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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Episode #18: Throwing a spontaneous 21st birthday party for Sarah turned into an unexpected adventure, complete with a wild search for a lost car in a Torrance mall parking lot. Join us as we recount the joys and hiccups of this impromptu celebration. The dinner at Din Tai Fung brought logistical challenges and family dynamics front and center, leading to a day filled with laughter and lessons. While the celebration may not have matched our grandiose expectations, it set the stage for future festivities where everyone can delightfully join in the fun.

Our journey doesn't stop there. We dive into an intriguing mix of astrology and spirituality, featuring insights from the talented Antonia Kha, who offered guidance on health, career, and even the significance of media presence. The episode also explores rejuvenating experiences with saunas and cold plunges, reflecting on personal anecdotes that highlight the whimsical wish to reverse aging. From astrological predictions to intuitive readings, we share how these practices prepare us for the unexpected twists life throws our way. Tune in to experience a blend of humor, wisdom, and inspiration that might just lead you to explore these intuitive realms for yourself.

Chapters:

(00:00) Navigating Empty Nest Life in 50s
(08:47) Astrology and Spiritual Guidance
(21:01) Exploring Saunas, Astrology, and Intuition

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Episode #17: Are you ready to embrace the empty nest with open arms and a full heart? Join us, Jen and Kelly, as we explore the thrilling adventure of finding ourselves anew in this liberating stage of life. Our journey takes us from a spirited family gathering in Palm Desert to serene road trips with our grown kids, leaving us both nostalgic and excited for the future. Inspired by Mel Robbins' "Let Them Theory," we discuss the transformative power of setting boundaries, abandoning old people-pleasing habits, and boldly stepping into our individuality. We’ll share personal stories of growth, the joy of letting go of past identities, and how allowing our children their own paths can lead to profound personal freedom.

In our quest for personal development, we draw lessons from James Clear's "Atomic Habits," highlighting how small changes can lead to big rewards. Our chats reveal the humor and heart in exploring new activities like pickleball and golf, surprisingly delightful ways to connect with new friends. You'll hear about our endearing family moments and the excitement of cheering our kids on in their endeavors, including Elias's upcoming competition in Colorado. As we navigate the bittersweet transition to empty nesting, we're discovering new hobbies and sharing heartfelt tales from our adventures. Connect with us on social media for more stories and a good laugh as we revel in this exhilarating new chapter.

Chapters:

(00:00) Empty Nesters Embrace New Chapter
(13:01) Navigating Empty Nesting and Personal Growth
(21:25) Empty Nesters Find New Activities

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Episode #16: In this engaging conversation, Kelli and Jen discuss the complexities of perimenopause and menopause, emphasizing the importance of understanding hormonal changes and their impact on women's health. They explore various symptoms, the significance of lifestyle factors, and the need for early awareness of hormone health. The discussion also covers nutritional support, the role of exercise, and the effects of alcohol on well-being, ultimately encouraging women to seek knowledge and support during this transitional phase of life.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene
01:09 Understanding Perimenopause and Menopause
04:28 Symptoms and Variability in Experiences
09:00 Lifestyle Factors and Hormonal Balance
11:54 The Role of Nutrition and Supplements
17:55 The Importance of Communication and Support
21:22 Exercise and Protein Intake
25:36 Finding Balance in Lifestyle Choices
28:56 Conclusion and Resources

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