Afleveringen
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In this episode, Keltie chats with coach and The Single Greatest Choice podcast host, Katie Bryan, about her journey of choosing to have a child on her own.
The complexities of deciding whether to wait for a partner or pursue solo parenthood.
You'll hear them discuss:
Katie's initial plans of being a stay-at-home mom and how her divorce at 28 changed everything.
Katie's experiences of dating and settling in relationships, as well as the decision to freeze her eggs.
The process of finding a sperm donor and undergoing IUI, plus the emotions of shame, regret, and hopelessness that accompanied her journey.
Why personal growth and self-love are essential in embracing the path of single motherhood.
Katie's positive experience with pregnancy and the joy she felt in carrying her son, plus, what solo motherhood is like today. How support from friends and loved ones can make a significant difference during the process of becoming a solo mother by choice.
How Katie provides support and coaching for women considering solo motherhood and has created a community for them to connect and share their experiences.
As mentioned in the show:
Find Katie online at www.singlegreatestchoice.com.
Instagram: instagram.com/single_greatest_choice
Tune into the Single Greatest Choice Podcast: singlegreatestchoice.com/podcast
Learn about the U.S. Donor Conceived Council, and the resources they offer, here: https://www.usdcc.org/
Learn about the company Katie shares, that offers ethical donor matching: https://www.theseedscout.com/
About Katie:
Katie Bryan is a coach, community facilitator, and single mother by choice. After a divorce in her late 20s and an exhausting decade of unsuccessful dating, Katie decided she was ready to separate her desire for motherhood from her desire to find a life-partner. While solo motherhood was most certainly a Plan B, choosing to pursue pregnancy through IVF and donor conception is the single greatest choice she's ever made. She is now a mama to her 3 year old son and has pivoted her career to support other women who are considering or pursuing solo motherhood. She hosts The Single Greatest Choice Podcast and provides 1:1 and group coaching as well as retreats for women who are considering having a child on their own through pregnancy or adoption.
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Get details on my Clarity Booster offering here: kidsorchildfree.com/claritybooster
Check out our free resources here, or at kidsorchildfree.com/free-resources
And don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Kids or Childfree Podcast if you love what you’re hearing!
You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, or a rating on Spotify.
Find us online at www.kidsorchildfree.com.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidsorchildfree
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kidsorchildfree -
In this episode, Keltie speaks with writer and author, Jackie Shannon Hollis, about what happens when you fall in love with a man who doesn't want children, joyfully commit to a life together...and then begin longing for a child, shortly after your wedding day.
The importance of being intentional in our choices and not being locked into societal expectations.
You'll hear them discuss:
The role of other people's opinions and how Jackie managed her feelings of longing for a child while being in a relationship with someone who didn't want kids.
Why there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to having kids.
How Jackie made peace with the decision not to have children and how she found joy and fulfillment in other areas of life. The challenges and rewards of aging without children, and the richness that comes from focusing on what one has rather than what one does not have.
As mentioned in the show:
Purchase Jackie's book, This Particular Happiness: A Childless Love Story, here: jackieshannonhollis.com/purchase
Find Jackie online at www.jackieshannonhollis.com.
Facebook: facebook.com/Jackie.Shannon.Hollis
Instagram: instagram.com/jackie.shannon.hollis
Threads: threads.net/@jackie.shannon.hollis
Join an upcoming quarterly "fireside" chat on Zoom, with childless elders the NoMoCrones (Non Mom Crones): gateway-women.com/gateway-elderwomen/
About Jackie:
Jackie Shannon Hollis is a writer, storyteller, speaker, and the author of the memoir, This Particular Happiness: A Childless Love Story (Forest Avenue Press). Her writing has been described as honest and intimate, exploring complex human issues in prose that is both direct and lyrical. Her work has appeared in various literary magazines, including The Sun, Rosebud, Inkwell, High Desert Journal, VoiceCatcher, Nailed, and Slice Magazine.
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Join the upcoming Kids or Childfree Group Program here: kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-program
Check out our free resources here, or at kidsorchildfree.com/free-resources
And don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Kids or Childfree Podcast if you love what you’re hearing!
You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, or a rating on Spotify.
Find us online at www.kidsorchildfree.com.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidsorchildfree
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kidsorchildfree -
Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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In this episode, Keltie reflects on the insights and takeaways from the second season of The Kids or Childfree podcast.
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Subscribe, rate, and review The Kids or Childfree Podcast if you love what you’re hearing!
You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, or a rating on Spotify.
Find us online at www.kidsorchildfree.com.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidsorchildfree
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kidsorchildfree -
In this conversation, Keltie interviews Nicole Louie: writer, translator, and author of the brand-new book, Others Like Me: The Lives of Women Without Children.
Nicole's experience of not wanting to become a mother from a young age and the challenges she faced in navigating societal expectations.
You'll hear them discuss:
The importance of turning up the volume on one's own voice and inner knowledge when making the decision to be childfree.
The inspiration behind Others Like Me, and how it's fourteen stories highlight the diversity of experiences and perspectives within the childfree community.
The complexities of the decision to have children or remain childfree.
The need for inclusivity and understanding among women without children, and the dangers of imposing labels and categories on others.
How intergenerational connections between women without children of different ages can provide support, wisdom, and inspiration.
As mentioned in the show:
Find Nicole on Instagram: instagram.com/bynicolelouie
And on Twitter: twitter.com/bynicolelouie
Read Nicole's book, Others Like Me: The Lives of Women Without Children.
About Nicole:
Nicole Louie is a writer and translator based in Ireland. A former content strategist and creative writer for virtual assistants, she holds a BA in advertising and postgraduate diplomas in literature and translation. When not writing, she is reading about the lives of women without children. Her essays have appeared in Oh Reader and Childfree Magazine and her curated collections of books, movies, and podcasts about women who are not mothers by choice, infertility, circumstance or ambivalence can be found on Twitter and Instagram: @bynicolelouie. Others Like Me: The Lives of Women Without Children is her first book.
About Others Like Me:
Others Like Me: The Lives of Women Without Children by Nicole Louie (published by Dialogue Books in the UK in June & House of Anansi in North America in Nov 2024).
A deeply personal exploration of childless and childfree women in their own words.
Others Like Me is the story of fourteen women around the world, from different walks of life, who don't have children. It's also the story of why Nicole Louie had to find them and what they taught her. Part memoir, part exploration of childlessness through candid conversations, this book showcases the many ways in which people find fulfillment outside of parenthood. And because the social expectation to procreate weighs the most on women, Louie focuses solely on them, their experiences, and how they flourish outside of motherhood. In doing so, she upends the stereotypes that diminish women who are not mothers and offers reassurance and companionship on a path less known.
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Join an upcoming Kids or Childfree Workshop here: kidsorchildfree.com/workshop
Check out our free resources here, or at kidsorchildfree.com/free-resources
And don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Kids or Childfree Podcast if you love what you’re hearing!
You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, or a rating on Spotify.
Find us online at www.kidsorchildfree.com.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidsorchildfree
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kidsorchildfree -
In this conversation, Keltie interviews her colleague and mentor, Merle Bombardieri — author of The Baby Decision, clinical social worker, and parent decision coach — about the decision to have or not have children.
How couples can navigate disagreements on this topic and find a solution that works for both partners.
You'll hear them discuss:
Why there's no obligation to do anything special as a childfree person, and also, many childfree individuals end up doing extraordinary things.
Some of the more recent factors that Merle has seen over her 45-year career, which are making the Kids or Childfree decision more difficult.
Tips for addressing a fear of pregnancy and loss of control over one's body during pregnancy and child birth.
The societal pressures and expectations surrounding the Kids or Childfree decision — plus guidance on how to navigate these concerns and make an informed choice.
Why having one child could be an excellent — yet often-overlooked — option for fence-sitters.
The existential questions and mortality that can be stirred up by this decision, and the importance of curiosity and self-trust in the decision-making process.As mentioned in the show:
Find Merle online at thebabydecision.com.
Instagram: instagram.com/thebabydecision
Facebook: facebook.com/thebabydecision
About Merle:Merle Bombardieri, MSW, LICSW, has been a private practice clinical social worker and psychotherapist for over 30 years. She specializes in parenthood decision-making, infertility, adoption, and making the most of a childfree life. The first edition of her book The Baby Decision was published in 1981. She lives in St. Petersburg, Florida, and Peterborough, New Hampshire.
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Join an upcoming Kids or Childfree Workshop here: kidsorchildfree.com/workshop
Check out our free resources here, or at kidsorchildfree.com/free-resources
And don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Kids or Childfree Podcast if you love what you’re hearing!
You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, or a rating on Spotify.
Find us online at www.kidsorchildfree.com.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidsorchildfree
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kidsorchildfree -
In this conversation, Keltie speaks with author, actress, and model, Alice Grecyzn, about Alice's decision to be childfree, and the ups and downs she has faced along the way to making this choice.
Alice's experience of an ultra-religious upbringing, losing her faith — and how both have influenced her childfree path
You'll hear them discuss:
The parallels between fundamentalist religion and the pressures that we all face in our lives
The role that questioning the ethics of motherhood has played in Alice's decision
The "ingredients" that Alice discovered non-regretful parents to possess
The parts of motherhood that Alice has had to grieve — and what this mourning process entailed
Why we can't separate who we are – nor our circumstances — from the Kids or Childfree decision
What Alice's exploration of the Kids or Childfree decision looked like with her partner...plus, they touch on so many other aspects of the mixed emotions and complexity that can accompany this decision.
As mentioned in the show:
Find Alice online at alicegreczyn.com
Instagram: instagram.com/alicegreczyn
Read Alice's substack: alicegreczyn.substack.com
Buy Alice's memoir, Wayard, here: https://a.co/d/hP503cM
About Alice:Alice Greczyn is an author, actress, and model. Known for her acting roles in film and TV, Alice is now more recognized for her work as a religious trauma recovery advocate, appearing on prominent podcasts and presenting at conferences on the topics of purity culture, neurotheology, and finding meaning in life as an atheist. Alice founded DaretoDoubt.org in 2019 connecting those fleeing spiritual abuse with resources helping survivors heal from the unintended damage of faith-based beliefs. A controversial figure for her outspokenness against religious and political fundamentalism, Alice finds her deepest sense of purpose helping others free themselves from the shackles of fear and shame. She lives in LA with her cat and fiancé and loves hiking, learning, and eating anything with melted cheese.
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Join an upcoming Kids or Childfree Workshop here: kidsorchildfree.com/workshop
Check out our free resources here, or at kidsorchildfree.com/free-resources
And don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Kids or Childfree Podcast if you love what you’re hearing!
You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, or a rating on Spotify.
Find us online at www.kidsorchildfree.com.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidsorchildfree
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kidsorchildfree -
In this conversation, Keltie Maguire interviews Dr. Natasha Ghosh, a therapist and coach, about her journey into motherhood and the decision to have children.
The mixed emotions and uncertainties that come with becoming a mother, as well as the external pressures and societal expectations surrounding parenthood.
You'll hear them discuss:
The importance of listening to your own voice and making choices based on personal desires and values — plus how to tap into this inner voice.
How trusting oneself and cultivating self-love can help in navigating the challenges and uncertainties of parenthood.
Fear of regret and the challenge of trusting oneself in making this decision. Practical tools for connecting with oneself, cultivating inner knowing, and managing anxiety and fear in the decision-making process....and so many other aspects of this choice.
As mentioned in the show:
Find Natasha online at www.digdeepcounselling.com.
Instagram: instagram.com/digdeepcounselling/
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/natashaghosh
About Natasha:With over 20 years of experience in the field of Psychology, Dr Natasha Ghosh, PhD, MEd, CHyp, RCC, is an expert in helping people feel more emotionally grounded, peaceful, purposeful and in charge of their life.
Natasha’s practice is rooted in science and soul; integrating both evidence-based therapies, strong intuition and specialized techniques that lead to deep healing and transformation. You will develop and discover clarity and make sustainable change so that you can live fully and fearlessly.
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Join an upcoming Kids or Childfree Workshop here: kidsorchildfree.com/workshop
Check out our free resources here, or at kidsorchildfree.com/free-resources
And don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Kids or Childfree Podcast if you love what you’re hearing!
You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, or a rating on Spotify.
Find us online at www.kidsorchildfree.com.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidsorchildfree
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kidsorchildfree
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In this episode, The Childless Collective online community host, Katy Seppi, shares her journey of infertility and becoming childfree not by choice.
Katy's personal experience with infertility, IVF, and endometriosis — and the challenges of accessing proper medical care.
You'll hear her and Keltie discuss:
How and when Katy decided to stop fertility treatments and pursue a hysterectomy.
How the lack of support and understanding from the healthcare system can exacerbate the emotional and physical challenges faced by individuals struggling with infertility and reproductive health issues.
The difficult decisions that come with choosing to stop trying for a child.
The harmful messaging around never giving up on having a child and the complexities of fertility treatments, surrogacy, and adoption.
The nuances and complexities of the terms 'childless' and 'childfree' and the societal pressures associated with these choices
...in what is a heartfelt, raw, and important conversation.
As mentioned in the show:
Check out Katy's community for childless women and non-binary people, The Childless Collective, here: childlesscollective.com
Find Katy on TikTok here: tiktok.com/@childlesscollective
And on Instagram here: instagram.com/childlesscollective
About Katy:
Here's what Katy shares about her story:
"My four-year infertility journey ended with a hysterectomy in 2017. At the time, I didn’t have a single person I could talk to who was also involuntarily childless. I decided to use my background in community organizing to create gathering places for childless people to connect, access support, and talk about the common themes that weave through our experiences. I host the Childless Collective online community, which is a year-round hub of connection and support for childless women and nonbinary people. I've also hosted the Childless Collective Summit for the past four years, bringing together 100 speakers and over 8,000 attendees together. I have a Master’s of Social Work degree from UGA, with an emphasis in community empowerment and program development. My current home is Savannah, Georgia, where I spend my free time on my bike, exploring swamps, reading, hanging out with my favorite people, finding the best tiki drinks, and anything else that strikes my fancy."
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Check out our free resources here, or at kidsorchildfree.com/free-resources
And don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Kids or Childfree Podcast if you love what you’re hearing!
You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, or a rating on Spotify.
Find us online at www.kidsorchildfree.com.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidsorchildfree
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kidsorchildfree
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Travel journalists and long-time couple, Scott and Collette Stohler, share their journey of deciding to have a child and how it's impacted their adventurous lifestyle.
Why having a child doesn't have to mean giving up travel, adventure, and freedom
You'll hear them and Keltie discuss:
Challenges of the postpartum period and the transformation it brought to their identities
Their experiences navigating the challenges and joys of parenting, travel, and their relationship as a couple
The importance of communication, openness, and flexibility in maintaining a strong partnership and family dynamic
The joys and challenges of traveling with a child...and many other topics, for a conversation that's sure to inspire, no matter which Kids or Childfree choice you ultimately make.
As mentioned in the show:
Find Collette and Scott online at roamaroo.com
And on social media at:
Facebook: facebook.com/roamaroo
TikTok: tiktok.com/@roamaroo_travel
YouTube: youtube.com/c/Roamaroo
Instagram: instagram.com/roamaroo
About Collette & Scott:Here's what this adventurous family has to say:
"We are Collette, Scott, and baby Scotland, family travel journalists dedicated to inspiring & empowering families to travel. As a traveling family, we believe that there is no age limit on adventure and no limit to what families can accomplish together. We have 18 special years as a family and we hope you’ll join us as we dream big, explore more, and discover life.In 2015, we decided to quit our jobs as corporate desk jockeys and redefine the American Dream. Since then, we have been traveling the world full-time, exploring off the beaten path locations and inspiring others through our active vagabond lifestyle. We rented our house, quit our jobs, and threw caution to the wind all with an end goal of viewing the world and all its wonders. In 2022, we decided to grow our traveling family when we welcome our baby girl, Scotland, and our dog, Lucy, to the crew!"
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Get the details on the summer session of my group coaching program, Confidently Childfree, here.
Check out our free resources here, or at kidsorchildfree.com/free-resources
And don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Kids or Childfree Podcast if you love what you’re hearing!
You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, or a rating on Spotify.
Find us online at www.kidsorchildfree.com.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidsorchildfree
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kidsorchildfree
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In this episode, Dr. Jay Zigmont, a childfree wealth expert, shares his experiences as a childfree man, alongside the challenges and opportunities for childfree people when it comes to their financial and life planning.
The lack of representation and understanding for childfree individuals and the judgment they often face. The importance of questioning societal expectations and making decisions based on personal desires and values. The need for financial planning tailored to the unique needs and goals of childfree individuals. That although being childfree does not automatically make someone wealthy, it does provide more flexibility and freedom in life choices. The importance of creating a life plan and financial plan that align with personal goals and values.
Hear Dr. Jay and Keltie discuss:...and so many more important topics related to finances, freedom, and the lives of childfree people.
As mentioned in the show:Find Dr. Jay on Instagram: instagram.com/childfreewealth/
On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/childfree-wealth/
Find out more about Dr. Jay and Childfree Wealth at childfreewealth.com.
Pre-order Dr. Jay's upcoming book, The Childfree Guide to Life and Money: https://www.amazon.com/Childfree-Guide-LIfe-Money-Management-ebook/dp/B0CVNPWDTW
About Dr. Jay:
Jay Zigmont, PhD, MBA, CFP® is the Founder and CEO of Childfree Wealth®, a life and financial planning firm dedicated to helping Childfree and Permanently Childless people. Childfree Wealth is the first life and financial planning firm dedicated to serving Childfree people. Dr. Jay is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, Childfree Wealth Specialist, and author of the book “Portraits of Childfree Wealth” and the upcoming book “The Childfree Guide to Life and Money.” Dr Jay is the co-host of the Childfree Wealth podcast. His Ph.D. is in Adult Learning from the University of Connecticut. He has been featured in Fortune, Forbes, MarketWatch, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Business Insider, CNBC, and many other publications. In 2023, he was named a “Rising Star” by Financial Planning.
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Get the details on the summer session of my group coaching program, Kids or Childfree, here.
Check out our free resources here, or at kidsorchildfree.com/free-resources
And don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Kids or Childfree Podcast if you love what you’re hearing!
You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, or a rating on Spotify.
Find us online at www.kidsorchildfree.com.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidsorchildfree
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kidsorchildfree -
Therapist, mother, and founder of the popular @therapyforwomen Instagram account, Amanda E. White, shares her personal experience of being on the fence about having kids — and how she arrived her her decision to become a mom.
The complexity of the Kids or Childfree decision, and factors such as societal pressures, personal fears, relationship dynamics, and emotional readiness.
Hear her and Keltie discuss:
Fear of regret, and how this plays into the choice to have kids or remain childfree.
Exploring ambivalence and making informed, conscious choices.
How social media and other online content can impact decision-making and contribute to further confusion.
...and so many more important aspects of this decision.
As mentioned in the show:Find Amanda on Instagram: instagram.com/therapyforwomen
Read Amanda's Fence Sitter Substack: amandaewhite.substack.com
Learning about Amanda's therapy practice, Therapy for Women Center: www.therapyforwomencenter.com
About Amanda:
Amanda E. White is a licensed therapist and the creator of the popular Instagram account @therapyforwomen. She writes a substack called Fence Sitter. She is the author of the book “Not Drinking Tonight” and its corresponding workbook. She is the founder of the group therapy practice, Therapy for Women Center, based in Philadelphia serving clients across the country. She has been featured in notable publications such as Forbes, Washington Post, Shape, Women’s Health Magazine, and more. To learn more visit amandaewhite.com
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Get the details on the summer session of my group coaching program, Confidently Childfree, here.
Check out our free resources here, or at kidsorchildfree.com/free-resources
And don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Kids or Childfree Podcast if you love what you’re hearing!
You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, or a rating on Spotify.
Find us online at www.kidsorchildfree.com.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidsorchildfree
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kidsorchildfree -
In this conversation, Shweta, a childfree woman of Southern Asian background, shares what she calls "the best decision I ever made" — namely, her choice to be childfree.
How Shweta's upbringing and the gender roles she observed in her extended family influenced her decision.
You'll hear her and Keltie discuss:
The positive response she has received from her family and friends, although her choice goes against the cultural norms.
Why self-awareness and setting boundaries are important when dealing with societal expectations.
The concept of antinatalism, and why this is a philosophy that Shweta subscribes to.
Shweta's experiences traveling as a childfree woman
...and many more aspects of Shweta's unwavering choice to be childfree.
As mentioned in the show:Find Shweta online on...
Instagram: @childfreesrbuddysmum
TikTok: @shwetaramkumar
About Shweta:
All of Shweta's social media bios contain the following words: Educator, Adventurer, Foodie, Singer, Dog-Mom, Minimalist, Unconventional, Childfree by Choice, Antinatalist and Egalitarian. She's a multitalented, multipassionate creative woman who has lived and travelled all over the world, worked in a variety of industries and is currently an up and coming entrepreneur with a business that marries up her passions, skillset, knowledge and experience. She's a Southern Asian woman of colour and a pioneer of dismantling the oppressive norms of the conservative, sexist, and patriarchal culture and society she grew up in. As an unmarried childfree millennial woman, her life journey sets a strong example of breaking free from the shackles of disempowering cultural conformity and stand out as a proud black sheep in more ways than one. She's an avid advocate of the childfree lifestyle where she has made valuable contributions through podcast and video interviews, speaking on conventions and conferences and blog posts. She is currently based in Melbourne Australia.
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Get the details on the upcoming session of the Kids or Childfree group coaching program here: kidsorchildfree.com/group-coaching
Check out our free resources here, or at kidsorchildfree.com/free-resources
And don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Kids or Childfree Podcast if you love what you’re hearing!
You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, or a rating on Spotify.
Find us online at www.kidsorchildfree.com.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidsorchildfree
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kidsorchildfree -
In this conversation, Keltie Maguire asks hospice nurse Julie McFadden the questions on your mind when it comes to your Kids or Childfree decision and all things death and dying.
Julie's personal journey as a nurse and her decision to specialize in hospice care How at age 41, Julie is able to have such an attitude of openness about still possibly having children...or not Julie's brand-new book, 'Nothing to Fear: Demystifying Death to Live More Fully,' and the worldwide impact of understanding the dying process How to prepare for end-of-life care, no matter which Kids or Childfree choice you make — and the misconception that having children guarantees care in old age Why whether or not you have kids doesn't actually matter in end-of-life Inspiring stories of those who died never having had children The beauty of witnessing both birth and death
You'll hear them discuss:
...in what is a powerful, funny, and moving conversation!
As mentioned in the show:Find Julie online at www.hospicenursejulie.com.
YouTube: youtube.com/@hospicenursejulie
Instagram: instagram.com/hospicenursejulie/
TikTok: tiktok.com/@hospicenursejulie
Get Julie's brand-new book, Nothing to Fear: https://a.co/d/5c19mY4
About Julie:
Julie McFadden, BSN, RN has been a nurse for 15 years. Julie is an experienced ICU, and now Hospice/Palliative Nurse. Julie has been featured in Newsweek, USA today, The Atlantic, and several other articles worldwide. Julie has been passionate about normalizing death through education to the masses using social media and now her new book coming out in June- Nothing To Fear. Her TikTok has 1.4M followers, and you can find her on all social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube) at Hospice Nurse Julie. You can find her on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
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Get the details on my one-on-one coaching offers here.
Check out our free resources here, or at kidsorchildfree.com/free-resources
And don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Kids or Childfree Podcast if you love what you’re hearing!
You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, or a rating on Spotify.
Find us online at www.kidsorchildfree.com.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidsorchildfree
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kidsorchildfree -
In this episode, Keltie is joined by her husband, Chris, for a candid discussion about their decision to be childfree, and namely, how choosing childfree has been for Chris as a man.
Chris's personal journey from ambivalence to confidently childfree
The two of them discuss:
The role of personal and relationship development in their decision-making process, and how they navigated their decision as a couple
The challenges and potential resentment that can arise if one partner wants children more than the other
Topics such as societal pressures, financial considerations, and the desire to maintain their current lifestyle
How societal pressure and expectations around having children are different for men than women, plus Chris's personal experience with nosy questions and naysayers
Chris's feelings about getting a vasectomy and why he's chosen not to have one
The love they share for their childfree life together, and how they find and create deeper meaning and fulfillment
As mentioned in the show:
Find Christian on:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/christianhaefele/
Instagram: instagram.com/chris_ongram/
Episode 10 with Ruby Warrington on Women Without Kids
Episodes 5 and 6 where Keltie shares her personal journey to being childfree
About Christian:
Christian Haefele is a mountain enthusiast, dog lover, and avid traveler who lives in Munich Germany, with his wife, Keltie, and dog, Shira. His hobbies include ultra-trail running, hiking, and stand-up paddle-boarding. When he's not adventuring, Chris loves enjoying a craft beer or two and cooking up delicious vegan dishes. Chris has previously lived in Vancouver, Canada, and he works in tech sales providing digital solutions to Germany's largest retailers.
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Check out our free resources here, or at kidsorchildfree.com/free-resources
And don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Kids or Childfree Podcast if you love what you’re hearing!
You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, or a rating on Spotify.
Find us online at www.kidsorchildfree.com.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidsorchildfree
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kidsorchildfree -
Julie Lythcott-Haims — New York Times bestselling author, TED speaker, former Stanford dean, and lawyer — is here to share her wisdom with us on living an authentic life, the impact of helicopter parenting (and how we can break free of this trap, should we choose to become parents), and her experiences as a mom of two adult children.
The importance of defining one's unique path in life — and how we can break free of the pressures that surround us.
Hear her and Keltie discuss:
Julie's personal path to motherhood — including its challenges and rewards.
What Julie is seeing and hearing from young people about the decision to have kids or not.
The danger of today's culture of intensive parenting — and how we can choose to do things differently. Why couples should and can prioritize their own well-being, and take time for themselves to maintain a healthy relationship.
The challenges of maintaining friendships when one person becomes a parent — and the different values and priorities that can arise.
The profound learning experience of having children.
...and so much more!
As mentioned in the show:Find Julie online at julielythcotthaims.com.
X: x.com/jlythcotthaims
Instagram: instagram.com/jlythcotthaims
Facebook: facebook.com/jlythcotthaims/
Julie's books:
Real American: A Memoir
How to Raise an Adult: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kids for Success
Your Turn: How to Be an Adult
About Julie:
Julie Lythcott-Haims believes in humans and is deeply interested in what gets in our way. Her work encompasses writing, speaking, public service, and activism. She is a New York Times bestselling author of books on human development, a TED speaker, a former Stanford dean, and a lawyer, and she holds degrees from Stanford University (BA), Harvard Law (JD), and California College of the Arts (MFA). She serves on numerous nonprofit boards whose work focuses on equity, education, youth, wellness, and the arts. Julie lives in Palo Alto, California with her partner of over thirty years, their itinerant young adults, and her mother. She is a member of the Palo Alto City Council.
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Get the details on my Clarity Booster coaching offer here.
Check out our free resources here, or at kidsorchildfree.com/free-resources
And don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Kids or Childfree Podcast if you love what you’re hearing!
You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, or a rating on Spotify.
Find us online at www.kidsorchildfree.com.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidsorchildfree
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kidsorchildfree -
In this conversation, we hear from Katherine Ripley, a licensed clinical social worker and somatic therapist, about how difficult childhood experiences can influence and shape the decision of whether or not to have children.
The role of anxiety as a defense against emotion and how it can prevent us from connecting with our bodies and core emotions. The importance of curiosity, compassion, and listening to the different parts of ourselves when making decisions. How childhood trauma can shape our desires and fears around parenthood. The concept of parentification and how it can influence the decision to have kids or not. Emotional regulation and taking ownership of our emotions when considering parenthood.
Keltie and Katherine discuss:...and many other topics related to difficult childhood experiences and the Kids or Childfree decision.
As mentioned in the show:
Find Katherine on:
Instagram: instagram.com/therapy.with.katherine/
Tiktok: tiktok.com/@therapywithkatherine
Get the details on Katherine's upcoming "The Practice of Presence" course, here:
katherineripleytherapist.com/online-course
About Katherine:Katherine Ripley is a licensed clinical social worker, offering both individual therapy and group coaching programs. She works with adult survivors of child abuse and childhood emotional neglect. She uses primarily somatic methods to support people in processing their emotions through their bodies. Her work is also based in attachment theory.
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Check out our free resources here, or at kidsorchildfree.com/free-resources
And don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Kids or Childfree Podcast if you love what you’re hearing!
You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, or a rating on Spotify.
Find us online at www.kidsorchildfree.com.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidsorchildfree
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kidsorchildfree -
Join us for a conversation with Dutch writer, illustrator, and artist, Marloes de Vries. We discuss her book 'Kinderen krijg is optioneel' (Having Children is Optional) and Marloes' decision to be childfree.
The pressures Marloes' felt from society and how she took time to reflect and be alone to solidify her decision.
You'll hear about:
The importance of being true to yourself and finding contentment in your own company. The process of writing and illustrating her book and the need for more accessible and humorous resources on the topic of being childfree. Why women need to make conscious decisions about motherhood and to consider the impact it will have on their lives.
The freedom and opportunities that come with being childfree, such as pursuing a career as an artist, as Marloes has done.
A discussion about regretting your Kids or Childfree choice — including the messages she receives from parents...and so much more.
As mentioned in the show:
Find out more about Marloes and her work at marloesdevries.com/en.
Get Marloes' book, Kinderen krijgen is optioneel at kinderenkrijgenisoptioneel.nl
Find Marloes on Instagram: instagram.com/marloesdevee/
About Marloes:
Here's Marloes in her own words...
"Artist and author, and a freelancer for over 25 years. Based in the Netherlands, in love with the UK. Been with my partner for almost 9 years (who's also childfree). In 2016 I wrote an article about not wanting to have children for a Belgian magazine, which went viral online. I got asked to write a book on it but wanted to wait a few years until I understood how I felt exactly, and I wanted to do a lot of research on this topic. I had already been reading up on the topic for quite a few years by then, but dove in deeper since then. I questioned over 250 people (mostly women) about being childfree, and did in-depth interviews with 12 women for my book. I've read pretty much every article I could find online on this topic, and researched sexism and feminism related to child bearing. Since my book was published in November 2023 (Kinderen krijgen is optioneel / Having children is optional) I've done many interviews, and am contacted regularly by the Dutch media as a consultant on the childfree topic. My main viewpoint is that everyone should be free to make the decision of becoming a parent, but I strongly believe everyone should mindfully think about it before making a decision. I also believe you should consider the life of your unborn child before getting pregnant, because this is a choice that goes beyond 'do I want kids?'. It isn't about you, it's about the human you're putting on this earth."
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And don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Kids or Childfree Podcast if you love what you’re hearing!
You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, or a rating on Spotify.
Find us online at www.kidsorchildfree.com.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidsorchildfree
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kidsorchildfree
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In this conversation, we hear from Jane van Dis, M.D., an OB-GYN who specializes in women's/maternal health and its intersection with reproductive justice — both in terms of Jane's personal experience of motherhood and how her professional insights and expertise can help inform your own choice.
The idea of informed consent in understanding the potential effects of pregnancy and childbirth on a woman's body and overall well-being.
You'll hear about:
The impact of environmental toxins, such as plastics and chemicals, on women's health and the potential risks they pose to pregnancy. Climate change and its potential consequences on future generations when making decisions about having children.
The complexities of ethical decision-making in today's world. Global population growth and declining birth rates, alongside the possibility of mandated motherhood
...and many more fascinating areas of discussion.
As mentioned in the show:
Bumpin’ and Fertility Rules by Leslie Schrock (Medical Editor, Jane van Dis, M.D.)
Under The Sky We Make by Kimberly Nicholas
Generation Dread by Britt Wray
Eve by Cat Bohannon
About Jane:Jane van Dis, MD is an Assistant Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology at the University of Rochester and faculty in the Institute for Human Health and the Environment. She lectures nationally and internationally on the intersection of the climate crisis and women's/maternal health. She Co-Founded OBGYNs For Sustainability and TIMES UP Healthcare and Co-Admins OB Mom Group. Dr. van Dis is an Editor at the Journal of OB Hospitalist Medicine and is a single mom to twins.
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Check out our free resources here, or at kidsorchildfree.com/free-resources
And don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Kids or Childfree Podcast if you love what you’re hearing!
You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, or a rating on Spotify.
Find us online at www.kidsorchildfree.com.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidsorchildfree
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kidsorchildfree -
In this episode, Keltie reflects on the insights and takeaways from the first season of The Kids or Childfree podcast.
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Get the details on our two group coaching programs that start the week of April 20th: kidsorchildfree.com/group-coaching
And don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Kids or Childfree Podcast if you love what you’re hearing!
You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, or a rating on Spotify.
Find us online at www.kidsorchildfree.com.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidsorchildfree
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kidsorchildfree -
Author Kate Kaufmann shares her journey of choosing to be childfree after trying to have children alongside much valuable wisdom gleaned over her 70-plus years of life without kids.
The challenges and grief associated with this decision and how her identity shifted over time. The importance of intergenerational relationships and the value of having childless elders in her life. Practical aspects of aging without children, such as making end-of-life arrangements and having a support network in place. The capacity and stability that come with not having children and the richness of relationships that can be formed in different ways. Why individuals may not fit neatly into the categories of childless or childfree, and how one's feelings and experiences may change over time.
You'll hear about:
As mentioned on the show:
Find out more about Kate and her work at www.katekaufmann.com
You can read Kate's column over at Psychology Today here: www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/unapparent
Learn about and purchase Kate's book, Do You Have Kids? Life When the Answer is No, here.
About Kate:
International, award-winning author of Do You Have Kids? Life When the Answer is No, Kate Kaufmann advocates for better understanding of the childless/childfree demographic in person, on air, and in print. A popular speaker, media guest, and conversation-starter, Kate has an MFA in creative writing and professional background in human resources and consulting. Outlets where her work has been featured include NBC, CBC Radio, Psychology Today, and the Washington Post.
Kate’s mission is to open doors to frank, respectful conversations between the childless and childfree, as well as among parents, non-parents, and those whose futures are as yet unclear.
Kate’s book Do You Have Kids? Life When the Answer is No has been published in North America, the United Kingdom, Taiwan, Brazil, and Korea, with a Chinese edition forthcoming.
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Get the details on both of my upcoming group programs – Kids or Childfree, as well as Confidently Childfree — here: kidsorchildfree.com/group-coaching
And don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Kids or Childfree Podcast if you love what you’re hearing!
You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, or a rating on Spotify.
Find us online at www.kidsorchildfree.com.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidsorchildfree
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kidsorchildfree - Laat meer zien
