What do you do when someone you love deeply lets you down? When unmet expectations leave quiet but lasting wounds? In this episode of Empty Nester Life, Jacki and Mark talk candidly about forgiveness — not the dramatic kind, but the quiet, everyday kind. The kind that creeps into marriages, friendships, and family relationships when people don’t show up the way we hoped they would.

This conversation is inspired by the chapter on forgiveness from the Re|engage Marriage Program, a powerful Christ-centered resource designed to help couples reconnect and strengthen their marriages.
👉 Learn more at https://reengage.org
.

We’ll talk through:

• Why disappointment cuts so deep
• How unforgiveness quietly shapes your present
• Why forgiveness doesn’t excuse what happened — it frees you
• Practical ways to start forgiving someone who’s let you down
• How to move toward healing in your marriage or other close relationships

🙏 FREE Prayer for Forgiveness:

Whether you’re navigating forgiveness in your marriage, your family, or your friendships, this episode will help you find the courage to release what’s been weighing you down and take your next step toward healing.

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Looking for fresh date night inspiration now that the nest is empty? In this episode of Empty Nester Life, we’re sharing 3 fun, affordable, and memorable date night ideas you can try this week!

✨ Here’s what we cover:

1. At-Home Experiences – from indoor picnics to backyard stargazing.
2. Local Exploration – discover hidden gems like hiking trails, farmers markets, and cozy cafés.
3. Activity-Centered Overnight Trips – make a concert, festival, or special event the centerpiece of a quick getaway.

Whether you’re staying in, exploring your town, or planning an overnight adventure, these ideas will bring connection, fun, and new memories into your relationship.

👍 If you enjoy this episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other empty nesters looking for inspiration.

💬 We’d love to hear YOUR favorite date night idea—drop it in the comments below!

#EmptyNesterLife #DateNightIdeas #EmptyNestAdventures

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Thanks for listening to Empty Nester Life: The Podcast!
Follow us on Instagram at Instagram.com/EmptyNesterLifePodcast
Watch full episodes on YouTube: YouTube.com/@EmptyNesterLife
Join us on Facebook: facebook.com/ouremptynesterlife
And catch behind-the-scenes on TikTok: @emptynesterlife

Dogs aren’t just pets — they’re family. 🐶 In this heartfelt episode, we explore how dogs teach us about love, loyalty, presence, and even faith.

We’ll talk about:

• Why dogs are often the emotional heart of a home ❤️
• How they comfort us without words and reduce loneliness
• The way dogs model loyalty, protection, and responsibility 🛡️
• What unconditional love looks like — and how it reflects God’s love for us
• Lessons dogs quietly teach us about living fully and loving freely

Whether you’re a lifelong dog lover or simply curious about the bond between humans and animals, this episode will remind you of the simple, powerful ways dogs shape our lives and families.

💭 Reflection Prompt: What has a dog taught you about love or loyalty? Share your story in the comments or tag us online — we’d love to hear it.

✨ Quote: “A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.” – Josh Billings

🎧 Listen now and maybe go pet your dog.

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Thanks for listening to Empty Nester Life: The Podcast!
Follow us on Instagram at Instagram.com/EmptyNesterLifePodcast
Watch full episodes on YouTube: YouTube.com/@EmptyNesterLife
Join us on Facebook: facebook.com/ouremptynesterlife
And catch behind-the-scenes on TikTok: @emptynesterlife

Is growth always good? Or is the constant pressure to “do more and be more” actually keeping us from true transformation?

In this episode, we dive into the big question: Should we keep growing? Together, we’ll explore what healthy, Spirit-led growth looks like — not growth for performance or approval, but growth rooted in God’s love and grace.

We’ll talk about:

• Why pruning, resting, and rooting are all part of real growth 🌱
• The difference between striving out of insecurity vs. striving out of calling 🙌
• The categories of growth that actually matter (personal, professional, faith, marriage, friendships, health)
• How to discern whether the pressure you feel is from God, yourself, or the world
• Reflection questions to help you slow down, listen, and lean into God’s work in you

💡 Key takeaway: Growth isn’t about achieving more — it’s about becoming more rooted in who God created you to be.

Scripture: Philippians 1:6 – “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion...”
Quote: “Grace is not opposed to effort. It is opposed to earning.” – Dallas Willard

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Thanks for listening to Empty Nester Life: The Podcast!
Follow us on Instagram at Instagram.com/EmptyNesterLifePodcast
Watch full episodes on YouTube: YouTube.com/@EmptyNesterLife
Join us on Facebook: facebook.com/ouremptynesterlife
And catch behind-the-scenes on TikTok: @emptynesterlife

Looking for the best travel ideas for empty nesters? In this episode, we share our Top 5 Travel Destinations for Empty Nesters. From romantic getaways to bucket-list adventures, these top 5 travel ideas are perfect for couples ready to explore life after kids leave home.

One of the best parts of becoming an empty nester is the freedom to travel!
Whether you’re looking for romantic escapes, cultural city trips, or big adventures you’ve been dreaming about for years, this list will inspire you to pack your bags and explore the world in this new season of life.

👫 Hosted by Jacki & Mark Tait, Empty Nester Life: The Podcast is all about navigating life after kids leave home—travel, marriage, health, and rediscovering what’s next.

Resources from today's podcast:

Our Mexico travel series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkyKGOz9ljqxG9QNzxoQ1VfC-vqiHIARG

Senior passes for National Parks: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/senior-pass-changes.htm

Towns near the Grand Canyon: https://morethanjustparks.com/cities-near-grand-canyon/

Support the show

Thanks for listening to Empty Nester Life: The Podcast!
Follow us on Instagram at Instagram.com/EmptyNesterLifePodcast
Watch full episodes on YouTube: YouTube.com/@EmptyNesterLife
Join us on Facebook: facebook.com/ouremptynesterlife
And catch behind-the-scenes on TikTok: @emptynesterlife

In this episode of Empty Nester Life, we share how a Bible-based faith in Christ has shaped our story from the very beginning. We talk about how God brought us together, the ways Scripture continues to guide our marriage, and why walking with Jesus is the key to staying strong through every season of life—including the empty nest years.

You’ll hear how leaning on God’s Word has helped us navigate challenges, find peace in uncertainty, and grow closer to each other by growing closer to Him. Whether you’re in a season of transition or simply looking for encouragement, this conversation is a reminder that a Christ-centered life and marriage is built to last.

But more than just our story, we want you to know the greatest story of all: the gospel. The Bible tells us in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Jesus Christ lived the perfect life we could not live, died for our sins, and rose again so that we could be forgiven and have eternal life with Him.

Romans 10:9 promises, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

If you’ve never placed your faith in Jesus and feel led to do so now, we invite you to do so today. This is the Holy Spirit's tug on your heart! You can pray a simple prayer like this:
“Lord Jesus, I know that I’m a sinner in need of a Savior. I believe You died for my sins and rose again. I put my faith in You today. Forgive me, make me new, and help me follow You as Lord and Savior.”

If you have any questions or would like to share with us about YOUR faith journey, please leave a comment below. We're here to help and want to encourage you! Next steps we would recommend are to connect with a Bible-believing church, dive into God’s Word, and surround yourself with others who will walk with you in faith.

Because faith in Jesus truly does change everything.

Thanks for listening to Empty Nester Life: The Podcast!
Follow us on Instagram at Instagram.com/EmptyNesterLifePodcast
Watch full episodes on YouTube: YouTube.com/@EmptyNesterLife
Join us on Facebook: facebook.com/ouremptynesterlife
And catch behind-the-scenes on TikTok: @emptynesterlife

Becoming an empty nester is one of the biggest life transitions you’ll ever face—and it comes with more changes than you might expect. In this episode of Empty Nester Life: The Podcast, Mark and Jacki dive into the Top 5 Ways Your Life Changes when the kids leave home.

From the way your house feels, to your daily routines, relationships, social life, and even your finances, we’re exploring the emotional and practical shifts that define this season. Whether you’re excited for the freedom ahead or nervous about the quiet, this episode will give you perspective, encouragement, and a few laughs along the way.

✨ What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How to reclaim space in your home and make it work for your new lifestyle
• Why daily routines feel both freeing and disorienting at first
• Ways to strengthen (or rediscover) your relationship with your spouse or partner
• How your social circle evolves—and how to build new connections
• What financial changes you can expect and how to plan wisely

🎧 Tune in to find inspiration, reassurance, and a reminder that this new chapter isn’t the end—it’s the beginning of something exciting.

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to Empty Nester Life for more real talk about travel, lifestyle, and navigating life after kids.

Thanks for listening to Empty Nester Life: The Podcast!
Follow us on Instagram at Instagram.com/EmptyNesterLifePodcast
Watch full episodes on YouTube: YouTube.com/@EmptyNesterLife
Join us on Facebook: facebook.com/ouremptynesterlife
And catch behind-the-scenes on TikTok: @emptynesterlife

Thinking about turning your second home into a short-term rental? 🏡✨
In this episode of Empty Nester Life, we’re diving into everything you need to know before listing your vacation home on Airbnb, VRBO, or another rental platform. From permits and regulations to property management, marketing, taxes, and guest prep—we cover the real-world details that can make or break your rental experience.

We’ll also share our own experience renting out our Rockport, Texas home and the lessons we learned along the way. Whether you want to offset the cost of owning a second home or create a steady income stream, this episode gives you the insights to do it right.

👉 What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why empty nesters turn second homes into short-term rentals
• The most important local laws and HOA rules to check first
• How to calculate realistic rental income (and avoid overestimating)
• Tips for self-managing vs. hiring a property manager
• Best practices for marketing, guest experience, and reviews
• Tax and insurance essentials every rental owner must know

🎧 Empty Nester Life is all about travel, lifestyle, and navigating the empty nest years with confidence. Subscribe for weekly episodes where we share personal stories, practical advice, and inspiration for this exciting new season of life.

#ShortTermRental #AirbnbHost #EmptyNesterLife #VacationRental #RealEstateTips

Thanks for listening to Empty Nester Life: The Podcast!
Follow us on Instagram at Instagram.com/EmptyNesterLifePodcast
Watch full episodes on YouTube: YouTube.com/@EmptyNesterLife
Join us on Facebook: facebook.com/ouremptynesterlife
And catch behind-the-scenes on TikTok: @emptynesterlife