Navigating The Empty Nest? Discover Ways To Find Joy In Self-Discovery And Aging Gracefully With Bernadette Catalana
Thu Jan 29 2026
Do your children really know who you are?
Not just the mother who managed schedules, emotions, and daily life—but the woman underneath it all?
Motherhood shifts in midlife—so do we. Maybe you’re navigating an empty nest, single motherhood, or a quieter new chapter—you may find yourself asking deeper questions about identity, inner peace, and how to stay meaningfully connected to the people you love most.
In this episode of Confessions of a Freebird, I sit down with Bernadette Catalana, author of Daughter Lessons and mother of two, for a heartfelt and honest conversation about mother–daughter relationships, generational healing, and leading by example.
Together, we explore what it means to love our children with intention while staying true to ourselves. Bernadette opens up about the weight of people-pleasing, the emotional realities of single motherhood, and how she carried her own mother’s sorrow before consciously choosing to break that cycle. We talk about family dynamics and how generational healing often happens in the most ordinary moments—and why finding happiness isn’t something we arrive at, but something we practice along the way.
This conversation is for any woman in midlife who is learning how to release old roles, speak her truth, and model emotional freedom for the next generation.
In this episode, you’ll hear us explore:
Why truth-telling is a radical act for women raised to keep the peaceHow personal growth and identity shift in midlife—especially after children grow upWhat it really means to lead by example as a motherHow emotional healing in parents breaks generational trauma from being passed down. The unseen weight of single motherhood—and why it deserves more compassionHow family dynamics and generational patterns show up in everyday lifeWhy choosing contentment over performance can deepen your relationship with your childrenYou are still deeply needed. Your presence still matters.
And this season of life holds more meaning, connection, and love than you may realize.
If you’re ready to embrace this next chapter with honesty and heart, I invite you to listen in and join us for this rich, reflective conversation.
Much love,
Laurie
Click here to sign up for my FREE Somatic class on Wednesday, February 4th at 4pm PST
Click here to fill out my Podcast survey for 2026.
Click here to learn about my NEW “Nervous System Regulation Starter Kit”
Click here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting Go
Free Resources
Click here to schedule a FREE inquiry call with me.
Click here for my FREE “Beginner’s Guide to Somatic Healing”
Click here for my FREE Core Values Exercise
Please leave me feedback. I cannot respond so if you'd like me to respond, please leave your email
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DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL, MEDICAL OR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED THERAPIST IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SUICIDAL THOUGHTS. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WITH RESPECT TO ANY MEDICAL ISSUE OR PROBLEM.
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Do your children really know who you are? Not just the mother who managed schedules, emotions, and daily life—but the woman underneath it all? Motherhood shifts in midlife—so do we. Maybe you’re navigating an empty nest, single motherhood, or a quieter new chapter—you may find yourself asking deeper questions about identity, inner peace, and how to stay meaningfully connected to the people you love most. In this episode of Confessions of a Freebird, I sit down with Bernadette Catalana, author of Daughter Lessons and mother of two, for a heartfelt and honest conversation about mother–daughter relationships, generational healing, and leading by example. Together, we explore what it means to love our children with intention while staying true to ourselves. Bernadette opens up about the weight of people-pleasing, the emotional realities of single motherhood, and how she carried her own mother’s sorrow before consciously choosing to break that cycle. We talk about family dynamics and how generational healing often happens in the most ordinary moments—and why finding happiness isn’t something we arrive at, but something we practice along the way. This conversation is for any woman in midlife who is learning how to release old roles, speak her truth, and model emotional freedom for the next generation. In this episode, you’ll hear us explore: Why truth-telling is a radical act for women raised to keep the peaceHow personal growth and identity shift in midlife—especially after children grow upWhat it really means to lead by example as a motherHow emotional healing in parents breaks generational trauma from being passed down. The unseen weight of single motherhood—and why it deserves more compassionHow family dynamics and generational patterns show up in everyday lifeWhy choosing contentment over performance can deepen your relationship with your childrenYou are still deeply needed. Your presence still matters. And this season of life holds more meaning, connection, and love than you may realize. If you’re ready to embrace this next chapter with honesty and heart, I invite you to listen in and join us for this rich, reflective conversation. Much love, Laurie Click here to sign up for my FREE Somatic class on Wednesday, February 4th at 4pm PST Click here to fill out my Podcast survey for 2026. Click here to learn about my NEW “Nervous System Regulation Starter Kit” Click here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting Go Free Resources Click here to schedule a FREE inquiry call with me. Click here for my FREE “Beginner’s Guide to Somatic Healing” Click here for my FREE Core Values Exercise Please leave me feedback. I cannot respond so if you'd like me to respond, please leave your email *********************** DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL, MEDICAL OR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED THERAPIST IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SUICIDAL THOUGHTS. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WITH RESPECT TO ANY MEDICAL ISSUE OR PROBLEM.