The Kids or Childfree Podcast
The Kids or Childfree Podcast helps listeners navigate the big question of whether to have children. Each week, host Keltie Maguire, a Clarity Coach, interviews a diverse range of guests including authors, adventurers, and health experts about their personal decisions and related experiences. The show features perspectives from new and long-time moms, those who are ambivalent, and people who are childfree by choice. It tackles common uncertainties such as the realities of parenting, aging without children, regrets, readiness, and how to make the right decision for yourself.
Episodes
114. Paula Barnes on Raising Kids Abroad
In this conversation, Keltie speaks with travel creator, podcast host, and mom, Paula Barnes, about the intricacies of raising kids while living abroad. Hear them discuss: The importance of community, and the concept of found family among expats. What it was like for Paula first moving to a foreign country with young kids, and how she navigated the transition. The impact various cultural persp
113. Ali & Charlie Higgins of DINK Social on Connecting Childfree Couples
In this episode, Ali and Charlie Higgins, founders of DINK Social, share their journey as a childfree couple and the inspiration behind the app designed to connect DINK couples. You'll hear about: How Ali and Charlie came to their childfree decision as a couple. The comments and pushback they get about their choice, especially online — and how this differs based on their gender. Their perspect
112. Tess Pereira on Changing Her Mind About Motherhood
In this episode, Keltie speaks with mom-to-be Tess Pereira, about how she went from wanting to stay childfree — to deciding to have kids. You'll hear about: Why Tess never planned on having kids — and her biggest fears about motherhood. What the conversations looked and sounded like between her and her husband, who wanted to become a father. Why it was important to Tess that she doubled down
An Important FYI: We're taking a summer episode break!
We'll be back with new episodes on August 5th! MORE HELP FOR YOUR KIDS OR CHILDFREE DECISION: Start Here: sign up for an upcoming WORKSHOP 🔗 https://kidsorchildfree.com/workshop Join a GROUP PROGRAM 🔗 Kids or Childfree Group Program ▸ https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-program 🔗Confidently Childfree Group Intensive ▸ https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/confidently-childfree-group-in
111. Caroline of @elsewherewithcare on Becoming Confidently Childfree
In this episode, Keltie speaks with highschool counselor and content creator, Caroline, about her deeply personal journey deciding to remain childfree. You'll hear about: How Caroline went from dreaming of 3 kids, to thinking she'd have only one, to being fulfilled with none. What it's like to navigate infertility treatments when you're still on the fence. Navigating the societal pressures a
110. Caroline Lee on Birth, Death, Psychedelics, and the Kids or Childfree Choice
In this conversation, Keltie is joined by Caroline Lee, a death doula and somatic therapist who supports women and couples with the Kids or Childfree choice. You'll hear them discuss: Caroline's personal journey to motherhood, and the career pivot that took her from photographer, to death doula and therapist. How fear, grief, shame, and mortality influence decisions around parenthood. How t
109. Tina Martinez on Living a Simple Childfree Life
Keltie is joined by guest, Tina Martinez, for a conversation about Tina's journey to embracing her childfree choice — and why a simple and peaceful life without kids is more than enough. The two of them chat about: How Tina and her husband ultimately landed on the childfree decision, after trying to have kids. The often-overlooked perks of a romantic partnership without children. How Tina nav
108. Emmalee Bierly & Jennifer Chaiken of ShrinkChicks on Friendships Between Moms and Non-Moms
Keltie is joined by therapists and hosts of the ShrinkChicks Podcast, Emmalee Bierly and Jennifer Chaiken, to discuss friendships between moms and women without kids — including their own. Hear them explore: How Jennifer supported Emmalee through postpartum depression and fertility struggles — and why it was actually a good thing Jennifer isn't a mom as well. Your biggest friendship dilemmas wi
107. Dr. Margo Lowy on Maternal Ambivalence and the Emotional Complexity of Motherhood
Join Keltie as she speaks with pyschotherapist and researcher, Dr. Margo Lowy, about the concept of maternal ambivalence and the mixed emotions that accompany the experience of motherhood. They discuss: Why saying yes to motherhood means embracing the "both, and" What maternal ambivalence and being on the fence about kids have in common, and what we can learn from the former Why letting go and
106. Tyece Wilkins-Amadi on Cultivating Creativity in Motherhood
In our first guest conversation of Season 8, Tyece Wilkins-Amadi gives us a unique view into her inner landscape as a mom to toddler twins — plus how her experience intertwines with themes of identity, ambition, and creativity. Hear us discuss: How Tyece shifted from absolutely not wanting kids to becoming a mom to twins (1:16) The early days of caring for two newborns — and how she managed t
105. Keltie Maguire on Coaching Insights On Demand
We're kicking off a brand-new season of the podcast with some of the topic takeaways from our series of On Demand classes — plus, details on a big sale! We'll explore: How the stories you're telling yourself about this decision are holding you back How cultural and societal expectations around the Kids or Childfree choice shape our desires and decisions How to navigate this decision when y
104. Keltie Maguire on Key Coaching Takeaways During Season 7
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 7 of The Kids or Childfree Podcast, as well as episodes from Season 7 that address these topics. We'll explore: Why it's important to make sure you're trying to solve the right problem when making this choice. (4:50) That it's good to want to
103. Tonya Kelly on the Complexities of Being a Childfree Stepmom
In this episode, Keltie speaks with therapist, Tonya Kelly, about what happens when you're childfree by choice...but your partner is a parent. Hear them discuss: How societal norms and family expectations clouded Tonya's Kids or Childfree choice. Tonya's journey to making her childfree decision, after years of being on the fence. How she navigated tough conversations with her mom about her dec
102. Katie Snooks on Her View from the Fence
In this heartfelt conversation, content creator Katie Snooks shares her journey of navigating the the decision of whether or not to have kids, from the perspective of someone still on the fence. Hear her and Keltie discuss: Katie's decision to share her decision journey publicly, and why it's been equal parts helpful and harmful. The most difficult parts of being on the fence — and the fears k
101. Alfonso Costas on The Transition to Fatherhood
In this conversation, Keltie is joined by 32-year-old Alfonso Costas — a new dad from Spain, living in Munich with his German wife and their 14-month-old son. Hear Alfonso share: How he knew he wanted to be a dad — and the doubts he encountered along the way. Why he views fatherhood as an "invitation" — rather than a choice made due to pressure. The perspectives on parenthood that allow him to
100. We Celebrate 100 Episodes Hearing From You
We're celebrating our 100th episode of the podcast by turning the mic over to you, to hear your journeys, the insights that helped you most, and the episodes that left a lasting impression. (0:07) Celebrating 100 episodes of The Kids or Childfree Podcast; (7:18) Monica, 34, from Illinois, USA; (12:21) Jara, 36, from Spain; (16:54) Kristin, 42, from Georgia, USA; (18:20) Kristen from Ontario, Can
99. Helena de Groot on Finding Peace Amid the Discomfort of Doubt
In this conversation, producer, sound designer, and creator of CBC Personally's Creation Myth podcast, Helena De Groot, shares her deeply personal journey of deciding to remain childfree. Hear Keltie & Helena discuss: The complex emotions and societal expectations surrounding the decision to have kids or remain childfree. Why the possibility of personal growth was one of the biggest factors pul
98. Jordy Snyder on Overcoming Your Fears to Become a Mom
In this episode, Keltie speaks with mom-to-one and former fence-sitter, Jordy Snyder, about her personal journey through indecision to her choice to become a mom. Hear them discuss: The key fears that kept Jordy stuck, and how she overcame them Why learning to trust herself and her inner resilience was such an important part of her journey How small steps toward motherhood allowed Jordy to dev
97. The Bad Mothers Podcast feat. Keltie Maguire on Being a Childfree Dog Mom
This week we're hosting our first-ever "guest podcast" episode featuring our recent conversation on Monica Cardenas' The Bad Mothers Podcast. Join Monica and I for a discussion about being a childfree dog mom. How does having a dog — and especially a puppy — help us frame our ideas about motherhood? As mentioned in the show: Get a ticket to join our upcoming "Pet Reflections" Kids or Childfree
96. Nicole Louie on Others Like Me (re-release)
[re-release] We're re-releasing this episode from August 2024 in promotion of an upcoming event! On March 26, 2026, join me and special guest Nicole Louie for the Childfree Book Club! We'll discuss her book, Others Like Me as part of the Confidently Childfree Support Series. Details & signup ▸ https://kidsorchildfree.com/confidently-childfree-support-series In this conversation (which first aire
95. Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP on Childfree Trust & Estate Planning
In this episode, Dr. Jay Zigmont returns to the podcast to discuss the unique future planning needs of childfree individuals. He and Keltie chat about: The importance of having proper medical and financial directives and the necessity of a support team. The paperwork and planning documents every childfree person should have in place. Why relying on a family member to help you manage future es
94. Amrita Vijay on When Platonic Life Partners Have a Child
In this episode of the podcast, Keltie speaks with creative director, producer, musician, and writer, Amrita Vijay, about her decision to have a child with her platonic life partner, Andrew. You'll hear about: Why Amrita never wanted kids — and what made her change her mind How Amrita and her gay best friend, Andrew, decided to become co-parents How her and Andrew's unique relationship allows
93. Keltie Maguire on Will Future Me Regret My Choice?
In this solo episode Keltie is tackling a frequent question she gets from fence-sitters: "I know what I want today — but wow do I know whether future me will regret my choice?" This episode gets into.. Why it's important to consider who we're making this decision for — our present or future self How to instill confidence that although you might change, there is a lot that will remain the same
92. Gemma Hartley on Emotional Labor and the Parenthood Path
Keltie is joined by freelance writer and author of the book, Fed Up: Emotional Labor, Women, and the Way Forward, Gemma Hartley. Their discussion explores... What terms like emotional labor, mental load, and invisible labor actually mean. The interplay of these things within partnerships, and in particular, the decision to have kids. Why having children exacerbates existing imbalances in relat
91. Marcia Drut-Davis on Being Unapologetically Childfree
Keltie is speaking with childfree trailblazer, Marcia Drut-Davis, about the ups and downs of her life without children. They discuss... Marcia's public "coming out" of her childfree choice on the national TV show "60 Minutes" in 1974 — and the backlash that came with it. The stigma surrounding the childfree choice and the emotional toll it can take on those who choose it. Marcia's friendshi
90. Heather & Douglas Boneparth on How to Money Together in Parenthood
We're kicking off Season 7 of the podcast with financial experts and co-authors of the book "Money Together," Heather and Douglas Boneparth. This conversation explores: - The often-overlooked financial considerations that come with the decision to have children. - Douglas and Heather's own financial hurdles when they first considered parenthood, including over $300,000 in student loan debt. - Why
89. Keltie Maguire on Key Coaching Takeaways During Season 6
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 6 of The Kids or Childfree Podcast, as well as episodes from Season 6 that address these topics. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE 👉 (1:57) Start with the clarity you DO have ▸ Lisa Sibbett on a "Childful" Life as an Auntie https://youtu.be/3jx_vDnN80
88. Zoë Noble on Cultivating Childfree Community
In this conversation, Keltie Maguire is joined by We Are Childfree founder, Zoë Noble, for a conversation that's a celebration of the childfree choice. Hear them discuss: The inspiration behind We Are Childfree and why Zoë personally chose the childfree path How friendships — and especially those with parents — can evolve over time How to cultivate childfree community The myths surrounding a
87. Melissa Guida-Richards on The Nuances of Adoption
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 the
86. Ask Anne with Childfree 91-Year-Old Anne Wennhold
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 t
85. Lisa Patterson on Reinventing Parenting Gender Norms
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 respect
84. Keltie Maguire on Recent Reflections on my Kids or Childfree Choice
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 "ancestra
83. Helen Taylor on The Meaning and Legacy of a Childfree Life
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
82. Dear Former Fence-Sitter #3 with Amanda E. White, LPC
We're back for another episode of our Dear Former Fence-Sitter series with mom, therapist, and former fence-sitter, Amanda E. White! (3:02) Meet Amanda (8:01) Question 1: 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? (23:10) Question 2: If I don't like other people's kids, is it still possible I'
81. Laura Carroll on the Influence of Pronatalism on Your Kids or Childfree Choice
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 childfre
80. Lia Love Avellino, LCSW on Grieving Your Past Life in Motherhood
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 a
79. Carrie Hauskens on a Childfree Life After Loss
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, Cle
78. Katie Palazzo on Life as an Adventurer Turned Stay-at-Home Mom
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
77. Lisa Sibbett on a "Childful" Life as an Auntie
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, t
76. Keltie Maguire on Key Coaching Takeaways During Season 5
Keltie Maguire, clarity coach and host of the Kids or Childfree Podcast, 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. (2:38) Takeaway 1: the Kids or Childfree choice puts your relationship under a microscope (8:39) Takeaway 2:
75. Ruthie Ackerman on The Mother Code
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
74. Keltie Maguire on The Key Beliefs I Needed to Change to Make my Kids or Childfree Choice
In this solo episode of the Kids or Childfree Podcast, clarity coach Keltie Maguire shares four key beliefs that she had to shift in order to embrace her childfree choice. (1:18) Belief 1: I will "just know" in a lightbulb moment. (3:37) Belief 2: There's a right choice and a wrong choice. (8:34) Belief 3: There is one path to a happy life. (12:24) Belief 4: I am a victim of my decisions. Life is
73. Elissa Strauss on When You Care
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 main
72. Dr. Amanda Adeleye, MD on Empowering Fertility Journeys with Knowledge
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 prese
71. shawndeez, Ph.D. on Parenthood as a Spiritual Journey
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
70. Charlotte Holmes on Your Most True and Aligned Self
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
69. Heidi Reimer on The Unspoken Parts of Motherhood
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 w
68. Lucy Meggeson on How to Thrive Solo
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
67. Stacey Hicks on Being One and Done
In this conversation, Keltie speaks with Stacey Hicks — a writer and Deputy Editor at Australian media outlet, Mamamia — about being a mom to one. The two of them discuss... The complexities surrounding the decision to have kids and in particular, the choice to have only one child. (6:49) How being one and done elicits a similar response from other people as being or considering being childfre
66. Dear Former Fence-Sitter #2 with Amanda E. White, LPC
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... How do I reconcile the different parts of myself that both want and don't want kids? How can I finally decide? Is it selfish to create a child for my own satisfaction? I'm scared that I'll only be happy on the childfr
65. Jennifer Heimlich on Keeping Your Passions When You Have Kids
In this conversation, Keltie Maguire speaks with journalist, mom, and runner, Jennifer Heimlich, about her journey into motherhood. Hear them discuss: Jennifer's initial ambivalence about motherhood, her experience of miscarriage, and the challenging early days of parenthood The unexpected joy Jennifer has found in motherhood, despite its difficulties. The role running has played in her life b
64. Dr. Jennifer Watling Neal on The Latest Research on the Childfree Choice
In this conversation, Keltie Maguire speaks with Professor of Pyschology, Dr. Jennifer Watling Neal about her research on childfree adults. They explore... The growing demographic of individuals who choose not to have children, including the unique needs of this population, and the societal perceptions surrounding childfree lifestyles. Stereotypes and myths surrounding childfree individuals, and
63. Kristina Chilian on The Long View of Parenthood
In this conversation, Keltie Maguire speaks with Kristina Chilian — teacher, coach, and mom to two 20-somethings — about her journey into and experience of motherhood. You'll hear about... Kristina's initial reluctance to have kids, and how her perspectives evolved over time (4:06) Kristina's transition from being a stay-at-home mom to discovering a new career in teaching (21:44) Her experien
62. Anne Wennhold on Being Childfree by Choice at 90
We're kicking off Season 5 of the podcast, with a conversation with Anne Wennhold — a 90-year-old childfree by choice woman who supports elders interested in continuing to grow as human and spiritual beings. Hear Keltie and Anne discuss: How Anne's upbringing and early life experiences culminated in her choice not to have kids. How Anne contends with being an "outsider" among parents and grandp
61. Keltie Maguire on Key Coaching Takeaways During Season 4
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 4 of The Kids or Childfree Podcast, as well as episodes from Season 4 that address these topics. You'll hear her discuss: Why it's tough to allow yourself to want something that you secretly judge. The importance of separating the version of mo
60. Gabrielle Salomone on Navigating a Fear of Childbirth
In this conversation, Keltie speaks with Gabrielle Salamone, a licensed clinical social worker specializing in OCD and anxiety. The two of them discuss... Tokophobia, a severe fear of childbirth, and its implications on women's mental health and parenting decisions. The importance of addressing fears surrounding childbirth, and therapeutic approaches to overcoming these fears. The importance o
59. Dear Former Fence-Sitter #1 with Amanda E. White, LPC
Your questions, answered! In this very first episode of my new Dear Former Fence-Sitter series, I sit down with former guest — mom, therapist, and former fence-sitter, Amanda E. White — to answer questions that include... How do I decide if I don't feel strongly about having kids one way or the other? If I'm scared of pregnancy and childbirth, what advice do you have for me? I'm a step-mom and st
58. Sina Scheithauer on Answering the Kid Question in Germany and Beyond
In this episode, Keltie speaks with colleague, Sina Scheithauer, about her experience being on the fence about kids; how she made her childfree decision; and her work as a coach helping women with the "kid question" in Germany, and beyond. The two of them discuss: The complexities of the Kids or Childfree decision, including societal expectations surrounding motherhood. How Sina's personal exper
57. Carly Church on The First Few Months of Motherhood
In this episode, Keltie Maguire speaks with one of her long-time friends, Carly Church, about life as a new mom, and how Carly made her decision to have a child. Keltie and Carly chat about: Carly's journey from single to meeting her partner, Mike; the experience of becoming a step-mom to Mike's two daughters — and how this relationship influenced Carly's own Kids or Childfree choice; and Carly'
56. Ruth Chang on How to Make Hard Choices
In this conversation, Keltie Maguire and philosopher, Ruth Chang, explore the complexities of hard choices, and in particular, the decision to have kids or remain childfree. They discuss... The idea of drifting into decisions — and why it's a valid decision tactic. That hard choices aren't about finding the right answer, but about understanding one's values and making a commitment to a chosen p
55. Tyler Pentland on Becoming a Father Through Surrogacy
In this episode, Keltie speaks with artist and dad, Tyler Pentland, who shares his journey of becoming a father through surrogacy. Hear the two of them discuss: Why Tyler never considered kids or fatherhood until he met his husband, Jeff, in his late 30s. The decision to have a child via surrogacy, including both the emotional and logistical aspects of growing a family in this way. The importa
54. Florence Wlodarski on Pursuing Parenthood When You're Still on the Fence
In this episode, Keltie Maguire speaks with Florence Wlodarski about Florence's Kids or Childfree journey — from ambivalence to IVF to embracing life without kids — plus, the inspiration behind PARALLEL, the social club Florence recently co-founded for those without kids. Keltie and Florence discuss: The societal expectations regarding motherhood and the pressures Florence faced to become a mom
53. Sophia Seymour on Freezing Your Eggs When You're on the Fence
In this conversation, Keltie Maguire interviews filmmaker Sophia Seymour about her personal journey with egg freezing, and her documentary, Harvest, which Sophia created about the experience. You'll hear them discuss: The emotional and physical aspects of the egg-freezing process, and the decision-making involved. The societal pressures surrounding motherhood and fertility. Sophia's advice for
52. Dr. Laura Buchinger on Life Satisfaction and The Kids or Childfree Choice
In this conversation, Keltie Maguire speaks with lifespan psychologist and post-doctoral researcher, Dr. Laura Buchinger, about her latest research on how parents versus childfree people fare in terms of well-being, mental health, and overall life satisfaction. Hear them discuss: What existing research tells us about how parents and non-parents fare at different stages of life and across variou
51. Keltie Maguire on The Other Side of a Decision
In this solo episode, host Keltie Maguire answers a listener question about how life looks a few years beyond making her Kids or Childfree choice. Rather than speaking solely from the perspective of being childfree, Keltie shares five key insights that can be applied to any choice you ultimately make. You'll hear about: Why making a decision means you can finally get on with your life. The idea
50. Vasavi Kumar on Finding Your Authentic Voice
In this conversation, Keltie Maguire speaks with therapist, author, and podcast host, Vasavi Kumar. You'll hear about: Vasavi's choice to be childfree, and why she says it's the best decision she's ever made. How to navigate the external influences that are keeping you stuck in your Kids or Childfree choice. How you can tap into and access your authentic voice — and what it's telling you abou
49. Dr. Hayley Evers-King on Saying Yes to Parenthood in the Face of Uncertainty
In this conversation, Keltie chats with Dr. Hayley Evers-King, a marine scientist and mom of one, about her journey from indecision about parenthood — to ultimately embracing the experience. Hayley and Keltie discuss: Hayley's initial reluctance to have children, and the various factors that influenced her decision-making process. The conversations she had with her husband about their future, a
48. Monica Cardenas, PhD on Maternal Ambivalence and Apathy
In this conversation, Keltie speaks with writer Monica Cardenas, who shares her journey of being childfree by choice, and her research about maternal ambivalence and apathy. Hear them discuss... The cultural and societal pressures surrounding motherhood. The representation of childfree women — and those who are ambivalent or apathetic about motherhood — in literature and media. Monica's Substa
47. Brooke Froelich Murray on Outdoor Adventure with Kids
The Kids or Childfree Podcast is back with a brand-new season, and we're kicking it off with a conversation with Brooke Froelich Murray — mom, outdoor adventurer, and founder of the outdoor community, WildKind. Hear Keltie and Brooke discuss: Brooke's initial reluctance to have kids, including how her Mormon upbringing influenced her feelings about motherhood What shifted for Brooke that led her
46. Keltie Maguire on Key Coaching Takeaways During Season 3
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 3 of The Kids or Childfree Podcast, as well as episodes from Season 3 that address these topics. You'll hear her discuss: The concept of alloparenting — a way for individuals who don't want the commitment of parenthood to engage with and support
45. Jennifer Flint on The Kids or Childfree Decision as a Spiritual Journey
In this episode, Keltie Maguire interviews Jennifer Flint, a women's empowerment coach and author of 'Wild Egg'. You'll hear about: Jennifer's journey of choosing a childfree life, her reflections on motherhood, and the existential questions that arise from such a decision. Insights into the writing of her book, Wild Egg, and why she chose to write it as a fiction book, rather than a memoir. T
44. Keltie Maguire on Astrid's Story and Other Thoughts on Motherhood Regret
In this episode, host Keltie Maguire reflects on her conversation with Astrid Hurault de Ligney (Episode 42), about the complexities of motherhood and the feelings of regret that can accompany it. This episode touches on... The key themes that Keltie observed in her conversation with Astrid, including how expectations might help shape feelings of regret, the importance of support, and the role o
43. Dr. Jade Sasser on Climate Anxiety and The Kid Question
In this conversation, Keltie interviews author and professor, Dr. Jade Sasser, about her book, 'Climate Anxiety and the Kid Question,' which explores the emotional and mental health impacts of climate change on reproductive decisions. They discuss: Jade's research exploring how climate anxiety is shaping young people's reproductive decision-making, including the generational differences that ex
42. Astrid Hurault de Ligny on When You Regret Becoming a Mom
In this conversation, Keltie speaks with author and mother, Astrid Hurault de Ligny, about the complexities of motherhood, including Astrid's experience of maternal regret. You'll hear... Astrid's journey from the decision to have children, through the romanticized notions of motherhood, to the harsh realities of parenting, including the mental load and postpartum depression. How Astrid realize
41. Reena Esmail on Choosing a Creative Childfree Life
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 auton
40. Becca Rea-Tucker on Abortion and The Kids or Childfree Choice
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
39. Rose Diell on Being on the Fence About Kids
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 i
38. Angela Accomando on Surviving Domestic Abuse with Kids
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 tha
37. Rachel Honeyman on When Plans Change
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 chang
36. Keltie Maguire on Navigating FOMO
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 pract
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