The Open Nesters

The Open Nesters
  • 5.0 (31)
  • Relationships
  • Updated Biweekly

Re-Imagining the Empty Nest

  1. The Slow Movement with Carl Honore

    3d ago

    The Slow Movement with Carl Honore

    The Slow Movement (Season 6 | Episode 242) with Carl Honore We speak with Carl Honoré about life in the open nesting stage and how family relationships change as children become adults. He describes living in London with his wife and their two children, and says that his relationship with them now feels more equal, with more room for debate and different points of view. The Slow Movement We also talk about how open nesting has affected time with his wife. He says they now travel together more often, something that was difficult during the years of child-rearing and during the pandemic. He describes this as a return to a part of their relationship that was important when they were younger. 1:37  Adult Kids, New Equality 4:08  Traveling Together Again 6:59  Dinner Table Politics 12:06  Legacy And Aging Work 20:00 Reverse Mentorship Works 27:51 How To Slow Down 35:38 Finding Your Slow Ritual A major topic is aging and the slow movement. We discuss Carl’s view that aging should not be seen as a loss of possibility, but as a stage that can open new doors. He says the post-pandemic world may be changing its view of older people, including the place of older workers. Carl explains the work he is doing now, including resources and possible retreats for people at a middle-life moment. He says he wants to help people ask better questions about their next chapter, rather than look for fixed answers. We also discuss intergenerational connection. Carl says people should widen their social net and spend time with people of different ages, because this helps challenge stereotypes. He gives examples of reverse mentorship in a company and describes his daughter taking part in a university project that connects students with older people. He closes by describing his children’s influence on him and by sharing recent projects, including a children’s book about slow travel and an upcoming TED course on slowing down. He also says cooking and time in nature are two of the main ways he slows down in daily life. About Tessa Tessa Krone is the engine behind and the face of The Open Nesters. Tessa holds an MA in Consciousness Studies and is a speaker, coach, program, and journey facilitator & leader, author, and, of course, Podcaster. Her offerings are based on her mission to help people open to their most self-expressed, loving selves. Tessa’s specialties include embodiment from all the senses and elements of our inner and outer lives, ranging from mindfulness, dance, play, and sensory exploration in nature. If she had one superpower, it would be to help people, especially as they age, to live more open-hearted lives. Please email Tessa to make a connection. And visit her page here on the Open Nesters Website. If you like, please answer the question: What do you need to OPEN your NEST? In your LIFE. In your BODY. In your SPIRIT. Do you need MORE… Adventure Freedom of Expression Exploration and Fun Body Movement New circles of friends Deep love relationships

    42 min
  2. Estrangement, Healing, and Repair with Joy Okoye (S6 | R241)

    Jun 4

    Estrangement, Healing, and Repair with Joy Okoye (S6 | R241)

    Estrangement, Healing, and Repair (Season 6 | Episode 241) with Joy Okoye This conversation focuses on estrangement, ambiguous grief, and repair in family relationships, especially between parents and adult children. Joy Lynn Okoye describes her current work as centered on writing, meditation, and the relationship between relational integrity and grief. Estrangement, Healing and Repair She explains that her experience with estrangement is personal and complex. She was estranged from her mother by choice when she was younger, and she is now navigating estrangement with one of her sons. She distinguishes between different forms of estrangement, including cases involving addiction or mental illness, and estrangement chosen by an adult child. A major theme is the difference between repair and healing. Okoye says repair is about addressing the relationship, while healing is the deeper internal work each person must do separately. She emphasizes that these are not the same, and that people often try to skip the healing work and move too quickly into fixing the relationship. 7:37 Repair Begins with Boundaries 13:20 Healing and Repair Lanes 20:34 Letters Before Reconnection 29:09 Knowing Your Estrangement 33:49 Retreat for the Ruptured 35:01 Father Loss and Pain 39:50 More Estrangement Episodes She also discusses the importance of boundaries and patience. In her view, people need to understand their own role in the conflict, let boundaries stand, and avoid pushing for immediate resolution. She says that adult children and parents may be in different places emotionally, and that one person cannot control the other person’s readiness for repair. The discussion includes the impact of public language and social media on family conflict. Okoye says people often name and judge experiences too quickly, before they have fully processed them. She prefers a more private and modest approach to repair, rather than exposing every detail publicly. She describes concrete practices she uses with clients, including writing different kinds of letters to express anger, defense, and later acknowledgment. She also talks about spiritual and ritual practices, including conversations with a child’s “higher self,” as ways to create space and support healing. The episode closes with details about her retreat, “What We Carry,” focused on maternal rupture, estrangement, addiction, and incarceration, and where listeners can find her online. About Tessa Tessa Krone is the engine behind and the face of The Open Nesters. Tessa holds an MA in Consciousness Studies and is a speaker, coach, program, and journey facilitator & leader, author, and, of course, Podcaster. Her offerings are based on her mission to help people open to their most self-expressed, loving selves. Tessa’s specialties include embodiment from all the senses and elements of our inner and outer lives, ranging from mindfulness, dance, play, and sensory exploration in nature. If she had one superpower, it would be to help people, especially as they age, to live more open-hearted lives. Please email Tessa to make a connection. And visit her page here on the Open Nesters Website. If you like, please answer the question: What do you need to OPEN your NEST? In your LIFE. In your BODY. In your SPIRIT. Do you need MORE… Adventure Freedom of Expression Exploration and Fun Body Movement New circles of friends Deep love relationships

    42 min

  3. May 28

    Palle Bo Finds a Home (S6 | E240)

    Palle Bo Finds a Home (Season 6 | Episode 240) with Palle Bo Palle Bo explains that after his children left home, he sold his house, car, and furniture in 2016 and began traveling full time. He says he has visited 127 countries and spent one year moving through 30 countries and sleeping in 105 different beds. Over time, he has slowed down and now returns regularly to Cape Town and Chiang Mai. Palle Bo Finds a Home He describes a recent change in Chiang Mai, where he rented a 12-month apartment and is treating it as a base. The apartment has a bedroom, office and podcast studio, kitchen, living room, and a view. He says having a place to stay has changed how he lives, because he can buy and keep things, set up a better studio, and travel with only a carry-on when he leaves. Palle says he still plans to travel and has many recorded episodes waiting to be edited. He mentions upcoming trips and work in places including Washington, D.C., Richmond, Fargo, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, and Bangladesh. He says the new base makes it easier to travel without carrying everything. He reflects on how people in Denmark respond to his lifestyle. He says some people think it is cool, but most would not choose it themselves. When he asked an audience if they would sell everything and live as he does, only two people said yes. He explains that he supports his travels through podcast production work. He edits and produces shows for clients, including podcasts about nursing, retirement, history, travel bloggers, and nomad topics. He says this work keeps him learning. Palle says he had moments of doubt before leaving, but once he sold everything and began traveling, he had no regrets. After about 10 years on the road, he started wanting a home base again and now feels he is still a nomad, just in a slower phase. He also says relationships have been difficult because he often leaves soon after meeting people. He advises others not to copy his exact path. Instead, he suggests trying a smaller move first, such as living in another part of one’s own country for a few months, before selling everything. About Tessa Tessa Krone is the engine behind and the face of The Open Nesters. Tessa holds an MA in Consciousness Studies and is a speaker, coach, program, and journey facilitator & leader, author, and, of course, Podcaster. Her offerings are based on her mission to help people open to their most self-expressed, loving selves. Tessa’s specialties include embodiment from all the senses and elements of our inner and outer lives, ranging from mindfulness, dance, play, and sensory exploration in nature. If she had one superpower, it would be to help people, especially as they age, to live more open-hearted lives. Please email Tessa to make a connection. And visit her page here on the Open Nesters Website. If you like, please answer the question: What do you need to OPEN your NEST? In your LIFE. In your BODY. In your SPIRIT. Do you need MORE… Adventure Freedom of Expression Exploration and Fun Body Movement New circles of friends Deep love relationships

    25 min
  4. TASMAN SEA REFLECTIONS (S6 | E239)

    May 21

    TASMAN SEA REFLECTIONS (S6 | E239)

    TASMAN SEA REFLECTIONS (Season 6 | Episode 239) with Tessa & Amir In this episode we reflect on traveling as open nesters during a cruise off the coast of New Zealand. We talk about being away from home for nearly three weeks, the first difficult days at sea, and what it feels like to try to stay present when the weather, the ship, and the journey are uncomfortable. TASMAN SEA REFLECTIONS We discuss the idea of openness to experience and how travel can bring up fear, anxiety, and questions about comfort zones. We speak about choosing to do things while we are still healthy and physically able, and about how different each of us is in how we respond to uncertainty and change. 2:03 Travel Expectations Shift 3:55  A Maori Encounter 6:08  Comfort Zones at Sea 10:43 Time, Freedom, and Change 15:42  Life Lessons From Travel 20:10 Closing Thoughts We share one of the strongest moments from the trip: meeting a woman connected to a heritage railroad and hearing about the Maori people, their language, and a concept linking land and placenta. We also describe the beauty of that encounter despite rain and difficult conditions, along with the challenging tender ride back to the ship. We talk about time, retirement, and mindset. We reflect on the freedom that comes from controlling our own time, and on the shift some people experience when they move from saving to spending, or from work into retirement. We also mention that open nesting can include many forms of travel and exploration, not only cruises. We close by focusing on what we call return on experience: the value of leaving the comfort zone, staying curious, and finding new ways to stay vital. We encourage listeners to keep imagining new places and new ways of living, whether through travel, local exploration, or other flexible arrangements. About Tessa Tessa Krone is the engine behind and the face of The Open Nesters. Tessa holds an MA in Consciousness Studies and is a speaker, coach, program, and journey facilitator & leader, author, and, of course, Podcaster. Her offerings are based on her mission to help people open to their most self-expressed, loving selves. Tessa’s specialties include embodiment from all the senses and elements of our inner and outer lives, ranging from mindfulness, dance, play, and sensory exploration in nature. If she had one superpower, it would be to help people, especially as they age, to live more open-hearted lives. Please email Tessa to make a connection. And visit her page here on the Open Nesters Website. If you like, please answer the question: What do you need to OPEN your NEST? In your LIFE. In your BODY. In your SPIRIT. Do you need MORE… Adventure Freedom of Expression Exploration and Fun Body Movement New circles of friends Deep love relationships

    21 min
  5. Solo Travel Outside Your Comfort Zone (Mia Bolden – S6 | E238)

    May 14

    Solo Travel Outside Your Comfort Zone (Mia Bolden – S6 | E238)

    Solo Travel Outside Your Comfort Zone (Season 6 | Episode 238) with Mia Bolden In this episode we speak with Mia Bolden about her work with women’s empowerment, coaching, and solo travel. We discuss how her own healing journey led her into fitness, speaking, and coaching, and how she began working with many women who were empty nesters, single, or starting over. Solo Travel Outside Your Comfort Zone We talk about the experiences that shaped her path, including body image struggles, low confidence, and the emotional work that came up through yoga and other healing practices. Mia explains how she created a women’s fitness studio, taught yoga, and learned tools for releasing trauma and building confidence that she now uses in her work. 1:40 Healing Through Travel 9:30 Retreats and Release 16:19 Solo Travel Confidence 19:20  Women Find Freedom 22:36  Safety Without Fear 28:21 Comfort Zones in Travel We also focus on travel and retreats for women over 40. Mia describes how travel became part of her growth, how she came to lead retreats, and why she centers them on release, mindset work, journaling, and practical preparation for solo travel. She shares ways women can build confidence through staycations, local outings, dining alone, and other small steps before taking a bigger trip. We discuss the kinds of fears women bring up, including traveling alone, dealing with logistics, and leaving a spouse or family behind. Mia says she helps women respond with planning, research, and clearer self-talk, and she emphasizes trusting instincts and speaking from a more confident mindset. We also cover the impact these retreats have had on participants, especially women who felt they had not done enough as mothers or had never traveled alone before. Mia shares some of her favorite destinations, including Bali, Egypt, and Jamaica, and talks about how she plans trips, works with local partners, and thinks about safety and awareness while traveling. About Tessa Tessa Krone is the engine behind and the face of The Open Nesters. Tessa holds an MA in Consciousness Studies and is a speaker, coach, program, and journey facilitator & leader, author, and, of course, Podcaster. Her offerings are based on her mission to help people open to their most self-expressed, loving selves. Tessa’s specialties include embodiment from all the senses and elements of our inner and outer lives, ranging from mindfulness, dance, play, and sensory exploration in nature. If she had one superpower, it would be to help people, especially as they age, to live more open-hearted lives. Please email Tessa to make a connection. And visit her page here on the Open Nesters Website. If you like, please answer the question: What do you need to OPEN your NEST? In your LIFE. In your BODY. In your SPIRIT. Do you need MORE… Adventure Freedom of Expression Exploration and Fun Body Movement New circles of friends Deep love relationships

    36 min
  6. The Plan is… No Plan (S6 | E237)

    May 7

    The Plan is… No Plan (S6 | E237)

    The Plan is… No Plan (Season 6 | Episode 237) with Dave and Veronica In this episode of the Open Nesters podcast, we revisit a compelling conversation from January 2021, featuring David and Veronica James, famously known as the Gypsy Nesters. Despite the lingering uncertainties of the pandemic, David and Veronica’s adventurous spirit shines through as they share their journey transitioning from traditional home life to full-time globetrotting. As pioneers of the midlife travel movement, they emphasize their philosophy of flexibility, explaining how the motto “the plan is no plan” has colored their experiences while navigating global exploration. The Plan is… No Plan (S6 | E237) David and Veronica’s story began as they faced the empty nest dilemma. Instead of succumbing to traditional fears associated with this life transition, they chose to sell everything and embark on their first big adventure, which they lovingly referred to as their “victory lap” when their youngest child left for college. Travel enthusiasts at heart, the couple has traversed six continents and over 60 countries in the last decade, inspiring other couples to rediscover themselves beyond their parenting roles. We delve into their empowering narrative about what it means to embrace life’s endless possibilities, especially as a couple rediscovering their bond after years of focus on their children. 0:47  Open Nesters: A New Adventure 22:30  Skydiving: Conquering Fear 27:54  Embracing the Empty Nest 29:58  Reconnecting as a Couple 34:55  Inspiring Journeys Ahead Their journey not only illuminated the excitement of travel but also highlighted the deeper connections they forged with each other and their adult children. We discuss how the couple’s unique strategies for maintaining open, honest communication with their kids allowed for richer relationships post-nesting. Veronica reflects on her initial apprehensions as a helicopter mom and how stepping out of her comfort zone through travel and shared experiences rebuilt her connection with David. Their candid discussions reveal the importance of not just the adventures they embarked on, but the joy of togetherness, making memories, and growing alongside each other. Throughout the episode, David and Veronica recount their myriad of travel experiences—from the funny to the frightful—like their daunting skydiving attempt on Valentine’s Day, which highlights the couple’s comical yet brave approach to conquering fears together. Listeners will appreciate the balance of humor and introspective advice the Gypsy Nesters provide, encouraging couples to step into new adventures and prioritize shared experiences that rekindle their relationship. As the couple discusses their transition to living on a boat in Southern California, listeners are reminded that travel doesn’t always have to mean constant movement but can also symbolize a way to embrace new lifestyles and choices, even from a dock. As they close, the Gypsy Nesters offer deeply insightful advice on what it means to be open nesters, emphasizing the importance of allowing adult children the freedom to grow while continuing to nurture the romantic bond with each other. Their book, “Going Gypsy: One Couple’s Adventure from Empty Nest to No Nest at All,” serves as a resource for couples seeking inspiration in the next chapter of their lives. Head to their website, gypsynesters.com, for more about their exciting journey, real-life experiences, and lessons learned. This episode serves as a celebration of love, adventure, and the transformative power of embracing life’s unpredictable turns together. About Tessa Tessa Krone is the engine behind and the face of The Open Nesters. Tessa holds an MA in Consciousness Studies and is a speaker, coach, program, and journey facilitator & leader, author, and, of course, Podcaster. Her offerings are based on her mission to help people open to their most self-expressed, loving selves. Tessa’s specialties include embodiment from all the senses and elements of our inner and outer lives, ranging from mindfulness, dance, play, and sensory exploration in nature. If she had one superpower, it would be to help people, especially as they age, to live more open-hearted lives. Please email Tessa to make a connection. And visit her page here on the Open Nesters Website. If you like, please answer the question: What do you need to OPEN your NEST? In your LIFE. In your BODY. In your SPIRIT. Do you need MORE… Adventure  Freedom of Expression  Exploration and Fun  Body Movement  New circles of friends  Deep love relationships

    38 min
  7. Turning on the Light of the Inner Child (S6 | E236)

    Apr 30

    Turning on the Light of the Inner Child (S6 | E236)

    Turning on the Light (Season 6 | Episode 236) with Tami Nora and Karen Yadovsky In this episode, I continue my enlightening conversation with Karen and Tammy, who previously joined us to discuss the transformative journey of embracing our roles as open nesters. We delve into the poignant theme of reclaiming self-worth while exploring the powerful concept of nurturing our inner child. We begin by reflecting on how our past experiences shape our understanding of relationships, particularly in the context of motherhood and the complex dynamics often at play with our family members. Turning on the Lightl (Season 6 | Episode 236) Tammy opens up about her childhood struggles, detailing her quest to heal from emotional suffering and alleviate the pain of others. She emphasizes the importance of self-respect and boundaries, especially in difficult familial relationships, sharing her personal journey of reaching out to her elderly mother—a woman who has been both a source of love and conflict. Through her story, Tammy highlights the profound realization that love can exist even amidst dysfunction, and that we have the agency to cultivate healing within ourselves, regardless of others’ actions. 1:23 Journey of Self-Worth 6:53 Healing Through Relationships 13:58 Lessons from Motherhood 23:24 Cleaning Negative Thoughts 29:56 Embracing Your Inner Child 36:57 Becoming the Mother Within 38:05 Rewriting Your Next Chapter Karen expresses her own experiences with self-acceptance, illustrating a parallel journey through the challenges of personal and familial expectations. She reflects on a childhood where she felt diminished by the perceptions of her teachers, and how these experiences fueled her drive to empower her children to embrace their individuality without comparison. She shares the importance of offering unconditional love as a parent, emphasizing the necessity of allowing our children space to grow—even if it includes phases of friction and conflict. We dive deeper into the importance of inner work and the spiritual journey that can arise in midlife. The conversation shifts towards practical tools for personal growth, where Tammy introduces the concept of Ho’oponopono—an ancient Hawaiian practice of reconciliation and forgiveness. She discusses how this practice empowers us to take responsibility for our experiences and encourages a deeper connection with our inner selves. By becoming the “mother” of our inner child, we can nurture that part of ourselves that longs for love, acceptance, and healing. Throughout our discussion, we touch upon the relevance of ‘cleaning our thoughts’ and recognizing the impact of negative beliefs instilled during our formative years. Tammy stresses that acknowledging these thoughts without judgment is the first step to transcending them, thus enabling a larger sense of self-love and acceptance. As we explore various breathing techniques and mindfulness practices, the importance of being present and cultivating a higher consciousness is reiterated. The episode culminates in a shared appreciation for the empowering journey of reevaluating our relationships and self-perceptions as we navigate the challenges of life transitions. Karen and Tammy emphasize that through conversations and practices, we can rewrite our narratives and foster resilience within ourselves, ultimately thriving not only as individuals but also as mothers and mentors to others. Listeners are invited to join our growing community on social media platforms, reflecting the shared intention of nurturing and uplifting one another as we embark on this incredible journey of self-discovery and transformation. About Tessa Tessa Krone is the engine behind and the face of The Open Nesters. Tessa holds an MA in Consciousness Studies and is a speaker, coach, program, and journey facilitator & leader, author, and, of course, Podcaster. Her offerings are based on her mission to help people open to their most self-expressed, loving selves. Tessa’s specialties include embodiment from all the senses and elements of our inner and outer lives, ranging from mindfulness, dance, play, and sensory exploration in nature. If she had one superpower, it would be to help people, especially as they age, to live more open-hearted lives. Please email Tessa to make a connection. And visit her page here on the Open Nesters Website. If you like, please answer the question: What do you need to OPEN your NEST? In your LIFE. In your BODY. In your SPIRIT. Do you need MORE… Adventure  Freedom of Expression  Exploration and Fun  Body Movement  New circles of friends  Deep love relationships

  8. The Team of Your Soul (S6 | E235)

    Apr 23

    The Team of Your Soul (S6 | E235)

    The Team of Your Soul (Season 6 | Episode 235) with Tami Nora and Karen Yadovsky [TESSA] In this episode of The Open Nesters Podcast, we delve into the concept of “open nesting” as a transformative stage of life post-parenthood. As my partner and I embraced this new chapter after our children left home, we discovered a world of possibilities waiting for us. Instead of viewing ourselves as empty nesters, we chose to remain open to new experiences, broadening our horizons through travel and deeper connections with family and friends. This mindset shift has not only enriched our lives but has also enhanced our relationships with our children and each other. The Team of Your Soul (Season 6 | Episode 235) Join me as I introduce Tami Nora and Karen Yadovsky, two incredible mentors who specialize in helping individuals navigate life with purpose and authenticity. Tami, a spiritual teacher, therapist, and author, brings a unique blend of artistry and insight to empower others in manifesting their potential. Karen, a business mentor and expert in human behavior, complements Tami’s insights with practical strategies for personal growth and interpersonal connections. Together, they illuminate the intricate dynamics of friendship and mentorship, highlighting how authentic connections can profoundly impact our lives. 0:54 Meeting Our Mentors 2:33 The Power of Friendship 11:29 Courage in Relationships 21:16 Evolving Friendships 36:49 The Role of Generosity 40:21 Inspiration and Mentorship 41:44 Community and Connection In this episode, we explore the significance of friendship as a vital conduit for personal growth. The conversation touches on my upcoming book, “The Five Doors of Friendship,” which examines various facets of friendship, including play, inspiration, and generosity. As Tami and Karen share their experiences, we delve into how friendship can serve as a reflection of our self-worth and personal growth. The dialogue reveals that true friendships thrive when built on mutual respect and a shared vision for growth, serving as a support system during challenging times. Tami and Karen also emphasize the importance of mentorship, discussing how their long-standing friendship has allowed them to grow both individually and collectively. Their journey together illustrates how life’s challenges can forge deeper bonds and inspire transformative changes. Through their stories, we gain insights into how to attract meaningful relationships by elevating our own frequencies and being open to connections that align with our values and aspirations. As they discuss the challenges of maintaining self-worth while navigating relationships, Tami and Karen provide strategies for individuals seeking to cultivate new friendships or mentorships. They encourage listeners to recognize their inherent value and to seek out those who reflect their energies and ambitions. Throughout the episode, we touch on the dual nature of friendship—how it requires both courage and vulnerability, and how, at times, the friction within relationships can ultimately lead to greater understanding and growth. The episode is rich with insights on the power of friendship as a source of strength and inspiration, resonating with the theme of our community’s growth. As we look toward the future and the release of my book, I’m excited to share this journey and encourage listeners to open themselves to the possibilities that await through authentic relationships. The conversation continues into the next episode as we further explore the transformative power of mentorship and inspiration, inviting you to join us in discovering the doors that lead to deeper connections and personal growth. About Tessa Tessa Krone is the engine behind and the face of The Open Nesters. Tessa holds an MA in Consciousness Studies and is a speaker, coach, program, and journey facilitator & leader, author, and, of course, Podcaster. Her offerings are based on her mission to help people open to their most self-expressed, loving selves. Tessa’s specialties include embodiment from all the senses and elements of our inner and outer lives, ranging from mindfulness, dance, play, and sensory exploration in nature. If she had one superpower, it would be to help people, especially as they age, to live more open-hearted lives. Please email Tessa to make a connection. And visit her page here on the Open Nesters Website. If you like, please answer the question: What do you need to OPEN your NEST? In your LIFE. In your BODY. In your SPIRIT. Do you need MORE… Adventure  Freedom of Expression  Exploration and Fun  Body Movement  New circles of friends  Deep love relationships

    43 min
See All (242)

5
out of 5
31 Ratings

About

Re-Imagining the Empty Nest

Information

  • Creator
    The Open Nesters
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    242
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © The Open Nesters 2021
  • Show Website
    The Open Nesters

You Might Also Like