Latest Episodes

Exchanging Expectations of Adult Kids for Peace in Empty Nest ft. Jill Savage

In this episode of the Sandwich Season Sanity podcast, Ruthie sits down with relationship expert and author Jill Savage to discuss the delicate balance of parenting adult children during the empty nest years and how to become “unoffendable”. Ji...

January 05, 2026 • Season 3 • Episode 1 • 30:45

Fun and Meaningful Ways to Celebrate Christmas in Empty Nest Ft. Jim Gray

In this episode of the Sandwich Season Sanity podcast, I’m joined by my husband of 38 years, Jim Gray, for his input on the holidays as empty nesters. We’re talking about our unique lifestyle, splitting time between homes in West Virginia and F...

December 22, 2025 • Season 2 • Episode 10 • 27:26

Couples United: Tackling Holiday People-Pleasing Together ft. Billie Jauss

In this episode, I’m sitting down with my guest, Billie Jauss, an international speaker, author, and podcast host known as the "What's Next Coach." We talk through the challenges couples face during the holidays—especially around maintaining a ...

December 08, 2025 • Season 2 • Episode 9 • 27:21

Finding Time for Friendships Amidst Caregiver Overwhelm ft. Sue Donaldson

In this episode of the Sandwich Season Sanity podcast, Sue Donaldson, a speaker, author, and expert on hospitality opens up about the realities of loneliness faced during the "sandwich season"—the time in life when women care for both aging par...

November 24, 2025 • Season 2 • Episode 8 • 26:18

Holiday Adaptability for Moms of Adult Kids ft. Pamela Henkelman

On this episode,  host Ruthie Gray welcomes Pamela Henkelman, certified empty nest coach and host of the Midlife Momma podcast, for a candid conversation about navigating the holidays with adult children. Pamela shares her wisdom on lettin...

November 10, 2025 • Season 2 • Episode 7 • 23:54

Fan Mail

hi Ruthie… It’s Lori Melton. I’m loving your new show and finding it so relatable as I’m also in that sandwich season and prioritizing my family and community who need me, but the gifts and callings in the season of my life. In many ways, these midlife years are harvest time. We have much to give, but we really need to prayerfully and courageously fight to see them come to pass. There’s no one else that can do this for us. Our life and callings are our stewardship.

Holland, Michigan