Becoming Beloved (S5 | E208)
with Kari and Steven Cardinale






BECOMING BELOVED
In this episode of The Open Nesters Podcast, we revisit a thought-provoking conversation with Kari and Steven Cardinale, experts in coaching and thought leadership. Kari, the Senior Vice President of Digital Strategy at the Modern Elder Academy, and Steven, an entrepreneur and author of "Synaptic Alchemy," share insights into their journey of becoming open nesters and the transformative power of love and relationships at this stage of life.













We delve into the idea of open nesting, a concept that transcends the traditional empty nester label. Rather than feeling empty or lost when children leave home, we explore how open nesters can embrace new adventures and deepened relationships. Kari and Steven's personal story offers a rich tapestry of experiences, highlighting how they navigated their individual transitions and merged their lives together, creating space for growth, exploration, and joy in their relationship.






EPISODE TIME CODE









3:43 Entering the Open Nest
15:52 Navigating Long-Term Decisions
24:38 Teaching at Modern Elder Academy
34:02 The Essence of Beloved
47:32 Closing Thoughts on Open Nesting









Throughout the discussion, we highlight the importance of curiosity and communication in couples' dynamics. Kari and Steven reflect on their unique personalities — Steven as the adventurous Tigger and Kari as the more cautious Eeyore — emphasizing how embracing these differences can foster stronger bonds. They introduce the idea of "casting a spell" over everyday moments, encouraging couples to transform mundane experiences into joyful and meaningful interactions.






Their insights on the book they co-authored, "Becoming Beloveds: A Practical Guide to Building Stronger Relationships," shed light on how recognizing and addressing fundamental needs within relationships can lead to richer connections. By applying Maslow's principles to romantic partnerships, they outline how couples can evolve from mere coexistence to partnerships characterized by intention, reverence, and love.






The couple also shares their aspirations at the Modern Elder Academy, where they teach methods for navigating midlife transitions and cultivating purpose. They provide guidance on how to explore values such as adventure and family while planning for the future — a process that can involve global adventures or simply deepening family ties, all while keeping the door open for full-circle connections with loved ones.






Listeners are encouraged to take actionable steps towards improving their own relationships, from identifying love languages to engaging in self and partner exploration through assessment tools. As they underline the necessity of maintaining curiosity in relationships, Kari and Steven invite us to consider: what if we shifted our perceptions of love? Could the simple act of referring to our partners as "beloved" elevate the quality of our interactions and fulfill emotional needs?

OUR COSMIC CURRICULUM (S5 | E207)
The Open Nesters Podcast






A SEASONED ASTROLOGER
In this episode of The Open Nesters Podcast, Tessa engages with Eric Myers, a seasoned counseling astrologer and author, to explore the transformative journey of open nesting—where life beyond raising children opens doors to new adventures and personal growth. We dive deep into Eric's unique background, starting with his early life in Connecticut and journey into spiritual exploration. His experience in transpersonal counseling psychology has shaped his distinctive approach to astrology, where he pairs psychological insights with metaphysical perspectives.













Eric discusses his fascinating experiences as a digital nomad over the past few years, reflecting on how his travels across Europe have shifted his perspective on American culture. Through his lens of spirituality and community, he contrasts the individualistic nature of the United States with the more collective social structures he observed abroad. This exploration serves as a foundation to understand how diverse environments can impact our inner selves and our relationships with others.






EPISODE TIME CODE








1:09 Meet Eric Myers: Astrology and Freedom
7:48 The Importance of Astrology Today
12:45 Astrology: Owner's Manual for Your Life
16:37 The Chocolate Cake Analogy
29:47 Life Lessons in the Open Nesting Stage








Highlighting the shift of becoming an open nester, Eric underscores how this life stage can be a pivotal time for self-discovery, urging listeners to view the empty nest phase not as a loss but as an opportunity for reinvention. He emphasizes how astrology can serve as an insightful tool for understanding one’s spiritual curriculum—unique life lessons intended for personal growth. Eric provides a nuanced view of astrology, steering away from common misconceptions and emphasizing its role in revealing deeper truths about our soul’s journey rather than predicting destinies.






Eric articulates the significance of recognizing our karmic patterns and how they can inform our choices, especially in relationships. Through illustrative examples, he shares insights into how people can engage with their lessons rather than shy away from discomfort. These discussions lead to a richer understanding of how personal growth can stem from engaging with challenges and examining the dynamics we share with partners.






Throughout the conversation, Eric also sheds light on the importance of self-authorship in our later years, encouraging listeners to break free from societal conditioning. He shares practical tools for listeners to assess whether they are operating from a space of personal fulfillment or simply conforming to external expectations. This nuanced view provokes thought on how to reconcile our past socializations with the spiritual desires that emerge during this stage of life.






Listeners are invited to reflect on their own curricula and consider what lessons lie ahead. Eric notes that various astrological passages experienced throughout life serve as mark...

EXPANDING EROTIC PLEASURE AS WE AGE (S5 | E206)
The Open Nesters Podcast






THE PLEASURE MECHANICS (Chris and Charlotte)
In this episode of The Open Nesters Podcast, we delve into the concept of open nesting—embracing the opportunities and adventures that arise as we transition into a new phase of life. We are joined by Chris and Charlotte from The Pleasure Mechanics, who share their unique expertise in the realm of pleasure and intimate relationships. This engaging conversation reminds us that the empty nest doesn't have to equate to loss or stagnation; instead, it can be a vibrant opening to new experiences that invigorate our spirits.













Chris and Charlotte recount their journey of love and professional dedication, starting from their meeting in San Francisco in 2006, where their paths intertwined through a shared commitment to erotic massage. They discuss their evolution as partners and educators, emphasizing how their personal and professional lives have shaped their understanding of pleasure, relationships, and intimacy. Through the lens of open nesting, they explore the idea of reclaiming desire and passion, especially after years focused on parenting.






EPISODE TIME CODE







2:01 The Genesis of The Pleasure Mechanics



8:27 Communicating Desires and Needs






33:03 Expanding the Definition of Pleasure



50:19 The Journey of Pleasure and Connection
1:06:43 Conclusion and Future Explorations







As they navigate their own transitions—balancing the joys and challenges of raising a young child while rediscovering their individual and mutual desires—the couple highlights the importance of open communication and vulnerability in intimate relationships. They candidly speak about their contrasting experiences during significant life changes, such as health challenges and grief, which led them to reassess their sexual selves and redefine their relationship dynamics. Their shared wisdom encourages listeners to embrace and explore their own erotic curiosities while fostering a supportive space for their partners.






The discussion also addresses the landscape of aging and sexuality, debunking myths and celebrating the pleasure that can be found in later stages of life. Chris and Charlotte illustrate that aging does not mean a decline in sexual vitality; instead, many find themselves with renewed vigor and desire to experiment. They invite listeners to engage in mindful practices that focus on half-forgotten pleasures—reminding us that discovering joy in our bodies can be an endless journey filled with growth and fulfillment.






Throughout the episode, the concepts of compersion, jealousy, and the importance of nurturing individual pleasure are interwoven with practical advice—encouraging couples to communicate openly about their desires. They emphasize the significance of exploring both personal and shared joys as a means to foster deeper connections and enhance intimacy. By sharing their vulnerability and triumphs,

Every Day is the Day (S5 | E205)
The Open Nesters Podcast






Every Day is the Day with Darcy and Gary
In this episode of The Open Nesters Podcast, we have the pleasure of continuing our engaging conversation with Gary and Darcy, who shed light on how they embrace the open nesting phase of life with passion and adventure. As they explore themes of aging, vitality, spirituality, and sexuality, they redefine what it means to be in an empty nest, promoting the exciting concept of being "open nesters"—ready to embrace endless possibilities. To explore an event featuring Darcy click here.













Gary and Darcy share their inspiring journey, diving deeper into how they overcame hardships to cultivate a joyful and adventurous life together. The couple discusses how a near-death experience prompted Gary to seize each day actively, transforming mundane tasks into opportunities for exploration and connection. They reveal their approach to navigating daily life with curiosity, emphasizing that adventures don’t always require extensive planning; sometimes, spontaneity leads to the most rewarding experiences.






EPISODE TIME CODE






1:46  Embracing Adventure in Daily Life
7:10  The Importance of Vulnerability
13:36  Exploring Life After 60
18:03  Shifting Dynamics of Sexuality
23:00 The Journey of Healing and Intimacy






Throughout our conversation, the couple describes their adventures—from wandering through unfamiliar streets in Playa del Carmen to infusing excitement into grocery shopping. By adopting a mindset that embraces the unpredictable, they’ve learned to appreciate the hidden joys in everyday moments. Their stories highlight that adventure can be as simple as allowing an unexpected direction to guide your experience, leading to meaningful moments of connection.






Gary and Darcy also address the importance of vulnerability in their relationship. They articulate how embracing each other's authentic selves has allowed them to experience deeper intimacy, both emotionally and physically. Their dialogue around sexuality reveals a journey of rediscovery, emphasizing trust and open communication as cornerstones of their current partnership. They candidly discuss how transitioning into new relationships later in life offers a chance to explore uncharted territories while navigating the complexities of past experiences.






Further, they delve into the concept of "60 New Things"—a fun goal they’ve set for themselves as they embrace their 60s. They discuss how it encourages them to continuously explore opportunities for growth and excitement, from motorcycle rides to dance camps. Their insights inspire listeners to pursue their desires, reinforcing that life’s stages can be ripe with possibilities for personal exploration and connection.



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Sex and Laughter with Joyce Saltman
(Season 5 | Episode 204)






[Tessa] In this episode of The Open Nesters Podcast, I explore the joy and laughter that come with the journey of aging and the phenomenon of open nesting. Conversing with my dear friend and mentor, Joyce Saltman, we dive deep into the many aspects of what it means to embrace life after our children have flown the coop. Joyce, an inspiring figure who seamlessly blends wit and wisdom, shares her experiences and insights from her life, including her personal adventures in dating, relationships, and the challenges and joys that arise in our later years.













As we reminisce about Joyce's unique perspective, she recounts her journey into the world of dating after her kids left home. With humor, she reflects on the lessons learned from her past relationships, including the societal expectations she faced regarding love and intimacy. Now at 78, she offers a candid look at how she has navigated the landscape of romance and friendship, making a case for being open to new experiences and connections during this vibrant stage of life.






Joyce's enchanting stories are mixed with her deep understanding of intimacy, relationships, and the importance of setting boundaries. We discuss how open nesting is about more than just an empty house; it’s about redefining personal freedom, maintaining relationships with our adult children, and creating new narratives for ourselves. Joyce emphasizes that open relationships, whether romantic or platonic, can thrive when built on solid foundations of trust and communication.






We delve into the delightful topic of sex and aging, where Joyce, with her characteristic lightheartedness, shares her humorous take on the subject. This includes her unique presentation titled “A Humorous Look at Sex and Aging”, where she combines research findings with laughter, focusing on the misconceptions and realities of intimacy as we grow older. She highlights not only the importance of physical affection but also the role of emotional connection—stressing that true intimacy goes far beyond just the physical act itself.






Throughout our conversation, Joyce provides sage advice on maintaining joy, whether through rituals of intimacy, engaging in laughter, or setting personal goals. We touch on the significance of nurturing friendships and the profound impact they have on mental well-being, especially in our golden years. Joyce’s anecdotes about her "husband equivalent" serve as further testament to embracing life’s possibilities, and her infectious spirit encourages us all to open our hearts and homes to new experiences.






In closing, Joyce offers a rich tapestry of humor and insights, reminding us to live fully, cherish our connections, and not be afraid to indulge in the pleasures life offers—be it celebrating the beauty of relationships or simply enjoying a good piece of chocolate. This episode is filled with laughter, love, and the reminder that we have the power to shape our experiences in this third act of life, making it one of the most rewarding chapters yet.






About Joyce Saltman
Joyce Saltman is a Professor Emeritus of Special Education at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, CT. She chose to receive her doctoral degree from Columbia because she loved the color of their doctoral gown. It was no small feat that she was able to persuade her mentor to allow her to write her dissertation on “Humor in Adult Learning.” She also holds four graduate degrees in the field...

Resilient Hearts, Perfect Match (S5 | E203)
The Open Nesters Podcast






Darcy and Gary
In this eye-opening two-part episode of The Open Nesters Podcast, we delve into the transformative journey of our guests, Darcy and Gary, who have successfully navigated the complexities of grief, love, and personal growth in the open nesting phase of their lives. As they share their powerful stories, we explore how they have redefined what it means to edge into new beginnings, emphasizing that being an open nester is about embracing life's possibilities rather than feeling empty.













Darcy and Gary begin by reflecting on their individual journeys, each emerging from significant loss while fostering a profound personal evolution. Darcy recounts her experience as a double breast cancer survivor, which catalyzed a reckoning with her life choices and relationships. Through a process of introspection and a willingness to surrender, she discovered the necessity of living fully, seeking adventure, joy, and intimacy in her life. Gary, on the other hand, faced the unanticipated death of his wife, which propelled him into a deep exploration of personal transformation. He emphasizes the importance of owning one's part in past relationships and recognizing the need for continual growth, regardless of external circumstances.






EPISODE TIME CODE






1:14 Meet Darcy and Gary
7:29 Overcoming Grief and Finding Purpose
11:54 Embracing Intimacy and Surrender
21:20 Navigating Relationships with Adult Kids
26:30 Growth Through Vulnerability and Intimacy






The intersection of their lives occurs shortly after their respective losses. They share how they met through Facebook dating, united by their love for outdoor adventures and a spiritual inclination. Despite the initial doubts about Gary's readiness for a new relationship following the sudden death of his wife, the connection between them flourished in an authentic and supportive manner. Darcy reveals how her openness created a safe space for Gary to grieve, illustrating the importance of vulnerability and intimacy in forging new connections.






As the conversation progresses, we explore the concept of surrender—how it became essential in both their healing processes. Darcy explains that true surrender does not equate to giving up; instead, it is about relinquishing control over outcomes and trusting in the unfolding of life. She introduces her five core elements for growth: surrender, love, honest communication, developing intimacy, and allowing joy. Gary contributes by sharing the importance of confronting grief and intentionally engaging in personal transformation as part of their shared journey.






Their burgeoning relationship showcases how deep emotional work can lead to intimacy—not just in a romantic sense but in a broader understanding of connection with oneself and others. Each narrator articulates their struggles and triumphs, pointing to the resilience that comes from acknowledging pain and transforming it into joy. They emphasize the unique camaraderie of open nesters, who often bear burdens of grief yet lean into new experiences with enthusiasm and openness.






As the episode wraps, Darcy and Gary express their commitment to maintaining an ope...

Buckle Up and Strap On (S5 | E202)
The Open Nesters Podcast






Two Sex Educators, One Goal - Give Us All The Opportunity to Expand Our Sexual Horizons
In this episode of The Open Nesters Podcast, Amir and Tessa introduce the concept of "open nesting," redefining the experience of becoming an empty nester as an opportunity to embrace new adventures, relationships, and passions in the third act of life. They dive deep into the topic of sexuality and personal growth, bringing back an exciting encore from Season 2 featuring sex educators Reed Mahalko and Allison Moon. This episode is distinctly aimed at adults, marked by its frank and humorous take on topics often laden with societal stigma.













Reed and Allison bring their expertise in sexual education to the conversation, shedding light on the notion that sex is a normal part of life, rather than something to be shamed or hidden. Their approach intertwines humor and education as they share insights into kink, submission, and other facets of sexuality. The duo's dynamic interaction paints a vivid picture of their partnership, which works to break down barriers and normalize conversations around sexual exploration, especially for those in their later years.






EPISODE TIME CODE






1:16  A Humorous Encore Episode
2:25  Exploring Sexuality and Relationships
8:16 Workshops and Presentations
10:16 Understanding Pegging
15:38 Evolving Sexual Desires
29:44 Embracing the Journey of Growth







Allison Moon, Author
Allison Moon is the author of five books including the critically acclaimed sexual education guide Girl Sex 101 (Goldie Award for Nonfiction, Rainbow Award), Getting It: A Guide to Hot, Healthy Hookups and Shame-Free Sex, and the erotic memoir Bad Dyke  (Publisher’s Weekly Starred Book). Allison is a popular sex educator, leading workshops on sexual pleasure and technique, polyamory, LGBTQ+ issues, and more. She has been quoted in Cosmopolitan, New York magazine, and the Washington Post. Her other writing includes articles for Bustle, and stories for the RISK! podcast, Bawdy Storytelling, and various anthologies.
Allison was a 2011 Lambda Literary Emerging LGBT Authors Fellow. She has a degree in Neuroscience from Oberlin College. Allison has presented her workshops — on strap-on sex, polyamory, sexual self-expression, erotica writing, and more — to thousands of people around the US and Canada.






Reid Mihalko
Reid Mihalko  (He/Him) of ReidAboutSex.com, Relationship10x.com, and Sex10xOnline.com helps adults and college students create more s...

Joy Among My Tears (S5 | E201)
with Guest: Audrey Carlson






The Journey of Healing Through Loss
[Tessa] In this episode of The Open Nesters Podcast, we delve deep into the incredible journey of resilience and growth through immense tragedy with our guest, Audrey Carlson. A mother, grandmother, and a source of inspiration, Audrey shares her poignant story of navigating profound loss while cultivating a life filled with gratitude and purpose. We explore the concept of open nesting—embracing the freedom and opportunities that come in the later stages of life rather than viewing it as a transition into emptiness.






Audrey opens up about the tragic murder of her 24-year-old daughter, Elizabeth, which occurred nearly two decades ago. Through honest reflection, she discusses the lasting impact of this loss on her family and how they have chosen to respond with love and strength. Instead of allowing grief to define them, they have cultivated space for healing and ongoing connection, affirming their commitment to each other during their darkest days. Audrey emphasizes that healing is a continuous process, accentuated by her mantra of choosing happiness as a conscious decision—an approach she adopted after extensive personal reflection and therapy.






As we dialogue, Audrey reveals the transformative power of gratitude in her life. She acknowledges that, despite the heartache, she finds herself surrounded by blessings each day. Her journey leads her to become a lifelong learner, where she actively engages in personal development and initiatives that uplift others. She founded the Happiness Club, a supportive community dedicated to exploring positive psychology, reinforcing her belief that happiness can be cultivated and shared.














Throughout our conversation, we also touch on the importance of emotional resilience and the mindset needed to navigate life’s challenges. Audrey recalls her own experiences with cancer and her unwavering faith throughout the process. Her insight into healthcare collaboration, particularly with her daughter, who works in the medical field, invites listeners to understand the deeper connections that can emerge from adversity.







Audrey shares vital lessons on listening, the delicate balance of nurturing versus fixing others, and the importance of allowing individuals, especially our children, to solve their own problems. We uncover her approach of leading by example rather than through words alone, revealing how her daughter, Leslie, has embraced the values she instilled, creating her own legacy of care and compassion for others.






HARTFORD HAPPINESS CLUB, HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT
The first meeting was on Thursday, May 1, 2014.
Meetings are the first Thursday of every month.
Date & Time: First Thursday each month from 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Place: Town and County Club, 22 Woodland Street, Hartford, CT 06105
Beverage Bar available. Free admission and parking
Town and County Club, 22 Woodland Street, Hartford, CT. 06105 Free parking.






The episode culminates with powerful reflections on nature, personal growth, and the necessity of self-care. Audrey emphasizes the significance of dedicating time to one's own happiness and the role of community in fostering a supportive environment. With insights from notable thought leaders, like Dr. Bernie Siegel and the philosophies shared within Show more...