Episode #26: Feeling like passing ships as life pulls us in different directions, it's time to anchor and catch up on summer adventures! From laughter-filled trips to Santa Cruz and the glitzy scenes of Vegas, to the tranquility of gardening with tomatoes and peppers thriving under the sun, we're sharing stories of vibrant journeys and local plans. Though a trip to Japan was averted by a twist of parental intuition, the thrill of Nate's 18th birthday brings a new chapter of responsibilities and passport renewals. As we cherish the companionship of our beloved pups and the steady presence of John amidst the experience of empty nesting, our summer is a blend of nostalgia and new beginnings.

In a world of constant change, wellness has become our compass, guiding us through life's transitions, especially as we navigate the waves of menopause. With a vision of bonding over a karaoke night and the transformative power of walking, we’re embracing both community and health. As we share personal stories of weight gain and health hurdles, acceptance emerges as a key theme, supported by solutions like hormone replacement therapy. Walking, a simple yet profound practice, offers solace and vitality, while our focus on protein-packed nutrition—featuring recipes like paleo pancakes—adds fuel to our active lifestyles. Join us in celebrating the joys of movement and the nurturing power of connection.

Chapters:

(01:12) Summer Plans and Empty Nesting
(07:35) Wellness and Walking for Women's Health
(11:28) Finding Balance in Active Lifestyles

To learn more about how you can also work with Robin, head over to her website and tell her Jen and Kelli sent you! Chaletandcostudio.com

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Episode #25: Unlock the potential of your home and transform your life as we embark on a journey into the world of empty nesting and home refreshes. With our children having flown the nest, we explore the newfound freedom and adventures that await us, from memorable travels to Palm Springs and Mount Madonna, to the exciting realm of home improvement projects. We are joined by a special guest, a home refresh and remodel expert, who shares invaluable insights on reimagining spaces, making this phase not just a physical transformation but a symbol of a fresh start.

Together, we dive into actionable tips for breathing new life into your home without breaking the bank. Discover how a designer’s perspective can illuminate unseen potential, from maximizing cabinetry space to seamlessly blending old and new design elements. Our conversation highlights the importance of prioritizing updates like countertops and lighting, and how small tweaks, such as swapping out hardware or rearranging furniture, can make a significant impact. Our expert guest also emphasizes the critical role of professional guidance in achieving a harmonious balance between aesthetics and budget.

Beyond the physical transformation, we reflect on the joys of personal expression in your home. Embrace your unique style rather than following fleeting trends, and explore the concept of flex spaces to adapt to changing family dynamics. From creating peaceful meditation rooms to accommodating our furry friends with pet-friendly materials, we cover it all. To top it off, we share a delightful, protein-rich alternative to traditional ranch dressing that’s bound to become a favorite at your gatherings. Join us as we celebrate this new chapter of life with creativity, freedom, and fun!

Chapters:

(00:00) Empty Nesting and Refreshing
(06:41) Family Space Design and Renovation
(17:17) Home Refresh and Flex Space Ideas
(26:24) Designing Spaces for Meditation and Pets
(35:52) Healthy Creamy Protein Tips

To learn more about how you can also work with Robin, head over to her website and tell her Jen and Kelli sent you! Chaletandcostudio.com

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Episode #24: Who knew that a simple road trip could turn into such an adventure? Picture this: a flat tire on a deserted dirt road in Southern Utah, all on a quiet Mother's Day Sunday. That's just one of the unexpected twists we encountered as we embraced our new life as empty nesters. From Malibu's sunny beaches to the rugged beauty of Utah, we're rediscovering ourselves beyond parenthood. Our escapades include reconnecting with old friends, enjoying a girls' weekend in Palm Springs, and soaking in mountain greenery. Join us as we share laughs, reflect on the fun and frustrations of this new chapter, and explore the freedom to reclaim our time and passions.

Our tire troubles didn’t just provide a good story, they taught us a thing or two about car safety. After a $1,300 towing bill, we learned the hard way about the importance of having a spare tire or a tire kit, especially when venturing into remote areas. While waiting for rescue, we made the most of our time with a delightful breakfast at a health food store called the Mercantile. We hope our story encourages you to be prepared for any unforeseen road trip hiccups. We'd love to hear your thoughts and stories, so jump on Instagram and share with us. Don’t forget to rate and review our show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify — your support means the world to us. See you next week for more adventures and heartfelt moments!

Chapters:

(00:00) Adventures in Empty Nesting
(10:21) Importance of Car Tire Safety
(23:12) Share Your Questions and Feedback

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Episode #23: When the Malibu fires swept through our beloved coastal community, Sarah, a local resident and our guest for this episode, witnessed firsthand the devastation and the incredible resilience that followed. As she shares her personal journey of volunteering for fire relief efforts, we unravel the emotional and physical toll these fires took on Malibu's cherished landmarks and homes, from her sorority sister's house to the iconic Reel Inn. We reflect on the heartening tale of Pepperdine University students seeking refuge in a fireproof library and the unparalleled strength of Malibu's people during such trying times.

But the challenges didn't stop with the fires. Our conversation shifts to the struggles faced by local businesses due to mudslides and road closures, and the hopeful revival tied to the university's summer classes. We explore the lively atmosphere at local haunts like Lucky's and Trottenoid's and share tips for navigating the chaotic process of moving into new dorms. In our final segment, we delve into Pepperdine University's advocacy for accessibility, highlighting how small changes can create more inclusive spaces. Join us for a heartfelt episode filled with resilience, recovery, and community spirit that defines Malibu.

Chapters:

(00:00) Empty Nesting in California
(10:36) Supporting Local Businesses in Malibu
(19:01) Advocacy for Accessibility at Pepperdine

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Episode #22: In this episode, Jen and Kelly are joined by their prodcucer Kimberly Lovi to discuss the challenges and joys of empty nesting, including personal fitness journeys, dating experiences in midlife, travel adventures, and the emotional complexities of caring for aging parents. They also emphasize the importance of community support for local businesses, especially in the wake of recent challenges faced by their neighborhoods.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Updates
04:23 Pilates Experiences and Fitness Journeys
07:24 Dating Adventures and Matchmaking Stories
10:15 Transitioning into Empty Nesting
13:20 Exploring Jackson Hole and Ski Towns
16:22 Life in Malibu and Family Dynamics
19:30 Navigating Changes and Future Plans
23:47 Navigating Motherhood and Growing Children
25:49 Coping with Aging Parents
34:09 The Emotional Journey of Caregiving
42:03 Finding Peace in Caregiving
46:28 Supporting Local Communities Post-Disaster

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Episode #21: In this episode, Jen and Kelly, two new empty nesters, explore the challenges and opportunities that come with this new phase of life. They discuss feelings of emptiness, the search for purpose, and the importance of community involvement. The conversation also touches on health, nutrition, and the rediscovery of passions as they navigate their fifties. With humor and honesty, they share their experiences and encourage listeners to embrace change and seek new adventures.

Chapters:

00:00 Embracing the Empty Nest Journey

03:03 Navigating Change and Finding Purpose

06:17 Exploring New Opportunities and Adventures

09:03 Giving Back and Community Involvement

12:04 Health, Wellness, and Cooking Adventures

15:03 Finding Joy and Connection in New Experiences

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Episode #20: Navigating the transition to an empty nest is a journey filled with both excitement and uncertainty. Kelly and I find ourselves at a crossroads, shifting from the vibrant days of active parenting to rediscovering who we are beyond our family roles. Our summer has been a whirlwind of new experiences and personal growth, as we embrace the changes that come with this phase. We’re excited to have Melissa join us, who brings her own fresh perspective after moving to Charleston for grad school. Her story of adapting to a new city and carving out a space for herself is both inspiring and relatable.

The leap from college to the real world is no small feat, and it often comes with financial and emotional hurdles. We've been there, feeling the pressure to measure up to peers and hit benchmarks that seem set in stone. Together, we unpack the importance of financial literacy—budgeting for those future adventures while embracing the courage that comes with newfound independence. Drawing inspiration from Mel Robbins, we explore the transformative power of exploring different environments in your twenties, sharing personal tales of risk-taking and growth as stepping stones to happiness.

Child psychology is a field that captivates us both, tracing back to our own childhood aspirations and family adventures. The journey from a love of care to a career in psychology highlights the significance of mental health support from a young age. We dive into the unique ways children communicate their emotions and the critical role of attentive listening and understanding. Along the way, we reflect on the joys and trials of parenting young children, the vital importance of family communication, and yes, the complexities of modern dating. Join us as we share our stories and insights—and don't forget to connect with us on Instagram at JK. It's Not About You, where your questions and thoughts shape our conversations in upcoming episodes.

Chapters:

(00:00) Navigating Empty Nesting in Your 50s
(07:19) Financial Awareness and Life Adjustments
(13:50) Exploring Career Paths in Child Psychology
(17:10) Generational Conversations and Greek Night
(25:58) Share and Review Our Podcast

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Episode #19: Reflecting on the unexpected freedom that comes with empty nesting, Kelly and I share our personal journey of redefining identity and rekindling passions in this new life phase. My mission to revive the brooch as a homage to my grandmother sparks a joyful conversation about fashion staples and life’s simple pleasures. The episode takes a heartfelt turn as we address the complex realities of aging and addiction, drawing from personal experiences and the silent battles faced by loved ones. We discuss how embracing sobriety can be a transformative lifestyle choice, touching on the innovative appeal of mocktail bars as inclusive social spaces that nurture mental clarity and well-being.

The narrative deepens as we explore the intricate path of addiction recovery, with personal stories providing a window into the struggles and triumphs of supporting family members through their battles. This emotional journey underscores the importance of acceptance, self-reflection, and the individual’s internal drive for change. We highlight the role of genetics and environment while acknowledging the challenges that come with repeated relapses. By sharing these stories, we aim to connect with others navigating similar paths, offering insights into the unexpected role reversals that occur when children step into caregiving roles for addicted parents, and emphasizing the strength found in supportive communities and therapy.

Chapters:

(00:00) Navigating Addiction and Empty Nesting
(07:39) Journey to Overcoming Addiction
(17:55) Overcoming Addiction Through Self-Reflection

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