Why I Travel: The Real Answer | Episode 15

Why I Travel: The Real Answer | Episode 15

Sometimes the trips aren't really about the destination. In this episode, Mandy shares the story behind why travel became such an important part of her life after losing her husband. What started as a trip to Disney World with two little girls became a promise she made to herself on a quiet bathroom floor late one night. Together, Mandy and Lauren talk about grief, identity, motherhood, solo travel, and why getting in the car often changes more than the destination ever could. Plus: the Disney World moment Mandy never told Lauren about, the trips that changed her life, why she didn't love every destination, and the lesson she hopes every mom hears. If you've ever wondered who you are outside of motherhood, this episode is for you. Links mentioned: • Read more from The Empty Nest Mom — theemptynestmom.com • Subscribe to our email list — theemptynestmom.com • Follow us @theemptynestmoms on TikTok, Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube • Listen to The Empty Nest Mom Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts The Empty Nest Mom | theemptynestmom.com | @theemptynestmoms Collabs@theemptynestmom.com [Collabs@theemptynestmom.com] | June 2026

Say Yes to the Whole Day | Episode 14

We said yes to a 5K in a cow pasture in Kansas. Then we said yes to IV therapy after. Then Lauren dropped Mandy off at the airport and neither of them wanted to say goodbye. This episode is the full story of one trip — from the starting line in Bucyrus to the departure curb — told the way we always tell it. Honest, funny, and real. Plus: how Lauren made her car down payment DoorDashing, what actually happens in an IV drip, and why the airport goodbye changed everything. Links mentioned: • 5K blog post — theemptynestmom.com/say-yes-more-running-with-the-cows-5k [theemptynestmom.com/say-yes-more-running-with-the-cows-5k] • Subscribe to our email list — theemptynestmom.com (link in bio) • Shop Lauren's beach trip finds on LTK — @TheEmptyNestMoms [https://www.shopltk.com/explore/TheEmptyNestMoms] • Follow us @theemptynestmoms on TikTok, Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube The Empty Nest Mom | theemptynestmom.com | @theemptynestmoms | Collabs@theemptynestmom.com | May 2026

Graduation, Letting Go & Starting Over | Episode 13

In this episode, Mandy and Lauren talk about the part of Motherhood no one really prepares you for.Not the busy years.Not the chaos.But the moment everything starts to shift.From graduation season and kids stepping into their own lives, to realizing you’re stepping into a completely new version of yours… this conversation is honest, emotional, and real in a way every Mom will feel.They talk about identity changes, letting go, and what it actually looks like to move forward when life doesn’t look the same anymore.And in true Mandy and Lauren fashion… there’s also Midwest weather chaos, tornado stories, fitness resets, and even a hidden Jamaican restaurant find mixed in.Because this season?It’s not just an ending.It’s the beginning of something new.—In This Episode, We Talk About:• The moment you realize “wait… how did we get here?”• Graduation season and the emotions Moms don’t talk about• Watching your kids grow up and need you differently• The identity shift that comes with this stage of motherhood• Letting go of what was… and learning to embrace what is• Starting over without starting from scratch• Getting back into routines, fitness, and doing things for YOU again• Midwest weather, tornado stories, and real-life chaos• How shared experiences (even the crazy ones) bring families closer• Discovering a hidden Jamaican restaurant and finding joy in the unexpected• Talking about summer plans, travel, and what’s next• Navigating change, growth, and building a life that feels good again—Resources + Favorites Mentioned:Fi Mi Pot Jamaican Restaurant (local hidden gem)Website: TheEmptyNestMom.comInstagram: @theemptynestmomsTikTok: @theemptynestmomsFacebook: The Empty Nest MomNewsletter Sign Up: https://theemptynestmom.com/ourstories/—A Little Reminder Before You Go…You didn’t lose your purpose.It’s just changing.This season might feel unfamiliar… emotional… even a little heavy at times.But it’s also where you start finding pieces of yourself again.Different doesn’t mean worse.Sometimes it’s just deeper.And you’re not the only Mom feeling this way. 💛

Tiny Things Matter More Than Ever in Motherhood | Episode 12

Finding Joy in the Little Things: Midlife Mom Reflections What if the thing that saves your day… isn’t something big? In this episode of The Empty Nest Mom Podcast, Mandy and Lauren sit down for a real, honest conversation about the small, everyday moments that bring joy back into midlife Motherhood, especially in a season that can feel overwhelming, emotional, or unfamiliar. From a spontaneous stop at a charming plant shop in Franklin, Tennessee to deeper conversations about identity, exhaustion, and learning to prioritize yourself again… this episode feels like sitting on the couch with your best friend, saying the things Moms don’t always say out loud. Because the truth is... life looks different when your kids start growing up. The noise quiets. The roles shift. And somewhere in that transition, it’s easy to wonder where you went. But maybe joy isn’t something you have to chase. Maybe it’s found in the tiniest moments: A sunset. A quiet drive. A new plant for your kitchen. A laugh you didn’t expect. Mandy and Lauren share personal stories, reflections, and real-life moments, from family updates and spontaneous adventures to self-care conversations around Botox, NAD+, and simply doing something for yourself without guilt. They also talk about the importance of community, supporting other Moms, and creating a space where women can show up exactly as they are; no pressure, no perfection. If you’ve ever felt like you lost a piece of yourself in Motherhood… or you’re trying to figure out what this next chapter looks like… This episode is your reminder: You don’t need permission to enjoy your life again. Resources & Mentions: Rooted Plant Shop (Franklin, TN) [https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1K24mH76pg/] Botox Wellness & Vitamin Clinic [https://www.facebook.com/FlawlessChattanooga] Optimized Health (NAD+ & Red Light Therapy) [https://www.facebook.com/optimizedhealthcare] Interested in being a guest on our podcast? Click here! [https://theemptynestmom.com/work-with-me/] Connect with us: Follow along on Instagram & TikTok: @theemptynestmoms Read more on the blog: theemptynestmom.com [https://theemptynestmom.com/ourstories/] Join our community: Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter [https://the-empty-nest-mom.kit.com/posts?fbclid=IwY2xjawQxZT1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFYNDNhVG55V3JUbk9PWXNLc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHtkikPw4JB5UvOPJRVvbyTaQcU_1xpHndjXEkQh4H3emqKyWJLcJje0d_CoU_aem_-M0ERt7icIPXYxMkIJWWYg]for exclusive content, giveaways, and ways to connect with other moms just like you. And if this episode resonated with you, share it with a Mom who needs this reminder today. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hybridas/perfect-time License code: YAAVKSL66OSH3PI4

Puke in the Car & Pajamas from Walmart | Welcome to Mom Life | Episode 11

Sick Kids, Side Hustles & Finding Joy Anyway | Real Mom Life Unfiltered In this episode, Mandy and Lauren pull back the curtain on what life really looks like behind the posts. From sick kids and sleepless nights to exciting wins like monetizing on Facebook, this conversation is honest, unfiltered, and full of the moments Moms don’t always share, but all of us live. They talk about navigating chaos, finding joy in the middle of it, and learning to embrace life as it is… not as it “should” look. Because sometimes Motherhood is messy. And sometimes, that’s where the magic actually is. — In This Episode, We Talk About: • The truth behind social media vs. real life • Navigating sick kids, stomach bugs, and total chaos • Trying to take care of yourself while everyone else needs you • That very real moment when kids get sick… in the car 😅 • How Motherhood is evolving (and why that’s a good thing) • Letting go of perfection and showing up authentically • Lauren’s current Walmart favorites + comfy Mom style finds • Supporting small businesses and shopping local • The emotional side of preparing for the empty nest • Big feelings, loss, and what really matters most • Celebrating a huge milestone: monetizing on Facebook 🎉 • DoorDashing as a flexible, fun side hustle for Moms • Finding joy, even in the middle of the mess — Resources + Favorites Mentioned: • Baked by Nina (Harrisonville, MO) [https://theemptynestmom.com/a-fun-little-mother-daughter-adventure-at-a-lunch-bakery-spot-near-kansas-city/] • Walmart Fashion & Joyspun Pajamas [https://walmrt.us/4beHD5s] • LTK Shop (Lauren’s Favorites) [https://www.shopltk.com/explore/TheEmptyNestMoms?tab=posts&fbclid=IwY2xjawQoP2lleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFkdW9HUzJCMkgyUWhtRFFKc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHsFoXrZ1dClIZIrPG1jZKY9iQRg8KmB3XbVfH29Xkik3gzL1TRka0D8PdPyf_aem_2HqiXB2OXZZDwouZicSh3g] • DoorDash (Side Hustle Idea for Moms) — Connect With Us: Website: TheEmptyNestMom.com [https://theemptynestmom.com] Instagram: @theemptynestmoms [https://www.instagram.com/theemptynestmoms] TikTok: @theemptynestmoms [https://www.tiktok.com/@theemptynestmoms] Facebook: The Empty Nest Mom [https://www.facebook.com/theemptynestmoms] — A Little Reminder Before You Go… Life doesn’t slow down for the perfect moment. It happens in the middle of the chaos… the sickness… the laughter… the ordinary days. And somehow, those end up being the moments that matter most. You’re doing better than you think, Mama. 💜