This episode is a little different... it’s a two-parter.
We recorded the first half before leaving for our empty nest getaway to Mexico, talking through what we hoped for (and what we worried might happen).
Then, after the trip, we sat back down to see if those expectations actually matched reality.
From pre-trip nerves and some lighthearted talk about “resort romance” to real reflections on unplugging from work and finding connection again, this one’s both honest and funny. We also share how maturity changes what connection looks like... and why a slower trip might be exactly what your marriage needs right now.
If you’ve ever wondered whether a short trip can really bring you closer or just remind you that you’ve grown up a lot together, this episode’s for you.
👋 Share your favorite empty nest couple trip or where we should go next in our community:
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📬 Get our free Empty Nester Travel Tips & Gear Guide when you sign up for The Loud Quiet newsletter. It’s full of the travel hacks and favorites we actually use on our own trips:
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🎧 Find all episodes, podcast apps, and YouTube links here:
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CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro and why we needed this trip
1:45 Before the trip, setting expectations
4:00 What we’re looking forward to (and what could go wrong)
7:20 “Resort romance” and real connection
10:10 Managing expectations as a mature couple
14:45 Transition, after the trip
16:30 Did it meet our expectations
19:20 Unplugging from work and turning off notifications
22:00 Reconnecting as a couple
26:30 The social side of all-adult resorts
29:40 Small moments that build connection
31:10 Lessons learned and travel tips for empty nesters
34:45 What’s next, maybe a cold-weather trip
35:40 Wrap-up and listener question
Want to be a guest on The Loud Quiet – Empty Nest Living?
Send Rick and Clancy Denton a message on PodMatch:
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Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and should not be taken as legal, financial, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney, financial advisor, or other professional regarding your specific situation. The opinions expressed by guests are solely theirs and do not necessarily represent the views or positions of the host(s).
Most of us were never taught how to love ourselves... and yet, it’s the foundation of every healthy relationship we’ll ever have. In this week’s conversation, Rick and Clancy sit down with relationship coach Chaya Garcia to talk about what self-love really looks like in the empty nest years, how it shapes the way we date, and why it’s never too late to grow in connection.
Chaya shares real, practical wisdom on dating again, spotting early red flags, and what it means to build stability instead of chasing “synchronicity.” She also gets honest about addiction, codependency, and the importance of giving both yourself and your partner grace. Whether you’re re-entering the dating world or trying to deepen a long-term marriage, this one will make you rethink how you show up for yourself first.
Connect with Chaya on Instagram: https://instagram.com/epicloveexpert
Join the conversation in The Loud Quiet community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet
Get extra insights and takeaways about thriving in the empty nest: https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
1:00 Why we rarely talk about dating in the empty nest
1:53 Love starts with the self
3:10 What to watch for on a first date
5:00 Stability over synchronicity
6:20 How self-love shapes who we attract
7:45 The difference between healthy and unhealthy people
10:00 Addiction and disconnection in modern life
11:03 Talking to your parents or kids about dating
15:30 Building connection in long-term relationships
17:40 Why we were never taught to love ourselves
19:23 Forgiveness, trauma, and true healing
22:58 Grace and goals for growth
25:38 Chaya’s book and podcast
27:30 Wrap-up
Want to be a guest on The Loud Quiet – Empty Nest Living?
Send Rick and Clancy Denton a message on PodMatch:
https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theloudquiethost
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and should not be taken as legal, financial, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney, financial advisor, or other professional regarding your specific situation. The opinions expressed by guests are solely theirs and do not necessarily represent the views or positions of the host(s).
Can AI save you $1,400? It did for Rick.
This week, Rick and Clancy talk about how AI is showing up in real life for empty nesters, including stories from The Loud Quiet community. From planning dinners for two and simplifying home maintenance to creating custom workouts and even preparing for job interviews, listeners shared how they’re using these tools in practical, everyday ways.
They also talk about boundaries and common sense... what’s safe to share, how to keep your thinking sharp, and why the goal isn’t to replace humans but to make life a little easier, a little smarter, and maybe a little more fun.
👋 Join the conversation in our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet
📬 Get weekly extras and stories: https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup
🎧 Find all episodes and ways to listen: https://www.theloudquiet.com
CHAPTERS0:00 Intro
0:53 Rick’s AI victory story ($1,400 win)
4:06 How listeners are using AI
7:46 Using AI for everyday life and meal planning
9:13 Travel help and packing tips
11:29 Simplifying home maintenance
12:12 Custom workouts and fitness help
14:28 AI, humanity, and staying connected
16:48 Smart inspiration: gifts, resumes, and creativity
20:46 Writing better emails and messages
23:14 Setting smart boundaries and protecting privacy
26:38 Staying safe and thoughtful online
29:39 Proceed with caution... and curiosity
Want to be a guest on The Loud Quiet – Empty Nest Living?
Send Rick and Clancy Denton a message on PodMatch:
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Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and should not be taken as legal, financial, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney, financial advisor, or other professional regarding your specific situation. The opinions expressed by guests are solely theirs and do not necessarily represent the views or positions of the host(s).
Every podcast starts somewhere… and this week, we’re sharing exactly how The Loud Quiet - Empty Nest Living came to be.
It all goes back to one late-night drive, a little vodka honesty, and a question from Clancy that stopped Rick cold. That moment caught us off guard and led to discussions on how we saw our relationship, our future, and eventually led to creating this show.
In this episode, we talk through the real story behind that night, how it led to our first recording in what used to be the kids’ playroom, and what it’s taught us about doing life (and business) together as empty nesters. We also share a first look at something we’ve been quietly working on since February... our upcoming book about what empty nest living has really meant to us.
If you want to stay up to date on the book launch and get extras and updates, you can join our newsletter here:
📬 https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup
👋 Join the conversation or share your own “start of it all” story in our community:
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🎧 Find all episodes and listening platforms here:
https://www.theloudquiet.com
Videos Mentioned in the Episode
Embrace The Shift - E10 https://youtu.be/eQjUxpcq2jk
Behind The Scenes Studio Build https://youtu.be/ljiP26VLheo
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro – back on the road again
0:48 Why we started sharing our story
1:50 The night that changed everything
3:25 The question that froze Rick
4:55 When fear meets honesty
6:20 The moment the podcast idea hit
7:40 Turning the playroom into a studio
8:45 Recording that first raw episode
10:15 From therapy sessions to a community
11:10 Naming The Loud Quiet - Empty Nest Living
12:25 Doing the empty nest instead of feeling done to
13:25 Saying yes and sometimes saying no
14:50 The real talk promise (and an AMA idea)
16:30 Working together as partners and creatives
18:30 A new creative chapter: the book
20:10 Finding meaning in the loud and the quiet
Want to be a guest on The Loud Quiet - Empty Nest Living?
Send Rick and Clancy Denton a message on PodMatch:https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theloudquiethost
Disclaimer:This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and should not be taken as legal, financial, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney, financial advisor, or other professional regarding your specific situation. The opinions expressed by guests are solely theirs and do not necessarily represent the views or positions of the host(s).
#relationships #marriage #recreation #podcast #EmptyNesters #EmptyNesting #Lifeafterkidsleave #Transitiontoanemptynest #Parentingjourney #Reinventingourselves #Newchapterinlife #Emptynestchallenges #Findingpurpose #Rediscoveringhobbies #Relationshipafterkids #Self-discovery #Preparingforanemptynest #Reconnectingasacouple #Growingtogetherafterkidsleave #Familydynamicsafterkidsleave #Supportsystemsforemptynesters #Tipsforsuccessfulemptynesting
How Do We Reinvent Ourselves?
What does it really mean to reinvent yourself once the house goes quiet? In this episode, Rick and Clancy talk about what reinvention has looked like for them since becoming empty nesters... how it’s less about one big change and more about staying curious, open, and willing to keep learning.
They share stories from their recent trip to the Empowered Podcaster Conference in Charlotte, NC, what it taught them about community and confidence, and how this phase of life is the perfect time to keep reinventing... not because you have to, but because you can.
We’re thankful to our episode sponsor, Damon Vinci with Magical Memory Planners, a long-time travel planner who helps make dream vacations stress-free.
📞 Call or text Damon at 972-987-0527 or email damon@magicalmemoryplanners.com to start planning your next adventure.
From the emotional recharge of being around other creators... to the moment Rick realized reinventing might never actually end... this one’s for anyone wondering what comes next when the kids are gone and the schedule finally opens up.
👋 Join the conversation in our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet
📬 Get new episodes and extras in your inbox: https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup
🎧 Find all episodes and links: https://www.theloudquiet.com
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro and what reinventing means
2:15 Why small conferences matter
5:44 Sponsor thank you: Magical Memory Planners
8:10 Traveling as a couple and space apart
10:53 Kindness across differences
13:20 How reinvention connects us to our kids
15:20 From imposter syndrome to confidence
18:48 Thriving in the empty nest
21:20 What we are acting on next
23:40 Building a real-life community
Want to be a guest on The Loud Quiet – Empty Nest Living?
Send Rick and Clancy Denton a message on PodMatch:
https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theloudquiethost
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and should not be taken as legal, financial, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney, financial advisor, or other professional regarding your specific situation. The opinions expressed by guests are solely theirs and do not necessarily represent the views or positions of the host(s).
Parenting doesn’t come with a guidebook... but sometimes it comes with text messages. In this episode, we sit down with Tammy Cohen, author of Text Messages To My Sons, to talk about the lessons, reminders, and heart-to-hearts she’s been sending her boys for years.
Tammy shares why she started capturing her wisdom in text form, how her sons have received it, and what it looks like to parent adult kids with honesty and love. This conversation isn’t just about moms and sons—it’s about communication, connection, and the little ways we keep showing up for our kids even as they grow.
📖 Get Tammy’s book Text Messages To My Sons:
Amazon (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/3Koe06r
IndiePubs (use code TEXTMOM for a discount): https://indiepubs.com/products/text-messages-to-my-sons-new-edition
✨ Want to preview the book? Tammy is giving away 2 free chapters when you sign up here: https://theloudquiet.kit.com/texts
🌐 Connect with Tammy:
Website: https://tammyjcohen.com/
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/tammy-j-cohen-915815143
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tammyjcohen/
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
1:35 Why Tammy started texting her sons
4:50 Turning texts into a book
8:10 How her sons reacted
11:45 Parenting adult kids with boundaries
15:30 Lessons she most wanted to pass on
19:20 The power of short reminders
23:00 Communication across generations
26:40 What she hopes readers take away
29:55 Wrap-up
👋 Join the conversation in our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet
📬 Get episodes and extras in your inbox: https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup
🎧 Find all episodes and platforms here: https://www.theloudquiet.com
Want to be a guest on The Loud Quiet – Empty Nest Living?
Send Rick and Clancy Denton a message on PodMatch:
https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theloudquiethost
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and should not be taken as legal, financial, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney, financial advisor, or other professional regarding your specific situation.
What started as “just a quick drive” turned into a full-on Baylor game day adventure… complete with tailgates, rivalries, bugs that wouldn’t quit, and a whole lot of laughs with friends.
In this episode, we talk about navigating friendships in the empty nest… especially when your kids are dating each other… plus what it’s like to step into traditions that weren’t originally ours but now feel pretty special. From Waco eats to a last-second field goal to realizing game days can be mini-adventures of their own, this trip gave us plenty to reflect on.
🌬️ The handheld fan that saved us in the Texas heat (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/429B1Ai
👋 Share your own family rivalry stories in our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet
📬 Want more like this? Get weekly extras in your inbox: https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
2:10 Parent friends to kid couple
4:30 Empty nest road trip dynamics
6:50 Rivalry ground rules and the 20 bet
9:00 Surviving Texas heat with that fan
11:10 Tailgating Baylor style
13:20 The bug attack saga
15:30 Waco surprises and great food
17:40 Sports as a unifier and the finish
—
Want to be a guest on The Loud Quiet – Empty Nest Living?
Send Rick and Clancy Denton a message on PodMatch:
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Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and should not be taken as legal, financial, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney, financial advisor, or other professional regarding your specific situation.
What happens when you visit your kids in their own space? We share the funny, surprising, and eye-opening moments of stepping into their world while on the road between Phoenix and Tucson.
Visiting your kids on their turf brings a mix of surprises, laughs, and those little reminders that they’re building lives outside of your roof. This week’s episode was recorded while we were literally on the road between Phoenix and Tucson… headed to spend the weekend with our daughter.
We talk about what it’s like to step into your kids’ world… seeing their spaces, meeting their friends, trying their favorite restaurants, and even noticing new habits (or lack of vacuuming skills). We also share some stories from The Loud Quiet Facebook community and how their experiences mirror our own.
It’s about learning when to lean in, when to step back, and how to enjoy the ride… sometimes literally, with road noise in the background.
👋 Want to join the conversation and maybe get a future shoutout on the podcast? Our community is growing and we’d love to have you: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet
0:00 Intro on the road
1:00 Community stories that made us laugh
3:25 Eating new foods and favorite local restaurants
5:40 Changing interests and new hobbies
7:50 The mystery of vacuuming skills
9:30 Parents, grades, and stepping back
12:00 Balancing your visit with their schedule
14:20 Meeting friend groups (and picking up the check)
16:00 Seeing them become capable adults
18:30 Driving, independence, and handling big moments
19:50 Wrap-up on the ride to Tucson
👋 Share your own “visiting on their turf” stories in our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet 📬 Want more like this?
Get weekly extras in your inbox: https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup 🎧
Find all episodes, podcast apps, and YouTube links here: https://www.theloudquiet.com
Want to be a guest on The Loud Quiet – Empty Nest Living? Send Rick and Clancy Denton a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theloudquiethost
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and should not be taken as legal, financial, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney, financial advisor, or other professional regarding your specific situation.
Some signs of fall are comforting. Some are kind of annoying. And some, like the flashing yellow school zone lights, just make you groan.
In this episode, Rick and Clancy share the little markers that tell them fall has arrived. Childhood soccer uniforms, back-to-school shopping trips, college football weekends, the first cool front fake-out, and pumpkin scented candles all make the list. They also talk about how fall still feels like a reset, even when you’re not chasing kids to Friday night games anymore.
👃 Got a favorite fall scent? Or a sign of fall in your town? Come share it with us: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet
📬 Want more like this? Get new episodes and the FREE curated Travel Tips & Gear guide: https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup
🎧 Find all episodes, podcast apps, and YouTube links here: https://www.theloudquiet.com
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
1:00 Childhood fall memories
4:30 Back-to-school shopping then vs. now
7:10 College football is back
10:50 School zones and Friday night games
14:20 Travel plans as fall markers
16:00 Pumpkin candles and fall flavors
17:30 State Fair and local festivals
18:50 The cool weather fake-out
20:10 Why fall feels like a reset
22:45 Fall is busy and we love it
✅ Want to be a guest on The Loud Quiet – Empty Nest Living? Send Rick and Clancy Denton a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theloudquiethost
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and should not be taken as legal, financial, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney, financial advisor, or other professional regarding your specific situation.
Retirement isn’t just about 401(k)s and Social Security. It’s also about your identity, your routines, your relationship, and that strange feeling of waking up with nowhere to be.
In this episode, Rick and Clancy sit down with retirement coach Wendy Leggett to talk about the non-financial side of retirement: what makes it hard, what makes it meaningful, and how to approach it with curiosity instead of fear. Wendy shares thoughtful advice for individuals and couples navigating this transition.
Whether you’re five years out or already a few months in, this one’s packed with real, useful insight.
🧭 Learn more about Wendy’s coaching work: https://confluxretirementcoaching.com/
👋 Join the conversation in our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet
📬 Want more like this? Get new episodes and extras in your inbox: https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup
🎧 Find all episodes, podcast apps, and YouTube links here: https://www.theloudquiet.com
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
1:11 What does a retirement coach do?
2:41 Why retirement can be a struggle
5:10 Identity shifts after work
7:09 How to thrive in retirement
8:44 Transition vs. change
11:26 When couples have different visions
14:44 Respecting the stay-at-home spouse’s role
18:39 Feeling like a stranger in your own home
20:09 Are you really ready to retire?
22:10 When to talk to a retirement coach
24:39 Wendy’s 8-session coaching process
26:13 Free coaching session + workbook offer
27:43 Final thoughts and thank you
✅ Want to be a guest on The Loud Quiet – Empty Nest Living? Send Rick and Clancy Denton a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theloudquiethost
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and should not be taken as legal, financial, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney, financial advisor, or other professional regarding your specific situation.
The house is quiet again... and we’re back in the studio. The return of the empty nest, even for the 3rd time, stirs up a wide range of feelings.
In this milestone 100th episode, we reflect on how much has changed... since starting the podcast, since our first round of empty nest living, and even just since last summer. From Iceland inside jokes to unexpected museum noises to the rediscovery of personal space (and skinny dipping), we talk through the return of the quiet, what we’ve learned, and why we’re still choosing each other in year three.
And mostly... we just want to say thank you. This podcast exists because of you. Whether you’ve listened to one episode or all 100, your support means everything.
🧳 Want our favorite travel gear and tips? Get the free download (plus our newsletter): https://www.theloudquiet.com
🎧 Find all episodes, podcast apps, and YouTube links here: https://www.theloudquiet.com
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro + back in the studio
1:00 Thanking you for 100 episodes
2:35 A summer of nonstop travel
4:16 Iceland memories and inside jokes
6:10 Watching our kids connect as adults
8:50 When the empty nest fills back up
10:50 Adjusting when she moves back out
16:50 Choosing to say yes
22:40 Finding friends in the empty nest
24:41 Final thoughts + thank you
Want to be a guest on The Loud Quiet - Empty Nest Living? Send Rick And Clancy Denton a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theloudquiethost
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and should not be taken as legal, financial, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney, financial advisor, or other professional regarding your specific situation.
You’re a couple again... but it doesn’t feel quite the same.
This Greatest Hits episode takes us back to the early weeks of our empty nest life. The routines technically returned... but everything about them felt different. From light trash cans to creepy museum portraits to the moment the house goes quiet and it hits you all over again... this one’s for anyone staring down the weird, slow shift from full house to two place mats at dinner.
👋 Share your first-week-of-empty-nest moments with us: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet
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🎧 Find all episodes, podcast apps, and YouTube links here: https://www.theloudquiet.com
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
1:20 Back to routine...ish
3:30 First day photo tradition
5:10 Grocery carts and empty trash cans
6:50 Two placemats at dinner
8:15 What do weekends look like now?
11:00 Walks, weather, and rediscovering each other
13:10 Fort Worth day trip: museum and cocktails
17:10 “The Clancy” is born
20:00 That first boring Sunday
25:00 The loudness of the quiet
28:30 Even the cat is adjusting
Want to be a guest on The Loud Quiet – Empty Nest Living?
Send us a message on PodMatch:
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Some parenting lessons don’t hit until you’re in a parking lot, crying with your kid, trying to help them through something you can’t fix.
This Greatest Hits episode from our first season walks through a tough moment with our daughter Teagan... her first big roommate conflict in college... and how we had to learn a new way to parent her through it. From awkward campus moments to the heartbreak of long-distance support, we’re revisiting this story now because we know so many of you will be in this season soon. The drop-offs may be done, but the emotional aftermath is just around the corner.
📬 Want more like this? Get weekly episodes and extras in your inbox:
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👋 Share your own back to school story or join the conversation in our community:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet
🎧 Browse all episodes and platforms here:
https://www.theloudquiet.com
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro to Greatest Hits episode
0:31 Why this topic hits home for parents
2:23 Parents Weekend: Fun and emotional whiplash
5:04 Watching other families struggle
6:51 Letting adult kids make decisions
9:58 Handling downtime with your college kid
14:50 Parking lot tears and a hard goodbye
18:09 Roommate conflict from a distance
21:08 The instinct to fix everything
24:47 Letting them handle it... but staying close
26:26 Supportive friendships make all the difference
29:00 Growth, resolution, and a sigh of relief
34:34 The next visit: hoping for peace
35:16 Final reflections
✅ Want to be a guest on The Loud Quiet?
Send Rick and Clancy Denton a message on PodMatch:
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The IKEA bags. The ramen in the pantry. The horse figurine in the car. This is the episode we recorded just days after becoming official empty nesters... and let’s just say, the tears were flowing.
Originally aired as Episode 2, this one holds a lot of heart. It’s a real-time look at what it feels like to leave your youngest at college... awkward silences, Target runs, unexpected breakdowns, and the surprising peace of watching your kid help someone else swipe into the dorm.
We're bringing it back now because we know so many of you are doing this exact thing. If you’re in the thick of drop-off season, this one’s for you.
✅ If you’re looking for the blue bags we swear by now, here’s our go-to (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/3IPXHP9
CHATPERS
0:00 Intro... why we're rerunning this
1:53 College drop-off season begins
3:18 The magic of IKEA bags
5:17 Triggers we didn’t expect
7:26 Two kids, two rival schools
10:50 Target runs and dorm shopping
13:03 Will they find their people?
15:29 The emotional wait to move in
18:22 Saying goodbye in the hallway
23:10 “I miss my cat” and other breakdowns
29:56 The surprise letter-writing moment
32:59 What every parent really wants
35:50 Visiting our son, softening the blow
38:54 The text that brought us back to Earth
42:36 The start of the quiet house
👋 Share your own college drop-off story in our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet
📬 Want more like this? Get new episodes and extras in your inbox: https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup
Want to be a guest on The Loud Quiet – Empty Nest Living?
Send Rick and Clancy Denton a message on PodMatch:
https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theloudquiethost
CHAPTERS
Whether it’s your first college drop-off or your last, move-in season is a major milestone in empty nest life... and it comes with a LOT of moving parts.
In this episode, we walk through our favorite practical and emotional tips from years of college move-ins... what we’ve learned, what we wish we had known earlier, and what might help ease the transition for you and your student.
From the glory of IKEA-style blue bags to overlooked essentials like doorstops and duplicate chargers... it’s a wide range of help to get you through the move-in.
We also share some emotional wisdom... how to help (but not hover), when to let your kid lead, and what to do when the tears hit (because they will hit). Whether you're moving in a freshman or helping a returning student settle in, this episode is here to support you through it all.
👜 Want the blue bags we swear by? Here’s our go-to (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/3IPXHP9
🎧 Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly stories and extras: https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup
👋 Share your move-in tips or join the conversation in our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
1:31 Blue bags are still the MVP
4:00 Toolkits and first aid kits
5:27 Stay hydrated... water and snacks
6:56 Extension cords and power strips
7:38 Find the non-campus Target & Walmart
8:32 Amazon lockers are a lifesaver
9:45 Coordinate with other moms
11:21 Let them wander and explore
14:01 Help them... as much as they want you to
16:53 Let them lead on campus
19:52 Find something non-move-in to do
20:42 Be prepared. Be flexible
21:33 Be ready for every emotion
Want to be a guest on The Loud Quiet - Empty Nest Living? Send Rick And Clancy Denton a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theloudquiethost
You’re never too old... or too deep into the empty nest... to go back to school.
In this episode of The Loud Quiet, we’re joined by our friends Scott and Eileen Nichols, fellow empty nesters, public school educators, and proud parents (and grandparents). They share why they each made the decision to pursue master’s degrees after the kids had left home... and what it’s really like to juggle classes, papers, marriage, and grandparenting.
We talk about the emotional tug of parenting adult kids from afar, what it means to “rescue” without overstepping, and how a family of educators balances professional roles with personal ones. Oh... and we get a glimpse of what it’s like when your grandson goes to school... with his Gigi.
This episode is full of wisdom, warmth, and some real-life looks at how the empty nest season is far from a slow-down. It might just be the time you ramp things up.
Scott’s Podcast: Home Sweet Home - Helping People & Families Thrive https://homesweethome.buzzsprout.com/1790860/follow
🎙️ Have you or someone you know taken on a big challenge in the empty nest? Share your story in The Loud Quiet - Empty Nest Living Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet
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CHAPTERS
0:00 Meet Scott & Eileen Nichols
1:05 Why go back to school in the empty nest?
3:09 The surprising demands of grad school
6:02 Making space as a couple
8:59 Why they moved to Texas during COVID
10:37 Living near some kids... and far from others
12:36 When to step in for your adult child
15:13 The power of a one-bedroom apartment
15:44 Saturday waffles and family game night
17:06 A whole family of educators
19:35 Parenting vs. mentoring
20:01 Gigi at school with her grandson
21:33 Scott's podcast & conclusion
This week’s episode is a bit of a wild card... and we kind of love it that way.
We kick things off with three trivia questions from a recent night out…answers revealed at the end…before diving into a week that reminded us how the empty nest stage isn’t always as “empty” as it sounds.
Clancy shares what it was like to step back into full “Mom Mode” after Teagan’s wisdom teeth surgery…complete with mashed peaches and emergency trash cans. Rick reflects on the emotional weight of writing his Nana’s eulogy, and the challenge of capturing 100 years in just a few minutes.
And then…we end with laughter, family trivia nights, and a sweet surprise in the form of a new relationship we didn’t expect to spark.
This episode captures the heart of empty nest living: moments that pull us back, help us reflect, and remind us how much joy still lives in this stage.
🎙️ Got your trivia answers ready? Want to share your own unexpected “Mom Mode” moments or reflections from the empty nest? Join us in the Facebook group: The Loud Quiet - Empty Nest Living Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet
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CHAPTERS 0:00 Trivia night teaser 1:12 Back in Mom Mode after wisdom teeth 7:26 What changed this time? 9:16 The gift of being needed 11:01 Writing Nana’s eulogy 15:23 The pressure to get it right 17:06 Capturing stories before they disappear 18:22 Life is short... say yes more 18:43 A love story with a trivia twist 21:52 Trivia, families, and letting the kids have their night 23:47 The trivia answers revealed#relationships #marriage #recreation #podcast #EmptyNesters #EmptyNesting #Lifeafterkidsleave #Transitiontoanemptynest #Parentingjourney #Reinventingourselves #Newchapterinlife #Emptynestchallenges #Findingpurpose #Rediscoveringhobbies #Relationshipafterkids #Self-discovery #Preparingforanemptynest #Reconnectingasacouple #Growingtogetherafterkidsleave #Familydynamicsafterkidsleave #Supportsystemsforemptynesters #Tipsforsuccessfulemptynesting
Summer used to be packed with popsicles, pool days, and time together. But now... with one child living away and the other working long hours, it just feels different.In this episode of The Loud Quiet, we open up about what it’s been like navigating summer in the empty nest—almost. We talk through our attempts (and occasional misses) at staying connected with our adult kids during the summer months.
From making space for impromptu lunches to feeling guilty while working from home, we wrestle with how to show up for our kids while still honoring our own rhythm as a couple.There’s reflection, laughter, and even a teaser for a future episode on what it’s really like to work with your spouse. Spoiler: It includes impromptu Del Frisco happy hours.🎙️ How are you staying connected with your kids this summer? Join the conversation in The Loud Quiet - Empty Nest Living Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet📬 Want stories like this in your inbox each week? Subscribe to our newsletter https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signupCHAPTERS0:00 Summer connections with your adult children1:02 First summer without a child at home4:13 Working from home... but missing your kid upstairs9:33 The summer is flying by11:17 What are we going to do differently?15:22 Did we forget the kids while focusing on “us”?20:14 Teaser: Working with your spouse#relationships #marriage #recreation #podcast #EmptyNesters #EmptyNesting #Lifeafterkidsleave #Transitiontoanemptynest #Parentingjourney #Reinventingourselves #Newchapterinlife #Emptynestchallenges #Findingpurpose #Rediscoveringhobbies #Relationshipafterkids #Self-discovery #Preparingforanemptynest #Reconnectingasacouple #Growingtogetherafterkidsleave #Familydynamicsafterkidsleave #Supportsystemsforemptynesters #Tipsforsuccessfulemptynesting
Fireworks. Flags. Parades. The Fourth of July used to mean something very specific when the kids were young. But now... in the empty nest... the holiday looks a little different.In this episode of The Loud Quiet, we talk about how the Fourth has changed for us. From packed neighborhood traditions to quieter long weekends, and from firework memories with the kids to unexpected fun as empty nesters. We swap stories, laugh about red MGBs and parade chaos, and explore how this holiday keeps evolving.You might find yourself nodding along... or rethinking how you approach holidays in this season of life.🎙️ Do you still go big for the Fourth? Or has it turned into just another weekend? Let us know in The Loud Quiet - Empty Nest Living Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet📬 Want more real empty nest talk like this? Get the newsletter: Subscribe here https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signupCHAPTERS 0:00 Should we still celebrate the 4th on the 4th? 1:02 Early parades and why cities are shifting dates 2:22 Childhood Fourth of July memories and fireworks 6:06 Pets, backyard fireworks, and changing traditions 8:45 Parades, dating, and our red MGB memory 10:31 Fireworks by boat, blanket, or apartment balcony 14:05 Pool parties, pickup trucks, and Frisco fireworks 15:35 Competitive sports and the fading 4th tradition 18:14 Celebrating early: practicality or loss of tradition? 19:42 From homemade picnics to vendor-only events 21:44 Will adult kids reshape our future Fourths? 22:16 Share your Fourth of July memories with us#relationships #marriage #recreation #podcast #EmptyNesters #EmptyNesting #Lifeafterkidsleave #Transitiontoanemptynest #Parentingjourney #Reinventingourselves #Newchapterinlife #Emptynestchallenges #Findingpurpose #Rediscoveringhobbies #Relationshipafterkids #Self-discovery #Preparingforanemptynest #Reconnectingasacouple #Growingtogetherafterkidsleave #Familydynamicsafterkidsleave #Supportsystemsforemptynesters #Tipsforsuccessfulemptynesting
Judgment. Comparison. That side-eye when you mention you're still financially helping your adult kids. If you're an empty nester, chances are you’ve either given that look... or gotten it.
In this episode of The Loud Quiet, we unpack the topic of financially supporting adult children. We’re not financial advisors, but we are living this in real time. Grad school tuition. Rent. Budgeting lessons. All of it.
We share what we’ve chosen to cover and why, where we draw our boundaries (marriage = financial launch), and how to support in a way that teaches independence... not delays it. We also open up about the tension it can create in your marriage, your wallet, and your expectations of what the empty nest is supposed to feel like.
This one’s honest, maybe a little controversial, and we definitely don’t all agree... sometimes not even with each other.
🎙️ Have you faced this decision? Where do you draw the line? Come join the conversation inside The Loud Quiet - Empty Nest Living Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet
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iRonick Media - https://ironickmedia.com/
CHAPTERS
0:00 New logo, golf outing, and empty nester firsts
2:13 Should empty nesters support their adult children financially?
4:56 Why judgment and comparison still follow empty nesters
6:58 Is multigenerational living normal again for empty nesters?
7:19 How financial support impacts empty nesters
9:19 Pros of helping adult children launch successfully
13:29 When adult children aren’t emotionally or financially ready
14:19 Can support delay adult children’s independence?
20:12 How empty nesters can support without enabling
25:32 Setting boundaries: graduation, marriage, and milestones
29:41 Teaching financial habits while still supporting
31:41 Privilege, perspective, and reframing how we “help”
#relationships #marriage #recreation #podcast #EmptyNesters #EmptyNesting #Lifeafterkidsleave #Transitiontoanemptynest #Parentingjourney #Reinventingourselves #Newchapterinlife #Emptynestchallenges #Findingpurpose #Rediscoveringhobbies #Relationshipafterkids #Self-discovery #Preparingforanemptynest #Reconnectingasacouple #Growingtogetherafterkidsleave #Familydynamicsafterkidsleave #Supportsystemsforemptynesters #Tipsforsuccessfulemptynesting