How to Celebrate Your Hot Flashes (S5

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The Open Nesters

212 episodes

6 days ago

We are the Open Nesters. We are the Baby Boomers and Gen X’ers who reject the traditional roles that our parents played and the empty nest syndrome. We defy the stigma of ageism, ailing health, empty retirement and a passionless sex life.

Together we explore the journey of re-discovering and reinventing our lives as our grown children leave the nest. We hear about the sides of people that have been left unexplored during a long-term marriage. The mysteries, fantasies and unmet desires and needs are laid wide open at this juncture in their lives. Their empty-nesting chapter in life is anything but empty! It’s an Open Nest, fulfilling, expansive, explorative, and raw. The stories reveal alternative lifestyles and explore how our generation is redefining life on their own terms.

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How to Celebrate Your Hot Flashes (S5 | E194)

The Open Nesters

42 minutes 1 second

3 months ago

How to Celebrate Your Hot Flashes (S5 | E194)

How to Celebrate Your Hot Flashes (S5 | E194)

Beyond the Hot Flashes: Embracing the "Open Nester" Life Through Menopause and Beyond

[Tessa]
Welcome back, Open Nesters! Tessa here, and I'm thrilled to take you on a journey revisiting one of our most impactful episodes to date: Episode 33, where we dove deep into the often-misunderstood world of menopause. This conversation was truly special, and it resonated with so many of you, so I felt it was essential to bring some of those powerful insights back to the forefront.
Our incredible guests for that episode were none other than Bridget Garrett and Colleen Rosenblum from the fantastic podcast, "Hot Flashes and Cool Topics." Their candor and wisdom truly illuminated the crucial need for open dialogue around menopausal changes – topics that, for far too long, have been shrouded in societal taboo.

TIME CODE

7:48 Reinventing Ourselves
10:33 Embracing Happiness
18:14 Changing Cultural Norms
29:10 Celebrating Midlife Achievements
37:35 The Role of Men in Menopause

From Empty Nest to Open Nest: A New Chapter Unfolds
One of the beautiful threads woven throughout our discussion was the concept of transitioning from "empty nesters" to "open nesters." It's more than just a phrase; it's a mindset shift that invites new adventures, strengthens relationships, and fosters incredible personal growth in our later years.
Bridget and Colleen beautifully articulated their personal journeys through motherhood, sharing how their children's growing independence has, in fact, created more space for them. Space for self-care, for pursuing personal interests, and for simply being. They passionately emphasized a point we can all take to heart: prioritizing ourselves isn't selfish; it's a vital act of self-empowerment in midlife. It's about recognizing our own needs and giving ourselves permission to flourish.

Dispelling Myths and Finding Your Voice: The Menopause Conversation
Of course, we didn't shy away from the more sensitive subjects surrounding menopause. We confronted common misconceptions and the emotional challenges so many women face. Our guests were a powerful reminder that menopause is a significant life event that deserves recognition and resources, which are often woefully lacking.Through their own experiences and conversations with various experts, Bridget and Colleen are on a mission to dismantle the stigma. Their message is clear: find your voice, advocate for your health, and never feel alone in this journey.

Redefining Visibility: Embracing Age and Defying Stereotypes
A particularly poignant part of our conversation touched on the concept of invisibility that can accompany aging, especially for women. This can profoundly influence our self-perception and societal roles. Bridget shared so passionately how she and Colleen have actively sought out and uplifted overlooked narratives of women in their 50s and 60s. They’ve highlighted empowering stories of those who are defying ageist stereotypes and carving out incredible new paths for themselves.
This really drives home a core belief of "The Open Nesters Podcast": menopause is not an endpoint. It's a significant milestone that can open doors to new opportunit...