Curious Life of a Childfree Woman

Have you ever noticed how hard it is to open your door when you're waiting for everything to be perfect?"In this episode, Emily Paulsen sits down with Chelsea Fagan, author of Having People Over: A Modern Guide to Gathering and co-founder of The Financial Diet. Chelsea believes that in a world that feels increasingly disconnected and transactional, opening your door and creating space for community might be one of the most important things we can do. She explores why hosting has become a dying art, how toxic self-care culture keeps us isolated, and what it takes to build meaningful connections through the simple act of having people over.Together, Emily and Chelsea unpack the barriers that keep us from hosting, from perfectionism to exhaustion to the misconception that gathering requires money we don't have. They discuss the critical role of platonic friendships in a culture that overvalues romantic relationships, the practice of adult sleepovers as a way to deepen intimacy, and how being a good guest is just as important as being a good host. Chelsea also shares practical tips for creating ambiance through the five senses, choosing themes that feel loose and inspiring rather than rigid, and maximizing time with guests instead of hiding in the kitchen.This episode is a reminder that connection doesn't require perfection. It requires presence, intention, and the willingness to let people see your home and your life as they are.Key Takeaways:Hosting is about people, not performance: The most important thing when hosting is maximizing time with your guests, because they came to be with you.Toxic self-care keeps us isolated: Prioritizing short-term comfort over showing up for others damages relationships and ourselves in ways we underestimate, because wellbeing is fundamentally about connection and community.Platonic relationships deserve protection: Friendships are just as essential as romantic partnerships and shouldn't be devalued or treated as placeholders until something more important comes along.Money is rarely the barrier: Most people spend more on dining out and ordering in than it would cost to cook for friends at home, making hosting more accessible than we think.Being childfree creates space for community: Without children, there's both the capacity and responsibility to create experiences and moments for others.Looking for something special this season? Emily’s created the Curious Life of a Childfree Woman Gift Guide, a curated collection of her favorite intentional gifts, wellness essentials, and treat-yourself picks. You can grab your free copy exclusively on Substack at curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.substack.com.---Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are.Learn more about Emily at:www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.comConnect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewoman---The guest on this episode, Chelsea Fagan, is the author of Having People Over: A Modern Guide to Gathering and co-founder of The Financial Diet, a platform dedicated to helping people build better relationships with money and create lives aligned with their values. Chelsea's work centers on the belief that hosting and gathering are essential practices for building community in an increasingly disconnected world. Through her writing and speaking, she encourages people to embrace imperfection, prioritize connection over performance, and use their homes as spaces for meaningful relationships rather than just private retreats.Get Chelsea's book Having People Over: A Modern Guide to GatheringFollow The Financial Diet @thefinancialdietConnect on Instagram: @faganchelsea

What happens when you stop doing, and start listening?In this episode, Emily Paulsen sits down with meditation teacher and former tech sales executive Nadene Cherry to explore what presence actually looks like in a high-achieving world. Nadene spent years climbing the corporate ladder before a personal crisis reshaped how she approached success, purpose, and the pace of her life. Now, she teaches meditation and emotional intelligence practices to companies like Salesforce, Microsoft, and PwC.Together, Emily and Nadene unpack the often-overlooked connection between mindfulness and performance, from navigating pressure and burnout to building deeper relationships through compassion and clarity. Nadene also walks listeners through a simple, grounding meditation and shares the three guiding pillars of her work: calmness, compassion, and connection.This episode is an invitation to slow down, not to disconnect, but to return to yourself with more attention, more curiosity, and more capacity to show up.Key Takeaways:Calm is not a luxury: Learning to regulate your nervous system is a foundational skill, not a bonus.Small moments matter: Micro-practices like breath awareness and grounding can change the tone of your entire day.Compassion builds resilience: Extending kindness to yourself creates more room for growth and connection.Slowing down can sharpen focus: Presence isn’t about doing less, it’s about doing with intention.Success and stillness can coexist: You don’t have to choose between achievement and inner peace.Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.comConnect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewomanJoin the Curious Life Club on Substack @curiouslifeofachildfreewomanThe guest on this episode, Nadene Cherry, is a meditation teacher, executive coach, and former top-performing tech sales leader. Through her corporate mindfulness work, Nadene supports leaders and teams in high-pressure environments to reconnect with calm, compassion, and authentic presence. She offers practical tools to build self-awareness, emotional resilience, and real connection, personally and professionally.Join her free 12 Days of Connection: nadenecherry.com/12-days-of-connectionSign up for her Monday Mantra emails: mailchi.mp/e781c25f894a/monday-mantra-email-sign-upConnect on Instagram: @nadenecherryAnd explore more at nadenecherry.com---This episode is sponsored by Pearlvest Capital.Founded by financial advisor Nicole Meihofer, Pearlvest Capital helps you align your money with your values and design a life that fits you, not anyone else’s expectations. Access her free private podcast series for Curious Life listeners at pearlvest.com/insider.Nicole Meihofer is an investment professional registered at IHT Wealth, LLC a registered investment advisor with the SEC. IHT Wealth management may only transact business in states it is registered or qualified for an exemption or exclusion from registration.

What if the path to personal healing and planetary restoration were the same journey?In this episode, Emily Paulsen is joined by entrepreneur and visionary Natasha Rankin, the founder of Athena Village, a regenerative community that blends farming, retreat spaces, and nature-based living. Together, they explore what it means to repair our relationship with the land, reimagine how we live and work, and reconnect with the natural systems that sustain us.From the history of disconnection that shaped modern life to the science behind soil health and human health, this episode invites listeners to look more closely at how our choices, what we eat, where we live, and how we engage with the planet, affect everything from climate resilience to personal vitality. Natasha shares her own journey of healing chronic illness through food and connection to nature, offering a deeply grounded and hopeful perspective on regeneration at every level.This is a conversation about remembering who we are, and how the smallest daily decisions, what we buy, how we eat, what we value, can become acts of restoration.Key Takeaways:Regeneration starts with reconnection: Healing the planet and healing ourselves both begin by rebuilding relationship, with the land, our food, and each other.Healthy soil, healthy bodies: Soil rich in microbial life produces nutrient-dense food and captures carbon, directly impacting human health and climate stability.Convenience has a cost: Industrialized agriculture and chemical fertilizers have depleted soil health and our nutrition, creating long-term harm disguised as efficiency.Vote with your dollars: Choosing locally grown, regenerative food, even one item at a time, is one of the most powerful ways to drive systemic change.Return to relationship, not perfection: Regeneration isn’t about doing everything right; it’s about participating consciously in the ecosystem we’re already part of.Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.comConnect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewomanJoin the Curious Life Club on Substack @curiouslifeofachildfreewomanThe guest on this episode, Natasha Rankin, is the founder of Athena Village, a regenerative real estate development designed to reconnect people with the land, their communities, and themselves. With a background in commercial real estate, health coaching, and retreat leadership, Natasha integrates wellness, sustainability, and soulful entrepreneurship into every project she touches. Her work centers on creating spaces that restore ecological balance while inviting deeper human connection.Learn more about Athena Village at: www.athenavillagecollective.comExplore her sister brand at: http://www.shewhogoesforit.comConnect on Instagram: @thenatasharankin---This episode is sponsored by Pearlvest Capital.Founded by financial advisor Nicole Meihofer, Pearlvest Capital helps you align your money with your values and design a life that fits you, not anyone else’s expectations. Access her free private podcast series for Curious Life listeners at pearlvest.com/insider.Nicole Meihofer is an investment professional registered at IHT Wealth, LLC a registered investment advisor with the SEC. IHT Wealth management may only transact business in states it is registered or qualified for an exemption or exclusion from registration.

Why are adult friendships so complicated, and so vital?To mark the one-year anniversary of Curious Life of a Childfree Woman, Emily Paulsen is joined by friendship researcher, writer, and podcast host Nina Badzin for a conversation that’s both validating and refreshingly practical. Nina has spent more than a decade exploring the realities of adult friendships, not the idealized versions, but the messy, beautiful, ever-evolving kind.Together, Emily and Nina unpack the silent expectations that often trip us up, the habits that quietly erode closeness, and the surprising ways we can deepen connection even when life gets busy. From texting styles and mismatched energy levels to friendship between parents and non-parents, nothing is off-limits in this honest, relatable, and ultimately hopeful conversation.This episode invites listeners to rethink how we define friendship, and how to keep showing up for the ones that matter most.Key Takeaways:Sameness is not the goal: Strong friendships aren’t built on identical habits, they’re built on curiosity, empathy, and flexibility.Time builds trust:  It takes around 200 hours to truly bond with someone, there’s no substitute for shared time and intention.Initiation isn’t one-sided:  Just because you reach out more doesn’t mean you care more. Different communication styles don’t always reflect emotional investment.Relationships evolve, and they should:  Friendships will shift with life seasons. Instead of resisting change, embrace the new version of your connection.Let good enough be enough:  Not every friend will be everything. Celebrate the friendships that serve you as they are, instead of wishing they were something else.Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.Learn more about Emily at www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.comConnect on Instagram @curiouslifeofachildfreewomanJoin the Curious Life Club on Substack @curiouslifeofachildfreewomanThe guest on this episode, Nina Badzin, is a nationally recognized friendship expert, longtime writer, and host of Dear Nina: Conversations About Friendship. Her podcast and Substack newsletter provide a space to explore the nuance of adult relationships, offering practical advice, thoughtful reflections, and validation for anyone navigating the complexities of connection in today’s world.Learn more about Nina at dearnina.substack.comConnect on Instagram: @dearninafriendshipAnd listen to her podcast wherever you get your shows: Dear Nina: Conversations About Friendship---This episode is sponsored by Pearlvest Capital.Founded by financial advisor Nicole Meihofer, Pearlvest Capital helps you align your money with your values and design a life that fits you, not anyone else’s expectations. Access her free private podcast series for Curious Life listeners at pearlvest.com/insider.Nicole Meihofer is an investment professional registered at IHT Wealth, LLC a registered investment advisor with the SEC. IHT Wealth management may only transact business in states it is registered or qualified for an exemption or exclusion from registration.

Belonging often takes shape through motion, through the steady rhythm of people working, racing, and growing together. In this episode, Emily Paulsen speaks with Kyle and Brent Pease, the brother team behind the Kyle Pease Foundation and the faces of one of the most inspiring stories in endurance sports. Together, they’ve completed more than 100 races, including the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, while building a movement that continues to expand access, visibility, and opportunity for people with disabilities.Kyle, who was born with cerebral palsy, and Brent, a lifelong athlete and coach, share how their partnership has evolved over time, from training for races to training communities in the practice of inclusion. They talk about attention, teamwork, and the small, repeatable actions that turn connection into culture on the racecourse and far beyond it.Their conversation explores endurance, leadership, and the quiet power of showing up for one another, offering a window into what happens when curiosity and care set the pace.Key TakeawaysInclusion in motion: Belonging grows through shared effort, awareness, and the willingness to move together toward a common goal.The details that matter: Inclusion begins in planning, preparation, and the small adjustments that make participation possible for everyone.Partnership as practice: Trust and presence build the foundation for meaningful collaboration—one conversation, one mile, one moment at a time.Leadership through listening: Staying curious and open allows leaders to respond to real needs, not assumptions.The endurance of care: Inclusion requires persistence, patience, and a commitment to keep showing up long after the spotlight fades.Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.comConnect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewomanKyle and Brent Pease are brothers, athletes, and co-founders of the Kyle Pease Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities through sports, education, and community. Known for making history as the first push-assist duo to complete the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, they continue to inspire athletes and advocates through their message of inclusion, endurance, and shared humanity.Connect with the Pease Brothers:Website: www.kylepeasefoundation.org

Fear is one of the most powerful human emotions, one that shapes our choices, culture, and even how we seek pleasure. But if we spend most of our lives avoiding it, why do we go out of our way to feel scared for fun?In this episode, Emily Paulsen talks with Jeff Beach, artist, photographer, and extra in the cult horror classic It Follows, about what draws us to horror and how fear becomes both art and entertainment. From his accidental entry into the world of film to his years photographing haunted houses, Jeff offers a behind-the-scenes look at how horror is made, and why it lingers long after the credits roll.Their conversation explores what makes something truly frightening, the psychology behind why we keep coming back for more, and how creative expression can transform fear into fascination.Together, they look at what horror reveals about imagination, consequence, and the way we confront what haunts us, on and off the screen.Key Takeaways:The pull of fear: Horror gives us a safe space to explore danger, consequence, and the unknown, without real-life risk.Behind the curtain: Seeing how horror is made doesn’t erase the fear; it deepens the respect for the craft and creativity behind it.The psychology of unease: What truly scares us is rarely the monster, it’s anticipation, imagination, and what might happen next.Shared fear as connection: Watching horror together creates a kind of community, fear becomes something we face side by side.Creativity in the dark: The horror genre offers endless room for expression, allowing artists to channel fear into meaning, humor, and beauty.Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.comConnect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewomanThe guest on this episode, Jeff Beach is a mixed media artist and photographer based in Toledo, Ohio, whose work explores the surreal, the cosmic, and the beautifully strange. A lifelong movie lover and self-described creative experimenter, Jeff brings an artist’s eye to everything he does, from his psychedelic paintings to his appearance in the cult horror film It Follows.Connect with Jeff:Instagram: @digitalbeach

Why do we find true crime so irresistible, even when it terrifies us?In this episode, Emily Paulsen talks with Jen Schaffer, host of Crude Acts and daughter of a homicide detective, about our collective fascination with the darkest corners of human behavior. Jen shares how growing up around real-life investigations shaped her storytelling lens, why empathy matters when covering tragedy, and what true crime reveals about fear, justice, and the human condition.Their conversation explores the ethical gray areas of retelling crime stories, the balance between curiosity and respect, and why so many women are drawn to this genre as both creators and consumers. From the psychology of serial killers to the healing power of truth-seeking, Emily and Jen examine what it means to study horror not for thrill, but for understanding.Key TakeawaysPurpose Beyond the Headlines: True crime storytelling can honor victims and uncover overlooked truths when done with compassion and depth.Empathy as a Guiding Lens: Respecting the humanity of everyone involved, victims, perpetrators, and families, keeps curiosity from crossing into exploitation.Knowing the Monster: Many women engage with true crime to better understand danger and reclaim a sense of preparedness and control.Context Is Clarity: Crimes can’t be separated from their social, historical, and cultural backdrop, understanding context deepens insight into why they happen.Curiosity as Catalyst: Asking why we’re drawn to darkness can illuminate more than crime, it reveals what we fear, what we value, and what we still hope to change.Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.comConnect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewomanThe guest on this episode, Jen Schaffer is the host and creator of Crude Acts, a top true crime podcast known for its investigative depth and storytelling precision. With a background in creative writing and a lifetime of exposure to criminal investigation through her father, a homicide detective, Jen brings a rare mix of empathy, rigor, and narrative craft to her work. She’s currently pursuing her master’s in criminal justice and criminology, continuing her exploration into why people commit unthinkable acts, and how understanding them can make us all safer.Connect with Jen:Website: www.crudeacts.com

When we think of witches, we might picture broomsticks, spells, and Halloween costumes, but behind those images lies a history of fear, control, and power.In this episode, Emily Paulsen speaks with Rachel Christ-Doane, Director of Education at the Salem Witch Museum, to uncover the truth about the Salem Witch Trials and the deeper human patterns that made them possible. They explore how tension, uncertainty, and moral panic led neighbors to turn on one another, and why those same dynamics still echo in modern society.Their conversation moves beyond myth to reveal the real story: how ordinary people became both accusers and accused, how fear fueled injustice, and how the archetype of the “witch” evolved into a symbol of autonomy and empowerment.From scapegoating and social anxiety to pop culture and reclaiming identity, this episode invites listeners to look closely at what history can teach us about courage, conformity, and the enduring need to question collective fear.Key TakeawaysScapegoating as instinct: When fear takes hold, people often look for someone to blame, usually those who already live outside accepted norms.Patterns that repeat: The witch trials reveal how easily societies slip into moral panic and how similar dynamics still surface in modern culture.The witch as mirror: What began as an accusation became an archetype, now reclaimed by many as a symbol of self-trust, empowerment, and rebellion.Empathy over villainy: Even those who fueled the trials were human, acting out of fear and belief. Seeing their humanity helps us recognize our own biases.Curiosity as resistance: Learning history through empathy and open inquiry reminds us that awareness, not denial, is what keeps history from repeating itself.___Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.comConnect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewoman___The guest on this episode, Rachel Christ-Doane is the Director of Education at the Salem Witch Museum. She holds a BA in History from Clark University and MA in History and Museum Studies from Tufts University. As Director of Education she trains museum docents, works with students and teachers, creates educational programming, oversees exhibit curation, and engages in a range of research. Her recent publications include, “The Salem Witch Trials Memorial: Finding Humanity in Tragedy” (Smithsonian Folklife, 2022) and “The Untold Story of Dorothy Good, Salem’s Youngest Accused Witch” (American Ancestors, 2023).Connect with Rachel and learn more:Website: www.salemwitchmuseum.comInstagram: @salemwitchmuseum

What does it mean to choose a childfree path and still feel deeply connected to the next generation? And how can ancient practices like astrology, tarot, and archetypal healing help us navigate uncertainty, fulfillment, and purpose?In this episode, Emily Paulsen speaks with Fiona Hillery, astrologer, tarot reader, Feng Shui alchemist, and founder of Esoteric Empowerment. Fiona’s work has guided everyone from Fortune 500 leaders to everyday seekers toward greater clarity, resilience, and empowerment by using esoteric tools not as fortune-telling tricks, but as frameworks for growth.Their conversation explores Fiona’s own “dark night of the soul” that led her from the corporate media world into spiritual practice, how astrology and tarot can serve as blueprints for both self-awareness and business strategy, and why she believes embracing the “Auntie” archetype is a powerful, affirming path for childfree women. Together they unpack the ways cultural narratives, backlash, and archetypes shape how women define themselves—and how curiosity, intuition, and community can offer another way forward.This episode is for anyone curious about living with greater alignment, exploring childfree identity through new lenses, or learning how ancient tools can empower modern decisions—in life, business, and beyond.Key TakeawaysThe power of initiation: A “dark night of the soul” often serves as a catalyst, stripping away what no longer aligns and opening the door to deeper soul truths.Astrology as blueprint: Beyond horoscopes, astrology provides a personalized map for gifts, challenges, and timing—meeting people where they are without bypassing the work.Tools for clarity: Tarot and astrology aren’t about predicting the future but helping individuals reconnect with inner wisdom and navigate uncertainty with more confidence.The Auntie archetype: Choosing not to have children doesn’t exclude nurturing roles—being an aunt (by blood or chosen family) can offer fulfillment, connection, and community impact.Business applications: Esoteric practices can foster empathy, collaboration, and even revenue growth when applied to leadership, team dynamics, and decision-making.___ Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.comConnect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewoman___ The guest on this episode, Fiona Hillery, is an intuitive consultant, spiritual writer, and conscious communications executive, currently serving as VP of Brand Communications at HigherDOSE. A world-weaver blending mysticism with modern life, she’s contributed to The Cut, Coveteur, Refinery29, and Vice, while guiding thousands of clients, from Hollywood celebrities to Fortune 500 CEOs, with her tarot and astrology readings.Connect with Fiona:Website: www.esoteric-empowerment.comInstagram: @fiona.hillery

Why do we gather every October 31st to dress up, knock on doors, and revel in the spooky, the playful, and the strange?In this special Halloween episode, Emily Paulsen speaks with Lesley Bannatyne, one of the world’s foremost authorities on Halloween, author of multiple books including Halloween Nation, and a scholar who has traced the holiday’s evolution from ancient Celtic rites to today’s billion-dollar industry. Lesley has appeared everywhere from Time Magazine to National Geographic, and her work unpacks not only the history of Halloween but also what it reveals about us as a culture.Their conversation dives into the roots of Samhain in pre-Christian Europe, the role the church played in shaping the holiday, and how immigration, mischief, and even Hollywood horror films transformed Halloween into the modern spectacle we know today. Along the way, they explore why costumes, horror movies, and haunted houses hold such a grip on our imagination, and how this one night continues to mirror our cultural anxieties, creativity, and collective need for ritual.This episode is for anyone who has ever felt the thrill of stepping into another identity, wondered where trick-or-treating really came from, or simply wanted to understand why Halloween endures as one of the most captivating nights of the year.This is a Halloween special you won’t want to miss! Just the right mix of history, mystery, and a little seasonal magic. For more Halloween fun, including a bonus episode, join Emily at:https://curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.substack.com/Key TakeawaysHistory has layers: Halloween’s origins trace back to Samhain, a Celtic festival marking the shift from summer to winter, later reshaped by Christian traditions like All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days.Trick-or-treating evolved: What began as door-to-door begging and sharing of food became structured mischief control in the 20th century, giving rise to the candy-fueled ritual we know today.Adults reclaimed Halloween: In the 1970s, nostalgia and the rise of horror films brought adults back into the holiday, sparking costume parties, haunted houses, and an explosion of Halloween culture.Horror has a purpose: From films to haunted attractions, scary stories provide a safe way to face fear, build resilience, and even create communal bonding through shared adrenaline.Reflection of society: Halloween always adapts, whether costumes get bloodier, sexier, or more ironic, the holiday mirrors cultural values, anxieties, and creativity in each generation.___ Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.comConnect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewoman___The guest on this episode, Lesley Bannatyne, is one of the country’s leading experts on Halloween, author of Halloween Nation and other definitive works on the holiday’s history and cultural significance. Her research has been featured in The New York Times, National Geographic, and The History Channel.Connect with Lesley:Website: www.iskullhalloween.com

What if clutter wasn’t just about a messy drawer, but about our self-worth, our health, and even our happiness?In this episode, Emily Paulsen speaks with Sarah Parisi, founder of The Clutter Curator, a psychology-based professional organizing company that helps people design homes that actually support the way they want to live. Sarah has guided countless clients through pivotal life transitions, whether moving, downsizing, or simply seeking more peace, and she brings a unique approach that goes far beyond bins and labels.Their conversation explores the psychology of why we hold onto things, how consumer culture fuels guilt and overwhelm, and why editing with intention can be more powerful than purging. From self-worth and boundaries to dopamine hits and daily habits, Sarah reveals how decluttering can free up time, energy, and even improve mental and physical health.This episode is for anyone who wants their home to feel calmer, more intentional, and aligned with the life they’re living now, not the one they used to live or feel pressured to maintain.Key TakeawaysEdit with intention: Organizing isn’t about purging everything, it’s about consciously choosing what stays to support your lifestyle.Vision leads the way: A clear picture of how you want your home to feel makes it easier to let go of what no longer fits.Worthiness matters: Believing you deserve a supportive, clutter-free home is the foundation of lasting change.Celebrate the reset: A true reset, resetting closets, kitchens, or routines, creates clarity and a sustainable fresh start.Reframe the “warm and fuzzy”: Shift the satisfaction from acquiring or donating to celebrating what you didn’t buy in the first place.___ Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.comConnect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewoman___The guest on this episode, Sarah Parisi, is the founder of The Clutter Curator, a Chicago-based professional organizing company that blends psychology and practical systems to help clients create homes that feel peaceful and supportive. With a background in guiding people through life transitions, Sarah and her team focus on reshaping habits and mindsets, highlighting what truly supports a client’s lifestyle, and teaching the joy of owning less.Connect with Sarah: www.thecluttercurator.comFollow on Instagram: @the_clutter_curator

What if success didn’t have to feel so heavy? And what if intuition and strategy could work together to unlock possibilities we can’t even imagine?In this episode, Emily Paulsen speaks with Victoria Song, leadership advisor, venture capitalist turned performance coach, and author of Bending Reality. Victoria has worked with leaders across industries, from the families of LeBron James and Elon Musk to entrepreneurs and creatives, helping them clear limiting beliefs, dissolve contraction, and experience what she calls “quantum leaps.”Their conversation explores the balance of logic and intuition, why our conditioning often leads us to chase the wrong things, and how to reframe “hard work” in a way that feels aligned rather than exhausting. From self-worth and limiting beliefs to expansion, joy, and the real meaning of readiness, Victoria reveals how bending reality isn’t about shortcuts, it’s about shifting the way we relate to possibility.This episode is for anyone who has ever felt stuck in overwork, disconnected from joy, or ready to explore a new paradigm of success, creativity, and fulfillment.👉 Victoria is also sharing access to her most popular masterclass, The GOAT Method, which brings together the exact frameworks and practices she teaches her private clients. It’s a powerful way to experience her work firsthand—and as a listener, you can get access at a discounted rate here: https://victoria-song.mykajabi.com/a/2148120895/Qy2YH3azKey TakeawaysIntuition as untapped data: Our gut instincts process information beyond what the five senses can capture, learning to trust them gives us access to shortcuts our linear mind can’t see.Low-stakes practice builds trust: Strengthening intuition starts small, like following a nudge to call a friend or choosing a new path on a weekend, and compounds into bigger decisions over time.Contraction drains success: Beliefs rooted in scarcity, overwork, or fear create heaviness in the body and bend outcomes against us; expansion lightens energy and invites possibility.Focus on super strengths: Instead of doubling down on weaknesses, identify the gifts that feel natural, joyful, and energizing, those are the true levers of success.Joy as soul language: What lights us up isn’t frivolous, it’s a signpost of our purpose. Following it creates alignment between our deepest calling and daily actions.___ Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.comConnect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewoman___The guest on this episode, Victoria Song, is a leadership advisor, venture capitalist turned performance coach, and bestselling author of Bending Reality. She works with top performers across tech, sports, entertainment, and business, helping them dissolve limiting beliefs, expand their vision, and achieve what once seemed impossible.Connect with Victoria: https://victoria-song.com

What does it mean to be living through a loneliness epidemic?In this episode, Emily Paulsen speaks with Dr. Jody Carrington, psychologist, bestselling author, and host of the UnLonely Podcast, about why disconnection has become one of the greatest challenges of our time, and what we can do to repair it. Jody unpacks how technology, shifting family structures, and cultural expectations have created a crisis of connection, and why the antidote isn’t more information but more authentic interaction.Their conversation explores what loneliness actually is (and isn’t), the role of childhood and attachment in shaping our capacity for connection, and why simple acts like eye contact, ritual, and presence can radically shift our nervous systems. From the “discipline of reconnection” to redefining community and choice, Jody offers both a hopeful perspective and concrete steps for rebuilding the connections we need most.This episode is for anyone curious about how to navigate loneliness, strengthen relationships, and live with more presence and joy in a noisy, distracted world.Key TakeawaysLoneliness is not the same as being alone: It’s an emotion that can show up in crowded rooms, marriages, or friendships, and addressing it requires understanding, not just company.Connection is neurobiology, not preference: We are wired for attachment, and our nervous systems regulate best when we’re with others we trust.Rituals and rhythms matter: Predictable practices, whether traditions, weekly meetups, or shared routines, help ground us and create stability in relationships.Authentic interaction is the real AI: No technology can replicate the neurochemical benefits of genuine human presence, eye contact, and touch.The discipline of reconnection: Building healthier communities and relationships requires intentional practices, charging phones outside the bedroom, practicing stillness, or simply waving at a neighbor.___ Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.comConnect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewoman___The guest on this episode, Dr. Jody Carrington, is a psychologist, bestselling author, and speaker who has dedicated her career to helping people understand disconnection and build stronger bonds. She is the founder of Carrington & Co. and the host of the UnLonely Podcast, where she continues her mission to inspire reconnection and resilience.Connect with Jody:Website: www.drjodycarrington.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjodycarringtonPodcast: UnLonely Podcast

What does it mean to be part of the largest wealth transfer in history?In this episode, Emily Paulsen speaks with Nicole Meihofer, financial advisor, wealth strategist, and founder of Pearlvest Capital, about the trillions of dollars shifting from baby boomers to millennials and Gen X. Nicole unpacks what this transfer means for individuals, especially those who are childfree and may inherit wealth from parents, grandparents, or other relatives.Their conversation goes far beyond numbers, exploring the emotions, opportunities, and challenges tied to inheritance. From trusts and family businesses to lifestyle spending and legacy, Nicole shares both the tactical steps and the bigger-picture mindset shifts millennials need when navigating unexpected wealth. She also emphasizes why financial planning isn’t just about the future, it’s about aligning money with the life and values we want right now.This episode is for anyone curious about inheritance, legacy, or how to approach money as a tool for joy, fulfillment, and impact in the present.Key TakeawaysOpen communication matters: Proactive conversations with family about inheritance expectations help avoid confusion, stress, and financial missteps.Assemble a financial board of directors: Surrounding yourself with a trusted CPA, estate attorney, and financial advisor ensures you’re prepared to steward wealth wisely.Spending is part of planning: Financial planning isn’t just about saving, it’s about identifying what brings joy and making intentional choices to spend on it.Investments should serve your goals: Understanding fees, structures, and strategies helps ensure your money is fueling your life plan, not just sitting in accounts.Legacy is more than money: Millennials are redefining impact by creating businesses, jobs, and charitable contributions that reflect their values.___ Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.comConnect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewoman___The guest on this episode, Nicole Meihofer, is a financial advisor, wealth strategist, and founder of Pearlvest Capital. She specializes in guiding millennial inheritors and entrepreneurs through wealth-building strategies that enrich life today while securing tomorrow. Nicole is registered with IHT Wealth LLC, a registered investment advisor with the SEC. Opinions expressed are her own and for informational purposes only.Connect with Nicole:Website: www.pearlvest.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolemeihoferweigel/

Most of us avoid talking about death but avoiding it doesn’t make it go away. In fact, learning how to approach death may be one of the clearest ways to understand life.In this episode, Emily Paulsen speaks with Kacie Gikonyo, a former nurse turned death doula educator and founder of Death Doula School. With over a decade of experience guiding people and families through the end of life, Kacie brings compassion, clarity, and a deep belief that end-of-life planning isn’t about morbidity, it’s about literacy, legacy, and presence.Their conversation explores what it really means to “labor out of life,” how to plan for end of life long before it’s urgent, and why normalizing death can reduce fear, conflict, and chaos for everyone involved. From the practical to the spiritual, Kacie offers perspective on how facing death honestly can change the way we live each day.This episode is for anyone curious about planning for the inevitable, reducing uncertainty for loved ones, and finding more meaning in the life they’re living right now.Key TakeawaysPlan early, live fully: End-of-life planning isn’t just for later, it’s a gift that prevents confusion, conflict, and unnecessary crisis.Make a death plan: Just like a birth plan, choosing who you want present, the environment, and the details of your final days creates dignity and comfort.Normalize the process: Education about what the body goes through at the end of life can ease fear and help loved ones support without panic.Financial preparation matters: Dying in America is expensive, planning and saving now protects both independence and quality of care later.Sit with your dying self daily: Reflecting on how you’d feel about today’s choices at the end of your life encourages radical presence and fewer regrets.___ Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.comConnect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewoman___The guest on this episode, Kacie Gikonyo, is a former RN, death doula educator, and founder of Death Doula School. She has supported hundreds of individuals and families through end of life, bringing education, advocacy, and presence to a process often avoided or feared. Through her work, she empowers people to create meaningful death plans, normalize conversations around mortality, and live more intentionally today.Connect with Kacie: Website: www.deathdoulakacie.com Instagram: @deathdoulakacie TikTok: @deathdoulakacie LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kaciegikonyo

What if the goal isn’t happiness at all, but joy?In this episode, Emily Paulsen speaks with M. Shannon Hernandez, founder of Joyful Business Revolution and author of Practical Joy. Shannon shares her belief that joy is an “inside job”, a state rooted in values, not circumstances, and opens up about how this perspective has guided her through some of life’s most unexpected transitions.Their conversation explores what it means to live in alignment with lifestyle values, navigate identity shifts, and choose joy even when happiness feels out of reach. From building a childfree life to redefining boundaries in work and relationships, Shannon offers a deeply personal yet practical perspective on what it takes to live authentically and joyfully.This episode is for anyone curious about how to move beyond fleeting happiness and step into a deeper, more grounded sense of joy in everyday life.Key TakeawaysJoy is an inside job: Unlike happiness, joy isn’t dependent on circumstances, it’s about choosing alignment with your values in any moment.Lifestyle values guide choices: Identifying and honoring your top lifestyle values helps filter decisions and boundaries with clarity.Micro-joys matter: Small, daily sources of joy, like savoring a coffee, can sustain us during life’s hardest seasons.Boundaries create freedom: Saying no to obligations and people-pleasing opens space for joy to flourish.Identity beyond roles: True self-expression requires separating who we are at our core from the roles and expectations placed on us.___ Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.comConnect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewoman___The guest on this episode, M. Shannon Hernandez, is the founder of Joyful Business Revolution®, creator of the Content Personality® Wheel, and author of Practical Joy. With her signature approach to aligning business, messaging, and values, Shannon helps entrepreneurs and organizations build joy-fueled success while redefining what it means to live authentically.Connect with Shannon:Website: www.joyfulbusinessrevolution.comPractical Joy Book: www.practicaljoybook.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mshannonhernandez

Who will take care of you when you’re older? For many, this question sparks discomfort, or gets brushed aside entirely. But caregiving is a reality most of us will face, whether we’re the ones providing care or receiving it. The real question is: how prepared are we for it?In this episode, Emily Paulsen speaks with Pamela D. Wilson, an international caregiving expert, advocate, and speaker with over 25 years of experience supporting older adults, individuals with disabilities, caregivers, and professionals. Their conversation explores the complexities of modern caregiving, from navigating healthcare systems to the emotional realities families face when plans aren’t in place.Pamela offers a clear-eyed but optimistic perspective on how to approach caregiving with foresight and intention. She shares why proactive planning can prevent emotional and financial crises, the legal and logistical tools everyone should have in place, and how to find trusted help, whether through loved ones, community networks, or professional fiduciaries.Whether you’re years away from needing care, actively caring for someone, or simply want to understand your options, this episode offers practical strategies, valuable resources, and a reminder that we all have more control than we might think.Key TakeawaysProactive planning prevents crisis: Early conversations and documented wishes reduce stress, confusion, and last-minute scrambling.Advocacy is non-negotiable: In today’s healthcare landscape, speaking up and requesting what you need is essential for quality care.Legal tools protect your wishes: Powers of attorney, living wills, and care plans ensure decisions align with your values.Know your financial path: Identify where and how you want care, then plan, through savings, insurance, or both, to fund it.Support networks matter: Build trusted relationships, whether with family, friends, or professionals, to avoid isolation in critical moments.___ Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.comConnect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewoman___The guest on this episode, Pamela D. Wilson, MS, BS/BA, CG, CSA, is an international caregiving expert, advocate, and speaker based in Denver, Colorado. Twenty-five years of experience supporting older adults, persons with disabilities, caregivers, and professionals as an expert witness, care manager, and professional fiduciary serve as Wilson’s platform to educate and increase awareness of caregiving as an essential role in life.Connect with Pamela:Website: www.pameladwilson.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/pameladwilsoncaregivingexpert

What if the future of healthcare wasn’t just about fixing what’s broken, but about discovering what’s possible? In this episode, Emily Paulsen speaks with Dr. Koen Kas, a molecular oncologist, healthcare futurist, and author of EPIC, about how technology is reshaping the way we think about wellness, illness, and aging.Together, they explore the idea of “healthspan” over lifespan, the rise of AI-powered health companions, and what it could mean to build a care system around delight, prevention, and purpose. Dr. Kas shares real-world tools, from apps that detect early signs of Parkinson’s through voice patterns to at-home diagnostics for eye disease and sleep apnea, and challenges long-held assumptions about how care should be delivered. Throughout the conversation, he invites listeners to imagine a world where each person is supported by a “digital twin,” empowered with personal data, and encouraged to measure not just physical health, but emotional well-being and meaning.Key Takeaways:Healthspan matters more than lifespan: Dr. Kas emphasizes the importance of feeling well, energized, and purposeful, not just living longer, but living better.We’re moving from reactive to proactive care: Instead of waiting to get sick, technology now allows us to monitor early changes and support health before problems begin.Delight is a legitimate health metric: By designing health interventions that feel good, intuitive, and emotionally rewarding, we’re more likely to sustain long-term wellness habits.Digital twins could change everything: AI-powered companions that track our speech, sleep, movement, and mood could soon detect illness early and personalize care, without stepping into a clinic.Measurable doesn’t mean clinical: From smart toilets to emotion-sensing playlists, Dr. Kas shares how everyday tools are being reimagined to support emotional, mental, and physical well-being.Healthcare can be human-centered again: Tech isn’t replacing empathy, it’s enhancing it. Used thoughtfully, it can bring care closer to home, make it more personal, and even restore trust in the system.___ Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.comConnect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewoman___The guest on this episode, Prof. Dr. Koen Kas, is a healthcare futurist and professor of Molecular Oncology & Digital Health at Ghent University, Belgium. He curates the global database of certified health apps and AI tools and is a sought-after keynote speaker. His books include Sick No More (shifting from reactive sick-care to proactive health) and Your Guide to Delight (crafting “wow” experiences and the personal digital twin). His new book, Epic, explores holistic longevity - showing how AI companions, creativity and data empowerment help people unlock their full potential and find purpose. Learn more on his website:  https://koenkas.com/ And pick up a copy of his book on Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com.be/-/nl/Koen-Kas/dp/9463107053

What if giving back wasn’t something you added to your life, but the thing that grounded it?In this episode of Curious Life of a Childfree Woman, longtime wildlife rescuer and yoga studio co-owner Kelly Mehring shares how two decades of volunteer work have shaped her purpose, strengthened her resilience, and connected her to a community she didn’t know she needed. From rescuing injured raccoons on busy highways to building lifelong friendships through grassroots animal advocacy, Kelly’s story is a powerful example of what it means to serve without seeking credit, and why that kind of service can be so deeply fulfilling.She opens up about the emotional weight of this work, the joy of educating others about native wildlife, and how volunteering helped her navigate challenges like burnout and even a recent breast cancer diagnosis. For anyone seeking meaning, connection, or a way to give back, this episode offers encouragement to start small and stay open.Whether you’re craving more purpose or simply curious about how others create it, this conversation invites you to explore volunteering not as an obligation, but as a life-affirming act of care.Key TakeawaysStart with what you care about: The best volunteer work begins with your own values, and one small step toward what lights you up.Fulfillment can come from structure: A regular volunteer commitment can bring purpose, connection, and a sense of being needed in the best way.It’s okay to try different paths: If one experience doesn’t fit, try another. The right organization will value your energy and your unique strengths.Emotional weight is real, and worth it: Hard moments will come, but knowing you’re reducing suffering, even by minutes, can make the discomfort meaningful.Community is a hidden benefit: Volunteering often leads to unexpected friendships and shared purpose, especially in emotionally intense settings.___ Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.comConnect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewoman___The guest on this episode, Kelly Mehring, is childfree by choice and co-owns the Columbus-based Mat Happy Yoga studio alongside her sister. She has spent over 20 years volunteering as a wildlife rescuer with the Ohio Wildlife Center and continues to advocate for animal welfare through hands-on rescue and public education. Kelly also supports farmed animal sanctuaries and has built a lifestyle rooted in service, compassion, and community.Follow her on Instagram: @mehringwayLearn more: ohiowildlifecenter.org | sunrisesanctuary.org | mathappy.com

What if the secret to financial freedom and a richer life wasn’t in earning more—but in living with less?In this episode of Curious Life of a Childfree Woman, financial planner and founder of The Tiny House Advisor, Laura Lynch, shares how the tiny living movement is rewriting the rules of homeownership, community, and enoughness. From leaving behind a 2,000-square-foot house to becoming mortgage-free, Laura’s journey is as much about values as it is about square footage.She explains what draws people to tiny living, why it’s not just about finances, and how it can create space for creativity, sustainability, and deeper connection. Plus, Laura offers practical tips for anyone curious about downsizing or exploring alternative living—without losing what matters most.Whether tiny living feels like a dream, a challenge, or something you’ve never considered, this episode invites you to rethink what “home” really means.Key TakeawaysYour biggest financial lever isn’t coffee—it’s housing: Downsizing can free up resources more than any budgeting tip or skipped latte ever could.Start with values, not square footage: A home should reflect what matters most to you—not what marketing or tradition says you need.Community thrives in smaller spaces: Alternative living often fosters stronger connection and resource sharing, countering isolation in conventional neighborhoods.Legalization is local and nuanced: Tiny homes aren’t one-size-fits-all; zoning and permitting vary widely, so research and persistence are key.Test before you leap: Stay in a tiny home or visit a community before making the transition to see how the lifestyle truly feels.—Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.comConnect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewoman—The guest on this episode, Laura Lynch, is a Certified Financial Planner™ and founder of The Tiny House Advisor. Laura helps individuals and families navigate the financial and logistical realities of downsizing, alternative housing, and creating lives that feel expansive—no matter the square footage. She also hosts the Less House, More Moolah podcast, where she features stories and strategies for financial freedom through intentional living.Learn more at: https://www.thetinyhouseadviser.com/Connect on Instagram: @lesshousemoremoolapodcast