The Kids or Childfree Podcast

In this conversation, Janel Forsythe shares her experience of being on the fence about kids — and finding joy and fulfillment despite her ambivalence and indecision.  You’ll hear about: How Janel’s expectations for her life differ from her current reality What it’s like being an only child when you’re not sure if you’ll ever have kids The complexity of the decision to have children and the societal pressures and judgments that come with it The relationship between being single and the kids or childfree choice How to embrace ambiguity and create a joyful life  As mentioned in the show: Here are some of the resources Janel mentions in the episode and that she personally found helpful: Sara Eckel (It’s Not You)  Dr. Kinneret Lahad (Table for One)  Shani Silver (A Single Revolution) Dr. Bella DePaulo (Ted Talk) Jo Piazza (Under The Influence) Dr. Kris Marsh (The Love Jones Cohort; Interview) Rebecca Traister (All The Single Ladies)  Nancy Jo Sales (Swiped Documentary)  Mary Delia Allen (Enjoy Your Solo) __ Join an upcoming Kids or Childfree Workshop:  www.kidsorchildfree.com/workshop And don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Kids or Childfree Podcast if you love what you’re hearing! Find us online at www.kidsorchildfree.com. Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidsorchildfree TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kidsorchildfre

Fertility Rules author, Leslie Schrock, joins Keltie for a discussion on reproductive health, fertility, and her personal experience of becoming a mom. Their conversation touches on: Common misconceptions and fertility myths The importance of understanding the impact of age on fertility, as well as the importance of fertility testing and preservation Egg freezing and embryo freezing and what you need to know about them Why both partners should be tested and involved in the fertility journey  The need to listen to one's body and to consider long-term goals when deciding whether or not to have children The challenges and realities of parenthood, and the importance of shared vision and communication between partners As mentioned in the show: Learn more about Leslie and her work online at www.leslieschrock.com. Find Leslie on social media: Instagram: www.instagram.com/leslieschrock X (Twitter): www.twitter.com/lesliejz Order Leslie’s books: Bumpin’: The Modern Guide to Pregnancy: Navigating the Wild, Weird, and Wonderful Journey From Conception Through Birth and Beyond   Fertility Rules: The Definitive Guide to Male and Female Reproductive Health About Leslie Schrock Leslie Schrock is an author and angel investor working at the convergence of health and technology. Her breakout hit, Bumpin': The Modern Guide to Pregnancy mixes the latest clinical research with practical advice for working families. Her second book, Fertility Rules (starred review from Booklist), takes the same approach for male and female fertility. Leslie is also an advisor to Maven, Alife, Origin, Oath, and Reverence, on Gameto’s bioethics board, and the board of advisors at the Moody School of Communication at her alma mater, The University of Texas at Austin. She was named one of Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business, and her work has been featured on CNBC, NPR, Time, GQ, Fortune, Entrepreneur, Wired, The Economist, and The New York Times. Connect with Leslie at LeslieSchrock.com, on Instagram, or read her Substack. — Join an upcoming Kids or Childfree Workshop:  www.kidsorchildfree.com/workshop And don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Kids or Childfree Podcast if you love what you’re hearing! Find us online at www.kidsorchildfree.com. Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidsorchildfree TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kidsorchildfree

In this conversation, Keltie and her guest, Desiree Nielsen, discuss the challenges and joys of motherhood, as well as the importance of maintaining personal identity outside of being a parent. Desiree shares: Her experience of balancing her career ambitions with raising children and the fear of losing herself in motherhood The early struggles of parenthood, the impact on mental health, and the decision to have another child Desiree’s unique experience of hypnobirthing and how it helped her overcome fear and pain during childbirth The fulfillment in watching her children grow and how she and her husband parent as a team …and so much more! As mentioned in the show: Learn more about Desiree and her work online at www.desireerd.com. Find Desiree on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desireenielsenrd TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@desireenielsennutrition Pre-order Desiree’s new book, Plant Magic: A Celebration of Plant-Based Cooking for Everyone, releasing April 23rd, 2024. About Desiree Nielsen, R.D.: Desiree is a Registered Dietitian with a focus on plant-based nutrition and digestive health. She is the author of 2 Canadian bestselling plant-based cookbooks, Eat More Plants and Good For Your Gut as well as the host of an evidence-informed wellness podcast, The Allsorts Podcast. She lives in Vancouver, Canada, where she owns a private practice with a non-diet, weight-neutral approach to nutrition and health. __ Get our free Kids or Childfree Response Guide:  www.kidsorchildfree.com/responseguide And don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Kids or Childfree Podcast if you love what you’re hearing! Find us online at www.kidsorchildfree.com. Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidsorchildfree TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kidsorchildfree

Keltie and this episode’s guest, Jennifer Hofmann, discuss Jennifer's decision to be childfree, the factors that influenced her choice, and the freedoms it has afforded her. You’ll hear about: The complexity of decision-making and the emotions that can arise, such as regret and grief Jennifer’s experiences with societal pressure and family expectations, as well as her strategies for navigating questions about having kids Dealing with the guilt of disappointing others The benefits of being childfree, including the freedom to pursue personal growth and make a difference in the world Jennifer’s views on legacy and fulfillment, including her personal journey of discovering her purpose and the impact she is making through her work  — and how being childfree doesn’t limit one's ability to create a meaningful and fulfilling life. As mentioned in the show: Learn more about Jennifer Hofmann and Americans of Conscience: www.jenniferhofmann.com www.americansofconscience.com Find Jennifer on social media: Instagram: www.instagram.com/inspiredjen X (Twitter): www.twitter.com/inspiredjen Facebook Get Jennifer's values worksheet: https://bit.ly/jhofmann-values-worksheet   About Jennifer Hofmann: As the founder and executive director of Americans of Conscience Checklist, Jennifer Hofmann leads a dedicated team of nearly 30 volunteers who together empower Americans to engage in advocacy for equality and democracy. This mission was sparked by the desire to cut through through post-2016 election chaos, providing concerned Americans with a beacon of hope and meaningful action. Beyond her civic engagement, Jen is an author and blogger. Her upcoming spiritual memoir is about a life-changing, 500-mile-walk across northern Spain. With a passion for making a positive difference and an unwavering belief in the power of community, Jen weaves together the vibrant threads of advocacy and personal discovery, shaping a world where hope and action intersect. __ Get our free Kids or Childfree Book Guide:  www.kidsorchildfree.com/bookguide And don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Kids or Childfree Podcast if you love what you’re hearing! Find us online at www.kidsorchildfree.com. Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidsorchildfree TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kidsorchildfree

Are you on the fence about whether to have kids or stay childfree? This is your podcast. Tune in to hear what's in store when you subscribe.