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:
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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:
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
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🎧 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.