The Olympics just wrapped… so Rick and Clancy stepped back into their own arena.

Two years ago, they created the “Empty Nest Olympics” and ranked themselves in five events. This week, they revisit the same categories and ask: did we improve… or are we still stretching before the race?

They talk through friendship momentum, hobbies that still haven’t happened, whether group dinners count as date nights, how working together has sharpened their communication, and why dreaming about the future feels different when you’re already in the middle of something big.

There are a few gold medals.
A couple near misses.
And at least one event that still needs practice.

It is light. It is honest. And it might start a conversation at your own kitchen bar tonight.

CHAPTERS00:00 Empty Nest Olympics Returns
03:00 Event 1: Maintaining and Making Friends
08:00 Event 2: Discovering New Hobbies
12:00 Event 3: Planning Dates and Trips
18:00 Event 4: Communicating With Each Other
23:00 Event 5: Dreaming About the Future
👋 If this episode makes you want to compare medal counts with other couples, join the conversation here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet

🎧 Find all episodes, podcast apps, and YouTube links 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:
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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).

When your kids leave home, the communication changes. Sometimes it slows gradually. Sometimes it feels abrupt.

In this episode, Rick and Clancy talk about what staying connected really looks like once your kids are living in a different rhythm.They share their experience navigating daily calls during a tough freshman year, the shift that often happens by spring semester, different communication styles between siblings, time zone mishaps, “proof of life” texts, and the balance between asking questions and sharing your own life. The conversation also stretches beyond college to long-distance relationships in general… even with aging parents.📖 Our upcoming book, The Loud Quiet – Love, Laughter and Life in the Empty Nest, is coming soon. You can find details and updates here:https://www.theloudquiet.com/p/bookChapters00:00 The Book Update03:10 Freshman Year Daily Communication07:30 When the Calls Slow Down12:00 “Proof of Life” Texts16:05 Different Communication Styles21:00 Time Zones Matter25:15 Making It Easy to Respond30:00 Sharing Your Own Life👋 Join the conversation with other couples adjusting to communication shifts with adult kids:https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet🎧 Find all episodes, podcast apps, and YouTube links here:https://www.theloudquiet.comWant 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/theloudquiethostDisclaimer: 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).

Valentine’s Day shows up every year with expectations attached. Reservations. Prix fixe menus. Cards that say more about obligation than affection.In this Greatest Hits episode of The Loud Quiet, Rick and Clancy talk honestly about why they stopped treating Valentine’s Day like a scripted performance and how their relationship evolved once they did.From early dating years and shared “love songs” to parenting seasons that reshaped priorities, this episode walks through what Valentine’s Day has looked like across decades. Sometimes romantic. Sometimes chaotic. Often funny. Always real.What’s in the episodeWhy Valentine’s Day can feel like a high-pressure holidayThe songs that became part of Rick and Clancy’s relationship storyThe dinner that officially ended Valentine’s night reservationsHow parenting changed the focus of the holidayDaddy-daughter dances, school parties, and showing love differentlyWhen Valentine’s Day quietly came back around in a new seasonWhy unscripted moments often matter more than calendar datesCHAPTERS00:00 Welcome back and setting the Valentine’s context02:00 How Rick and Clancy have always viewed Valentine’s Day05:00 The love songs that stuck08:00 Endless Love and a memory that never faded12:40 The dinner that officially ended Valentine’s night reservations15:45 Choosing connection over obligation17:30 Valentine’s Day as parents19:30 Daddy-daughter dances and modeling love22:30 Sports schedules and reality checks24:00 Valentine’s Day finds its way back26:00 Flowers, mixtapes, and changing expectations28:30 Defining Valentine’s Day on your own terms📖 Our upcoming book, The Loud Quiet – Love, Laughter and Life in the Empty Nest, is coming soon.Details and updates here:https://www.theloudquiet.com/p/bookJoin the Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquietJoin the newsletter:https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signupWant to be a guest on The Loud Quiet – Empty Nest Living?Send Rick and Clancy Denton a message on PodMatch here:https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theloudquiethostDisclaimer: 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).