Today Laura sits down with Cody Hetzel from Childfree Media to better understand the landscape and complexities of the childfree community. Cody shares his personable narrative on choosing a childfree life, shedding light on the societal influences that often steer these critical life decisions.

The discussion opens with quick overview of the lexicon of the childfree world. Terms such as pronatalism, anti-natalism, 'dinks', 'dinkwads', 'bingoing' and the aggressively childfree, are decoded, offering an enlightening perspective on this lifestyle. Cody introduces us to some of his initiatives that aim to foster connections within the childfree community, including a micro networking site, a merchandise website, a childfree convention, and his co-founding venture, Childfree Media.

We wrap things up by delving into societal stereotypes and misconceptions attached to being childfree, particularly for men. The fear that prevents many from engaging in the childfree community is examined, and we talk candidly about the pressures exerted by societal expectations on personal life choices. Settle in for a discussion that promises to broaden your understanding of the childfree lifestyle, whether you're part of this community, contemplating it, or simply curious. This episode guarantees an enriching journey into an often misunderstood and misrepresented community.

Click here to the listen to the Dinky episode Antinatalism: Debating The Ethics of Procreation

Jennifer Aniston Has Nothing to Hide

Penny Never Wanted Kids on The Big Bang Theory, So Why Did She Wind Up Pregnant?

Support the show

Email me questions at [email protected] - I'd love to hear from you!

Follow on the Gram: @childfreeme_

Music from #Uppbeat:

https://uppbeat.io/t/andrey-rossi/seize-the-day

License code: 10MWPZUG3AZBGZPR

Annie McNaughton and I sit down to discuss her journey to being childfree, from initially believing in the ideal of the "husband, child and white picket fence" package to realizing her inner voice was telling her something different. 

We talk about the importance of clear communication and mutual understanding between partners when standing firm in the face of external pressures, and the importance of ensuring both partners are on the same page to sustain this choice.

Finally, we dive into how societal expectations, the fear of missing out (FOMO), and the fear of regret that can often cloud our judgment when making the choice to not have children. We address how society's influence can be so pervasive that it's sometimes difficult to distinguish between what is society's and what is our own voice. 

**Trigger warning** - we discuss some pretty severe delivery complications during this episode, so if this might be triggering to you, please skip over. The time stamp is 21:35 to 21:53. 

Support the show

Email me questions at [email protected] - I'd love to hear from you!

Follow on the Gram: @childfreeme_

Music from #Uppbeat:

https://uppbeat.io/t/andrey-rossi/seize-the-day

License code: 10MWPZUG3AZBGZPR

Meet my dear friend and former coworker Marisela.  As a first-generation Mexican American, Sela offers a fresh perspective on the societal expectations, relationships, and the fear of regret that can influence the choice to be childfree

Today we dissect the pressures and misconceptions surrounding women who opt not to have children, bringing to light the importance of staying true to oneself. 
This episode isn't just about being childfree; it's about the freedom to choose your path without societal impositions. We're breaking down prejudices and challenging narratives. 

If you've ever felt the pressure to conform or questioned your decisions, I hope that this episode will resonate deeply. We'll explore how the pandemic spotlighted the challenges of raising children and emphasized the importance of self-care. The episode concludes with a powerful discussion on the fear of regret often associated with choosing to be childfree. 

Support the show

Email me questions at [email protected] - I'd love to hear from you!

Follow on the Gram: @childfreeme_

Music from #Uppbeat:

https://uppbeat.io/t/andrey-rossi/seize-the-day

License code: 10MWPZUG3AZBGZPR

Ever felt like a lone ship sailing against the societal current, yearning for companionship and understanding? That's where I found myself as I veered off the 'normal' path to embrace a child-free life, prompting the creation of this podcast, Childfree Me. I'm Laura Allen, inviting you to join me on this exciting exploration of individual narratives, shared experiences, and collective celebration of choosing a childfree life.

In our inaugural episode, I open up about my journey, from choosing the traditional route of education and career to diverging from the norm to embrace this liberating, yet often isolating, decision. Each week, we'll delve into intimate conversations with others who've also chosen this unconventional path. Whether you're already walking this road, pondering over it or simply intrigued by the idea, I hope you'll find resonance, inspiration, and possibly, camaraderie in our stories. Remember to subscribe to Childfree Me on your preferred podcast platform. The first episode drops in two days, with new ones coming your way every Tuesday. Can't wait to have you alongside on this journey!

Support the show

Email me questions at [email protected] - I'd love to hear from you!

Follow on the Gram: @childfreeme_

Music from #Uppbeat:

https://uppbeat.io/t/andrey-rossi/seize-the-day

License code: 10MWPZUG3AZBGZPR