Today I’m joined by a financial superstar and all round fashion-icon, Melissa Browne. Mel was a guest in my very first season and I wanted to bring her back to talk about our topic of the moment - reinvention. 

Mel is an award-winning, ex-accountant and ex-financial advisor who had her own successful business for almost 20 years. She has written 4 books about business and money including the global bestseller, Unf*ck Your Finances. 

So, she has the theory. But she also has the life experience. Mel has a fascinating and yet, unexpected story as she came back from being completely broke in her early thirties. After her divorce, she gave all of her money to charity (a move she instantly regretted), and then completely reinvented her life, again, where she is now a multi-millionaire. She gained her financial independence from the strategies she put in place for herself and now she teaches others how to do this too. 

Today, Mel is a financial educator who believes that understanding how to build wealth shouldn’t be abdicated or just for the select few who can afford it – but is something that everyone can achieve.

Mel is regularly asked to comment on money and finances making regular TV and radio appearances including Triple J’s The Hack, the Today Show, Weekend Sunrise, Weekend Today, Sky Business and The Daily Edition. She has also been featured in or written articles for a variety of places including CEO Magazine, Cosmopolitan, Who, Vogue, Yahoo Finance and had a fortnightly column in the Sydney Morning Herald and Melbourne’s Age for 7  years.

Mel is not only whip smart, but hilarious and super entertaining - so if you don’t already follow her online, you must as you’ll not only learn a bunch, you’ll laugh out loud from her (& Lawsie, her work wife’s) daily missives. She’s a great mate of mine & I’m delighted to sit down with her and talk on this wonderful topic of ‘reinvention’....

In this conversation, Mel Browne shares her journey of reinvention, discussing the various personal and professional transformations she has undergone. She reflects on the catalysts for change in her life, including her divorce and the realization of her true passions. Mel emphasises the importance of investing in oneself, the power of implementation, and the necessity of embracing failure as a part of growth. Her insights provide valuable lessons for women in business and anyone looking to transform their lives. In this conversation, Mel Browne and Michelle discuss the challenges women face with perfectionism, the benefits of embracing a portfolio career, and the importance of financial literacy. They explore how testing ideas can lead to successful reinvention without the need to quit one's job. Mel shares her journey in creating a financial literacy course aimed at empowering women to take control of their finances and encourages listeners to dare to be wealthy.

Key Resources from Mel are here;-

https://www.melissabrowne.com.au/onequestion

You can find Mel on insta at @melbrowne.money and online at www.melissabrowne.com.au

Head to michellejcox.com for more information about the ONE QUESTION podcast, your host or today’s guests

Connect with Michelle on Linkedin here:- @MichelleJCox

Connect with Michelle on Instagram here:- @michellejcox

Connect with Michelle on Facebook here - @michellejcox

AND, if you have a burning topic you’d love people to talk more about, or know someone who’d be great to come on the One Question podcast, please get in touch;- [email protected]

Today’s guest, Dr. Ceri Cashell, is transforming the conversation around women’s hormonal health. With 20 years of experience as a practising GP and as the co-founder of Healthy Hormones, a groundbreaking menopause education platform, Dr Ceri is on a mission to empower women and clinicians alike with knowledge about how hormones impact every cell in the body.

In this enlightening conversation, Dr Ceri shares her journey into hormone health, emphasising the importance of understanding hormones in women's health. She discusses the awakening around hormone therapy, debunks myths about HRT, and addresses concerns regarding breast cancer risks. Dr. Ceri highlights the numerous benefits of HRT beyond just alleviating symptoms, including its protective effects on heart and bone health. 

Advocating for a holistic and personalised approach to menopause care, Dr Ceri integrates nutrition, exercise, and hormone therapies to enhance quality of life and reduce long-term health risks. A thought leader, speaker, and medical writer, she’s challenging outdated norms and reshaping how women navigate perimenopause and beyond with clarity and confidence.

The conversation culminates in an exciting announcement about an upcoming women's health event at the Sydney Opera House, ‘So Hot Right Now’, featuring leading experts in the field.

**MARCH 1 2025: For more information on the event So Hot Right Now, head to the Opera House website HERE



For more information about Dr Ceri Cashell, check out these places;-

Websites:  Dr Ceri Cashell

Healthy Hormones

Instagram: Dr Ceri Cashell

Linkedin: Dr Ceri Cashell

Key Takeaways we discuss in this episode:

• Dr. Kerry Cashell has been a GP for over 20 years, focusing on women's health and mental health.
• Her journey into hormone health began after a patient inspired her to learn about testosterone prescribing.
• HRT has been misrepresented in the media, leading to a significant drop in prescriptions.
• Estrogen plays a crucial role in protecting heart health and bone density in women.
• Many women experience perimenopause symptoms in their 30s, not just during menopause.
• There is no blood test for perimenopause; symptoms are key indicators.
• HRT can alleviate a wide range of symptoms, not just hot flushes.
• ‘Healthy Hormones’ is a community aimed at educating both patients and practitioners about hormone health.
• The upcoming women's health event ‘So Hot Right Now’ at the Sydney Opera House will feature leading experts in women's health.
• Understanding women's health is essential for everyone, not just those experiencing menopause.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:11 The Journey into Hormone Health

04:33 The Awakening Around Hormones

09:38 Debunking Myths About HRT

14:01 Understanding Breast Cancer Risks

20:10 The Benefits of HRT Beyond Symptoms

24:34 Healthy Hormones: Building a Community

28:31 Upcoming Women's Health Event at the Opera House

Head to michellejcox.com for more information about the ONE QUESTION podcast, your host or today’s guests

Connect with Michelle on Linkedin here:- @MichelleJCox

Connect with Michelle on Instagram here:- @michellejcox

Connect with Michelle on Facebook here - @michellejcox

AND, if you have a burning topic you’d love people to talk more about, or know someone who’d be great to come on the One Question podcast, please get in touch;- [email protected]

Welcome to 2025 and to Season SIX!! 

Hooley Dooley.. I’m super excited to be here & what a milestone to reach! 

In this episode, I reflect on the past year and share my personal experiences and insights. I discuss the importance of vulnerability in creativity, the value of setting intentions for the new year, and I want to really encourage listeners to embrace change and happiness in their lives. I’d like to emphasize the significance of a 'don't do list' this year in order to enhance personal fulfillment and hopefully reduce stress. Ultimately - I’d like to encourage you to take full control of your life in ‘25 and design a life that’s perfectly right for you!

Key Takeaways;

• Launch of season six of the podcast.
• Reflecting on the past year is important for growth.
• Vulnerability in creativity can lead to personal fulfillment.
• Setting intentions for the new year can guide your actions.
• Creating a 'don't do list' can enhance happiness.
• Small incremental changes can lead to significant impacts.
• Embracing change is a continuous journey.
• Finding joy in life requires intentionality.
• Feedback from listeners is invaluable to the podcast.
• 2025 can be a phenomenal year for personal growth

Head to michellejcox.com for more information about the ONE QUESTION podcast and your host

Connect with Michelle on Linkedin here:- @MichelleJCox

Connect with Michelle on Instagram here:- @michellejcox

Connect with Michelle on Facebook here - @michellejcox

AND, if you have a burning topic you’d love people to talk more about, or know someone who’d be great to come on the One Question podcast, please get in touch;- [email protected]

This is one special interview. What better way to finish the 5th season of my show than getting to sit down face to face with a dear friend in my home, on my couch. I knew it would be a real & raw conversation - full of such wise learnings and it did not disappoint.

My guest today is one of the most beautiful humans you could ever meet. The divine Tess Brouwer is a practitioner of positive psychology and wellbeing and the CEO of Awake Academy, a business she runs with another formidable human, Layne Beachley. As a former corporate athlete and now a mum, stepmum and mental wellness mentor, Tess complements Layne’s expertise with her deep understanding of corporate dynamics and mental wellbeing. They are making such an impact on the groups of people they are working within their business, they decided to write a book in order to reach more and I wanted to dive in deeper with her. 

As you’re about to hear, Tess has an incredible story that involved rebuilding her life from a life-changing spinal cord and brain injury. Combining that with her extensive experience as a senior executive, Tess specialises in fostering resilience, mental fitness and effective communication within corporate and home environments.

Her story is very unique and it’s quite extraordinary she’s not only here with us today, but thriving in the way she is and positively impacting so many others - it’s a privilege to call her my friend. 

Buy their new book here: Awake Academy

For more information about Tess, check out these places;-

Website: Awake Academy

Instagram: Tess Brouwer

Linkedin: Tess Brouwer

Head to michellejcox.com for more information about the ONE QUESTION podcast, your host or today’s guests

Connect with Michelle on Linkedin here:- @MichelleJCox

Connect with Michelle on Instagram here:- @michellejcox

Connect with Michelle on Facebook here - @michellejcox

AND, if you have a burning topic you’d love people to talk more about, or know someone who’d be great to come on the One Question podcast, please get in touch;- [email protected]

Today’s guest is Simone Clow, a visionary at the forefront of creative technology and immersive storytelling. After a dynamic career in visual effects for advertising and film, Simone co-founded Zebrar, Australia’s award-winning creative tech company, in 2017. As CEO, she’s led her team to collaborate with global giants like IBM, Disney, Meta, and Salesforce, crafting transformative, interactive experiences that captivate audiences and elevate brands.

Named one of Fortune Time Magazine’s Trailblazing Women in Business for 2023, Simone is also a founding member of the Australian Metaverse Advisory Council. A passionate advocate for immersive technologies like XR, spatial computing, and the metaverse, Simone’s work explores the intersection of art, tech, and purpose in an ever-evolving digital world.



Whenever I’ve met with Simone, we always have such fascinating conversations on really interesting topics so I was keen to get her on the show to explore them more. In this episode, we’ll dive into Simone’s insights on the future of technology, storytelling, and creating meaningful, boundary-pushing experiences. Get ready to be inspired!

For more information about Simone, check out these places;-

Website: Zebrar

Instagram: Zebrar

Linkedin: Simone Clow

Head to michellejcox.com for more information about the ONE QUESTION podcast, your host or today’s guests

Connect with Michelle on Linkedin here:- @MichelleJCox

Connect with Michelle on Instagram here:- @michellejcox

Connect with Michelle on Facebook here - @michellejcox

AND, if you have a burning topic you’d love people to talk more about, or know someone who’d be great to come on the One Question podcast, please get in touch;- [email protected]

“I believe entrepreneurs are shaping the future of the world. If we are going to solve the challenges we face globally, it’s entrepreneurs who will lead the change. I feel it’s so important to support and nurture the creative vision of socially conscious entrepreneurs.”

Mark Falzon is a visionary entrepreneur and serial investor with a track record of building and scaling businesses that deliver transformative impact. With over 25 years of experience in founding, managing, and advising high-growth ventures, Mark brings a unique blend of strategic acumen, operational expertise, and an unyielding commitment to making a difference.

As a co-founder of MAD Ventures, Mark channels his passion for innovation and sustainability into fostering businesses that address some of the world's most pressing challenges. From food security and renewable energy to clean technology and social impact, Mark’s work exemplifies the potential for purpose-driven enterprises to deliver both societal benefits and financial returns.

Mark’s career is built on a foundation of entrepreneurial success. His ventures have spanned multiple industries, and his leadership style emphasises resilience, adaptability, and collaboration. He is also an accomplished author, sharing his insights through works like Insights From A Serial Entrepreneur and The Venture Compass.

Driven by the belief that the future depends on empowering bold ideas and impactful people, Mark has become a sought-after mentor, speaker, and advocate for change. His legacy continues to inspire those who aim to build businesses that thrive while making the world a better place.

Mark has reinvented himself on several occasions so I was eager to meet up with him & hear more about how & why he’s been on the life trajectory he has… 

For more information about Mark, check out these places;-

Website: markfalzon.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mark_falzon/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markfalzon/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.falzon.14

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@behindthescenes383

Head to michellejcox.com for more information about the ONE QUESTION podcast, your host or today’s guests

Connect with Michelle on Linkedin here:- @MichelleJCox

Connect with Michelle on Instagram here:- @michellejcox

Connect with Michelle on Facebook here - @michellejcox

AND, if you have a burning topic you’d love people to talk more about, or know someone who’d be great to come on the One Question podcast, please get in touch;- [email protected]

Today, I’m joined by Thomas Nhan Tri Nguyen who has a fascinating story that I wanted to learn more about. From music halls to the battlefield and now boardroom, Thomas (or Tom’s) journey is anything but conventional. Tom is of Vietnamese heritage. He grew up in Adelaide, the only child of migrants who were fleeing war-torn Vietnam.

While his early years were filled with music and academia, he started his working life as a public servant in the Queensland Government. A desire for a greater challenge led him down an unexpected path: the Australian Defence Force.

Commissioned as an artillery officer in 2007, Tom served with distinction as a troop commander, navigating the complexities of field operations during a pivotal era in Australia’s military engagements. But Tom wanted more and it was then he discovered the world of management consulting and reinvented himself once again. An MBA from INSEAD in France launched him into the global stage with McKinsey, where he worked across 15 countries before returning to Australia to establish his own strategic advisory practice.

Tom’s story is one of curiosity, courage, and constant reinvention—a testament to the power of stepping outside your comfort zone. Today, he applies lessons learned from both the battlefield and the boardroom to help others navigate their own transformative journeys. Let’s meet Tom and find out more…  



For more information about Thomas, check out these places;-

Linkedin: Thomas Nhan Tri Nguyen

Instagram: @tomntnguyen

Head to michellejcox.com for more information about the ONE QUESTION podcast, your host or today’s guests

Connect with Michelle on Linkedin here:- @MichelleJCox

Connect with Michelle on Instagram here:- @michellejcox

Connect with Michelle on Facebook here - @michellejcox

AND, if you have a burning topic you’d love people to talk more about, or know someone who’d be great to come on the One Question podcast, please get in touch;- [email protected]

Hello, welcome to the show! I’m your host Michelle Cox and it makes me so happy you’re here with us once again to learn from another incredible guest that I’m about to introduce you to.

This episode is part of a ‘series’ we’re currently running on the show - where I'm talking to all guests about the same topic, and that topic is REINVENTION! 

And why are we doing this? Well, it’s a topic I get asked about a lot; how I reinvented myself, why, the process I went through, and I was keen to talk to others about their transitions and what they went through to create a new life for themselves. 

Today, I sit down with the wonderful Monique van Tulder who has been inspiring mid-life women to shake things up a bit and encouraging them to step into their ‘second-act’ where, after decades of looking after others, they now get to spend time and resources on themselves.

Authentically sharing her story of mid-life reinvigoration - her own Eat Pray Runaway & Return adventure (she abandoned her family for eight months) - Monique’s wisdom inspires other women to prioritise health & well-being, financial literacy, retirement or professional life, and of course, travel retreats and adventure also! 

Monique leads an engaged online community of like-minded mid-age women who want to regain control of their lives. Her mantra: “Now, is your time” sounds like just the antidote for many of us living a life seemingly for others & not ourselves. Let’s find out more from the wonderful Monique van Tulder. 

Her book ‘A Grown Ups Gap Year’ - The Guidebook for mid Lifestyle. Wellbeing.

Adventure. Chic (how to put YOU back in the picture).

For more information about Monique, check out these places;-

Website: https://www.moniquevantulder.com.au/

Instagram: @moniquevantulder

Head to michellejcox.com for more information about the ONE QUESTION podcast, your host or today’s guests

Connect with Michelle on Linkedin here:- @MichelleJCox

Connect with Michelle on Instagram here:- @michellejcox

Connect with Michelle on Facebook here - @michellejcox

AND, if you have a burning topic you’d love people to talk more about, or know someone who’d be great to come on the One Question podcast, please get in touch;- [email protected]

Hello, welcome to the show! I’m your host Michelle Cox and it makes me so happy you’re here with us once again to learn from another incredible guest that I will be ‘mining’ information from again this week. 

If you missed last week’s episode, go back and have a listen first as this is Part two! We are back with the Queen of Reinvention herself - the gorgeously talented Valerie Khoo. Valerie is the first guest in a ‘series’ we’re currently running on the show - where all guests will be asked to talk about the same topic, and that topic is REINVENTION! 

Why are we doing this? Well, it’s a topic I get asked about a lot;  how I reinvented myself, why, the process I went through, and I was keen to talk to others about their transitions and what they went through to create new lives for themselves. 

A recap on today’s guest; Valerie Khoo is an award-winning feature writer who is also CEO of the Australian Writers’ Centre - an organisation she founded over 18 years ago. Val does many things - some of which include podcaster, incredible artist and author of seven books. Val & I often have such incredible conversations in our studio and it was fitting that she kicks off this series about Reinvention as she’s had a fascinating journey that’s led her to where she is today. 

There was so much GOLD in the chat with Val that we split it into two parts.  Let’s dive in and hear more of the wisdom this incredible woman offers us. 

And don’t forget - the One Question podcast now has a YouTube channel.  Please, go check it out here so we have more than 5 views!! :)

One Question Youtube

For more information about Valerie, check out these places;-

Websites: Valerie Khoo and Australian Writers Centre

Instagram: @valeriekhoo

Linkedin: Valerie Khoo

Head to michellejcox.com for more information about the ONE QUESTION podcast, your host or today’s guests

Connect with Michelle on Linkedin here:- @MichelleJCox

Connect with Michelle on Instagram here:- @michellejcox

Connect with Michelle on Facebook here - @michellejcox

AND, if you have a burning topic you’d love people to talk more about, or know someone who’d be great to come on the One Question podcast, please get in touch;- [email protected]

We are kicking off a ‘series’ for the first time on the show - where I bring on guests to talk about the same topic over the coming weeks, and that topic is REINVENTION! It’s a topic I get asked about a lot;  how I reinvented myself, why, the process, and I wanted to talk to others about their incredible transitions and hear about their reinvention stories too. 

So, our first guest in this series is my dear friend, incredible entrepreneur and fellow creative studio buddy, Valerie Khoo who I’m sitting with here in our joint creative studio, Atelier 9 in Avalon. Valerie is an award-winning feature writer who is also CEO of the Australian Writers’ Centre - an organisation she founded over 18 years ago. As you’re about to hear, Val does many things - some of which include podcaster, incredible artist and author of seven books. Her latest books are So you want to be a writer (co-authored with Allison Tait) and Power Stories: The 8 Stories You MUST Tell to Build an Epic Business. Val & I always have such incredible conversations whist we are painting and potting in our studio and it was fitting that she kicks off this series about Reinvention as she’s had a fascinating journey that’s led her to where she is today. 

There was so much GOLD in this chat that I’ve split it into two parts - let’s dive in and here some of the wisdom this incredible woman offers us in part one. 

_______

Also - HUGE News!! I’m excited to announce that the One Question podcast now has a YouTube channel. It will be wonderful to be able to bring you visual content of our interviews as well. This episode with Valerie will be the first to feature on the platform - so please, go check it out here so we have more than 2 views!! :)

One Question Youtube

For more information about Valerie, check out these places;-

Websites: Valerie Khoo and Australian Writers Centre

Instagram: @valeriekhoo

Linkedin: Valerie Khoo

Head to michellejcox.com for more information about the ONE QUESTION podcast, your host or today’s guests

Connect with Michelle on Linkedin here:- @MichelleJCox

Connect with Michelle on Instagram here:- @michellejcox

Connect with Michelle on Facebook here - @michellejcox

AND, if you have a burning topic you’d love people to talk more about, or know someone who’d be great to come on the One Question podcast, please get in touch;- [email protected]