Today, I sit down with the wonderful Monique van Tulder who has been inspiring mid-life women to shake things up a bit and encouraging them to step into their ‘second-act’ where, after decades of looking after others, they now get to spend time and resources on themselves.

Monique is leading Conversations on Mid-Life Wellbeing. Teaching others on how to expand a mid-life in joy and creating space for themselves. Encouraging them to design their guidebook for A Grown Ups Gap Year.

If you missed last week’s episode, go back and have a listen first as this is Part two! We are back with the Queen of Reinvention herself - the gorgeously talented Valerie Khoo. Valerie is the first guest in a ‘series’ we’re currently running on the show - where all guests will be asked to talk about the same topic, and that topic is REINVENTION!

A recap on today’s guest; Valerie Khoo is an award-winning feature writer who is also CEO of the Australian Writers’ Centre - an organisation she founded over 18 years ago. Val does many things - some of which include podcaster, incredible artist and author of seven books. Val & I often have such incredible conversations in our studio and it was fitting that she kicks off this series about Reinvention as she’s had a fascinating journey that’s led her to where she is today.

We are kicking off a ‘series’ for the first time on the show - where I bring on guests to talk about the same topic over the coming weeks, and that topic is REINVENTION! 

It’s a topic I get asked about a lot;  how I reinvented myself, why, the process, and I wanted to talk to others about their incredible transitions and hear about their reinvention stories too. 

So, our first guest in this series is my dear friend, incredible entrepreneur and fellow creative studio buddy, Valerie Khoo who I’m sitting with here in our joint creative studio, Atelier 9 in Avalon. Valerie is an award-winning feature writer who is also CEO of the Australian Writers’ Centre - an organisation she founded over 18 years ago. As you’re about to hear, Val does many things - some of which include podcaster, incredible artist and author of seven books.

Today I get the tables turned on me as we hit a wonderful milestone here on the One Question Podcast. I’m lucky enough to once again sit down with Helene Thomas, a Hobart based creative audio producer with a PhD in journalism.

It’s a frank and honest interview- I was a little nervous before we started as I know Helene has a knack of bringing out stories we often keep under wraps. And as you’re about to hear.. she certainly caught me off guard with a few of her questions. This is a conversation about life, love, the love of life and it’s ultimately a story about living a life more aligned with self and creative reinvention. I hope you enjoy it.

The Elixir of Life - Eternal Youth. We spend billions of dollars every year trying to make ourselves look and feel younger and yet the solution is staring right at us. Apparently, all we need to do is re-introduce PLAY back into our daily lives! 

Tim Jack Adams is a thought leader and speaker in the Wellness Industry. He founded GreenX7 in 2012, an innovative company that created an overarching framework for wellbeing that enables leaders, teams and organisations to thrive sustainably. 

Ariane Beeston is a child protection worker and newly registered psychologist when she gives birth to her first child – and very quickly begins to experience scary breaks with reality. Out of fear and shame, she keeps her delusions and hallucinations secret, but as the months pass Ariane gets worse. Much worse. Finally admitted to a mother and baby psychiatric unit, the psychologist is forced to learn how to be the patient.

Today you’ll meet a truly beautiful and inspirational person. Her work has positively impacted so many kids and families trying to overcome some extra challenges that life has thrown at them. Her name is Michelle Mennillo and she’s spent the past 20 years building a globally recognised occupational therapy business that has transformed the lives of over 10,000 young people and counting.

Throughout your life have you ever felt the need to do something just because someone else wants you to? Perhaps it’s wearing something that makes you feel uncomfortable, or going to a party or an event you really don’t want to.. but how would you feel if that was your career.

Marija Duka is a speaker and workshop facilitator who works specifically with lawyers helping them to uniquely design their careers. She is a commercial lawyer, with both in-house and private practice experience, having previously worked for renowned Australian brands. Marija is also the host of The Career Confidence Podcast, designed for those in the legal profession looking to step out of the traditional path and build fulfilling and purposeful careers. Whilst I have a bit of experience in re-inventing yourself, this is a topic I’m keen to hear more perspectives about, so let’s meet Marija.

Meet Dr Gina Cleo, who is one of the world’s leading experts in habits and is passionate about translating scientific evidence into simple, actionable strategies to help improve health, wellness, mindset, and lifestyle-related habits – long-term. Gina has a PhD in habit change, is an Adjunct Professor at Bond University and is an Accredited Practicing Dietitian. 

Gina’s habit change research has been published in medical journals globally and she has appeared for over 250 news outlets including many of Australia’s major television networks; ABC News, Today Show & Studio 10. She is also a regular keynote speaker and expert panellist at national and international conferences. When she’s not geeking out on new habit research, Gina is running courses through her Habit Change Institute and obsessing over chai lattes. She has also recently published a book, ‘The Habit Revolution’. I have soo many questions…let’s dive in!

With over 3 decades of rich and varied life experiences Belinda Stark’s journey embodies resilience and relentless personal growth. Her life's trials include battling 2 severe bouts of post natal depression, clinical depression, defeating breast cancer, managing fast onset menopause and confronting a 20 year drinking problem in midlife. All of this has contributed to a profound foundation of strength and survival that defines who she is.

She has built a successful retail fashion business & created her own fashion label,  fulfilling a professional dream to provide a platform to support midlife women wanting guidance with fashion and finding their style. This calling to help women feel good inside and out grew louder after her transformational journey during early sobriety.

Lisa Walker, co-founder of Eir Women and mum of two boys, transformed her life and career after the sudden loss of her husband at 47. Determined to honour his memory by living fully, she launched Eir Women to support women over 40 in prioritising their well-being.

At 49, Lisa began a "year of yes," committing to saying yes to every opportunity. This included experiences from fly-fishing to pole dancing, culminating in an extravagant 50th birthday celebration. These adventures brought joy and profound change, making her more confident and resilient.

Tracy Hall is an author, keynote speaker and senior marketing executive. In 2019, Tracy became known as Hamish McLaren’s famous ‘last victim’ thanks to her role in The Australian’s hit podcast, ‘Who the Hell is Hamish?’

Kris Abbey has been a health advocate for a very long time… since she was 15 in fact! She has studied Science, Exercise Physiology, PE and nutrition, and spends her time writing, speaking, and consulting on all things Spa, Wellness & Wellness inspired travel. 

Whilst her career in the health and fitness industry spans over 30 years, she’s accumulated an incredible wealth of knowledge and experience in the sector where she shares this through facilitating health and wellness workshops and retreats in both Australia and overseas. She has authored several books sold globally, including the popular The Low HI Diet.

When it comes to his art, Gav’s interest is within the collaborative process; his practice is based on immersive movement, the invitation for himself, the audience and the medium he’s working with to participate within the co-creation. He works across multiple disciplines and has had a fascinating background. Originally trained within commercial arts and has a degree in theatre and film studies, majoring in production/set and costume design from National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA), to his 24 years as an exhibiting visual artist and filmmaker; along with his work within the corporate and education sector as a human centered design and facilitation, ideation and critical thinking facilitator - Gav has a unique approach to many things.

I’m thrilled to introduce you to a special guest today - she’s an audio artist and storyteller who hails from Nipaluna/Hobart. Helene Thomas is obsessed with the sound of the voice and the power it has to move people. Originally a print journalist, Helene found her true passion when she discovered the intimacy of sound and immersive audio storytelling. She created her very own mobile sound studio and it’s enabled her to travel throughout Australia to capture people’s voices and bring to people's ears marginalised voices and incredible untold stories.

Dr. Maike Neuhaus, founder of The Flourishing Doc, is one of today’s most forward-thinking and globally acclaimed psychologists, specialising in behaviour change strategies and positive psychology. In her roles as speaker, coach, and educator, Dr. Neuhaus stands out for her evidence-based approach, combining scientific rigour with practical wisdom to empower individuals to lead regret-free lives.