Best Empty Nest Syndrome Podcasts (2025)

1
Why Gen X Nerds Quietly Won the Culture War 57:57

Play Pause

3d ago57:57

57:57

Author Max Brooks grew up surrounded by Hollywood royalty, but he never felt like he fit the part. Before World War Z and before he advised the U.S. military on disaster planning, he was the child of Mel Brooks and Anne Bancroft, who obsessed over niche interests and tried to survive school one awkward lunch at a time. In this episode, Max explains…

1
260 | Seaside, Stuffing, and Soothing Your Stress: Calming Cortisol in a Crazy Holiday Season 20:32

4d ago20:32

20:32

In this episode of the Life Coach BFF Show, Heather Pettey shares her joyful Thanksgiving experience in Seaside, Florida, and reflects on her favorite holiday moments. She discusses the ongoing debate of stuffing vs. dressing and shares a family tradition of making Turkey nuggets. Heather also talks about the SEC football drama, her reevaluation of…

1
It's NOT Too Late! The MIND GYM Secret to Manifesting Anything After 45 - with SuZan Peltekian 34:33

4d ago34:33

34:33

SuZan Peltekian is a global speaker, a peak performance coach, and a total game-changer who has spent years helping people remember they are powerful beyond measure. The heart of our chat is getting out of "default living" and actually designing the life we were born to live. She gets super real, sharing that she struggled with self-belief for year…

1
CSB349: Our Timeline Begins With Horse Armour 3:48:57

5d ago3:48:57

3:48:57

Download for Mobile | Podcast Preview | Full Timestamps Older Twitch VODs are now being uploaded to the new channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CastleSuperBeastArchive Divorced CarMan Ball Cross Pit Chrono-likes I Watched A Horse-girl Movie Hate AI Dubbed Anime For The Correct Reasons Creators Who Lost Touch Watch live: twitch.tv/castlesuperbeast Go …

1
Gen X Is Freaking Out About Retirement 55:53

6d ago55:53

55:53

More than three in five Gen Xers are not confident in their ability to achieve a dream retirement and nearly half think they'll outlive their savings. We have far less confidence in our futures than generations before us. Kerry Hannon and Janna Herron, co-authors of Retirement Bites: A Gen X Guide to Securing Your Financial Future, explain how we g…

1
Daughter Lessons: Rewriting the Mother–Daughter Story 1:11:51

7d ago1:11:51

1:11:51

This one’s for every woman who’s ever wondered if she was a good enough daughter—or a good enough mom. Karen and Lisa sit down with attorney, writer, and self-proclaimed Queen Bee, Bernadette Catalana, for a conversation that’s tender, honest, and full of midlife wisdom. Inspired by her book Daughter Lessons: Wise and Witty Reflections on Leading, …

1
The #1 Mistake Midlife Women Make When Designing Their Home (It's Killing Your Peace) with Kim Depole 31:40

11d ago31:40

31:40

This Thrive After 45™ episode is all about creating a home that’s actually a sanctuary for your soul, and it has me looking at my living room completely differently. I sat down with Kim Depole, a mindful living design consultant. Seriously, this woman is a master at weaving together art, meditation, and interior design to help people create spaces …

1
BONUS Episode Thanksgiving Week 12:58

12d ago12:58

12:58

In this episode, the Heather Pettey expresses gratitude for the listeners and reflects on the blessings the show has brought into her life. She addresses Cheryl from Lexington's concern about blending families for the first time during Thanksgiving, providing practical, empathetic advice on creating a harmonious holiday environment. The episode als…

1
CSB348: Children Yearn For The 50 Year Lollipop Mortgage 4:02:14

13d ago4:02:14

4:02:14

Download for Mobile | Podcast Preview | Full Timestamps Older Twitch VODs are now being uploaded to the new channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CastleSuperBeastArchive Toddler Germ Warfare Another Year, Another Disastrous Golden Joysticks Dispatch Dongers Denied Where You See Child Predators, Roblox CEO Sees Opportunity Sacrifice Every Child on Earth…

1
258 | Holiday Prep, Self-Care, & Christmas Cards 20:06

14d ago20:06

20:06

In this episode of the Life Coach BFF Show, hosted by Heather Petty, joined by Dr. Carol Lynn, the conversation centers around preparations for the holidays, with humorous and practical advice on how to manage self-care amidst the festive rush. Topics covered include the importance of scheduling beauty appointments early, avoiding major changes lik…

1
Leaving It All Behind: Midlife Women Who Move Abroad 1:16:18

14d ago1:16:18

1:16:18

What if midlife wasn’t the beginning of the end, but the start of your boldest chapter yet—somewhere far, far from home? In this raw and vibrant episode of Drinks With the Girls, Karen and Lisa talk with three midlife women who traded burnout, people-pleasing, and autopilot living for new lives abroad. We're talking Belize, Italy, and a beach in th…

1
How To Make Seven Figures As a Writer 1:00:37

15d ago1:00:37

1:00:37

Former Hollywood TV writer Amy Suto walked away from her dream job to build a seven-figure writing business. She has a new book out called Write for Money and Power: The Anti-Starving Artist's Guide to Becoming a Seven-Figure Writer, which argues that writers need to stop romanticizing poverty and start building sustainable businesses. In this conv…

1
The LIE Midlife Women Believe About Being Broken - with Elizabeth Kelly 36:12

18d ago36:12

36:12

Hey friend, you need to grab a cup of coffee and sit down for this one. This episode of Thrive After 45™ with the incredible Elizabeth Kelly is truly honest and so, so needed. Elizabeth is a transformative self-love and mindset coach who came on the show to share her whole, messy, beautiful journey of navigating divorce, finding sobriety, and havin…

1
CSB347: HUNGRY SPHINCTER PRESS, DO NOT REDEEM 2:43:06

19d ago2:43:06

2:43:06

Download for Mobile | Podcast Preview | Full Timestamps Older Twitch VODs are now being uploaded to the new channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CastleSuperBeastArchive Behold: GABECUBE Can AI replace the C-Suite please? Infinite Actually Just Means 4 Years Live Action Zelda's Cosplay Problem One Guy So Toxic, He Crashed The Deadlock Servers Rabbids W…

1
257 | Trends, Forced Smiles, and Vaccinations 27:41

21d ago27:41

27:41

In this episode of Life Coach BFF Show, hosts Heather Pettey and Dr. Carol Lynn welcome women in midlife to join their uplifting discussions about thriving during this life stage. They cover a range of topics from simple life systems, midlife health, wellness, and menopause, to fun aspects like travel, fashion, and cooking. They dive into an engagi…

1
Dinner Without the Drama: Holiday Edition 1:07:31

21d ago1:07:31

1:07:31

'Tis the season to ditch the pressure and keep the connection! In this festive episode of Drinks With the Girls, Karen and Lisa are joined once again by our favorite kitchen goddess, Lisa Potter, for the third installment of our "Dinner Without the Drama" series—this time with a holiday twist. We're serving up real-talk and real strategies for wome…

1
The Magazine for Gen Xers Who Don't Fit the Mold 1:02:21

24d ago1:02:21

1:02:21

Lili Zarghami spent decades working in women's magazines before realizing none of them were speaking to women like her anymore. After turning 40 and getting laid off, she decided to create Jenny Mag—a digital magazine for Gen X women who don't fit the cookie-cutter mold of traditional women's media. In this conversation, we discuss why dating stori…

1
STOP Letting Your Mind Run Your Life: The 3-Step System to Reclaim Your Power with Nami 32:56

25d ago32:56

32:56

Hey friend, grab a cozy seat and that mug of coffee - I have an incredible conversation to share with you! This week on Thrive After 45™, I'm so honored to introduce you to Nami, a leadership and mindset coach who is challenging us to think differently about how we lead our lives. Nami spent over 20 years in the corporate world, building high-perfo…

1
CSB346: Funko Haters, Lend Me Your Hate 2:50:07

26d ago2:50:07

2:50:07

Download for Mobile | Podcast Preview | Full Timestamps Older Twitch VODs are now being uploaded to the new channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CastleSuperBeastArchive Castle Super Shills What's Up With Arc Raiders? Boxjam Recap Praying For Funko's Downfall Don't Tell Marathon it's an Extraction Shooter Games That Eventually Delivered on Promises Wat…

1
256 | The Flat Stomach Myth: Strong, Confident, and Energized in Midlife with Heike Yates 32:36

27d ago32:36

32:36

In this episode of the Life Coach BFF Show, host Heather Pettey introduces Heike Yates, a midlife fitness expert with over 35 years of experience, an Iron Man triathlete, ultra marathon runner, author, and podcast host. Heike shares her journey from Germany to the United States, her love for travel, and how she evolved her fitness career to focus o…

1
The New “F” Word is “Fine” 57:20

28d ago57:20

57:20

What if saying “I’m fine” is actually a slow form of self-erasure? In this honest, hilarious, and deeply validating episode, Karen and Lisa unpack the emotional weight behind the word fine—that autopilot answer women give when they’re juggling too much and feeling too little. From vodka-spiked probiotics to midlife truth bombs about burnout, grief,…

1
Empty Nesting Syndrome Is Real. Here's How to Get Through It. 56:25

1M ago56:25

56:25

One minute you're helicoptering your kid to games and recitals, nagging them about their messy room. Then they're gone. An empty bedroom. An empty chair at the dinner table. You know this is a healthy part of their development, but it still feels like a piece of your own life just vanished. Some feel sadness. Some feel empty. Some even feel relief.…

1
How to Find Answers Within Yourself - with Kathy Walden 30:14

1M ago30:14

30:14

Get ready for an incredibly open-hearted chat with Kathy Walden that feels like a big, warm hug! Kathy is a spiritual life coach who's been through the deep work herself, and she’s here to remind us that the guidance we've been searching for is already whispering inside us. In this episode of Thrive after 45™️, we’re talking about what it truly mea…

1
CSB345: Businesscucks: Dio's Big Day 2:50:27

1M ago2:50:27

2:50:27

Download for Mobile | Podcast Preview | Full Timestamps Older Twitch VODs are now being uploaded to the new channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CastleSuperBeastArchive Coach Cloud805 & The Pre-Boxjam Casuals Extremely Unlucky Hades 2 Patch Timing Watch Me SUE (Grift Dat Soulja Boy) Finish Us: The Mortal Kombat Legacy Kollection Story Deus Ex Never As…

1
Surviving the Holidays as a New Empty Nester 13:37

1M ago13:37

13:37

The holidays can feel bittersweet when your nest is newly empty. The house is quieter, traditions feel different, and the season that was once full of child-centered chaos may suddenly feel… a little too calm. In this episode of Empty Nest Era, we’ll talk about how to navigate the first holiday season without your kids living at home — and actually…

1
255 | Countdown to Christmas: Anxiety-Free Holiday Planning and KK Did It Again! 12:56

1M ago12:56

12:56

In this episode of the Life Coach BFF Show, Heather Pettey provides valuable tips on how to manage holiday stress and anxiety, focusing on planning ahead with calendars and mind dumps. She encourages blocking out important events and family traditions to ensure nothing interferes with cherished moments. Heather also shares a personal tradition of e…

1
Parenting Empowered: Supporting Your Struggling Child At Any Age 1:02:01

1M ago1:02:01

1:02:01

Whether you're navigating toddler meltdowns, school refusal in middle school, or your college kid is spiraling from overwhelm, this one’s for you. In this honest and heartfelt episode, Karen and Lisa open up about the moments in parenting when everything feels hard—when the systems don’t fit your child, the experts contradict each other, and your o…

1
254 | Mason Jars, Health Tips, and Fun Projects 20:08

1M ago20:08

20:08

In this episode of the Life Coach BFF Show, hosts Heather Pettey and Dr. Carol Lynn discuss a variety of topics aimed at helping women thrive in midlife. They introduce the show and share the amusing scenario of filming from their office break room. Heather and Dr. Lynn delve into practical tips and cheerful conversations about household items like…

1
From Molotov Cocktails to Millionaire Maker - with Nicky Billou 43:05

1M ago43:05

43:05

Get ready for an incredibly powerful conversation with Nicky Billou, a man whose life story is a testament to the transformative power of freedom and courage. This episode of Thrive After 45™ is a deep dive into how he went from literally having a Molotov cocktail thrown into his living room in Iran as a child to becoming a two-time New York Times …

1
CSB344: Watch it on Poob. You can Poob it. It's a Poob Original. Dive into Poob. 2:57:15

1M ago2:57:15

2:57:15

Download for Mobile | Podcast Preview | Full Timestamps Older Twitch VODs are now being uploaded to the new channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CastleSuperBeastArchive Woolie Missed The Slam How Hath God Blighted Hi Fi Rush This Week? Halo on PlayStation Will Surely Save The Xbox Oh no! My CS:GO Knife Skin Apes! The Death of The Offline Game Watch li…

1
253 | Dr. Yosi Amram: How Spiritual Intelligence Can Empower Your Next Phase 26:19

1M ago26:19

26:19

From CEO to Spiritual Awakening: Dr. Yoshi Amram's Journey In this episode of Life Coach BFF Show, Heather Pettey welcomes Dr. Yossi Amram, a distinguished leader, author, and psychologist. Dr. Amram shares his compelling journey from being a science-focused CEO who drifted away from spirituality to undergoing a transformative spiritual awakening. …

1
The Halloween Episode: Weird Sh*t That Happens When We Age 57:15

1M ago57:15

57:15

Grab your favorite mug (preferably one that says I love goats and the word fck*) and cozy up—because in this special Halloween edition of Drinks with the Girls, we're diving into the real-life horror stories of midlife womanhood. You know the ones: A black chin hair that shows up in full sunlight Rogue pubes on your mid-thigh Eyebrow hairs that dis…

1
She Left Law to Follow Her Intuition... and Now Flies Planes and Channels Spirit - with Kristen Swinehart 30:43

2M ago30:43

30:43

Kristen Swinehart is seriously redefining what it means to follow a truly unique path. You know that feeling when you realize you're completely out of alignment? Kristen did too. She walked away from practicing law, became a flight attendant, and stepped fully into her calling as a gifted channeler known as The Flying Medium. Imagine serving up sof…

1
252 | My Wake-Up Moment and Life Lessons 10:57

2M ago10:57

10:57

Heather Pettey shares a personal wake-up moment and emphasizes the importance of living intentionally. She discusses creating a list of life lessons and values, reflecting on them, and making conscious life choices. Heather shares what she would tell her younger self and encourages listeners to do the same for a more meaningful midlife journey. Add…

1
Can You Really Transform Your Body at 50?! 1:11:52

2M ago1:11:52

1:11:52

EP 139: Hey, midlife ladies, are you staring down at your weights like they're judging you? Or maybe you're still convinced that picking up a dumbbell will turn you into a pro bodybuilder overnight? I get it—figuring out how to build strength in midlife can feel like one more chore we don't have the energy for. But what if I told you that strength …

1
CSB343: The Olds Gaslit Us Into Early Rise Culture 3:13:42

2M ago3:13:42

3:13:42

Download for Mobile | Podcast Preview | Full Timestamps Older Twitch VODs are now being uploaded to the new channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CastleSuperBeastArchive Joke's on You, We Wanted You To Mine That Data Silent Hill F is Top 3 Digimon: All the Fun of Evolution, None of the Commitment R.I.P. Itagaki Bed Unavailable, AWS Servers are Down Wat…

1
251 | Live Fully: Energizing Tips for a Bright Future 14:49

2M ago14:49

14:49

In episode 251 of the Life Coach BFF Show, Dr. Carol Lynn discusses the critical aspects of maintaining energy levels during midlife. Heather shares her personal experience with energy depletion and the rejuvenating effects of hormone replacement therapy. Dr. Lynn delves into the science of sustainable energy, covering the importance of sleep, nutr…

1
Celebrating the Twins, Pt 4: A Breast Cancer Survivor’s Story w/Guest Amy Bergant 56:07

2M ago56:07

56:07

What if the most powerful thing you could offer a loved one during cancer… wasn’t advice or casseroles—but empathy? In this vulnerable and surprisingly uplifting episode, breast cancer survivor Amy Bergant joins us for a raw conversation about navigating a diagnosis, parenting twin toddlers through chemo, and why she needed people to laugh with her…

1
Stop Self-Doubt NOW: The #1 Belief Holding Midlife Women Back - with Sabrina Trobak 26:25

2M ago26:25

26:25

Get ready, because this conversation is going to make you rethink the voice inside your head! I had the absolute honour of chatting with Sabrina Trobak, a registered clinical counsellor, clinical supervisor, speaker, and author of the book, The Voice That Lied. With over 15 years in practice and 20 years as a teacher, Sabrina has guided thousands o…

1
CSB342: Maybe The Religious Trauma Wasn't 100% The Cause Of All Your Issues feat. Edmund McMillen 2:30:49

2M ago2:30:49

2:30:49

Download for Mobile | Podcast Preview | Full Timestamps Older Twitch VODs are now being uploaded to the new channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CastleSuperBeastArchive The Binding of Isaac Intro Triggered Woolie's PTSD Mewgenics: Diseased Smelly Cat Tactics Edmund McMillen Lands Crit Damage On Woolie's Psyche Lisa The Painful is a better Last of Us C…

1
250 | Biscuits and Bravery: Jan Smith's Recipe for Midlife Reinvention 29:29

2M ago29:29

29:29

In this heartwarming episode, we sit down with Jan Smith, a culinary expert with 17 years of professional test kitchen experience, who is launching her own food lab and studio, 'Square Biscuit.' Jan shares her journey of resilience, overcoming personal challenges, and her passion for Southern cooking. Our conversation delves into her career at Sout…

1
Celebrating the Twins , Pt 3: Mitigating Breast Cancer Risk w/Guest Dr. Christine Kollmorgen 1:07:24

2M ago1:07:24

1:07:24

In this powerful and practical episode of Drinks With the Girls, Karen and Lisa sit down with Dr. Christine Kollmorgen of Oregon Surgical Wellness to talk all things breast health and cancer prevention. From the truth about exercise and cortisol to how female friendships and managing stress can literally save your life, this conversation is a must-…

1
From Panic Attacks to Purpose - with Linda Mallard 31:38

2M ago31:38

31:38

This episode is for anyone who has ever felt lost, like a part of you disappeared to keep the peace. I sat down with my dear friend, Linda Mallard, a transformational coach for midlife women. Linda's story is a beautiful, raw journey of a midlife reinvention - from building a successful Pilates business for 25 years to completely reinventing her li…

1
Navigating Low Testosterone and Finding Midlife Hobbies 1:15:53

2M ago1:15:53

1:15:53

EP 138: Hey peeps, it's me, Dr. Sarah Milken, The Flexible Neurotic. You know I'm all about the hard and good of midlife— the hormones, the identity shifts, the marriage stuff, and the WTF moments that come with it. In this episode, I sit down with the hilarious and insightful Tara Ellison, writer for The Cut, The New York Times, Harper's Bazaar, a…

1
CSB341: White Furi Is Coming 3:33:17

2M ago3:33:17

3:33:17

Download for Mobile | Podcast Preview | Full Timestamps Older Twitch VODs are now being uploaded to the new channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CastleSuperBeastArchive Parking Lot Furi: Why No White Stranger? Fk Bilewater, Fk Bilehaven, F**k Groal Every Stupid Change Xbox Just Announced 2XKO Sticker Shock (in Canadian Dollars) Gaslight Yourself Again…

1
Allyship, Sisterhood, & Being a Freaking Human with Guest Bri Martin 1:07:53

2M ago1:07:53

1:07:53

By Karen Shatafian and Lisa Corricello-McDowell

1
249 | Let’s Talk About Change and New Possibilities 12:34

2M ago12:34

12:34

By Heather Pettey - Author | Speaker | Coach for Midlife Women

1
248 | Your Palate and Life: Tasty Tips for Women 40+ 12:20

2M ago12:20

12:20

In this episode of the Life Coach BFF Show, Heather Pettey, your host and life coach, delves into the importance of food in our lives, especially during midlife. She shares tips on what foods can help alleviate menopause symptoms according to a study and personal anecdotes that many can relate to. The episode includes exciting announcements like th…

1
"Menopause Hit Me Like a Truck" - Why Midlife Women Need to Be "Selfish" to Heal - with Jacqueline Perez 26:46

2M ago26:46

26:46

This episode is a true gem. I'm so honoured to welcome back Jacqueline Perez, the heart-centered force behind Cool Life and a powerful champion for women in midlife. Jacqueline is the embodiment of everything we talk about here on Thrive After 45™: that our second act is where we truly rise into our power. Jacqueline gets real about her own menopau…

1
CSB340: The Videogame Industry Soulcrash 3:39:18

2M ago3:39:18

3:39:18

Download for Mobile | Podcast Preview | Full Timestamps Older Twitch VODs are now being uploaded to the new channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CastleSuperBeastArchive Weapons Spoiler-Free Review Dattebayo Your Own Personal Banjo Kazooie Tuba Soundscape Hell Sure The EA Buyout is Evil, But It's Also Really Dumb Teemo: Marlinpie Understood The Toxic A…