October Empty Nest Happy Hour

Author

Danielle Wilberg
October 21, 2024

Welcome to the Empty Nest Happy Hour
Podcast Newsletter

Where it’s always happy, because the nest is empty.

WELCOME

Welcome back to the Empty Nest Happy Hour newsletter, where we dive into the ups, downs, and surprises of this “new normal.” Whether you are adjusting to an emptier house, juggling boomerang kids, or just here for the midlife snark, we’re in it together.

As we have discussed on the podcast, it’s not just about finally getting the TV remote back (though we have been loving lots of TV that we’ve shared on the show). It’s about rewriting our narrative now that we’re in midlife. After years of putting others first, it’s finally time to step into the starring role of our own stories.

If you’re ready to shake off outdated expectations and embrace midlife on your terms, we’re here for it. So let’s keep raising a glass (or coffee mug) to this new chapter—one laugh, lesson, and bold decision at a time.

PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS

Think you’re the only one stumbling through midlife madness? Not even close! We’ve covered everything from the bliss of a quiet house to the struggles of adjusting—for both us and the kids. These past few weeks have featured some amazing guests, including dads sharing their take, the perspective of an only child, and tips on how to “right-size” life. We even heard from a listener in rural England, reminding us that this wild transition really is universal.

Kick back and catch up on all the juicy moments you might have missed!

"I Took Four Imodium" (Featuring Rick Wilberg)

Special guest Rick, spouse to Danielle, shares the Dad perspective to empty nesting and the lack of resources for males when it comes to kids leaving the nest. Erin, Danielle, and Rick also go all in on the hottest show on television - The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. Come for the outlook on dad's and empty nesting, stay for a realistic look at Danielle and Rick behind the scenes. Drink of the week: Blueberry Mojito.

rss.com/podcasts/emptynesthappyhour/1669650

One and Done: Empty Nesting with an Only Child (Featuring Stephanie Faraci)

In this episode, the Empty Nest Happy Hour crew celebrates a major milestone: over 2,000 Facebook followers since their mid-July launch. Stephanie Faraci joins Amy and Danielle as a special guest, bringing a unique perspective as a mom of an only child who recently left for college. Stephanie shares the emotional ups and downs of navigating empty nesting with an only. The hosts discuss everything from nostalgic stories about babysitters to the bittersweet moments of dropping kids off at college, all while sipping on a seasonal caramel apple mimosa. There’s plenty of humor, heart, and honesty as they reflect on their evolving roles, the challenges of parenting from a distance, and learning to let go. Along the way, they also dive into fun topics like the complexities of strict religious upbringings, the perks of seasonal cocktails, and even a bit of celebrity gossip. Drink of the week: Caramel Apple Mimosa.

rss.com/podcasts/emptynesthappyhour/1679733

Right Sizing Life: Filling Up the Empty Nest with Fun and Friends (Featuring Sue Grey)

In this lively and heartfelt episode, Amy and Danielle are joined by special guest, Sue Grey. The three dive deep into different stages of empty nesting, from learning how to "right-size" their lives (not downsize!), to figuring out what to do with all the new found freedom, the trio discusses the emotional and logistical transitions that come with this life change. Sue shares her personal journey, offering wisdom from her 11+ years as an empty nester. The hosts and Sue also talk about the challenge of cooking for two, the importance of deep friendships, and how to fill up the “empty” that comes with an empty nest. The conversation is full of relatable stories, including parenting college students, maintaining marriages, and making space for self-care. Plus, there’s a fun drink recipe—The Spaghett!

rss.com/podcasts/emptynesthappyhour/1691278

Erin Returns!

In this episode of Empty Nest Happy Hour, the ladies dive into a hilarious and heartfelt chat about life as empty nesters, from unexpected "rage issues" to listener stories. Danielle shares her recent battles with menopausal rage, including a dramatic (and hilarious) incident where she shattered her Apple Watch, while Erin brings some laughter with her "chlamydia" gardening mix-up story. They also discuss a heartwarming email from a listener in England, who sent in a pros and cons list about empty nesting—revealing that peace and quiet can sometimes be a double-edged sword.The hosts share their own experiences of having too much alone time, the challenges of cooking for one, and the unexpected responsibilities that come with having the kids out of the house (like changing lightbulbs and being solely responsible for the dog). They highlight the joys of more "me time," a tidier home, and the satisfaction of raising independent children. As always, the conversation is full of humor, relatable anecdotes, and genuine moments of connection. Drink of the Week: Apple Pie Jungle Juice

rss.com/podcasts/emptynesthappyhour/1703662

Listening to the Empty Nest Happy Hour podcast is easy! Click the links above, or find us wherever you get your podcasts!

Authentic Moment from Episode 14: One and Done: Empty Nesting with an Only Child

In this episode, Stephanie Faraci offered a refreshing take on the empty nest transition. “There’s this unspoken pressure to fill the void at home,” she said. “But it’s okay to focus on your career or other passions—work can actually be a powerful way to reclaim who you are.”

Stephanie emphasized that pursuing professional goals isn’t just about filling time; it’s about maintaining a sense of identity beyond parenthood. “You don’t have to apologize for wanting to work. It can be a source of purpose and pride when the house gets quiet.”

Her words resonated with listeners, reminding us that it’s more than okay to prioritize our own aspirations in this new chapter.

Amy, Stephanie, Erin, and Danielle enjoying Fighting Illini Football and tailgating!

Cheers to That!

One of our favorite things is to share some of the happy things happening in our lives—wins that are worth celebrating. Here’s what had us saying “cheers” in the past few episodes:

Amy’s Cheers to That!

Amy toasted to finally having more time to enjoy live events—from concerts, to musical theater, to comedy shows. Life is too short, go see live shows!

Erin’s Cheers to That!

Erin cheered a successful parent weekend with her daughter in Iowa. It was filled with lots of laughs and some memorable meals together.

Danielle’s Cheers to That!

Danielle raised a glass to celebrate producer Aunt Lizzy’s 44th birthday. The two celebrated this age-burst milestone with a jam-packed weekend in their favorite city—Chicago!

WHAT’S COMING UP

We’re taking a short break this week because, well, our trusty producer, Aunt Lizzy, is off traveling for work in Australia, and let’s just say, we haven’t quite mastered the tech side of things on our own! But don’t worry, we’ll be back soon with more laughs, insights, and celebrity gossip.

When we return, we’ve got a special guest lined up: Suzy Mighell from Empty Nest Blessed! She’ll be joining us to chat about finding joy in midlife, navigating this next chapter with grace, and how she’s built a thriving community of empty nesters online. You won’t want to miss this one!

So hang tight, keep the cocktails ready, and we’ll be back in your earbuds before you know it!

CONTACT US

Want to reach out? We’re all ears!

Whether it’s to share your empty nest stories, ask us a question, or just say hi—we love hearing from you! You can slide into our DMs, comment on our posts, or even better, shoot us an email! Because let’s be real, we actually like email.

Here’s how you can reach us:

Social Media: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads for daily updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and empty nest and midlife content.

Website: Visit www.emptynesthappyhour.com for info on us, past episodes and show notes.

We’re building a community, and we want you to be part of it! Don’t be shy—reach out, share, and join the conversation!

Until next time, keep laughing and enjoying your
Empty Nest.

Cheers!