Episodes

Authentic Aging & Sensuality After Empty Nest Maria DiSalvo Interview (S5 | E177) [Tessa] In this episode of The Open Nesters Podcast, we dive into the vibrant life of Maria DiSalvo, whose journey exemplifies the essence of being an open nester. With her children grown and launched into their own lives, Maria embodies the philosophy of embracing new adventures, relationships, and passions that come with this transformative stage. Our conversation serves as an engaging introduction to our Love...

Reflections on Transcendence and Growth with Tessa (Season 5 | Episode 176) [Tessa] Welcome welcome 2025. Such a year this is going to be for us all!!! In this episode of The Open Nesters Podcast, I dive into the concept of open nesting, redefining this phase of life as not merely an empty nest but a vibrant stage filled with new adventures, relationships, and revitalized passions. I share a few reflections on the recent challenges faced by many, particularly due to the devastating fires in ...

Tessa and Amir Season 5 (Season 5 | Episode 175) [Tessa] In this episode of The Open Nesters Podcast, we continue to reimagine open nesting as we reflect on our journey into Season 5. Open nesting, a mindset that embraces new adventures, relationships, and passions, rather than viewing an empty nest as a loss. Join us, Tessa and Amir, as we explore how we have navigated the past year, celebrating the milestones and the insightful conversations that have enriched our lives. As we wind down S...

Thin Threads Where Creativity Meets Risk with Kevin Frest (Season 4 | Episode 174) [Tessa] In this episode of The Open Nesters Podcast, we have an enlightening conversation with Kevin Frest, a leading publisher, agent and photographer. Kevins’ career is extremely interesting. In Kevin’s own words: I came from Gary, Indiana. I had to go somewhere so I chose San Francisco thinking I might end up in New York. I started this whole international publishing company…. The big takeaway for me is se...

Kids, Identity and Thanksgiving with Tessa and Amir (Season 3 | Episode 143) [TESSA] On the surface it is a joyous American celebration. Thanksgiving. Yet dangers lurk in this annual gathering of family around the table. Today we spend some time working through the relationships we have with our older children. When the ties are strained or even broken Thanksgiving can be a dark holiday. In our wonderfully open society, it could be that kids come out at Thanksgiving. Or we learn that they ar...

The Emotional Path MIND SPIRIT MEDITATE with Dr. Dawson Church (Season 4 | Episode 173) [Tessa] In this episode of The Open Nesters Podcast, we have an enlightening conversation with Dr. Dawson Church, a leading expert on the intersection of psychology, spirituality, and neuroscience. We delve into the rich themes surrounding the idea of open nesting, a mindset that encourages exploration and growth as we navigate what many refer to as the ’empty nest’ phase of life. Dr. Church introduces the...

Aging and Eroticism with Anne More (Season 4 | Episode 172) [Tessa] In this episode, we engage with Anne More, a returning guest whose insights on aging and eroticism resonate deeply with our journey as open nesters. We explore the concept of “open nesting”—a vibrant approach to life after children have left home. This discussion is enriched by Anne’s expertise in boundaries, sensuality, and the celebration of aging. Our focus is not just on surviving this stage of life, but thriving by open...

Playing with the Unexpected with Laura & Izzy (Season 4 | Episode 171) [Tessa] In this episode of the Open Nesters podcast we’re playing with the unexpected! What a rich conversation with Laura and Izzy!! This is a dynamic couple who embody the evolving landscape of relationships after Laura’s children left the nest. The discussion dives deep into the challenges and triumphs of navigating life in Act 3, exploring themes of family obligations, autonomy, and the complexities of a non-tradition...

Normalizing Sexuality, Aging and Menopause What is Your Pleasurespan? (Season 4 | Episode 170) [Tessa] In this episode of The Open Nesters Podcast, we dive deep into the vibrant world of open relationships with returning guests CJ, Linwood and their partner April. Our conversation explores the transformative experiences of modern relationships, particularly as they relate to the concept of “open nesting.” We are reminded that entering this new chapter of life offers not an end, but endless po...

Finding Freedom & Meaningful Connections Mission & Minimalism in the Empty Nest with Cameron Syke (Season 4 | Episode 169) [Tessa] In this episode of The Open Nesters Podcast, I sit down with Cameron Syke, a man whose journey through the complexities of relationships and personal growth perfectly embodies the spirit of the open nesting philosophy. We explore how this stage of life, often viewed through a lens of emptiness, can instead be a doorway to newfound adventures, friendships, and deep...

Body Wisdom Aging Sex & Self with Suzanne Noble (Season 4 | Episode 168) [Tessa] In this episode of The Open Nesters Podcast, we explore the transformative journey of embracing aging, sexuality, and new adventures with our guest, Suzanne Noble. Our conversation dives deep into the heart of what it means to be an “open nester,” a term that celebrates the possibilities that come with the children leaving home while rejecting the label of “empty nester.” I am thrilled to welcome Suzanne back as ...

Self Expression in Open Love with Tessa & Amir with Tessa & Amir (Season 4 | Episode 167) [Tessa] In this episode of The Open Nesters Podcast, we explore the concept of embracing an open life during our third act, challenging the traditional narrative of being an empty nester. Together, Amir and I delve into the thrilling possibilities of adventure, personal growth, and the deepening of relationships that come with this stage of life. We discuss how redefining our identities can open our hea...

A 30 Day Boyfriend, A Journey of Sobriety, and Beyond with Wanda and Christopher (Season 4 | Episode 166) [Tessa] In this episode of The Open Nesters Podcast, Wanda Webster and Christopher Mack share their journey and work in healing, recovery, and transformation. Christopher discusses his 24 years of sobriety, starting in 2000, and the impact of trauma on addiction. He delves into his unique approach to healing and energy work, showcasing his ability to help others overcome challenges and a...

Fearless in Bali: A Single Mom’s Journey with Jessica Seiders (Season 4 | Episode 165) [Tessa] Join us as we dive into the inspiring journey of Jessica Seiders on The Open Nesters Podcast. Jessica shares her transformation from an empty nester to an open nester, embracing new adventures, relationships, and passions. After feeling lost and disconnected upon her daughter leaving for college, Jessica decided to take a leap of faith. She sold her belongings, quit her job, and embarked on a solo ...

Dominatrix and Submissive: Exploring Power Dynamics with Heather Hundhausen (Season 4 | Episode 164) [Tessa] Heather Hundhausen is our guest this week on The Open Nesters Podcast. We continue our conversation – it has been a few years since we first met Heather in Episode 43, Paradoxical Power and Healing with the Dominatrix. Today our focus shifts towards embracing open nesting and exploring new adventures in Act Three of life. Guest Heather Hundhausen, a coach and dominatrix, joins Amir an...

Living Life Boldly, Your Move with Steve Kantor (Season 4 | Episode 163) [Tessa] Steve Kantor is our guest this week on The Open Nesters Podcast. We discusses the concept of open nesting and living life boldly. He shares his personal journey, from being a serial entrepreneur to becoming an open nester after a major life-decision to leave his marriage. Steve emphasizes the importance of self-confidence, morning routines, and mental preparation in pursuing one’s passions during the open nestin...

Mothering Love and Success – Part Two with Tami Nora, Leslie Russell and Tessa (Season 4 | Episode 162) [Tessa] MOTHERHOOD! Today it’s Part 2. And, just letting you know – we are really excited about this mini-series about mothering with Tami Nora and Leslie Russell. To listen to Part One click here: PART ONE. And to catch up we have a few clips from Part One on this page. Why so excited? Well the response so far has been really positive! Lots of love coming towards these amazing women. So l...

Mothering Love and Success – Part One with Tami Nora, Leslie Russell and Tessa (Season 4 | Episode 161) [Tessa] MOTHERHOOD! Today we highlight the importance of deep listening in parenting. The conversation includes guests Leslie Russell and Tami Nora, discussing their experiences with motherhood and the challenges and surprises they have encountered. EPISODE TIME-CODE 5:13 Rethinking Success: Patriarchal vs. Feminine Perspectives 8:29 Struggles of Single Motherhood 11:08 Surprises and Ch...

Come Back to Love with Robyn Vogel (Season 4 | Episode 160) [Tessa] A new friend on the podcast this week. Welcome Robyn Vogel to our Open Nesters Family! Robyn Vogel from Come Back to Love, is a wise Open Nester offering insights and advice, especially for single women. Robyn shares her personal journey of becoming an open nester, navigating loss, divorce, and embracing open-mindedness and open-heartedness in relationships. EPISODE TIME-CODE 2:31 Robyn’s Journey to Open Nesting 6:15 Impo...

Walking for Comfort, Vitality, and Inspiration with Bruce Fertman (Season 4 | Episode 159) [Tessa] This week on The Open Nesters Podcast: We explore embracing movement for graceful aging with author Bruce Fertman. Balance. Vitality. Mindfulness... in the “open nest” stage of life. We explore the transformative power of walking for holistic well-being EPISODE TIME-CODE 5:58 Navigating Life’s Dark Nights 6:52 The Power of Questioning Beliefs 12:12 Walking Together in Silence 13:20 The Bea...

Catastrophe Soup Ingredients for Reinvention (Season 4 | Episode 158) [Tessa] The Open Nesters podcast – this week with Margery and Dom. We’re calling it “CATASTROPHE SOUP.” This Open Nesters podcast features a conversation with Margery and Dom Piccini, a couple who share their journey as they transition into the open nesting stage of life. They reflect on their experiences as their children left home and they faced financial hardships, ultimately leading to a period of reinvention. Margery ...

Viva Monogamy with Mali and Joe (Season 4 | Episode 157) [Tessa] The Open Nesters podcast – this week with Mali and Joe. Mali and Joe share insights from their book “Wild Monogamy,” discussing challenges faced in promoting it and the importance of investing in relationships. They explore topics like handling jealousy, social media’s impact, and sustaining connection through activities like date weekends. About The Book Wild Monogamy: Cultivating Erotic Intimacy to Keep Passion and Desire Al...

Home Everywhere and Nowhere with Jonathan Pillot (Season 4 | Episode 156) [Tessa] He’s back! My dear friend Jonathan Pillot. Jonathan is a creator, an explorer, and a man who is constantly challenging the norms. Each time we meet he brings me so much that is new. And so I am thrilled to have Jonathan back on the pod. In this episode of The Open Nesters Podcast, Jonathan shares his personal journey of self-discovery and open nesting. He discusses open nesting, embracing nomadic living, and f...

Relationship Fluidity in the Empty Nest with Dr. Tammy Nelson (Season 4 | Episode 155) [Tessa] The Open Nesters podcast with Dr. Tammy Nelson. Today we explore open relationships and non-monogamy, emphasizing communication and boundaries. Tammy and I discuss societal acceptance of diverse relationship models, from traditional monogamy to polyamory. Dr. Nelson introduces the Date Night Card Deck for intimate conversations and mentions a couples retreat in Joshua Tree. The episode highlights t...