Not The Mama

Why don't people take young women seriously? Especially when they are speaking about the decisions they've made for their own lives? Artist Paula Rondon joins Auntie Julia this week to discuss this phenomenon and learning about how to trust ourselves no matter our ages. She also talks about her relationships with her family, friends and boyfriend and how to navigate their influences in her life while she simultaneously figures out what it is that she wants. She knows she's not a kid person. Of course Auntie Julia has to start with a rant about men on the internet so push through that to get to the goods. The episode ends with a fun chat about their shared belief in UFOs. Totes Caszh!

Sometimes the best way to find out that you want to remain childfree is to spend time with children. Former back-up nanny and comedian Liza Treyger joins Auntie Julia to talk about their pasts as child-care providers. They've both been babysitters, camp counselors and of course, aunts so they do have some experience around kids yet have always known they don't want to become mothers. They also chat about the bounds of womanhood and how we need to make space for women who aren't mothers, no matter the reason. And bonus, David Drake produced the episode so the sound is better! Yay!!!

What would you do if the life path you were on was changed by tragedy? Adventurer Sarah Gill joins Auntie Julia to talk about love, loss, grief and resilience after the death of her husband Mark. Sarah has redirected her career, home, personal and child life plans and shares a story that listeners will be inspired by! We chat about evolving and growing from past decisions and how a new life path is possible even with obstacles. Sarah also gives us a lesson about brewing different types of booze. Pour a glass and listen in!

Rapper Lil Frex joins Auntie Julia on the pod this week to experience a pregnancy scare in real time, wanting kids as fantasy vs. reality, their sex ed experiences and whether or not you can get knocked up on your period. Frex is open to testing this out but Julia of course, is not. At the end of the ep we play "It Goes On" from her latest mixtape, "The Breakup Tape."

"You will do what you want to do with your life," said the doctor who performed Gloria Steinem's illegal abortion when she was 22. She went on to become one of the most important feminists of the 20th century and is not a mother. Today, Auntie Julia flies solo to share her thoughts on the value of not moms and what we have to contribute to the world. She also shares some book and media recommendations and reads a few empowering quotes from famous not moms.

About: WARNING: Auntie Julia's laugh is out of control this ep, protect your buds! (She did edit it though to even out the volume)

The wildly talented Alex Drake is here, finally!!! We talk about dads vs moms - as caregivers, who kids like more, dad bods and wtf even IS a mom bod?? Important, #spoileralert for the plot of the movie, "The Intern." Alex also shares the story of losing her mom and how that has affected her thoughts and feelings on having kids. We also talk about dream dogs! Get into it!!!

Thank you listeners!! We're reviving our News + Views segment with today's special appreciation episode! Auntie Julia reads some great reviews from iTunes, addresses some sound concerns and talks about improvements to come! We wouldn't have a pod without you! She also minimally addresses this Kava-HELL-NAW business and reminds everyone to register to vote or double check your registration. Hers was purged!! 36 days until the midterms!!!

Comedian Shalewa Sharpe joins Auntie Julia to discuss her moment with Chadwick Boseman, not wanting motherhood but supporting mom friends, progressive pro-lifers responsibility to shut down anti-choicers, and the required martyrdom of motherhood. They also chat about race in regards to parenting and the responsibility of all white people to dismantle racism in their communities.

Have you considered freezing your eggs? Comedian and writer Farah Brook chats this week about what it's like to know for sure you want to be a mom. Farah has decided to freeze her eggs now so when she's ready for kids she has more options. She and Auntie Julia talk the cost, science and emotional and physical experience of taking this step.

Comedian Irene Morales joins Auntie Julia this week to chat about how heritage and family history can impact our decision to become parents. Irene shares stories about her family life growing up in Miami, Florida with a Cuban mom, a Paraguayan dad and a brother who is on the Autism spectrum. Auntie Julia is also sick of introvert memes on the internet. She does love introverts, just enough with the memes.