Her Next Chapters

Hosted by Christina Kohl

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Episodes

119

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

This podcast is for moms with an empty nest on the horizon who are reclaiming & redefining their identity outside of motherhood, which might include a job search. On this show we’ll have raw conversations about our ever-changing roles as moms, hear from women who restarted their careers, and share tactical tips for a successful job search after a career break.

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60 recent

June 3, 20267 min

Permission to Pause: Why Rest Is Part of Your Job Search and Life Strategy, Ep 119

After five consecutive weeks of job search episodes, I'm hitting pause — and I'm making the case that you should too.In this episode, I share that I'm heading to Italy for a couple of weeks with my husband and two other couples who have been friends since the school pickup line days. All of our kids are now in college or beyond — and this trip is one of the unexpected gifts of the empty nest season. I'm giving myself the rest of June to unplug, recharge, and transition back into real life before returning to the podcast in July.But before I go, I have something important to say to anyone who's been grinding through a job search without a break: pushing harder is not always the answer. Sometimes the most strategic thing you can do is stop, recalibrate, and come back with fresh eyes.In this episode I cover:Why rest is a legitimate job search strategy — not a sign of giving upHow strategic volunteering through organizations like Catch a Fire (catchafire.org) can keep your search moving while doing something meaningfulWhy spending time with people this summer is networking — even when it doesn't feel like itHow paying attention to what lights you up is clarity work in disguiseHer Next Chapters will be back in July with new episodes. Until then — rest, recalibrate, and go be with people you love.Grazie, friends. See you in July.Free ResourceGrab the Strengths-First Resume Template - ideal for career transitions, whether you’re returning after a break, navigating a layoff, pivoting roles, or ready for a change._________________________________________________________________________________________________Work with MeWant an HR expert’s eyes on your resume?Book a 30-minute Resume Review with Christina - live on Zoom, recorded, and focused on one goal: getting you interviews. Want to talk through your career goals and explore next steps? Schedule a career consultation to see how I can support you. Email me directly at christina@hernextchapters.comConnect with me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kohlchristina

May 27, 202611 min

Not Just Any Job: How to Build a Target Employer List and Search with Intention, Ep.118

You're not 22. You're not looking for your first job out of college. And you're not willing to take just anything.So why are you searching like you are?In this episode of the Her Next Chapters job search series, I'm sharing one of the most underused strategies in a midlife job search: building a target employer list. Instead of reacting to job postings, you'll learn how to use LinkedIn's company search and filters to identify the right employers — before a role ever gets posted. Then I'll show you how to activate your network with something specific and actionable, so the people who already know and trust you can actually help.This is the job search as an act of intention. And it changes everything about how you show up.Topics covered: LinkedIn company search, filtering by location, industry, and company size, how to research target employers, and how to give your network a concrete ask.Free ResourceGrab the Strengths-First Resume Template - ideal for career transitions, whether you’re returning after a break, navigating a layoff, pivoting roles, or ready for a change._________________________________________________________________________________________________Work with MeWant an HR expert’s eyes on your resume?Book a 30-minute Resume Review with Christina - live on Zoom, recorded, and focused on one goal: getting you interviews. Want to talk through your career goals and explore next steps? Schedule a career consultation to see how I can support you. Email me directly at christina@hernextchapters.comConnect with me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kohlchristina

May 20, 202611 min

117. Your References Are More Than References: How to Build a Job Search Support Team

In this episode of Her Next Chapters, we continue the job search series by talking about a commonly overlooked strategy: gathering references at the beginning of your job search — not the end.Most people wait until a final interview or job offer to think about references. But what if your references became part of your job search support team from the start?Christina shares:→ why references are about more than checking a box for employers→ how reconnecting with former colleagues can activate your network→ why relationship-building matters more than simply applying online→ how to approach former managers, peers, and direct reports→ tips for creating a professional reference list document→ a personal story about asking for references after a 13-year career breakThis episode is especially helpful for women navigating career transitions, returning to work, or rebuilding professional confidence in midlife.If you’ve been relying only on online applications, this conversation will help you think differently about networking, visibility, and human connection during your job search.Christina also shares a free Reference List Template you can use during your job search. To get a copy, email Christina at Christina@HerNextChapters.com.Free ResourceGrab the Strengths-First Resume Template - ideal for career transitions, whether you’re returning after a break, navigating a layoff, pivoting roles, or ready for a change._________________________________________________________________________________________________Work with MeWant an HR expert’s eyes on your resume?Book a 30-minute Resume Review with Christina - live on Zoom, recorded, and focused on one goal: getting you interviews. Want to talk through your career goals and explore next steps? Schedule a career consultation to see how I can support you. Email me directly at christina@hernextchapters.comConnect with me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kohlchristina

May 13, 202616 min

116. Above & Beyond: The Job Application Moves Nobody's Making (But Should Be)

Are your job applications disappearing into a black hole? You're not alone — and it's not your resume. It's the system. In this episode, host (and career coach) Christina Kohl breaks down why the standard "apply online and wait" approach is failing midlife women in today's job market, and exactly what to do instead.Whether you're pivoting careers, stepping into a new industry, or returning to work after time away, this episode gives you a practical, step-by-step playbook to stand out before a human even opens your file.You'll learn:Why AI-powered Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are filtering out strong candidates — and how cover letters often disappear entirelyThe single most powerful move you can make before submitting any application (hint: it's 13x more effective than applying through a job board)What employee referral programs are, how they work, and why timing is everythingWhy mailing a physical resume and cover letter is getting people interviews right nowHow to drop off your application in person — and what to say when you get thereFree ResourceGrab the Strengths-First Resume Template - ideal for career transitions, whether you’re returning after a break, navigating a layoff, pivoting roles, or ready for a change._________________________________________________________________________________________________Work with MeWant an HR expert’s eyes on your resume?Book a 30-minute Resume Review with Christina - live on Zoom, recorded, and focused on one goal: getting you interviews. Want to talk through your career goals and explore next steps? Schedule a career consultation to see how I can support you. Email me directly at christina@hernextchapters.comConnect with me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kohlchristina

May 6, 202614 min

115. Why Your Job Search Feels Scattered (And How to Get Clear on What You Actually Want)

If your job search feels scattered, frustrating, or like you're spinning your wheels… this episode is for you.In this second episode of the Job Search Series, we’re stepping back to something even more foundational than your resume or interviews: clarity.Because if you don’t know where you’re going, everything else—your resume, your applications, your networking, and how you show up in interviews—will feel unfocused and ineffective.In this episode, I’m walking you through: Why lack of clarity is the real reason your job search isn’t working What “career clarity” actually means (hint: it’s not one perfect job title) How to identify what you want more of—and less of—in your next role The 3 simple steps to start finding your direction How to use informational interviews and strategic volunteering to test new paths Why your resume should reflect where you’re going—not just where you’ve been If you’re a mid-career woman ready for a career change but unsure what your next step should be, this episode will help you move from feeling stuck to taking aligned action.🎧 This episode is part of a multi-part Job Search Series designed to help you land the right role—not just any role.Strategic volunteering leads mentioned on the episode: Catchafire.orgVolunteer Match (Idealist)Free ResourceGrab the Strengths-First Resume Template - ideal for career transitions, whether you’re returning after a break, navigating a layoff, pivoting roles, or ready for a change._________________________________________________________________________________________________Work with MeWant an HR expert’s eyes on your resume?Book a 30-minute Resume Review with Christina - live on Zoom, recorded, and focused on one goal: getting you interviews. Want to talk through your career goals and explore next steps? Schedule a career consultation to see how I can support you. Email me directly at christina@hernextchapters.comConnect with me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kohlchristina

April 29, 202616 min

114. You’re Not Getting Interviews for a Reason - Let’s Fix That

If you’ve been applying for jobs and not getting interviews, it’s not random - and it doesn’t mean you’re not qualified.In this episode of Her Next Chapters, we kick off a practical job search series for women who are ready for something new - whether you’re returning to work or feeling stuck in a role that no longer fits.We start with the resume problem that quietly holds people back: bullets that read like a job description instead of showing real impact. You’ll hear clear before-and-after examples and learn how to add scope, results, and simple metrics - even if you don’t have exact numbers.Then we shift to strategy. Your resume is not your full career history - it’s a marketing document for the job you want next. That means choosing a direction, using the employer’s language, and pulling keywords directly from the job posting so your resume stands out to both ATS systems and hiring managers.We also talk about why applying online alone gives you the least control in your job search, and how small, intentional networking steps - including outreach on LinkedIn - can create momentum, conversations, and real opportunities.If you’re ready to stop second-guessing your resume and start positioning yourself for your next chapter, this episode will give you a clear place to start.Subscribe, follow along with the series, and share this with a friend who’s ready for a change.Ready to take the next step?• Download the free Strengths-First Resume Template to get a clear, confident starting point • Want personalized feedback? Book a Resume Review and get direct, actionable guidance on what’s working and what’s notFree ResourceGrab the Strengths-First Resume Template - ideal for career transitions, whether you’re returning after a break, navigating a layoff, pivoting roles, or ready for a change._________________________________________________________________________________________________Work with MeWant an HR expert’s eyes on your resume?Book a 30-minute Resume Review with Christina - live on Zoom, recorded, and focused on one goal: getting you interviews. Want to talk through your career goals and explore next steps? Schedule a career consultation to see how I can support you. Email me directly at christina@hernextchapters.comConnect with me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kohlchristina

April 15, 202610 min

113. Stop Waiting for Motivation: What to Do Instead

Ever find yourself waiting to feel motivated before you start?You’re not alone. And it might be the exact reason you’re stuck.In this episode, I’m sharing a real-life moment from this week when I caught myself putting something off… and what I did instead. (Spoiler: motivation never showed up.)We’re flipping the script on the idea that motivation has to come first, and instead focusing on what actually works: taking small, simple actions that build momentum.Whether you’re navigating a job search, trying to get back into a routine, or tackling something that feels overwhelming, this episode will help you stop waiting and start moving forward.Inside the episode, I talk about: why waiting for motivation keeps you stuck how procrastination shows up in everyday life (and how to catch it) simple ways to take action when you don’t feel ready why small steps create real momentum practical examples from job search, productivity, and daily life If you’ve been putting something off, this is your nudge.Free ResourceGrab the Strengths-First Resume Template - ideal for career transitions, whether you’re returning after a break, navigating a layoff, pivoting roles, or ready for a change._________________________________________________________________________________________________Work with MeWant an HR expert’s eyes on your resume?Book a 30-minute Resume Review with Christina - live on Zoom, recorded, and focused on one goal: getting you interviews. Want to talk through your career goals and explore next steps? Schedule a career consultation to see how I can support you. Email me directly at christina@hernextchapters.comConnect with me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kohlchristina

April 1, 202618 min

112. "Hope You Speak Japanese" — An Unexpected Conversation

I considered walking out of a tiny Tokyo restaurant because it felt uncomfortable, unfamiliar, and way too hard to navigate in English. It seemed like every head turned when we walked in, the menu was handwritten in Japanese, and then a “free delicacy” landed on the table that looked like chopped-up worms. That moment could’ve ended with us retreating to the nearest convenience store and calling it a night.Instead, I took a bite. It was raw baby squid, and it was actually delicious. That tiny choice sparked a conversation with a local man named Hiro and, somehow, turned into the funniest, sweetest connection of our entire Japan trip. We talked, laughed, and even sang Country Roads together when it started playing in the restaurant. It reminded me how rare real connection can be when most interactions as a tourist are quick, polite, and transactional.You never know what's waiting on the other side of an awkard moment. This episode is a reminder to stay open, say yes, and not walk away too quickly — in travel, in networking, and in life. Subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review so more women can find Her Next Chapters. Free ResourceGrab the Strengths-First Resume Template - ideal for career transitions, whether you’re returning after a break, navigating a layoff, pivoting roles, or ready for a change._________________________________________________________________________________________________Work with MeWant an HR expert’s eyes on your resume?Book a 30-minute Resume Review with Christina - live on Zoom, recorded, and focused on one goal: getting you interviews. Want to talk through your career goals and explore next steps? Schedule a career consultation to see how I can support you. Email me directly at christina@hernextchapters.comConnect with me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kohlchristina

March 18, 202636 min

111. From Teacher To Tech Founder: A Career Pivot into AI with Guest Brenda Brusegard

Career pivots rarely happen in a straight line.In this episode of Her Next Chapters, Christina talks with Brenda Brusegard, founder of Informed Tech Solutions, about her unconventional career journey from middle school science teacher to international educator to tech and AI consultant helping business owners streamline their operations. Brenda spent more than 15 years in education, teaching in the U.S. and internationally in Ecuador, India, and Panama. Along the way, she discovered a love for technology, research, and problem-solving that eventually led her to start her own business helping entrepreneurs simplify their tech and automation systems using AI.In this conversation, Brenda shares how small decisions and unexpected opportunities led to a major career shift, and why paying attention to what comes naturally to you can point toward your next chapter.Christina and Brenda also tackle a topic that many career returners and career changers feel intimidated by: artificial intelligence. If AI feels overwhelming or unfamiliar, this episode offers a practical and encouraging starting point.You’ll hear about:How following small “breadcrumbs” can lead to meaningful career pivotsWhy networking and real conversations still matter in a tech-driven worldSimple ways to start using AI in everyday life and workHow AI can help with tasks like planning, research, and productivityWhy AI should do about 80% of the work, with humans responsible for the final 20%Connect with Brenda: LinkedIn: Brenda Brusegard Website: informedtech.ioAI Course: Build Your Dream TeamFree ResourceGrab the Strengths-First Resume Template - ideal for career transitions, whether you’re returning after a break, navigating a layoff, pivoting roles, or ready for a change._________________________________________________________________________________________________Work with MeWant an HR expert’s eyes on your resume?Book a 30-minute Resume Review with Christina - live on Zoom, recorded, and focused on one goal: getting you interviews. Want to talk through your career goals and explore next steps? Schedule a career consultation to see how I can support you. Email me directly at christina@hernextchapters.comConnect with me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kohlchristina

February 18, 202633 min

110. Midlife Identity Shift and Career Reinvention with Kiersten Lortz

What happens when a lifelong identity no longer fits the season you’re in?In this episode of Her Next Chapters, Christina sits down with Kiersten Lortz, former professional violinist turned women’s empowerment coach, author, and founder of the Possibilities Conference. After a 25-year career in music, Kiersten made a bold midlife pivot to support women navigating identity shifts, career transitions, and the emotional complexity of the empty nest years.Together, they explore:Letting go of long-held professional identitiesCareer pivots in midlife and starting over from experienceThe emotional realities of the empty nest transitionReclaiming your relationship with your spouse, your adult children, and yourselfWhy women often feel lost after their kids leave homeCoaching vs. therapy and how forward-focused coaching supports real changeSmall, sustainable action instead of “massive action” during busy life seasonsKiersten shares her journey from performing on major stages as a professional musician to launching a women’s empowerment conference and building a coaching practice centered on helping mothers reconnect during the college transition years (ages 16–24). She also discusses the loneliness many women experience during this phase and why community and structured support matter.If you are navigating a career reinvention, identity shift, or the emotional complexity of midlife motherhood, this conversation will remind you that you are not starting from scratch—you are starting from experience.This episode is for women who are ready to release old chapters, redefine what’s next, and step into their next season with intention.Click on these links to learn more about Kiersten’s Possibilities Conference and coaching programs. Or grab a copy of her book: Possibilities: Partnering with God to Become Your Best Self************************************************************************************** The hardest part of interviewing isn’t your qualifications — it’s knowing how to talk about them. Let’s fix that. Book your Interview Clarity & Confidence Session HERE.Free ResourceGrab the Strengths-First Resume Template - ideal for career transitions, whether you’re returning after a break, navigating a layoff, pivoting roles, or ready for a change._________________________________________________________________________________________________Work with MeWant an HR expert’s eyes on your resume?Book a 30-minute Resume Review with Christina - live on Zoom, recorded, and focused on one goal: getting you interviews. Want to talk through your career goals and explore next steps? Schedule a career consultation to see how I can support you. Email me directly at christina@hernextchapters.comConnect with me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kohlchristina