When the kids are grown and the house is quieter, the way couples talk to each other starts to matter in new ways. Some patterns get easier. Others get harder to ignore.
In this episode of The Loud Quiet, we’re joined by marriage counselor and author Raffi Bilek for a practical, honest conversation about communication, conflict, and what actually helps couples stay connected during the empty nest years. We talk about why avoiding conflict doesn’t equal good communication, why solving the problem too fast often backfires, and how couples can stay on the same team even when they don’t agree.
Raffi shares insights from years of counseling couples… including why it’s okay to pause a conversation, why “don’t go to bed angry” isn’t always great advice, and how focusing on impact instead of who’s right can change everything. This conversation is especially relevant for couples navigating adult kids, retirement, aging parents, and spending more time together than ever before.
Guest links:
The Couples Communication Handbook (Amazon affiliate link)
https://amzn.to/48QJJps
The Couples Communication book website
https://www.thecommunicationbook.com/
Baltimore Therapy Center
https://www.baltimoretherapycenter.com/
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro and a quick health PSA
1:20 Meet Raffi Bilek
3:10 Reconnecting after years of focusing on kids
4:50 When adult kids still cause conflict
7:10 Explore first, solve later
9:55 Is conflict actually bad for a marriage?
12:10 Feeling uncomfortable expressing anger
14:05 Generational shifts in communication
16:30 Why “don’t go to bed angry” doesn’t always help
19:00 When agreement isn’t possible
20:45 Focusing on impact instead of facts
23:05 Common conflict topics couples face
25:10 Retirement and being together 24/7
28:00 One communication skill that matters most
29:30 Where to find Raffi and his work
📘 Coming soon in early 2026… The Loud Quiet book
Be the first to get sneak peeks, preorder bonuses, and launch-day news.
Pre-orders open soon… join the list for early access:
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Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and should not be taken as legal, financial, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney, financial advisor, or other professional regarding your specific situation. The opinions expressed by guests are solely theirs and do not necessarily represent the views or positions of the host(s).
Holiday food has a way of anchoring a season. We make certain things every year without even thinking about it… and the kids now expect them just as much as we do.
In this episode we talk through the foods we grew up with, the ones that stuck, and the ones we only remember when someone says “remember when…?”
Quick note… The Loud Quiet book is almost ready. If you want early updates and preorder info, here’s the list: https://www.theloudquiet.com/p/book/
Candy canes, Texas trash, haystacks, spiced tea… all the things our parents made without any ceremony. At one point we realize our kids have their own list now too… the pickle platter, the dips, the reindeer mix.
We also talk through the foods we haven’t made in years. Chicken spaghetti, tetrazzini, pistachio salad, all the old casseroles that faded out once the house emptied. Lasagna comes up. So do meatballs.
It’s a simple conversation about how certain foods end up tied to people and seasons whether we planned it or not.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
1:20 Holiday foods we grew up with
4:45 The smells and small traditions that defined the season
7:10 The treats our parents made every year
12:25 Christmas Eve Mexican food
13:50 The foods our kids now count on
15:20 How reindeer mix became a tradition
18:00 The dishes that have to be on the holiday table
20:55 The nostalgic meals we rarely make anymore
28:45 Why certain foods stay connected to certain people
29:30 Wrap up
👋 Share your holiday food memories or join the conversation in our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet
📬 Want more like this? Get new episodes and extras in your inbox: https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup
🎧 Find all episodes, listening platforms, and YouTube links here: https://www.theloudquiet.com
Want to be a guest on The Loud Quiet – Empty Nest Living?
Send Rick and Clancy Denton a message on PodMatch:
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Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and should not be taken as legal, financial, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney, financial advisor, or other professional regarding your specific situation. The opinions expressed by guests are solely theirs and do not necessarily represent the views or positions of the host(s).
Sometimes saying yes takes you somewhere you never expected… like an EDM show on a Sunday night, surrounded by people half your age and a bass that makes your clothes vibrate. In this episode, Rick and Clancy share what happened when Tanner finally talked them into a Chris Lake show… and why it ended up feeling surprisingly joyful, safe, and honestly pretty fun.And then the week flipped right into Thanksgiving. They talk about having both kids home, the comfort of familiar rhythms, and the strange, tender uncertainty of what future holidays might look like.Big announcement:Our first book “The Loud Quiet – Love, Laughter, and Life in the Empty Nest” is coming in early 2026. Newsletter subscribers will get early info, behind-the-scenes notes, and special offers.👉 Join the newsletter here: https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signupCHAPTERS0:00 Big announcement + intro1:15 Saying yes to something wild2:50 Why Sunday made the night doable4:30 Full-circle moments with old friends6:00 The bass that shook our clothes7:40 The surprisingly friendly rave crowd9:25 Realizing we were the “older people”12:55 Sliding into Thanksgiving mode15:20 The holiday that just felt right17:55 What future holidays might look like👋 Join our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet📬 Get early book news + special offers: https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup🎧 All episodes and links: https://www.theloudquiet.comWant to be a guest on The Loud Quiet – Empty Nest Living?Send Rick and Clancy Denton a message on PodMatch:https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theloudquiethostDisclaimer: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and should not be taken as legal, financial, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney, financial advisor, or other professional regarding your specific situation. The opinions expressed by guests are solely theirs and do not necessarily represent the views or positions of the host(s).#relationships #marriage #recreation #podcast #EmptyNesters #EmptyNesting #Lifeafterkidsleave #Transitiontoanemptynest #Parentingjourney #Reinventingourselves #Newchapterinlife #Emptynestchallenges #Findingpurpose #Rediscoveringhobbies #Relationshipafterkids #Self-discovery #Preparingforanemptynest #Reconnectingasacouple #Growingtogetherafterkidsleave #Familydynamicsafterkidsleave #Supportsystemsforemptynesters #Tipsforsuccessfulemptynesting
Some Thanksgivings are predictable… this one definitely wasn’t.
For this Greatest Hits episode, we’re flashing back to our 2023 Thanksgiving trip to Arizona, a holiday full of hiking, travel hiccups, questionable turkey, and a whole lot of Phase 10 and football. It originally aired as Episode 16 and it still makes us laugh.
Since this episode is coming out on Thanksgiving, we want to say how thankful we are for you. Truly. There is no Loud Quiet without the people who listen, message us, and show up every week. We feel that deeply.
This episode is sponsored by Damon Vinci of Magical Memory Planners. If you’re already tired of the cold or you want a gift that doesn’t involve fighting for a parking spot at a store, Damon can help you get somewhere warm, calm, and fun.
Mention The Loud Quiet and get $25 to spend at your destination when you book a travel package
✔️ Call or text: 972-987-0527
✔️ Email: damon@magicalmemoryplanners.com
✔️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DamonVinciMMP
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
1:12 Flying into Arizona for Thanksgiving
3:40 Costco pies and the turkey trouble
6:05 Hiking Saguaro National Park
8:52 Grocery store chaos that somehow wasn’t chaotic
10:27 Why experiences matter more than stuff
11:36 Damon’s Black Friday travel deals
13:32 Thanksgiving dinner at the Airbnb
16:40 Phase 10 and a very competitive family
18:55 Black Friday at Goldfield Ghost Town
22:15 Rivalry football game with the kids
25:26 Sunday goodbyes and quiet moments
28:16 Wrapping up the trip
👋 Join the conversation in our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet📬 Get weekly stories and extras in your inbox: https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup🎧 Find all episodes and listening platforms: https://www.theloudquiet.com
Want to be a guest on The Loud Quiet… Empty Nest Living?
Send Rick and Clancy Denton a message on PodMatch:https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theloudquiethost
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and should not be taken as legal, financial, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney, financial advisor, or other professional regarding your specific situation. The opinions expressed by guests are solely theirs and do not necessarily represent the views or positions of the host(s).
Using business ideas for a personal relationship. It sounds unusual at first, but Dr. Robin Buckley makes it feel surprisingly natural.
She talks about relationships in a way that feels clear and doable without losing the heart of it. She takes ideas most of us only ever use in business and shows how they can actually make home life easier… especially when you’re in the empty nest stage and trying to stay connected as a couple.
She walks through mission statements, roles, and check-ins in a way that never feels rigid. It just feels practical.
A lot of empty nesters are dealing with boomerang kids right now. Dr. Robin talks honestly about how a little structure can keep everyone from slipping back into old patterns… and how clear expectations can make that season feel healthier for both parents and adult children. It’s a simple approach that brings more calm into the house during a time that can get overwhelming fast.
If you like what she has to say, her book lays out that exact framework in a really simple way:
Marriage Inc: The Boardroom Blueprint to a Lasting Love (affiliate link)
https://amzn.to/3M1c4S8
Find Dr. Robin Buckley:
Instagram and TikTok: drrobinbuckley
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-robin-buckley/
Coaching website: https://drrobinbuckley.com/
CHATPERS
0:00 Intro
1:17 Why love needs more than hope
4:32 Mission statements for relationships
7:45 Can structure protect romance
9:58 Coaching vs therapy
12:40 Helping adult kids without overstepping
14:48 The boomerang child conversation
17:25 Keeping your marriage intact with grown kids at home
19:43 Launching kids after a boomerang season
21:46 How Dr. Robin’s kids reacted to structure
25:49 Why she wrote Marriage Inc
27:42 Where to find Dr. Robin
👋 Join the community conversation:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet
📬 Get weekly stories and extras from Rick and Clancy:
https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup
Want to be a guest on The Loud Quiet. Empty Nest Living?Send Rick and Clancy Denton a message on PodMatch:
https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theloudquiethost
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and should not be taken as legal, financial, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney, financial advisor, or other professional regarding your specific situation. The opinions expressed by guests are solely theirs and do not necessarily represent the views or positions of the host(s).
For a lot of families, Thanksgiving week feels like it should be a given… everyone comes home, the same sides hit the table, the Cowboys disappoint us again. But for some parents of college kids, that mid-November homecoming doesn’t happen.
In this episode, Rick and Clancy talk about what it’s like when your student can’t make it home for Thanksgiving and how to stay connected across the miles. From sending care packages and shared movie nights to adjusting family traditions (and expectations), they share real ways to keep the holiday spirit intact… even if the table feels a little emptier this year.
🧺 Care packages mentioned in this episode (Amazon affiliate links):
Large Variety Snack, Candy & Treats for College Students – https://amzn.to/47DFQDL
Frito-Lay Ultimate Snack Care Package – https://amzn.to/4nL5SLf
Snack Box Healthy Care Package (35 Count) – https://amzn.to/4oLyYfb
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
1:00 Why some college kids can’t come home
2:50 When Thanksgiving travel just isn’t possible
4:00 Taking Thanksgiving to your kids
5:00 Care package ideas that actually land
6:10 Movies, music, and shared traditions from afar
7:20 The “football connection”
8:00 Sending love through food
9:30 Loosening your grip on tradition
11:00 Handling emotions on both sides
13:40 Inviting local students to your table
15:00 Using FaceTime and Zoom to stay close
16:30 Celebrating Thanksgiving on a different day
18:15 Sharing ideas in The Loud Quiet community
19:45 Final reflections: be gentle with yourself and your student
👋 Share how you’ve handled holidays apart in our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet
📬 Want more like this? Get new episodes and extras in your inbox: https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup
🎧 Hear all episodes and find your favorite platform: https://www.theloudquiet.com
Want to be a guest on The Loud Quiet – Empty Nest Living?
Send Rick and Clancy Denton a message on PodMatch:
https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theloudquiethost
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and should not be taken as legal, financial, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney, financial advisor, or other professional regarding your specific situation. The opinions expressed by guests are solely theirs and do not necessarily represent the views or positions of the host(s).
This episode is a little different... it’s a two-parter.
We recorded the first half before leaving for our empty nest getaway to Mexico, talking through what we hoped for (and what we worried might happen).
Then, after the trip, we sat back down to see if those expectations actually matched reality.
From pre-trip nerves and some lighthearted talk about “resort romance” to real reflections on unplugging from work and finding connection again, this one’s both honest and funny. We also share how maturity changes what connection looks like... and why a slower trip might be exactly what your marriage needs right now.
If you’ve ever wondered whether a short trip can really bring you closer or just remind you that you’ve grown up a lot together, this episode’s for you.
👋 Share your favorite empty nest couple trip or where we should go next in our community:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet
📬 Get our free Empty Nester Travel Tips & Gear Guide when you sign up for The Loud Quiet newsletter. It’s full of the travel hacks and favorites we actually use on our own trips:
https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup
🎧 Find all episodes, podcast apps, and YouTube links here:
https://www.theloudquiet.com
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro and why we needed this trip
1:45 Before the trip, setting expectations
4:00 What we’re looking forward to (and what could go wrong)
7:20 “Resort romance” and real connection
10:10 Managing expectations as a mature couple
14:45 Transition, after the trip
16:30 Did it meet our expectations
19:20 Unplugging from work and turning off notifications
22:00 Reconnecting as a couple
26:30 The social side of all-adult resorts
29:40 Small moments that build connection
31:10 Lessons learned and travel tips for empty nesters
34:45 What’s next, maybe a cold-weather trip
35:40 Wrap-up and listener question
Want to be a guest on The Loud Quiet – Empty Nest Living?
Send Rick and Clancy Denton a message on PodMatch:
https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theloudquiethost
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and should not be taken as legal, financial, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney, financial advisor, or other professional regarding your specific situation. The opinions expressed by guests are solely theirs and do not necessarily represent the views or positions of the host(s).
Most of us were never taught how to love ourselves... and yet, it’s the foundation of every healthy relationship we’ll ever have. In this week’s conversation, Rick and Clancy sit down with relationship coach Chaya Garcia to talk about what self-love really looks like in the empty nest years, how it shapes the way we date, and why it’s never too late to grow in connection.
Chaya shares real, practical wisdom on dating again, spotting early red flags, and what it means to build stability instead of chasing “synchronicity.” She also gets honest about addiction, codependency, and the importance of giving both yourself and your partner grace. Whether you’re re-entering the dating world or trying to deepen a long-term marriage, this one will make you rethink how you show up for yourself first.
Connect with Chaya on Instagram: https://instagram.com/epicloveexpert
Join the conversation in The Loud Quiet community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet
Get extra insights and takeaways about thriving in the empty nest: https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
1:00 Why we rarely talk about dating in the empty nest
1:53 Love starts with the self
3:10 What to watch for on a first date
5:00 Stability over synchronicity
6:20 How self-love shapes who we attract
7:45 The difference between healthy and unhealthy people
10:00 Addiction and disconnection in modern life
11:03 Talking to your parents or kids about dating
15:30 Building connection in long-term relationships
17:40 Why we were never taught to love ourselves
19:23 Forgiveness, trauma, and true healing
22:58 Grace and goals for growth
25:38 Chaya’s book and podcast
27:30 Wrap-up
Want to be a guest on The Loud Quiet – Empty Nest Living?
Send Rick and Clancy Denton a message on PodMatch:
https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theloudquiethost
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and should not be taken as legal, financial, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney, financial advisor, or other professional regarding your specific situation. The opinions expressed by guests are solely theirs and do not necessarily represent the views or positions of the host(s).
Can AI save you $1,400? It did for Rick.
This week, Rick and Clancy talk about how AI is showing up in real life for empty nesters, including stories from The Loud Quiet community. From planning dinners for two and simplifying home maintenance to creating custom workouts and even preparing for job interviews, listeners shared how they’re using these tools in practical, everyday ways.
They also talk about boundaries and common sense... what’s safe to share, how to keep your thinking sharp, and why the goal isn’t to replace humans but to make life a little easier, a little smarter, and maybe a little more fun.
👋 Join the conversation in our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet
📬 Get weekly extras and stories: https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup
🎧 Find all episodes and ways to listen: https://www.theloudquiet.com
CHAPTERS0:00 Intro
0:53 Rick’s AI victory story ($1,400 win)
4:06 How listeners are using AI
7:46 Using AI for everyday life and meal planning
9:13 Travel help and packing tips
11:29 Simplifying home maintenance
12:12 Custom workouts and fitness help
14:28 AI, humanity, and staying connected
16:48 Smart inspiration: gifts, resumes, and creativity
20:46 Writing better emails and messages
23:14 Setting smart boundaries and protecting privacy
26:38 Staying safe and thoughtful online
29:39 Proceed with caution... and curiosity
Want to be a guest on The Loud Quiet – Empty Nest Living?
Send Rick and Clancy Denton a message on PodMatch:
https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theloudquiethost
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and should not be taken as legal, financial, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney, financial advisor, or other professional regarding your specific situation. The opinions expressed by guests are solely theirs and do not necessarily represent the views or positions of the host(s).
Every podcast starts somewhere… and this week, we’re sharing exactly how The Loud Quiet - Empty Nest Living came to be.
It all goes back to one late-night drive, a little vodka honesty, and a question from Clancy that stopped Rick cold. That moment caught us off guard and led to discussions on how we saw our relationship, our future, and eventually led to creating this show.
In this episode, we talk through the real story behind that night, how it led to our first recording in what used to be the kids’ playroom, and what it’s taught us about doing life (and business) together as empty nesters. We also share a first look at something we’ve been quietly working on since February... our upcoming book about what empty nest living has really meant to us.
If you want to stay up to date on the book launch and get extras and updates, you can join our newsletter here:
📬 https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup
👋 Join the conversation or share your own “start of it all” story in our community:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet
🎧 Find all episodes and listening platforms here:
https://www.theloudquiet.com
Videos Mentioned in the Episode
Embrace The Shift - E10 https://youtu.be/eQjUxpcq2jk
Behind The Scenes Studio Build https://youtu.be/ljiP26VLheo
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro – back on the road again
0:48 Why we started sharing our story
1:50 The night that changed everything
3:25 The question that froze Rick
4:55 When fear meets honesty
6:20 The moment the podcast idea hit
7:40 Turning the playroom into a studio
8:45 Recording that first raw episode
10:15 From therapy sessions to a community
11:10 Naming The Loud Quiet - Empty Nest Living
12:25 Doing the empty nest instead of feeling done to
13:25 Saying yes and sometimes saying no
14:50 The real talk promise (and an AMA idea)
16:30 Working together as partners and creatives
18:30 A new creative chapter: the book
20:10 Finding meaning in the loud and the quiet
Want to be a guest on The Loud Quiet - Empty Nest Living?
Send Rick and Clancy Denton a message on PodMatch:https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theloudquiethost
Disclaimer:This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and should not be taken as legal, financial, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney, financial advisor, or other professional regarding your specific situation. The opinions expressed by guests are solely theirs and do not necessarily represent the views or positions of the host(s).
#relationships #marriage #recreation #podcast #EmptyNesters #EmptyNesting #Lifeafterkidsleave #Transitiontoanemptynest #Parentingjourney #Reinventingourselves #Newchapterinlife #Emptynestchallenges #Findingpurpose #Rediscoveringhobbies #Relationshipafterkids #Self-discovery #Preparingforanemptynest #Reconnectingasacouple #Growingtogetherafterkidsleave #Familydynamicsafterkidsleave #Supportsystemsforemptynesters #Tipsforsuccessfulemptynesting
How Do We Reinvent Ourselves?
What does it really mean to reinvent yourself once the house goes quiet? In this episode, Rick and Clancy talk about what reinvention has looked like for them since becoming empty nesters... how it’s less about one big change and more about staying curious, open, and willing to keep learning.
They share stories from their recent trip to the Empowered Podcaster Conference in Charlotte, NC, what it taught them about community and confidence, and how this phase of life is the perfect time to keep reinventing... not because you have to, but because you can.
We’re thankful to our episode sponsor, Damon Vinci with Magical Memory Planners, a long-time travel planner who helps make dream vacations stress-free.
📞 Call or text Damon at 972-987-0527 or email damon@magicalmemoryplanners.com to start planning your next adventure.
From the emotional recharge of being around other creators... to the moment Rick realized reinventing might never actually end... this one’s for anyone wondering what comes next when the kids are gone and the schedule finally opens up.
👋 Join the conversation in our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet
📬 Get new episodes and extras in your inbox: https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup
🎧 Find all episodes and links: https://www.theloudquiet.com
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro and what reinventing means
2:15 Why small conferences matter
5:44 Sponsor thank you: Magical Memory Planners
8:10 Traveling as a couple and space apart
10:53 Kindness across differences
13:20 How reinvention connects us to our kids
15:20 From imposter syndrome to confidence
18:48 Thriving in the empty nest
21:20 What we are acting on next
23:40 Building a real-life community
Want to be a guest on The Loud Quiet – Empty Nest Living?
Send Rick and Clancy Denton a message on PodMatch:
https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theloudquiethost
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and should not be taken as legal, financial, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney, financial advisor, or other professional regarding your specific situation. The opinions expressed by guests are solely theirs and do not necessarily represent the views or positions of the host(s).
Parenting doesn’t come with a guidebook... but sometimes it comes with text messages. In this episode, we sit down with Tammy Cohen, author of Text Messages To My Sons, to talk about the lessons, reminders, and heart-to-hearts she’s been sending her boys for years.
Tammy shares why she started capturing her wisdom in text form, how her sons have received it, and what it looks like to parent adult kids with honesty and love. This conversation isn’t just about moms and sons—it’s about communication, connection, and the little ways we keep showing up for our kids even as they grow.
📖 Get Tammy’s book Text Messages To My Sons:
Amazon (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/3Koe06r
IndiePubs (use code TEXTMOM for a discount): https://indiepubs.com/products/text-messages-to-my-sons-new-edition
✨ Want to preview the book? Tammy is giving away 2 free chapters when you sign up here: https://theloudquiet.kit.com/texts
🌐 Connect with Tammy:
Website: https://tammyjcohen.com/
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/tammy-j-cohen-915815143
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tammyjcohen/
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
1:35 Why Tammy started texting her sons
4:50 Turning texts into a book
8:10 How her sons reacted
11:45 Parenting adult kids with boundaries
15:30 Lessons she most wanted to pass on
19:20 The power of short reminders
23:00 Communication across generations
26:40 What she hopes readers take away
29:55 Wrap-up
👋 Join the conversation in our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet
📬 Get episodes and extras in your inbox: https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup
🎧 Find all episodes and platforms here: https://www.theloudquiet.com
Want to be a guest on The Loud Quiet – Empty Nest Living?
Send Rick and Clancy Denton a message on PodMatch:
https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theloudquiethost
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and should not be taken as legal, financial, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney, financial advisor, or other professional regarding your specific situation.
What started as “just a quick drive” turned into a full-on Baylor game day adventure… complete with tailgates, rivalries, bugs that wouldn’t quit, and a whole lot of laughs with friends.
In this episode, we talk about navigating friendships in the empty nest… especially when your kids are dating each other… plus what it’s like to step into traditions that weren’t originally ours but now feel pretty special. From Waco eats to a last-second field goal to realizing game days can be mini-adventures of their own, this trip gave us plenty to reflect on.
🌬️ The handheld fan that saved us in the Texas heat (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/429B1Ai
👋 Share your own family rivalry stories in our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet
📬 Want more like this? Get weekly extras in your inbox: https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
2:10 Parent friends to kid couple
4:30 Empty nest road trip dynamics
6:50 Rivalry ground rules and the 20 bet
9:00 Surviving Texas heat with that fan
11:10 Tailgating Baylor style
13:20 The bug attack saga
15:30 Waco surprises and great food
17:40 Sports as a unifier and the finish
—
Want to be a guest on The Loud Quiet – Empty Nest Living?
Send Rick and Clancy Denton a message on PodMatch:
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Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and should not be taken as legal, financial, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney, financial advisor, or other professional regarding your specific situation.
What happens when you visit your kids in their own space? We share the funny, surprising, and eye-opening moments of stepping into their world while on the road between Phoenix and Tucson.
Visiting your kids on their turf brings a mix of surprises, laughs, and those little reminders that they’re building lives outside of your roof. This week’s episode was recorded while we were literally on the road between Phoenix and Tucson… headed to spend the weekend with our daughter.
We talk about what it’s like to step into your kids’ world… seeing their spaces, meeting their friends, trying their favorite restaurants, and even noticing new habits (or lack of vacuuming skills). We also share some stories from The Loud Quiet Facebook community and how their experiences mirror our own.
It’s about learning when to lean in, when to step back, and how to enjoy the ride… sometimes literally, with road noise in the background.
👋 Want to join the conversation and maybe get a future shoutout on the podcast? Our community is growing and we’d love to have you: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet
0:00 Intro on the road
1:00 Community stories that made us laugh
3:25 Eating new foods and favorite local restaurants
5:40 Changing interests and new hobbies
7:50 The mystery of vacuuming skills
9:30 Parents, grades, and stepping back
12:00 Balancing your visit with their schedule
14:20 Meeting friend groups (and picking up the check)
16:00 Seeing them become capable adults
18:30 Driving, independence, and handling big moments
19:50 Wrap-up on the ride to Tucson
👋 Share your own “visiting on their turf” stories in our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet 📬 Want more like this?
Get weekly extras in your inbox: https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup 🎧
Find all episodes, podcast apps, and YouTube links here: https://www.theloudquiet.com
Want to be a guest on The Loud Quiet – Empty Nest Living? Send Rick and Clancy Denton a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theloudquiethost
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and should not be taken as legal, financial, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney, financial advisor, or other professional regarding your specific situation.
Some signs of fall are comforting. Some are kind of annoying. And some, like the flashing yellow school zone lights, just make you groan.
In this episode, Rick and Clancy share the little markers that tell them fall has arrived. Childhood soccer uniforms, back-to-school shopping trips, college football weekends, the first cool front fake-out, and pumpkin scented candles all make the list. They also talk about how fall still feels like a reset, even when you’re not chasing kids to Friday night games anymore.
👃 Got a favorite fall scent? Or a sign of fall in your town? Come share it with us: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet
📬 Want more like this? Get new episodes and the FREE curated Travel Tips & Gear guide: https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup
🎧 Find all episodes, podcast apps, and YouTube links here: https://www.theloudquiet.com
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
1:00 Childhood fall memories
4:30 Back-to-school shopping then vs. now
7:10 College football is back
10:50 School zones and Friday night games
14:20 Travel plans as fall markers
16:00 Pumpkin candles and fall flavors
17:30 State Fair and local festivals
18:50 The cool weather fake-out
20:10 Why fall feels like a reset
22:45 Fall is busy and we love it
✅ Want to be a guest on The Loud Quiet – Empty Nest Living? Send Rick and Clancy Denton a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theloudquiethost
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and should not be taken as legal, financial, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney, financial advisor, or other professional regarding your specific situation.
Retirement isn’t just about 401(k)s and Social Security. It’s also about your identity, your routines, your relationship, and that strange feeling of waking up with nowhere to be.
In this episode, Rick and Clancy sit down with retirement coach Wendy Leggett to talk about the non-financial side of retirement: what makes it hard, what makes it meaningful, and how to approach it with curiosity instead of fear. Wendy shares thoughtful advice for individuals and couples navigating this transition.
Whether you’re five years out or already a few months in, this one’s packed with real, useful insight.
🧭 Learn more about Wendy’s coaching work: https://confluxretirementcoaching.com/
👋 Join the conversation in our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet
📬 Want more like this? Get new episodes and extras in your inbox: https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup
🎧 Find all episodes, podcast apps, and YouTube links here: https://www.theloudquiet.com
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
1:11 What does a retirement coach do?
2:41 Why retirement can be a struggle
5:10 Identity shifts after work
7:09 How to thrive in retirement
8:44 Transition vs. change
11:26 When couples have different visions
14:44 Respecting the stay-at-home spouse’s role
18:39 Feeling like a stranger in your own home
20:09 Are you really ready to retire?
22:10 When to talk to a retirement coach
24:39 Wendy’s 8-session coaching process
26:13 Free coaching session + workbook offer
27:43 Final thoughts and thank you
✅ Want to be a guest on The Loud Quiet – Empty Nest Living? Send Rick and Clancy Denton a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theloudquiethost
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and should not be taken as legal, financial, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney, financial advisor, or other professional regarding your specific situation.
The house is quiet again... and we’re back in the studio. The return of the empty nest, even for the 3rd time, stirs up a wide range of feelings.
In this milestone 100th episode, we reflect on how much has changed... since starting the podcast, since our first round of empty nest living, and even just since last summer. From Iceland inside jokes to unexpected museum noises to the rediscovery of personal space (and skinny dipping), we talk through the return of the quiet, what we’ve learned, and why we’re still choosing each other in year three.
And mostly... we just want to say thank you. This podcast exists because of you. Whether you’ve listened to one episode or all 100, your support means everything.
🧳 Want our favorite travel gear and tips? Get the free download (plus our newsletter): https://www.theloudquiet.com
🎧 Find all episodes, podcast apps, and YouTube links here: https://www.theloudquiet.com
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro + back in the studio
1:00 Thanking you for 100 episodes
2:35 A summer of nonstop travel
4:16 Iceland memories and inside jokes
6:10 Watching our kids connect as adults
8:50 When the empty nest fills back up
10:50 Adjusting when she moves back out
16:50 Choosing to say yes
22:40 Finding friends in the empty nest
24:41 Final thoughts + thank you
Want to be a guest on The Loud Quiet - Empty Nest Living? Send Rick And Clancy Denton a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theloudquiethost
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and should not be taken as legal, financial, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney, financial advisor, or other professional regarding your specific situation.
You’re a couple again... but it doesn’t feel quite the same.
This Greatest Hits episode takes us back to the early weeks of our empty nest life. The routines technically returned... but everything about them felt different. From light trash cans to creepy museum portraits to the moment the house goes quiet and it hits you all over again... this one’s for anyone staring down the weird, slow shift from full house to two place mats at dinner.
👋 Share your first-week-of-empty-nest moments with us: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet
📬 Get Greatest Hits and new episodes straight to your inbox: https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup
🎧 Find all episodes, podcast apps, and YouTube links here: https://www.theloudquiet.com
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
1:20 Back to routine...ish
3:30 First day photo tradition
5:10 Grocery carts and empty trash cans
6:50 Two placemats at dinner
8:15 What do weekends look like now?
11:00 Walks, weather, and rediscovering each other
13:10 Fort Worth day trip: museum and cocktails
17:10 “The Clancy” is born
20:00 That first boring Sunday
25:00 The loudness of the quiet
28:30 Even the cat is adjusting
Want to be a guest on The Loud Quiet – Empty Nest Living?
Send us a message on PodMatch:
https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theloudquiethost
Some parenting lessons don’t hit until you’re in a parking lot, crying with your kid, trying to help them through something you can’t fix.
This Greatest Hits episode from our first season walks through a tough moment with our daughter Teagan... her first big roommate conflict in college... and how we had to learn a new way to parent her through it. From awkward campus moments to the heartbreak of long-distance support, we’re revisiting this story now because we know so many of you will be in this season soon. The drop-offs may be done, but the emotional aftermath is just around the corner.
📬 Want more like this? Get weekly episodes and extras in your inbox:
https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup
👋 Share your own back to school story or join the conversation in our community:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet
🎧 Browse all episodes and platforms here:
https://www.theloudquiet.com
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro to Greatest Hits episode
0:31 Why this topic hits home for parents
2:23 Parents Weekend: Fun and emotional whiplash
5:04 Watching other families struggle
6:51 Letting adult kids make decisions
9:58 Handling downtime with your college kid
14:50 Parking lot tears and a hard goodbye
18:09 Roommate conflict from a distance
21:08 The instinct to fix everything
24:47 Letting them handle it... but staying close
26:26 Supportive friendships make all the difference
29:00 Growth, resolution, and a sigh of relief
34:34 The next visit: hoping for peace
35:16 Final reflections
✅ Want to be a guest on The Loud Quiet?
Send Rick and Clancy Denton a message on PodMatch:
https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theloudquiethost
The IKEA bags. The ramen in the pantry. The horse figurine in the car. This is the episode we recorded just days after becoming official empty nesters... and let’s just say, the tears were flowing.
Originally aired as Episode 2, this one holds a lot of heart. It’s a real-time look at what it feels like to leave your youngest at college... awkward silences, Target runs, unexpected breakdowns, and the surprising peace of watching your kid help someone else swipe into the dorm.
We're bringing it back now because we know so many of you are doing this exact thing. If you’re in the thick of drop-off season, this one’s for you.
✅ If you’re looking for the blue bags we swear by now, here’s our go-to (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/3IPXHP9
CHATPERS
0:00 Intro... why we're rerunning this
1:53 College drop-off season begins
3:18 The magic of IKEA bags
5:17 Triggers we didn’t expect
7:26 Two kids, two rival schools
10:50 Target runs and dorm shopping
13:03 Will they find their people?
15:29 The emotional wait to move in
18:22 Saying goodbye in the hallway
23:10 “I miss my cat” and other breakdowns
29:56 The surprise letter-writing moment
32:59 What every parent really wants
35:50 Visiting our son, softening the blow
38:54 The text that brought us back to Earth
42:36 The start of the quiet house
👋 Share your own college drop-off story in our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet
📬 Want more like this? Get new episodes and extras in your inbox: https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup
Want to be a guest on The Loud Quiet – Empty Nest Living?
Send Rick and Clancy Denton a message on PodMatch:
https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theloudquiethost
CHAPTERS