Your 2nd Act
by Michelle Parsonage
Welcome to Your 2nd Act podcast - where we celebrate the power and beauty of women in their middle years. Join me each fortnight as I chat to inspiring women from all walks of life, sharing their stories, insights, and hard-earned wisdom. Together, we'll explore the limitless possibilities of your next chapter and trust me, the curtain has just risen on your most exciting act yet.
Episodes
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How To Run Away (& Other Handy Hints for Your Next Bit).
Send us Fan Mail A 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...
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ARE YOU LIVING A RICH LIFE IN MIDLIFE
Send us Fan Mail ARE 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...
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MICHELLE CELEBRATES 3 YEARS OF THE PODCAST WITH HER VERY FIRST GUEST!
Send us Fan Mail MICHELLE 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…
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Stuck in midlife? Start here!
Send us Fan Mail Stuck 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...
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STOP OVERTHINKING IT. JUST GO FOR IT.
Send us Fan Mail STOP 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...
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WHY I PREFER DATING YOUNGER MEN IN MIDLIFE
Send us Fan Mail WHY I PREFER DATING YOUNGER MEN IN MIDLIFE Dating 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...
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MIDLIFE DIVORCE: MAKING THE RIGHT DECISIONS.
Send us Fan Mail MIDLIFE 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…
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My Women’s Event Sold Out! What This Month Taught Me About Growth & Showing Up!
Send us Fan Mail My 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...
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STARTING OVER AT 55: THE CAMINO, SOLO TRAVEL AND FINDING LOVE
Send us Fan Mail STARTING OVER AT 55: THE CAMINO, SOLO TRAVEL AND FINDING LOVE At 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...
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Choosing Yourself: Trusting Your Intuition in Midlife
Send us Fan Mail What 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…
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THE YEAR I CHOSE ME: WHY SELFISH IS THE NEW FREEDOM
Send us Fan Mail 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...
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Perimenopause, Menopause, HRT… why does it all still feel so confusing? Even when you’re living it.
Send us Fan Mail 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...
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Your 2nd Act & AIO Wellness present - THE REBOOT
Send us Fan Mail 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...
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FROM SCHOOL PICK-UP TO SUPER YACHTS: THE MIDLIFE DJ DUO
Send us Fan Mail 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...
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My 2025 Year in Review
Send us Fan Mail 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…
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Midlife from both sides with Matt Elliott & Susan Pearse
Send us Fan Mail 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…
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I Gave Away All My Money…and Instantly Regretted It!
Send us Fan Mail 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...
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My Midlife Job Reset: Finding the Courage to Try Something New!
Send us Fan Mail 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...
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We’re Starting a Women’s Circle and You’re Invited!
Send us Fan Mail 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...
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My Midlife Reset: The Honest Truth
Send us Fan Mail 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...
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I Thought It Was Just Hormones….Turns Out It Was ADHD
Send us Fan Mail Why are so many women being diagnosed with ADHD in midlife? and what does menopause have to do with it? In this episode, Michelle chats with Women’s Psychologist Leanne Mulheron about the rising awareness of ADHD in midlife women, and how it often overlaps with menopause. As more...
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I Did a Shirley Valentine: Took a Gap Year and Found Myself.
Send us Fan Mail Imagine reaching midlife and deciding to take a gap year, on your own, without your family, and without all the usual responsibilities. How many times have you thought, "I wish I could just do that," but for some reason, you don’t because you’re scared of change and the unknown?...
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Where Did My Sex Drive Go and Can I Get It Back?
Send us Fan Mail So many women in midlife find themselves thinking, “What happened to my sex drive?” Whether it feels like it’s gone on a long holiday or disappeared completely, it’s something that’s often joked about, but rarely talked about honestly. In this episode, I chat with Amy Campbell, a...
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Empty Nest in Reverse: When the Parents Move Out!
Send us Fan Mail Instead of the kids moving out, you pack up and leave, giving them the family home while you and your partner start fresh somewhere new. That’s exactly what Sara and her husband did, and in this conversation, Sara shares how this bold move transformed her life, relationships, and...
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Why Won’t He Open Up? Helping Midlife Men Break the Silence
Send us Fan Mail As we move through midlife, we often focus on the changes we’re experiencing, but what about the men in our lives? Our husbands, partners, brothers, and friends are navigating their own challenges, often in silence. In this deeply relatable conversation, Michelle speaks with Tim...
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Help! I’ve Lost My Style and I Don’t Know Where to Start! - Courtney’s Guide to Getting It Back.
Send us Fan Mail Feeling stuck in a style rut? You’re not alone. In this episode, I’m joined by Courtney a fashion stylist, content creator, and someone who’s completely reinvented herself in midlife. After 30 years in corporate, Courtney found herself questioning what was next (sound familiar?)....
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Midlife Friendships: Who Stays, Who Fades, and Who’s Still to Come!
Send us Fan Mail We know how important female friendships are in midlife - hey, imagine life without them… scary, right? These relationships are our lifelines, our sounding boards, and our greatest cheerleaders, but what happens when a friendship no longer aligns with who you are? When it quietly...
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A 2nd Act with Heart: Ren’s Mission to Help Women in Crisis!
Send us Fan Mail Midlife is often seen as a time of reflection, but for many women, it’s also a time of bold reinvention. In this episode, I speak with Ren, co-founder of ReLove, about how she embraced her 2nd Act by starting a much needed charity, one that not only changed her life, but is...
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Breaking Free from ‘Good Girl’ Conditioning
Send us Fan Mail Guys how many of you describe yourself as people-pleasers, perfectionists, or the one who’s always protecting others? Bloody exhausting… isn’t it! If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and today’s guest knows exactly how you feel. Dr. Michelle McQuaid, or Chelle as she’s…
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Midlife and Alcohol - Do They Really Mix?
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Your 2nd Act, I sit down with Kath Elliott, an alcohol coach, to explore the complexities of alcohol consumption, particularly among midlife women. Many of us have grown up with alcohol as a central part of socialising, celebrating, and even unwinding, but at...
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“I Started a Women’s Health Clinic in My 2nd Act—Here’s Why"
Send us Fan Mail 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...
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From Hidden Truths to Self-Discovery: A Midlife Awakening
Send us Fan Mail 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…
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I Thought I’d Quit—10 Years Later, I’m Stronger Than Ever!
Send us Fan Mail 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.…
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Burnout to Breakthrough: Sophie Scott’s Midlife Transformation
Send us Fan Mail 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…
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Packing Up, Moving On: How Jane Turned Midlife into an Adventure!
Send us Fan Mail 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...
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Enough of this BS – let me step fully into my power, with Megan Dalla-Camina!
Send us Fan Mail 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...
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I Can’t Believe I’m Celebrating 50 Episodes!!!
Send us Fan Mail 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…
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My 2024 year in review – The Ups, Downs and Lessons Along the Way!
Send us Fan Mail 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…
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A Year Without Alcohol: Ali’s Journey of Strength and Self-Discovery
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...
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The Accidental Partner Swap: Fi's Story of Love and New Beginnings
Send us Fan Mail 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...
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Connection, Laughter, and Orgasms: Keeping Love Alive in Midlife!
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Your 2nd Act, we explore the unique challenges and opportunities of midlife relationships with Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Dawn Dominguez. As couples face shifting priorities, empty nests, and rediscovering each other, midlife can be a time of both...
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"I Survived A Conman" - Tracy’s Story Of Love, Betrayal, And Reclaiming Power
Send us Fan Mail Remember the podcast Who the Hell is Hamish?- the shocking tale of one of Australia’s most infamous conmen? In this week’s episode, I chat with Tracy Hall, who was swept into a whirlwind romance with a man she thought was "Max Tavita," a successful businessman with charm and...
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That’s a wrap! - Season 2 Finale
Send us Fan Mail Show Notes: That’s a wrap! - Season 2 Finale. Season 2 has officially wrapped, and what an incredible journey it has been! I've been honoured to share the voices of such brave and honest women, whose willingness to be vulnerable has inspired not only me but our entire community....
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Let’s Catch Up - Ladies, take back control of your finances!
Send us Fan Mail In this week's episode of 'Let's Catch Up,' I have an honest and eye-opening conversation with Jacki about the critical importance of financial security and awareness for women. When I posed the questions to our book club about how many of us rely on our partners to look after…
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Taking the leap: Jacky's path to a purposeful Life
Send us Fan Mail When we’re faced with hard times and struggles, it can be the moment where we experience tremendous growth, leading to new beginnings. In today's episode, my guest, Jacky, found herself on such a transformative journey. Taking time off from her 30-year teaching career to care for...
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I broke up with my Mum!!
Send us Fan Mail Imagine breaking up with your mum! In this episode, Jennifer courageously shares her journey of ending an unhealthy relationship with her mother. She opens up about the years of abuse and trauma she endured and the difficult choice to end this toxic relationship in her 2nd Act…
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Let’s Catch Up – We are the ‘Sandwich Generation’
Send us Fan Mail I really enjoyed my chat with Tina as we unpacked the emotional impact of seeing our parents age. As members of the ‘sandwich generation,’ many of us find ourselves balancing life between young adult children and aging parents, making it a topic worth discussing. We explore the...
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Death Doula in her 2nd Act!
Send us Fan Mail Death has always been a taboo subject in our culture, and when I came across Caroline's story about how she transitioned from a career in PR to working as a death doula in her second act, I was intrigued. Caroline openly shares her journey to finding more meaningful work as a…
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Diana’s 2nd Act – “It’s like Bridgerton but without the sex”
Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered what it would be like to turn your passion into a job? This episode might be the push you need to get started! This week I chat with Diana, a former engineer turned romance novelist, who shares her incredible journey and passion for writing. Diana gives us a...
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Let's Catch Up - Welcome to my first solo episode!
Send us Fan Mail Let's Catch Up - Welcome to my first solo episode!I'm thrilled to introduce a brand-new segment called "Let's Catch up," where I dive into topics that matter to me and occasionally bring on friends for their insights. As this podcast is evolving, so am I and I’m eager to share…
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About this show
Welcome to Your 2nd Act podcast - where we celebrate the power and beauty of women in their middle years. Join me each fortnight as I chat to inspiring women from all walks of life, sharing their stories, insights, and hard-earned wisdom. Together, we'll explore the limitless possibilities of your next chapter and trust me, the curtain has just risen on your most exciting act yet.
Hosted by
Michelle Parsonage
Categories