We speak with Carl Honoré about life in the open nesting stage and how family relationships change as children become adults. He describes living in London with his wife and their two children, and says that his relationship with them now feels more equal, with more room for debate and different points of view.

We also talk about how open nesting has affected time with his wife. He says they now travel together more often, something that was difficult during the years of child-rearing and during the pandemic. He describes this as a return to a part of their relationship that was important when they were younger.

A major topic is aging and the slow movement. We discuss Carl’s view that aging should not be seen as a loss of possibility, but as a stage that can open new doors. He says the post-pandemic world may be changing its view of older people, including the place of older workers.

Carl explains the work he is doing now, including resources and possible retreats for people at a middle-life moment. He says he wants to help people ask better questions about their next chapter, rather than look for fixed answers.

We also discuss intergenerational connection. Carl says people should widen their social net and spend time with people of different ages, because this helps challenge stereotypes. He gives examples of reverse mentorship in a company and describes his daughter taking part in a university project that connects students with older people.

He closes by describing his children’s influence on him and by sharing recent projects, including a children’s book about slow travel and an upcoming TED course on slowing down. He also says cooking and time in nature are two of the main ways he slows down in daily life.

Tessa Krone is the engine behind and the face of The Open Nesters.

Tessa holds an MA in Consciousness Studies and is a speaker, coach, program, and journey facilitator & leader, author, and, of course, Podcaster.

Her offerings are based on her mission to help people open to their most self-expressed, loving selves. Tessa’s specialties include embodiment from all the senses and elements of our inner and outer lives, ranging from mindfulness, dance, play, and sensory exploration in nature. If she had one superpower, it would be to help people, especially as they age, to live more open-hearted lives.

Please email Tessa to make a connection. And visit her page here on the Open Nesters Website. If you like, please answer the question:

What do you need to OPEN your NEST? In your LIFE. In your BODY. In your SPIRIT. Do you need MORE…