Work With Michelle

Podcast guest. Keynote speaker. Editorial contributor. Brand partner.

Contact Michelle

Info & Stats

Founder:
Michelle Jolene

Audience:
Women 45+

Focus:
Travel • Food • Lifestyle

Media:
Writer • Speaker • Creator

About Michelle Jolene

A woman with long blonde hair, wearing a black top and blue jeans, is sitting on her heels in a bright room, adjusting vintage-style speakers on a stone table. Behind her is a large potted plant, a beige couch, and sheer white curtains.

Michelle Jolene is the founder and editor of The Empty Nest Rebellion, a lifestyle media company built on one belief: life gets bigger after the kids leave, not smaller.

An MFA-trained writer, former college professor, travel writer, and on-camera creator, Michelle writes and speaks about thoughtful travel, food, wine, books, and the quiet courage of building a bold second act.

She is a certified travel advisor and the creator of Novel Wine Pairings, a signature editorial series pairing literature with thoughtfully selected wines. She lives in Miami with her wife and their rescue dogs, and is happiest with a passport in hand, a good book in her suitcase, and dinner reservations somewhere she’s never been before.

AUDIENCE PROFILE

  • Blurred image of white and pastel-colored bokeh lights against a light background.

    Who They Are:

    Women 45–65 navigating life's most interesting chapter. Empty nesters, reinventors, and second-act seekers who are curious, adventurous, and done waiting for permission. They travel, love food and wine, read voraciously, and respond to authentic, story-driven content from someone who's living the same journey.

  • Soft, defocused bokeh lights in pastel shades of pink, white, and gray.

    What They Care About:

    -Thoughtful travel and boutique hotel experiences

    - Food, wine, and culinary exploration

    - Books, storytelling, and literary travel

    - Midlife reinvention and creative second acts

    - Living fully — with curiosity, courage, and joy.

WHAT I OFFER
Ways to Work Together

  • Podcast Guest

    Thoughtful, story-driven conversations on midlife reinvention, travel, food, wine, and creativity. Michelle is a prepared, engaging guest who brings personal narrative and practical insight.

  • Editorial Contributor

    Travel, food, wine, lifestyle, and midlife reinvention — with an MFA-trained eye and a voice that readers trust. Available for print and digital publications.

  • Brand & Tourism Partner

    UGC creator specializing in travel, boutique hotels, food, wine, and beauty over 40. Authentic content for brands whose audience is the grown woman who has excellent taste and means to use it.

  • Expert Commentary

    On-camera and written expertise in midlife reinvention, travel, food culture, and creative second acts. Available for media segments, brand campaigns, and editorial features.here

  • Keynote & Panel Speaker

    Available for women's organizations, leadership conferences, culinary events, and travel industry gatherings. Four signature talks available — see here.