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In this episode of the Sandwich Season Sanity podcast, I’m interviewing Cathy Lawdanski, a retired empty nester with a wealth of wit and wisdom for navigating life’s later seasons. Cathy shares the story behind her essential "Medical Records Checklist," inspired by a personal medical emergency that revealed how critical it is to have up-to-date medical and legal information readily available, especially for empty nesters, caregivers, or anyone entering the sandwich season of life. She outlines the key documents and details—plus practical tips on organizing everything in both physical and digital formats for easy access by loved ones.

As a special resource, you can download Cathy’s comprehensive Medical Records Checklist via the link in the show notes—your first step in simplifying emergencies and supporting your loved ones through challenging times.

Resources: 

• Emergency Grab & Go Checklist
• Cathy’s Instagram: @retired_empty_nester
• Get Organized HQ Virtual: Free Ticket (click here)

Cathy’s bio:

My name is Cathy, the Retired Empty Nester.  I'm a 60+ wife, mother and grandmother in the empty-nest, retired phase of life. My goal is to THRIVE in these years through SERVING, LEARNING and having FUN! 

Visit Ruthie's Website at RuthieGray.com

Get Ruthie's Sandwich Season Pieces Newsletter

Read Ruthie's book, Empty Nest Awakening; Weaving the Threads of Your Passions into Purpose

Click here to send a text and tell us how you like the show!

In this episode of the Sandwich Season Sanity Podcast, I’m discussing the challenge of finding peace during one of life’s most chaotic seasons. This episode offers a compassionate exploration of how true peace isn’t just handed to us—even believers need to take intentional, sometimes uncomfortable steps to experience it fully. 

I’m sharing personal stories and boundary-setting moments so listeners can know that even when faced with setbacks, there is peace in the midst. 

Don’t forget to check out the episodes referenced in this show, and consider leaving a rating or review as a “get well” gift to Ruthie as she recovers and prepares for season two!

Resources: 

• Intentional Long Distance Caregiving ft. Lori Ann Wood
• Growing a Guilt-Free Prayer Life ft. Janet McHenry

Visit Ruthie's Website at RuthieGray.com

Get Ruthie's Sandwich Season Pieces Newsletter

Read Ruthie's book, Empty Nest Awakening; Weaving the Threads of Your Passions into Purpose

Click here to send a text and tell us how you like the show!

In this episode of the Sandwich Season Sanity podcast, I’m sharing my "Dream with God in 60 Minutes" task-sorting method through a practical, prayer-centered exercise for balancing personal desires, family responsibilities, and your calling from God. 

We’ll talk about shifting priorities, setting healthy boundaries, and learning to let go of goals that no longer align with your season of life. You’ll be encouraged to embrace your hope endeavors, communicate needs with family, and protect time for what matters most. 

If you’re struggling to find space for your dreams amidst the busyness of daily life, this episode will inspire and equip you to invite God into your planning—so you can cultivate peace in the sandwich season. 

Resources: 

• AOM Podcast: Ep. 114: Goal Setting Essentials for Empty Nest Entrepreneurs
• AOM Podcast: Ep. 115: 5 Clear Indicators It’s Time to Quit and Start Fresh 
• Ruthie’s book: Empty Nest Awakening; Weaving the Threads of Your Passions into Purpose 
• Private Podcast (Peaceful Mom Collection)

Visit Ruthie's Website at RuthieGray.com

Get Ruthie's Sandwich Season Pieces Newsletter

Read Ruthie's book, Empty Nest Awakening; Weaving the Threads of Your Passions into Purpose

Click here to send a text and tell us how you like the show!

In the second half of this episode with Laura Acuna, we’re dissecting the real-life balancing act of being an entrepreneur, author, and mom/caregiver/grandparent. Learn insights on saying “no” and how to prioritize listening to God’s guidance, making time for family, and accepting help in caregiving roles. 

I give the scoop on my practical routines, like my beloved “coffee before talkie” mornings, plus deep faith practices that underpin my work and my book, Empty Nest Awakening.

The conversation also turns to the grace and growth that come with aging, the pivotal role of legacy, and the importance of modeling faith and purpose for the next generation. We discuss resisting hustle culture in the second half of life, focusing instead on rest, presence, and meaningful impact. Whether you’re navigating empty nest life, launching a new passion project, or simply seeking encouragement for the next season, this episode is packed with wisdom, authenticity, and practical tips for women striving to live with intention and trust in God’s faithful plan.

Resources:

• Meet Laura Acuña: Laura’s Website
• Laura’s Podcast: Still Becoming
• Ruthie’s book: Empty Nest Awakening; Weaving the Threads of Your Passions into Purpose 
• Integrating Personal Ambitions and Caregiving ft. Laura Acuña

Note: Affiliate links may be included.

Meet Laura: Laura Acuña is a speaker, author, podcast host, and Certified Professional Life Coach (CPCLC). She is the founder of Laura Acuña Ministries and the host of the Still Becoming Podcast.

She passionately believes it is never too late for God to write a new story, and is the author of Still Becoming: Hope, Help and Healing for the Diet - Weary Soul.

Visit Ruthie's Website at RuthieGray.com

Get Ruthie's Sandwich Season Pieces Newsletter

Read Ruthie's book, Empty Nest Awakening; Weaving the Threads of Your Passions into Purpose

Click here to send a text and tell us how you like the show!

In this episode of the Sandwich Season Sanity, I’m sharing my guest appearance on the Still Becoming Podcast with Laura Acuña, discussing the unique challenges and opportunities that come with balancing caregiving roles and personal ambitions during midlife. I’ll share my personal journey from being a busy mom of four to finding renewed purpose and productivity in the empty nest stage. Together, we discuss the grief and loss that often accompany this season, but also highlight the possibilities for growth and the exciting opportunities that await midlife moms.

We walk you through how the skills, talents, and experiences gained in motherhood can be powerfully redirected into new ventures, such as writing, coaching, and entrepreneurship. With honest stories about overcoming fear, learning new skills (even technology!), and embracing God-given desires, this episode is a must-listen for anyone wondering what’s next after the nest empties.

Resources:

• Meet Laura Acuña: Laura’s Website
• Laura’s Podcast: Still Becoming
• Ruthie’s book: Empty Nest Awakening; Weaving the Threads of Your Passions into Purpose 

Note: Affiliate links may be included.

Meet Laura: Laura Acuña is a speaker, author, podcast host, and Certified Professional Life Coach (CPCLC). She is the founder of Laura Acuña Ministries and the host of the Still Becoming Podcast.

She passionately believes it is never too late for God to write a new story, and is the author of Still Becoming: Hope, Help and Healing for the Diet - Weary Soul.

Visit Ruthie's Website at RuthieGray.com

Get Ruthie's Sandwich Season Pieces Newsletter

Read Ruthie's book, Empty Nest Awakening; Weaving the Threads of Your Passions into Purpose

Click here to send a text and tell us how you like the show!

In this episode of the Sandwich Season Sanity podcast, I sat down with my youngest daughter, Kylie, to explore the unique challenges that arise when a mom transitions into a caregiving role while still raising children. Kylie, who was fourteen when I began caring for my aging parents, shares her perspective of what it was like to experience big family changes at a young age. Together, we walk through the confusion, anxiety, and sense of responsibility that she felt, and the importance of open communication—even when life is unpredictable and overwhelming.

Join us as we uncover valuable lessons for families navigating caregiving and parenting at the same time.  We’ll discuss practical ways to help children process complex emotions, the role of prayer and faith through difficult seasons, and how embracing vulnerability can foster healing and connection. Walk  away encouraged and equipped to build stronger, more understanding relationships within your own family.

Resources:

• How to Have Tricky Conversations with Adult Children ft. Melinda Patrick
• Managing Anxiety as a Mom and Caregiver

Note: Affiliate links may be included.

Visit Ruthie's Website at RuthieGray.com

Get Ruthie's Sandwich Season Pieces Newsletter

Read Ruthie's book, Empty Nest Awakening; Weaving the Threads of Your Passions into Purpose

Click here to send a text and tell us how you like the show!

In this episode of the Sandwich Season Sanity Podcast, Ruthie opens up about her personal healing journey after years of caregiving and business leadership left her feeling emotionally depleted. She shares a candid reflection on the toll that “little t” trauma—like ongoing stress, caregiver emergencies, and unresolved emotions—can take on mental health, especially for women in midlife. 

Ruthie emphasizes that seeking counseling and wise counsel is an act of self-care—not a sign of weakness—and a necessary foundation for being able to pour back into others.

The episode weaves together practical advice, spiritual encouragement, and personal anecdotes, inspiring listeners not to ignore their own warning signs but to seek healing and peace—even in the midst of busy caregiving seasons. Ruthie reminds everyone that true peace is available now, regardless of life’s chaos, and encourages listeners to take small steps toward prioritizing their own well-being through community, faith, and self-reflection.

Resources:

• How Healthy Boundaries Reduce Stress ft. Lisa Saruga
• Identifying and Managing Caregiver Trauma ft. Lisa Saruga

Note: Affiliate links may be included.

Visit Ruthie's Website at RuthieGray.com

Get Ruthie's Sandwich Season Pieces Newsletter

Read Ruthie's book, Empty Nest Awakening; Weaving the Threads of Your Passions into Purpose

Click here to send a text and tell us how you like the show!

In this part two episode with trauma therapist, Lisa Saruga, Ruthie and Lisa focus on how setting boundaries can bring peace to sandwich generation moms. Lisa shares her “property line” metaphor for boundaries, a crucial mindset for overwhelmed caregivers. They discuss real-life examples from their own caregiving journeys and address the unique struggles of maintaining boundaries amidst family dynamics, pride, and guilt.

Listeners will hear honest conversation around the importance of pruning even “good” activities during chaotic seasons—like church work, social commitments, or personal projects—in order to preserve peace and health. Ruthie and Lisa talk about navigating difficult transitions, such as sharing care responsibilities with siblings, learning to ask for help, communicating honestly about your own limitations, and releasing the need for control. 

Lisa also shares resources available on her website, including journaling techniques and a soothing playlist—tools that can help caregivers find calm in the midst of chaos. If you’re navigating the complexities of caregiving and longing for more peace, this episode offers both wisdom and hope.

Resources:

• Lisa's Book: The Trauma Tree
• Visit Lisa's website: LisaSaruga.com to download The Trauma Tree Spotify Companion Playlist & Writing R.A.W. Journaling Technique
• Identifying and Managing Caregiving Trauma with Lisa Saruga (Part I)
  
  

Note: Affiliate links may be included.

Visit Ruthie's Website at RuthieGray.com

Get Ruthie's Sandwich Season Pieces Newsletter

Read Ruthie's book, Empty Nest Awakening; Weaving the Threads of Your Passions into Purpose

Click here to send a text and tell us how you like the show!

In this episode of Sandwich Season Sanity, Ruthie sits down with Lisa Saruga to explore the often overlooked topic of caregiving trauma. Lisa, a therapist and author of The Trauma Tree, shares her personal experiences of managing care for elderly relatives, highlighting the emotional and sensory overload that caregiving can bring. Both Ruthie and Lisa underscore the reality that caregiving involves not just physical demands, but deep emotional challenges, and subtle stresses that can have a profound impact on the caregiver’s mental health.

Throughout the conversation, Lisa unpacks the science behind trauma, explaining how experiences are stored in the brain and how triggers can unexpectedly resurface powerful emotions. The discussion moves beyond simply surviving as a caregiver, focusing on practical ways to find resilience, hope, and even joy amidst ongoing stress. 

Lisa offers both expert insight and practical tools for our listeners to access that will help caregivers dealing with trauma. 

Be sure to check the show notes for links to Lisa’s book, website (lisasaruga.com), and free journaling techniques to help you process and find peace during challenging seasons of care.

Resources:

• Lisa's Book: The Trauma Tree
• Visit Lisa's website: LisaSaruga.com to download The Trauma Tree Spotify Companion Playlist & Writing R.A.W. Journaling Technique
• Ruthie's Next Steps Retreat: Learn More Here

Note: Affiliate links may be included.

Visit Ruthie's Website at RuthieGray.com

Get Ruthie's Sandwich Season Pieces Newsletter

Read Ruthie's book, Empty Nest Awakening; Weaving the Threads of Your Passions into Purpose

Click here to send a text and tell us how you like the show!

Episode 8 of the Sandwich Season Sanity podcast features guest, Janet McHenry, national speaker and author of 27 books, including Praying Personalities and her latest, Looking Up: Finding Joy as You Read and Pray Through the Bible. Janet shares insights from her personal sandwich season as a wife, mom, grandmother of 10, and remote caregiver for her mother, who is currently in hospice care. She reflects on the challenges and joys of multigenerational family life, the importance of setting loving boundaries, and how to navigate caregiving responsibilities while also pursuing ministry and personal growth.

Janet, a fervent prayer warrior, shares the importance of creating guilt-free, doable spiritual habits, even in busy caregiving seasons, offering practical wisdom for fitting in prayer and scripture reading. The conversation also touches on Janet’s supportive community through her Bible Girls Facebook group, her passion for fostering a purposeful, prayer-filled life, and tips for maintaining peace by prioritizing God’s Word. 

Resources:

• Janet's Book: Looking Up: finding Joy As you read and Pray through the Bible
• Janet's Book: Praying Personalities: Finding Your Natural Prayer Style
• Janet's Facebook Group: Bible Girls 2025
• Janet's Website: JanetMcHenry.com
• Janet's guest interview on the Authentic Online Marketing Podcast: Balancing Writing and Audience Growth with Janet McHenry
• Check out: Ruthie’s Next Steps Retreat

Note: Affiliate links may be included.

Visit Ruthie's Website at RuthieGray.com

Get Ruthie's Sandwich Season Pieces Newsletter

Read Ruthie's book, Empty Nest Awakening; Weaving the Threads of Your Passions into Purpose