In this episode of The Open Nesters Podcast, we revisit a thought-provoking conversation with Carrie and Stephen Cardenal, experts in coaching and thought leadership. Carrie, the Senior Vice President of Digital Strategy at the Modern Elder Academy, and Stephen, an entrepreneur and author of "Synaptic Alchemy," share insights into their journey of becoming open nesters and the transformative power of love and relationships at this stage of life.

We delve into the idea of open nesting, a concept that transcends the traditional empty nester label. Rather than feeling empty or lost when children leave home, we explore how open nesters can embrace new adventures and deepened relationships. Carrie and Stephen's personal story offers a rich tapestry of experiences, highlighting how they navigated their individual transitions and merged their lives together, creating space for growth, exploration, and joy in their relationship.

Throughout the discussion, we highlight the importance of curiosity and communication in couples' dynamics. Carrie and Stephen reflect on their unique personalities — Stephen as the adventurous Tigger and Carrie as the more cautious Eeyore — emphasizing how embracing these differences can foster stronger bonds. They introduce the idea of "casting a spell" over everyday moments, encouraging couples to transform mundane experiences into joyful and meaningful interactions. 

Their insights on the book they co-authored, "Becoming Beloveds: A Practical Guide to Building Stronger Relationships," shed light on how recognizing and addressing fundamental needs within relationships can lead to richer connections. By applying Maslow's principles to romantic partnerships, they outline how couples can evolve from mere coexistence to partnerships characterized by intention, reverence, and love.

The couple also shares their aspirations at the Modern Elder Academy, where they teach methods for navigating midlife transitions and cultivating purpose. They provide guidance on how to explore values such as adventure and family while planning for the future — a process that can involve global adventures or simply deepening family ties, all while keeping the door open for full-circle connections with loved ones.

Listeners are encouraged to take actionable steps towards improving their own relationships, from identifying love languages to engaging in self and partner exploration through assessment tools. As they underline the necessity of maintaining curiosity in relationships, Carrie and Stephen invite us to consider: what if we shifted our perceptions of love? Could the simple act of referring to our partners as "beloved" elevate the quality of our interactions and fulfill emotional needs?

This enriching dialogue encourages open-mindedness, creativity, and compassion in relationships during midlife, offering inspiration for couples as they navigate their own unique journeys. With practical advice and heartfelt stories, Carrie and Stephen exemplify how to embrace change and celebrate love as we enter the exciting chapter of open nesting.