Empty Nest Happy Hour

In this episode, Danielle is joined by producer Aunt Lizzy and special guest Dr. Erica Herron, a pelvic floor physical therapist (and sister). We’re covering everything from prolapse, leaky sneezes, and vaginal dryness to why kegels aren’t always the answer and how holding your breath during workouts might be sabotaging your pelvic floor. You’ll learn what pelvic floor therapy actually looks like, what’s normal, and how to take better care of your body in perimenopause and beyond.

Drink of the Week: Jameson Triple Collins

This week, we're raising our glass to all things fabulous—from red carpet looks to real-life career wins. We’re breaking down our favorite Oscar looks (yes, we have opinions), celebrating the power of taking a moment to toast your own success, and diving headfirst into our Bravo March Madness bracket—because what’s life without a little reality TV chaos?

Grab a drink and join us for a laugh-filled happy hour full of sparkle, sass, and a hot flash that wasn't on the schedule.

Drink of the Week: Holy Spritz

This week, Danielle shares the heartbreak of saying goodbye to a beloved pet, and we unpack why pet grief hits so hard in midlife. We also explore the history of pocket injustice (yes, it’s a thing) and why women have been denied functional pockets for centuries. Then, we shift to a different kind of rebellion—the power of a red lip and how it has been a symbol of resistance, confidence, and activism throughout history.

Be on the lookout for our Bravo March Madness brackets and be sure to vote!

Drink of the Week: Hurricane (because this episode was released on Fat Tuesday!)

This week on the Empty Nest Happy Hour, we're sipping Cape Codders and diving into Sandwich by Catherine Newman, a book that hilariously captures menopause, motherhood, and the midlife rollercoaster of adult kids and aging parents. We also tackle the great name change debate—from the Sears (not Willis) Tower to baffling corporate stadium renames.

Plus, cheers to Bridget Jones’ return and the man who survived being swallowed by a whale. Don’t miss the kickoff of our Real Housewives Franchise Bracket Battle next week!

Flare jeans are making a comeback, but are we ready to embrace them? In this episode, we dive into the ever-changing world of fashion—what trends we’re loving, which ones we’re leaving behind, and how our personal style has evolved in midlife. Plus, Danielle shares her latest retail therapy win, we break down Craig and Paige’s Southern Charm breakup, and we say goodbye to RHOSLC. And, of course, we’re sipping on a Winter Spiced Gin & Tonic while we do it.

Note: February 25 episode will include a book discussion on Sandwich: A Novel by Catherine Newman.

This week, we get real about the emotional rollercoaster of parenting college-aged kids with anxiety, as Danielle shares her daughter’s struggles with dorm life and Amy offers perspective on tough love vs. support.

We also lighten things up with hilarious life advice, Bravo chaos, and a Grammys recap celebrating Beyoncé, power women, and the best moments of the night.

Note: February 25 episode will include a book discussion on Sandwich: A Novel by Catherine Newman

This week, Amy and Danielle confess our childhood celebrity crushes, spiral over our phone addictions, and raise a glass to Danielle’s one-eyed Yorkie, Bandit, who is now officially a pirate.

We’ve also got a Valentine’s Day cocktail, a dramatic poem for Bandit, and a reminder to grab Sandwich by Catherine Newman for our February 25 book discussion.

Note: February 25 episode will include a book discussion on Sandwich: A Novel by Catherine Newman.

This week on Empty Nest Happy Hour, Amy and Danielle tackle the art of getting homebody spouses off the couch, the great grocery cart debate, and why compliments (even awkward ones) matter. From a snowy cocktail recipe to the Bravo drama of the week, we cover it all—including a shoutout to women in power and our winter book pick, Sandwich by Catherine Newman. Join us for laughs, rants, and a toast to women who get it done.

Note: February 25 episode will include a book discussion on Sandwich: A Novel by Catherine Newman.

This week, Amy and Danielle dive into the joys and challenges of building community in midlife, exploring everything from nostalgic casseroles and quirky party themes to Dry January mocktails and the evolving role of alcohol in women’s lives. They share insights on how loneliness impacts us in a digital age, why face-to-face connections matter, and how the "Goonies Generation" shaped their sense of belonging. With practical tips like hosting a Casserole Night or inviting friends out for pizza, this episode is packed with humor and heartfelt inspiration to reconnect with others.

Find information on how to donate to the CA wildfires on our Info from Episodes Page

This week, Amy and Danielle dive into Dry January, Sweaty January, and the highs and lows of movies featuring midlife women. From awkward moments in Nicole Kidman’s Baby Girl to the empowering Good Luck to You, Leo Grand, no topic is off-limits.

Cocktail (or Mocktail) of the Week:
Cranberry Ginger Fizz

(photo credit: Marie Claire)

As 2024 ends and 2025 begins, Amy and Danielle share their favorite moments of the year—trips (Paris!), top reads, pop culture, and more. They honor Jimmy Carter, unpack Bravo drama, and reveal tarot predictions and their 2025 words: growth and abide.

With laughs, heartfelt stories, and a festive "Cheers to That," it's the perfect way to start the new year.

Cocktail of the Week: Midnight Mule & Kir Impérial

Find the list of our favorite things on the Info from the Episode Page

This week, Amy and Danielle mix up some Eggnog White Russians and dive into the drama of Bravo’s worst men (except Craig). They chat about the emotional rollercoaster of empty nesting during the holidays, why “Last Christmas” still slaps, and give a much-deserved cheers to all the holiday workers keeping things running. (Photo from 2018 Amy and Danielle!)

Drink of the Week: Eggnog White Russian

This week, we’re spilling all the details on our Paris trip—late-night champagne with the Eiffel Tower, dodging rain at Christmas markets, and living our best off-season traveler lives. Then, we dive into the good, the bad, and the hilariously weird of Christmas movies. From White Christmas and The Holiday to questionable choices like Merry Gentlemen (Chad Michael Murray’s hair deserves its own credit), we’ve got thoughts.

Cocktail of the Week: Christmas Old Fashioned

In this special Thanksgiving episode, the kids take over Empty Nest Happy Hour! Amy and Danielle are joined by their oldest children, Emma and Ricky, for a hilarious and heartwarming conversation about growing up, college life, and the joys (and pains) of being independent. From Emma’s love of city living to Ricky’s cleanroom adventures, they reflect on lessons learned, Thanksgiving traditions, and the quirks of their Gen X moms. Cocktail of the Week: Caramel Apple Sangria.

Celebrate our 21st episode with laughs, life lessons, and a toast to midlife! This week, we unpack pickleball wisdom (relax those shoulders!), navigate the ups and downs of perimenopause, and take a nostalgic dive into 70s baby names. We’re also dishing on prepping for college kids coming home, giving our underwear drawers a much-needed glow-up, and embracing the chaos of the empty nest. Grab a drink and join the fun!

Description goes hereIn this episode of Empty Nest Happy Hour, the hosts discuss when to move after the kids leave, offering practical tips on downsizing and decluttering your space. They also share top TV picks, including the Martha Stewart documentary, Rivals, and Younger, perfect for winter binge-watching. Plus, they give a shout-out to new listeners from Janesville, Wisconsin, and toast to OPI’s iconic nail polish shade, Lincoln Park After Dark.

Producer Aunt Lizzy is back from Australia and shares her adventures with us! We chat Halloween cocktails, the history of makeup, and why Amy must drive everywhere. Plus, we debate favorite fall movies and get a bit passionate about voting. Drink of the Week: Terror Tini

This week on Empty Nest Happy Hour, we welcome Suzy Mighell, founder of Empty Nest Blessed, for a hilarious and honest conversation about life in the empty nest. Suzy shares her journey, surprising perks of this phase, and real talk about parenting adult children. Plus, we dive into new self-care routines, unexpected freedom, and how to navigate this “last third” of life with purpose and joy. AND…it’s the final week of Breast Cancer Awareness Month - get those mammograms!

We’re taking a short break this week because, well, our trusty producer, Aunt Lizzy, is off traveling for work in Australia, and let’s just say, we haven’t quite mastered the tech side of things on our own. We will be back next week with a great episode. In the meantime, sign up for our newsletter below!

In this episode of Empty Nest Happy Hour, the ladies dive into a hilarious and heartfelt chat about life as empty nesters, from unexpected "rage issues" to listener stories. Danielle shares her recent battles with menopausal rage, including a dramatic (and hilarious) incident where she shattered her Apple Watch, while Erin brings some laughter with her "chlamydia" gardening mix-up story. They also discuss a heartwarming email from a listener in England, who sent in a pros and cons list about empty nesting—revealing that peace and quiet can sometimes be a double-edged sword.

In this lively and heartfelt episode, Amy and Danielle are joined by special guest, Sue Grey. The three dive deep into different stages of empty nesting, from learning how to "right-size" their lives (not downsize!), to figuring out what to do with all the new found freedom, the trio discusses the emotional and logistical transitions that come with this life change. Sue shares her personal journey, offering wisdom from her 11+ years as an empty nester.

Drink of the Week: The Spaghett!

In this episode, the Empty Nest Happy Hour, Stephanie Faraci joins Amy and Danielle as a special guest. Stephanie brings a unique perspective as a mom of an only child who recently left for college, sharing the emotional ups and downs of navigating empty nesting with an only. Drink of the week: Caramel Apple Mimosa.

Special guest Rick, spouse to Danielle, shares the Dad perspective to empty nesting and the lack of resources for males when it comes to kids leaving the nest. Erin, Danielle, and Rick also go all in on the hottest show on television - The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. Come for the outlook on dad's and empty nesting, stay for a realistic look at Danielle and Rick behind the scenes. Drink of the week: Blueberry Mojito.

This week Amy, Erin, and Danielle discuss how they are suddenly talking to themselves, the need for women to size down, adult Halloween party ideas, homecoming past and present, and a passionate take on music icon Dave Grohl. Drink of the week: Honey Deuce.

A full book discussion on Kristin Hannah's "The Women" and a joyous recap of the last dorm drop-off as we celebrate being official empty nesters.

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Learn about how the Kathy and Judy show on WGN was the inspiration for this podcast and so much more!

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Danielle and Amy have dropped off their last kid at college and are now officially empty nesters!

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