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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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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)

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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

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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

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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

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Join us for a heartfelt conversation with Julie Voris as we explore the profound and often overlooked transition to empty nesting—a journey that many parents experience but few openly discuss. In a society lacking cultural roadmaps and generational models, this phase can leave parents feeling lost and uncertain about their purpose once their children become independent.

Julie shares her personal path of moving from Indiana to Florida while her three daughters embarked on their own independent lives across the country. She reveals a crucial insight: the initial empty nesting phase, when children leave for college, is merely a rehearsal for the deeper transition that occurs when they achieve full autonomy—landing jobs, forming significant relationships, and making major life decisions without parental input.

Highlights:

• Emotional complexities during this transition, experiencing simultaneous feelings of pride, sadness, confusion, and excitement.
• The empty nest phase as an opportunity for personal growth and identity reclamation.
• The importance of seeking professional support and building a fulfilling life that fosters healthier relationships with adult children.

Key Takeaways:

• Recognize that college is just a "dress rehearsal" for true empty nesting, where autonomy presents the biggest challenges.
• Understand that feelings of confusion and sadness are common and should not be isolated or ashamed.
• Strive to be the kind of person your adult children want to be around, demonstrating the value of self-improvement.

Julie Voris Bio

Julie Voris is a Mindset + Habits coach for women who are done getting lost in the minutiae, tired of playing small, and “so over” asking for permission. She helps them to tap into the power of habits to create more impact & income while serving as inspiring role models for their family.

When Julie isn’t dishing truth, hope & energy to her audience, you can find her soaking in the magic at Walt Disney World in Florida, where she and her husband recently moved, making a lifelong dream come true, as well as traveling to see their three amazing daughters, and buying too many books in a local bookstore.

You can find Julie Online: Instagram, Facebook, Website

Support the show

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3 Steps to Loving Your Empty Nest Life

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What happens when a burnt-out attorney with $200,000 in student loan debt decides to completely transform her life as an empty nester? Join us as Jessica Medina candidly shares her experiences burdened with a staggering average student loan debt of $145,000. She discusses the emotional weight of student loans and why they require special consideration, alongside practical strategies for parents approaching college funding conversations with their children.

The conversation takes a personal turn as Jessica prepares for her own empty nest. After raising twins as a single mom while juggling her legal career, she found love and began plotting her “second chapter” with her husband, which included developing the financial skills necessary to leave law behind and pursue their dream of vineyard ownership in Asheville, North Carolina.

Highlights:

• The emotional burdens associated with student debt and its impact on effective financial planning.
• Strategies for open conversations about college funding expectations with children.

Key Takeaways:

• Addressing student loan debt requires unique strategies and emotional awareness.
• Early discussions about college funding can alleviate future stress and miscommunication.

Join us for this insightful episode as we explore Jessica's journey and her wisdom on navigating the challenges of student debt, redefining personal identity in mid-life, and building a vibrant community as an empty nester.

Jessica Medina's Bio

Jessica Medina is a lawyer turned Accredited Financial Counselor on a mission to help attorneys create the financial freedom they need to do big things. She graduated from Columbia Law School in 2004 as a single mom of twins with over $200,000 in student loans and went straight to work at a Biglaw firm. After eight years she switched roles and became Senior Counsel at the Division of Enforcement at the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. She left the government to work in an area of the financial industry outside of the securities world and now teaches other lawyers how to use their money to finance their dream lives.

You can find Jessica online: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Website

Support the show

FREE WORKBOOK
3 Steps to Loving Your Empty Nest Life

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