#238 - Monica Marlatt - Puzzled about everything

#238 - Monica Marlatt - Puzzled about everything

From Most memorable journeys by Elisabeth Villiger Toufexis

March 31, 2026 · 43 min · Episode 238

About this episode

Monica Marlatt shares her journey of finding purpose and joy through puzzling during the transition to becoming an empty nester.

What happens when life suddenly becomes… quiet? In this heartfelt and uplifting episode, I sit down with Monica, who shares how a simple hobby turned into a powerful lifeline during one of life’s biggest transitions, the empty-nester phase. After spending 25 years as a devoted stay-at-home mother, Monica found herself facing a silence she wasn’t quite prepared for when her last child moved out. What followed is a beautiful story of reinvention, creativity, connection, and unexpected adventure. Her answer? Puzzles... But not just any puzzles… Monica shares how puzzling became her sanctuary, a perfect blend of calm, creativity, and mental stimulation that supported her emotional wellbeing during a time of change. What started as a personal coping tool soon evolved into something much bigger. She reinvented herself as a “Puzzle Imagineer”, bringing puzzles to life through creative reels and storytelling. What could have remained a quiet pastime transformed into a vibrant expression of creativity and joy. And then… things got even more exciting. Monica and her husband Rae now travel the world, even bringing over 200 puzzles onboard Royal Caribbean cruises, where they host social…

People in this episode

Host: Elisabeth Villiger Toufexis

Guest: Monica Marlatt

Topics covered

  • empty nester
  • reinvention
  • creativity
  • emotional wellbeing
  • social connection
  • puzzles

Keywords

  • puzzles
  • empty nester
  • creativity
  • emotional wellbeing
  • social puzzling
  • reinvention
  • travel

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