The Open Nesters

Re-Imagining the Empty Nest

The Open Nesters is a society podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 257 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Unknown Host hosts The Open Nesters, a society show with 257 episodes published.

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  The Open Nesters

  SISTERS, VALUES AND BECOMING (S6 | E 258)

  Sep 30, 2026—

  Sisters, Values and Becoming (Season 6 | Episode 258) Welcome to a very special behind-the-scenes look at Season 6 of the Open Nesters podcast! As we continue trading our empty nest for an open one, exploring the vibrant possibilities of life after kids, I had the absolute honor of sitting down with one of my best friends and my beautiful sister, Stephanie . I’ve been wanting my husband Amir and me to have her and her husband Wayne on the show for years, but I am so thrilled we finally got to dive deep into the topic of friendship . In this episode, Stephanie and I focused on one of the concepts from my upcoming October book on the five doors of friendship: value alignment . It was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on how shared values connect us initially, but also how we can forge soulful bonds with people from completely different backgrounds as we grow . Those teenage misadventures ultimately taught us some of our most profound lessons about trust and commitment, two values I treasure deeply in any friendship . After my Disney World escapade, our mother told me she wouldn’t tell our father, but that I would have to work to regain her trust . To this day, just saying those words out loud hits me right in the gut because it was such a powerful, hard-earned lesson . Our parents also instilled a fierce sense of commitment to family, constantly reminding us to call our siblings on their birthdays—a tenet of accountability that Stephanie and I have since passed down to our own children . As we’ve aged, our understanding of values has expanded into deeply spiritual territory, especially following the loss of our mother . During the episode, we touched upon an incredibly poignant moment we shared in Florida shortly after she passed . I woke up in the middle of the night to what felt like a visit from her, and when I called Stephanie into my room hours later, she had received the exact same message: Mom was asking us to take care of Dad . Sharing that undeniable, soulful connection with my sister reaffirmed that our shared values extend far beyond the physical world and into a much larger consciousness that we can now explore together . Part of our ongoing growth as open nesters is learning to give ourselves grace, particularly when it comes to accepting our physical and emotional imperfections . I’ve struggled for a long time to accept my own flaws, but dealing with chronic migraines has forced me to recognize that I simply cannot multitask or move at my old pace . Having to focus on what I can do, rather than what I can’t, has given me the greatest gift: the necessity of slowing down and moving through each day with greater ease . I am profoundly grateful for friends and family, like Stephanie, who patiently support me when my health forces me to hit the brakes, reminding me that friendship is about showing up for each other precisely when we are at our most vulnerable . At its core, the Open Nesters podcast is about replacing the fear of an empty house with the endless possibilities of an open heart and an open door . Sitting across from my sister to unpack our shared history, our rebellions, our spiritual awakenings, and our ongoing creative alchemy—my fifth door of friendship—was a beautiful reminder of why Amir and I started this journey . Amir even jumped in at the end of our recording to reflect on his own deep connection with Stephanie’s husband, Wayne, highlighting how our chosen family continues to grow closer . Whether you are navigating your own shifting values or learning to trust the people in your life on a deeper level, I hope our conversation resonates with you . Keep an eye out for my book releasing in October, and remember to keep your doors wide open to new adventures . Resources for You We want to provide you with support and many resources for your own Open Nesting Journey. Our resource page has so much to offer as does our private discussion group on Facebook about queerness and other topics of interest: Open Nesters Resource Page The Open Nesters Private Facebook Group About Tessa Tessa Krone is the engine behind and the face of The Open Nesters. Tessa holds an MA in Consciousness Studies and is a speaker, coach, program and journey facilitator & leader, author and, of course, Podcaster. Her offerings are based in her mission to help people open to their most self-expressed, loving selves. Tessa’s specialties include embodiment from all the senses and elements of our inner and outer lives, ranging from mindfulness, dance, play, and sensory exploration in nature. If she had one superpower, it would be to help people, especially as they age, to live more open hearted lives. Please email Tessa to make a connection. If you like, please answer the question: What do you need to OPEN your NEST? In your LIFE. In your BODY. In your SPIRIT. Do you need MORE… Adventure Freedom of Expression Exploration and Fun Body Movement New circles of friends Deep love relationships

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  The Open Nesters

  The Joy of Friendship with Joyce Saltman (S6 | E257)

  Sep 23, 202641 min

  Don’t Postpone Joy with Joyce Saltman (Season 6 | Episode 257) Welcome back to the Open Nesters podcast, where Amir and I are continuously exploring this wildly expansive stage of life after the kids have flown the coop. Our home and our hearts are open to endless possibilities, and lately, we have been diving deep into one of the most vital aspects of this journey: friendship. For this episode of our friendship series, we had the absolute joy of sitting down with Joyce Saltman, a brilliant mentor, public speaker, and true guru of laughter . I always find myself deeply inspired by Joyce, and sharing her warmth and humor with all of you is a genuine treat . Friendship is the single most important thing in the world, a truth that becomes even more apparent when we navigate life without our parents, siblings, or kids in our immediate daily orbit . Joyce brought such a rich perspective to this, perfectly capturing the essence of connection by sharing a fantastic Groucho Marx quote: a good friend will try to bail you out of jail, but a best friend will be sitting in the cell right next to you saying, “Damn, that was fun” . That is the exact kind of adventurous, unwavering solidarity we all need as open nesters. She also reminded us of Elbert Hubbard’s beautiful sentiment that a true friend is someone who knows everything about you and loves you just the same . I have always believed in the power of intentionally nurturing those bonds, which is why I make it a point to start every single morning by connecting with someone I love . Between 6:30 and 7:00 AM, long before my husband’s internal clock wakes him at 8:00, I call my dear friend Connie . We talk about our plans, I ask her what she is doing that day that is fun, and we always hang up by telling each other, “I love you” . Starting the day grounded in that kind of reliable, positive affection sets a beautiful tone for whatever comes next. Joyce and I explored how friendship is truly a wildly underrated medication . The healing elements of laughter and connection cannot be overstated, and as Joyce pointed out, things like humor, chocolate, and sex all release wonderful feel-good hormones in our bodies . Interestingly enough, when forced to choose between sex and chocolate, the older women in Joyce’s audiences overwhelmingly vote for the chocolate ! It is a hilarious observation, but it speaks to how our comforts and joys evolve as we age, and how laughing about those changes together is incredibly therapeutic. A real friendship also means being the person someone can call at 4:00 AM when everything is falling apart . It is about moving past superficial interactions and allowing ourselves to be entirely vulnerable, trusting that the other person will hold space for our messes without judgment. We discussed how sometimes showing up for a friend means putting your own discomfort aside, like the story of the friend who was terrified of being out during COVID but still showed up to a backyard birthday celebration carrying balloons, simply because she knew her presence mattered . That level of selfless devotion is the hallmark of a bond that can weather any storm. As our producer PJ was mastering the audio for this episode in Adobe Audition, I listened back to the moments where we reflected on the deep history we share with certain people. Joyce shared a touching story about receiving a beautiful piece of stained glass from a friend she had known in a “previous life,” a testament to how long-term friends anchor us to our past while supporting our growth into the future . Whether we are connecting in person or maintaining ties over Zoom, as we did so often during the pandemic , those shared histories are irreplaceable treasures that remind us of who we used to be. Ultimately, the most resonant takeaway from my time with Joyce is her unyielding philosophy: do not postpone joy . It is a motto she quite literally keeps as a bumper sticker inside her cabinet , serving as a daily reminder to actively seek out happiness and laughter. This stage of open nesting is our time to embrace the people who make us laugh until we cry and who sit in the metaphorical jail cell right beside us. Who is the friend you can call at 4:00 AM, and when was the last time you reached out just to tell them you loved them? Resources for You We want to provide you with support and many resources for your own Open Nesting Journey. Our resource page has so much to offer as does our private discussion group on Facebook about queerness and other topics of interest: Open Nesters Resource Page The Open Nesters Private Facebook Group About Tessa Tessa Krone is the engine behind and the face of The Open Nesters. Tessa holds an MA in Consciousness Studies and is a speaker, coach, program and journey facilitator & leader, author and, of course, Podcaster. Her offerings are based in her mission to help people open to their most self-expressed, loving selves. Tessa’s specialties include embodiment from all the senses and elements of our inner and outer lives, ranging from mindfulness, dance, play, and sensory exploration in nature. If she had one superpower, it would be to help people, especially as they age, to live more open hearted lives. Please email Tessa to make a connection. If you like, please answer the question: What do you need to OPEN your NEST? In your LIFE. In your BODY. In your SPIRIT. Do you need MORE… Adventure Freedom of Expression Exploration and Fun Body Movement New circles of friends Deep love relationships

  Listen
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  The Open Nesters

  The Heart of Close Friendships

  Sep 16, 202640 min

  The Heart of Close Friendships (Season 6 | Episode 256) As my partner Amir often notes, we are actively trading the concept of an “empty” nest for an “open” one, welcoming new adventures, vibrant health, and deepening relationships into our lives. I absolutely love the edginess and unconventional topics we get to explore on this show. Now that our kids have flown the nest, we are officially open nesters with our homes, hearts, and lives wide open to endless possibilities. In our latest episode, I had the incredible honor of sitting down with three of my dearest friends: Shelley, Revy, and Mary Ann. Together, we discussed a deeply meaningful topic that I recently wrote a book about: the five doors of friendship. These five doors include play, inspiration, generosity, value alignment, and creative alchemy. For this specific conversation, we decided to hang out by the first three doors, exploring how they impact our connections as we age. “Trading an ’empty’ nest for an ‘open’ one” “The five doors of friendship” “The liberating power of play” “Generosity of opinion” “Play is the ultimate form of research” Door 1: The Liberating Power of Play The first door we opened was Play, which is fundamentally about the freedom to truly be yourself and invite others into that shared joy. As we get older, we can easily get trapped in our heads, overthink things, and take our adult lives far too seriously. Opening the door to play means letting go of those inhibitions, whether that looks like playing pickleball, dancing, or even rolling down a meadow in our 60s! It is a wonderfully liberating surrender that brings immense laughter and instantly connects us. We also touched on how play serves as a profound catalyst for discovery and creativity in our later years. There is a brilliant idea attributed to Einstein that perfectly captures this: “Play is the ultimate form of research.” By embracing our silly, playful spirits, we actually open ourselves up to trying new things and stepping completely out of our comfort zones. Having friends who are willing to just drop the serious act and be a little foolish with you is a true gift that keeps life fresh. Door 2: Finding Mutual Inspiration Next, we stepped through the door of Inspiration, reflecting on how our relationships actively breathe new life into us. Inspiration can come from watching a friend courageously cross a new threshold or take up a brand-new sport later in life. I also find immense inspiration in watching the younger generation, including our adult children, as they navigate their own evolving roles and life stages. When we allow ourselves to be inspired by the people around us, our friendships become synergistic spaces for continual growth. Door 3: The Gift of Generosity The third door we explored was Generosity, which goes far beyond financial giving or simply hosting events. In deep friendships, generosity looks like giving the gift of your time and cultivating what we call a “generosity of opinion.” It means actively cutting each other slack, being forgiving when someone is having a hard day, and showing up with genuine empathy. This compassionate, open-handed approach to one another forms the unshakeable bedrock of any lasting, meaningful friendship. I am so deeply grateful for the generosity, inspiration, and playfulness that Shelley, Revy, Mary Ann, and all of our listeners bring to my life. Amir and I have some exciting travel plans and new adventures on the horizon that we can’t wait to share with you all. If you want to dive deeper into these conversations, be sure to subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform and drop us an email at tessa@theopennesters.com. Let’s keep exploring what it means to live with open hearts and wide-open nests. Resources for You We want to provide you with support and many many resources for your own Open Nesting Journey. Our resource page has so much to offer as does our private discussion group on Facebook about queerness and other topics of interest: Open Nesters Resource Page The Open Nesters Private Facebook Group About Tessa How do old relationships evolve and new ones beckon? Friendship is the heartbeat of a life well-lived. Despite our need for meaningful connection, friendship can seem surprisingly difficult to find. But what if friendship isn’t something we find at all, but something we learn to create? That journey begins with oneself and the exploration of the quiet places within our hearts. As we become more heart-centered, we are willing to see one another not only for who we have been, but for who we are becoming, allowing for more curiosity, growth and change in ourselves and our friendships. Old relationships evolve and new ones beckon. Stacey Tessa K. Battat–through her years exploring what makes friendships deepen, endure, and come alive–has uncovered for herself how old relationships can evolve and new ones can beckon. She identified five doors to open ourselves and create richer connections: Play, Inspiration, Generosity, Value Alignment, and Creative Alchemy. The Five Doors of Friendship is an invitation to welcome possibility in both old and new friendships, softening the path to feel seen, energized, challenged, accepted, and celebrated!

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  The Open Nesters

  Deep and Generous Friendship (S6 | E255)

  Sep 9, 202653 min

  Deep and Generous Friendship (Season 6 | Episode 255) As our nests empty and life expands into new territory, the relationships we cultivate become the foundation of our vitality, joy, and resilience. In this week’s episode of The Open Nesters Podcast , host Tessa sits down with her two closest friends of 42 years, Denise and Shira, to explore the transformative power of lifelong friendship. First meeting at age 18 and now thriving in their sixties, the trio unpacks how their bond has evolved from youthful adventures into an unshakable sisterhood that anchors their open-nesting years. Society often programs us to believe that a romantic partner must be everything—our sole confidant, emotional anchor, and social universe. The trio challenges this notion by championing the concept of “OSOs” (Other Significant Others). Rather than detracting from a marriage or family, deep platonic friendships enrich our lives by serving as a non-judgmental mirror and a trusted “suggestion box.” When we are held in unconditional love by friends who know our history inside and out, we gain the clarity and freedom to show up more fully in every area of our lives. Other Significant Others (OSOs) Lifelong sisterhood Intentional connection Unconditional support Compersion Nurturing these connections often requires courage and conscious boundary-setting within our partnerships. Shira shares a candid reflection on how her friendships took a back seat during her 30-year marriage due to subtle restrictions and the lack of individual autonomy. Her journey toward reclaiming her identity began when she chose to join an eight-woman circle in South Florida without seeking permission. Her experience highlights a vital lesson for open nesters: honoring your friendships is an act of self-preservation, not disloyalty to your partner. True friendship also acts as an indispensable safety net during life’s deepest heartaches. Over the past few years, the group rallied around each other through profound losses, including the passing of Shira’s sister Lisa and immense family grief for Denise. As Denise noted, when grief threatens to shatter us, authentic sisterhood provides the steady ground that keeps us whole. Echoing the sentiment that a true friend remembers the song in your heart and sings it back to you when you have forgotten the words, their bond proves that shared tears are just as vital as shared laughter. Maintaining closeness across decades and continents does not happen by accident; it requires deliberate, ongoing investment. With Denise living in Israel, Shira in South Florida, and Tessa in New England, the women commit to a weekly one-hour WhatsApp video call structured around intentional growth and personal prompts, alongside an annual in-person trip. In midlife, friendship is not merely about casual catch-ups or social convenience—it is a scheduled priority that honors the sacred space between busy lives. The conversation also explores how open nesters can expand their social landscape beyond traditional boundaries. Embracing “compersion”—the genuine joy in seeing someone you love thrive with others—allows friendships to flourish without jealousy or comparison. By welcoming meaningful platonic bonds across genders and forming intergenerational connections with mentors and younger peers alike, we tap into a vibrant exchange of wisdom and energy that keeps us curious, engaged, and ageless. Stepping into your open-nesting chapter is an invitation to decide who walks beside you as you write your next story. As we watch our adult children build their own futures, leaning into deep, intentional friendships ensures our own lives remain wide open with purpose, adventure, and love. For practical wisdom on inviting deeper connection into your world, tune in to the full conversation, and stay tuned for Tessa’s forthcoming book, The 5 Doors of Friendship , releasing October 20th. Resources for You We want to provide you with support and many many resources for your own Open Nesting Journey. Our resource page has so much to offer as does our private discussion group on Facebook about queerness and other topics of interest: Open Nesters Resource Page The Open Nesters Private Facebook Group About Tessa How do old relationships evolve and new ones beckon? Friendship is the heartbeat of a life well-lived. Despite our need for meaningful connection, friendship can seem surprisingly difficult to find. But what if friendship isn’t something we find at all, but something we learn to create? That journey begins with oneself and the exploration of the quiet places within our hearts. As we become more heart-centered, we are willing to see one another not only for who we have been, but for who we are becoming, allowing for more curiosity, growth and change in ourselves and our friendships. Old relationships evolve and new ones beckon. Stacey Tessa K. Battat–through her years exploring what makes friendships deepen, endure, and come alive–has uncovered for herself how old relationships can evolve and new ones can beckon. She identified five doors to open ourselves and create richer connections: Play, Inspiration, Generosity, Value Alignment, and Creative Alchemy. The Five Doors of Friendship is an invitation to welcome possibility in both old and new friendships, softening the path to feel seen, energized, challenged, accepted, and celebrated!

  Listen
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  The Open Nesters

  An Interview with Tessa on Reinvention Rebels Podcast (S6 | E254)

  Sep 2, 2026—

  When children leave home and the rhythm of daily life suddenly pivots, society often frames the transition as a quiet loss—the proverbial empty nest. But on a standout episode of the Reinvention Rebels podcast, host Wendy Battles and guest Tessa Krone Batatt turned that tired script completely on its head. Tessa, author of The 5 Doors of Friendship and co-host of The Open Nesters, makes the case that midlife isn’t an ending to mourn; it’s an expansive, wide-open threshold. Instead of guarding a quiet house, women over fifty have an unprecedented invitation to bet on themselves, reclaim their vitality, and reinvent who they are—starting with the people they invite into their lives.

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