I turned a missed teaching abroad placement and a declined job offer into an au pair adventure in Australia and explore what it means to “live in the happening”—the uncertain space where growth happens.

You can use practical, simple strategies to get through uncertain times—sleep, movement, sunlight, hydration, micro-goals, and leaning on community—while developing patience, resilience, and the mindset that things can happen for you, not to you.

This episode is a warm, relatable guide to navigating the unknown and finding meaning in periods of transition.

In this episode, I share my personal experience moving to Brisbane and offer practical advice on making friends in a new city. I discuss tools like Bumble BFF and local run clubs, emphasize being intentional with meetups, suggest low-stakes first dates (coffee or walks), and encourage using social media and local events to connect. The episode covers managing expectations, nurturing friendships through varied activities, and staying open to new people while prioritizing meaningful, long-term connections.

In this episode, I share what it’s really like living in Australia as an American — from why I decided to move here to what everyday life actually looks like. I moved from Chicago to Brisbane in search of a more laid-back, beachy lifestyle and a new perspective on what kind of environment makes me feel my best. Spoiler: not all of Australia is on the beach, and the reality has been full of surprises.

From the Aussie coffee culture and early morning routines to the slower pace of life and emphasis on work-life balance, I dive into the cultural differences, the logistics of moving abroad, and the small quirks that make Australia so unique.

One-month update from Brisbane: settling into a host family, navigating the surprises of nannying three kids, and missing familiar people-watching rituals.

How building simple routines inspired by Atomic Habits — Anchoring habits to your identity, starting small, habit stacking, designing your environment, and minimum viable habits — has helped create stability, energy, and space for creativity.

Quick personal wins, gratitude practices, and a plan to start journaling as I head off on a Gold Coast trip next week.

In this episode I share my experiences settling into Brisbane—daily routines, Run Club sunrises, Pilates, a cafe job, learning public transit, and the ups and downs of making friends abroad.

I also explore how social media fuels feelings of comparison and I offer simple strategies to feel more present: audit your feed, set boundaries, reconnect with real life, and reframe success.

In this episode I share my first week and a half living in Brisbane as an au pair — the small wins, the unexpected struggles, and the routines that are helping me settle in.

I walk through how I found my host family, the visa and packing basics, what to expect day-to-day, and practical tips for choosing the right placement (websites, questions to ask, and red flags).

I also talk about getting out of my comfort zone, meeting people through local activities, and why becoming an au pair can be a low-cost way to live abroad and grow personally.

In this episode I share a life update—I'm leaving for Australia soon to work as an au pair—and reflect on my first major solo trip to Zanzibar, Tanzania. I talk through the planning, budgeting, and mindset that helped me travel alone, the Give International service experience, and a memorable arrival scare that turned into a life-changing adventure.

I also offer practical solo-travel tips: start small, expect loneliness, set limits on pre-trip shopping, and budget clearly. Whether you want immersive service travel or confidence to explore solo, this episode covers what I learned and how I plan to take listeners along on future trips.

Hi, I’m Ashley Kay — a 22-year-old recent grad recording this first episode from Brisbane while working as an au pair. I’m launching The Saturday Club as a creative space to document my travels, growth, and the lessons I learn along the way.

This episode introduces the podcast’s goals: sharing travel stories and practical tips (itineraries, costs, highs and lows), interviewing people living unconventional lives, and encouraging listeners to step out of their comfort zones.

I hope to release episodes most Saturdays as a positive weekend ritual — a place to learn, get inspired, and make better use of your free time. Join me on the journey.