Send Jay comments via text

What if the space between parenting and grandparenting became your most vibrant, alive season? In this episode, entrepreneur and community-builder Carol Tice shares her transformative journey—from selling their Seattle home to living full-time on the road in a 24-foot RV. Discover how she and her husband designed a life centered on mobility, minimalism, and meaningful work, turning “someday” into their everyday reality.

Carol recounts their pandemic-era trial run—healthy habits, vegan cooking, long bike rides—and how a full year on the road reshaped their priorities. She dives into the practical choices behind RV life: choosing a rig that fits anywhere, solar power as a game-changer, and navigating boondocking at hidden gems like the Lost Coast. She also highlights the social fabric of RV communities, especially in Quartzsite, Arizona, where neighbors swap help regardless of class or politics.

Highlights & Key Takeaways:

• Why waiting for grandkids isn’t the only way—start living now.
• Building sustainable, location-independent income streams.
• Minimalism as a pathway to financial and personal relief.
• Selling your house to reduce costs and embrace freedom.
• How a trial RV trip can jumpstart healthier habits and clarity.

Carol Tice Bio
Carol Tice is the founder of Community Growth Academy on Skool. Her previous community, Freelance Writers Den, grew to 1,500 paying members over a decade, generating $6 million across the life of the business. She sold the Den in 2021 and she now travels in her RV with her husband while she helps coaches, consultants, and other experts build their own communities with help from Community Growth Academy.

Find Carol Online: Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Website

Support the show

FREE WORKBOOK
3 Steps to Loving Your Empty Nest Life

ENJOY THE SHOW?
Don’t miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts or follow on Spotify and many more.

LOVE THE SHOW?
Get your THIS EMPTY NEST LIFE swag

Review us on Love the Podcast, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify -- reviews and ratings help others find us and we’d appreciate your support greatly.

CONNECT WITH JAY
Email, LinkedIn, Instagram, or TikTok

Send Jay comments via text

When the house quiets, your mind often rushes in. For many, this transition from full-time parent to empty nester triggers overwhelm—and the need to pause intentionally. In this episode, author and coach Jennie Phillips introduces her "Yellow Light Moments" framework to help reclaim rhythm, energy, and joy without sacrificing what came before.  

Jennie shares her personal turning point—alone on a Florida beach—where she discovered the power of slowing down for clarity and choosing her next step. We explore her four pillars of vitality: improving sleep with simple environment tweaks, simplifying nutrition with whole-food basics, finding movement at home, and integrating self-care that feels sustainable.

The conversation dives into rebuilding identity and community where Jennie emphasizes that slow, intentional choices lead to pride and presence, helping you finish this season strong.

Highlights & Key Takeaways:

• A "Yellow Light Moment" beats rushing—pause, yield, listen, then move.
• Movement doesn’t need a gym—start small with bodyweight and attainable goals.
• Habit stacking builds consistency without stress.
• Set boundaries, create white space, and say no with grace.
• Rebuild community and find accountability post-kids.
• Embrace identity shifts, grief, and intentional rhythms.

Jennie Phillips Bio
Jennie is a certified fitness professional, educator, author, and speaker passionate about helping others achieve vitality and balance through intentional living. With a background in teaching and curriculum development, she blends her expertise in education and fitness to inspire and empower individuals on their wellness journeys. Author of Yellow Light Moments: Maximize Your Health and Vitality Through the Power of Pausing, owner of Vitality Fitness Studio in Illinois, and creator of the RISE. MOVE. CONQUER. Event Series. Jennie spends her days living out her passion for this work and soaking up life with her husband and their four amazing kids.

Find Jennie Online: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Website

Support the show

FREE WORKBOOK
3 Steps to Loving Your Empty Nest Life

ENJOY THE SHOW?
Don’t miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts or follow on Spotify and many more.

LOVE THE SHOW?
Get your THIS EMPTY NEST LIFE swag

Review us on Love the Podcast, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify -- reviews and ratings help others find us and we’d appreciate your support greatly.

CONNECT WITH JAY
Email, LinkedIn, Instagram, or TikTok

Send Jay comments via text

When your children leave home, the loudest voice isn't always the one you want to hear—it's your inner critic. It whispers doubts, tells you "you shouldn't," "you can't," or "you're not enough," leaving you feeling stuck and uncertain about how to move forward. However, there's a practical, proven framework that can quiet the noise and help you reclaim your peace: Positive Intelligence (PQ).

In this episode, we sit down with coach Kevin Gazzara to demystify PQ and explore how it applies to life after the nest empties. Kevin introduces us to the Judge and its nine accomplice saboteurs—Controller, Hyper-Achiever, Restless, Stickler, Pleaser, Hyper-Vigilant, Avoider, Victim, and Hyper-Rational—that hijack our thoughts with seemingly true but unhelpful stories. He explains how these saboteurs influence our daily lives and how shifting into the Sage mindset—empathy, curiosity, creativity, and decisive action—can transform challenges into opportunities.

Highlights & Key Takeaways:

• Positive Intelligence (PQ) offers a prescriptive, practical approach to mental well-being.
• The Judge and its nine saboteurs undermine confidence and clarity.
• Moving from threat-based thinking to Sage powers—empathy, curiosity, creativity, and decisiveness—shifts your perspective.
• After caregiving and life changes, reframe your identity for reinvention instead of loss.
• The Pleaser pattern can lead to burnout—setting oxygen-mask boundaries prevents that.

Join us and challenge the noisy inner critic. Map out a clear, actionable path for growth, reinvention, and community—because the person you already are has everything it takes to lead your best life.

Here's your free PQ assessment and practical next steps!

Kevin Gazzara Bio
Dr. Kevin Gazzara - CEO of Magna Leadership Solutions, Management & Leadership Expert, Executive Positive Intelligence Coach, Professor at 5 Universities, Speaker, & Author of The Leader of OZ. Kevin worked for 18 years at Intel Corporation in positions from Program and Product Management to Leadership Development. He holds a BS in Commerce and Engineering, an MBA and a Doctorate of Management in Organizational Leadership. 

Find Kevin Online: Facebook, Linke

Support the show

FREE WORKBOOK
3 Steps to Loving Your Empty Nest Life

ENJOY THE SHOW?
Don’t miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts or follow on Spotify and many more.

LOVE THE SHOW?
Get your THIS EMPTY NEST LIFE swag

Review us on Love the Podcast, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify -- reviews and ratings help others find us and we’d appreciate your support greatly.

CONNECT WITH JAY
Email, LinkedIn, Instagram, or TikTok

Send Jay comments via text

What happens when your identity, built over decades of parenting, no longer feels required all the time? Neena Perez’s powerful story reveals that the empty nest is not an end—it's a beginning. After overcoming trauma and embracing single motherhood, Nina transformed her life into that of a chef, transformational coach, author, and podcast host—all after her children left home.

In this inspiring episode, Nina shares her no-nonsense approach to reinvention: “We don’t build courage and then do stuff. We do stuff to build courage.” She encourages listeners to take immediate action—just 3-4 seconds—to overcome paralysis and fear in major life transitions. Her practical tip? Start with simple curiosity—try something new, see if you like it, and keep what serves you without pressure.

Whether you're just stepping into this phase or still navigating it, Nina provides wisdom and encouragement to face fears, embrace change, and make today count. Because life is short, and your next adventure is waiting—beyond the fears and doubts.

Highlights & Key Takeaways:

• Courage is built through action, not waiting to feel ready.
• Reinvent yourself by exploring new interests with curiosity, pressure-free.
• Use your parenting skills as a foundation for new, meaningful pursuits.
• Overcome fear by giving yourself just 3-4 seconds to act—no overthinking.
• Challenge yourself daily to try one new thing.
• Remember: Life is short—prioritize fun, joy, and discovery.

Neena Perez Bio
Neena Perez is a transformational coach, chef, author, and motivational speaker who empowers women to build impactful coaching businesses rooted in their God-given talents. Having overcome teen pregnancy, domestic violence, and poverty—stories she shares in her autobiography, Hit Me With Your Best Shot—Neena created her Wisdom to Wealth program. Through her 3-step process of Inner Healing, Transcending Unwanted Behaviors, and Co-Creation, she helps women heal, shift their mindsets, and confidently step into entrepreneurship.

Find Neena Online: LinkedIn, X (Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Website

Support the show

FREE WORKBOOK
3 Steps to Loving Your Empty Nest Life

ENJOY THE SHOW?
Don’t miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts or follow on Spotify and many more.

LOVE THE SHOW?
Get your THIS EMPTY NEST LIFE swag

Review us on Love the Podcast, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify -- reviews and ratings help others find us and we’d appreciate your support greatly.

CONNECT WITH JAY
Email, LinkedIn, Instagram, or TikTok

Send Jay comments via text

Resilience isn't just a helpful skill—it's essential for thriving, especially when navigating the emotional landscape of the empty nest. In this empowering episode, life strategist, bestselling author, positive psychology expert, and 
motivational speaker Valorie Burton shares transformative insights from her latest book, Rules of Resilience, offering practical tools for parents to not only survive but flourish during this major life transition.

We explore key concepts such as controlling what you can, finding opportunities within challenges, and understanding “growth gaps” and “energy gaps” that impact your ability to adapt. Valorie’s authenticity shines as she discusses the importance of honesty about struggles and leveraging your resources—relationships, past experiences, and inner strength—to navigate change confidently.

Highlights & Key Takeaways:

• “Choose thoughts that strengthen you” to manage anxiety and maintain positivity.
• “Control the controllable and accept the rest” to focus energy effectively.
• “Rally your resources”: lean on relationships, experiences, and inner strength.
• Recognize “growth gaps” and “energy gaps” to prevent burnout.
• Find opportunities in every challenge to turn loss into possibility.

Valorie Burton Bio
A renowned author, speaker, and founder of The Coaching and Positive Psychology (CaPP) Institute, specializing in resilience and happiness. With over 15 years of research and practical experience, she has authored thirteen books including It’s About Time, Successful Women Think Differently, and Brave Enough to Succeed. She is an accomplished international speaker and life coach dedicated to empowering individuals to thrive amidst life's challenges.

Her core belief is that understanding your purpose and resilience are key to living a fulfilled, authentic life. She emphasizes that resilience—the ability to adapt and bounce back from setbacks—is a skill that can be learned and cultivated. Through her work, she helps clients build this vital skill, choose meaning over urgency, and develop confidence to make bold life changes.

Find Valorie Online: Pre-Order Book, Instagram, Website

Support the show

FREE WORKBOOK
3 Steps to Loving Your Empty Nest Life

ENJOY THE SHOW?
Don’t miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts or follow on Spotify and many more.

LOVE THE SHOW?
Get your THIS EMPTY NEST LIFE swag

Review us on Love the Podcast, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify -- reviews and ratings help others find us and we’d appreciate your support greatly.

CONNECT WITH JAY
Email, LinkedIn, Instagram, or TikTok

Send Jay comments via text

When your focus shifts from raising children to looking at your own next chapter, it’s easy to see this as an ending. But in reality, it’s the beginning of one of life's most emotionally enriching phases. In this inspiring episode, Dr. Deborah Heiser—host of The After 40 Podcast and founder of The Mentor Project—reframes aging and empty nesting as opportunities for growth, connection, and fulfillment.

While society often emphasizes physical decline with age this period of "generativity versus stagnation" is a prime time to give back—through mentoring, creating, exploring, or sharing our wisdom. Dr. Heiser discusses the five essential components of true mentorship—generativity, receptivity, intrinsic motivation, meaningful connection, and trust—and emphasizes that everyone has something valuable to offer, regardless of age or background. From passing down family recipes to guiding new community members, mentorship enriches both mentor and mentee, creating a ripple of connection and purpose.

Highlights & Key Takeaways:

• Our physical decline doesn’t define our emotional or spiritual growth; it continues upward throughout life.
• The empty nest phase opens up mental and emotional bandwidth for purpose-driven living.
• Midlife is an ideal time to give back—whether through mentoring, sharing knowledge, or exploring new interests.
• Mentoring creates purpose and satisfaction for both mentor and mentee, fostering connection that money can’t buy.

Deborah Heiser Bio

Deborah Heiser, Ph.D., is an Applied Developmental Psychologist, a TEDx speaker, consultant, author, and Founder of The Mentor Project, and an Adjunct Professor in the Psychology Department at SUNY Old Westbury.

She has been quoted in The New York Times, Seattle Times, Dallas Times and contributes to Psychology Today. Her research covers a wide range of topics related to aging, including depression identification, dementia, and frailty with grants awarded from NIA/NIH and Pfizer. She received an international award for her research on depression identification, as well as serving for 9 years on the Board of the State Society on Aging of New York.

Find Deborah Online: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Website

Support the show

FREE WORKBOOK
3 Steps to Loving Your Empty Nest Life

ENJOY THE SHOW?
Don’t miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts or follow on Spotify and many more.

LOVE THE SHOW?
Get your THIS EMPTY NEST LIFE swag

Review us on Love the Podcast, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify -- reviews and ratings help others find us and we’d appreciate your support greatly.

CONNECT WITH JAY
Email, LinkedIn, Instagram, or TikTok

Send Jay comments via text

The transition to an empty nest can feel like an identity crisis for parents who have dedicated years to raising children. The question then arises: what’s next? How do you find purpose, passion, and fulfillment in this new phase of life?

In this inspiring episode, Dr. Janelle explains the two stages of human development: the unconscious “boot camp” where we seek external validation, and the conscious “creating heaven on earth” phase, where we connect deeply with our hearts. She offers practical, powerful strategies to overcome subconscious blocks—like her insight: "If you challenge yourself, you'll attract support. If you stay in your comfort zone, you'll attract challenges."  

For those asking, “What now?” after children leave home, she advocates connecting with your heart through gratitude and self-love to discover inspiration for your next steps. 

Asking the fundamental questions—Who am I? Why am I here? Where am I going?—can turn this transition into an exciting journey of self-discovery and purpose.

Highlights & Key Takeaways:

• Loving your children without tying your identity to parenting avoids unhealthy pressure.
• Making parenting your entire purpose leads to stress for both you and your kids.
• Understanding the two stages of development helps clarify where you are now.
• Challenge yourself to attract support, and resist staying in your comfort zone to avoid challenges.
• Connect with your heart through gratitude and self-love to unlock inspiration.
• Live authentically as a role model for your adult children.
• Use self-inquiry—Who am I? Why am I here? Where am I going?—to discover your next purpose.

Lise Janelle Bio
Dr. Lise Janelle is an author and speaker who helps high-level athletes and entrepreneurs understand how tweaking their subconscious beliefs can mean the difference between wins and losses, often resulting in millions to their bottom line. 

Dr. Lise is co-authoring the book ""Unstuck"" with Jack Canfield, co-creator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, based on her method and offers proven strategies for lasting success.

Find Lise Online: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Website

Support the show

FREE WORKBOOK
3 Steps to Loving Your Empty Nest Life

ENJOY THE SHOW?
Don’t miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts or follow on Spotify and many more.

LOVE THE SHOW?
Get your THIS EMPTY NEST LIFE swag

Review us on Love the Podcast, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify -- reviews and ratings help others find us and we’d appreciate your support greatly.

CONNECT WITH JAY
Email, LinkedIn, Instagram, or TikTok

Send Jay comments via text

Feeling completely lost or mentally overwhelmed after your kids leave home? You're not alone—what many perceive as empty nest syndrome might actually be undiagnosed ADHD or executive function challenges magnified by life transitions.

In this enlightening episode, executive function expert Corie Wightlin sheds light on how the departure of children can unmask underlying brain struggles with organization, motivation, emotional regulation, and time management. When children take with them the routines and external scaffolding that masked these challenges, many adults find themselves scrambling—unable to complete simple tasks or find motivation.

Whether you're questioning if you have undiagnosed ADHD or simply struggling to find your footing, this episode offers validation, insight, and actionable tools to help you thrive past the empty nest.

Highlights & Key Takeaways:

• Executive function skills include organization, motivation, emotional regulation, and time management.
• Parenting provides external scaffolding that masks underlying challenges, which surface when children leave.
• Four brain motivators: urgency, challenge, novelty, and interest.
• Recognize your zones of regulation to maintain emotional balance.
• Self-compassion is crucial for breaking the shame cycle and nurturing resilience.

Corie Wightlin Bio
Holding a B.A. in Cognitive Science from Occidental College and a Master’s in Education and Literacy from the University of San Diego, Corie combines neuroscience, learning, and behavior expertise with a deep understanding of the lived ADHD experience. 

As a certified mindfulness facilitator and certified ADHD coach, Corie integrates mindfulness-based strategies to support resilience, self-compassion, and executive function growth.

Corie presents on topics including ADHD and executive function, self-compassion, Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, and goal setting specific for ADHDers. Through a strengths-based and compassionate approach, Corie empowers individuals to navigate challenges, embrace their unique brains, and build systems for success.

Find Corie Online: LinkedIn, Instagram, Website 

Support the show

FREE WORKBOOK
3 Steps to Loving Your Empty Nest Life

ENJOY THE SHOW?
Don’t miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts or follow on Spotify and many more.

LOVE THE SHOW?
Get your THIS EMPTY NEST LIFE swag

Review us on Love the Podcast, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify -- reviews and ratings help others find us and we’d appreciate your support greatly.

CONNECT WITH JAY
Email, LinkedIn, Instagram, or TikTok

Send Jay comments via text

Are you feeling trapped in your empty nest years but can't quite understand why? That paradox of being busy yet unfulfilled, with success feeling just out of reach, is more common than you think—especially among men who struggle to verbalize these emotions. 

In this powerful episode, John Mylant unpacks the deeper reasons behind these feelings and offers a transformative perspective on how to move forward. He explores the ongoing battle between our subconscious fear—our primal self-preservation instinct—and love, which requires conscious effort and fuels growth. At the core of this struggle is the inner critic—a relentless voice telling us we’re not enough, won’t succeed, or shouldn’t try. When we listen to this inner dialogue, we trap ourselves in cycles of self-doubt, indecision, and inconsistency, making real progress impossible.

The key insight? Everything we desire is already within us—"just a decision away."

Highlights & Key Takeaways:

• Feeling stuck often stems from disconnecting what we do from what we truly want inside.
• The inner critic fuels self-doubt, leading to indecision and inconsistent action.
• Living in the present, with honesty and self-awareness, provides clarity and direction.
• True answers emerge when you stop forcing and start questioning.
• The inner critic will never disappear completely—learning to turn it into a barely audible whisper is the key to growth.

John Mylant Bio
Based in Colorado Springs, CO, John specializes in working with men who feel the pressure to succeed but are secretly battling self-sabotage, fear of success, and the weight of playing small. These are men who lead their families, businesses, and communities—but quietly struggle to lead themselves.

Having lived this journey himself, John knows what it feels like to have potential burning inside you while being stuck in hesitation and insecurity. After overcoming his own internal war with fear, doubt, and a scarcity mindset, he dedicated his life to helping other men break free—without sacrificing family, faith, or financial stability.

Find John Online: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn

Support the show

FREE WORKBOOK
3 Steps to Loving Your Empty Nest Life

ENJOY THE SHOW?
Don’t miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts or follow on Spotify and many more.

LOVE THE SHOW?
Get your THIS EMPTY NEST LIFE swag

Review us on Love the Podcast, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify -- reviews and ratings help others find us and we’d appreciate your support greatly.

CONNECT WITH JAY
Email, LinkedIn, Instagram, or TikTok

Send Jay comments via text

Feeling lost after your kids leave the nest? You're not alone. For decades, many parents’ identities have been intertwined with their roles at home, making the empty nest transition feel daunting. But what if this shift is an exciting opportunity to rediscover who you truly are—and craft a future that excites you?

In this enlightening episode, mind mapping expert John Diggs, known as the "Mappaneering Mentor," shares how a simple visual thinking tool can be a catalyst for personal transformation. John opens up about his own journey—from losing everything during the 2008 financial crisis to rebuilding his life with clarity, purpose, and passion through mind mapping.

At the heart of the conversation is the transformative "I Am Mind Map"—a practical exercise that puts your authentic identity at the core. By mapping what truly matters—health, wealth, happiness, success—you create not only a vision but a detailed roadmap for your next chapter.

As John emphasizes, “Most people never really see themselves in all these key areas of their life.”

Most importantly, this episode reminds us that empty nesting is not the end—it's a new beginning. 

Highlights & Key Takeaways:

• Mind mapping is a visual tool that organizes thoughts, highlights blind spots, and reveals new paths.
• The "I Am Mind Map" focuses on your authentic self beyond roles or responsibilities.
• John's personal story exemplifies how this practice can help rebuild life after loss.
• Recognize the power of choice—your life is yours to design.
• John’s motto: "The purpose of life is to love it" guides his journey and can inspire yours too.

John Diggs Bio

John Diggs, Your Mappineering Mentor, is dedicated to helping individuals unlock their full potential through the power of mind mapping. With a unique approach combining strategic self-discovery, goal-setting, and visualization, John empowers students, professionals, and athletes to embrace clarity, focus, and purpose in every area of life. As a motivational speaker, author, and coach, his mission is to guide you to achieve your best life, filled with health, wealth, success, and happiness.

Find John Online: LinkedIn, Twitter (X), Instagram, Website

Support the show

FREE WORKBOOK
3 Steps to Loving Your Empty Nest Life

ENJOY THE SHOW?
Don’t miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts or follow on Spotify and many more.

LOVE THE SHOW?
Get your THIS EMPTY NEST LIFE swag

Review us on Love the Podcast, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify -- reviews and ratings help others find us and we’d appreciate your support greatly.

CONNECT WITH JAY
Email, LinkedIn, Instagram, or TikTok