That weird stretch between Christmas and New Year’s… when no one knows what day it is, the snacks never stop, and you start thinking about what just happened and what might be coming next.

In this New Year’s Day episode, we look back on 2025 and talk about what surprised us most… how this podcast grew way beyond what we expected, how the community took on a life of its own, and how the empty nest feels different than it did a year ago.

We also talk about what’s ahead in 2026… including the book that grew directly out of this podcast and the conversations happening inside the community. No resolutions. No pressure. Just a realistic look at where we’ve been and what we’re excited to launch next.

📘 Book update
If you want sneak peeks, preorder bonuses, early chapters, and launch-day news for the upcoming book, sign up here:
https://www.theloudquiet.com/p/book

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CHAPTERS

0:00 Intro and Happy New Year
1:45 The weird week between Christmas and New Year’s
3:10 Looking back on 2025
5:20 When the podcast became more than “just us”
7:35 Why guests changed the show
9:45 The page vs the group (and why both exist)
11:20 The book and what’s coming next
14:05 Why 2026 feels like a launch
16:10 What we’re excited about this year
18:30 Wrapping up and thanks

👋 Share what this season looks like for you and join the conversation:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet

📬 Want book sneak peeks and weekly extras?
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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).

We’re releasing this episode on Christmas Day, and it felt like the right time to bring this one back.This is a Greatest Hits re-release of Episode 20, originally recorded after our very first holiday season as empty nesters… when both kids came home from college and the house went from quiet to very full, very fast. It was the first time we experienced that swing back to shared meals, full schedules, late nights, and just being the four of us again.We talk through what surprised us, what we loved, and what we noticed about ourselves as parents and as a couple. The traditions that still mattered. The pressure we let go of. And the strange mix of activity and stillness that showed up when the nest filled back up… even temporarily.If you’re heading into a season where your kids come home and everything shifts again, this one might feel familiar.📘 Coming soon in early 2026… The Loud Quiet book Be the first to get sneak peeks, preorder bonuses, and launch-day news. Pre-orders open soon… join the list for early access: https://www.theloudquiet.com/p/book/👋 Share your holiday experiences or join the conversation in our community:https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet🎧 Find all episodes, podcast apps, and YouTube links here:https://www.theloudquiet.comCHAPTERS0:00 Christmas Day re-release intro1:20 First holidays as empty nesters4:15 When the house gets loud again7:30 Living life together, not scheduling it11:05 Holiday traditions that still matter14:40 Letting go of “perfect”18:05 Seeing your kids differently now22:15 New Year’s Eve, our way26:10 Quiet moments we didn’t expect30:45 What we want to remember

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

When the kids are grown and the house is quieter, the way couples talk to each other starts to matter in new ways. Some patterns get easier. Others get harder to ignore.

In this episode of The Loud Quiet, we’re joined by marriage counselor and author Raffi Bilek for a practical, honest conversation about communication, conflict, and what actually helps couples stay connected during the empty nest years. We talk about why avoiding conflict doesn’t equal good communication, why solving the problem too fast often backfires, and how couples can stay on the same team even when they don’t agree.

Raffi shares insights from years of counseling couples… including why it’s okay to pause a conversation, why “don’t go to bed angry” isn’t always great advice, and how focusing on impact instead of who’s right can change everything. This conversation is especially relevant for couples navigating adult kids, retirement, aging parents, and spending more time together than ever before.

Guest links:

The Couples Communication Handbook (Amazon affiliate link)
https://amzn.to/48QJJps

The Couples Communication book website
https://www.thecommunicationbook.com/

Baltimore Therapy Center
https://www.baltimoretherapycenter.com/

CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro and a quick health PSA
1:20 Meet Raffi Bilek
3:10 Reconnecting after years of focusing on kids
4:50 When adult kids still cause conflict
7:10 Explore first, solve later
9:55 Is conflict actually bad for a marriage?
12:10 Feeling uncomfortable expressing anger
14:05 Generational shifts in communication
16:30 Why “don’t go to bed angry” doesn’t always help
19:00 When agreement isn’t possible
20:45 Focusing on impact instead of facts
23:05 Common conflict topics couples face
25:10 Retirement and being together 24/7
28:00 One communication skill that matters most
29:30 Where to find Raffi and his work

📘 Coming soon in early 2026… The Loud Quiet book
Be the first to get sneak peeks, preorder bonuses, and launch-day news.
Pre-orders open soon… join the list for early access:
https://www.theloudquiet.com/p/book/

👋 Join the conversation in our Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet

📬 Get new episodes and weekly notes in your inbox:
https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup

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).