Sending your child off to college is one of the biggest transitions we face as parents—and it’s not just their new chapter, it’s ours too. In this episode of The Hardcore Therapist, I share my personal perspective on what it feels like to navigate empty nesting while weaving in insights from Mel Robbins, psychologist Guy Winch, Dr. Rachel Glik, and Dr. Janine Furdella.

From the first few days of adjustment, to the instinct to rescue, to sitting with the quiet at home, we’ll unpack the grief, the growth, and the possibilities that come with letting go. You’ll hear about the importance of allowing yourself to feel, reframing the experience as a fresh start, and learning to trust your child’s wings—while finding your own again.

This conversation is for every parent wrestling with worry, identity shifts, and the bittersweet ache of watching your kid step into independence. Remember—empty nest doesn’t mean empty life. It’s a chance for rediscovery, renewal, and love in a new form.