Join us for a conversation with Dutch writer, illustrator, and artist, Marloes de Vries. We discuss her book 'Kinderen krijg is optioneel' (Having Children is Optional) and Marloes' decision to be childfree. You'll hear about: The pressures Marloes' felt from society and how she took time to reflect and be alone to solidify her decision. The importance of being true to yourself and finding contentment in your own company. The process of writing and illustrating her book and the need...

In this conversation, we hear from Jane van Dis, M.D., an OB-GYN who specializes in women's/maternal health and its intersection with reproductive justice — both in terms of Jane's personal experience of motherhood and how her professional insights and expertise can help inform your own choice.  You'll hear about: The idea of informed consent in understanding the potential effects of pregnancy and childbirth on a woman's body and overall well-being. The impact of environmental toxins,...

In this episode, Keltie reflects on the insights and takeaways from the first season of The Kids or Childfree podcast.  -- Get the details on our two group coaching programs that start the week of April 20th: kidsorchildfree.com/group-coaching 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. ...

Author Kate Kaufmann shares her journey of choosing to be childfree after trying to have children alongside much valuable wisdom gleaned over her 70-plus years of life without kids. You'll hear about: The challenges and grief associated with this decision and how her identity shifted over time. The importance of intergenerational relationships and the value of having childless elders in her life. Practical aspects of aging without children, such as making end-of-life arrangements and...

Join Keltie and her mom, Jan Maguire, for a heartfelt mother-daughter conversation about Jan's choice to become a mom, Keltie's decision not to, and Jan's reflections and wisdom about the Kids or Childfree decision. You'll hear about: The experiences and decisions that shaped Jan's path to becoming a mom. Jan's biggest challenges in motherhood — and her greatest joys. Motherhood as a creative experience, and the beauty in watching and nurturing your children to become the unique...

In this episode, Keltie and sex educator, Erica Smith, discuss how conservative religious values influence and enforce broader societal ideas about gender, sexuality, and the importance of having children. We also talk about Erica's choice to be childfree and the joyful life she has built without kids.  You'll hear about: The concept of purity culture and its influence on gender and sexuality. Erica's decision to be childfree, plus guidance for those considering parenthood.  Why...

Listen in as expat and small business owner, Eleanor Mayrhofer shares her experience of becoming a first- and only-time mom at age 44 and the emotional journey of ambivalence, decision-making, and fertility treatments that preceded motherhood. You'll hear her and Keltie discuss: The importance of understanding the practicalities and challenges of pursuing parenthood. Why fertility treatments are a roller coaster of hope and disappointment, and the importance of considering its...

This conversation with Ruby Warrington not only delves into the author's latest book, Women Without Kids, but Ruby's own decision not to have children. Listen in as she and Keltie discuss: The immense societal pressure surrounding motherhood.  The normalization of questioning the desire to have children. An exploration of Ruby's personal journey and the impact of family dynamics on her childfree decision. Why women without kids should be seen as torchbearers of an alternative...

In this conversation, Megan Sales shares her experience navigating single motherhood and the considerations she wishes she made before having a child. She discusses the romanticized notions of motherhood and the importance of intentional parenting.  You'll hear about: The struggles Megan encountered in her marriage and the decision to move in with her parents for support The need to consider various aspects of life, such as relationship dynamics, division of labor, and career...

Join Keltie and Maria Coffey, author of the memoir 'Instead,' as they discuss Maria's decision to live a childfree life and Maria's unique story of adventure, love, and self-discovery.   You'll hear about: The possibilities and fulfillment that can be found in a life without children The impact Maria's decision has had on her relationships and sense of self Some of the challenges Maria faced in navigating societal expectations and family pressures How despite its struggles, a...

In this conversation, Keltie Maguire and Renae Sager discuss Renae's journey to becoming a mom, and how she went from being a hard no to eventually deciding to have a child. She talks about the challenges and mixed feelings she had during the first few months of motherhood, and how her experience has evolved during the first year of her son’s life.  You’ll hear about how: Confidence is not about being unwaveringly self-assured all the time, but rather,  embracing both self-doubt and...

In part 2 of this solo episode with host, Keltie Maguire, Keltie shares the conclusion of her childfree story and how she came to her choice to remain childfree. You’ll hear about: The role of health issues and mental health in her decision The importance of self-compassion and how she learned to embrace her feelings, without judgement  The significance of asking the right questions and the ongoing journey of decision-making How her decision-making process evolved over...

In this solo episode of The Kids or Childfree Podcast, host Keltie Maguire shares part 1 of her childfree story.  You’ll hear about: Keltie's background, including her upbringing and family dynamics The impact of a life-altering event, and how it shaped her perspectives on family and children Some of the factors that precipitated her move to Germany  As mentioned in the show: Get our free Kids or Childfree Book Guide:  www.kidsorchildfree.com/bookguide And don’t forget...

In this conversation, Janel Forsythe shares her experience of being on the fence about kids — and finding joy and fulfillment despite her ambivalence and indecision.  You’ll hear about: How Janel’s expectations for her life differ from her current reality What it’s like being an only child when you’re not sure if you’ll ever have kids The complexity of the decision to have children and the societal pressures and judgments that come with it The relationship between being single...

Fertility Rules author, Leslie Schrock, joins Keltie for a discussion on reproductive health, fertility, and her personal experience of becoming a mom. Their conversation touches on: Common misconceptions and fertility myths The importance of understanding the impact of age on fertility, as well as the importance of fertility testing and preservation Egg freezing and embryo freezing and what you need to know about them Why both partners should be tested and involved in the...

Keltie and this episode’s guest, Jennifer Hofmann, discuss Jennifer's decision to be childfree, the factors that influenced her choice, and the freedoms it has afforded her. You’ll hear about: The complexity of decision-making and the emotions that can arise, such as regret and grief Jennifer’s experiences with societal pressure and family expectations, as well as her strategies for navigating questions about having kids Dealing with the guilt of disappointing others The...

In this conversation, Keltie and her guest, Desiree Nielsen, discuss the challenges and joys of motherhood, as well as the importance of maintaining personal identity outside of being a parent. Desiree shares: Her experience of balancing her career ambitions with raising children and the fear of losing herself in motherhood The early struggles of parenthood, the impact on mental health, and the decision to have another child Desiree’s unique experience of hypnobirthing and how it...

Are you on the fence about whether to have kids or stay childfree? This is your podcast. Tune in to hear what's in store when you subscribe.