This week on the podcast, Keltie speaks with composer, Reena Esmail, about her unique journey to getting clear on her choice to pursue a creative life without kids. You'll hear about: How Reena knew that the choice to remain childfree was the right one for her. The dynamic between her and her husband — from his involvement in their childfree decision, to the creative life they share. The autonomy, freedom, and creativity that a childfree life has afforded Reena. The pressures...

In this conversation, Becca Tucker shares her unique journey as a baker, author, abortion rights advocate, and mom — including how her past abortion is intertwined with her decision to have a child.  You'll hear her and Keltie discuss: The stigma that exists around abortion, and the work Becca is doing to break this stigma Becca's experience of having an abortion at age 20 — including the secrecy she held around it for so long — and why she finally started talking openly about it ...

In this conversation, Rose Diell discusses her debut novel 'Fledging', which explores the complexities of the decision to have children — plus, we hear Rose's personal experience of being on the fence about kids. You'll hear Rose and Keltie discuss: The societal pressures and personal reflections that shape the Kids or Childfree decision. The emotional landscape of regret, acceptance, and the influence of relationships on personal choices. Rose's book 'Fledging', including the...

In this week's episode, guest Angela Accomando shares the ups and downs of her motherhood journey — a path that has been rooted in resilience, strength, and love.  You'll hear about: The relationship that as Angela shares, "never should have happened" — with a man 23 years her senior, when Angela was just 16 years old. How Angela's early childhood left her longing for the connection she saw that parenthood could offer her. Her experience as a young mother to 3 children, and the...

In this conversation, Rachel Honeyman shares her personal Kids or Childfree journey, including how she changed her mind about not wanting kids, the fertility journey that ensued when she decided to pursue motherhood — and what life looks like today as a childless-not-by-choice woman.  You'll hear Keltie and Rachel discuss: Why Rachel originally decided not to have kids — and what made her change her mind. Her experiences with fertility challenges and IVF — including the emotional...

In this solo episode of The Kids or Childfree Podcast, host Keltie Maguire explores the concept of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) as it relates to the decision of having kids or remaining childfree. You'll hear her discuss: How FOMO can show up on both sides of The Kids or Childfree decision. The peace available when you focus on what you have, rather than what you lack. Personal insights and practical advice on navigating relationships when FOMO shows up — and the importance of...

In this conversation, Keltie speaks with Liz Leedham-Pepin, who shares her powerful journey to motherhood through adoption. You'll hear Liz and Keltie discuss: Liz's lifelong dreams of motherhood, and the emotional rollercoaster of trying to conceive Why Liz decided that motherhood probably wasn't for her after all, and why she and her wife decided to adopt after a life-changing epiphany Insights from Liz's experience navigating the adoption process, the importance of...

In this conversation, Keltie Maguire and Kate Brightwell explore the complexities of choosing a childfree life, including what it means to be a childfree woman in the workplace. You'll hear Keltie and Kate discuss: The pressures Kate faced to have children, despite having always known she didn't want any. How being childfree has impacted Kate's romantic partnerships and dating experiences. Kate's experience of feeling othered in the workplace due to her childfree status. The...

In this episode, Keltie chats with coach and The Single Greatest Choice podcast host, Katie Bryan, about her journey of choosing to have a child on her own. You'll hear them discuss: The complexities of deciding whether to wait for a partner or pursue solo parenthood. Katie's initial plans of being a stay-at-home mom and how her divorce at 28 changed everything. Katie's experiences of dating and settling in relationships, as well as the decision to freeze her eggs.  The...

In this episode, Keltie speaks with writer and author, Jackie Shannon Hollis, about what happens when you fall in love with a man who doesn't want children, joyfully commit to a life together...and then begin longing for a child, shortly after your wedding day.  You'll hear them discuss: The importance of being intentional in our choices and not being locked into societal expectations. The role of other people's opinions and how Jackie managed her feelings of longing for a child while...

In this episode, Keltie reflects on the insights and takeaways from the second season of The Kids or Childfree podcast.  -- Subscribe, rate, and review The Kids or Childfree Podcast if you love what you’re hearing! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, or a rating on Spotify. Find us online at www.kidsorchildfree.com. Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidsorchildfree TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kidsorchildfree

In this conversation, Keltie interviews Nicole Louie: writer, translator, and author of the brand-new book, Others Like Me: The Lives of Women Without Children. You'll hear them discuss: Nicole's experience of not wanting to become a mother from a young age and the challenges she faced in navigating societal expectations. The importance of turning up the volume on one's own voice and inner knowledge when making the decision to be childfree. The inspiration behind Others Like Me,...

In this conversation, Keltie interviews her colleague and mentor, Merle Bombardieri — author of The Baby Decision, clinical social worker, and parent decision coach — about the decision to have or not have children. You'll hear them discuss: How couples can navigate disagreements on this topic and find a solution that works for both partners. Why there's no obligation to do anything special as a childfree person, and also, many childfree individuals end up doing extraordinary...

In this conversation, Keltie speaks with author, actress, and model, Alice Grecyzn, about Alice's decision to be childfree, and the ups and downs she has faced along the way to making this choice. You'll hear them discuss: Alice's experience of an ultra-religious upbringing, losing her faith — and how both have influenced her childfree path The parallels between fundamentalist religion and the pressures that we all face in our lives The role that questioning the ethics of...

In this conversation, Keltie Maguire interviews Dr. Natasha Ghosh, a therapist and coach, about her journey into motherhood and the decision to have children. You'll hear them discuss: The mixed emotions and uncertainties that come with becoming a mother, as well as the external pressures and societal expectations surrounding parenthood.  The importance of listening to your own voice and making choices based on personal desires and values — plus how to tap into this inner voice. ...

In this episode, The Childless Collective online community host, Katy Seppi, shares her journey of infertility and becoming childfree not by choice.  You'll hear her and Keltie discuss:  Katy's personal experience with infertility, IVF, and endometriosis — and the challenges of accessing proper medical care. How and when Katy decided to stop fertility treatments and pursue a hysterectomy.  How the lack of support and understanding from the healthcare system can exacerbate the...

Travel journalists and long-time couple, Scott and Collette Stohler, share their journey of deciding to have a child and how it's impacted their adventurous lifestyle.  You'll hear them and Keltie discuss: Why having a child doesn't have to mean giving up travel, adventure, and freedom Challenges of the postpartum period and the transformation it brought to their identities Their experiences navigating the challenges and joys of parenting, travel, and their relationship as a...

In this episode, Dr. Jay Zigmont, a childfree wealth expert, shares his experiences as a childfree man, alongside the challenges and opportunities for childfree people when it comes to their financial and life planning.  Hear Dr. Jay and Keltie discuss: The lack of representation and understanding for childfree individuals and the judgment they often face. The importance of questioning societal expectations and making decisions based on personal desires and values. The need for...

Therapist, mother, and founder of the popular @therapyforwomen Instagram account, Amanda E. White, shares her personal experience of being on the fence about having kids — and how she arrived her her decision to become a mom.  Hear her and Keltie discuss: The complexity of the Kids or Childfree decision, and factors such as societal pressures, personal fears, relationship dynamics, and emotional readiness. Fear of regret, and how this plays into the choice to have kids or remain...

In this conversation, Shweta, a childfree woman of Southern Asian background, shares what she calls "the best decision I ever made" — namely, her choice to be childfree. You'll hear her and Keltie discuss: How Shweta's upbringing and the gender roles she observed in her extended family influenced her decision. The positive response she has received from her family and friends, although her choice goes against the cultural norms. Why self-awareness and setting boundaries are...

In this conversation, Keltie Maguire asks hospice nurse Julie McFadden the questions on your mind when it comes to your Kids or Childfree decision and all things death and dying.   You'll hear them discuss: Julie's personal journey as a nurse and her decision to specialize in hospice care How at age 41, Julie is able to have such an attitude of openness about still possibly having children...or not Julie's brand-new book, 'Nothing to Fear: Demystifying Death to Live More Fully,' and the...

In this episode, Keltie is joined by her husband, Chris, for a candid discussion about their decision to be childfree, and namely, how choosing childfree has been for Chris as a man. The two of them discuss: Chris's personal journey from ambivalence to confidently childfree The role of personal and relationship development in their decision-making process, and how they navigated their decision as a couple The challenges and potential resentment that can arise if one partner wants...

Julie Lythcott-Haims — New York Times bestselling author, TED speaker, former Stanford dean, and lawyer — is here to share her wisdom with us on living an authentic life, the impact of helicopter parenting (and how we can break free of this trap, should we choose to become parents), and her experiences as a mom of two adult children. Hear her and Keltie discuss: The importance of defining one's unique path in life — and how we can break free of the pressures that surround us. ...

In this conversation, we hear from Katherine Ripley, a licensed clinical social worker and somatic therapist, about how difficult childhood experiences can influence and shape the decision of whether or not to have children.  Keltie and Katherine discuss: The role of anxiety as a defense against emotion and how it can prevent us from connecting with our bodies and core emotions. The importance of curiosity, compassion, and listening to the different parts of ourselves when making...