We slow down to notice how seasonal change lands in the body and mind, then use breath, posture, and simple journal prompts to turn fall from a stressor into a source of intention. A short, guided practice helps you ground, listen, and choose how you want autumn to feel. • normalising sensitivity to seasonal changes • posture setup for grounding and stability • rib-directed breathing and heart awareness • free-writing on what fall brings up • envisioning an ideal fall...

We talk with our dear friend Gladys Autry about using books and audiobooks to bring warmth, connection, and joy back into a quieter home. We share narrator tips, light starter picks, and how fiction can make this stage of life feel less lonely while giving you energy to pursue what’s next. • why audiobooks can soften an empty house and build a reading habit • narrator and multi-cast tips, with Julia Whelan as a go‑to • the value of fiction for empathy, imagination and rest • light, engaging ...

Ever caught yourself frantically trying to teach your teen everything before they leave home? That panic isn't helping either of you. Healing specialist Liz McNulty joins Melynda for an illuminating conversation about the subtle ways our fears manifest in parenting—and how to shift toward something more powerful. Through personal stories and professional insights, they explore the paradox at the heart of effective parenting: when we focus on our own alignment rather than controlling our chil...

Ever looked at someone's social media and felt your life didn't measure up, only to discover later they're struggling just like everyone else? You're not alone. In this eye-opening conversation, we dive deep into the world of social comparison and how it's specifically affecting women in midlife. The statistics point to why we are more anxious than we have ever been—the average woman spends 3-4 hours daily on her phone (that's a full day each week!). Midlife women have experienced a 50%...

We explore how empty nesters can harness the "back to school" energy and create their own seasonal reset, even when the school calendar no longer dictates their lives. • The importance of creating your own renewal traditions when you enter the empty nest years • Small ways to mark new seasons: journal purchases, haircuts, home rearrangements • Why today can be your "new year" instead of waiting for January 1st • Making goals attainable rather than overwhelming • Finding unexpected passions: ...

Parenting adult children demands a radical shift from directing every aspect of their lives to becoming their mentors, friends, and encouragers. This transformation challenges us to manage our own anxieties while supporting our children's increasingly independent decisions—whether they're studying abroad or moving across the country. The transition creates space for personal growth and renewal. When our daily responsibilities shift, we can finally pursue interests we've long postponed. Maybe...

Have you ever caught yourself adding an already-completed task to your to-do list just for the satisfaction of checking it off? That desire for validation through accomplishment speaks to a deeper struggle many of us face, especially as we navigate midlife transitions. This episode dives into day eight of Tommy Newberry's "40 Days to a Joy-Filled Life," exploring the powerful concept of spiritual identity theft. As our roles shift—children growing up, careers evolving, bodies changing—many o...

The transition through midlife presents an opportunity. We often look at this season as a "hot mess" or the old midlife Crisis label, but what if it is a chance for personal rebirth rather than crisis, inviting us to unravel everything that no longer aligns with our soul's purpose? Our internal dialogue and the language we use to describe our lives profoundly shape our experiences, creating either limitations or possibilities for growth and transformation. • Our self-talk i...

Five powerful words can transform your empty nest journey: "Our focus determines our feelings." This transformative principle from Tommy Newberry's "40 Days to a Joyful Life" offers a roadmap to rewiring your mind for joy during midlife transitions. At any moment, you can choose where to direct your attention—toward what's present or what's missing, what's working or what's broken, what you've achieved or where you've fallen short. This seemingly simple choice shapes your emotional reality m...

The journey through menopause and the empty nest phase isn't just about navigating physical changes—it's an invitation to reconnect with your emotional landscape after decades of putting others first. Many of us have spent years running on fumes, managing our families and responsibilities while neglecting our own emotional wellbeing. When this season of life arrives with its whirlwind of changes, it often feels overwhelming—like being suddenly thrust from a peaceful stream into rushing rapid...

Ever wondered why your mother's generation was so afraid of hormone replacement therapy? In this eye-opening conversation with returning guest Brookes Vaughn, we unravel decades of misunderstanding surrounding menopause treatment, diving deep into the flawed Women's Health Initiative study that scared millions of women away from potentially life-enhancing care. "Estrogen is the only drug proven to reduce the risk of heart disease in women," Brookes reveals, highlighting just one of many star...

Trust your instincts. When you don't feel like yourself during perimenopause or menopause, that alone is reason enough to seek help. This powerful validation emerged as we reflected on our conversation with women's health expert Brooks Vaughn and shared our personal journeys through the hormonal maze of midlife. Many women struggle for years with debilitating symptoms—from night sweats that destroy sleep to brain fog that makes you question your sanity—believing they simply need to "push thr...

Anna MacArthur joins us to discuss her powerful new book "Hope for Moms: It's Tough Out There, But So Are You," offering wisdom for mothers who feel everyone else has parenting figured out while they're just trying to keep everyone alive. • Examining how we often use children as "walking report cards" to validate our parenting • Creating a "Yes, No, Maybe" system to prioritize what truly matters for your family • Finding your authentic self beyond motherhood through Anna's "This Sounds Fun" ...

Hormone health isn't just about managing hot flashes—it's about reclaiming your sense of self when everything feels off-kilter. Jennifer and Melynda dive deep into the misunderstood world of perimenopause and menopause, sharing their personal journeys with hormone replacement therapy while emphasizing there's no one-size-fits-all solution. After their enlightening conversation with women's health specialist Brooks Vaughn, the hosts unpack a critical truth: women deserve support when they "do...

What if that feeling of "I just need to get my act together" isn't about organization or willpower, but your hormones? Brookes Vaughan, founder of The Women's Health Company, joins us to untangle the confusing web of perimenopause and menopause – two terms often used interchangeably but representing distinctly different phases of a woman's life. Brookes brilliantly explains that menopause literally means "stopping of the monthly" and occurs when you've gone a full year without a period (arou...

Discover the transformative power of the Enneagram for empty nesters with Debbie Huckabee, certified Enneagram coach and therapist. After spending years prioritizing others' needs as a Type Nine "Peacemaker," Debbie found liberation through understanding her personality type just before her nest began emptying. This knowledge sparked an inspiring journey from advertising executive to mental health counselor, proving it's never too late to pursue your passions. The conversation demystifies th...

In this enlightening episode, we invite listeners to embark on a journey of joy through engaging discussions around the book "40 Days to a Joy-Filled Life" by Tommy Newberry. As your host, Jennifer, delves into relatable strategies and heartfelt stories, we touch upon the transformative power of mindset shifts and how these shifts can lead to a more fulfilling life in midlife and beyond. The conversation revolves around the Philippians 4:8 principle, which forms the cornerstone of the book, o...

What if embracing life's chaos could actually bring you peace? Join me, Melynda, as I guide you on a quest to find balance and joy amid life's ups and downs. Through personal reflections and spiritual grounding techniques, you'll discover how centering yourself can lead to stability and calm, no matter how tumultuous the times. Whether it's placing a hand on your body to feel your presence or learning from upcoming guests like an author on motherhood or an Enneagram coach, this episode is fil...

Embarking on the entrepreneurial journey can often feel like jumping without a parachute, a sensation I know all too well. Through 25 years of business ventures, I've found my parachute in the mantra "Stop Stopping," which has propelled me through every challenge, from starting a restaurant with no more than hosting experience to recuperating from open heart surgery. This episode of the Empty Nester Entrepreneur podcast is a rich tapestry woven from my life stories, serving as a beacon for th...

This episode offers a playful yet poignant exploration of Valentine’s Day, filled with laughter and relatable stories about love in midlife. The hosts share personal anecdotes about past Valentine's experiences while discussing the broader theme of emotional wellness and positive thinking. • Reflecting on life’s current challenges and their impact • Importance of self-care and intentional living • Discussing the pressures of Valentine’s Day expectations • Sharing funn...