PLATE & PONDER: Empty-Nesting with Jen & Chris Fenton

Jen & Chris Fenton
  • 5.0 (18)
  • RELATIONSHIPS

Join a powerhouse married couple—empty nesters turning their kitchen table into a hub for unfiltered conversations on life's big questions. She's a dedicated inner-city charter school director, elected official, and former school board president; he's a seasoned media executive, professor, and author. Together, with decades of experience in parenting, politics, public service, and purpose, they sip wine, share a meal, and dive deep into current events, cultural shifts, geopolitical headlines, and the hilarious highs and lows of empty-nest life. Expect candid debates, heartfelt stories, intriguing interviews, belly laughs, and no-holds-barred insights that challenge your views and spark your curiosity. Perfect for fans of thoughtful political podcasts, relationship dynamics, and real-talk commentary. Unscripted. Unfiltered. Unapologetically real. Grab a seat—new episodes weekly. Download & Follow now to join the conversation!

  1. Randomness & Full Nest Frenzy: Packing Wars, Salt-Free Hell & Britney Over Trump (We Still at War?)

    6D AGO

    Randomness & Full Nest Frenzy: Packing Wars, Salt-Free Hell & Britney Over Trump (We Still at War?)

    Send us Fan Mail And tonight, we typed in to Grok to see what AI thinks of the episode... And, you know what, it gave a pretty darn good summary of how random and fun this episode was: "This title nails the whole episode vibe in one punchy, curiosity-sparking line: the end of empty-nesting summer chaos, the Jen-vs-Chris packing showdown (snowflakes vs. survival skills), Chris’s brutal no-salt detox meltdown, the head-scratching national news priorities (weather and Britney over Trump and Iran), and that perfect 80s music tangent about why we all secretly miss those teenage-lust anthems—even if they kill the symbolism deep-dive. It’s fun, conversational, a little cheeky, and screams “hit play” without spoiling the laughs. " Please follow, download, and enjoy! #PlateAndPonder #Trump #Britney #Aha #TheBoss #FranklinTN #HighBloodPressure #Iran #Epstein #MKultra

    34 min
  2. "Midnight Train to Simpler Times: Keep Believing, Craving the 80's, & No More Assassination Attempts!"

    APR 27

    "Midnight Train to Simpler Times: Keep Believing, Craving the 80's, & No More Assassination Attempts!"

    Send us Fan Mail Why the heck is EVERYONE obsessed with the 80s & 90s right now? In this raw, heartfelt episode of Plate & Ponder: Empty-Nesting with Jen & Chris Fenton, we crack open ONE single verse from Journey’s legendary “Don’t Stop Believin’” — “Just a small-town girl, livin’ in a lonely world… She took the midnight train goin’ anywhere / Just a city boy, born and raised in South Detroit…” — and it unlocks EVERYTHING about why analog life felt so free, hopeful, and simple compared to today’s digital chaos.  Then we go heavy: the third assassination attempt on Trump last night. We don’t shy away — we ask the tough questions: Why is this happening in America? How do we actually prevent the next one?  But it’s not all serious. Jen puts Chris in the hot seat with ultra-specific questions to test how well he REALLY knows her after all these years (the answers are equal parts hilarious and adorable). We laugh, banter, roast the latest news, and remind you why empty-nesting together is still the best adventure.  If you’re tired of the noise, craving real connection, and secretly wishing you could hop on that midnight train back to simpler times… this episode is for YOU.  Hit play (follow, download, enjoy, & review). Feel the nostalgia. Remember why we still believe.   #DontStopBelievin #80s90sNostalgia #TrumpAssassinationAttempt #EmptyNestLife #PlateAndPonder

    37 min
  3. "Empty Nest, Empty Vault: 40 Years Since Geraldo's Epic Al Capone Flop, Epstein, Butler, PA & Trump, Missing Scientists, Charlie Kirk's Killer, & More Iran Chaos!"

    APR 20

    "Empty Nest, Empty Vault: 40 Years Since Geraldo's Epic Al Capone Flop, Epstein, Butler, PA & Trump, Missing Scientists, Charlie Kirk's Killer, & More Iran Chaos!"

    Send us Fan Mail Jen & Chris Fenton are back at the table for the most jam-packed, jaw-dropping Plate & Ponder yet!   They kick things off with a spectacular celebration of the 40th anniversary of Geraldo Rivera’s live TV disaster — cracking open Al Capone’s vault on national television… only to find… nothing. Pure comedic gold that still has America laughing (and side-eyeing every “bombshell” reveal).   From there it’s a wild ride through the headlines you can’t look away from:   The chilling mystery of 11 elite American scientists who simply vanished  The Epstein files that still refuse to close  New layers on the Butler assassination attempt on Trump  The hunt for Charlie Kirk’s killer  Explosive updates from the Mangione trial  The shocking murders of Minnesota state elected officials  Exactly where this Iran conflict is headed — and what’s really happening on the groundThey don’t stop there. Jen and Chris get real about the haunting drive up PCH through Malibu — where the lack of rebuilding after the fires leaves a devastating visual scar you can’t unsee. Plus, the terrifying prediction that Europe could literally run out of jet fuel right as summer travel season hits.   And because it’s Plate & Ponder, of course there’s dinner drama: Chris’s glorious “cheating days” are here — pizza, steak frites, and all the forbidden SALT he can handle before he crawls back to his brutal no-salt week. Jen’s “UGH” says it all.   Raw, honest, hilarious, and unfiltered — this is empty-nesting at its most entertaining. Grab your plate, pull up a chair, and ponder with them.    Listen now wherever you get your podcasts!   #EmptyNestEmptyVault #PlateAndPonder #GeraldoVaultFail #EpsteinMystery #TrumpAssassinationAttempt #MissingScientists #CharlieKirk #MangioneTrial #MinnesotaMurders #IranConflict #MalibuPCHDevastation #NoSaltDietCheat #EuropeJetFuelCrisis #JenAndChrisFenton #EmptyNestingLife #ConspiracyAndChardonnay

    38 min
  4. Spencer Pratt for LA Mayor! Ryan Gosling is Handsome AF in Project Hail Mary, & Chris's 100% Made-in-the-USA Film Saves a Hollowed-Out Hollywood!

    APR 18

    Spencer Pratt for LA Mayor! Ryan Gosling is Handsome AF in Project Hail Mary, & Chris's 100% Made-in-the-USA Film Saves a Hollowed-Out Hollywood!

    Send us Fan Mail Plate & Ponder: Empty-Nesting with Jen & Chris Fenton Empty-nesting just got loud, proud, and unapologetically fun!  Jen & Chris are back at the table breaking down:  The ultimate battle of Men’s Volleyball GOATs (sparks flew) - Zach & Andrew Chapin (Pepperdine vs USC - 2X)...Spencer Pratt’s bold-as-hell, no-filter chase for Mayor of Los Angeles Why Ryan Gosling looks ridiculously handsome and absolutely crushes it in the massive new blockbuster Project Hail Mary — Chris is calling it one of the most entertaining, pure-Hollywood movies in years. NO LEFT / NO RIGHT - Just PURE Entertainment and Emotional Tugs!And the mic-drop moment: Chris’s own comedy Bad Counselors was shot 100% in America with an all-American crew and cast — at a time when 60% of Hollywood productions are filmed overseas and 50% of its biggest stars are foreign. HOW BOUT THEM APPLES! And it's coming to a theater near you this summer!Real talk, big laughs, zero apologies, and a whole lot of American pride. This is the kind of episode you’ll finish and immediately text your group chat about.  Grab a plate, hit play, and join the conversation!   What do you think — is Spencer Pratt actually the shake-up LA needs? Drop your take below! #ProjectHailMary #RyanGosling #SpencerPrattForMayor #LAMayor #SpencerPratt #BadCounselors #AmericanMade #MadeInUSA #Hollywood #PlateAndPonder #EmptyNesting #Podcast

    37 min
  5. Tiger Woods, Britney Spears & Eric Swalwell Walk Into Our Empty Nest! Rory!!

    APR 13

    Tiger Woods, Britney Spears & Eric Swalwell Walk Into Our Empty Nest! Rory!!

    Send us Fan Mail Plate & Ponder: Empty Nesting just dropped the most unhinged family dinner table rant you’ll hear all week. In this episode, Jen & Chris Fenton are officially feeling the empty-nest vibes—college internships, final exams, and the wild new Company Retreat Series are hitting different now that the kids are launching.  Then the conversation takes a hard left:  Tiger Woods’ Masters magic was missed (and the golf drama that had Chris yelling at the TV). BUT HOW BOUT RORY!Britney Spears’ latest chaos (because of course it came up) Eric Swalwell somehow sliding into the mix like that one uncle who won’t stop talking politicsIt’s equal parts hilarious, heartfelt, and “wait… how did we get HERE?” — the exact chaotic energy that makes you hit play and text your group chat the link. If you’ve ever mixed golf takes, pop-star meltdowns, and congressional shade while figuring out what life looks like when the kids move out… this one’s for you. Listen now wherever you get your pods Drop your favorite unhinged tangent in the comments — we read every single one! #PlateAndPonder #EmptyNestLife #TigerWoods #BritneySpears #FamilyChaos #PodcastVibes

    39 min
  6. MELANIA JUST BROUGHT EPSTEIN ROARING BACK / FENTONS AREN'T HOLDING BACK!

    APR 11

    MELANIA JUST BROUGHT EPSTEIN ROARING BACK / FENTONS AREN'T HOLDING BACK!

    Send us Fan Mail MELANIA JUST BROUGHT EPSTEIN ROARING BACK... AND THE FENTONS ARE NOT HOLDING BACK! Plate & Ponder: Empty-Nesting with Jen & Chris Fenton just dropped their most explosive episode yet — and it’s the kind of kitchen-table chaos that’s about to flood your feed.  Empty-nest power couple Jen and Chris are back, plates in hand, diving fork-first into the week’s wildest headlines: Melania Trump’s bombshell statement that just reignited the entire Epstein saga (yes, it’s back, baby — and the tin-foil hats are officially ON ) Iran tensions hitting DEFCON levels (missiles, oil, and “what happens next?”) The massive LAUSD strike about to shut down LA schools — and what it really means for families That jaw-dropping “Company Retreat” story that had them laughing (and you will too) Plus all the unfiltered empty-nesting realness, nostalgia, and “how are we even navigating this world?” vibes only Jen & Chris deliverNo scripts. No filter. Just two sharp, hilarious empty-nesters saying what everyone else is thinking over dinner. This one’s already blowing up because it’s raw, timely, and actually fun to listen to. If you love podcasts that feel like eavesdropping on the smartest (and funniest) couple you know… this is your episode. Hit play. Share it. Argue about it in the comments.  Plate & Ponder: Empty-Nesting with Jen and Chris Fenton — where the food’s good and the takes are better.  Who else is obsessed with these two? Drop a  if you’re tuning in right now! #PlateAndPonder #MelaniaEpstein #TinHatsOn #Iran #LAUSDStrike #EmptyNesting #PodcastGold PS:  Let's tag the GREATNESS from "Company Retreat": TWITTER: Anthony Norman (The "Hero"/Participant): @anthony_normanAlex Bonifer (Dougie Womack Jr.): @alexboniferBlair Beeken (Marjorie Lee): @blair.beekenEmily Pendergast (Amy Patterson): @ependergastErica Hernandez (Kate Martinez): @erica.herndzJerry Hauck (Doug Womack): @realjerryhauckJim Woods (Jimmy Weber): @thejimmywoodsLaNisa Renee Frederick (Jackie Griffin): @lanisafrederickMarc-Sully Saint-Fleur (PJ Green): @marcsullysaintfleurRachel Kaly (Claire Coleman): @rachel.kalyRob Lathan (Other Anthony): @rob.lathanRyan Perez (Kevin Gomez): @ryguyperezStephanie Hodge (Helen Schaffer): @stephaniehodge68Warren Burke (Steve Mosley): @warrenslburkeWendy Braun (Elizabeth Prescott): @mswendybraunINSTAGRAM: Anthony Norman (plays "Other Anthony"): @anthony_normanAlex Bonifer (plays Dougie Jr.): @alexboniferLaNisa Renee Frederick (plays Tiffani): @lanisafrederickEmily Pendergast (plays Sarah): @ependergastRob Lathan (plays Dave): @rob.lathanMarc Sully Saint-Fleur (plays Mark): @marcsullysaintfleurReal Jerry Hauck (plays Jerry): @realjerryhauckJim Woods (plays Jim): @thejimmywoodsRyan Perez (plays Ryan): @ryguyperezStephanie Hodge (plays Barb): @stephaniehodge68Erica Hernandez (plays Erica): @erica.herndzRachel Kaly (plays Rachel): @rachel.kalyWendy Braun (plays Elizabeth): @mswendybraunWarren Burke (plays Coach P): @warrenslburkeBlair Beeken (plays Blair): @blair.beeken

    41 min
  7. Ambrosial Cuisine, Copenhagen Anarchists, Hotel DJ's, Karen Bass Follies, & Swedish Spas

    APR 6

    Ambrosial Cuisine, Copenhagen Anarchists, Hotel DJ's, Karen Bass Follies, & Swedish Spas

    Send us Fan Mail Jen & Chris Fenton are back with a Plate & Ponder: Empty Nesting episode that’s pure chaos, deliciousness, and “wait… WHAT?!” energy!  We just returned from Denmark & Sweden, and we’re spilling EVERYTHING: Ambrosial Cuisine that ruined us for American food forever. Boy were these restaurants AMAZING: https://www.papisaluhallen.se/  @papisaluhallen @felixbratt https://maven.dk/en/maven-english @restaurantmaven https://cofoco.dk/en/restaurant/donna @cofocodk  https://cofoco.dk/en/restaurant/les-trois-cochons https://www.restaurant-anton.dk/ @restaurant.anton https://jadecph.dk/ @jadecph Copenhagen Anarchists who taught us more about freedom in 10 minutes than a TED Talk AND BOY DO THEY KNOW FASHION! https://www.theessence.dk/ @theessence.dk As did Sweden! https://www.tigerofsweden.com/us/en/home/ @tigerofsweden Hotel DJs turning lobbies into midnight raves (yes, really) at a HOTEL THAT WAS EPIC IN COPENHAGEN: https://villacopenhagen.com/  @villacph The undisputed Best of BOTH Denmark & Sweden — we ranked the food, BOAT TOURS, SPA'S, vibes, and hidden gems so you don’t have to: https://beaire.com/en/aire-ancient-baths-copenhagen @aireancientbathsdk https://www.heycaptain.dk/ @heycaptaincph Then we landed back in LA and immediately dove into: Mayor Karen Bass’s latest LAX Airport Follies (we’re still recovering)  Food. Anarchy. Hotel dance floors. Political facepalms. And the kind of travel stories that make your friends jealous they stayed home.  This one’s unhinged in the best way.  Drop everything and listen — then text your bestie “we’re going to Sweden & Denmark!” Find this episode wherever you listen to podcasts! Then follow, download, review, and DM us any fun ideas for future episodes!! #PlateAndPonder #EmptyNesting #ScandinaviaDump #CopenhagenChaos #SwedishSpasSaveLives #LAXDrama #JenAndChrisFenton #TravelWithUs  (Empty nesters: this one’s for YOU. Everyone else: you’re still invited.)

    43 min
  8. Copenhagen Live: Iran War, Michelin Food Secrets (Danish HOT DOGS!), Skinny Danes, & Walt Disney's Fascination with Tivoli!

    APR 1

    Copenhagen Live: Iran War, Michelin Food Secrets (Danish HOT DOGS!), Skinny Danes, & Walt Disney's Fascination with Tivoli!

    Send us Fan Mail Chris flies solo from Copenhagen in this explosive Plate & Ponder episode that’s blowing up feeds for all the right reasons. We’re going deep on the Iran conflict while stuffing our faces with Michelin-starred Danish magic that’ll make you book a ticket tomorrow. Then we spill the real tea on why Danes are naturally skinny — it’s NOT the gym, it’s the diet (and yes, it works).  Next: Tivoli Gardens — the actual insane fairytale park that inspired Walt Disney (you’ll never see Disneyland the same way again). We also dive into Copenhagen’s shockingly clean harbor water you can actually swim in AND DRINK, and roast the city’s “meh” airport… while throwing serious shade at LAX and JFK. “You two have no excuse still though, so get your butts fixing it up... STAT.” Raw, hilarious, and unfiltered from the streets of Copenhagen — this is the episode everyone’s sharing. Hit play before your algorithm buries it.  New episode of Plate & Ponder is LIVE. Copenhagen just raised the bar.

    22 min
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5
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

Join a powerhouse married couple—empty nesters turning their kitchen table into a hub for unfiltered conversations on life's big questions. She's a dedicated inner-city charter school director, elected official, and former school board president; he's a seasoned media executive, professor, and author. Together, with decades of experience in parenting, politics, public service, and purpose, they sip wine, share a meal, and dive deep into current events, cultural shifts, geopolitical headlines, and the hilarious highs and lows of empty-nest life. Expect candid debates, heartfelt stories, intriguing interviews, belly laughs, and no-holds-barred insights that challenge your views and spark your curiosity. Perfect for fans of thoughtful political podcasts, relationship dynamics, and real-talk commentary. Unscripted. Unfiltered. Unapologetically real. Grab a seat—new episodes weekly. Download & Follow now to join the conversation!

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