The Loud Quiet - Empty Nest Living

Teagan's 21st birthday trip to Tucson turned into something neither of us expected. A wheelchair basketball national championship. Online friends who flew in from California. A signed book. It was a weekend that kept handing us things we didn't know to look for.That's the thread running through this episode. Not just Teagan. Tanner too. The music he's pulled back into our orbit, the video game symphonies, the EDM nights. Our kids keep opening doors we would have walked right past.We also went somewhere we didn't expect with this one... a thought about memory care, music, and what our kids' generation might carry with them when they get there.📖 Our book is here! The Loud Quiet – Love, Laughter and Life in the Empty Nest https://amzn.to/4rpo7rA (Amazon affiliate link)Related episode: Empty Nesters Go To A Rave https://www.theloudquiet.com/empty-nesters-go-to-a-rave-e114/If your kids have brought you into something new, we'd love to hear about it. Drop it in the group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet🎧 Find all episodes, podcast apps, and YouTube links here: https://www.theloudquiet.comCHAPTERS00:00 Teagan's 21st Birthday Trip to Tucson00:43 Strawberry Cake on a Plane01:55 Wheelchair Basketball National Championships03:02 The Athleticism Nobody Expects08:50 Meeting Teagan's Online Friends in Person12:30 A Fan Holds the Book14:44 Tanner and the EDM Comeback16:26 Epic the Musical and Video Game Symphonies20:23 Music Does Something Different to Your Brain23:32 Video Games, Memory Care, and What Comes Next25:09 What Have Your Kids Shown YouWant 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/theloudquiethostDisclaimer: 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).

Not every empty nest looks the same.In this guest episode, Shara and Aaron Goswick share their story of building a marriage that began right after high school, raising their family young, and navigating a version of empty nest life that still includes supporting an adult son at home.They also share why weekly date night has remained a non-negotiable part of their marriage, how they approach family boundaries as grandparents, and how Shara’s Life Stories Podcast grew from a simple idea into a platform for conversations with people making a difference.Listen to Shara’s podcast: https://lifestoriespodcast.com/📖 Our book is here! The Loud Quiet – Love, Laughter and Life in the Empty Nesthttps://amzn.to/4rpo7rA (Amazon affiliate link)Chapters00:00 Welcome and guest introduction01:26 Married young and starting family life07:35 A different version of the empty nest10:06 Parenting an adult child who needs support17:08 Grandparent life and family joy22:18 Why date night still matters26:35 How Life Stories Podcast started29:30 Where to find Shara's podcastIf this version of empty nest life feels familiar, join the conversation in our Facebook group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet🎧 Find all episodes, podcast apps, and YouTube links here:https://www.theloudquiet.comWant 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/theloudquiethostDisclaimer: 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).

A blown tire turns into a bigger question… what do you actually owe your kids once they’re out of the house but still in school?Rick and Clancy find themselves on opposite sides of the same situation. One sees it as part of growing up… “that’s what savings is for.” The other sees it as simple… he’s still a student… you help.What follows isn’t a debate about money. It’s a look at the assumptions underneath the decision.They work through where their lines actually are… how those lines got there… and what’s changed in how they talk through it together. The conversation also brings in real factors that complicate things… grad school versus undergrad… past income… expectations… and even whether gender plays a role in how parents respond.They did make a decision. But the more useful part is how they got there… and the questions it raised for next time.📖 Our book is here! The Loud Quiet – Love, Laughter and Life in the Empty Nesthttps://amzn.to/4rpo7rA (Amazon affiliate link)Join the conversation with other parents working through the same questions:https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet🎧 Find all episodes, podcast apps, and YouTube links here:https://www.theloudquiet.comChapters00:00 Thank you for 10,000 downloads01:11 Tire Problem Sparks Question03:20 Should Parents Step In06:06 Assumptions About Responsibility09:48 How We Talk It Through Now14:39 Comparing Son vs Daughter16:32 “He’s Still a Student”24:03 Support vs Enabling25:40 Final DecisionWant 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/theloudquiethostDisclaimer: 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).

March is full in a different way when you’re in the empty nest.Rick and Clancy talk about birthdays that don’t carry the same weight, even while they still show up for their kids in bigger ways. That shift leads into a wider conversation about how life looks now... less centered on events, more on everyday rhythms.They also revisit spring break and travel... what they did then versus what they’re comfortable with now as parents of young adults. A recent trip to Austin brings that into real time, along with how awareness and perspective have changed.There’s also the usual March mix... St. Patrick’s Day, memories of March 2020, and how certain dates stick.And in the middle of all of it... March Madness, which still manages to take over the calendar.📖 Our book is here! The Loud Quiet – Love, Laughter and Life in the Empty Nest.Get your copy: https://amzn.to/4rpo7rA (Amazon affiliate link)If birthdays, travel, or even this time of year feels different in your empty nest, add your take to the conversation ...https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet🎧 Find all episodes, podcast apps, and YouTube links here:https://www.theloudquiet.comCHAPTERS00:00 March feels full already02:00 Birthdays in the empty nest04:30 Not wanting the spotlight07:00 Spring break then vs now10:30 March 2020 memories12:15 St. Patrick’s Day changes15:00 Travel stories and risk18:00 Austin trip and reaction21:30 March Madness takes overWant 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/theloudquiethostDisclaimer: 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).

Rick and Clancy talk about a different side of the sandwich generation.Not caregiving… life events.More funerals connected to parents and their friends.More celebrations connected to adult children.The conversation started after Clancy arrived at happy hour straight from a funeral for one of her mom’s close friends. It sparked a discussion about how empty nesters often find themselves moving between those two worlds.One part of life is filled with weddings, trips, and milestones with the younger generation. The other includes supporting parents as their circle of friends begins to shrink.Rick and Clancy also talk about how celebrations have changed over time. Bachelor parties are now trips. Proposals have become productions. Even high school dances involve elaborate “promposals.”They also look back at their own engagement story, when Rick surprised Clancy with a trip that led to a proposal in Costa Rica.Toward the end of the episode, Rick shares one simple piece of advice for supporting someone who has lost a parent. Acknowledge the loss… and when the time is right, invite them to share stories about the person they lost.📖 Our book is here! The Loud Quiet – Love, Laughter and Life in the Empty Nest. Get your copy at https://amzn.to/4rpo7rAChapters00:00 Funeral Clothes at Happy Hour02:30 The Life Events Sandwich Generation05:30 Supporting Parents Through Loss08:00 Lunch With Tanner11:20 Storytelling at Celebrations of Life13:20 Destination Bachelor Parties and Weddings16:00 Big Proposal Culture20:10 What to Say to Someone GrievingIf this season of life feels familiar, join the conversation in the community.https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet🎧 Find all episodes, podcast apps, and YouTube links here:https://www.theloudquiet.comWant 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/theloudquiethostDisclaimer: 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).

At 49, Tracy Smith booked a trip to Ireland with friends. Then she changed the flight. Then she changed it again. What began as a group vacation slowly turned into arriving in Iceland alone… with no clear plan home.In this episode, Tracy talks about how travel became the vehicle for reclaiming parts of herself she had set aside during years of parenting and managing daily life. The shifts were not dramatic. They started small. Taking a new job. Going to dinner instead of cooking. Letting her son walk home from school. Saying yes to herself in ways she had not before.She also reflects on something unexpected. At home, she often felt invisible in the routines of everyday life. Abroad, even as a stranger, she felt seen. That difference changed how she approached connection, belonging, and identity.Her memoir, The Purpose of Getting Lost, explores that evolution. In this conversation, she shares how solo travel reshaped her confidence, her relationships with her kids, and her understanding of what it means to choose yourself in midlife.Connect with Tracy:Substack:https://tracytravelseverywhere.substack.com/Website:https://tracysmithauthor.com/Book – The Purpose of Getting Lost (Amazon affiliate link):https://amzn.to/4shPDIeCHATPERS00:00 Rewriting Your Story02:30 The Trip That Kept Changing05:26 Realizing She Had Changed08:11 The Pre–Empty Nest Shift12:37 Fitting In vs Belonging16:22 From Tour Guide to Wedding Guest21:08 Building Connection After the Kids Leave24:53 Learning to Say Yes to Yourself26:45 What Her Kids Think29:06 Where to Find Tracy👋 If you’re figuring out who you are outside of the parenting role, this conversation continues inside the Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet🎧 Find all episodes, podcast apps, and YouTube links here:https://www.theloudquiet.comWant 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/theloudquiethostDisclaimer: 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).Chapters

The Olympics just wrapped… so Rick and Clancy stepped back into their own arena.Two years ago, they created the “Empty Nest Olympics” and ranked themselves in five events. This week, they revisit the same categories and ask: did we improve… or are we still stretching before the race?They talk through friendship momentum, hobbies that still haven’t happened, whether group dinners count as date nights, how working together has sharpened their communication, and why dreaming about the future feels different when you’re already in the middle of something big.There are a few gold medals.A couple near misses.And at least one event that still needs practice.It is light. It is honest. And it might start a conversation at your own kitchen bar tonight.CHAPTERS00:00 Empty Nest Olympics Returns03:00 Event 1: Maintaining and Making Friends08:00 Event 2: Discovering New Hobbies12:00 Event 3: Planning Dates and Trips18:00 Event 4: Communicating With Each Other23:00 Event 5: Dreaming About the Future👋 If this episode makes you want to compare medal counts with other couples, join the conversation here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet🎧 Find all episodes, podcast apps, and YouTube links here:https://www.theloudquiet.comWant 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/theloudquiethostDisclaimer: 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).

When your kids leave home, the communication changes. Sometimes it slows gradually. Sometimes it feels abrupt. In this episode, Rick and Clancy talk about what staying connected really looks like once your kids are living in a different rhythm.They share their experience navigating daily calls during a tough freshman year, the shift that often happens by spring semester, different communication styles between siblings, time zone mishaps, “proof of life” texts, and the balance between asking questions and sharing your own life. The conversation also stretches beyond college to long-distance relationships in general… even with aging parents.📖 Our upcoming book, The Loud Quiet – Love, Laughter and Life in the Empty Nest, is coming soon. You can find details and updates here:https://www.theloudquiet.com/p/bookChapters00:00 The Book Update03:10 Freshman Year Daily Communication07:30 When the Calls Slow Down12:00 “Proof of Life” Texts16:05 Different Communication Styles21:00 Time Zones Matter25:15 Making It Easy to Respond30:00 Sharing Your Own Life👋 Join the conversation with other couples adjusting to communication shifts with adult kids:https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet🎧 Find all episodes, podcast apps, and YouTube links here:https://www.theloudquiet.comWant 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/theloudquiethostDisclaimer: 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).

Valentine’s Day shows up every year with expectations attached. Reservations. Prix fixe menus. Cards that say more about obligation than affection.In this Greatest Hits episode of The Loud Quiet, Rick and Clancy talk honestly about why they stopped treating Valentine’s Day like a scripted performance and how their relationship evolved once they did.From early dating years and shared “love songs” to parenting seasons that reshaped priorities, this episode walks through what Valentine’s Day has looked like across decades. Sometimes romantic. Sometimes chaotic. Often funny. Always real.What’s in the episodeWhy Valentine’s Day can feel like a high-pressure holidayThe songs that became part of Rick and Clancy’s relationship storyThe dinner that officially ended Valentine’s night reservationsHow parenting changed the focus of the holidayDaddy-daughter dances, school parties, and showing love differentlyWhen Valentine’s Day quietly came back around in a new seasonWhy unscripted moments often matter more than calendar datesCHAPTERS00:00 Welcome back and setting the Valentine’s context02:00 How Rick and Clancy have always viewed Valentine’s Day05:00 The love songs that stuck08:00 Endless Love and a memory that never faded12:40 The dinner that officially ended Valentine’s night reservations15:45 Choosing connection over obligation17:30 Valentine’s Day as parents19:30 Daddy-daughter dances and modeling love22:30 Sports schedules and reality checks24:00 Valentine’s Day finds its way back26:00 Flowers, mixtapes, and changing expectations28:30 Defining Valentine’s Day on your own terms📖 Our upcoming book, The Loud Quiet – Love, Laughter and Life in the Empty Nest, is coming soon.Details and updates here:https://www.theloudquiet.com/p/bookJoin the Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquietJoin the newsletter:https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signupWant 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/theloudquiethostDisclaimer: 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).

Intimacy changes over time… especially when the house gets quieter. What once felt automatic often needs more intention, more conversation, and sometimes a better framework.Just in time for Valentine's Day, in this guest episode, we sit down with couples counseling team Dr. Amy and Roy Clark to talk about The Four Intimacies and why strong relationships are built on more than just physical connection. We get practical about how couples actually talk to each other, why emotional closeness matters so much, and how intimacy can deepen at every stage of marriage… including the empty nest years.Years of working with couples showed Amy and Roy that the products supporting intimacy didn’t match the care people wanted to bring into it. That insight led them to create Aria, a luxury personal lubricant designed to be both beautiful and discreet… something meant to be seen, appreciated, and used with intention.We also talk honestly about why intimacy doesn’t “just happen,” how faith and intimacy can coexist without embarrassment, and what it looks like to create rhythms of connection that feel natural, grown-up, and alive.Get Amy & Roy's free couples intimacy quiz: https://theloudquiet.kit.com/intimacyquiz📖 Our upcoming book, The Loud Quiet - Love, Laughter and Life in the Empty Nest, is coming soon.You can find details and updates here:https://www.theloudquiet.com/p/bookResources mentioned in this episodeAria Luxury Lubricant:https://arialuxelife.com/Clark Coaching & Counseling with Dr. Amy and Roy Clark:https://royandamy.com/CHAPTERS0:00 Intro1:05 Why intimacy is more than physical4:10 The four types of intimacy explained8:55 What couples miss when they skip connection12:05 Faith, intimacy, and removing the shame15:00 Creating intention with simple rituals18:20 Working together as a married team22:10 How to start hard conversations safely26:00 Teaching intimacy earlier in life28:40 What success looks like long-term👋 Join the conversation with other couples navigating this season of life:https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet🎧 Find all episodes, podcast apps, and YouTube links here:https://www.theloudquiet.comWant 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/theloudquiethostDisclaimer: 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 #valentinesday

We spent several days at home during an ice storm in North Texas.Sweats instead of real clothes. Garage workouts because the gym was out. Too much food because that’s what people do when they’re stuck. We talk through how our routines unraveled, what we did to fill the time, and how empty nest life changes the feel of being snowed in.We also get into the small stuff… playing games we haven’t touched in years, watching different shows in different rooms without it being a “thing,” and noticing how storms feel when there aren’t kids at home needing rides, food, or distractions. It’s not a big takeaway episode. It’s just what a few quiet, iced-in days looked like for us.📖 Our upcoming book, The Loud Quiet – Love, Laughter and Life in the Empty Nest, is coming soon.You can find details, updates, and a free introduction download here:https://www.theloudquiet.com/p/book👋 If you want to share your own snow-day habits or comfort food, join us in the Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet📬 Want weekly notes and episode extras?https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signupCHAPTERS0:00 Intro1:10 Iced in at home3:40 Routines falling apart fast6:30 Garage workouts and making do9:10 Eating like it’s required11:55 Storms without kids at home15:05 Being together, doing different things18:10 Forced slowdown and workdays21:20 Wrapping up the weekWant 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/theloudquiethostDisclaimer: 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).

Spring semester drop-offs don’t get the same attention as fall move-in… but for a lot of parents, they’re tougher than they expect. The house was full again. The routines came back. And then, just like that, they left.In this episode, we talk honestly about why the sadness shows up again when college kids head back after the holidays. Not for the first time… and not because anything is wrong. We talk about what’s different about winter break versus summer, how short visits mess with your emotional footing, and why even years into empty nest life, this moment can still catch you off guard.This conversation was inspired entirely by our Facebook community. Parents shared stories about pets waiting outside empty bedrooms, traditions that suddenly feel more fragile, and the quiet realization that “home” isn’t quite the same anymore… for anyone. We also talk about what actually helps once the kids are gone again… getting back into routine, being intentional, and accepting that this phase keeps shifting whether we’re ready or not.📖 Book updateOur upcoming book, The Loud Quiet – Love, Laughter and Life in the Empty Nest, is coming soon.You can find details and updates here:https://www.theloudquiet.com/p/bookCHAPTERS0:00 Intro and why this episode happened1:20 Spring return sadness… again3:10 When “home” becomes a visit4:55 Winter break vs summer break6:40 Pets notice the empty rooms too8:30 Traditions feel different now11:10 Making memories without guilt14:30 Why January feels harder17:55 Getting back into routine19:45 Being intentional in this phase21:05 Wrap-up👋 Share your experience or see what other parents are saying 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/signupWant 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/theloudquiethostDisclaimer: 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).

The holidays are over, the fridge is still full of leftovers, and the routine hasn’t quite found its way home yet.In this episode, Rick and Clancy talk about what happens between Thanksgiving and “whenever we finally pull it together.” The extra food. The extra drinks. The social calendar that never lets up. And the moment, especially in your 50s, when your body makes it very clear that it noticed. They talk through why the holiday season turns into a free-for-all, how restriction can backfire, and why getting back to normal is usually less about a dramatic reset and more about rebuilding a rhythm that fits empty nest life.They also cover bloodwork reality checks, binge vs restriction thinking, supplements and skepticism, processed food, alcohol tolerance, and the uncomfortable truth that exercise alone doesn’t undo six weeks of “we’ll deal with it later.” This isn’t a resolution episode or a dry January lecture. It’s a practical conversation about returning to routine… imperfectly, gradually, and with a little more awareness than last time.📖 Upcoming bookOur upcoming book, The Loud Quiet – Love, Laughter and Life in the Empty Nest, is coming soon.You can find details and updates here:https://www.theloudquiet.com/p/book📬 Want new episodes and extras sent your way?https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup👋 Join the conversation with other empty nesters here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet🎧 All episodes and listening links live here:https://www.theloudquiet.comCHAPTERS0:00 Intro1:10 Why the holidays become a free-for-all3:55 Bloodwork as a reality check6:40 Binge vs restriction thinking9:55 Food, alcohol, and aging bodies13:45 Supplements, skepticism, and mixed messages17:05 Why routine actually matters20:10 One change beats a long list22:45 Returning to normal… eventuallyWant 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/theloudquiethostDisclaimer: 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

Your young adult’s path may look messy, stalled, or off-script… and that doesn’t mean something is wrong.In this guest episode, we’re joined by Joanna Lilley, a therapeutic consultant who works with young adults and their parents during the often complicated transition into adulthood. Joanna helps families navigate college decisions, mental health challenges, academic setbacks, and those moments when forward motion feels unclear.We talk about the difference between being college capable and college ready, why gap years can be useful when they’re intentional, and how parents can respond when academic probation, burnout, or “I don’t think this is for me” conversations come up. Joanna also shares practical guidance on boundaries, communication, and how curiosity can be more productive than fear when things don’t go as planned.This conversation is for parents who need reassurance that progress doesn’t always look linear… and that detours can still lead somewhere meaningful.🎧 Joanna’s podcast, Success Is Subjective:https://www.successissubjective.org/🌐 Joanna’s consulting work and parent resources:https://lilleyconsulting.com/📖 Our upcoming book, The Loud Quiet - Love, Laughter and Life in the Empty Nest, is coming soon. You can find details and updates here:https://www.theloudquiet.com/p/bookCHAPTERS0:00 Intro1:07 College capable vs college ready4:10 When parents misread readiness7:32 Gap years and intentional pauses12:13 Academic probation and hard conversations16:44 Boundaries when kids stall out22:01 Failure to launch concerns27:01 Signs parents shouldn’t ignore30:43 How families find outside help34:10 Why nonlinear paths still work👋 Join the conversation in our community:https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet📬 Get new episodes and extras in your inbox:https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signupWant 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/theloudquiethostDisclaimer: 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).

That weird stretch between Christmas and New Year’s… when no one knows what day it is, the snacks never stop, and you start thinking about what just happened and what might be coming next.In this New Year’s Day episode, we look back on 2025 and talk about what surprised us most… how this podcast grew way beyond what we expected, how the community took on a life of its own, and how the empty nest feels different than it did a year ago.We also talk about what’s ahead in 2026… including the book that grew directly out of this podcast and the conversations happening inside the community. No resolutions. No pressure. Just a realistic look at where we’ve been and what we’re excited to launch next.📘 Book updateIf you want sneak peeks, preorder bonuses, early chapters, and launch-day news for the upcoming book, sign up here:https://www.theloudquiet.com/p/book👋 Join the conversation in our community:https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet📬 Get episodes and extras in your inbox:https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signupCHAPTERS0:00 Intro and Happy New Year1:45 The weird week between Christmas and New Year’s3:10 Looking back on 20255:20 When the podcast became more than “just us”7:35 Why guests changed the show9:45 The page vs the group (and why both exist)11:20 The book and what’s coming next14:05 Why 2026 feels like a launch16:10 What we’re excited about this year18:30 Wrapping up and thanks👋 Share what this season looks like for you and join the conversation:https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet📬 Want book sneak peeks and weekly extras?https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signupWant 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/theloudquiethostDisclaimer: 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).

We’re releasing this episode on Christmas Day, and it felt like the right time to bring this one back.This is a Greatest Hits re-release of Episode 20, originally recorded after our very first holiday season as empty nesters… when both kids came home from college and the house went from quiet to very full, very fast. It was the first time we experienced that swing back to shared meals, full schedules, late nights, and just being the four of us again.We talk through what surprised us, what we loved, and what we noticed about ourselves as parents and as a couple. The traditions that still mattered. The pressure we let go of. And the strange mix of activity and stillness that showed up when the nest filled back up… even temporarily.If you’re heading into a season where your kids come home and everything shifts again, this one might feel familiar.📘 Coming soon in early 2026… The Loud Quiet book Be the first to get sneak peeks, preorder bonuses, and launch-day news. Pre-orders open soon… join the list for early access: https://www.theloudquiet.com/p/book/👋 Share your holiday experiences or join the conversation in our community:https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet🎧 Find all episodes, podcast apps, and YouTube links here:https://www.theloudquiet.comCHAPTERS0:00 Christmas Day re-release intro1:20 First holidays as empty nesters4:15 When the house gets loud again7:30 Living life together, not scheduling it11:05 Holiday traditions that still matter14:40 Letting go of “perfect”18:05 Seeing your kids differently now22:15 New Year’s Eve, our way26:10 Quiet moments we didn’t expect30:45 What we want to rememberWant 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/theloudquiethostDisclaimer: 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

When the kids are grown and the house is quieter, the way couples talk to each other starts to matter in new ways. Some patterns get easier. Others get harder to ignore.In this episode of The Loud Quiet, we’re joined by marriage counselor and author Raffi Bilek for a practical, honest conversation about communication, conflict, and what actually helps couples stay connected during the empty nest years. We talk about why avoiding conflict doesn’t equal good communication, why solving the problem too fast often backfires, and how couples can stay on the same team even when they don’t agree.Raffi shares insights from years of counseling couples… including why it’s okay to pause a conversation, why “don’t go to bed angry” isn’t always great advice, and how focusing on impact instead of who’s right can change everything. This conversation is especially relevant for couples navigating adult kids, retirement, aging parents, and spending more time together than ever before.Guest links:The Couples Communication Handbook (Amazon affiliate link)https://amzn.to/48QJJpsThe Couples Communication book websitehttps://www.thecommunicationbook.com/Baltimore Therapy Centerhttps://www.baltimoretherapycenter.com/CHAPTERS0:00 Intro and a quick health PSA1:20 Meet Raffi Bilek3:10 Reconnecting after years of focusing on kids4:50 When adult kids still cause conflict7:10 Explore first, solve later9:55 Is conflict actually bad for a marriage?12:10 Feeling uncomfortable expressing anger14:05 Generational shifts in communication16:30 Why “don’t go to bed angry” doesn’t always help19:00 When agreement isn’t possible20:45 Focusing on impact instead of facts23:05 Common conflict topics couples face25:10 Retirement and being together 24/728:00 One communication skill that matters most29:30 Where to find Raffi and his work📘 Coming soon in early 2026… The Loud Quiet bookBe the first to get sneak peeks, preorder bonuses, and launch-day news.Pre-orders open soon… join the list for early access:https://www.theloudquiet.com/p/book/👋 Join the conversation in our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet📬 Get new episodes and weekly notes in your inbox:https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signupWant 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/theloudquiethostDisclaimer: 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).

Holiday food has a way of anchoring a season. We make certain things every year without even thinking about it… and the kids now expect them just as much as we do. In this episode we talk through the foods we grew up with, the ones that stuck, and the ones we only remember when someone says “remember when…?”Quick note… The Loud Quiet book is almost ready. If you want early updates and preorder info, here’s the list: https://www.theloudquiet.com/p/book/Candy canes, Texas trash, haystacks, spiced tea… all the things our parents made without any ceremony. At one point we realize our kids have their own list now too… the pickle platter, the dips, the reindeer mix.We also talk through the foods we haven’t made in years. Chicken spaghetti, tetrazzini, pistachio salad, all the old casseroles that faded out once the house emptied. Lasagna comes up. So do meatballs.It’s a simple conversation about how certain foods end up tied to people and seasons whether we planned it or not.CHAPTERS0:00 Intro1:20 Holiday foods we grew up with4:45 The smells and small traditions that defined the season7:10 The treats our parents made every year12:25 Christmas Eve Mexican food13:50 The foods our kids now count on15:20 How reindeer mix became a tradition18:00 The dishes that have to be on the holiday table20:55 The nostalgic meals we rarely make anymore28:45 Why certain foods stay connected to certain people29:30 Wrap up👋 Share your holiday food memories or join the conversation 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🎧 Find all episodes, listening platforms, and YouTube links here: https://www.theloudquiet.comWant 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/theloudquiethostDisclaimer: 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).

Sometimes saying yes takes you somewhere you never expected… like an EDM show on a Sunday night, surrounded by people half your age and a bass that makes your clothes vibrate. In this episode, Rick and Clancy share what happened when Tanner finally talked them into a Chris Lake show… and why it ended up feeling surprisingly joyful, safe, and honestly pretty fun.And then the week flipped right into Thanksgiving. They talk about having both kids home, the comfort of familiar rhythms, and the strange, tender uncertainty of what future holidays might look like.Big announcement:Our first book “The Loud Quiet – Love, Laughter, and Life in the Empty Nest” is coming in early 2026. Newsletter subscribers will get early info, behind-the-scenes notes, and special offers.👉 Join the newsletter here: https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signupCHAPTERS0:00 Big announcement + intro1:15 Saying yes to something wild2:50 Why Sunday made the night doable4:30 Full-circle moments with old friends6:00 The bass that shook our clothes7:40 The surprisingly friendly rave crowd9:25 Realizing we were the “older people”12:55 Sliding into Thanksgiving mode15:20 The holiday that just felt right17:55 What future holidays might look like👋 Join our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet📬 Get early book news + special offers: https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup🎧 All episodes and links: https://www.theloudquiet.comWant 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/theloudquiethostDisclaimer: 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

Some Thanksgivings are predictable… this one definitely wasn’t. For this Greatest Hits episode, we’re flashing back to our 2023 Thanksgiving trip to Arizona, a holiday full of hiking, travel hiccups, questionable turkey, and a whole lot of Phase 10 and football. It originally aired as Episode 16 and it still makes us laugh.Since this episode is coming out on Thanksgiving, we want to say how thankful we are for you. Truly. There is no Loud Quiet without the people who listen, message us, and show up every week. We feel that deeply.This episode is sponsored by Damon Vinci of Magical Memory Planners. If you’re already tired of the cold or you want a gift that doesn’t involve fighting for a parking spot at a store, Damon can help you get somewhere warm, calm, and fun.Mention The Loud Quiet and get $25 to spend at your destination when you book a travel package✔️ Call or text: 972-987-0527✔️ Email: ⁠damon@magicalmemoryplanners.com⁠✔️ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/DamonVinciMMP⁠CHAPTERS0:00 Intro1:12 Flying into Arizona for Thanksgiving3:40 Costco pies and the turkey trouble6:05 Hiking Saguaro National Park8:52 Grocery store chaos that somehow wasn’t chaotic10:27 Why experiences matter more than stuff11:36 Damon’s Black Friday travel deals13:32 Thanksgiving dinner at the Airbnb16:40 Phase 10 and a very competitive family18:55 Black Friday at Goldfield Ghost Town22:15 Rivalry football game with the kids25:26 Sunday goodbyes and quiet moments28:16 Wrapping up the trip👋 Join the conversation in our Facebook community: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet⁠📬 Get weekly stories and extras in your inbox: ⁠https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup⁠🎧 Find all episodes and listening platforms: ⁠https://www.theloudquiet.com⁠Want 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/theloudquiethost⁠Disclaimer: 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).