Intelligent Intoxication

Terri Bradway
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Get ready to craft a top shelf life with new episodes every Wednesday. Join your host, Terri Bradway, for season two of the Intelligent Intoxication podcast.

  1. 6D AGO

    Stop Trying To Find Your Purpose

    So many women feel the weight of the question: “What is my purpose?” It can feel big, vague, and quietly intimidating—like there’s a “right” answer you’re supposed to figure out. But what if the question itself is the problem? This episode offers a gentler, more grounded approach. Key Shift Instead of asking: “What is my purpose?” Try asking: What lets me feel a little more alive? When do I notice feeling most like me? Does this energize me - or does it drain or deplete me? When do I notice feeling purposeful? Why “Finding Your Purpose” Feels Heavy It implies a single, fixed answer It creates pressure to get it right It keeps you in your head, searching and overthinking It can make you feel behind or like you’re missing something What It Means to Feel Purposeful Feeling purposeful isn’t something you find once— it’s something you experience in moments. It often shows up when you are: Engaged Energized (not depleted) Curious or interested Connected to yourself or others Doing something that feels meaningful, even in a small way Better Questions to Ask Yourself What made me feel energized this week? When did I lose track of time? What felt simple, natural, or like “me”? What am I drawn to lately? Does this energize me or deplete me? The Truth About Purpose Purpose isn’t something you chase— it’s something you generate through how you live. Small moments of aliveness create a life that feels meaningful. Try This Instead of waiting for clarity about your purpose: Follow what feels engaging Pay attention to your energy Let curiosity lead before certainty Closing Thought You don’t need to figure out your entire purpose to create a life that feels deeply meaningful. Start with what brings you to life— and let that be enough to guide your next step. If you’re the midlife mom of adult children who needs some support as you fill your life with meaning and aliveness, I can help.  I invite you to schedule a complimentary coaching call with me. Here’s the link: Coaching Call with Terri Thank you for investing your valuable time and energy into listening to the podcast. I’m so very grateful for you.  If you enjoyed this episode, you can “tip the bartender” by rating and reviewing the podcast. Your review makes it easier for others to find the podcast.  Don’t forget to hit the SUBSCRIBE button to be notified any time I pour out a new episode.  My new book Intentional Intoxication: How To Deliberately Distill The Different Life You Desire, is available on Amazon. You can imbibe on the entire book in one, short, intentionally happier hour: Intentional Intoxication Book If you’re interested to know about how I can support you in overcoming the habit of escaping or chasing, I invite you to reach out to me by using the email below and we find a time to chat: terribradwaylifecoaching@coachbradway.com For a quick shot of your life’s current level of intoxication, I invite you to complete the 10 Questions on my Intoxication Inventory: Intoxication Inventory

    8 min

  2. MAR 18

    What Emotions To Expect After Your Kids Leave

    In this episode, we talk about the three emotional stages many women move through when their children leave home: Grief, Relief, and Joy. These stages don’t always happen in a straight line. You may feel two of them at the same time, or circle back to one when holidays, visits, or life transitions happen. But recognizing where you are can bring a lot of clarity. 1. Grief: Letting Go of a Season The first stage many women experience is grief. This isn’t just missing your children—it’s the quiet realization that a whole era of your life has ended. You might notice: What you might be feeling A deep ache or heaviness in the house Sudden waves of sadness at unexpected times Emotional reactions to ordinary things (empty bedrooms, quiet mornings, fewer grocery bags) What you might be doing Looking through old photos Replaying memories of school years, holidays, and routines Talking about your kids a lot Wondering where your purpose fits now What you might not be doing Feeling motivated to start something new Making big life plans Feeling excited about the extra time yet This stage is about honoring what mattered. That chapter of life was real, meaningful, and beautiful. 2. Relief: Space Opens Up Relief is the stage that many women feel guilty admitting. But it’s incredibly common. After years of caregiving, logistics, and responsibility, there is suddenly… space. What you might be feeling Lighter More relaxed in your own home Curious about what you want again Occasionally guilty for enjoying the quiet What you might be doing Sleeping in or going to bed earlier Cooking simpler meals (or not cooking at all) Leaving the house without coordinating schedules Enjoying spontaneous plans What you might not be doing Constantly thinking about what everyone else needs Running a tightly structured household Managing everyone else’s emotions Relief isn’t selfish. It’s the nervous system finally exhaling after years of responsibility. 3. Joy: Rediscovering Yourself Joy comes when the empty nest starts to feel less like a loss and more like an opening. This is where women begin reconnecting with parts of themselves that were set aside for years. What you might be feeling A sense of possibility Excitement about creating something new Confidence in this stage of life Gratitude for both the past and the present What you might be doing Exploring hobbies or interests again Rearranging or reimagining your home Starting creative projects or new work Investing more deeply in friendships or community What you might not be doing Defining yourself only as a parent Waiting for your children’s lives to dictate your own Feeling like the best part of life is behind you Joy in the empty nest isn’t about replacing your children. It’s about reclaiming yourself. A Final Thought Most women move through all three stages at different times. You might feel grief when your child leaves after a visit. Relief on a quiet Sunday morning. Joy when you realize your life still holds so much possibility. None of these feelings are wrong. They’re simply part of the emotional landscape of the empty nest.   If you’re the mother of adult children who needs some help navigating these emotional stages, I can help.  I invite you to schedule a complimentary coaching call with me. Here’s the link: Coaching Call with Terri I’m thrilled to announce my new in-person class: “Design Your Second Season – Your Kids Are Grown. Now it’s time to rediscover YOU.” Design Your Second Season is a 5-week small-group class where moms of adult children come together to reflect, reconnect with who they are now, and begin shaping a meaningful and fulfilling next chapter. In this class, you’ll gain: • Clarity about who you are now in this stage of life • A vision for what you want your next chapter to look like • Confidence in your gifts and talents • A weekly rhythm that supports what matters most to you The class is designed to be both thoughtful and practical—giving you space to reflect while also helping you take meaningful steps forward. Details: Wednesdays, March 25 – April 22 6:00–7:30 PM Kairos Learning Solutions 836 S. Main Street, Salinas Class size is limited to keep the experience personal and engaging.

    20 min

  3. MAR 11

    Announcing An In-Person Class for Moms of Adult Children!

    I’m thrilled to announce my new in-person class: “Design Your Second Season – Your Kids Are Grown. Now it’s time to rediscover YOU.” Design Your Second Season is a 5-week small-group class where moms of adult children come together to reflect, reconnect with who they are now, and begin shaping a meaningful and fulfilling next chapter. In this class, you’ll gain: • Clarity about who you are now in this stage of life • A vision for what you want your next chapter to look like • Confidence in your gifts and talents • A weekly rhythm that supports what matters most to you The class is designed to be both thoughtful and practical—giving you space to reflect while also helping you take meaningful steps forward. Details: Wednesdays, March 25 – April 22 6:00–7:30 PM Kairos Learning Solutions 836 S. Main Street, Salinas Class size is limited to keep the experience personal and engaging. If you’re the mother of adult children who can use some support as you design your second seasion, I can help.  I invite you to schedule a complimentary coaching call with me. Here’s the link: Coaching Call with Terri Thank you for investing your valuable time and energy into listening to the podcast. I’m so very grateful for you.  If you enjoyed this episode, you can “tip the bartender” by rating and reviewing the podcast. Your review makes it easier for others to find the podcast.  Don’t forget to hit the SUBSCRIBE button to be notified any time I pour out a new episode.  My new book Intentional Intoxication: How To Deliberately Distill The Different Life You Desire, is available on Amazon. You can imbibe on the entire book in one, short, intentionally happier hour: Intentional Intoxication Book If you’re interested to know about how I can support you in overcoming the habit of escaping or chasing, I invite you to reach out to me by using the email below and we find a time to chat: terribradwaylifecoaching@coachbradway.com For a quick shot of your life’s current level of intoxication, I invite you to complete the 10 Questions on my Intoxication Inventory: Intoxication Inventory

    11 min

  4. MAR 4

    What Are You Still Trying to Prove?

    Once the active years of motherhood have passed, we may find ourselves still trying to prove to or convince others that we are valuable and worthy.  Proving is similar to people-pleasing in which we’re “lying” to others in order to manage how they think or feel about us.  If you’re the mother of adult children who finds herself striving to prove that you’re still valuable and worthy, I can help.  I invite you to schedule a complimentary coaching call with me. Here’s the link: Coaching Call with Terri Thank you for investing your valuable time and energy into listening to the podcast. I’m so very grateful for you.  If you enjoyed this episode, you can “tip the bartender” by rating and reviewing the podcast. Your review makes it easier for others to find the podcast.  Don’t forget to hit the SUBSCRIBE button to be notified any time I pour out a new episode.  My new book Intentional Intoxication: How To Deliberately Distill The Different Life You Desire, is available on Amazon. You can imbibe on the entire book in one, short, intentionally happier hour: Intentional Intoxication Book If you’re interested to know about how I can support you in overcoming the habit of escaping or chasing, I invite you to reach out to me by using the email below and we find a time to chat: terribradwaylifecoaching@coachbradway.com For a quick shot of your life’s current level of intoxication, I invite you to complete the 10 Questions on my Intoxication Inventory: Intoxication Inventory

    11 min

  5. FEB 25

    How To Live In Hope in the Second Season

    It’s not uncommon for moms of adult children in the second half of life to get stuck in fear - rather than managing fear while living in hope.  Courtesy of author Kate Swobota, “the fear chain/hope chain” exercise will help you uncover the limiting beliefs beneath your fears so that you can intentionally focus on what you hope will happen instead.  For example: “If I’m not needed by my adult children, I’m afraid that I won’t spend time with them.” “If I don’t spend time with them, I’m afraid that I’ll feel disconnected from them.” “If I feel disconnected from them, I’m afraid that I won’t matter to them any more.” “If I don’t matter to them any more, I’m afraid that I’ll be abandoned.” “If I’m abandoned, I’m afraid that I’ll always be alone.”   So my real fearful belief is that being “needed” prevents me from being alone.  Now, we flip it.  “If I’m not needed by my adult children, I HOPE that they’ll be strong and independent.” “If they are strong and independent, I hope that they’ll create lives they truly love.” “If they create lives they truly love, I hope that I’ll be an important part of those lives.” “If I’m an important part of their lives, I hope that we’ll remain deeply connected.” I’m curious to know - what did you uncover? If you’re the mother of adult children who finds herself stuck in fear, rather than living in hope, I can help.  I invite you to schedule a complimentary coaching call with me. Here’s the link: Coaching Call with Terri Thank you for investing your valuable time and energy into listening to the podcast. I’m so very grateful for you.  If you enjoyed this episode, you can “tip the bartender” by rating and reviewing the podcast. Your review makes it easier for others to find the podcast.  Don’t forget to hit the SUBSCRIBE button to be notified any time I pour out a new episode.  My new book Intentional Intoxication: How To Deliberately Distill The Different Life You Desire, is available on Amazon. You can imbibe on the entire book in one, short, intentionally happier hour: Intentional Intoxication Book If you’re interested to know about how I can support you in overcoming the habit of escaping or chasing, I invite you to reach out to me by using the email below and we find a time to chat: terribradwaylifecoaching@coachbradway.com For a quick shot of your life’s current level of intoxication, I invite you to complete the 10 Questions on my Intoxication Inventory: Intoxication Inventory

    15 min

  6. FEB 18

    What If You Don't Want What You Think You Should?

    A simple coaching prompt stopped me in my tracks: “Actually, I don’t want to ______ because…” In this episode, we explore why so many of us chase goals we inherited—from culture, expectations, or a former version of ourselves—and how quiet resistance can be a form of wisdom. This conversation is for you if you’ve been feeling oddly unmotivated, braced around certain “shoulds,” or unsure why a goal no longer fits. You don’t need a new goal yet. Sometimes clarity begins with naming what you no longer want. If you’re the mother of adult children who might love some support as you clarify what you want or don’t want in the second season of life, I can help.  I invite you to schedule a complimentary coaching call with me. Here’s the link: Coaching Call with Terri   Thank you for investing your valuable time and energy into listening to the podcast. I’m so very grateful for you.  If you enjoyed this episode, you can “tip the bartender” by rating and reviewing the podcast. Your review makes it easier for others to find the podcast.  Don’t forget to hit the SUBSCRIBE button to be notified any time I pour out a new episode.  My new book Intentional Intoxication: How To Deliberately Distill The Different Life You Desire, is available on Amazon. You can imbibe on the entire book in one, short, intentionally happier hour: Intentional Intoxication Book If you’re interested to know about how I can support you in overcoming the habit of escaping or chasing, I invite you to reach out to me by using the email below and we find a time to chat: terribradwaylifecoaching@coachbradway.com For a quick shot of your life’s current level of intoxication, I invite you to complete the 10 Questions on my Intoxication Inventory: Intoxication Inventory

    16 min

  7. FEB 11

    Are You a Mom Stuck in Explanations?

    In the empty nest, long-standing explanations for why life can’t change often get louder. These stories once protected us—but now they may be quietly limiting our sense of agency, vitality, and connection. 1. The Pattern: Living in Explanation Mode Constant reasons why change isn’t possible Weight, marriage, energy, relationships, timing Not laziness—protection Explanations reduce risk, disappointment, and grief “If it’s not my fault, I don’t have to risk failing… but I also don’t get to feel my power.” 2. Why This Shows Up in the Empty Nest Fewer external demands More time + space = more self-awareness Old coping strategies resurface Identity built on caretaking starts to loosen 3. The Hidden Cost Stagnation  Quiet resentment or numbness Others feel fatigued or disengage Conversations circle, but nothing opens 4. The Shift: From Explaining to Experimenting Not “take responsibility” Try small experiments “What’s one thing I could try?” “What feels even slightly enlivening?” “What if curiosity replaced justification?” 5. For the Spouse, Friend, or Adult Child What doesn’t help Arguing with the explanation Fixing or convincing What helps Reflect without rescuing: “That sounds heavy.” Name choice gently: “I wonder what you want.” Set boundaries when needed “Loving someone doesn’t mean living inside their stuckness.” 6. Closing Reframe Explanations are often fear in disguise “Who am I when I no longer need a reason to stay the same?” If you’re the mother of adult children who feels stuck in excuses or explanations, I can help you easily get unstuck.  I invite you to schedule a complimentary coaching call with me. Here’s the link: Coaching Call with Terri   Thank you for investing your valuable time and energy into listening to the podcast. I’m so very grateful for you.  If you enjoyed this episode, you can “tip the bartender” by rating and reviewing the podcast. Your review makes it easier for others to find the podcast.  Don’t forget to hit the SUBSCRIBE button to be notified any time I pour out a new episode.  My new book Intentional Intoxication: How To Deliberately Distill The Different Life You Desire, is available on Amazon. You can imbibe on the entire book in one, short, intentionally happier hour: Intentional Intoxication Book If you’re interested to know about how I can support you in overcoming the habit of escaping or chasing, I invite you to reach out to me by using the email below and we find a time to chat: terribradwaylifecoaching@coachbradway.com For a quick shot of your life’s current level of intoxication, I invite you to complete the 10 Questions on my Intoxication Inventory: Intoxication Inventory

    19 min

  8. FEB 4

    Empty Nesting: What's Actually Happening vs. The Story We're Telling

    What if some of the hardest parts of empty nesting aren’t the circumstances themselves—but the stories our nervous system tells about them? In this episode, we explore the difference between real empty nest changes and the meaning we attach to them when we’re unsettled or dysregulated. Drawing from ADHD and nervous system concepts, we look at why grief and anxiety can surface even when nothing is “wrong,” and how separating fact from story can restore clarity and agency. If you’re the mother of adult children who might love some support as you identify and challenge your own “stories” about this stage, I can help you easily get unstuck.  I invite you to schedule a complimentary coaching call with me. Here’s the link: Coaching Call with Terri   Thank you for investing your valuable time and energy into listening to the podcast. I’m so very grateful for you.  If you enjoyed this episode, you can “tip the bartender” by rating and reviewing the podcast. Your review makes it easier for others to find the podcast.  Don’t forget to hit the SUBSCRIBE button to be notified any time I pour out a new episode.  My new book Intentional Intoxication: How To Deliberately Distill The Different Life You Desire, is available on Amazon. You can imbibe on the entire book in one, short, intentionally happier hour: Intentional Intoxication Book If you’re interested to know about how I can support you in overcoming the habit of escaping or chasing, I invite you to reach out to me by using the email below and we find a time to chat: terribradwaylifecoaching@coachbradway.com For a quick shot of your life’s current level of intoxication, I invite you to complete the 10 Questions on my Intoxication Inventory: Intoxication Inventory

    19 min
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About

Get ready to craft a top shelf life with new episodes every Wednesday. Join your host, Terri Bradway, for season two of the Intelligent Intoxication podcast.

Information

  • Creator
    Terri Bradway
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    497
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2022 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Intelligent Intoxication