Advertise on podcast: This Empty Nest Life

Send Jay comments via text “Often, we are left just to watch from the sidelines.” Those words came from a heartbreaking email sent by a listener at 10:00 p.m. from her quiet kitchen. With two of her children getting married this spring, she’s wrestling with a feeling many of us know all too well: the sense that the "main event" of our lives is officially over. In this solo deep dive, I’m challenging the idea that launching our children is the "final step" of parenting. The truth? You aren’t being fired; you’re being promoted. We are moving from the director’s chair to a front-row seat, and while the transition is "brutal," it’s also where the real relationship begins. In this episode, we explore: The Identity Shift: Why being "unnecessary" as a manager is actually the goal of a successful launch.The Swim Team Lesson: A personal story about a recent wedding that reminded me why we did all those years of "carpool duty" in the first place.The "Director" vs. The "Human": How to let your old role take a bow so your truest self can finally take the stage.The WAIT & WEIGHT Method: My practical, in-the-moment physical exercise to help you stop micromanaging and start holding a "safe harbor" for your adult children.If you’re sitting with your coffee today feeling like you’re stuck on the sidelines, this episode is your invitation to look at the field differently. It’s time to stop looking at what’s missing and start asking: What else? Connect with Jay: Website: This Empty Nest LifeWork With Me: Grab a Free Second Act Strategy SessionFollow on Instagram: @the.emptynest.coachSupport the show WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THIS EMPTY NEST LIFE? Send Jay Ramsden a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/thisemptynestlife BECOME A VIP SUBSCRIBER (Join Today!) Bonus Content for Subscribers OnlyEpisode ShoutoutsThank You EmailsPrivate Meet & Greets via Zoom+ MoreENJOY THE SHOW? Don’t miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts or follow on Spotify and many more. Review us on Love the Podcast, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify -- reviews and ratings help others find us and we’d appreciate your support greatly.

Send Jay comments via text "Is the silence a void we need to fill, or a space we need to protect?" If you’ve been tuning in lately, you’ve heard some incredible experts in the studio—from downsizing gurus to neuroplasticity doctors. But today, the guest chair is empty, the lights are low, and it’s just us. In this special "Reset" episode, Jay Ramsden returns to the show’s roots. He’s stepping out from behind the interviewer’s mic to share the candid "morning coffee thoughts" that hit when the house is finally quiet. It’s one thing to hear an expert talk about purpose; it’s another to stand in your kitchen on a Tuesday morning realizing your role has shifted from "Manager" to a "Consultant" position you never actually applied for. In this solo session, Jay dives into: The Solo Sessions Return: Why Jay is bringing back deep-dive episodes to make sense of life in real-time.The Morning Coffee Struggle: How a hot cup of coffee can feel like a win one day and a reminder of what’s missing the next.Manager vs. Consultant: Navigating the identity crisis that happens when your "parenting title" is retired.A Promise of Candor: Why we have to be honest about the messy middle before we can "wind up" for the next chapter.Whether you’re a few steps ahead or a few steps behind, remember: you aren't just an empty nester. You’re a pioneer of a whole new life. Support the show WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THIS EMPTY NEST LIFE? Send Jay Ramsden a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/thisemptynestlife BECOME A VIP SUBSCRIBER (Join Today!) Bonus Content for Subscribers OnlyEpisode ShoutoutsThank You EmailsPrivate Meet & Greets via Zoom+ MoreENJOY THE SHOW? Don’t miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts or follow on Spotify and many more. Review us on Love the Podcast, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify -- reviews and ratings help others find us and we’d appreciate your support greatly.

Send Jay comments via text "The body keeps the score." We’ve all heard that phrase, but what does it actually mean when you’re 55 and dealing with back pain, migraines, or digestive issues that no doctor seems to be able to explain? In today’s episode, I’m joined by Dr. David Clarke, President of the Association for the Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms. Dr. Clarke shares the incredible story of an "elevator ride" that shifted his entire medical career—taking him from a traditional gastroenterologist to a pioneer in treating neuroplastic symptoms. We dive deep into why almost 30% of adults in midlife suffer from chronic pain that isn't caused by a physical injury, but by "brain-generated" signals triggered by stress, childhood adversity, and the "deep stress" of being a lifelong people-pleaser. In this episode, we discuss: The "Fifth Floor" Breakthrough: How talking can cure physical conditions that specialized tests can't find.The 7,000 Patient Journey: What Dr. Clarke learned from decades of uncovering hidden emotional triggers.Neuroplasticity vs. Structural Damage: How to tell if your pain is a "pinched nerve" or a brain-generated signal.The People-Pleaser Connection: Why caregivers and "strong" personalities are often the most prone to these symptoms.Parenting Aftermath: How our own childhood experiences shape our health today—and how Dr. Clarke changed his own parenting style based on his research.If you’ve been told "they can't find anything wrong," but you know the pain is real, this episode is your invitation to look deeper and start a new pathway toward healing. Connect with Dr. David Clarke: Take the Quiz: symptomatic.me (The 12-question self-assessment)Podcast: The Story Behind the SymptomsBook: They Can't Find Anything Wrong!Socials: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook,Support the show WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THIS EMPTY NEST LIFE? Send Jay Ramsden a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/thisemptynestlife BECOME A VIP SUBSCRIBER (Join Today!) Bonus Content for Subscribers OnlyEpisode ShoutoutsThank You EmailsPrivate Meet & Greets via Zoom+ MoreENJOY THE SHOW? Don’t miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts or follow on Spotify and many more. Review us on Love the Podcast, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify -- reviews and ratings help others find us and we’d appreciate your support greatly.

Send Jay comments via text Your house didn’t suddenly get bigger; your life just got different. Transitioning to an empty nest can turn a lively home into a quiet space filled with big questions:  Do we need all this room? Should we stay, go, or renovate?  In this insightful episode, real estate agent and author Kim Costa joins us to explore how empty nesters can choose a home that fits their current identity, not the one from a decade ago. Kim shares her unique Wheelhouse Assessment, starting with the “Four Ms”—myself, mastery, mission, and mates—and expanding into the wheel of life: health, environment, fun, romance, career, finances, family, and spirituality. You’ll learn how to separate essential needs from “nice to have” features using Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. With practical strategies for repurposing rooms, avoiding new problems when solving old ones, and understanding the benefits of renting first, Kim demystifies the home transition process. The concept of “lock and leave” living is also explored for those desiring more freedom with less maintenance. Key Takeaways: Identify signs your home no longer fits your lifestyle.Use the Four Ms to clarify your identity and support system.Define your ideal lifestyle through the wheel of life.Start with a clear vision for your next phase.Renting first can test a new community before committing.Join us as Kim Costa highlights that this chapter isn’t an ending—it’s a chance to redefine, rediscover, and reignite your life. If today’s episode resonates with you, take that first step and visit thisemptynestlife.com to start your journey. Support the show WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THIS EMPTY NEST LIFE? Send Jay Ramsden a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/thisemptynestlife BECOME A VIP SUBSCRIBER (Join Today!) Bonus Content for Subscribers OnlyEpisode ShoutoutsThank You EmailsPrivate Meet & Greets via Zoom+ MoreENJOY THE SHOW? Don’t miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts or follow on Spotify and many more. Review us on Love the Podcast, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify -- reviews and ratings help others find us and we’d appreciate your support greatly.

Send Jay comments via text Ever catch yourself thinking, “If I really tried, I’d be good at that”? This protective thought often keeps us from taking risks, especially during midlife transitions. In this compelling episode, we sit down with Leighton Hart, the creator behind Leighton Writes, to explore the journey of modern midlife reinvention. Leighton shares his insights on navigating early creative sparks, blogging while raising young kids, falling silent during corporate seasons, and eventually deciding to build a public voice online. He emphasizes that showing who you are is more impactful than simply telling, and explains how to maintain a clear personal brand while doing brand stewardship effectively. We also dive into the messy aspects of this transition: the sting of criticism, the urge to quit just before achieving momentum, and the identity shifts accompanying the empty nest phase. Leighton’s grounding message is simple: chase your curiosity, take the shot, and avoid the regret of wondering what could have been. Key Highlights & Takeaways: Discover the spark that fuels creativity and storytelling.Learn how to build a public voice with a personal brand on social media.Understand the realities of entrepreneurship at 40 and 50.Explore the importance of consistency and resilience in your journey.Embrace the power of curiosity in creating a fulfilling second act.Leighton Hart Bio: Leighton Hart is the creator behind Leighton Writes, a fast-growing social media presence known for its humor, insight, and relatable take on mid-life reinvention. Before becoming a full-time creator, Leighton spent two decades building and selling businesses. Leighton also serves as a content creator and marketing strategist for Turtleson, a national men’s apparel brand, where he helps shape storytelling, social strategy, and ambassador relationships. His content offers a grounded, funny, and encouraging perspective for anyone navigating the middle stretch of life or seeking a fresh creative spark. Find Leighton Online: LinkedIn, Instagram, Website Support the show WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THIS EMPTY NEST LIFE? Send Jay Ramsden a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/thisemptynestlife BECOME A VIP SUBSCRIBER (Join Today!) Bonus Content for Subscribers OnlyEpisode ShoutoutsThank You EmailsPrivate Meet & Greets via Zoom+ MoreENJOY THE SHOW? Don’t miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts or follow on Spotify and many more. Review us on Love the Podcast, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify -- reviews and ratings help others find us and we’d appreciate your support greatly.

Send Jay comments via text What if the second half of your life is where your real story begins? In this energizing episode, mentor and speaker Joy Rowland joins us for a raw conversation about rebuilding confidence, cultivating true sisterhood, and using neuroplasticity to change what seems unchangeable.  From her journey of overcoming poverty in northern Nigeria, through a decade of grit in London, to a fresh start in Canada, Joy shares her battle with imposter syndrome and language barriers, and how she learned that success is not just for others. Step by step, she teaches us how to question old programming and practice new thoughts, leading to transformative results. We dive deep into why community is more powerful than willpower, especially after 40 and through the empty nest phase. Joy provides practical tips for making new connections—starting with simple greetings, compliments, and showing up consistently. She explains how therapy and coaching can work together to help process old wounds and move forward clearly. If you’re feeling invisible, burnt out, or stuck, this episode offers a grounded roadmap filled with evidence-based confidence and accountability.  Key Takeaways: Redefine success in your 40s and beyond.Discover why community accelerates personal growth.Simple ways to forge meaningful friendships online and offline.Combine therapy and coaching for holistic healing.Use neuroplasticity to reshape your beliefs and actions.Joy Rowland's Bio: Joy Rowland is a certified Next Level Mentor and the creator of the Next Level Women brand. She is passionate about helping women entrepreneurs create real momentum, stay motivated, and reach their next level — personally, professionally, and financially. She does this by creating a supportive, loving and inspiring place where women can find sisterhood, inspiration, accountability, and support to reach their next level. Find Joy Online: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Podcast  Support the show WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THIS EMPTY NEST LIFE? Send Jay Ramsden a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/thisemptynestlife BECOME A VIP SUBSCRIBER (Join Today!) Bonus Content for Subscribers OnlyEpisode ShoutoutsThank You EmailsPrivate Meet & Greets via Zoom+ MoreENJOY THE SHOW? Don’t miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts or follow on Spotify and many more. Review us on Love the Podcast, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify -- reviews and ratings help others find us and we’d appreciate your support greatly.

Send Jay comments via text Tired of treating boredom and busyness as “just the way it is”? Join us as we sit down with coach Shelley McIntyre, host of Burn the Map, to explore midlife reinvention. Shelly guides Gen X professionals and empty nesters in trading status shorthand for true identity, using values as the foundation for lasting change. We identify real signals of misalignment: workplace resentment, fatigue, and the feeling that you’re not yourself. Shelley shares techniques to slow down, listen to your inner voice, and gather external feedback when self-reflection feels challenging. We discuss the importance of redefining self-identity beyond job titles, shifting the conversation from “What do you do?” to “What do you love?” If burnout has stifled your curiosity, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Borrow courage, take beginner classes, or run small experiments to explore new paths safely. We debunk myths about midlife changes, distinguish between career pivots and life resets, and encourage reclaiming joy through the essence exercise, which gathers insights about your best self. Ready to design a second act filled with meaning and authenticity? This conversation offers a clear roadmap to get started. Key Takeaways: Recognize signs of misalignment as valuable signals.Slow down and hear your inner voice.Reframe identity beyond job titles for deeper connections.Execute tiny experiments to reignite curiosity.Shelley McIntyre Bio: Shelley McIntyre is a coach for GenX professionals who want to design intentional and vibrant third acts. After a 25-year career in technology and corporate strategy, Shelley pivoted to coaching to help people get in their own way. Shelley believes that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself. It’s time to reclaim your identity and forge a new path.   Find Shelley Online: LinkedIn, Instagram, Website Support the show WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THIS EMPTY NEST LIFE? Send Jay Ramsden a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/thisemptynestlife BECOME A VIP SUBSCRIBER (Join Today!) Bonus Content for Subscribers OnlyEpisode ShoutoutsThank You EmailsPrivate Meet & Greets via Zoom+ MoreENJOY THE SHOW? Don’t miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts or follow on Spotify and many more. Review us on Love the Podcast, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify -- reviews and ratings help others find us and we’d appreciate your support greatly.

Send Jay comments via text What happens to love, purpose, and identity when the kids launch? In this uplifting episode, author Linda Hanstra shares how she turned her love of cycling into a joyful roadmap for her second act. We explore Linda’s “winter training” approach for life transitions, emphasizing small practices like date nights that build resilience in relationships. Her “MIGHTY NEST” framework blends shared adventures with solo passions, creating space for exploration and calm. With faith as her anchor, Linda discusses how morning practices of prayer and writing help process grief and celebrate growth. We dive into her parenting journey with four unique children, underscoring the power of sharing their stories. If you're seeking purpose after the empty nest or looking to rekindle connection, this episode is for you. Press play and embrace your next chapter! Key Takeaways: Strategies for effective communication.Rebuilding connections through shared experiences.Practical steps for aspiring authors.Linda Hanstra's Bio: "Linda Hanstra is a semi-retired speech-language pathologist who writes about what brings joy to her empty nest, including topics of faith, family, cycling, travel, grandparenting, and more. Linda is the author of two books—"Lent through the Little Things" and her new release, "Empty-Nest Joyride: Hope, Love, and Purpose on the Road to Contentment." Linda and her husband, Tom, live in southwest Michigan and spend summers “Up North” in Minnesota—their home away from home. With four adult children, a daughter-in-law, a soon-to-be son-in-law, and two adorable grandchildren, Linda is cruising along on her “empty-nest joyride!” Find Linda Online: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Website Support the show WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THIS EMPTY NEST LIFE? Send Jay Ramsden a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/thisemptynestlife BECOME A VIP SUBSCRIBER (Join Today!) Bonus Content for Subscribers OnlyEpisode ShoutoutsThank You EmailsPrivate Meet & Greets via Zoom+ MoreENJOY THE SHOW? Don’t miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts or follow on Spotify and many more. Review us on Love the Podcast, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify -- reviews and ratings help others find us and we’d appreciate your support greatly.

Send Jay comments via text Ever wonder why those you love make baffling choices, like craving roller coasters while you seek calm? In this episode, we sit down with educator and life coach Eric Gee, author of The Power of Personality and The Utopia Project, to explore a values-first system that clarifies the tension between safety and excitement, and structure and freedom. Eric introduces his 16 animal types, grouped into four core “packs,” revealing why we act the way we do. We discuss his journey from teaching students to guiding adults through midlife pivots, highlighting how Gatherers, who value responsibility, influence families and schools. Tune in to learn how naming underlying values can resolve conflicts between Hunters seeking thrills and Gatherers who need predictability. Whether you’re navigating an empty nest or seeking clarity in your relationships, Eric’s insights provide a roadmap for reconnecting with your core values. Key Takeaways: Understand the core conflict between safety and excitement.Explore the four packs and 16 animal types.Realign your life with what you truly value.Take Eric’s free test at projectyoutopia.com and discover the truth behind your choices!  Eric Gee's Bio: Eric Gee has administered personality-based life coaching for more than twenty years. He built a successful education company that used his personality typing method to better the lives of more than twenty thousand students, parents, and teachers. His book, The Power of Personality, is the culmination of decades of research and application. As creator of the Youtopia Project website and the Youtopia 16 assessment, he has disseminated his method to over half a million users since the website’s creation in 2016.  Find Eric Online: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Website Support the show WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THIS EMPTY NEST LIFE? Send Jay Ramsden a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/thisemptynestlife BECOME A VIP SUBSCRIBER (Join Today!) Bonus Content for Subscribers OnlyEpisode ShoutoutsThank You EmailsPrivate Meet & Greets via Zoom+ MoreENJOY THE SHOW? Don’t miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts or follow on Spotify and many more. Review us on Love the Podcast, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify -- reviews and ratings help others find us and we’d appreciate your support greatly.

Send Jay comments via text What if true closeness with your adult children has little to do with how far apart you are? This thought-provoking episode features writer and parent-mentor Joanne McHugh, creator of the insightful newsletter Things Your Mom Should Have Told You. Together, we explore the emotional journey of launching kids into the world—whether to veterinary school in London or chasing dreams amidst a pandemic in Manhattan—and uncover why intimacy thrives when we prioritize honesty over perfection. Joanne shares practical strategies for staying connected despite distance, emphasizing the power of small, consistent check-ins, voice notes, and photos that provide context and meaning. We discuss the transformative shift from “fixing” to adopting a peer-style mentor approach that respects your children’s autonomy. Through relatable stories—like the significance of a spilled salad dressing or a cake-in-the-face wedding photo—Joanne illustrates how candid narratives can model resilience and invite your adult children to open up in return. Highlights & Key Takeaways: Redefining closeness: intimacy over proximity.Navigating parenting across cities and time zones.How storytelling teaches better than lecturing.Transitioning from a parental voice to a peer mentor role.Joanne McHugh's Bio: Joanne McHugh is on a mission to share all the things we should tell our kids about young adulthood. She created the weekly online newsletter "Things Your Mom Should Have Told You" to help 20-somethings navigate young adulthood. By speaking candidly about the ordinary struggles of adulthood, offering common-sense wisdom, and throwing in a few laughs, she hopes to help reduce anxiety about becoming a grown-up. Joanne also supports parents by offering insights on coping with the empty nest and finding renewed purpose by serving as on-call experts for their kids about “What to Expect While Adulting.” Find Joanne Online: Instagram, Facebook, Website Support the show WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THIS EMPTY NEST LIFE? Send Jay Ramsden a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/thisemptynestlife BECOME A VIP SUBSCRIBER (Join Today!) Bonus Content for Subscribers OnlyEpisode ShoutoutsThank You EmailsPrivate Meet & Greets via Zoom+ MoreENJOY THE SHOW? Don’t miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts or follow on Spotify and many more. Review us on Love the Podcast, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify -- reviews and ratings help others find us and we’d appreciate your support greatly.

Send Jay comments via text When the house goes quiet, the old stories often get loud—especially those nagging voices whispering “I’m not enough, not lovable, not likable.” In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with coach and author Jonathon Aslay to explore how midlife transitions, empty nesting, and dating can trigger these core wounds. More importantly, we discuss a practical and compassionate path back to worthiness that supports not only new relationships but also long marriages ready for rejuvenation. Jonathon shares his personal journey of transformation through pain—navigating divorce, a career collapse, and the devastating loss of his son. These experiences have profoundly reshaped his understanding of love and self-worth. Together, we dive deep into self-love as a skill set, encompassing self-worth, self-esteem, self-discipline, self-reliance, and nurturing the “six-year-old” within us all. For empty nest couples, we outline practical steps to rekindle connection, including shared workshops, therapy sessions, and curiosity rituals that cultivate a new partnership.  Highlights & Key Takeaways: The difference between feeling safe with the right person and fearing honesty.Approaching self-awareness as an audience member observing your behavior.Choosing a mindset of victory over victimhood.Understanding self-love as encompassing self-worth, discipline, and inner child care.Jonathon Aslay Bio: The focus of one of America's Leading Mid-Life Self-Love/Life Coaches has expanded into a deeper, essential philosophy of what it truly means to LOVE.     After losing his 19-year-old son Connor in 2018, Jonathon Aslay’s grief led him on a soul-searching inner journey, where he became aware of an often-overlooked dimension of the dating conversation.    Today, he's on a mission to encourage both men and women to fully love themselves with his book, ""What The Heck Is Self-Love Anyway?""—packed with fun, engaging spiritual and personal growth practices. Find Jonathon Online: Instagram, Website, Book Support the show WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THIS EMPTY NEST LIFE? Send Jay Ramsden a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/thisemptynestlife BECOME A VIP SUBSCRIBER (Join Today!) Bonus Content for Subscribers OnlyEpisode ShoutoutsThank You EmailsPrivate Meet & Greets via Zoom+ MoreENJOY THE SHOW? Don’t miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts or follow on Spotify and many more. Review us on Love the Podcast, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify -- reviews and ratings help others find us and we’d appreciate your support greatly.

Send Jay comments via text The house just got quieter—but this silence can serve as a doorway to something greater. In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Dr. Fred Moss to explore how to rethink the “empty nest” phase as an open season where identity, purpose, and daily rhythm are shaped by conscious choice rather than circumstance.  Rather than succumbing to sadness or stress, we discuss how a simple shift in language—from "empty" to "open"—can completely rewire what you notice, how you feel, and the actions you take. With over four decades of experience in mental health, Dr. Moss offers a refreshing perspective, emphasizing that you are not defined by your diagnosis, mood, or recent life events. We dive into practical tools to help you stay grounded, including sunrise walks, simple stretching, meditation, hydration, and sleep hygiene. Moreover, we discuss the importance of curating your media intake, relationships, and environments, as what you ingest shapes your outlook on life.  Key Highlights & Takeaways: Shift your mindset by renaming the empty nest to embrace new options.Mindfully select the media and relationships that surround you.Recognize the healing power of authentic human connection and openness.Design routines and make intentional choices minute by minute.Join us as we explore how to transform the empty nest into an open season of choice, creativity, and connection! Dr. Fred Moss Bio: Dr. Moss is the creator of Welcome to Humanity, a global community and philosophical movement, and the developer of the Creative 8™️ and True Voice Methodologies, which use creativity, communication, and self-expression as practical tools for healing and personal transformation. He is the author of Creative 8: Healing Through Creativity & Self-Expression, Find Your True Voice!, and the forthcoming book Welcome to Humanity: On Developing a Revolutionary Yet Completely Obvious Approach to Mental Health in Difficult Times. Find Dr. Moss Online: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Website Support the show WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THIS EMPTY NEST LIFE? Send Jay Ramsden a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/thisemptynestlife BECOME A VIP SUBSCRIBER (Join Today!) Bonus Content for Subscribers OnlyEpisode ShoutoutsThank You EmailsPrivate Meet & Greets via Zoom+ MoreENJOY THE SHOW? Don’t miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts or follow on Spotify and many more. Review us on Love the Podcast, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify -- reviews and ratings help others find us and we’d appreciate your support greatly.

Send Jay comments via text Are you ready to trade overwhelm for clarity and turn the empty nest into a launchpad for a richer life? In this enlightening episode, we sit down with writer, simplicity advocate, and author of Beyond Decluttering, Suzanne Searcy Johnson, who shares how moving into a 399-square-foot tiny home opened the door to deeper friendships, steadier purpose, and clearer decision-making. Suzanne’s inspiring journey spans nine years of small steps that built her courage—from decluttering a three-bedroom townhouse to testing out a smaller apartment, and finally settling in an Austin agrihood centered around an organic farm. She reveals a practical framework that makes minimalism meaningful by highlighting four key connections: nature, relationships, spirit, and self. Our discussion redefines "right-sizing" your living space, reminding us that the best home is the one that aligns with your current life stage—be it 2,500, 1,200 square feet or 399.  Highlights & Key Takeaways: Redefine simplicity by removing what blocks the life you want.Understand the four pillars of connection: nature, relationships, spirit, and self.Build courage through small, incremental steps.Discover the concept of right-sizing your home to reflect your current stage of life.Suzanne Searcy Johnson Bio: Suzanne Searcy Johnson is a writer, poet, and simplicity advocate. She helps people simplify by honoring their internal, relational, spiritual, and environmental connections as outlined in her latest book, “Beyond Decluttering: 40 days to experiencing simplicity through connection.” An empty nester, Suzanne lives in Austin, TX in a tiny home with her cat. Contact her, explore her books, or sign up for her newsletter at her website below. Find Suzanne Online: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Website, Beyond Decluttering Book, Support the show WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THIS EMPTY NEST LIFE? Send Jay Ramsden a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/thisemptynestlife BECOME A VIP SUBSCRIBER (Join Today!) Bonus Content for Subscribers OnlyEpisode ShoutoutsThank You EmailsPrivate Meet & Greets via Zoom+ MoreENJOY THE SHOW? Don’t miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts or follow on Spotify and many more. Review us on Love the Podcast, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify -- reviews and ratings help others find us and we’d appreciate your support greatly.

Send Jay comments via text When the house goes quiet and everyone expects you to feel "free," but your heart says otherwise, it's time to confront the stories that keep empty nesters feeling stuck. In this transformative episode, attorney and master NLP coach Amber Fuhriman joins us to dismantle the guilt, shame, and belief that our worth lies in being needed. Instead, we’ll explore practical tools to change your daily experience and embrace a fulfilling life. Amber shares her own journey, detailing the mindset that led her to outward success while grappling with internal panic. We delve into how compartmentalizing pain can create “gremlins” that shape our thoughts and behaviors, and why opening that emotional box is the safest path to healing and identity reconstruction as parenting shifts. We also discuss the importance of connection without codependency as we navigate relationships with friends and partners. By learning to ask for help, extending small invitations, and letting go of self-punishing narratives, you can deepen your bonds and foster a supportive community.  Highlights & Key Takeaways: Identify and challenge the “b******t box” that keeps you compartmentalizing emotions.Address the identity loss that occurs when parenting roles fade.Understand the “I’m fine” mask that conceals shame and grief.Learn to respect your adult children’s choices while focusing on your reactions.Understand the importance of creating boundaries around your triggers.Amber Fuhriman's Bio Recovering Perfectionist and Serial Accomplisher helping professionals design their best life and have the courage to live it. Attorney, author, podcaster, speaker, success architect, NLP Master Coach, NLP Certified Trainer.  Author of the book Break Your Bullsh*t Box where she discusses the excuses we have relied on to justify holding ourselves back and how to break the b******t box those excuses live in. Find Amber Online: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Website Support the show WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THIS EMPTY NEST LIFE? Send Jay Ramsden a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/thisemptynestlife BECOME A VIP SUBSCRIBER (Join Today!) Bonus Content for Subscribers OnlyEpisode ShoutoutsThank You EmailsPrivate Meet & Greets via Zoom+ MoreENJOY THE SHOW? Don’t miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts or follow on Spotify and many more. Review us on Love the Podcast, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify -- reviews and ratings help others find us and we’d appreciate your support greatly.

Send Jay comments via text What if the key to finding love and purpose after your children launch lies in changing the way you view your life? In this insightful episode, we sit down with Trisha Rose Stone—soulful guide, former optometrist, and creator of the New Lens Method. Trisha shares her inspiring journey, from moving to Boston as a single mom and building a thriving practice, to meeting her husband at 44 after years of inner work that transformed her perspective. She discusses how true worthiness—rooted in self-acceptance rather than external measures like weight or resumes—creates an attractive energy, allowing aligned relationships and opportunities to come into your life. Trisha demonstrates how belief, embodiment, and release can work together to manifest what truly matters. Highlights & Key Takeaways: Reframing motherhood as modelhood rather than martyrdom.How embodying worthiness opened her to love and a healthy partnership.Identifying mental blocks and rewriting your personal love story.Visualizing the specific relationship and life you desire.Tricia Rose Stone Bio Tricia Rose Stone is a former optometrist turned transformational life coach, podcast host, and founder of The New Lens Method™, a signature coaching framework that helps women reconnect with their truth, reclaim their power, and create soulful lives and relationships. After building and selling two successful practices, Tricia pivoted to help women "see" in a new way—by shifting their internal lens. Through her podcast Her New Lens, her long-running blog Rose Colored Glasses, and her signature coaching programs, she guides clients through transitions in love, career, motherhood, and identity—with heart-led strategy and soul-aligned insight. Tricia’s work blends spiritual wisdom, psychology, coaching tools, and personal storytelling to help women embody their worth, protect their peace, and lead from within. Find Tricia Online: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Website Support the show WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THIS EMPTY NEST LIFE? Send Jay Ramsden a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/thisemptynestlife BECOME A VIP SUBSCRIBER (Join Today!) Bonus Content for Subscribers OnlyEpisode ShoutoutsThank You EmailsPrivate Meet & Greets via Zoom+ MoreENJOY THE SHOW? Don’t miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts or follow on Spotify and many more. Review us on Love the Podcast, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify -- reviews and ratings help others find us and we’d appreciate your support greatly.