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.

Bonfire night has been and gone which means the festive season is officially on the horizon. Yes, we’re talking about Christmas already, and specifically shopping for gifts! If like me, you haven’t started your shopping yet and you’re on a budget, this episode is for you.

This week on the pod, I’m joined by Hannah, the creator behind @HanninDevon on TikTok and Instagram - who’s built a following by sharing affordable gift ideas, Home Bargains hauls, and clever hacks for thoughtful giving on a budget.

✨ In this episode, we chat about:

• How to plan your Christmas gifting budget (and stick to it!)
• Hannah’s favourite stores and websites for budget-friendly presents
• Creative DIY ideas that don’t look “cheap”
• Gift ideas for Men, Women, Kids, Grandparents and Secret Santa under £10

💬 More about Hannah:

Hannah (aka @HanninDevon) is a mum of four and content creator who shares realistic and creative shopping inspiration for those who want to give thoughtful gifts without breaking the bank. Her videos cover everything from fitness tips and day in the lives to seasonal hauls and property investment journey.

TikTok: @HanninDevon

Instagram: @HanninDevon

📲 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 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.

Nights out are meant to be fun — not stressful and certainly not scary or unsafe. Maybe your phone died, you lost your friends, or a date started to feel a bit off. I’ve been there.

This week on the pod, we’re talking about all things nightlife safety, from how to get help if you feel uncomfortable, to spotting the signs of spiking, and how our towns and cities are working to make nights out safer for everyone.

✨ In this episode, we chat about:

• What “Ask for Angela” means and how to use it if you feel unsafe
• How to spot and prevent drink spiking
• How Purple Flag Month celebrates safer, more inclusive nightlife
• Practical ways to keep yourself and your friends safe on a night out

💬 More about this week’s guests:

👉 Sylvia Oates — Ask for Angela

Sylvia is the National Director of Ask for Angela, a nationwide initiative that helps anyone discreetly ask for help if they feel unsafe on a date or night out. The campaign is now active in thousands of venues across the UK.

👉 Colin Mackie — SpikeAware UK

Colin co-founded SpikeAware UK after losing his son to spiking. The charity raises awareness, supports victims, and campaigns for stronger action against spiking incidents.

👉 Laura Blake — Purple Flag

Laura leads the Purple Flag programme, which recognises UK towns and cities that offer safe, welcoming, and well-managed nightlife.

📲 Helpful Resources:

• Ask for Angela
• SpikeAware UK
• Drinkaware: Spiking Prevention & Advice
• Purple Flag — ATCM
• Victim Support — for anyone affected by spiking or harassment
• Stop Hate UK
• Rape Crisis England & Wales — for confidential advice and help
• Rape Crisis Scotland
• Strut Safe - UK-wide phone line if you’re walking alone

📲 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 take 30 seconds to leave a 5-star review wherever you’re listening — it helps more people find the show and keeps the QLQ conversations going 💫

Thanks so much for listening — and I’ll catch you next week!

Grace x

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

Weight loss is one of those topics where it’s everywhere, but still so misunderstood. From calorie counting to weight loss jabs, hormone talk to TikTok "fat-burning" teas, it’s hard to know what’s real and what’s just a fad.

So how do you lose weight safely and sustainably - without falling into toxic diet culture or wasting time?

This week I’m joined by Laura Southern, a registered nutritional therapist who’s all about science-backed, non-restrictive approaches to health. She works with clients to support everything from gut health to emotional eating, and she’s answering all of our weight loss questions.

✨ In this episode, we chat about:

• The role hormones play in hunger, cravings, and fat storage
• Weight Loss Jabs vs. Lifestyle Changes: Which Actually Works?
• The healthiest, most sustainable way to lose weight (and keep it off)
• A realistic starter plan if you do want to lose weight

💬 More about Laura:

Laura Southern is a registered nutritional therapist who supports clients with weight management, hormone health, gut issues and more. She believes food should feel freeing, not restrictive - and uses evidence-based guidance to help people feel healthier, stronger and more in tune with their bodies.

Website:https://www.londonfoodtherapy.com/

Instagram: @londonfoodtherapy

📲 Want to get involved?

Got a Quarter Life Question you want 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 really helps more people find us and keeps the QLQ convo going.

Thanks so much for listening - and see you next week!

Grace x

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

Isn’t it weird that from a young age we're told to eat our five a day, get enough sleep, stay active… But when it comes to our minds? No one really taught us how to look after those.

This week on Quarter-Life Questions podcast, we’re asking How do you take care of your mental health? I’m chatting with Anita Guru, a Mindset coach and mental health educator, about what emotional resilience actually is, how to spot the early signs of burnout, and why rest isn’t something we should have to earn. This one’s for anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed, on edge, or just plain exhausted by the pressure of life, work, social media - all of it.

✨ In this episode, we chat about:

• Why so many of us miss the signs that we’re struggling
• What burnout actually looks like and how to avoid it
• Subtle signs a friend might not be okay - even if they say they’re “fine”
• The way social media impacts our mental health
• Building emotional resilience
• Simple ways to look after our mental health

💬 More about Anita:

Anita Guru is a Mindset Coach, motivational speaker, educator, and trainee therapist with nearly two decades of experience in organisations like Deloitte and Coca-Cola European Partners. After years in the corporate world, Anita made a powerful shift toward a purpose-driven career focused on mental wellbeing and human leadership.

She has shared her story and insights on major platforms including the BBC, British Vogue, Happiful, and Stylist Magazine — using her lived experience to challenge the stigma around mental health and create open, honest conversations that help others feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Instagram: @_themindcoach_

Website: https://anitagurumindcoach.com/

LinkedIn: Anita Guru - The Mind Coach

📲 Want to get involved?

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

Send me a DM over on Instagram @gracemcintosh1 - I’d love to hear from you!

⭐ Enjoying the podcast?

Please take 30 seconds to leave a 5-star review wherever you’re listening - it helps more people find the show and keeps these honest conversations going 💫

Thanks so much for listening, take care of yourself this week, and I’ll catch you on the next one.

Grace x

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

Ever dreamed of being financially free? Maybe even retiring early? But then thought… is that actually realistic? Well, you’re not alone.

This week on Quarter-Life Questions podcast, we’re getting into all things financial freedom, long-term wealth, and future-proofing your money with Lewis Crompton - a finance and trading mentor who’s helped loads of people (especially young people) get smarter with their money and feel more confident about investing.

✨ In this episode, we chat about:

• How to start preparing about your financial future
• Why financial freedom isn’t just for the super rich
• What “safe” investing actually looks like
• How trading changed Lewis’ life

💬 More about Lewis:

Lewis Crompton is a finance and trading mentor and the founder of STARTrading. After walking away from his low-paying 9–5, he built his own version of financial freedom and now helps others do the same. He’s now on a mission to help 1 million families move closer to financial independence. Whether it’s through trading, investing, or learning how money actually works, Lewis is all about education, not gatekeeping.

Website: STARTrading

Instagram: @withlewiscrompton

TikTok: @withlewiscrompton

📲 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 — I’d love to hear from you!

⭐ Enjoying the podcast?

Please take 30 seconds to leave a 5-star review wherever you’re listening — it helps more people find the show and keeps the QLQ conversations going 💫

Thanks so much for listening — and I’ll catch you next week!

Grace x

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