In today's episode, we dive into an important topic many childless women face: how to handle well-meaning but hurtful comments about not having children. From classic lines like “Don’t worry, it’ll happen” to “Who will take care of you when you’re old?”, these remarks—though often made with good intentions—can still sting deeply.

I share my personal perspective on how to respond with grace, compassion, and self-awareness, depending on who the conversation is with—be it an older relative, a close friend, or someone simply being insensitive.

What you'll learn:

• Why people say things that unintentionally hurt—and how cultural norms often play a role
• How to tailor your response based on the person and the situation
• Practical phrases to use when you don’t want to explain your entire story
• The importance of setting emotional boundaries while staying grounded in self-compassion
• A powerful mindset shift: why your reaction to comments often reflects your own emotional state
• How to turn hurtful moments into an opportunity for self-reflection and healing

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IG: @bychanceavenue

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In this uplifting and soul-nourishing episode, I sit down with my dear friend Wendy Herra, host of the Say Yes to Yourself podcast and owner of the stunning Phineas Wright House—a historic bed and breakfast and flower farm in New England. Wendy shares her powerful journey of transformation—from years of waiting to become a mother, to adopting her daughter from China, and eventually choosing to live life fully by saying yes to herself.

We dive deep into what it means to commit to yourself first, how to move past guilt, and how even in the midst of grief, you can reclaim your joy and create a life that feels truly aligned. Wendy speaks from a place of lived experience, offering not just inspiration but practical baby steps to begin embracing your own version of fulfillment.

About Wendy:

• How to start saying yes to yourself—even if it feels unfamiliar or uncomfortable
• The power of small daily practices like journaling and morning routines
• How grief and joy can coexist in a meaningful way
• Ways to navigate guilt and set boundaries with grace
• The importance of curating a supportive community and committing to your own well-being
• How Wendy turned her pain into purpose, creating spaces and experiences for women to rediscover themselves

About Wendy:

Wendy Harrop is the owner of The Phineas Wright House, a historic bed & breakfast on a small New England flower farm. By bringing the experience from her 30-year career as a wedding planner into everyday entertaining, she desires to have every guest feel welcomed, anticipated and celebrated She creates and curates opportunities for women to say YES to themselves through luxury culinary trips in the US and France, workshops and retreats in her 200-year-old barn, and Farm Stays at the b&b. She is the host of the Say YES to Yourself! podcast where she shares conversations with fabulous women incorporating this self-care practice in big and small ways. 

Connect with Wendy:

Instagram: @phineaswrighthouse

Facebook: @phineaswrighthouse

Website: https://www.phineaswrighthouse.com/ 

Podcast: https://www.phineaswrighthouse.com/podcast

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Email: [email protected]

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In this episode, I chat with Lana Manikowski, a certified life coach, author, and advocate for women navigating life after infertility. After undergoing seven years of fertility treatments and ultimately choosing to embrace a childless life, Lana now helps others find healing, purpose, and fulfillment beyond motherhood. Her upcoming book, "So, Now What?", launching on April 2nd, offers guidance and hope to those seeking a path forward after infertility.

What you'll learn:

• Lana’s personal journey through seven years of fertility treatments and the emotional impact of infertility
• The process of accepting and embracing a fulfilling life without children
• The importance of rewriting the narrative around being childless
• How grief and healing coexist and why it's okay to feel both
• Strategies for strengthening marriage and relationships post-infertility
• The role of life coaching in personal growth after fertility struggles
• How to create a meaningful legacy beyond parenting

This conversation is a powerful reminder that a beautiful, fulfilling life is possible—even when it looks different than expected.

About Lana:

Lana Manikowski is an author, certified life coach, keynote speaker, and infertility advocate dedicated to helping women thrive after infertility. She is the founder of The Other’s Day Brunch and host of The ‘So Now What?’ Podcast, creating spaces where childless women feel seen, understood, and empowered.

After a seven year journey through fertility treatments—including several rounds of IUI and IVF—ended without a child, and donor egg and adoption weren’t her path, Lana experienced the isolation, self-judgment, and grief of navigating a future she never planned for. When she couldn’t find the support she needed, she built it herself. Now, through her coaching, advocacy efforts, and community, she helps women rediscover their relevance, connection, and purpose beyond motherhood.

With an advanced coaching certification in grief and post-traumatic growth, Lana helps women process the loss of the dream of motherhood and move forward with intention. Her coaching program, Thrive After Infertility, guides women in rebuilding their relationships, reconnecting with their bodies, and creating meaningful milestones that bring fulfillment in the decades ahead.

Her book, So Now What? (April 2025), offers a transformative roadmap for embracing life beyond infertility, helping women reclaim joy, meaning, and a sense of direction without the children they once longed for. A sought-after speaker and media contributor, Lana is known for her powerful message: your story isn’t over—it’s just beginning. She lives in downtown Chicago with her husband and their furbaby, Coco.

Connect with Lana:

Website: https://lanamanikowski.com/

Instagram: @lana.manikowski

Youtube: @lana.manikowski

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In this episode, I’m diving into a question I get asked often—what does it really mean to live a full life without children? I reflect on how my vision of fulfillment has evolved from childhood dreams of family road trips to embracing a different, unexpected path. Living fully isn’t about following a traditional narrative; it’s about redefining joy, building deep connections, creating legacy in our own way, and leaning into the freedom we have.

What you'll learn:

• How to redefine fulfillment on their own terms
• The importance of meaningful friendships and community in a childless life
• How to create a lasting legacy beyond parenting
• Ways to embrace freedom, passion, and new dreams
• Why evolving and redefining fulfillment over time is key to living fully

This episode is a reminder that a meaningful life doesn’t require children—it’s about intentionally shaping the life you want and finding joy in unexpected places.

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In this episode, I dive into the power of rewriting your inner narrative around childlessness. So much of our journey isn’t just about what happened to us—it’s about the story we tell ourselves about it. When grief, frustration, and self-doubt take over, we often blame ourselves, believing we should have done more or that we don’t deserve joy. But here’s the truth: the way we talk to ourselves shapes our healing.

What you'll learn:

• How our inner dialogue can keep us stuck in grief and self-blame
• Why acknowledging emotions without letting them control us is crucial
• The importance of self-compassion and giving ourselves grace
• How to start shifting the narrative we tell ourselves about being childless
• The first steps to reclaiming joy, hope, and connection in our lives

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In this episode, I open up about the quiet moments of grief that sometimes surface, even after making peace with a childless life. While I’m truly content and grateful for the life I’ve built, there are still unexpected reminders—like a passing conversation or a baby shower—that bring a little ache for the path not taken.

You'll hear:

• How grief can still appear, even after finding peace with being childless
• The importance of allowing yourself to feel both joy and grief at the same time
• Why expressing our emotions openly can help others understand and support us
• How to redefine celebration in a way that honors our own life’s journey
• A reminder that your life is meaningful and worthy of recognition, even without traditional milestones

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In this episode, I sit down with my husband, Victor, to share all about our recent trip to the Maldives! Traveling has been such a powerful part of our journey—not just as individuals, but as a couple. It’s been a way for us to heal, grow, and embrace adventure, even when life doesn’t look the way we once imagined. And let’s be honest, reliving our travel experiences is just fun! From swimming alongside a whale shark to navigating group travel for the first time, this trip was full of unexpected lessons, unforgettable moments, and a few challenges along the way.

What you'll learn:

• How travel has been a healing tool in our childless journey
• The highs and challenges of traveling in a group for the first time
• The incredible wildlife encounters we had in the Maldives (including swimming with a whale shark!)
• How stepping out of your comfort zone leads to the most rewarding experiences
• The power of being present and letting go of expectations
• Why travel isn’t just about exploring new places, but about deepening relationships and finding joy in the moment

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In this episode, I sit down with Samantha as she bravely shares her journey through miscarriage, infertility, and chronic illness. We dive into the emotional and physical toll of grief, the importance of self-advocacy in medical care, and how she’s navigating healing through therapy, writing, and support from loved ones. Samantha’s story is a powerful reminder that we are not alone in our struggles, and that healing comes from embracing both the pain and the joy in life.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• The impact of chronic illness on infertility and family planning
• How miscarriage affects both mental and physical health
• The role of therapy, self-advocacy, and support in the healing process
• How to hold space for grief without rushing through it
• The power of sharing our stories and finding connection through vulnerability
• Practical tools for navigating loss and rebuilding a sense of purpose
• Why rest and self-care are essential, not optional
• The importance of giving yourself time to make decisions about next steps in your journey

Connect with Elizabeth:

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In this powerful two-part conversation, I sit down with Lauralyn Kearney as she courageously shares her infertility journey, particularly her experience with one of the leading causes of male infertility. Her story sheds light on the challenges of navigating the medical system, the importance of advocating for yourself, and the deep emotional impact of infertility.

Beyond her personal story, Lauralyn, a yoga therapist, offers valuable insights into healing and nervous system regulation. She shares simple, practical tools that can help anyone manage stress, find peace, and reconnect with themselves—whether navigating infertility, grief, or other life challenges.

This episode is filled with wisdom, support, and encouragement, and I know you’ll walk away feeling seen, validated, and empowered.

What you'll learn:

• The impact of male infertility and why varicoceles are often overlooked
• The challenges of advocating for yourself in the medical system and why it’s essential
• The emotional toll of infertility and how it affects relationships, self-worth, and identity
• How grief and joy can coexist while navigating life beyond infertility
• The importance of nervous system regulation and how it supports emotional healing
• Simple practices for reducing stress and creating a sense of safety in your body
• How yoga therapy and mindfulness can aid in processing grief and restoring balance
• The power of reconnecting with yourself after loss and rediscovering joy
• Why acceptance is not about giving up but about reclaiming peace and purpose
• How to embrace a fulfilling, childfree life with intention and gratitude

Connect with Lauralyn:

Website: www.lauralynkearney.com

Instagram: @creatingpeacefulness

Connect with Elizabeth:

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In today's episode, I reflect on rediscovering myself after navigating the grief of unfulfilled dreams. I share the small yet impactful habits that helped me rebuild my sense of purpose, joy, and connection, while reminding us all that starting small is okay and healing is a journey. This episode is an invitation to embrace the little shifts that anchor us to our own strength and resilience.

What you'll learn from this episode:

• How small habits can create big changes in your daily life and mindset
• How to adapt these small habits to fit your unique life and circumstances
• Why starting small and embracing imperfection is key to creating meaningful change

Connect with Elizabeth:

IG: @bychanceavenue

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