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Feeling lost after your kids leave the nest? You're not alone. For decades, many parents’ identities have been intertwined with their roles at home, making the empty nest transition feel daunting. But what if this shift is an exciting opportunity to rediscover who you truly are—and craft a future that excites you?

In this enlightening episode, mind mapping expert John Diggs, known as the "Mappaneering Mentor," shares how a simple visual thinking tool can be a catalyst for personal transformation. John opens up about his own journey—from losing everything during the 2008 financial crisis to rebuilding his life with clarity, purpose, and passion through mind mapping.

At the heart of the conversation is the transformative "I Am Mind Map"—a practical exercise that puts your authentic identity at the core. By mapping what truly matters—health, wealth, happiness, success—you create not only a vision but a detailed roadmap for your next chapter.

As John emphasizes, “Most people never really see themselves in all these key areas of their life.”

Most importantly, this episode reminds us that empty nesting is not the end—it's a new beginning.

Highlights & Key Takeaways:

• Mind mapping is a visual tool that organizes thoughts, highlights blind spots, and reveals new paths.
• The "I Am Mind Map" focuses on your authentic self beyond roles or responsibilities.
• John's personal story exemplifies how this practice can help rebuild life after loss.
• Recognize the power of choice—your life is yours to design.
• John’s motto: "The purpose of life is to love it" guides his journey and can inspire yours too.

John Diggs Bio

John Diggs, Your Mappineering Mentor, is dedicated to helping individuals unlock their full potential through the power of mind mapping. With a unique approach combining strategic self-discovery, goal-setting, and visualization, John empowers students, professionals, and athletes to embrace clarity, focus, and purpose in every area of life. As a motivational speaker, author, and coach, his mission is to guide you to achieve your best life, filled with health, wealth, success, and happiness.

Find John Online: LinkedIn, Twitter (X), Instagram, Website

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Is true love still possible after 40? Heidi Friedman’s remarkable journey—from her divorce to dating 104 times over ten years—reveals a transformative path to authentic connection and genuine partnership later in life. Drawing from her extensive experiences and interviews with happily married couples, Heidi shares inspiring insights and practical wisdom for anyone navigating love in midlife.

In this candid conversation, Heidi discusses how therapy helped her break patterns and become her own best date before meeting her husband. She recounts hilarious dating disasters—like the date who brought legal documents for her review—and meaningful lessons about what she truly needs in a partner.

Her guiding mantra, “I will be alone before I be with the wrong person,” ultimately led her to discover heartfelt, lasting love.

Highlights & Key Takeaways:

• Working on yourself first is essential—self-love and confidence attract the right partner.
• Dating with confidence involves an open heart, multiple avenues, and setting realistic expectations.
• Approaching dating apps with patience and proper screening can lead to meaningful connections.
• Becoming your own “best date” prepares you for genuine, fulfilling partnership.
• Boundaries and taking breaks are crucial for personal growth and clarity.
• Never ignore red flags—trust your intuition over chemistry or fleeting feelings.

Heidi Friedman Bio

Heidi B. Friedman, formerly Goldstein and born Eisman, is a successful attorney and partner at a large law firm specializing in all areas of environmental law and environmental, social and governance (ESG) based counseling. Love Lessons is her first book, but Heidi has written related to her professional life and experience as a female lawyer.

Heidi lives in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, with her husband Will, and has four children. Two children she birthed, Morgan (25) and Zach (21) and two are her bonus children, Max (28) and Ben (26). In her life, she has a strong network of amazing women who she treasures and who provide support, guidance and company for drinking wine.

Find Heidi Online: Instagram, Website, Buy Book (Amazon)

Support the show

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3 Steps to Loving Your Empty Nest Life

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Don’t miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts or follow on Spotify and many more.

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What if the empty nest isn't the end of your parenting journey, but a new beginning—an opportunity to reconnect with yourself?

In this enlightening episode, Bernadette Catalana, author of Daughter Lessons: Wise and Witty Reflections on Leading, Learning From, and Loving our Daughters, challenges us to reframe this pivotal life transition.

Throughout the conversation, Bernadette dismantles common misconceptions that launching adult children signifies failure or loss. Instead, she celebrates it as the natural outcome of good parenting: “If you're doing it right, your children will leave your home and you'll get fired from the best job you ever had—and that’s the perfect outcome.”

Most profoundly, Bernadette reminds us that our children are not “our happiness projects.” Releasing expectations allows both parents and children to pursue authentic lives, leading to genuine happiness and meaningful connection.

Highlights & Key Takeaways:

• Understanding your mother’s relationships with her own mother can offer healing from “mother wounds.”
• Transitioning from “the sage on the stage” to “the guide on the side” in parenting encourages trust and autonomy.
• Children are individuals with their own paths, not reflections of parenting success or failure.
• Respect and trust in your adult children’s judgment strengthen your relationship and their autonomy.

Bernadette Catalana Bio
Bernadette Catalana is one of seven children—six of them daughters. She is also a lawyer, mentor, cooking enthusiast, and avid yoga practitioner. But the role she identifies with most is mother to Carly and Courtney. She grew up in Endicott, New York, raised her girls in Rochester, New York and currently lives on Central Park with her significant other and her Havanese, Jackson. Her daughters, who are now grown and starting families of their own, are both within walking distance. This is a collection of her many essays on motherhood.

Find Bernadette Online: Amazon (Book), Instagram, Facebook, Website.

Support the show

FREE WORKBOOK
3 Steps to Loving Your Empty Nest Life

ENJOY THE SHOW?
Don’t miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts or follow on Spotify and many more.

LOVE THE SHOW?
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Review us on Love the Podcast, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify -- reviews and ratings help others find us and we’d appreciate your support greatly.

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