Episodes

Not Your Grandma’s Monogamy (S5 | E200) The Open Nesters Podcast Dr. Tammy Nelson | Not Your Grandmother’s Monogamy [Tessa] In this episode, we revisit a compelling conversation with Dr. Tammy Nelson, a prominent sex therapist and author of “Open Monogamy.” I had the distinct pleasure of discussing the dynamic landscape of relationships, particularly the concepts of polyamory and open relationships, and how they can lead to deeper happiness and fulfillment for some individuals, especially wom...

Changing Aging (The Open Nesters Podcast Season 5 | Episode 199) Changing Aging [Tessa] In this episode of The Open Nesters Podcast, Amir takes the reins to share his personal journey regarding aging and dating as he reflects on turning 70. He expresses both excitement and a touch of nervousness at the prospect of hosting an episode solo for the first time. With Tessa, the usual guide and producer, cheering him on, Amir dives deep into the emotional landscape of aging, unveiling his transitio...

Changing Aging (The Open Nesters Podcast Season 5 | Episode 198) Changing Aging [Tessa] In this episode of The Open Nesters Podcast, we dive deep into the transformative journey of redefining what it means to be an open nester, guided by the insights of Dr. Bill Thomas and his daughter Jude Thomas. We explore the multifaceted dimensions of aging, tackling the misconception that this stage of life is marked solely by decline. Instead, we present it as an opportunity for growth, adventure, and ...

Dating, Ghosted and Opening after 60 (S5 | E197) [Tessa] This episode features an enlightening conversation with Shakti Sundari, who shares her transformative experiences as a single mother and her journey into self-discovery and conscious dating. Living in Glastonbury, UK, Shakti brings a unique perspective on parenting, relationships, and personal growth after dedicating over twenty years to teaching sexual and spiritual awakening for women. As her children have grown into young adults, she ...

“Open Nest”: Redefining Love After Children Leave Home (S5 | E196) [Tessa] As children leave the home, parents often find themselves at a new life stage, ripe for rediscovering themselves and their relationships. This is the essence of being an “open nester,” a mindset that embraces new adventures and possibilities in love, intimacy, and connection. Sumati Sparks, our guide, highlights the importance of releasing outdated beliefs and societal programming. She encourages a deeper understanding ...

Bella Brooks: How Divorce Led to Self-Discovery and Open Relationships (S5 | E195) [Tessa] In this episode of The Open Nesters Podcast, we delve into the transformative journey of open nesting and the richness of personal relationships with Bella Brooks, a sexuality educator and intimacy coach. Bella shares her compelling story of rediscovery following her divorce in 2017, which became a pivotal moment that propelled her into exploring her identity as a part-time empty nester. This experience ...

How to Celebrate Your Hot Flashes (S5 | E194) Beyond the Hot Flashes: Embracing the “Open Nester” Life Through Menopause and Beyond [Tessa] Welcome back, Open Nesters! Tessa here, and I’m thrilled to take you on a journey revisiting one of our most impactful episodes to date: Episode 33, where we dove deep into the often-misunderstood world of menopause. This conversation was truly special, and it resonated with so many of you, so I felt it was essential to bring some of those powerful insigh...

Best Sex Ever After Menopause (S5 | E193) with Dr. Carol Remz [Tessa] In this episode of The Open Nesters Podcast, we dive into the transformative journey of aging gracefully while embracing our sexuality and vitality. As open nesters, we explore the notion that life is full of possibilities beyond the constraints of a traditional empty nest. Our guest, Dr. Carol Remz, an inspiring 80-year-old author, shares her rich insights from her critically acclaimed book, “The Best Sex Ever After Menopau...

Finding Purpose at Any Age (S5 | E192) with Pat Whitty [Tessa] In this episode of the Open Nester podcast, we revisit a heartfelt conversation with Pat Whitty, a cherished voice from the Modern Elder Academy, who shares profound insights accumulated over his 78-year journey. Pat emphasizes the importance of slowing down amidst the chaos of life, allowing for deep reflection on connection, meaning, purpose, and legacy, which he believes are essentials for continual growth at any age. 2:53 Coac...

From Empty to Open: Reimagining Family Bonds in the Nesting Transition with Zev Aaron (S5 | E191) [Tessa] Zev Aaron, Transformational Coach, brings such a profound understanding to family life. Being the youngest of a big, blended family, he got a front-row seat to the whole “empty nest” journey even before it was his turn. He watched his parents navigate it as the last of his siblings left, and that really shaped his perspective. From a special education teacher to a Yale researcher, his path...

My Adult Child Won’t Talk to Me: Finding Hope and a Path Forward (S5 | E190) [Tessa] In this episode, we delve deeply into the sensitive topic of parent-child estrangement with Dr. Joshua Coleman, an established expert in the field and the author of the impactful book, *Rules of Estrangement: Why Adult Children Cut Ties and How to Heal the Conflict*. Joined by Jonathan Pellett, a filmmaker and a father who has personally experienced the pain of estrangement with his daughter, we explore the co...

Radical Living & the Big Ass Calendar: Marni Batista on Open Nesting, Intentional Living, and Midlife Reinvention Open Nesters Podcast Episode (S5 | E189) [Tessa] In this episode of The Open Nesters Podcast, I had the pleasure of welcoming back Marni Batista, who has recently released her insightful book on radical living and personal growth. Our conversation delved into the transformative concept of open nesting—a mindset shift that encourages embracing new adventures and relationships as we ...

Awakening the Feminine: Moira Cormack on Tantra, Motherhood & Empowerment after 50 Open Nesters Podcast Episode (S5 | E188) [Tessa] Moira Cormack, a passionate advocate for womanhood and personal evolution, shares her transformative journey in an engaging conversation recorded at the Open Nesters podcast. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Moira’s Edinburgh, Scotland, the interview delves deep into our guest’s experiences as a mother of four daughters and her exploration of femininity, p...

Reinventing Life After 50: Maria Leonard Olsen on Resilience, Sobriety, and Embracing Change Open Nesters Podcast Episode (S5 | E187) [Tessa] In this episode of the Open Nesters podcast, we engage in an enlightening discussion with Maria Leonard Olsen, a dynamic figure whose journey of transformation resonates powerfully with those navigating life’s challenges, especially after 50. Maria, a litigator and author of the book “50 After 50: Reframing the Next Chapter of Your Life,” shares her stor...

The Grace of Growing Older: Embracing Elderhood and Sacred Time (S5 | E186) with Rabbi Dayle A. Friedman [Tessa] In this episode of The Open Nesters Podcast, I had the privilege of hosting Rabbi Dayle Friedman, whose rich spiritual insights on aging and the transition into open nesting resonate deeply with those seeking meaning in this new stage of life. Rabbi Friedman, an experienced rabbi and spiritual director, shares her journey, exploring the profound opportunities for connection, reflect...

Rediscovering Desire: A Conversation with Sex Educator Pamela Madsen (S5 | E185) [Tessa] In this episode of Open Nesters, we celebrate the fifth anniversary of our podcast with a revisit to one of our most impactful episodes featuring Pamela Madsen, a notable author and educator known for her work in sensuality and personal growth. I have the privilege of having Pamela share her insights into the liberating journey of embracing our somatic truth as we age, which is particularly resonant for wom...

Rediscovering Purpose: How Adventure Travel Helped This Empty Nester Heal, Grow, and Thrive (S5 | E184) with Stacey Funt [Tessa] This episode features an enlightening conversation with Stacey Funt, a physician, radiologist, and adventure traveler who offers deep insights into navigating the transition of becoming an open nester. Stacey shares her personal journey, which includes embracing the unexpected challenges that come with this life stage, particularly the grief following the loss of fam...

THE RADIO VAGABOND (FULL EPISODE – S5 | E183) with Palle Bo THE RADIO VAGABOND – EPISODE 205 [Tessa] While Amir and I are busy at work making more Open Nester Podcast episodes for you, we are thrilled to share this episode from The Radio Vagabond. The Radio Vagabond is a travel podcast created and hosted by Danish radio producer Palle Bo. In 2016, at the age of 50, Bo made the life-changing decision to sell his house, car, and nearly all his possessions to become a full-time digital nomad, w...

AN END TO ARGUING (S5 | E182) with Linda and Charlie Bloom In this episode of The Open Nesters Podcast, we delve into the transformative journey of couples as they transition from traditional empty nesting to a more expansive and vibrant phase, which we call open nesting. I’m excited to introduce Linda and Charlie Bloom, seasoned social workers, educators, and authors with a wealth of experience in nurturing deeper relationships. Married since 1972, they bring to our discussion profound insigh...

Love Relationship & Sexuality Sampler [Tessa] In this sampler episode of Open Nesters, Tessa and Amir explore how couples can rekindle intimacy and redefine relationships as children leave home, sharing strategies and real-life insights for navigating this transformative phase. It’s a Love Relationship & Sexuality Sampler. Relationships, Love and Sexuality In this special sampler episode of the Open Nesters podcast, we take a reflective journey through our four seasons, focusing on the most i...

“Embracing Aging: Ashton Applewhite on Fighting Ageism, Wisdom, and the Joys of Act III An Open Nesters Encore Presentation In this episode, Amir and I reflect on the conclusion of Season One and the upcoming content that delves deeper into key topics surrounding aging. The focus here pivots to the enlightening conversation with Ashton Applewhite, an advocate against ageism and author of “This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism.” “Embracing Aging: Ashton Applewhite on Fighting Ageism, Wi...

Deepen Your Relationships with AI An Introduction to the Bonds App (S5 | E181) Deepen Your Relationships with AI In this episode of The Open Nesters Podcast, we dive into the transformative concept of “open nesting,” which invites listeners to embrace new adventures, relationships, and passions during this exciting life stage. We challenge the notion of being an empty nester, celebrating instead the rich possibilities that come with reimagining our lives as our children transition into adulth...

Loving Without Boundaries with Kitty Chambliss (S5 | E180) In this episode of Loving Without Boundaries, hosted by Kitty Chambliss, Tessa and Amir from the Open Nesters podcast return for an enlightening reunion after four years since their last appearance. Their previous discussion focused on their burgeoning journey into polyamory, and now, they reflect on how their understanding and experience have deepened over time. With the passage of four years filled with growth, exploration, and profo...

Revealing Pleasure – The P.A.R.N. Approach to Play and Intimacy with Steve and Shane (S5 | E179) [Tessa] In this episode of The Open Nesters Podcast, we dive deep into the concept of “open nesting,” a refreshing take on the empty nest phase of life. Instead of viewing the absence of children as a void, we explore how it can lead to an abundance of new experiences, connections, and personal growth. Amir and I had the pleasure of welcoming back Shane Kulman, one of our favorite guests from Seaso...