Quarter-Life Questions - adulting made easy

Being a young professional can feel overwhelming from walking into interviews with imposter syndrome, to awkward salary conversations, and trying to figure out how on earth people get promoted so quickly.So this week, we’re diving into a very relatable Quarter Life Question: How do you successfully navigate corporate life in your 20s and actually progress without burning out or underselling yourself? I’m joined by Leah (@thatyoungprofessional_) a career content creator who shares practical advice on early-career growth, confidence at work, and thriving in corporate environments. Leah has experienced her own career transition, secured multiple promotions and is passionate about helping young professionals advocate for themselves and build careers they’re happy to be in.✨ In this episode, we chat about:Interview tips to help you feel confident and preparedHow to tackle awkward salary conversationsFinding a genuine work-life balance How to secure promotions in your 20sBuilding confidence and credibility when you’re the youngest person in the team💬 More about Leah (@thatyoungprofessional_):Leah is a career and corporate content creator dedicated to helping young professionals navigate work with confidence. From interview prep and career transitions to negotiating pay and promotions, Leah shares honest insights and actionable advice to help you grow in your chosen field. Follow Leah for more tips: Instagram: @thatyoungprofessional_TikTok: @thatyoungprofessional_📲 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 helps more people find the show, and it genuinely means the world.Thanks for listening, take care of yourself, and I’ll see you next week.Grace x

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 travellingSafety while travelling alone and how identity can shape your experienceHow to budget, plan, and find the best deals for solo tripsTips 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

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 oneWhat the “energy price cap” actually is — and what it means for your billQuick daily habits (under a minute!) that genuinely reduce energy costsWhere 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

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 moreEarly, subtle signs that a relationship may be turning unhealthyWhy some red flags get normalised or go unnoticed over time & the impact of trauma bondsWhat lovebombing actually isHow friends and family can support someone they’re worried aboutAnd importantly… what a healthy, supportive relationship should look likeDISCLAIMER: 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 247RefugeWomen’s AidGalop (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

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 presentsCreative 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: @HanninDevonInstagram: @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

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 unsafeHow to spot and prevent drink spikingHow Purple Flag Month celebrates safer, more inclusive nightlifePractical ways to keep yourself and your friends safe on a night out💬 More about this week’s guests:👉  Sylvia Oates — Ask for AngelaSylvia 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 UKColin 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 FlagLaura 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 UKDrinkaware: Spiking Prevention & AdvicePurple Flag — ATCMVictim Support — for anyone affected by spiking or harassmentStop Hate UK Rape Crisis England & Wales — for confidential advice and helpRape 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