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Back To The Nest

Back To The Nest

Written by: Leah Kern
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About this listen

Back To The Nest is a monthly podcast where Leah Kern sits down with a loved one to swap “acorns”—little tips and insights we’re currently leaning into. Acorns can be trivial things, like a fun new way to store earrings or a brand of clear lip gloss that tastes like vanilla and isn’t too sticky. But they can also be deeper nuggets of wisdom—lessons from therapy, profound lyrics, or a tip to calm existential anxiety. Acorns are the things we gather along the way, and Back To The Nest is the place we share them with you.

© 2026 Back To The Nest Self-Help Success
Episodes
  • [Thoughtful Conversations] When Identity Change with Brent Bowden

    [Thoughtful Conversations] When Identity Change with Brent Bowden
    Mar 5 2026

    What happens when the thing that once defined you… no longer does?

    In this episode, Brent shares his journey from being an NFL punter to building a life in the corporate world—and the identity reckoning that came with that transition. Together, we explore how meaning is built outside of work, why tying your entire identity to one role can be so fragile, and what it really takes to live a purposeful, grounded life after a major career shift.

    Brent opens up about why he no longer leads with his NFL career when meeting new people, what athletes mean when they say “an athlete dies twice,” and how the character traits developed through elite sports can be translated into a meaningful life beyond the field.

    Whether you’re a former athlete, someone navigating a career transition,​ retirement, or simply questioning how much of your identity is wrapped up in your job—this conversation offers perspective, honesty, and a powerful reminder that meaning is something you build, not something you earn through titles.

    In This Episode, We Cover:

    • How to make meaning outside of work
    • Brent’s journey from the NFL to the corporate world
    • Why Brent chose not to lead with his former NFL career when meeting new people
    • The importance of diversifying your identity
    • What it means when people say “an athlete dies twice”
    • The emotional and psychological transition from professional sports to life after football
    • How Brent translated the character traits developed in football into his post-NFL life
    • The connection between meaning, purpose, and responsibility
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    36 mins
  • Tinned Fish, Entrepreneurship, & The Year of the Fire Horse [with Sonia]

    Tinned Fish, Entrepreneurship, & The Year of the Fire Horse [with Sonia]
    Mar 3 2026

    Join Leah and Sonia as they exchange acorns!

    More from Sonia:

    • Sonia's Website: https://www.soniaholstein.com/
    • Sonia's IG: @youllwantseconds
    • Sonia's Substack: https://substack.com/@youllwantseconds

    More From Leah

    • Subscribe to my personal Substack
    • Listen to my other podcast, Shoulders Down
    • Email me: Leah@leahkernrd.com
    Show More Show Less
    53 mins
  • Alternative Deodorants, Meatballs, Decluttering, & The Radio [with Victoria]

    Alternative Deodorants, Meatballs, Decluttering, & The Radio [with Victoria]
    Jan 5 2026

    Join Leah and Victoria as they exchange acorns!

    More From Leah

    • Subscribe to my personal Substack
    • Listen to my other podcast, Shoulders Down
    • Email me: Leah@leahkernrd.com
    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
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