Motherhood Transitions & the Empty Nest: Who Are You When They Don't Need You the Same Way?

In this episode of The Brave Enough Show, Dr. Sasha Shillcutt and Dr. Barb Edelheit discuss:  The silent grief of the empty nest  Reclaiming desire, ambition, and agency  Redefining purpose beyond caretaking  Giving yourself permission to want more again  "Not every stage of life is fabulous, and we put a lot of pressure on ourselves as working moms. We can be intentional in the moments of motherhood and enjoy the moments we can, even in the busy years."   Dr. Barb Edelheit    Guest Bio:  Barbara Edelheit, MD, is an accomplished pediatric rheumatologist, educator, and passionate advocate for gender equity in medicine. She serves as an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, where she has made significant contributions to both clinical care and academic leadership. At Connecticut Children's in Hartford, CT, Dr. Edelheit holds several key leadership roles, including Division Head of Rheumatology, past Board Chair of the Connecticut Children's Specialty Group, and Vice President of the Medical Staff. Dr. Edelheit's clinical expertise centers on the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. She earned her medical degree from the State University of New York Upstate Medical University, followed by residency at The New York Presbyterian Hospital – Cornell Medical Center. She then completed her pediatric rheumatology fellowship at the Hospital for Special Surgery. A dedicated mentor and educator, Dr. Edelheit is deeply committed to fostering the next generation of medical professionals. Her leadership extends to promoting women in medicine, most notably through founding and chairing an affinity group for women physicians at Connecticut Children's. She strongly believes in the critical importance of mentorship and sponsorship throughout medical careers. As the National Mentorship Chair for the American Medical Women's Association (AMWA), Dr. Edelheit works to empower women in medicine, advocating for their success and professional growth. She also serves as the faculty mentor for the University of Connecticut's AMWA student chapter, providing guidance and support to medical students pursuing their careers.    Brave Enough 2026 CME Conference: For ten years, women have gathered at the Brave Enough Conference to step away from the demands of medicine and into a space of renewal. This anniversary year, we celebrate a decade of empowerment and sisterhood—ten years of lifting each other up, reigniting purpose, and remembering that none of us has to do this alone. Join us September 24-27, 2026, at the Omni Scottsdale Resort and Spa. Follow Brave Enough:   WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | LINKEDIN Join The Table, Brave Enough's community. The ONLY professional membership group that meets both the professional and personal needs of high-achieving women.