Episódios
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There was a moment—standing in my kitchen, alone on a Saturday while my kids were out living their lives—when I asked myself, “Is this it? Who am I now?”
In this episode, I’m talking about the identity crisis so many of us face as moms of teens, college students, and young adults. Whether you're in the thick of middle school meltdowns or staring at an empty bedroom, the shift in how you're needed can leave you feeling invisible, untethered, and quietly asking, What’s my purpose now?
I’ll share how this trap has followed me through every stage—from folding laundry while my kids chased their dreams, to navigating emotional distance, to standing in the stillness of the empty nest. I’ll also explore why this mindset trap is so deeply rooted in how we’ve been wired to find validation, avoid pain, and define our worth by what we do for others.
If you’ve ever felt lost in this season of transition—or wondered how to find your way back to yourself—this episode is for you. You’ll hear my story, some powerful reflections, and the quiet truth that your purpose never left you… you’ve just been looking for it in all the wrong places. Let’s talk about how you move forward—not by reinventing who you are, but by finally deciding for yourself.
Curious about coaching with Small Jar? Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0
This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers navigating empty nest transitions with their teenagers, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.
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There’s a moment when it hits you: this is the last time. The last prom. The last school lunch. The last graduation day. And it’s not just about your teen moving on — it’s about everything this moment brings up for you. In this episode, I’m reflecting on my own journey as a mom of teens standing at the edge of the empty nest, and what this season has taught me about identity, connection, and the deep, invisible work of motherhood. Letting go isn’t one big act — it’s a thousand tiny shifts. And it’s not about giving up. It’s about showing up — for your teen, and for yourself — in a whole new way. If you’re feeling the ache of transition, or just craving peace in the push-pull of this stage, this conversation is for you. You’re not alone.
Curious about coaching with Small Jar? Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0
This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers navigating empty nest transitions with their teenagers, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.
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If you’re a mom of teens and you’ve ever found yourself feeling anxious, overthinking, or just wondering why doesn’t anyone notice everything I do?—this episode is for you. In this next part of the Mindset Traps of the Empty Nest series, I’m talking about validation seeking—how it shows up, why it’s so normal, and what it costs us when we don’t see it clearly. This isn’t about trying to let go of your kid—it’s about letting go of the belief that their behavior defines your worth. If you’ve been stuck in self-doubt, resentment, or constantly waiting for a thank-you that never comes, I hope this episode brings you some peace—and a little more power.
Curious about coaching with Small Jar? Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0
This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers navigating empty nest transitions with their teenagers, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.
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Mother’s Day hasn’t always felt the way I thought it would — especially as a mom of teenagers. I spent years waiting to be celebrated, managing my mindset around disappointment, and wondering if anyone really saw everything I was carrying. In this episode, I’m sharing a raw and honest reflection on why this day can feel so emotionally charged, and what I’ve learned about letting go — not just of expectations, but of the idea that our worth depends on anyone else’s recognition. If you’re navigating the almost empty nest, this conversation will give you the perspective and permission you didn’t know you needed.
Curious about coaching with Small Jar? Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0
This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers navigating empty nest transitions with their teenagers, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.
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If you’re a mom of a teen and you ever find yourself thinking, “I should be more patient... I should give them more space… I should have done something differently,” this episode is for you.
In this week’s episode of the Mindset Traps of the Empty Nest series, I’m diving into the Should Trap. As moms, especially in this stressful season leading up to the empty nest, we carry around an invisible checklist of expectations—and when we don’t meet those expectations, we don’t just feel like we’ve made a mistake… we feel like we’re failing. In this episode, I’ll show you how this trap disguises itself as good parenting, where these “should” thoughts really come from, and how they layer with other mindset traps like personalization and perfectionism to keep you stuck in guilt, pressure, and self-doubt.
If you’ve been feeling like no matter what you do, it’s never enough—you’re not alone, and you’re not doing it wrong. Let’s unravel the Should Trap together, and help you reconnect with peace, self-trust, and the mom you actually want to be.
Curious about coaching with Small Jar? Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0
This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers navigating empty nest transitions with their teenagers, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.
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In today’s episode, I’m getting real about one of the hardest parts of raising teens—setting boundaries. Not boundaries to control your teen or fix their behavior—but boundaries that reconnect you to your own peace, clarity, and confidence. We’ll talk about why boundaries feel so hard (hint: it’s not because you’re doing it wrong), what’s actually underneath the guilt and second-guessing, and how the most powerful boundary you can ever set… is the one you set with yourself. If you’ve been feeling like you’re losing connection with your teen—or losing connection with yourself—this conversation will help you find your way back.
Curious about coaching with Small Jar? Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0
This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers navigating empty nest transitions with their teenagers, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.
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We’re continuing the Empty Nest Mindset Trap series this week with one of the most common and exhausting patterns I see in anxious moms: worst-case scenario thinking. Maybe your teen’s been struggling in school for a while… or they’ve been more distant lately. The concerns are real—but your brain takes that evidence and spins it into something so much bigger, imagining futures that feel terrifying and out of your control. I’ve been there too, lying awake at night trying to solve problems that haven’t even happened yet. In this episode, I’ll show you why your mind goes to the worst-case, how this spiral quietly steals your peace, and how to step out of the fear and back into calm, connection, and confidence—right now.
Download a free Mindset Trap Detector here: https://www.thesmalljar.com/detector
Curious about coaching with Small Jar? Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0
This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers navigating empty nest transitions with their teenagers, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.
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This episode is for every anxious, almost empty nest mom whose heart is tangled up in her teen’s future. Whether you're in the thick of college admissions or simply watching your child make choices that feel high-stakes, I promise—you’re not alone. I share my own raw experience of watching my son navigate college decisions and the gut-punch of feeling powerless. But this isn’t just a conversation about college. It’s about the fear of failure—not just for our teens, but our own fear of failing them. And how that fear keeps so many of us stuck in anxiety, control, and self-doubt. We’ll explore how to let go, how to love without needing to fix, and why reclaiming your emotional peace is the most powerful gift you can give—to your teen, and to yourself. If you’re a mom who lies awake at night wondering if you’ve done enough…this episode is for you.
Download a free Mindset Trap Detector here: https://www.thesmalljar.com/detector
Curious about coaching with Small Jar? Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0
This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers navigating empty nest transitions with their teenagers, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.
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MINDSET TRAPS OF THE EMPTY NEST - Trap #6 - Personalization
Ever feel like your teen’s bad mood is somehow your fault? In this episode of The Almost Empty Nest Podcast, I’m diving deep into one of the most painful and sneaky mindset traps we moms fall into—personalization. It’s that gut-wrenching habit of making our kids’ struggles, choices, and emotions mean something about us. I’ve lived it, I’ve coached through it, and I’ve seen how it quietly steals our peace and strains our connection with our kids. But here’s the truth: this trap isn’t who you are—it’s just a pattern your brain has learned. And once you see it, you can start to let it go. Join me for a heartfelt look at how to release the guilt, reclaim your power, and show up with the love and presence you’ve always wanted to give.
Download a free Mindset Trap Detector here: https://www.thesmalljar.com/detector
Curious about coaching with Small Jar? Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0
This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers navigating empty nest transitions with their teenagers, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.
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Have you ever felt like you're living in two worlds at once—still deep in the trenches of motherhood while also staring down an almost-empty nest? I know I have. In this episode, I dive into what I call the Empty Nest Straddle—that long, messy, emotional transition where you're constantly shifting between holding on and letting go. It’s the push and pull of still being needed while feeling your child drift into their own independence. And if you’ve ever wrestled with uncertainty, control, or the fear of what comes next for you, you’re not alone. I’ll share why this transition feels so hard, the mindset traps that make it even harder, and how we can start trusting ourselves to navigate this season with more peace, confidence, and clarity.
Download a free Mindset Trap Detector here: https://www.thesmalljar.com/detector
Curious about coaching with Small Jar? Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0
This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers navigating empty nest transitions with their teenagers, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.
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MINDSET TRAPS OF THE EMPTY NEST - Trap #5 - Perfectionism
In this episode, I’m digging into one of the most exhausting and invisible traps so many of us fall into—perfectionism. You might think you're just trying to do your best, but what if that constant pressure to get it all right is actually making motherhood—and life—so much harder than it has to be? I’ll share how perfectionism shows up in ways you might not expect, how it affects your relationship with your teen, and how it keeps you stuck in fear and self-doubt. Most importantly, I’ll show you how to begin letting go of this impossible standard so you can step into more peace, trust, and confidence as both a mom and a woman in your next chapter.
Download a free Mindset Trap Detector here: https://www.thesmalljar.com/detector
Curious about coaching with Small Jar? Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0
This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers navigating empty nest transitions with their teenagers, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.
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Some moms dread the empty nest...and some of us....can't wait. Have you ever found yourself counting down the days until your child leaves home (either for the first time or after a visit)—but then feeling guilty about it? In this episode of The Almost Empty Nest Podcast, I dive into the emotional rollercoaster of looking forward to the empty nest while still holding space for the deep love we have for our kids. Why do some of us feel relief at the thought of reclaiming our time, while others struggle with the idea of letting go? And most importantly, why do we wait to feel better—believing peace, joy, and purpose will come after our kids leave? What if we didn’t have to wait? Join me as we unpack these emotions and explore how you can start embracing the next chapter of your life right now.
Download a free Mindset Trap Detector here: https://www.thesmalljar.com/detector
Curious about coaching with Small Jar? Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0
This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers navigating empty nest transitions with their teenagers, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.
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MINDSET TRAPS OF THE EMPTY NEST - Trap #4 - Illusion of Control
Have you ever found yourself checking your kid, reminding them (again) about their responsibilities, or feeling that tight grip of anxiety when they don’t do what you ask or hope they'll do? If so, you’re not alone. In this episode of The Almost Empty Nest Podcast, I dive into one of the biggest mindset traps we face as moms of teens—the illusion of control. For years, we’ve shaped our children’s lives, guiding them, protecting them, ensuring their happiness. But as they step into independence, we find ourselves holding on tighter, convinced that if we just say or do the right thing, we can keep them safe, successful, and happy. The truth? We were never in control to begin with. And the more we try, the more frustrated, exhausted, and disconnected we feel. In this episode, I’ll show you why letting go doesn’t mean giving up—it means finding peace, trust, and a whole new way to connect with your big kid.
Download a free Mindset Trap Detector here: https://www.thesmalljar.com/detector
Curious about coaching with Small Jar? Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0
This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers navigating empty nest transitions with their teenagers, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.
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Two years ago, I recorded an episode about the last 100 days before my oldest son's high school graduation—full of emotion, nostalgia, and the feeling that time was slipping away. Now, I'm here again, counting down the last 100 days with my youngest, but this time, everything feels different. In this episode, I reflect on how much I've grown, how my perspective has shifted, and what I’ve learned about letting go, trusting the journey, and embracing this season with peace instead of fear. If you’re feeling the weight of change and wondering how to navigate it with grace, this one’s for you.
Download a free Mindset Trap Detector here: https://www.thesmalljar.com/detector
Curious about coaching with Small Jar? Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0
This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers navigating empty nest transitions with their teenagers, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.
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MINDSET TRAPS OF THE EMPTY NEST - Trap #3 - Comparison Trap
Have you ever found yourself scrolling through social media, seeing another mom’s perfectly happy family vacation, and feeling that pang of “Why can’t I have that?” Or maybe you’ve heard about another teen’s big achievement and suddenly questioned whether you’ve done enough for your own child? In this episode of The Almost Empty Nest Podcast, I dive into the comparison trap—one of the sneakiest mindset traps that keeps us feeling inadequate and anxious. I’ll unpack why our brains are wired to compare, how it distorts our sense of worth, and most importantly, how to break free from this cycle so you can step into confidence, peace, and the truth that you are already enough.
Download a free Mindset Trap Detector here: https://www.thesmalljar.com/detector
Curious about coaching with Small Jar? Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0
This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers navigating empty nest transitions with their teenagers, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.
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I used to think self-awareness meant being brutally honest about all the ways I was falling short—until I realized that what I thought was awareness was actually just self-judgment. In this episode, I’m redefining what true self-awareness really looks like and how shifting your perspective can change everything. You’ll learn why self-judgment keeps you stuck, how to recognize sneaky mindset traps disguised as "truth," and the simple but powerful shift that will help you trust yourself and move forward with confidence. If you’ve ever felt like you’re your own worst critic, this episode is for you. Listen now and start seeing yourself in a whole new way!
Download a free Mindset Trap Detector here: https://www.thesmalljar.com/detector
Curious about coaching with Small Jar? Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0
This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers navigating empty nest transitions with their teenagers, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.
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MINDSET TRAPS OF THE EMPTY NEST - Trap #2 - All-or-Nothing Thinking
In this episode of The Almost Empty Nest Podcast, I’m diving into the second mindset trap on the road to the empty nest—all-or-nothing thinking. You know the feeling: if your teen misses a curfew, your brain leaps to worst-case scenarios, or if you’re not the 'perfect mom,' you fear you’re failing altogether. But here’s what you might not believe—you’re not falling into this trap because you’re anxious or overreacting. In fact, your brain thinks it’s protecting you. I’ll show you why this instinct to think in extremes is actually a survival mechanism, how it sneaks into your parenting without you noticing, and—most surprisingly—how letting go of this mindset can make you feel more in control, not less. If you’ve ever felt trapped in black-and-white thinking, this episode will open your eyes to the freedom waiting in the gray.
Download a free Mindset Trap Detector here: https://www.thesmalljar.com/detector
Curious about coaching with Small Jar? Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0
This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers navigating empty nest transitions with their teenagers, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.
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As moms, we're always trying our best. You pour your heart into your kids. But as they pull away, or as you approach the empty nest, it can feel really hard. In fact, during this transitional time of life, there are many things that can feel really hard. Just looking on the bright side isn't an option. In this episode, I’m sharing a deeply personal story about one of the hardest moments I’ve faced as a mom—and what it taught me about love, letting go, and trusting myself. If you’re struggling with the emotional rollercoaster of raising and launching your kids, feeling overwhelmed, or just wishing this stage didn’t feel so hard, this episode is for you. You are not alone, my friend. And you don’t have to figure this out by yourself.
Download a free Mindset Trap Detector here: https://www.thesmalljar.com/detector
Curious about coaching with Small Jar? Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0
This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers navigating empty nest transitions with their teenagers, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.
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MINDSET TRAPS OF THE EMPTY NEST - Trap #1 - Emotional Reasoning
Are you ready to take a closer look at the mindset traps that keep us stuck as moms approaching the empty nest? In this episode of my new series on the mindset traps of the empty nest, I'm tackling Mindset Trap #1, and that is the emotional rollercoaster that so many of us moms find ourselves riding. I’ll share why we often feel like our emotions are completely out of our control and how this mindset can hold us back from peace and clarity. You’ll walk away with practical insights on how to step off the emotional rollercoaster and take control of your experience as you navigate this transition. If you’ve ever felt at the mercy of your emotions, this episode will open your eyes to a whole new perspective!
Download a free Mindset Trap Detector here: https://www.thesmalljar.com/detector
Curious about coaching with Small Jar? Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0
This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers navigating empty nest transitions with their teenagers, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.
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Join me for a Mindset Trap 101. In this episode, I continue The Almost Empty Nest Podcast's new series on Midlife Mindset Traps by exploring what they are, how they form, and how they intertwine with our instincts as humans. Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode... First, you'll learn how mindset traps are fueled by subconscious biological responses that are completely normal and natural. Second, you'll discover how our thoughts and beliefs about ourselves shape the stories we tell about who we are. And finally, I'll share how understanding this interplay between instincts and mindset offers a path to freedom. You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of why you react the way you do and how to begin reclaiming control over your thoughts and emotional responses. Stay tuned as we set the stage to dive into 12 specific mindset traps in the episodes ahead!
Curious about coaching with Small Jar? Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0
This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers navigating empty nest transitions with their teenagers, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.
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