Malibu & Me with Jen Rouse

Episode #12: Join us for a compelling conversation with Jay, a revered snowboarding coach who offers an enlightening perspective on nurturing young athletes. Jay emphasizes the power of intrinsic motivation, advocating for a supportive environment where young athletes can discover their own drive for success without the weight of external expectations. Parents, step into a pivotal role by crafting...

Episode #11: Join us as we navigate the joys and challenges of empty nesting in our 50s. We open up about our personal experiences with the 75 Hard program, discussing both the rewards and hurdles we've faced, particularly during the chilly winter months. Staying hydrated has been a comedic adventure, especially with the frequent bathroom stops during road trips. We've also discovered a newfound l...

Episode #10: Becoming empty nesters is a journey full of unexpected twists, and celebrating our 10th episode, we take a heartfelt look at navigating this new chapter. With the invaluable insights of our special guest, Elias Murcko, Kelli's 19-year-old son, we share personal experiences about resetting marriages in our 50s and embracing the freedom that comes with fewer responsibilities. Elias brin...

Episode #9: When Sarah's car skidded off the road in what could have been a tragic accident, it shook us to our core, reminding us of the unpredictable nature of life. Yet, amid the chaos of a devastating week in Southern California, we found solace during a rejuvenating trip to the serene landscapes of Colorado. We pour our hearts into sharing these personal stories and how we've begun embracing...

Episode #8: Sarah Barber, a sophomore at Pepperdine University, joins us to share her inspiring journey living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). Diagnosed at age two, Sarah's life has been shaped by resilience and a passion for scientific advancements in medicine. She opens up about how SMA has fueled her ambitions and the way it has influenced her path toward a career in chemistry. Alongside he...

Episode #7: The transition from empty nester to managing the complexities of aging parents was more than just a shift in responsibilities—it's an emotional rollercoaster that no one  prepares you for. This episode draws from personal stories to highlight the very real challenges of navigating the care for aging loved ones. We explore the often unspoken necessity of planning for this stage of life,...

Episode #6: Amy Renola, the Harvest Ball Queen of 1984, joins us for a laughter-filled exploration of life as empty nesters. Together, we reminisce about those uncharted years of reclaiming our identities in our 50s, swapping stories of inclusive Jewish bar nights, and savoring the vibrant nightlife that our town has to offer. All the while, we keep our community close to heart, sending our deepes...

Episode #5: Picture the heartwarming chaos of a holiday home filled with laughter, snowball fights, and the sweet anticipation of Santa's visit. That's the scene we set as Benny and Jojo, our young guests, light up the room with their infectious excitement for Christmas. From snowboarding escapades to ice-skating adventures, we capture the essence of creating treasured family traditions. Amidst th...

Episode #4: After Jen's son's high school graduation, watching him toss his cap in the air, she realized that her journey as a parent had taken a new turn. It's a mix of celebration and reflection as we embrace the changes that come with empty nesting in our 50s. This episode is a candid look at how we navigate this phase, starting with the triumphant co-parenting at Nate's graduation, where we le...

Episode #2: Embrace the emotional rollercoaster of empty nesting and parenting young adults with us as we share heartwarming stories and insightful strategies. Discover the joys of a trip to wine country and the creative spark from a book club review that inspired unique family traditions. Feel the bittersweet journey of children leaving home, particularly those with special needs, as Kelly recoun...

Episode #1: Welcome to JK It's Not about you, with your hosts, Jen Rouse and Kelli Murcko! Just when we thought we knew what life had in store, the transition to being empty nesters flipped our world upside down. Rediscovering ourselves, we navigate the joys and trials of newfound freedoms, all while juggling relationships, menopause, and the evolving dynamic with our grown children. Our journey t...

Trailer: Hello and welcome to JK It's Not About You, I'm Jen Rouse and I'm Kelli Murcko, and we're your hosts. We're new empty nesters, and we're here to talk about what the next chapter looks like. For so long, we were taxi drivers, domestic engineers, chefs, tutors, cheerleaders and everything else that goes along with being a parent! No days off, no paid vacation, and very limited time to pursu...