The Kids or Childfree Podcast

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

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 childfree. (11:57) The challenges of navigating external expectations while striving to make choices that align with personal values and family dynamics. (25:02) The joys and challenges of raising an only child. (37:38) How self-trust and self-knowledge play into the decision about whether to have no kids, one kid, or multiple children. (45:21) As mentioned in the show: Find Stacey on social media at @staceyahicks. Check out Stacey's writing at Mamamia, including her piece about being the mom of an only child: mamamia.com.au/only-child-families/ The only child researcher Stacey and I discuss in our conversation is Dr. Rosina McAlpine. About Stacey: Stacey Hicks is the Deputy Editor for Australia's largest women's media company, Mamamia. After working in magazines for a decade, she made the switch to digital where she loves sharing women's stories across news, lifestyle and parenting. She is also a mum to a glorious four-year-old girl with her husband, who she met in her first media job working at the local newspaper. __ The next round of our Kids or Childfree Group Program kicks off June 18th! 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. 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... 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 childfree path if I can make all of my childfree dreams a reality. Am I living in fantasy — or is this me committing? I decided I don't want kids so I got an I.U.D. Now I'm freaking out — what's causing all these doubts? How do you maintain a feeling of closeness in my relationships, when one person has kids and the other is childfree? 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 __ The next round of our Kids or Childfree Group Program kicks off June 18th! 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. Find us online at www.kidsorchildfree.com. Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidsorchildfree TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kidsorchildfree

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 before, during and after pregnancy. Her experience getting back into running after giving birth — and why running is a great hobby for moms. Body image and the challenges with getting back into a sport, after having a child. How to prioritize your passions and personal interests after becoming a parent — and why it's so important to do so. As mentioned in the show: Find Jennifer on Instagram at @thejennymaneuver Her website is jenniferheimlich.wordpress.com About Jennifer: Jennifer Heimlich is a freelance writer who covers health, fitness, and all kinds of wellness. With more than 15 years of journalism experience, she previously worked as the senior fitness editor for Well+Good and the editor in chief of Dance Magazine. Today, you can find her work in various publications like SELF, GQ, TIME, and PS, among other outlets. A UESCA-certified running coach, she leads running tours in Boston in her free time and is almost always training for her next marathon. __ Want to explore how we can work together 1-on-1? Book a free discovery call here. Find my 1-on-1 coaching offers at 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, 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 the societal pressures that often accompany these choices. Insights from Jenna's research, including the life satisfaction levels of childfree people, and the various reasons individuals choose not to have children. As mentioned in the show: Find Jenna online at jennawneal.com and thechildfree.org Find Jenna on Bluesky: @jennawneal.bsky.social Instagram: @jennawneal Find information about pioneering researcher Amy Blackstone here: amyblackstonephd.com/childfreebychoice About Jennifer: Dr. Jennifer Watling Neal is a Professor of Psychology at Michigan State University. Her research uses large scale demographic data to understand the prevalence, characteristics, and experiences of childfree adults (adults who do not have and do not want kids) in the United States and other countries. She also researches social networks in educational contexts. She's authored 90 peer-reviewed papers, and her work is published in scholarly journals such as Scientific Reports, Developmental Psychology, and American Journal of Community Psychology. She has been a guest on several past podcasts including the American Psychological Association's Speaking of Psychology hosted by Kim Mills and The Overpopulation Podcast hosted by Nandita Bajaj and Alan Ware. ___ Want to explore how we can work together 1-on-1? Book a free discovery call here. Find my 1-on-1 coaching offers at 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, 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 experience parenting a child who is neurodiverse (37:38) Why humor is her and her partner's secret to maintaining a great relationship while parenting (51:08) The joys and difficulties of watching her children transition into adulthood, and why parents must adapt their roles as their children grow (54:45) ...plus many more unique and candid perspectives from over 20 years as a parent. As mentioned in the show: Find Kristina online at www.kristinachilian.com. Kristina's Instagram is @kristinachilian. About Kristina: Kristina Chilian is a licensed teacher and time management coach for college students. As a high school English teacher, she witnessed many of her former students struggle as they tried to transition to college. After her own sons struggled with anxiety and overwhelm as freshmen, she felt called to start a business helping students thrive in college by teaching them how to organize their schedule, manage their workload, and reduce stress. She lives outside of Richmond, Virginia with her husband, two sons, three cats and a dog. _ Join one of our May Support Series sessions: Kids or Childfree Support Series: kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-support-series Confidently Childfree Support Series: kidsorchildfree.com/confidently-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

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 grandparents. Anne's experience navigating difficult emotions as a childfree person — and how you can manage painful emotions that arise around this decision. Loneliness in old age – and why having kids won't make you immune to it. Whether Anne regrets her decision not to have kids. Anne's advice to anyone on the fence about kids. ...and so much more! As mentioned in the show: If you want to email Anne, just drop me a DM at @kidsorchildfree and I'll connect you. 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." __ Join our upcoming Confidently Childfree Coaching Intensive: kidsorchildfree.com/confidently-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 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 motherhood or childfree living that you want, from those you're accustomed to seeing. Why it's essential to discuss your ideas and expectations of parenthood with your partner. How fears and insecurities are amplified when we face the Kids or Childfree choice. How the way we perceive and think about our choices affects our decision-making process. __ Join our Confidently Childfree Coaching Intensive that kicks off May 12th: kidsorchildfree.com/confidently-childfree-group-intensive 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 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 of CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) and ERP (exposure response prevention) techniques and how "worry stories" can help alleviate and manage anxiety. Gabrielle's personal journey with being on the fence, and navigating infertility. As mentioned in the show: Find Gabrielle — and US-based therapy — online at therapyforwomencenter.com. Gabrielle's Instagram is @livewellwithgabrielle. About Gabrielle: Gabrielle Salomone, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who is from outside of Philadelphia PA. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and then a few years later her Masters in Social Work, both from Widener University. She currently is the clinical director at Therapy for Women Center which is based in Philadelphia. The practice has 3 offices in the Philadelphia area, one opening soon in New Jersey and they have therapists available virtually in 42 states including DC! Besides being a part of the day-to-day running of the group practice Gabrielle is also a therapist and continues to work with clients. Gabrielle has experience working in just about every area of mental health treatment, at every level of treatment, and with clients across all ages. She specializes in working with clients struggling with life transitions, eating disorders, anxiety, and OCD. Gabrielle has received training through working at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, The Renfrew Center and Roger's Behavioral Health. As a therapist, Gabrielle believes that therapy is not one size fits all, which is why she uses a person-centered approach. She practices from the theoretical orientation of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, focusing on how thoughts and feelings impact our behaviors and incorporating exposure therapy to change behaviors and working with clients on incorporating back into one's life enjoyable activities, routines and value-based goals that have decreased or are being avoided due to the eating disorder/anxiety/OCD. Gabrielle provides a safe and comfortable atmosphere and she believes in building trusting therapeutic relationships with all her clients. __ Join one of our April Support Series sessions: Kids or Childfree Support Series: kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-support-series Confidently Childfree Support Series: kidsorchildfree.com/confidently-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