Dare On with Jodi

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...

Ever feel like you're running on empty, juggling everything, and still wondering why it doesn't feel right? If you’re a busy mom striving for more balance and joy, this episode is for you! Misty Hughes is a Dream Champion, Celebration Coach, and Mom Mentor, who is on a mission to help moms just like you live from a place of overflow, not overwhelm. Misty brings her heart and wisdom to th...

Parenting is never easy, but when your child is struggling with anxiety, it can feel even more overwhelming and isolating. As a parent, you want to help, but how do you know when your teen or young adult truly needs support? What do you do if they don’t want help? And most importantly, how can you start those sometimes difficult but necessary conversations about mental health? Cynthia Coufal is a...

What if everything you do for your family—every task, every decision, every emotional and mental ounce of energy—was being carried by you without recognition? And what if this constant mental load was affecting not just your relationships but your own well-being? In today’s episode of Beyond Empty Nest , we’re diving into a powerful conversation about the invisible mental load of motherhood, its i...

🌿 What if something as simple as a scent could ease perimenopause symptoms, boost your confidence, and even strengthen connections with other women in midlife? In today’s episode, I’m joined by Kim Benoy—retired RN, Certified Aromatherapist, and host of the Midlife with Courage Podcast . Kim’s mission is to help women over 40 recognize their beauty, value, and worth. We dive into how essential oi...

Ready to reinvent your life after 40? Erin Keating’s journey is proof that it’s never too late to make a bold change. She shares how a wake-up call during a battle with COVID pneumonia pushed her to completely reimagine her life. From rethinking her career to navigating the challenges of menopause, Erin talks about the power of embracing the truth and breaking free from societal expectations. She...

Ever look around and feel like your life is drowning in clutter? Not just the stuff you can see, but the mental clutter too? If you're nodding along, you're not alone! In today’s episode, we're diving deep into the world of organization with expert Janet Bernstein, and trust me, you won’t want to miss this one. Janet Bernstein is the founder of The Organizing Professionals , the lar...

In this special 100th episode, we dive deep into the empowering mantra of "Dare On." This phrase holds the power to transform lives—if you truly embrace it. It can inspire you to reignite your dreams, confront the fears holding you back, and push through challenges. Join us for a conversation with an extraordinary panel of women who have dared to live beyond their comfort zones. Each of...

Ever find yourself in that weird "in-between" phase where life feels like it’s on pause and you’re wondering, What now? Whether your kids have flown the nest, your career is shifting, or life’s simply thrown you a curveball, we’ve all been there. The blank slate is both daunting and full of possibility—but how do you turn that stuck feeling into your breakthrough moment? Today we’re divi...

Navigating illness as a woman comes with unique challenges that go beyond physical health. Rebecca Bloom, a workplace and insurance benefits advocate, sheds light on the complexities women face when dealing with healthcare systems, workplace barriers, and unforeseen financial burdens. As an advocate with Bay Area Cancer Connections, Rebecca supports women across the country in getting the care and...

Life’s roller coaster never stops, but what if your routines could help you ride the waves instead of feeling tossed around by them? It’s time to say goodbye to quick fixes and crash diets. Instead, let's talk about building habits that not only stick but support you through life’s ups and downs. If you’ve ever found yourself feeling like you’re starting over each time life gets tough, this c...

What if the end of one chapter is actually the start of something way better? On today’s episode of Beyond Empty Nest , we’re talking about thriving as a divorced empty nester—and trust me, it’s not all doom and gloom! In fact, it’s about embracing new opportunities, stepping out of your comfort zone, and making this next chapter your most exciting one yet. My guest today is living proof that a fr...

When the kids leave the nest, many couples find themselves facing an unexpected challenge: rediscovering their relationship. Jill Savage, author of Empty Nest, Full Life and marriage expert, shares her insights on the hidden gaps that often appear in midlife marriages, particularly during the transition to an empty nest. As couples navigate this new chapter, they can feel disconnected, emotionally...

 If you've ever found yourself wondering, “Who am I beyond being a mom?”, this is the episode for YOU! As our kids gain independence, it’s the perfect time to rediscover who we are beyond the title of "mom." Today, we're chatting about stepping into new roles, embracing passions, and confidently embracing the next chapter of life 🌱✨ Kathy Chlan is a vibrant lifestyle expert w...

Stress—it's that sneaky little thing that can derail our day, disrupt our mood, and even harm our health. Stress is something that most of us deal with on a daily basis and have accepted as a part of our lives. But what if we had the tools to recognize stress BEFORE it spirals, simple strategies to manage it while we’re dealing with it, and more power to dive into self-love to reduce its impa...

Divorce can be tough at any age, but when it happens later in life, after your children have already left the nest, the emotional toll can often go unnoticed. As parents navigate their own grief, anger, and confusion, they may unintentionally overlook the significant impact their separation has on their adult children.  Today we’re joined by Christina McGee, a leading divorce and parenting expert,...

"Confidence isn’t about being fearless. It’s about daring to step outside your comfort zone, even when you’re scared." If you’re here, you know it’s time to break free from the ordinary and reinvent yourself! Meet Jen Polt, a woman who completely transformed her life after 25 years in a corporate career. At the age of 52, Jen took the bold step of leaving her comfort zone behind and star...

Have you ever had a moment when you looked around and thought, “Is this really my effing life?”  Maybe it's a quiet afternoon, or a chaotic moment, but something makes you question everything. That's exactly what happened to Lydia Mandell—sitting in a hot laundry room, overwhelmed by grief, menopause, and the weight of caring for her aging parents. It was a true "WTF" moment, b...