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:
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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).

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:
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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).

Holiday food has a way of anchoring a season. We make certain things every year without even thinking about it… and the kids now expect them just as much as we do.

In this episode we talk through the foods we grew up with, the ones that stuck, and the ones we only remember when someone says “remember when…?”

Quick note… The Loud Quiet book is almost ready. If you want early updates and preorder info, here’s the list: https://www.theloudquiet.com/p/book/

Candy canes, Texas trash, haystacks, spiced tea… all the things our parents made without any ceremony. At one point we realize our kids have their own list now too… the pickle platter, the dips, the reindeer mix.
We also talk through the foods we haven’t made in years. Chicken spaghetti, tetrazzini, pistachio salad, all the old casseroles that faded out once the house emptied. Lasagna comes up. So do meatballs.
It’s a simple conversation about how certain foods end up tied to people and seasons whether we planned it or not.

CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
1:20 Holiday foods we grew up with
4:45 The smells and small traditions that defined the season
7:10 The treats our parents made every year
12:25 Christmas Eve Mexican food
13:50 The foods our kids now count on
15:20 How reindeer mix became a tradition
18:00 The dishes that have to be on the holiday table
20:55 The nostalgic meals we rarely make anymore
28:45 Why certain foods stay connected to certain people
29:30 Wrap up

👋 Share your holiday food memories or join the conversation in our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet
📬 Want more like this? Get new episodes and extras in your inbox: https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup
🎧 Find all episodes, listening platforms, 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:
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).

Sometimes saying yes takes you somewhere you never expected… like an EDM show on a Sunday night, surrounded by people half your age and a bass that makes your clothes vibrate. In this episode, Rick and Clancy share what happened when Tanner finally talked them into a Chris Lake show… and why it ended up feeling surprisingly joyful, safe, and honestly pretty fun.And then the week flipped right into Thanksgiving. They talk about having both kids home, the comfort of familiar rhythms, and the strange, tender uncertainty of what future holidays might look like.Big announcement:Our first book “The Loud Quiet – Love, Laughter, and Life in the Empty Nest” is coming in early 2026. Newsletter subscribers will get early info, behind-the-scenes notes, and special offers.👉 Join the newsletter here: https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signupCHAPTERS0:00 Big announcement + intro1:15 Saying yes to something wild2:50 Why Sunday made the night doable4:30 Full-circle moments with old friends6:00 The bass that shook our clothes7:40 The surprisingly friendly rave crowd9:25 Realizing we were the “older people”12:55 Sliding into Thanksgiving mode15:20 The holiday that just felt right17:55 What future holidays might look like👋 Join our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet📬 Get early book news + special offers: https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup🎧 All episodes and links: 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).#relationships #marriage #recreation #podcast #EmptyNesters #EmptyNesting #Lifeafterkidsleave #Transitiontoanemptynest #Parentingjourney #Reinventingourselves #Newchapterinlife #Emptynestchallenges #Findingpurpose #Rediscoveringhobbies #Relationshipafterkids #Self-discovery #Preparingforanemptynest #Reconnectingasacouple #Growingtogetherafterkidsleave #Familydynamicsafterkidsleave #Supportsystemsforemptynesters #Tipsforsuccessfulemptynesting

Some Thanksgivings are predictable… this one definitely wasn’t.

For this Greatest Hits episode, we’re flashing back to our 2023 Thanksgiving trip to Arizona, a holiday full of hiking, travel hiccups, questionable turkey, and a whole lot of Phase 10 and football. It originally aired as Episode 16 and it still makes us laugh.

Since this episode is coming out on Thanksgiving, we want to say how thankful we are for you. Truly. There is no Loud Quiet without the people who listen, message us, and show up every week. We feel that deeply.

This episode is sponsored by Damon Vinci of Magical Memory Planners. If you’re already tired of the cold or you want a gift that doesn’t involve fighting for a parking spot at a store, Damon can help you get somewhere warm, calm, and fun.

Mention The Loud Quiet and get $25 to spend at your destination when you book a travel package

✔️ Call or text: 972-987-0527

✔️ Email: ⁠damon@magicalmemoryplanners.com⁠

✔️ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/DamonVinciMMP⁠

CHAPTERS

0:00 Intro

1:12 Flying into Arizona for Thanksgiving

3:40 Costco pies and the turkey trouble

6:05 Hiking Saguaro National Park

8:52 Grocery store chaos that somehow wasn’t chaotic

10:27 Why experiences matter more than stuff

11:36 Damon’s Black Friday travel deals

13:32 Thanksgiving dinner at the Airbnb

16:40 Phase 10 and a very competitive family

18:55 Black Friday at Goldfield Ghost Town

22:15 Rivalry football game with the kids

25:26 Sunday goodbyes and quiet moments

28:16 Wrapping up the trip

👋 Join the conversation in our Facebook community: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet⁠📬 Get weekly stories and extras in your inbox: ⁠https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup⁠🎧 Find all episodes and listening platforms: ⁠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:⁠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).

Using business ideas for a personal relationship. It sounds unusual at first, but Dr. Robin Buckley makes it feel surprisingly natural.

She talks about relationships in a way that feels clear and doable without losing the heart of it. She takes ideas most of us only ever use in business and shows how they can actually make home life easier… especially when you’re in the empty nest stage and trying to stay connected as a couple.

She walks through mission statements, roles, and check-ins in a way that never feels rigid. It just feels practical.

A lot of empty nesters are dealing with boomerang kids right now. Dr. Robin talks honestly about how a little structure can keep everyone from slipping back into old patterns… and how clear expectations can make that season feel healthier for both parents and adult children. It’s a simple approach that brings more calm into the house during a time that can get overwhelming fast.

If you like what she has to say, her book lays out that exact framework in a really simple way:
Marriage Inc: The Boardroom Blueprint to a Lasting Love (affiliate link)
https://amzn.to/3M1c4S8

Find Dr. Robin Buckley:
Instagram and TikTok: drrobinbuckley
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-robin-buckley/
Coaching website: https://drrobinbuckley.com/

CHATPERS

0:00 Intro
1:17 Why love needs more than hope
4:32 Mission statements for relationships
7:45 Can structure protect romance
9:58 Coaching vs therapy
12:40 Helping adult kids without overstepping
14:48 The boomerang child conversation
17:25 Keeping your marriage intact with grown kids at home
19:43 Launching kids after a boomerang season
21:46 How Dr. Robin’s kids reacted to structure
25:49 Why she wrote Marriage Inc
27:42 Where to find Dr. Robin

👋 Join the community conversation:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet

📬 Get weekly stories and extras from Rick and Clancy:
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).

For a lot of families, Thanksgiving week feels like it should be a given… everyone comes home, the same sides hit the table, the Cowboys disappoint us again. But for some parents of college kids, that mid-November homecoming doesn’t happen.

In this episode, Rick and Clancy talk about what it’s like when your student can’t make it home for Thanksgiving and how to stay connected across the miles. From sending care packages and shared movie nights to adjusting family traditions (and expectations), they share real ways to keep the holiday spirit intact… even if the table feels a little emptier this year.

🧺 Care packages mentioned in this episode (Amazon affiliate links):

• Large Variety Snack, Candy & Treats for College Students – https://amzn.to/47DFQDL

• Frito-Lay Ultimate Snack Care Package – https://amzn.to/4nL5SLf

• Snack Box Healthy Care Package (35 Count) – https://amzn.to/4oLyYfb

CHAPTERS

0:00 Intro
1:00 Why some college kids can’t come home
2:50 When Thanksgiving travel just isn’t possible
4:00 Taking Thanksgiving to your kids
5:00 Care package ideas that actually land
6:10 Movies, music, and shared traditions from afar
7:20 The “football connection”
8:00 Sending love through food
9:30 Loosening your grip on tradition
11:00 Handling emotions on both sides
13:40 Inviting local students to your table
15:00 Using FaceTime and Zoom to stay close
16:30 Celebrating Thanksgiving on a different day
18:15 Sharing ideas in The Loud Quiet community
19:45 Final reflections: be gentle with yourself and your student

👋 Share how you’ve handled holidays apart in our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet
📬 Want more like this? Get new episodes and extras in your inbox: https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup
🎧 Hear all episodes and find your favorite platform: 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:
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).