Reinvesting In Yourself As An Empty Nester with Michelle Lee & Mark O’Toole

Reinvesting In Yourself As An Empty Nester with Michelle Lee & Mark O’Toole

Author: Tracey Benson May 19, 2020 Duration: 41:30

When the children have left home, empty nesters can feel disengaged and irrelevant. The role of being a parent, suddenly not as needed, can lead to much confusion and disorientation, leading to feelings that they no longer matter.


Today I’m joined by two of my absolute favorite people, Michelle Lee and Mark O’Toole - self-proclaimed ‘Dream Architects’ helping others in the same age bracket rediscover their passions and joy for life. 


Mark and Michelle, empty nesters themselves, are on a mission to help thousands of empty nesters to engage fully with life through deeper and more meaningful Experiences, unconditional Contribution, and evolving and consistent Growth. Known as The Dream Architects, the lifestyle and nutrition coaches, co-create with their clients to help them re-ignite their dreams, and engage in healthy choices, through programs like My Dream Matters and My Body Matters. When clients raise their ECG Life pulse and truly embrace self-love, they ultimately feel like they do matter.


In this episode, they share their journey to becoming a couple and starting a business together, what ‘ECG’ means at The Dream Architects and how their classes benefit attendees moving forward into the next phase of their lives.


It’s wonderful that this kind of work is being done and seeing what success has come out of their programs, there is definitely a huge audience in need of the support and motivation. Rather than feeling like the next chapter is a burden, these two make the transition feel like a welcome and exciting addition to life. 


If you’d like to hear more about Michelle and Mark’s story of becoming who they are today, then tune in to Episode 5 of Joyful-Souls! 


Some Questions I Ask:

  • Michelle, how did you meet Mark and what were you doing before the business took off? (3:48)
  • Mark, where were you before you met Michelle, and how did life change after becoming a couple? (7:34)
  • What is the focus in the groups you run & what do guests have to look forward to when they connect with you? (18:27)
  • How is physical fitness incorporated in your classes? (24:55)
  • What’s next for you two? (31:43)
  • What is one tip you would give to your younger self for getting to the extraordinary life you have now, faster? (35:18)


In This Episode You Will Learn:

  • Background on Mark and Michelle and the story of how they met (3:00)
  • How ‘The Dream Architects’ came to be and insights from Mark and Michelle on deciding to work together as a couple (10:42)
  • What the concept of ECG means at ‘The Dream Architects’ (14:25) 
  • How Michelle and Mark’s programs operate (18:42)
  • What ECG Expeditions are (28:08)


Connect With Mark O’Toole & Michelle Lee:


Resources: 


Let’s connect!


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Tracey Benson hosts Joyful-Souls with Tracey Benson, a space where conversations flow into the many facets of a life well-lived. Rather than offering quick fixes, this podcast explores the deeper connections between our physical well-being, spiritual practices, and the cultural frameworks that shape our daily existence. You'll hear genuine dialogues with people who are thoughtfully navigating their own paths, discussing how intentional choices in fitness, health, and personal belief systems can coalesce into a more resonant and fulfilling experience. Each episode feels like a thoughtful conversation, one that acknowledges the complexities of modern society while seeking out moments of clarity and purpose. Tracey guides these discussions with a natural curiosity, drawing out stories that are both personal and universally relatable. The result is a collection of audio experiences that encourage you to reflect on your own alignment and intentionality. For anyone interested in the intersection of mindful living and active engagement with the world, this podcast provides a consistent and thoughtful touchpoint. It’s a series dedicated to the idea that joy isn't just a fleeting emotion, but something cultivated through conscious attention to the body, the spirit, and the communities we inhabit.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 29

Joyful-Souls with Tracey Benson
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