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The Open Nesters

The Open Nesters

Written by: The Open Nesters
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 Re-Imagining the Empty NestThe Open Nesters 2021 Hygiene & Healthy Living Parenting Relationships Social Sciences
Episodes
  • THE RADIO VAGABOND PALLE BO

    THE RADIO VAGABOND PALLE BO
    Jan 7 2026
    THE RADIO VAGABOND (Season 6 | Episode 220) Trading Empty for Open with Palle Bo (Season 6 | Episode 219) [TESSA] Are you ready to flip the script on aging and discover a life wide open? On this episode of The Open Nesters Podcast Amir and I welcome back a true legend of the open road, Palle Bo. Palle is the definition of an “Open Nester”—someone who decided that once the kids flew the coop, it was time to open the door to endless possibilities. Known as the “Radio Vagabond,” Palle traded his secure life in Denmark for a global adventure that has taken him to over 100 countries. Whether you are dreaming of selling it all or just taking a longer vacation, his story is bound to inspire your inner nomad. You might assume that traveling the world requires a massive bank account, but Palle busts that myth right away. Back in 2016, after his youngest child moved out, he sold his house, car, and furniture to live out of a suitcase. Surprisingly, he spends about half of what he used to spend living a “normal” life in Denmark. He isn’t retired; he’s a digital nomad who runs a production company from his laptop, proving that you really can work from anywhere—whether that’s a cafe in Colombia or a road trip through Saudi Arabia. However, Palle is quick to point out that this lifestyle requires a bit of mindfulness to truly enjoy it. He talks candidly about “travel fatigue” and the importance of slowing down to “get the hunger back”. If he finds himself staring at a beautiful waterfall and not feeling the magic, he knows it’s time to check into a hostel and do absolutely nothing for a while. As Tessa notes, meaningful travel isn’t about rushing through a checklist; it’s about staying long enough that the local coffee shop guy knows your name. One of the biggest fears Open Nesters face is losing touch with their children, but Palle’s experience has been the exact opposite. He reveals that he actually speaks to his kids more now than he did when they were all living under the same roof. They think it’s pretty cool to have a dad out exploring the world, and they even plan epic meet-ups, like an upcoming road trip across the UK. It turns out that distance doesn’t have to mean disconnection; in fact, it can spark a whole new kind of adult relationship. Before you rush to pack your bags, Palle offers some honest advice: this life isn’t for everyone. If you love your own bed and the convenience of next-day Amazon deliveries, you might prefer a home base. But if you are curious, he suggests testing the waters by renting out your place for six months before burning any bridges. To hear more about his incredible journey—from Maasai villages to digital nomad conferences—be sure to check out Palle Bo’s own show, The Radio Vagabond Podcast. Safe travels! 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
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    45 mins
  • Courage (Season 6 | Episode 219)

    Courage (Season 6 | Episode 219)
    Jan 1 2026
    Courage (Season 6 | Episode 219) An Interview with Tessa & Amir (Season 6 | Episode 219) [TESSA] In this episode, we delve into the profound themes of relationships, sexuality, and spirituality as part of our exploration of how to embrace aging with vitality. As empty nesters transitioning to a phase of life filled with endless possibilities, my partner and I share our journey into being “open nesters,” a term capturing our commitment to experiences, adventure, and deeper connections rather than merely feeling the void left by our grown children. This season opener invites listeners to reflect on courage and authenticity as we move into the new year. We engage in a heartfelt conversation with our daughter, discussing the significance of courage as we navigate this stage of life. Through her perspective, we examine the nuanced understanding of what it means to be courageous—not simply in terms of risk-taking, but in fostering deeper connections within our family. Our daughter’s mention of her friends’ curiosity about our polyamorous relationship prompts us to clarify: while our experiences do involve aspects of sexuality, this discussion transcends mere lifestyle choices and invites us to probe the courage it takes to be vulnerable and authentic. 0:46 We’re not empty nesters. We’re open nesters. 11:10 What’s the value of courage and this season of your life? 21:03 Courage from Our Perspective 30:17 Hopes for the Future As we reflect on our individual journeys through different acts of our lives, we share profound insights about courage’s evolution over time—from bold moves in our youth to choosing growth and authenticity in our current stage. We unpack how the lessons learned from past decisions empower us to face our fears and embrace new challenges. This touches on the critical distinction between whimsical risk-taking and the true essence of courage: acknowledging fear and pressing forward regardless. An essential aspect of our dialogue is centered on the micro-courage found in everyday choices, alongside the grander acts that define our paths. We explore how our personal growth is mirrored in our relationships—not just with each other, but with our children and our extended families. Our commitments to communication, understanding fears, and taking calculated risks serve to reinforce the bonds that keep our family dynamic rich and supportive. Our conversation also touches upon the shadow side of courage—fear. We reflect on how we each grapple with our fears and the various methods we employ to address them. This includes using emotional awareness and communication to tackle uncertainties accompanying changes in our relationship and our lifestyle choices. An acknowledgment emerges that navigating through fear often requires the same courage we seek to showcase in our life choices, underscoring the complex interplay between vulnerability and strength. As we anticipate the opportunities and challenges of the year ahead, we recognize the importance of manifesting our dreams, both in personal goals and in creating resonance through our podcast. Our aspirations for the Open Nesters community include the development of a TV pilot that reflects our journey and the broader experiences of those embracing this stage of life. By openly sharing our trials and triumphs, we hope to inspire our audience to engage in their own acts of courage. In closing, this episode serves not only as a personal reflection but also as a collective invitation for our listeners to envision what courage looks like in their lives. We hope you resonate with our message of openness and the understanding that growth, whether through discomfort or joy, is a journey best undertaken with curiosity, compassion, and the unwavering support of those we love. 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
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    34 mins
  • Leaning in to Better Lives

    Leaning in to Better Lives
    Dec 25 2025
    Leaning in to Better Lives with Alia & Hayden (Season 5 | Episode 218) [TESSA] In this compelling episode of The Open Nesters Podcast, we delve deep into personal transformation, intergenerational healing, and the evolving dynamics of relationships in adulthood with guests Alia Stewart-Silver and Hayden. Both are navigating their unique journeys while pursuing a vision centered around eco-cultural regeneration and personal development. The discussion emphasizes the concept of “open nesting,” a mindset that cherishes the numerous possibilities that come with this dynamic life stage, rather than viewing it through the lens of emptiness. Alia shares her experiences, calling in from Lake Atitlan, Guatemala, where she is building her practice as a licensed psychotherapist. She reflects on her upbringing in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, describing a nurturing environment fostered by her parents, who consciously shielded her family from societal norms and media influence. This intentional upbringing allowed her to cultivate a deep sense of connection and love within her family, shaping her understanding of life, relationships, and ultimately, her vocation as a healer. Alia also candidly discusses the emotional turmoil that arose during her parents’ separation, illustrating how such endings can also give rise to profound insights and intergenerational healing. EPISODE TIME CODE 2:00 Meeting Alia and Hayden 12:51 Confronting Identity and Performance 18:28 Navigating Parental Relationships 25:04 The Impact of Generational Differences 36:51 Commitment to Individual Paths 39:08 Future Plans and Collaborative Projects Hayden is an experienced circle-holder and ceremonial guide. He is trained as a nature-based soul guide and permaculturalist. He is self-taught in ontological design processes, philosophy, primal movement, and evolutionary astrology. Hayden integrates these versatile modalities into his work as an evolutionary catalyst, striving to help root visionary ideas into tangible forms in service to the wellbeing of life and consciousness now and into the future. Alia tends the fertile intersection of individual healing, cultural development, and ecological stewardship. She weaves together the diverse threads of her background as a licensed therapist, restorative justice and anti-oppression cultural facilitator, permaculturalist, rites-of-passage guide, and poet. Alia has applied this breadth of experience to founding a thriving holistic therapy practice. Learn more about Alia’s work at Join the Seeds. And at Soul Rooted Healing Arts. Hayden shares his contrasting background in a more traditional American suburban setting. He recounts his upbringing in a conservative Christian home and the challenges he faced following his parents’ divorce at a young age. Through honesty and vulnerability, he discusses the pressures of adhering to societal expectations, particularly in sports, and the mental health struggles that emerged as he sought to carve his own identity amid these narratives. Both he and Alia discuss the importance of recognizing and feeling all emotions, including grief and anger, as essential components of personal growth. As the conversation unfolds, Alia and Hayden reveal how their paths converged during a ceremonial Vision Quest, a transformative experience that deepened their connection while allowing them to explore their personal journeys and collective vision for the future. Their partnership is rooted in mutual respect for each other’s individuality and a commitment to shared growth, focusing heavily on agreed-upon principles that prioritize personal sovereignty over enmeshment. Listeners gain insights into how they can foster healthier relationships with their own families and navigate the complexities of adulthood. Alia and Hayden emphasize the value of communication, mutual support, and recognizing the unique challenges faced by different generations. They encourage open dialogues around emotions and the importance of creating supportive spaces for one another to thrive. In the latter part of the episode, the couple shares their aspirations for the future, rooted in the establishment of educational centers focused on eco-cultural regeneration, where individuals can learn to live in harmony with the earth and each other. They provide listeners with resources and platforms to explore these concepts further, inviting the audience to become part of a transformative journey towards personal and collective healing. 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 ...
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    44 mins
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