JK It's Not About You with Jen Rouse & Kelli Murcko

JK It's Not About You with Jen Rouse & Kelli Murcko

Hello and welcome to JK It's Not About You, I’m Jen Rouse and I’m Kelli Murcko, and we’re your hosts. We’re new empty nesters, and we’re here to talk about what the next chapter looks like. For so long, we were taxi drivers, domestic engineers, chefs, tutors, cheerleaders and everything else that goes along with being a parent! No days off, no paid vacation, and very limited time to pursue our own passions. It just wasn’t about us… Join us on this new endeavor as we find passions in all things empty nesting. The little birdies have flown the coup and living their best lives, and now, it’s finally our turn. We’re sweating through our 50’s trying to figure it out. From resetting on marriage, navigating divorce, dating at 50, we're here to reclaim our calendars, our bodies, and our newly found identities in this confusing yet exciting new phase of life. So grab your glass of wine or your beverage of choice and your cozy sweats and join us as we unpack all things real in our 50’s. So hit the follow button and stay tuned for our brand new show launching Wed. Nov. 20 and join us every Wednesday as we chat about the real deal of what life is like for women in their 50’s, available everywhere you get your podcast. You can also follow us on IG, TikTok & Facebook @jkitsnotaboutyou

Episodes

May 29, 2025 36 mins

Episode #25: Unlock the potential of your home and transform your life as we embark on a journey into the world of empty nesting and home refreshes. With our children having flown the nest, we explore the newfound freedom and adventures that await us, from memorable travels to Palm Springs and Mount Madonna, to the exciting realm of home improvement projects. We are joined by a special guest, a home refresh and remodel expert, who ...

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Episode #24: Who knew that a simple road trip could turn into such an adventure? Picture this: a flat tire on a deserted dirt road in Southern Utah, all on a quiet Mother's Day Sunday. That's just one of the unexpected twists we encountered as we embraced our new life as empty nesters. From Malibu's sunny beaches to the rugged beauty of Utah, we're rediscovering ourselves beyond parenthood. Our escapades include reconnecting with o...

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Episode #23: When the Malibu fires swept through our beloved coastal community, Sarah, a local resident and our guest for this episode, witnessed firsthand the devastation and the incredible resilience that followed. As she shares her personal journey of volunteering for fire relief efforts, we unravel the emotional and physical toll these fires took on Malibu's cherished landmarks and homes, from her sorority sister's house to the...

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Episode #22: In this episode, Jen and Kelly are joined by their prodcucer Kimberly Lovi to discuss the challenges and joys of empty nesting, including personal fitness journeys, dating experiences in midlife, travel adventures, and the emotional complexities of caring for aging parents. They also emphasize the importance of community support for local businesses, especially in the wake of recent challenges faced by their neighborho...

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Episode #21: In this episode, Jen and Kelly, two new empty nesters, explore the challenges and opportunities that come with this new phase of life. They discuss feelings of emptiness, the search for purpose, and the importance of community involvement. The conversation also touches on health, nutrition, and the rediscovery of passions as they navigate their fifties. With humor and honesty, they share their experiences and encourage...

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Episode #20: Navigating the transition to an empty nest is a journey filled with both excitement and uncertainty. Kelly and I find ourselves at a crossroads, shifting from the vibrant days of active parenting to rediscovering who we are beyond our family roles. Our summer has been a whirlwind of new experiences and personal growth, as we embrace the changes that come with this phase. We’re excited to have Melissa join us, who bring...

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Episode #19: Reflecting on the unexpected freedom that comes with empty nesting, Kelly and I share our personal journey of redefining identity and rekindling passions in this new life phase. My mission to revive the brooch as a homage to my grandmother sparks a joyful conversation about fashion staples and life’s simple pleasures. The episode takes a heartfelt turn as we address the complex realities of aging and addiction, drawing...

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Episode #18: Throwing a spontaneous 21st birthday party for Sarah turned into an unexpected adventure, complete with a wild search for a lost car in a Torrance mall parking lot. Join us as we recount the joys and hiccups of this impromptu celebration. The dinner at Din Tai Fung brought logistical challenges and family dynamics front and center, leading to a day filled with laughter and lessons. While the celebration may not have ma...

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April 3, 2025 28 mins

Episode #17: Are you ready to embrace the empty nest with open arms and a full heart? Join us, Jen and Kelly, as we explore the thrilling adventure of finding ourselves anew in this liberating stage of life. Our journey takes us from a spirited family gathering in Palm Desert to serene road trips with our grown kids, leaving us both nostalgic and excited for the future. Inspired by Mel Robbins' "Let Them Theory," we discuss the tra...

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Episode #16: In this engaging conversation, Kelli and Jen discuss the complexities of perimenopause and menopause, emphasizing the importance of understanding hormonal changes and their impact on women's health. They explore various symptoms, the significance of lifestyle factors, and the need for early awareness of hormone health. The discussion also covers nutritional support, the role of exercise, and the effects of alcohol on w...

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Episode #15: Get ready for an exciting reunion! We're thrilled to bring you a lively discussion with Ashley Nadler, the talented esthetician behind Gemini Oasis in Heber. Jen is back on her feet after a bit of downtime, and Kelly is fresh from celebrating her early 30s in the beautiful landscapes of Italy. Together with Ashley, we explore the intriguing world of golden birthdays, the highs and lows of wellness routines, and the uni...

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March 6, 2025 48 mins

Episode #14: In this engaging conversation, Jen, Kelli, and Kimberly discuss their personal experiences with health challenges, the journey of podcasting, and the importance of parenting and character development in children. They share insights on wellness trends, memorable family moments, and updates on their 75 Hard challenge, all while maintaining a light-hearted and humorous tone.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome and Introduction
02:58...

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Episode #13: What if your passion could lead you down a less-traveled road to success? Join us on a journey through Aspen's icy paradise as we explore the thrilling world of competitive snowboarding with our youngest adventurer, Nate. Experience the adrenaline of soaring over 75-foot jumps and uncover the charm of Aspen's vibrant town. Nate offers us a glimpse into his life as he conquers challenges, both on and off the snow, and s...

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Episode #12: Join us for a compelling conversation with Jay, a revered snowboarding coach who offers an enlightening perspective on nurturing young athletes. Jay emphasizes the power of intrinsic motivation, advocating for a supportive environment where young athletes can discover their own drive for success without the weight of external expectations. Parents, step into a pivotal role by crafting spaces that prioritize personal gr...

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Episode #11: Join us as we navigate the joys and challenges of empty nesting in our 50s. We open up about our personal experiences with the 75 Hard program, discussing both the rewards and hurdles we've faced, particularly during the chilly winter months. Staying hydrated has been a comedic adventure, especially with the frequent bathroom stops during road trips. We've also discovered a newfound love for journaling, which has becom...

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Episode #10: Becoming empty nesters is a journey full of unexpected twists, and celebrating our 10th episode, we take a heartfelt look at navigating this new chapter. With the invaluable insights of our special guest, Elias Murcko, Kelli’s 19-year-old son, we share personal experiences about resetting marriages in our 50s and embracing the freedom that comes with fewer responsibilities. Elias brings a fresh perspective on developin...

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Episode #9: When Sarah's car skidded off the road in what could have been a tragic accident, it shook us to our core, reminding us of the unpredictable nature of life. Yet, amid the chaos of a devastating week in Southern California, we found solace during a rejuvenating trip to the serene landscapes of Colorado. We pour our hearts into sharing these personal stories and how we've begun embracing our roles as new empty nesters. Wit...

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Episode #8: Sarah Barber, a sophomore at Pepperdine University, joins us to share her inspiring journey living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). Diagnosed at age two, Sarah's life has been shaped by resilience and a passion for scientific advancements in medicine. She opens up about how SMA has fueled her ambitions and the way it has influenced her path toward a career in chemistry. Alongside her academic pursuits, Sarah reflects...

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January 16, 2025 23 mins

Episode #7: The transition from empty nester to managing the complexities of aging parents was more than just a shift in responsibilities—it's an emotional rollercoaster that no one  prepares you for. This episode draws from personal stories to highlight the very real challenges of navigating the care for aging loved ones. We explore the often unspoken necessity of planning for this stage of life, from dealing with loss and grief t...

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January 9, 2025 23 mins

Episode #6: Amy Renola, the Harvest Ball Queen of 1984, joins us for a laughter-filled exploration of life as empty nesters. Together, we reminisce about those uncharted years of reclaiming our identities in our 50s, swapping stories of inclusive Jewish bar nights, and savoring the vibrant nightlife that our town has to offer. All the while, we keep our community close to heart, sending our deepest sympathies to those impacted by t...

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