The Kids or Childfree Podcast

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

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 exist in awareness and engagement with climate change. Why emotional distress about climate change often intersects with other factors, including race and class.  How climate anxiety complicates the decision to have children — and why it's essential to consider climate change when exploring the Kids or Childfree choice. Why, for some, having children can be an act of hope and joy, while for others, forgoing children can bring a sense of relief.  The importance of community support when addressing climate concerns and anxiety. How youth activism can shift political landscapes regarding climate change. Jade's personal Kids or Childfree choice — and whether it has anything to do with climate change. As mentioned in the show: Read Dr. Jade Sasser's book, Climate Anxiety and The Kid Question: Deciding Whether to Have Children in an Uncertain Future Listen to Jade's Podcast, Climate Anxiety and The Kid Question here. You can find Jade online at jadesasserphd.com. Learn more about the Climate Mental Health Network at climatementalhealth.net.  Save 30% with code UCPSAVE30 when you purchase Jade's book, Climate Anxiety and The Kid Question, from the UC Press website: www.ucpress.edu/books/climate-anxiety-and-the-kid-question/ About Dr. Jade Sasser: Dr. Jade S. Sasser is Associate Professor in the Department of Gender & Sexuality Studies at the University of California, Riverside. She received her PhD in Environmental Science, Policy, and Management from the University of California, Berkeley. Her work explores how environmental problems such as climate change and toxic exposures intersect with reproductive bodies, health, and rights. Her first book, On Infertile Ground: Population Control and Women’s Rights in the Era of Climate Change, was published in 2018 by NYU Press and won the Emory Elliott book award. Her new book, Climate Anxiety and the Kid Question: Deciding Whether to Have Children in an Uncertain Future (2024), analyzes the relationship between climate emotions, social inequality, and reproductive anxiety in the U.S. She also has a podcast with the same name. In her free time, Sasser is a DJ at her campus radio station. __ 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 TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kidsorchildfree

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 realized her feelings were more than postpartum depression, but actually, ones of regret that she had chosen motherhood. Why support — or a lack thereof — has played a key role in Astrid's regret. Why regretting motherhood doesn't mean not loving your child, or wishing they weren't born. Why she decided to start her Instagram channel, and ultimately, to write a book detailing her experiences.  The role therapy has played in Astrid's marriage and the support systems that have helped her navigate the challenges of parenting. Which feelings about motherhood are most present for Astrid today. How and if women on the fence about kids can safeguard themselves against regret in motherhood. As mentioned in the show:  Find Astrid's book, Le Regret Maternel, here.  Astrid can be found on Instagram at @le_regret_maternel. Find the book, Regretting Motherhood by Orna Donath, here.  About Astrid: Astrid Hurault de Ligny is a soon-to-be 39-year-old woman who was born in France, and who has been living in Montreal, Canada, since 2008. She and her husband met in Montreal 12 years ago, and have a 6-year-old son together.  _ Join our upcoming Confidently Childfree Coaching intensive, which starts January 25th, here: kidsorchildfree.com/confidently-childfree-group-intensive 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

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 autonomy, freedom, and creativity that a childfree life has afforded Reena. The pressures and guilt that can accompany being an only child who chooses not to have children, and how Reena navigated difficult conversations with her parents about her decision. The intersection of career and parenthood, including the concept of legacy, especially for those who choose not to have kids. The significant role that mentorship has played for Reena, in shaping the lives of young, fellow musicians. As mentioned in the show: Find Reena online at www.reenaesmail.com Her Instagram is www.instagram.com/reenaesmail You can find some of Reena's incredible musical compositions on her YouTube channel: youtube.com/@reenaesmailcomposer About Reena: Reena Esmail is a concert composer who writes new music for major orchestras and choirs all over the world. Her work bridges the worlds of Indian and Western classical music, bringing people from different cultures and backgrounds together through music. She was trained at Juilliard, Yale School of Music and did a Fulbright in India.  Reena loves working with young people everywhere she goes, and is always looking for ways to cultivate their unique creative spirits. __ Get our Kids or Childfree Book Guide and other 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, 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 secrecy she held around it for so long — and why she finally started talking openly about it The importance of breaking down barriers and sharing personal stories to foster understanding and compassion  The complex emotions surrounding both the Kids or Childfree decision and abortion, and the value of emotional agnosticism in navigating these emotions Why our past decisions do not need to define or determine our future parenting decisions or abilities Why an abortion in college allowed Becca to be the parent she is today, and why abortion can be a loving decision for oneself. As mentioned in the show: You can find Becca (including abortion resources) online at thesweetfeminist.com. She is on Instagram at instagram.com/thesweetfeminist/ Becca's Substack is: thesweetfeminist.substack.com Purchase a copy of Baking By Feel here or at your local bookstore. About Becca: Becca Rea-Tucker is an Austin, Texas-based author, baker, and abortion rights advocate. She loves almond croissants and creating spaces where people who have abortions feel seen and supported. Known online as @thesweetfeminist, she merges baking and advocacy to help break down abortion stigma, sharing daily affirmations and resources with a community of thousands. She is the author of the cookbook Baking by Feel, and the upcoming The Abortion Companion. -- Get details on my Clarity Booster offering 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 TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kidsorchildfree

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 influence of relationships on personal choices. Rose's book 'Fledging', including the creative process behind it, the themes of relationships and parenthood, and the emotional journey of making childfree choices. How diverse narratives and stories about parenthood and fulfillment enrich the conversation around life choices. The independence that comes with being childfree and the relief of making a definitive decision about motherhood. ...and so much more! As mentioned in the show: Purchase Rose's new book, Fledging, at your favorite local bookseller, at renardpress.com, or bookshop.org.  Find Rose on Instagram at: instagram.com/rosediellauthor And on X: x.com/rosediell Learn more about Rose at www.rosediell.com. Hear We Are Childfree's podcast episode about hot and cold regret, here.  About Rose: Rose Diell was born and raised in London but her heritage stems from various places beyond the British Isles. A lover of language in all its forms, she speaks French, Italian and Arabic, and has lived on three continents. Rose writes in her spare time, with the encouragement and support of her writing circle, the Southbank Scribblers. She now lives in London again, with her civil partner and Tolstoy, an extremely fluffy ginger tabby. Fledging is her first novel. ___ Find information on how we can work together 1-on-1 here: kidsorchildfree.com/coaching Join an upcoming Kids or Childfree workshop by signing up 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 TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kidsorchildfree

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 that parenthood could offer her. Her experience as a young mother to 3 children, and the challenges of building a business while raising kids.  Angela's harrowing journey through abuse, including the complexities of love and codependency, and the impact of her experiences on her children.  Reflections on Angela's path to healing, the struggles of parenting after trauma, and her eventual journey to find love again.  Angela's advice for those in an abusive partnership who are weighing the Kids or Childfree decision. The role that mindfulness and self-awareness have played in shaping these latter years of Angela's life. As mentioned in the show: Find Angela on Instagram at: instagram.com/angelaccomando Learn more about Conscious Parenting expert, Dr. Shefali: drshefali.com Domestic abuse resources: USA:  https://www.thehotline.org https://www.domesticshelters.org/ Canada: https://www.sheltersafe.ca/ https://ihealapp.ca/ United Kingdom: https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/ https://www.womensaid.org.uk/womens-aid-directory/ Europe: https://ec.europa.eu/justice/saynostopvaw/helpline.html About Angela: Meet Chef Angela Rivera-Accomando, the CEO and founder of Golden Meals. Golden Meals provides organizations with food boxes and prepared meals feeding community members struggling with food insecurity. She has also worked alongside former New York State Senator David Carlucci and Assemblymember Ken Zebrowski in 2019. That partnership led to the change in law to help victims of domestic violence file reports for crimes made against them. She has seamlessly merged her passion for nourishing people with a commitment to social justice—a convergence she never anticipated. ___ Find information on how we can work together 1-on-1 here: kidsorchildfree.com/coaching Join an upcoming Kids or Childfree workshop by signing up 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 TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kidsorchildfree

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 change her mind. Her experiences with fertility challenges and IVF — including the emotional toll of these experiences, the impact on her relationship with her husband, and the importance of mental health and therapy in her healing process. How Rachel made the difficult decision to close the door on children. The different perspectives and feelings Rachel and her husband had about parenthood and their fertility journey. The role that entrepreneurship has played in her life without kids, and the empowerment she found in jujitsu. Why the Kids or Childfree decision is almost always not a single decision, but a series of decisions.  How Rachel is doing today, two years after deciding to stop pursuing motherhood. As mentioned in the show: Find Rachel online at honeybebold.com. You can also connect on LinkedIn at: linkedin.com/in/rachel-honeyman About Rachel: Rachel Honeyman runs honeybebold, where she and her team build bold brands and websites for mission-driven, female-owned service businesses. She runs a podcast called Bold Women in Business. Rachel’s an avid traveler, writer, martial artist, women’s self-defense teacher, and bunny mama to Luna and Lupin, but she cannot keep a plant alive and shouldn’t be allowed to keep buying them. She and her husband are childless not-by-choice after an arduous infertility journey. ___ Want to connect about bringing my Kids or Childfree workshop to your audience? Reach out to me at hello@keltiemaguire.com. Join an upcoming Kids or Childfree workshop by signing up 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 TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kidsorchildfree

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 practical advice on navigating relationships when FOMO shows up — and the importance of cultivating new ones. How shared values and experiences in relationships can help bridge the gap between parents and childfree individuals. Why acknowledging that you are missing out can bring peace and acceptance. The fact that no decision guarantees immunity from life's challenges and struggles. Journaling questions to help you navigate any FOMO that's showing up for you. As mentioned in the show: Access our free resources (including the Between Friends event replay, mentioned in the show) at kidsorchildfree.com/free-resources Sign up to join us for the fall session of the Kids or Childfree Group Program: kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-program -- 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 Liz Leedham-Pepin, who shares her powerful journey to motherhood through adoption. You'll hear Liz and Keltie discuss: Liz's lifelong dreams of motherhood, and the emotional rollercoaster of trying to conceive Why Liz decided that motherhood probably wasn't for her after all, and why she and her wife decided to adopt after a life-changing epiphany Insights from Liz's experience navigating the adoption process, the importance of self-advocacy, and the unexpected challenges that arose along the journey The importance of openness in adoption, the ethical considerations involved, and the lengthy process of navigating the adoption system in Canada Some of the complexities and challenges of parenting Liz and her wife have faced as an LGBTQ+ couple Liz's experience and perspectives on parenting children with special needs Advice for prospective adoptive parents and reflections on the joys of parenthood About Liz: Liz Leedham-Pepin is a nurse living in British Columbia, Canada, with her wife and their adopted twins. Their family will soon be joined by the twins' younger brother. Liz's professional experience includes time spent working with autistic children and at-risk youth, including youth and teenagers struggling with emotional disturbances, addiction, mental health, homelessness, and prostitution. Liz's nursing experience includes emergency and on-call forensic nursing, and supporting moderate to severe mental health and addiction.  ___ Join the upcoming Kids or Childfree Group Program here: 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