The Loud Quiet - Empty Nest Living

We set an alarm for five forty this week. After a night out. Nobody made us do that.We keep saying we have more freedom than ever, so why does this summer feel busier than any before it.Turns out the empty nest doesn't erase old habits, it just removes the excuse for them. We're still keeping a schedule neither of us actually needs anymore."We have this productivity addiction that we just can't turn off even when we can." By the end of this one, we're rethinking what a schedule is even for.📖 Our book is here! The Loud Quiet – Love, Laughter and Life in the Empty Nest https://www.theloudquiet.comWe're curious how many of you have actually managed to let a schedule go once the kids left, so come tell us in the group.https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet🎧 Find all episodes, podcast apps, and YouTube links here:https://www.theloudquiet.comCHAPTERS00:05 Empty Nest Summer Feels Off01:44 What Summering Actually Means03:00 Kids Used To Set The Pace05:19 Do We Romanticize Summer06:12 World Cup Fills The Calendar07:38 Camp Memories Versus Empty Nest Reality11:15 The Productivity Addiction We Can't Quit12:55 Becoming The Early Bird Retired Couple14:32 Reclaiming Summer On Our Terms16:12 Book Pick And Real FreedomWant 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 are both mid-recovery and mid-appointment season, and this one gets into what that's actually like in our fifties.Between the two of them, this year alone brought a procedure Clancy had been putting off for years, a colonoscopy, and more skin checks than either of them expected to need yet. Some of it was elective. Some of it wasn't.Neither of them feels their age, but their test schedules keep suggesting otherwise. That gap between how they feel and what the doctors are asking of them runs through most of the conversation.They land on a distinction that reframes the whole thing: living longer isn't the goal. Staying able to do what they actually want to do is.📖 Our book is here! The Loud Quiet – Love, Laughter and Life in the Empty Nest. Get your free bonuses at https://www.theloudquiet.comIf any of this sounds familiar, come compare notes with people who get it.https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet🎧 Find all episodes, podcast apps, and YouTube links here:https://www.theloudquiet.comCHAPTERS00:00 Recovering From Recent Surgery00:48 The Original Mommy Makeover Story02:47 Implants Have An Expiration Date03:54 Choosing Not To Replace Implants07:57 Struggling With Recovery Restrictions09:32 Getting Caught By The Ring Doorbell12:05 Feeling Old And Sun Damage14:19 Daughter's First Pap Smear16:24 Living Better Instead Of Longer17:31 The Colonoscopy Experience And Prep18:56 Internal Fears Versus External Ones20:41 Get Your Screenings Scheduled NowWant 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).

Communication breaks down in the same few places for almost every couple. This episode is about finding those places before they turn into a fight.Rebecca Mullen joins Rick and Clancy to talk about the three roles inside a marriage, partner, lover, and friend, and how easily one of them gets neglected once kids leave the house. The conversation moves into why couples assume their partner can read their mind, why apologies so often fall flat, and how something as small as the way you say hello can set the tone for everything else.Rebecca walks through her four steps to an apology that actually lands, the difference between a boundary and a punishment, and a simple shift in how you greet your person that took her over ninety days to see change. Rick and Clancy bring their own real moments into it, including one that traces straight back to an argument they processed on a recent episode.Want to dig into your own communication patterns? Come share what's coming up for you in the Facebook group.https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet🎧 Find all episodes, podcast apps, and YouTube links here:https://www.theloudquiet.comCHAPTERS0:00 Intro1:32 Partner, Lover, and Friend Defined2:22 Why the Partner Role Crowds Out the Lover4:58 A Childhood Wound That Became Her Calling6:49 What Empty Nesters Lose When Kids Leave9:38 Mixing Up Friend Energy and Lover Energy10:39 Why We Hesitate to Say Sorry11:20 The Four Steps to a Real Apology15:40 The Black Hole That Causes Most Confusion20:07 Surviving Family Gatherings Without a Blowup23:53 What We Actually Want From Each Other25:28 The Hello That Sounds Like Goodbye28:45 How Boundaries Actually Strengthen LoveHere's where you can learn more from Rebecca. Get her free guide, 6 Steps to Better Marriage Communication: https://mcusercontent.com/4cf37118f97d708517b01dc3d/files/936bb894-d4c0-4ed7-2cdd-17843ccf7210/6_Steps_to_Better_Marriage_Communication_Additional_Resources.pdfBook 6 steps to better Marriage Communication by REbecca S. Mullen https://amzn.to/4vxIi9C (affiliate link)Listen to her podcast, Habits for Your Happily Ever After: https://rebeccamullencoaching.com/podcast/Watch her TEDx Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/rebecca_mullen_the_vegetarian_the_hunter_creating_peace_at_the_dinner_tableJoin her newsletter: https://rebeccamullencoaching.com/mailing-list/Her website: https://rebeccamullencoaching.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).

The stadium they've seen a hundred times looks completely different through a stranger's eyes.Rick and Clancy talk World Cup fever in Dallas, from Rick's first match in 1994 to watching tourists fall for ranch dressing and a screen they stopped noticing years ago.The conversation moves through ticket prices, FIFA's reputation, and how different the sport felt before the US started hosting. It lands on something simpler: hosting gave them a reason to look at their own city again.📖 Our book is here! The Loud Quiet – Love, Laughter and Life in the Empty Nest. https://www.theloudquiet.comHas the World Cup fever hit your city? Drop a comment and let us know.https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet🎧 Find all episodes, podcast apps, and YouTube links here:https://www.theloudquiet.comCHAPTERS00:00 Welcome and Father's Day shoutout01:39 Rick's first World Cup in 199406:54 Watching Dallas Stadium through European eyes11:24 Ranch dressing and tourist food obsessions17:00 Hosting changes how you see your own city21:46 Other sports lost in the shuffle22:37 Planning the Japan match with their son26:42 Comparing 1994 expectations to nowWant 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).

Three years into running a podcast together, Rick and Clancy are together constantly. That didn't stop them from arguing about cottage cheese, a dinner reservation in Spain, and a birthday gift for their son.None of those arguments were actually about the thing they were about.In this episode, Rick and Clancy walk through three real arguments unrehearsed, raw, on mic, in real time. What comes out underneath all three is the same: they hadn't been feeling heard by each other. And the deeper they go, the more they find the actual root cause. They've been going out, traveling, staying busy... but they can't remember the last time they went out alone, just the two of us. Proximity isn't connection. And the empty nest doesn't fix that automatically.📖 Our book is here. The Loud Quiet – Love, Laughter and Life in the Empty Nest. Grab it at https://www.theloudquiet.comIf the friction in your relationship has been showing up in unexpected places lately, come talk about it with other empty nesters in the Facebook group.https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet🎧 Find all episodes, podcast apps, and YouTube links here:https://www.theloudquiet.comCHAPTERS00:00 No Prep No Filter Just Us02:33 Argument One: The Cottage Cheese Incident06:13 When You've Already Asked Them to Stop09:33 The Real Theme: Not Feeling Heard10:28 Argument Two: The Spain Dinner Reservation15:58 Brain Fart vs. Not Listening17:50 Argument Three: The Spoiled Birthday Surprise22:08 Rick Takes the Hit on This One26:55 The Actual Root Cause: No Date Nights30:24 Clutter, Unsettledness, and What to Do NextWant 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

Rick and Clancy just got back from ten days in Spain with both kids. This episode is about what family travel actually looks like when the kids are adults.The shared memories are still the point. They always have been. But the logistics are different now. The scheduling is a negotiation. The kids have opinions about destinations. And somewhere between the Sagrada Familia and the Picasso Museum, you realize their personalities have calcified into something very distinct and permanent.Rick and Clancy get into why they have always chosen travel over stuff, what independence looks like when your kid is navigating a foreign city, and how you keep family travel alive when everyone's calendar is pulling in a different direction.Our book, The Loud Quiet – Love, Laughter and Life in the Empty Nest, is out now. Find it at https://www.theloudquiet.comIf this episode has you thinking about family travel, come share where you're headed this summer in our Facebook community. We'd love to hear it. https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet🎧 Find all episodes, podcast apps, and YouTube links here: https://www.theloudquiet.comCHAPTERS00:00 Why travel with your kids at any age 02:30 Learning to be a visitor, not a tourist 05:00 The incident at the Sagrada Familia 07:30 Travel builds independence on steroids 10:30 Bribery and the adult kid travel equation 13:00 How trip planning changes with adult kids 16:30 When their schedules run the show 19:30 How different the kids really are 23:00 Missing people back home 27:00 What family travel looks like from hereWant 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).

Almost sixty percent of Michelle Puccinelli's virtual assistant students are empty nesters. She didn't design it that way. They just kept showing up.Michelle runs Virtual Work Studio, a marketing agency with a training program that prepares women to work as specialized virtual assistants. When she built the program, she was thinking career changers and moms returning to the workforce. What she found was a wave of empty nesters who wanted flexible work, on their own terms, without the grind they'd left behind.The episode gets into what virtual assistant work actually looks like, what skills transfer in from careers people have already had, and what holds most business owners back from hiring one. Rick and Clancy also talk about where empty nesting and retirement get confused, and why that confusion matters when you're figuring out what comes next.Find Michelle at https://virtualworkstudio.com/ Instagram: @virtualworkstudio📖 Our book is here! The Loud Quiet – Love, Laughter and Life in the Empty Nest https://amzn.to/4rpo7rA (Amazon affiliate link)If this episode has you thinking about what work could look like from here, bring that conversation into the group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet🎧 Find all episodes, podcast apps, and YouTube links here: https://www.theloudquiet.comCHAPTERS00:00 Welcome and guest introduction 02:00 Why Michelle left teaching 04:50 What a virtual assistant actually does 07:20 Why empty nesters are drawn to virtual work08:52 Empty nesting versus retirement09:52 Soft skills that make a good VA 13:00 Building connection in remote work 16:22 Getting comfortable with the tech 18:21 How graduates get matched with clients 19:40 What business owners need to know before hiring a VA 23:17 Do you need marketing experience 25:25 How to find Michelle and Virtual Work StudioWant 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).

10 Travel Tips...This is a Greatest Hits episode. It originally aired as Episode 87 in May 2025 and we're bringing it back because the tips hold up.Ten travel tips from our trip to Germany. Not a general list. Specific things we did, tools we used, and habits that made the trip work. A lot of it applies well beyond Germany.The thread running through all of it is flexibility. The empty nest changed what's possible when you travel. This episode is about making the most of it.Resources From This EpisodeThe Points Guy: http://thepointsguy.com/Google Flights: https://www.google.com/travel/flightsGet Your Guide (affiliate link): https://gyg.me/Y9Q0XJGFViator (affiliate link): https://www.viator.com/?pid=P00252693&mcid=42383&medium=linkPointsYeah (affiliate link): https://www.pointsyeah.com/?linkId=lp_919533&sourceId=theloudquiet&tenantId=pointsyeahSchwab Checking Account: https://www.schwab.com/client-referral?refrid=REFERFD9HKNNDBuy The Loud Quiet: Love, Laughter, and Life in the Empty Nest at https://www.theloudquiet.comBuy the book and you get three free bonuses:-Empty Nest Bingo Card-Video series: Empty Nesting - Living The First Month-Live webinar in SeptemberAlready bought the book? The bonuses are yours too. Head to https://www.theloudquiet.com to claim them.If the points and flexibility conversation from this episode resonates, come share what's worked for your travel in the empty nest years at https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet🎧 Find all episodes, podcast apps, and YouTube links here: https://www.theloudquiet.comCHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome and Newsletter Announcement 01:20 Tip 1: Finding Flights with Google Flights 04:36 Tip 2: Using Points for Business Class 08:05 Tip 3: Maximizing Long Layovers 10:10 Tip 4: Using Technology to Plan Your Itinerary 13:14 Tip 5: Rail Passes 15:55 Tip 6: Walking Tours 19:52 Tip 7: Apps for Getting Around 22:03 Tip 8: What Food Is This City Known For 24:21 Tip 9: Go One Block Extra 26:42 Tip 10: ATMs and Getting CashWant 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).

Every summer, the kid who comes home is not the kid who left. And the house they're coming back to isn't the one they remember either. Rick and Clancy have navigated this seven times across two kids. This episode is what they've learned.They recorded this one mid-drive to Tucson, on their way to help Teagan move out of her apartment for the summer. Transition season in real time.The adjustments around time, roles, friends, and expectations don't sort themselves out. They have to be talked through.What to expect when your college kid comes home:-The house rhythms have changed. So have theirs.-Roles from high school don't automatically apply anymore.-Their hometown friendships may have cooled. Their college ones are running hot.If they call their college town home, brace yourself. It stings.Buy The Loud Quiet: Love, Laughter, and Life in the Empty Nest at https://www.theloudquiet.comBuy the book and you get three free bonuses:-Empty Nest Bingo Card-Video series: Empty Nesting - Living The First Month-Live webinar in SeptemberAlready bought the book? The bonuses are yours too. Head to https://www.theloudquiet.com to claim them.CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome and Recording from the Road 01:03 Seven Summers of Transitions 02:41 Set Expectations Before They Arrive 03:19 House Rhythms and Quiet Hours 04:03 Modified Rules for Young Adults 05:29 Roles, Chores, and Patience 07:29 Their Mental Snapshot Froze in Time 09:28 New Foods, New Interests, New Music 11:44 Hometown Friends vs. College Friends 14:56 College Trauma Bonding 15:47 When They Call College Home 17:33 Stories, Connection, Safe LandingIf this is your first summer navigating the return, there are a lot of parents in the same moment in 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).

This episode is a flip. Rick and Clancy are in the guest seat, interviewed by Paul Basden, their pastor of nearly 20 years. He knows their kids. He knows their story.A question Clancy asked Rick in the car sits at the center of everything. So does the sadness both of them felt, the identity shift Clancy navigated, the dad connections Rick had to relearn from a distance, and how their faith guides them through all of it.Paul also digs into how they chose to approach the empty nest differently... the Year of Yes, staying connected as a couple, building new friendships, and finding freedom and fun in this new season.Paul also gets their perspective on the consultant stage of parenting, finds out their favorite verses, and what changes when you pray for your adult kids.Paul's podcast, The Pastors Studio with Paul Basden, is worth your time beyond this episode. Find it here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-pastors-studio-with-paul-basden/id1765354517If you're sitting with your own version of that question Clancy asked, come find others doing the same. https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet🎧 Find all episodes, podcast apps, and YouTube links here: https://www.theloudquiet.comCHAPTERS 00:00 Rick and Clancy Intro 00:50 Paul Introduces the Episode 02:19 Church as a Family Rhythm 03:32 Honesty and Transparency at Home 05:55 The Question That Started Everything 09:06 Building the Foundation Before the Nest Empties 10:09 Choosing Joy Over Regret 12:13 Where the Name Came From 15:39 Best and Hardest Parts for Clancy 18:35 Best and Hardest Parts for Rick 23:58 Cop, Coach, Consultant 27:27 How Faith Shapes This Chapter 29:37 Prayer for Adult Kids 33:46 Scripture That Has Held ThemWant 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).

Lisa Guzman didn't come to the empty nest the usual way. She came through foster care, homelessness at 17, building a life from scratch, 25 years as a wife and mother, and then losing her husband and her last kid leaving home within a year of each other.When the roles are gone, who are you? Lisa had to find out. This is that conversation.Rick and Clancy talk with Lisa about what it actually feels like to redefine yourself after decades of being everyone else's. They get into trust, dating in your 50s, reconnecting with a first love after 37 years, and how approaching a relationship like a business isn't unromantic... it's just smart.Lisa came up with nothing and built something real. The empty nest, for her, isn't a loss. It's the first time she gets to be herself.Lisa is a champion of The Place, a Colorado organization providing shelter and transitional support for young people aging out of the foster care system: https://theplacecos.org/📖 Pick up our book, The Loud Quiet – Love, Laughter and Life in the Empty Nest, now available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4rpo7rA (Amazon affiliate link)Also mentioned in this episode: Dr. Robin Buckley on running your relationship like a business: https://www.theloudquiet.com/relationship-insights-boardroom-concepts-for-the-empty-nest-with-dr-robin-buckley-e112/If you're navigating the empty nest and want to be part of the conversation, this is where that happens: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet🎧 Find all episodes, podcast apps, and YouTube links here: https://www.theloudquiet.comCHAPTERS 0:00 Foster care, a full life, and a second chance at love2:07 Growing up in foster care and aging out at 17 4:42 When the roles of wife and mother disappear at once 8:33 Deciding never to date again... then 1987 called 15:15 What dating in your 50s actually looks like 18:49 Age is a state of mind 21:47 Approaching a new relationship like a business 29:37 Supporting young people aging out of foster careWant 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).

Graduation week has a way of swallowing you whole if you let it. Rick and Clancy have been through it and they're headed into it again.The logistics are real. Multiple ceremonies, ticket limits, restaurant reservations, parking, accessibility for grandparents. Get that handled early and you can actually be there when your kid walks across the stage.Because what can get lost in the chaos... your graduate is saying goodbye to four years of their life. They need space for that, even when you've traveled across the country to be there. The parents who enjoy graduation are the ones who planned enough to let go.The Loud Quiet book, The Loud Quiet: Love, Laughter and Life in the Empty Nest, is available on Amazon. Rick and Clancy share their full graduation week story with Tanner in the book.https://amzn.to/4cKyp0c (Amazon affiliate link)If you're navigating graduation season and want to compare notes, this is the place to do it.https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet🎧 Find all episodes, podcast apps, and YouTube links here:https://www.theloudquiet.comCHAPTERS 00:00 When One Graduation Became Three01:44 Mining the Parent Pages05:41 Dress for Both Extremes07:22 Restaurant Reservations and Thinking Beyond the Bubble10:18 Accessibility and Mobility Planning13:07 Kleenex and Portable Chargers14:54 Parking, Satellite Images and Hidden Hacks16:37 Book Hotels a Year Out19:10 Give Your Graduate Room to Say Goodbye21:31 Be Present, Not Behind a Screen22:39 Flexibility and the Non-Negotiables24:54 The Small Stuff That Doesn't MatterWant 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 listen to a lot of podcasts.In this episode they run through their current favorites, from Bravo recaps to business professors to flight attendants spilling what they actually think about passengers. And they get into why people listen to podcasts in the first place.Convenience. Escapism. The strange intimacy of a voice in your ear for hundreds of hours. And maybe something specific to this stage of life, when the music taste is largely set and the discovery itch needs somewhere new to go.Podcasts mentioned in this episode:Smartless https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/smartless/id1521578868Jeff Lewis Live https://www.siriusxm.com/channels/the-jeff-lewis-channelProf G Pod https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-prof-g-pod-with-scott-galloway/id1498802610Juicy Scoop with Heather McDonald https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/juicy-scoop-with-heather-mcdonald/id1135332109Stuck in the 80s https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stuck-in-the-80s-podcast/id81501666Drama Darling with Amy Phillips https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/drama-darling-a-real-housewives-comedy-podcast/id1684156555Creator Science with Jay Clouse https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creator-science/id1498801064So Bad It's Good with Ryan Bailey https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/so-bad-its-good-with-ryan-bailey/id1482820355Podcasting Morning Show https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/podcasting-morning-chat-real-podcasters-real-podcasting/id1728781644Two Guys on a Plane https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-guys-on-a-plane/id1808734718📖 Our book is here. The Loud Quiet – Love, Laughter and Life in the Empty Nest.(Amazon affiliate link) https://amzn.to/4rpo7rAIf this episode has you thinking about your own podcast habits, come tell us about it in the Facebook group.https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet🎧 Find all episodes, podcast apps, and YouTube links here:https://www.theloudquiet.comCHAPTERS00:00 How We Got Into Podcasts02:25 COVID, TV Shutdowns and the Podcast On-Ramp03:41 When Workouts Went from Music to Podcasts05:24 Clancy's Daily Listen: Jeff Lewis Live06:35 Rick's List Starts with Prof G Pod09:08 Juicy Scoop with Heather McDonald10:52 Stuck in the 80s12:26 Drama Darling with Amy Phillips13:53 Should a Therapist Diagnose Reality TV Stars15:11 Creator Science with Jay Clouse16:32 So Bad It's Good with Ryan Bailey18:00 Why Audio Feels More Intimate Than Video20:00 Podcasting Morning Show21:59 Two Guys on a Plane23:05 How Rick and Clancy Met the Hosts at PodfestWant 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 financial 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).

Some Mondays just arrive with a layer of meh. No obvious reason. This is what Rick and Clancy did about it.They get into why stuck feels different in the empty nest, why wallowing feels strangely satisfying even when it doesn't feel good, and why the empty nest version of a low day can feel louder than it should.They also walk through what actually moved them out of it... recognizing self-imposed pressure, saying the real thing to your person, finding something specific to be grateful for, and making a plan when everything feels like it's sitting still.📖 Our book is here: https://amzn.to/4rpo7rA (Amazon affiliate link)If this one resonated, bring it to the group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet🎧 Find all episodes, podcast apps, and YouTube links here: https://www.theloudquiet.comCHAPTERS00:00 Waking Up Stuck01:43 When Business Feels Like a Waiting Game06:42 Stuck in a Relationship Without Knowing It08:17 Identity Shift and the Empty Nest Self09:28 Why Wallowing Feels Satisfying13:04 Talking About It Instead of "I'm Fine"16:05 Real Pressure vs. Self-Imposed Pressure18:05 Find and Replace the Meh20:03 Make a Plan and Move21:15 Record It, Journal It, Get It OutWant 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).

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: ⁠[email protected]⁠✔️ 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).

Using business ideas for a personal relationship. It sounds unusual at first, but Dr. Robin Buckley makes it feel surprisingly natural. She talks about relationships in a way that feels clear and doable without losing the heart of it. She takes ideas most of us only ever use in business and shows how they can actually make home life easier… especially when you’re in the empty nest stage and trying to stay connected as a couple.She walks through mission statements, roles, and check-ins in a way that never feels rigid. It just feels practical.A lot of empty nesters are dealing with boomerang kids right now. Dr. Robin talks honestly about how a little structure can keep everyone from slipping back into old patterns… and how clear expectations can make that season feel healthier for both parents and adult children. It’s a simple approach that brings more calm into the house during a time that can get overwhelming fast.If you like what she has to say, her book lays out that exact framework in a really simple way:Marriage Inc: The Boardroom Blueprint to a Lasting Love (affiliate link)https://amzn.to/3M1c4S8Find Dr. Robin Buckley:Instagram and TikTok: drrobinbuckleyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-robin-buckley/Coaching website: https://drrobinbuckley.com/CHATPERS 0:00 Intro1:17 Why love needs more than hope4:32 Mission statements for relationships7:45 Can structure protect romance9:58 Coaching vs therapy12:40 Helping adult kids without overstepping14:48 The boomerang child conversation17:25 Keeping your marriage intact with grown kids at home19:43 Launching kids after a boomerang season21:46 How Dr. Robin’s kids reacted to structure25:49 Why she wrote Marriage Inc27:42 Where to find Dr. Robin👋 Join the community conversation:https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet📬 Get weekly stories and extras from Rick and Clancy: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).

For a lot of families, Thanksgiving week feels like it should be a given… everyone comes home, the same sides hit the table, the Cowboys disappoint us again. But for some parents of college kids, that mid-November homecoming doesn’t happen.In this episode, Rick and Clancy talk about what it’s like when your student can’t make it home for Thanksgiving and how to stay connected across the miles. From sending care packages and shared movie nights to adjusting family traditions (and expectations), they share real ways to keep the holiday spirit intact… even if the table feels a little emptier this year.🧺 Care packages mentioned in this episode (Amazon affiliate links):Large Variety Snack, Candy & Treats for College Students – https://amzn.to/47DFQDLFrito-Lay Ultimate Snack Care Package – https://amzn.to/4nL5SLfSnack Box Healthy Care Package (35 Count) – https://amzn.to/4oLyYfbCHAPTERS0:00 Intro1:00 Why some college kids can’t come home2:50 When Thanksgiving travel just isn’t possible4:00 Taking Thanksgiving to your kids5:00 Care package ideas that actually land6:10 Movies, music, and shared traditions from afar7:20 The “football connection”8:00 Sending love through food9:30 Loosening your grip on tradition11:00 Handling emotions on both sides13:40 Inviting local students to your table15:00 Using FaceTime and Zoom to stay close16:30 Celebrating Thanksgiving on a different day18:15 Sharing ideas in The Loud Quiet community19:45 Final reflections: be gentle with yourself and your student👋 Share how you’ve handled holidays apart 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🎧 Hear all episodes and find your favorite platform: 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).

This episode is a little different... it’s a two-parter.We recorded the first half before leaving for our empty nest getaway to Mexico, talking through what we hoped for (and what we worried might happen).Then, after the trip, we sat back down to see if those expectations actually matched reality.From pre-trip nerves and some lighthearted talk about “resort romance” to real reflections on unplugging from work and finding connection again, this one’s both honest and funny. We also share how maturity changes what connection looks like... and why a slower trip might be exactly what your marriage needs right now.If you’ve ever wondered whether a short trip can really bring you closer or just remind you that you’ve grown up a lot together, this episode’s for you.👋 Share your favorite empty nest couple trip or where we should go next in our community:https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet📬 Get our free Empty Nester Travel Tips & Gear Guide when you sign up for The Loud Quiet newsletter. It’s full of the travel hacks and favorites we actually use on our own trips:https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup🎧 Find all episodes, podcast apps, and YouTube links here:https://www.theloudquiet.comCHAPTERS0:00 Intro and why we needed this trip1:45 Before the trip, setting expectations4:00 What we’re looking forward to (and what could go wrong)7:20 “Resort romance” and real connection10:10 Managing expectations as a mature couple14:45 Transition, after the trip16:30 Did it meet our expectations19:20 Unplugging from work and turning off notifications22:00 Reconnecting as a couple26:30 The social side of all-adult resorts29:40 Small moments that build connection31:10 Lessons learned and travel tips for empty nesters34:45 What’s next, maybe a cold-weather trip35:40 Wrap-up and listener questionWant 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).

Most of us were never taught how to love ourselves... and yet, it’s the foundation of every healthy relationship we’ll ever have. In this week’s conversation, Rick and Clancy sit down with relationship coach Chaya Garcia to talk about what self-love really looks like in the empty nest years, how it shapes the way we date, and why it’s never too late to grow in connection.Chaya shares real, practical wisdom on dating again, spotting early red flags, and what it means to build stability instead of chasing “synchronicity.” She also gets honest about addiction, codependency, and the importance of giving both yourself and your partner grace. Whether you’re re-entering the dating world or trying to deepen a long-term marriage, this one will make you rethink how you show up for yourself first.Connect with Chaya on Instagram: https://instagram.com/epicloveexpertJoin the conversation in The Loud Quiet community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquietGet extra insights and takeaways about thriving in the empty nest: https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signupCHAPTERS0:00 Intro1:00 Why we rarely talk about dating in the empty nest1:53 Love starts with the self3:10 What to watch for on a first date5:00 Stability over synchronicity6:20 How self-love shapes who we attract7:45 The difference between healthy and unhealthy people10:00 Addiction and disconnection in modern life11:03 Talking to your parents or kids about dating15:30 Building connection in long-term relationships17:40 Why we were never taught to love ourselves19:23 Forgiveness, trauma, and true healing22:58 Grace and goals for growth25:38 Chaya’s book and podcast27:30 Wrap-upWant 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).

Can AI save you $1,400? It did for Rick.This week, Rick and Clancy talk about how AI is showing up in real life for empty nesters, including stories from The Loud Quiet community. From planning dinners for two and simplifying home maintenance to creating custom workouts and even preparing for job interviews, listeners shared how they’re using these tools in practical, everyday ways.They also talk about boundaries and common sense... what’s safe to share, how to keep your thinking sharp, and why the goal isn’t to replace humans but to make life a little easier, a little smarter, and maybe a little more fun.👋 Join the conversation in our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet📬 Get weekly extras and stories: https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup🎧 Find all episodes and ways to listen: https://www.theloudquiet.comCHAPTERS0:00 Intro0:53 Rick’s AI victory story ($1,400 win)4:06 How listeners are using AI7:46 Using AI for everyday life and meal planning9:13 Travel help and packing tips11:29 Simplifying home maintenance12:12 Custom workouts and fitness help14:28 AI, humanity, and staying connected16:48 Smart inspiration: gifts, resumes, and creativity20:46 Writing better emails and messages23:14 Setting smart boundaries and protecting privacy26:38 Staying safe and thoughtful online29:39 Proceed with caution... and curiosityWant 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).

Every podcast starts somewhere… and this week, we’re sharing exactly how The Loud Quiet - Empty Nest Living came to be.It all goes back to one late-night drive, a little vodka honesty, and a question from Clancy that stopped Rick cold. That moment caught us off guard and led to discussions on how we saw our relationship, our future, and eventually led to creating this show.In this episode, we talk through the real story behind that night, how it led to our first recording in what used to be the kids’ playroom, and what it’s taught us about doing life (and business) together as empty nesters. We also share a first look at something we’ve been quietly working on since February... our upcoming book about what empty nest living has really meant to us.If you want to stay up to date on the book launch and get extras and updates, you can join our newsletter here:📬 https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup👋 Join the conversation or share your own “start of it all” story in our community:https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet🎧 Find all episodes and listening platforms here:https://www.theloudquiet.comVideos Mentioned in the EpisodeEmbrace The Shift - E10 https://youtu.be/eQjUxpcq2jkBehind The Scenes Studio Build https://youtu.be/ljiP26VLheoCHAPTERS0:00 Intro – back on the road again0:48 Why we started sharing our story1:50 The night that changed everything3:25 The question that froze Rick4:55 When fear meets honesty6:20 The moment the podcast idea hit7:40 Turning the playroom into a studio8:45 Recording that first raw episode10:15 From therapy sessions to a community11:10 Naming The Loud Quiet - Empty Nest Living12:25 Doing the empty nest instead of feeling done to13:25 Saying yes and sometimes saying no14:50 The real talk promise (and an AMA idea)16:30 Working together as partners and creatives18:30 A new creative chapter: the book20:10 Finding meaning in the loud and the quietWant 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

How Do We Reinvent Ourselves?What does it really mean to reinvent yourself once the house goes quiet? In this episode, Rick and Clancy talk about what reinvention has looked like for them since becoming empty nesters... how it’s less about one big change and more about staying curious, open, and willing to keep learning.They share stories from their recent trip to the Empowered Podcaster Conference in Charlotte, NC, what it taught them about community and confidence, and how this phase of life is the perfect time to keep reinventing... not because you have to, but because you can.We’re thankful to our episode sponsor, Damon Vinci with Magical Memory Planners, a long-time travel planner who helps make dream vacations stress-free.📞 Call or text Damon at 972-987-0527 or email [email protected] to start planning your next adventure.From the emotional recharge of being around other creators... to the moment Rick realized reinventing might never actually end... this one’s for anyone wondering what comes next when the kids are gone and the schedule finally opens up.👋 Join the conversation in our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet📬 Get new episodes and extras in your inbox: https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup🎧 Find all episodes and links: https://www.theloudquiet.comCHAPTERS0:00 Intro and what reinventing means2:15 Why small conferences matter5:44 Sponsor thank you: Magical Memory Planners8:10 Traveling as a couple and space apart10:53 Kindness across differences13:20 How reinvention connects us to our kids15:20 From imposter syndrome to confidence18:48 Thriving in the empty nest21:20 What we are acting on next23:40 Building a real-life communityWant 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).

Parenting doesn’t come with a guidebook... but sometimes it comes with text messages. In this episode, we sit down with Tammy Cohen, author of Text Messages To My Sons, to talk about the lessons, reminders, and heart-to-hearts she’s been sending her boys for years.Tammy shares why she started capturing her wisdom in text form, how her sons have received it, and what it looks like to parent adult kids with honesty and love. This conversation isn’t just about moms and sons—it’s about communication, connection, and the little ways we keep showing up for our kids even as they grow.📖 Get Tammy’s book Text Messages To My Sons:Amazon (affiliate link): ⁠https://amzn.to/3Koe06r⁠IndiePubs (use code TEXTMOM for a discount): https://indiepubs.com/products/text-messages-to-my-sons-new-edition✨ Want to preview the book? Tammy is giving away 2 free chapters when you sign up here: https://theloudquiet.kit.com/texts🌐 Connect with Tammy:Website: https://tammyjcohen.com/LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/tammy-j-cohen-915815143Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tammyjcohen/CHAPTERS0:00 Intro1:35 Why Tammy started texting her sons4:50 Turning texts into a book8:10 How her sons reacted11:45 Parenting adult kids with boundaries15:30 Lessons she most wanted to pass on19:20 The power of short reminders23:00 Communication across generations26:40 What she hopes readers take away29:55 Wrap-up👋 Join the conversation in our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet📬 Get episodes and extras in your inbox: https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup🎧 Find all episodes and platforms 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.

What started as “just a quick drive” turned into a full-on Baylor game day adventure… complete with tailgates, rivalries, bugs that wouldn’t quit, and a whole lot of laughs with friends.In this episode, we talk about navigating friendships in the empty nest… especially when your kids are dating each other… plus what it’s like to step into traditions that weren’t originally ours but now feel pretty special. From Waco eats to a last-second field goal to realizing game days can be mini-adventures of their own, this trip gave us plenty to reflect on.🌬️ The handheld fan that saved us in the Texas heat (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/429B1Ai👋 Share your own family rivalry stories in our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet📬 Want more like this? Get weekly extras in your inbox: https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signupCHAPTERS0:00 Intro2:10 Parent friends to kid couple4:30 Empty nest road trip dynamics6:50 Rivalry ground rules and the 20 bet9:00 Surviving Texas heat with that fan11:10 Tailgating Baylor style13:20 The bug attack saga15:30 Waco surprises and great food17:40 Sports as a unifier and the finish—Want 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.

What happens when you visit your kids in their own space? We share the funny, surprising, and eye-opening moments of stepping into their world while on the road between Phoenix and Tucson.Visiting your kids on their turf brings a mix of surprises, laughs, and those little reminders that they’re building lives outside of your roof. This week’s episode was recorded while we were literally on the road between Phoenix and Tucson… headed to spend the weekend with our daughter.We talk about what it’s like to step into your kids’ world… seeing their spaces, meeting their friends, trying their favorite restaurants, and even noticing new habits (or lack of vacuuming skills). We also share some stories from The Loud Quiet Facebook community and how their experiences mirror our own.It’s about learning when to lean in, when to step back, and how to enjoy the ride… sometimes literally, with road noise in the background.👋 Want to join the conversation and maybe get a future shoutout on the podcast? Our community is growing and we’d love to have you: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet0:00 Intro on the road 1:00 Community stories that made us laugh 3:25 Eating new foods and favorite local restaurants 5:40 Changing interests and new hobbies 7:50 The mystery of vacuuming skills 9:30 Parents, grades, and stepping back 12:00 Balancing your visit with their schedule 14:20 Meeting friend groups (and picking up the check) 16:00 Seeing them become capable adults 18:30 Driving, independence, and handling big moments 19:50 Wrap-up on the ride to Tucson👋 Share your own “visiting on their turf” stories in our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet 📬 Want more like this? Get weekly extras in your inbox: https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup 🎧 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.

Some signs of fall are comforting. Some are kind of annoying. And some, like the flashing yellow school zone lights, just make you groan.In this episode, Rick and Clancy share the little markers that tell them fall has arrived. Childhood soccer uniforms, back-to-school shopping trips, college football weekends, the first cool front fake-out, and pumpkin scented candles all make the list. They also talk about how fall still feels like a reset, even when you’re not chasing kids to Friday night games anymore.👃 Got a favorite fall scent? Or a sign of fall in your town? Come share it with us: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet📬 Want more like this? Get new episodes and the FREE curated Travel Tips & Gear guide: https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup🎧 Find all episodes, podcast apps, and YouTube links here: https://www.theloudquiet.comCHAPTERS0:00 Intro1:00 Childhood fall memories4:30 Back-to-school shopping then vs. now7:10 College football is back10:50 School zones and Friday night games14:20 Travel plans as fall markers16:00 Pumpkin candles and fall flavors17:30 State Fair and local festivals18:50 The cool weather fake-out20:10 Why fall feels like a reset22:45 Fall is busy and we love it✅ Want 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.

Retirement isn’t just about 401(k)s and Social Security. It’s also about your identity, your routines, your relationship, and that strange feeling of waking up with nowhere to be.In this episode, Rick and Clancy sit down with retirement coach Wendy Leggett to talk about the non-financial side of retirement: what makes it hard, what makes it meaningful, and how to approach it with curiosity instead of fear. Wendy shares thoughtful advice for individuals and couples navigating this transition.Whether you’re five years out or already a few months in, this one’s packed with real, useful insight.🧭 Learn more about Wendy’s coaching work: https://confluxretirementcoaching.com/👋 Join the conversation in our Facebook group: 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, podcast apps, and YouTube links here: https://www.theloudquiet.comCHAPTERS0:00 Intro1:11 What does a retirement coach do?2:41 Why retirement can be a struggle5:10 Identity shifts after work7:09 How to thrive in retirement8:44 Transition vs. change11:26 When couples have different visions14:44 Respecting the stay-at-home spouse’s role18:39 Feeling like a stranger in your own home20:09 Are you really ready to retire?22:10 When to talk to a retirement coach24:39 Wendy’s 8-session coaching process26:13 Free coaching session + workbook offer27:43 Final thoughts and thank you✅ Want 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 house is quiet again... and we’re back in the studio. The return of the empty nest, even for the 3rd time, stirs up a wide range of feelings. In this milestone 100th episode, we reflect on how much has changed... since starting the podcast, since our first round of empty nest living, and even just since last summer. From Iceland inside jokes to unexpected museum noises to the rediscovery of personal space (and skinny dipping), we talk through the return of the quiet, what we’ve learned, and why we’re still choosing each other in year three.And mostly... we just want to say thank you. This podcast exists because of you. Whether you’ve listened to one episode or all 100, your support means everything.🧳 Want our favorite travel gear and tips? Get the free download (plus our newsletter): https://www.theloudquiet.com🎧 Find all episodes, podcast apps, and YouTube links here: https://www.theloudquiet.comCHAPTERS0:00 Intro + back in the studio1:00 Thanking you for 100 episodes2:35 A summer of nonstop travel4:16 Iceland memories and inside jokes6:10 Watching our kids connect as adults8:50 When the empty nest fills back up10:50 Adjusting when she moves back out16:50 Choosing to say yes22:40 Finding friends in the empty nest24:41 Final thoughts + thank youWant 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.

You’re a couple again... but it doesn’t feel quite the same.This Greatest Hits episode takes us back to the early weeks of our empty nest life. The routines technically returned... but everything about them felt different. From light trash cans to creepy museum portraits to the moment the house goes quiet and it hits you all over again... this one’s for anyone staring down the weird, slow shift from full house to two place mats at dinner.👋 Share your first-week-of-empty-nest moments with us: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet📬 Get Greatest Hits and new episodes straight to your inbox: https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup🎧 Find all episodes, podcast apps, and YouTube links here: https://www.theloudquiet.comCHAPTERS0:00 Intro1:20 Back to routine...ish3:30 First day photo tradition5:10 Grocery carts and empty trash cans6:50 Two placemats at dinner8:15 What do weekends look like now?11:00 Walks, weather, and rediscovering each other13:10 Fort Worth day trip: museum and cocktails17:10 “The Clancy” is born20:00 That first boring Sunday25:00 The loudness of the quiet28:30 Even the cat is adjustingWant to be a guest on The Loud Quiet – Empty Nest Living?Send us a message on PodMatch:https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theloudquiethost

Some parenting lessons don’t hit until you’re in a parking lot, crying with your kid, trying to help them through something you can’t fix.This Greatest Hits episode from our first season walks through a tough moment with our daughter Teagan... her first big roommate conflict in college... and how we had to learn a new way to parent her through it. From awkward campus moments to the heartbreak of long-distance support, we’re revisiting this story now because we know so many of you will be in this season soon. The drop-offs may be done, but the emotional aftermath is just around the corner.📬 Want more like this? Get weekly episodes and extras in your inbox:https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup👋 Share your own back to school story or join the conversation in our community:https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet🎧 Browse all episodes and platforms here:https://www.theloudquiet.comCHAPTERS0:00 Intro to Greatest Hits episode0:31 Why this topic hits home for parents2:23 Parents Weekend: Fun and emotional whiplash5:04 Watching other families struggle6:51 Letting adult kids make decisions9:58 Handling downtime with your college kid14:50 Parking lot tears and a hard goodbye18:09 Roommate conflict from a distance21:08 The instinct to fix everything24:47 Letting them handle it... but staying close26:26 Supportive friendships make all the difference29:00 Growth, resolution, and a sigh of relief34:34 The next visit: hoping for peace35:16 Final reflections✅ Want to be a guest on The Loud Quiet?Send Rick and Clancy Denton a message on PodMatch:https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theloudquiethost

The IKEA bags. The ramen in the pantry. The horse figurine in the car. This is the episode we recorded just days after becoming official empty nesters... and let’s just say, the tears were flowing.Originally aired as Episode 2, this one holds a lot of heart. It’s a real-time look at what it feels like to leave your youngest at college... awkward silences, Target runs, unexpected breakdowns, and the surprising peace of watching your kid help someone else swipe into the dorm.We're bringing it back now because we know so many of you are doing this exact thing. If you’re in the thick of drop-off season, this one’s for you.✅ If you’re looking for the blue bags we swear by now, here’s our go-to (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/3IPXHP9CHATPERS0:00 Intro... why we're rerunning this1:53 College drop-off season begins3:18 The magic of IKEA bags5:17 Triggers we didn’t expect7:26 Two kids, two rival schools10:50 Target runs and dorm shopping13:03 Will they find their people?15:29 The emotional wait to move in18:22 Saying goodbye in the hallway23:10 “I miss my cat” and other breakdowns29:56 The surprise letter-writing moment32:59 What every parent really wants35:50 Visiting our son, softening the blow38:54 The text that brought us back to Earth42:36 The start of the quiet house👋 Share your own college drop-off story 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/theloudquiethostCHAPTERS