157 episodes

We are the Open Nesters. We are the Baby Boomers and Gen X’ers who reject the traditional roles that our parents played and the empty nest syndrome. We defy the stigma of ageism, ailing health, empty retirement and a passionless sex life.



Together we explore the journey of re-discovering and reinventing our lives as our grown children leave the nest. We hear about the sides of people that have been left unexplored during a long-term marriage. The mysteries, fantasies and unmet desires and needs are laid wide open at this juncture in their lives. Their empty-nesting chapter in life is anything but empty! It’s an Open Nest, fulfilling, expansive, explorative, and raw. The stories reveal alternative lifestyles and explore how our generation is redefining life on their own terms.

The Open Nesters The Open Nesters

    • Society & Culture
    • 5.0 • 15 Ratings

We are the Open Nesters. We are the Baby Boomers and Gen X’ers who reject the traditional roles that our parents played and the empty nest syndrome. We defy the stigma of ageism, ailing health, empty retirement and a passionless sex life.



Together we explore the journey of re-discovering and reinventing our lives as our grown children leave the nest. We hear about the sides of people that have been left unexplored during a long-term marriage. The mysteries, fantasies and unmet desires and needs are laid wide open at this juncture in their lives. Their empty-nesting chapter in life is anything but empty! It’s an Open Nest, fulfilling, expansive, explorative, and raw. The stories reveal alternative lifestyles and explore how our generation is redefining life on their own terms.

    Home Everywhere and Nowhere with Jonathan Pillot (S4 | E156)

    Home Everywhere and Nowhere with Jonathan Pillot (S4 | E156)

    Home Everywhere and Nowhere

    with Jonathan Pillot

    (Season 4 | Episode 156)













    [Tessa] He's back! My dear friend Jonathan Pillot.

    Jonathan is a creator, an explorer, and a man who is constantly challenging the norms. Each time we meet he brings me so much that is new. And so I am thrilled to have Jonathan back on the pod.

    In this episode of The Open Nesters Podcast, Jonathan shares his personal journey of self-discovery and open nesting. He discusses open nesting, embracing nomadic living, and freeing oneself from societal labels. Jonathan explores the complexities of life, the value of authenticity, and self-acceptance.

    Through his reflections on shame, mental health, and communication, Jonathan advocates for compassion, empathy, and self-love. He also sheds light on his upcoming projects, involvement in end-of-life work, and activism for societal issues, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and raising awareness. Jonathan is a testament to the power of self-discovery and living authentically despite societal expectations, offering insights into navigating life's paradoxes with grace and resilience.

    READ JONATHAN'S LATEST BLOG HERE: ANGER + LOVE













    HOME EVERYWHERE AND NOWHERE













    TIME-CODE













    0:00:06 The Open Nesters Podcast

    0:13:03 Embracing Your Authentic Self

    0:26:46 Balancing Community and Solitude

    0:37:42 The Paradox of Home and Nomad Life

    0:40:03 Confronting Shame and Mental Illness

    0:40:18 Unlabeling and Redefining Yourself









































    Resources for You













    We want to provide you with support and many many resources for your own Open Nesting Journey. Our resource page has so much to offer as does our private discussion group on Facebook about queerness, relationship fluidity in the empty nest, and other topics of interest:

    Open Nesters Resource Page

    The Open Nesters Private Facebook Group





























    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. If you like, please answer the question:

    What do you need to OPEN your NEST? In your LIFE. In your BODY. In your SPIRIT.

    • 43 min
    Relationship Fluidity in the Empty Nest with Dr. Tammy Nelson (S4 | E155)

    Relationship Fluidity in the Empty Nest with Dr. Tammy Nelson (S4 | E155)

    Relationship Fluidity in the Empty Nest

    with Dr. Tammy Nelson

    (Season 4 | Episode 155)













    [Tessa] The Open Nesters podcast with Dr. Tammy Nelson.

    Today we explore open relationships and non-monogamy, emphasizing communication and boundaries. Tammy and I discuss societal acceptance of diverse relationship models, from traditional monogamy to polyamory. Dr. Nelson introduces the Date Night Card Deck for intimate conversations and mentions a couples retreat in Joshua Tree. The episode highlights the importance of continuous communication and respect in navigating non-traditional relationships.













    TIME-CODE













    0:01:15 Dr. Tammy Nelson's Expertise

    0:04:34 Couples Seeking Help

    0:09:26 Overcoming Challenges

    0:19:21 Understanding Boundaries

    0:25:57 Upcoming Couples Retreat

    0:31:31 Importance of Communication

    0:33:28 Explore More Episodes







































    The Open Nesters podcast explores the concept of being Open Nesters, embracing new adventures, relationships, and passions in the later stages of life. In a recent episode, Dr. Tammy Nelson, a sex and relationship expert, discussed the evolving dynamics of relationships, including open relationships and non-monogamy. Dr. Nelson shared insights from her book "Open Monogamy," emphasizing the importance of open communication, transparency, and understanding personal boundaries in relationships.













    Dr. Nelson introduced the concept of the Date Night Card Deck, a tool designed to facilitate conversations around desires, appreciations, and boundaries in relationships. The cards provide a structured approach to discussing intimate topics and exploring fantasies with a partner. The episode also mentioned an upcoming couples retreat led by Dr. Nelson in Joshua Tree, California, aimed at couples seeking to rejuvenate their relationships and enhance intimacy through guided discussions and activities.













    Throughout the episode, the hosts, Amir and Tessa, shared personal anecdotes and reflections on their own journey exploring alternative relationship dynamics, highlighting the evolution of their boundaries and comfort levels over time. The discussion underscored the importance of continuous communication, courage, and mutual respect in navigating non-traditional relationship structures.















    Resources for You













    We want to provide you with support and many many resources for your own Open Nesting Journey. Our resource page has so much to offer as does our private discussion group on Facebook about queerness, relationship fluidity in the empty nest, and other topics of interest:

    Open Nesters Resource Page

    The Open Nesters Private Facebook Group





























    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,

    • 35 min
    Infidelity and the Empty Nest | Gordon & Jenn (S4 | E154)

    Infidelity and the Empty Nest | Gordon & Jenn (S4 | E154)

    Infidelity, and the Empty Nest

    with Gordon & Jenn

    (Season 4 | Episode 154)













    [Tessa] In this episode of The Open Nesters Podcast, we hear from Jenn and Gordon as they share their journey from swinging lifestyles to polyamory. They discuss the importance of communication, honesty, and setting boundaries as they navigate blended families and transition into an open relationship. Jenn and Gordon highlight the growth in their relationship, self-discovery, and the support of a community. Hosts Amir and Tessa reflect on the significance of communication and community in unconventional relationships, offering resources for those exploring different relationship dynamics.













    TIME-CODE













    0:13:11 Jenn and Gordon's Background and Relationship Journey

    0:17:28 Navigating Relationships with Children Around

    0:27:42 Overcoming Personal Challenges in Open Relationships

    0:34:28 Importance of Communication and Effort in Open Relationships

    0:37:03 The Authenticity of Jenn and Gordon's Story

    0:39:27 Encouraging Audience Engagement and Resources on Open Relationships







































    Gordon & Jenn talk about their background, navigating blended families, and transitioning into an open relationship as they became empty nesters. They discuss the importance of communication, honesty, and setting boundaries to maintain a strong connection and trust within their relationship. Jen and Gordon share insights on discovering new aspects of themselves sexually, growth in their relationship, and the significance of having a supportive community. They emphasize the need for continuous effort, understanding, and being open-minded in exploring different relationship dynamics.

    To sum up, Amir and I reflect on the guests' openness, vulnerability, and the importance of communication and community in unconventional relationships.















    Resources for You













    We want to provide you with support and many many resources for your own Open Nesting Journey. Our resource page has so much to offer as does our private discussion group on Facebook about queerness and other topics of interest:

    Open Nesters Resource Page

    The Open Nesters Private Facebook Group





























    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. If you like, please answer the question:

    • 41 min
    Why Slowing Down Builds Intimacy (S4 | E153)

    Why Slowing Down Builds Intimacy (S4 | E153)

    Why Slowing Down Builds Intimacy

    with Dr. Karen Berry

    (Season 4 | Episode 153)













    [Tessa] Welcome to The Open Nesters Podcast! In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Karen Berry, an experienced marriage and sex therapist with a soulful, spiritual approach that resonates with us as Open Nesters. We kick off our Love, Sex, and Intimacy series for February by diving into the importance of intimacy and how it can be expanded in partnerships.

    Dr. Berry highlights the complexity and acquired taste of intimacy, emphasizing the connection between grief, loss, and the capacity for an erotic life. We explore the concept of building the architecture of a sacred container in relationships, emphasizing the importance of slowing down and honoring the unique dynamics of each partnership or group.

    The main focus of the conversation is on the significance of slowing down in building intimacy and connection. As Open Nesters, we share personal insights from our own experiences, discussing the challenges of slowing down in conversations and how it can lead to frustration and miscommunication. We emphasize the need to prioritize spending enough time with our partners to truly understand their needs and desires.

    Dr. Berry provides valuable strategies and recommendations for fostering vulnerability and intimacy in relationships. We delve into the importance of becoming embodied and finding a soft center before engaging in conversations with our partners. Slowing down allows for better outcomes, even in difficult topics or conversations that may spark anger or fear. We talk about the role of anger as a natural response when we're scared and how it impacts our ability to truly connect.

    Throughout the conversation, Dr. Berry recommends accessible resources, such as books by Stan Tatkin, that delve deeper into deepening relationships and embracing the grieving process. We also discuss the significance of maintaining quality time together and the power of reconnecting through shared experiences and positive emotions.

    We also touch on the challenges of meeting expectations in relationships, particularly in polyamory, acknowledging that every couple is unique and demands compassion and understanding. Slowing down and being vulnerable can lead to surprising discoveries and deeper connections.

    Amir and I end the episode with gratitude for our growing community and invite listeners to explore past episodes on love and sex, as well as to subscribe to the podcast. And we encourage you to get excited about upcoming episodes in February, which promise to bring more fascinating and alternative topics on love and sex.



























    TIME-CODE













    0:05:10 Intimacy: Beyond Pleasure and Complexity of Connection

    0:12:05 Laughing at Ourselves: Creating Intimacy and Sacred Containers

    0:13:24 Building a Sacred Container in Relationships

    0:25:17 Reconnecting with childhood sweethearts and seeing each other as young

    0:35:12 Embracing Differences and Vulnerability in Relationships

    0:38:28 Slowing down builds intimacy in relationships

    0:41:00 Taking time and playing to deepen intimacy

























    ABOUT DR. BERRY













    I received my Ph.D. from Hofstra University and my NYS license as a Psychologist in 1990.

    • 46 min
    Spiritual Cross Training with Benjamin Shalva (S4 | E152)

    Spiritual Cross Training with Benjamin Shalva (S4 | E152)

    Spiritual Cross Training

    with Benjamin Shalva

    (Season 4 | Episode 152)













    [Tessa] I have known of Rabbi Benjamin Shalva for over a decade. I can think back to when my kids were all at home and even then his words connected with me.

    I read his book, Spiritual Cross Training: Searching Through Silence, Stretch, and Song, and was greatly inspired. Equally wonderful is his book, Ambition Addiction: How to Go Slow, Give Thanks, and Discover Joy Within.

    About Rabbi Shalva

    Benjamin Shalva’s poetry and prose have appeared in Image, Peauxdunque Review, Ponder Review, Spirituality & Health Magazine, and The Washington Post. He is the author of two books of nonfiction, Spiritual Cross-Training and Ambition Addiction, both published by Grand Harbor Press. A hospice chaplain, he lives in Baltimore, Maryland with his wife, two children, and two hound dogs.













    Spiritual Cross-Training: Searching Through Silence, Stretch, and Song













    On a quest for enlightenment, Benjamin Shalva journeyed through the wilds of Tibet and took a pilgrimage to a white-walled monastery in Rhode Island. He wrestled with demons, danced with temptresses, and sang with hundreds of voices under the stars. Now, using the lessons and techniques gained through years of religious exploration and inward reflection, Shalva offers simple and powerful ways to connect with your spiritual self, whether it be in a place of worship or the yoga studio, or even while sitting in traffic, working late at the office, or kneeling in your garden.



























    Ambition Addiction: How to Go Slow, Give Thanks, and Discover Joy Within













    Ambition is a blessing. It is a key motivator driving people to achieve their hopes and dreams. But for many, accomplishment is never enough. In a culture obsessed with fame and celebrity, the burning desire for acclaim, conquest, and domination can be overwhelming—to the detriment of one’s personal life. This is ambition addiction: the all-encompassing yearning for success at any cost.

    Self-described ambition addict Benjamin Shalva (Spiritual Cross-Training) has written an insightful and illuminating book for anyone who wants to control that destructive strain of ambition and live with integrity. He identifies the signs and symptoms of ambition addiction and profiles iconic achievers to help readers identify unhealthy motivations. Then he reveals the five steps to living a fulfilling life of healthy, productive ambition in which grand but elusive fantasies give way to the true happiness of the here and now.





























    Resources for You













    We want to provide you with support and many many resources for your own Open Nesting Journey. Our resource page has so much to offer as does our private discussion group on Facebook about queerness and other topics of interest:

    Open Nesters Resource Page

    • 48 min
    Sobriety and the Empty Nest (S4 | E151)

    Sobriety and the Empty Nest (S4 | E151)

    Sobriety and the Empty Nest

    A Panel Discussion

    (Season 4 | Episode 151)













    [Tessa] Something particularly special for you... and SO early in the year!

    Kelvin, Andrea, and Dede have a lot to say about their own very touching stories. They are 'open books' about their alcoholic and addicted pasts, and we can learn quite a bit from their lives. The Open Nesters Podcast presents a panel discussion on sobriety (drugs and alcohol). Our panelists are intimately informed on this topic. On the panel we have:













    KELVIN YOUNG













    Kelvin Young is an award-winning sound healer and co-founder of Soul Care Love, LLC. He has been sober from alcohol and other drugs since March, 6th 2009. Kelvin received his recovery coaching training at CT Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR) and his Recovery Support Specialist (RSS) certification at Recovery University in 2011. The first time Kelvin was exposed to sound healing, he discovered the sounds of the crystal and Tibetan singing bowls and gongs calmed his mind, relaxed his body and nourished his soul. He went on to study sound healing with Master Sound Healers, Zacciah Blackburn of The Center of Light, Paul Hubbert of the Holographic Sound and Inner Balance and Satya Brat Jaiswal of the International Academy of Sound Healing.



























    ANDREA CASHMAN













    I am Andrea Cashman, teacher of Yoga, Meditation, Let Your Yoga Dance; spiritual seeker, mother, wife….

    Human being seeking purpose and opportunity to serve. Movement and breath bring me into my body, stillness brings be to my soul.  It is my privilege to offer these gifts through group and individual classes on Zoom and in-person.

    Please join me on this healing journey, here is the schedule for current classes or contact me to book a private or small group session at your convenience.



























    DEDE ARMSTRONG













    In this episode, DeDe (M.A., M.S. and LADC) describes how much dry January affected the social interactions of her friends in Minnesota after she had stopped drinking alcohol. Dede has an event upcoming - you can learn about it from the QR code below.





























    Resources for You













    We want to provide you with support and many many resources for your own Open Nesting Journey. Our resource page has so much to offer as does our private discussion group on Facebook about queerness and other topics of interest:

    Open Nesters Resource Page

    The Open Nesters Private Facebook Group





























    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 in her mission to help people open to their most self-expressed, loving selves.

    • 46 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
15 Ratings

15 Ratings

CJ@noshamewithcj ,

Relatable and great guests

As an emerging “open nester”, I am grateful for relatable voices in my age range that offer expanded mindsets and approaches to intimacy and sexuality. Although this path is not new to me, I am inspired by the different stories presented on this podcast. I hope that others of all generations are inspired too!

The Soulmate Experience ,

Positive and expansive

These two are always bringing up useful and stimulating topics—and they know how to ask questions that really get their guests sharing!

Alexandra360 ,

The Open Nesters

What a refreshing breath of fresh air!!
I love the realm of enticing possibility you bring to the final chapter of mid-life.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! For providing a platform for me to discover with you what my next stage of life can look like. Many kudos to Amir and Tessa for opening the nest to infinite possibilities and a spectacular chance for rebirth...

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