Not The Mama

Do babies have to destroy friendships? No! Auntie Julia is joined by her new friend and mom-2-B Kara Klenk to discuss building the bridge between those of us who choose to be childfree and those who choose to become parents. If you accept yourself, it's much easier to accept others even when their choices are different than yours. It's easier said than done though so we chat it out and share our experiences with the care and keeping of friendships. We also have a fun convo about the TV show "Insecure" and the storyline about friends and babies. Kara's comedy album "Undefeated" comes out March 8 and is available for pre-order now on iTunes!

Auntie Julia checks in with a short News & Views episode to talk about the "falling" American birthrate and the nonsense that happened after the March for Life in DC. We'll be back with a full episode on Thursday! Keep reading Selfish, Shallow and Self Absorbed for the Not the Mama Bookclub too!

Special Romance Episode! Lane Pieschel, Auntie Julia's famed boyfriend/partner/not-husband joins the pod this week to confirm that he is not being manipulated against procreation. They chat about their relationship and how they came to the decision to not have kids. They discuss family pressures and influence and assert themselves as partners in their calling to not have children. Lane talks about his childhood and how he's always felt a bit uncomfortable around kids. Don't forget to keep reading, "Selfish, Shallow and Self Absorbed" by Meghan Daum as the first selection in the Not The Mama Book Club!

Auntie Julia rings in the New Year with a discussion about what she thinks defines a family and our culture's obsession with procreation. She talks about the term "pronatalism" and how it's not always a positive effect to center society around blood relations. She reads a bit from a NYTimes Modern Love column about a man who has fathered over a dozen children from sperm donation and how he's found them using the DNA collection test 23andMe. She is determined to focus 2019 on establishing herself as a whole and complete person despite not having kids of her own. She also announces the Not The Mama Book Club! 12 books about being childfree! Fiction, nonfiction, memoire, biography, romance, adventure, self love! The only common thread will be that they center on a childfree experience. January's book is "Selfish, Shallow and Self Absorbed" by Megan Daum. Every month there will be an episode dedicated to recapping the selected book. If you have suggestions, send them to [email protected].

Fresh off of witnessing the birth of her niece, comedian Marcia Belsky joins Auntie Julia to discuss the state of women's health care and why it matters to women even if you don't have to have kids. They have too much bubbly and have a conversation about the state of feminism and the volume of Julia's laugh. It's the last guest episode of 2018 so cheers with us and have some fun!!!

Burlesque performer, dancer and sword swallower extraordinaire Gin Minsky joins Auntie Julia to discuss fearless love while being childfree. Gin shares her experiences of dating and moving on from partners who want kids. She now seeks out relationships with people who don't want to be parents but even that can't guarantee minds won't change. It can be tough when feelings are involved but when you trust yourself, that's what counts the most even when it comes to love.

Special Crossover Episode! Film Critics Bronwyn Isaac and Jourdain Searles of the Bad Romance podcast join Auntie Julia to discuss the fabulous movie "Obvious Child" staring Jenny Slate. One of the first and only movies to portray the choice to have an abortion without trauma, this is the perfect film to examine pop culture's handling of parenthood as choice. It's fun and cute with excellent character development and humor. Bronwyn and Jourdain have great insights and I highly recommend checking out their podcast Bad Romance for more fun film reviews!

Auntie Julia is joined by Luisa Díez to discuss self realization and how we fulfill our own potentials. Luisa shares her own journey of self discovery and how she and her mom, who have lead very different lives, have come to a better understanding. They also talk about being "old" feminists and how this isn't necessarily bad but can be annoying. "Mothering" jobs also comes up as they are both professional women who find themselves "taking care" of others. A lot of wine is had! Cheers! ;)

Auntie Julia goes solo to share her story about how she left her Evangelical Christian upbringing and managed to maintain her relationships with friends and family. She talks about how this was an important step for her to open her life up to her true wants and needs. It wasn't always easy but sharing this story is a valuable part of building this community. Making different choices from our loved ones can be daunting but has great rewards. She also speaks to the idea of fellowship and how that is a positive lesson she has taken from her faith based childhood. There can be balance in what we keep and outgrow. She also shares her thoughts on Thanksgiving and the lessons she's learned from Native American leaders like Dr. Adrienne Keene. Enjoy your weekend!

Families have hopes and dreams for us that don't always align with the hopes and dreams we have for ourselves. Comedian Lili Michelle joins us this week to talk about the pressures we face when we don't live up to familial or cultural expectations. How do we navigate feelings of love for our families and friends while living our own lives? Lili's family is Persian and she was raised to become a wife and mother, two things she's not positive are for her. She also shares with us the additional pressures parents' financial support can have on our life choices. It's a privilege for sure but does come with stipulations and can cause more tension than it's worth when you want to choose a different path.