Judgment. Comparison. That side-eye when you mention you're still financially helping your adult kids. If you're an empty nester, chances are you’ve either given that look... or gotten it.

In this episode of The Loud Quiet, we unpack the topic of financially supporting adult children. We’re not financial advisors, but we are living this in real time. Grad school tuition. Rent. Budgeting lessons. All of it.

We share what we’ve chosen to cover and why, where we draw our boundaries (marriage = financial launch), and how to support in a way that teaches independence... not delays it. We also open up about the tension it can create in your marriage, your wallet, and your expectations of what the empty nest is supposed to feel like.

This one’s honest, maybe a little controversial, and we definitely don’t all agree... sometimes not even with each other.

🎙️ Have you faced this decision? Where do you draw the line? Come join the conversation inside The Loud Quiet - Empty Nest Living Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet

📬 Get fresh episodes and extras in your inbox every week: Subscribe to the newsletter https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup

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CHAPTERS

0:00 New logo, golf outing, and empty nester firsts

2:13 Should empty nesters support their adult children financially?

4:56 Why judgment and comparison still follow empty nesters

6:58 Is multigenerational living normal again for empty nesters?

7:19 How financial support impacts empty nesters

9:19 Pros of helping adult children launch successfully

13:29 When adult children aren’t emotionally or financially ready

14:19 Can support delay adult children’s independence?

20:12 How empty nesters can support without enabling

25:32 Setting boundaries: graduation, marriage, and milestones

29:41 Teaching financial habits while still supporting

31:41 Privilege, perspective, and reframing how we “help”

#relationships #marriage #recreation #podcast #EmptyNesters #EmptyNesting #Lifeafterkidsleave #Transitiontoanemptynest #Parentingjourney #Reinventingourselves #Newchapterinlife #Emptynestchallenges #Findingpurpose #Rediscoveringhobbies #Relationshipafterkids #Self-discovery #Preparingforanemptynest #Reconnectingasacouple #Growingtogetherafterkidsleave #Familydynamicsafterkidsleave #Supportsystemsforemptynesters #Tipsforsuccessfulemptynesting

Time to lighten it up. After a couple of deeper episodes, we’re kicking back with some TV talk. Summer used to be rerun season, but now there’s new content dropping all year long. So what’s keeping us company on the couch lately?

In this episode, we run through what we’re currently watching, the comedies we use as entertainment filler, and a few titles queued up for later. From courtroom chaos and mega churches to awkward high school teachers and flashbacks at a Mexican resort, it’s all here.

📺 Seen any of these shows or movies? Got your own recommendations? Come share with the community in The Loud Quiet - Empty Nest Living Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet

📬 Want more of this kind of thing? Subscribe to our newsletter and get fresh episodes and extras in your inbox every week.https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup

CHAPTERS

0:00 Intro — Summer TV isn’t what it used to be

2:10 Suits

4:40 Studio

7:24 Mythic Quest

9:30 Righteous Gemstones

12:39 Mountainhead

15:52 Filler shows we return to

17:14 Schitt’s Creek

20:12 AP Bio

22:57 Acapulco

25:25 What’s in our queue

26:03 Osama bin Laden & Tylenol murder documentaries

27:17 Music documentaries: Led Zeppelin and ABBA

28:47 Your Friends and Neighbors

29:57 Stick

30:33 Outro — Send us your picks

Empty nesters, rejoice... and brace yourselves. The kids are coming home for summer break, and the vibe in your once-quiet house is about to shift.Clancy and Rick share 10 real-world tips to help you handle the return of your college-age kids. From setting expectations to balancing mealtime and independence, they explore what works, what doesn’t, and how to keep the peace while strengthening your relationship.💡 Want a downloadable copy of the 10 Tips?Join our newsletter here and get it sent directly to your inbox.https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup🛎️ Have a summer survival tip of your own?Share it with the community on The Loud Quiet - Empty Nest Living Facebook Group here.https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquietCHAPTERS0:00 Introduction — When the empty nest isn’t so empty anymore2:01 Tip 1: Talk about expectations early6:16 Tip 2: Respect their need for independence8:11 Tip 3: Give them space, literally and emotionally10:31 Tip 4: Negotiate responsibilities13:21 Tip 5: Encourage a sense of purpose15:15 Tip 6: Balance family time and freedom17:19 Tip 7: Treat them like emerging adults20:58 Tip 8: Expect a transition period22:51 Tip 9: Check in on their mental health26:30 Tip 10: Enjoy their presence30:06 Final thoughts on keeping the relationship strong#relationships #marriage #recreation #podcast #EmptyNesters #EmptyNesting #Lifeafterkidsleave #Transitiontoanemptynest #Parentingjourney #Reinventingourselves #Newchapterinlife #Emptynestchallenges #Findingpurpose #Rediscoveringhobbies #Relationshipafterkids #Self-discovery #Preparingforanemptynest #Reconnectingasacouple #Growingtogetherafterkidsleave #Familydynamicsafterkidsleave #Supportsystemsforemptynesters #Tipsforsuccessfulemptynesting

What happens when your carefully planned life suddenly goes off script?

In this deeply personal episode, Clancy and Rick open up about the past few weeks—full of unexpected loss, chaotic schedules, and the quiet disconnection that can sneak up in empty nest life.

From memorial planning and rushed moves to a cardboard box anniversary and a last minute bus ride, they explore what it means to lose your sense of self and how to start finding your way back.

This isn’t just an update—it’s a reminder that life doesn’t always care about your schedule. But maybe, just maybe, that’s when connection matters most.

Have your own recalculation moment? Share it with the group below—we’re all navigating this journey together.

Empty Nest Living can be challenging. Let’s support each other. Join The Loud Quiet - Empty Nest Living Facebook group and build community together: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Hf9LJkmdU

CHAPTERS

00:00 When life throws off your rhythm

01:45 The cost of zero margin

04:05 Nana’s final days

07:50 Chaos, guilt, and cardboard anniversaries

13:15 Losing our connection

15:40 Why this podcast still matters

19:10 Rediscovering “us”

23:10 The empty nest isn’t always quiet

#relationships #marriage #recreation #podcast #EmptyNesters #EmptyNesting #Lifeafterkidsleave #Transitiontoanemptynest #Parentingjourney #Reinventingourselves #Newchapterinlife #Emptynestchallenges #Findingpurpose #Rediscoveringhobbies #Relationshipafterkids #Self-discovery #Preparingforanemptynest #Reconnectingasacouple #Growingtogetherafterkidsleave #Familydynamicsafterkidsleave #Supportsystemsforemptynesters #Tipsforsuccessfulemptynesting

Rick and Clancy returned from Germany and have 10 travel points to share.

From pre planning to what to do when you arrive-they have put these points into practice many times.

Listen before you plan your next trip.

Get your free "10 Tips for Parents of College Kids Home for the Summer"https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup

Empty Nest Living can be challenging. Let’s support each other. Join The Loud Quiet - Empty Nest Living Facebook group and build community together: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Hf9LJkmdU/

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CHAPTERS 0:00 - 10 travel tips for empty nesters

1:14 - Finding and booking smart flights

4:30 - Using points for business class travel

7:59 - Making the most of long layovers

10:05 - Itinerary planning with tech and AI

13:10 - Rail passes and local transportation

14:54 - Walking tours, food tours, and local guides

19:47 - Navigation apps and city transportation tips

21:58 - Discovering regional foods and desserts

24:24 - Go one block extra for authentic experiences

26:36 - Getting cash and avoiding ATM fees

29:34 - Bonus tips and wrapping it all up

#relationships #relationships #marriage #recreation #podcast #EmptyNesters #EmptyNesting #Lifeafterkidsleave #Transitiontoanemptynest #Parentingjourney #Reinventingourselves #Newchapterinlife #Emptynestchallenges #Findingpurpose #Rediscoveringhobbies #Relationshipafterkids #Self-discovery #Preparingforanemptynest #Reconnectingasacouple #Growingtogetherafterkidsleave #Familydynamicsafterkidsleave #Supportsystemsforemptynesters #Tipsforsuccessfulemptynesting

We thought we knew what to expect from our trip to Germany. We didn’t. In the best way.

In this episode of The Loud Quiet, we share the surprises that made our empty nest adventure unforgettable…from unexpected experiences to moments that moved us.

Join us as we explore how saying “Ja” to Germany brought more delight than we could have anticipated.

Empty Nest Living can be challenging. Let’s support each other. Join The Loud Quiet - Empty Nest Living Facebook group and build community together: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Hf9LJkmdU/

CHAPTERS

00:00 Welcome back and why Germany became an empty nest trip
02:37 How empty nest travel felt different this time
04:41 Surprising delight in Germany’s culture and ease
10:13 The emotional impact of Germany’s history
16:13 Rebuilding after war and living history
19:23 Outdoor adventures and spring festivals
23:00 Autobahn myths and other culture shocks
27:54 Final thoughts and what’s coming next

#relationships #marriage #recreation #podcast #EmptyNesters #EmptyNesting #Lifeafterkidsleave #Transitiontoanemptynest #Parentingjourney #Reinventingourselves #Newchapterinlife #Emptynestchallenges #Findingpurpose #Rediscoveringhobbies #Relationshipafterkids #Self-discovery #Preparingforanemptynest #Reconnectingasacouple #Growingtogetherafterkidsleave #Familydynamicsafterkidsleave #Supportsystemsforemptynesters #Tipsforsuccessfulemptynesting

Today, we're bringing back one of our favorite conversations in this Greatest Hits replay of The Loud Quiet. (Originally E23 January 2024)

In this episode, we go through five thoughtful questions aimed at empty nesters — a chance to check in with each other, reflect on this phase of life, and think about what’s next.

We cover topics like:

How we’re navigating marriage now that the nest is empty

• New adventures we want to take (hello, Maldives and Greece)
• How intimacy shifts after kids leave
• The hobbies we’re excited to explore
• What a perfect retired day could look like

• 
  

This was a fun and honest conversation, sparked by a list of questions geared specifically for empty nest couples.

It’s a great episode to listen to with your own partner — or just to think about your own next chapter.

Stick around at the end for a "text from Teagan" moment too!

Empty Nest Living can be challenging. Let’s support each other. Join The Loud Quiet - Empty Nest Living Facebook group and build community together: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Hf9LJkmdU/

CHAPTERS

00:00 Welcome and Headphone Mayhem

01:40 Why We’re Doing a 5-Question Empty Nest Check-In

04:00 Dream Travel Destinations Without the Kids

07:00 What We Need from Each Other at This Stage

11:00 How We Want Our Intimacy and Sex Life to Grow

16:00 New Hobbies We’d Like to Try

20:00 What a Perfect Retirement Day Looks Like

27:00 Final Thoughts on Staying Connected

29:00 Text from Teagan and Episode Wrap-Up

#relationships

#marriage #recreation #podcast #EmptyNesters #EmptyNesting #Lifeafterkidsleave #Transitiontoanemptynest #Parentingjourney #Reinventingourselves #Newchapterinlife #Emptynestchallenges #Findingpurpose #Rediscoveringhobbies #Relationshipafterkids #Self-discovery #Preparingforanemptynest #Reconnectingasacouple #Growingtogetherafterkidsleave #Familydynamicsafterkidsleave #Supportsystemsforemptynesters #Tipsforsuccessfulemptynesting

Today’s episode is a little different here on The Loud Quiet.

Instead of hosting, we’re guests!

We joined Lynn Smargis on her podcast Caring for Your Aging Parents to share our family’s journey through Alzheimer's and caregiving.

In this conversation, we talk about:

How we first noticed the early signs of dementia in Rick’s mom.

The difficult realities of caregiving from afar, especially during COVID.

What it was like to face Capgras syndrome and the emotional toll it took on the family.

How we worked together with Rick’s stepfather to make the hard decision to move his mom into memory care.

What we learned about hospice, long-term care planning, and supporting each other along the way.

This is an unedited replay of that episode, and we’re grateful to Lynn for the opportunity to share this story — one we know many empty nesters are starting to walk through themselves.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Welcome and Introductions

02:00 First Signs of Alzheimer's in Rick’s Mom

06:30 Confirming the Diagnosis and Building a Care Team

11:00 Facing Capgras Syndrome and Caregiving Challenges

16:00 Supporting the Primary Caregiver from Afar

20:30 Deciding It Was Time for Memory Care

24:00 Moving into Memory Care: How We Handled the Transition

28:00 Hospice Care: What We Wish More People Knew

33:00 Advice for Families Starting This Journey

35:00 About The Loud Quiet and Final Reflections

Follow "Caring for Your Aging Parents" - https://www.youtube.com/@CaringforYourAgingParent-pl9qwEmpty Nest Living can be challenging. Let’s support each other. Join The Loud Quiet - Empty Nest Living Facebook group and build community together: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Hf9LJkmdU/

#relationships

#marriage #recreation #podcast #EmptyNesters #EmptyNesting #Lifeafterkidsleave #Transitiontoanemptynest #Parentingjourney #Reinventingourselves #Newchapterinlife #Emptynestchallenges #Findingpurpose #Rediscoveringhobbies #Relationshipafterkids #Self-discovery #Preparingforanemptynest #Reconnectingasacouple #Growingtogetherafterkidsleave #Familydynamicsafterkidsleave #Supportsystemsforemptynesters #Tipsforsuccessfulemptynesting