A Grown Up's Gap Year podcast | Listen online for free

Available Episodes

5 of 16

From Shirley Valentine to Solo Adventure: Lessons from a Grown Up's Gap Year
A replay of an Episode where the mic is turned and I am a guest, chatting with Gillian Whitney of Easy Peasy Books podcast."Monique, author of "A Grown Up's Gap Year: Put YOU in the picture", shares the inspiring story behind her midlife memoir and self-help book. Discover what prompted Monique's "Shirley Valentine moment" of running away from home at 57 to embark on an 8-month solo journey of self-discovery and reinvigoration.We discuss the challenges of vulnerable personal storytelling, working with experts to enrich her book's message, and the importance of self-care during the writing and publishing process. She also shared a peek into her upcoming book project aimed at helping men navigate their own midlife transitions.Whether you're contemplating a midlife reset, struggling to balance writing with self-care, or simply seeking inspiration to put yourself back in the picture, you'll find wisdom, wit and relatability in Monique's transformative tale."EasyPeasyBooksEasyPeasyBooks Podcastlinkedin.com/in/gillianwhitney📚 Get your copy of A Grown Up’s Gap Year the book, from Amazon, moniquevantulder.com, bookshops and libraries, subscribe to the podcast, and take the first step toward your own A Grown Up’s Gap Year. Monique's LinkedIn Monique's Instagram
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Breaking the Midlife Mold: Secrets of Australia’s Most Relentless PR Student
Another replay of an Episode where the mic is turned and I am a guest. This week chatting with Liz Nable, host of Media Magnet podcast (and Chief all round Media and PR wizz Media Masters Academy). Liz asks me about practical tips for building confidence, pitching, and never taking no for an answer. the impact of a coachable mindset and relentless consistency in becoming the media’s go-to expert (Liz's words - not mine - although I rather like this sentiment). The real crux is the steps to creating industry impact and inspiring women to own their stories.liznable.com/podcasts/media-magnet liznable.com/mediamastersacademy📚 Get your copy of A Grown Up’s Gap Year the book, from Amazon, moniquevantulder.com, bookshops and libraries, subscribe to the podcast, and take the first step toward your own A Grown Up’s Gap Year. Monique's LinkedIn Monique's Instagram
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I Did a Shirley Valentine: Took a Gap Year and Found Myself
A replay of an Episode where the mic is turned and I am a guest of Your 2nd Act host Michelle Parsonage: Imagine reaching midlife and deciding to take a gap year, on your own, without your family, and without all the usual responsibilities.How many times have you thought, "I wish I could just do that," but for some reason, you don’t because you’re scared of change and the unknown? Well, today’s guest is anything but scared of having a go. Monique van Tulder took the leap. She stepped away from her busy life, not to escape, but to reconnect with herself, recharge, and rediscover who she truly is. Monique’s gap year wasn’t about running away from life, it was about creating the time and space she needed for self-reflection and personal growth. Her journey not only gave her the clarity she needed but also inspired her to write A Grown Up’s Gap Year. In her book, Monique shares how taking time for yourself, embracing change, and stepping into the unknown can lead to a deeper understanding of who you are and what you want from life.Monique offers practical advice for women who feel stuck or overwhelmed, reminding us that it’s never too late to make a change. Sometimes, all it takes is asking, "Why not now?"https://your2ndact.com/📚 Get your copy of A Grown Up’s Gap Year the book, from Amazon, moniquevantulder.com, bookshops and libraries, subscribe to the podcast, and take the first step toward your own A Grown Up’s Gap Year. Monique's LinkedIn Monique's Instagram
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Living As If: A Mid-Life Reinvigoration Idea To Start Now
This episode is the pivot. It’s not about dismantling your life. It’s about backing yourself for a minute. What if your so-called second act isn’t about waiting for perfect conditions, but about remembering who you are — and showing up for it? The moment we stop dreaming about change — and start living it. On purpose. In real life. Living as if… As if you were already the version of yourself you always imagined you’d be. As if you trusted that vision enough to move toward it. As if you didn’t need anyone’s permission to prioritise your joy, your energy, your next act. Let’s talk about what happens when we stop waiting — for the timing, the kids to be sorted, the finances to be perfect — and start living like we’ve already said yes.Your Mid-Life Journey QuizFIND SPACE - YOUR TURN guide📚 Get your copy of A Grown Up’s Gap Year the book, from Amazon, moniquevantulder.com, bookshops and libraries, subscribe to the podcast, and take the first step toward your own A Grown Up’s Gap Year. Monique's LinkedIn Monique's Instagram
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Seasons and Japanese Rituals: In conversation with Six Senses Kyoto’s Director of Wellness
This week we head to Kyoto for a conversation about wellbeing that isn’t performative — it’s lived. We talk kerbside shrines and small daily reverence, seasonal eating, onsen bathing, and why Japanese approaches to rest, ritual, and nature feel like a balm in mid-life. Director of Wellness for Six Senses Kyoto, Ayako Fukuda, embodies a philosophy that is beautifully simple: wellbeing begins by restoring balance between humanity, the earth, and the heavens — and by being mindful of the moment you are in. It’s not about “fixing” yourself. It’s about rhythm, seasonality, space, and attention.📚 Get your copy of A Grown Up’s Gap Year the book, from Amazon, moniquevantulder.com, bookshops and libraries, subscribe to the podcast, and take the first step toward your own A Grown Up’s Gap Year. Monique's LinkedIn Monique's Instagram
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25:42