In the spirit of Halloween, Kristen and Erika decided to give you ALL the bonus Halloween content! Enjoy!!!

If you don’t immediately recognize her name, you may know the famous nursery rhyme: Lizzie Borden took an axe, she gave her mother 40 whacks; when she saw what she had done, she gave her father 41. Besides her infamy in American crime history, she was also a woman who never had kids. In this episode, we’re going to review the case and the aftermath — and question: was she the killer? This is sure to be a fan-favorite among those who love our rambling. 

Want more bonus content? Sign up for the Patreon! Join now to support the show + gain access to weekly, ad-free episodes, chat with us & other childfree pals in the Dinky Discord, join our virtual book club, and more! 

Merch is here!!! Get your merch NOW!

New Dinky trip alert!! Erika is taking a group of childfree travelers to VIETNAM — and it’s an artsy adventurer's dream itinerary! Buy your tickets while they last. 

Wanna get your finances in order? Use our link to sign up for a FREE 34 day trial of YNAB (You Need A Budget) and support the show.

Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Substack, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube.

If you have a question or comment, email us at [email protected]

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

In the spirit of Halloween, Kristen and Erika decided to give you ALL the bonus Halloween content! Enjoy!!!

This past summer, Kristen visited Salem, MA — the city best known for one of the most devastating events of early American history: the Salem Witch Trials. Given some parallels and stereotypes between witches and childfree women (i.e., childless cat ladies), Kristen + Erika wanted to revisit this event in history and focus on some key details of the witches themselves.

The Dinky Patreon is officially live! Join now to support the show + gain access to weekly, ad-free episodes, chat with us & other childfree pals in the Dinky Discord, join our virtual book club, and more! 

Wanna re-read the blog Kristen read about childfree witches? See it here. 

Erika is taking a group of childfree travelers to VIETNAM — and it’s an artsy adventurer's dream itinerary! Buy your tickets while they last. 

Wanna get your finances in order? Use our link to sign up for a FREE 34 day trial of YNAB (You Need A Budget) and support the show.

Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Substack, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube.

If you have a question or comment, email us at [email protected]

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

For nearly 175 years — from 1563 until its repeal in 1736 — this act stood as part of Scotland’s law. In that time, it is estimated that 3,000 to 5,000 people were accused of witchcraft. Of those, a staggering 84 percent were women. Torture, often in the form of sleep deprivation and relentless interrogation, was routine. Executions followed — frequently by strangulation or burning — and their bodies were often destroyed so they could not even be buried, denied the final dignity of rest.Our guests know this story better than anyone.

Today, we’re joined by Claire Mitchell KC — a distinguished Scottish lawyer, specialising in criminal defence, constitutional and human rights law. She is co-founder of the Witches of Scotland campaign, which seeks posthumous pardons, a memorial, and an official apology for those persecuted under the Witchcraft Act.

Zoe Venditozzi is a writer, teacher, and co-campaigner. Born and raised in Fife, she brings storytelling, archival curiosity, and moral urgency to this mission. Her literary debut Anywhere’s Better Than Here won the Guardian’s Not the Booker popular prize; now with Claire she’s co-author of How to Kill a Witch: A Guide for the Patriarchy.

Their new book weaves together legal history, archival testimony, fictional vignettes, and sharp critique. It lifts the stories of those accused — women, and a few men — out of dusty court records and into the present. It asks: how did this system become possible, and how do we make amends?

Merch is here!!! Get your merch NOW!

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE WEEK: Thornback Acupuncture with Dr. Rachel Oristano.

New Dinky trip alert!! Erika is taking a group of childfree travelers to VIETNAM — and it’s an artsy adventurer's dream itinerary! Buy your tickets while they last. 

The Dinky Patreon is officially live! Join now to support the show + gain access to weekly, ad-free episodes, chat with us & other childfree pals in the Dinky Discord, join our virtual book club, and more! 

Wanna get your finances in order? Use our link to sign up for a FREE 34 day trial of YNAB (You Need A Budget) and support the show.

Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Substack, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube.

If you have a question or comment, email us at [email protected]

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

It’s October, which means it’s the start of Spooky Season. If you’ve been listening to Dinky for the past three years, you know we always do a Halloween episode – two of which have included our favorite, recurring guest star, Sapphire Sandalo. You might recognize her as a co-host on the Travel Channel TV shows ‘Ghost Town Terror’ or from her appearances on ‘Paranormal Caught on Camera.’ She also has her own award-winning podcast, Stories With Sapphire. Today, Sapphire rejoins the Dinky crew to chat about her new short film, as well as chat about witches. And this year we’re trying something new – we’re doing a whole month of spooky childfree tales across our Patreon bonus & regular episodes, including more stories spotlighting childfree witches and more spooky childfree/childless women. 

Learn more about Sapphire’s new short film, BREEDER, and support the film HERE.

Soft re-launching MERCH! (Shh.) Get your merch HERE. 

New Dinky trip alert!! Erika is taking a group of childfree travelers to VIETNAM — and it’s an artsy adventurer's dream itinerary! Buy your tickets while they last. 

The Dinky Patreon is officially live! Join now to support the show + gain access to weekly, ad-free episodes, chat with us & other childfree pals in the Dinky Discord, join our virtual book club, and more! 

Wanna get your finances in order? Use our link to sign up for a FREE 34 day trial of YNAB (You Need A Budget) and support the show.

Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Substack, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube.

If you have a question or comment, email us at [email protected]

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

In this episode, Erika and Kristen dive into the complexities of marriage, exploring whether it is truly hard or if it depends on circumstances. They share personal experiences, discuss societal expectations, and analyze YOUR feedback via Instagram Stories. Plus, we touch on the impact of children in marriage and the importance of communication and compatibility.

Soft re-launching MERCH! (Shh.) Get your merch HERE. 

New Dinky trip alert!! Erika is taking a group of childfree travelers to VIETNAM — and it’s an artsy adventurer's dream itinerary! Buy your tickets while they last. 

Only two more weeks to book your tickets and join us for our CHRISTMAS MARKETS trip. 

The Dinky Patreon is officially live! Join now to support the show + gain access to weekly, ad-free episodes, chat with us & other childfree pals in the Dinky Discord, join our virtual book club, and more! 

Wanna get your finances in order? Use our link to sign up for a FREE 34 day trial of YNAB (You Need A Budget) and support the show.

Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Substack, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube for Regretful Parents content.

If you have a question or comment, email us at [email protected]

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Today we are talking through one of our favorite topics: DEATH. Kristen and Erika talk about the importance of making a will, the ins and outs of what happens with your property after you die, and how to make a will today for free. (For legal purposes this is not legal advice. Consult a lawyer for verifiable information.)

Timestamps:
2:33 - Dink Yourself
11:46 - Let’s talk about wills
18:36 - Who gets your property if you don’t have a will?
20:46 - What is probate & why is it bad?
25:54 - When should you update your will?
26:26 - Where do I get a will?
36:31 - How to establish a free will
40:48 - What’s in Kristen’s will? 

New Dinky trip alert!! Erika is taking a group of childfree travelers to VIETNAM — and it’s an artsy adventurer's dream itinerary! Buy your tickets while they last. 

The Dinky Patreon is officially live! Join now to support the show + gain access to weekly, ad-free episodes, chat with us & other childfree pals in the Dinky Discord, join our virtual book club, and more! 

Wanna get your finances in order? Use our link to sign up for a FREE 34 day trial of YNAB (You Need A Budget) and support the show.

Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Substack, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube.

If you have a question or comment, email us at [email protected]

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

We have something very special for you today — about a month ago, we had bestselling author Andrea Bartz join our Patreon book club for a discussion about her new book, The Last Ferry Out. Andrea was on the show previously on one of our best-performing episodes on childfree representation in the media, so go back and listen to that episode!

Our Christmas Markets magic trip in Germany is now open to everyone! Buy your tickets while you still can. 

The Dinky Patreon is officially live! Join now to support the show + gain access to weekly, ad-free episodes, chat with us & other childfree pals in the Dinky Discord, join our virtual book club, and more! 

Wanna get your finances in order? Use our link to sign up for a FREE 34 day trial of YNAB (You Need A Budget) and support the show.

Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Substack, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube.

If you have a question or comment, email us at [email protected]

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

In this follow-up to our first tradwives episode, we dive into the toxic world of the manosphere and the concept of “princess treatment.” From Andrew Tate wannabes to algorithm-fed misogyny, we unpack how these online communities are radicalizing young men, feeding the male loneliness epidemic, and warp ideas about relationships. What you’ll hear in this episode:

• What the manosphere is, who’s in it, and how it’s damaging men AND women
  
  
• The role of YouTube algorithms in fueling extremist content
  
  
• Why beauty standards for men are moving backward while women’s are evolving
  
  
• How patriarchy, entitlement, and unrealistic dating expectations feed each other
  
  
• The male loneliness epidemic and why “man up” culture is part of the problem

Important links:

• Mexico City Weekend: Cutoff date Aug. 20, 2025
  
  
• Christmas Markets Girls’ Trip: Prague, Berlin & beyond 

The Dinky Patreon is officially live! Join now to support the show + gain access to weekly, ad-free episodes, chat with us & other childfree pals in the Dinky Discord, join our virtual book club, and more! 

Wanna get your finances in order? Use our link to sign up for a FREE 34 day trial of YNAB (You Need A Budget) and support the show.

Dinky is now on Substack — free of charge! Subscribe now to access exclusive content, unhinged memes, guest articles, and stay up to date on the podcast.

Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and BlueSky at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube.

If you have a question or comment, email us at [email protected]

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Before we talk about today’s episode, consider taking a trip with Dinky! We have two amazing trips: A long weekend in Mexico City, and a Christmas Markets adventure in Germany.

Is your childfree choice written in the stars? In this episode, we sit down with astrologer Christina Garcia to explore what astrology reveals about the decision not to have children. Christina reads Erika + Kristen’s birth charts and walks us through the placements and patterns that might point to a childfree path. We dive into the houses and signs that speak to parenting, autonomy, and purpose — and unpack how astrology can validate, affirm, or even challenge how we see ourselves. Whether you're a chart-curious skeptic or a full-blown astro girlie, this is a juicy one.

The Dinky Patreon is officially live! Join now to support the show + gain access to weekly, ad-free episodes, chat with us & other childfree pals in the Dinky Discord, join our virtual book club, and more! 

Wanna get your finances in order? Use our link to sign up for a FREE 34 day trial of YNAB (You Need A Budget) and support the show.

Dinky is now on Substack — free of charge! Subscribe now to access exclusive content, unhinged memes, guest articles, and stay up to date on the podcast.

Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and BlueSky at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube.

If you have a question or comment, email us at [email protected]

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

What if the very thought of pregnancy or giving birth filled you with terror — not just discomfort or anxiety, but real, paralyzing fear?In this episode, Erika and Kristen explore tokophobia, an often-overlooked condition defined by the Cleveland Clinic as an extreme fear of childbirth. Tokophobia can affect people so severely that they may go to great lengths to avoid pregnancy altogether. For those who do become pregnant, the fear can overshadow what many new parents expect to be a joyful time. We unpack the psychological and cultural roots of this condition, share firsthand accounts from those living with it, and discuss how tokophobia intersects the choice to remain childfree. Whether you've experienced this fear yourself, or are just hearing about it for the first time, this episode offers validation, insight, and a fresh perspective on reproductive autonomy.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• 🧠 The difference between primary and secondary tokophobia, and how each type manifests
  
  
• 📊 Statistics from the Norwich Medical School on the prevalence of childbirth-related anxiety and severe fear
  
  
• 🧪 Kristen’s deep dive into the Wijma Delivery Expectancy Questionnaire (W-DEQ) — including her own results
  
  
• 😨 Erika’s personal experience with extreme physical reactions to discussions of pregnancy
  
  
• 🧵 How tokophobia, PTSD, and general fear of childbirth exist on a spectrum — and why misdiagnosis matters
  
  
• 💊 The limited treatment options for tokophobia, including therapy and planned cesarean births
  
  
• 🗣️ Emotional Reddit confessions from those with tokophobia, and how the childfree identity often overlaps with the condition
  
  
• ⚖️ The impact of abortion restrictions on those with tokophobia — and how forced pregnancy can feel life-threatening to some
  
  
• 🧵 Why “being a woman” can feel like a burden when reproductive autonomy is at stake
  
  

💬 Join the Conversation: Have you experienced tokophobia or a fear of pregnancy? Tell us your story or weigh in on the conversation at @dinkypod on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 

Rate & Review:
If you found this episode validating, eye-opening, or just super interesting, don’t forget to follow and leave us a review! It helps other childfree listeners find us.

TAKE A TRIP WITH DINKY:
Mexico City Weekend 1: Oct 9 - 12
8 Days In Germany + Prague for Christmas Markets: Dec. 6 - 13 (GIRLS TRIP)

Wanna get your finances in order? Use our link to sign up for a FREE 34 day trial of YNAB (You Need A Budget) and support the show.

Dinky is now on Substack — free of charge! Subscribe now to access exclusive content, unhinged memes, guest articles, and stay up to date on the podcast.

Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and BlueSky at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube.

If you have a question or comment, email us at [email protected]

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.