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

Jen & Chris Fenton
  • 5.0 (20)
  • 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! #Current Events #Politics #Relationships #RelationshipDynamics #PublicService

  1. 2d ago

    Jim Carrey’s Life Lessons, Mensch John Cena, Ghosting to Break-up, Colonoscopies, & Kid Chores

    Send us Fan Mail In this candid episode of Plate & Ponder: Empty-Nesting with Jen & Chris Fenton, the duo unpacks the wisdom Jim Carrey would give his 20-year-old self—and how those same lessons apply to raising (and still guiding) their own young adult kids. They celebrate just how much of a genuine mensch John Cena continues to be, then dive into the modern dating dilemma: why younger generations see ghosting—or at best a curt text—as an acceptable way to end a relationship. On the personal front, Chris shares the less-than-glamorous news that he’s due for his third colonoscopy and that his dermatologist wants to freeze off some classic “old man spots” with a little nitrous. Finally, the Fentons ask the question every empty-nester eventually faces: why didn’t we make the kids do more chores when we still had the chance? Honest, humorous, and full of real-life parenting reflections for anyone navigating the empty-nest years.

    Jim Carrey’s Life Lessons, Mensch John Cena, Ghosting to Break-up, Colonoscopies, & Kid Chores

  2. Jul 21

    Friday Night Lights at JFK, World Cup Halftime Critiques, Bieber vs. Madonna & Matt Damon’s Mensch Moment

    Send us Fan Mail Apologies again for the Beijing Black Out midway thru our last episode! Hope we make it up here!! Stranded on the JFK tarmac for three hours, Chris turned a travel nightmare into movie magic with Friday Night Lights - again - and Jen agrees. They rave about the cast’s powerful performances and how the film hit different in that unexpected setting. The conversation then shifts to the latest World Cup halftime show, where they break down Justin Bieber’s electric 9/10 performance but give him a 3/10 for reading the room, while marveling at Madonna’s unstoppable energy at 67. Chris then opens up about his early Hollywood days playing basketball with Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, sharing wild behind-the-scenes stories—including a memorable on-set adventure during the filming of Rounders that involved Harvey Weinstein and Matt Damon. Through it all, one thing is crystal clear: Matt Damon is a true mensch. #FridayNightLights #JFKTarmac #EmptyNesting #WorldCupHalftime #JustinBieber #Madonna #MattDamon #BenAffleck #Rounders #HollywoodStories #PlateAndPonder #EmptyNesters #MattDamonIsAMensch

    Friday Night Lights at JFK, World Cup Halftime Critiques, Bieber vs. Madonna & Matt Damon’s Mensch Moment

  3. Jul 20

    Delta Pilot's Balls-Out Move Saves the Day! Dog Recovery! NYC Pizza Legends! And Birthing Centers?

    Send us Fan Mail NOTE:  Beijing shut us off mid sentence at the 21 minute mark... So instead of starting up again and frustrating Jen, we'll cover much more on Part Deux of this epic episode!!! In this laugh-out-loud "first half" of our latest episode we dive headfirst into Chris’s recent travel chaos and the absolutely balls-out move his Delta pilot pulled to save the day. We also give a heartfelt update on their beloved dog Flynn’s recovery journey, share our favorite Starbucks coffee fake-out hacks, and debate the very best pizza spots in NYC — including the legendary Arturo’s, Lombardi’s, and Patsy’s. The conversation takes a surprising turn as we explain exactly what a birthing center is (and why it matters), all while delivering their signature empty-nesting banter, real talk, and plenty of laughs. Just when things were heating up, Beijing decided to shut us down 21 minutes in… so get ready for Part Deux! Whether you’re deep in empty nesting, a frequent traveler, a pizza lover, or just here for the unfiltered married-couple energy, this episode delivers food, stories, and plenty of “wait… what?!” moments. Tune in now and don’t miss Part 2! #emptynesting, #plateandponder, #Delta, #bestpizza, #NYC, #Arturos, #Lombardis, #Starbucks, #birthingcenters, #travel

    Delta Pilot's Balls-Out Move Saves the Day! Dog Recovery! NYC Pizza Legends! And Birthing Centers?

  4. Jul 12

    Dog Farts, Flynn’s Near-Death Surgery, & Empty Nest Chaos: Jen & Chris Fenton Spill It All

    Send us Fan Mail Dog Farts, Flynn’s Near-Death Surgery & Empty Nest Chaos: Jen & Chris Fenton Spill It All | Plate & Ponder From hilarious and absolutely pungent - during episode - dog farts to heartbreaking emergency surgery, Jen and Chris Fenton get real about the beautiful mess of empty nesting. They open up about their beloved dog Flynn’s terrifying brush with death and the powerful moment the whole family came together during his life-saving surgery — especially how much Flynn means to Chris. Despite the “empty” house, they reveal why their nest still feels completely full… just with a different kind of chaos. Dylan’s travel nightmare from Philly to Idaho takes a wild turn with an overnight stay at SLC airport and an impromptu 2 a.m. 10K sprint through the terminals. Jen shares the exact moment she lost all interest in club soccer (spoiler: it involved a port-o-let in 110° desert heat) while still gushing about the magic of the World Cup. And through every laugh and every tear, they keep coming back to one truth: friends and family make all the difference. Raw, funny, emotional, and 100% relatable — this is empty nesting in real life.  #Relationships #Marriage #HavingKids #DogLovers #EmptyNesting #PlateAndPonder #DogLovers #FlynnTheDog #EmptyNestChaos #FamilyFirst #PetEmergency #TravelStories #WorldCup #Podcast

    Dog Farts, Flynn’s Near-Death Surgery, & Empty Nest Chaos: Jen & Chris Fenton Spill It All

  5. Jul 6

    "I Turn My Underwear Inside Out" – Secrets on Decluttering, Lifelong Friendships & Finally Getting Organized

    Send us Fan Mail Empty Nesting Just Got Real: From Inside-Out Underwear Hacks to Life-Changing Decluttering, Deep Friendships & Raising Kids Who Actually Work Hard In this laugh-out-loud yet deeply insightful episode of Plate & Ponder: Empty-Nesting with Jen & Chris Fenton, the hosts sit down with power couple Geoff Suddleson (Uber Agent & Partner at United Talent Agency) and Amy Suddleson (Founder & CEO of The Nimble Nest), along with their incredible daughter Maddy (UCLA Theater & Film standout and Delta Gamma legend). From the raw, honest trials and tribulations of empty nesting to the surprisingly emotional relief of finally decluttering and letting go of excess “stuff,” this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and real talk. Amy reveals exactly how she turned Geoff’s travel chaos into streamlined, stress-free systems (yes, the legendary “turn your underwear inside out” trick finally gets retired).  The group dives into why longtime friendships and deep relationships are the real secret to human flourishing, how to teach your kids the value of hard work and money, and why getting organized isn’t just nice — it’s life-changing.  Plus, a hilarious special appearance by Kaylie Fenton, who casually admits she was sitting in the studio the entire episode… but definitely wasn’t paying attention.  Whether you’re in the thick of empty nesting, about to launch your last kid, or simply craving honest conversations about midlife, family, friendship, and finally getting your life (and suitcase) together — this episode will make you laugh, nod your head, and feel seen. Listen now if you want practical empty nesting tips, decluttering motivation, friendship wisdom, and parenting lessons that actually stick. #EmptyNesting #EmptyNest #EmptyNester #EmptyNestSyndrome #Decluttering #GetOrganized #DeclutterYourLife #FriendshipGoals #HumanFlourishing #ParentingAdultChildren #RaisingIndependentKids #TravelOrganization #MidlifeReset #Podcast #PlateAndPonder

    "I Turn My Underwear Inside Out" – Secrets on Decluttering, Lifelong Friendships & Finally Getting Organized

  6. Jun 29

    Butt Rockets, July 4 Chaos, Elon Musk’s 55th, USA’s 250th & the Art of Empty Nesting!

    Send us Fan Mail Get ready for fireworks, belly laughs, and real talk in this unforgettable episode of Plate & Ponder: Empty Nesting w/ Jen and Chris Fenton!  Jen and Chris kick things off with the most ridiculous (and painful) 4th of July story you’ll hear all year — the legendary tale of getting a bottle rocket shot straight in the butt. Yes, it’s as wild as it sounds, and it sets the tone for a celebration of freedom, family, and fearless fun.  From there, the conversation takes a meaningful turn as they explore why the hospitality industry is one of the greatest forces for human flourishing — creating connection, joy, and community one plate at a time. They shine a spotlight on the incredible restaurants of culinary legend David Slay and share why great hospitality matters now more than ever.  They also give you the inside scoop on the nationwide screenings of Bad Counselors hitting theaters July 22, celebrate Elon Musk turning 55, and toast America’s monumental 250th birthday.  On the personal side, Jen and Chris open up about the sweet (and sometimes chaotic) joy of cooking with their daughter and offer honest, practical wisdom on balancing work, kids, life, and much-needed relaxation during the empty nesting chapter.  Whether you’re navigating empty nest syndrome, love a good patriotic party story, or simply want to live life with more intention and flavor, this episode delivers laughs, heart, and inspiration in equal measure.  Pour yourself a drink, fire up the grill, and join the conversation — because empty nesting isn’t the end… it’s the most delicious chapter yet. #PlateAndPonder #EmptyNesting #EmptyNestLife #4thOfJuly #BottleRocket #JackassVibes #ElonMusk #Elon55 #USA250 #America250 #HospitalityMatters #HumanFlourishing #DavidSlay #BadCounselors #FamilyCooking #WorkLifeBalance #EmptyNestWisdom #PatrioticPodcast #FoodAndLife

    Butt Rockets, July 4 Chaos, Elon Musk’s 55th, USA’s 250th & the Art of Empty Nesting!

  7. Jun 26

    LA’s Burning Again, Toothpaste Won’t Roll & We Just Graded Our Marriage?!

    Send us Fan Mail In this unfiltered episode of Plate & Ponder, Jen and Chris Fenton tackle the chaos that is Los Angeles right now — from the latest fire ripping through the city and the frustrating mistrial in the Palisades arson case to the ongoing crisis of homes still not being built.  On a much lighter (and funnier) note, they obsess over their favorite Below Deck star, Chef Ben, swap hilarious stories about awkwardly pretending to remember people who clearly recognize you, and go full rant mode about modern toothpaste tubes that refuse to be rolled all the way empty.  The couple also grades each other (on a scale of 1–10) across key marriage traits and shares some real talk about raising kids — specifically, the importance of remembering exactly who you were at that age.  It’s the perfect blend of serious LA issues and relatable empty-nester chaos. #PlateAndPonder #EmptyNesting #LAFires #PalisadesFire #BelowDeck #ChefBen #MarriageGoals #ToothpasteProblems #EmptyNestLife #ParentingRealTalk #JenAndChrisFenton

    LA’s Burning Again, Toothpaste Won’t Roll & We Just Graded Our Marriage?!

  8. Jun 19

    "Wow, Okay" – Jen Is Back! 65lbs of Bikinis, Kids Hate Taxes, & Spencer Pratt Recap - Balls and Strikes!

    Send us Fan Mail Jen and Chris Fenton are back with another raw, hilarious, and surprisingly deep episode of Plate & Ponder.  They kick things off in classic empty-nest fashion — swapping stories about Dylan’s first full-time paycheck and his very Gen-Z request that Dad “figure out how to get the taxes back,” plus Kaylie’s legendary overpacking for Costa Rica (yes, we’re talking 65 pounds of bathing suits). From there, the conversation takes a sharp, entertaining turn into bigger cultural territory: the unexpected authenticity of Spencer Pratt, the brutalist architecture of the Obama Presidential Library, the many different (and loaded) ways to say “Wow, Okay,” and their growing frustration with gaslighting and the total disappearance of people willing to call balls and strikes in a tribal world.  They close with a fun East Coast vs. West Coast comparison of the Knicks parade in NYC versus how Los Angeles does victory.  It’s the perfect mix of parenting laughs and “we’re not crazy for noticing this, right?” cultural commentary. #WowOkay #EmptyNesting #EmptyNestLife #PlateAndPonder #CallingBallsAndStrikes #Gaslighting #Tribalism #SpencerPratt #ObamaLibrary #FamilyPodcast #ParentingAdultKids #RealTalk #Podcast #NewEpisode

    "Wow, Okay" – Jen Is Back! 65lbs of Bikinis, Kids Hate Taxes, & Spencer Pratt Recap - Balls and Strikes!
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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! #Current Events #Politics #Relationships #RelationshipDynamics #PublicService

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