Welcome to The Curiosity Club, a podcast for soon-to-be empty nesters, empty nesters, and the proudly “never had a nester” crowd who want life to feel big.
The Curiosity Club is about trying new things and exploring the world, one curiosity at a time. Hosted by Kelly and Shelly, two almost-empty-nesters with an ongoing habit of saying “we should try that” and “why not?” each episode. Diving deep into one topic; travel, hobbies, lifelong learning, and the weird stuff you only discover when you’re paying attention.
We talk about real-life curiosity: trip planning (Detroit, Italy, St. Louis, Tallinn, cruises and more), hands-on adventures (wood carving, painting classes, pasta, pierogis, and bread making, mahjongg, knitting), delightful rabbit holes (Frank Lloyd Wright, zoos, rocks, bridges, factories, and tech tools), and the occasional curiosity fail.
Most importantly, we break down the barriers that stop people from exploring, like “I don’t know where to start,” “I’m not good at that,” or “I’m too old for this.” If you want more “I could actually do that” and less “someday,” you’re in the right place to wander and wonder.
About KellyKelly is the co-host of The Curiosity Club and the person most likely to turn a casual outing into a fascinating deep dive. She’s especially drawn to archaeology and architecture, so her version of “just walking around” usually involves noticing details, asking better questions, and uncovering the story behind what you’re looking at. Kelly loves travel that feels immersive, from historic sites and iconic buildings to local experiences that connect the past to the present. She’s always game for a class or hands-on adventure that adds a new skill (or at least a new story). On the show, Kelly brings curiosity with context: how to look closer, learn more, and make even familiar places feel brand new.About ShellyShelly is the co-host of The Curiosity Club and a firm believer that boredom is optional. She visited all 50 U.S. states before turning 50 and is now chasing 60 countries by 60. Her curiosity runs tech-forward, so she’s always testing gadgets, apps, and travel hacks that make new experiences feel easier and less chaotic. She’s also a big reader, bouncing between mysteries, light sci-fi, and non-fiction. When she’s on the road, she’s happiest hunting down great food, libraries, zoos, and the kind of local finds you don’t get from a top-10 list. On the show, Shelly brings practical, real-world tips and the occasional curiosity fail, because that’s where the good stories live.
*Text written with help from ChatGPT