The Empty Nest Kitchen
Welcome to The Empty Nest Kitchen with Christine Van Bloem, where we're finding fun in the kitchen and navigating life after the kids have flown the coop. Join Christine around her kitchen table as we delve into insightful conversations with fellow empty nest women about navigating careers, side hustles, and the joys of food and cooking.
Whether you're embarking on a new chapter or seeking inspiration for your next culinary adventure, tune in for stories, tips, and laughter from women just like you.
Episodes
21 episodes
Creating a Life Sabbatical with Elizabeth Cromwell
Elizabeth Cromwell chats about her adventurous sabbatical after moving from Maryland to San Francisco, sharing her journey through various life changes, including her professional path, divorce, and becoming an empty nester. Creating her own li...
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Season 2
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Episode 20
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33:55
Get Into Reformer Pilates with Dawn Conine
Exploring Pilates with Dawn ConineThis week, Christine hosts Dawn Conine, the lead instructor at Club Pilates in Frederick and Germantown, Maryland. Christine and Dawn discuss their experiences with Reformer Pilates, touching upon its hi...
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Season 2
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Episode 19
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38:30
Let's Talk Entrepreneurship, Economic Development, and Mentorship with Sandy Dubay of PPR Strategies
Kick off season two with a conversation with literal ray of Sunshine, Sandy Dubay, the bright and shiny founder of PPR Strategies. We'll talk about the intricacies of running a business focused on economic development, workforce development, an...
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Season 2
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Episode 18
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45:13
Savoring Stories: Food-Themed Movies & TV Shows Perfect for Summer (Season Finale)
Let's talk about favorite food-themed movies and TV shows, emphasizing the romance and inspiration found within the food world. Summer is the perfect time to draw the curtains on the steamiest day, drop the temperature of the ac to just above p...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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29:45
Travel Beyond the Guidebook with Beth Schillaci
Find Christine at:FB: @emptynestkitchenIG: @TheEmptyNestKitchenWeb: Emp...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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41:37
Getting Out of Your Own Way with LauraAura
After navigating a successful 16-year run with her branding agency, LauraAura found herself at a crossroads during the challenges of COVID-19. Our meeting at an online workshop set the stage for today's conversation, where Laura shares the emot...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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48:45
Finding the Flavor in Low-Sodium Cooking with Chef Danielle Turner of SaltSanity.com
Say hello to Chef Danielle Turner, the mastermind behind Salt Sanity. After her husband's heart issues struck, Danielle took her classic training to a new level by retraining herself to find the flavor in food without all the salt.Now Da...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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51:02
Resilience in Mid-Life with Kelly Beins
We all go through stuff, especially once mid-life hits. Finding resilience and making the choice between recovering or not can be difficult, but not impossible.This week I'm talking with Kelly Beins, an occupational therapist who built ...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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34:25
Finding the Funny with Laura Stark of That's What She Said
What happens when you combine a chatterbox cook with an Improv pro? This week, we're talking about finding the funny with Laura Stark of the improv troupe That's What She Said! The conversations bobs and weaves through pronouns, yoga, b...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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53:45
My Heart Attack Story: The Importance of Heart Health Awareness for the Mid-Life Woman
Christine Van Bloem's journey from surviving a heart attack to thriving today shows resilience and the power of awareness. Through her story, she not only raises awareness about the often overlooked symptoms of heart attacks in women but also u...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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29:57
Your New Favorite Summer Wine & Cocktail (with a Naughty Name)
Looking to up your wine IQ by trying something new this summer? This crisp, white wine is a relative of Sauvignon Blanc and though it can be a little spendy, it's a tasty option for warmer weather.And while we're talking wine, let...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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10:53
Kitchen Must-Haves with Marien Hornyak of The Kitchenette
In this episode of The Empty Nest Kitchen, host Christine Van Bloem delves into the world of tools for the Empty Nest Kitchen with special guest Marien Hornyak, owner of The Kitchenette in Downtown Frederick, Maryland. Get ready to discover the...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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34:28
Managing Menopause Holistically with Kristin Smedley of Daffodil Pathways
Christine Van Bloem and Kristin Smedley of Daffodil Pathways have a lively discussion about navigating menopause and holistic health practices, with a focus on empowerment and self-advocacy.The conversation delves into Kristi...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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29:08
Finding Treasures with Amy Benton of Paris is Calling
Podcast Show Notes: Episode 7 - Finding Treasures with Amy Benton of Paris is CallingWelcome back to another episode of The Empty Nest Kitchen! Today, we're delving into the world of found treasures with my guest, Amy Benton...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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40:10
Puff the Magic Pastry: Working with Puff Pastry
Working with puff pastry is a breeze if you know the tips and tricks to get you from freezer to oven in puffy, crispy, flaky goodness.This week we're talking all things puff pastry, from how's it's made to techniques that insure puffy s...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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24:15
Bakery Life with Deb King, Deb's Artisan Bakehouse
This week Deb King from Deb's Artisan Bakehouse and I are talking pastries, why food IS love if you're the cook, and how her terrific bakery got started. If you've ever wondered how she creates a menu or what it's like to have a menu full of ch...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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40:21
Mastering Handmade Pasta with Laurie Boucher, Pastapreneur
Laurie Boucher calls herself a Pastapreneur, but I call her the Pasta Queen. Laurie's dedication to all things pasta on her Instagram account, @BaltimoreHomeCook, will leave you not onl...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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42:01
In My Tinned Fish Era
Tinned fish is all the rage, and a great way to spend some time with friends and neighbors, or even for a quick dinner for one or two. Here's you'll find info on getting started in your own tinned fish era, with places to shop for the highest q...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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20:49
Thrive in Midlife with Heather Tydings of Own Your Evolution
This week I'm talking with Heather Tydings, the owner of Own Your Evolution. Heather is a practicing psychotherapist and life coach. Listen as we jam out on empty nest women, mental wellness, food, fun, and travel. A travel loving...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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34:17