Dare On with Jodi

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

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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.

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

Be my guest for the final Open Dare On Zoom Gathering this year. Save your seat HERE

We'll answer that question together!  Dare On! Jodi💜

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

She returns every one!

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.

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

Be my guest for the final Open Dare On Zoom Gathering this year. Save your seat HERE

We'll answer that question together!  Dare On! Jodi💜

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

She returns every one!

✨ 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!

Be my guest for the final Open Dare On Zoom Gathering this year. Save your seat HERE

We'll answer that question together!  Dare On! Jodi💜

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

She returns every one!

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!

Be my guest for the final Open Dare On Zoom Gathering this year. Save your seat HERE

We'll answer that question together!  Dare On! Jodi💜

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

She returns every one!

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!

Be my guest for the final Open Dare On Zoom Gathering this year. Save your seat HERE

We'll answer that question together!  Dare On! Jodi💜

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

She returns every one!

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!

Be my guest for the final Open Dare On Zoom Gathering this year. Save your seat HERE

We'll answer that question together!  Dare On! Jodi💜

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

She returns every one!

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!

Be my guest for the final Open Dare On Zoom Gathering this year. Save your seat HERE

We'll answer that question together!  Dare On! Jodi💜

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

She returns every one!

🌿 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!

Be my guest for the final Open Dare On Zoom Gathering this year. Save your seat HERE

We'll answer that question together!  Dare On! Jodi💜

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

She returns every one!

Ready to reinvent your life after 40? Erin Keating’s journey is proof that it’s never too late to make a bold change. She shares how a wake-up call during a battle with COVID pneumonia pushed her to completely reimagine her life. From rethinking her career to navigating the challenges of menopause, Erin talks about the power of embracing the truth and breaking free from societal expectations.

She reveals how women often hide behind work, family, and obligations, only to find themselves stuck in the status quo. But when we start telling ourselves the truth, everything shifts. Erin’s story is a raw, empowering reminder that it’s never too late to embrace freedom, self-determination, and reinvention.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will have you questioning everything you thought you knew about life after 40!

Your Dare for the Week ❤️

Stop pretending. Take a hard look at the small places in your life where you’re overriding your own thoughts and feelings. If you're faking it, whether it’s pretending to love your job, your relationship, or even your mother-in-law, it's time to get honest with yourself. 

Resources Referenced

• Hotter Than Ever Podcast

About Erin

Erin Keating makes hot stuff for women over forty. She is the founder of Hotter Than Ever, a media company that empowers and lights up the lives of women over forty, and Host of the Hotter Than Ever Podcast.  Her company’s mission is to create programming that liberates women to break the unconscious rules they’ve been following to become freer, happier, sexier, and more self-expressed in the second half of their lives.  Erin spent 20 years in the media business as a television and mobile content executive, making Emmy and Peabody Award-winning shows for platforms like IFC TV and Snapchat before turning her attention to her own underserved demographic.

Connect With Erin

Website Facebook Instagram

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🌟Featured Resource:  30 Days of Doable Dares

• Unlock Your Confidence in Just 30 Days!

No more second-guessing or feeling stuck. Each dare is designed to build your confidence, boost your clarity, create connection and inspire action. Click here!

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

Be my guest for the final Open Dare On Zoom Gathering this year. Save your seat HERE

We'll answer that question together!  Dare On! Jodi💜

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

She returns every one!

Ever look around and feel like your life is drowning in clutter? Not just the stuff you can see, but the mental clutter too? If you're nodding along, you're not alone! In today’s episode, we're diving deep into the world of organization with expert Janet Bernstein, and trust me, you won’t want to miss this one.

Janet Bernstein is the founder of The Organizing Professionals, the largest team of professional organizers and move managers in Philadelphia. She’s helped thousands of clients—many of them navigating big life transitions like empty nests and career shifts—bring clarity, purpose, and joy into their homes and lives.

Janet shares how procrastination, unrealistic expectations, perfectionism, and overwhelm prevent progress, while offering strategies for breaking tasks into manageable steps, adjusting your mindset, and planning ahead to create lasting organizational success.

Ready to take control and get organized? Listen now to discover how to reclaim your space—and your life!

👉 Tune in now and start your organizing journey!

Your Dare for the Week ❤️

• Dare to take that first step toward something you've never done before. Don’t be overwhelmed by the big picture—start small. 

🌟Featured Resource:  30 Days of Doable Dares

• Unlock Your Confidence in Just 30 Days!

No more second-guessing or feeling stuck. Each dare is designed to build your confidence, boost your clarity, create connection and inspire action.  Click here!

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About Janet

British born Janet Bernstein is the owner of The Organizing Professionals, Philadelphia's largest team of professional organizers and move managers. The Organizing Professionals are three-time winners of Philadelphia magazine's Best of Philly and have been voted Best of the Main Line for the last six years. Bernstein graduated from The University of Pennsylvania, has lived on five countries on three continents and speaks, English, French, and rusty Russian!

Connect With Janet

Website Facebook Instagram

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

Be my guest for the final Open Dare On Zoom Gathering this year. Save your seat HERE

We'll answer that question together!  Dare On! Jodi💜

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

She returns every one!