Welcome to Empty Nester Life: The Podcast!

Empty Nester Life: The Podcast with Mark and Jacki

#Parenting #Jacki and Mark Tait #Mark Tait

29:53

Steve Preston is the CEO of Goodwill Industries. Though Goodwill is known for big stores where people can donate clothes and buy them secondhand, those stores are just the first level of what Goodwill Industries are about. Those stores fund an international organization that provides job training, employment placement services and other community-based programs for people who face barriers in their employment. Steve joins Jay to discuss the ways Goodwill Industries support veterans and individuals who lack job experience, an education, or face employment challenges, such as those people who are formerly incarcerated. Today's episode was produced by Tani Levitt and Mijon Zulu. To check out more episodes or to learn more about the show, you can visit our website Allaboutchangepodcast.com. If you like our show, spread the word, tell a friend or family member, or leave us a review on your favorite podcasting app. We really appreciate it. All About Change is produced by the Ruderman Family Foundation. Episode Chapters 0:00 intro 1:02 The Goodwill you don’t know 4:33 The troubling reality of work reintegration for formerly incarcerated folks 10:00 How Steve brings his public-sector experience to Goodwill 11:17 Goodwill’s employment centers 15:51 The interplay between Goodwill’s national and local arms 24:07 The case for minimizing recidivism becoming a cross-party cause 27:05 Goodbye For video episodes, watch on www.youtube.com/@therudermanfamilyfoundation Stay in touch: X: @JayRuderman | @RudermanFdn LinkedIn: Jay Ruderman | Ruderman Family Foundation Instagram: All About Change Podcast | Ruderman Family Foundation To learn more about the podcast, visit https://allaboutchangepodcast.com/ Looking for more insights into the world of activism? Be sure to check out Jay’s brand new book, Find Your Fight , in which Jay teaches the next generation of activists and advocates how to step up and bring about lasting change. You can find Find Your Fight wherever you buy your books, and you can learn more about it at ⁠⁠⁠www.jayruderman.com⁠⁠⁠ .…

about a year ago 23:01

MP3•Episode home

In our very first episode, we’re pulling back the curtain and inviting you into our story. We’re Jacki and Mark—married for decades, parents of four, and now navigating the unpredictable, exciting, and sometimes emotional world of empty nest life.
We share why we started this podcast, what you can expect in future episodes, and some of the real, honest topics we’ll be diving into—from marriage shifts and personal rediscovery to loss, loneliness, new dreams, and everything in between.
If you’re an empty nester—or about to be—you’re not alone. Let’s figure out this new season of life together.

7 episodes

Welcome to Empty Nester Life: The Podcast!

Empty Nester Life: The Podcast with Mark and Jacki

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

7 episodes

#Parenting #Jacki and Mark Tait #Mark Tait

All episodes

Empty Nester Life: The Podcast with Mark and Jacki

1
Are Toxins Hiding in Your Kitchen? 44:42

5 days ago44:42

44:42

In this first episode of our health mini-series, we kick things off with the eye-opening moment that changed everything for us: a casual clean-out of our spice rack that led to a deep dive into food toxins, ultra-processed products, and ingredient transparency. We compare two jars of paprika—one organic and pure, the other full of mystery (literally, no ingredients listed!). That discovery launched a full kitchen detox and inspired us to rethink what we consume every day, starting with our own pantry. We discuss: What "ultra-processed" really means (even for seemingly healthy foods) Why common oils like canola, soybean, and corn may not be as harmless as we think How to spot hidden additives in your spices and packaged foods Healthier alternatives that taste just as good—and are better for you A simple, homemade salad dressing recipe using clean ingredients Lemon Olive Oil Vinaigrette Recipe: Olive Oil (we like lemon-infused) Lemon Juice Sea Salt Black Pepper Add everything to a mason jar and shake until well blended. Add balsamic, fresh herbs, or garlic for more variety! We also share some of our favorite tools and resources for living cleaner, including an app that scans ingredient labels, a brand of clean spice blends we trust, and a simple way to get better-tasting, toxin-free water. Whether you're just beginning your health journey or you're ready to clean up your home environment, this episode is the perfect place to start—right in your spice cabinet.…

Empty Nester Life: The Podcast with Mark and Jacki

1
How to Help Your Adult Children Find Their Groove | Episode 5 43:45

12 days ago43:45

43:45

Your kids are grown, but the parenting role hasn’t disappeared—it’s just changed. In this episode of Empty Nester Life: The Podcast , we explore how to support your adult children without hovering, offer advice without overstepping, and encourage independence while staying emotionally connected. We’ll talk about letting go of your timeline for their life, celebrating small wins, and what healthy support really looks like in this season. If your adult child is still figuring things out—and you’re trying to figure out how to help—this episode is for you. 🎧 Tune in to hear real talk, relatable stories, and practical tips for parenting adult children with grace.…

Empty Nester Life: The Podcast with Mark and Jacki

1
Marriage After the Kids Move Out: Episode 4 45:33

19 days ago45:33

45:33

In this episode of Empty Nester Life: The Podcast , we dive into one of the most important—and sometimes overlooked—topics in the empty nester journey: marriage after the kids leave home. When the house gets quiet and the routines change, couples often find themselves asking, "Now what?" We’re sharing our own experiences, the challenges we’ve faced, and how we’re working to reconnect, redefine our roles, and rediscover who we are as a couple in this new season of life. Whether you’re thriving or struggling to find your rhythm as a duo again, this episode is for you. Join us for real talk, laughs, and a few heartfelt moments as we unpack the realities of midlife marriage—and how to keep growing together, even after the nest is empty.…

Empty Nester Life: The Podcast with Mark and Jacki

1
Heart Health & Diet – Mark’s Wake Up Call and What We Learned - Episode 3 49:00

19 days ago49:00

49:00

Episode 3: Heart Health & Diet – Mark’s Wake-Up Call and What We Learned In this episode of Empty Nester Life: The Podcast, we open up about Mark’s personal health scare that became a major turning point in how we approach wellness. We walk you through the specific tests that revealed a hidden heart issue, what those results meant, and how we used that moment as a catalyst for change. From the emotional impact to the dietary overhaul that helped get Mark back on track, this episode is all about taking control of your health before it takes control of you. Whether you're facing your own health concerns or simply want to stay ahead of the curve, we hope our journey inspires you to put your heart first—literally. 💝 💔 🌺 On another note, at the top of this episode we talk about Jacki's Mom's battle with cancer. It is with great sadness that we tell you that she passed away on Mother's Day, 2025. If you'd like to learn more about Vicky Semerau, the amazing woman who raised Jacki and became a wonderful Mother in Law to Mark, please visit here: https://www.forevermissed.com/vicky-semerau/lifestory…

Empty Nester Life: The Podcast with Mark and Jacki

1
Picking Up the Pieces – Where We Left Off - Episode 2 21:19

5 weeks ago21:19

21:19

In this episode of Empty Nester Life: The Podcast , we reconnect with our YouTube community and share an honest update on our empty nester journey. From falling in love with Rockport, Texas, to buying (and eventually selling) vacation rental properties, we catch you up on the real-life decisions that shaped our path. This was the turning point when we shifted from sharing our personal story to creating more travel-focused content. Now, we’re pulling back the curtain again to talk about life after the kids move out, navigating real estate as empty nesters, and finding meaning in this new chapter. Whether you’re dreaming of travel, looking into investment homes, or just figuring out what’s next, we’re glad you’re here.…

Empty Nester Life: The Podcast with Mark and Jacki

1
Welcome to Empty Nester Life: The Podcast! 23:01

6 weeks ago23:01

23:01

In our very first episode, we’re pulling back the curtain and inviting you into our story. We’re Jacki and Mark—married for decades, parents of four, and now navigating the unpredictable, exciting, and sometimes emotional world of empty nest life. We share why we started this podcast, what you can expect in future episodes, and some of the real, honest topics we’ll be diving into—from marriage shifts and personal rediscovery to loss, loneliness, new dreams, and everything in between. If you’re an empty nester—or about to be—you’re not alone. Let’s figure out this new season of life together.…

Empty Nester Life: The Podcast with Mark and Jacki

1
This just in! Empty Nester Life: The Podcast is now live! 2:10

6 weeks ago2:10