Your 2nd Act

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This week, I chat with Hema Prakash, founder of Ponti Health, about the gaps in women’s healthcare, especially in midlife. So many of us feel unsupported and unheard when it comes to perimenopause, menopause, and our overall well-being. Hema saw these challenges firsthand and decided to do something about it. That’s how Ponti Health was born, a place designed to empower women with knowledge, care, and a real sense of control over their health.

In our conversation, we dive into why midlife women need a healthcare revolution. We talk about navigating hormonal changes, the importance of bone health, and why a patient-first approach makes all the difference. Hema also shares how she’s created a space that feels more like a sanctuary than a clinic, helping women feel truly seen and heard.

Key Takeaways:
 
✨ Midlife health isn’t just about managing symptoms, it’s about education, empowerment, and taking proactive steps.
✨ Bone health is crucial, especially for women over 70, and nutrition plays a key role in maintaining it.
✨ Menopause symptoms can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, they’re manageable.
✨ A collaborative, patient-first approach leads to better outcomes and a more supportive healthcare experience.
✨ Aging isn’t a burden, it’s a privilege, and with the right knowledge, we can truly thrive in our second act.

Resources & Links:
If you want to learn more about Hema’s work, visit Ponti Health to check out their services and approach to women’s wellness.

Hema also recommends Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez, a powerful book that uncovers the hidden biases in healthcare, data, and everyday life that impact women’s well-being. 

If this episode gave you a new perspective or made you feel less alone in your journey, I’d love to hear from you! Your feedback means so much and helps shape future episodes.

And if you enjoyed this chat, why not share the love with a five-star rating or a quick review? Your words might be exactly what another woman needs to hear today.

Catch this episode on YouTube, stay connected with me on Instagram for exclusive updates, and join my private Facebook group to dive even deeper into our community.

Have thoughts, suggestions, or just want to say hello? Email me anytime at [email protected] - I’d love to connect!

Michelle x

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In midlife, many of us start questioning who we really are beyond the roles we have played, whether as a mother, daughter, partner, or professional. But what happens when family secrets come to light and shake the very foundation of our identity?

In this episode, Michelle Scheibner shares her deeply personal journey of uncovering hidden truths within her family and how they shaped her sense of self. Through therapy, introspection, and an ongoing commitment to healing, she has learned that identity is not just about where we come from, but about who we choose to become. We explore the weight of emotional inheritance, the complexity of belonging, and why midlife is often the perfect time to redefine ourselves on our own terms.

Key Takeaways:
✨ Uncovering family secrets can be both painful and liberating. It reshapes how we see ourselves and our past.
✨ Grief is not always about loss in the present. Sometimes, we mourn what we never had.
✨ The tension between loyalty and resentment in family relationships is real, but understanding it can be healing.
✨ Midlife is a powerful time to question old narratives, break cycles, and embrace who we truly are.
✨ We do not just inherit trauma. We also inherit resilience, strength, and the power to rewrite our story.

Resources & Links:

If this episode brought you inspiration, laughter, or a new perspective, I’d love to hear from you! Your feedback truly lights up my day and helps shape future episodes.

Michelle’s book Hush offers a powerful exploration of identity, healing, and the courage to embrace your truth for those looking to dive deeper into her work.

Why not share the love with a 5-star rating or a quick review! Your words could be just what someone needs to start their own 2nd Act!

Catch this episode on YouTube, stay connected with me on Instagram for exclusive updates, and join my private Facebook group to dive even deeper into our community.

Have thoughts, suggestions, or just want to say hello? Email me anytime at [email protected] - I’d love to connect!

Michelle x

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Ten years ago, I reluctantly walked into a gym, thinking, "Here we go again, another gym I’ll quit in a few months." But a decade later, I’m still training at the same gym with the same trainer, Dan, an exercise sports scientist who has completely changed my approach to fitness.

In this episode, Dan and I discuss why midlife is the perfect time to focus on strengthening our bodies. We explore the benefits of resistance training for women, including preventing osteoporosis, improving mobility, and maintaining overall health as we age. Dan also shares tips for finding the right trainer, debunks common fitness myths, and explains why consistency is the key to long-term results.

If you’re ready to feel stronger and healthier in midlife, this conversation will inspire you to get started.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why resistance training is essential for women in midlife
• The truth about cardio vs. strength training
• How exercise can help prevent osteoporosis and improve bone health
• Practical tips for finding a fitness trainer who fits your needs
• The mental health benefits of regular physical activity
• How a consistent exercise routine can transform your midlife journey

Let’s prioritise our health and redefine what’s possible in midlife, starting today!

Resources & Links:

You can also learn more about how Dan can help you kick start your fitness journey by visiting his website

If this episode brought you inspiration, laughter, or a new perspective, I’d love to hear from you! Your feedback truly lights up my day and helps shape future episodes.

Why not share the love with a 5-star rating or a quick review! Your words could be just what someone needs to start their own 2nd Act!

Catch this episode on YouTube, stay connected with me on Instagram for exclusive updates, and join my private Facebook group to dive even deeper into our community.

Have thoughts, suggestions, or just want to say hello? Email me anytime at [email protected] - I’d love to connect!

Michelle x

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In this episode, Sophie Scott, award-winning medical journalist, mental health educator, and former ABC presenter, shares her powerful journey through burnout and high-functioning anxiety, offering invaluable insights into reclaiming balance and well-being. Despite her high-profile career and professional success, Sophie opens up about the personal toll of burnout, reminding us that it doesn’t discriminate, it can happen to anyone, no matter how accomplished or put-together they may seem.

Burnout isn’t just about feeling exhausted, it affects your body, mind, and emotions in profound ways, often creeping up unnoticed. Sophie’s story reveals the hidden struggles many face, particularly midlife women, and how small, consistent changes can lead to profound transformation. She explores the importance of self-care, the courage to set boundaries, and the power of visualisation to prime your mind for success.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that you don’t have to feel completely ready to make a change and that midlife is the perfect time to redefine who you are beyond work or societal expectations. Sophie inspires us to embrace self-compassion, take proactive steps toward mental and emotional health, and understand that no one is alone in their struggles. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or stuck, this episode will leave you feeling hopeful, empowered, and ready to take that first step toward a life of greater balance and fulfillment.

Resources & Links:

SPECIAL EVENT - DON’T MISS OUT! Click the Link to grab your ticket to Your 2nd Act: Thriving in Midlife and join us for an inspiring, life-changing day in beautiful Manly on 1 February 2025!

Follow Sophie on Instagram for daily tips on maintaining balance, prioritising self-care, and improving your well-being. You can also learn more about her work by visiting her website.

If this episode brought you inspiration, laughter, or a new perspective, I’d love to hear from you! Your feedback truly lights up my day and helps shape future episodes.

Why not share the love with a 5-star rating or a quick review! Your words could be just what someone needs to start their own 2nd Act!

Catch this episode on YouTube, stay connected with me on Instagram for exclusive updates, and join my private Facebook group to dive even deeper into our community.

Have thoughts, suggestions, or just want to say hello? Email me anytime at [email protected] - I’d love to connect!

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Late last year, I sat down with my good friend Jane, who had just taken a bold leap into a new stage of life. After a long and successful corporate career, Jane decided it was time to shake things up. With her daughter away at university, she and her husband Rob packed their bags and set off on an adventure to travel around Australia.

In this engaging conversation, Jane shares what it’s like to step away from the familiar and embrace the unknown. From leaving her career behind to planning a major move, Jane has fully leaned into the freedom and possibilities of midlife. We explore how she navigated the decision to take this new direction, the lessons learned on the road, and the exciting opportunities that come with starting fresh.

Jane reflects on her relationship with her husband and the joy of experiencing life together in a whole new way. Their travels not only deepened their bond but also opened doors to new connections and experiences. As she looks ahead to her next big move, Jane talks about the importance of building community and staying connected during transitions, emphasising how these relationships add richness and meaning to this stage of life.

This episode is packed with insights and inspiration for anyone wondering what’s next in their own second act. Whether it’s shaking up your routine, chasing a long-held dream, or simply exploring new horizons, Jane’s story is proof that midlife can be a time of incredible growth, adventure, and reinvention.

Join us for this exciting conversation and discover how you, too, can embrace change and unlock the potential of this next chapter.

Michelle xx

Resources & Links:

SPECIAL EVENT - DON’T MISS OUT! Click the Link to grab your ticket to Your 2nd Act: Thriving in Midlife and join us for an inspiring, life-changing day in beautiful Manly on 1 February 2025!

If this episode brought you inspiration, laughter, or a new perspective, I’d love to hear from you! Your feedback truly lights up my day and helps shape future episodes.

Why not share the love with a 5-star rating or a quick review! Your words could be just what someone needs to start their own 2nd Act!

Catch this episode on YouTube, stay connected with me on Instagram for exclusive updates, and join my private Facebook group to dive even deeper into our community.

Have thoughts, suggestions, or just want to say hello? Email me anytime at [email protected] - I’d love to connect!

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Have you ever felt like midlife is less of a crisis and more of a calling? In this episode, I sit down with Megan Dalla-Camina, an award-winning women’s leadership and empowerment expert and bestselling author of Women Rising, to talk about navigating this transformative stage of life. We explore empowerment, dealing with our inner critic, and how patriarchy has shaped the way we see ourselves and our potential.

Megan breaks down the idea of archetypes that represent the voices of our inner critics, showing how understanding these can help us move forward with more self-awareness. We talk about the importance of having each other’s backs, the shared struggles so many women face, and why it’s time to let go of all those societal expectations holding us back.

We dive into the realities of workplace equality, or the lack of it, and why we need to come together to push for real change, not just for us but for the women coming after us. Megan also shines a light on how women over 40 have historically been sidelined, but also how more and more midlife women are stepping into their power and rewriting the narrative. She reminds us that it’s never too late to try something new, whether that’s a career change or chasing a dream you’ve put off.

By the end of our conversation, I felt truly inspired by Megan’s message: midlife isn’t the beginning of the end, it’s the start of something extraordinary. It’s a time to embrace our power, rewrite the rules, and show the world what we’re capable of. If you’ve ever doubted that the best is yet to come, this episode will leave you feeling ready to take on whatever’s next.

Resources & Links:

SPECIAL EVENT - DON’T MISS OUT! Click the Link to grab your ticket to Your 2nd Act: Thriving in Midlife and join us for an inspiring, life-changing day in beautiful Manly on 1 February 2025!

Here’s a link to Megan’s inspiring book Women Rising

Catch this episode on YouTube, stay connected with me on Instagram for exclusive updates, and join my private Facebook group to dive even deeper into our community.

Have thoughts, suggestions, or just want to say hello? Email me anytime at [email protected] - I’d love to connect!

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50 episodes—what a milestone! In this special episode, I reflect on my journey from where I started to where I am now, and the incredible growth I’ve experienced along the way. With the guidance of my coach, Annie White, I’ve learned how to break free from fear, self-doubt, and the belief that it’s “too late” to create the life I want.

Annie and I explore the challenges many women face in midlife, such as feeling stuck, uncertain, or held back by old conditioning. We discuss how the Spiral program has helped me unlock my potential, rediscover my passions, and find joy in helping others.

This episode is a reminder that midlife is a time for reinvention and rediscovery. Transformation isn’t a destination—it’s an ongoing journey. If you’ve ever felt stuck or unsure of your next step, I hope this conversation inspires you to embrace your second act with courage and confidence.

Resources & Links:

SPECIAL EVENT - DON’T MISS OUT! Click the Link to grab your ticket to Your 2nd Act: Thriving in Midlife and join us for an inspiring, life-changing day in beautiful Manly on 1 February 2025!

Learn more about the Spiral program.

Catch this episode on YouTube, stay connected with me on Instagram for exclusive updates, and join my private Facebook group to dive even deeper into our community.

Have thoughts, suggestions, or just want to say hello? Email me anytime at [email protected] - I’d love to connect!

Thank you for celebrating this milestone with me! If you enjoyed the episode, please subscribe and leave a review to help more midlife women embrace their next chapter.

Michelle x

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This year has been a complete roller coaster, filled with moments of personal growth, unexpected challenges, and incredible opportunities. One of the highlights has undoubtedly been Your 2nd Act. The stories shared by my inspiring guests and the connections I’ve built with you, my listeners, have made this journey so meaningful.

It hasn’t all been easy. Navigating family challenges and stepping outside my comfort zone to pursue new opportunities pushed me in ways I didn’t expect. Hosting my first midlife event next year feels equal parts exciting and terrifying, but I’m learning that taking chances can lead to unexpected rewards.

If this year has taught me anything, it’s that growth is a continuous journey, you don’t need to have everything figured out, and midlife is the perfect time to embrace new beginnings. What is meant for you truly won’t pass you by.

As we look ahead to the new year, I hope this episode inspires you to reflect on your own journey and the possibilities that lie ahead. Thank you for being part of this incredible community. Here’s to embracing the next chapter of our second acts together!

Merry Christmas xx

Resources & Links:

SPECIAL EVENT - DON’T MISS OUT! Click the Link to grab your ticket to Your 2nd Act: Thriving in Midlife and join us for an inspiring, life-changing day in beautiful Manly on 1 February 2025!

If this episode brought you inspiration, laughter, or a new perspective, I’d love to hear from you! Your feedback truly lights up my day and helps shape future episodes.

Why not share the love with a 5-star rating or a quick review! Your words could be just what someone needs to start their own 2nd Act!

Catch this episode on YouTube, stay connected with me on Instagram for exclusive updates, and join my private Facebook group to dive even deeper into our community.

Have thoughts, suggestions, or just want to say hello? Email me anytime at [email protected] - I’d love to connect!

Send us Fan Mail

Ali joins the conversation to share her transformative journey of living alcohol-free for an entire year. With honesty and insight, she opens up about the profound changes she’s experienced in her relationship with drinking, the unexpected challenges of navigating social situations, and the incredible personal growth that has come with choosing sobriety.

Throughout the episode, Ali dives into the science behind alcohol’s effects on the body and mind, offering a fresh perspective on how understanding these facts can help manage cravings and reduce anxiety. She credits the support of a sobriety coach, her close friends, and her family for being pivotal in her journey. Ali also offers heartfelt advice for anyone considering taking the first step, emphasising the power of starting small and finding a supportive community to lean on.

The conversation also touches on how sobriety has reshaped her family dynamics, deepened her self-awareness, and allowed her to model healthier behaviours for her children. Ali highlights that cravings for alcohol often last just minutes and shares strategies that helped her overcome them while embracing the empowering benefits of a life without drinking.

This episode is filled with inspiration and practical tips for anyone curious about sobriety, whether you're thinking about cutting back or considering a more significant lifestyle change. Ali’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to reevaluate your habits, make a change, and discover new layers of strength within yourself.

Resources & Links:

SPECIAL EVENT - DON’T MISS OUT! Click the Link to grab your ticket to Your 2nd Act: Thriving in Midlife and join us for an inspiring, life-changing day in beautiful Manly on 1 February 2025!

If this episode brought you inspiration, laughter, or a new perspective, I’d love to hear from you! Your feedback truly lights up my day and helps shape future episodes.

Why not share the love with a 5-star rating or a quick review! Your words could be just what someone needs to start their own 2nd Act!

Catch this episode on YouTube, stay connected with me on Instagram for exclusive updates, and join my private Facebook group to dive even deeper into our community.

Have thoughts, suggestions, or just want to say hello? Email me anytime at [email protected] - I’d love to connect!

Michelle x

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In this episode of Your 2nd Act, Michelle dives into a story you won’t believe—a tale of separation, unexpected connections, and the courage it takes to embrace new beginnings. Fi shares her remarkable journey of amicably splitting from her husband, only to find love with another man who had recently parted ways with his own wife. But here’s the twist: her ex-husband and his ex-wife also began dating each other!!!!!

Fi opens up about the emotional challenges of navigating this unique situation, from discovering her ex-husband’s new relationship to building a blended family dynamic that prioritises their children’s well-being. She reflects on the moments of self-doubt, the bravery required to pursue happiness, and the growth she experienced along the way.

Together, Michelle and Fi explore the themes of love, resilience, and the power of choosing happiness in midlife. This conversation is full of insight, inspiration, and a few surprises that will leave you rethinking what’s possible in your own life.

Resources & Links:

SPECIAL EVENT - DON’T MISS OUT! Click the Link to grab your ticket to Your 2nd Act: Thriving in Midlife and join us for an inspiring, life-changing day in beautiful Manly on 1 February 2025!

Click the to purchase your ticket and join us for an unforgettable day in Manly!

If this episode brought you inspiration, laughter, or a new perspective, I’d love to hear from you! Your feedback truly lights up my day and helps shape future episodes.

Why not share the love with a 5-star rating or a quick review! Your words could be just what someone needs to start their own 2nd Act!

Catch this episode on YouTube, stay connected with me on Instagram for exclusive updates, and join my private Facebook group to dive even deeper into our community.

Have thoughts, suggestions, or just want to say hello? Email me anytime at [email protected] - I’d love to connect!