Dare On with Jodi

If you’re here, you’ve more than likely heard the term ‘midlife crisis’.  In addition to the emotional aspect of experiencing midlife, there are so many other issues besides emotional, there's physical issues like hot flashes and mood swings as well. 

Sometimes, we find ourselves wide awake at 3am daydreaming of the possibilities, which I want to dive in with you today!

Your Dare for the Week ❤️

I dare you to take a dream out of the drawer  or out of the closet or a dream that you hid away, shake it out and try it on again. 

References in the Episode

• Mighty Gorgeous
• Marrying George Clooney: Confessions of a Midlife Crisis

About Amy Ferris

Amy Ferris is an author, screenwriter, editor and playwright. Her latest, Mighty Gorgeous: A Little Book About Messy Love (SheWrites Press, 2023). Her memoir, Marrying George Clooney: Confessions From A Midlife Crisis (Seal Press) debuted theatrically (Off-Broadway @ CAP 21 Theater) in 2012. Ruth Pennebaker of The New York Times called her memoir “poignant, free-wheeling, cranky and funny.” Amy edited the anthology, SHADES OF BLUE, Writers on Depression, Suicide and Feeling Blue (Seal Press), co-edited the anthology DANCING AT THE SHAME PROM (Seal Press), and contributed to numerous anthologies. She has written for both film and TV. Her screenplays include Mr. Wonderful (Directed by Anthony Minghella) and Funny Valentines (Directed by Julie Dash). She co-authored Old School Love (HarperCollins, 2021) with Rev Run of Run-DMC fame. 

 Amy was honored as one of 21 Leaders for the 21st Century by Women’s eNew, and named one of The 12 Women Who Changed the World in 2021 by NextTribe. Amy is a co-founder of the Milford Readers and Writers Festival.

🌟More about Jodi HERE

🤗  Who Double Dare Membership Community HERE

A vibrant community of midlife women and moms who connect, learn, grow, and enjoy meaningful experiences together. With a blend of virtual and in-person events, we offer a sense of belonging no matter where you are. Find your place here!

Send me a quick note/message- what stood out in this episode!

Have a thought? Suggestion? Leave Jodi a Voice Message HERE.  

She returns every one!

I am smart. I've got this. I can, I will, watch me!

3 simple affirmations that I use daily for a positive mindset during challenging and difficult times. Affirmations are a wonderful way to create positive shifts within our mindset and ourselves overall. It takes being intentional with your practice of using affirmations to realize the power that they truly have over our thoughts and our actions.

This episode is for you if you’re ready to learn about the power of affirmations and how you can implement them into everyday life!

3 Ways to Use Affirmations

1. Write seven to ten words that best describe your natural gifts and talents.  Once you have your list of words, you're going to create I am statements for each word. I am smart. I am pretty. I am fun… whatever it is for you on that list. You're going to read them out loud twice a day for at least 21 days more on this later.  And when you have a negative thought about yourself, you're going to choose one of these I am statements to remind yourself of your unique and positive qualities.
2. Create an affirmation to support you in keeping on track with a specific goal. Reference that affirmation daily, no matter what you’re doing, always keeping your eye on that goal.
3. Choose one word or a two word story  to become your guiding  mantra affirmation for the year. 

Using these affirmations can help to make your life much simpler!

5 Tips to Ensure Success When Using Affirmations to Create Positive Change

1. Be consistent by practicing your affirmations daily. Twice for 21 days.
2. Be positive by phrasing your affirmations in a positive light with positive wording.
3. Be present by only using present tense affirmations.
4. Be personal by tailoring your affirmations to your specific needs and goals.
5. Be emotional by tapping into the emotions connected with the affirmations that you’ve chosen.

Your Dare for the Week

 I'm daring you to create an affirmation to guide you through the rest of 2024. Think about what you either want to be, do or have  throughout the next months.  And how do you want to feel throughout the next months of 2024? Will it be an affirmation for a specific goal, a feeling you wish to evoke, or simply an I am statement just to remind yourself of how amazing you truly are? 

Then, I want you to share that dare with me!

References in This Episode

• Moms Who Double Dare Community HERE.
• Inside Out Film
• Self-Talk Cleanup Challenge
• Beyond Empty Nest Episode #52: I’m Not Smart

🌟More about Jodi HERE
🤗  Who Double Dare Membership Community HERE
A vibrant community of midlife women and moms who connect, learn, grow, and enjoy meaningful experiences together. With a blend of virtual and in-person events, we offer a sense of belonging no matter where you are. Find your place here!

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DISCLAIMER:  The commentary and opinions available on this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical, physical, or psychological advice. You should contact a trained medical professional before making any significant changes to your health and wellness routine and with respect to any particular issue or problem.

Send me a quick note/message- what stood out in this episode!

Have a thought? Suggestion? Leave Jodi a Voice Message HERE.  

She returns every one!

Are you currently being faced with a tough decision that is causing you anxiety and unease? This could be a result of health concerns you’re facing, changing career paths, or even navigating relationship changes.

My guest today is Susan Guthrie, and she is here to share her wisdom from her experience being a top divorce attorney around what it has taught her about making important decisions. Susan is a preeminent family law attorney and mediator with over 32 years of experience. She also hosts the top 1 percent worldwide podcast, the Divorce and Beyond podcast.

We'll be sharing practical tips and heartfelt advice on how to approach and navigate tough decisions with confidence and clarity, so be sure to keep listening!

Your Dare for the Week ❤️

If there is a decision that you are looking to make that is HUGE in your life, get curious about it and view it from a more positive lense. What do you stand to gain from making a decision like the one you’re facing?

References in the Episode

• The Divorce and Beyond Podcast

About Susan Guthrie

Susan Guthrie, a preeminent family law attorney and mediator with over 32 years of experience, hosts the top 1% worldwide podcast, The Divorce & Beyond Podcast®. Recognized as a top trainer in collaborative and mediation, Susan is the Chair-Elect of the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution and will assume leadership in 2024. She specializes in aiding professionals in developing successful practices.

Connect With Susan

• Instagram (Personal)
• Instagram (Business)
• Website
• Podcast
• LinkedIn

🤗  Who Double Dare Membership Community HERE

A vibrant community of midlife women and moms who connect, learn, grow, and enjoy meaningful experiences together. With a blend of virtual and in-person events, we offer a sense of belonging no matter where you are. Find your place here!

🌟More about Jodi HERE

Send me a quick note/message- what stood out in this episode!

Have a thought? Suggestion? Leave Jodi a Voice Message HERE.  

She returns every one!

How do you handle good-byes? Some of us find it easier than others. 

As moms, we face countless good-byes with our children, but none are quite as emotionally charged as the empty nest. Whether our kids leave for college, join the service, or step into the working world, empty nest syndrome is a real thing. For some, it brings a wave of sadness that might last a few days or weeks. For others, it hits much harder, bringing on feelings of depression and anxiety.

Today, my guest is one of those moms who really felt the weight of these good-bye moments, especially with an empty nest. She discovered the importance of finding support to navigate these tough transitions, and she's here to share her journey with us.

Morgan Baker writes about family, mental health, dogs, change, and identity in her award-winning memoir Emptying the Nest: Getting Better at Good-byes.

Keep listening if you’re ready to learn more about how change can be fun and beautiful, keep listening.

Your Dare for the Week ❤️

• Dare #1: Say yes to something that your gut would normally tell you, “No, I can't do that”. Force yourself to say yes.
• Dare #2: Reach out to somebody; a teacher, a spiritual leader, a mentor, somebody who's helped you get through something or enlightened your life in a way, and say thank you to them.

About Morgan:  Morgan Baker writes about family, mental health, dogs, change, and identity in her award-winning memoir Emptying the Nest: Getting Better at Good-byes (Ten16 Press). Other work is in the Boston Globe Magazine, The New York Times Magazine, Grown & Flown, and Motherwell. She teaches at Emerson College and is the managing editor of The Bucket. She is the mother of two adult daughters and lives in Cambridge MA with her husband and two Portuguese Water dogs. 

THE BOOK: Emptying the Nest: Getting Better with Goodbyes HERE

Connect With Morgan:

• Website
• Instagram

🤗  Who Double Dare Membership Community HERE

A vibrant community of midlife women and moms who connect, learn, grow, and enjoy meaningful experiences together. With a blend of virtual and in-person events, we offer a sense of belonging no matter where you are. Find your place here!

🌟More about Jodi HERE

Send me a quick note/message- what stood out in this episode!

Have a thought? Suggestion? Leave Jodi a Voice Message HERE.  

She returns every one!

If you’re new to the empty nest scene, you may be struggling with a surprising time of day…dinner time! 🍽️

Maybe it’s because you’re not used to eating alone. Maybe it’s because you don’t know how to cook for a smaller family unit. Or maybe you’re just not feeling like eating. These are all valid feelings, but it’s important to remember that even something as simple as cooking dinner can bring us joy!

Today’s guest has a fun solution for you! Beyond just salt and pepper, Christine Van Bloem of The Empty Nest Kitchen brings a passion for healthy-ish cooking and a dash of creativity to the table, creating a connection in the kitchen where you enjoy exciting, flavorful, and fun experiences. As a teacher, cook, writer, and speaker, as well as a cooking school owner for 15 years, Christine helps you adjust and learn while cooking for your own Empty Nest Kitchen. 

Your Dare for the Week ❤️

Christine challenges us to take a cooking class with her!

About Christine Van Bloem

Beyond just salt and pepper, Christine Van Bloem of The Empty Nest Kitchen brings a passion for healthy-ish cooking and a dash of creativity to the table, creating connection in the kitchen where you enjoy exciting, flavorful, and fun experiences. As a teacher, cook, writer, and speaker, as well as a cooking school owner for 15 years, Christine helps you adjust and learn while cooking for your own Empty Nest Kitchen. 

Connect With Christine Van Bloem

• Website
• Youtube
• Podcast
• Instagram

Resources Referenced in the Episode

• Christine’s Live Online Cooking classes with AARP
• 10 Tools for the Empty Nest Kitchen

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🤗  Who Double Dare Membership Community HERE

A vibrant community of midlife women and moms who connect, learn, grow, and enjoy meaningful experiences together. With a blend of virtual and in-person events, we offer a sense of belonging no matter where you are. Find your place here!

🌟More about Jodi HERE

Send me a quick note/message- what stood out in this episode!

Have a thought? Suggestion? Leave Jodi a Voice Message HERE.  

She returns every one!

Welcome to Beyond Empty Nest! Get ready to dive into Season 3, where we explore the next chapter of life with fresh insights and inspiring stories. This season is packed with must-hear topics that you won't want to miss.

🥺First up, we tackle strategies to manage anxiety, offering practical tips and expert advice to help you find calm and balance in your everyday life.

📣Next, discover the power of knowing what you're good at and how to scream your dreams, unleashing your full potential and pursuing your passions with confidence.

💪Reinventing yourself in your 60s? We've got you covered with inspiring stories and actionable steps to embrace this exciting phase of life. Plus, rediscover the joy of learning to play again, and how incorporating fun and creativity can transform your world.

🎓And for those with college-bound kids, we delve into the 3 essential conversations you need to have to prepare them for success and independence.

🌟All of this and more is waiting for you to binge on.  Check it out and then dive into the transformative journey that is Season 3 of Beyond Empty Nest!

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🤗  Who Double Dare Membership Community & Jodi  HERE

A vibrant community of midlife women and moms who connect, learn, grow, and enjoy meaningful experiences together. With a blend of virtual and in-person events, we offer a sense of belonging no matter where you are. Find your place here!

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Send me a quick note/message- what stood out in this episode!

Have a thought? Suggestion? Leave Jodi a Voice Message HERE.  

She returns every one!

One of my favorite things to do at home is to entertain. We have a big bar at our home where I try my best to ensure that I have each of our closest’s friends’ favorite drinks available. While searching for ingredients, I came across this incredible brand called Camp Craft Cocktails and their incredible infusion kits. 
But this brand is so much more than that. It's a vehicle that encourages connection, gatherings, and making memories.

And isn't that what we all crave?  Rhonda and Susanna craft cocktails that spark nostalgia and conversation while encouraging celebration and nurturing friendships. Then invite loved ones to linger longer. Hand packed in Jacksonville, Florida, their cocktail kits are made for you and yours to give and gather to pour and share.

They have four kids, two dogs and buckets of wanderlust.

Your Dare for the Week ❤️

Rhonda’s Dare: Dare to move forward on something that really scares you. Hold space for that person you’ll become as a result of performing that dare.

Suzanah’s Dare: Dare to invite 3-5 people to your home, regardless of how clean your kitchen is or how prepared you feel. Dare to create a moment of connection!

🌟NOTE: If it's after August, 2024 the DAREON code for 20% may be deactivated.

Plus, a special gift for the viewers.


About Rhonda and Suzanah
Rhonda and Suzanah craft cocktails that spark nostalgia and conversation, while encouraging celebration and nurturing friendships that invite loved ones to linger longer. Hand-packed in Jacksonville, FL, their cocktail kits are made for you and yours, to give and gather, to pour and share. They have four kids, two dogs, and buckets of wanderlust.

Connect With Rhonda and Suzanah

• Website
• Facebook
• Youtube
• Pinterest
• Instagram

🤗  Who Double Dare Membership Community & Jodi  HERE

A vibrant community of midlife women and moms who connect, learn, grow, and enjoy meaningful experiences together. With a blend of virtual and in-person events, we offer a sense of belonging no matter where you are. Find your place here!

Send me a quick note/message- what stood out in this episode!

Have a thought? Suggestion? Leave Jodi a Voice Message HERE.  

She returns every one!

As our nests become empty and we enter midlife, there's a lot of talk about downsizing and decluttering. And although there are many benefits to simplifying our lives by getting rid of stuff, there's also another perspective to keep in mind.

That perspective is to have things around you that matter, the things that bring back those happy memories of either times gone by or about loved ones no longer here on earth with us. But how do you decide what really matters?

Martie McNabb is going to help shine a light on just that answer to that question!

Martie sold her apartment in Brooklyn over six years ago and hit the road in her 21 foot camper van named Brooklyn to host story sharing gatherings and interactive art slash history exhibitions for individuals, families and organizations all over the country. She's on a mission to build deeper connections, community, and legacy through the stories of the things that matter.

She's been written about in the wall street journal and featured in three books. 

Together, let’s dive deep into understanding what truly matters to each of us.

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Your Dare for the Week ❤️

Your dare is to host your own show and tell with your friends, your colleagues. your family, or any other group that you regularly gather with. Ask them to bring in something that would tell a little bit about their personal history, their life story. 

This works as a great ice breaker and really helps you to truly get to know one another. 

About Martie McNabb

Please shorten at your discretion Jodi: (I know it's too long, and I know you know your audience well) Thanks, Martie
Martie sold her apartment in Brooklyn 6+ years ago and hit the road in her 21-foot campervan (named Brooklyn) to host story-sharing gatherings & interactive art/history exhibitions for individuals, families & organizations all over the country She’s on a mission to build deeper connections, community & legacy through the stories of the Things that Matter. She’s been written about in the Wall Street Journal & featured in three books. She splits her time between her wife & mom-in-law in Albuquerque and her Mom in Vermont. And when she can she meets her wife, a marriage 30+ years in the making, on the dance floor where they met a lifetime ago.

Connect with Martie
Website
 Facebook Page
Podcast

🤗  Who Double Dare Membership Community & Jodi  HERE

A vibrant community of midlife women and moms who connect, learn, grow, and enjoy meaningful experiences together. With a blend of virtual and in-person events, we offer a sense of belonging no matter where you are. Find your place here!

Send me a quick note/message- what stood out in this episode!

Have a thought? Suggestion? Leave Jodi a Voice Message HERE.  

She returns every one!

I’m ready to do-away with age-old notions of what we should do, how we should act, and how we should dress when we’re in our midlife years! I’m tired of being forced to fit a narrative that is dated and unrealistic, and you should be too! Join me and my guest this week in changing the narrative for all of us, for good!

Jack Perez, a pro aging champion who promotes normalizing aging for women through curated content and women driven brands. With over 60 cool category thought leaders, KUEL Life offers women an opportunity to share, learn, shop and play with our second act sisters. 

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Your Dare for the Week

1. Download Eight Ways to Make the Most of Midlife
2. Go to Kuel Life and find a thought leader that resonates with you. 
3. Take action toward your dream that resonates with the thought leader you’ve chosen. Reach out to them and start up a dialogue!

About Jack Perez

Jack is s Pro-Aging Champion. She promotes normalizing aging for women through curated content and women-driven brands. With over 60 Kuel Category Thought Leaders and 40 women-driven brands, Kuel Life offers women an opportunity to ‘Share, Learn, Shop, and Play with Our Second Act Sisters!’

Having earned an MBA from the University of Chicago, Perez carries a hard-nosed business understanding of the entrepreneur world. Jack’s passions include: spending time with her son, traveling to exotic, off-the-beaten-path places such as; Cuba, Jordan, Zambia, Bolivia, and Zanzibar. An endorphin junkie, Jack is an avid jump roper, Peloton-fanatic, and a third-degree black belt in Taekwondo.

Connect with Jack
Website
Facebook Page
LinkedIn

🤗  Who Double Dare Membership Community & Jodi  HERE

A vibrant community of midlife women and moms who connect, learn, grow, and enjoy meaningful experiences together. With a blend of virtual and in-person events, we offer a sense of belonging no matter where you are. Find your place here!

Send me a quick note/message- what stood out in this episode!

Have a thought? Suggestion? Leave Jodi a Voice Message HERE.  

She returns every one!

This one is for all the moms out there getting ready to send their kids off to college! 🎒I'm going to share with you three essential conversations that you want to have with your college bound child that I WISH I had had with mine. 

As a result of not being proactive in having these conversations with my children, there was a lot of stress, anxiety, and worry from all sides. Be sure to listen to the whole episode as I’ll also be providing 5 great college move-in tips to make that big day a little less stressful and adds a dash of fun!

3 Essential Conversations to Have with Your Children Before Move-In Day

1. You’ll want to discuss the importance of taking responsibility for their actions, their day-to-day lives. Discuss with them practical skills they'll need to manage things on their own such as budgeting, time management, and keeping their physical space clean. 
   1. Emphasize the importance of making healthy choices, both academically and personally, and to seek advice or help when needed. Let them know that you’re always there. 
2. Discuss the importance of them understanding and maintaining their emotional well being and some coping strategies for dealing with stress and homesickness. Encourage open communication and let them know that it's okay again to ask for help if they're struggling  and that it's common.  
3. Have a conversation about your child's academic and career goals and expectations. You're allowed to have expectations, especially  If you're the one footing the bill, discuss what their interests are, their strengths, their passions, help them explore potential academic, academic majors and career paths.Discuss the importance of setting goals, staying focused, and seeking out opportunities, such as internships, research, and extracurricular activities to enhance. 

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5 Tips for Making College Moving Day Less Stressful

1. Create a positive atmosphere. Approach the day with enthusiasm and excitement, not sadness.
2. Personalize their space. Let your child take the lead and support them in their choices.
3. Connect with others. Encourage your child to connect with fellow students and make new friends right from the onset of move in day. Be flexible with your plans.
4. Explore the campus with them. 
5. Focus on all the possibilities that lie ahead. Remind your child of all the exciting opportunities college has to offer. Remind yourself that you have opportunities waiting for you at home as well. 

College is the time for growth & discovery, meeting new people, and having new experiences. Encourage your child to embrace the possibilities and approach their college experience with a sense of curiosity and optimism. 

Your Dare for the Week

Your dare is to choose one of these three essential talks, independence and responsibility,
 
🤗  Who Double Dare Membership Community & Jodi  HERE

A vibrant community of midlife women and moms who connect, learn, grow, and enjoy meaningful experiences together. With a blend of virtual and in-person events, we offer a sense of belonging no matter where you are. Find your place here!

Send me a quick note/message- what stood out in this episode!

Have a thought? Suggestion? Leave Jodi a Voice Message HERE.  

She returns every one!