In this conversation, Keltie speaks with writer Monica Cardenas, who shares her journey of being childfree by choice, and her research about maternal ambivalence and apathy. Hear them discuss...

• The cultural and societal pressures surrounding motherhood.
• The representation of childfree women — and those who are ambivalent or apathetic about motherhood — in literature and media.
• Monica's Substack 'Bad Mothers,' which challenges societal judgments about motherhood and emphasizes the importance of recognizing women's choices without stigma.
• Literary examples that challenge traditional narratives around a woman's role as mother, and that highlight the importance of normalizing diverse experiences.
• The personal implications of these societal norms, including the judgments faced by women who choose not to have children and the impact of family dynamics on these decisions.
• The natural ambivalence many feel towards parenthood and the importance of a supportive community that respects individual choices.
• Perspectives on the freedom that comes with being childfree and advice for those uncertain about having kids.

As mentioned in the show Find Monica online at www.monicacardenas.com Subscribe to Monica's Substack, Bad Mothers, at a special discounted rate, exclusive to Kids or Childfree Podcast listeners: https://monicacardenas.substack.com/kocf Find Monica on Instagram at instagram.com/monica_is_reading. About Monica Monica Cardenas holds an MA and PhD in Creative Writing from Royal Holloway, University of London. Her research on motherhood in the 20th-century novel and the evolution of reproductive rights in the U.S. is central to her novel-in-progress The Mother Law, which was longlisted for the Lucy Cavendish College Fiction Prize and runner-up in the Borough Press open submission competition. Her work has been published in The Audacity, Literary Hub, Litro, Catatonic Daughters and Sad Girls Club Lit. She is chair of the Democrats Abroad UK Women's Caucus, and author of the Bad Mothers newsletter. Originally from Washington, D.C., she now resides in the Chiltern Hills just outside London. __ Join our upcoming Kids or Childfree Group Program: kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-program Check out our free resources here, or at kidsorchildfree.com/free-resources And don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Kids or Childfree Podcast if you love what you're hearing! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, or a rating on Spotify. Find us online at www.kidsorchildfree.com. Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidsorchildfree

The Kids or Childfree Podcast is back with a brand-new season, and we're kicking it off with a conversation with Brooke Froelich Murray — mom, outdoor adventurer, and founder of the outdoor community, WildKind. Hear Keltie and Brooke discuss:

• Brooke's initial reluctance to have kids, including how her Mormon upbringing influenced her feelings about motherhood
• What shifted for Brooke that led her to change her feelings about kids, and how she navigated divorce and solo motherhood with a newborn
• The importance of self-care and prioritizing one's own needs as a mom – plus how to balance this with parenting responsibilities
• Personal identity outside of motherhood, and how Brooke navigated her decision to have kids as someone who felt she'd so recently discovered her passions in life
• Cultivating a supportive and like-minded community when raising children
• How critical clear communication with your partner is when raising kids – and what this looks like in practice
• What outdoor adventures with children look like, and the ways they're both more challenging — and fulfilling — than those without kids.
• Insights from Brooke's project, WildKind, which aims to connect moms through outdoor activities

As mentioned in the show: Find out more about Brooke at brookefroelich.com Find Brooke on Instagram at instagram.com/brooke.froelich/ Interested in checking out an upcoming WildKind adventure in Colorado? Get the details at wildkindinc.com

About Brooke: Brooke raises her three little adventure buddies in CO. Whether she's wrangling them on skis, chasing them on mountain bikes, changing diapers on top of a mountain (true story), or lazily wading through a creek looking for tadpoles alongside them, Brooke believes she shows up as the best version of herself for her kids when she's outside. With the goal of building community and supporting other mothers, Brooke co-founded WildKind: a community for mothers looking to level up their outdoor adventure. Brooke wholeheartedly believes that adventure is better when shared, and loves to invite others to join along. __ Join our upcoming Kids or Childfree Group Program: kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-program Check out our free resources here, or at kidsorchildfree.com/free-resources And don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Kids or Childfree Podcast if you love what you're hearing! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, or a rating on Spotify. Find us online at www.kidsorchildfree.com. Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidsorchildfree

In this episode, Keltie Maguire discusses some of the key themes and insights that have come up in her private and group coaching sessions during Season 3 of The Kids or Childfree Podcast, as well as episodes from Season 3 that address these topics. You'll hear her discuss:

• The concept of alloparenting — a way for individuals who don't want the commitment of parenthood to engage with and support children.
• The importance of making peace with past experiences and emotions when considering your Kids or Childfree choice.
• How and why navigating difficult emotions is an important part of the Kids or Childfree decision process.
• How your romantic partnership's relationship dynamics may be showing up in the Kids or Childfree decision process — and why working through these dynamics is critical to being able to make a confident choice.

As mentioned in the show:

This is the article about alloparenting that my Kids or Childfree Group Program client shared with our Slack group: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp81ynn7r4mo __ Join our Confidently Childfree Coaching Intensive that kicks off January 9th: kidsorchildfree.com/confidently-childfree-group-intensive Check out our free resources here, or at kidsorchildfree.com/free-resources And don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Kids or Childfree Podcast if you love what you're hearing! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, or a rating on Spotify. Find us online at www.kidsorchildfree.com. Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidsorchildfree

In this episode, Keltie Maguire interviews Jennifer Flint, a women's empowerment coach and author of 'Wild Egg'. You'll hear about:

• Jennifer's journey of choosing a childfree life, her reflections on motherhood, and the existential questions that arise from such a decision.
• Insights into the writing of her book, Wild Egg, and why she chose to write it as a fiction book, rather than a memoir.
• The empowerment that comes from making deliberate choices, the challenges of defining those choices, and the journey of self-discovery that often accompanies such decisions.
• Jennifer's struggle to connect her mind and body and her defining moment of clarity regarding motherhood.
• The importance of self-trust and compassion in navigating the Kids or Childfree choice.
• The transformative journey of choosing a child-free life and the grief associated with that decision.
• Jennifer's journey of self-discovery and empowerment in midlife, and how this connects to her childfree choice.

As mentioned in the show: Find a list of where Jennifer's book, Wild Egg, can be purchased here. Find Jennifer on Instagram at instagram.com/wildegg21. About Jennifer: Jennifer is a Women's Empowerment Coach, leadership development specialist, author of childfree novel Wild Egg, and spiritually-curious seeker. She currently lives in the North East of England with a house mate whom she met whilst volunteering at a Buddhist retreat in Scotland in 2019. __ Join our Confidently Childfree Coaching Intensive that kicks off January 9th: kidsorchildfree.com/confidently-childfree-group-intensive Check out our free resources here, or at kidsorchildfree.com/free-resources And don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Kids or Childfree Podcast if you love what you're hearing! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, or a rating on Spotify. Find us online at www.kidsorchildfree.com. Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidsorchildfree

In this episode, host Keltie Maguire reflects on her conversation with Astrid Hurault de Ligney (Episode 42), about the complexities of motherhood and the feelings of regret that can accompany it. This episode touches on...

• The key themes that Keltie observed in her conversation with Astrid, including how expectations might help shape feelings of regret, the importance of support, and the role of understanding and compassion in discussions about maternal regret.
• Feedback from listeners on this topic and Astrid's experience regretting motherhood.
• Keltie's personal views on motherhood regret, and some of the questions she's asking and is curious to explore further.

As mentioned in the show:

Tune into my podcast conversation (Episode 42) with Astrid Hurault de Ligney, here. Read Astrid's book (in French), Le Regret Maternel. Join an upcoming Kids or Childfree Workshop here: kidsorchildfree.com/workshop -- Check out our free resources here, or at kidsorchildfree.com/free-resources And don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Kids or Childfree Podcast if you love what you're hearing! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, or a rating on Spotify. Find us online at www.kidsorchildfree.com. Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidsorchildfree

In this conversation, Keltie interviews author and professor, Dr. Jade Sasser, about her book, 'Climate Anxiety and the Kid Question,' which explores the emotional and mental health impacts of climate change on reproductive decisions. They discuss:

• Jade's research exploring how climate anxiety is shaping young people's reproductive decision-making, including the generational differences that exist in awareness and engagement with climate change.

• Why emotional distress about climate change often intersects with other factors, including race and class.
• How climate anxiety complicates the decision to have children — and why it's essential to consider climate change when exploring the Kids or Childfree choice.
• Why, for some, having children can be an act of hope and joy, while for others, forgoing children can bring a sense of relief.
• The importance of community support when addressing climate concerns and anxiety.
• How youth activism can shift political landscapes regarding climate change.
• Jade's personal Kids or Childfree choice — and whether it has anything to do with climate change.

As mentioned in the show: Read Dr. Jade Sasser's book, Climate Anxiety and The Kid Question: Deciding Whether to Have Children in an Uncertain Future Listen to Jade's Podcast, Climate Anxiety and The Kid Question here. You can find Jade online at jadesasserphd.com. Learn more about the Climate Mental Health Network at climatementalhealth.net. Save 30% with code UCPSAVE30 when you purchase Jade's book, Climate Anxiety and The Kid Question, from the UC Press website: www.ucpress.edu/books/climate-anxiety-and-the-kid-question/ About Dr. Jade Sasser: Dr. Jade S. Sasser is Associate Professor in the Department of Gender & Sexuality Studies at the University of California, Riverside. She received her PhD in Environmental Science, Policy, and Management from the University of California, Berkeley. Her work explores how environmental problems such as climate change and toxic exposures intersect with reproductive bodies, health, and rights. Her first book, On Infertile Ground: Population Control and Women's Rights in the Era of Climate Change, was published in 2018 by NYU Press and won the Emory Elliott book award. Her new book, Climate Anxiety and the Kid Question: Deciding Whether to Have Children in an Uncertain Future (2024), analyzes the relationship between climate emotions, social inequality, and reproductive anxiety in the U.S. She also has a podcast with the same name. In her free time, Sasser is a DJ at her campus radio station. __ Join an upcoming Kids or Childfree Workshop here: kidsorchildfree.com/workshop Check out our free resources here, or at kidsorchildfree.com/free-resources And don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Kids or Childfree Podcast if you love what you're hearing! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, or a rating on Spotify. Find us online at www.kidsorchildfree.com. Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidsorchildfree TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kidsorchildfree

In this conversation, Keltie speaks with author and mother, Astrid Hurault de Ligny, about the complexities of motherhood, including Astrid's experience of maternal regret. You'll hear...

• Astrid's journey from the decision to have children, through the romanticized notions of motherhood, to the harsh realities of parenting, including the mental load and postpartum depression.
• How Astrid realized her feelings were more than postpartum depression, but actually, ones of regret that she had chosen motherhood.
• Why support — or a lack thereof — has played a key role in Astrid's regret.
• Why regretting motherhood doesn't mean not loving your child, or wishing they weren't born.
• Why she decided to start her Instagram channel, and ultimately, to write a book detailing her experiences.
• The role therapy has played in Astrid's marriage and the support systems that have helped her navigate the challenges of parenting.
• Which feelings about motherhood are most present for Astrid today.
• How and if women on the fence about kids can safeguard themselves against regret in motherhood.

As mentioned in the show: Find Astrid's book, Le Regret Maternel, here. Astrid can be found on Instagram at @le_regret_maternel. Find the book, Regretting Motherhood by Orna Donath, here. About Astrid: Astrid Hurault de Ligny is a soon-to-be 39-year-old woman who was born in France, and who has been living in Montreal, Canada, since 2008. She and her husband met in Montreal 12 years ago, and have a 6-year-old son together. _ Join our upcoming Confidently Childfree Coaching intensive, which starts January 25th, here: kidsorchildfree.com/confidently-childfree-group-intensive And don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Kids or Childfree Podcast if you love what you're hearing! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, or a rating on Spotify. Find us online at www.kidsorchildfree.com. Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidsorchildfree TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kidsorchildfree

This week on the podcast, Keltie speaks with composer, Reena Esmail, about her unique journey to getting clear on her choice to pursue a creative life without kids. You'll hear about:

• How Reena knew that the choice to remain childfree was the right one for her.
• The dynamic between her and her husband — from his involvement in their childfree decision, to the creative life they share.
• The autonomy, freedom, and creativity that a childfree life has afforded Reena.
• The pressures and guilt that can accompany being an only child who chooses not to have children, and how Reena navigated difficult conversations with her parents about her decision.
• The intersection of career and parenthood, including the concept of legacy, especially for those who choose not to have kids.
• The significant role that mentorship has played for Reena, in shaping the lives of young, fellow musicians.

As mentioned in the show: Find Reena online at www.reenaesmail.com Her Instagram is www.instagram.com/reenaesmail You can find some of Reena's incredible musical compositions on her YouTube channel: youtube.com/@reenaesmailcomposer

About Reena:

Reena Esmail is a concert composer who writes new music for major orchestras and choirs all over the world. Her work bridges the worlds of Indian and Western classical music, bringing people from different cultures and backgrounds together through music. She was trained at Juilliard, Yale School of Music and did a Fulbright in India. Reena loves working with young people everywhere she goes, and is always looking for ways to cultivate their unique creative spirits. __ Get our Kids or Childfree Book Guide and other free resources here, or at kidsorchildfree.com/free-resources And don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Kids or Childfree Podcast if you love what you're hearing! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, or a rating on Spotify. Find us online at www.kidsorchildfree.com. Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidsorchildfree TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kidsorchildfree

In this conversation, Becca Tucker shares her unique journey as a baker, author, abortion rights advocate, and mom — including how her past abortion is intertwined with her decision to have a child. You'll hear her and Keltie discuss:

• The stigma that exists around abortion, and the work Becca is doing to break this stigma
• Becca's experience of having an abortion at age 20 — including the secrecy she held around it for so long — and why she finally started talking openly about it
• The importance of breaking down barriers and sharing personal stories to foster understanding and compassion
• The complex emotions surrounding both the Kids or Childfree decision and abortion, and the value of emotional agnosticism in navigating these emotions
• Why our past decisions do not need to define or determine our future parenting decisions or abilities
• Why an abortion in college allowed Becca to be the parent she is today, and why abortion can be a loving decision for oneself.

As mentioned in the show: You can find Becca (including abortion resources) online at thesweetfeminist.com. She is on Instagram at instagram.com/thesweetfeminist/ Becca's Substack is: thesweetfeminist.substack.com Purchase a copy of Baking By Feel here or at your local bookstore. About Becca: Becca Rea-Tucker is an Austin, Texas-based author, baker, and abortion rights advocate. She loves almond croissants and creating spaces where people who have abortions feel seen and supported. Known online as @thesweetfeminist, she merges baking and advocacy to help break down abortion stigma, sharing daily affirmations and resources with a community of thousands. She is the author of the cookbook Baking by Feel, and the upcoming The Abortion Companion. -- Get details on my Clarity Booster offering here: kidsorchildfree.com/claritybooster Check out our free resources here, or at kidsorchildfree.com/free-resources And don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Kids or Childfree Podcast if you love what you're hearing! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, or a rating on Spotify. Find us online at www.kidsorchildfree.com. Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidsorchildfree TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kidsorchildfree

In this conversation, Rose Diell discusses her debut novel 'Fledging', which explores the complexities of the decision to have children — plus, we hear Rose's personal experience of being on the fence about kids. You'll hear Rose and Keltie discuss:

• The societal pressures and personal reflections that shape the Kids or Childfree decision.
• The emotional landscape of regret, acceptance, and the influence of relationships on personal choices.
• Rose's book 'Fledging', including the creative process behind it, the themes of relationships and parenthood, and the emotional journey of making childfree choices.
• How diverse narratives and stories about parenthood and fulfillment enrich the conversation around life choices.
• The independence that comes with being childfree and the relief of making a definitive decision about motherhood.

...and so much more! As mentioned in the show: Purchase Rose's new book, Fledging, at your favorite local bookseller, at renardpress.com, or bookshop.org.

Find Rose on Instagram at: instagram.com/rosediellauthor And on X: x.com/rosediell Learn more about Rose at www.rosediell.com. Hear We Are Childfree's podcast episode about hot and cold regret, here. About Rose: Rose Diell was born and raised in London but her heritage stems from various places beyond the British Isles. A lover of language in all its forms, she speaks French, Italian and Arabic, and has lived on three continents. Rose writes in her spare time, with the encouragement and support of her writing circle, the Southbank Scribblers. She now lives in London again, with her civil partner and Tolstoy, an extremely fluffy ginger tabby. Fledging is her first novel. ___ Find information on how we can work together 1-on-1 here: kidsorchildfree.com/coaching Join an upcoming Kids or Childfree workshop by signing up here: kidsorchildfree.com/workshop Check out our free resources here, or at kidsorchildfree.com/free-resources And don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Kids or Childfree Podcast if you love what you're hearing! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, or a rating on Spotify. Find us online at www.kidsorchildfree.com. Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidsorchildfree TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kidsorchildfree