The Kids or Childfree Podcast

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