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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 [email protected].

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

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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 [email protected].

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 ❤️

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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 [email protected].

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 ❤️

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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 [email protected].

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 ❤️

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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 [email protected].

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 ❤️

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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 [email protected].
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 ❤️ 

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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 [email protected].

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 ❤️

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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 [email protected]. 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❤️

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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 [email protected].

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 ❤️

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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 [email protected].

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 ❤️