Your 2nd Act

Send us Fan MailA 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 50sWhy everyday women’s stories are such powerful fuel for courage and changethe difference between blowing everything up and making small, brave moves in your actual lifePractical ways to create space for your own next chapter when you’re still busy and neededThis 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: INSTAGRAMAdditional Resources:Your SPACE Prescription - Anti Guilt CalculatorFree Weekly NewsletterDear Blokes DownloadableSetting Boundaries That Stick - checklist52 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 LinkedInMonique's Instagram

Send us Fan MailARE 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 ExpertWebsite: Betsy WestcottSocial Media: InstagramIf this episode resonates with you, I’d love to hear from you. Your feedback helps shape future episodes. Reach out anytime at [email protected] 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 InstagramUntil next time, take care of you…Michelle ❤️

Send us Fan MailMICHELLE 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 everONE 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 [email protected] 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 InstagramUntil next time, take care of you…Michelle ❤️

Send us Fan MailStuck 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 upONE SMALL STEP TO TRY TODAYIt 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 WebsiteIf this episode resonates with you, I’d love to hear from you. Your feedback helps shape future episodes. Reach out anytime at [email protected] 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 InstagramUntil next time, take care of you…Michelle ❤️

Send us Fan MailSTOP 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 backONE 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 GoatIf this episode resonates with you, I’d love to hear from you. Your feedback helps shape future episodes. Reach out anytime at [email protected] 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 groupUntil next time, take care of you… Michelle ❤️

Send us Fan MailWHY I PREFER DATING YOUNGER MEN IN MIDLIFEDating 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 expectationsONE SMALL STEP TO TRY TODAYTake 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 [email protected] 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 groupUntil next time, take care of you… Michelle ❤️

Send us Fan MailMIDLIFE 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 overwhelmedWhy even women who are “good with money” can struggle during separationThe pressure to hold everything together when inside you feel anything butWhy having the right support around you can change everythingThe shift that starts to happen when you begin to find your footing againWhat life can look like on the other side of separationOne 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 FinancialsIf this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear from you. Your feedback helps shape future episodes. Reach out anytime at [email protected] 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 groupUntil next time, take care of you… Michelle ❤️

Send us Fan MailMy 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 momentumOne 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 [email protected] 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 groupUntil next time, take care of you… Michelle ❤️

Send us Fan MailSTARTING OVER AT 55: THE CAMINO, SOLO TRAVEL AND FINDING LOVEAt 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 CaminoOne 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 [email protected] 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 groupUntil next time, take care of you… Michelle ❤️

Send us Fan MailWhat 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 SophieHow intuition played a vital role in her health journeyWhy choosing yourself can feel uncomfortable and even lonelyThe importance of boundaries for midlife womenHow to reconnect with what lights you upWhy it’s never too late to realign your lifeIf 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 [email protected] 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 groupUntil next time, take care of you… Michelle ❤️