Send Jay comments via text

When your children launch or your career ends, a strange silence can set in—and with it, the big question: What’s Next? 

In this inspiring episode, Jack Calhoun, founder of Encore Career Lab, shares a hopeful, practical path from drifting to purposeful direction. He discusses how many of us face an identity crunch when titles no longer define us—and how to use agency, values, and curiosity to craft a second act that truly fits.

Jack unpacks the paradox of choice—why having too many options can stall momentum—and offers a straightforward antidote: start with your why and non-negotiables, identify your caring audience, and run small, low-risk experiments. He emphasizes that purpose often follows action, not the other way around, and shows how both career-related and unrelated paths can thrive if your heart is in it.

This conversation challenges outdated retirement scripts, reframing work as a fulfilling, energizing part of life’s ongoing journey. Expect honest talk about fear, ego, and indecision, along with tactical advice on surfacing your “wisdom fingerprint,” setting boundaries, and testing new ideas without risking everything.  

Key takeaways:  

• The rise of entrepreneurship among ages 55-64
• Identity enmeshment with career and parenting
• Finding purpose through purposeful action
• Defining your core values and non-negotiables first

Jack Calhoun Bio
Jack J. Calhoun is the founder of Encore Career Lab and a seasoned entrepreneur with over two decades of experience managing a wealth management firm. After selling his business, Jack faced his own post-retirement questions about purpose and fulfillment, inspiring him to help others navigate similar transitions. He specializes in guiding high achievers—particularly those aged 50 and above—toward designing meaningful second careers that blend passion, impact, and income. Through his insights and frameworks, Jack empowers professionals to turn uncertainty into opportunity and create purpose-driven encore careers that enrich their lives well beyond traditional retirement.

Find Jack Online: LinkedIn, Website

Support the show

BECOME A VIP SUBSCRIBER (Join Today!)

• Bonus Content for Subscribers Only
• Episode Shoutouts
• Thank You Emails
• Private Meet & Greets via Zoom
• + More

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

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

LOVE THE SHOW?
Get THIS EMPTY NEST LIFE swag

CONNECT WITH JAY
Email, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok

Send Jay comments via text

When the house gets quiet, your nervous system often gets loud. For many, the departure of children triggers deep questions about marriage, identity, and personal desire—questions long shelved but now impossible to ignore. In this heartfelt episode, author and somatic relationship coach Laurie James shares her journey through caregiving, betrayal, and loneliness, and how she found her way back to breath, presence, and choice.

We explore how your body and nervous system work—covering the parasympathetic, sympathetic, and dorsal vagal states—and why understanding these is critical for making clear, courageous decisions. 

Whether facing betrayal, burnout, the empty nest or all three—this episode offers a compassionate, trauma-informed guide with simple, immediate practices to regulate your nervous system, build vulnerability, and choose your next chapter with intention.

Highlights & Key Takeaways:

• The collision of caregiving stress and marital betrayal often amplifies overwhelm.
• Choosing to leave isn’t giving up—it’s reclaiming your right to breathe again.
• Panic, overload, and emotional buildup are stored in the body; releasing them requires somatic safety practices.
• Building vulnerability and repairing relationships are skills you can relearn, deepening your courage.

Laurie James Bio
A mother, divorcée, recovering caregiver, author, and somatic relationship coach Laurie's journey has been marked by personal growth, healing, and self-discovery, as she transformed her life through therapy, yoga, and somatic practices. Her memoir, Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting Go, chronicles her path to embracing change and finding happiness beyond societal expectations. Now, she dedicates herself to guiding others in creating authentic, purpose-driven lives by integrating mind-body techniques and coaching. When not working with clients or writing, she loves skiing, sailing, hiking, and walking her husky, Lu, in Los Angeles.

Find Laurie Online: Instagram, Website, Nervous System Regulation Starter Kit

Support the show

BECOME A VIP SUBSCRIBER (Join Today!)

• Bonus Content for Subscribers Only
• Episode Shoutouts
• Thank You Emails
• Private Meet & Greets via Zoom
• + More

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

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

LOVE THE SHOW?
Get THIS EMPTY NEST LIFE swag

CONNECT WITH JAY
Email, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok

Send Jay comments via text

What if the empty rooms in your home are an invitation to a bigger, richer life? In this inspiring episode, best-selling author and performer Troy Horne joins us to explore how to redesign your future after 40 by tapping into your greatest asset—your experience. From Broadway breakthroughs as Tom Collins in RENT to co-authoring a mindset book with his son, Troy demonstrates how creativity, courage, and compassion can flourish alongside family priorities—and how to move forward when your heart calls.

We delve into the arc of real change: the initial decision to start, the honeymoon phase where momentum builds, and the “are-you-sure” resistance that often follows. Troy introduces “scar power,” the idea that past setbacks deepen judgment and accelerate learning—proof that late bloomers like Julia Child and Martha Stewart show timing is a feature, not a bug. 

Highlights & Key Takeaways:

• The “preview” stage of empty nesting and shifting home energy.
• Permission to start again after 40—your second act is possible now.
• Transform scars and setbacks into resilience and confidence.
• The honeymoon and "are-you-sure" phases of change—expect resistance and growth.
• The mantra: No day but today—action over hesitation.

Ready to trade hesitation for momentum? Join Troy Horn as he shares stories—and practical strategies—to help you design the life you’re meant for. 

Troy Horne Bio
Troy Horne is a three-time best-selling author, Star Search contestant, NBC’s the Sing Off competitor, opening act for Steve Miller and Gov’t Mule band, and has portrayed Tom Collins on Broadway in RENT on Broadway. A father of three, Troy is published author who has sold over 287,800 copies of his non-fiction books. His mission is to help people over 40 live their dream.

Find Troy Online: Instagram, LinkedIn

Support the show

BECOME A VIP SUBSCRIBER (Join Today!)

• Bonus Content for Subscribers Only
• Episode Shoutouts
• Thank You Emails
• Private Meet & Greets via Zoom
• + More

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

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

LOVE THE SHOW?
Get THIS EMPTY NEST LIFE swag

CONNECT WITH JAY
Email, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok

Send Jay comments via text

What if staying close to your adult children didn’t require long calls, perfect timing, or instant replies? In this episode, author Tammy Cohen introduces a straightforward, impactful practice: short, consistent texts that convey love, gratitude, and wisdom without expectation or pressure. Think of them as modern lunchbox notes—daily messages that meet your kids where they are, cut through digital noise, and nurture trust over time.

Tammy shares how her own mindset shift during the pandemic inspired this approach, shaped by her years of learning about resilience, accountability, and mindfulness. She explains how to start in just 10 minutes a day, what to send when you feel stuck, and how consistency transforms texting into a quiet superpower—keeping the door open even when life gets messy.

This episode offers practical advice on meeting your adult children on their terms, strengthening your long-term bond, and showing up with authenticity—and without overwhelm. 

Highlights & Key Takeaways:

• Texting is today’s version of the lunchbox note—simple, steady, and meaningful.
• Meet your kids where they are—without pressure or expectations.
• Focus messages on love, gratitude, and wisdom.
• Detach from outcomes; prioritize consistency over perfection.
• Use 10 minutes daily to build a habit of heartfelt connection.
• Use books and quotes to inspire reflection and deeper connection.

Tammy Cohen Bio
Tammy J. Cohen is an author, entrepreneur, and podcaster who helps families foster meaningful connections in a digital age. As a mother of three and wife, her recent personal journey has centered on embracing her identity as a "human being" grounded in faith and self-awareness, especially after a transformative pandemic experience. She is passionate about using everyday tools like mobile devices to nurture deep relationships, exemplified through her book Text Messages to My Sons. Tammy’s work blends personal growth, faith, and practical communication strategies to inspire others to build love and understanding with their loved ones.

Find Tammy Online: Instagram, Website

Support the show

BECOME A VIP SUBSCRIBER (Join Today!)

• Bonus Content for Subscribers Only
• Episode Shoutouts
• Thank You Emails
• Private Meet & Greets via Zoom
• + More

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

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

LOVE THE SHOW?
Get THIS EMPTY NEST LIFE swag

CONNECT WITH JAY
Email, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok

Send Jay comments via text

Downsizing and decluttering can be overwhelming—it's not just lifting boxes, but making tough decisions while battling guilt, perfectionism, and “what if I need this?” In this episode, professional organizer Tracy Hoth of Simply Squared Away shares a clear, compassionate path to lighten your home—and your mind.

Tracy introduces her proven SPACE method — Sort, Purge, Assign, Contain, Energize — which applies from small junk drawers to whole-house moves. Tracy redefines being “organized” as knowing what you have and being able to find it easily. Using favorites-first purging and the “triangle of fit” (your body, space, and life) simplifies decision-making, while practical tips about zones, containers, and sorting strategies make the process manageable.

Whether you’re downsizing, caring for aging parents, or just clearing space for the next chapter, this episode provides a grounded, achievable approach to letting go and making room for what matters most—without overwhelm.

Highlights & Key Takeaways:

• Redefine organization as knowing what you have and where it is.
• Set a clear vision and timeline for downsizing or decluttering.
• Use the SPACE method: Sort, Purge, Assign, Contain, and Energize.
• Save money by “shopping your house” for containers and setting limits.
• Handle big spaces with full-sort or box-by-box approaches.
• Overcome guilt about heirlooms and gifts with healthier beliefs.
• Plan a life-and-death binder to support your family.

Feeling overwhelmed by clutter? Ready to create a home that supports your next chapter? Tune in and learn how the simple SPACE method and mindset shifts turn chaos into confidence. 

Tracy Hoth Bio
Tracy Hoth is a 17-year veteran professional organizer and certified life coach who is on a mission to empower women to create streamlined and organized lives. She is the host of the top 1% globally ranked Organized Coach Podcast and creator of Organized Life Academy, where she helps empty nesters simplify, declutter, and become organized life CEOs.

Find Tracy Online: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook,

Support the show

BECOME A VIP SUBSCRIBER (Join Today!)

• Bonus Content for Subscribers Only
• Episode Shoutouts
• Thank You Emails
• Private Meet & Greets via Zoom
• + More

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

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

LOVE THE SHOW?
Get THIS EMPTY NEST LIFE swag

CONNECT WITH JAY
Email, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok

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

BECOME A VIP SUBSCRIBER (Join Today!)

• Bonus Content for Subscribers Only
• Episode Shoutouts
• Thank You Emails
• Private Meet & Greets via Zoom
• + More

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

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

LOVE THE SHOW?
Get THIS EMPTY NEST LIFE swag

CONNECT WITH JAY
Email, LinkedIn, Instagram, 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,

Support the show

BECOME A VIP SUBSCRIBER (Join Today!)

• Bonus Content for Subscribers Only
• Episode Shoutouts
• Thank You Emails
• Private Meet & Greets via Zoom
• + More

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

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

LOVE THE SHOW?
Get THIS EMPTY NEST LIFE swag

CONNECT WITH JAY
Email, LinkedIn, Instagram, 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

Support the show

BECOME A VIP SUBSCRIBER (Join Today!)

• Bonus Content for Subscribers Only
• Episode Shoutouts
• Thank You Emails
• Private Meet & Greets via Zoom
• + More

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

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

LOVE THE SHOW?
Get THIS EMPTY NEST LIFE swag

CONNECT WITH JAY
Email, LinkedIn, Instagram, 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, Neena 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, Neena 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,

Support the show

BECOME A VIP SUBSCRIBER (Join Today!)

• Bonus Content for Subscribers Only
• Episode Shoutouts
• Thank You Emails
• Private Meet & Greets via Zoom
• + More

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

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

LOVE THE SHOW?
Get THIS EMPTY NEST LIFE swag

CONNECT WITH JAY
Email, LinkedIn, Instagram, 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,

Support the show

BECOME A VIP SUBSCRIBER (Join Today!)

• Bonus Content for Subscribers Only
• Episode Shoutouts
• Thank You Emails
• Private Meet & Greets via Zoom
• + More

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

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

LOVE THE SHOW?
Get THIS EMPTY NEST LIFE swag

CONNECT WITH JAY
Email, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok