Episódios
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In this conversation, Keltie Maguire speaks with Professor of Pyschology, Dr. Jennifer Watling Neal about her research on childfree adults.
The growing demographic of individuals who choose not to have children, including the unique needs of this population, and the societal perceptions surrounding childfree lifestyles. Stereotypes and myths surrounding childfree individuals, and the societal pressures that often accompany these choices.
They explore...
Insights from Jenna's research, including the life satisfaction levels of childfree people, and the various reasons individuals choose not to have children.
As mentioned in the show:
Find Jenna online at jennawneal.com and thechildfree.org
Find Jenna on Bluesky: @jennawneal.bsky.social
Instagram: @jennawneal
Find information about pioneering researcher Amy Blackstone here: amyblackstonephd.com/childfreebychoice
About Jennifer:
Dr. Jennifer Watling Neal is a Professor of Psychology at Michigan State University. Her research uses large scale demographic data to understand the prevalence, characteristics, and experiences of childfree adults (adults who do not have and do not want kids) in the United States and other countries. She also researches social networks in educational contexts. She's authored 90 peer-reviewed papers, and her work is published in scholarly journals such as Scientific Reports, Developmental Psychology, and American Journal of Community Psychology. She has been a guest on several past podcasts including the American Psychological Association's Speaking of Psychology hosted by Kim Mills and The Overpopulation Podcast hosted by Nandita Bajaj and Alan Ware.
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Want to explore how we can work together 1-on-1?
Book a free discovery call here.
Find my 1-on-1 coaching offers at kidsorchildfree.com/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 -
In this conversation, Keltie Maguire speaks with Kristina Chilian — teacher, coach, and mom to two 20-somethings — about her journey into and experience of motherhood.
Kristina's initial reluctance to have kids, and how her perspectives evolved over time
You'll hear about...
Kristina's transition from being a stay-at-home mom to discovering a new career in teaching
Her experience parenting a child who is neurodiverse
Why humor is her and her partner's secret to maintaining a great relationship while parenting
The joys and difficulties of watching her children transition into adulthood, and why parents must adapt their roles as their children grow
...plus many more unique and candid perspectives from over 20 years as a parent.
As mentioned in the show:
Find Kristina online at www.kristinachilian.com.
Kristina's Instagram is @kristinachilian.
About Kristina:
Kristina Chilian is a licensed teacher and time management coach for college students. As a high school English teacher, she witnessed many of her former students struggle as they tried to transition to college. After her own sons struggled with anxiety and overwhelm as freshmen, she felt called to start a business helping students thrive in college by teaching them how to organize their schedule, manage their workload, and reduce stress. She lives outside of Richmond, Virginia with her husband, two sons, three cats and a dog.
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Join one of our May Support Series sessions:
Kids or Childfree Support Series: kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-support-series
Confidently 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 -
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We're kicking off Season 5 of the podcast, with a conversation with Anne Wennhold — a 90-year-old childfree by choice woman who supports elders interested in continuing to grow as human and spiritual beings.
How Anne's upbringing and early life experiences culminated in her choice not to have kids.
Hear Keltie and Anne discuss:
How Anne contends with being an "outsider" among parents and grandparents.
Anne's experience navigating difficult emotions as a childfree person — and how you can manage painful emotions that arise around this decision.
Loneliness in old age – and why having kids won't make you immune to it.
Whether Anne regrets her decision not to have kids.
Anne's advice to anyone on the fence about kids.
...and so much more!
As mentioned in the show:
If you want to email Anne, just drop me a DM at @kidsorchildfree and I'll connect you.
About Anne:
Here's Anne in her words:
"I live alone in northern New Jersey. I was widowed at an early age, have no children by choice. My chosen family is scattered about the USA and available by phone and Zoom. At 90 years old, I am focused on working with elders who are interested in continuing to grow as human and spiritual beings, and sharing with them all aspects of living to an older age including having children or not."
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Join our upcoming 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 -
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 4 of The Kids or Childfree Podcast, as well as episodes from Season 4 that address these topics.
Why it's tough to allow yourself to want something that you secretly judge.
You'll hear her discuss:
The importance of separating the version of motherhood or childfree living that you want, from those you're accustomed to seeing.
Why it's essential to discuss your ideas and expectations of parenthood with your partner.
How fears and insecurities are amplified when we face the Kids or Childfree choice.
How the way we perceive and think about our choices affects our decision-making process.
__Join our Confidently Childfree Coaching Intensive that kicks off May 12th: 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 -
In this conversation, Keltie speaks with Gabrielle Salamone, a licensed clinical social worker specializing in OCD and anxiety.
Tokophobia, a severe fear of childbirth, and its implications on women's mental health and parenting decisions.
The two of them discuss...
The importance of addressing fears surrounding childbirth, and therapeutic approaches to overcoming these fears.
The importance of CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) and ERP (exposure response prevention) techniques and how "worry stories" can help alleviate and manage anxiety.
Gabrielle's personal journey with being on the fence, and navigating infertility.
As mentioned in the show:
Find Gabrielle — and US-based therapy — online at therapyforwomencenter.com.
Gabrielle's Instagram is @livewellwithgabrielle.
About Gabrielle:
Gabrielle Salomone, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who is from outside of Philadelphia PA. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and then a few years later her Masters in Social Work, both from Widener University. She currently is the clinical director at Therapy for Women Center which is based in Philadelphia. The practice has 3 offices in the Philadelphia area, one opening soon in New Jersey and they have therapists available virtually in 42 states including DC! Besides being a part of the day-to-day running of the group practice Gabrielle is also a therapist and continues to work with clients. Gabrielle has experience working in just about every area of mental health treatment, at every level of treatment, and with clients across all ages. She specializes in working with clients struggling with life transitions, eating disorders, anxiety, and OCD. Gabrielle has received training through working at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, The Renfrew Center and Roger's Behavioral Health. As a therapist, Gabrielle believes that therapy is not one size fits all, which is why she uses a person-centered approach. She practices from the theoretical orientation of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, focusing on how thoughts and feelings impact our behaviors and incorporating exposure therapy to change behaviors and working with clients on incorporating back into one’s life enjoyable activities, routines and value-based goals that have decreased or are being avoided due to the eating disorder/anxiety/OCD. Gabrielle provides a safe and comfortable atmosphere and she believes in building trusting therapeutic relationships with all her clients.
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Join one of our April Support Series sessions:
Kids or Childfree Support Series: kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-support-series
Confidently 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 -
Your questions, answered! In this very first episode of my new Dear Former Fence-Sitter series, I sit down with former guest — mom, therapist, and former fence-sitter, Amanda E. White — to answer questions that include...
How do I decide if I don't feel strongly about having kids one way or the other? If I'm scared of pregnancy and childbirth, what advice do you have for me? I'm a step-mom and struggling to figure out if I want kids of my own — what to do? How do I navigate my relationships with my mom friends as a childfree woman? What was beneficial in preparing yourself for parenthood, and that made you realize you could do it?
As mentioned in the show:
Listen to my original conversation with Amanda, where she shares her personal Kids or Childfree journey, here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4ir3CeSSRRLLh2PbVwQn1h
Tune into my Between Friends conversation with Lauren Grant, here: www.kidsorchildfree.com/between-friends-event
Find Amanda on Instagram: instagram.com/therapyforwomen
Read Amanda's Fence Sitter Substack: amandaewhite.substack.com
Listen to Amanda's Nuance Needed Podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/73G84FVO6k5lIAaRWhzlUi?si=39f1a6ffbd444408
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 and attend one of our Kids or Childfree workshops here: www.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 episode, Keltie speaks with colleague, Sina Scheithauer, about her experience being on the fence about kids; how she made her childfree decision; and her work as a coach helping women with the "kid question" in Germany, and beyond.
The complexities of the Kids or Childfree decision, including societal expectations surrounding motherhood. How Sina's personal experience grappling with this choice led her to support others in similar situations.
The two of them discuss:
The idealization of motherhood and the pressures women feel to conform to traditional roles, plus, the undervaluation of motherhood in society.
The implications of freezing eggs as a means to buy time. Why living a life aligned with personal values is crucial.
Ethical dilemmas related to climate change and the Kids or Childfree choice.
About Sina
Sina Scheithauer is a Podcaster & Coach for the „Kinderfrage“ decision, living in Germany.
As mentioned in the show
Tune into Sina's Childfree Coffee Club Podcast (in German) here.
Find Sina on Instagram at: www.instagram.com/sinascheithauer/
And on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sina-scheithauer-2635a42aa/
Check out Sina's free „Kinderfrage Entscheidungs Quiz“ here: www.sina-scheithauer.de/quiz/
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Details on my Clarity Booster offer, here: www.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
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In this episode, Keltie Maguire speaks with one of her long-time friends, Carly Church, about life as a new mom, and how Carly made her decision to have a child.
Keltie and Carly chat about:
Carly's journey from single to meeting her partner, Mike; the experience of becoming a step-mom to Mike's two daughters — and how this relationship influenced Carly's own Kids or Childfree choice; and Carly's decision to become a mom.
Carly's decision to freeze her eggs in her mid-30s — and why she's so happy she did.
Her experiences as a step-parent and a first-time mom, including the importance of partner support, and the challenges of navigating relationships with stepkids. How Carly went from ambivalent about motherhood, to deciding to have a child — including the natural unfolding of her family life.
The joys and challenges of motherhood and the impact on her identity and independence, thus far in her journey.About Carly:
Carly Church has a habit of choosing to swim against the tide. Trained as a Professional Engineer and then moving on to work across the globe in the mining industry she has often found herself blazing a trail for women in the industry. A love for travel, both recreational and as part of long-term rotations on mining projects from Botswana to the rather more chilly, Northern Ontario, defined Carly’s life in her 20s and 30s. Now a mother to James (0) and step-mother to Martha (11) and Edith (9), Carly is navigating how to balance the needs of her new family with the professional and personal pursuits which have always driven her.
As mentioned in the show:
Find Carly on Instagram: @cjcharlys
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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 and philosopher, Ruth Chang, explore the complexities of hard choices, and in particular, the decision to have kids or remain childfree.
The idea of drifting into decisions — and why it's a valid decision tactic.
They discuss...
That hard choices aren't about finding the right answer, but about understanding one's values and making a commitment to a chosen path.
The nature of commitment and decision-making, and that commitment is not merely a rational choice based on pros and cons but an active agency that transforms our values and perspectives.
Why commitment involves understanding who you can become, not just who you want to be. Plus, the importance of self-reflection in understanding who we can commit to becoming.
The necessity of embracing uncertainty in the decision-making process.
...and lots more!
About Ruth:
Ruth Chang holds the Chair of Jurisprudence at the University of Oxford. Her expertise concerns philosophical questions relating to the nature of value, value conflict, decision-making, rationality, love, and human agency. She has shared her research in public venues including radio, television, and newspaper outlets such as National Public Radio, the BBC, National Geographic, and The New York Times. The institutions she lectured at or consulted for include Google, the CIA, the World Bank, the US Navy, the Bhutan government, Big Pharma, and many businesses and financial institutions. Her TED talk on hard choices has over nine million views. She is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
As mentioned in the show:
Find Ruth online at ruthchang.net.
Watch Ruth's TedTalk on hard choices: www.ted.com/talks/ruth_chang_how_to_make_hard_choices
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Join one of our upcoming Support Series sessions:
Kids or Childfree Support Series: kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-support-series
Confidently 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 episode, Keltie speaks with artist and dad, Tyler Pentland, who shares his journey of becoming a father through surrogacy.
Why Tyler never considered kids or fatherhood until he met his husband, Jeff, in his late 30s.
Hear the two of them discuss:
The decision to have a child via surrogacy, including both the emotional and logistical aspects of growing a family in this way.
The importance of establishing a foundation of communication and trust in the relationship with one's surrogate.
The joy of becoming a parent, plus the surprises and challenges along the way.
About Tyler:
In Tyler's words: "I'm Tyler, an art kid who grew up in the Okanagan and went to Art & Design school. I worked in corporate design & marketing for 17 years while maintaining a strong connection to my painting practice, showcasing my artwork on social media and gallery spaces. Fell in love in 2019, married my husband & now partner in parenting the miracle that is our incredible sunshine of a daughter, Emerald."
As mentioned in the show:
Find Tyler online at www.artbytylerpentland.com.
And on Instagram: instagram.com/artbytylerpentland
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Join one of our upcoming Support Series sessions:
Kids or Childfree Support Series: kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-support-series
Confidently 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 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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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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