Quarter-Life Questions - adulting made easy

Freshers’ season is well and truly underway, the nights are getting darker, and for many of us that means more nights out, unfamiliar places and finding our way home in the dark.So this week, we’re talking about something that’s important all year round but feels particularly relevant right now staying safe on a night out.From getting home safely when you’re alone, to knowing what to do if you think you or a friend has been spiked, we’re talking through the practical advice that could help you feel more confident if something doesn’t feel right.I’m joined by Caragh, Head of Service Provision at Strut Safe, Colin and Mandy Mackie from Spike Aware UK, and Tahir Ahmad from Unleash Self Defence Training to talk about everything from staying safe on your journey home to spiking awareness and self-defence.✨ In this episode, we chat about:How Strut Safe can support you if you’re travelling home aloneWhat to do if you feel unsafe on your journey homeWhat spiking is and the different ways it can happenThe recent changes to the law around spikingWhat to do if you think you or someone you know has been spikedThe basics of self-defence and personal safetyWhy self-defence isn't necessarily about fightingHow to de-escalate a situation before it becomes physical💬 More about Strut Safe:Strut Safe is a free UK-wide helpline offering support to people who are travelling home alone and would like someone to stay on the phone with them during their journey.📞 Strut Safe: 0333 335 0026For more information visit: https://strutsafe.org/#💬 More about Spike Aware UK:Spike Aware UK is a charity campaigning to raise awareness of spiking, supporting those affected by it and pushing for greater understanding and protection around spiking.For more information visit: https://www.spikeawareuk.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spikeawareuk/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spikeawareukTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@spike.aware.uk?_r=1&_t=ZN-9A9P0ojLO0xADVICE ON WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK YOU’VE BEEN SPIKED: https://bevgardien.com💬 More about Unleash Self Defence Training:Tahir Ahmad is the founder of Unleash Self Defence Training, providing self-defence training focused on practical skills, awareness and confidence.For more information visit: https://www.unleashselfdefence.co.uk/Sign up to UnleashTV to get two free videos every week: https://www.unleashselfdefence.co.uk/online-training/Or if you want to become a self defence instructor? Read more here: https://www.unleashselfdefence.com/become-an-instructor/📲 Want to get involved?Got a Quarter Life Question you’d love to hear 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 if you’ve got a minute spare, it helps the podcast more than you know.Thanks so much for listening and I’ll catch you next week!Grace x

Trying to save more money or get your finances under control? In this bite-sized ‘Adulting Answered’ episode, Leila from Debt Over It shares her practical budgeting tips to help you make your money stretch further.From creating a budget and choosing the right budgeting method, to sticking to it, preparing for unexpected expenses and what to do when cutting back simply isn’t enough. It’s a crash course in budgeting, packed with practical tips you can try straight away, all in under 20 minutes.Check out Leila’s fabulous YouTube channel here: https://youtube.com/@personalfinancewithleila?si=NzO8DY3iJdCFAn8zOr for even more money tips and resources check out her website: https://debtoverit.com/Enjoy and I’ll see you next week!Grace x

Sleep is something we all need, but between busy social lives, work, screens, stress and the pressure to always be productive, getting enough of it can sometimes feel impossible.And while the odd late night probably isn’t going to do us any harm, what happens when poor sleep becomes a regular part of our lives?This week I’m joined by Karin Peeters, a Life Coach & Psychotherapist at Vitalis Coaching & Therapy, to chat about why so many of us struggle with sleep and what we can actually do to improve it.From the impact of social media and our mental health to napping, sleep routines and whether you can really catch up on lost sleep, we’re getting into the science behind sleep and how to make it work for you. ✨ In this episode, we chat about:Why so many young people struggle to get enough good-quality sleepThe impact of screens, social media and hustle culture on our sleepThe link between sleep and our mental healthWhether you can really catch up on lost sleep through naps or restPractical tips and techniques to help you relax and improve your sleep💬 More about Karin:Karin Peeters is a Life Coach & Psychotherapist at Vitalis Coaching & Therapy, in full time private practice since 2008. All sessions take place online. She loves helping you find clarity, rebuild your confidence and reclaim your joy when you’ve been through a lot and are unclear about your best way forward in life.Her work is inspired by spirituality and Buddhism, bringing a presence of compassion and loving-kindness into each moment with her clients. Visit her website to book a free Discovery Call.Life Coaching & Psychotherapy: https://www.vitaliscoaching.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inner.pilgrim/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinpeeters/Karin also has a free Guided Body Scan Meditation, which can help you relax your mind and body when you're struggling to get into that sleepy state: https://www.vitaliscoaching.com/bodyscan📲 Want to get involved?Got a Quarter Life Question you’d love to hear 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 if you’ve got a minute spare, it helps a lot.Thanks so much for listening and I’ll catch you next week!Grace x

What does it really take to reinvent yourself and start something completely new? In this special bonus episode, I’m joined by Casyo Johnson, better known as rapper Krept from Krept and Konan, who has carved out a whole new career in business.He’s the founder of Nala’s Baby, the skincare and haircare brand he created with his former partner Sasha after the birth of their daughter Nala. Since launching in 2020, the business has grown into a brand stocked in thousands of stores across the UK, and has just been named one of the four winners of Channel 4 and Lloyds’ Black in Business initiative.✨ In this episode, we chat about:How to make a career pivot when you’re entering unfamiliar territoryHow to turn an idea into an actual businessThe practical realities of securing investment Why your career doesn’t have to follow one straight line💬 About Casyo:Casyo Johnson, also known as Krept, is one half of rap duo Krept and Konan and the founder of Nala’s Baby. Alongside music, he’s built a successful career as an entrepreneur, investor and mentor, sharing his experiences and advice with the next generation of business owners.📲 Want to get involved?Got a Quarter Life Question you’d love to hear answered on the pod?Send me a message 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 conversation going.Thanks so much for listening - and I'll see you next week!Grace x

Thinking about starting over and changing careers in your 20s, don’t panic, it might be the best decision you ever make. I'm joined by Helen Wingrove-Sanders, who went from bluffing her way into radio as a teenager to becoming the BBC's first female football commentator in the 1990s, before making a huge career pivot into recruitment, where she's spent the last 27 years helping businesses build teams that truly fit.We talk about why changing careers isn't a failure, how every role adds something valuable to your skillset, and why it's never too late to change direction.✨ In this episode, we chat about:Why your twenties are the perfect time to experiment with different careersHow changing jobs can actually make you more employableHow to know when it's time to make a career pivotWhy trusting your instincts is often the best career advice you'll ever get💬 About Helen:Helen Wingrove-Sanders spent her twenties building a career in radio before becoming the BBC's first female football commentator, a trailblazing role she earned at a time when women weren't even allowed in many football press boxes! She later transitioned into recruitment, where she's spent more than 27 years helping founders build high-performing teams. Her career is proof that changing direction can open doors you never expected.📲 Want to get involved?Got a Quarter Life Question you’d love to hear 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 us and keeps the podcast going. Thanks so much for listening - and see you next week!Grace x

Just a quick update from me to say we're taking a little summer break for the next couple of weeks! I'm juggling lots of work, a bit of travelling, and taking some time to rest and recharge before bringing you more episodes. In the meantime, why not have a scroll through the back catalogue? There are nearly 50 episodes covering everything from dating tips, careers advice and travel inspo. 📲 Want to get involved?Got a Quarter Life Question you’d love to hear answered on the pod?Drop me a message over on Instagram @gracemcintosh1 or TikTok @gracemcintosh_ - I’d love to hear from youI'll be back with a brand new episode on Monday 17th August. See you then!!Grace x 

Got a job interview coming up? In this bite-sized ‘Adulting Answered’ episode, careers expert Hannah from Momentum Careers shares her top tips to help you feel confident and prepared. From avoiding over-preparing to tackling group interviews, presentations, interview nerves and knowing the best questions to ask at the end. It's everything you need to smash your next interview in under 20 minutes.Check out Hannah’s fabulous TikTok here: @hannahmomentumcareers she shares loads more helpful tips on pretty much a daily basis. Or visit her website: www.momentumcareersadvice.com

How do you find a hobby as an adult? In this week’s episode, we’re diving into why so many of us lose our hobbies as we get older, and how to rediscover joy outside of work, routines and endless life admin.I’m joined by Emma, who’s taken on the incredible challenge of trying a brand new hobby every single week for the whole year. From stepping outside her comfort zone to embracing being a total beginner, Emma is on a mission to inspire more adults to make time for hobbies again.✨ In this episode, we chat about:How to find a hobby as an adultHow productivity culture can stop us doing things just for funWhy being bad at something can actually be good for youHow hobbies can improve confidence, wellbeing and social life💬 More about Emma:Emma is in her twenties and is currently documenting her challenge of trying 52 hobbies in 52 weeks. Through sharing her journey online, she hopes to encourage more adults to embrace curiosity and try new things, without worrying about being perfect.TIKTOK: @emmadean05📲 Want to get involved?Got a Quarter Life Question you’d love to hear 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 us and keeps the QLQ conversation going.Thanks so much for listening - and see you next week!Grace x