Navigating the Empty Nest: How to Downsize and Reimagine Your Future (Season 6 | Episode 247) with Ya How to Downsize and Reimagine Your Future [TESSA] Welcome back to the Open Nesters Podcast blog! In our latest episode of Season 6, we continue our mission of trading empty for open, opening the door to new adventures, vibrant health, and reimagined relationships. Amir and I had the absolute pleasure of welcoming back one of our favorite guests, our dear friend Ya. Since she and her partner Carl moved away from New England down to North Carolina, I’ve been in absolute awe of how they’ve grown and evolved. They are the perfect example of what it means to truly lean into this stage of life—making dramatic shifts, coming together, and fearlessly stepping out into the unknown. A Whirlwind Move and the Empty Nest During our conversation, Ya opened up about their whirlwind relocation from Connecticut to Charlotte. In just eight weeks, they sold their house and moved away from the area they had called home for 16 years. What makes this transition so incredibly significant is that it was their very first move without their children. With their oldest two already living independently, their youngest daughter used this relocation as an opportunity to find her own place in New York. Ya shared how deeply proud she is of her kids’ independence, proving that as parents, we really do build a foundation that allows them to navigate the world on their own while we boldly figure out our next act. Of course, moving away from a four-bedroom house on two acres meant a massive downsizing effort. Ya described the intense but liberating journey of minimalism, dividing their lifelong belongings among four different households as her children also settled into new apartments. It was a beautiful, tangible lesson in impermanence. By letting go of physical items—whether they were handed down to her kids, sold, or donated—Ya planted seeds of understanding for her family that life is always shifting. It’s a powerful reminder that our homes are ultimately made of the relationships we nurture, not the objects we collect along the way. Redefining Community with Intentionality One of the most fascinating parts of our interview was Ya’s perspective on how we build communities throughout the different seasons of our lives. When we’re younger, our circles are largely based on proximity, like schoolmates or entry-level coworkers. Later, they tend to revolve around our children’s playdates and sports teams. But when the kids finally fly the nest, we are often left wondering who our true circle really is. Ya and Carl realized that at this stage, friendship requires absolute intentionality; they had to consciously figure out who they wanted to surround themselves with and what spaces actually aligned with their authentic selves. nd they certainly found their tribe in Charlotte! Moving to a walkable, diverse city environment allowed them to organically connect with people who share their unique interests. As polyamorous and active members of the king/swinger lifestyle, Ya and Carl intentionally sought out a larger Black and Brown community, using platforms to discover local meetups and “munches.” From roller skating and arcade nights to starting a dedicated Facebook group for like-minded couples, they are shaking things up and proving that you don’t have to quietly settle into a 55-and-over community unless you truly want to. Empowering Others Through Coaching and Canella LS Events Beyond her personal adventures, Ya is pouring her vitality into incredible professional projects. She is currently coaching within Black and Brown communities to help decolonize the mindset around non-monogamy, guiding folks to move ethically without the burden of societal shame or judgment. I was especially thrilled to hear about her new venture, Canella LS Events. By hosting events like an R&B-infused “Leather and Lace” night and educational impact play demos in traditionally “vanilla” spaces, Ya is normalizing alternative lifestyles and giving people a safe, welcoming environment to explore exactly who they are. Embracing Your Next Act As my partner Amir perfectly noted at the end of our chat, Ya is so remarkably comfortable in her own skin, and there is absolutely nothing phony about her. Her courage to start a new business, build an entirely new community from scratch, and authentically reimagine her future is deeply inspiring to me. If you are contemplating a major change in your own life, I hope Ya’s story encourages you to let the excitement of a new adventure completely overshadow the anxiety. Be open to the possibilities, say yes to the things that light you up, and remember to live every day in gratitude for the beautiful transitions ahead! 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 on 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. And visit her page here on the Open Nesters Website. 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

Midlife Sexuality & Open Relationships (Season 6 | Episode 246) with Dr. Rosalyn Dischiavo Embracing Your Act 3: Sexuality, Identity, and the Golden Shadow [AMIR] Welcome back to The Open Nesters Podcast blog! We are your hosts, Tessa and Amir, and today we are taking a dive straight into our archives to revisit one of our most profound, perspective-shifting discussions. In this special episode, we welcome back Dr. Rosalyn Dischiavo—affectionately known as Dr. Roz—founder of the Institute for Sexuality Education and Enlightenment. We sat down with her to unpack the multifaceted transition of “Act 3,” that vibrant, wide-open stage of life that emerges after the kids have left the nest. We are trading empty for open, exploring new adventures, and diving deep into how this phase impacts our sexuality, identity, and personal capacity. Midlife Sexuality & Open Relationships During our chat, Dr. Roz completely reframed the often-stigmatized “midlife crisis.” Rather than a juvenile panic, she aligned with Carl Jung’s view that this period is a profound combination of a mortality crisis and an identity crisis. Dr. Roz reminded us that the Chinese word for crisis beautifully combines the symbols for danger and opportunity. Sometimes, our lives require a little bit of ripping apart—or at least some careful dissecting and rearranging—to make room for a genuine biological and spiritual awakening. It is a powerful reminder that our “Act 3” is an opportunity to wake up to our fullest potential. One of the most fascinating concepts we explored is what Jung called the “golden shadow.” Most of us are familiar with hiding our darker, socially unacceptable urges in the shadows. However, Dr. Roz pointed out that we also hide our most enlivening, extraordinary traits—our deep intelligence, our raw sexiness, and our sheer awesomeness. Whether out of genuine humility or a desire for social conformity, we often dim our own light so we do not threaten the status quo. Stepping into our open nester years means finally reclaiming that golden shadow and giving ourselves permission to shine without apology. Exploring Polyamory, Identity & The Open Nest with Dr. Roz As we embrace this new stage, our very identities are often put to the test. Many of us have built our self-concept around being monogamous and faithful parents. But what happens when we decide to open our relationships or explore new erotic themes? Dr. Roz emphasized that identity is inherently fluid, yet challenging our long-held definitions of faithfulness can shake our core values and relationship safety. Whether we view new relationship styles as a capacity, a behavior, or a deep-seated sexual orientation, navigating these waters requires us to openly redefine what loyalty and commitment mean to us and our partners. For those curious about polyamory, swinging, or kink, Dr. Roz offered some incredibly grounding advice: do not just jump in blindly. It is easy to fall into a “kid in a candy store” mentality, but opening a relationship without preparation is a recipe for disaster. We highly recommend starting with books to educate yourselves before attending local meetups or informational munches. And remember, energy, time, and holidays are not infinite! Bringing new people into your life requires intense communication, boundary-setting, and a mutual understanding that you are initially there just to look and learn. We also dove into the fascinating world of core erotic themes, specifically discussing Jack Morin’s four cornerstones of eroticism: longing and anticipation, prohibition, power dynamics, and overcoming ambivalence. Dr. Roz explained how these themes naturally turn up the heat in our relationships. For example, simply experiencing the longing of a partner being on a date with someone else, or the anticipation of trying something taboo like swinging, can reignite passion in existing partnerships. These dynamics push us to look at our desires through fresh lenses, proving that expanding our erotic capacities can make us infinitely more interesting to ourselves and our partners. Of course, you cannot talk about open relationships without addressing the elephant in the room: jealousy. Dr. Roz was adamant that the polyamory community often unfairly shoves jealousy into the shadow, treating it as something uncool to admit. But if left unexamined, jealousy becomes malignant. We must regularly shine a flashlight on it, breathe through it, and use tools like Kathy Labriola’s The Jealousy Workbook. True compersion—feeling joy for your partner’s pleasure—is not just a magical feeling of lightness and rainbows; it is an active choice to support your partner even while you are actively processing your own jealous insecurities. Finally, we rounded out our beautiful conversation by discussing the lost art of receiving, the central theme of Dr. Roz’s book, The Deep Yes. As parents and partners, we have spent decades giving from a place of scarcity until we are completely burnt out. Dr. Roz taught us that we must learn to receive fully—whether it is food, sleep, touch, or beauty—until we are so full that our giving simply spills over from a place of natural abundance. We are so grateful for Dr. Roz’s wisdom, and we hope this archive dive inspires you to embrace the fluidity, expansion, and beautiful messiness of your own Act 3! 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 on 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. And visit her page here on the Open Nesters Website. 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

Community and Polyamory (Season 6 | Episode 245) with Chandra Kantor [TESSA] In this episode, we speak with Chandra Kantor about community, aging, and the way relationships can become more mutual over time. Chandra shares that she is entering her 50th year, teaches yoga, works as a life coach, and is a mother of three boys. She describes her family structure, including co-parenting with her first husband and being in a committed open relationship with her current husband. Redefining Family Dynamics We talk about the shift that happens as children become adults, especially how a parent-child relationship can move toward mutuality. Chandra describes setting clear expectations around responsibility, gratitude, and communication, including family dinners where everyone shares appreciations. Chandra explains that making implicit expectations explicit helped reduce conflict and create a stronger culture of respect. A major part of the conversation focuses on community. Chandra explains that she first experienced deep community through her father’s circle in Santa Barbara and later found it in contact improvisation and women’s circles. She describes how community grows through inviting people in, showing up during hard times, and asking for help. She says that trust deepens when people can receive support as well as offer it. Open Relationships & Polyamory We also discuss open relationships, polyamory, jealousy, and compersion. Chandra shares that she had no framework for open relating in her first marriage, but later learned about it through dating a polyamorous partner. She explains that she and her current husband moved slowly, used therapy and group support, and repeatedly adjusted their agreements when needed. For her, compersion means feeling joy in a partner’s joy, and she connects that to self-trust and self-worth. Finally, Chandra talks about her work leading yoga classes, retreats, and workshops that emphasize vulnerability, self-expression, and appreciation. She says she wants people to bring those practices back into their families and communities. She closes by reflecting on perimenopause as a stage that can bring clearer boundaries, less people-pleasing, and more unapologetic self-expression. Community and Polyamory (Season 6 | Episode 245) 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 on 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. And visit her page here on the Open Nesters Website. 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

Lessons in Trust and Connection (Season 6 | Episode 244) with Adam and Isaac Paulman [TESSA] Welcome back, Open Nesters! Amir and I are so excited to dive into a truly special conversation today. In this episode, we sit down with a remarkable father-son duo, Adam and Isaac Paulman. Together, we explore the delicate art of modern masculinity, conscious parenting, and the lifelong journey of knowing when to hold on and when to completely surrender. Trading the empty nest for an open one means opening our doors to new adventures and redefining our relationships, and this multi-generational chat perfectly embodies that spirit. Redefining Family Dynamics Our conversation naturally gravitated toward the evolving dynamics of parenthood as our children grow up. Adam bravely opened an honest window into what it means to redefine family dynamics when your child becomes an adult. He admitted that very little of his life was intentional until recent years, describing himself as the sum total of his “yeses” and “noes” along the way. Hearing him articulate the bizarre and beautiful transition of looking at his child and realizing he is now a fully capable young man was a profound moment for both Amir and me. This transition is perfectly illustrated by 18-year-old Isaac’s current adventure. Right now, Isaac is traveling independently in Turkey with his cousins. Adam candidly shared his paternal instincts to protect his son, wrestling with the anxiety of Isaac being so far away. Yet, Adam has consciously chosen to step back from the role of a rescuer, recognizing Isaac as a fully functioning adult who is supported by his own skills and family. It’s a powerful lesson in surrender, reminding us that we don’t have to fix everything; sometimes, having faith in our children is the ultimate act of care. The Power of Consent and Cuddle Parties Beyond parenting, we explored Adam’s fascinating work as a facilitator for Cuddle Parties—a concept that might sound intimidating to some, but is deeply rooted in establishing boundaries and consent. Adam explained that a core foundation of a Cuddle Party is teaching people how to navigate their desires and clearly say “no” to things they don’t want to do. Here are a few key takeaways from his facilitation work: Practicing Boundaries: Participants must practice saying “no” and are encouraged to change their minds. Unlearning Programming: The structured environment allows adults to unlearn the programming that tells us we must always accommodate others. Safe Vulnerability: It provides a space to communicate authentically and ask for nurturing touch. We loved how Adam framed these gatherings not just as places for physical touch, but as advanced communication workshops disguised as social events. We discussed how this is especially vital for men, who often carry immense societal pressure and find it challenging to express vulnerability or ask for the nurturing touch they actually desire. Amir pointed out how hard it is for generations of men to embrace these feminine concepts of belonging and connection. Adam’s work provides a safe, guided space to flex these muscles, proving that learning to voice your boundaries is a lifelong practice. Forest Bathing: Nature as a Lover In a beautiful parallel to his consent work, Adam also leads experiences in Forest Bathing, an eco-therapy practice brought over from Japan. Instead of the traditional “leave no trace” hiking mentality, Adam encourages a reciprocal relationship with the natural world. He guides people to interact with nature as a lover—receiving the scent of a flower or the taste of a berry, and allowing those natural gifts to nurture the soul. This practice fosters a deep sense of belonging to the planet, showing us that our interactions with the forest can create paths for healing and connection. The Open Nester Takeaway As Amir and I reflect on this episode, we are left with a renewed appreciation for the ongoing work of adulting and open nesting. Whether it is giving our grown children the space to travel the world, learning to set boundaries at a Cuddle Party, or finding belonging in the woods, the Pullmans remind us that growth never stops. We don’t have to rescue each other from the journey; we just have to support each other as we walk our own paths. We hope you tune into the full episode to absorb Adam and Isaac’s wisdom, and perhaps find the courage to practice your own authentic “yes” and “no” today. 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 on 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. And visit her page here on the Open Nesters Website. 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

Pleasure Doesn’t Care About Wrinkles  (Season 6 | Episode 243) with Joan Price Welcome to another episode of the Open Nesters podcast, where Amir and I trade our empty nest for an open one filled with vibrant health, relationships, and endless possibilities. This week, I had the absolute honor of sitting down with Joan Price, an 82-year-old senior sex expert and an incredible advocate for aging and sexuality. Joan brings such a refreshing, realistic, and wildly open perspective to what she calls “Act Three”—the stage of life where we are getting older but are absolutely still entitled to rich, fulfilling intimacy. Pleasure Doesn’t Care About Wrinkles with Joan Price In my fifties, I still felt incredibly sensual and sexual, but as I entered my sixties, I started experiencing unexpected setbacks, including breaking my neck in a car crash. Joan completely validated these physical realities, reminding us that as we age, our bodies simply change. From the aches and joint pains that make certain physical positions impossible, to the very real physiological shifts that cause arousal to take longer and lubrication to decrease, these hurdles are completely normal. 3:01 Bodies Change, Desire Adapts 6:12 Injury, Healing, and Intimacy 10:00 Embracing New Pleasure 15:44 Rethinking Orgasm 18:11 Ageless Erotica Unveiled 22:16 Body Image and Worth 27:48 Sex After Grief 32:54 Courage with Age But normal doesn’t mean the end of pleasure; it just requires a profound shift in our attitude and expectations. Joan emphasizes that we must let go of the judgment, the blaming, and the unrealistic goal of trying to recreate the exact kind of sex we had in our twenties. Instead, this chapter of life is about opening our minds to a completely new, expansive world of receiving and experiencing pleasure. A major part of this new chapter involves communication, which can be daunting if you’ve never had to explicitly ask for what you need before. Joan pointed out that if intercourse is no longer pleasurable or even possible, we must be brave enough to tell our partners exactly what our aging bodies require now. Our brains need to consciously connect with our bodies, asking them to show us what they need, and then we must boldly share those discoveries with our lovers. One of the most liberating ways to explore these changing needs is through solo sex. Joan is a massive proponent of self-pleasure, explaining that taking the time to explore your own body alone allows you to intimately understand how your arousal patterns have shifted over the years. Giving yourself permission to experiment with solo touch is not only perfectly healthy, but it’s often the foundational step to communicating your evolving desires to a partner. When it comes to discovering new sensations, Joan is also a vocal advocate for integrating high-quality sex toys into your routine. She advised us to ditch the old, poorly made novelties of the past and invest in well-designed, body-safe toys, like a specifically chosen vibrator. Whether used alone or with a partner, these tools can quite literally be the difference between having an orgasm and not having one. Speaking with Joan was a profound reminder that pleasure truly does not have an expiration date. I highly encourage all of our listeners, whether you are single or partnered, to check out her website and dive into her groundbreaking books, including the wonderful anthology Ageless Erotica. We don’t have to quietly close the door on our sexuality as we age; instead, we can step boldly into this new act, open our minds, and write an entirely new, beautiful chapter of intimacy. Ultimately, we need to completely redefine what a successful sexual encounter looks like. Joan challenges the deeply ingrained societal idea that sex must always lead to intercourse or a specific, standardized type of climax. Instead, we should embrace exploring arousal slowly, enjoying lower-pressure intimacy, and relishing the long, sensual buildup without demanding a specific finish line. 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 on 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. And visit her page here on the Open Nesters Website. 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

The Slow Movement (Season 6 | Episode 242) with Carl Honore We speak with Carl Honoré about life in the open nesting stage and how family relationships change as children become adults. He describes living in London with his wife and their two children, and says that his relationship with them now feels more equal, with more room for debate and different points of view. The Slow Movement We also talk about how open nesting has affected time with his wife. He says they now travel together more often, something that was difficult during the years of child-rearing and during the pandemic. He describes this as a return to a part of their relationship that was important when they were younger. 1:37  Adult Kids, New Equality 4:08  Traveling Together Again 6:59  Dinner Table Politics 12:06  Legacy And Aging Work 20:00 Reverse Mentorship Works 27:51 How To Slow Down 35:38 Finding Your Slow Ritual A major topic is aging and the slow movement. We discuss Carl’s view that aging should not be seen as a loss of possibility, but as a stage that can open new doors. He says the post-pandemic world may be changing its view of older people, including the place of older workers. Carl explains the work he is doing now, including resources and possible retreats for people at a middle-life moment. He says he wants to help people ask better questions about their next chapter, rather than look for fixed answers. We also discuss intergenerational connection. Carl says people should widen their social net and spend time with people of different ages, because this helps challenge stereotypes. He gives examples of reverse mentorship in a company and describes his daughter taking part in a university project that connects students with older people. He closes by describing his children’s influence on him and by sharing recent projects, including a children’s book about slow travel and an upcoming TED course on slowing down. He also says cooking and time in nature are two of the main ways he slows down in daily life. 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 on 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. And visit her page here on the Open Nesters Website. 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

Estrangement, Healing, and Repair (Season 6 | Episode 241) with Joy Okoye This conversation focuses on estrangement, ambiguous grief, and repair in family relationships, especially between parents and adult children. Joy Lynn Okoye describes her current work as centered on writing, meditation, and the relationship between relational integrity and grief. Estrangement, Healing and Repair She explains that her experience with estrangement is personal and complex. She was estranged from her mother by choice when she was younger, and she is now navigating estrangement with one of her sons. She distinguishes between different forms of estrangement, including cases involving addiction or mental illness, and estrangement chosen by an adult child. A major theme is the difference between repair and healing. Okoye says repair is about addressing the relationship, while healing is the deeper internal work each person must do separately. She emphasizes that these are not the same, and that people often try to skip the healing work and move too quickly into fixing the relationship. 7:37 Repair Begins with Boundaries 13:20 Healing and Repair Lanes 20:34 Letters Before Reconnection 29:09 Knowing Your Estrangement 33:49 Retreat for the Ruptured 35:01 Father Loss and Pain 39:50 More Estrangement Episodes She also discusses the importance of boundaries and patience. In her view, people need to understand their own role in the conflict, let boundaries stand, and avoid pushing for immediate resolution. She says that adult children and parents may be in different places emotionally, and that one person cannot control the other person’s readiness for repair. The discussion includes the impact of public language and social media on family conflict. Okoye says people often name and judge experiences too quickly, before they have fully processed them. She prefers a more private and modest approach to repair, rather than exposing every detail publicly. She describes concrete practices she uses with clients, including writing different kinds of letters to express anger, defense, and later acknowledgment. She also talks about spiritual and ritual practices, including conversations with a child’s “higher self,” as ways to create space and support healing. The episode closes with details about her retreat, “What We Carry,” focused on maternal rupture, estrangement, addiction, and incarceration, and where listeners can find her online. 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 on 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. And visit her page here on the Open Nesters Website. 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

Palle Bo Finds a Home (Season 6 | Episode 240) with Palle Bo Palle Bo explains that after his children left home, he sold his house, car, and furniture in 2016 and began traveling full time. He says he has visited 127 countries and spent one year moving through 30 countries and sleeping in 105 different beds. Over time, he has slowed down and now returns regularly to Cape Town and Chiang Mai. Palle Bo Finds a Home He describes a recent change in Chiang Mai, where he rented a 12-month apartment and is treating it as a base. The apartment has a bedroom, office and podcast studio, kitchen, living room, and a view. He says having a place to stay has changed how he lives, because he can buy and keep things, set up a better studio, and travel with only a carry-on when he leaves. Palle says he still plans to travel and has many recorded episodes waiting to be edited. He mentions upcoming trips and work in places including Washington, D.C., Richmond, Fargo, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, and Bangladesh. He says the new base makes it easier to travel without carrying everything. He reflects on how people in Denmark respond to his lifestyle. He says some people think it is cool, but most would not choose it themselves. When he asked an audience if they would sell everything and live as he does, only two people said yes. He explains that he supports his travels through podcast production work. He edits and produces shows for clients, including podcasts about nursing, retirement, history, travel bloggers, and nomad topics. He says this work keeps him learning. Palle says he had moments of doubt before leaving, but once he sold everything and began traveling, he had no regrets. After about 10 years on the road, he started wanting a home base again and now feels he is still a nomad, just in a slower phase. He also says relationships have been difficult because he often leaves soon after meeting people. He advises others not to copy his exact path. Instead, he suggests trying a smaller move first, such as living in another part of one’s own country for a few months, before selling everything. 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 on 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. And visit her page here on the Open Nesters Website. 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

TASMAN SEA REFLECTIONS (Season 6 | Episode 239) with Tessa & Amir In this episode we reflect on traveling as open nesters during a cruise off the coast of New Zealand. We talk about being away from home for nearly three weeks, the first difficult days at sea, and what it feels like to try to stay present when the weather, the ship, and the journey are uncomfortable. TASMAN SEA REFLECTIONS We discuss the idea of openness to experience and how travel can bring up fear, anxiety, and questions about comfort zones. We speak about choosing to do things while we are still healthy and physically able, and about how different each of us is in how we respond to uncertainty and change. 2:03 Travel Expectations Shift 3:55  A Maori Encounter 6:08  Comfort Zones at Sea 10:43 Time, Freedom, and Change 15:42  Life Lessons From Travel 20:10 Closing Thoughts We share one of the strongest moments from the trip: meeting a woman connected to a heritage railroad and hearing about the Maori people, their language, and a concept linking land and placenta. We also describe the beauty of that encounter despite rain and difficult conditions, along with the challenging tender ride back to the ship. We talk about time, retirement, and mindset. We reflect on the freedom that comes from controlling our own time, and on the shift some people experience when they move from saving to spending, or from work into retirement. We also mention that open nesting can include many forms of travel and exploration, not only cruises. We close by focusing on what we call return on experience: the value of leaving the comfort zone, staying curious, and finding new ways to stay vital. We encourage listeners to keep imagining new places and new ways of living, whether through travel, local exploration, or other flexible arrangements. 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 on 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. And visit her page here on the Open Nesters Website. 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

Solo Travel Outside Your Comfort Zone (Season 6 | Episode 238) with Mia Bolden In this episode we speak with Mia Bolden about her work with women’s empowerment, coaching, and solo travel. We discuss how her own healing journey led her into fitness, speaking, and coaching, and how she began working with many women who were empty nesters, single, or starting over. Solo Travel Outside Your Comfort Zone We talk about the experiences that shaped her path, including body image struggles, low confidence, and the emotional work that came up through yoga and other healing practices. Mia explains how she created a women’s fitness studio, taught yoga, and learned tools for releasing trauma and building confidence that she now uses in her work. 1:40 Healing Through Travel 9:30 Retreats and Release 16:19 Solo Travel Confidence 19:20  Women Find Freedom 22:36  Safety Without Fear 28:21 Comfort Zones in Travel We also focus on travel and retreats for women over 40. Mia describes how travel became part of her growth, how she came to lead retreats, and why she centers them on release, mindset work, journaling, and practical preparation for solo travel. She shares ways women can build confidence through staycations, local outings, dining alone, and other small steps before taking a bigger trip. We discuss the kinds of fears women bring up, including traveling alone, dealing with logistics, and leaving a spouse or family behind. Mia says she helps women respond with planning, research, and clearer self-talk, and she emphasizes trusting instincts and speaking from a more confident mindset. We also cover the impact these retreats have had on participants, especially women who felt they had not done enough as mothers or had never traveled alone before. Mia shares some of her favorite destinations, including Bali, Egypt, and Jamaica, and talks about how she plans trips, works with local partners, and thinks about safety and awareness while traveling. 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 on 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. And visit her page here on the Open Nesters Website. 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