The Grief No One Talks About: Letting Go When Your Child Leaves for College

What does it take to transform rock bottom into a legacy of impact?In this powerful episode of The Liz Svatek Show, Liz sits down with Damon West—author, speaker, and the man behind The Coffee Bean message that has inspired millions. Once sentenced to life in prison, Damon rewrote his story, turning his greatest struggles into a movement of hope, resilience, and radical transformation.Damon opens up about his journey from addiction and incarceration to becoming a sought-after speaker and mentor, sharing how one life-changing conversation in prison became the catalyst for his mission. His story is proof that no matter how far you’ve fallen, you can rise, reinvent, and live a life of purpose.💎 In this episode, you’ll discover:How Damon turned his prison sentence into his turning point.Why The Coffee Bean became a global symbol of transformation.The role of mindset, self-accountability, and community in creating lasting change.What it means to stop shrinking, own your story, and use it as fuel for your future.This is more than a redemption story—it’s a call to remember that even in the darkest places, your soul can blaze with light.🔗 Connect with Damon WestWebsite: https://damonwest.org/Damon's best seller 6 Dimes and a Nickel: https://amzn.to/41ywvuP🔗 Connect with Liz SvatekWebsite: https://www.lizsvatek.comJoin Liz in her free class series starting September 8th! Soul Blazer: https://www.lizsvatek.com/soulblazer#transformationjourney #damonwest #coffeebean #healingjourney #healingstories #transformation #personalgrowth #personaldevelopment

Have you ever looked in the mirror and wondered where you went?The woman who used to laugh easily, dream boldly, and feel fully alive?If you’ve been running on empty—giving to everyone else, stuck in autopilot, and wondering why joy feels like a distant memory—this episode is for you.I’m inviting you to join me for Soul Blazer—a free, live 3-day experience happening September 8–10 designed for women over 40 who are ready to stop surviving and start blazing.🔥 Here’s what you’ll experience inside Soul Blazer:Day 1: Soul Awakening – Reconnect with your truth and begin healing the girl within so your warrior can rise.Day 2: Soul Fire – Shift old patterns, follow the fire (not the fear), and ignite your bold vision.Day 3: Soul Legacy – Create your personalized blueprint for a life filled with purpose, play, and freedom.This is not “someday” work. This is right now. Because you are not here to dim—you are here to blaze.💎 Save your free spot today → https://www.lizsvatek.com/soulblazerLet’s reignite your BIG SOUL ENERGY together.#lifeafter40 #lifeafter50 #midlife #womenover40 #womenover50 #womenover60

This is the episode I never thought I’d record—because no one really prepares you for this season. The college drop-off season.For 18 years, our children live under our roof, within our reach, and under our protection. Then suddenly, it’s time to let go. To pack the car, walk across campus, and say goodbye. And while we celebrate their independence and all they’ve accomplished, there’s another truth we don’t talk about enough: the grief of letting go.In this raw and emotional episode, I open up about my son Landon leaving for college and the tidal wave of feelings that come with it. I share why grief isn’t a clean, five-stage process—it’s messy, cyclical, and deeply human. And more importantly, I reveal the lessons grief has been teaching me:How grief pulls us into deep presence.Why it expands our emotional capacity and our ability to love.How it teaches us humility, acceptance, and love without attachment.And why grief is not just about endings, but about navigating life’s biggest transitions.If you’re a parent in the midst of a goodbye, or anyone facing a season of loss and transition, this episode will meet you right where you are. Because grief doesn’t mean we’re weak—it means we loved deeply. And letting go doesn’t mean we love less, it means we’re learning to love differently.👉 Tune in to feel seen, understood, and reminded that you’re not alone in this.Want to figure out what's next for you? Join Liz for a 3 day LIVE experience on zoom. SOULBLAZER: https://www.lizsvatek.com/soulblazer#grief #love #parenting #lettinggo #collegeboundChapters#lifeafter40 #midlife #Parenting #adultchildren #collegeyears #motherhoodUnderstanding Grief: 03:04 Lessons from Grief: 6:45 My Personal Experience with Grief: 8:32 Embracing the Unknown: 9:33 Turning Love Inwards: 11:05

In this deeply expansive episode of The Liz Svatek Show, I’m joined by my mentor, the fierce, fabulous, and wildly transformative Tracy Litt—author, speaker, spiritual advisor, and founder of The School of Becoming. Tracy is a powerhouse guide for women ready to step into their highest self-expression, and today’s conversation is a juicy, unfiltered dive into what it really means to evolve.We talk about the divine responsibility of growth—how we’re all simultaneously watching each other evolve while trying to figure out what the hell we’re doing next. Spoiler alert: none of us know. But the courage is in the leap.Tracy and I unpack the outdated model of “capacity”—the idea that we have to hold, grip, and bear it all. In truth, capacity is about allowing, experiencing, and becoming a vessel for limitless expansion. Holding on creates constriction. Allowing creates flow.I share a personal story about an old, heavy disagreement with my mom—and how I chose not to grip, but to let it sift through me like sand, releasing the pressure instantly. Tracy explains how holding on takes more energy than letting go, and that the universe will do more for you than your addiction to control ever will.We also dive into identity shifts—how we must continuously evolve who we believe we are—and why that evolution often triggers the people closest to us. Tracy and I explore the concept of being a disco ball: when you shine, you reflect light for others to find their shine… but you also trigger those who aren’t ready. And that’s not your spiritual homework to do for them.Tracy shares the secret to expanding your capacity: becoming a woman who feels her feelings. She explains how unexpressed emotion keeps you trapped in a chronic stress cycle, and how emotional fluidity is the key to being fully expressed.I ask Tracy a question she’s never been asked before:“What did you used to do to avoid feeling your feelings?”Her answer is raw, real, and incredibly relatable.This conversation will remind you that your evolution isn’t just personal—it’s a ripple effect.When you rise, you invite others to rise.When you feel, you expand.When you leap, the universe meets you.🎧 Tune in and get ready to evolve in real-time with us.#TheLizSvatekShow #TracyLitt #ReinventionEra #EmotionalCapacity #DiscoBallEffect #FeelItToHealIt #WomenOver40 #FullyExpressedWoman #LetItGo #SpiritualGrowthConnect with Tracy: Instagram: @TheTracyLitt https://www.instagram.com/thetracylitt/School of Becoming: https://theschoolofbecoming.com/Sponsor: She Angels FoundationShe Angels Foundation awards grants to grassroots female founded, non-profit organizations that provide mentorship, funding & resources to a diverse portfolio of women’s and girls’ causes. She Angels isn’t just a Foundation; it’s a movement that empowers women and girls to help solve critical unmet needs. Less than 2% of all U.S. giving goes to organizations that fund women and girls. Your contribution connects you with a community of unified women, pooling resources for impactful giving, fostering community connections, and empowering each other. Your 100% tax-deductible contribution of $500 or more grants you membership within a community of like-minded women, pooling resources for impactful giving, fostering connections, and empowering one another.As a member, you receive complimentary admission to all Angel Power Happy Hours and salon events! Join us! There are circles forming across the country!! https://sheangelsfoundation.org/membership

What happens when everything and everyone in your life feels too intense, too overwhelming, and yet, something inside you still whispers: I need something for me.In this powerful episode, Liz sits down with Mindie Antebi, nurse, wife, mother, and now host of the Call the Nurse podcast, to talk about what it means to choose yourself in the middle of the storm. Mindie joined the Wise Women Collective and LIMITLESS during one of the hardest seasons of her life—while navigating deep challenges with her daughter and feeling like it was selfish to focus on her own healing. But something pulled her forward: a craving for support, depth, and a safe space to dream again.Liz and Mindie unpack the journey of saying yes to your evolution, setting boundaries without anger, and finally stepping off the emotional rollercoaster of trying to fix everything around you. Liz shares how radical personal responsibility shifts everything, and how confidence isn’t the prerequisite, it’s the result of messy action. From Mindie’s marriage transforming, to her husband shifting because of how she started showing up, to launching a top podcast at 46… this episode is full of truth, vulnerability, laughter, and serious wisdom.We explore how healing is always an inside job, why putting yourself first creates ripple effects for everyone you love, and why sometimes, when you want something done right—you call the nurse.Mindie reminds us not to ignore the little voice of wanting more for yourself.Connect with Mindie!Listen to her podcast: Call the Nurse- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/call-the-nurse/id1806398441Follow her on instagram: @callthenursepodcasthttps://www.instagram.com/callthenursepodcast/Sponsor: Liz uses Suite by Caroline for all her travel! It's travel designed with purpose and passion. Caroline Weilert- Chief Vacation Officer ⁠www.suitebycaroline.com⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suitebycaroline/Want to know more about Rapid Transformational Therapy: https://www.lizsvatek.com/rttFollow Liz on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liz.svatek/

🧠 What if the way your brain feels right now—foggy, anxious, wired-but-tired—isn’t your fault… but a result of trauma, burnout, and a culture that never taught you how to care for the most powerful organ in your body?In this deeply revealing episode of The Liz Svatek Show, I sit down with the legendary Dr. Daniel Amen; psychiatrist, brain health expert, and New York Times bestselling author—for the conversation every woman over 40 needs to hear.Dr. Amen has reviewed over 200,000 brain scans and what he’s learned—especially about the female brain—is both shocking and empowering. Together, we explore:💥 How stress, people-pleasing, and perfectionism literally rewire the female brain💥 The truth about high-functioning burnout and why so many women are silently suffering💥 Whether trauma can actually damage the brain—and how to start healing it💥 What brain scans reveal about the lies we’ve been told about success, rest, and worth💥 The #1 thing women should stop doing right now to protect their mental and emotional healthThis isn’t just about brain science—it’s about remembering your power.Because when you heal your brain…You heal your life.And you rise.Tune in. Take notes. Share it with every woman you know who’s been told to "just push through."Dr. Amen Clinics: https://www.amenclinics.com/Dr Amen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doc_amen/Sponsor: Liz uses Suite by Caroline for all her travel! It's travel designed with purpose and passion. Caroline Weilert- Chief Vacation Officer www.suitebycaroline.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/suitebycaroline/Want to know more about Rapid Transformational Therapy: https://www.lizsvatek.com/rttFollow Liz on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liz.svatek/

In our very first episode, we’re pulling back the curtain and letting you in on what it really takes to make love last a lifetime. After 22 years of marriage, Brett and I are sharing the raw, unfiltered truth about building a relationship that not only endures but thrives.We’re diving deep into the biggest lessons we’ve learned from navigating life side by side—through the joys, the challenges, the changes, and the growth. You’ll hear our real-time reactions to each other’s insights as we discuss:💥 How to keep the fire alive, even when life gets chaotic.💥 What to do when resentment and unmet expectations creep in.💥 Navigating family dynamics, personal growth, and evolving dreams.💥 The power of radical honesty, forgiveness, and unwavering support.We’re not holding anything back. Whether you’re in a relationship, dreaming of one, or simply curious about what it takes to build something real and lasting—this episode is for you.This is the conversation you’ve been waiting for. You’ll walk away with practical, heartfelt advice you’ve never heard before.Listen in as we share the secrets to a lasting partnership and the moments that have defined our journey together.❤️ Because love isn’t just about finding the right person—it’s about choosing each other, again and again.Tune in now. You don’t want to miss this.Reconnect with Your Partner on a Deeper Level! Get Marriage by Design: https://www.lizsvatek.com/offers/Ni3xF4XJ/checkoutConnect with Liz:Follow Liz on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liz.svatek/Get the Empowered Womans Playbook:https://www.lizsvatek.com/offers/ingofLgX/checkoutWork with Liz:https://www.lizsvatek.com/

Today the big announcement! Find out how Conversations with Warrior Women will be changing, and the reasons behind it. Want to work with Liz? Take Part One of her Limitless Class! www.lizsvatek.com/limitless-part1 Book a Rapid Transformational Therapy Session: www.lizsvatek.com/rtt Stay Connected With Liz: Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook | www.Lizsvatek.com | Email: [email protected]

Welcome to the NEW ERA OF MIDLIFE. On this episode of Conversations With Warrior Women, Liz is bringing you Part Three of a six-part series on the New Era of Midlife. Throughout this series, Liz invites you to listen and engage with her by sending a direct message on her social media pages with the word "READY." Liz shares how the past can control our present and future if not given a reframe. Also this episode: - Why it's hard to figure out whats next - How our view of midlife has NOT evolved and why it needs to - Prioritizing future thinking - Finding out what is ruling your past to change the present - What your past is really telling you - The connection between your identity and your evolution Stay Connected With Liz: Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook | www.Lizsvatek.com | Email: [email protected]

Melissa Lombardo is a survivor, thriver, trauma-sensitive encouraging speaker, Certified Sexual Assault Crisis Advocate and a trauma-informed coach. She is telling us about healing in midlife and what that really looks like. Melissa is the author of, “Hurt, Healing, and Hope: Thriving Beyond Sexual Assault,” and journal companion, “Write, Heal, Thrive: A Transformative Journaling Experience.” Melissa knows firsthand the silence surrounding the topic of Sexual Violence. It was through the support of friends and family that she took the path of vulnerability to begin speaking out and supporting the healing journey of herself and others who have faced or are currently facing their trauma.  Her mission along with Write, Heal, Thrive is to support healing and thriving in others via writing, journaling, and complementary practices. A portion of her book sales benefits rape crisis centers. Connect with Melissa: Youtube: @MelissaLombardoAuthor: https://www.youtube.com/@melissablombardoauthor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissablombardoauthor/ Website: www.MelissabLombardo.com Donate to the YWCA rape crisis center: https://operations.daxko.com/online/2284/OnlineGiving/Donation.mvc Join She Angels Foundation- Making HERstory! https://sheangelsfoundation.org/become-a-member/