Trippin On Empty

Welcome to the Quiet

Welcome to Trippin On Empty. I'm Lyss, and this is my very first episode. I was 20 when I had my daughter. My entire adult life was built around being her mom. It was always just the two of us. We grew up together. So when she left for college in fall 2024, I didn't just lose my co-pilot - I didn't know how to fly the plane. In this episode, I break down a Reddit post that perfectly captures what no one tells you about empty nesting: that "freedom" can feel like loss, that you can be proud AND devastated, and that the myth of the "happy mother" makes it so hard to admit when we're struggling. This podcast is for anyone who's been told they should be celebrating when they're actually grieving. You're not broken. You're not doing it wrong. And you're not alone. If you're going through this too - or you love someone who is - I'd love to hear from you. Reach out at trippinonempty.com. Keywords empty nesting, grief, identity, motherhood, transition, community, self-discovery, emotional support, parenting, personal growth Summary In this inaugural episode of 'Trippin' On Empty', Lyss shares her personal journey through the emotional challenges of empty nesting. She discusses the profound sense of loss and identity crisis that accompanies the transition of children leaving home, emphasizing the importance of community and understanding in navigating these feelings. Through shared stories and reflections, Lyss creates a safe space for listeners to acknowledge their grief and explore their new identities beyond motherhood. Takeaways * The quiet after children leave can feel overwhelmingly loud. * Empty nesting is often minimized by societal expectations of celebration. * Grieving the loss of daily interactions with children is normal and valid. * Transitioning to an empty nest is a significant life change, not just an absence. * Mothers often lose their sense of identity when children leave home. * It's okay to feel both proud and heartbroken at the same time. * Community support is crucial during the empty nesting phase. * The journey of self-discovery begins after children leave home. * Emotions during this transition can be complex and multifaceted. * It's important to allow oneself to grieve without the pressure to 'move on'. Sound bites "Both things can be true." "I want to hear your stories." "You're not alone in this."

Trailer

This trailer introduces Trippin’ on Empty, a podcast about empty nesting as it actually feels... disorienting, heavy, and quietly life-altering. When your child leaves home, people expect excitement about what’s next. But for many, what comes first is grief... for the life you shared and the version of yourself that knew who you were. This show skips forced optimism and advice. We talk honestly about depression, identity loss, fear, and being stuck when everyone expects you to move on. For empty nesters with no map and low fuel, who want to feel less alone while figuring out what comes next.