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Graduation season often brings a sudden, gut-wrenching realization: your child is leaving, and life as you've known it is about to change forever.

This episode explores that pivotal moment when parents shift from full-time caretakers to part-time advisors.

Instead of resisting or pretending the change isn’t happening, discover how embracing the mantra "Let Life Evolve" can transform this challenging time into an opportunity for growth and renewal.

We dive into the powerful idea that within the word "challenge" lies "LLE"—a reminder that change is not just inevitable but also a catalyst for transformation.

You'll learn practical strategies for managing this transition: maintaining routines for stability, caring for your physical health, communicating openly, and proactively exploring new interests.

The key message?

The empty nest years are about possibility—not just loss. The skills that made you a great parent can now serve as tools for rediscovering yourself. This isn’t about replacing parenting with hobbies—it’s about reconnecting with the person beneath the role.

Highlights & Key Takeaways:

• Resistance only makes transition harder; embrace change instead.
• The acronym LLE (Let Life Evolve) reminds us to accept and flow with change.
• Keep routines to provide stability during uncertain times.
• Seek support—friends, family, or coaches—so you don’t have to navigate alone.
• As relationships evolve, clear communication and healthy boundaries are essential.
• Focus on what's possible now, rather than dwelling on what’s ending.
• Rediscover interests and prioritize your physical health—don’t wait for retirement or grandchildren to start your next chapter.

Join us as we explore how this transition - filled with a mix of grief and gratitude - can become your next great opportunity for growth.

You don’t have to wait; your new life begins now.

Tune in, and remember: "Let Life Evolve."

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What if your most profound life lessons could come from an unexpected journey? In this inspiring episode, I explore how my recent walk along the Camino de Santiago in Spain became a powerful metaphor for navigating the empty nest years—filled with surprises, deep connections, and personal growth.

Walking the Portuguese route with strangers from around the world pushed me beyond my comfort zone, revealing that the richest experiences often come from embracing detours rather than rushing to the finish line. When faced with a challenging climb, a simple question from a friend—"What’s the rush?"—became a guiding wisdom for embracing the present moment.

The true magic of the Camino was found in the connections formed along the way. Brief conversations with fellow pilgrims sparked feelings of transformation, and our nightly ritual of sharing a "crumb" (challenge) and "cookie" (joy) strengthened resilience and gratitude—key components proven to boost mental well-being during major transitions.

Through rain and sunshine, I discovered that each traveler brought unique "superpowers," from authenticity to embracing new experiences, inspiring me to pursue my dreams while savoring life's small moments. This journey taught me that necessary endings—like children leaving home or finishing a long walk—create space for new beginnings.

What’s your Camino? Whether it’s a new hobby, career change, or inner exploration, your next big adventure awaits. Take that first step—your most meaningful journey might be just around the corner.

When you're ready to craft a fulfilling new chapter, visit thisemptynestlife.com to learn how I can support you in designing a life full of purpose and joy.

Highlights & Key Takeaways:

• Embrace detours over rushing — slowing down creates space for growth.
• Deepen connections through shared vulnerability and gratitude practices.
• Recognize the unique strengths ("superpowers") each person brings to your journey.
• Mindfulness in everyday moments fuels profound self-discovery.
• Necessary endings open doors for exciting new beginnings.

Join me on this journey of self-discovery, and maybe find your own Camino to fulfillment.

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3 Steps to Loving Your Empty Nest Life

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As relationships evolve, the empty nest phase presents a pivotal moment for couples to rediscover each other beyond their parenting roles. In this insightful episode, Carolyn Sharp shares valuable insights from her new book, "Fire it Up: Four Secrets to Reigniting Intimacy and Joy in Your Relationship."

Join us as we explore how to reconnect and reignite passion when the kids leave home.

Highlights:

• The three crucial elements for a healthy relationship: ignition (spark), kindling (communication), and oxygen (acceptance).
• The power of curiosity for reconnection—asking better questions leads to deeper understanding.
• Why couples often overlook communication and acceptance while trying to rekindle the spark.
• The importance of defining your relationship purpose during major life transitions to create clarity and direction.

Key Takeaways:

• Healthy relationships require intentional nurturing to avoid stagnation.
• Balance in relationship conversations should be paired with enjoyable activities to strengthen bonds.
• The assumption that "true love" doesn’t need effort is a myth; revitalizing a relationship takes work.
• Creating a safe space for honest communication fosters authentic connections, even when romantic passion may have faded.

Carolyn Sharp Bio

Carolyn Sharp always knew she wanted a career in helping people. She earned a master of social work from Portland State University and has extensive training in attachment, neuroscience, trauma, and mindfulness. Today, she is an experienced couples therapist with twenty-five years of training and practice in helping people build vital, vibrant, and secure functioning relationships through one-on-one and group couples coaching, workshops, retreats, and intensives. She combines her passion for helping people with her widespread experience to create the healthiest and happiest relationships possible.

Find Carolyn Online: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok

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3 Steps to Loving Your Empty Nest Life

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What happens to long-term relationships when the kids leave home? In this candid conversation, relationship coach Dr. Marie Murphy shares her insightful and judgment-free perspective on the growing phenomenon of gray divorce—the trend of couples separating after the age of 50.

With her PhD in sociology of sexuality, Dr. Murphy challenges conventional views on infidelity and relationship transitions. She emphasizes the importance of being honest with ourselves about what we truly want: “Do you want to reconnect, or do you just think you should want to reconnect?” This distinction lies at the heart of our discussion and leads to deeper explorations of relationship dynamics during midlife.

Highlights:

• Understanding gray divorce: 40% of divorces now occur after age 50, often linked to infidelity.
• The role of intentional curiosity in revitalizing relationships and fostering deeper connections.
• The dilemma of feeling responsible for others' emotions and how it conflicts with cultural ideas of individualism.
• Empowering thoughts that help you navigate your relationship choices without guilt or shame.

Key Takeaways:

• Approaching infidelity with a non-judgmental mindset allows for clearer decision-making.
• The sociology of sexuality focuses on understanding actual behaviors in relationships rather than adhering to societal norms.
• Making relationship choices often involves balancing competing desires rather than straightforward right or wrong decisions.

Marie Murphy's Bio

Dr. Marie Murphy is a non-judgmental infidelity coach, and the host of the podcast Your Secret is Safe with Me. Much of the so-called advice out there for people who are engaging in infidelity is little more than thinly veiled judgment, but that's not what Marie provides. Marie offers guidance and support that respects the fullness of your humanity, and the complexity of your situation - no matter what you're doing in the infidelity department. To learn more about Marie and her coaching services, go to https://www.mariemurphyphd.com.

Find Marie Online: Instagram, Facebook

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What happens when life changes overnight, shattering your identity through loss? In this heartfelt episode, we delve into the profound journey of Emily Tanner, known as The Brave Widow, who transformed devastating grief into a supportive community for others navigating widowhood and significant life transitions.

After losing her husband in 2021 while raising four teenagers, Emily realized how inadequate our cultural understanding of grief can be. “Platitudes like 'He's in heaven' didn’t help at all,” she reflects.

Highlights

• The identity shifts that come with widowhood and empty nesting, and the importance of intentional rebuilding.
• Emily’s four stages of rebuilding: devastation, survival mode, exploration, and creation.
• The exploration phase as a metaphorical journey through a forest—embracing curiosity amid uncertainty.
• Practical insights on how to support individuals in grief through curiosity and validation rather than quick fixes.

Key Takeaways

• Widowhood and major transitions require a complete overhaul of one's identity and purpose, prompting the need for reconstruction.
• Understanding the importance of true connection.
• The most effective way to support someone in grief is to be curious and validate their feelings instead of offering platitudes.

Emily Tanner's Bio

Just one month shy of their 20th wedding anniversary, Emily was widowed unexpectedly at the age of 37. She and Nathan have 4 children who were ages 10 - 19 at the time.

After the devastating death of her husband in 2021, Emily made the life-altering decision to leave her healthcare executive career and founded Brave Widow in 2022, an online coaching program and community dedicated to helping young widows navigate grief, heal their heart, and a build a life they love again.

Emily holds an MBA with a focus on Leadership and Ethics from John Brown University and has earned certifications in coaching and leadership from the Faith-Based Coaching Academy, the Grief Recovery Institute, and Maxwell Leadership.

Find Emily Online: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter (X)

Support the show

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3 Steps to Loving Your Empty Nest Life

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Join us for an inspiring conversation with Susan Athari, founder of The Modern Empty Nester, as she shares her journey from uncertainty to celebration in the empty nest years. Realizing that this life stage deserves more than just survival, Susan advocates for a dynamic and adventurous approach that redefines what it means to be an empty nester.

In our discussion, Susan passionately emphasizes that today’s empty nesters are not like those of previous generations. “We’re not the empty nesters sitting by the phone waiting for our kids to call,” she quips. Instead, she encourages embracing spontaneity, exploration, and self-discovery in this exciting chapter of life.

Highlights

• Susan’s personal journey from doubt to embracing the freedom of the empty nest.
• Practical travel tips, including essential packing considerations and the joys of slow travel.
• Insights on making the most of local opportunities and attractions.
• The empowering experience of taking solo trips to build confidence and independence.

Key Takeaways

• Transform your empty nest experience by saying “yes” to new opportunities and spontaneous adventures.
• Discover the joy of slow travel by immersing yourself in a single location to fully appreciate the experience.
• Build lasting friendships with like-minded individuals for shared adventures, enriching your new life chapter.

Susan Athari Bio
Susan Athari is an attorney, content creator, and blogger who went from drafting legal briefs to researching the best in midlife travel, deals, foodie finds, and bucket list experiences for empty nesters. She does the deep dive for you, saving you time and money, and her law experience brings both practical and valuable advice. An advocate for rediscovering yourself, she shares insights in turning life’s transitions into new opportunities for adventure. Although becoming an empty nester poses unique challenges, Susan encourages free birds to embrace their newfound freedom and rediscover their personal dreams. With a focus on helping others “spread their wings”, she shares all things travel, fueled by a renewed appreciation of this unique time. Her goal is to inspire each empty nester to start living their best life.

Find Susan Online: Instagram

Support the show

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3 Steps to Loving Your Empty Nest Life

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What happens when the magic carpet ride of childhood suddenly ends? In this enlightening episode, we welcome Rob Finlay, author of "Hey Dad," as he shares invaluable insights into the jarring transition from dependence to independence that many young adults—and their parents—experience.

Drawing from a humorous yet poignant middle-of-the-night call with his daughter about whether "green gas" (diesel) can be used in her gasoline-powered Jeep, Rob realized just how many practical life skills young people often lack. This inspiration led him to interview 30 experts—from NASCAR drivers to clinical psychologists—and ultimately compile "the ultimate guide to adulting."

Highlights:

• Understanding how graduation signals the abrupt end of childhood’s predictable magic carpet ride.
• The essential interpersonal and networking skills that young adults need for success in today's diverse environment.
• The evolving landscape of challenges facing young adults today—from digital finance management to navigating social media.
• The parallel journey for parents re-evaluating their purpose as their children step into independence.

Key Takeaways:

• Young adults must cultivate adaptability to navigate unexpected disruptions after graduation.
• Finding purpose is crucial for both young adults embarking on their new path and parents adjusting to the empty nest phase.
• Rob’s book features insights from a diverse range of experts, making it a valuable resource for young adults and parents alike.

Rob Finlay Bio

Robert J. Finlay is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, seasoned entrepreneur, renowned speaker, and father of four. He is a successful entrepreneur and commercial real estate investor. He has built and sold four companies. He brings strategic insights and inspires the next generation of leaders with his commitment to mentorship, education, and the integration of technology. When Rob is not at his day job, he is passionate about agriculture, exploring new practices and sustainable methods to enhance environmental stewardship in farming.

Find Rob Online: LinkedIn, Twitter (X), Instagram

Support the show

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3 Steps to Loving Your Empty Nest Life

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As our bodies begin to show the signs of aging, it’s easy to feel defeated. In this empowering episode, wellness expert Krista Daley shares her insights on how to navigate the midlife transition with strength and strategic adaptation, fostering a resilient mindset that celebrates our capabilities.

Krista's journey as a "wellness warrior" began after her brain tumor diagnosis in 2010, while she was raising young children. This experience taught her that we are often stronger than we believe, a lesson that becomes crucial during perimenopause and menopause when familiar workouts start to feel challenging.

Highlights:

• A revolutionary take on women’s health: Krista challenges the weight-focused fitness mentality, advocating for muscle-building as the primary goal for midlife women.
• The benefits of building muscle: improved mood, enhanced metabolism, and sustainable strength that supports independence into later years.
• The liberating 80-20 approach to nutrition, allowing flexibility while maintaining focus on health.
• The dangers of high-intensity training during perimenopause and menopause.
• How nature serves as a powerful reset button for mental well-being, encouraging more frequent movement breaks.
• The newfound freedom that comes with the empty nest, embracing travel and cultural experiences at a slower pace.

Key Takeaways:

• Aging doesn’t have to mean defeat; instead, focus on adapting your workouts to suit your body’s needs.
• Shifting the narrative from weight loss to muscle building can significantly enhance your quality of life during midlife.

Join us as we flip the script on midlife wellness, providing inspiration and practical tools to embrace your empty nest years with strength and adaptability.

Krista Daley's Bio

Krista helps midlife women clear the confusion on how to boost metabolism, stress less, and focus back on themselves again after caring for everyone else for so long.

Find Krista Online: Instagram

Support the show

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3 Steps to Loving Your Empty Nest Life

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