What if success didn’t have to feel so heavy? And what if intuition and strategy could work together to unlock possibilities we can’t even imagine?

In this episode, Emily Paulsen speaks with Victoria Song, leadership advisor, venture capitalist turned performance coach, and author of Bending Reality. Victoria has worked with leaders across industries, from the families of LeBron James and Elon Musk to entrepreneurs and creatives, helping them clear limiting beliefs, dissolve contraction, and experience what she calls “quantum leaps.”

Their conversation explores the balance of logic and intuition, why our conditioning often leads us to chase the wrong things, and how to reframe “hard work” in a way that feels aligned rather than exhausting. From self-worth and limiting beliefs to expansion, joy, and the real meaning of readiness, Victoria reveals how bending reality isn’t about shortcuts, it’s about shifting the way we relate to possibility.

This episode is for anyone who has ever felt stuck in overwork, disconnected from joy, or ready to explore a new paradigm of success, creativity, and fulfillment.

👉 Victoria is also sharing access to her most popular masterclass, The GOAT Method, which brings together the exact frameworks and practices she teaches her private clients. It’s a powerful way to experience her work firsthand—and as a listener, you can get access at a discounted rate here: https://victoria-song.mykajabi.com/a/2148120895/Qy2YH3az

Key Takeaways

• Intuition as untapped data: Our gut instincts process information beyond what the five senses can capture, learning to trust them gives us access to shortcuts our linear mind can’t see.

• Low-stakes practice builds trust: Strengthening intuition starts small, like following a nudge to call a friend or choosing a new path on a weekend, and compounds into bigger decisions over time.

• Contraction drains success: Beliefs rooted in scarcity, overwork, or fear create heaviness in the body and bend outcomes against us; expansion lightens energy and invites possibility.

• Focus on super strengths: Instead of doubling down on weaknesses, identify the gifts that feel natural, joyful, and energizing, those are the true levers of success.

• Joy as soul language: What lights us up isn’t frivolous, it’s a signpost of our purpose. Following it creates alignment between our deepest calling and daily actions.

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  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

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  The guest on this episode, Victoria Song, is a leadership advisor, venture capitalist turned performance coach, and bestselling author of Bending Reality. She works with top performers across tech, sports, entertainment, and business, helping them dissolve limiting beliefs, expand their vision, and achieve what once seemed impossible.

  Connect with Victoria: https://victoria-song.com

What does it mean to be living through a loneliness epidemic?

In this episode, Emily Paulsen speaks with Dr. Jody Carrington, psychologist, bestselling author, and host of the UnLonely Podcast, about why disconnection has become one of the greatest challenges of our time, and what we can do to repair it. Jody unpacks how technology, shifting family structures, and cultural expectations have created a crisis of connection, and why the antidote isn’t more information but more authentic interaction.

Their conversation explores what loneliness actually is (and isn’t), the role of childhood and attachment in shaping our capacity for connection, and why simple acts like eye contact, ritual, and presence can radically shift our nervous systems. From the “discipline of reconnection” to redefining community and choice, Jody offers both a hopeful perspective and concrete steps for rebuilding the connections we need most.

This episode is for anyone curious about how to navigate loneliness, strengthen relationships, and live with more presence and joy in a noisy, distracted world.

Key Takeaways

• Loneliness is not the same as being alone: It’s an emotion that can show up in crowded rooms, marriages, or friendships, and addressing it requires understanding, not just company.

• Connection is neurobiology, not preference: We are wired for attachment, and our nervous systems regulate best when we’re with others we trust.

• Rituals and rhythms matter: Predictable practices, whether traditions, weekly meetups, or shared routines, help ground us and create stability in relationships.

• Authentic interaction is the real AI: No technology can replicate the neurochemical benefits of genuine human presence, eye contact, and touch.

• The discipline of reconnection: Building healthier communities and relationships requires intentional practices, charging phones outside the bedroom, practicing stillness, or simply waving at a neighbor.

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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

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The guest on this episode, Dr. Jody Carrington, is a psychologist, bestselling author, and speaker who has dedicated her career to helping people understand disconnection and build stronger bonds. She is the founder of Carrington & Co. and the host of the UnLonely Podcast, where she continues her mission to inspire reconnection and resilience.

Connect with Jody:

Website: www.drjodycarrington.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjodycarrington

Podcast: UnLonely Podcast

What does it mean to be part of the largest wealth transfer in history?

In this episode, Emily Paulsen speaks with Nicole Meihofer, financial advisor, wealth strategist, and founder of Pearlvest Capital, about the trillions of dollars shifting from baby boomers to millennials and Gen X. Nicole unpacks what this transfer means for individuals, especially those who are childfree and may inherit wealth from parents, grandparents, or other relatives.

Their conversation goes far beyond numbers, exploring the emotions, opportunities, and challenges tied to inheritance. From trusts and family businesses to lifestyle spending and legacy, Nicole shares both the tactical steps and the bigger-picture mindset shifts millennials need when navigating unexpected wealth. She also emphasizes why financial planning isn’t just about the future, it’s about aligning money with the life and values we want right now.

This episode is for anyone curious about inheritance, legacy, or how to approach money as a tool for joy, fulfillment, and impact in the present.

Key Takeaways

• Open communication matters: Proactive conversations with family about inheritance expectations help avoid confusion, stress, and financial missteps.

• Assemble a financial board of directors: Surrounding yourself with a trusted CPA, estate attorney, and financial advisor ensures you’re prepared to steward wealth wisely.

• Spending is part of planning: Financial planning isn’t just about saving, it’s about identifying what brings joy and making intentional choices to spend on it.

• Investments should serve your goals: Understanding fees, structures, and strategies helps ensure your money is fueling your life plan, not just sitting in accounts.

• Legacy is more than money: Millennials are redefining impact by creating businesses, jobs, and charitable contributions that reflect their values.

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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.comConnect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewoman

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The guest on this episode, Nicole Meihofer, is a financial advisor, wealth strategist, and founder of Pearlvest Capital. She specializes in guiding millennial inheritors and entrepreneurs through wealth-building strategies that enrich life today while securing tomorrow. Nicole is registered with IHT Wealth LLC, a registered investment advisor with the SEC. Opinions expressed are her own and for informational purposes only.

Connect with Nicole:Website: www.pearlvest.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolemeihoferweigel/

Most of us avoid talking about death but avoiding it doesn’t make it go away. In fact, learning how to approach death may be one of the clearest ways to understand life.

In this episode, Emily Paulsen speaks with Kacie Gikonyo, a former nurse turned death doula educator and founder of Death Doula School. With over a decade of experience guiding people and families through the end of life, Kacie brings compassion, clarity, and a deep belief that end-of-life planning isn’t about morbidity, it’s about literacy, legacy, and presence.

Their conversation explores what it really means to “labor out of life,” how to plan for end of life long before it’s urgent, and why normalizing death can reduce fear, conflict, and chaos for everyone involved. From the practical to the spiritual, Kacie offers perspective on how facing death honestly can change the way we live each day.

This episode is for anyone curious about planning for the inevitable, reducing uncertainty for loved ones, and finding more meaning in the life they’re living right now.

Key Takeaways

• Plan early, live fully: End-of-life planning isn’t just for later, it’s a gift that prevents confusion, conflict, and unnecessary crisis.

• Make a death plan: Just like a birth plan, choosing who you want present, the environment, and the details of your final days creates dignity and comfort.

• Normalize the process: Education about what the body goes through at the end of life can ease fear and help loved ones support without panic.

• Financial preparation matters: Dying in America is expensive, planning and saving now protects both independence and quality of care later.

• Sit with your dying self daily: Reflecting on how you’d feel about today’s choices at the end of your life encourages radical presence and fewer regrets.

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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.comConnect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewoman

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The guest on this episode, Kacie Gikonyo, is a former RN, death doula educator, and founder of Death Doula School. She has supported hundreds of individuals and families through end of life, bringing education, advocacy, and presence to a process often avoided or feared. Through her work, she empowers people to create meaningful death plans, normalize conversations around mortality, and live more intentionally today.

Connect with Kacie: Website: www.deathdoulakacie.com Instagram: @deathdoulakacie TikTok: @deathdoulakacie LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kaciegikonyo

What if the goal isn’t happiness at all, but joy?

In this episode, Emily Paulsen speaks with M. Shannon Hernandez, founder of Joyful Business Revolution and author of Practical Joy. Shannon shares her belief that joy is an “inside job”, a state rooted in values, not circumstances, and opens up about how this perspective has guided her through some of life’s most unexpected transitions.

Their conversation explores what it means to live in alignment with lifestyle values, navigate identity shifts, and choose joy even when happiness feels out of reach. From building a childfree life to redefining boundaries in work and relationships, Shannon offers a deeply personal yet practical perspective on what it takes to live authentically and joyfully.

This episode is for anyone curious about how to move beyond fleeting happiness and step into a deeper, more grounded sense of joy in everyday life.

Key Takeaways

• Joy is an inside job: Unlike happiness, joy isn’t dependent on circumstances, it’s about choosing alignment with your values in any moment.

• Lifestyle values guide choices: Identifying and honoring your top lifestyle values helps filter decisions and boundaries with clarity.

• Micro-joys matter: Small, daily sources of joy, like savoring a coffee, can sustain us during life’s hardest seasons.

• Boundaries create freedom: Saying no to obligations and people-pleasing opens space for joy to flourish.

• Identity beyond roles: True self-expression requires separating who we are at our core from the roles and expectations placed on us.

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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

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The guest on this episode, M. Shannon Hernandez, is the founder of Joyful Business Revolution®, creator of the Content Personality® Wheel, and author of Practical Joy. With her signature approach to aligning business, messaging, and values, Shannon helps entrepreneurs and organizations build joy-fueled success while redefining what it means to live authentically.

Connect with Shannon:Website: www.joyfulbusinessrevolution.com

Practical Joy Book: www.practicaljoybook.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mshannonhernandez

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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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/⁠