Dinky

To access the full bonus episode, sign up for our Patreon.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

To access the full bonus episode, sign up for our Patreon.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

What if the very thought of pregnancy or giving birth filled you with terror — not just discomfort or anxiety, but real, paralyzing fear?In this episode, Erika and Kristen explore tokophobia, an often-overlooked condition defined by the Cleveland Clinic as an extreme fear of childbirth. Tokophobia can affect people so severely that they may go to great lengths to avoid pregnancy altogether. For those who do become pregnant, the fear can overshadow what many new parents expect to be a joyful time. We unpack the psychological and cultural roots of this condition, share firsthand accounts from those living with it, and discuss how tokophobia intersects the choice to remain childfree. Whether you've experienced this fear yourself, or are just hearing about it for the first time, this episode offers validation, insight, and a fresh perspective on reproductive autonomy.In This Episode, We Cover:🧠 The difference between primary and secondary tokophobia, and how each type manifests📊 Statistics from the Norwich Medical School on the prevalence of childbirth-related anxiety and severe fear🧪 Kristen’s deep dive into the Wijma Delivery Expectancy Questionnaire (W-DEQ) — including her own results😨 Erika’s personal experience with extreme physical reactions to discussions of pregnancy🧵 How tokophobia, PTSD, and general fear of childbirth exist on a spectrum — and why misdiagnosis matters💊 The limited treatment options for tokophobia, including therapy and planned cesarean births🗣️ Emotional Reddit confessions from those with tokophobia, and how the childfree identity often overlaps with the condition⚖️ The impact of abortion restrictions on those with tokophobia — and how forced pregnancy can feel life-threatening to some🧵 Why “being a woman” can feel like a burden when reproductive autonomy is at stake💬 Join the Conversation: Have you experienced tokophobia or a fear of pregnancy? Tell us your story or weigh in on the conversation at @dinkypod on Instagram, or email us at dinky@dinkypod.com. Rate & Review:If you found this episode validating, eye-opening, or just super interesting, don’t forget to follow and leave us a review! It helps other childfree listeners find us.TAKE A TRIP WITH DINKY:Mexico City Weekend 1: Oct 9 - 128 Days In Germany + Prague for Christmas Markets: Dec. 6 - 13 (GIRLS TRIP)Wanna get your finances in order? Use our link to sign up for a FREE 34 day trial of YNAB (You Need A Budget) and support the show. Dinky is now on Substack — free of charge! Subscribe now to access exclusive content, unhinged memes, guest articles, and stay up to date on the podcast.Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and BlueSky at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube.If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

In this episode, Erika and Kristen read and react to a viral post from Reddit about a parent struggling with a chronically unhappy, clingy, sleep-hating four-year-old — and the toll it’s taking on her mental health.From colicky babies to nonstop whining, sleep deprivation, and the reality of parenting advice that doesn’t always help, this conversation dives into the messy truth behind “it gets better.” Along the way, the hosts share personal stories, debate nature vs. nurture, question whether some kids are just born grumpy, and wonder if one tiny old-soul child simply belongs on a bench in New York complaining about life.They also discuss:What chronic sleep deprivation does to parentsWhy some kids always seem happier The pressure to follow perfect parenting adviceWhy “just take them somewhere fun” isn’t always helpfulWhether kids actually enjoy things like trips to London or seeing Big Ben (apparently not 😅)The overstimulation nightmare of kid-heavy spacesAnd a wild intergenerational daycare idea spotted on TikTokIf you’ve ever wondered what happens when parenting isn’t magical — this episode is for you.If you enjoy the show and want to support it, check out our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/dinkypodBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

⚠️ Content Warning: Discussions of parental resentment, mental health crises, and implied threats of violence.In this episode, Erika and Kristen dive a viral Reddit post from an Australian father overwhelmed by parenting two ADHD children with an ADHD spouse. What starts as complaints about mess, noise, and burnout spirals into resentment, misogyny, and an alarming confession.As two hosts with ADHD, we unpack the realities of living with ADHD and why so many parents seem shocked by… having to parent??? Along the way, we discuss weaponized incompetence, emotional labor, mental health stigma, ADHD medication debates, and why therapy is not optional when resentment turns dangerous.Learn more about Dinky: https://www.dinkypod.com Support the show on Patreon for bonus content: https://patreon.com/dinkypodAnd until next time…Don’t get pregnant. 😌Timestamps00:00 – Welcome to the Regretful Parents series00:17 – “Parenting with ADHD is pretty rough” (yeah… we noticed)01:06 – ADHD, pregnancy, resentment & mood swings02:20 – Corporate burnout, part-time work, full-time expectations03:23 – Gentle parenting, authority, and medicating ADHD kids04:19 – “If I’d known, I would’ve run the other way”05:03 – Losing respect for a spouse & blaming medical misogyny06:40 – “I don’t like my kids” (🚩🚩🚩)07:36 – Messy houses, unrealistic expectations & parenting delusion08:14 – “Why can’t they just be normal?”09:11 – Health decline, resentment, and isolation09:53 – The sentence that made everything terrifying10:31 – Therapy is not optional11:26 – Reddit comments that actually offer solutions12:32 – ADHD discipline, structure & realistic expectations14:20 – Autonomy, accountability & parenting resentment15:24 – ADHD, ODD, and opting out of parenthood16:02 – Final thoughts: the kids didn’t ask to be hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Want more exclusive content from Dinky? Join the Patreon! Today, we’re talking about Project 2026. Two years ago, we covered everything you needed to know about Project 2025, the dystopian right-wing plan from the Heritage Foundation that was largely considered the blueprint for the Trump administration’s first year back in office. But the Heritage Foundation didn’t stop there — no, their nightmare for America knows no bounds. So today, we’re unpacking everything you need to know about Project 2026, their new plans for chaos and destruction. SOURCES:Project 2025 architects lay out 2026 policy visionHow much of Project 2025 has actually been accomplished this year?TRIPS:Artsy Adventure In Vietnam With ErikaLavender Dreams & Riviera Nights With ErikaGET MORE FROM DINKY:Treat yourself to new merch! Wanna get your finances in order? Use our link to sign up for a FREE 34 day trial of YNAB (You Need A Budget) and support the show. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Substack, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube.If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

⚠️Content Warning: This episode discusses disability, regret, resentment, and medical trauma. Listener discretion advised.In this episode, Kristen and Erika dive into a post titled “I dislike my disabled child and I am ashamed.”Pulled straight from Facebook — where it racked up over 5,000 likes — this anonymous post opens up an uncomfortable conversation about parenthood, disability, genetic testing, medical gaslighting, caregiver burnout, and the realities no one prepares parents for.We react in real time to a mother describing life after learning her child will be profoundly disabled, require 24/7 lifelong care, and never be independent. From missed genetic diagnoses and a lawsuit, to rage, grief, resentment, and shame — this episode tackles the things parents aren’t allowed to say out loud.We also unpack:Medical gaslighting of women by doctorsSociety’s obsession with “perfect motherhood”How people are brutally cruel to regretful parents onlineThe myth that “everything will work out” If you’re childfree, on the fence, or questioning the fantasy version of parenthood society sells us, this episode is for you.More episodes, tours, and unfiltered chaos: DinkyPod.comJoin our childfree community: patreon.com/dinkypodTake a trip with us: https://trovatrip.com/host/profiles/dinky-wxarg Learn more about our podcast: dinkypod.com Love ya. Don’t get pregnant.💬 Join the conversation:Do you think parents are allowed to talk honestly about regret? Where is the line between truth and taboo?Keywords / SEO Tags:regretful parents, disabled child, caregiver burnout, medical gaslighting, regretful motherhood, childfree podcast, parenting regret, genetic testing failure, NIPT test lawsuit, disability and parenting, Facebook confession, honest parenting podcast, anti natalism, childfree by choice, Dinky PodcastBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

This one has a twist ending!In this episode of the Regretful Parents series, Erika and Kristen react to a Reddit post titled “I genuinely hate my baby.” What starts as a familiar story about parenting regret, sleep deprivation, and postpartum mental health quickly turns into total chaos when the hosts realize the post wasn’t written by a mother — but by a first-time father (FTF).This episode dives deep into the realities of new parent burnout, baby sleep training, cry it out (CIO) methods, and the crushing isolation that comes with being an expat parent with no support system. The Reddit post describes a 33-year-old parent with a 4.5-month-old baby who hasn’t slept more than two hours at a time, leading to severe mental health struggles, weight loss, emotional breakdowns at work, and intense regret over becoming a parent.Along the way, Erika and Kristen unpack:The emotional toll of sleep deprivation and newborn parentingWhether sleep training actually works or causes harmWhy parenting forums are obsessed with acronyms (FTF, CIO, PLS, TCB… seriously, why?)The differences in how mothers vs fathers are treated when they struggle mentallyHow parental regret is discussed (or ignored) onlineWhy so many overwhelmed parents turn to churches, daycare, or community support just to surviveAnd how being child-free offers a radically different perspective on parenting cultureThis episode blends dark humor, brutal honesty, and social commentary while exploring topics like postpartum depression (PPD), parenting expectations, gender roles, and the myth that having children automatically brings fulfillment.If you’re interested in:regretful parentsnew parent mental healthbaby sleep trainingparenting regret storieschild-free commentaryReddit parenting storiesfirst time father strugglespostpartum depression discussions…this episode is for you.👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations about regret and choosing a childfree life.Join our childfree community: patreon.com/dinkypodTake a trip with us: https://trovatrip.com/host/profiles/dinky-wxarg Learn more about our podcast: dinkypod.com Love ya. Don’t get pregnant.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

In this episode, Erika and Kristen read and discuss a post from the Regretful Parents sub titled “Don’t Do It Folks.” The post details a chaotic day of parenting young children and offers practical advice for people who are considering having kids.Our conversation covers the realities of daily childcare, loss of free time, unequal caregiving labor, financial strain, and how resentment can build. We break down the post’s advice for fence sitters, including the importance of firsthand childcare experience, realistic expectations, financial support, and reliable help from partners or family.The episode also explores broader themes around decision-making, comparing parenthood to other long-term commitments people often underestimate. Listener comments from the subreddit add perspective on money stress, partner dynamics, and unmet expectations after having children.This episode is for fence sitters, childfree listeners, and parents looking for honest discussions about parenting, regret, and life choices.Topics discussed:Regretful Parents subreddit storiesParenting stress and burnoutFence sitting and deciding whether to have kidsChildcare labor and resentmentFinancial pressure and parentingChildfree perspectivesKeywords: regretful parents, parenting regret, fence sitter, childfree, deciding whether to have kids, parenting burnout, regretful parents subreddit, childfree podcast, parenting realities, DINK lifestyleJoin our childfree community: patreon.com/dinkypodTake a trip with us: https://trovatrip.com/host/profiles/dinky-wxarg Learn more about our podcast: dinkypod.com Love ya. Don’t get pregnant.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Want more exclusive content from Dinky? Join the Patreon! Today we are joined by TJ Bozarth, the creator, writer, and director of DINK: The Musical — a dramedy satire on the state of our world sung through the eyes of three DINK couples. We talk with TJ about the inspiration behind the musical, why satire feels important right now, and how this project has been received around the world. TRIPS:Artsy Adventure In Vietnam With ErikaLavender Dreams & Riviera Nights With ErikaWanna get your finances in order? Use our link to sign up for a FREE 34 day trial of YNAB (You Need A Budget) and support the show. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Substack, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube.Merch is here!!!If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses self-harm, mental health crises, sexual content, and parental regret.A parent of a 17-year-old daughter with autism, ADHD, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts describes years of burnout, crisis management, and reaching a breaking point. From phone restrictions to parental PTSD, this story raises uncomfortable questions about autonomy, responsibility, mental health, and what happens when caregiving becomes all-consuming.💬 Topics include:Regretful parenting and caregiver burnoutNeurodivergence and adolescenceSexuality, boundaries, and harm reductionTherapy fatigue and parental PTSDWhy having kids isn’t the “default” choice we’re told it isMore Regretful Parents episodes available on YouTube and wherever you get podcasts.Join our childfree community: patreon.com/dinkypodLove ya. Don’t get pregnant.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Welcome back to the Regretful Parents series. This episode tackles what motherhood does to women’s bodies, mental health, and sense of self.Erika and Kristen read a post from the Regretful Parents subreddit titled “Never Felt as Ugly as I Do Now as a Mom.”A woman reflects on how pregnancy, postpartum life, chronic sleep deprivation, stress, and mental load have aged her physically and emotionally — and how devastating it feels to no longer recognize herself in the mirror. From "saggy apron bellies to lifeless eyes", celebrity “bounce-back” culture, Botox discourse, and why men somehow escape all of this entirely, the conversation spirals (as it should) into a full-blown rant about how cruel, unfair, and deeply misogynistic the expectations placed on mothers really are.Topics include:Postpartum body changes no one warns you aboutWhy stress and sleep deprivation visibly age womenThe lie of “bouncing back” after pregnancyCelebrity beauty standards are fully rage-inducingWhy motherhood drains women and barely touches menAnd the eternal question: why do we keep doing this to ourselves?Support us on patreon.com/dinkypod so we can kill ads foreverFind childfree friends, connect with other fence-sitters, and join our next trip at dinkypod.com.And as always: don’t get pregnant.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

In this episode, Kristen and Erika dive into a wild Reddit post from a working mom dealing with a stay-at-home husband who refuses to actually parent their 28-month-old (that's 2 years and 4 months, people!).What We Cover:A stay-at-home dad who won't take his toddler to the playground, feed her, or play with herWhy OP hired a house cleaner because he couldn't handle the basicsThe depression and isolation that can come with being a full-time parentWhy men often aren't equipped to handle what women do every dayThe importance of community and adult friendships for stay-at-home parentsOur thoughts on why this relationship is doomedGET MORE: Instagram & TikTok: @dinkypodJoin our community: Find childfree friends, connect with other fence-sitters, and join our next trip at dinkypod.com.Key Moments:The math rant about calling kids "28 months old" instead of just saying their age in yearsDiscussion about whether this dad was always terrible or if parenthood changed himWhy the wife can't leave even though she "could care less about him anymore"The hypocrisy of stay-at-home dads vs stay-at-home moms and societal expectationsThis episode tackles the reality of regretful parenting, gender dynamics in childcare, stay-at-home parent depression, and why some people should never have kids.  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

What happens when the love you’re promised as a parent never shows up?In this episode, Erika and Kristen dive into one of the most taboo and honest conversations about parenthood: regret, ambivalence, and not loving your child the way society says you should. Reading directly from the Regretful Parents subreddit, we unpack a post from a mother who admits she doesn’t love her baby and can't figure out why. From postpartum expectations and hormonal myths to comparisons between loving pets vs. children, this episode explores:Why some parents don’t feel instant love after birthThe difference between love as a feeling vs. love as an actionPostpartum depression, trauma, and emotional overstimulationWhy mothers are rarely allowed to admit regretThe pressure to perform “good motherhood” even when you’re strugglingWhether love can grow later — or never come at all🎧 Listen if you’re:✔ Questioning parenthood✔ Childfree or on the fence✔ A parent struggling with regret or guilt✔ Tired of toxic positivity around motherhood✔ Interested in honest, feminist conversations about family, choice, and autonomyJoin the discussion:Do you think parental love is biological, hormonal, learned — or optional? Let us know in the comments.💖 Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/dinkypodKeywords / Hashtags:#RegretfulParents #MotherhoodRegret #PostpartumReality #NotLovingYourChild #HonestParenting #Childfree #DINK #ParenthoodTruth #PostpartumDepression #RedditStories #TabooTopics #Feminism #DinkyPodcastBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE WEEK: Shop Herself Collections to snag you or someone you love a gorgeous gift this Valentine’s Day!! It’s the listener question episode!Don’t miss your chance to join me in VIETNAM — and it’s an artsy person's dream itinerary! Buy your tickets while they last.Wanna get your finances in order? Use our link to sign up for a FREE 34 day trial of YNAB (You Need A Budget) and support the show. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Substack, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads at @dinkypod.Follow us on YouTube.Merch is here!!!If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Welcome back to the Regretful Parents series. This week, Erika and Kristen read and react to a post from the Regretful Parents subreddit titled “Feel Like I’ve Ruined My Life.” Spoiler alert: he kind of has. A 29-year-old man agrees to an ultimatum — have a baby before 30 or never — and now finds himself exhausted, resentful, intimacy-deprived, and being pressured for more kids he absolutely does not want. The hosts break down the red flags, the insanity of reproductive ultimatums, and why choosing hypothetical future children over your actual partner is… deeply unwell behavior. Along the way, they discover one of the smartest parenting arrangements they’ve ever seen, question why people keep doing this to themselves, and remind everyone (once again) that ultimatums are not love.Topics include:Reproductive ultimatums 🚩Regret after agreeing to parenthoodWhy “one and done” is a complete sentenceA surprisingly genius split-parenting strategyAnd yet another reminder to PLEASE use your brain🔗 Find everything we do at DinkyPod.com💸 Support us on Patreon (emotionally, financially, spiritually)And as always: don’t get pregnant.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

We're sitting down with Rachael Eckles. In this conversation, Rachael shares her journey to becoming child-free, her career evolution from law and bioethics to fiction writing, and her advocacy for women's health. She discusses the impact of her education and health experiences on her life choices, the importance of diverse voices in publishing, and her desire to empower women through her writing and publishing platform. Rachael Eckles discusses her journey as an independent author and publisher, emphasizing the importance of providing access to publishing for others. She shares her experiences in building Aphrodite Books, her motivations for writing, and the impact of her childfree lifestyle on her creative process. Rachael also highlights the significance of empowering diverse voices in literature and the freedom to choose one's own path in life.Connect with Rachael on Instagram Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode — it helps people find the show!Merch is here!!! Get your merch NOW!Erika is taking a group of childfree travelers to VIETNAM — and it’s an artsy adventurer's dream itinerary! Buy your tickets while they last. Wanna get your finances in order? Use our link to sign up for a FREE 34 day trial of YNAB (You Need A Budget) and support the show. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Substack, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube.If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

In this episode, Erika and Kristen dive into a jaw-dropping Reddit post titled “I Am A Roller Coaster Of Regret And Acceptance.” From religious guilt to missed abortions, dating struggles as a single parent, and the crushing realities of living with family, this story sparks one of our most chaotic discussions yet.We unpack:Why people banking on miscarriage is not a life planThe real statistics about pregnancy lossHow religion traps people — especially women — in unwanted parenthoodWhy telling single parents to “just make more money” is useless adviceThe myth of “plenty of good men who will raise your kid”Dating with kids and the harsh math of shrinking romantic optionsWhat realistic support actually looks like for regretful parentsWhy child support and 50/50 custody are not as simple as Reddit makes it soundHow societal expectations sabotage women’s independencePlus:Erika threatens to hand out abortions like Oprah gives out carsKristen Googles miscarriage stats mid-episodeSpeculation on whether these Reddit commenters are botsA brief detour into Europe trips, face masks, and alleged co-host hatredA public reminder: STOP GETTING PREGNANTPerfect for listeners who:Are childfree or childfree-curiousLove dark humor, honesty, and chaosWant a realistic look at the consequences of accidental parenthoodEnjoy commentary on Reddit’s wildest regret-parent stories💬 Have a regretful parent story?Email us at dinky@dinkypod.com — we might read yours on a future episode.✈️ Want to travel with us?Check out upcoming trips at dinkypod.com.🎧 Listen or watch more of DinkyFind us on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.👉 Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, unfiltered commentary, and exclusive trip info.Final reminder:Don’t. Get. Pregnant.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

In today’s Regretful Parents episode, Erika and Kristen dive into a viral story from the I Regret Having Children Facebook page — and this time, it’s not a confession but a financial horror story. An Ohio mom’s TikTok exploded online after revealing the NICU bill for her premature quadruplets: $4.04 million. Erika and Kristen unpack the wild reality of childbirth costs in America, why one medical complication can financially ruin a family overnight, and how unpredictable — and brutally expensive — pregnancy and birth can be. Inside this episode:• A NICU bill for quadruplets that hit $4 million• Why childbirth and complications are financially catastrophic in the U.S.• Parents of twins facing $11 million in NICU charges• How insurance actually works (and doesn’t) for medically complex births• Hidden hospital costs, nonsense itemized charges & billing scams• Why “just have kids” ignores medical and financial reality• The emotional toll of raising premature or medically fragile infants• Why the childfree movement keeps gaining traction• The fear, uncertainty, and chaos behind “miracle baby” stories• Why influencers oversimplify parenthood into “children are a blessing”• U.S. healthcare vs. Europe’s systems — and who ends up paying📌 FOLLOW USInstagram & TikTok: @dinkypodTrips, events, and childfree meetups: DinkyPod.comThanks, Dink Squad — and remember: don’t get pregnant.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Today we are joined by the hilarious Liza Treyger, otherwise known as Glitter Cheese on social media. Liza is a comedian you may know from Netflix’s The Degenerates and Survival of the Thickest or her hit podcast That’s Messed Up: An SVU Podcast, where she dives deep into Law & Order episodes, true crime, and pop culture. She’s hilarious and if you love Dinky, you’ll love Liza.Connect with Liza on Instagram.Merch is here!\Erika is taking a group of childfree travelers to VIETNAM — and it’s an artsy adventurer's dream itinerary! ONLY 12 SEATS REMAIN AT TIME OF PUBLICATION!Wanna get your finances in order? Use our link to sign up for a FREE 34 day trial of YNAB (You Need A Budget) and support the show. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Substack, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube.If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.