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A single Mom's empty nest reboot.

Tracy Collins

If you’re a single empty nester and struggling with what’s next, THIS is the podcast for you. I left my career to raise my daughter, as a single Mom. Now, nest empty, I wondered what's next? Join me each Wednesday, as I navigate this new normal, sharing stories, insights, and guest interviews...asking for help along the way. Hoping, while searching for my neSt big thing, that I’ll find others with common experiences and together we can offer support, encouragement and fun.

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  • 20 episodes
  • Avg 37 min
  • English
  • Aug 4, 2021 · 1 hr 14 min

    Whatcha Been Watchin'?

    Network TV, Streaming....It's been a long 17 months of watching. Please listen until the end, because Alex and I talk about a show that started the idea for this episode to begin with. Better Things is about a single Mom, raising 3 daughters. The main character, Sam (flawlessly played by, Pamela Adlon) is honest, funny, and facing every obstacle with deep love. This show proves something I've talked about many times on the podcast, although journeys are not identical, there are common threads among them. My story is not exactly like this character, but the meaning and premise is impactful and even aspirational for me. Enjoy!

  • Jul 21, 2021 · 1 hr 42 min

    And the Emmy Goes too.......

    This week, my returning guest and I, talk Emmy Awards. Over the past 18 months I've relied on TV to fill more lulls than in previous years. I rarely even pay attention to the Emmy's, but this year since I watched more, thought it would be fun to do a run down and see if my guest (Alex...previously on the podcast) had any matches on what we've watched. Listen and see if you share the same opinions!

  • S20 · E1
    Jul 7, 2021 · 18 min

    Adopt-a-Pet Anyone?

    This week, an update from The Nest and thoughts on Pet adoption. As always, if you have a topic you'd like to talk about, please reach out. thenestbigthingpodcast@gmail.com Leave a voice message below. Follow and/or DM in Instagram: thenestbigthing_podcast Please consider adopting or reaching out to these (or your local shelter) to see if there are items they may be in need of: The Sanctuary at Haafsville is a safe haven for homeless cats and dogs - www.thesanctuarypa.org Summit Animal Rescue Association (SARA, Inc.) rescues cats or any animal in need, provides them with medical attention, rehab, and a temporary loving environment until a permanent home can be found. www.sararescue.com Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter - www.njshelter.org

  • S1 · E19
    Jun 23, 2021 · 30 min

    Who’s been drinking the TicTok Kool-aid??!!

    It's the Smörgåsbord of episodes. This week's update, taking stock in TikTok, reflecting on talk show fans and more. If you have a topic suggestion or you, or someone your know, would like to join me, please reach out. Leave a voice message below, email me at thenestbigthingpodcast@gmail.com, dm me on Instagram @thenestbigthing_podcast Want to see the TikToks I talk about this episode? Tiktok: @tracyskeytotheworld

  • Jun 16, 2021 · 33 min

    In this day and AGE!

    Ageism! Whether you are 50+ and starting over professionally or losing hours because someone younger was hired to do the same job for less $, it's an obstacle I've faced. This week I'm talking about a personal struggle and hoping it resonates with others and even opens the eyes of some. Over 50 and starting over professionally....post Covid! Double whammy! Forget salary commensurate with experience! How can you even get picked out of a stack of resumes?! Please join me for this personal episode. Spread the word! I'm looking for guest(s) that might have experience in this topic, so please reach out. thenestbigthingpodcast@gmail.com Leave a voice message below. Follow and/or DM in Instagram: thenestbigthing_podcast

  • Jun 9, 2021 · 1 hr 22 min

    An Episode to be Proud Of!

    This week, I'm joined by a dear friend for a personal conversation about Pride Month. What does this time mean to us? How far has our society come? What I love most about this episode? It's 2 generations coming together discussing a topic, that might otherwise not be shared between people with completely different life experiences. I am so grateful for this time. I hope you enjoy the episode, as much as we did recording it. I'd like to shed light on a fantastic organization, providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ youth. The Trevor Project. If you need support, they have 24/7 line: 866-488-7386 www.thetrevorproject.com Informational resource: www.lgbtqiahealtheducation.org

  • S1 · E16
    May 26, 2021 · 38 min

    The Solo Trip That Was!

    This week it's a remote broadcast, from airport to home again. Hard to believe the much anticipated trip is behind me. I'll share the good, bad and the ugly of it all. Don't forget to share the podcast and follow me on insta (link is below the show description). If you want all the photos and videos from the trip, check out my travel insta @tracyskeytotheworld. Thank you for listening. From my nest, to yours, have a great week.

  • S1 · E15
    May 19, 2021 · 22 min

    Guess who’s leaving the nest...solo?

    This week I’m getting ready for take off; my first trip solo in almost 19 years. I'll give a nest update and talk about what's been going on for the past 2 weeks. There's a lot to unpack....as I pack for my next adventure. I'll post some updates, but if you would like to follow the trip more closely, please follow my travel Instagram @tracyskeytotheworld Like, share, follow. Thank you, From my Nest, to yours...have a great week.

  • S1 · E14
    May 12, 2021 · 1 hr 2 min

    Dropping the F-Bomb!

    FEAR, that is! The Founder of "GPS for Love" returns for a candid conversation about how FEAR holds us back and working toward dropping those patterns. Fear vs. uncertainty. Do you run and/or numb? One of my favorite take-aways: Life experiences don’t happen TO you, they happen FOR you. Enjoy the episode! See what Joe, and "GPS for Love" is all about @gpsforlove or www.gpsforlove.com Here you'll also find a link for a free guide to creating an online dating profile that attracts the right person. Don't forget to follow The Nest on Instagram @thenestbigthing_podcast

  • S1 · E13
    May 5, 2021 · 11 min

    Happy Mother's Day!

    In this episode I talk Motherhood. I mean, it's the whole reason I'm doing this podcast in the first place. I'll also share something I read years ago and stuck with me. Have the happiest of Mother's Days! Please follow me on Instagram. Links to my social media are below. As always, I'm open to topic suggestions. If you or someone you know would like to be a guest, reach out to me. Thank you for listening.

  • S1 · E12
    Apr 28, 2021 · 16 min

    A View from the Nest

    This week I'll give a quick update on what's happening in the Nest. Also, there is a call-to-action for an upcoming episode. The response to the "GPS for Love" episode was positive, so Joe will be returning. We'll have a Q&A portion of the show, if there's questions you've always wanted to ask about dating and relationships, now is your chance. Everything will be kept anonymous. Here's how to submit questions (or leave a Happy Mother's Day message, for your Mom, which I'll air later): Leave a voice message below this description. Follow me on Instagram, send a DM or leave a comment @thenestbigthing_podcast Email me: thenestbigthingpodcast@gmail.com I will keep , so no worries there. Until then, from my nest to yours, have a great week. Thank you for listening. Spread the word!

  • S1 · E11
    Apr 21, 2021 · 55 min

    I'm listening! Premier dating expert, for 50+, spills the tea.

    As an empty nester, I'm now starting to kick the tires at the idea of dating. I'm not the only one after 50 starting over. My quest for information begins! Hence asking this week's guest to join me. The Founder and Creator of "GPS for Love" shares his thoughts and philosophy on dating over 50. Join us for this fun and enlightening episode. See what Joe, and "GPS for Love" is all about @gpsforlove or www.gpsforlove.com Here you'll also find a link for a free guide to creating an online dating profile that attracts the right person. Enjoy!

  • S1 · E10
    Apr 14, 2021 · 25 min

    The 8-year-old CEO

    I'm joined by a mother-daughter business team from, Rylie's Barkery. Role-modeling an entrepreneurial spirit for your daughter, at a young age, has such long-lasting benefits. What better way to give them a sense of confidence and self-respect, teaching independence, than by starting a business with her. When I heard about this team, I felt compelled to highlight them, in hopes of motivating others to follow suit. Not to mention the business is centered around something I’m passionate about….the health and well-being of dogs. Starting a business with your child can teach so many invaluable life lessons. My guests will share the why and how they started this mother-daughter venture. You’ll be surprised at how naturally this 8-year-old answers my questions. I sense a Forbes Under 30 in the making. Thank you for listening. Enjoy. Rylie's Barkery - Wholesome, Organic Dog Treats www.ryliesbarkery.com Insta: @ryliesbarkery

  • S1 · E9
    Apr 7, 2021 · 25 min

    Flawsome!

    Don't you love that title? I can't take credit for it. The name comes from my guest’s business, “Fit and Flawsome Wellness Virtual Studio.” We usually see our perceived flaws (as women, they’re typically physical) as our weaknesses. I wish there was a way to flip that switch, turned on as young girls, and we could see who we are, flaws and all, as awesome! Easier said than done, I suppose. Maybe you’ll take something away today that helps in that direction. Val Rower joins me this week, for an honest conversation about how she turned her personal journey into a way life, supporting women to feel good about themselves, through fitness, nutrition and personal development. I appreciate Val's honesty and relatability. Enjoy! You can find Val at: www.valrower.com Insta: val_rower

  • S1 · E8
    Mar 31, 2021 · 20 min

    Riding the Wave!

    I've learned that life is a lot of riding the wave. When life is good...appreciate it! When times are bad, know it's temporary. I'll share my thoughts on how riding the wave helps me get through difficult times. Also, what's been happening in the nest since starting the podcast. Plus, a new remote segment. Thank you for listening. Enjoy.

  • S1 · E7
    Mar 24, 2021 · 37 min

    Mom Power!

    In addition to some of my Nest talk, I'll start the Momtreprenuer highlight, mentioned a few weeks ago. Some weeks this may be a full episode, or it could be a segment. This week I'm joined by 2 business owners. My hope is that, whatever your life circumstance, listening to this podcast is enjoyable...even helpful or motivating. Check out below how to get in contact with our Mom business owners from this episode. Thank you for listening. Enjoy! Michelle Wright - Owner, Life Giving Joy Instagram: @life.giving.joy https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifegivingjoy/ https://teespring.com/stores/life-giving-joy Heather Donnelly - Owner, Sing A Song NJ Instagram: @snickerme www.singasongnj.com Facebook: @musictogethersparta

  • S1 · E6
    Mar 17, 2021 · 28 min

    Beginner peace.

    Welcome my guest, Linda Domino, Founder of "Sacred Trails," which offers programs and gatherings that support experiencing the world with all its diversity, nuances, and beauty. I'll explain why I asked Linda to be a guest. Simply, I have been struggling with finding that "inner peace" and I saw an Instagram post she made, that really resonated with me. I wondered if people who live such Zen lifestyles have always lived like that. We discuss bringing peace into our lives, for beginners (my term). I hope you enjoy listening, as much as I did recording. To find Linda - Insta: @Linda_domino Facebook: @Linda Ferari Domino For more info on, Sacred Trails, and the programs being offered: www.sacredtrailshome.com

  • S1 · E5
    Mar 10, 2021 · 14 min

    Me, Myself & I

    In a previous episode I talked about how, taking baby steps is the key to success when making a change. Today we'll explore....what if someone doesn't even know what that first step might be? I'll share how I took my first step(s), when realizing I would be raising my daughter as a single Mom. I'll also honestly share how things have been going in my own empty nest lately. Listen too, for information on an exciting Momtrepreneur episode, that I need your help with. Thank you for listening. Enjoy!

  • S1 · E4
    Mar 3, 2021 · 24 min

    Meet, "The Mindful Single Mom."

    This week my guest is, Wendy Miller, author of the Blog, "The Mindful Single Mom." Whatever your life circumstance, you'll relate to the parenting insights and life transitions we talk about today. Our journeys are not identical, but human emotion is a common thread we all share. There is always something to benefit by hearing someone else's perspective. To read Wendy's Blog go to: www.mindfulsinglemom.com or follow her on Instagram: @wendythewriter

  • S1 · E3
    Feb 24, 2021 · 29 min

    Shift Happens

    On this episode I'll be joined by a guest who had a life shift thrust upon her, becoming a widow suddenly, with 2 teenagers. Faith, family, friends....she shares some great stuff. My hope is, as we share stories of transition, shift and change, (whether we've seen it coming for years, or it happens suddenly) we might hear something that resonates and keeps us moving forward. Enjoy. If you would like to be a guest, ask a question, or suggest a topic, please email me at thenestbigthingpodcast@gmail.com or follow me on Instagram @thenestbigthing_podcast or Facebook www.facebook.com/thenestbigthing

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