Empty Nest Era

Jamie Chin, LMFT

Empty Nest Era is the go-to podcast for parents navigating the emotional rollercoaster of the empty nest transition. Hosted by Jamie Chin, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, each episode offers a compassionate, expert-backed perspective on what it really means to rediscover yourself when the parenting chapter starts to quiet down.  Whether you're struggling with identity loss, marriage changes, or redefining your relationship with your adult children—this podcast is here to help. We’ll talk about healing from empty nest syndrome, rebuilding emotional intimacy, finding midlife purpose, mental wellness, personal growth, and everything in between.  Join a growing community of parents who are reclaiming joy, redefining success, and reshaping what it means to thrive after the kids are grown.  💬 Follow, share, and leave a review to support the journey of other empty nesters just like you. 

Episodes

  1. 11/03/2025

    Surviving the Holidays as a New Empty Nester

    The holidays can feel bittersweet when your nest is newly empty. The house is quieter, traditions feel different, and the season that was once full of child-centered chaos may suddenly feel… a little too calm.  In this episode of Empty Nest Era, we’ll talk about how to navigate the first holiday season without your kids living at home — and actually find ways to enjoy it. You’ll hear why this season can feel so emotionally heavy (yes, the research backs it up!), and I’ll share 8 practical tips to help you embrace connection, reimagine traditions, and even rediscover joy for yourself.  We’ll talk about:  Why the first holiday season as an empty nester can feel so strangeHow to honor old traditions while letting them evolveSimple ways to connect with your adult kids — even if you’re apartCreating new rituals that are just for youUsing humor and flexibility to ease the transitionWhether your child is off at college, starting their career, or simply no longer living at home, this episode will help you feel less alone and more hopeful as you head into the holidays.   Because surviving the holidays as an empty nester isn’t about recreating the past — it’s about embracing the present, quirks and all.   🔔Subscribe for monthly episodes on rediscovery, relationships, and emotional wellness in midlife. 📧 Contact Jamie at: emptynesteralife@gmail.com 💬 COMMENT below:  Are you looking at a different kind of holiday this year? If so, what are you doing that will be a change for your family?   Send me a text with feedback or topic ideas Disclaimer: This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. I suggest you seek out the help of a trained professional for help with your specific situation if needed.

    14 min
  2. 06/30/2025

    Can Empty Nest Syndrome Cause Divorce?

    In this episode of Empty Nest Era, we dive deep into the emotional challenges couples face when their children leave home. Can empty nest syndrome lead to divorce? It’s a question that many empty nesters ask themselves as they navigate the emotional rollercoaster of this major life transition. Join Jamie Chin, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), as she explores how the empty nest phase can impact marriages, uncovering the hidden stressors that can strain relationships. From rediscovering your partner to facing unexpected tensions, this episode offers valuable insights on how to prevent marital problems during this critical time. In this episode, you’ll learn: How empty nest syndrome affects communication in relationshipsThe common marital issues that arise when children leave the homePractical strategies to strengthen your marriage and rebuild your connectionThe importance of therapy for couples during life transitionsWhether you’re worried about the future of your marriage or just trying to reconnect with your partner, this episode will provide you with the tools and understanding you need to navigate this challenging but rewarding stage of life. 🔔Subscribe for weekly episodes on rediscovery, relationships, and emotional wellness in midlife. 📧 Contact Jamie at: emptynesteralife@gmail.com 💬 COMMENT below:  Has an empty nest affected your relationship with your partner, and if so, have you found anything that has actually helped get you back on track? Send me a text with feedback or topic ideas Disclaimer: This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. I suggest you seek out the help of a trained professional for help with your specific situation if needed.

    14 min
  3. 06/09/2025

    What Nobody Tells You About Empty Nest Syndrome

    What Is Empty Nest Syndrome? Understanding the Heart Ache & Finding New Purpose That moment when your child leaves home can trigger unexpected emotions. In this podcast, we explore what Empty Nest Syndrome really is, why it happens, and how it affects parents differently. Discover why the transition to empty nest creates such powerful feelings - from the neurological changes in your brain to the identity shift that occurs when your primary role transforms. We'll share research-backed insights about why some parents struggle more than others and tips to avoid empty nest syndrome's more challenging aspects. Learn why this heart ache isn't a sign of failure but proof of your successful parenting. Plus, discover why many parents actually report higher satisfaction and improved mental health after navigating this transition. Whether you're approaching the empty nest or already experiencing it, this podcast offers both validation and hope for your journey ahead. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes on rediscovery, relationships, and emotional wellness in midlife. 📧 Contact Jamie at: emptynesteralife@gmail.com 💬 COMMENT below: What part of the empty nest era has been the hardest—or the most rewarding—for you? Send me a text with feedback or topic ideas Disclaimer: This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. I suggest you seek out the help of a trained professional for help with your specific situation if needed.

    16 min

About

Empty Nest Era is the go-to podcast for parents navigating the emotional rollercoaster of the empty nest transition. Hosted by Jamie Chin, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, each episode offers a compassionate, expert-backed perspective on what it really means to rediscover yourself when the parenting chapter starts to quiet down.  Whether you're struggling with identity loss, marriage changes, or redefining your relationship with your adult children—this podcast is here to help. We’ll talk about healing from empty nest syndrome, rebuilding emotional intimacy, finding midlife purpose, mental wellness, personal growth, and everything in between.  Join a growing community of parents who are reclaiming joy, redefining success, and reshaping what it means to thrive after the kids are grown.  💬 Follow, share, and leave a review to support the journey of other empty nesters just like you.