When Bradi lost her 19-year-old son Jack to a counterfeit pill laced with fentanyl, her world shattered.

In this deeply moving conversation, she opens up about Jack’s vibrant spirit, his struggles with anxiety, and how he turned his pain into purpose through his mental health brand, Happy Jack.

Bradi shares the raw truth about grief, the silent dangers facing young people, and the power of speaking out—so that no other parent has to endure the same heartbreak. This is a story of love, loss, and finding meaning in the unimaginable.

Key Topics Covered:- Jack’s Mental Health Struggles- The Tragic Impact of a Fentanyl-Laced Pill- A Mother’s Journey Through Grief and Advocacy- The Power of Transparency in Mental Health- Finding Strength Through Community and Support

Want to be a guest on the show? Share your story: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeFEZYWxRFcUAM19Pe5G5uSK8TjtzoVoK9mrrMWkvam5Tt6IQ/viewform?usp=pp_url

Contact:Website: https://www.lifecoachallisongoldberg.comEmail: navigatingthelaunch@gmail.com

This week, I’m sitting down with Annie, a courageous single mom who’s navigating life as a divorced empty nester.

We’re talking about what it really feels like to lose your familiar identity and rediscover yourself on the other side. From building new friendships in unexpected places to letting go of the fear of starting over, this is an open-hearted conversation for anyone facing big life changes.

If you’ve ever felt stuck between who you were and who you’re becoming, this is your invitation to join us for a candid, uplifting, and sometimes hilarious conversation about life’s "third act”.

Key Topics Covered:

• Reinventing life after divorce – How Annie is navigating the emotional shift from married life to being a single empty nester
• Finding friendships in unexpected places – The surprising ways fitness and yoga helped her build a new, supportive community
• Embracing the third act with courage – Why midlife can be the perfect time to rediscover yourself and prioritize what you truly want
• Dating or not dating? – Annie’s honest take on dating in your 50s and why choosing contentment can be just as fulfilling.
• Letting go to move forward – How facing fear, regret, and uncertainty is the first step to creating a purposeful next chapter.

Want to be a guest on the show? Share your story: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeFEZYWxRFcUAM19Pe5G5uSK8TjtzoVoK9mrrMWkvam5Tt6IQ/viewform?usp=pp_url

Contact:

Website: https://www.lifecoachallisongoldberg.com

Email: navigatingthelaunch@gmail.com

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:30 Annie & Her Family Dynamics

02:30 The Challenge of Single Empty Nesting

04:08 Building New Friendships Through Fitness

06:56 Finding Courage and Authentic Friendships

09:31 Dating & Authentic Connections in Midlife

12:36 The Fear and Identity Crisis Before Empty Nesting

15:29 Reinvention & Self-Discovery After Empty Nesting

21:32 Embracing contentment and independence over dating

22:00 How to Overcome Fear and Take Action

24:26 Tips for Creating Your Purpose in Midlife

29:20 Powerful Story of a Dad Rediscovering His Purpose

Balancing elderly parents' needs while adjusting to an empty nest can feel overwhelming—but you're not alone. In this episode, I chat with Brian from Manchester Care Homes about the realities of the sandwich generation and how to navigate this challenging stage of life.

We discuss long COVID’s impact on cognitive decline, how to communicate with aging parents, manage family conflicts, and plan ahead to avoid crisis mode.

If you're caring for aging parents or preparing for the future, this episode is full of practical advice, expert insights, and reassurance to help you handle it with confidence.

Key Topics Covered:

• Balancing Empty Nesting & Elder Care
• Communicating with Aging Parents
• Family Conflicts in Caregiving
• Planning Ahead for Elder Care
• Emotional Challenges & Self-Care

Want to be a guest on the show? Share your story: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeFEZYWxRFcUAM19Pe5G5uSK8TjtzoVoK9mrrMWkvam5Tt6IQ/viewform?usp=pp_url

Contact:

Website: https://www.lifecoachallisongoldberg.com

Email: navigatingthelaunch@gmail.com

Timestamps:

00:01 Intro & guest introduction

00:55 Brian’s background

02:02 Experience with aging parents & long COVID

03:05 Balancing empty nesting & caregiving

03:41 What is the sandwich generation

04:25 Emotional challenges & shifting family roles

05:54 Communicating with aging parents07:18 Impact on marriage, kids & family

08:39 Redefining parent-child relationships

10:43 Importance of grandparent-grandchild bonds

12:42 Elder care challenges & family conflicts

12:06 Conflicts between adults and aging parents

14:33 Brian’s journey into elder care

18:01 Planning ahead to avoid crisis mode

19:50 Who should make caregiving decisions?

21:50 Handling resistance from aging parents

22:46 Helping kids connect with grandparents

26:36 Why people avoid hard conversations

28:06 Elder care options for limited budgets

29:51 Finding Brian & elder care services in Texas

When your kids move far from home, how do you stay close without feeling left behind? In this episode, I sit down with empty nester Brenna, a mom of three whose children now live in different states—and even another country.

We have an honest conversation about the emotional ups and downs of long-distance parenting, the little things that help us stay connected, and the surprising joys that come with this new chapter. From FaceTime coffee chats to rediscovering our own passions, this episode is full of real stories, practical tips, and the reassurance that we’re not alone in this journey.

Key Topics Covered:

• Staying connected with kids across different time zones
• Overcoming guilt and embracing life as an empty nester
• Simple ways to maintain strong family bonds from afar
• Rediscovering hobbies and personal passions
• Shifting from full-time parent to long-distance supporter

Want to be a guest on the show? Share your story: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeFEZYWxRFcUAM19Pe5G5uSK8TjtzoVoK9mrrMWkvam5Tt6IQ/viewform?usp=pp_url

Contact:

Website: https://www.lifecoachallisongoldberg.com

Email: navigatingthelaunch@gmail.com

Ever feel like you’ve spent years taking care of everyone else, and now that your kids have left, you’re wondering… what’s next for me? If so, you’re not alone! In this episode, I sit down with Debbie, a mom who unexpectedly became an empty nester two years earlier than planned. She opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of her son leaving home early, the impact of divorce on her family, and how she rebuilt her life after walking away from a corporate career that no longer fulfilled her. We dive deep into the struggles so many of us face—losing our sense of identity, feeling invisible in midlife, and trying to figure out who we are beyond motherhood. But this isn’t just about the hard stuff—it’s also about hope. Debbie shares how she found purpose again, created a community for women in midlife, and made a mindset shift that changed everything.You’ll walk away feeling inspired, supported, and ready to take your next step forward. Key Topics Covered:- Handling an Unexpected Empty Nest – Adjusting when kids leave early.- Rebuilding After Divorce – Finding strength and a new identity.- Leaving Corporate America – Letting go of a career that no longer fits.- Finding Purpose in Midlife – Shifting your mindset and starting fresh.- Building a Supportive Community – Connecting with women on the same journey.Want to be a guest on the show? Share your story: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeFEZYWxRFcUAM19Pe5G5uSK8TjtzoVoK9mrrMWkvam5Tt6IQ/viewform?usp=pp_url Contact:Website: https://www.lifecoachallisongoldberg.comEmail: navigatingthelaunch@gmail.com

What really happens when your child leaves for college?

In this deeply personal episode, life coach Allison Goldberg sits down with her daughter, Natalie, for an open and honest conversation about the emotions, challenges, and unexpected joys of moving away from home.

Natalie shares her real experiences—navigating homesickness, making new friends, staying connected with family, and learning to stand on her own. Together, they reflect on how their relationship has changed and offer wisdom for both parents and students facing this big transition.

If you're preparing for college or learning to let go, this episode is full of warmth, reassurance, and the reminders we all need.

Key Topics Covered:

• College Drop-Off & First Weeks – Navigating emotions, fears, and independence.
• Staying Connected – How parents and students can maintain a healthy bond.
• Homesickness & Making Friends – Adjusting to a new environment and finding support.
• Personal Growth & Boundaries – Learning self-trust, independence, and saying no.
• Parent-Child Relationships – How leaving for college changes family dynamics.

Want to be a guest on the show? Share your story:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeFEZYWxRFcUAM19Pe5G5uSK8TjtzoVoK9mrrMWkvam5Tt6IQ/viewform?usp=pp_url

Contact:

Website: https://www.lifecoachallisongoldberg.com

Email: navigatingthelaunch@gmail.com

When Julie's kids left the nest, she was hit with a double challenge: a painful divorce and the overwhelming transition to an empty home. But instead of letting adversity define her, she transformed her pain into purpose, launching a flourishing photography business dedicated to helping women rediscover their beauty and strength. In this heartfelt and inspiring conversation, Julie opens up about the raw emotions of that turbulent time and shares her creative strategies for staying connected with her grown children while building a fulfilling new chapter of her life. Whether you’re facing an empty nest or navigating a major life transition, Julie’s journey will inspire you to embrace change, find your purpose, and create your own reinvention. Key Topics Covered:- Navigating life after divorce and the empty nest phase- Rebuilding and strengthening relationships with adult children- Staying connected with grandchildren and in-laws- Launching a photography business focused on women’s empowerment- Pursuing personal growth through tandem biking and learning SpanishWant to be a guest on the show? Share your story: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeFEZYWxRFcUAM19Pe5G5uSK8TjtzoVoK9mrrMWkvam5Tt6IQ/viewform?usp=pp_urlContact:Website: https://www.lifecoachallisongoldberg.comEmail: navigatingthelaunch@gmail.com

What happens when your kids leave the nest and you’re left wondering, “What’s next?”

In this heartfelt and relatable episode, host Allison Goldberg and her guest Hayley dive into the emotional challenges of empty nesting, from redefining your purpose and rekindling friendships to redesigning your marriage.

Learn how to support your adult children without hovering, create a fulfilling life after kids, and embrace this transformative midlife transition with confidence. Perfect for anyone seeking empty nesters’ support, life coaching for parents after kids leave, or inspiration for finding purpose in midlife.Key Topics Covered:- Navigating the empty nest transition and adjusting to life without children at home.- Rebuilding marriages and rekindling social connections after the children leave.- Balancing support and encouraging independence for adult children.- The value of friendships and self-discovery during the empty nest phase.- Embracing the empty nest life and creating a fulfilling new chapter.Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:29 The hardest part of becoming an empty nester01:24 First child vs. second child leaving02:51 Adjusting to a new daily routine04:04 Redesigning marriage after kids leave05:17 Supporting adult children without overstepping07:52 Helicopter parenting vs. Letting kids solve problems10:04 Reconnecting and strengthening friendships11:43 Focusing on rediscovering yourself Want to be a guest on the show? Share your story: ⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeFEZYWxRFcUAM19Pe5G5uSK8TjtzoVoK9mrrMWkvam5Tt6IQ/viewform?usp=pp_url⁠Contact:Website: ⁠https://www.lifecoachallisongoldberg.com⁠Email: ⁠navigatingthelaunch@gmail.com⁠