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

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

📬 Get fresh episodes and extras in your inbox every week: Subscribe to the newsletter https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup

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

Time to lighten it up. After a couple of deeper episodes, we’re kicking back with some TV talk. Summer used to be rerun season, but now there’s new content dropping all year long. So what’s keeping us company on the couch lately?

In this episode, we run through what we’re currently watching, the comedies we use as entertainment filler, and a few titles queued up for later. From courtroom chaos and mega churches to awkward high school teachers and flashbacks at a Mexican resort, it’s all here.

📺 Seen any of these shows or movies? Got your own recommendations? Come share with the community in The Loud Quiet - Empty Nest Living Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet

📬 Want more of this kind of thing? Subscribe to our newsletter and get fresh episodes and extras in your inbox every week.https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup

CHAPTERS

0:00 Intro — Summer TV isn’t what it used to be

2:10 Suits

4:40 Studio

7:24 Mythic Quest

9:30 Righteous Gemstones

12:39 Mountainhead

15:52 Filler shows we return to

17:14 Schitt’s Creek

20:12 AP Bio

22:57 Acapulco

25:25 What’s in our queue

26:03 Osama bin Laden & Tylenol murder documentaries

27:17 Music documentaries: Led Zeppelin and ABBA

28:47 Your Friends and Neighbors

29:57 Stick

30:33 Outro — Send us your picks

Empty nesters, rejoice... and brace yourselves. The kids are coming home for summer break, and the vibe in your once-quiet house is about to shift.Clancy and Rick share 10 real-world tips to help you handle the return of your college-age kids. From setting expectations to balancing mealtime and independence, they explore what works, what doesn’t, and how to keep the peace while strengthening your relationship.💡 Want a downloadable copy of the 10 Tips?Join our newsletter here and get it sent directly to your inbox.https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup🛎️ Have a summer survival tip of your own?Share it with the community on The Loud Quiet - Empty Nest Living Facebook Group here.https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquietCHAPTERS0:00 Introduction — When the empty nest isn’t so empty anymore2:01 Tip 1: Talk about expectations early6:16 Tip 2: Respect their need for independence8:11 Tip 3: Give them space, literally and emotionally10:31 Tip 4: Negotiate responsibilities13:21 Tip 5: Encourage a sense of purpose15:15 Tip 6: Balance family time and freedom17:19 Tip 7: Treat them like emerging adults20:58 Tip 8: Expect a transition period22:51 Tip 9: Check in on their mental health26:30 Tip 10: Enjoy their presence30:06 Final thoughts on keeping the relationship strong#relationships #marriage #recreation #podcast #EmptyNesters #EmptyNesting #Lifeafterkidsleave #Transitiontoanemptynest #Parentingjourney #Reinventingourselves #Newchapterinlife #Emptynestchallenges #Findingpurpose #Rediscoveringhobbies #Relationshipafterkids #Self-discovery #Preparingforanemptynest #Reconnectingasacouple #Growingtogetherafterkidsleave #Familydynamicsafterkidsleave #Supportsystemsforemptynesters #Tipsforsuccessfulemptynesting

What happens when your carefully planned life suddenly goes off script?

In this deeply personal episode, Clancy and Rick open up about the past few weeks—full of unexpected loss, chaotic schedules, and the quiet disconnection that can sneak up in empty nest life.

From memorial planning and rushed moves to a cardboard box anniversary and a last minute bus ride, they explore what it means to lose your sense of self and how to start finding your way back.

This isn’t just an update—it’s a reminder that life doesn’t always care about your schedule. But maybe, just maybe, that’s when connection matters most.

Have your own recalculation moment? Share it with the group below—we’re all navigating this journey together.

Empty Nest Living can be challenging. Let’s support each other. Join The Loud Quiet - Empty Nest Living Facebook group and build community together: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Hf9LJkmdU

CHAPTERS

00:00 When life throws off your rhythm

01:45 The cost of zero margin

04:05 Nana’s final days

07:50 Chaos, guilt, and cardboard anniversaries

13:15 Losing our connection

15:40 Why this podcast still matters

19:10 Rediscovering “us”

23:10 The empty nest isn’t always quiet

#relationships #marriage #recreation #podcast #EmptyNesters #EmptyNesting #Lifeafterkidsleave #Transitiontoanemptynest #Parentingjourney #Reinventingourselves #Newchapterinlife #Emptynestchallenges #Findingpurpose #Rediscoveringhobbies #Relationshipafterkids #Self-discovery #Preparingforanemptynest #Reconnectingasacouple #Growingtogetherafterkidsleave #Familydynamicsafterkidsleave #Supportsystemsforemptynesters #Tipsforsuccessfulemptynesting

Rick and Clancy returned from Germany and have 10 travel points to share.

From pre planning to what to do when you arrive-they have put these points into practice many times.

Listen before you plan your next trip.

Get your free "10 Tips for Parents of College Kids Home for the Summer"https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup

Empty Nest Living can be challenging. Let’s support each other. Join The Loud Quiet - Empty Nest Living Facebook group and build community together: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Hf9LJkmdU/

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CHAPTERS 0:00 - 10 travel tips for empty nesters

1:14 - Finding and booking smart flights

4:30 - Using points for business class travel

7:59 - Making the most of long layovers

10:05 - Itinerary planning with tech and AI

13:10 - Rail passes and local transportation

14:54 - Walking tours, food tours, and local guides

19:47 - Navigation apps and city transportation tips

21:58 - Discovering regional foods and desserts

24:24 - Go one block extra for authentic experiences

26:36 - Getting cash and avoiding ATM fees

29:34 - Bonus tips and wrapping it all up

#relationships #relationships #marriage #recreation #podcast #EmptyNesters #EmptyNesting #Lifeafterkidsleave #Transitiontoanemptynest #Parentingjourney #Reinventingourselves #Newchapterinlife #Emptynestchallenges #Findingpurpose #Rediscoveringhobbies #Relationshipafterkids #Self-discovery #Preparingforanemptynest #Reconnectingasacouple #Growingtogetherafterkidsleave #Familydynamicsafterkidsleave #Supportsystemsforemptynesters #Tipsforsuccessfulemptynesting

We thought we knew what to expect from our trip to Germany. We didn’t. In the best way.

In this episode of The Loud Quiet, we share the surprises that made our empty nest adventure unforgettable…from unexpected experiences to moments that moved us.

Join us as we explore how saying “Ja” to Germany brought more delight than we could have anticipated.

Empty Nest Living can be challenging. Let’s support each other. Join The Loud Quiet - Empty Nest Living Facebook group and build community together: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Hf9LJkmdU/

CHAPTERS

00:00 Welcome back and why Germany became an empty nest trip
02:37 How empty nest travel felt different this time
04:41 Surprising delight in Germany’s culture and ease
10:13 The emotional impact of Germany’s history
16:13 Rebuilding after war and living history
19:23 Outdoor adventures and spring festivals
23:00 Autobahn myths and other culture shocks
27:54 Final thoughts and what’s coming next

#relationships #marriage #recreation #podcast #EmptyNesters #EmptyNesting #Lifeafterkidsleave #Transitiontoanemptynest #Parentingjourney #Reinventingourselves #Newchapterinlife #Emptynestchallenges #Findingpurpose #Rediscoveringhobbies #Relationshipafterkids #Self-discovery #Preparingforanemptynest #Reconnectingasacouple #Growingtogetherafterkidsleave #Familydynamicsafterkidsleave #Supportsystemsforemptynesters #Tipsforsuccessfulemptynesting