the women around you. Whether you’re feeling a little lost, longing for community or simply curious about what a women’s circle is all about, you’ll find comfort and inspiration here. JOIN OUR WOMEN’S CIRCLE Want to join our women’s circle? Visit Jo’s website to express your interest and be notified when dates are announced. Takeaways: • Why female connection becomes even more vital in midlife • The meaning and history behind women’s circles • How coming together in a shared space can bring healing and clarity • What to expect from Michelle and Jo’s upcoming women’s circle • A reminder that connection doesn’t have to be complicated, it starts with showing up Resources & Links If this episode resonated with you, I’d would love to hear from you. Your feedback helps shape future episodes. Reach out anytime at michelle@your2ndact.com. If you enjoyed this chat, please consider leaving a 5 ⭐ rating or a short review. Your words might be exactly what another woman needs to hear today. Stay connected: • 📺 Watch on YouTube • 📲 Follow on Instagram • 💬 Join the private Facebook group Until next time, take care of you… Michelle ❤️

Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to Season 4 of Your 2nd Act ! Michelle kicks things off with a personal solo episode, sharing the big changes she is navigating right now. From her daughter moving overseas to the decision to sell the family home, Michelle opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of letting go, embracing the unknown, and finding strength in the small daily joys that keep her grounded. This season, she is also choosing to show up more on her own, creating space for honest, heart-to-heart conversations as part of her personal growth journey. While midlife brings its fair share of challenges, Michelle reflects on how it can also be a time of empowerment, new beginnings, and deeper connections, especially when we remind ourselves to live in the moment. If you are facing change, or simply need reassurance that you are not alone in the ups and downs of midlife, this episode offers both comfort and inspiration. Key Takeaways • Reassessing life during times of change can open doors to growth and discovery. • Living in the moment helps ease the anxiety of what is ahead. • Writing down small daily joys can shift your focus toward the positive. • Community and connection are essential for fulfillment in midlife. • Embracing change can spark exciting new beginnings. • Joy often hides in the small, everyday moments. • Midlife can be one of the most empowering chapters of all. Resources & Links If this episode resonated with you, I’d would love to hear from you. Your feedback helps shape future episodes. Reach out anytime at michelle@your2ndact.com. If you enjoyed this chat, please consider leaving a 5 ⭐ rating or a short review. Your words might be exactly what another woman needs to hear today. Stay connected: • 📺 Watch on YouTube • 📲 Follow on Instagram • 💬 Join the private Facebook group Until next time, take care of you… Michelle ❤️