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