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
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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).