Episodi
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In this episode, Keltie Maguire speaks with Florence Wlodarski about Florence's Kids or Childfree journey — from ambivalence to IVF to embracing life without kids — plus, the inspiration behind PARALLEL, the social club Florence recently co-founded for those without kids.
Keltie and Florence discuss:
The societal expectations regarding motherhood and the pressures Florence faced to become a mom.
Florence's decision to pursue IVF and the emotional complexities involved in that process. The experience of trying for a child, while still being on the fence about having one. Florence's reflections on identity and career that arose from her experiences.
How Florence ultimately found peace and freedom in the decision not to have kids. The importance of community and connection, and how Florence and her husband co-founded Parallel Social Club, to support others in similar situations.
About Florence:
Florence Chung Wlodarski is the Co-Founder of PARALLEL, a new social club and community based out of Los Angeles, designed for those doing life without kids. In her professional life, she spent more than 20 years building community engagement strategies and partnerships between Fortune 500 corporations, nonprofit organizations and government agencies (with a speciality working with law enforcement) in the U.S. Now she’s taking her experience and applying them to building a community for DINKs and SINKs.
As mentioned in the show:
Find Florence and Parallel Social Club online at parallelsocialclub.com.
On Instagram: @parallelsocialclub
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Join the next round of our Kids or Childfree Group Program: www.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 -
In this conversation, Keltie Maguire interviews filmmaker Sophia Seymour about her personal journey with egg freezing, and her documentary, Harvest, which Sophia created about the experience.
The emotional and physical aspects of the egg-freezing process, and the decision-making involved.
You'll hear them discuss:
The societal pressures surrounding motherhood and fertility. Sophia's advice for anyone considering freezing their eggs.
Why she wouldn't recommend egg-freezing as a means of getting clarity on the Kids or Childfree choice, despite having done so herself. Insights from her discussions with other women about the decision to have or not have kids.
About Sophia:
Sophia Seymour is a British award-winning writer/director living between London and Naples and writes regularly for The Guardian, Condè Nast and Time Out. She has a background in music management and highlights of her career so far include co-directing/producing Teranga - Life in the Waiting Room (Guardian Documentaries and BBC Africa Eye), appearing alongside Richard E Grant for his BBC4 Write Around the World series and working with Paolo Sorrentino for his Netflix documentary Through the Eyes of Sorrentino. She has worked as a producer on documentaries for the Guardian, Netflix, BBC2, BBC4 and graduated with a masters from The National Film and Television school in 2024. She is currently developing a slate of fiction and non-fiction films.
As mentioned in the show:
You can find Sophia online at:
www.sophiaseymour.com
Instagram: @sophia_seymour_says_
X: @SophiaSeymour2
Facebook: facebook.com/sophia.seymour
Watch Sophia's film, Harvest, online at The Guardian.
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Join the March session of my Confidently Childfree Coaching Intensive: kidsorchildfree.com/confidently-childfree-support-series
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
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Episodi mancanti?
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In this conversation, Keltie Maguire speaks with lifespan psychologist and post-doctoral researcher, Dr. Laura Buchinger, about her latest research on how parents versus childfree people fare in terms of well-being, mental health, and overall life satisfaction.
What existing research tells us about how parents and non-parents fare at different stages of life and across various aspects of well-being.
Hear them discuss:
The gender differences in experiences of loneliness and social connections.
Whether or not childfree people are lonelier than parents.
How societal expectations about parenthood influence life decisions and experiences.
How cultural perspectives that shape attitudes toward having children, and the shifting views of younger generations regarding the childfree choice.
About Laura:
Laura Buchinger is a lifespan psychologist exploring how personality, motivation, health, and well-being evolve throughout life. After earning an undergraduate degree from Chemnitz University of Technology in 2013, she completed a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at Freie Universität Berlin in 2016. Laura began her career as an organizational psychologist and consultant, focusing on occupational health and safety, before transitioning back to academia just before the pandemic. In 2023, she earned a PhD in Psychology from Freie Universität Berlin with a thesis titled "Life Goals Across Adulthood and Old Age: Associations With Personality and Well-Being." Laura is now a post-doctoral researcher in developmental psychology at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. Her research focuses on interindividual differences in personality traits, life goals, and values, and their effects on health and well-being across the lifespan
As mentioned in the show:
Find Laura on...
Blue Sky at: @lbuchinger.bsky.social
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-buchinger-b06359161/
You can connect with her via email at: laura[email protected]
The studies mentioned in our conversation can be found below:
Buchinger, L., Richter, D., & Heckhausen, J. (2022). The Development of Life Goals Across the Adult Life Span. The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, 77(5), 905–915. https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbab154Buchinger, L., Wahring, I. V., Ram, N., Hoppmann, C., Heckhausen, J., & Gerstorf, D. (2024). Kids or no Kids? Life Goals in one’s 20s Predict Midlife Trajectories of Well-Being. Psychology and Aging, 39(8), 897–914. https://doi.org/10.1037/pag0000862
Bauer, G., Brandt, M. & Kneip, T. The Role of Parenthood for Life Satisfaction of Older Women and Men in Europe. J Happiness Stud 24, 275–307 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-022-00600-8Graham, M. (2015). Is being childless detrimental to a woman's health and well-being across her life course?. Women's health issues, 25(2), 176-184. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.whi.2014.12.002
Penning, M. J., Wu, Z., & Hou, F. (2024). Childlessness and social and emotional loneliness in middle and later life. Ageing & Society, 44(7), 1551-1578. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0144686X22000824Krämer, M. D., Van Scheppingen, M. A., Chopik, W. J., & Richter, D. (2023). The transition to grandparenthood: No consistent evidence for change in the Big Five personality traits and life satisfaction. European Journal of Personality, 37(5), 560–586. https://doi.org/10.1177/08902070221118443
Stahnke, B., Cooley, M. E., & Blackstone, A. (2023). A Systematic Review of Life Satisfaction Experiences Among Childfree Adults. The Family Journal, 31(1), 60–68. https://doi.org/10.1177/10664807221104795
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Check out our brand-new Confident Childfree Support Series: kidsorchildfree.com/confidently-childfree-support-series
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 -
In this solo episode, host Keltie Maguire answers a listener question about how life looks a few years beyond making her Kids or Childfree choice. Rather than speaking solely from the perspective of being childfree, Keltie shares five key insights that can be applied to any choice you ultimately make.
Why making a decision means you can finally get on with your life.
You'll hear about:
The idea that confidence comes after a choice, not before.
Why practicing presence and peace with what is — rather than what if — is key. What it means to stay in your own lane — and the benefits of doing so. Why it's important to recognize that difficult emotions aren't the same thing as having made the wrong choice.
As mentioned on the show:
Check out my former podcast, The Clarity Podcast.
Want to submit a question for the upcoming "Dear Former Fencesitter" episode? You can email it to [email protected].
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Check out our brand-new Kids or Childfree Support Series: kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-support-series
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
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In this conversation, Keltie Maguire speaks with therapist, author, and podcast host, Vasavi Kumar.
Vasavi's choice to be childfree, and why she says it's the best decision she's ever made.
You'll hear about:
How to navigate the external influences that are keeping you stuck in your Kids or Childfree choice.
How you can tap into and access your authentic voice — and what it's telling you about whether or not you want kids.
Why you can't force yourself to want something you don't want.
The impact of childhood experiences on adult choices, including how generational trauma can shape the decision to have or not have kids.
The importance of self-reflection through practices like mirror work and "saying it out loud", plus, the need for self-compassion in decision-making.
How mental health challenges — including Vasavi's bipolar diagnosis — can significantly influence the Kids or Childfree choice.
Living a fulfilling and meaningful life without children.
As mentioned on the show
Find Vasavi online at vasavikumar.com
Follow her online at @mynameisvasavi
Purchase Vasavi's book, Say It Out Loud, here: https://vasavikumar.com/orderthebook
Get Vasavi's free Mirror Work Prompts here: https://vasavi.myflodesk.com/mirror
Book an intro call with Vasavi at: https://calendly.com/vasavi/chat-with-vasavi
About Vasavi
Vasavi Kumar is a therapist, author, and podcast host passionate about empowering individuals to embrace their authentic selves. Living with Bipolar Disorder, Vasavi brings a unique perspective to conversations around mental health, self-talk, and personal growth. As the author of Say It Out Loud and host of the SAY IT OUT LOUD podcast, she inspires audiences to break free from societal expectations and live in alignment with their truth. Through coaching, writing, and speaking, Vasavi helps people build confidence, navigate life’s complexities, and create meaningful change.
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Check out our brand-new Kids or Childfree Support Series: kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-support-series
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
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In this conversation, Keltie chats with Dr. Hayley Evers-King, a marine scientist and mom of one, about her journey from indecision about parenthood — to ultimately embracing the experience.
Hayley's initial reluctance to have children, and the various factors that influenced her decision-making process.
Hayley and Keltie discuss:
The conversations she had with her husband about their future, and how these ultimately led to a "yes" decision.
How Hayley navigated concerns about how her career would fit with motherhood, and the conversations that helped her explore these anxieties.
The emotional and mental health aspects of IVF and the transition to motherhood.
What having a child has changed – and what it hasn't – and why Hayey's fulfillment in life comes from various sources, and not just parenthood.
The flexibility of life after having children, and the significance of having a supportive partner.
As mentioned on the show
Connect with Hayley on Instagram at instagram.com/hayleyeversking/
About Hayley
Hayley is a marine scientist, who uses satellites to observe our oceans from space. She currently works at an international organisation that operates weather and environmental satellites, supporting users around the world to work with this data for the benefit of people and planet. She is currently based in Germany, having lived and worked in the UK and South Africa, as well as with colleagues all over the world. She is a keen science communicator, educator, traveller, collector of wine, and an aspiring chef. After a diagnosis of unexplained infertility, she is raising a 3 year old son with her husband with whom she has shared an almost identical career path for the last 15 years.
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Check out our brand-new Kids or Childfree Support Series: kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-support-series
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
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In this conversation, Keltie speaks with writer Monica Cardenas, who shares her journey of being childfree by choice, and her research about maternal ambivalence and apathy.
The cultural and societal pressures surrounding motherhood.
Hear them discuss...
The representation of childfree women — and those who are ambivalent or apathetic about motherhood — in literature and media. Monica's Substack 'Bad Mothers,' which challenges societal judgments about motherhood and emphasizes the importance of recognizing women's choices without stigma.
Literary examples that challenge traditional narratives around a woman's role as mother, and that highlight the importance of normalizing diverse experiences. The personal implications of these societal norms, including the judgments faced by women who choose not to have children and the impact of family dynamics on these decisions. The natural ambivalence many feel towards parenthood and the importance of a supportive community that respects individual choices. Perspectives on the freedom that comes with being childfree and advice for those uncertain about having kids.
As mentioned in the show
Find Monica online at www.monicacardenas.com
Subscribe to Monica's Substack, Bad Mothers, at a special discounted rate, exclusive to Kids or Childfree Podcast listeners: https://monicacardenas.substack.com/kocf
Find Monica on Instagram at instagram.com/monica_is_reading.
About Monica
Monica Cardenas holds an MA and PhD in Creative Writing from Royal Holloway, University of London. Her research on motherhood in the 20th-century novel and the evolution of reproductive rights in the U.S. is central to her novel-in-progress The Mother Law, which was longlisted for the Lucy Cavendish College Fiction Prize and runner-up in the Borough Press open submission competition. Her work has been published in The Audacity, Literary Hub, Litro, Catatonic Daughters and Sad Girls Club Lit. She is chair of the Democrats Abroad UK Women’s Caucus, and author of the Bad Mothers newsletter. Originally from Washington, D.C., she now resides in the Chiltern Hills just outside London.
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Join our upcoming Kids or Childfree Group Program: 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
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The Kids or Childfree Podcast is back with a brand-new season, and we're kicking it off with a conversation with Brooke Froelich Murray — mom, outdoor adventurer, and founder of the outdoor community, WildKind.
Brooke's initial reluctance to have kids, including how her Mormon upbringing influenced her feelings about motherhood What shifted for Brooke that led her to change her feelings about kids, and how she navigated divorce and solo motherhood with a newborn
Hear Keltie and Brooke discuss:
The importance of self-care and prioritizing one's own needs as a mom – plus how to balance this with parenting responsibilities
Personal identity outside of motherhood, and how Brooke navigated her decision to have kids as someone who felt she'd so recently discovered her passions in life
Cultivating a supportive and like-minded community when raising children
How critical clear communication with your partner is when raising kids – and what this looks like in practice
What outdoor adventures with children look like, and the ways they're both more challenging — and fulfilling — than those without kids.
Insights from Brooke's project, WildKind, which aims to connect moms through outdoor activities
As mentioned in the show:
Find out more about Brooke at brookefroelich.com
Find Brooke on Instagram at instagram.com/brooke.froelich/
Interested in checking out an upcoming WildKind adventure in Colorado? Get the details at wildkindinc.com
About Brooke:
Brooke raises her three little adventure buddies in CO. Whether she's wrangling them on skis, chasing them on mountain bikes, changing diapers on top of a mountain (true story), or lazily wading through a creek looking for tadpoles alongside them, Brooke believes she shows up as the best version of herself for her kids when she's outside. With the goal of building community and supporting other mothers, Brooke co-founded WildKind: a community for mothers looking to level up their outdoor adventure. Brooke wholeheartedly believes that adventure is better when shared, and loves to invite others to join along.
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Join our upcoming Kids or Childfree Group Program: 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
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In this episode, Keltie Maguire discusses some of the key themes and insights that have come up in her private and group coaching sessions during Season 3 of The Kids or Childfree Podcast, as well as episodes from Season 3 that address these topics.
The concept of alloparenting — a way for individuals who don't want the commitment of parenthood to engage with and support children.
You'll hear her discuss:
The importance of making peace with past experiences and emotions when considering your Kids or Childfree choice.
How and why navigating difficult emotions is an important part of the Kids or Childfree decision process.
How your romantic partnership's relationship dynamics may be showing up in the Kids or Childfree decision process — and why working through these dynamics is critical to being able to make a confident choice.
As mentioned in the show:This is the article about alloparenting that my Kids or Childfree Group Program client shared with our Slack group: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp81ynn7r4mo
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Join our Confidently Childfree Coaching Intensive that kicks off January 9th: kidsorchildfree.com/confidently-childfree-group-intensive
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
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In this episode, Keltie Maguire interviews Jennifer Flint, a women's empowerment coach and author of 'Wild Egg'.
Jennifer's journey of choosing a childfree life, her reflections on motherhood, and the existential questions that arise from such a decision. Insights into the writing of her book, Wild Egg, and why she chose to write it as a fiction book, rather than a memoir.
You'll hear about:
The empowerment that comes from making deliberate choices, the challenges of defining those choices, and the journey of self-discovery that often accompanies such decisions.
Jennifer's struggle to connect her mind and body and her defining moment of clarity regarding motherhood.
The importance of self-trust and compassion in navigating the Kids or Childfree choice. The transformative journey of choosing a child-free life and the grief associated with that decision.
Jennifer's journey of self-discovery and empowerment in midlife, and how this connects to her childfree choice.
As mentioned in the show:
Find a list of where Jennifer's book, Wild Egg, can be purchased here.
Find Jennifer on Instagram at instagram.com/wildegg21.
About Jennifer:
Jennifer is a Women’s Empowerment Coach, leadership development specialist, author of childfree novel Wild Egg, and spiritually-curious seeker. She currently lives in the North East of England with a house mate whom she met whilst volunteering at a Buddhist retreat in Scotland in 2019.
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Join our Confidently Childfree Coaching Intensive that kicks off January 9th: kidsorchildfree.com/confidently-childfree-group-intensive
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
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In this episode, host Keltie Maguire reflects on her conversation with Astrid Hurault de Ligney (Episode 42), about the complexities of motherhood and the feelings of regret that can accompany it.
The key themes that Keltie observed in her conversation with Astrid, including how expectations might help shape feelings of regret, the importance of support, and the role of understanding and compassion in discussions about maternal regret.
This episode touches on...
Feedback from listeners on this topic and Astrid's experience regretting motherhood. Keltie's personal views on motherhood regret, and some of the questions she's asking and is curious to explore further.
As mentioned in the show:Tune into my podcast conversation (Episode 42) with Astrid Hurault de Ligney, here.
Read Astrid's book (in French), Le Regret Maternel.
Join an upcoming Kids or Childfree Workshop here: kidsorchildfree.com/workshop
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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 -
In this conversation, Keltie interviews author and professor, Dr. Jade Sasser, about her book, 'Climate Anxiety and the Kid Question,' which explores the emotional and mental health impacts of climate change on reproductive decisions.
Jade's research exploring how climate anxiety is shaping young people's reproductive decision-making, including the generational differences that exist in awareness and engagement with climate change. Why emotional distress about climate change often intersects with other factors, including race and class.
They discuss:
How climate anxiety complicates the decision to have children — and why it's essential to consider climate change when exploring the Kids or Childfree choice.
Why, for some, having children can be an act of hope and joy, while for others, forgoing children can bring a sense of relief.
The importance of community support when addressing climate concerns and anxiety.
How youth activism can shift political landscapes regarding climate change. Jade's personal Kids or Childfree choice — and whether it has anything to do with climate change.
As mentioned in the show:
Read Dr. Jade Sasser's book, Climate Anxiety and The Kid Question: Deciding Whether to Have Children in an Uncertain Future
Listen to Jade's Podcast, Climate Anxiety and The Kid Question here.
You can find Jade online at jadesasserphd.com.
Learn more about the Climate Mental Health Network at climatementalhealth.net.
Save 30% with code UCPSAVE30 when you purchase Jade's book, Climate Anxiety and The Kid Question, from the UC Press website: www.ucpress.edu/books/climate-anxiety-and-the-kid-question/
About Dr. Jade Sasser:
Dr. Jade S. Sasser is Associate Professor in the Department of Gender & Sexuality Studies at the University of California, Riverside. She received her PhD in Environmental Science, Policy, and Management from the University of California, Berkeley. Her work explores how environmental problems such as climate change and toxic exposures intersect with reproductive bodies, health, and rights. Her first book, On Infertile Ground: Population Control and Women’s Rights in the Era of Climate Change, was published in 2018 by NYU Press and won the Emory Elliott book award. Her new book, Climate Anxiety and the Kid Question: Deciding Whether to Have Children in an Uncertain Future (2024), analyzes the relationship between climate emotions, social inequality, and reproductive anxiety in the U.S. She also has a podcast with the same name. In her free time, Sasser is a DJ at her campus radio station.
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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 and mother, Astrid Hurault de Ligny, about the complexities of motherhood, including Astrid's experience of maternal regret.
Astrid's journey from the decision to have children, through the romanticized notions of motherhood, to the harsh realities of parenting, including the mental load and postpartum depression.
You'll hear...
How Astrid realized her feelings were more than postpartum depression, but actually, ones of regret that she had chosen motherhood.
Why support — or a lack thereof — has played a key role in Astrid's regret.
Why regretting motherhood doesn't mean not loving your child, or wishing they weren't born.
Why she decided to start her Instagram channel, and ultimately, to write a book detailing her experiences.
The role therapy has played in Astrid's marriage and the support systems that have helped her navigate the challenges of parenting.
Which feelings about motherhood are most present for Astrid today.
How and if women on the fence about kids can safeguard themselves against regret in motherhood.
As mentioned in the show:
Find Astrid's book, Le Regret Maternel, here.
Astrid can be found on Instagram at @le_regret_maternel.
Find the book, Regretting Motherhood by Orna Donath, here.
About Astrid:
Astrid Hurault de Ligny is a soon-to-be 39-year-old woman who was born in France, and who has been living in Montreal, Canada, since 2008. She and her husband met in Montreal 12 years ago, and have a 6-year-old son together.
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Join our upcoming Confidently Childfree Coaching intensive, which starts January 25th, here: kidsorchildfree.com/confidently-childfree-group-intensive
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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This week on the podcast, Keltie speaks with composer, Reena Esmail, about her unique journey to getting clear on her choice to pursue a creative life without kids.
How Reena knew that the choice to remain childfree was the right one for her.
You'll hear about:
The dynamic between her and her husband — from his involvement in their childfree decision, to the creative life they share.
The autonomy, freedom, and creativity that a childfree life has afforded Reena.
The pressures and guilt that can accompany being an only child who chooses not to have children, and how Reena navigated difficult conversations with her parents about her decision.
The intersection of career and parenthood, including the concept of legacy, especially for those who choose not to have kids.
The significant role that mentorship has played for Reena, in shaping the lives of young, fellow musicians.
As mentioned in the show:
Find Reena online at www.reenaesmail.com
Her Instagram is www.instagram.com/reenaesmail
You can find some of Reena's incredible musical compositions on her YouTube channel: youtube.com/@reenaesmailcomposer
About Reena:
Reena Esmail is a concert composer who writes new music for major orchestras and choirs all over the world. Her work bridges the worlds of Indian and Western classical music, bringing people from different cultures and backgrounds together through music. She was trained at Juilliard, Yale School of Music and did a Fulbright in India.
Reena loves working with young people everywhere she goes, and is always looking for ways to cultivate their unique creative spirits.
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Get our Kids or Childfree Book Guide and other 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, Becca Tucker shares her unique journey as a baker, author, abortion rights advocate, and mom — including how her past abortion is intertwined with her decision to have a child.
You'll hear her and Keltie discuss: The stigma that exists around abortion, and the work Becca is doing to break this stigma
Becca's experience of having an abortion at age 20 — including the secrecy she held around it for so long — and why she finally started talking openly about it
The importance of breaking down barriers and sharing personal stories to foster understanding and compassion
The complex emotions surrounding both the Kids or Childfree decision and abortion, and the value of emotional agnosticism in navigating these emotions
Why our past decisions do not need to define or determine our future parenting decisions or abilities
Why an abortion in college allowed Becca to be the parent she is today, and why abortion can be a loving decision for oneself.
As mentioned in the show:
You can find Becca (including abortion resources) online at thesweetfeminist.com.
She is on Instagram at instagram.com/thesweetfeminist/
Becca's Substack is: thesweetfeminist.substack.com
Purchase a copy of Baking By Feel here or at your local bookstore.
About Becca:
Becca Rea-Tucker is an Austin, Texas-based author, baker, and abortion rights advocate. She loves almond croissants and creating spaces where people who have abortions feel seen and supported. Known online as @thesweetfeminist, she merges baking and advocacy to help break down abortion stigma, sharing daily affirmations and resources with a community of thousands. She is the author of the cookbook Baking by Feel, and the upcoming The Abortion Companion.
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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 conversation, Rose Diell discusses her debut novel 'Fledging', which explores the complexities of the decision to have children — plus, we hear Rose's personal experience of being on the fence about kids.
The societal pressures and personal reflections that shape the Kids or Childfree decision.
You'll hear Rose and Keltie discuss:
The emotional landscape of regret, acceptance, and the influence of relationships on personal choices.
Rose's book 'Fledging', including the creative process behind it, the themes of relationships and parenthood, and the emotional journey of making childfree choices.
How diverse narratives and stories about parenthood and fulfillment enrich the conversation around life choices. The independence that comes with being childfree and the relief of making a definitive decision about motherhood....and so much more!
As mentioned in the show:
Purchase Rose's new book, Fledging, at your favorite local bookseller, at renardpress.com, or bookshop.org.Find Rose on Instagram at: instagram.com/rosediellauthor
And on X: x.com/rosediell
Learn more about Rose at www.rosediell.com.
Hear We Are Childfree's podcast episode about hot and cold regret, here.
About Rose:
Rose Diell was born and raised in London but her heritage stems from various places beyond the British Isles. A lover of language in all its forms, she speaks French, Italian and Arabic, and has lived on three continents. Rose writes in her spare time, with the encouragement and support of her writing circle, the Southbank Scribblers. She now lives in London again, with her civil partner and Tolstoy, an extremely fluffy ginger tabby. Fledging is her first novel.
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Find information on how we can work together 1-on-1 here: kidsorchildfree.com/coaching
Join an upcoming Kids or Childfree workshop by signing up 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 week's episode, guest Angela Accomando shares the ups and downs of her motherhood journey — a path that has been rooted in resilience, strength, and love.
The relationship that as Angela shares, "never should have happened" — with a man 23 years her senior, when Angela was just 16 years old.
You'll hear about:
How Angela's early childhood left her longing for the connection she saw that parenthood could offer her.
Her experience as a young mother to 3 children, and the challenges of building a business while raising kids.
Angela's harrowing journey through abuse, including the complexities of love and codependency, and the impact of her experiences on her children.
Reflections on Angela's path to healing, the struggles of parenting after trauma, and her eventual journey to find love again.
Angela's advice for those in an abusive partnership who are weighing the Kids or Childfree decision.
The role that mindfulness and self-awareness have played in shaping these latter years of Angela's life.
As mentioned in the show:Find Angela on Instagram at: instagram.com/angelaccomando
Learn more about Conscious Parenting expert, Dr. Shefali: drshefali.com
Domestic abuse resources:
USA:
https://www.thehotline.org
https://www.domesticshelters.org/
Canada:
https://www.sheltersafe.ca/
https://ihealapp.ca/United Kingdom:
https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/
https://www.womensaid.org.uk/womens-aid-directory/Europe:
https://ec.europa.eu/justice/saynostopvaw/helpline.html
About Angela:
Meet Chef Angela Rivera-Accomando, the CEO and founder of Golden Meals. Golden Meals provides organizations with food boxes and prepared meals feeding community members struggling with food insecurity. She has also worked alongside former New York State Senator David Carlucci and Assemblymember Ken Zebrowski in 2019. That partnership led to the change in law to help victims of domestic violence file reports for crimes made against them. She has seamlessly merged her passion for nourishing people with a commitment to social justice—a convergence she never anticipated.
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Find information on how we can work together 1-on-1 here: kidsorchildfree.com/coaching
Join an upcoming Kids or Childfree workshop by signing up 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, Rachel Honeyman shares her personal Kids or Childfree journey, including how she changed her mind about not wanting kids, the fertility journey that ensued when she decided to pursue motherhood — and what life looks like today as a childless-not-by-choice woman.
Why Rachel originally decided not to have kids — and what made her change her mind.
You'll hear Keltie and Rachel discuss:
Her experiences with fertility challenges and IVF — including the emotional toll of these experiences, the impact on her relationship with her husband, and the importance of mental health and therapy in her healing process.
How Rachel made the difficult decision to close the door on children.
The different perspectives and feelings Rachel and her husband had about parenthood and their fertility journey.
The role that entrepreneurship has played in her life without kids, and the empowerment she found in jujitsu.
Why the Kids or Childfree decision is almost always not a single decision, but a series of decisions.
How Rachel is doing today, two years after deciding to stop pursuing motherhood.
As mentioned in the show:
Find Rachel online at honeybebold.com.
You can also connect on LinkedIn at: linkedin.com/in/rachel-honeyman
About Rachel:
Rachel Honeyman runs honeybebold, where she and her team build bold brands and websites for mission-driven, female-owned service businesses. She runs a podcast called Bold Women in Business. Rachel’s an avid traveler, writer, martial artist, women’s self-defense teacher, and bunny mama to Luna and Lupin, but she cannot keep a plant alive and shouldn’t be allowed to keep buying them. She and her husband are childless not-by-choice after an arduous infertility journey.___
Want to connect about bringing my Kids or Childfree workshop to your audience? Reach out to me at [email protected].
Join an upcoming Kids or Childfree workshop by signing up 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 solo episode of The Kids or Childfree Podcast, host Keltie Maguire explores the concept of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) as it relates to the decision of having kids or remaining childfree.
How FOMO can show up on both sides of The Kids or Childfree decision. The peace available when you focus on what you have, rather than what you lack.
You'll hear her discuss:
Personal insights and practical advice on navigating relationships when FOMO shows up — and the importance of cultivating new ones. How shared values and experiences in relationships can help bridge the gap between parents and childfree individuals.
Why acknowledging that you are missing out can bring peace and acceptance.
The fact that no decision guarantees immunity from life's challenges and struggles.
Journaling questions to help you navigate any FOMO that's showing up for you.
As mentioned in the show:
Access our free resources (including the Between Friends event replay, mentioned in the show) at kidsorchildfree.com/free-resources
Sign up to join us for the fall session of the Kids or Childfree Group Program: kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-program
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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
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In this conversation, Keltie speaks with Liz Leedham-Pepin, who shares her powerful journey to motherhood through adoption.
Liz's lifelong dreams of motherhood, and the emotional rollercoaster of trying to conceive
You'll hear Liz and Keltie discuss:
Why Liz decided that motherhood probably wasn't for her after all, and why she and her wife decided to adopt after a life-changing epiphany
Insights from Liz's experience navigating the adoption process, the importance of self-advocacy, and the unexpected challenges that arose along the journey
The importance of openness in adoption, the ethical considerations involved, and the lengthy process of navigating the adoption system in Canada
Some of the complexities and challenges of parenting Liz and her wife have faced as an LGBTQ+ couple
Liz's experience and perspectives on parenting children with special needs
Advice for prospective adoptive parents and reflections on the joys of parenthood
About Liz:
Liz Leedham-Pepin is a nurse living in British Columbia, Canada, with her wife and their adopted twins. Their family will soon be joined by the twins' younger brother.
Liz's professional experience includes time spent working with autistic children and at-risk youth, including youth and teenagers struggling with emotional disturbances, addiction, mental health, homelessness, and prostitution. Liz's nursing experience includes emergency and on-call forensic nursing, and supporting moderate to severe mental health and addiction.___
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
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