Next Chapter Empty Nest

The lifelong question of how to find friends! My youngest is in her first semester at college, and it has been hard to find friends. Listen to what advice I've given her, and how it also applies to us as we move to new jobs or new places in the empty nest phase.

I quit my job! After 16 years and with 2 in college, what was I thinking?? It's scary, exciting, and crazy! But I did it! Listen in and hear my thoughts on how and why I did it.

We dropped off our youngest at college, and we are doing well! Leading up to this, I was a little worried at how we would all do at this point. There were some tears, but overall, it was a positive experience! I also decided with her dad and I feeling good, we should celebrate! The emotions will come, I'm sure, but if we are feeling good about things, why not celebrate our successes in raising two wonderful kids?! That is something worth celebrating!

An empty nest mom realizing her kids want to do more and more without her! Yes, it is hard to adjust to. But it is totally normal. Has this happened to you? Any advice for those of us just realizing this? Reach out to Next Chapter Empty Nest on Facebook and Instagram! I'd love to hear from you!

When your child heads back to college early instead of staying home for the entire summer, what's your reaction? Mine was shock! I don't know if I'm over it yet (ok-I'm not!). Hear how I'm dealing with it and how I'm preparing myself for this kind of thing.

Hear how college orientation went and what two lessons the parents learned! Very valuable advice!

High school graduation is complete! My youngest has officially graduated from high school! Hear how it went, the ceremony and the graduation party. Almost a full-fledged empty nester- at least during the college months! Yikes!

Hear Brenda tell about her youngest finishing her senior year of high school! So much growth, and some tears for mom, as we look forward to what is to come.

Last week I talked about my college student and after it, I felt like I talked about the good. Well, what about the rest of it? It is has been an emotional time around here with my daughter coming home from college. As many people have warned me, it is an adjustment! So listen in for the rest of the story!

A review of my college student's last 2 years & how it has been for her! And a review of Numbers 11-20 of my 50 New Things! Do you have a college kid? How was their year? Send me a DM on Facebook or Instagram @nextchapteremptynest and tell me about it! If you enjoy this podcast, please share it with others or give it a review!

Welcome to the relaunch of the Next Chapter Empty Nest podcast! It has been a long time but I'm so happy to be back, and even happier to have you here! I will tell you what's been going on and fill you in from this past year. I've missed you! Thank you for listening and being a part of it. Feel free to reach out and let me know what you think, if you'd like to be interviewed, or just want to say hi! Facebook Next Chapter Empty Nest: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2672047719776656/?ref=share_group_link Instagram: https://instagram.com/nextchapteremptynest?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Email: nextchapteremptynest@gmail.com

Today's episode has Gina Rindfleisch who is preparing for an empty nest in a positive, yet creepy, way! Gina has always liked creepy and scary things, and enjoys scary movies and creating creepy art. Listen as she tells how she got into this, what else she does, and check out her Facebook group and Etsy store after! You can find Gina on:  Facebook at The Creeptastics Instagram @thecreeptastics TikTok thecreeptastics She also has her Etsy shop Little Lively one. You can find the Next Chapter Empty Nest webpage at:  https://www.podpage.com/next-chapter-empty-nest/episodes/  On Facebook and Instagram: Next Chapter Empty Nest  We are also featured on the Top 25 Empty Nest Podcasts on Feedspot: https://blog.feedspot.com/empty-nest-podcasts/

Emily Baker is here to share with us how she started TWO businesses! Have you had an idea for your own business but aren't sure how to go about it? Has your idea been on the back burner but you've thought maybe it's time to put it out into the world? Be inspired by Emily and her thoughts on entrepreneurship! To reach Emily: Instagram: @buoy.box and @confidencewillfollow On Facebook: BuoyBox and Confidence Will Follow. You can find the Next Chapter Empty Nest webpage at: https://www.podpage.com/next-chapter-empty-nest/episodes/ On Facebook and Instagram: Next Chapter Empty Nest We are also featured on the Top 25 Empty Nest Podcasts on Feedspot: https://blog.feedspot.com/empty-nest-podcasts/

Today we have Nicole Williams on the podcast! She is so lovely, sweet, and kind. Listen as she shares with us how she got her dream job of working from home, about the online community she created, and what she is planning to do when she has an empty nest. You can find Nicole and join her Start Your Week below. You will have access to Nicole's FREE invite for Monday Mornings live on Zoom at 9am EST! https://startyourweek-selfcare.com.site/home Nicole's blog is here: thankfulsinglemomma.com Everyone is invited to send a FREE card, compliments of Nicole, with SendOutCards! Anywhere you like, and it includes a card and postage! http://ltl.is/twcb54n You can find the Next Chapter Empty Nest webpage at: https://www.podpage.com/next-chapter-empty-nest/episodes/ On Facebook and Instagram: Next Chapter Empty Nest We are also featured on the Top 25 Empty Nest Podcasts on Feedspot: https://blog.feedspot.com/empty-nest-podcasts/

Today we talk with my daughter, Jenna. Get the low down on college life from her first semester experiences. We talk about meeting new people, finding her way around, being away from home, and much more! You can find the Next Chapter Empty Nest webpage at: https://www.podpage.com/next-chapter-empty-nest/episodes/ On Facebook and Instagram: Next Chapter Empty Nest We are also featured on the Top 25 Empty Nest Podcasts on Feedspot: https://blog.feedspot.com/empty-nest-podcasts/

Meet VaRonica Jackson, empty nester and solo RV traveler! Veronica inspires us with making her dreams come true! She wanted to travel, always wanted an RV, so she went and got one. Nothing is stopping her now! Listen to VaRonica share with us the benefits of an RV, where she's been, and where she wants to go. You can watch her videos on YouTube, like the tour of her RV. I subscribed to her channel so I can see all that she does! If you'd like to follow VaRonica, and who wouldn't?, you can find her here: Instagram: @vstraveling fun You Tube: ImVGodsgift You can find the Next Chapter Empty Nest webpage at: https://www.podpage.com/next-chapter-empty-nest/episodes/ On Facebook and Instagram: Next Chapter Empty Nest We are also featured on the Top 25 Empty Nest Podcasts on Feedspot: https://blog.feedspot.com/empty-nest-podcasts/

The first semester, 50 New Things, and more of what's been going on! So glad to be back at podcasting! Thanks for joining me!

Rachel Karpf is here from Mic Drop Miniatures. She makes the ordinary extraordinary- in miniature! Rachel is full of ideas in how to make miniature replicas of just about anything, and how these can be used. The miniature world has been around a long time but is really taking off now. And they aren't just for kids anymore! Listen to all that she does, and get inspired to follow her and learn how to make things in miniature. You can find Rachel on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/MicDropMiniatures/ and also at this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/miniaturesclub/?ref=share Rachel has also started a new website to meet and collaborate with other miniaturists: theminidistrict.com You can find Next Chapter Empty Nest webpage at: https://www.podpage.com/next-chapter-empty-nest/episodes/ on Facebook and Instagram: Next Chapter Empty Nest We are also featured in the Top 25 Empty Nest Podcasts on Feedspot! https://blog.feedspot.com/empty_nest_podcasts/

Anne Kulhanek shares with us the joys of traveling as an empty nester! She also teaches us the best times to use a travel agent and how they can help us as we have more time to travel. You can reach Anne at Premier Travels phone number (920)845-2600 or by email at anne@premiertravels.com to plan a vacation. For more Next Chapter Empty Nest, you can find us on Instagram and Facebook at Next Chapter Empty Nest.

Kathy was fun to interview! Hear about her adventures with RVing solo on this episode. To find Kathy, her blog is travelswithsqueaky.com and has a link to her podcast. On Instagram you can find her @kbelge, and on Facebook she is at Solo Women RVers. In this episode, she talks about finding where she likes to camp, and sent us her link to Harvest Hosts, which has a discount code, to use for interesting places to stay: http://harvesthosts.refr.cc/kathybelge.  For more empty nest fun, you can connect on Facebook and Instagram at Next Chapter Empty Nest!

A monthly update on me, my family-including our college student- and the Next Chapter Empty Nest community! So many good things are happening! Like being named to the Top 25 Empty Nest Podcasts!! See link below! Top 25 List of Empty Nest Podcasts on Feedspot: https://blog.feedspot.com/empty_nest_podcasts/ Our new website: https://www.podpage.com/next-chapter-empty-nest/ Check us out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2672047719776656/ And Instagram: @nextchapteremptynest

Meet Jennifer Francis who has been a solo mom for most of her children's lives, a new empty nester, and a podcaster! Jennifer shared her story of her empty nest and what plans she now has for herself during this time. She is inspiring! To reach Jennifer, you can find her on Facebook at JRosemarie, on Instagram @JRosemarie1, and at her website Solomon's-talk.com.

I am pleased to introduce you to Jessica Doolin- makeup artist and producer. Jessica is not an empty nester, but she is super inspiring! She worked hard to get to where she is and is successful at what she does. I think those of us preparing for an empty nest can gain a lot of insight from Jessica. As we have more time on our hands, what do we want to do? Do we want a new career or something else exciting in our lives? And can we reach those goals? Yes we can! Listen to today's episode for your dose of inspiration and know that you can do whatever you set your mind to! You can follow Jessica:  on Facebook: Jessica Doolin On Instagram @obsessedbyjess Websites: To learn more about her team: www.glowdiggers.com To schedule an appointment: www.jessicadoolinmua.com

As we prepare for the empty nest, did you ever wonder what your parents thought when they went through it? No?!  Me, neither! Until I started going through it! So I asked them! What did the empty nest mean to them? What was it like compared to my view on it today? It's very interesting how it has changed and how different we are about it!  If you like Next Chapter Empty Nest podcast, please subscribe to the podcast and leave a review!  You can also follow us @nextchapteremptynest on Facebook and Instagram!

Welcome to Season 3! This season, MORE interviews with empty nesters and others, setting goals for the next year, and how our preparation for the empty nest is going!

A weekly update on what it is like to have the first child out of high school leave the nest! The ups and downs, the emotions, what we go through as parents and our take on what our child is going through. On this week's episode, the last of the summer series! How it went, how it is, and what we have to look forward to! Let's connect: Like the podcast? Subscribe and leave a review! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2672047719776656/ IG @nextchapteremptynest Email:  nextchapteremptynest@gmail.com

A weekly update on what it is like to have the first child out of high school leave the nest! The ups and downs, the emotions, what we go through as parents and our take on what our child is going through. On this week's episode, we are now in a good groove and how connecting with others is helping my empty nest process! Let's connect: Like the podcast? Subscribe and leave a review! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2672047719776656/ IG @nextchapteremptynest Email:  nextchapteremptynest@gmail.com

A weekly update on what it is like to have the first child out of high school leave the nest! The ups and downs, the emotions, what we go through as parents and our take on what our child is going through. On this week's episode, kind of a rough week and figuring out this new family dynamic of ours. Let's connect: Like the podcast? Subscribe and leave a review! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2672047719776656/ IG @nextchapteremptynest Email:  nextchapteremptynest@gmail.com

A weekly update on what it is like to have the first child out of high school leave the nest! The ups and downs, the emotions, what we go through as parents and our take on what our child is going through. On this week's episode, heading into the 3rd full week of being away at college, Dad visits, and Mom gets feedback on how what she does is important! Let's connect: Like the podcast? Subscribe and leave a review! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2672047719776656/ IG @nextchapteremptynest Email:  nextchapteremptynest@gmail.com

A weekly update on what it is like to have the first child out of high school leave the nest! The ups and downs, the emotions, what we go through as parents and our take on what our child is going through. On this week's episode, the first week our college kid is away!

A weekly update on what it is like to have the first child out of high school leave the nest! The ups and downs, the emotions, what we go through as parents and our take on what our child is going through. On this week's episode, dropping our baby off at college!

A weekly update on what it is like to have the first child out of high school leave the nest! The ups and downs, the emotions, what we go through as parents and our take on what our child is going through. On this week's episode, we get the perspectives of the college student and the dad!

A weekly update on what it is like to have the first child out of high school leave the nest! The ups and downs, the emotions, what we go through as parents and our take on what our child is going through. On this week's episode, the thoughts that are going through my mind as we prepare to take my daughter to college in one week!

A weekly update on what it is like to have the first child out of high school leave the nest! The ups and downs, the emotions, what we go through as parents and our take on what our child is going through. On this week's episode, our family vacation and time is getting closer to taking my daughter to college!

A weekly update on what it is like to have the first child out of high school leave the nest! The ups and downs, the emotions, what we go through as parents and our take on what our child is going through. On this week's episode, the graduation party and all that happened!

A weekly update on what it is like to have the first child out of high school leave the nest! The ups and downs, the emotions, what we go through as parents and our take on what our child is going through. On this week's episode, connecting with my younger daughter and the college kid preparing for her new dorm room. And transcripts- there's always something due to worry about!

A weekly update on what it is like to have the first child out of high school leave the nest! The ups and downs, the emotions, what we go through as parents and our take on what our child is going through. On this week's episode, preparing for the graduation party, date night, and when the youngest starts having her own things to do.

A weekly update on what it is like to have the first child out of high school leave the nest! The ups and downs, the emotions, what we go through as parents and our take on what our child is going through. On this week's episode, how graduation went, what a monumental time in their lives, and ours, too!

A weekly update on what it is like to have the first child out of high school leave the nest! The ups and downs, the emotions, what we go through as parents and our take on what our child is going through. On this week's episode, last minute updates to graduation and the start of the college process.

A weekly update on what it is like to have the first child out of high school leave the nest! The ups and downs, the emotions, what we go through as parents and our take on what our child is going through. On this week's episode, the last month of high school.

Hi! It's Brenda! I am taking a break for a few weeks to prepare for our summer series “The First One Leaves the Nest”! Starting June 7, we will have a weekly episode discussing our experience as the first child heads out of the nest and into college. See you then!

A recap of some of our guests and what some of them are up to today! Also, what's to come for the podcast this summer!

Debi Stovicek is on the podcast today to share her empty nest story. She discusses her empty nest as a single mom, how and why she created her podcast Dancing in The Kitchen, and an exciting turn of events that is happening for her very soon!  You can find Debi at: Podcast: Dancing in the Kitchen, where ever you listen to podcasts. Facebook: Dancing in the Kitchen Podcast and also on Facebook at Dining with Debi Instagram: @diningwithdebi 

On today's podcast we have Beth Goshow. She lost her mom at an early age and has created a safe space for those who have lost their moms and other loved ones to share their stories. Beth has a podcast where people share their stories of loss and resilience. She also shares with us how grief can resurface during the empty nest and how we can use this time to heal.  If you would like to share your story with Beth, you can email her at daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. If you would like to attend Beth's Mother's Day Circle, you can reach her here: https://forms.gle/mc3CAtTgCc8rFGFT8  You can also find Beth on social media at:  Facebook: Daughters Without Moms Instagram: @daughterswithoutmoms

Caprice Pickett from Spark Something Consulting is on the episode today. She is a ray of sunshine and I enjoyed meeting her and learning about her business! She also shares her empty nest story, different from most of us but a beautiful story nonetheless. You can find Caprice at sparksomethingconsulting.com or on Instagram @sparksomethingconsulting. Her up coming events are The Universal Toolbox on May 6, 2021, and How to Live the Life You Want on May 27,2021.

On today's show we have Elizabeth Stephenson from the Empowered Women's Experience. Learn who “That Girl” is and get inspired for your Second Act! You can join her Facebook and Instagram groups to connect with other empowered women. If you are interested in her Breathe event, sign up here: ewebreathe.eventbrite.com find her here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ewestatecollege/ Instagram: @empoweredwomenexperience

You are going to be inspired by our guest, Jessica Seiders. Jessica has a fascinating empty nester story that led her to a life of travel that has her living her best life-in Bali! You can follow Jessica at www.fearlessemptynester.com, on Instagram @fearlessemptynester, on Facebook at Jessica Seiders, and she also runs a Facebook group called Empty Nester Zoom Moms! that meets over Zoom for events with different topics so you can connect with others. You can find @NextChapterEmptyNest on Instagram and Facebook. Subscribe to the podcast to get the next episode!

An interview with former Rockette Vanessa McMahan. We talk about Vanessa's life of dance and how she is sharing it with the rest of us, even teaching us empty nesters!  To follow Vanessa:  on Facebook at her page called Groove is in The Heart  https://www.facebook.com/groups/401444311037704/ on Instagram @thevanessamcmahan If you would like to share your empty nest story, reach out to Next Chapter Empty Nest: Email: nextchapteremptynest@gmail.com To follow us on social media: Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/2672047719776656/ Instagram: @nextchapteremptynest 

Yvonne shares her story with us on her empty nest journey, and it's a good one! Yvonne is fun and energizing, and her story is one that many of us can relate to. To reach Yvonne or to follow her on Instagram, go to @yvonnereesesalescoach If you would like to share your empty nest story, reach out to Next Chapter Empty Nest: Email: nextchapteremptynest@gmail.com To follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2672047719776656/ Instagram: @nextchapteremptynest

PODCAST NOTES FOR NEXT CHAPTER EMPTY NEST Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the podcast and leave a review! Follow me on Instagram @nextchapteremptynest and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/NextChapterEmptyNest/ On today's episode, I am thrilled to welcome Luisa Morrone! As parents, we tend to focus on our kids, and losing ourselves in the mix.  Many of us have put on weight while supporting our families, running around in the evenings to all the activities for the kids, not much time to prepare the healthiest meals or exercise. It has all added up and now that the kids are soon to leave the nest, we have more time to focus on us.  One way is getting healthier by eating well and losing weight. Luisa has an amazing story of weight loss. She is real, honest and so very relatable. If you've had weight issues, you will appreciate Luisa's story as much as I do.  After her long weight loss journey, she started her own business in helping others to lose weight. She is honest in sharing that it isn't going to be fast, it's a lifelong journey to be on, and that you can do it, just as she did. Luisa shows supports in amazing ways, like sharing her incredibly delicious recipes and sharing alternatives to treats- great alternatives that make you feel like you are still getting a treat! She shares her struggles as well, and you know she totally gets it! So enjoy today's episode! You can follow Luisa here: Her website: mywayofeating.ca on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyWayofEating/on Instagram @mwayofeating ***Also, stay tuned for her podcast to launch soon!

Podcasting and what I know so far about it! And yes, you can podcast, too!