Claim OwnershipHer Next Chapters
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This podcast is for moms with an empty nest on the horizon who are reclaiming & redefining their identity outside of motherhood, which might include a job search. On this show we’ll have raw conversations about our ever-changing roles as moms, hear from women who restarted their careers, and share tactical tips for a successful job search after a career break.
105 Episodes
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December is often written off as a slow time for job searching, but it’s actually one of the best times of year to network. In this episode of Her Next Chapters, we’re talking about holiday networking and how to talk about your career during the holidays in a way that feels natural, confident, and human. If you’re in a career transition, returning to work after a break, navigating a layoff, or quietly thinking about a job search in 2026, this episode will help you show up to conversations wit...
In this week’s episode of Her Next Chapters, I sit down with mindset coach and former school principal Renee DeVore, whose story is one of the most powerful midlife reinventions I’ve heard yet. After a 25-year career in education — including 16 years as a principal — Renee walked away from her six-figure job, sold everything she owned, and moved to Mexico in search of alignment, authenticity, and a life that actually fit. But her transition wasn’t linear. And it definitely wasn’t easy. In our...
As we head into Thanksgiving next week, the holidays can feel full, quiet, joyful, overwhelming, or… a mix of all of the above. In this episode, I’m sharing three simple ways to navigate the holiday with more ease, more intention, and a lot more compassion for yourself. First, I walk you through my 24-hour gratitude practice — a realistic, grounding approach to gratitude that actually works, especially during stressful seasons. Next, we talk holiday conversations: how to avoid the awkward stu...
In a year of major layoffs and shifting industries, Christina, a career coach, shares practical job search strategies for navigating transition through bridge roles—including temporary jobs, part-time positions, seasonal work, and volunteer projects. Discover how flexible roles can boost your confidence, refresh your skills, and lead to long-term success. Perfect for women returning to work, midlife career changers, and anyone facing job loss or uncertainty in 2025. Listen for real-life examp...
If you’ve ever told yourself, “I should be able to figure this out,” this episode is for you. I’ve been there, too—trying to do it all on my own because I can. But sometimes, doing everything ourselves comes at the cost of time, energy, and peace of mind. In this episode, I’m sharing why asking for help can feel so uncomfortable, how to recognize when it’s time to reach out, and how to know when investing in support is actually the smartest move you can make. I’ll walk you through how to spot...
Christina celebrates 100 episodes of Her Next Chapters with a behind-the-scenes story that started in her closet — literally. From recording her first episode six times (and using paper towel rolls for soundproofing!) to finding her voice and confidence behind the mic, this milestone episode is both a celebration and an invitation. Through laughter and reflection, Christina shares what 100 episodes have taught her about starting before you’re ready, taking imperfect action, and embracing ever...
Sometimes we all need permission to pause. In today’s episode, I open up about a heavy couple of weeks — the kind that stopped my momentum completely. I skipped recording the podcast and sending my newsletter, and for the first time in a long time, I let myself just… stop. And here’s what happened: the world didn’t end. That pause gave me clarity about how I want to move forward — including a big announcement: Her Next Chapters will now release episodes every other Wednesday. This shift gives...
Thinking about returning to work or making a career change? Strategic volunteering might be the most overlooked tool in your job search toolkit. In this episode, Christina shares how the right volunteer opportunities can give you current experience, expand your network, and even strengthen your resume. From boosting confidence to uncovering new career interests, strategic volunteering isn’t just about giving back—it’s about moving forward. You’ll learn how to: Identify volunteer roles that al...
Ready to restart your career—or finally make a change in the one you have? Before updating your resume, there are critical early steps that make all the difference in a job search. In this episode, Christina shares the four foundational moves she wishes she’d known when she returned to work after a 13-year career break. These aren’t the obvious tactics you’ve heard before. They’re the overlooked but essential steps that help you shift from scattered applications to a focused, confident job se...
Labor Day celebrates all forms of work, including the unpaid labor that maintains households and communities. The unpaid work we do builds valuable skills that can translate to professional opportunities when positioned correctly on resumes. • Unpaid labor has significant economic value, with stay-at-home moms providing work worth $184,000 annually according to Salary.com • Women shoulder more hours of caregiving and housework weekly, regardless of employment status • Include unpaid accompli...
Your next chapter starts now. Back-to-school isn’t just for kids. I share what this season looks like in my home right now: a son starting his final semester of college, another settling into his first rental for sophomore year, and a daughter thriving in her first job as an Interior Designer. With the house, calendar, and routines shifting, I name the mixed emotions of this stage and offer a gentle, practical way to step into your own next chapter. You’ll hear: Real-life moments from this ...
I usually talk about careers in the context of landing a great job—but in this episode, we’re expanding the conversation to include building your own business. My guest this week, Becky McCleery, went from teaching fourth-grade to running a thriving business as a solopreneur strategist and community builder. Her journey from passionate educator to unfulfilled working mom to successful entrepreneur is packed with lessons for anyone considering a career pivot, whether that’s finding a new role ...
In this episode, I share the powerful mindset exercise that helped me uncover the real reason I wanted to return to work after a 13-year career break. Learn how the “5 Whys” technique—originally developed at Toyota—can help you gain clarity, build motivation, and reconnect with your purpose during a job search, career pivot, or life transition. Plus, hear my personal story of how my why evolved from “paying off debt” to something much deeper. I've put together a curated podcast playlis...
I recently renewed my SPHR certification—60 hours of continuing education that represent more than just staying current. They reflect a deeper commitment to my growth, my clients, and the message I want to share with you today: You don’t have to start over. But you do need to start moving. In this episode, I’m sharing: What it looked like to retake the SPHR exam after a 13-year career breakWhy investing in yourself—certification or not—can build real momentumPractical ways to show employers (...
Let’s be honest—“self-care” can feel cliché at best and selfish at worst, especially for moms who’ve spent years putting everyone else first. But what if the real problem isn’t the concept, but how we frame it? In this episode, I share how the phrase Protect the Asset from Greg McKeown’s book Essentialism completely shifted the way I think about wellness, motherhood, and energy management. When we see ourselves as the asset, self-care becomes essential maintenance—not indulgence. This mindset...
Rejection hurts. But what if it’s actually redirecting you toward something better? In this episode, I share a personal story about the time I lost what I thought was my dream home—and how that painful “no” made space for an even better “yes.” It’s a reminder that rejection isn’t always the end of the road. Sometimes, it’s a protective nudge toward something more aligned. Whether you're facing job search setbacks, supporting your kids through disappointment, or just feeling the sting of somet...
Midyear is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and reset—especially if those January resolutions have long faded into the background (you're not alone—most don’t make it past February!). In this episode, we explore how July offers a fresh opportunity to check in on your goals in a way that feels aligned with your real life right now. Whether you’re in the thick of summer with kids at home or preparing to launch a teen to college, this season invites intentionality. We’ll talk about how to mak...
Thinking about returning to work or making a career change this fall? Don’t wait until September to start. In this episode, I share a summer checklist of quick career-boosting tasks you can do in between everything else life throws your way. Reconnect with your network. Ask for references. Organize your interview outfits. Clarify what you’re looking for. And yes—even get help from your teen with your Zoom setup. These micro-actions build confidence, clarity, and career momentum—one step at a ...
What happens when the community we built through our kids starts to fade? After years of bonding with other parents on sports sidelines, at school events, and in group texts, many women in midlife find themselves navigating a quiet but powerful shift—in friendships, identity, and purpose. In this episode, I share how my own shift from new motherhood to empty-nester-in-progress revealed just how temporary some of those connections can be. And how that loss often shows up right when we’re...
Summer hits, and suddenly everything is off: school’s out, routines vanish, the weather changes our habits, and even good things—like graduations, college kids moving home, or family vacations—can leave us feeling scattered and unmotivated. If your energy is low and your to-do list feels overwhelming, this episode is for you. I’m sharing the truth that helps me every single time I feel stuck: Motivation doesn’t create action—action creates motivation. Whether your goals are personal, ho...
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