Quarter-Life Questions - adulting made easy

Ever scrolled past those “work from your laptop”, “free holidays”, “be your own boss” travel agent videos and thought… wait, is that actually legit? ✈️Same. Well, if you’re wanting to know whether it’s too good to be true or if it’s actually possible, you’re in luck. This week on the pod, we’re talking about all things independent travel agents… and the big question: is it a genuine business opportunity or just another social media pipe dream?I’m joined by Max Kelly -  an independent travel agent who’s been running his own business for nearly three years. He’s also a director at JLT Travel Group and is known for being very honest online about what the industry is really like. ✨ In this episode, we chat about:Whether you can actually make money as an independent travel agentHow host agencies really workThe skills you actually need to succeedRed flags to watch out for when choosing a host agencyThe truth about “free trips” and travel perks💬 More about Max:Max Kelly runs Loupr, a high-end travel company specialising in luxury trips for couples. Alongside running his own business, he’s also a director at JLT Travel Group. Max is passionate about bringing transparency to the industry and helping people understand what it really takes to build a sustainable travel business beyond the glossy TikToks.TikTok: @goloupr // @itsmax.travelInstagram: @goloupr // @itsmax.travelCheck out Loupr's website here. Check out The JLT Group website here. 📲 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 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. Thanks so much for listening - and I’ll catch you next week!Grace x

Renting your first place? Already renting but not 100% sure what your rights actually are? Worried about getting your deposit back?This week on the pod, we’re tackling an important Quarter-Life Question some of you have messaged me about: What do renters actually need to know and how do you make sure you get your deposit back?Joining me is Alisha Butler, solicitor and director of My Deposit Claims, a company based in the Wirral that helps tenants recover money when deposits haven’t been properly protected or when unfair deductions have been made.Alisha works with renters every single day, so she knows exactly where people get caught out and what landlords can and can’t legally do.Whether you’re about to sign your first tenancy agreement or you’ve had a deposit duction drama before, this episode is packed with straightforward, practical advice.✨ In this episode, we chat about:The absolute basics every first-time renter should understand before signing a tenancy agreementWhat a tenancy deposit protection scheme is and why it’s so importantHow to check if your deposit is actually protectedHow to protect yourself before moving in - photos, inventories, and paper trailsThe latest on the Renters’ Rights Act and what landlords can (and can’t) do💬 More about Alisha:Alisha Butler is a solicitor and the director of My Deposit Claims. She specialises in helping tenants whose deposits were not properly protected or who are facing unfair deductions at the end of their tenancy.Her work focuses on making the law accessible and empowering renters to understand and enforce their rights. Through My Deposit Claims, she and her team support tenants across England and Wales in holding landlords accountable where the rules haven’t been followed.You can find more information via their website: My Deposit Claims. TikTok: @mydepositclaimsInstagram: @mydepositclaims📲 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 genuinely means the world.Thanks so much for listening. See you next week! Grace x

In this Valentine’s Day special episode of Quarter Life Questions, we’re talking all about the most important love of all - self-love!I’m joined once again by the brilliant Dr Gilda Carle - relationship, business and mindset expert, therapist, coach, and former MTV Online “Love Doc.” Together, we chat about why self-love is the foundation for every healthy relationship, how truly knowing your value can change every aspect of your life and why it’s not the worst hting in the world if you’re single this Valentine’s Day. ✨ In this episode, we chat about:How Valentine’s Day can trigger feelings of self-doubtWhy so many people struggle to believe they are truly worthy of loveHow self-love transforms the way you experience relationshipsWhy being single can be far better than being in the wrong relationship💬 More about Dr Gilda:Dr Gilda Carle is a relationship, business and mindset expert, coach, therapist, speaker and author of 19 books — including I’m Worth Loving! Here’s Why. She’s appeared on American TV for many years and was MTV Online’s iconic “Love Doc.” Through her work, she empowers people to recognise their worth and create healthier, more fulfilling relationships.If you want to find out more about her work, visit: https://drgilda.com/📲 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 genuinely means the world.Thanks so much for listening. Be kind to yourself, know your worth, and Happy Valentine’s Day 💕Grace x

Heartbreak can feel all-consuming whether it was your first love, a long-term relationship, or something that ended before you were ready to let go. If you’ve ever wondered why breakups hurt so deeply, how long healing really takes, or how to move on without becoming bitter or guarded, this episode is for you.This week, I’m joined by dating coach and author Gia Lulic who specialises in emotional healing, attachment, and navigating life after a breakup. In this episode Gia teaches us how to process the pain in a healthy way, and how past relationships can actually lead to deeper clarity and stronger love in the future.✨ In this episode, we chat about:Why breakups can feel similar to grief Whether distraction helps or if you really need to sit with the painTurning heartbreak into clarity rather than bitternessLearning to open your heart again without fear of repeating the same pain💬 More about Gia Lulic:Gia Lulic is a dating coach specialising in emotional attachment, boundaries, and modern relationships.Through practical tools and honest insight, Gia empowers clients to date with clarity, confidence, and intention.Check out her book here: Joyful Journey: A guide back to the wild selfInstagram: iamgialulicTikTok: @inflowwithgia📲 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 so much for listening and I’ll catch you on the next one.Grace x

Does manifestation actually work - or is it all just a bit far-fetched? If you’re curious whether there’s something in it, this episode is for you.This week I’m joined by Dr Gilda Carle, a business, relationship and mindset expert whose life and career have been transformed by the power of manifestation and unapologetic self-belief. From visualising what you want to fully backing yourself, Dr Gilda shares her incredible story and why believing in your own worth is the first step to creating the life you want and deserve.✨ In this episode, we chat about:Whether manifestation actually works (and what it really means)The 5 Steps to manifest what you deserveThe difference between being a ‘wannabe’ and a ‘willbe’ personHow confidence and self-belief attract the right people and opportunities💬 More about Dr Gilda:Dr Gilda Carle is a coach, therapist, speaker and author. She’s appeared on American TV for many years and was MTV Online’s original “Love Doc”. Through her work, she encourages people to dream big, believe in their worth, and go after what they truly want in life.If you want to find out more about her work check out: https://drgilda.com/📲 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 and I’ll catch you on the next one. Grace x

Why do our fitness resolutions never make it past January?You start the year motivated, organised, maybe even feeling smug with new activewear and a fresh gym membership… and then suddenly it’s mid-January and that energy has vanished.That’s why this week on Quarter Life Questions, we’re asking why New Year’s fitness resolutions so often fail and how we can realistically build healthy habits that last beyond January and into the rest of 2026.I’m joined by Kyle Green, personal trainer and founder of Thrive UK. Kyle works with people of all fitness levels to create sustainable routines that actually fit into real life focusing on mindset, routine, and long-term behaviour change rather than quick fixes or short-term transformations.✨ In this episode, we chat about:The biggest mistake people make with New Year’s resolutionsHow to stay on track when life, stress, and tiredness kick inReframing “falling off the wagon” and letting go of all-or-nothing thinkingWhat realistic, sustainable progress actually looks like💬 More about Kyle:Kyle Green is a personal trainer based in Leeds and the founder of ThriveUK, a fitness platform built around helping people create healthy habits they can maintain long-term. His approach prioritises mindset, routine, and behaviour change supporting clients to move away from guilt and unrealistic expectations around fitness.Instagram: @kylegreenfitness or @thriveuk.co.ukTikTok: @thriveuk.co.ukWebsite: https://thriveuk.co.uk/📲 Want to get involved?Got a Quarter Life Question you’d love answered on the pod?Message 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 the show and keeps the QLQ conversation going.Thanks so much for listening and here’s to a healthier and happier 2026 for us all! Grace x

Happy New Year! I hope 2026 is a fab one for all of us. Now things are a little different this week on Quarter Life Questions. That’s because there’s no guest - it’s just me. We’re starting the new year with the first-ever solo episode and I’ll be sharing a bit more about who I am, how this podcast came to be, and answering some of the questions you sent me. From my time on 4 O’Clock Club to my journalism career highlights, this is a relaxed, getting-to-know-me style episode before we get back to tackling your quarter-life questions with expert guests on the next one. Right grab a cuppa and take a listen. 📲 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. Thanks for listening, have a fab rest of your week, and I’ll see you next Wednesday. Grace x

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