The Kids or Childfree Podcast

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 anyone considering freezing their eggs. Why she wouldn't recommend egg-freezing as a means of getting clarity on the Kids or Childfree choice, despite having done so herself. Insights from her discussions with other women about the decision to have or not have kids. About Sophia: Sophia Seymour is a British award-winning writer/director living between London and Naples and writes regularly for The Guardian, Condè Nast and Time Out. She has a background in music management and highlights of her career so far include co-directing/producing Teranga - Life in the Waiting Room (Guardian Documentaries and BBC Africa Eye), appearing alongside Richard E Grant for his BBC4 Write Around the World series and working with Paolo Sorrentino for his Netflix documentary Through the Eyes of Sorrentino. She has worked as a producer on documentaries for the Guardian, Netflix, BBC2, BBC4 and graduated with a masters from The National Film and Television school in 2024. She is currently developing a slate of fiction and non-fiction films. As mentioned in the show: You can find Sophia online at: www.sophiaseymour.com Instagram: @sophia_seymour_says_ X: @SophiaSeymour2 Facebook: facebook.com/sophia.seymour Watch Sophia's film, Harvest, online at The Guardian. __ Join the March session of my 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 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 various aspects of well-being. The gender differences in experiences of loneliness and social connections. Whether or not childfree people are lonelier than parents. How societal expectations about parenthood influence life decisions and experiences. How cultural perspectives that shape attitudes toward having children, and the shifting views of younger generations regarding the childfree choice. About Laura: Laura Buchinger is a lifespan psychologist exploring how personality, motivation, health, and well-being evolve throughout life. After earning an undergraduate degree from Chemnitz University of Technology in 2013, she completed a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at Freie Universität Berlin in 2016. Laura began her career as an organizational psychologist and consultant, focusing on occupational health and safety, before transitioning back to academia just before the pandemic. In 2023, she earned a PhD in Psychology from Freie Universität Berlin with a thesis titled "Life Goals Across Adulthood and Old Age: Associations With Personality and Well-Being." Laura is now a post-doctoral researcher in developmental psychology at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. Her research focuses on interindividual differences in personality traits, life goals, and values, and their effects on health and well-being across the lifespan As mentioned in the show: Find Laura on... Blue Sky at: @lbuchinger.bsky.social  LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-buchinger-b06359161/ You can connect with her via email at: laura.buchinger@hu-berlin.de The studies mentioned in our conversation can be found below: Buchinger, L., Richter, D., & Heckhausen, J. (2022). The Development of Life Goals Across the Adult Life Span. The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, 77(5), 905–915. https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbab154 Buchinger, L., Wahring, I. V., Ram, N., Hoppmann, C., Heckhausen, J., & Gerstorf, D. (2024). Kids or no Kids? Life Goals in one’s 20s Predict Midlife Trajectories of Well-Being. Psychology and Aging, 39(8), 897–914. https://doi.org/10.1037/pag0000862 Bauer, G., Brandt, M. & Kneip, T. The Role of Parenthood for Life Satisfaction of Older Women and Men in Europe. J Happiness Stud 24, 275–307 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-022-00600-8 Graham, M. (2015). Is being childless detrimental to a woman's health and well-being across her life course?. Women's health issues, 25(2), 176-184. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.whi.2014.12.002 Penning, M. J., Wu, Z., & Hou, F. (2024). Childlessness and social and emotional loneliness in middle and later life. Ageing & Society, 44(7), 1551-1578. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0144686X22000824 Krämer, M. D., Van Scheppingen, M. A., Chopik, W. J., & Richter, D. (2023). The transition to grandparenthood: No consistent evidence for change in the Big Five personality traits and life satisfaction. European Journal of Personality, 37(5), 560–586. https://doi.org/10.1177/08902070221118443 Stahnke, B., Cooley, M. E., & Blackstone, A. (2023). A Systematic Review of Life Satisfaction Experiences Among Childfree Adults. The Family Journal, 31(1), 60–68. https://doi.org/10.1177/10664807221104795 __ Check out our brand-new Confident 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

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 that confidence comes after a choice, not before. Why practicing presence and peace with what is — rather than what if — is key. What it means to stay in your own lane — and the benefits of doing so. Why it's important to recognize that difficult emotions aren't the same thing as having made the wrong choice. As mentioned on the show: Check out my former podcast, The Clarity Podcast. Want to submit a question for the upcoming "Dear Former Fencesitter" episode? You can email it to hello@keltiemaguire.com.  ____ Check out our brand-new Kids or Childfree Support Series: 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, 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 about whether or not you want kids. Why you can't force yourself to want something you don't want.  The impact of childhood experiences on adult choices, including how generational trauma can shape the decision to have or not have kids. The importance of self-reflection through practices like mirror work and "saying it out loud", plus, the need for self-compassion in decision-making. How mental health challenges — including Vasavi's bipolar diagnosis — can significantly influence the Kids or Childfree choice. Living a fulfilling and meaningful life without children. As mentioned on the show Find Vasavi online at vasavikumar.com Follow her online at @mynameisvasavi Purchase Vasavi's book, Say It Out Loud, here: https://vasavikumar.com/orderthebook Get Vasavi's free Mirror Work Prompts here: https://vasavi.myflodesk.com/mirror Book an intro call with Vasavi at: https://calendly.com/vasavi/chat-with-vasavi About Vasavi Vasavi Kumar is a therapist, author, and podcast host passionate about empowering individuals to embrace their authentic selves. Living with Bipolar Disorder, Vasavi brings a unique perspective to conversations around mental health, self-talk, and personal growth. As the author of Say It Out Loud and host of the SAY IT OUT LOUD podcast, she inspires audiences to break free from societal expectations and live in alignment with their truth. Through coaching, writing, and speaking, Vasavi helps people build confidence, navigate life’s complexities, and create meaningful change. __ Check out our brand-new Kids or Childfree Support Series: 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, 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, and how these ultimately led to a "yes" decision. How Hayley navigated concerns about how her career would fit with motherhood, and the conversations that helped her explore these anxieties. The emotional and mental health aspects of IVF and the transition to motherhood. What having a child has changed – and what it hasn't – and why Hayey's fulfillment in life comes from various sources, and not just parenthood. The flexibility of life after having children, and the significance of having a supportive partner.  As mentioned on the show Connect with Hayley on Instagram at instagram.com/hayleyeversking/ About Hayley Hayley is a marine scientist, who uses satellites to observe our oceans from space. She currently works at an international organisation that operates weather and environmental satellites, supporting users around the world to work with this data for the benefit of people and planet. She is currently based in Germany, having lived and worked in the UK and South Africa, as well as with colleagues all over the world. She is a keen science communicator, educator, traveller, collector of wine, and an aspiring chef. After a diagnosis of unexplained infertility, she is raising a 3 year old son with her husband with whom she has shared an almost identical career path for the last 15 years. __ Check out our brand-new Kids or Childfree Support Series: 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, 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 Substack 'Bad Mothers,' which challenges societal judgments about motherhood and emphasizes the importance of recognizing women's choices without stigma. Literary examples that challenge traditional narratives around a woman's role as mother, and that highlight the importance of normalizing diverse experiences. The personal implications of these societal norms, including the judgments faced by women who choose not to have children and the impact of family dynamics on these decisions.  The natural ambivalence many feel towards parenthood and the importance of a supportive community that respects individual choices. Perspectives on the freedom that comes with being childfree and advice for those uncertain about having kids. As mentioned in the show Find Monica online at www.monicacardenas.com Subscribe to Monica's Substack, Bad Mothers, at a special discounted rate, exclusive to Kids or Childfree Podcast listeners: https://monicacardenas.substack.com/kocf Find Monica on Instagram at instagram.com/monica_is_reading. About Monica Monica Cardenas holds an MA and PhD in Creative Writing from Royal Holloway, University of London. Her research on motherhood in the 20th-century novel and the evolution of reproductive rights in the U.S. is central to her novel-in-progress The Mother Law, which was longlisted for the Lucy Cavendish College Fiction Prize and runner-up in the Borough Press open submission competition. Her work has been published in The Audacity, Literary Hub, Litro, Catatonic Daughters and Sad Girls Club Lit. She is chair of the Democrats Abroad UK Women’s Caucus, and author of the Bad Mothers newsletter. Originally from Washington, D.C., she now resides in the Chiltern Hills just outside London. __ Join our 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. Find us online at www.kidsorchildfree.com. Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidsorchildfree

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 to change her feelings about kids, and how she navigated divorce and solo motherhood with a newborn  The importance of self-care and prioritizing one's own needs as a mom – plus how to balance this with parenting responsibilities  Personal identity outside of motherhood, and how Brooke navigated her decision to have kids as someone who felt she'd so recently discovered her passions in life Cultivating a supportive and like-minded community when raising children  How critical clear communication with your partner is when raising kids – and what this looks like in practice  What outdoor adventures with children look like, and the ways they're both more challenging — and fulfilling — than those without kids. Insights from Brooke's project, WildKind, which aims to connect moms through outdoor activities As mentioned in the show: Find out more about Brooke at brookefroelich.com Find Brooke on Instagram at instagram.com/brooke.froelich/ Interested in checking out an upcoming WildKind adventure in Colorado? Get the details at wildkindinc.com About Brooke: Brooke raises her three little adventure buddies in CO. Whether she's wrangling them on skis, chasing them on mountain bikes, changing diapers on top of a mountain (true story), or lazily wading through a creek looking for tadpoles alongside them, Brooke believes she shows up as the best version of herself for her kids when she's outside. With the goal of building community and supporting other mothers, Brooke co-founded WildKind: a community for mothers looking to level up their outdoor adventure. Brooke wholeheartedly believes that adventure is better when shared, and loves to invite others to join along. __ Join our 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. 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 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 children.  The importance of making peace with past experiences and emotions when considering your Kids or Childfree choice. How and why navigating difficult emotions is an important part of the Kids or Childfree decision process. How your romantic partnership's relationship dynamics may be showing up in the Kids or Childfree decision process — and why working through these dynamics is critical to being able to make a confident choice.  As mentioned in the show: This is the article about alloparenting that my Kids or Childfree Group Program client shared with our Slack group: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp81ynn7r4mo __ Join our Confidently Childfree Coaching Intensive that kicks off January 9th: 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 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.  The empowerment that comes from making deliberate choices, the challenges of defining those choices, and the journey of self-discovery that often accompanies such decisions. Jennifer's struggle to connect her mind and body and her defining moment of clarity regarding motherhood. The importance of self-trust and compassion in navigating the Kids or Childfree choice. The transformative journey of choosing a child-free life and the grief associated with that decision. Jennifer's journey of self-discovery and empowerment in midlife, and how this connects to her childfree choice. As mentioned in the show: Find a list of where Jennifer's book, Wild Egg, can be purchased here. Find Jennifer on Instagram at instagram.com/wildegg21. About Jennifer: Jennifer is a Women’s Empowerment Coach, leadership development specialist, author of childfree novel Wild Egg, and spiritually-curious seeker. She currently lives in the North East of England with a house mate whom she met whilst volunteering at a Buddhist retreat in Scotland in 2019. __ Join our Confidently Childfree Coaching Intensive that kicks off January 9th: 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 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 of understanding and compassion in discussions about maternal regret. Feedback from listeners on this topic and Astrid's experience regretting motherhood. Keltie's personal views on motherhood regret, and some of the questions she's asking and is curious to explore further. As mentioned in the show: Tune into my podcast conversation (Episode 42) with Astrid Hurault de Ligney, here. Read Astrid's book (in French), Le Regret Maternel. Join an upcoming Kids or Childfree Workshop here: 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