Solo travel can feel exciting, empowering… and at the same time terrifying - especially if it’s something you’ve never done before. If you’ve been dreaming about booking that trip but have some reservations - fear not!

This week on the pod, I’m joined by Rikkell, the creator behind @yoursolotravelbestie, who’s built a community around encouraging women to travel solo with confidence. From first-time nerves to embracing freedom, Rikkell shares her honest experiences and what she loves about going abroad alone.

✨ In this episode, we chat about:

• The biggest fears and misconceptions that stop women from solo travelling
• Safety while travelling alone and how identity can shape your experience
• How to budget, plan, and find the best deals for solo trips
• Tips for someone planning their first solo adventure

💬 More about Rikkell:

Rikkell is a solo travel content creator and the voice behind @yoursolotravelbestie, where she shares honest advice, destination tips, and encouragement for women who want to see the world on their own terms. She’s passionate about making solo travel feel accessible for all.

Follow Rikkell on TikTok: @yoursolotravelbestie

📲 Want to get involved?

Got a Quarter Life Question you’d love to hear answered on the pod?

Slide into my DMs over on Instagram @gracemcintosh1 or TikTok @gracemcintosh_ - I’d love to hear from you.

⭐ Enjoying the podcast?

Please leave a 5-star review — it really helps more people find us and keeps the Quarter Life Questions community growing.

Thanks for listening,

Grace x

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Staying warm this winter shouldn’t feel like a dilemma — but for many of us, high energy prices, confusing tariffs, and unpredictable bills can make it stressful.

So this week, we’re diving into a very timely Quarter Life Question: How do you actually cut energy costs this winter - and what genuinely makes a difference when it comes to keeping bills low?

I’m joined by Brian Horne from the Energy Saving Trust, who spends his days helping people understand their energy use, navigate price changes, and make smart choices at home - whether you rent, own, or live somewhere in between.

✨ In this episode, we chat about:

• How UK energy tariffs really work
• Whether it’s better to stick with a variable tariff or switch to a fixed one
• What the “energy price cap” actually is — and what it means for your bill
• Quick daily habits (under a minute!) that genuinely reduce energy costs
• Where to go for help if you’re struggling to pay

💬 More about the Energy Saving Trust:

The Energy Saving Trust is a leading UK organisation helping households reduce energy use, lower bills, and move towards a more sustainable lifestyle. Their advice is independent, trusted, and designed to help people stay warm and save money — without needing to spend a fortune.

Explore their guides, tools, and support here:

https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/

📲 Want to get involved?

Got a Quarter Life Question you’d love to hear answered on the pod?

DM me on Instagram @gracemcintosh1 or TikTok @gracemcintosh_ - I’d love to hear from you

⭐ Enjoying the podcast?

Please leave a 5-star review — it helps more people find the show, and it genuinely means the world.

Thanks for listening, look after yourself, and I’ll see you next week.

Grace x

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Relationships can be exciting, messy, intense, and confusing — especially in your twenties. But sometimes, what feels like “passion,” “chemistry,” or someone being “really into you” can actually be early signs that something isn’t right. And when you’re in it, it can be really hard to tell the difference.

So this week, we’re diving into a big Quarter Life Question:

How do you spot early signs of unhealthy or abusive behaviour - and what does a genuinely safe, supportive, fear-free relationship look like?

I’m joined by Debbie Beadle, CEO of FearFree, a UK charity supporting people experiencing domestic abuse, sexual violence, or unhealthy relationships. Debbie has spent years working directly with survivors and helping people understand the subtle, early warning signs before abuse escalates.

✨ In this episode, we chat about:

• The different forms abuse can take — emotional, financial, digital, and more
• Early, subtle signs that a relationship may be turning unhealthy
• Why some red flags get normalised or go unnoticed over time & the impact of trauma bonds
• What lovebombing actually is
• How friends and family can support someone they’re worried about
• And importantly… what a healthy, supportive relationship should look like

DISCLAIMER: If you may find any of the above distressing please skip to 38 minutes 20 seconds.

💬 More about FearFree:

FearFree is a UK charity providing support, advocacy, and specialist services for people experiencing domestic abuse, sexual violence, stalking, or unhealthy relationships. Their work is trauma-informed, non-judgmental, and aimed at helping people feel safer, empowered, and understood.

Find out more: https://www.fearfree.org.uk/

🧡 Additional organisations & helpful resources:

• National Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0808 2000 247
• Refuge
• Women’s Aid
• Galop (LGBTQ+ anti-abuse charity)
• Respect Men’s Advice Line

📲 Want to get involved?

Got a Quarter Life Question you’d love to hear answered on the pod?

DM me on Instagram @gracemcintosh1 or TikTok @gracemcintosh_ — I’d love to hear from you!

⭐ Enjoying the podcast?

Please leave a 5-star review - it helps more people find the show, and it means the world.

Thanks for listening, take care of yourself, and I’ll see you next week.

Grace x

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.