What happens when dads take the lead at home? 🤔 In this episode, I’m joined by Paul Sullivan, founder of The Company of Dads, to explore the evolving role of Lead Dads—fathers who step into the primary caregiving role. As a Lead Dad himself, Paul shares how this often-overlooked role is reshaping families, workplaces, and the definition of fatherhood.

We dive into:
 ✨ The untold realities of being a Lead Dad
 ✨ The impact of midlife and empty nest transitions on fatherhood
 ✨ Why workplaces need to rethink policies to support all parents

This conversation will challenge everything you thought you knew about fatherhood and work-life balance!

Your Dare for the Week ❤️
Dare to be open and honest. Speak openly about your caregiving responsibilities and needs at work, and bring forward thoughtful, honest plans when negotiating things like flexible schedules or parental leave. 

Resources Referenced
Lead Dad Guide

About Paul
Paul is the founder of The Company of Dads, the first platform dedicated to creating a community for Lead Dads and working with companies on policies for working parents. As a Lead Dad himself, Paul understands intimately the joys, frustrations, isolation and reticence around talking about being a Lead Dad. It’s a role that is growing in numbers but is far from normalized. Before starting The Company of Dads in 2021, Paul wrote the Wealth Matters column in The New York Times for 13 years. He also created the Money Game column in GOLF Magazine.

Connect With Paul
Website Podcast Instagram

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The #1 Parenting Shift Every Mom Needs
Empower your kids with confidence. Ease your worry. 💜

Grab this must-have resource to help your children thrive — and give yourself peace of mind. Click here.

*****************************************************************************************

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

🎙️ You've been listening to me—now I want to meet YOU.  Join me on Substack, where Dare On goes beyond the podcast. 

We're having real conversations about midlife, what's next, the things we're struggling with, and the lives we still want to create. You'll find live gatherings, connection, encouragement. Subscribe for FREE and come introduce yourself HERE
I can't wait to meet

Subscribe to my Substack HERE

Step into the Dare On Circle HERE

Is your comfort zone holding you back from the life—and parenthood—you truly want?

Today, I’m joined by Tim Conniff—keynote speaker, clean comedian, and proud dad—for an inspiring and entertaining conversation about midlife reinvention, fatherhood, and what it really means to step into your purpose with courage and humor.

With over 30 years of experience in sales, training, and leadership in corporate America, Tim now takes the stage across the country delivering his signature keynote, “Your Comfort Zone Is No Joke!” Through his blend of clean comedy and practical wisdom, he encourages audiences to rethink failure, challenge their limits, and live with intention.

In this episode, we talk about getting out of your comfort zone 🎤, viewing failure as valuable feedback 🔁, and the surprising power of ditching negative self-talk 🧠. Tim also shares what fatherhood has taught him about presence, patience, and growth through every season.

Your Dare for the Week ❤️
Make a list of 10 things you want to try. Think about what you used to enjoy doing, what you’ve always thought about doing and what others are doing that you think, “that looks like something I would enjoy.”  

Or head to Tim’s website and ask him to send you his copy of 25 Ways to Step out Of Your Comfort zone.

Resources Referenced

• Email [email protected] for for his PDF- 25 things you can do to get out of your comfort zone
• Tim’s Past Episode on BEN

About Tim
Tim Conniff has over 30 years of sales, training and leadership experience in corporate America.  He couples that with his passion of clean stand-up comedy in his keynote talk "Your Comfort Zone is No Joke!" that he delivers to companies and at conventions across the U.S. each year.  He and his wife Deb live in Doylestown, PA and they are the proud parents of two sons.

Connect With Tim
Website LinkedIn Instagram

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The #1 Parenting Shift Every Mom Needs
Empower your kids with confidence. Ease your worry. 💜

Grab this must-have resource to help your children thrive — and give yourself peace of mind. Click here.

*****************************************************************************************

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

🎙️ You've been listening to me—now I want to meet YOU.  Join me on Substack, where Dare On goes beyond the podcast. 

We're having real conversations about midlife, what's next, the things we're struggling with, and the lives we still want to create. You'll find live gatherings, connection, encouragement. Subscribe for FREE and come introduce yourself HERE
I can't wait to meet

Subscribe to my Substack HERE

Step into the Dare On Circle HERE

What does it take to go from workaholic executive to deeply present father and purposeful guide?

Today’s guest, Art Blanchford, has lived that transformation. A father of three (including two adopted children), endurance athlete, and former global executive, Art now dedicates his life to helping others navigate big life transitions. Through his podcast Life in Transition, coaching practice, and new book Purposeful Living 📘, he offers wisdom for finding meaning in the messy middle of life.

In our conversation, Art shares how he shifted from burnout to intentional fatherhood, what parenting adopted children has taught him about trust and resilience, and the two simple parenting rules he swears by—no matter your child’s age or stage. He also reflects on how he learned to balance high-level leadership with being the kind of dad his kids truly needed ❤️.

If you’re navigating change—or craving deeper purpose in the life you’ve built—this episode will speak straight to your heart.

Your Dare for the Week ❤️
​​Have a courageous conversation with someone you love. Whether it’s a child, partner, or parent, choose connection over comfort. Speak from the heart using “I” statements, and express how you feel and how it impacts the relationship.

Resources Referenced

• Art’s Novel
• Jodi on Art’s Podcast

About Art
Art Blanchford is a husband of 30 years and father of three adult children, two adopted. He’s the founder and host of the Life in Transition podcast and Mid-life Transition Mastery, where he coaches individuals and organizations through life’s major changes. A former global executive, Art experienced a profound transformation in midlife. He’s also the author of Purposeful Living and an avid endurance athlete, recently completing a 50-mile Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim trek.

Connect With Art
Website Facebook Instagram

*****************************************************************************************

The #1 Parenting Shift Every Mom Needs
Empower your kids with confidence. Ease your worry. 💜

Grab this must-have resource to help your children thrive — and give yourself peace of mind. Click here.

*****************************************************************************************

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

🎙️ You've been listening to me—now I want to meet YOU.  Join me on Substack, where Dare On goes beyond the podcast. 

We're having real conversations about midlife, what's next, the things we're struggling with, and the lives we still want to create. You'll find live gatherings, connection, encouragement. Subscribe for FREE and come introduce yourself HERE
I can't wait to meet

Subscribe to my Substack HERE

Step into the Dare On Circle HERE

What happens when the kids leave, the routine shifts, and you're left asking, "Now what?"

This week, I’m joined by Jay Ramsden—host of The Empty Nest Life Podcast—for a heartfelt conversation about midlife reinvention, purposeful living, and the evolving journey of fatherhood. A graduate of the Coaching & Positive Psychology Institute and a former educator with 30 years of experience, Jay brings deep wisdom, humor, and compassion to the table.

We talk about the emotional landscape of the empty nest years 🏡, what it really means to "find your way" again in midlife 🔍, and how coaching and positive psychology can support meaningful transformation 💬. Jay also shares lessons from decades spent helping others navigate change—and what fatherhood has taught him about presence, patience, and purpose ❤️.

Whether you're entering a new chapter or just starting to ask the big questions, this episode will leave you feeling seen, supported, and inspired.

Your Dare for the Week ❤️
Do it scared!

Resources Referenced
Jay’s Past Appearance on BEN

About Jay
Jay's a graduate of the Coaching & Positive Psychology Institute, and with his background, he has a deep interest and love for helping people find their way in life. Before he became a certified life coach, he spent 30 years in education helping people solve problems and find a better way to move forward in their personal and professional lives. 

Connect With Jay
Website TikTok Podcast

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The #1 Parenting Shift Every Mom Needs
Empower your kids with confidence. Ease your worry. 💜

Grab this must-have resource to help your children thrive — and give yourself peace of mind. Click here.

*****************************************************************************************

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

🎙️ You've been listening to me—now I want to meet YOU.  Join me on Substack, where Dare On goes beyond the podcast. 

We're having real conversations about midlife, what's next, the things we're struggling with, and the lives we still want to create. You'll find live gatherings, connection, encouragement. Subscribe for FREE and come introduce yourself HERE
I can't wait to meet

Subscribe to my Substack HERE

Step into the Dare On Circle HERE

✨ You’ve given your heart, your time, and your energy to everyone else—now it’s time to turn that same love inward.

Midlife isn’t a season of slowing down—it’s a season of awakening. A chance to rediscover who you are, reignite your energy, and create a life that deeply supports your health and happiness.

Elizabeth Sherman is a master certified life and health coach who has helped countless women in midlife break free from burnout and step into vibrant, joyful living. We talk about the mindset shift from “mom mode” to “me mode,” how to ditch the guilt of putting yourself first, and the power of building small, sustainable habits that nourish your body and mind. 💪💛 

Elizabeth shares her own personal journey—from a wake-up call after losing her mom to breast cancer to helping women transform their health through holistic wellness, hormone awareness, and emotional self-care. Whether your nest is newly empty or has been for years, this conversation will inspire you to pause, listen to your own wisdom, and take that next step toward a life that truly feels good—on your own terms.

Your Dare for the Week ❤️

• Download Elizabeth’s free resource guide and use the checklist included for one week. 

Resources Referenced

• 8 Simple Habits
• 🤗 Take Jodi's Happiness Quiz and increase your level of happiness!

About Elizabeth

Elizabeth is a Master Certified Life and Health Coach with over 18 years of experience empowering women in midlife to prioritize their health and live with vitality. Specializing in holistic wellness, she blends her personal journey and extensive certifications—including Life Coaching, Feminist Coaching, Women's Hormonal Health, and Personal Training—to help women build sustainable habits for lasting change. Recognized as a top voice in women’s health, Elizabeth speaks regularly on podcasts, stages, and webinars, inspiring midlife women to thrive physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Connect With Elizabeth

Website | Podcast | Instagram

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

🎙️ You've been listening to me—now I want to meet YOU.  Join me on Substack, where Dare On goes beyond the podcast. 

We're having real conversations about midlife, what's next, the things we're struggling with, and the lives we still want to create. You'll find live gatherings, connection, encouragement. Subscribe for FREE and come introduce yourself HERE
I can't wait to meet

Subscribe to my Substack HERE

Step into the Dare On Circle HERE

Today, we’re hopping on the back of a tandem bike and taking a joyful ride through midlife with the wonderful Linda Hanstra—author, semi-retired speech-language pathologist, and the heart behind the book Empty-Nest Joyride. 🚲

With four grown kids, two grandchildren, a love of travel and faith, and a deep appreciation for the open road (both literally and metaphorically), Linda brings a refreshing, honest, and hope-filled perspective on navigating the empty nest years with grace and intention.

In this episode, we explore how to start preparing for the empty nest season before you even get there, the importance of communication—both on the trail and in marriage—how to navigate unexpected “bumps in the road” in your relationships, and how to rediscover joy, adventure, and purpose in this new chapter of life.

So grab your helmet (or your earbuds!) and join us for an encouraging and empowering conversation about riding through midlife with joy and intention.

Your Dare for the Week ❤️

Set up regular (weekly, biweekly, monthly) dates that get you out of any rut you might be in (like dinner out or watching Netflix). Your date can be with your spouse, significant other, a friend, or even just by yourself. Some activities might push you out of your comfort zone; others are just fun things you may not have done for a while or hadn't thought of doing! 

🤗 Take Jodi's Happiness Quiz and increase your level of happiness!

Resources Referenced

• DIY Date Night Jar
• Substack
• Empty Nest Joyride

About Linda

Linda Hanstra is a semi-retired speech-language pathologist who writes about what brings joy to her empty nest—topics like faith, family, cycling, traveling, and grandparenting. Linda is the author of two books—including her upcoming release, Empty-Nest Joyride. Linda and her husband, Tom, live in southwest Michigan and spend summers 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!”

Connect With Linda
Website | Facebook | Instagram

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

🎙️ You've been listening to me—now I want to meet YOU.  Join me on Substack, where Dare On goes beyond the podcast. 

We're having real conversations about midlife, what's next, the things we're struggling with, and the lives we still want to create. You'll find live gatherings, connection, encouragement. Subscribe for FREE and come introduce yourself HERE
I can't wait to meet

Subscribe to my Substack HERE

Step into the Dare On Circle HERE

Ever feel like you're running on empty, juggling everything, and still wondering why it doesn't feel right? If you’re a busy mom striving for more balance and joy, this episode is for you!

Misty Hughes is a Dream Champion, Celebration Coach, and Mom Mentor, who is on a mission to help moms just like you live from a place of overflow, not overwhelm. Misty brings her heart and wisdom to this episode as we talk about the powerful impact of living a values-based life.

Misty explains what it truly means to live a values-based life and how understanding your core values can transform the way you lead, live, and love. She also dives into the power of alignment, discussing what happens when you're out of sync with your values and how it impacts every area of your life. Plus, Misty offers practical tips on how to get back on track and realign with what matters most, helping you move from overwhelm to living with purpose.

This conversation is packed with heart, practical wisdom, and actionable tips that you can start using today to reclaim your peace and clarity.

Tune in now and let Misty’s insights empower you to step into the life you’ve been dreaming of—one where you’re not just surviving, but thriving!

Your Dare for the Week ❤️

Choose ONE THING today that is in alignment with one of your values and DO IT. 

🤗 Take Jodi's Happiness Quiz and increase your level of happiness!

Resources Referenced

• Moms Who Dare to Thrive in Every Season Podcast Episode
• Free Virtual Masterclass
• Facebook Group

About Misty

As the founder of The Single MOM KC and CEO of Lead-Her Ministries, LLC, she has spent over 20 years empowering women through coaching, workshops, and speaking. Misty hosts the Mom2Mom Mentoring Podcast, equipping moms with practical tools to navigate life with faith, joy, and confidence. A certified coach and speaker, she radiates contagious optimism, helping women align their lives with what matters most and step into their God-given calling.

Connect With Misty

Website | Facebook | Podcast

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

🎙️ You've been listening to me—now I want to meet YOU.  Join me on Substack, where Dare On goes beyond the podcast. 

We're having real conversations about midlife, what's next, the things we're struggling with, and the lives we still want to create. You'll find live gatherings, connection, encouragement. Subscribe for FREE and come introduce yourself HERE
I can't wait to meet

Subscribe to my Substack HERE

Step into the Dare On Circle HERE

Parenting is never easy, but when your child is struggling with anxiety, it can feel even more overwhelming and isolating. As a parent, you want to help, but how do you know when your teen or young adult truly needs support? What do you do if they don’t want help? And most importantly, how can you start those sometimes difficult but necessary conversations about mental health?

Cynthia Coufal is a Teen Anxiety Coach and the creator of The Teen Anxiety Maze podcast and YouTube channel. With over 30 years of experience as a teacher and school counselor, Cynthia has dedicated her career to helping teens understand and manage their anxiety. Today, she’s here to provide insight and guidance for parents navigating this complex terrain.

She also shares strategies for navigating the common resistance teens have toward seeking help, offering tips for gently guiding them toward support without pushing too hard. Additionally, Cynthia provides actionable advice on how to start meaningful, non-judgmental conversations with your teen about their mental health, making it easier to open up about their feelings and experiences.

So take a deep breath, press play, and get ready for an empowering conversation filled with wisdom and hope. Parenting through anxiety doesn’t have to be a solo journey—Cynthia is here to help guide you through it.

Your Dare for the Week ❤️

1. DARE#1: Learn and Practice the 4 N’s for yourself and your children: Notice, Normalize, Neutralize, Next best action
2. Dare#2: For YOUR own midlife journey: Go on a date with yourself every week or every month. Go to an art museum, the movies, go out to eat, but do it by yourself. 

Resources Referenced

• Free Parent Guide

About Cynthia

Cynthia Coufal is a Teen Anxiety Coach. She has a podcast and YouTube channel called The Teen Anxiety Maze. Cynthia spent 31 years as a teacher and school counselor in Public Schools. She started a podcast during the pandemic to reach her students since she couldn’t see them face to face. This led to her wanting to have a broader audience than just the students in her school building. Cynthia now has clients around the US and listeners all over the world. Cynthia is YouMap®Assessment Certified. She uses the profile to help young people understand what their strengths, values, preferred skills, and interests are. This helps them find their WHY for tackling anxiety.

Connect With Cynthia

Website | Podcast | Instagram

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🤗 Take Jodi's Happiness Quiz and increase your level of happiness!

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

🎙️ You've been listening to me—now I want to meet YOU.  Join me on Substack, where Dare On goes beyond the podcast. 

We're having real conversations about midlife, what's next, the things we're struggling with, and the lives we still want to create. You'll find live gatherings, connection, encouragement. Subscribe for FREE and come introduce yourself HERE
I can't wait to meet

Subscribe to my Substack HERE

Step into the Dare On Circle HERE

What if everything you do for your family—every task, every decision, every emotional and mental ounce of energy—was being carried by you without recognition? And what if this constant mental load was affecting not just your relationships but your own well-being? In today’s episode of Beyond Empty Nest, we’re diving into a powerful conversation about the invisible mental load of motherhood, its impact on our mental health, and how we can start lightening the load.

Dr. Toni Warner, a licensed psychotherapist with over 15 years of experience, shares her expertise on how past experiences shape our approach to motherhood and how women, especially in midlife, can learn to lighten the mental load.

She shares powerful insights on how to share the load, prioritize self-care, and regain balance. Tune in to hear Dr. Toni's expert advice and find out how you can take back control and ease the weight of motherhood. Don’t miss it!

Your Dare for the Week ❤️

Recognize ONE tendency where you fall on the more extreme(behavior), and ask…

1. Is this working for me right now? If yes, great.  If NO then move to #2
2. What is ONE small thing I could try differently?

🤗 Take Jodi's Happiness Quiz and increase your level of happiness!

Resources Referenced

• RESET Book
• Podcast
• EBook - Get Discount using code JODIDARES
• Free Intentional Scheduler

About Dr. Toni

Dr. Toni Warner is a licensed psychotherapist with over 15 years of experience supporting individuals, families, and professionals in diverse settings. As the founder of Authentically Me Psychotherapy, she specializes in complex relational trauma, anxiety and parenting support, using innovative methods like Brainspotting and psycho-somatic approaches. Through Bold & Balanced, her sister company, Dr. Toni offers mental health mentorship and education for organizations and high-achievers. A bestselling author of The Reset, she’s been featured on news media like FOX and ABC. As a mom of five and mental health advocate, Dr. Toni blends personal passion with professional expertise to help fellow parents and leaders merge high achievement with healing in a way that changes our relationships, our systems and our world for better, healthier lives.

Connect With Dr. Toni

Website | Bold & Balanced Coaching Website

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

🎙️ You've been listening to me—now I want to meet YOU.  Join me on Substack, where Dare On goes beyond the podcast. 

We're having real conversations about midlife, what's next, the things we're struggling with, and the lives we still want to create. You'll find live gatherings, connection, encouragement. Subscribe for FREE and come introduce yourself HERE
I can't wait to meet

Subscribe to my Substack HERE

Step into the Dare On Circle HERE

🌿 What if something as simple as a scent could ease perimenopause symptoms, boost your confidence, and even strengthen connections with other women in midlife?

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Kim Benoy—retired RN, Certified Aromatherapist, and host of the Midlife with Courage Podcast. Kim’s mission is to help women over 40 recognize their beauty, value, and worth. We dive into how essential oils can support you through perimenopause symptoms, how they can be used to uplift and connect with other women in midlife, and why recognizing your own value as you age is more important than ever. Kim shares how plant-based oils can be a powerful tool for both physical and emotional well-being as we navigate the changes of midlife.

Take a deep breath, settle in, and let’s explore the power of essential oils and the strength of midlife women!

Your Dare for the Week ❤️

• Question something you’re doing automatically.
• 🤗 Take Jodi's Happiness Quiz and increase your level of happiness!

About Kim

Kim Benoy is a retired RN, Certified Aromatherapist, wife and mom who is passionate about inspiring and encouraging women over 40. She wants you to see your own beauty, value and worth through sharing stories of other women just like you.

Connect With Kim

Website | Facebook | Podcast

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

🎙️ You've been listening to me—now I want to meet YOU.  Join me on Substack, where Dare On goes beyond the podcast. 

We're having real conversations about midlife, what's next, the things we're struggling with, and the lives we still want to create. You'll find live gatherings, connection, encouragement. Subscribe for FREE and come introduce yourself HERE
I can't wait to meet

Subscribe to my Substack HERE

Step into the Dare On Circle HERE