The Open Nesters

The Open Nesters


How to Celebrate Your Hot Flashes (S5 | E194)

July 09, 2025

How to Celebrate Your Hot Flashes (S5 | E194) Beyond the Hot Flashes: Embracing the “Open Nester” Life Through Menopause and Beyond

[Tessa]

Welcome back, Open Nesters! Tessa here, and I’m thrilled to take you on a journey revisiting one of our most impactful episodes to date: Episode 33, where we dove deep into the often-misunderstood world of menopause. This conversation was truly special, and it resonated with so many of you, so I felt it was essential to bring some of those powerful insights back to the forefront.

Our incredible guests for that episode were none other than Bridget Garrett and Colleen Rosenblum from the fantastic podcast, “Hot Flashes and Cool Topics.” Their candor and wisdom truly illuminated the crucial need for open dialogue around menopausal changes – topics that, for far too long, have been shrouded in societal taboo.

TIME CODE7:48 Reinventing Ourselves 10:33 Embracing Happiness 18:14 Changing Cultural Norms 29:10 Celebrating Midlife Achievements 37:35 The Role of Men in Menopause From Empty Nest to Open Nest: A New Chapter Unfolds

One of the beautiful threads woven throughout our discussion was the concept of transitioning from “empty nesters” to “open nesters.” It’s more than just a phrase; it’s a mindset shift that invites new adventures, strengthens relationships, and fosters incredible personal growth in our later years.

Bridget and Colleen beautifully articulated their personal journeys through motherhood, sharing how their children’s growing independence has, in fact, created more space for them. Space for self-care, for pursuing personal interests, and for simply being. They passionately emphasized a point we can all take to heart: prioritizing ourselves isn’t selfish; it’s a vital act of self-empowerment in midlife. It’s about recognizing our own needs and giving ourselves permission to flourish.


Dispelling Myths and Finding Your Voice: The Menopause Conversation

Of course, we didn’t shy away from the more sensitive subjects surrounding menopause. We confronted common misconceptions and the emotional challenges so many women face. Our guests were a powerful reminder that menopause is a significant life event that deserves recognition and resources, which are often woefully lacking.Through their own experiences and conversations with various experts, Bridget and Colleen are on a mission to dismantle the stigma. Their message is clear: find your voice, advocate for your health, and never feel alone in this journey.


Redefining Visibility: Embracing Age and Defying Stereotypes

A particularly poignant part of our conversation touched on the concept of invisibility that can accompany aging, especially for women. This can profoundly influence our self-perception and societal roles. Bridget shared so passionately how she and Colleen have actively sought out and uplifted overlooked narratives of women in their 50s and 60s. They’ve highlighted empowering stories of those who are defying ageist stereotypes and carving out incredible new paths for themselves.

This really drives home a core belief of “The Open Nesters Podcast”: menopause is not an endpoint. It’s a significant milestone that can open doors to new opportunities, reignite old passions, and spark entirely new ones.


The Power of Connection: Podcasting and Community

It was truly inspiring to hear Bridget and Colleen recount their own journey into podcasting. They spoke of the immense joy and continuous learning that comes from engaging with an incredible array of women who are actively reshaping their lives in midlife. Our discussion illuminated how countless women are taking charge of their narratives, reinventing themselves as entrepreneurs, authors, and advocates. This is a testament to the incredible strength and resilience that defines women in this vibrant phase of life.

Through their podcast, “Hot Flashes and Cool Topics,” they’ve made it their mission to normalize conversations around everything from mental health challenges during menopause to the crucial importance of sexual health care. Bridget and Colleen’s enthusiasm for sharing insights from their interviews is infectious, and it’s clear their platform has cultivated a vital community where women can feel less alone and more understood.


Stay Curious, Stay Open: A Vibrant Vision for the Future

As we wrapped up that enlightening episode, we emphasized the importance of remaining curious and open-minded as we navigate this exciting stage of life. Both Bridget and Colleen stressed that this period should not be marred by preconceived notions or outdated ideas. Instead, it should be celebrated as a time where women can truly thrive, explore new facets of their identity, and foster connections with like-minded individuals.

Their passion for empowering women to embrace their age and life experiences truly reflects a vibrant and inspiring vision for what it means to be an open nester. It’s about growth, discovery, and connection, no matter where you are on your journey.

What were your biggest takeaways from Episode 33, or what aspects of menopause and midlife are you currently navigating? Let’s keep the conversation going!


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