Sandwich Season Sanity – Details, episodes & analysis

Click here to send a text and tell us how you like the show!

In this episode of Sandwich Season Sanity, I’m sitting down with my friend and fellow caregiver, Lori Schumaker. Lori opens up about her caregiving journey and gives her wisdom for those of us going through this season. We discuss topics like embracing your God-given identity, prioritizing personal peace, and letting go of the pressure to do it all—whether that’s handling family caregiving or managing others’ opinions.

The episode is filled with relatable moments—like wrestling with people-pleasing tendencies, asking for help, and the healing power of laughter. Plus, Lori shares about her helpful identity workbook and how small, intentional habits (even just ten minutes with God each morning) can restore peace amidst chaos. If you’re caring for aging parents, raising kids, or simply feeling stretched thin, this episode is a gentle reminder that you are enough because God is enough.

Resources: 

• Lori’s workbook
• Lori’s website: LoriSchumaker.com
• Ruthie’s Caring for Aging Parents Session, sponsored by Get Organized Summit

Lori’s Bio:

As an AACC Certified Life and Mental Health Coach, writer, and speaker with a Master's in Education and over two decades of ministry experience, Lori Schumaker gently guides women through life's complexities with grace and resilience. Through her award-winning blog, Unveiling Hope at LoriSchumaker.com, she creates resources to help strengthen women's relationship with God, equip them with strategies for mental health, and unveiling hope—empowering them to live free and full.

Lori's life story embodies the phrase "unveiled hope." Her own journey through the pain of abortion and the subsequent cycle of shame and insecurity left her feeling shattered, yet anchored by her faith in Christ and armed with practical strategies, Lori found strength and redemption. The adversities that once sent her spiraling are now her testimony to the power of Jesus.

As a wife, adoptive, biological, and special needs mom, Lori reflects her Creator's love in every role. She also writes for various publications, speaks at events and podcasts, hosts Unveiling Hope retreats, and authored the award-winning memoir Surrendered Hearts: An Adoption Story of Love, Loss, and Learning to Trust.

Visit Ruthie's Website at RuthieGray.com

Get Ruthie's Sandwich Season Pieces Newsletter

Read Ruthie's book, Empty Nest Awakening; Weaving the Threads of Your Passions into Purpose

Click here to send a text and tell us how you like the show!

In this episode of the Sandwich Season Sanity podcast, I’m interviewing Cathy Lawdanski, a retired empty nester with a wealth of wit and wisdom for navigating life’s later seasons. Cathy shares the story behind her essential "Medical Records Checklist," inspired by a personal medical emergency that revealed how critical it is to have up-to-date medical and legal information readily available, especially for empty nesters, caregivers, or anyone entering the sandwich season of life. She outlines the key documents and details—plus practical tips on organizing everything in both physical and digital formats for easy access by loved ones.

As a special resource, you can download Cathy’s comprehensive Medical Records Checklist via the link in the show notes—your first step in simplifying emergencies and supporting your loved ones through challenging times.

Resources: 

• Emergency Grab & Go Checklist
• Cathy’s Instagram: @retired_empty_nester
• Get Organized HQ Virtual: Free Ticket (click here)

Cathy’s bio:

My name is Cathy, the Retired Empty Nester.  I'm a 60+ wife, mother and grandmother in the empty-nest, retired phase of life. My goal is to THRIVE in these years through SERVING, LEARNING and having FUN! 

Visit Ruthie's Website at RuthieGray.com

Get Ruthie's Sandwich Season Pieces Newsletter

Read Ruthie's book, Empty Nest Awakening; Weaving the Threads of Your Passions into Purpose

Click here to send a text and tell us how you like the show!

Episode 8 of the Sandwich Season Sanity podcast features guest, Janet McHenry, national speaker and author of 27 books, including Praying Personalities and her latest, Looking Up: Finding Joy as You Read and Pray Through the Bible. Janet shares insights from her personal sandwich season as a wife, mom, grandmother of 10, and remote caregiver for her mother, who is currently in hospice care. She reflects on the challenges and joys of multigenerational family life, the importance of setting loving boundaries, and how to navigate caregiving responsibilities while also pursuing ministry and personal growth.

Janet, a fervent prayer warrior, shares the importance of creating guilt-free, doable spiritual habits, even in busy caregiving seasons, offering practical wisdom for fitting in prayer and scripture reading. The conversation also touches on Janet’s supportive community through her Bible Girls Facebook group, her passion for fostering a purposeful, prayer-filled life, and tips for maintaining peace by prioritizing God’s Word. 

Resources:

• Janet's Book: Looking Up: finding Joy As you read and Pray through the Bible
• Janet's Book: Praying Personalities: Finding Your Natural Prayer Style
• Janet's Facebook Group: Bible Girls 2025
• Janet's Website: JanetMcHenry.com
• Janet's guest interview on the Authentic Online Marketing Podcast: Balancing Writing and Audience Growth with Janet McHenry
• Check out: Ruthie’s Next Steps Retreat

Note: Affiliate links may be included.

Visit Ruthie's Website at RuthieGray.com

Get Ruthie's Sandwich Season Pieces Newsletter

Read Ruthie's book, Empty Nest Awakening; Weaving the Threads of Your Passions into Purpose

Click here to send a text and tell us how you like the show!

In this episode of Sandwich Season Sanity, Ruthie interviews Lori Ann Wood about her experiences navigating the complex realities of the "sandwich season"—long-distance caring for aging parents while raising her own children and balancing a serious illness. She discusses the importance of healthy, respectful family communication and highlights the difficulties of helping parents maintain their independence while also ensuring their safety.

Throughout the conversation, Lori Ann also reflects on the impact her serious heart condition has had, both on her approach to caregiving and her broader outlook on life. She offers practical advice for setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and finding peace in tumultuous seasons. Lori Ann introduces her book "Divine Detour," which explores faith in the face of unexpected hardships, and shares valuable resources for caregivers, including warning signs for heart failure and prayer guides. 

The episode is filled with relatable stories, wisdom about family dynamics, and encouragement for listeners to embrace creativity, set healthy boundaries, and stay grounded in faith during challenging times.

Resources:

• Freebie link: If you’re on a detour and find it difficult to communicate with God, get her free gift, 5 Prayers & Promises When You Can’t Talk to God
• Book: Divine Detour: The Path You’d Never Choose can lead to the Faith You’ve Always Wanted
• Connect with Lori Ann on her website, on Instagram or on Facebook.
• For more information about the heart failure warning signs Lori Ann missed, she’d love to share her graphic as a gift to you, 5 Warning Signs of Heart Failure

Note: Affiliate links may be included.

Visit Ruthie's Website at RuthieGray.com

Get Ruthie's Sandwich Season Pieces Newsletter

Read Ruthie's book, Empty Nest Awakening; Weaving the Threads of Your Passions into Purpose

Click here to send a text and tell us how you like the show!

Send a text by tapping the link above and let me know if you like the show!

This episode of Sandwich Season Sanity offers essential sleeping tips for busy midlife moms, who are usually either premenopausal, menopausal, or postmenopausal. 

Ruthie Gray shares candid stories about her own sleep struggles that began during her children’s teenage driving years and continued through empty nest and caregiving seasons. She discusses the anxiety and physical changes, like menopause, that often rob sleep in mid-life and emphasizes the universal need for restful sleep as women grow older.

Resources:

• Book:
  Empty Nest Awakening: Weaving the Threads of Your Passions into Purpose by Ruthie Gray (specifically, Chapter 20 “Mama Needs Rest”)
• Ruthie’s Sleep Recommendations: View Ruthie’s Full List on Amazon
  • Time-release melatonin
  • Cooling pillows
  • Blue light glasses
  • Specific supplements for hormone and stress management (view on Amazon)
  • Ruthie’s naturopath, Rachel Rausch: Eiro Wellness Website
• Retreat Opportunity for Christian empty-nest entrepreneurs & creatives
  Next Steps Retreat in Bradley, West Virginia—September 18–21
  Enjoy a blend of coaching, rest, and supportive community (or visit ruthiegray.com/retreat for details)

Note: Affiliate links may be included.

Visit Ruthie's Website at RuthieGray.com

Get Ruthie's Sandwich Season Pieces Newsletter

Read Ruthie's book, Empty Nest Awakening; Weaving the Threads of Your Passions into Purpose

Click here to send a text and tell us how you like the show!

This episode of Sandwich Season Sanity is about navigating the “afterparty” of the empty nest, offering encouragement and wisdom for moms redefining their purpose after their children have grown. Host Ruthie Gray welcomes guest Kate Batastelli—author, former Broadway actress, and mother of Grammy-winning artist Francesca Battistelli—to share her insights and journey.

Ruthie and Kate discuss the reality that the shift to an empty nest can bring deep grief and a loss of purposeful identity. Kate shares, “The only way out of grief and heartache is to go through it.” She emphasizes that few moms prepare for this transition emotionally, often feeling blindsided when their central role as "Mom" shifts and their children begin new, independent chapters.

Some key thoughts from the episode:

• Embrace the Transition: The empty nest phase can be emotional, but Kate encourages us to honor the grief while also planning for a vibrant “second act.” Don’t get stuck—look for ways to serve, volunteer, and step outside your comfort zone.
• Seek Your “And”: Your identity isn’t just tied to the title of “mom.” There’s an “and”—a new chapter or calling that God may have for you. Ask yourself: What else am I called to do in this season?
• Prioritize Self-Care: “Self-care is not selfish.” Whether you’re in the thick of caregiving or finding your footing post-parenting, it’s essential to carve out time for what renews your spirit and brings you peace.

Resources:

• Kate Battistelli’s Website: Kate Battistelli
• Kate Battistelli’s Book: The Afterparty of the Empty Nest 
• Ruthie’s Private Podcast: The Peaceful Mom Collection
• Retreat for Empty Nest Entrepreneurs: Next Steps Retreat

Note: Affiliate links may be included.

Visit Ruthie's Website at RuthieGray.com

Get Ruthie's Sandwich Season Pieces Newsletter

Read Ruthie's book, Empty Nest Awakening; Weaving the Threads of Your Passions into Purpose

Click here to send a text and tell us how you like the show!

This episode of Sandwich Season Sanity features a heartfelt check-in between host Ruthie Gray and guest Pat Fenner discussing what it’s like to juggle work commitments, family responsibilities, and grandparenting—all while striving to nurture healthy boundaries with adult children and loved ones.

Here are three key takeaways for moms facing similar challenges:

• Setting Boundaries Is Necessary—And Never Easy: Pat shared her ongoing journey of creating healthy boundaries, especially with adult kids and grandkids. 
• Letting Go for Growth: As parents, it's tough to step back and let adult children face their own challenges. Pat encourages us to lean into faith and trust that we're not meant to carry the load alone—sometimes the best thing we can do is surrender and let God work in their lives.
• Finding Joy After Hardship: Pat spoke about her book, Rebuilding Your Life After a Silver Divorce, and the importance of seeking healing and joy after major life transitions. Her story is a powerful reminder that surrender can lead to unexpected redemption and new beginnings.

Resources:

• Pat Fenner’s book, Rebuilding Your Life After a Silver Divorce: A Pathway to Healing, Significance, and Joy, offers hope and actionable strategies for women walking through divorce and beyond.
• Ruthie’s Private Podcast: The Peaceful Mom Collection
• Retreat for Empty Nest Entrepreneurs: Next Steps Retreat

Note: affiliate links may be included.

Pat Fenner is a devoted advocate for personal transformation and healing. As an accomplished author and podcast producer, Pat has dedicated her career to empowering women, particularly those navigating the challenging waters of post-divorce life. In her latest book, Rebuilding Your Life After a Gray Divorce: A Path to Healing, Joy, and Significance, Pat draws on her own experiences and years of mentoring to offer a lifeline to women struggling to find their footing after a later-in-life divorce.

With a compassionate voice and a deep understanding of the emotional and spiritual upheavals faced in later-life separations, Pat has crafted the STRENGTHS framework. This guide is designed to help women savor simplicity, rebuild trust, and embrace a promising future. Her approach is deeply practical, rooted in real-life stories, biblical wisdom, and actionable strategies, encouraging women to reclaim their lives and rediscover joy.

In addition to her writing, Pat produces the engaging and insightful podcast "Silver Women, Bright Future" which serves as a platform to explore resilience, healing, and personal growth. She ai

Visit Ruthie's Website at RuthieGray.com

Get Ruthie's Sandwich Season Pieces Newsletter

Read Ruthie's book, Empty Nest Awakening; Weaving the Threads of Your Passions into Purpose

Click here to send a text and tell us how you like the show!

Today's episode with guest, Melinda Patrick, explores how parents can navigate and maintain healthy relationships with adult children, especially when they choose paths that diverge from their upbringing. 

As parents, we often wrestle with how to handle our children’s unexpected life choices as they grow into independence. These choices can range from where they shop for groceries, to church attendance, to walking away from their faith. Through her personal experiences, Melinda Patrick shares how to move beyond our instincts of taking these decisions personally and engage with children through tricky conversations. 

To hear Ruthie and Melinda go deeper on the topic of faith and life, join Ruthie’s private podcast and newsletter, The Peaceful Mom Collection, which provides guidance on parenting in these complex seasons. 

Resources mentioned: 

1.    Download Melinda’s Scripture journaling activity: Tracing The Father’s Heart 

2.    Melinda’s Podcast: The Bridge Between Us

3.    Melinda's Book: The Daring Rescue 

4.    Ruthie’s Private Podcast: The Peaceful Mom Collection

5.    Retreat for Empty Nest Entrepreneurs: Next Steps Retreat

Visit Ruthie's Website at RuthieGray.com

Get Ruthie's Sandwich Season Pieces Newsletter

Read Ruthie's book, Empty Nest Awakening; Weaving the Threads of Your Passions into Purpose

Click here to send a text and tell us how you like the show!

Ruthie Gray explores the concept of "sandwich season," emphasizing the caregiver's role as the central hub between multiple generations, often managing responsibilities for both children and aging parents. She shares her personal experiences with multigenerational caregiving, offering insights into the importance of support and validation for those who feel overwhelmed.

Key Takeaways 

1.    Practical Strategies for Managing Caregiving Challenges:

o   Being proactive and seeking practical solutions is essential for sustaining your efforts in the long run.

2.    Support and Validation for Overwhelmed Caregivers:

o   Connecting with community and sharing experiences can provide the validation you need.

3.    Tips for Maintaining Self-Care:

o   It's important to prioritize your well-being so you can continue to support your loved ones effectively.

Resources 

·       Reyna Neises's podcast, A Season of Caring," which provides relatable stories and advice for caregivers.

·       Reyna's book, No Regrets: Hope for Your Caregiving Season, available on Amazon.

·       Ruthie’s own book, Empty Nest Awakening: Weaving the Threads of Your Passions into Purpose (Amazon), designed to help individuals navigate new life phases while balancing caregiving responsibilities.

Visit Ruthie's Website at RuthieGray.com

Get Ruthie's Sandwich Season Pieces Newsletter

Read Ruthie's book, Empty Nest Awakening; Weaving the Threads of Your Passions into Purpose

Click here to send a text and tell us how you like the show!

Welcome to Episode 1 of Sandwich Season Sanity! This episode explores finding peace amid fear, particularly for those navigating the challenges of sandwich season—caring for aging parents while supporting growing and adult children.

• Finding Peace Amidst Fear: Ruthie Gray shares personal stories about her own fears with her adult daughter’s health scares. She emphasizes the significance of finding God's peace through prayer and scripture (Philippians 4:6-7) rather than succumbing to worry.
• Cultivating Thankfulness: Ruthie highlights how giving thanks is a powerful antidote to worry. She outlines the importance of a spirit of gratitude, explaining that it helps redirect the mind from anxiety to appreciating what one has, aligning with Scripture.
• Practical Encouragement for Moms: The episode offers practical advice for "sandwich season" moms juggling caregiving responsibilities. Ruthie introduces "The Peaceful Mom collection," a podcast resource to help listeners cultivate peace and embrace self-growth during challenging times.

Resources

The Peaceful Mom Collection, a Private Podcast with a deeper look at how to prioritize peace amidst tricky family dynamics, nurture communication and boundaries with adult kids and elderly parents, and gain confidence and clarity on personal endeavors.

Check the link here to sign up

Visit Ruthie's Website at RuthieGray.com

Get Ruthie's Sandwich Season Pieces Newsletter

Read Ruthie's book, Empty Nest Awakening; Weaving the Threads of Your Passions into Purpose