Puzzles, Partnership, and Reinvention with Monica Marlatt

Описание: Source: https://www.podbean.com/eau/pb-i64ru-...

The empty nest arrives quietly — and no one really prepares you for how it feels.
In this episode, we talk about how curiosity, creativity, and even puzzles can open an entirely new chapter of life.

What happens when the house goes quiet after the kids leave — and you’re suddenly face-to-face with a whole new chapter of life?
In this episode of The Boomer Woman’s Podcast, host Agnes Knowles sits down with Monica Marlatt to talk about empty nest transitions, long-term partnership, and how an unexpected passion for puzzles became a source of creativity, connection, and joy.
What started as a way to cope with the emotional weight of an empty nest grew into something much bigger: learning new skills later in life, building community through puzzling, reconnecting with a partner, and even hosting puzzling events on cruise ships around the world.
This is a warm, wise conversation about curiosity, reinvention, and why play — yes, play — still matters at every age.
✨ In this episode, we talk about:
The emotional reality of the empty nest (and why no one really prepares you for it)
Relearning who you are — and who your partner is — in retirement
Why puzzling is far more social than people realize
Learning new technology and social media later in life
Building confidence by staying curious
Creating connection across generations and cultures
If you’re navigating life after the kids leave home, adjusting to retirement, or simply looking for inspiration to try something new, this conversation is for you.
📌 If this resonated, consider subscribing so you don’t miss future conversations about embracing what comes next.

00:00 – Welcome & introduction
01:40 – The emotional reality of the empty nest
04:45 – Rediscovering puzzling — and learning again
07:00 – Reconnecting with your partner in retirement
14:20 – How couples puzzle differently
18:30 – When a hobby becomes “work”
22:45 – The joy of wooden puzzles
29:30 – Speed puzzling vs casual puzzling
36:45 – Puzzling communities & puzzle swaps
39:20 – Taking puzzles on cruise ships
48:10 – Being a connector for strangers
52:40 – Why learning new things matters as we age
57:45 – A personal joy in this stage of life
59:30 – Final reflections & closing
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