The Challenges of Empty Nesting

We are diving headfirst into the wild world of being sports moms. From NHL dreams and dance politics to super teams, burnout, and the pressure cooker of youth sports culture. The obsession, identity, competition, and chaos that comes with raising kids in hockey, dance, soccer and...insert sport here. Parents chasing scholarships and drafts, the kids who secretly hate competing, the ones who live to win, and the impossible balance between pushing your child and protecting them. And why some kids walk away while others can’t imagine life without the grind. This is part one of a very real, very unfiltered series.Keywordsyouth sports, hockey, baseball, dance, parental influence, competition, youth development, sports culture, Canadian sports, athlete mindsetKey topicsThe culture of youth sports in Canada and beyondParental influence and pressure in youth sportsThe mental and physical toll of competitive sports on kids Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we’re talking about getting older and realizing we don’t have to stay attached to the people we used to be. From losing interest in things we once loved — dinner parties, cooking, fashion, entertaining — to craving spontaneity over stuff, this conversation turns into a surprisingly honest chat about changing priorities as we age.We get into birthday expectations, why opportunities and experiences now feel more exciting than material things, and how freeing it can be to stop following the script of what life is “supposed” to look like. Plus, the compliment Cat got at the vet that absolutely took her out, why we don’t want your heirlooms, and the unexpected joy of finally embracing exactly who we are right now.Key topicsMinimalism and personal styleSpontaneous opportunities and experiencesChanging preferences and self-awarenessTakeawaysYou don't have to follow the script; you can change what you like.Material possessions are not what bring happiness.Spontaneous opportunities create memorable experiences. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May parenting is absolute chaos: graduations, dance competitions, prom pressure, and the realization that summer is somehow six minutes away and we have zero plans for our children. Should they all have jobs? Should they be at camp? Should they just roam free? What are teenagers even supposed to do all summer anymore?We also debate whether promposals have officially gone too far and revisit Nat’s very complicated Grade 13 prom situation — because apparently teenage drama never really ends.Key topicsEnd of school season chaosSocial media trends among youthParenting stories about prom and hockey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Story time! Nat got her eyelids done and we are here to talk all about it! Somehow it turned into a full-blown conversation about aging, confidence, Botox, body image, moms who never judge us, husbands who don’t ask questions, and whether cosmetic procedures are self-care, boredom, or just something fun to do. From “your eyelids are the texture of a testicle” to scheduling surgery during the busiest mom hour possible, this is a must listen!We talk:- upper blephs and what actually happens- why women feel weird admitting they want to change something- confidence vs. self-acceptance- the pressure of aging naturally- wanting to feel good in your own skin- why some people get highlights and some get surgeryAlso: Mark’s reaction, Grandma driving post-surgery, TJ wanting to watch the stitches come out, and why Cat thinks Nat just needed a hobby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Whatever happened to being average? From dance competitions and puberty to inflated grades, elite sports, university pressure, and kids growing into 6’4” strangers overnight — this episode is all over the place in the best way possible. We dive into the exhausting culture of overachievement and why it feels like every kid is suddenly expected to be exceptional at everything. The pressure kids feel around sports, academics, and getting into university, why “average” has somehow become a dirty word, and why more kids (and parents) might actually be happier just playing for fun. Plus: boys are basically mystery bags during puberty, why everyone suddenly seems giant, and the reality of raising kids who simply want balance instead of burnout. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever feel like your identity disappears when the kids leave? As a mom, it’s easy to get lost in the roles we play. If you’ve poured everything into being a mom, what happens when the kids are gone?  Many women find themselves feeling empty, as they realize they’ve outsourced their identity to motherhood. You’re not just losing kids; you’re losing a part of yourself. Let us know where you are in this phase of life! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are talking about the nature versus nurture debate on optimism. Are we predisposed to see the glass half full, or can we train ourselves to embrace a more positive outlook? Research shows that optimism isn’t just a personality trait; it’s influenced by our upbringing and experiences. Kids absorb how parents interpret setbacks, shaping their worldview. If you grow up with a lens of pessimism, it can feel like a heavy weight to break free from. But it’s never too late to shift your mindset! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we’re talking about authenticity vs perfectionism and why so many of us feel like we need to have everything figured out before we make a move. We also get into what’s happening in education right now—especially with AI changing how kids learn—plus parenting teens and whether school systems are actually keeping up with the real world. We share stories from a recent women’s conference where the big takeaway was simple: most of us are waiting to feel “ready,” but the truth is, we never really do. We just have to start. Nothing is perfect—and growth usually begins the moment you stop waiting for it to be. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is all about that weird, emotional, slightly chaotic stage of life when your kids start growing up, pulling away, and suddenly you realize… wait, who am I without all of this? We’re talking about the shift in family dynamics, relationships, marriage, identity, and what life actually looks like when the kids start leaving home. How do you stay connected, rediscover yourself, and figure out what this next chapter is supposed to be?Raising kids is one thing… figuring out who you are after they leave is a whole other story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A contiuation on to the most insightful conversation, leading us to chat about how to actually unlock the inner whispers and turn them into a reality. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.