Empty Nest Quest

Ever wondered why your mother's generation was so afraid of hormone replacement therapy? In this eye-opening conversation with returning guest Brookes Vaughn, we unravel decades of misunderstanding surrounding menopause treatment, diving deep into the flawed Women's Health Initiative study that scared millions of women away from potentially life-enhancing care.

"Estrogen is the only drug proven to reduce the risk of heart disease in women," Brookes reveals, highlighting just one of many startling facts about hormone therapy that have been overshadowed by outdated research. The discussion moves beyond hot flashes to explore how estrogen affects everything from brain health to heart function, with both hosts sharing personal insights into navigating these complex physical changes.

For women contemplating hormone therapy, Brookes offers practical guidance on what to expect: "I always say, especially with autoimmune menopause, it's like we're turning a ship, not a canoe." She explains the adjustment period, how long before benefits appear, and why it's crucial to find healthcare providers who actually listen to your concerns rather than dismissing them.

The conversation also addresses special cases, including options for breast cancer survivors, and emphasizes the importance of community support during this transformative time. Whether you're approaching perimenopause, in the thick of menopause, or supporting someone who is, this episode provides the science-based clarity needed to make informed decisions about your health.

Have questions about your midlife hormonal journey? Reach out to us - we want to continue this vital conversation. Connect with us on YouTube and Instagram @EmptyNestQuestPodcast for more resources and insights.

We want to hear from you! Reach out to us on socials or at [email protected] to share how our conversations are landing with you! xo-Melynda and Jennifer

Trust your instincts. When you don't feel like yourself during perimenopause or menopause, that alone is reason enough to seek help. This powerful validation emerged as we reflected on our conversation with women's health expert Brooks Vaughn and shared our personal journeys through the hormonal maze of midlife.

Many women struggle for years with debilitating symptoms—from night sweats that destroy sleep to brain fog that makes you question your sanity—believing they simply need to "push through" this phase. We're here to tell you there's a better way. Through our own trials with seeking medical support, we discuss how the understanding of hormone replacement therapy has evolved dramatically since our mothers' generation, when many women abruptly stopped treatment based on studies that have since been reinterpreted.

The challenges women face in getting proper care often start with medical education itself. Most doctors receive minimal training about menopause—sometimes just a single chapter in medical school—leaving them ill-equipped to address the complex symphony of hormonal changes affecting everything from cardiovascular health to cognitive function. Add in the 10-minute appointment constraints of modern healthcare, and it's no wonder women feel dismissed when seeking help.

Whether you're considering hormone replacement therapy, exploring alternative treatments like acupuncture and specialized massage, or looking at dietary approaches, our conversation emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive strategy. Brooks' three-pronged approach addressing bloodwork, diet/supplements, and hormones offers a framework for women seeking relief. Most importantly, we underscore the value of sharing experiences and building community during this transformative time.

What symptoms are most challenging for you? What questions do you wish you could ask your doctor? Connect with us on social media or email [email protected]—we'll incorporate your questions into our upcoming interview focusing on menopause misconceptions and treatments that truly work.

We want to hear from you! Reach out to us on socials or at [email protected] to share how our conversations are landing with you! xo-Melynda and Jennifer

Anna MacArthur joins us to discuss her powerful new book "Hope for Moms: It's Tough Out There, But So Are You," offering wisdom for mothers who feel everyone else has parenting figured out while they're just trying to keep everyone alive.

• Examining how we often use children as "walking report cards" to validate our parenting
• Creating a "Yes, No, Maybe" system to prioritize what truly matters for your family
• Finding your authentic self beyond motherhood through Anna's "This Sounds Fun" list approach
• Understanding that self-care goes deeper than bubble baths—it's about valuing yourself as worthy
• Navigating transracial adoption with honesty about preparedness and growth
• Embracing new activities (like horseback riding at 48) that aren't for the family but just for you
• Recognizing that parenthood feels like "whack-a-mole" and how to stop comparing your behind-the-scenes to others' highlight reels
• Moving from survival mode to thriving as you approach the empty nest phase

Pick up Anna MacArthur's "Hope for Moms" wherever books are sold and follow her journey on Instagram.

Amazon link to purchase Anna's book:
Hope for Moms: It's Tough Out There, but So Are You: Anna McArthur: 9781643435602: Amazon.com: Books

We want to hear from you! Reach out to us on socials or at [email protected] to share how our conversations are landing with you! xo-Melynda and Jennifer

Hormone health isn't just about managing hot flashes—it's about reclaiming your sense of self when everything feels off-kilter. Jennifer and Melynda dive deep into the misunderstood world of perimenopause and menopause, sharing their personal journeys with hormone replacement therapy while emphasizing there's no one-size-fits-all solution.

After their enlightening conversation with women's health specialist Brooks Vaughn, the hosts unpack a critical truth: women deserve support when they "don't feel like themselves," not dismissal or instructions to simply push through. Both share their struggles with finding knowledgeable providers, with Jennifer detailing how relentless night sweats destroyed her sleep quality, while Melinda found initial relief through alternative therapies like acupuncture before eventually adding hormone therapy to her regimen.

The episode reveals alarming gaps in medical education, where most doctors—even OB-GYNs—receive minimal training about menopause. The hosts discuss how outdated research scared women away from hormone therapy for decades, only for newer studies to reveal this approach may have harmed women's long-term health. They advocate for a comprehensive approach combining bloodwork analysis, dietary adjustments, targeted supplements, and appropriate hormone therapy when needed. Whether you're approaching perimenopause or deep in the transition, this conversation offers validation, practical insights, and a reminder that this phase of life presents another opportunity for growth. What menopause questions keep you up at night? Share them with us on social media or email, and we'll address them in our upcoming follow-up with Brooks Vaughn!

We want to hear from you! Reach out to us on socials or at [email protected] to share how our conversations are landing with you! xo-Melynda and Jennifer

What if that feeling of "I just need to get my act together" isn't about organization or willpower, but your hormones? Brookes Vaughan, founder of The Women's Health Company, joins us to untangle the confusing web of perimenopause and menopause – two terms often used interchangeably but representing distinctly different phases of a woman's life.

Brookes brilliantly explains that menopause literally means "stopping of the monthly" and occurs when you've gone a full year without a period (around age 51 for most women). Perimenopause, however, is that rollercoaster 5-10 year journey leading up to menopause that can begin as early as 35. One patient described it perfectly: "Perimenopause feels like my daughter's Barbie Jeep – it goes forward, then stops suddenly... it's very jarring."

This episode cuts through the dismissive "it's just your age" responses many women hear from healthcare providers. We explore the comprehensive testing rarely offered but desperately needed – beyond basic hormone levels to include thyroid function, insulin resistance, nutrient deficiencies, and more. Brookes explains why checking only TSH levels isn't enough, using a brilliant car analogy: "TSH is like oil for your car, T4 is like gasoline, but your car won't go until someone puts their foot on the gas – that's T3."

You'll learn which specific tests to request, what symptoms warrant attention (from brain fog to irregular periods), and why the "Six P's" of womanhood (Puberty, Preconception, Pregnancy, Postpartum, Perimenopause and Pause) make our hormonal journeys so complex compared to men's "steady Eddie" hormones.

Join us for this eye-opening conversation that validates what you're experiencing and empowers you with knowledge to advocate for proper testing and treatment. And stay tuned – we'll be welcoming Brookes back soon to tackle the controversial topic of Hormone Replacement Therapy and separate fact from fiction.

Follow Brookes on Instagram @thewomenshealthcompany

We want to hear from you! Reach out to us on socials or at [email protected] to share how our conversations are landing with you! xo-Melynda and Jennifer

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

The conversation demystifies the Enneagram's nine personality types, explaining how this framework reveals our core motivations and fears, not just our behaviors. Unlike typical personality assessments, the Enneagram illuminates why we do what we do, helping empty nesters develop profound self-compassion during this transitional life phase. Whether you're feeling lost without your parenting role or uncertain about your identity beyond "mom" or "dad," understanding your type creates a foundation for authentic growth.

Particularly enlightening is the discussion about how the Enneagram transforms marriages during the empty nest years. When children leave, couples suddenly face each other again, often discovering they've grown apart or communicate differently than they once did. Debbie shares how knowledge of her husband's Type Seven personality completely changed their interaction patterns, turning potential conflicts into opportunities for deeper connection. For anyone navigating this relationship transition, the recommended resources—including "Becoming Us" by Beth McCord and "The Path Between Us" by Susan Stabile—offer practical guidance for reconnection.

Ready to transform your empty nest into what one guest calls "free birding"? This episode provides concrete next steps for exploring your true self through the Enneagram, whether you're completely new to the concept or looking to deepen your understanding. Discover how this ancient wisdom tool can help you embrace the next chapter of life with renewed purpose and authentic joy.

We want to hear from you! Reach out to us on socials or at [email protected] to share how our conversations are landing with you! xo-Melynda and Jennifer

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

We explore how consciously choosing your thoughts can significantly impact your happiness, drawing parallels between physical nutrition and mental health. Understanding your mental diet and adjusting what you consume intellectually can lead to profound changes in your emotional well-being. The hosts share their personal experiences with the book, emphasizing that this is not merely about creating a joy-filled life devoid of problems, but about equipping ourselves with the tools to navigate tough times with grace.

As spring approaches, it's a wonderful opportunity to awaken not just to the changing seasons but also to the potential for personal growth. By committing to this 40-day journey in tandem with practical daily exercises and reflections, you can plant the seeds for a thriving emotional landscape. Tune in for insights, laughter, and inspiration, and be encouraged to redefine your midlife journey as one filled with joy and purpose. Join us on this quest and don’t forget to engage with us on social media to share your own insights and experiences!

We want to hear from you! Reach out to us on socials or at [email protected] to share how our conversations are landing with you! xo-Melynda and Jennifer

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

Let's explore the art of finding joy in the everyday moments that often go unnoticed. Imagine savoring a cup of French press coffee, tending to your garden, or journaling with colorful pens—simple acts that can transform your week by nurturing your sense of grounding and intentionality. By fostering a positive relationship with our bodies and embracing joyful activities, we enhance our ability to contribute meaningfully to others and tackle life's challenges creatively and compassionately. Listen in to learn how embracing these practices isn't merely self-indulgent but a necessary step to maintain the energy and capacity to support those around you.

We want to hear from you! Reach out to us on socials or at [email protected] to share how our conversations are landing with you! xo-Melynda and Jennifer

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

My narrative unfolds, revealing how I crafted a diverse portfolio of income streams, ranging from an online stationery business to a successful eatery, underpinning the importance of adaptability and a steadfast spirit. Listeners will garner wisdom from my encounters, like the pitfalls of a supplier resistant to the digital revolution, coupled with poignant insights inspired by the top regrets of the dying. Join me as we uncover the resilience needed to join the elusive 4% of businesses that flourish beyond a decade, and how health, our most precious asset, grants us the freedom to chase our wildest dreams.

We want to hear from you! Reach out to us on socials or at [email protected] to share how our conversations are landing with you! xo-Melynda and Jennifer

This episode offers a playful yet poignant exploration of Valentine’s Day, filled with laughter and relatable stories about love in midlife. The hosts share personal anecdotes about past Valentine's experiences while discussing the broader theme of emotional wellness and positive thinking. 

• Reflecting on life’s current challenges and their impact 
• Importance of self-care and intentional living 
• Discussing the pressures of Valentine’s Day expectations 
• Sharing funny stories from their own Valentine's adventures 
• Emphasizing the value of connection, both romantic and platonic 
• Offering strategies for maintaining a positive mindset 
• Celebrating the diversity of love beyond societal norms 
• Encouraging listeners to gather emotional tools for life's challenges 
• Discussing the joy of community and shared experiences 

Stay connected with us on YouTube and Instagram at Empty Nest Quest Podcast for more resources and updates. Until next time, keep embracing the journey and thriving on your empty nest quest.

We want to hear from you! Reach out to us on socials or at [email protected] to share how our conversations are landing with you! xo-Melynda and Jennifer