dismissed. The Empty Nest Era.

Midlife Mindfulness

Jeni and Amy welcome mindfulness coach Julie Sack to explore how small pauses can help create a little breathing room between a big feeling and a big reaction. No silent retreat or hour-long meditation required. Together, they unpack the science of mindfulness and neuroplasticity—plus why practicing little moments of awareness throughout the day can help change how you move through your day. Think less “become a whole new person” and more “take one breath before answering that text.” When a listener asks about dealing with difficult family members, they get practical: feel those feet on the floor, let an exhale happen, shake out some tension, and check in before jumping back into the conversation. Healthy boundaries and self-compassion get a seat at the table, too. The takeaway? They’re not aiming for a life without difficult emotions. They’re exploring how to make room for those emotions without handing the feelings the steering wheel. In This Episode Mindfulness and neuroplasticity: why small, repeated practices matter Family triggers: finding a pause before reacting Nervous system regulation: simple grounding practices for everyday stress Mindful parenting and co-regulation: supporting kids while checking in with themselves Healthy boundaries: noticing needs, energy, and capacity Music and mindfulness: bringing a little rhythm into the reset Chapters 00:00 Meet the Mindfulness Coach 00:30 Stop Living Externally 01:40 Capacity and Control 02:45 Mindfulness Science Basics 03:13 Pause Before Reacting 04:46 Boundaries and Daily Practice 05:30 Mindfulness Beyond Meditation 07:31 Choice Points and Equanimity 08:34 Co-Regulation in Parenting 10:03 Start Small and Be Gentle 10:43 Wrap-Up and Where to Connect Know someone whose family group chat tests every mindfulness skill they have? Send this episode their way. SUBSCRIBE! Write to us at: thedismissedpodcast@gmail.com @thedismissedpodcast on all the socials.

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Tech After 50:When Did We Become Our Parents?

On this episode of Dismissed, Jeni and Amy unpack tech overwhelm, social media learning curves, and the texting habits that drive them nuts. Jeni revisits her early-adopter days during the dot-com boom—and wonders how she went from embracing innovation to battling a shared document. Amy reflects on teaching’s transition from handwritten grade books to online everything, plus an Instagram Reels audio struggle that required reinforcements from her daughter. They also compare TikTok vs. Instagram Reels, debate the appeal of scrolling, and discuss AI, and The Blackberry. Then comes Amy’s PMO: people who don’t reply to texts or emails. A response would be lovely. Don’t be rude. Chapters 00:00 Jeni & Amy Log On 00:09 From Early Adopter to Google Docs Defeat 01:27 Teaching Meets Tech Overload 02:30 Zoom Issues & Accidental IT Careers 03:53 AI Fun, Actual Learning Curves 05:26 “Just Drag & Drop It,” Says Josh 06:07 Reels Audio Drama & Old-Phone Problems 07:19 TikTok vs. Instagram Reels 09:28 Confessions of a Non-Scroller 10:33 Amy’s PMO: Texts & Emails Left Unanswered 12:26 Their Motto: Don’t Be Weird 12:53 Where to Find Jeni & May—Replies Encouraged SUBSCRIBE! Write to us at: thedismissedpodcast@gmail.com @thedismissedpodcast on all the socials.

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The Hidden Menopause Symptom: Urinary Leakage

Leaking when you laugh? Peeing every five minutes? Waking up several times a night to pee? In this episode of dismissed., Jeni and Amy talk about what most of us women are dealing with: urinary leakage, bladder urgency, frequent urination and nighttime peeing. And they talk about what can be done: pelvic floor physical therapy and surgery options. Jeni shares her very real postpartum leaking story and how she eventually found relief with TVT surgery. Amy shares how pelvic floor PT improved her nighttime bathroom trips. Then they bring in Ksenia Mack of Lakeshore Physical Therapy to explain what the pelvic floor actually is, why your bladder may be acting like a needy toddler, and why the answer is not always “just do more Kegels.” Plus, Dr. Burki from GynoInfo! podcast joins once again to answer “Do I still need a gynecologist after menopause?” She explains why annual well-woman visits still matter, how pap smear schedules are different from yearly exams, and what your gynecologist can help monitor in midlife and beyond. Visit Dr. Burki’s GynoInfo! podcast here. https://youtu.be/yXdW-ESYuPU?si=T6pUxRje5lTORZuU If you’ve ever crossed your legs before sneezing, mapped out bathrooms before leaving the house, or wondered why your bladder suddenly has main-character energy — this episode is for you. 00:00 Do I Still Need a Gyno 00:18 Urinary Issues After Kids 00:31 Leaking and TVT Surgery 01:28 Frequency and Pelvic PT 02:52 Meet the Pelvic Floor Expert 03:19 How Pelvic Floor Therapy Works 05:21 Leaking vs Frequency Explained 06:56 Menopause and Gyno Visits 08:11 Well Woman Visit Basics 10:53 Pap Smear Timing Guidelines SUBSCRIBE! Write to us at: thedismissedpodcast@gmail.com @thedismissedpodcast on all the socials.

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Midlife Friendship Reboot: Setting Boundaries & Letting Go of Drama

In midlife and the empty nest era, friendships can look different — and honestly, that can be a good thing. In this episode of dismissed. Jeni and Amy talk about how friendships in adulthood, midlife, and after the busy mom-life years can become calmer, more honest, and a lot less dramatic. As we get older, many of us stop chasing friendships that feel exhausting or one-sided. Instead, we start valuing friends who add peace, humor, support, and honesty to our lives. Jeni and Amy discuss the shift from intense, constant friendships in younger years to more relaxed adult relationships where there’s no pressure, no guilt, and no drama. They also talk about letting go of the “go-to mom” role — the person who is always expected to organize, coordinate, drive, plan, host, and keep everything together. Sometimes that means smaller group texts, casual neighborhood connections, a no-pressure mahjong group, and the freedom to say no to plans without overexplaining. This episode is for anyone who has ever felt drained by friendship drama, overwhelmed by social obligations, or ready to protect their peace and choose friendships that actually feel good. SUBSCRIBE! Write to us at: thedismissedpodcast@gmail.com @thedismissedpodcast on all the socials.

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The Real Reason Women in their 50s Love Reality TV

Reality TV hits different in your 50s. It is not just entertainment - it’s escape, connection and the chaos was choose. Today on dismissed. The Empty Nest Era. podcast, Jeni and Amy are breaking down why midlife women are obsessed with reality TV - and why we should not feel guilty about it. Jeni breaks down her love of competition shows like The Traitors, Big Brother, American Idol, and watching Love Island with her daughter. Amy also shares how rewatching Vanderpump Rules became a comforting escape while adjusting to her daughter leaving for college, and the two talk about why getting invested in cast members, spinoffs, reunions, and crossover reality-TV universes feels so satisfying at this stage of life. They close this week’s episode with a very relatable PMO: tissues (aka a tish) left in pockets that mess up the laundry. What reality TV do YOU watch? Jeni and Amy want to hear from you. Subscribe to the dismissed. The Empty Nest Era. podcast for real conversations about friendship, motherhood, midlife, menopause, parenting transitions, empty nesting, and figuring out who you are after the kids don’t need you quite as much. Write to us at: thedismissedpodcast@gmail.com @thedismissedpodcast on all the socials.

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Dinner is dismissed. How Empty Nesting Changed the Way We Eat.

Jeni and Amy talk about how food, cooking, and household routines change once the kids left home—especially during perimenopause and menopause. Jeni shares how she moved from constant meals, snacks, and family food planning to a simpler two-meals-a-day routine, with an early, larger “dinner” that helps her reflux and sleep. Her husband now heats up food when he wants, and sometimes defaults to peanut butter, bread, and Fluff. Amy, who openly admits she hates cooking, explains her new empty-nest rhythm: a breakfast bar, a supplement-heavy smoothie lunch with collagen and creatine, and then whatever she wants for dinner. Her household has become very GYO- “get your own,” especially when it comes to her husband’s meals. They also discuss the mental load of meal planning, the reality of having an empty fridge when the kids come home to visit, and Jeni and her husband’s weekly tradition of going out for an early Saturday dinner (ahem, at 3:30pm). Then Jeni brings her PMO “piss me off” about how miserable flying has become, something to which we can all relate. Subscribe to the dismissed. podcast for real conversations about friendship, motherhood, midlife, marriage, parenting transitions, empty nesting, and figuring out who you are after the kids don’t need you quite as much. Write to us at: thedismissedpodcast@gmail.com @thedismissedpodcast on all the socials.

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Stay Away From Cray: The Mom-Friend Drama We’re Done With

Friendship in your 40s, 50s, and 60s hits different — especially after years of school events, dance competitions, sports schedules, parent groups, and the chaos of trying to fit in with other moms. In this episode of dismissed. former stay-at-home moms Jeni and Amy talk about navigating adult friendships after being “dismissed” from active parenting duties. They get into their favorite friendship rule: stay away from cray. From intense mom circles and competitive parent dynamics to jealousy, gossip, one-sided friendships, and those early red flags we all wish we noticed sooner, Jeni and Amy share what they’ve learned about choosing peace over drama. They also talk about the myth of having a huge group of “besties” and why most people are actually happier with a smaller, more meaningful circle of friends. Because let’s be honest — by this stage of life, nobody has time to work overtime for friendships that feel stressful, competitive, or one-sided. And in Amy’s PMO segment, she calls out one of the most annoying adult behaviors: whispering to someone in a group setting. Is it rude? Immature? Unnecessary? Jeni and Amy have thoughts. If you’ve ever dealt with mom-friend drama, competitive parenting circles, gossip, friendship red flags, or simply learning how to protect your peace as an adult, this episode is for you. Subscribe to dismissed. for real conversations about friendship, motherhood, midlife, marriage, parenting transitions, empty nesting, and figuring out who you are after the kids don’t need you quite as much. Write to us at: thedismissedpodcast@gmail.com @thedismissedpodcast on all the socials.

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Plastic Surgery Secrets in Midlife, What Women Are Having Done

Jeni and Amy are keeping it real this week. This episode of dismissed. The Empty Nest. podcast dives right into what women usually whisper about: plastic surgery, Botox, lasers, and all the procedures they are doing to look and feel younger. Jeni shares her plastic surgeon told her she came in “too late” and that many women in their 40s are now have “micro-procedures” to possibly avoid a major facelift in their 50s. They talk openly about why so many women feel pressure to hide cosmetic work, Amy’s real-life skin care procedure (dermaplaning, Scarlet microneedling, IPL for pigmentation — yes, even on her legs), and Jeni’s decision to get a lower facelift . Jeni also says “Eh” to CO2 laser treatment so many women swear by. And because it wouldn’t be dismissed. without a little Jeni and Amy honesty, they wrap with their biggest PMOs: TV shows that were canceled without proper endings or suddenly changed casts (we’re looking at you, Hulu’s Paradise and The Lying Game). If you’ve ever wondered what women really do — and why no one talks about it — this episode is for you. Write to us at: thedismissedpodcast@gmail.com @thedismissedpodcast on all the socials.

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College Prep for Parents

College preparation isn’t just for the kids — parents need prep too. In this episode Jeni and Amy get real about surviving college applications, managing the stress of waiting for decisions, and not tying your identity to where your child gets into college. They talk only‑child emotions, the empty nest transition, and why building your own next chapter — therapy, new routines, Mahjong, pickleball, better friendships — matters just as much as dorm packing lists. And of course, they end with a fiery PMO: perimenopause road rage. If you’re parenting teens, staring down senior year, or navigating perimenopause in your 40s and 50s, this episode will make you feel seen. Follow, comment, and send it to your favorite midlife mom friend. Write to us at: thedismissedpodcast@gmail.com @thedismissedpodcast on all the socials.

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Optimize Health During Menopause with These 3 Things: Dr. Monica Medrano

If you are looking to optimize your health as a perimenopausal/menopausal woman, THIS EPISODE IS FOR YOU. Jeni and Amy sit down with Dr. Monica Medrano of Innovative Vitality in Chicago who is answering the top listener questions about GLP-1s, supplements and what are the top three things women in their 40s/50s/60s should be doing to optimize their health. Monica Medrano, M.D. breaks it all down for us: Do you need a GLP-1? Who qualifies (BMI 30+, or 27+ with conditions) Side effects & myths Metformin vs GLP‑1s Are supplements really necessary or helpful (yes, if you follow Dr. Medrano’s strategy.) And Dr. Medrano shares her top 3 priorities for women in their 50s: 1️⃣ Lift heavy things 2️⃣ Optimize nutrition 3️⃣ Lower stress & protect your energy And as always… we’re figuring it out together. This is for education only — always talk to your provider to get the full run down on what is right for you Write to us at: thedismissedpodcast@gmail.com To reach out to Dr. Monica Medrano, click this link: https://www.innovative-vitality.com/

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BONUS EPISODE: Dr. Responds to Our Nighttime Skin Routines

Bonus Episode! Monica Medrano, MD responds to our nighttime routines episode and offers her TWO, only two, non-negotiables for her nightly skin regimen. Dr. Medrano proves that it doesn’t have to be complicated. Just look at her. She told us to start with the basics and then build based on your skin goals. Not what’s trending. Not what your friend is using. She recently simplified her own routine. She went from using six different products down to just two main ingredients: retinyl and hyaluronic acid — plus a good cleanser and a mild toner. That’s it. We found that so refreshing because we’re constantly being told we need more. Big takeaway – Be consistent. And as always, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out on social, send us an email, tell us what you’re using and what questions you want Dr. Medrano to answer next. 💬✨ Can’t wait for you to hear the full episode with Dr. Medrano next week. She is answering the top three questions listeners have had. Subscribe and follow and contact us with your thoughts. Write to us at: thedismissedpodcast@gmail.com To reach out to Dr. Monica Medrano, click this link: https://www.innovative-vitality.com/

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Nighttime Skincare Routines (Midlife Edition)

This week on dismissed, Jeni and Amy are talking about their nighttime skincare routines. As two former stay‑at‑home moms navigating this weird and wonderful empty‑nest phase, they’ve realized that their evenings look very different — and so do their faces. Jeni is an early‑to‑bed person. Like… aggressively early. Jeni’s routine, pretty simple. She doesn’t even really wash her face. (Don’t yell at her.) Amy, on the other hand, is a night owl and a layering queen. She’s washing with Proactiv, applying a restorative skin complex, rolling frankincense and castor oil under her eyes, slathering on Medicube collagen jelly cream, and finishing with a red light mask for 10 minutes every single night. Now that’s commitment. And it works because Amy’s skin is gorg. We also talk about what actually works when it comes to anti‑aging skincare, whether products beat procedures, and why we probably need to bring a dermatologist on to settle this debate once and for all. Jeni and Amy are telling listeners (and showing for those podcast video viewers) all of the products they use (No Paid Placements - We Wish!). If you’re into realistic midlife skincare, honest beauty routines, red light therapy, retinol confessions, and a little empty‑nest humor — this one’s for you. And tell us: are you Jeni (simple skincare) or Amy (layering queen)? Let’s talk about it or visit us on socials. Write to us at: thedismissedpodcast@gmail.com

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Menopause and Making Friends After 50

Is it just us… or is making new friends in your 40s, 50s, and 60s hard? In this episode of dismissed., we’re talking about something no one really prepares you for: how to build community in midlife — especially when the built‑in structures (school, kids’ activities, carpools) start to fall away. But first? We address the real crisis: Perimenopause and menopause sweating. Sweating Sisters unite! From workout classes to “leaky club” napkin situations, we kick things off with some very honest midlife humor — because you have to laugh. Then we dig into the deeper question: Why does building community get harder as we get older? When kids leave for college, when routines shift, when long-time friend groups change — it can leave a real social hole. If you’re navigating friendship after 40, feeling lonely in midlife, or wondering how to make new friends as an adult — this conversation is for you. And we want to hear from you. How are you building community in this season of life? Let’s talk about it or visit us on socials. Write to us at: thedismissedpodcast@gmail.com

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Perimenopause Was Ruining My Life (Until I Started HRT)

For years, Jeni and Amy did not know they were in perimenopause. They thought my bodies were falling apart, that they were just aging. Stiff hands. Rage. Hip pain. Shoulder pain. Rage. Dry skin. Itchy ears. Weird periods. Rage. Bloating. Inflammation. Rage. Insomnia. No one told us these were perimenopause symptoms. In this episode, Jeni and Amy share what actually happened when they finally started hormone replacement therapy (HRT), including using the estrogen patch, combo patches, progesterone pills at night, and even vaginal estrogen. Jeni and Amy talk about: • The early perimenopause symptoms • How doctors dismissed us • How the Women’s Health Initiative scared a generation of women • The difference between a combo patch (estradiol + progestin) vs estrogen patch + bioidentical progesterone • Why HRT treatment is symptom‑based, not blood‑test based • How progesterone helped my sleep (and when it didn’t) • What happened when my progesterone dose was wrong • The online menopause care experience that finally helped me feel like myself again Dr. Burki from GynoInfo! joins us to break down how hormone replacement therapy actually works, why some doctors still avoid prescribing it, and what women need to know about HRT safety today. If you’re in your 40s/50s/60s and thinking: “Why am I so angry?” “Why can’t I sleep?” “Why do my joints hurt?” “Why does my skin feel different?” This episode is for you. Perimenopause doesn’t have to mean suffering in silence. Welcome to midlife. Don’t worry we are here for you.

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Down There and All Things Vaginal.

Okay. We’re going Down There. In this episode, Jeni and Amy talk vaginas and what happens to our pelvic floors in midlife. We kick things off with our shared post‑pandemic impatience — why do manicures feel like a hostage situation now? Why are jeans staging a full invasion into “vagina lane”? Jeni’s grandma, Venus, calls it down there. Amy’s mom calls the entire area her bottom. Let’s talk about VAGINAS: Vaginal dryness. Painful sex. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Vaginal estrogen cream and now needing lube. Leakage - like peeing when we don’t mean to. UTIs, urinary frequency, bladder prolapse. Pelvic floor therapy after childbirth — years of exercises that did absolutely nothing for leakage — before but there is an answer! Just ask Jeni. Women are dismissed when we bring this stuff up to doctors. This episode is honest. It’s funny. It’s uncomfortable. It’s liberating. If you’ve ever wondered, “Is this normal?” — you are not alone. Let’s talk about it. On socials at: @thedismissedpodcast Write to us at: thedismissedpodcast@gmail.com

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Perimenopause: The Bloat, The Pain, The Rage

Let us just say this upfront: perimenopause is REAL. In this episode, Jeni and Amy are talking about what really started happening to our bodies before anyone officially called it perimenopause — the bloating, the sudden bloat, the hip pain (who knew estrogen receptors lived there?!), the sore boobs that felt like my milk was coming in again, and the mood swings that went from “meh” to full-blown rage in 0.4 seconds. Fun times. In this episode we get into the real symptoms of perimenopause and menopause — the stuff women whisper about but don’t always say out loud: Breast swelling and tenderness Feeling puffy and inflamed for no reason Hip and joint pain linked to dropping estrogen Random flushing and night sweats Brain fog and losing words mid-sentence The sudden disappearance of your emotional filter And can we talk about the rage? Because no one prepared us for the raaaaage. Or the clarity that comes with it. It’s like midlife rips the filter off your brain. Things you tolerated for years? Suddenly unacceptable. Conversations you avoided? Now happening. Perimenopause doesn’t just shift your hormones — it shifts your tolerance. We also talk about HRT (hormone replacement therapy) and how confusing and frustrating it can be to get real answers. For us? Game changer. We share exactly what worked for us. We also discuss: HRT patches Why did my doctor give me birth control How wildly inconsistent doctor’s guidance can be Why advocating for yourself matters If you’ve been told “this is just aging” or “your labs are normal” but you feel off — this conversation is for you. Perimenopause is real. The symptoms are real. And the solutions are real too. And if you’re in the thick of sore boobs, hip pain, brain fog, hot flashes, or increased irritability — you’re not crazy. You’re hormonal. Come sit with us. Write to us at: thedismissedpodcast@gmail.com Or visit us on the socials @thedismissedpodcast

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Empty Nest, Perimenopause and the Midlife Shift: Why We Started dismissed.

Welcome to the very first episode of dismissed. The Empty Nest Era. — a podcast for women navigating midlife transitions, empty nest life, perimenopause/menopause and everything in between. We’re Jeni and Amy, friends who realized that our four‑hour-long lunches — part therapy session, part humor-laced reality check — were actually the conversations we wished more women were having out loud. So we decided to start a podcast. We bonded over parallel lives: stay‑at‑home moms who gave up our careers to raise our only children (daughters). And when the empty nest hit, it shocked and surprised us in many ways! This podcast exists because we believe this time of life deserves more visibility, more honesty, and more humor. No one is talking about the reality of how our homes, bodies, minds and lives are so different now. We want this podcast to be a two-way street, so let us know what you want to talk about too. We’re also introducing an unserious recurring segment: PMO (Piss Me Off) — where we vent about the little things driving us crazy. In this episode? Speakerphone in public. Enough said. If you’re craving real talk from women who are IN IT NOW, we want to hear from you. If you are navigating or prepping for the empty nest or experiencing peri/menopause symptoms — you’re in the right place. Subscribe, follow along, and send us your PMOs. We’re just getting started. Write to us at: thedismissedpodcast@gmail.com Or visit us on the socials @thedismissedpodcast