The Open Nesters

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 a...

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...

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...

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 li...

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 experie...

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 epi...

“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 “T...

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, cele...

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 experi...

 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, connectio...

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...

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...

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, celebra...

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...

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 o...

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 an...

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 boundarie...

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 o...

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 “o...

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, of...

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...

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...

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 uniqu...

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 colle...

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 ex...