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 = fina...
Jun 26, 2025•33 min•Season 2Ep. 91
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. 📺...
Jun 19, 2025•32 min•Season 2Ep. 90
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 dir...
Jun 12, 2025•32 min•Season 2Ep. 89
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 t...
Jun 05, 2025•26 min•Season 2Ep. 88
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/shar...
May 22, 2025•31 min•Season 2Ep. 87
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: ...
May 15, 2025•29 min•Season 2Ep. 86
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 h...
May 08, 2025•30 min•Season 2Ep. 85
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 ...
May 01, 2025•37 min•Season 2Ep. 84
We are back from our Mission Trip. Rick and Clancy talk about what their expectations were and what they took away from their experiences. Listen to what surprised us and how we plan on implementing some of the things we learned. Casas por Cristo - https://casasporcristo.org 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 0:00 - Back from miss...
Apr 24, 2025•33 min•Season 2Ep. 81
Rick and Clancy are headed out of the country for a mission trip. What are they nervous about? What are they excited about? Hear their thoughts and tune in next week for the recap.
Apr 17, 2025•7 min•Season 2Ep. 82
Coming to you from the road in Arizona. Are you feeling overwhelmed? Clancy and Rick talk about trying to keep their heads above water as they have so many irons in different fires. What can they change as they approach new opportunities? Listen to find out. 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 0:00 - Road trip to Teagan's birthday ...
Apr 10, 2025•20 min•Season 2Ep. 81
Rick is headed to his college reunion and Clancy stays behind. Hear the perspectives of each one …what is Rick thinking before he goes and a recap when he gets back. Did Clancy have FOMO? Listen and find out. 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 0:00 Rick's Anticipation of Duke 30th Reunion 1:30 Nostalgia and Excitement about Colleg...
Apr 03, 2025•25 min•Season 2Ep. 80
Are you taking a spring break or spring vacation? Clancy and Rick reminisce on their past spring breaks and how they are enjoying the non travel parameters of empty nest travel. 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 0:00 Is Your Spring Break Mode On, Off, or Paused? 1:11 Childhood Spring Breaks: Road Trips & Ski Trips 3:39 Church...
Mar 27, 2025•22 min•Season 2Ep. 79
Rick and Clancy get real and raw in this episode about interruptions in life. Last minute changes can cause hurt feelings and struggles with communication. How do you handle the unexpected things that life throws at you? 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/1Hf9LJkmdUCHAPTERS CHAPTERS 0:00 Sharing Emotional Pain in the Empty Nest 0:06 The Weight of Disr...
Mar 20, 2025•22 min•Season 2Ep. 78
Are you waiting on something? Do you find it harder to wait without the kids around as a distraction? We talk about the things (big and small) that we are waiting on right now. CHAPTERS 0:00 The Waiting Game: How It Affects Empty Nest Life 0:31 A Birthday Weekend in Tucson 2:24 Delayed Flights & Rental Car Trouble 4:52 Waiting on Parking While Clancy & Teagan Eat 6:05 The Hotel AC Disaster & What We Did 7:49 Hiking to Reset a Bad Mood 8:34 The Challenge of Waiting for Your Adult Kids...
Mar 13, 2025•20 min•Season 2Ep. 77
How do you start the conversation about “what’s next” with our aging parents? We talk with Lynn Smargis, a Certified Senior Advisor about tips to get these conversations started and the steps to take when it’s time to explore new living arrangements. Get Lynn’s book….Sensible Senior Solutions - ebook https://amzn.to/43kZQdP Sensible Senior Solutions - paperback https://amzn.to/4i2WMHJ Watch Lynn’s Podcast “Caring For Your Aging Parent” on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@CaringforYourAgingParent...
Mar 06, 2025•21 min•Season 2Ep. 76
Could you work with your spouse? Rick and Clancy talk about their first experience as they launch their new venture together. What were they excited about? What were they anxious about? How did it go? Listen/watch to find out. Want to create your own shorts like The Loud Quiet ? Get great videos and help TLQ thrive with this affiliate link: https://www.opus.pro/?via=d5f6ad Empty Nesters Rediscover Creativity - E71 https://theloudquiet.transistor.fm/episodes/empty-nesters-rediscover-creat CHAPTER...
Feb 27, 2025•17 min•Season 2Ep. 75
From high end to super casual-we’re enjoying it all in the empty nest. What are some of your indulgences? What casual/laid back things do you enjoy? CHAPTERS 0:00 Luxe & Laid Back: An Empty Nest Lifestyle 0:19 A Perfect Weekend of Opposites 1:17 Luxe vs. Laid Back Music: Beethoven & Yacht Rock 5:12 Luxe & Laid Back Drinks: From Japanese Whiskey to Cheap Chardonnay 6:14 Luxe & Laid Back Travel: Resorts vs. Camping 7:06 Clancy’s Hard No on Camping 8:28 What’s Your Luxe & Laid B...
Feb 20, 2025•9 min•Season 2Ep. 74
We hear from JP and Aeryn on the topic of planning your child’s wedding in the empty nest. They offer sage advice on what and what not to do and all of this on top of an unexpected job change. You’ll want to tune into this one!! CHAPTERS 0:00 The Cost of Weddings: An Empty Nest Reality 0:19 Welcome Back! Special Guests & Empty Nest Talk 2:07 When the Empty Nest Fills Back Up 4:27 Adjusting to an Adult Child Moving Home 7:12 Preparing for Independent Living Before Marriage 9:30 Empty Nest Wed...
Feb 13, 2025•35 min•Season 2Ep. 73
A new story from Nana sparks an interesting conversation about old flames. We are headed to Rick’s college reunion in the spring and were wondering if that provides an opportunity for old relationships to get reignited at this stage of life. How can we safeguard against that? Grey Divorce Episode 28 - https://open.spotify.com/episode/6RxIYTnyBJfistDVvkdfik CHAPTERS 0:00 The Danger of Looking Back at Old Relationships 2:15 Quick Austin Trip Recap 3:25 A Family Story That Sparked This Conversation...
Feb 06, 2025•34 min
Our creative juices are reflowing...Have you found more time to be creative in the empty nest? Is there something that you’ve wanted to do but can’t get the motivation to do it? We discuss our “just do it” mentality and the areas that have got us moving forward on things. CHAPTERS 0:00 Intro…and a new cough remedy 2:14 Post-Podfest: Turning Inspiration Into Action 4:37 Rediscovering Creativity in the Empty Nest 7:58 Brainstorming and Taking the First Steps 10:05 How We Organize Big Ideas as a Te...
Jan 30, 2025•31 min
We’re coming to you from a different location this week. We recap our amazing experience at Podfest Expo 2025 from one of the “studios” set up at the event. We met so many people and learned so many things-many we hope to incorporate into The Loud Quiet. Shows & Brands mentioned in the episode... Relatively Famous Podcast https://www.relativelyfamous.net/ Buzzsprout https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1714744 Shure https://amzn.to/4h1GRZU Renaissance Orlando: https://www.marriott.com/en-...
Jan 23, 2025•28 min•Season 2Ep. 70
Can alone time be beneficial in a relationship? We think so. Whether you’re in different states, countries or just out for a walk by yourself, time apart can bring you closer. We discuss some tips that we have implemented over the years that have helped us stay connected when distance comes into play. CHAPTERS 0:00 Snow Day Shenanigans 3:23 Preparing for the Arizona Road Trip 5:00 The Joys and Challenges of Time Apart 12:25 The Benefits of Solo Time 17:20 Introverts, Extroverts, and Finding Bala...
Jan 16, 2025•34 min•Season 2Ep. 69
Have you been putting something big, new or exciting on hold? Clancy is starting a new chapter in her life- a different routine. She and Rick are excited about some new ventures in 2025. Clancy talks about the fears that she has after she turns off the hold button. “Avicii - I’m Tim” on Netflix - https://www.netflix.com/title/81915373 CHAPTERS 0:00 Resetting Routine Post-Holidays 3:13 Impact of Surgery and Recovery 7:47 Identity Shift and Anxiety 13:32 Planning for the Future 17:31 Balancing Act...
Jan 09, 2025•35 min•Season 2Ep. 68
We talk about the highs, lows and lessons that 2024 brought. A year in review with some glances into the new year and Clancy gives us a slogan or two for 2025. "I'm Dead Now What" planner - https://amzn.to/4gPXyYl Episode 34 "Cakes on a plane" - https://theloudquiet.transistor.fm/episodes/cakes-on-a-plane-e34 Episode 54 "Swedish Death Cleaning in the Empty Nest" - https://theloudquiet.transistor.fm/episodes/swedish-death-cleaning-in-the- CHAPTERS 0:00 - Holiday Season Recap and Personal Challeng...
Jan 02, 2025•36 min•Season 2Ep. 67
Clancy gives us a post op recap. Rick talks about the surgery and recovery from his perspective. We discuss some advice columns dealing with holidays and handling family situations. Dr Rana Facial Plastic Surgery: https://www.theranacenter.com CHAPTERS 0:00 Introduction and Clancy's Post-Surgery Recovery 3:35 Details of the Surgery 8:00 First Night at Home 12:00 Bandage Removal and Initial Observations 16:00 Caregiver Experience 20:00 Grocery Store Visit 22:00 Advice column reactions segment Int...
Dec 19, 2024•38 min•Season 2Ep. 66
Thanksgiving, Bingo Cards and Plastic surgery. We’re hitting a wide array of topics this week. Clancy is vain and she’s the first to admit it but she’s open to discussing her upcoming tweaks. CHAPTERS 0:00 Thanksgiving Recap and Family Gathering 3:40 Family Memories and Generational Shifts 9:00 Adult Conversations and Generational Transitions 13:00 Bingo Card and Family Traditions 15:30 Birthday Celebration and Family Bonding 21:00 Clancy's Upcoming Plastic Surgery 27:00 Balancing Self-Improveme...
Dec 12, 2024•36 min•Season 2Ep. 65
Has the intimacy in your relationship taken a hit in the empty nest? We hear from Stephanie Flood, a relationship and intimacy therapist on reasons why and tips to get that spark going again. Find Stephanie at www.afloodoflove.com CHAPTERS CHAPTERS 0:00 Stephanie Flood Introduction 2:44 Defining Intimacy and Sex 7:55 Initiating Conversations About Sex 12:13 Challenges in the Empty Nest Phase 15:20 Impact of Working from Home on Intimacy 18:41 Balancing Routine and Spontaneity in Intimacy 22:58 S...
Dec 05, 2024•35 min•Season 2Ep. 64
Coming to you from Jackson Square in New Orleans. Our trip got off to a frantic start but quickly turned into an amazing time when everything went right. How did a Lyft ride set the tone for the perfect weekend getaway? Empty nest stories are universal. Listen to find out. 0:00 Recording in New Orleans 1:12 Overcoming Travel Chaos to Start the Trip Right 3:14 Connecting with a Kindred Empty Nester Spirit 7:27 An Inspiring Story of Rekindling a Marriage 9:33 Wandering the Charming Streets of New ...
Nov 21, 2024•23 min•Season 2Ep. 63
Making connections in the empty nest is more challenging than expected. Do we need to put ourselves out there more? Have we done some of the things we thought would help us make connections? Let’s start in our own neighborhoods-get out there and meet someone. CHAPTERS 0:00 Clancy's Neighborhood Connection Experiment 0:34 Celebrating 2000 downloads! 1:23 Connecting at the Duke Alumni Event 4:45 Challenges of Building Neighborhood Connections 9:04 Navigating Empty Nest with Young Adults 11:25 Impo...
Nov 14, 2024•32 min•Season 2Ep. 62
