The kids are grown, the calendar’s a little more open, and suddenly the mirror feels like it’s asking bigger questions. Stepping into midlife can bring unexpected reflections on who you are beyond parenting, or who you thought you were supposed to be.

In this episode, we’re joined by our guest, Cecilia (aka Silver Sister), a midlife creator whose viral TikToks about embracing her gray hair and growing into her truth have sparked powerful conversations about self-image, self-worth, and what it really means to age on your own terms.

We explore how letting go can look like choosing not to color your hair, releasing the need for validation, and challenging the idea that aging makes you irrelevant. Cecilia opens up about her journey from hiding to authentic living, and how the process of choosing herself has been both a personal challenge and a form of emotional healing.

We also get into:

• What the empty nest season can reveal about long-ignored parts of yourself
• How beauty standards shape the way women over 50 see themselves
• What it’s like to silence the inner critic and practice radical self-love
• Why personal growth sometimes starts with something as simple as going for a walk
• How shifting your mindset around natural aging can unlock a different kind of freedom

If you're navigating change, craving clarity, or simply tired of feeling like you have to apologize for growing older, this episode is a gentle nudge toward a richer, freer version of you.

To the beauty of this new chapter,

Allison

Want to be a guest on the show? Apply to share your story.

Connect with me:

Website: https://www.lifecoachallisongoldberg.com

Email: navigatingthelaunch@gmail.com

You raised them, loved them, gave them your whole self… and now the routines have changed. The house is quiet, but your mind isn’t. If stepping into the empty nest season has you feeling lost or struggling with your emotional health, this conversation speaks to the quiet, complicated parts of that transition.

Today I’m joined by Elissa Varadi, a Houston-based therapist with 38 years of experience supporting parents through major life transitions. Together, we talk through the emotional landscape of this season, how the transition from parenting teens to parenting from a distance can stir up everything from self-identity questions to unexpected waves of grief.

We explore how life transitions like this one can impact emotional intimacy, spark friendship changes, and even bring up topics like gray divorce or parent guilt. Elissa shares thoughtful insights on how to begin tending to your mental wellness again, where to look for real emotional support, and how to connect with support groups or even consider therapy for parents in a way that feels approachable.

We also talk about:

• How to tell the difference between grief vs. depression
• The role of self-care for moms and why it’s often overlooked
• What real personal growth looks like during seasons of uncertainty
• Why support groups for empty nesters can be a lifeline, not a last resort

If this season feels quieter or heavier than you imagined, this conversation offers real guidance, comfort, and a reminder that new beginnings are still ahead.

Here’s to making space for yourself,

Allison

Want to be a guest on the show? Apply to share your story.

Connect with me:

Website: https://www.lifecoachallisongoldberg.com

Email: navigatingthelaunch@gmail.com

You thought the quiet would bring peace. Instead, it brought questions. What do I do now? Who am I without them here? And how do I make this next chapter mine? If the transition into the empty nest has left you feeling unsteady, you’re not the only one and there’s a path forward.

In this episode, I’m sitting down with Jay Ramsden, an empty nest coach, and he unpacks what really happens when the kids move out and you’re left to navigate the emotional and logistical shifts. From the identity crisis no one warned you about to the deafening quiet that creeps in, we explore how this life transition can shake your sense of purpose and how to rebuild it with intention.

We walk through the three emotional phases: grief, relief, and joy, and why they rarely show up in order. Jay shares how to prepare your mindset before the kids leave, how to nurture your marriage through the shift, and what it means to create new routines that center your own well-being while also learning how to cope with empty nests.

Here’s what we unpacked:

• The emotional layers of empty nest syndrome, grief, and why shame often tags along
• How to approach self-care for moms and navigate the silence with confidence
• What self-discovery, personal growth, and finding a passion can look like in this new season
• The power of navigating changes in your marriage and reconnecting in a new rhythm
• Practical ways to start finding yourself again and embracing a true mental reset

If you're trying to make sense of the quiet, questioning who you are now, or just need a little emotional support, this episode is here to help you breathe, reflect, and begin again.

Here’s to rediscovering who you are,

Allison

Want to be a guest on the show? Apply to share your story.

Connect with me:

Website: https://www.lifecoachallisongoldberg.com

Email: navigatingthelaunch@gmail.com