We started Marraccini Chronicles to honestly capture this season of life—the humor, quiet moments, freedom, parenting challenges that never quite end, and joy of travel and reinvention. College Nesters™ naturally evolved from our stories when thousands of parents connected with our content about college kids coming home, midlife transitions, and finding your identity beyond active parenting.
After nearly 25 years of marriage and parenting three kids (including two still in college), we’ve stepped into a new chapter as empty nest content creators.
Based in Carmel, a suburb of Indianapolis, Indiana, we share relatable, humorous lifestyle content for parents navigating life after kids leave home—laughing, crying, and figuring it out together.
We’re Lea & Josh. Founders of Marraccini Chronicles & College Nesters™
About Marraccini Chronicles
Midlife Lifestyle Content Creators
What began as couple content quickly evolved when we realized millions of parents were navigating the same stage we were—that space between active parenting and true empty nesting.
We couldn't find a word for it, so we made one up—“College Nesters™.” It's the perfect combo of "college parent" and "empty nester," and it resonated instantly. What started as a term became a trademarked brand and a community of parents who finally had language for this exact stage of life.
Now we create content that makes parents laugh, feel seen, and remember they're not alone in figuring out life after the kids leave.
We started Marraccini Chronicles during our transition year because we needed something creative to build together, and honestly, we needed to laugh about what was coming.
Talk about life coming at us fast.
After nearly two decades of building and running a special education services company together—started by Lea from our home as a solo speech-language pathologist and later grown with Josh's business expertise—we sold and stepped away in 2025; the same month we sent our youngest off to college, and just weeks later, we became grandparents.
How It Began
Big Believers in Laughing Through Transitions
Travel Lovers — Italy & Lake Tahoe are our favorites
We love country music, especially while chilling by our pool
Dog Parents — Bear & Pepper, our adorable Pomeranians with spunk
Food Duo — Lea cooks, Josh eats (and does the dishes)
Fitness Lovers - gym time is our “us time” together
get to know Lea & Josh
Join us for honest, humorous conversations about parenting college students, navigating midlife, and life after the last kid leaves home.
Listen to the Empty Nester Podcast
real talk you can relate to
This free guide includes 7 quick and easy dinner recipes made for two—so you can enjoy dinner without eating leftovers all week or relearning portion sizes.
Dinner Ideas for Nesters
Cooking for Two Instead of Five?
From apparel to digital resources, explore products we use and recommend for empty nesters and parents of college students.
want college nesters™ goodies?
We’re intentional about the brands we share with our community. If your product or service supports parents of college students or adults navigating midlife, we’d love to explore a partnership.
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