Dare On with Jodi

Are you walking on eggshells around your adult child—or wishing they’d just call more often? In this heart-opening episode of Beyond Empty Nest , Jodi is joined by Esther Goetz of Moms of Bigs to tackle the unspoken grief, guilt, and emotional gymnastics of parenting “bigs.” If you’ve ever tried to fix or force connection with your grown-up kids and felt it backfire, this conversation is for you....

If you’ve ever looked around and wondered, “Is this it?” — this episode is your sign to explore something new. Jodi sits down with Amazon expert and business coach Kathy Lampert, who went from corporate powerhouse to stay-at-home mom... to six-figure Amazon entrepreneur. Whether you're seeking a purpose beyond motherhood, craving a new challenge, or exploring side income options, Kathy's...

In this powerful episode of Beyond Empty Nest , Jodi sits down with author and humanitarian Lori Pappas, whose life story is as inspiring as her message. At 75, Lori dared to say “yes” to fully stepping into her authentic self —and she’s here to help you do the same. 🔑 In this episode, you’ll discover: How Lori escaped a from a mental institution at age 17 and built a purpose-filled life The impo...

Feel like your kids are growing distant — and you're not sure how to reach them anymore? In this episode, Jodi chats with Tammy Cohen, author of Text Messages to My Sons , about how a simple daily practice of texting transformed her relationships with her adult children. Whether you’re navigating empty nest grief, disconnection, or just want to feel closer to the people who matter most, this...

What if you could feel grounded, present, and fully aligned with who you are—no matter what life throws your way? In this episode of Beyond Empty Nest, I’m joined by Erin Keating, founder of Live Your Truth Journey , to explore how to connect with your personal power, define your values, and use them as a compass to create a life that feels deeply fulfilling. Erin shares her own transformation fro...

What if financial wellness had less to do with math and more to do with meaning ? In this empowering episode of Beyond Empty Nest , host Jodi Silverman sits down with Ramat Oyetunji, founder of The FI Woman, who retired at age 44 after a 20-year career in engineering. Ramat’s mission? Helping women align their finances with what they truly value so they can live with clarity, confidence, and choic...

Are you secretly exhausted from always saying “yes”? Do you find yourself doing things for everyone else, while your own dreams sit on the back burner?  This week on Beyond Empty Nest, I’m talking with leadership coach and community builder Jessi Sheridan about the real cost of people pleasing—and how setting healthy boundaries can help you design a life you truly love. Jessi’s story will inspire...

Is your marriage thriving—or just surviving? When the kids leave and the house falls quiet, many couples find themselves at a crossroad. In this honest, hopeful, and eye-opening episode of Beyond Empty Nest , Jodi Silverman is joined by marriage and family therapist Dr. Becky Wetstone, who brings a powerful blend of clinical expertise and personal wisdom. Together, they dive into: The surprising t...

You’ve heard the phrase “it takes a village,” right? Well, midlife takes a team—and in this powerful panel episode, Jodi Silverman brings together four specialists to guide you through the essential conversations and planning needed as you navigate aging, caregiving, and your own wellness. If you’ve ever wondered how to support aging parents, how to prepare for your own next chapter, or how to avo...

What really happens after the kids leave? Spoiler alert: it’s not all peace, quiet and productivity. In this heartfelt episode  of Beyond Empty Nest, I’m chatting with author and award winning journalist Rita Lussier about the messy, surprising and often hilarious truths of life after kids. From the awkward silence between spouses to the grief that sneaks up between milestones, Rita shares real st...

“I feel as if I've lost the best job I've ever had.” This is the exact statement many moms have said to me over the past ten years while I've been supporting empty nest moms. They go on to say that if they're not full-time moms anymore, then what really is their purpose? The transition from a bustling household to an empty one can be a mix of emotions. We may experience a sense...

How can empty nesters deal with grief and loneliness after their children leave?   Today, we have Adina Tovell, an Executive Coach and Founder of the People Leadership Institute. She has been a personal development expert for over 25 years and guides people to better understand who they are. She helps people find what matters most to them and refines how they want to show up in the world. You can...

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's easy to lose sight of our own identity amidst the roles we play. For many women, the journey through motherhood and a thriving career has defined them for years, but what happens when the roles shift and the questions start to loom? “What's my purpose, if not a full-time mom? Who am I? If I'm not a corporate executive anymore, why do I fe...

This Season One finale episode is dedicated entirely to moms and we are diving deep into a topic that hits home for many. We're shining a light on the emotional rollercoaster that is "college move-in day" and the profound shift that every mom must embrace as they prepare to launch their children into the world. August is the month when countless college move-ins happen, and while it...

What if the exhaustion, resentment, or disconnection you’ve been feeling isn’t because you’re doing too much—but because you’ve been doing everything except taking care of yourself? We’ve been conditioned to believe that self-care is indulgent, even selfish. Especially as women, we’re praised for how much we give, how much we juggle, how much we handle without asking for help. But the truth is, yo...

What if the stress, tension, or emotional heaviness you’re carrying isn’t just “life”—but a direct result of resisting what you can’t control? Just like our bodies respond to overexertion, our minds react to the emotional weight of trying to fix, change, or manage things—and people—that aren’t actually ours to carry. In midlife, when so much feels uncertain or outside your influence, the practice...

What if the mental clutter, overwhelm, or low energy you’re feeling isn’t just “life”—but a direct result of what you’re feeding your mind? Just like your body reacts to what you eat, your thoughts and emotions respond to the content you consume. In midlife, when transitions can feel overwhelming, being mindful about your mental diet is more important than ever. Discover how to detox your mind by:...

Gratitude isn’t just about saying “thank you” or jotting a few notes in a journal. It’s about choosing to focus on what’s good—even when life feels anything but easy. Especially when life feels messy. Because when you can find gratitude in the middle of the chaos, everything begins to shift. 💫 Here’s why it matters:  🌿 Gratitude rewires your brain for more positivity and peace  🌿 It boosts your...

If you spoke to your best friend the way you speak to yourself… would you still be friends? 😬 It’s a confronting question—but an important one. Because most of us are walking around with an inner voice that’s not just unkind… it’s downright brutal. And the wild part is, we don’t even realize it. That voice? It’s shaping your confidence, your choices, your relationships—your whole life.  Whether y...

What happens when dads take the lead at home? 🤔 In this episode, I’m joined by Paul Sullivan, founder of The Company of Dads , to explore the evolving role of Lead Dads—fathers who step into the primary caregiving role. As a Lead Dad himself, Paul shares how this often-overlooked role is reshaping families, workplaces, and the definition of fatherhood. We dive into:  ✨ The untold realities of be...

Is your comfort zone holding you back from the life—and parenthood—you truly want? Today, I’m joined by Tim Conniff—keynote speaker, clean comedian, and proud dad—for an inspiring and entertaining conversation about midlife reinvention, fatherhood, and what it really means to step into your purpose with courage and humor. With over 30 years of experience in sales, training, and leadership in corpo...

What does it take to go from workaholic executive to deeply present father and purposeful guide? Today’s guest, Art Blanchford, has lived that transformation. A father of three (including two adopted children), endurance athlete, and former global executive, Art now dedicates his life to helping others navigate big life transitions. Through his podcast Life in Transition , coaching practice, and n...

What happens when the kids leave, the routine shifts, and you're left asking, "Now what?" This week, I’m joined by Jay Ramsden—host of The Empty Nest Life Podcast —for a heartfelt conversation about midlife reinvention, purposeful living, and the evolving journey of fatherhood. A graduate of the Coaching & Positive Psychology Institute and a former educator with 30 years of expe...

✨ You’ve given your heart, your time, and your energy to everyone else—now it’s time to turn that same love inward. Midlife isn’t a season of slowing down—it’s a season of awakening. A chance to rediscover who you are, reignite your energy, and create a life that deeply supports your health and happiness. Elizabeth Sherman is a master certified life and health coach who has helped countless women...

Today, we’re hopping on the back of a tandem bike and taking a joyful ride through midlife with the wonderful Linda Hanstra—author, semi-retired speech-language pathologist, and the heart behind the book Empty-Nest Joyride . 🚲 With four grown kids, two grandchildren, a love of travel and faith, and a deep appreciation for the open road (both literally and metaphorically), Linda brings a refreshin...