Empty Nester Life: The Podcast with Mark and Jacki

What do you do when someone you love deeply lets you down? When unmet expectations leave quiet but lasting wounds? In this episode of Empty Nester Life , Jacki and Mark talk candidly about forgiveness — not the dramatic kind, but the quiet, everyday kind. The kind that creeps into marriages, friendships, and family relationships when people don’t show up the way we hoped they would. This conversat...

Looking for fresh date night inspiration now that the nest is empty? In this episode of Empty Nester Life , we’re sharing 3 fun, affordable, and memorable date night ideas you can try this week! ✨ Here’s what we cover: At-Home Experiences – from indoor picnics to backyard stargazing. Local Exploration – discover hidden gems like hiking trails, farmers markets, and cozy cafés. Activity-Centered Ov...

Dogs aren’t just pets — they’re family. 🐶 In this heartfelt episode, we explore how dogs teach us about love, loyalty, presence, and even faith. We’ll talk about: Why dogs are often the emotional heart of a home ❤️ How they comfort us without words and reduce loneliness The way dogs model loyalty, protection, and responsibility 🛡️ What unconditional love looks like — and how it reflects God’s lov...

Is growth always good? Or is the constant pressure to “do more and be more” actually keeping us from true transformation? In this episode, we dive into the big question: Should we keep growing? Together, we’ll explore what healthy, Spirit-led growth looks like — not growth for performance or approval, but growth rooted in God’s love and grace. We’ll talk about: Why pruning, resting, and rooting ar...

Looking for the best travel ideas for empty nesters? In this episode, we share our Top 5 Travel Destinations for Empty Nesters. From romantic getaways to bucket-list adventures, these top 5 travel ideas are perfect for couples ready to explore life after kids leave home. One of the best parts of becoming an empty nester is the freedom to travel!  Whether you’re looking for romantic escapes, cultur...

In this episode of Empty Nester Life, we share how a Bible-based faith in Christ has shaped our story from the very beginning. We talk about how God brought us together, the ways Scripture continues to guide our marriage, and why walking with Jesus is the key to staying strong through every season of life—including the empty nest years. You’ll hear how leaning on God’s Word has helped us navigate...

Becoming an empty nester is one of the biggest life transitions you’ll ever face—and it comes with more changes than you might expect. In this episode of Empty Nester Life: The Podcast, Mark and Jacki dive into the Top 5 Ways Your Life Changes when the kids leave home. From the way your house feels, to your daily routines, relationships, social life, and even your finances, we’re exploring the emo...

Thinking about turning your second home into a short-term rental? 🏡✨ In this episode of Empty Nester Life , we’re diving into everything you need to know before listing your vacation home on Airbnb, VRBO, or another rental platform. From permits and regulations to property management, marketing, taxes, and guest prep—we cover the real-world details that can make or break your rental experience....

Arizona Travel & Lifestyle Guide: From the Desert to the Pines 🌵🌲 Arizona is so much more than cactus and sunshine—it’s a state full of stunning contrasts, rich history, and endless adventures. In this episode of the Empty Nester Life Podcast, we’re taking you on a regional road trip through Northern, Central, and Southern Arizona, sharing what makes each area truly special. From the pine-co...

Buying a home in a different state can be exciting—but also overwhelming. In this episode of Empty Nester Life, we share our real-life experience buying a second home in Rockport, Texas, and walk you through what you need to know before purchasing out of state—whether you're relocating full-time or looking for a getaway spot. From emotional prep to financial must-knows, insurance surprises, a...

🎥 10 Ways to Ruin Your YouTube Channel (And What to Do Instead!) Welcome to Empty Nester Life , where we explore the next chapter with curiosity, humor, and purpose. In this episode, we’re diving into something a little different: YouTube mistakes . Whether you're a fellow empty nester starting a channel, a creator trying to find your audience, or someone just curious about what not to do on...

“It’s not too late to make a phone call, write a letter, or open a door.” In this episode of Empty Nester Life , we’re diving into one of the hardest and most meaningful challenges of midlife: rebuilding broken or distant relationships. Whether you're hoping to reconnect with adult children, an estranged sibling, or an old friend, this conversation offers hope, encouragement, and real-world s...

Have you ever found yourself coping with regret thinking, “I should have…” or “If only I had…”? In this heartfelt episode of the Empty Nester Life Podcast, we dive into the universal experience of regret—and how to stop letting it define you. Whether you're looking back on parenting choices, missed career opportunities, or relationships that didn’t go the way you hoped, this conversation will...

Is it time to downsize your home now that the kids have moved out? In this episode of Empty Nester Life: The Podcast , we’re tackling one of the biggest questions empty nesters face: Should we sell the family home and move into something smaller? As realtors who are also living the empty nest life ourselves, we’ve helped countless clients through this very transition—and we’ve walked through it pe...

Blending a family is never easy—especially when it involves integrating a stepfather into a child’s life. In this episode of Empty Nester Life: The Podcast, we dive into the emotional, practical, and relational aspects of becoming a stepdad or welcoming one into the family. We explore: ✅ Setting realistic expectations ✅ Communicating with empathy ✅ Defining roles and boundaries ✅ Building trus...

What does it really mean to live the Empty Nester Life? In this episode, we unpack the meaning behind each word in our title: – Empty: From the quiet house to the emotional emptiness we sometimes feel – Nest: How our home evolves when the kids are gone – Life: What this next chapter looks like — the fun, the freedom, and the sometimes unexpected identity shifts Whether you're just entering th...

In this first episode of our health mini-series, we kick things off with the eye-opening moment that changed everything for us: a casual clean-out of our spice rack that led to a deep dive into food toxins, ultra-processed products, and ingredient transparency. We compare two jars of paprika—one organic and pure, the other full of mystery (literally, no ingredients listed!). That discovery launche...

Your kids are grown, but the parenting role hasn’t disappeared—it’s just changed. In this episode of Empty Nester Life: The Podcast , we explore how to support your adult children without hovering, offer advice without overstepping, and encourage independence while staying emotionally connected. We’ll talk about letting go of your timeline for their life, celebrating small wins, and what healthy s...

In this episode of Empty Nester Life: The Podcast , we dive into one of the most important—and sometimes overlooked—topics in the empty nester journey: marriage after the kids leave home. When the house gets quiet and the routines change, couples often find themselves asking, "Now what?" We’re sharing our own experiences, the challenges we’ve faced, and how we’re working to reconnect, re...

Episode 3: Heart Health & Diet – Mark’s Wake-Up Call and What We Learned In this episode of Empty Nester Life: The Podcast, we open up about Mark’s personal health scare that became a major turning point in how we approach wellness. We walk you through the specific tests that revealed a hidden heart issue, what those results meant, and how we used that moment as a catalyst for change. From the...

In this episode of Empty Nester Life: The Podcast , we reconnect with our YouTube community and share an honest update on our empty nester journey. From falling in love with Rockport, Texas, to buying (and eventually selling) vacation rental properties, we catch you up on the real-life decisions that shaped our path. This was the turning point when we shifted from sharing our personal story to cre...

In our very first episode, we’re pulling back the curtain and inviting you into our story. We’re Jacki and Mark—married for decades, parents of four, and now navigating the unpredictable, exciting, and sometimes emotional world of empty nest life. We share why we started this podcast, what you can expect in future episodes, and some of the real, honest topics we’ll be diving into—from marriage shi...

🎙️ Welcome to the Empty Nester Life podcast — where life after the kids move out gets real, raw, and a little ridiculous. Hosted by Jacki and Mark Tait, a couple navigating the next chapter of marriage, meaning, and memory-making, this podcast dives into the ups, downs, and hilarious moments of empty nester living. Whether you're rediscovering your identity, rekindling romance, or figuring ou...