The Open Nesters

We are the Open Nesters. We are the Baby Boomers and Gen X’ers who reject the traditional roles that our parents played and the empty nest syndrome. We defy the stigma of ageism, ailing health, empty retirement and a passionless sex life. Together we explore the journey of re-discovering and reinventing our lives as our grown children leave the nest. We hear about the sides of people that have been left unexplored during a long-term marriage. The mysteries, fantasies and unmet desires and needs are laid wide open at this juncture in their lives. Their empty-nesting chapter in life is anything but empty! It’s an Open Nest, fulfilling, expansive, explorative, and raw. The stories reveal alternative lifestyles and explore how our generation is redefining life on their own terms.

The Open Nesters is a society podcast hosted by The Open Nesters, with 154 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

The Open Nesters hosts The Open Nesters, a society show with 154 episodes published.

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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!

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  The Open Nesters

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

  Sep 2, 202634 min

  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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  The Open Nesters

  The Five Doors of Friendship (S6 | E253)

  Aug 26, 202626 min

  The Five Doors of Friendship (Season 6 | Episode 253) [TESSA] Amir and I are so thrilled to continue trading the empty nest for the open nest with you as we explore vibrant health, relationships, and spirituality. We kick off a brand-new series exploring the beautiful, life-sustaining concept of friendship. I am especially excited because this discussion ties perfectly into the upcoming launch of my new book, The 5 Doors of Friendship: Discover New Ways to Open , dropping on October 20th. Friendship isn’t just a fun addition to our social lives; it is a vital survival mechanism that fuels our longevity and deeply feeds our souls. The Five Doors of Friendship Open Nesters Podcast Male vs female friendships Deepening adult friendships Empty nest relationships During our conversation, Amir and I explore the fascinating differences in how men and women naturally cultivate their bonds. As women, we often gather “face-to-face,” easily finding the emotional vulnerability to open up to one another over a simple cup of coffee. Amir candidly shares the male perspective, noting that men tend to bond “shoulder-to-shoulder” through shared missions, like a round of golf or a shared project. Because this dynamic can sometimes leave men struggling to cultivate deeper emotional connections, it is so crucial for all of us to discover new ways—or doors—to deepen the relationships we already have. The Five Doors of Friendship In this episode, we begin unpacking the framework of my book by exploring the first two doors: Play and Inspiration. The door of Play is all about engaging in activities strictly for the joy of it, without any heavy agenda—something Amir rightfully points out is a very natural starting point for many men. From there, we move into Inspiration, which focuses on mutually elevating one another. Whether it is finding a friend who pushes you to grow in your career or simply admiring someone’s spiritual openness, walking through this door means connecting with people who naturally inspire you to become a better version of yourself. Next, we discuss the incredibly important door of Generosity. When Amir and I talk about being generous in a friendship, we aren’t just referring to picking up the check at dinner, although mutual respect in those practical matters is always appreciated! True generosity means offering your full presence, time, and emotional availability to those you care about. It is about actively showing up for a friend when they need help, or listening without judgment when they just need to process their feelings. Real generosity requires us to stretch beyond our busy schedules to truly support our tribe. Finally, we round out our discussion with Value Alignment and Creative Alchemy. Value alignment ensures our friendships are rooted in shared ethics and worldviews, forming a stable foundation of loyalty and trust. The fifth door, Creative Alchemy, is where the real magic happens—it is that beautiful, sometimes mysterious space where friends come together to build something much greater than themselves, a process deeply supported by our own comfort with quiet solitude. I invite you all to listen to the full episode, reflect on your own connections, and step through these doors with us. To explore more of Lynnea’s compassionate work and end-of-life resources, you can connect with her through Virtual Memorials. We invite you to join our vibrant Open Nesters community, share your own stories in our private discussion group, and keep tuning in as we explore what it truly means to live life wide open. 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

  Finding Vitality in Life’s Final Transitions (S6 | E252)

  Aug 19, 2026—

  Finding Vitality in Life’s Final Transitions (Season 6 | Episode 252) When we think about midlife, the empty nest, and the chapters that follow, we often talk about reinventing ourselves, traveling, or picking up long-forgotten passions. But being an Open Nester also means opening our hearts to the entire spectrum of the human experience—including the profound transitions of aging, loss, and death. In this encore episode, I had the deep joy of welcoming back my dear friend Lynnea Brinkerhoff, a gifted coach, consultant, and death doula who brings remarkable warmth, playfulness, and grounding to life’s most tender moments. Somatic grief and movement Death doula end-of-life care Navigating parental loss in midlife End-of-life rituals and presence Open Nesters life transitions Lynnea and I first connected years ago during a graduate program on consciousness, and our bond has always been anchored in laughter, shared curiosity, and deep presence. Over the last decade and a half, we’ve walked alongside one another through personal milestones and profound family losses. When my own mother was passing, Linnea was right there to help me hold that sacred space—guiding me to ground myself physically and emotionally so I could step into loving leadership for my family. Finding Vitality in Life’s Final Transitions One of the most powerful insights Lynnea shared in our conversation is that holding space for loss doesn’t mean drowning in solemn heaviness. We often view grief as an obstacle to avoid, yet true growth comes from finding vitality in life’s final transitions and dancing with both the “ten thousand joys and the ten thousand sorrows.” In somatic work, even the smallest physical movement—a gentle sway, a conscious stretch, a deep exhale—can unstick old tension held deep in our core, creating the emotional capacity we need to face heartbreak without shutting down. Lynnea shared a moving story about her work with Pearl, a 99-year-old elder full of humor and fire. When Pearl’s final moments arrived, surrounded by care and tenderness, her gaze softened into the universe and the only word she spoke was a quiet, awe-filled, “Wow.” Linnea was also able to guide Pearl’s son from frozen avoidance into intimate, heartfelt connection at her bedside, giving him a transformative moment of closure and truth that will stay with him for the rest of his life. This poignant work centers on finding vitality in life’s final transitions rather than viewing death simply as a clinical, medical event. It is a sacred human passage that deserves ritual, presence, and sensory connection. Simple acts—lighting a calming scent, gently washing hands, listening to unspoken wishes, or stepping outside to look at the moon together—reconnect us to the present moment. In a culture that spends so much energy attempting to control the uncontrollable, allowing ourselves to feel the rhythm of life and death is where deep healing actually begins. As Open Nesters, many of us find ourselves navigating the loss of our parents while redefining our own relationships and purpose. Rather than turning away from the tenderness of these moments, finding vitality in life’s final transitions offers us an opportunity to show up fully in love, humor, and embodiment. When we learn to face our fears of the unknown, we discover that grief isn’t the opposite of joy—it’s the deep emotional ground that makes every breath, every laugh, and every connection so infinitely precious. To explore more of Lynnea’s compassionate work and end-of-life resources, you can connect with her through Virtual Memorials or reach out directly at linneabrink@gmail.com. We invite you to join our vibrant Open Nesters community, share your own stories in our private discussion group, and keep tuning in as we explore what it truly means to live life wide open. 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 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

  Redefining Love, Long Distance, and Returning to the Nest

  Aug 12, 202642 min

  Redefining Love, Long Distance, and Returning to the Nest (Season 6 | Episode 251) When Amir and I sat down with Jennifer and Chris for this episode, I knew we were in for something special. There is a quiet, profound sweetness in the way these two understand each other—a connection honed not by daily routines in the same living room, but through years of intentional presence across continents. As open nesters, so many of us are searching for ways to rewrite our stories once our kids begin to fly, and Jennifer and Chris offer a breathtaking map of what happens when you dare to choose an unconventional path. Open Nesters Podcast Ethical Non-Monogamy in Midlife Long-Distance Polyamory Relationships Navigating Relationships with Adult Children Redefining Intimacy and Relationship Design Their story began decades ago as high school sweethearts who eventually went their separate ways, traveled the world, and reconnected later in life via long-distance emails and letters. What struck me immediately was how they built a foundation of compersion —that rare, beautiful feeling of genuine joy for your partner’s happiness outside of yourself—long before they even attached a label to their relationship. By the time they officially stepped into an adult relationship together, they had already learned how to cheer each other on from afar, establishing a deep sense of trust that would soon be tested and expanded in ways neither expected. When Jennifer brought up the idea of exploring ethical non-monogamy, it wasn’t a reckless leap; it was a conscious invitation to growth. For Chris, taking those first steps into polyamory while separated by an ocean was a radical, challenging shift that required deliberate inner work. They immersed themselves in books, attended meetup groups, and established dedicated two-hour check-ins to hold space for the hard, uncomfortable conversations. Through navigating long-distance dating, time zone hurdles, and emotional friction, they discovered that opening their relationship didn’t pull them apart—it built an indestructible framework for radical honesty and deep self-awareness. What I love most about their dynamic is how fluidly they allowed their relationship to evolve. After several years of practicing polyamory, both Jennifer and Chris found themselves naturally transitioning back toward a committed, monogamous bond. Their time exploring open relationships wasn’t a “failed experiment”—it was a transformative bridge that taught them how to express their desires, set healthy boundaries, and bring a renewed sense of erotic novelty and intimacy back to each other. It’s a powerful reminder that we have full permission to design our relationships in seasons, choosing what serves our growth at any given stage of life. This spirit of openness inevitably ripples into our homes and how we show up for our adult children. Both Jennifer and Chris recently experienced the unexpected gift of having their adult daughters move back home—Jennifer’s 26-year-old daughter for ten months, and Chris’s daughter while pursuing her PhD in Germany. As parents, watching our children navigate their own adult transitions allows us to model a life of continuous self-discovery. By letting go of traditional expectations in our own lives, we create a supportive, judgment-free space where our children feel safe to grow, return, and eventually take flight again. As we move through midlife, there is so much grace in giving ourselves permission to ask for what we need, whether that’s in the bedroom, in our careers, or in our living arrangements. Aging doesn’t mean settling into static routines; it’s an invitation to step out of the “vanilla” defaults society hands us and try something new from the menu. When we embrace the pauses, practice active listening, and give ourselves grace, we realize that midlife isn’t about holding onto control—it’s about opening our hearts to whatever rich experiences are waiting for us next. Reframing “Addiction” If there’s one takeaway from my conversation with Jennifer and Chris, it’s that there is no single right way to be an open nester. Whether you are navigating long-distance longing, rethinking your relationship design, or welcoming adult kids back into your spare room, the secret lies in savoring every season for what it is. I encourage you to pause, listen closely to your partner and yourself, and step boldly into your next chapter. What is one area in your relationship or life where you could give yourself more permission to grow this week? 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 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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