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

    3d ago

    "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

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

    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

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

    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

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

    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

    39 min
  5. Tribalism, Gaslighting, & Willful Blinders: The Lost Art of Balls & Strikes

    Jun 18

    Tribalism, Gaslighting, & Willful Blinders: The Lost Art of Balls & Strikes

    Send us Fan Mail

    26 min
  6. Left Home Alone by Their Parents, Surrounded by Sharks: Chris, Jon, & Taylor Fenton Discuss the BarBell Theory!

    Jun 13

    Left Home Alone by Their Parents, Surrounded by Sharks: Chris, Jon, & Taylor Fenton Discuss the BarBell Theory!

    Send us Fan Mail In this heartfelt and hilarious episode of Plate & Ponder, Chris is joined by his brother Jon and Jon’s daughter Taylor (a UCLA student) for a special family reunion. The trio dives into some of the wildest childhood stories from Chris and Jon’s upbringing — including the time their parents left them home alone for two full weeks while they traveled to Japan, and the unforgettable (and slightly terrifying) adventures of taking rowboats out into the ocean surrounded by sharks. From there, the conversation shifts to the present as Jon, Chris, and Taylor reflect on how both brothers are now in their empty-nesting chapter. They explore the “BarBell Theory” of parenting — the idea that life often moves from lots of freedom as young adults, to very little freedom while raising kids, and then back to freedom again once the nest empties. They also share their deep love for San Diego and what it means to watch the next generation (like Taylor) step into adulthood. The episode wraps with warm shoutouts from Jon to family and friends. It’s equal parts nostalgic, funny, and insightful — perfect for anyone navigating empty nesting or simply missing the chaos and closeness of family. #EmptyNesting #EmptyNestLife #EmptyNest #BarBellTheory #ParentingJourney #FamilyStories #SiblingStories #ChildhoodMemories #RaisingKids #LifeAfterKids #SanDiegoLife #FamilyPodcast #EmptyNestingParents #ParentingWisdom #Nostalgia

    35 min
  7. We Pulled Plastic from Flynn’s Ass + Jen’s Sister Allison Invades from London for Slang, Cravings, Morrissey Karaoke

    Jun 8

    We Pulled Plastic from Flynn’s Ass + Jen’s Sister Allison Invades from London for Slang, Cravings, Morrissey Karaoke

    Send us Fan Mail DOG BUTT RETAINER RESCUE + TRANSATLANTIC CHAOS! We pulled a plastic MOUTH RETAINER out of Flynn the dog’s ASS… LIVE on air.   Jen’s badass sister Allison crashes our LA studio from London for the ultimate sister showdown: UK food cravings, the latest British slang that’ll have you gobsmacked, and a savage “Who Knows Jen the Best?” contest. Chris goes full Morrissey karaoke with “Hairdresser on Fire” AND “Unhappy Birthday.” Winston Churchill drank ALL DAY, every day… and still made it to 90. We roast ladies’ eComm “returns” addiction, mourn the death of three-martini lunches, drag Thrifty Ice Cream, and spill the UK’s best museums & food halls.  Empty-nesting has never been this unhinged.  Watch the full episode NOW — you’re gonna want to share this one.  #PlateAndPonder #DogButtDrama #FlynnTheDog #RetainerRescue #BritishSisterInvasion #MorrisseyKaraoke #ChurchillDrankDaily #BritishSlang #EmptyNesting #UKFoodCravings #WhoKnowsJenBest #ThreeMartiniLunches #PodcastGoneWild #ViralPodcast #JenAndChrisFenton

    40 min
  8. Jams Your Parents Left You to Handle Alone: The Over-or-Under Parenting of College Kids Ep.

    Jun 2

    Jams Your Parents Left You to Handle Alone: The Over-or-Under Parenting of College Kids Ep.

    Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary – Plate & Ponder: Empty Nesting with Jen & Chris Fenton In this laugh-out-loud, tear-jerking, and wildly relatable episode, Jen & Chris Fenton sit down at the table (plates fully loaded) to tackle the biggest question every empty-nester is secretly Googling:  How do you parent college kids who are “technically adults”? They go full debate mode on over-parenting vs. under-parenting, then things get REAL when Jen asks Chris, “What jams did you get into as a kid that your parents literally couldn’t help you with?” Chris answers… then immediately flips the script and makes Jen answer the same question. The stories that follow? Absolute gold.  From there the conversation flows exactly like a real dinner table should:  Philly’s greatest cheesesteak debate (they’re not afraid to name names) Why West Chester, PA feels like actual magic The sneaky reality of Spousal Separation Anxiety once the kids are gone One dog’s legendary “protest poops” campaign The sticker shock of inflated tuition bills Dairy Queen runs that somehow fix everything And the eternal love letter to Wawa (because yes, it deserves its own segment)…and a whole lot more random, wonderful, and very Fenton chaos in between. Equal parts parenting therapy, marriage mic-drop moments, hometown nostalgia, and “we’re just two empty-nesters cracking up at life,” this episode will have you nodding, snorting, texting your spouse “you HAVE to hear this,” and probably adding Wawa and Dairy Queen to your weekend plans. Grab your plate, hit play, and join the Fentons — because empty nesting has never sounded this fun… or this honest.  #EmptyNesting #ParentingTeens #CollegeKids #OverParenting #EmptyNestLife #MarriagePodcast #CoupleGoals #ParentingWins #PhillyCheeseSteak #Wawa #DairyQueen #WestChesterPA #SpousalSeparationAnxiety #DogMomLife #PlateAndPonder

    38 min
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5
out of 5
20 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! #Current Events #Politics #Relationships #RelationshipDynamics #PublicService

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