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Beyond Empty Nest

Author: Jodi Silverman

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 Living your daring life and stepping outside your comfort zone is the fastest path to fulfillment.
Ready to DARE? I’m here to lead the way. 

Tune in every Thursday for stories of empty nests, midlife makeovers, and solo episodes packed with tips to conquer fear, boost happiness, and build resilience all sprinkled with a bit of WOO😇. 

Let’s make Thursdays your favorite day!  Dare on with me, Jodi💜

To receive new episodes in your inbox AND for motivation and ways to connect to your purpose grab this link: https://bit.ly/4j2IdVP



DISCLAIMER: The commentary and opinions available on this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical, physical, or psychological advice. You should contact a trained medical professional before making any significant changes to your health and wellness routine and with respect to any particular issue or problem.

 

108 Episodes
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When Women Get Sick

2025-03-2738:02

Send us a Text- Share 1 Take away from this episode! (Note: we are unable to reply to your messages.) Navigating illness as a woman comes with unique challenges that go beyond physical health. Rebecca Bloom, a workplace and insurance benefits advocate, sheds light on the complexities women face when dealing with healthcare systems, workplace barriers, and unforeseen financial burdens. As an advocate with Bay Area Cancer Connections, Rebecca supports women across the country in getting the car...
Send us a Text- Share 1 Take away from this episode! (Note: we are unable to reply to your messages.) What if the end of one chapter is actually the start of something way better? On today’s episode of Beyond Empty Nest, we’re talking about thriving as a divorced empty nester—and trust me, it’s not all doom and gloom! In fact, it’s about embracing new opportunities, stepping out of your comfort zone, and making this next chapter your most exciting one yet. My guest today is living proof that ...
Send us a Text- Share 1 Take away from this episode! (Note: we are unable to reply to your messages.) In this special 100th episode, we dive deep into the empowering mantra of "Dare On." This phrase holds the power to transform lives—if you truly embrace it. It can inspire you to reignite your dreams, confront the fears holding you back, and push through challenges. Join us for a conversation with an extraordinary panel of women who have dared to live beyond their comfort zones. Each of these...
Send us a Text- Share 1 Take away from this episode! (Note: we are unable to reply to your messages.) Ever find yourself in that weird "in-between" phase where life feels like it’s on pause and you’re wondering, What now? Whether your kids have flown the nest, your career is shifting, or life’s simply thrown you a curveball, we’ve all been there. The blank slate is both daunting and full of possibility—but how do you turn that stuck feeling into your breakthrough moment? Today we’re diving in...

Resilient Habits

2025-03-2037:05

Send us a Text- Share 1 Take away from this episode! (Note: we are unable to reply to your messages.) Life’s roller coaster never stops, but what if your routines could help you ride the waves instead of feeling tossed around by them? It’s time to say goodbye to quick fixes and crash diets. Instead, let's talk about building habits that not only stick but support you through life’s ups and downs. If you’ve ever found yourself feeling like you’re starting over each time life gets tough, this c...
Send us a Text- Share 1 Take away from this episode! (Note: we are unable to reply to your messages.) When the kids leave the nest, many couples find themselves facing an unexpected challenge: rediscovering their relationship. Jill Savage, author of Empty Nest, Full Life and marriage expert, shares her insights on the hidden gaps that often appear in midlife marriages, particularly during the transition to an empty nest. As couples navigate this new chapter, they can feel disconnected, emotio...
Send us a Text- Share 1 Take away from this episode! (Note: we are unable to reply to your messages.) If you've ever found yourself wondering, “Who am I beyond being a mom?”, this is the episode for YOU! As our kids gain independence, it’s the perfect time to rediscover who we are beyond the title of "mom." Today, we're chatting about stepping into new roles, embracing passions, and confidently embracing the next chapter of life 🌱✨ Kathy Chlan is a vibrant lifestyle expert who infuses j...
Send us a Text- Share 1 Take away from this episode! (Note: we are unable to reply to your messages.) Stress—it's that sneaky little thing that can derail our day, disrupt our mood, and even harm our health. Stress is something that most of us deal with on a daily basis and have accepted as a part of our lives. But what if we had the tools to recognize stress BEFORE it spirals, simple strategies to manage it while we’re dealing with it, and more power to dive into self-love to reduce its impa...

Divorce and Children

2025-02-2038:40

Send us a Text- Share 1 Take away from this episode! (Note: we are unable to reply to your messages.) Divorce can be tough at any age, but when it happens later in life, after your children have already left the nest, the emotional toll can often go unnoticed. As parents navigate their own grief, anger, and confusion, they may unintentionally overlook the significant impact their separation has on their adult children. Today we’re joined by Christina McGee, a leading divorce and parenti...

Midlife Reckoning

2025-02-1334:50

Send us a Text- Share 1 Take away from this episode! (Note: we are unable to reply to your messages.) "Confidence isn’t about being fearless. It’s about daring to step outside your comfort zone, even when you’re scared." If you’re here, you know it’s time to break free from the ordinary and reinvent yourself! Meet Jen Polt, a woman who completely transformed her life after 25 years in a corporate career. At the age of 52, Jen took the bold step of leaving her comfort zone behind and starting ...
Send us a Text- Share 1 Take away from this episode! (Note: we are unable to reply to your messages.) Have you ever had a moment when you looked around and thought, “Is this really my effing life?” Maybe it's a quiet afternoon, or a chaotic moment, but something makes you question everything. That's exactly what happened to Lydia Mandell—sitting in a hot laundry room, overwhelmed by grief, menopause, and the weight of caring for her aging parents. It was a true "WTF" moment, but rather ...
Send us a Text- Share 1 Take away from this episode! (Note: we are unable to reply to your messages.) Do you have the audacity to be resilient, to face life's challenges head on and come out stronger? If not, is this a viewpoint that you’d like to adopt in 2025? Whether you're navigating new territory, rebuilding, or simply seeking inspiration, this episode is your guide to finding strength within to rise and radiate. Erika Rothenberger is a published author, podcast host, spea...
Send us a Text- Share 1 Take away from this episode! (Note: we are unable to reply to your messages.) If you've got an older parent or loved one, you might be noticing little things that make you wonder if it's time to step in a bit more. Maybe you're seeing signs you need a little extra support, but you're not sure how to bring it up or even what to do next. Ellen Donovan is an RN Senior Care Consultant, Certified Dementia Practitioner, and President of One Life Consulting, a boutique cons...
Send us a Text- Share 1 Take away from this episode! (Note: we are unable to reply to your messages.) It comes as no surprise to anyone that life is filled with ups and downs. But curiously, we aren’t always given the tools that we need to prepare for these challenges. Are you ready to uncover the secrets to achieving true financial confidence, discuss how to prepare for life's unexpected turns, like death, divorce, or sudden changes, and share invaluable advice from women who are new to navi...
Send us a Text- Share 1 Take away from this episode! (Note: we are unable to reply to your messages.) Do you want your 2025 (and the rest of your life) to be full of confidence, ease and joy? I want to introduce you to a tool that has changed my life: The Wheel of Life. This tool helps evaluate eight key areas of life: money, career, health, fun, family, friends, personal development, and spirituality. You will be guided to assess your satisfaction in each area, identify your top three focus ...
Send us a Text- Share 1 Take away from this episode! (Note: we are unable to reply to your messages.) What if I told you there's one major block standing between you and the happiness, love, and miracles you crave and deserve? And that today, we're about to uncover it? Marci Shimoff is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, world renowned, transformational teacher, an expert on happiness, success, and unconditional love. Today, she is going to share with us how we too can live in our ‘Miracl...

Season 4 Recap

2024-12-2311:38

Send us a Text- Share 1 Take away from this episode! (Note: we are unable to reply to your messages.) Our empty nest adventures are always exciting because we're constantly preparing for what's next. As we head into 2025 and a brand-new podcast season, let's take a moment to look back at some of the highlights from Season 4 of Beyond Empty Nest. Whether you missed an episode or need a quick refresher, we've got you covered! We revisit important topics such as: Helping newly Empty Nest moms fi...
Send us a Text- Share 1 Take away from this episode! (Note: we are unable to reply to your messages.) As 2024 is coming to a close, are you making plans for the new year?🎉 Have you thought about choosing a theme to shape your year? It’s more than just picking a word—it’s about setting an intention that guides your decisions and mindset. 🧠In this episode I share how I started setting themes for myself in the New Year, and my thought process behind it. What theme will you choose to keep you gr...
Send us a Text- Share 1 Take away from this episode! (Note: we are unable to reply to your messages.) The holidays are a time for joy, not stress—even after a divorce. We're tackling the tricky world of co-parenting during the holiday season with expert Christina McGhee, a leading divorce-parenting expert with over 25 years of experience. Christina believes divorce doesn’t have to mean devastation for families. Instead, it’s about creating space for joy and harmony, especially during the holi...
Send us a Text- Share 1 Take away from this episode! (Note: we are unable to reply to your messages.) With dementia cases projected to surge as baby boomers age, our country is facing a crisis that we're not ready for. This, coupled with the lack of resources for seniors, can leave many of us feeling overwhelmed and feeling the pressure to step up. So what signs should we look for? And what would you do if your loved one starts to show symptoms? Beth Allen is a dedicated family caregiver a...
Send us a Text- Share 1 Take away from this episode! (Note: we are unable to reply to your messages.) We all have our own stories—yours, your parents', your grandparents'. Each of us carries years of life experience behind us, but are these stories being shared with future generations? 📚 In this episode, I sit down with Sky Bergman—professor, artist, and the visionary behind the acclaimed PBS documentary Lives Well Lived. Sky is passionate about creating films and projects that inspire inter...
Send us a Text- Share 1 Take away from this episode! (Note: we are unable to reply to your messages.) Is less stress, less anxiety, and less reactivity on your wish list this holiday season? That used to be me for years, until I refused to let these emotions steal another holiday from me! One special gift I want to give to you this year is the gift of joy and being present. So I’m sharing three strategies that I’ve been using for years that have allowed me to truly enjoy holiday gatherings, ...
Send us a Text- Share 1 Take away from this episode! (Note: we are unable to reply to your messages.) Are you feeling overwhelmed by the changes that come with midlife? You may be grappling with sleep issues, stress, or body shifts…the list goes on! Many of us face these challenges, but what if there were simple strategies to help you not just cope but truly thrive? ⁉️ Adrien Cotton is helping to guide us with simple yet effective strategies to boost your health & wellness. As a transform...
Send us a Text- Share 1 Take away from this episode! (Note: we are unable to reply to your messages.) Stepping out of your comfort zone can feel like standing at the edge of a cliff—terrifying, yet exhilarating. It's time to step away from the familiar and discover what you’re truly capable of!🧗 I usually talk about moms adjusting to life beyond parenting, but today we’re flipping the script. In this episode, I sit down with Tim Conniff—an Empty Nest dad who's embraced the challenge o...

The Masks We Wear

2024-10-3110:30

Send us a Text- Share 1 Take away from this episode! (Note: we are unable to reply to your messages.) Do you ever feel like you're pretending, hiding parts of yourself to fit in, or shielding your true self from the world? 🎭 In this episode, we explore the masks we wear—those layers of armor that keep us safe but also keep us disconnected from our true selves. Join me as I share some of my thoughts about vulnerability and the courage it takes to show up as your true self even when it feels u...
Send us a Text- Share 1 Take away from this episode! (Note: we are unable to reply to your messages.) How do you encourage independence when your child is so close? How do you resist becoming a helicopter mom? We're getting real about the lessons in letting go, even when they're still close by. In this episode of Beyond Empty Nest, the conversation centers on the unique challenges parents face when their children transition to college, particularly when they’re just a short distance away. Bra...
Send us a Text- Share 1 Take away from this episode! (Note: we are unable to reply to your messages.) Navigating midlife often means taking on new responsibilities, and for many of us, that includes helping aging parents make difficult transitions, like downsizing from a long-time home. But the truth is, downsizing isn't just for our parents—it's something we all need to consider. In this episode, we’re joined by Darla Pompilio, a professional organizer and founder of Your Tasks Our Time, w...

The Empty Nester Club

2024-10-1732:22

Send us a Text- Share 1 Take away from this episode! (Note: we are unable to reply to your messages.) Losing your confidence and sparkle as an empty nester can feel hopeless, trust me I know. By taking small, meaningful steps to rediscover what lights you up, you can turn this transition into an exciting opportunity for growth and self-discovery In this episode, I am joined by Karla Olson, author of The Almost Empty Nester and founder of The Empty Nester Club, to talk about how moms can recl...
Send us a Text- Share 1 Take away from this episode! (Note: we are unable to reply to your messages.) As we enter a new season, what are some of the questions that you’re asking yourself? 🍂💭 Fall is known to be a time of reflection and renewal, this episode I invite you to explore where you might have fallen short, not with harsh judgement, but with compassion.❤️ Today’s episode is very short, showing us all that we can achieve something amazing in just a short period of time! Your R...
Send us a Text- Share 1 Take away from this episode! (Note: we are unable to reply to your messages.) Is managing your day to day or sticking to goals a big struggle for you? Empty nests, menopause and life transitions can leave us feeling lost, but what if there’s another reason behind it all? The guest today is my good friend Lauren Gladstone who is an ADHD coach. We have lots to discuss this episode as we dive deep into the unexpected link between ADHD and the challenges many women face i...
Send us a Text- Share 1 Take away from this episode! (Note: we are unable to reply to your messages.) If you’re here, you’ve more than likely heard the term ‘midlife crisis’. In addition to the emotional aspect of experiencing midlife, there are so many other issues besides emotional, there's physical issues like hot flashes and mood swings as well. Sometimes, we find ourselves wide awake at 3am daydreaming of the possibilities, which I want to dive in with you today! Your Dare f...
Send us a Text- Share 1 Take away from this episode! (Note: we are unable to reply to your messages.) I am smart. I've got this. I can, I will, watch me! 3 simple affirmations that I use daily for a positive mindset during challenging and difficult times. Affirmations are a wonderful way to create positive shifts within our mindset and ourselves overall. It takes being intentional with your practice of using affirmations to realize the power that they truly have over our thoughts and our act...
Send us a Text- Share 1 Take away from this episode! (Note: we are unable to reply to your messages.) Are you currently being faced with a tough decision that is causing you anxiety and unease? This could be a result of health concerns you’re facing, changing career paths, or even navigating relationship changes. My guest today is Susan Guthrie, and she is here to share her wisdom from her experience being a top divorce attorney around what it has taught her about making important decisions. ...
Send us a Text- Share 1 Take away from this episode! (Note: we are unable to reply to your messages.) How do you handle good-byes? Some of us find it easier than others. As moms, we face countless good-byes with our children, but none are quite as emotionally charged as the empty nest. Whether our kids leave for college, join the service, or step into the working world, empty nest syndrome is a real thing. For some, it brings a wave of sadness that might last a few days or weeks. For ot...
Send us a Text- Share 1 Take away from this episode! (Note: we are unable to reply to your messages.) If you’re new to the empty nest scene, you may be struggling with a surprising time of day…dinner time! 🍽️ Maybe it’s because you’re not used to eating alone. Maybe it’s because you don’t know how to cook for a smaller family unit. Or maybe you’re just not feeling like eating. These are all valid feelings, but it’s important to remember that even something as simple as cooking dinner can brin...

Season 3 Recap

2024-08-0707:19

Send us a Text- Share 1 Take away from this episode! (Note: we are unable to reply to your messages.) Welcome to Beyond Empty Nest! Get ready to dive into Season 3, where we explore the next chapter of life with fresh insights and inspiring stories. This season is packed with must-hear topics that you won't want to miss. 🥺First up, we tackle strategies to manage anxiety, offering practical tips and expert advice to help you find calm and balance in your everyday life. 📣Next, discover the po...
Send us a Text- Share 1 Take away from this episode! (Note: we are unable to reply to your messages.) One of my favorite things to do at home is to entertain. We have a big bar at our home where I try my best to ensure that I have each of our closest’s friends’ favorite drinks available. While searching for ingredients, I came across this incredible brand called Camp Craft Cocktails and their incredible infusion kits. But this brand is so much more than that. It's a vehicle that encoura...

Things That Matter

2024-07-2532:37

Send us a Text- Share 1 Take away from this episode! (Note: we are unable to reply to your messages.) As our nests become empty and we enter midlife, there's a lot of talk about downsizing and decluttering. And although there are many benefits to simplifying our lives by getting rid of stuff, there's also another perspective to keep in mind. That perspective is to have things around you that matter, the things that bring back those happy memories of either times gone by or about loved ones no...
Send us a Text- Share 1 Take away from this episode! (Note: we are unable to reply to your messages.) I’m ready to do-away with age-old notions of what we should do, how we should act, and how we should dress when we’re in our midlife years! I’m tired of being forced to fit a narrative that is dated and unrealistic, and you should be too! Join me and my guest this week in changing the narrative for all of us, for good! Jack Perez, a pro aging champion who promotes normalizing aging for wome...
Send us a Text- Share 1 Take away from this episode! (Note: we are unable to reply to your messages.) This one is for all the moms out there getting ready to send their kids off to college! 🎒I'm going to share with you three essential conversations that you want to have with your college bound child that I WISH I had had with mine. As a result of not being proactive in having these conversations with my children, there was a lot of stress, anxiety, and worry from all sides. Be sure to l...
Send us a Text- Share 1 Take away from this episode! (Note: we are unable to reply to your messages.) Do you have a secret dream? Are you dimming your light because of the fear that people will judge you for what you really want to do with your life? If you are keeping this secret dream hidden because of doubt and fear, my next guest is going to share with you how to unleash that. Cheldin has played a huge role in pushing me toward my own secret dream. She and her team helped me s...
Send us a Text- Share 1 Take away from this episode! (Note: we are unable to reply to your messages.) Change can be daunting. It brings about uncertainty, fear, and often pushes us out of our comfort zones. But here's the thing….change is inevitable, especially as we navigate the landscape of midlife. And while it may seem scary, it's also the key to unlocking our next chapter, a chapter that can be filled with hope. Dive into the transformative power of embracing change in midlife with toda...
Send us a Text- Share 1 Take away from this episode! (Note: we are unable to reply to your messages.) Can you really unlock purpose, meaning and fulfillment in your life through something as simple as playing?! Society has tried to tell us that playing is just for kids. I’m here to remind you that it’s not. We were all once kids who would play for hours, and there is always a part of us that misses those moments & experiences. Just because we are in midlife does not mean that we can’t fin...
Send us a Text- Share 1 Take away from this episode! (Note: we are unable to reply to your messages.) Have you ever had something you’re passionate about achieving but that you’ve put on the backburner for various reasons? Maybe you pursued a different career, or were raising a family, or maybe you were simply trying to navigate the demands of life and somehow that passion became buried. Does this sound like you? If so, this week we’re going to explore the idea of reigniting your passio...
Send us a Text- Share 1 Take away from this episode! (Note: we are unable to reply to your messages.) Based on a recent article in Forbes Health, young adults 18 to 25 in the U. S. experience the highest rates of mental illness at 36. 2%, followed by those ages 26 to 49 at 29. 4%. Adults ages 50 and over are at almost 14%. That's us. Anxiety isn't just reserved for just the young or the old, it does not discriminate. I want to further surprise you to learn that anxiety disorders such as...
Send us a Text- Share 1 Take away from this episode! (Note: we are unable to reply to your messages.) All right, ladies and gentlemen, if you're out there listening, who else here identifies themselves as a fixer? I'm here to tell you that most women do, especially moms. And look, it makes sense, right? When our children are born, they're a hundred percent reliant on us to thrive, to eat, to be changed, to be safe. So naturally we become the fixer of all things. The problem with this oc...
Send us a Text- Share 1 Take away from this episode! (Note: we are unable to reply to your messages.) Downsizing. It’s a term filled with promise, but also with uncertainty. As we transition into the empty nest phase, downsizing becomes increasingly appealing. Yet, the mere thought of parting ways with a lifetime of memories can be overwhelming. Where do we even begin? What do we keep and what do we let go of? And perhaps most dauntingly, how do we conquer the fear of saying goodbye to cheri...
Send us a Text- Share 1 Take away from this episode! (Note: we are unable to reply to your messages.) Today, we will discuss a topic close to the hearts of many women in our Moms Who Dare community: prioritizing oneself during change and transition. For many mothers and fathers, parenting often becomes synonymous with their identity. But once your children leave the nest and go on their own adventures, we can find ourselves at a crossroads, grappling with the profound question: who am I outs...
Send us a Text- Share 1 Take away from this episode! (Note: we are unable to reply to your messages.) In today's fast-paced and often stressful world, it's easy to get caught up in the negativity and frustration that seem to surround us. It feels like people are quicker than ever to become irritable over trivial matters, adding to the tension and stress we navigate daily. But with all of this chaos, a simple remedy is often overlooked: smiling. Yes, you read that right—smiling. It's a small ...
Send us a Text- Share 1 Take away from this episode! (Note: we are unable to reply to your messages.) Midlife is often marked by transitions, both expected and unexpected. Could improv help us thrive during these changes? To answer this question, my friend and the architect behind Unscripted Productions, Will Dennis, is joining us. As a seasoned teacher, improv virtuoso, certified coach, and devoted husband and father, Will uses the principles of improv to apply to many aspects of life, such...
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