The Kids or Childfree Podcast

In this conversation, Keltie sits down with transracial adoptee, author, and advocate, Melissa Guida-Richards, for a conversation about adoption, and the considerations prospective adoptive parents need to make.  They discuss: Melissa's personal experience as an adoptee, and why it's critical that we listen to and learn from adoptees. The key question prospective adoptive parents need to ask themselves before they adopt. The myth that adopting an infant offers that child — and its adoptive parents — a "fresh start." Why adoption agencies who encourage people to adopt outside of their adoption preferences, can be problematic. The different kinds of adoption, and the respective practical and ethical considerations that must be made. As mentioned in the show: Find Melissa on Instagram at @adoptee_thoughts Her website is www.adopteethoughts.com Purchase Melissa's book and it's accompanying workbook, What White Parents Should Know About Transracial Adoption: adopteethoughts.com/books For adoption resources, check out adoptionsupport.org (C.A.S.E) and adopteementorship.org. About Melissa: Melissa Guida-Richards is a transracial adoptee, author, and advocate whose work explores child welfare, adoption influencers ethics and reform. She is the author of What White Parents Should Know About Transracial Adoption and she's had her writing and interviews featured on national platforms including NBC, Good Day LA and Tamron Hall. She is currently working on her next book with her agent, Kat Kerr, from Donald Maass Literary Agency. You can find her @adoptee_thoughts or AdopteeThoughts.com. __ Check out our brand-new Kids or Childfree On Demand collection.  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 is joined by past guest, Anne Wennhold — a 91-year-old who is childfree by choice — for a special "Ask Anne" Q&A. Keltie and Anne discuss... Why the 70s and 80s were the best years of Anne's life. Why Anne often finds it difficult relating to other people her age. How we can handle the difficulties and challenges that inevitably will arise in our lives. Anne's secret to maintaining friendships with parents. How Anne has navigated seeing her friends and loved ones die. Perspectives on who to leave your possessions and money to when you die as a childfree person. As mentioned in the show: Listen to Anne's first appearance on the podcast in Episode 62.  Here's the Conscious Eldering blog post that Anne wrote which we discussed. 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." __ Check out our brand-new Kids or Childfree On Demand collection.  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 is joined by friend, Lisa Patterson, who shares how her and her partner are navigating parenting roles in a way that goes against traditional norms. Hear Keltie and Lisa discuss... How Lisa made the decision to become a parent, despite it not having been a part of her life's "success criteria" How she and her partner have communicated about and negotiated their respective parenting roles The way others have responded to Lisa and Andy's role reversal of "primary" and "secondary" parent The perks of raising a child outside of the U.S. The tension between and trouble fitting the all-or-nothing categories of "mom" vs. "career woman". As mentioned in the show Find Lisa on Instagram at instagram.com/captlisann About Lisa Lisa Patterson is an outdoor enthusiast, tech nerd, vinophile and working mom. __ Join an upcoming Kids or Childfree workshop here: kidsorchildfree.com/workshop Check out our free resources here, or at kidsorchildfree.com/free-resources And don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Kids or Childfree Podcast if you love what you're hearing! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, or a rating on Spotify. Find us online at www.kidsorchildfree.com. Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidsorchildfree TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kidsorchildfree

In this solo episode, Keltie shares recent musings, insights, and reflections about her choice to stay childfree. She's sharing... How her and Chris's aging parents' needs are intersecting with their decision not to have kids. The changing seasons of friendships, and how things ebb and flow with and without kids in the picture. How she personally feels about legacy and the concept of "ancestral flow". What she's enjoying and appreciating most about her childfree life lately.   As mentioned in the show: Listen to the Death, Sex, and Money: To Have Kids or Not Have Kids podcast episode. __ Join our upcoming Kids or Childfree Support Series session or Confidently Childfree Support Series session.  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 latest podcast episode, Keltie Maguire speaks with Helen Taylor — feminist, retired university professor, and writer — about her choice to live a childfree life and her new memoir, Childless by Choice: The Meaning and Legacy of a Childfree Life.  Keltie and Helen discuss: Helen's personal journey of childfree living, including the influences that shaped her decision.  The challenges of choosing the childfree path — and the freedoms it has afforded her. Helen's abortion experience in early adulthood, and whether she ever thinks about the child she could have had.  How life without children can lead to deeper adult relationships and friendships. The societal stigmas surrounding childlessness, and the difficulties and blessings of being childfree at age 77 The role that regret, meaning, and legacy play for Helen, as a woman without children. As mentioned in the show Find Helen online at www.helen-taylor.co.uk She's on Bluesky at bsky.app/profile/helentaylor67.bsky.social Find Helen at the following upcoming events: helen-taylor.co.uk/events About Helen Helen Taylor has published books on women's writing, American southern culture, and women fiction readers. Her latest much-acclaimed work is Why Women Read Fiction: The Stories of Our Lives. Her best-known works focus on popular writing and culture: Scarlett's Women: Gone With the Wind and its Female Fans, The Daphne du Maurier Companion, and Circling Dixie: Contemporary Southern Culture through a Transatlantic Lens. Her new book is Childless by Choice: The Meaning and Legacy of a Child-free Life.  She taught English and American literature at three universities – West of England, Warwick and Exeter, where she was Head of English and is now Emeritus Professor. She has published widely on the literature and culture of the American South, as well as British and American women's writing. For many years, she has been a Chair, Curator and participant in many literary festivals, including Bath, Cheltenham, Oxford, Fowey, Budleigh Salterton and Clifton, and she was the first Director of the Liverpool Literature Festival. She is currently writing a book on Daphne du Maurier for the series 'Writers and Their Works'. She lives in Bristol. __ Join an upcoming Kids or Childfree workshop here: kidsorchildfree.com/workshop Check out our free resources here, or at kidsorchildfree.com/free-resources And don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Kids or Childfree Podcast if you love what you're hearing! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, or a rating on Spotify. Find us online at www.kidsorchildfree.com. Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidsorchildfree TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kidsorchildfree

We're back for another episode of our Dear Former Fence-Sitter series with mom, therapist, and former fence-sitter, Amanda E. White, where we're answering questions that include... I feel like having a child will mean a more fulfilled life, but I can't seem to focus on anything but the downsides of parenthood. What should I do?  If I don't like other people's kids, is it still possible I'd enjoy having my own? How do I know if the pull I feel to have a child comes from within — or is just external pressure? 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 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 __ Join an upcoming Kids or Childfree workshop here: kidsorchildfree.com/workshop Check out our free resources here, or at kidsorchildfree.com/free-resources And don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Kids or Childfree Podcast if you love what you're hearing! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, or a rating on Spotify. Find us online at www.kidsorchildfree.com. Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidsorchildfree TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kidsorchildfree

In this conversation, we hear from writer and researcher, Laura Carroll, about how societal and cultural narratives — including pronatalist beliefs — influence and shape our Kids or Childfree desires and the choices we ultimately make. Keltie and Laura... Delve into the complexities of choosing a childfree life, and the idea of "shifting sureness". Discuss Laura's extensive research on childfree individuals and her works, "25 over 10" and "The Baby Matrix". Explore the importance of questioning societal norms and the impact of personal experiences on life decisions. Unpack some of the deep-rooted beliefs that influence individuals' decisions to have children. Explore the notion that childfree individuals are responsible for societal issues resulting from population decline.   As mentioned in the show Find Laura online at https://lauracarroll.com Read Laura's books: The Baby Matrix: lauracarroll.com/book-review/the-baby-matrix/ 25 Over 10: A Childfree Longitudinal Study: lauracarroll.com/book-review/25-over-10/ Families of Two: lauracarroll.com/book-review/ebook-families-of-two-interviews-with-happily-married-couples-without-children-by-choice/ Find Laura on social media: Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lauracarroll88.bsky.social LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrollcommunicationsconsulting/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauralcarroll88/ FB The Baby Matrix Page: https://www.facebook.com/TheBabyMatrix/ FB Families of Two: Childfree & Beyond Page: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeandBeyond/ X: https://x.com/LauraCarroll88 Check out Dr. Jay Zigmont's new business, Childfree Trust: childfreetrust.com You can also find him in Episode 24 of the podcast About Laura Laura Carroll is an internationally recognized expert on the childfree choice and pronatalism. She has studied the childfree choice and those who make it for over 25 years, and pronatalism for 15 years. Laura has authored six books and contributed to textbooks. Since 2000, she has been featured on network television, been a guest on many podcasts and radio talk shows, as well as US and Canadian public radio. She and her work have appeared in many print and digital media publications, including Fortune, The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, The Globe and Mail, New York Magazine, Women's Health South Africa and UK. __ Join us for an upcoming Kids or Childfree workshop: 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

In this conversation, Keltie Maguire and therapist Lia Avellino explore the intricate relationship between motherhood, identity, and grief.  You'll hear them discuss: The evolving nature of desire, the cultural narratives surrounding parenthood, and the importance of self-discovery in navigating these experiences.  The coexistence of joy and grief in motherhood, and the need to honor both old and new identities. The emotional weight of grief in decision-making, and how to navigate pre-emptive grief as you make your Kids or Childfree choice. How the body can provide insights into your Kids or Childfree choice. Why good enough, rather than "all in", can be enough. How envisioning different life paths can help clarify our desires. As mentioned in the showFind Lia online at www.lialoveavellino.com. Lia's Instagram is instagram.com/lialoveavellino Tune into Lia's podcast, Unprocessed: https://open.spotify.com/show/66NB1tuqwTWJo72ZDW8MaO About Lia Lia is a licensed feminist clinical social worker who specializes in caring for individuals looking to break out of molds that don't serve them, particularly women and mothers. In her roles as CEO of group support organization, Spoke Circles, Advisor to Head & Heart at THE WELL, and relationship and motherhood columnist for mindbodygreen, Lia supports people in connecting to the wisdom inside themselves, their histories and their communities, in order to find their way. She graduated with distinction from Columbia University and has received awards for innovative research and excellence in the provision of therapeutic care to underserved populations, while managing a national component of President Obama's initiative to reduce teen pregnancy across the nation. Her writing and commentary has been featured in GLAMOUR magazine, The American Journal of Sexuality Education, Best Life, ABC's The Tamron Hall Show, Cosmopolitan, Men's Health, CNBCs MakeIt, Motherly, Oprah Daily and more. Lia lives with her husband and 3 children in Brooklyn, NY. __ Get details on how we can work together 1-on-1 here: 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, writer and creative, Carrie Hauskens, shares her deeply personal journey of infertility, loss, and the decision she made — after 8 years of trying to have children — to embrace a childfree life.  Keltie and her discuss: Carrie's unwavering desire to become a mom — and the beliefs she held about life with kids. The heartbreaking loss and stillbirth of Carrie's daughter, Clementine. The moment Carrie knew she could no longer continue on the path to parenthood, and how she has navigated becoming childfree after infertility.  How Carrie finds joy in everyday moments, and the importance of creating new traditions as a childfree person. The complexity of navigating identity and labels after loss.   How Carrie's relationship with her husband deepened through shared grief, even though the way they experience their grief differs. The significance of supportive relationships through her journey— and why there were certain friendships she needed to let go of.  About Carrie Carrie Hauskens is a freelance writer based in Northern California. Her expertise is writing about infertility and the many tangents that radiate from that experience. Her trademark is vulnerable and authentic writing. After eight years of trying to conceive, multiple miscarriages, working with surrogates, and delivering her stillborn daughter, Carrie embodies all things grief and infertility based. As mentioned in the show Find Carrie on Instagram at @bloomingwithcare Online at www.bloomingwithcare.com __ Join the next round of our Confidently Childfree Coaching Intensive: kidsorchildfree.com/confidently-childfree-group-intensive Get details on an 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. Subscribe to our YouTube channel: youtube.com/@KidsorChildfree Find us online at www.kidsorchildfree.com. Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidsorchildfree

In this episode of the podcast, Keltie speaks with Katie Palazzo, a stay-at-home mom to two (soon-to-be three) kids, about her journey from adventure-seeker to stay-at-home mom.  They discuss: Why Katie and her husband chose for Katie to stay at home with their kids.  The aspects of the "trad wife" movement that rile Katie up the most Why being a stay-at-home isn't for everyone  How she manages despite the intensity of this current season of life The different roles she and her husband take on within the home, and why his respect for the important job she does, has been key to making things work _ Join the next round of our Confidently Childfree Coaching Intensive: kidsorchildfree.com/confidently-childfree-group-intensive Get details on an 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. Subscribe to our YouTube channel: youtube.com/@KidsorChildfree Find us online at www.kidsorchildfree.com. Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidsorchildfree

In this conversation, The Auntie Bulletin creator, Lisa Sibbett, discusses her journey to becoming an auntie and the profound role that aunties play in the lives of children and families. Keltie and Lisa discuss: Lisa's decision to remain childfree and how her experiences have shaped her understanding of community, caregiving, and the importance of alloparents. The healing power of auntiehood, the important role aunties play in families, and the need for supportive networks in modern society.  How those willing to step into an auntie role can offer their support — and the vulnerability that's often required to do so. How co-housing can provide a sense of belonging and connection — and why it's worth disrupting plans for.  How by fostering greater community in neighbourhoods, you can replicate many of the benefits of co-housing. About Lisa Lisa Sibbett writes The Auntie Bulletin, a weekly newsletter about kinship, chosen family, and community care. A longtime Auntie herself, Lisa often focuses on the experiences of people without children who are nevertheless cultivating "childful" lives. She draws on over 20 years' experience as a teacher, teacher educator, and educational researcher to offer accessible, entertaining advice for building communities where all children -- not just our own -- can thrive. As mentioned in the show Subscribe to The Auntie Bulletin at theauntie.substack.com. _ Get details on an 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. Subscribe to our YouTube channel: youtube.com/@KidsorChildfree 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 5 of The Kids or Childfree Podcast, as well as episodes from Season 5 that address these topics. You'll hear her discuss: Why this choice is going to put your relationship under a microscope. How the Kids or Childfree decision forces you to confront reality, and the undeniable truth of your situation. How this choice can be a vehicle for growth and transformation. The power of the question, "What version of motherhood/CF living would make me a hell yes?" The importance of articulating what is a fulfilling life means to YOU. __ Get your tickets or an All-Access Pass for our Kids or Childfree Support Series here.  Check out our free resources here, or at kidsorchildfree.com/free-resources And don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Kids or Childfree Podcast if you love what you're hearing! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, or a rating on Spotify. Find us online at www.kidsorchildfree.com. Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidsorchildfree

In this conversation, writer and author of The Mother Code, Ruthie Ackerman, shares her personal journey from being childfree to becoming a mother, exploring the complexities of motherhood, societal expectations, and the emotional struggles that accompany the decision to have children. You'll hear Ruthie and Keltie discuss: How Ruthie decided to pursue motherhood in spite of her ambivalence, and being only 55% confident in her choice to have kids. How being from a long lineage of women who left their children, meant Ruthie was scared she would do the same.  Why a difference of opinion about kids meant the end of her marriage, and how Ruthie navigated dating while pursuing motherhood. Ruthie's experiences with egg freezing, IVF, and egg donation. How Ruthie's book, The Mother Code, seeks to dismantle traditional notions of motherhood, while highlighting the ambivalence many women feel about motherhood. Why those who become mothers need to identify and create their own version of motherhood, rather than the versions that have been given to them.  As mentioned in the show: Find Ruthie online at www.ruthieackerman.com You can find her book, The Mother Code, all places that books are sold: ruthieackerman.com/the-mother-code And on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ruackerman/ About Ruthie: Ruthie began her writing career with a promise: to shine a light on the people, places, and ideas that are too often ignored. After a stint at the New York Times and a few years reporting on the economy for Forbes, she was awarded journalism fellowships to war-torn Liberia and Lebanon to showcase young people in both countries who were rebuilding their lives out of the ashes of destruction—and finding the resilience to push forward.  In the decade since, she has profiled game-changing entrepreneurs and social activists and written extensively about the professional and financial advancement of women. Ruthie wrote a piece for the New York Times Modern Love column about her own failed egg freezing. "Don't Put All Your (Frozen) Eggs in One Basket," which became the launching point for her memoir, The Mother Code: My Story of Love, Loss, And The Myths That Shape Us (May 2025, Penguin Random House), and shifted her focus from traditional reporting to personal stories.   She started Ignite Writers Collective in 2019 as a way to work with other writers at all stages of their careers, sharing her insights from years as an editor and writer. Her clients have gotten book deals, published essays, and found the bravery to share their stories with the world.  Ruthie's writing has been published in Vogue, Glamour, O Magazine, The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Salon, Slate, Newsweek, and more. Most recently, she was the Deputy Editor at ForbesWomen. She has a Master's in Journalism from NYU and lives in Brooklyn with her husband and their daughter. Ruthie's forthcoming memoir, The Mother Code, will be released in 2025 by Random House.  __ Get details on an upcoming Kids or Childfree Workshop: 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

In this solo episode of the Kids or Childfree Podcast, Keltie shares four key beliefs that she had to shift in order to embrace her childfree choice. You'll hear her discuss: The myth of the lightbulb moment. Why she needed to debunk the idea of there being a right and wrong choice. Why it was key to remember that there is more than one path to a happy life. Why she had to see life as something she chose - rather than it being something that happened to her. __ 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 is speaking with mom, essayist, and author, Elissa Strauss, about her book 'When You Care: The Unexpected Magic of Caring for Others'. Hear her and Keltie discuss: Elissa's personal experience with motherhood, including the parts she was most afraid of. The complexities of caregiving, particularly in the context of motherhood.  How to navigate the challenge of maintaining self-identity while parenting. How social media is shaping perceptions of motherhood — and the messiness of real-world care. Why we need a broader understanding of care that transcends traditional roles and highlights the transformative potential of caregiving experiences. The magic of caring for others — and how we can experience this, no matter what we ultimately choose. As mentioned in the show: Elissa is online at www.elissastrauss.com Pick up a copy of When You Care: simonandschuster.com/books/When-You-Care/Elissa-Strauss/9781982169275 Read Elissa's Substack at elissa.substack.com/ The piece Elissa's husband wrote about the impact of not breastfeeding their kids is here:  https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/23/opinion/sunday/formula-breastfeeding-fatherhood.html Tune into the How the Wise One Grows episode featuring Elissa: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5IHtrBPfmBMO55I7Mz9sKm Tune into the How the Wise One Grows episode featuring Keltie: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1Iw67drKUnzd1q1WjuzhUW?si=wCPBHC4vRa2Uwc-CGLO9dQ Find Elissa on social media: @elissaavery on IG facebook.com/elissa.strauss.7 linkedin.com/in/elissa-strauss-742720112/ About Elissa:  Elissa Strauss is the author of When You Care: The Unexpected Magic of Caring for Others. She is a journalist, essayist, and opinion writer, and contributes to publications like the New York Times, The Atlantic, Glamour, and elsewhere. __ Get details on our upcoming Kids or Childfree Support Series here: 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

In this conversation, fertility expert, Dr. Amanda Adeleye, MD, is sharing the fertility knowledge you need to feel empowered in your Kids or Childfree decision. This includes... Common fertility myths and misconceptions  The role of age in fertility, including when your fertility starts to decline  How likely it really is to become pregnant in your mid-30's, at 40, and beyond Fertility preservation options — including egg and embryo freezing – and who they're suited for Why understanding personal goals is crucial in making informed family planning decisions As mentioned on the show: Find Amanda online at ccrmivf.com/locations/us/il/chicago/amanda-adeleye-md/ She's on Instagram at instagram.com/amanda.j.adeleye_md Get details on free health education platform, Roon, at roon.com Roon is also on Instagram at instagram.com/roonwomenshealth Find Amanda on Roon at roon.com/expert/DrAmandaAdeleye About Amanda: Dr. Amanda Adeleye, MD, is a reproductive endocrinologist and infertility (REI) specialist. She provides fertility services including IUI, IVF and fertility preservation at the newly opened fertility clinic, CCRM Chicago, where she is the founding partner and Medical Director. She received her Medical Degree from Columbia University, completed her residency at New York Presbyterian - Columbia University, and did her fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Adeleye is committed to improving the educational resources available to all patients to inform them on their fertility journey. As part of this work, she helped to create Roon, a free, trusted health platform founded by doctors to replace unreliable internet searches with expert medical guidance. _ Get details on our upcoming Kids or Childfree Support Series here: 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

In this conversation, Keltie Maguire speaks with shawdeez, Ph.D. (he/they), a queer and trans parent, about their journey to parenthood and the transformative experiences that awaited them on the other side of having a child.  shawndeez shares... The impact of societal gender norms, both on shawndeez's feelings about parenthood and in how these norms can influence anyone making this decision. (1:27) shawndeez's experience navigating the IVF process as a transmasculine person. (11:38) The importance of creating a gender-open environment for children that fosters freedom and exploration. (45:54) The spiritual awakening that can accompany parenthood, and insights into shawndeez's own spiritual journey through parenthood. (18:15) The significance of connecting with nature, and the pursuit of joy and bliss in parenting. (49:54) Self-worth and the need to challenge traditional narratives around family and identity. As mentioned in the show: Find shawndeez online at: shawndeez.com Find shawndeez on Instagram: instagram.com/drshawndeez/ About shawndeez: shawndeez, Ph.D. (he/they) received their doctorate in UCLA's Department of Gender Studies. While at UCLA, they created and led courses on Trans Magic, Queer & Trans Muslim Feminisms, and QTPoC Resistances while simultaneously serving on the Trans Wellness Team, a collective of medical doctors and mental health providers working to provide gender-affirming healthcare to trans students across the UC system. shawndeez's dissertation research explored how queer, trans, and nonbinary individuals engage with the spiritual as a form of resilience, healing, and possibility. They are now a full time public speaker, spiritual guide, and workshop facilitator, offering spiritually-conscious spaces for queer/trans people to lean into their joys. (I can tweak if needed, let me know). _ Get details on 1-on-1 coaching here: 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 episode, Keltie speaks with yogi, movement coach, model, and retreat facilitator, Charlotte Holmes, about her journey as a childfree individual and the role self-discovery plays in the Kids or Childfree choice.  You'll hear about: Charlotte's early decision to remain childfree, and why she's never wavered, despite being confronted with challenging aspects of her choice. Why she decided to to donate her eggs and how she thinks and feels about this choice. The power in cultivating the most important relationship you'll ever have in life – the relationship with yourself. The significance of finding meaning beyond traditional roles.  Why motherhood can take many forms beyond traditional parenting. Why finding meaning in life doesn't require having children.   As mentioned in the show: Find Charlotte online at www.insightout.yoga On Instagram at: instagram.com/misscharholmes instagram.com/insightout.yoga Join one of Charlotte's upcoming yoga retreats: www.insightout.yoga/retreat About Charlotte: Here's how Charlotte describes herself: "I have spent 15 years in the wellness space as a movement coach, personal trainer, retreat facilitator, yoga and meditation teacher, fitness model and brand ambassador. My career started as a PT & group fitness instructor and my love of movement and mindfulness led me to Rishikesh, India to study yoga further. I have spent the last 10 years traveling back and forth to India for various trainings and immersions. Now, with over 2000 hours of yoga teacher training experience, I fuse together the rich and diverse practices of the deep Himalayas to bring you movement, mantra, meditation and more. The last few years have seen big life shifts after heartbreak and betrayal when my husband and best friend had an affair. I am now divorced and engaged to the love of my life, living half of the year in India; teaching at a prestigious yoga school in the foothills of the Himalayas and the other half touring Europe with my love sharing yoga, meditation, music and kirtan at retreats, festivals and immersions. Aside that we run an online yoga membership called Insight Out Yoga which provides a sacred sanctuary for all of your spiritual practices including yoga asana, meditation, mantra and breath work. This year i will embark on my 3rd round of egg donation - which as an IVF baby myself has been a beautiful, humbling and necessary journey for me to undertake. My ex husband and I knew on date 1 that neither of us wanted children - but this relationship has meant navigating through the decision not to have children in a new way." __ Join an upcoming Kids or Childfree workshop here: kidsorchildfree.com/workshop Check out our free resources here, or at kidsorchildfree.com/free-resources And don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Kids or Childfree Podcast if you love what you're hearing! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, or a rating on Spotify. Find us online at www.kidsorchildfree.com. Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidsorchildfree

In the conversation, Keltie is joined by writer and author, Heidi Reimer, to discuss the complexities and ambivalence of motherhood, and Heidi's unique journey to becoming a mom. You'll hear them discuss: Heidi's novel, The Mother Act, and how it allowed her to explore her darkest fantasies about abandoning motherhood (2:30) How Heidi's conservative Christian upbringing influenced her views on womanhood and motherhood (11:20) How Heidi went from never wanting kids to adopting a child and becoming pregnant at the same time (22:15) Why motherhood - and especially early motherhood - felt like a trap, and how she feels today, now that her children are nearly grown (41:50) The importance of discussing and sharing honestly about motherhood - rather than romanticizing it (57:40) As mentioned in the show: Heidi is online at www.heidireimer.com Read Heidi's book, The Mother Act Find Heidi on Instagram at instagram.com/heidi.c.reimer Her substack is heidireimer.substack.com About Heidi: Heidi Reimer is an essayist, novelist, writing coach, and the author of The Mother Act. Her writing interrogates the lives of women, usually those bent on breaking free of what they're given to create what they yearn for. Heidi has published in Chatelaine, The New Quarterly, Literary Mama, and the anthologies The M Word: Conversations About Motherhood and Body & Soul: Stories for Skeptics and Seekers. She is from Northern Ontario, Canada, and currently writes in a small town on the St. Lawrence River. __ Book your Clarity Booster here: kidsorchildfree.com/claritybooster Check out our free resources here, or at kidsorchildfree.com/free-resources And don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Kids or Childfree Podcast if you love what you're hearing! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, or a rating on Spotify. Find us online at www.kidsorchildfree.com. Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidsorchildfree

This week's episode is with podcaster, coach, and author, Lucy Meggeson, on how to thrive as a single woman without kids.  You'll hear Keltie and Lucy discuss... Lucy's journey to embracing her identity as a single, childfree woman. (12:49) Societal perceptions of being single and childless, and why these are so often wrong. (19:21) The need for intentional living and finding fulfillment beyond traditional roles. (37:07) The joys of being single and childfree and the importance of celebrating this life path. (48:19) The importance of mindset in personal growth and the journey to embracing a single and childfree life. (1:03:31) As mentioned in the show: Lucy's website: www.lucymeggeson.com Find Lucy on Instagram at @thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Listen to Thrive Solo with Lucy Meggeson on Spotify and Apple Podcasts Purchase Lucy's new book, Thrive Solo / Shiny Happy Singles, here: lucymeggeson.com/book About Lucy: Lucy Meggeson worked in production at BBC Radio 2 for several years before becoming the host and producer of her own podcast, Thrive Solo (formerly Spinsterhood Reimagined) — a podcast that celebrates all things single, childfree, and personal growth. She's a regular on Jo Good's BBC Radio London show and has been a guest on various other radio and podcasts, including Jeremy Vine's BBC Radio 2 show, Peter McGraw's 'Solo: The Single Person's Guide to a Remarkable Life', and Shani Silver's 'A Single Serving Podcast'. Lucy has had many, many amazing guests on her podcast including Cindy Gallop, Jody Day, Bella DePaulo, Shani Silver, Heidi Clements, Matt Cooke, Nicola Slawson, Jo Good, Peter McGraw, Jill Stark, Polly Vernon, Kate Lister and Ruby Warrington. Lucy also runs her own membership for single women, Thrive Solo. Usually based in her flat in south-west London, she is currently living in Dorset, with her beloved cat, Johnny Depp. __ Join our an upcoming Kids or Childfree workshop: 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