Who will take care of you when you’re older? For many, this question sparks discomfort, or gets brushed aside entirely. But caregiving is a reality most of us will face, whether we’re the ones providing care or receiving it. The real question is: how prepared are we for it?

In this episode, Emily Paulsen speaks with Pamela D. Wilson, an international caregiving expert, advocate, and speaker with over 25 years of experience supporting older adults, individuals with disabilities, caregivers, and professionals. Their conversation explores the complexities of modern caregiving, from navigating healthcare systems to the emotional realities families face when plans aren’t in place.

Pamela offers a clear-eyed but optimistic perspective on how to approach caregiving with foresight and intention. She shares why proactive planning can prevent emotional and financial crises, the legal and logistical tools everyone should have in place, and how to find trusted help, whether through loved ones, community networks, or professional fiduciaries.

Whether you’re years away from needing care, actively caring for someone, or simply want to understand your options, this episode offers practical strategies, valuable resources, and a reminder that we all have more control than we might think.

Key Takeaways

• Proactive planning prevents crisis: Early conversations and documented wishes reduce stress, confusion, and last-minute scrambling.

• Advocacy is non-negotiable: In today’s healthcare landscape, speaking up and requesting what you need is essential for quality care.

• Legal tools protect your wishes: Powers of attorney, living wills, and care plans ensure decisions align with your values.

• Know your financial path: Identify where and how you want care, then plan, through savings, insurance, or both, to fund it.

• Support networks matter: Build trusted relationships, whether with family, friends, or professionals, to avoid isolation in critical moments.

___ 

Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.

Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com

Connect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewoman

___

The guest on this episode, Pamela D. Wilson, MS, BS/BA, CG, CSA, is an international caregiving expert, advocate, and speaker based in Denver, Colorado. Twenty-five years of experience supporting older adults, persons with disabilities, caregivers, and professionals as an expert witness, care manager, and professional fiduciary serve as Wilson’s platform to educate and increase awareness of caregiving as an essential role in life.

Connect with Pamela:

Website: www.pameladwilson.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pameladwilsoncaregivingexpert

What if the future of healthcare wasn’t just about fixing what’s broken, but about discovering what’s possible? In this episode, Emily Paulsen speaks with Dr. Koen Kas, a molecular oncologist, healthcare futurist, and author of EPIC, about how technology is reshaping the way we think about wellness, illness, and aging.

Together, they explore the idea of “healthspan” over lifespan, the rise of AI-powered health companions, and what it could mean to build a care system around delight, prevention, and purpose. Dr. Kas shares real-world tools, from apps that detect early signs of Parkinson’s through voice patterns to at-home diagnostics for eye disease and sleep apnea, and challenges long-held assumptions about how care should be delivered. Throughout the conversation, he invites listeners to imagine a world where each person is supported by a “digital twin,” empowered with personal data, and encouraged to measure not just physical health, but emotional well-being and meaning.Key Takeaways:

• Healthspan matters more than lifespan: Dr. Kas emphasizes the importance of feeling well, energized, and purposeful, not just living longer, but living better.

• We’re moving from reactive to proactive care: Instead of waiting to get sick, technology now allows us to monitor early changes and support health before problems begin.

• Delight is a legitimate health metric: By designing health interventions that feel good, intuitive, and emotionally rewarding, we’re more likely to sustain long-term wellness habits.

• Digital twins could change everything: AI-powered companions that track our speech, sleep, movement, and mood could soon detect illness early and personalize care, without stepping into a clinic.

• Measurable doesn’t mean clinical: From smart toilets to emotion-sensing playlists, Dr. Kas shares how everyday tools are being reimagined to support emotional, mental, and physical well-being.

• Healthcare can be human-centered again: Tech isn’t replacing empathy, it’s enhancing it. Used thoughtfully, it can bring care closer to home, make it more personal, and even restore trust in the system.

___ 

Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.

Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com

Connect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewoman

___

The guest on this episode, Prof. Dr. Koen Kas, is a healthcare futurist and professor of Molecular Oncology & Digital Health at Ghent University, Belgium. He curates the global database of certified health apps and AI tools and is a sought-after keynote speaker. His books include Sick No More (shifting from reactive sick-care to proactive health) and Your Guide to Delight (crafting “wow” experiences and the personal digital twin). His new book, Epic, explores holistic longevity - showing how AI companions, creativity and data empowerment help people unlock their full potential and find purpose. 

Learn more on his website:  https://koenkas.com/ 

And pick up a copy of his book on Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com.be/-/nl/Koen-Kas/dp/9463107053

What if giving back wasn’t something you added to your life, but the thing that grounded it?

In this episode of Curious Life of a Childfree Woman, longtime wildlife rescuer and yoga studio co-owner Kelly Mehring shares how two decades of volunteer work have shaped her purpose, strengthened her resilience, and connected her to a community she didn’t know she needed. From rescuing injured raccoons on busy highways to building lifelong friendships through grassroots animal advocacy, Kelly’s story is a powerful example of what it means to serve without seeking credit, and why that kind of service can be so deeply fulfilling.

She opens up about the emotional weight of this work, the joy of educating others about native wildlife, and how volunteering helped her navigate challenges like burnout and even a recent breast cancer diagnosis. For anyone seeking meaning, connection, or a way to give back, this episode offers encouragement to start small and stay open.

Whether you’re craving more purpose or simply curious about how others create it, this conversation invites you to explore volunteering not as an obligation, but as a life-affirming act of care.

Key Takeaways

• Start with what you care about: The best volunteer work begins with your own values, and one small step toward what lights you up.

• Fulfillment can come from structure: A regular volunteer commitment can bring purpose, connection, and a sense of being needed in the best way.

• It’s okay to try different paths: If one experience doesn’t fit, try another. The right organization will value your energy and your unique strengths.

• Emotional weight is real, and worth it: Hard moments will come, but knowing you’re reducing suffering, even by minutes, can make the discomfort meaningful.

• Community is a hidden benefit: Volunteering often leads to unexpected friendships and shared purpose, especially in emotionally intense settings.

___ 

Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.

Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com

Connect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewoman

___

The guest on this episode, Kelly Mehring, is childfree by choice and co-owns the Columbus-based Mat Happy Yoga studio alongside her sister. She has spent over 20 years volunteering as a wildlife rescuer with the Ohio Wildlife Center and continues to advocate for animal welfare through hands-on rescue and public education. Kelly also supports farmed animal sanctuaries and has built a lifestyle rooted in service, compassion, and community.

Follow her on Instagram: @mehringway
Learn more: ohiowildlifecenter.org | sunrisesanctuary.org | mathappy.com

What if the secret to financial freedom and a richer life wasn’t in earning more—but in living with less?

In this episode of Curious Life of a Childfree Woman, financial planner and founder of The Tiny House Advisor, Laura Lynch, shares how the tiny living movement is rewriting the rules of homeownership, community, and enoughness. From leaving behind a 2,000-square-foot house to becoming mortgage-free, Laura’s journey is as much about values as it is about square footage.

She explains what draws people to tiny living, why it’s not just about finances, and how it can create space for creativity, sustainability, and deeper connection. Plus, Laura offers practical tips for anyone curious about downsizing or exploring alternative living—without losing what matters most.

Whether tiny living feels like a dream, a challenge, or something you’ve never considered, this episode invites you to rethink what “home” really means.

Key Takeaways

• Your biggest financial lever isn’t coffee—it’s housing: Downsizing can free up resources more than any budgeting tip or skipped latte ever could.

• Start with values, not square footage: A home should reflect what matters most to you—not what marketing or tradition says you need.

• Community thrives in smaller spaces: Alternative living often fosters stronger connection and resource sharing, countering isolation in conventional neighborhoods.

• Legalization is local and nuanced: Tiny homes aren’t one-size-fits-all; zoning and permitting vary widely, so research and persistence are key.

• Test before you leap: Stay in a tiny home or visit a community before making the transition to see how the lifestyle truly feels.

—

Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.

Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com

Connect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewoman

—

The guest on this episode, Laura Lynch, is a Certified Financial Planner™ and founder of The Tiny House Advisor. Laura helps individuals and families navigate the financial and logistical realities of downsizing, alternative housing, and creating lives that feel expansive—no matter the square footage. She also hosts the Less House, More Moolah podcast, where she features stories and strategies for financial freedom through intentional living.

Learn more at: https://www.thetinyhouseadviser.com/Connect on Instagram: @lesshousemoremoolapodcast

What does it really mean to live the “right” life, and is that even possible?

In this solo episode of Curious Life of a Childfree Woman, Emily Paulsen unpacks the assumptions people make about the show, shares why she created it, and explores the deeper purpose behind normalizing childfree living. Along the way, she challenges the myth of the “perfect path” and reminds us that living with curiosity, not comparison, is what truly matters.

Emily also answers listener questions about her personal story, how she chooses topics, and what she hopes the future of the show looks like. From branding advice to dream guests, this is a behind-the-scenes look at the vision for a podcast that celebrates autonomy, individuality, and expansive possibilities for a life on your own terms.

Whether you’re navigating societal expectations or simply craving conversations that reflect your reality, this episode offers clarity, reassurance, and a renewed sense of freedom to live life your way.

Key Takeaways:

• Choice is the real freedom: There’s no single “right path,” only the power to choose and evolve as you go. 

• Representation matters: Visibility for childfree perspectives helps normalize an equally valid life path. 

• Curiosity keeps us open: Asking questions and exploring ideas prevents us from living on autopilot. 

• Audience-first creation wins: Any creative project should center on who it serves, not just the creator’s vision. 

• Engagement makes it better: Sharing your ideas and feedback shapes content that truly resonates.

Want to connect, share episode ideas, or apply to be a guest?

Visit⁠ www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com⁠ to join the conversation and explore what’s next.

—

Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.

Learn more about Emily on her website:⁠ www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com⁠And connect with her on Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/curiouslifeofachildfreewoman/⁠

What if low energy, brain fog, or mood swings had less to do with motivation—and more to do with your microbiome?

In this episode of Curious Life of a Childfree Woman, registered dietitian and researcher Dr. Mindy Patterson breaks down what gut health really is, why it matters, and how it quietly affects everything from digestion and blood sugar to inflammation, hormones, and longevity.

She explains the difference between probiotics, prebiotics, and resistant starch—plus why not all fiber is beneficial, and how some “gut health” products may be doing more harm than good. This is a grounded, science-backed conversation about what’s going on beneath the surface and how to work with your gut, not against it.

Whether gut health feels confusing or you’ve already tried every probiotic on the shelf, this episode offers clarity, real guidance, and a better way forward.

Key Takeaways:

• Gut health impacts far more than digestion. It’s connected to mood, energy, immunity, and inflammation across the entire body.

• Prebiotics and probiotics are not the same. Prebiotics feed the good bacteria; probiotics are the bacteria themselves—and both are essential.

• Resistant starch is a powerful prebiotic. It ferments slowly, making it more tolerable for sensitive guts while also supporting blood sugar regulation.

• Short-chain fibers found in many wellness drinks may trigger bloating or discomfort. The type of fiber matters more than the amount.

• Consistent, small changes to your diet can start reshaping your microbiome in just a few days—but lasting results come from long-term habits.

—

Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way. 

Learn more about Emily on her website: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com  

And connect with her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiouslifeofachildfreewoman/ 

—

The guest on this episode, Dr. Mindy Patterson, is a registered dietitian, professor, researcher, and founder of Renutrin—a prebiotic fiber supplement designed to reduce inflammation, support blood sugar, and improve gut health without the typical digestive side effects. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Women’s Health, and more, and she has authored over 10 peer-reviewed publications.

Learn more at: www.renutrin.coConnect with her on LinkedIn: Dr. Mindy Patterson

What does it mean to live as a woman when you’ve chosen to step outside the script?

In this episode of Curious Life of a Childfree Woman, host Emily Paulsen talks with transformational coach, TEDx speaker, and author of Rewrite the Mother Code, Dr. Gertrude Lyons about the quiet rules women inherit around sacrifice, care, and emotional labor and how those rules shape our choices, confidence, and sense of self.

Together, they explore the subtle ways women are taught to equate worth with overgiving, how to stand firm in your truth without becoming hardened, and why emotional expression is one of the most undervalued sources of strength. This conversation is about womanhood, self-trust, and redefining care on your own terms.

Key Takeaways

• We inherit expectations we didn’t choose. Many women were handed a definition of femininity built around sacrifice, selflessness, and constant caretaking. It’s okay to question that.

• Choosing yourself isn’t selfish. Prioritizing your own well-being and fulfillment isn’t indulgent, it’s vital. And when women care for themselves, everyone benefits.

• Unshakeable doesn’t mean defensive. You don’t need to justify your choices. Confidence grows from clarity, not explanation.

• You are allowed to be complex. You can be soft and strong. Kind and firm. Giving and self-honoring.

• Your emotions are not the problem. Emotional presence is not weakness—it’s wisdom. The more you feel, the more fully you live.
  

—

Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are . She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way. 

Learn more about Emily on her website: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com  

And connect with her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiouslifeofachildfreewoman/ 

—

The guest on this episode,  Dr. Gertrude Lyons has dedicated her professional life to exploring the transformative capacity of all people. Dr. Lyons received her Ed.D. in 2017, and has given workshops at Google, International Coaches Federation, Hey Mama, and more. She has been published or appeared in The Guardian, WSJ, Thrive Global, The Bump, Motherly, Business Insider, and MindBodyGreen, and on Fox NY & Chicago, Good Day LA, NewsNation, and WGN radio. She is the host of the podcast, “Rewrite the Mother Code,” and lives in Chicago, where she and her husband Rich raised their own family.

Learn more about Dr. Lyons on her website: www.drgertrudelyons.com 

Connect with her online: 

IG: instagram.com/drgertrudelyons  

LI: www.linkedin.com/in/gertrudelyons/ 

And order a copy of her book:  https://www.drgertrudelyons.com/book-rewrite-the-mother-code

Is AI here to take over, or help us take back our time, energy, and creativity?

In this episode of Curious Life of a Childfree Woman, Emily Paulsen sat down with AI strategist Jordache Johnson, founder of Never Tech Behind to talk about what this technology is really doing to our minds, our culture, and our day-to-day choices. They talked about everything from the actual history of AI to how it's shifting our expectations of convenience, productivity, and what it means to do “good work.”

This isn’t a fear-based take, it’s a grounded, human conversation about critical thinking, boundaries, and the personal responsibility we all have to use these tools with intention. 

—

Key Takeaways:

• AI has been here longer than we think. The roots of artificial intelligence go back to 1949, but its current rise is reshaping society at an unprecedented pace.

• We’re in a cultural shift, not just a tech shift. As consumers, our expectations around speed, convenience, and personalization are changing everything.

• The biggest risk isn’t AI, it’s outsourcing our thinking. Jordache shares how he uses AI as a thought partner, not a decision-maker, and why critical thinking is more essential than ever.

• It’s not about resisting AI, it’s about being intentional. You don’t need to be a tech expert to use these tools wisely. Start with curiosity, clear boundaries, and self-awareness.

• Efficiency doesn’t mean less human. AI can give us back time, help us think more creatively, and support our values—if we’re willing to stay in the driver’s seat.

—

Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are . She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way. 

Learn more about Emily on her website: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com  

And connect with her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiouslifeofachildfreewoman/ 

—

The guest on this episode,  Jordache Johnson, is an AI Strategist and AI-First Culture Architect who helps organizations thrive in our AI-driven world. Jordache is the Founder of Never Tech Behind, where he developed the ADAPT System, DICE Method™, and AHA Framework™—proven frameworks that help businesses implement AI sustainably while keeping the human element front and center. As an international keynote speaker, he's known for breaking down complex AI concepts into actionable strategies that entrepreneurs, business leaders and executives can actually use. 

Join Jordache’s newsletter: jordache.ai 

Learn more about his membership: nevertechbehind.com 

And connect with him online: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordachejohnson 

https://www.nevertechbehind.ai/ 

What makes someone magnetic in a meeting, not just competent, but commanding?

In this episode, Emily talks with communications expert and executive coach Janet Bartucci about gravitas: that subtle but powerful presence that gets people to lean in, listen, and take you seriously. Drawing on decades of experience in corporate leadership and brand strategy, Janet breaks down what gravitas really is, why women are often praised for being “good” but not genuinely heard, and how we can start showing up with grounded presence, without shouting, shrinking, or pretending.

This is a practical, personal conversation about what it looks like to stop second-guessing and start leading, in work and in life. 

Key Takeaways

• Gravitas isn’t about being the loudest. It’s about being the clearest. It’s the quiet conviction that makes people pay attention.

• Confidence gets you in the room, gravitas gets you heard. Delivery, tone, and presence often matter more than words alone.

• Recovery is part of power. Missteps happen. Gravitas shows up in how you handle them.

• Visual presence signals self-respect. Style, posture, and polish help you communicate authority before you speak.

• Good girl conditioning keeps us small. Approval-seeking dilutes your power. Gravitas begins with self-trust.

• This is a learnable skill. You don’t have to be born with it—you can develop it with intention, clarity, and practice.

—

Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are . She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way. 

Learn more about Emily on her website: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com  

And connect with her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiouslifeofachildfreewoman/ 

—

The guest on this episode, Janet Bartucci, is a leadership strategist who helps women stop performing and start leading. After decades inside high-powered boardrooms and executive roles, she saw the same story play out: brilliant women getting overlooked, not because they lacked skill, but because they were stuck in outdated scripts about how to show up.

Through her 5 Steps to a Self-Directed Life framework, Janet now teaches women how to reclaim their voice, lead with grounded authority, and build gravitas that’s not performative, but deeply embodied. Her work is about dropping the “good girl” act and becoming the kind of leader who doesn’t wait to be chosen.

Learn more at www.janetbartucci.com or connect with her on Instagram @janetbartucci.

What if your home isn’t just a reflection of your taste, but a mirror of your story, your ambition, and how you want to feel in the world?

In this episode of Curious Life of a Childfree Woman, Emily Paulsen speaks with Jamie Gasparovic, founder of Studio Gaspo, an interior design firm known for creating bold, identity-driven spaces that are anything but ordinary. Together, they explore how our environments can shape our energy, influence our confidence, and quietly reinforce who we believe we are becoming.

This conversation is less about trends and more about intention. Jamie explains why starting with your own identity, not Pinterest, is the key to designing a home that feels meaningful, and how everything from material choices to layout can affect your daily experience. Whether someone is working with a designer or figuring it out room by room, this episode offers a new lens on how space and self are deeply connected.

For anyone who wants their home to feel like a true extension of who they are—not just what’s in style—this episode invites a more personal, empowered approach to design.

Key Takeaways:

• Design can be a form of self-expression. Homes designed with identity in mind feel more personal, impactful, and aligned with the lives people want to live.

• Pinterest isn’t the starting point. Meaningful design begins with self-awareness, not aesthetics. Looking inward helps clarify what a space needs to support.

• Materials matter. From the tactile feel of fabrics to the natural presence of stone, the textures we live with every day affect how we feel.

• Placeholders are okay. It’s better to evolve a space over time than to rush into choices that don’t resonate. Thoughtfulness beats perfection.

• Function and feeling go hand-in-hand. Design isn’t just about beauty—it’s about ease, intention, and creating an environment that works for your real life.

—

Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are . She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way. 

Learn more about Emily on her website: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com  

And connect with her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiouslifeofachildfreewoman/ 

—

The guest on this episode, Jamie Gasparovic, is the founder of Studio Gaspo, the identity-driven interior design firm known for transforming luxury homes into powerful reflections of clients' values, ambition, and story. With a no-BS approach and a background in advertising and international business, Jamie blends fearless creativity with sharp strategy, designing spaces that don’t just look good, they mean something.

She’s currently building a psychographic design platform that translates who you are into how your home should feel. From high-end builds to visionary tech, Jamie is reshaping the future of design, one unapologetically personal space at a time.

Learn more about Studio Gaspo and connect with Jamie online: 

 https://studiogaspo.com/ 

https://www.instagram.com/studiogaspo/ 

Be the first to know about Studio Gaspo’s new launch

https://gaspo.myflodesk.com/iti