Under the Influence with Jo Piazza

Not Having Kids Is Not a Tragedy


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What if you do not want kids, but everyone acts like you are making a mistake?

This week, we’re talking with Helena DeGroot, creator of the podcast The Creation Myth, about choosing a child-free life in a culture that refuses to believe that choice can be valid. Helena knew early that she did not want children. Her husband said he was on the same page, until he was not. After years of pressure, their marriage ended and she went on a deep, audio-documentary style search for the truth of what she actually wanted, without the noise of strangers, expectations, and the myth that motherhood equals fulfillment.

We get into doubt, identity, the “mother or selfish” binary, and why you can love kids, show up for them, and still not want to be a parent. Also, why the deepest personal stories often become the most universal mirror.

Listen to more of Helena's story on The Creation Myth.

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Under the Influence with Jo PiazzaBy Jo Piazza

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