The Loud Quiet - Empty Nest Living

The Loud Quiet - Empty Nest Living

Rick and Clancy have been enjoying life together since the mid 90s. Starting in August 2023, with two college-aged kiddos they entered Empty Nest Living. The house is quieter than before...it's a loud quiet, indeed. Join them as they laugh and cry while trying to figure out how to live the empty nest. Tune in for relatable stories, navigating the ups and downs of empty nest life with humor about the empty nest journey. Want to be a guest on The Loud Quiet - Empty Nest Living? Send Rick And Clancy Denton a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theloudquiethost

Episodes

July 24, 2025 21 mins

You’re never too old... or too deep into the empty nest... to go back to school.

In this episode of The Loud Quiet, we’re joined by our friends Scott and Eileen Nichols, fellow empty nesters, public school educators, and proud parents (and grandparents). They share why they each made the decision to pursue master’s degrees after the kids had left home... and what it’s really like to juggle classes, papers, marriage, and grandparenti...

Mark as Played

This week’s episode is a bit of a wild card... and we kind of love it that way.

We kick things off with three trivia questions from a recent night out…answers revealed at the end…before diving into a week that reminded us how the empty nest stage isn’t always as “empty” as it sounds. 

Clancy shares what it was like to step back into full “Mom Mode” after Teagan’s wisdom teeth surgery…complete with mashed peaches and emergency trash c...

Mark as Played

Summer used to be packed with popsicles, pool days, and time together. But now... with one child living away and the other working long hours, it just feels different.In this episode of The Loud Quiet, we open up about what it’s been like navigating summer in the empty nest—almost. We talk through our attempts (and occasional misses) at staying connected with our adult kids during the summer months.

From making space for impromptu ...

Mark as Played
July 3, 2025 22 mins

Fireworks. Flags. Parades. The Fourth of July used to mean something very specific when the kids were young. But now... in the empty nest... the holiday looks a little different.In this episode of The Loud Quiet, we talk about how the Fourth has changed for us. From packed neighborhood traditions to quieter long weekends, and from firework memories with the kids to unexpected fun as empty nesters. We swap stories, laugh about red M...

Mark as Played

Judgment. Comparison. That side-eye when you mention you're still financially helping your adult kids. If you're an empty nester, chances are you’ve either given that look... or gotten it.

In this episode of The Loud Quiet, we unpack the topic of financially supporting adult children. We’re not financial advisors, but we are living this in real time. Grad school tuition. Rent. Budgeting lessons. All of it.

We share what we’ve chosen ...

Mark as Played

Time to lighten it up. After a couple of deeper episodes, we’re kicking back with some TV talk. Summer used to be rerun season, but now there’s new content dropping all year long. So what’s keeping us company on the couch lately?

In this episode, we run through what we’re currently watching, the comedies we use as entertainment filler, and a few titles queued up for later. From courtroom chaos and mega churches to awkward high schoo...

Mark as Played

Empty nesters, rejoice... and brace yourselves. The kids are coming home for summer break, and the vibe in your once-quiet house is about to shift.Clancy and Rick share 10 real-world tips to help you handle the return of your college-age kids. From setting expectations to balancing mealtime and independence, they explore what works, what doesn’t, and how to keep the peace while strengthening your relationship.💡 Want a downloadable...

Mark as Played

What happens when your carefully planned life suddenly goes off script?

In this deeply personal episode, Clancy and Rick open up about the past few weeks—full of unexpected loss, chaotic schedules, and the quiet disconnection that can sneak up in empty nest life.

From memorial planning and rushed moves to a cardboard box anniversary and a last minute bus ride, they explore what it means to lose your sense of self and how to start fin...

Mark as Played

Rick and Clancy returned from Germany and have 10 travel points to share.


From pre planning to what to do when you arrive-they have put these points into practice many times.

Listen before you plan your next trip.


Get your free "10 Tips for Parents of College Kids Home for the Summer"https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup

Empty Nest Living can be challenging. Let’s support each other. Join The Loud Quiet - Empty Nest Li...

Mark as Played

We thought we knew what to expect from our trip to Germany. We didn’t. In the best way.

In this episode of The Loud Quiet, we share the surprises that made our empty nest adventure unforgettable…from unexpected experiences to moments that moved us.

Join us as we explore how saying “Ja” to Germany brought more delight than we could have anticipated.

Empty Nest Living can be challenging. Let’s support each other. Join The Loud Quiet - ...

Mark as Played

Today, we're bringing back one of our favorite conversations in this Greatest Hits replay of The Loud Quiet. (Originally E23 January 2024)


In this episode, we go through five thoughtful questions aimed at empty nesters — a chance to check in with each other, reflect on this phase of life, and think about what’s next.


We cover topics like:


How we’re navigating marriage now that the nest is empty

  • New adventures we wan...
Mark as Played

Today’s episode is a little different here on The Loud Quiet.

Instead of hosting, we’re guests!


We joined Lynn Smargis on her podcast Caring for Your Aging Parents to share our family’s journey through Alzheimer's and caregiving.


In this conversation, we talk about:


How we first noticed the early signs of dementia in Rick’s mom.


The difficult realities of caregiving from afar, especially during COVID.


What it was ...

Mark as Played
April 24, 2025 33 mins

We are back from our Mission Trip.

Rick and Clancy talk about what their expectations were and what they took away from their experiences.

Listen to what surprised us and how we plan on implementing some of the things we learned.


Casas por Cristo - https://casasporcristo.org


Empty Nest Living can be challenging. Let’s support each other. Join The Loud Quiet - Empty Nest Living Facebook group and build community together: http...

Mark as Played
April 17, 2025 7 mins

Rick and Clancy are headed out of the country for a mission trip. What are they nervous about? What are they excited about? Hear their thoughts and tune in next week for the recap.

Mark as Played
April 10, 2025 19 mins

Coming to you from the road in Arizona. Are you feeling overwhelmed?

Clancy and Rick talk about trying to keep their heads above water as they have so many irons in different fires.

What can they change as they approach new opportunities? Listen to find out.


Empty Nest Living can be challenging. Let’s support each other. Join The Loud Quiet - Empty Nest Living Facebook group and build community together: https://www.facebook.com/sha...

Mark as Played

Rick is headed to his college reunion and Clancy stays behind. Hear the perspectives of each one …what is Rick thinking before he goes and a recap when he gets back.

Did Clancy have FOMO? Listen and find out.


Empty Nest Living can be challenging. Let’s support each other. Join The Loud Quiet - Empty Nest Living Facebook group and build community together: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Hf9LJkmdU/


CHAPTERS

0:00 Rick's Antici...

Mark as Played

Are you taking a spring break or spring vacation? Clancy and Rick reminisce on their past spring breaks and how they are enjoying the non travel parameters of empty nest travel.

Empty Nest Living can be challenging. Let’s support each other. Join The Loud Quiet - Empty Nest Living Facebook group and build community together: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Hf9LJkmdU/

CHAPTERS

0:00 Is Your Spring Break Mode On, Off, or Paused?

1:11 Ch...

Mark as Played

Rick and Clancy get real and raw in this episode about interruptions in life.

Last minute changes can cause hurt feelings and struggles with communication.

How do you handle the unexpected things that life throws at you?

Empty Nest Living can be challenging. Let’s support each other. Join The Loud Quiet - Empty Nest Living Facebook group and build community together: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Hf9LJkmdUCHAPTERS


CHAPTERS

0:0...

Mark as Played
March 13, 2025 19 mins

Are you waiting on something? Do you find it harder to wait without the kids around as a distraction?

We talk about the things (big and small) that we are waiting on right now.


CHAPTERS

0:00 The Waiting Game: How It Affects Empty Nest Life

0:31 A Birthday Weekend in Tucson

2:24 Delayed Flights & Rental Car Trouble

4:52 Waiting on Parking While Clancy & Teagan Eat

6:05 The Hotel AC Disaster & What We Did

7:49 Hiking to Rese...

Mark as Played

How do you start the conversation about “what’s next” with our aging parents? 

We talk with Lynn Smargis, a Certified Senior Advisor about tips to get these conversations started and the steps to take when it’s time to explore new living arrangements.
Get Lynn’s book….Sensible Senior Solutions - ebook https://amzn.to/43kZQdP

Sensible Senior Solutions - paperback https://amzn.to/4i2WMHJ

Watch Lynn’s Podcast “Caring For Your Aging Pa...

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Special Summer Offer: Exclusively on Apple Podcasts, try our Dateline Premium subscription completely free for one month! With Dateline Premium, you get every episode ad-free plus exclusive bonus content.

    The Breakfast Club

    The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!

    Crime Junkie

    Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.

    The Megyn Kelly Show

    The Megyn Kelly Show is your home for open, honest and provocative conversations with the most interesting and important political, legal and cultural figures today. No BS. No agenda. And no fear.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.