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How do you know when helping your child becomes enabling?In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Dr. Alisa Whyte and parenting confidence coach Randi Crawford dive into one of the biggest parenting challenges of our time: learning when to step back.They explore why parents often rescue out of fear, how communication builds trust, why allowing children to solve problems creates confidence, and how many parents unintentionally make themselves the center of their children's decision-making.What We DiscussThis episode offers a strategic roadmap for fostering true independence while strengthening family bonds:Helping vs. Enabling: Recognizing the subtle shift where parental support hinders personal growth.Overcoming Fear-Based Rescuing: Why allowing natural consequences to play out creates long-term resilience.The "Empty Nest" Transition: How parents can rediscover their own purpose, identity, and fulfillment after raising children.Parenting Adult Children: Navigating the evolution from daily manager to trusted mentor and advisor.Whether you're raising toddlers, teenagers, or young adults—or simply leading people in business or life—this episode is a masterclass on leadership, trust, resilience, and letting go with confidence.Connect with Randi CrawfordOfficial Website: Randi Crawford CoachingInstagram: @randicrawfordcoachingTikTok: @randicrawfordcoaching"Stepping back isn't walking away; it's giving your children the space to discover who they are when they overcome life's obstacles on their own."Music licensed through Soundstripe.Code: 8J0TXWFGAF3BRFWCSend us Fan MailReady to turn your message into a profitable speaking career? Join Dr. Karim Ellis for a FREE live masterclass and discover the proven strategies to get booked, increase your influence, and build a speaking business that creates lasting impact and income. Reserve your seat today: https://thegpsspeakersacademy.com/freeclassSupport the show
Most parents hope to maintain a close, loving relationship with their children as they grow into adulthood. Unfortunately, the relationship they imagined doesn't always become reality. When that happens, the disappointment can run deep, leaving parents wondering what went wrong and how to bridge the growing distance.Many of these relationships are marked by complex emotions like tension, grief, hurt, and even anger. Honestly, that's one of the reasons I dedicated the first half of my book, Empty Nest, Full Life, to guiding parents on how to navigate the tricky process of developing new relationship dynamics with their children as they launch into the adult world.My latest guest on the podcast has done the same with her latest book. Dr. Kathy Koch is the founder of Celebrate Kids, and is known as a trusted guide for parents raising kids of all ages. She offers steady encouragement for parents in seasons that often feel uncertain. With a PhD in educational psychology and reading, Dr. Koch helps parents understand their children more clearly.In this episode, you'll hear:The importance of waiting for our advice to be invitedHow parents can utilize the empty nest season to establish new routinesThe importance of being a safe person for our adult children to approachAnd more!Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes: jillsavage.org/kathy-koch-312Text us or leave a voicemail!Looking for Empty Nest resources after launching your kids? Grab the Empty Nest, Full Life book, and check out the companion Empty Nest Full Life Course.Check out our other resources:Mark and Jill's Marriage StoryMarriage CoachingMarriage 2.0 IntensivesSpeaking ScheduleBook Mark and Jill to SpeakOnline CoursesBooks Marriage Resources:Infidelity RecoveryFor Happy MarriagesFor Hurting MarriagesFor Marriages Where You're the Only One Wanting to Get Help Mom Resources:New/Preschool MomsMoms with GradeschoolersMoms with Teens and TweensMoms with Kids Who Are LaunchingEmpty Nest Moms
The Alan Cox Show
My mom, Patsy Fleener, showed me what it looks like to have a beautiful, full life. I've always strived to be more like her, and I can only hope to have a life as full as hers when I'm her age!Mom came to town recently to see one of her grandchildren in a show, and I couldn't pass up the opportunity to record a conversation with her while she was around.It's always a treat to get to spend quality time with my mom, and I hope you'll enjoy this conversation as we talk about some of the most important life lessons she's picked up over the years, how she met my dad, Duane, and why I was inspired to dedicate one of my books to her.In this episode, you'll hear:Lessons learned along the way in a marriage that spanned over five decadesWhat it looks like to have a full lifeStories about me from childhood (including a near-death experience with a spider!)And more!Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes: jillsavage.org/patsy-fleener-311Text us or leave a voicemail!Looking for Empty Nest resources after launching your kids? Grab the Empty Nest, Full Life book, and check out the companion Empty Nest Full Life Course.Check out our other resources:Mark and Jill's Marriage StoryMarriage CoachingMarriage 2.0 IntensivesSpeaking ScheduleBook Mark and Jill to SpeakOnline CoursesBooks Marriage Resources:Infidelity RecoveryFor Happy MarriagesFor Hurting MarriagesFor Marriages Where You're the Only One Wanting to Get Help Mom Resources:New/Preschool MomsMoms with GradeschoolersMoms with Teens and TweensMoms with Kids Who Are LaunchingEmpty Nest Moms
Today on Valentine In The Morning: We start with Topic Tingles and things get pretty wild after Jill shares her topic for today. Then, what did you do when your kid's moved out of the house? Listeners call in to give Valentine some advice after his son moved out for college. Plus, is being honest really the best policy? In Comouche's Court, Kimberly's friend asks her for her honest opinion on her boyfriend but things took a took when Kimberly seemed to be a little too honest... Listen live every weekday from 5-10am Pacific: https://www.iheart.com/live/1043-myfm-173/Website: 1043myfm.com/valentineInstagram: @ValentineInTheMorningFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/valentineinthemorningTikTok: @ValentineInTheMorningSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Your kids grow up and move out, the house gets quieter, and suddenly the question is not “What's next for them?” It is “What fits me now?” I'm sharing a personal right-sized reflection sparked by a Motown costume party, an unexpectedly tender empty nest summer, and a big realisation: the space that opens up in midlife can either get filled with more obligations or it can become the place where you come back to yourself. We dig into the core right-sizing question I use for everything: does this still fit the season I'm actually in? I connect the dots between time management and energy management, including my simple daily energy audit: what energized me, what drained me, and what I did for my future self. We also talk about how midlife hormonal changes can shape sleep, stress, mood, and emotional load, and why that makes intentional self-care more important, not more selfish. You'll leave with a practical right-sizing check-in and three concrete journal prompts for the week, plus a challenge to stop putting joy on layaway. Fun is not a treat you earn after you finish the list. Joy is part of wellness, part of healing, and part of building a life that actually fits. If this resonated, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review so more women can find this conversation.Get a copy of Amy's Best selling book: CANNONBALL! FEARLESSLY Facing Midlife and Beyond hereMake sure to share with friends and family and would love if you could leave a review. There are so many shows out there floating around and if you are finding value in the The Right Sized Life Podcast share it with the world – a review means so much.And sign up for the Radiant Woman Reset hereAnd don't forget to follow along on all the socials:http://instagram.com/theamy.schmidthttps://www.facebook.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty/https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-schmidt-a5684412/
New Friends, New Possibilities: Who We Become Through Friendship After 50 with Stacey Tessa K. BattatWhat if some of the most meaningful friendships of your life are still ahead of you?After 50, so much can change. Kids leave home. Careers shift. Relationships evolve. Our priorities change. And sometimes, the friendships that once fit perfectly no longer fit the women we're becoming.But what if these transitions aren't simply endings?What if they're invitations to open new doors?In this episode of Reinvention Rebels, Wendy sits down with Stacey Tessa K. Battat, author of The Five Doors of Friendship and co-host of The Open Nesters podcast, for a joyful and thought-provoking conversation about friendship after 50, reinvention, and the people who help us discover new possibilities in ourselves.When her children began leaving home, Tessa rejected the idea of becoming an “empty nester.” Instead, she embraced being an open nester, choosing to see this new stage of life through a lens of curiosity and possibility.And friendship became a powerful part of that opening.Tessa shares how new friends can become unexpected mirrors, introducing us to parts of ourselves we may not have discovered otherwise. She also gets real about the other side of friendship: recognizing when relationships no longer fit and giving ourselves permission to let go.In this episode, Wendy and Tessa explore:
Ask Rachel anythingIn this episode of Teenagers Untangled, we're talking about what happens when the children we've poured our hearts, time, and energy into finally leave home. If you're facing the prospect of a child heading off to university or moving out—and feeling anything from pride and excitement to grief, anxiety, or a loss of identity—this episode is for you.First, I revisit a powerful conversation with mindfulness coach Susie Asli, where we unpack empty nest syndrome:why feelings of grief, loneliness, or even physical symptoms like sleeplessness and nausea are a normal response,how your identity as a parent can feel shaken when your child leaves,and practical ways to prepare yourself emotionally, rebuild routines, and reconnect—with yourself, with your partner, and with your wider life.Then I speak with Hannah Bankier, a coach specialising in personal and professional transitions and founder of Birdie Launcher. Hannah invites us to rethink the very idea of an “empty nest” and instead see this stage as a launchpad—for our children and for ourselves. She shares:how to start preparing years before your child leaves,how to evolve your parenting from “controller” to “mentor,”how to co-create a new kind of relationship with your emerging adult,and how to rediscover your own purpose, joy, and identity beyond being “Mum.”You're not broken if you're feeling grief. You're ready to start a new chapter.Hannah BankierAll the tips from this episodeSupport the showPlease hit the follow button if you like the podcast, and share it with anyone who might benefit. You can review us on Apple podcasts by going to the show page, scrolling down to the bottom where you can click on a star then you can leave your message. Please don't hesitate to seek the advice of a specialist if you're not coping. There's no shame in reaching out for support. When you look after yourself your entire family benefits.Find all the tips from the episdoe on Substack: My emailMy website has a blog, searchable episodes, and ways to contact meInstagramFacebookYou can reach Susie at www.amindful-life.co.uk
Send us Fan MailOn today's PoM Podcast we are going to take a look at some of the challenges when it comes to building a solid brotherhood with other believers as we navigate various seasons of life. In each season there are aspects we should embrace and obstacles to avoid. Learn more about The Pursuit of Manliness: https://www.thepursuitofmanliness.com/ Join The Herd: https://www.thepursuitofmanliness.com/join-the-herdRegister for our 2026 Fall Men's Retreat: https://www.thepursuitofmanliness.com/gear/p/2026-mens-retreatSupport the show
Hello Brave Friends! This is an Ask Us Anything episode in which YOU, the listener, get to write or call in and, you guessed it, ask us anything.In this Ask Us Anything episode, #245, we're responding to the question:“Hi Dr. Zoe, Susanna and Jessica, I was wondering if you could shed light on us parents who will NOT BE EMPTY-NESTERS? I am struggling right now because I see friends who are so free and spontaneous and honestly, I am envious. As you guys always say, the grief buttons are getting pushed again. Thanks.”In this conversation, Susanna Peace Lovell, Dr. Zoe Shaw, and Jessica Patay talk honestly about what it means to be a “forever nester”—a caregiver who may never experience the traditional empty nest. They define what empty nest and forever nest can look like, while also acknowledging that it's not always a simple either/or; there are many unknowns, in-between seasons, and times when adult children launch and then return home.Together, they name the complicated mix of emotions that arise when friends are traveling, retiring, or enjoying spontaneous freedom, while caregiving parents are still managing high-support needs, sleep deprivation, food vigilance, and constant responsibility. Jessica and Zoe share candidly about life with children who have Prader-Willi syndrome and the relentless focus on food and safety; Susanna reflects on lifelong rigidity, shame, and a longing to be more spontaneous. They speak to grief as cyclical, normal, and deeply human—especially when future dreams like travel, retirement, or hands-on grandparenting feel uncertain or out of reach.The hosts also offer hope and reframes: the power of naming longings out loud, seeking pockets of “empty nest cosplay” (brief moments of freedom and joy), practicing radical acceptance of the life you're living, and being intentional about creating memories and glimmers of joy right now. They remind listeners that wanting freedom, rest, and space is not selfish—it's human—and encourage caregivers to seek support when resentment or grief feels overwhelming.Keep the questions coming—we're here to support you. Whether you're a parent to a child with complex medical, developmental, or mental health needs, or someone supporting a caregiving family, we would love to hear from you. We see you, and we love you.Leave us a message here.Find more information about Licensed Psychotherapist, Dr. Zoe here. Find Dr. Zoe's book, Stronger in the Difficult Places: Heal Your Relationship with Yourself by Untangling Complex Shame here.Find more information about Life Coach, Susanna Peace Lovell here.Find Susanna's book, Your True Self is Enough here.Find our first book from We Are Brave Together, Becoming Brave Together here.Find our second book from We Are Brave Together, Suddenly Brave Together here. Find FULL episodes and clips of our podcast on Youtube here.Brave Together is the podcast for We are Brave Together, a not-for-profit organization based in the USA. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to strengthen, encourage, inspire and validate all moms of children with disabilities and other needs in their unique journeys. JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here. Donate to support all of We Are Brave Together's programs and offerings here. Can't get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube. Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: jpatay@wearebravetogether.org If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here.Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance!Disclaimer
“I've been seeing someone. It started a while ago. I tried to stop it, but…I didn't.”“Do you love her?”“I don't know. I think I might.”The words above will resonate with many who have walked through betrayal and its aftermath.If you've been part of our community for a while, then you'll know that Mark and I have written many books about our experience healing from infidelity.My guest for this episode is an author who has walked through a similar hard season in her own life. But rather than writing about her real-life story, she chose to channel her experience into fiction. Through her writing, she explores the emotions, challenges, and pain of betrayal in a way that she hopes will encourage others.Danna Demetre is a Christian author, speaker, and wellness educator. She has a deep and enduring faith that has shaped her life and writing. For decades, she has encouraged women to pursue emotional, physical, and spiritual wholeness through biblical truth, personal growth, and resilient hope.In this episode, you'll hear:Why forgiveness doesn't immediately fix every hurtPractical tips for navigating betrayalHelpful tools to work through the aftermathAnd more!Danna's journey includes so many similar details to our own. I hope you are just as encouraged as I was through this conversation.Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes: jillsavage.org/danna-demetre-310Looking for Empty Nest resources after launching your kids? Grab the Empty Nest, Full Life book, and check out the companion Empty Nest Full Life Course.Check out our other resources:Mark and Jill's Marriage StoryMarriage CoachingMarriage 2.0 IntensivesSpeaking ScheduleBook Mark and Jill to SpeakOnline CoursesBooks Marriage Resources:Infidelity RecoveryFor Happy MarriagesFor Hurting MarriagesFor Marriages Where You're the Only One Wanting to Get Help Mom Resources:New/Preschool MomsMoms with GradeschoolersMoms with Teens and TweensMoms with Kids Who Are LaunchingEmpty Nest Moms
Marci gets real about what it's like to be a mom whose kids are growing up and moving out. With six kids and nine grandkids, she knows firsthand how hard (and rewarding!) it is to raise a family—and how empty the house can feel when everyone leaves. In this conversation, Marci opens up about the messy emotions of the empty nest, the struggles (and surprises) of launching kids, and why perfection isn't the goal. She talks about learning to let go and trusting God with the next chapter. If you're facing your own “year of lasts” or wrestling with what comes next after parenting full-time, Marci's story will remind you that God still has a good plan for you—no matter what season you're in.
“Treat yourself like…a person of interest” and try a month-long “self-stakeout” to track your habits. We also share an easy way to convert Celsius to Fahrenheit in your head. Plus we discuss three broad categories of empty nesters. Episode highlights: Try This At Home— Do a "self-stakeout": Imagine you're a detective and tail yourself for a month. What will you find? [06:43] Happiness Hack— An easy trick for converting Celsius to Fahrenheit [12:08] Know Yourself Better: We discuss three "empty nester" types: Relaxers, Rekindlers, and Reinventors [13:44] Demerits & Gold Stars: Elizabeth's Demerit: not reading as much this summer as planned; Gretchen's Gold Star: staying calm during a keyboard malfunction [20:23] Mentioned in this Episode: This American Ex-Wife: How I Ended My Marriage and Started My Life by Lyz Lenz (Amazon, Bookshop) The Diary of Virginia Woolf, Vol. 3 by Virginia Woolf (Amazon, Bookshop) Free bingo cards and other resources Connect with Us: Email: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Website: gretchenrubin.com Instagram: @gretchenrubin | @lizcraft Take Gretchen's free Four Tendencies quiz Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify—it helps other listeners find the show! Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When we're trying to help others, it's natural to offer advice, share practical strategies, or point people toward helpful resources. Those things are valuable and often necessary—but they're also one step removed from your own experience.Sometimes, the most impactful thing you can offer is your story.It's not easy to share your journey, with all its imperfections, hardships, and lessons learned along the way. It takes courage and vulnerability. But in exchange for this vulnerability, you can give the gift of real connection and hope that healing is possible.In the years following our own marriage crisis, we began sharing our story more openly and honestly, and something incredible happened.Couple after couple told us how much our story encouraged them, gave them hope, and helped them navigate challenges in their own marriages. We realized that our greatest qualification wasn't having a perfect marriage. It was being willing to honestly share what God had done through our imperfect one.In this episode, you'll hear:How even stories with “bad” endings can offer others hopeSome of the benefits of sharing your storyThe byproduct of sharing honestly and vulnerably with othersAnd more!Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes: jillsavage.org/your-story-309Looking for Empty Nest resources after launching your kids? Grab the Empty Nest, Full Life book, and check out the companion Empty Nest Full Life Course.Check out our other resources:Mark and Jill's Marriage StoryMarriage CoachingMarriage 2.0 IntensivesSpeaking ScheduleBook Mark and Jill to SpeakOnline CoursesBooks Marriage Resources:Infidelity RecoveryFor Happy MarriagesFor Hurting MarriagesFor Marriages Where You're the Only One Wanting to Get Help Mom Resources:New/Preschool MomsMoms with GradeschoolersMoms with Teens and TweensMoms with Kids Who Are LaunchingEmpty Nest Moms
What if the pressure to make every visit, vacation, or conversation meaningful is the very thing keeping you from enjoying it? As my boys have grown, I've noticed how easily I can spend our time together reading their moods, searching for reassurance, or thinking ahead to what I need to say. But when I'm focused on getting something from the moment, I'm no longer fully in it. In this episode, I'm sharing what it means to “be where your feet are”... to stop overthinking, let go of your agenda, and experience the privilege of witnessing your child become who they are. You'll learn how letting go can help you feel more connected and calm, and present, even when life with your big kid is messy and uncertain. Whether you're parenting teens or navigating the empty nest, this episode will help you stop chasing the perfect moment and start living the one you have.
Mark and Rachel swap stories, surprises, and a few hard-earned lessons when preparing for kids to leave the “nest” - parents prepare for their new “normal” and everyone figures out what “independence” really means!Additional podcast on data centers to enhance last episode's conversation: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/freakonomics-radio/id354668519?i=1000778112770Upcoming Local Events…- Frederick County Fair, July 27-August 1https://www.frederickcountyfair.com/- West Oaks “Peaches and Beaches, Saturday, August 1, 11am-5pmhttps://www.westoaksfarm-market.com/events/peaches-and-beaches-festival- Route 11 “Yard Crawl”, Saturday, August 8https://www.shenandoahcountychamber.com/Rt-11-Yard-Crawl
Dynaudio is leaving North America, but they’ve made it clear they will honor warranties. It just isn’t clear…how. Roku is not immune from RAM and storage price increases, so they’ve made price hikes. And Paramount Skydance has hit a roadblock in their quest to buy Warner Bros. Discovery. Pictures shown in this episode: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD1eiY 00:00:00 – […] The post AV Rant #999.9p: Empty Nest Up appeared first on AV Rant.
It's time for even more God stories! When we started recording part one of this series, we quickly realized we would need more time to share our favorite God stories with you! If you haven't done so yet, we strongly recommend going back and listening to part one here.A God story is one in which only he could connect the dots in surprising and even miraculous ways to provide answers to prayers and unexpected blessings. These are stories that inspire us and build up our faith as we look back and remember all that God has done.In this episode, you'll hear:Why we need to learn how to both give and receiveFour more amazing God storiesThe importance of bringing your wants and needs to God in prayerAnd more!Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes: jillsavage.org/more-god-stories-308Looking for Empty Nest resources after launching your kids? Grab the Empty Nest, Full Life book, and check out the companion Empty Nest Full Life Course.Check out our other resources:Mark and Jill's Marriage StoryMarriage CoachingMarriage 2.0 IntensivesSpeaking ScheduleBook Mark and Jill to SpeakOnline CoursesBooks Marriage Resources:Infidelity RecoveryFor Happy MarriagesFor Hurting MarriagesFor Marriages Where You're the Only One Wanting to Get Help Mom Resources:New/Preschool MomsMoms with GradeschoolersMoms with Teens and TweensMoms with Kids Who Are LaunchingEmpty Nest Moms
Turns out empty nest syndrome doesn't require actual children. Susan Moeller follows a gray catbird family that set up shop in the viburnum by the kitchen window, from sloppy first nest to turquoise eggs to a six hour screaming fit from an anxious dad. Then, silence. And a lot of feelings about it.
What happens when the parenting tools that once worked no longer give you any leverage... and your teen or adult child still isn't making the choices you hoped they would? In this episode, I'm exploring why setting boundaries is not about finding the perfect consequence that will finally make your child change. It's about deciding how you want to show up when you cannot control what happens next. You'll learn how to stop tying your emotional well-being to your child's choices, recognize where you still have power, and set boundaries that protect your peace without withdrawing your love. We'll also look at why letting go can feel so frightening when your child is struggling and how to care deeply without carrying responsibility for their entire life.
Last week, my 15-year-old granddaughter came out to our trailer with a friend — and for the first time, I realized she doesn't really need me anymore. It hit harder than I expected.In this video, I'm talking about the quiet, complicated grief of watching grandkids grow up — the kind nobody warns you about in retirement. Nobody has done anything wrong. Nothing bad has happened. It's exactly what's supposed to happen. And it still hurts a little.We talk a lot about retirement finances, staying active, finding hobbies. But nobody tells you retirement is also full of quiet goodbyes — the last board game, the last time they want you to push them on the swing, the last sleepover where they still want Grandma to read a story. You rarely recognize these moments while you're living them.If you've felt this too — with grandkids, or your own kids growing into teenagers — I'd love to hear about it in the comments. I read every one.
This week on Laugh Lines, Penn and I not only strip down due to our A/C being out... AGAIN! We also tackle two things I never expected to happen in the same podcast: Becoming an (almost) empty nester and hunting down an estrogen patch like it was contraband due to a recent shortage.We discuss my hormones going on strike, and a voicemail from a mom preparing to send her child to college inspired us to share the biggest lessons we've learned after Lola's first year away. We also revisit "Father of the Bride" through Gen Z eyes (Spoiler: George Banks was making a lot of sense), realize that 1991 was somehow 35 years ago, play a very heated game of The Price Is Right, and give a spirited tribute to the late Bonnie Tyler. Yes, Penn got out the recorder.If you're navigating hormones, parenting grown kids, or simply trying to figure out how we all got this old, come laugh with us. We promise you'll leave feeling a little less alone. We love to hear from you! Leave us a message at 323-364-3929 or write the show at podcast@theholdernessfamily.com. You can also watch our podcast on YouTube. And thanks to our partner, OLLY, for sponsoring this episode!Pre-order Get It Done & Have FunVisit Our ShopJoin Our NewsletterFind us on SubstackFollow us on InstagramFollow us on TikTokFollow us on FacebookLaugh Lines with Kim & Penn Holderness is an evolution of The Holderness Family Podcast, which began in 2018. Kim and Penn Holderness are award-winning online content creators known for their original music, song parodies, comedy sketches, and weekly podcasts. Their videos have resulted in over three billion views and over nine million followers since 2013. Penn and Kim are also authors of the New York Times Bestselling Books, ADHD Is Awesome: A Guide To (Mostly) Thriving With ADHD and All You Can Be With ADHD. They were also winners on The Amazing Race (Season 33) on CBS. Laugh Lines is hosted and executive produced by Kim Holderness and Penn Holderness, with original music by Penn Holderness. Laugh Lines is also written and produced by Ann Marie Taepke, and edited and produced by Sam Allen. It is hosted by Acast. Thanks for listening! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Trigger / Content Warning: I want to be sure my listeners are aware that in this episode we will be talking about the loss of a child and brief mentions of suicidal ideation. If these kinds of topics are hard for you to hear about, we recommend skipping this conversation.Dealing with grief can feel like being plunged into a terrible darkness and not knowing if or when you will get out. It's a heavy burden to carry, no matter the circumstances surrounding your loss. In the midst of that pain, you may find yourself wondering if you'll ever feel whole again, whether God truly sees and cares about your sorrow, or how you're supposed to move forward with the ache now living in your heart.My guests for this episode know all about the process of grappling with grief.Dennis and Debbie Jordan walked through the death of their six-year-old son, Ryan, who lost his fight with leukemia. While it wasn't easy, they wrestled with hard questions, clung to their faith, and today use their experience to help others walking through grief.In this episode, you'll hear:How grief impacts marriagesThe importance of sharing our hurtsHow to comfort those walking through grief todayAnd more!We have been so encouraged by Dennis and Debbie's story. We hope that anyone experiencing grief today would find hope and a path to healing.Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes: jillsavage.org/dennis-debbie-jordan-307Looking for Empty Nest resources after launching your kids? Grab the Empty Nest, Full Life book, and check out the companion Empty Nest Full Life Course.Check out our other resources:Mark and Jill's Marriage StoryMarriage CoachingMarriage 2.0 IntensivesSpeaking ScheduleBook Mark and Jill to SpeakOnline CoursesBooks Marriage Resources:Infidelity RecoveryFor Happy MarriagesFor Hurting MarriagesFor Marriages Where You're the Only One Wanting to Get Help Mom Resources:New/Preschool MomsMoms with GradeschoolersMoms with Teens and TweensMoms with Kids Who Are LaunchingEmpty Nest Moms
What happens when the kids leave home and you're suddenly wondering... Who am I now?For many moms, the empty nest season brings unexpected emotions—grief, guilt, loneliness, fear, and even uncertainty about what comes next. While everyone tells you to "enjoy your freedom," the reality is often much more complicated.In this episode, I'm joined by Cindy Williams, entrepreneur, coach, and author of This Season of You. Cindy shares her personal journey through the empty nest transition and offers practical wisdom for rediscovering your identity, finding purpose beyond motherhood, and confidently stepping into your next chapter.Whether your kids are heading to kindergarten, high school, college, or have already moved out, this conversation will encourage you to continue investing in yourself—because motherhood is just one part of your story.In this episode, we discuss: Why the empty nest can feel overwhelming instead of exciting The hidden guilt many moms carry after their children grow up How to stop filling every empty space and start discovering yourself again Building deeper friendships in midlife Practical ways to work through fear and start something new Why it's never too late to launch a business, write a book, or pursue a dream One simple step every busy mom can take today to prepare for her next season If you've ever wondered what comes after the busy years of raising kids, this episode is for you.Text us your feedback or questions!Stay connected!Join us in The Supermom Society! Get all the details at thesupermomsociety.com!Get all our show notes, buy the book Secrets of Supermom, and more at our website: www.secretsofsupermom.comSecrets of Supermom on FacebookSecrets of Supermom on Instagram
What if the thing exhausting you isn't only what's happening with your big kid, but the constant fight inside you against the fact that it's happening at all? Today, I'm continuing the Mindset Traps of Parenting Teens and the Empty Nest series with a focus on resisting reality... the habit of fighting what is because it isn't what you hoped, expected, or wanted. In this episode, I unpack why this reaction feels so natural for moms navigating motherhood, letting go, and a changing relationship with their child. You'll begin to recognize how resistance can keep you trapped in anxiety, power struggles, resentment, and overthinking. More importantly, I'll show you how to stop fighting reality without giving up or condoning behavior you disagree with. When you face what is, you gain the clarity to set boundaries, trust yourself, and choose how you want to respond... with greater peace, confidence, compassion, and connection.
Did you know that major life changes, like starting college, changing jobs, moving to a new city, getting married, going through a divorce, or retiring, are actually some of the most powerful opportunities to rebuild your health habits from scratch? In this episode, Dr. Lisa Oldson breaks down the Habit Discontinuity Hypothesis, a research-backed concept that explains why our brains are uniquely open to behavior change during life transitions, and how to use that window before it closes. You'll learn why your old habits are so hard to break when nothing in your life changes, what the research says about the freshman year of college and weight gain, and four concrete strategies for using any major life transition to build the eating, exercise, and sleep habits that support a longer, healthier life.Grab the free worksheet that goes with this episode: https://www.smartweightlosscoaching.com/Smart-weight-loss-coaching-podcast-worksheet-165Thanks for listening! If you'd like more support during your SMART weight loss & health focused journey, sign up for our FREE newsletter, or check out our program at: www.SmartWeightLossCoaching.com. We would love to help you reach your happy weight, and transform the way you talk to yourself about your body and the number on the scale. Negative thoughts about yourself don't have to take up so much brain space, and we'd be honored to help you reframe those thoughts. Also, we'd be grateful if you'd follow us and share our podcast with your friends & family. We're here to help you live longer, healthier, and lose weight the SMART way! This episode was produced by The Podcast Teacher: www.ThePodcastTeacher.com.The Smart Weight Loss Coaching Podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your physician or a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
Navigating the Empty Nest: How to Downsize and Reimagine Your Future (Season 6 | Episode 247) with Ya How to Downsize and Reimagine Your Future [TESSA] Welcome back to the Open Nesters Podcast blog! In our latest episode of Season 6, we continue our mission of trading empty for open, opening the door to new adventures, vibrant health, and reimagined relationships. Amir and I had the absolute pleasure of welcoming back one of our favorite guests, our dear friend Ya. Since she and her partner Carl moved away from New England down to North Carolina, I’ve been in absolute awe of how they've grown and evolved. They are the perfect example of what it means to truly lean into this stage of life—making dramatic shifts, coming together, and fearlessly stepping out into the unknown. A Whirlwind Move and the Empty Nest During our conversation, Ya opened up about their whirlwind relocation from Connecticut to Charlotte. In just eight weeks, they sold their house and moved away from the area they had called home for 16 years. What makes this transition so incredibly significant is that it was their very first move without their children. With their oldest two already living independently, their youngest daughter used this relocation as an opportunity to find her own place in New York. Ya shared how deeply proud she is of her kids’ independence, proving that as parents, we really do build a foundation that allows them to navigate the world on their own while we boldly figure out our next act. Of course, moving away from a four-bedroom house on two acres meant a massive downsizing effort. Ya described the intense but liberating journey of minimalism, dividing their lifelong belongings among four different households as her children also settled into new apartments. It was a beautiful, tangible lesson in impermanence. By letting go of physical items—whether they were handed down to her kids, sold, or donated—Ya planted seeds of understanding for her family that life is always shifting. It's a powerful reminder that our homes are ultimately made of the relationships we nurture, not the objects we collect along the way. Redefining Community with Intentionality One of the most fascinating parts of our interview was Ya's perspective on how we build communities throughout the different seasons of our lives. When we're younger, our circles are largely based on proximity, like schoolmates or entry-level coworkers. Later, they tend to revolve around our children's playdates and sports teams. But when the kids finally fly the nest, we are often left wondering who our true circle really is. Ya and Carl realized that at this stage, friendship requires absolute intentionality; they had to consciously figure out who they wanted to surround themselves with and what spaces actually aligned with their authentic selves. nd they certainly found their tribe in Charlotte! Moving to a walkable, diverse city environment allowed them to organically connect with people who share their unique interests. As polyamorous and active members of the king/swinger lifestyle, Ya and Carl intentionally sought out a larger Black and Brown community, using platforms to discover local meetups and “munches.” From roller skating and arcade nights to starting a dedicated Facebook group for like-minded couples, they are shaking things up and proving that you don’t have to quietly settle into a 55-and-over community unless you truly want to. Empowering Others Through Coaching and Canella LS Events Beyond her personal adventures, Ya is pouring her vitality into incredible professional projects. She is currently coaching within Black and Brown communities to help decolonize the mindset around non-monogamy, guiding folks to move ethically without the burden of societal shame or judgment. I was especially thrilled to hear about her new venture, Canella LS Events. By hosting events like an R&B-infused “Leather and Lace” night and educational impact play demos in traditionally “vanilla” spaces, Ya is normalizing alternative lifestyles and giving people a safe, welcoming environment to explore exactly who they are. Embracing Your Next Act As my partner Amir perfectly noted at the end of our chat, Ya is so remarkably comfortable in her own skin, and there is absolutely nothing phony about her. Her courage to start a new business, build an entirely new community from scratch, and authentically reimagine her future is deeply inspiring to me. If you are contemplating a major change in your own life, I hope Ya’s story encourages you to let the excitement of a new adventure completely overshadow the anxiety. Be open to the possibilities, say yes to the things that light you up, and remember to live every day in gratitude for the beautiful transitions ahead! About Tessa Tessa Krone is the engine behind and the face of The Open Nesters. Tessa holds an MA in Consciousness Studies and is a speaker, coach, program, and journey facilitator & leader, author, and, of course, Podcaster. Her offerings are based on her mission to help people open to their most self-expressed, loving selves. Tessa's specialties include embodiment from all the senses and elements of our inner and outer lives, ranging from mindfulness, dance, play, and sensory exploration in nature. If she had one superpower, it would be to help people, especially as they age, to live more open-hearted lives. Please email Tessa to make a connection. And visit her page here on the Open Nesters Website. If you like, please answer the question: What do you need to OPEN your NEST? In your LIFE. In your BODY. In your SPIRIT. Do you need MORE… Adventure Freedom of Expression Exploration and Fun Body Movement New circles of friends Deep love relationships
“You are responsible for your own actions, your own behaviors, your own reactions. You cannot control the actions, reactions of others.” — Donna JohnsenTwenty-three years. That's how long Donna Johnsen was with her husband when an unplanned divorce rewrote everything she thought she knew about her own life. This week on Her Story Unscripted, she shares what happened when the identity she'd built inside a marriage suddenly wasn't there to stand on anymore.Donna Johnsen talks with me about the messy, real work of rebuilding — journaling her way through the rumination, reading a memoir that gave her permission to stop performing grace, and eventually finding her way to humor as a way to heal out loud instead of hide. We also get into what it's like helping teenagers navigate a divorce without projecting your own feelings onto theirs, and the almost-empty nest she's facing now that her kids are grown.If you've ever felt like you were standing at the edge of a cliff, unable to go back and scared to go forward, this conversation is for you. New episodes every Thursday on all major podcast platforms.Connect with Heather: WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedInYouTubeTimestamps00:46 Introduction — Heather welcomes Donna Johnsen.07:48 Donna opens up about the unplanned end of her 23-year relationship.10:15 The memoir that gave her permission to move beyond society's expectations after divorce.13:02 Why she started journaling in her Notes app to stop the constant rumination.17:30 How humor became part of her healing journey.31:19 Navigating teenagers through divorce and letting them have their own feelings.40:33 The almost-empty nest, midlife reinvention, and becoming "Mama D."42:22 Where to connect with Donna Johnsen. About Donna JohnsenDonna Johnsen is the voice behind Laugh Lines and Life Goals, where she shares an honest, funny, and refreshingly unfiltered take on midlife, motherhood, and reinvention. After an unplanned divorce ended a 23-year relationship, Donna turned to journaling — and eventually to social media — as a way to process what she was going through, and has since built a community of women who find comfort in her humor and her honesty. She's the mom of two, with one child already away at college and the other headed there this fall.Pinterest Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Support the show
Science says an eye mask, noise-canceling headphones, and even your favorite lovey can help you finally catch some shut-eye on the red-eye. Jodi cleans Nana's house while Nana plays DJ, and Sam has a Luke Skywalker card that could be worth a fortune.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When was the last time you were fully present… without your mind racing ahead to everything that could go wrong? As moms navigating parenting teens and the empty nest, our minds often convince us that worrying is the best way to protect the people we love. But what if all that anxiety isn't preparing you at all, but instead quietly stealing the moments you'll never get back? In this episode, I explore why our brains are wired to imagine the worst, why that habit keeps us stuck in fear and overthinking, and the surprising shift that creates real peace instead. Through a personal story and practical life coaching tools, I'll show you how to strengthen your mindset, trust yourself through uncertainty, and experience more joy in motherhood without needing to control what comes next. Because letting go isn't about caring less... it's about finally being present for the life that's happening right now.
Join Charlotte and guest author Roland Heersink as they talk about how retirement is a turning point that exposes what truly shapes our faith, purpose, and priorities. Many Christians enter the retirement season expecting rest and freedom, only to face unexpected questions about identity, meaning, and how to finish well. Retirement Truths was written by Heersink and contributing theologian Dr. Szaszi Bene from Tyndale Seminary in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The book offers a clear, deeply biblical vision for navigating this decisive stage of life with faith and wisdom.Grounded in more than 150 Bible passages, this book brings rare clarity to a topic Scripture addresses often, but Christian literature rarely explores with depth. Rather than offering lifestyle advice or encouragement to stay busy, his book speaks honestly about the real spiritual challenges of retirement – loss of role, fear, complacency, suffering, declining health, and the approach of death – and shows how the Bible speaks directly to each one.This insightful podcast conversation will help you view retirement not as a problem to manage or a reward to enjoy, but as a distinct calling. In this special season of life, you can: Rethink successRedefine productivity,And live your later years with purpose, surrender, and lasting fruitfulnessRetirement also is a time for having: A biblically grounded framework for understanding retirement, rooted wholly in ScriptureClear insight into the hidden spiritual challenges many retirees experience but rarely nameGuidance for finishing well, even amid limitation, illness, or uncertaintyA perspective on retirement that goes far beyond activity, leisure, or self-fulfillment Whether you are approaching or living in retirement, or are preparing ahead of that time, this podcast offers clarity, depth, and encouragement for one of life's most important seasons.Retirement is not about doing more. It's about finishing well.As Roland says, “Do your best, let Jesus do the rest (and don't be stressed.) "Listen in to this conversation and order Heersink's book to learn how. Thanks for joining us! Roland Heersink is an author, speaker, and entrepreneur with decades of leadership experience across small, medium, and large organizations. He is the Founder and Chairman of God & Work and Christian Business Angels and has written more than 85 Bible reading plans followed by over half a million subscribers, helping people integrate faith into everyday life.To order Roland's book, Retirement Truths – What the Bible Says Compared to Popular Narratives, click here. To read one of Roland's Bible plans, click here. Click here to receive a free PDF from Roland about numbering your days. To learn more about God & Work and Christian Business Angels, click here. Charlotte has published YouVersion Bible plans on various subjects, including Living Fully in the Empty Nest. Click here to subscribe to it. To reach Charlotte's website and to learn more about her speaking, writing and more, click here.
Re-airing this one because your messages told me you needed it. Here's the part of parenting nobody prepares you for. If you do your job well, you raise humans who don't need you anymore. That's the goal. And it can feel brutal. What I've learned, and what I teach, is that we don't actually want them to need us. We want them to want us. And that shift changes everything. This episode covers the 3 jobs that set you up for exactly that, whether your kids are still home, halfway out, or fully launched. Re-airing this one because your messages told me you needed it. Here's the part of parenting nobody prepares you for. If you do your job well, you raise humans who don't need you anymore. That's the goal. And it can feel brutal. What I've learned, and what I teach, is that we don't actually want them to need us. We want them to want us. And that shift changes everything. This episode covers the 3 jobs that set you up for exactly that, whether your kids are still home, halfway out, or fully launched.
Tenicka Boyd was 21 years old and a new mother when she took a job working for President Obama. Nineteen years later, her daughter is a college junior living in Japan, Tenicka is a fashion voice, former ACLU staffer, and one of the most self-possessed women I've had on the couch. She is also refreshingly honest about the parts of her story most women tuck away.In this episode, we get into the conversation Tenicka is best known for online—the honest one about money and motherhood. What it means to enter motherhood with resources, and what it costs when you don't. Why "living for your kids" is not the compliment we've been told it is. Why she believes we're not owed motherhood, and what it looks like to choose it with your eyes wide open.From there we get into her reflection on early motherhood and the loneliness of being out of sync with the girlfriends who are now having their first child, the leap from a full-time career in politics to content creation—when she eclipsed her ACLU salary in one quarter—and why she refuses to work a sixty-hour week for herself. We talk about the uniformity that's crept into creator culture, the political history of fashion, and why she wants us to expand the definition of luxury beyond European heritage houses. She names the African, Caribbean, and diaspora designers currently defining her closet—from Hertunba to FeNoel to Tongoro to Desiree Iyama.And then we get into decadence as refusal. Refusal of shrinking, of quiet luxury culture, of the mad dash to 40. Refusal of the small life the world has convinced women to accept.This is a conversation about what it looks like to give yourself permission to live a life your ancestors couldn't have imagined for you.Her affirmation this week: "I am my great, great-grandmother's wildest dream." Cheers to that.
Send us Fan MailYou are going through the motions of a life that looks completely fine from the outside.And yet. Something is hollow in the middle of it. Like the color has turned down a few notches. Like you are living in your life but not quite inhabiting it. Like you used to know what your life was for — and somewhere in the middle of all the giving and the doing and the showing up, that knowing got very quiet. If you have been sitting with a version of that feeling — the hollow, the grey, the vague but persistent sense that something is missing even when nothing is obviously wrong — this episode is for you. In this episode, PK — Dr. Peggie Kirkland explores what spiritual wellness actually means for midlife women, why so many of us lose our sense of purpose and meaning during this season of life, and what it looks like to find your way back to the fixed point that has been there all along. In this episode you will find:• Why feeling hollow inside a life that looks fine from the outside is not ingratitude — it is spiritual depletion, and it is far more common in midlife women than we ever talk about• The North Star metaphor that reframes the question ‘what is my life for?' from a crisis into a navigation tool• The research on values alignment and why living out of sync with what you actually believe creates chronic stress in the body• Five questions that will tell you more about your North Star than any personality test ever could• One specific fifteen-minute practice that begins to close the gap between the life you are living and the life you actually value Your North Star has not disappeared. You have just been too busy to look up and find it. This episode helps you look up.
Text us your questions or topics for the show! We got you!Cass Morrow, Author of Disrupting Divorce: The NEW Man. Saving Struggling, Sexless, and Toxic Marriages.Kathryn Morrow, Author of Behind The White Picket Fence.Signs Your Spouse Has Emotionally Checked Out!Your partner didn't just leave. They left a long time ago.The "quiet divorce" is the emotional and psychological departure that happens years before anyone ever files legal paperwork. When a struggling marriage suddenly gets quiet, most people mistake the peace for a good sign. In reality, that calm after the storm isn't a resolution—it's resignation.In Ep456 of The 'NEW' Marriage, Cass and Kathryn Morrow unpack the hidden mechanics of emotional withdrawal, the rising wave of mid-life "gray divorce," and why a partner who stops fighting is far more dangerous than one who is still arguing.
Send Jay comments via textThe Internal Renovation: Managing the Collision of Hormonal Chaos and the Empty Nest.When the demanding logistics of raising children suddenly clear out of your house, the quiet that follows can be interrupted by a different kind of storm. One in ten women are currently leaving the workforce at the absolute peak of their careers because perimenopause and menopause are misunderstood, ignored, or treated as entirely private failures. Lisa Boate—founder of Liberated Menopause and host of the Transforming 45 podcast—joins Jay Ramsden to break down the physical, emotional, and systemic realities of what happens when hormone shifts collide with career peaks, aging parents, and an empty home.In this deeply candid, jargon-free conversation, Lisa frames perimenopause not as a deficit, but as a mirror of puberty in reverse—a phase of internal chaos where fluctuating hormones cause the body's communication systems to misfire. We move far beyond hot flashes to address the lived realities of deep brain fog, word-recall issues, sleep disruption, and musculoskeletal symptoms like frozen shoulder. Lisa offers practical relationship tools like the "Helped, Heard, or Hugged" framework to help couples move past legacy logistical scripts and navigate times when emotional energy is highly expensive—a message specifically critical for husbands and partners looking to understand the convergence of these midlife storms without trying to "fix" them. Learn how to transition from feeling invisible to reclaiming your sovereignty, how to utilize targeted preventative foundations like her signature assessment, and how to arrive completely prepared to advocate for your health at your next doctor's visit using structured clinical data.
Are you chronically stressed? Do you often scroll on your phone to “numb out?” At the end of each day, do you feel wired and tired, just barely getting by?In a survey of over 2,000 Christian women, 91% admitted that they were tired of pushing through every day. 87% said they regularly felt overwhelmed, but only 11% reported having any way to reset in real time.My latest guest says that the data she gathered in that survey confirmed the nightmare she was already living. Alli Worthington is the author of five books, including The Year of Living Happy and Breaking Busy. She is also a speaker, author, podcaster, and business coach who helps women thrive.In this episode, you'll hear:What happens to our bodies when we scroll to relaxStrategies to close the “stress cycle”Simple ways you can restore peace in your lifeAnd more!I loved Alli's fresh perspective on why we experience burnout and her helpful tips to find peace!Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes: jillsavage.org/alli-worthington-303/Looking for Empty Nest resources after launching your kids? Grab the Empty Nest, Full Life book, and check out the companion Empty Nest Full Life Course.Check out our other resources:Mark and Jill's Marriage StoryMarriage CoachingMarriage 2.0 IntensivesSpeaking ScheduleBook Mark and Jill to SpeakOnline CoursesBooks Marriage Resources:Infidelity RecoveryFor Happy MarriagesFor Hurting MarriagesFor Marriages Where You're the Only One Wanting to Get Help Mom Resources:New/Preschool MomsMoms with GradeschoolersMoms with Teens and TweensMoms with Kids Who Are LaunchingEmpty Nest Moms
Can you still hear the beat of “Pomp and Circumstance” from the day your child crossed the graduation stage? For so many parents, this milestone signifies a big life transition—not only for their child, but for themselves, too. For the child, they're flying the nest and entering the real world for the first time. For the parent, they will be entering (or approaching) the empty nest season of life.If you are going through this today, I know you are very excited for what this next chapter holds for your child. But you may also be wondering how to keep your life and heart full when your nest is empty.If you are feeling overwhelmed with the changes in your family life right now, or you are struggling inside with the realities of your child leaving home, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.Our guest is here to help prepare our hearts to thrive in our empty nest season of life. Pamela Henkelman is a speaker, writer, podcast host, and a Certified Empty Nest Coach. She helps Christian moms let go with grace, strengthen their marriages, and rediscover their God-given purpose in the empty nest chapter of life.In this episode, Pamela shares:What happens in this role shift from directing to supportingHow to navigate grief during this transitionHow you can recapture your sense of personal identityAnd more!We hope you enjoy this conversation!Show Notes: https://growinghometogether.com/pamela-henkelman-131/
Listen in as Charlotte welcomes guests Heather Creekmore and Doris Swift. Heather and Doris are authors, speakers, podcast hosts and more. And they are aging gratefully with us! Heather wrote Aging Gratefully, Compared to Who? and The Comparison Free Life. Doris wrote Surrender the Joy Stealers. All books are available on Amazon. Friends, these books are so helpful, and we need them. In this podcast episode, we talk about struggles many women face but rarely speak about openly: body image, midlife, how to age gratefully and what comes to steal our joy as we juggle so much in our encore years. Heather shares a bit about her own journey, one that many of us women have struggled with - years of dieting, disordered eating, and the belief that changing our body would finally bring happiness. Marriage and motherhood don't resolve these struggles. For Heather, a message about modern-day idolatry led to a powerful awakening in her heart. Charlotte and Doris have their own body image journeys and share from the heart as well. Cultural messages fuel our obsession with appearance, how comparison robs us of our joy, and why true freedom comes from understanding our God-given identity—not from pursuing the latest health trend or fitting into a certain pair of jeans. Doris shares about what led her to write her power Bible study, Surrender the Joy Stealers, and how we can stand firm and stand against what threatens our joy. It's a task that requires daily surrender and intentionality. Whether you've battled body image insecurities, comparison in any area of your life, or the pressures of aging in a looks-obsessed world, this honest and hope-filled conversation will inspire you to pursue joy, purpose, and your fierce calling right where you are. Speaking of Fierce Calling, that is the name of Doris's podcast. Heather's is called Compared to Who? You'll want to tune in to both. Get ready for truths, laughter, encouragement, and the reminder that you are so much more than a number on a scale, a face in the mirror or a person juggling much in the empty nest. Together, and with Christ at the center of it all, we can have a full and joy-filled life. To reach Heather Creekmore, click here. To purchase her books, click below: Aging Gratefully Compared to Who? The Burden of Better To reach Doris Swift, click here: To purchase Doris's book, click below: Surrender the Joy Stealers To reach Charlotte, click here. To subscribe to Charlotte's Bible Plan, Living Fully in the Empty Nest, click here.
It's Father's Day weekend. It's also the weekend Campbell moved to Birmingham to begin her next chapter. For Adrienne, these two milestones collide in a way she never expected.In this personal episode of We Didn't Plan for This, Adrienne reflects on the first Father's Day without Brian, the reality of sending a daughter off to college without her dad, and the unexpected emotions that come with watching life continue after loss.She shares what she's missing, what she's learning, and the comfort she finds in seeing Brian's legacy living on through their children. From Nick opening his home to Campbell's next adventure, to the realization that every future milestone will look different than planned, this is a conversation about grief, love, family, and the people who carry us forward.Because sometimes grief isn't just about what happened.It's about all the moments that should have happened too.If you're navigating loss, a life transition, or a Father's Day that feels different than expected, this episode is for you.Send us Fan MailFor those who have reached out asking how to support Adrienne and her family during this time, click here to donate. There is absolutely no expectation—just sincere gratitude.We Didn't Plan For This Special SeriesThis series exists because so many of you reached out and said, “I didn't plan for this either.”If you've gone through a diagnosis, a loss, a life change, a career shift, a divorce, becoming a caregiver, moving, starting over — we want to hear your story.You don't have to have it figured out. You just have to be willing to share honestly.How Yoga Changed My Life a PodcastSend Us Your Stories!If you have a story about how yoga, meditation, breath work, journaling, or movement changed your life, we want to hear from you! These podcasts are really about the same thing — how people move through the seasons of life they didn't plan for, and what helps them along the way.If you'd like to be on the show or share your story: Fill out our guest form or email us at yogachanged@gmail.com Follow us on TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@yogachanged...
In this episode of The Brave Enough Show, Dr. Sasha Shillcutt and Dr. Barb Edelheit discuss: The silent grief of the empty nest Reclaiming desire, ambition, and agency Redefining purpose beyond caretaking Giving yourself permission to want more again "Not every stage of life is fabulous, and we put a lot of pressure on ourselves as working moms. We can be intentional in the moments of motherhood and enjoy the moments we can, even in the busy years." Dr. Barb Edelheit Guest Bio: Barbara Edelheit, MD, is an accomplished pediatric rheumatologist, educator, and passionate advocate for gender equity in medicine. She serves as an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, where she has made significant contributions to both clinical care and academic leadership. At Connecticut Children's in Hartford, CT, Dr. Edelheit holds several key leadership roles, including Division Head of Rheumatology, past Board Chair of the Connecticut Children's Specialty Group, and Vice President of the Medical Staff. Dr. Edelheit's clinical expertise centers on the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. She earned her medical degree from the State University of New York Upstate Medical University, followed by residency at The New York Presbyterian Hospital – Cornell Medical Center. She then completed her pediatric rheumatology fellowship at the Hospital for Special Surgery. A dedicated mentor and educator, Dr. Edelheit is deeply committed to fostering the next generation of medical professionals. Her leadership extends to promoting women in medicine, most notably through founding and chairing an affinity group for women physicians at Connecticut Children's. She strongly believes in the critical importance of mentorship and sponsorship throughout medical careers. As the National Mentorship Chair for the American Medical Women's Association (AMWA), Dr. Edelheit works to empower women in medicine, advocating for their success and professional growth. She also serves as the faculty mentor for the University of Connecticut's AMWA student chapter, providing guidance and support to medical students pursuing their careers. Brave Enough 2026 CME Conference: For ten years, women have gathered at the Brave Enough Conference to step away from the demands of medicine and into a space of renewal. This anniversary year, we celebrate a decade of empowerment and sisterhood—ten years of lifting each other up, reigniting purpose, and remembering that none of us has to do this alone. Join us September 24-27, 2026, at the Omni Scottsdale Resort and Spa. Follow Brave Enough: WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | LINKEDIN Join The Table, Brave Enough's community. The ONLY professional membership group that meets both the professional and personal needs of high-achieving women.
EPISODE 727 - Rita Lussier - And Now, Back to Me - When You Dread The Truth of The Empty NestAn award-winning journalist and writer whose column “For the Moment” was a popular feature of The Providence Journal for a dozen years. Her writing has also been featured on National Public Radio, in The Boston Globe, The New York Daily News, and many more. Rita enjoys coaching writers, conducting workshops and has worked as a publicist and editor. She has taught at both the University of Rhode Island and Rhode Island College. She lives with her husband in Jamestown, Rhode Island where she enjoys running, walking and time with family and friends.And Now, Back to Me — a new book by Rita LussierSomeday, it will come. We know this. But there's life to be lived. Play dates and finger paints. Soccer games and bloody knees. First driver's license and first love. And then, just like that, there it is. The day our last child leaves home and we're left staring into an abyss like nothing in our experience. For so many of us, it's a time in our lives shaken by dread, fear, sadness and the question we thought we'd never have to confront. What now? But the news from the empty nest is far from all bad as we discover in Rita Lussier's memoir, And Now, Back to Me. Her story, as told over 40 chapters, takes us on an emotional roller coaster that is, at once, gut-wrenching and playful, at times seemingly disoriented but ultimately brimming with optimism.https://www.ritalussier.com/Send us Fan MailSupport the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca
We are thrilled to welcome back three-time guest Jon Acuff. As a New York Times bestselling author, Jon has built a career helping people stop overthinking and finally get unstuck. In this episode, we tackle the "architecture of enough" and the transition to empty nesting. Jon shares insights from his new book, Procrastination Proof, explaining how procrastination is often a failed "solution" for fear and why we need permission to win. We also discuss shifting your motivation fuel from fear to service and Jon's practical discipline hack: "make tomorrow easy today". Join us for a conversation that will leave you both inspired and lightly roasted. Check out Jon's new book: https://jonacuff.com/ Join us: http://dadville.substack.com Thanks to our sponsors: All Things Dave: https://www.davebarnes.com All Things Jon: https://www.jonmcl.com Thanks to our sponsors! Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at http://shopify.com/dadville Boll & Branch - Get 15% off plus free shipping on your first set of sheets at http://bollandbranch.com/dadville Exclusions apply. Quince - Go to http://quince.com/dadville 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! The Wonder Project: Subscriber support makes more great content like I Gotta Ask with Annie F. Downs possible. The Wonder Project subscription on Prime Video is available in the U.S. for $8.99/month or $89.99/year after a 7-day free trial. Visit IGottaAsk.com to learn more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Who are you when your child no longer needs you in the ways they once did? In this episode, I explore the Identity Trap...the mindset pattern that can come up for us as our kids grow up, become more independent, and begin building lives of their own. While these changes are a natural part of parenting, they can leave many moms feeling lost and disconnected from themselves. I'll share why this transition can feel so unsettling, how we often tie our sense of purpose and worth to being needed, and why letting go is about so much more than our kids leaving home. You'll learn how this trap fuels anxiety, keeps us stuck in old roles, and makes it harder to create a fulfilling next chapter. Most importantly, I'll show you how to begin redefining yourself beyond motherhood...not by filling your calendar, but by deciding who you want to be. If you've been questioning your purpose, struggling with the changes that come with parenting teens, or wondering what's next for you, this episode will help you feel more grounded, empowered, and excited about the possibilities ahead.
Solo Travel Adventures: Safe Travel for Women, Preparing for a Trip, Overcoming Fear, Travel Tips
Loneliness can sneak in after divorce and an empty nest, not as a dramatic breakdown, but as a quiet feeling you carry while you still do your job, return calls, and tell everyone you're okay. I'm Cheryl Esch, a travel coach and solo travel advocate, and I'm sharing what I wish more women said out loud: you can be surrounded by people and still feel completely alone. When big life transitions pile up at once, grief does not always look like tears in public. Sometimes it looks like isolation, numbness, and the exhausting work of pretending you're “strong.”I talk about how my divorce collided with empty nest life, how depression can drain your motivation, and how winter and seasonal affective disorder can make everything heavier. We also get into the social side of healing: what happens when you finally get vulnerable and someone shuts you down, and why that moment can teach you to stay surface-level even when you desperately need support. If you've felt dismissed, too much, or hard to love during a transition, you're not alone, and you're not broken.We close with practical ways to rebuild community and confidence, including women-to-women support, divorce support groups, church groups, and the surprising power of a small women's travel group (think 12 or fewer). Solo travel does not have to mean being lonely. It can be a bridge back to yourself and to friendships that feel real. If this resonates, subscribe, share this with a friend who's starting over, and leave a review. What kind of support would change everything for you right now?Support the showhttps://www.cherylbeckesch.comhello@cherylbeckesch.comInstagram @solotraveladventures50
B shares her take on dating during the "in-between phase." That space between raising teenagers and the empty nest of kids at college. PLUS: Thinking about what YOU bring to the table and how men can be even more emotional than women. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
B shares her take on dating during the "in-between phase." That space between raising teenagers and the empty nest of kids at college. PLUS: Thinking about what YOU bring to the table and how men can be even more emotional than women. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This episode is about how a family crisis can lead to an "empty nest joyride" and insights into your passion to be a writer. Sometimes you can be surprised by the amount of insight gained from a difficult period in your life. Your empty nest phase can be surprisingly mighty. My guest today is Linda Hanstra. Linda is someone who went from being a working mother with four busy kids who felt like she had no time for herself or her passions, to a semi-retired empty nester with more time and more freedom. Learn More HERE!
Fearne isn't a massive fan of the relentless pressure to reach a definitive state of happiness. It's just not realistic, so she's dropping into your feed every week for some chat about what's making her – and you! – feel great, and what's making us feel completely crap.This is the cosy corner where there's no judgement allowed! All of us can explore what's been on our minds, what's been getting us down, inspiring us, and making us laugh. Want to join the chat? Send us a voicenote, DM, or comment on Instagram @happyplaceofficial!In this chat, Fearne covers:-Why walks are the best for deep and meaningfuls-Going clubbing and feeling 18 again-Why you're only ever as happy as your unhappiest child-How to make the ‘sexiest salad' ever (according to Fearne)-Coping with The Fear that comes with a hangover-A plea to stop chatting on speakerphone on the train-How to say goodbye to your child when they leave home-Dealing with triggers when you're trying to heal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Join us at 1440, June 11-13th, 2026: Click to learn moreIf you've ever felt like you were failing at something you were supposed to be naturally good at – this conversation will set you free.Elinor Cleghorn is a feminist historian and the author of A Woman's Work: Reclaiming the Radical History of Mothering, and in this deeply personal, wide-ranging conversation with Dr. Mindy, she unpacks one of the most important questions of our time: why has motherhood been so diminished, misunderstood, and so weaponized against the very women who do it?From the myth of the perfect maternal instinct to the constructed guilt that has silenced women for centuries, from the empty nest to the role of fatherhood in healing the masculine wound, this conversation goes everywhere. It's equal parts history lesson, permission slip, and love letter to every woman who has ever given everything to raising a family and wondered whether she was doing it right.Spoiler: you were.A Woman's Work by Elinor Cleghorn is available in bookshops and online now. Find Elinor on Instagram at @elinorcleghorn.For more resources related to today's episode, visit the podcast episode page: https://www.drmindypelz.com/ep338 Connect with Dr. Mindy:Join Reset AcademyWatch the episodes on YouTubeFollow Dr. Mindy on InstagramSubscribe to Dr. Mindy's newsletter Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, fasting routine, or lifestyle.