98. The Essential Skills We Forget to Teach Our Kids Before They Launch

04/19/25 • 35 min

What happens when the magic carpet ride of childhood suddenly ends? In this enlightening episode, we welcome Rob Finlay, author of "Hey Dad," as he shares invaluable insights into the jarring transition from dependence to independence that many young adults—and their parents—experience.

Drawing from a humorous yet poignant middle-of-the-night call with his daughter about whether "green gas" (diesel) can be used in her gasoline-powered Jeep, Rob realized just how many practical life skills young people often lack. This inspiration led him to interview 30 experts—from NASCAR drivers to clinical psychologists—and ultimately compile "the ultimate guide to adulting."

Highlights:

Understanding how graduation signals the abrupt end of childhood’s predictable magic carpet ride.
The essential interpersonal and networking skills that young adults need for success in today's diverse environment.
The evolving landscape of challenges facing young adults today—from digital finance management to navigating social media.
The parallel journey for parents re-evaluating their purpose as their children step into independence.

Key Takeaways:

Young adults must cultivate adaptability to navigate unexpected disruptions after graduation.
Finding purpose is crucial for both young adults embarking on their new path and parents adjusting to the empty nest phase.
Rob’s book features insights from a diverse range of experts, making it a valuable resource for young adults and parents alike.

Rob Finlay Bio

Robert J. Finlay is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, seasoned entrepreneur, renowned speaker, and father of four. He is a successful entrepreneur and commercial real estate investor. He has built and sold four companies. He brings strategic insights and inspires the next generation of leaders with his commitment to mentorship, education, and the integration of technology. When Rob is not at his day job, he is passionate about agriculture, exploring new practices and sustainable methods to enhance environmental stewardship in farming.

Find Rob Online: LinkedIn, Twitter (X), Instagram

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Highlights:

Understanding how graduation signals the abrupt end of childhood’s predictable magic carpet ride.
The essential interpersonal and networking skills that young adults need for success in today's diverse environment.
The evolving landscape of challenges facing young adults today—from digital finance management to navigating social media.
The parallel journey for parents re-evaluating their purpose as their children step into independence.

Key Takeaways:

Young adults must cultivate adaptability to navigate unexpected disruptions after graduation.
Finding purpose is crucial for both young adults embarking on their new path and parents adjusting to the empty nest phase.
Rob’s book features insights from a diverse range of experts, making it a valuable resource for young adults and parents alike.

Rob Finlay Bio

Find Rob Online: LinkedIn, Twitter (X), Instagram

Support the show

FREE WORKBOOK
3 Steps to Loving Your Empty Nest Life

ENJOY THE SHOW?
Don’t miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts or follow on Spotify and many more.

Previous Episode

97. Beyond the Scale: Rethinking Health, Strength, and Purpose After the Kids Leave

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As our bodies begin to show the signs of aging, it’s easy to feel defeated. In this empowering episode, wellness expert Krista Daley shares her insights on how to navigate the midlife transition with strength and strategic adaptation, fostering a resilient mindset that celebrates our capabilities.

Krista's journey as a "wellness warrior" began after her brain tumor diagnosis in 2010, while she was raising young children. This experience taught her that we are often stronger than we believe, a lesson that becomes crucial during perimenopause and menopause when familiar workouts start to feel challenging.

Highlights:

A revolutionary take on women’s health: Krista challenges the weight-focused fitness mentality, advocating for muscle-building as the primary goal for midlife women.
The benefits of building muscle: improved mood, enhanced metabolism, and sustainable strength that supports independence into later years.
The liberating 80-20 approach to nutrition, allowing flexibility while maintaining focus on health.
The dangers of high-intensity training during perimenopause and menopause.
How nature serves as a powerful reset button for mental well-being, encouraging more frequent movement breaks.
The newfound freedom that comes with the empty nest, embracing travel and cultural experiences at a slower pace.

Key Takeaways:

Aging doesn’t have to mean defeat; instead, focus on adapting your workouts to suit your body’s needs.
Shifting the narrative from weight loss to muscle building can significantly enhance your quality of life during midlife.

Join us as we flip the script on midlife wellness, providing inspiration and practical tools to embrace your empty nest years with strength and adaptability.

Krista Daley's Bio

Krista helps midlife women clear the confusion on how to boost metabolism, stress less, and focus back on themselves again after caring for everyone else for so long.

Find Krista Online: Instagram

Support the show

FREE WORKBOOK
3 Steps to Loving Your Empty Nest Life

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Don’t miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts or follow on Spotify and many more.

Next Episode

99. From Waiting by the Phone to Wandering in Paris

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Join us for an inspiring conversation with Susan Athari, founder of The Modern Empty Nester, as she shares her journey from uncertainty to celebration in the empty nest years. Realizing that this life stage deserves more than just survival, Susan advocates for a dynamic and adventurous approach that redefines what it means to be an empty nester.
In our discussion, Susan passionately emphasizes that today’s empty nesters are not like those of previous generations. “We’re not the empty nesters sitting by the phone waiting for our kids to call,” she quips. Instead, she encourages embracing spontaneity, exploration, and self-discovery in this exciting chapter of life.
Highlights

Susan’s personal journey from doubt to embracing the freedom of the empty nest.
Practical travel tips, including essential packing considerations and the joys of slow travel.
Insights on making the most of local opportunities and attractions.
The empowering experience of taking solo trips to build confidence and independence.

Key Takeaways

Transform your empty nest experience by saying “yes” to new opportunities and spontaneous adventures.
Discover the joy of slow travel by immersing yourself in a single location to fully appreciate the experience.
Build lasting friendships with like-minded individuals for shared adventures, enriching your new life chapter.

Susan Athari Bio
Susan Athari is an attorney, content creator, and blogger who went from drafting legal briefs to researching the best in midlife travel, deals, foodie finds, and bucket list experiences for empty nesters. She does the deep dive for you, saving you time and money, and her law experience brings both practical and valuable advice. An advocate for rediscovering yourself, she shares insights in turning life’s transitions into new opportunities for adventure. Although becoming an empty nester poses unique challenges, Susan encourages free birds to embrace their newfound freedom and rediscover their personal dreams. With a focus on helping others “spread their wings”, she shares all things travel, fueled by a renewed appreciation of this unique time. Her goal is to inspire each empty nester to start living their best life.

Find Susan Online: Instagram

Support the show

FREE WORKBOOK
3 Steps to Loving Your Empty Nest Life

ENJOY THE SHOW?
Don’t miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts or follow on Spotify and many more.

This Empty Nest Life - 98. The Essential Skills We Forget to Teach Our Kids Before They Launch

Transcript

Speaker 100:00:00.100

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