Childfree Me

Today I am honored to sit down with Marisa Moon, a national board-certified health and wellness coach and author of the Amazon bestseller book Not So Fast. Growing up surrounded by her large Italian family, Marisa always assumed she wanted to have children...until she realized that she didn't. We discuss how her ADHD diagnosis played a role in her decision, what it was like coming to terms with the choice in her late 20s, and why she's now drawn to coaching to mothers as a primal health coach.Check out all the many, many things that Marisa is up to in the wellness space!Not So Fast: The Smarter, More Gradual Approach to Intermittent Fasting Benefits That LastThe Not So Fast podcast (coming soon!) My Longevity KitchenSupport the showEmail me questions at childfree.me.podcast@gmail.com - I'd love to hear from you!Follow on the Gram: @childfreeme_Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/andrey-rossi/seize-the-day License code: 10MWPZUG3AZBGZPR

Today I sit down with Anish to discuss his decision to get a vasectomy as a single man at the age of 31. Together we debunk some common myths about the procedure, the factors that went into his decision, and the impact it's had on his life (hint: it's been positive). I'm so honored that Anish was willing to come on the show to talk about this extremely private decision and encourage anyone who might be interested in the procedure to speak with a professional about what it entails. Support the showEmail me questions at childfree.me.podcast@gmail.com - I'd love to hear from you!Follow on the Gram: @childfreeme_Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/andrey-rossi/seize-the-day License code: 10MWPZUG3AZBGZPR

Today I sit down with Sarah Patel, a woman who knew she didn't want to have childfren but doubted her choice when no one else around her felt the same way. Sarah is the mother of a thriving 6-year old who she loves deeply, and yet she can clearly recognize that the love for her child does not come with a love of parenting. She and I discuss her journey to choosing to have a child,  the impact of childbearing in an overpoulated world, and the courage to honor one's truth amidst the clamor of cultural expectations. Support the showEmail me questions at childfree.me.podcast@gmail.com - I'd love to hear from you!Follow on the Gram: @childfreeme_Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/andrey-rossi/seize-the-day License code: 10MWPZUG3AZBGZPR

Join me as I sit down with Shweta Ramkumar, a proud anti-natalist and passionate childfree woman who advocates for the childfree choice around the globe. We discuss her upbringing in a culture where a woman's value is often tied to her role as a wife and mother, and Shweta offers insights into her experiences, the support she has received from her family, and her relentless advocacy work. She also sheds light on the harsh realities faced by many Southern Asian women who dare to deviate from the prescribed path, and how her early childhood experience in India has shaped her pro-natalist views. Use the links below to explore more of Shweta's work in the childfree space:Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/childfreesrbuddysmum?igsh=MTMzeGQ1eTB0YTVyaA%3D%3D&utm_source=qrTikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@shwetaramkumar?_t=8kZdITDhTmS&_r=1YouTube Playlist : https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrKJQMlU-aAmDEG6RQ34g4h_06B85CLEN&si=y2a9_r1lo5mE5KiSLinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/shweta-ramkumar-b4906515/Support the showEmail me questions at childfree.me.podcast@gmail.com - I'd love to hear from you!Follow on the Gram: @childfreeme_Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/andrey-rossi/seize-the-day License code: 10MWPZUG3AZBGZPR

It was a blast from the past to sit down with my friend and former co-worker Amanda Lane. Join us as we reminisce about dating apps, discuss her decision to embrace van life, examine the ecological merits of not having children, and question why the American dream of buying a house is even necessary. Amanda's story is a testament to living life on her own terms and never succumbing to societal expectations. It was such a treat to reconnect with an old friend over a newfound affinity - I hope you love her story as much as I do!Support the showEmail me questions at childfree.me.podcast@gmail.com - I'd love to hear from you!Follow on the Gram: @childfreeme_Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/andrey-rossi/seize-the-day License code: 10MWPZUG3AZBGZPR

Join me as I sit down with Lindsay Dickes, a trauma psychotherapist and clinical social worker turned Somatic Empowerment Coach and Nervous System Witch. Together we discuss:Her BRCA gene mutation diagnosis, and its impact on her childfree decisionHow choosing a life outside the "normal" path has led to deeper fulfillment Channeling erotic life force energy as a source of creativity and powerLindsay's authentic and unapologetic approach to life was incredibly inspiring and I'm so grateful for the conversation.To learn more about Lindsay and the amazing work she does, check out the links below:Website: https://www.lindsaydickes.com/Instagram: @lindsay_dickesTik Tik: @lindsaydickesSupport the showEmail me questions at childfree.me.podcast@gmail.com - I'd love to hear from you!Follow on the Gram: @childfreeme_Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/andrey-rossi/seize-the-day License code: 10MWPZUG3AZBGZPR

Today I sit down for a quick solo episode (a minisode?) to discuss the topic of selfishness. What does it mean? Where does it come from? Why are people who choose not to have children condemned with it? And (perhaps most importantly)...is it actually a bad thing to be?Also discussed:My favorite Steve Jobs quote on the Secrets of LifeThe Art of Accomplishment Podcast: What is selfishness?Support the showEmail me questions at childfree.me.podcast@gmail.com - I'd love to hear from you!Follow on the Gram: @childfreeme_Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/andrey-rossi/seize-the-day License code: 10MWPZUG3AZBGZPR

Join us as Jared and I sit down (literally...on my couch) to chat about what led him to choosing childfree, how he's designed a life deeply aligned with his values, and the reasons he doesn't actually want a vasectomy (nor did he really want to talk about it). Together with Amber (see episode 4), he forms the other half of my most favorite childfree couple - and I couldn't be more excited to have him on! This one has many twists and turns, so make sure to hold on tight. Support the showEmail me questions at childfree.me.podcast@gmail.com - I'd love to hear from you!Follow on the Gram: @childfreeme_Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/andrey-rossi/seize-the-day License code: 10MWPZUG3AZBGZPR

Today's episode is a family affair when I'm joined by my two younger sisters! Together, we delve into our shared memories, from their earliest recollections of my staunch declarations against having children, to where they currently stand in their own decisions regarding parenthood. We explore what it's like to grapple with the fear of regret, revel in our 'villain era' moments, and even reminisce about that time one of us got kicked off a church mission trip (which, admittedly, has nothing to do with being childfree but was too juicy to leave out). Tune in for a candid conversation between sisters on the choice to be #childree. Support the showEmail me questions at childfree.me.podcast@gmail.com - I'd love to hear from you!Follow on the Gram: @childfreeme_Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/andrey-rossi/seize-the-day License code: 10MWPZUG3AZBGZPR

It is a tale of two Laura's today when I'm joined by renowned childfree advocate, researcher, and author Laura Carroll. As one of the founding members of the childfree movement, Laura has been researching, writing and talking about being childless by choice for over twenty years. Her most recent book, A Special Sisterhood, celebrates 100 women around the world who make up a sisterhood that is bonded by not following the beaten path. We discuss the evolution of the childfree movement, how social media has had both a positive and detrimental effect on the community, and the many, MANY ways that pro-natalism finds its way into our lives. Learn more about Laura and the work that she does through the links below:About LauraLaura's booksThe Baby Matrix: Why Freeing Our Minds From Outmoded Thinking About Parenthood & Reproduction Will Create a Better WorldChildfree ZoneSupport the showEmail me questions at childfree.me.podcast@gmail.com - I'd love to hear from you!Follow on the Gram: @childfreeme_Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/andrey-rossi/seize-the-day License code: 10MWPZUG3AZBGZPR

Today I sit down with Dr. Jay of Childfree Wealth and the Childfree Wealth Podcast, to discuss ... you guessed it ... childfree wealth! Dr. Jay is a leading figure in the childfree community and a huge childfree advocate; it was an absolute honor to have him on the show. Tune in to hear him put me in the hot seat and discuss my winding road off and then on the STP (standard life plan). We address the myth that all childfree people are automatically dripping with money, and discuss the many biases that childfree individuals face, both in and out of the financial space. Dr. Jay is an absolute wealth of knowledge (no pun intended), and I'm including some of my favorite of his blog posts below if you're interested in learning more. Happy reading! Being Childfree may not make you rich, but it may make you happy.7 Ways Childfree Financial Planning is DifferentChoosing the FILE Lifestyle – Financial Independence, Live EarlyThe Gardener and the RoseSupport the showEmail me questions at childfree.me.podcast@gmail.com - I'd love to hear from you!Follow on the Gram: @childfreeme_Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/andrey-rossi/seize-the-day License code: 10MWPZUG3AZBGZPR

Happy 2024! To kick the year off on a strong note, I sit down with the lovely Nathalie Gaglione, a sex, love and relationship coach based in Scotland. She and I discuss how procreation and motherthood can be defined in many different ways, as well as the profound impact that energetic healing has had on her life. Nathalie approaches her decision to be childfree with serene confidence, spirituality and most importantly, self love. Something we can all aspire to!Support the showEmail me questions at childfree.me.podcast@gmail.com - I'd love to hear from you!Follow on the Gram: @childfreeme_Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/andrey-rossi/seize-the-day License code: 10MWPZUG3AZBGZPR

Today I sit down with my coworker Karen (Kae) Morales who spends six months a year in Mexico and the rest exploring the world. After getting the travel bug at the age of 12, Kae has pursued her passion for travel around the world and gets to live the life most of us only dream of - bopping around Europe visiting friends, and of course dating along the way. Kae and I discuss how (and more importantly, at what point) she brings up the topic of being childfree when first starting to date someone, and we marvel at the number of times men have actually tried to convince her to change her mind. Buckle up, because this one is fun :) Support the showEmail me questions at childfree.me.podcast@gmail.com - I'd love to hear from you!Follow on the Gram: @childfreeme_Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/andrey-rossi/seize-the-day License code: 10MWPZUG3AZBGZPR

Today I'm joined by John Thomas, a friend of a friend brave enough to sit down (in person!) with me to discuss his childfree journey. Join us for an episode that champions the freedom of choice and celebrates the many ways individuals can contribute positively to society - children or not.Support the showEmail me questions at childfree.me.podcast@gmail.com - I'd love to hear from you!Follow on the Gram: @childfreeme_Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/andrey-rossi/seize-the-day License code: 10MWPZUG3AZBGZPR

For our 10th episode, Laura is taking the spotlight solo. Join her for a stroll down memory lane as she discusses the various snapshots that shaped her decision to be childfree. From quirky moments to emotional revelations, she's baring it all.Then as we gear up for Thanksgiving, Laura's got your back. Ever felt the heat of those probing questions during the holiday feast? Whether you're childfree, on the fence, or just biding your time, Laura's serving up some advice to tackle those tricky inquiries.Oh, and heads up! We're taking a brief break for Thanksgiving, but fear not – we'll be back in two weeks, ready to dive into more fascinating interviews. Stay tuned, and happy holidays!Support the showEmail me questions at childfree.me.podcast@gmail.com - I'd love to hear from you!Follow on the Gram: @childfreeme_Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/andrey-rossi/seize-the-day License code: 10MWPZUG3AZBGZPR

Ever wondered what life looks like when you ditch the rulebook? Meet Lisbeth, childfree influencer and advocate for doing life your way. Lisbeth Hart joins me this week to discuss the joys of being childfree, solo and thriving. Lisbeth's story is a total power move. We dig into the various stigmas she's had to face, Instagram's role in normalizing childfree life, and the surprising dearth of single childfree people . Plus, Lisbeth debunks the myth of the so-called 'biological clock' and that being childfree automatically means that you're rich and can travel the world. Cheers to doing life on your own terms!Support the showEmail me questions at childfree.me.podcast@gmail.com - I'd love to hear from you!Follow on the Gram: @childfreeme_Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/andrey-rossi/seize-the-day License code: 10MWPZUG3AZBGZPR

Today I'm joined by Rimple Patel to discuss how being childfree has influenced her professional growth and the lessons she's learned in prioritizing self and setting boundaries at work. After growing up in Malawi, Rimple moved to the U.S. at the age of 17 to earn her undergraduate degree and has experienced a meteoric career ever since.  We have a great discussion on how she's able to experience the role of parent to her niece and nephew and her excitement around being able to move to Madrid for a year. At the end, Rimple reminds me of the importance of visualization and creating vision boards to achieve your goals. I'm so grateful for her wisdom and time - and can't wait for you to hear her story!Here are the references from my intro about workplace biases against people who don't have children: What's It Like Being Childfree at Work? [2022 Study]Meeting the Needs of Nonparent WorkersChild-free workers aren't selfish. They're being exploitedWe need to talk about the bias against child-free employeesSupport the showEmail me questions at childfree.me.podcast@gmail.com - I'd love to hear from you!Follow on the Gram: @childfreeme_Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/andrey-rossi/seize-the-day License code: 10MWPZUG3AZBGZPR

Happy Halloween everyone! My guest today is Rachel (Rae) Chatterton, a naturalistic Pagan and anti-natalist hailing from a small town in northern Michigan where she and her husband are the only childfree couple that they know of. Rae delves into her decision to opt for permanent birth control, the sterilization process, and the challenges she faced in a misogynistic healthcare system that often resists such choices.Together we dissect societal assumptions - from being childfree in a rural community to the intriguing parallels between witches and childfree women. We dive deeper into the misconceptions surrounding those who choose to be childfree and those who identify as witches, and how these stereotypes continue to pervade societal thinking and media portrayals. The conversation extends to Rae's belief in naturalistic Paganism, examining how it intertwines with her identity and how she navigates intrusive questions about her personal and religious choices.Lastly, we pull back the curtain on the concept of anti-natalism, discussing its implications for humanity, from extreme to moderate perspectives.Warning: please skip the timestamp 5:30 - 5:47 if you're triggered by delivery complications.  Follow Rae on Instagram at @childfree.raeofsunshine  This article provides a helpful overview of the controversial Essure sterilization procedure, which was discontinued in 2018 due to "a decline in use as women chose other options". Support the showEmail me questions at childfree.me.podcast@gmail.com - I'd love to hear from you!Follow on the Gram: @childfreeme_Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/andrey-rossi/seize-the-day License code: 10MWPZUG3AZBGZPR

In today's episode, my friend and colleague Amya Pinka joins me to discuss being undecided about whether she wants to have children in the future. We discuss the various factors that are going into her decision - like having a little brother who is 20 years younger than her, the desire to travel freely and see the world, as well as her foray into being a COVID dog parent.Amya is fiercely defiant of taking the traditional road and remains refreshingly unswayed by the masses. We had such a fun conversation and I'm hoping I can speak to her again as she evolves in her journey.  The book I reference is called Regretting Motherhood: A Study by sociologist Orna Donath. *Please note: I mention the zika virus in relation to a trip to Africa, but that was incorrect; the topic between my mother and I came up in 2015 when we traveled to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Support the showEmail me questions at childfree.me.podcast@gmail.com - I'd love to hear from you!Follow on the Gram: @childfreeme_Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/andrey-rossi/seize-the-day License code: 10MWPZUG3AZBGZPR

Today I grab a glass of wine and sit down with my friend Amber to delve into the often overlooked disparities in work expectations and pressures that childfree individuals confront. Our conversation traverses Amber's journey from a young girl obsessed with school to an impressive woman obsessed with her career. She candidly opens up about her southern family's expectations of a woman's role and their disbelief that life can actually entail more than just having childfree. We also challenge the idea that having kids is the only way to assure care in old age - and isn't that selfish?This episode encourages and empowers people to make choices that align with their true selves, rather than succumbing to societal pressures. Listen in, as we champion the cause of child-free individuals and provoke a much-needed conversation around it.Support the showEmail me questions at childfree.me.podcast@gmail.com - I'd love to hear from you!Follow on the Gram: @childfreeme_Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/andrey-rossi/seize-the-day License code: 10MWPZUG3AZBGZPR

Today Laura sits down with Cody Hetzel from Childfree Media to better understand the landscape and complexities of the childfree community. Cody shares his personable narrative on choosing a childfree life, shedding light on the societal influences that often steer these critical life decisions.The discussion opens with quick overview of the lexicon of the childfree world. Terms such as pronatalism, anti-natalism, 'dinks', 'dinkwads', 'bingoing' and the aggressively childfree, are decoded, offering an enlightening perspective on this lifestyle. Cody introduces us to some of his initiatives that aim to foster connections within the childfree community, including a micro networking site, a merchandise website, a childfree convention, and his co-founding venture, Childfree Media.We wrap things up by delving into societal stereotypes and misconceptions attached to being childfree, particularly for men. The fear that prevents many from engaging in the childfree community is examined, and we talk candidly about the pressures exerted by societal expectations on personal life choices. Settle in for a discussion that promises to broaden your understanding of the childfree lifestyle, whether you're part of this community, contemplating it, or simply curious. This episode guarantees an enriching journey into an often misunderstood and misrepresented community. Click here to the listen to the Dinky episode Antinatalism: Debating The Ethics of Procreation Jennifer Aniston Has Nothing to HidePenny Never Wanted Kids on The Big Bang Theory, So Why Did She Wind Up Pregnant?Support the showEmail me questions at childfree.me.podcast@gmail.com - I'd love to hear from you!Follow on the Gram: @childfreeme_Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/andrey-rossi/seize-the-day License code: 10MWPZUG3AZBGZPR

Annie McNaughton and I sit down to discuss her journey to being childfree, from initially believing in the ideal of the "husband, child and white picket fence" package to realizing her inner voice was telling her something different. We talk about the importance of clear communication and mutual understanding between partners when standing firm in the face of external pressures, and the importance of ensuring both partners are on the same page to sustain this choice.Finally, we dive into how societal expectations, the fear of missing out (FOMO), and the fear of regret that can often cloud our judgment when making the choice to not have children. We address how society's influence can be so pervasive that it's sometimes difficult to distinguish between what is society's and what is our own voice. **Trigger warning** - we discuss some pretty severe delivery complications during this episode, so if this might be triggering to you, please skip over. The time stamp is 21:35 to 21:53. Support the showEmail me questions at childfree.me.podcast@gmail.com - I'd love to hear from you!Follow on the Gram: @childfreeme_Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/andrey-rossi/seize-the-day License code: 10MWPZUG3AZBGZPR

Meet my dear friend and former coworker Marisela.  As a first-generation Mexican American, Sela offers a fresh perspective on the societal expectations, relationships, and the fear of regret that can influence the choice to be childfreeToday we dissect the pressures and misconceptions surrounding women who opt not to have children, bringing to light the importance of staying true to oneself. This episode isn't just about being childfree; it's about the freedom to choose your path without societal impositions. We're breaking down prejudices and challenging narratives. If you've ever felt the pressure to conform or questioned your decisions, I hope that this episode will resonate deeply. We'll explore how the pandemic spotlighted the challenges of raising children and emphasized the importance of self-care. The episode concludes with a powerful discussion on the fear of regret often associated with choosing to be childfree. Support the showEmail me questions at childfree.me.podcast@gmail.com - I'd love to hear from you!Follow on the Gram: @childfreeme_Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/andrey-rossi/seize-the-day License code: 10MWPZUG3AZBGZPR

Ever felt like a lone ship sailing against the societal current, yearning for companionship and understanding? That's where I found myself as I veered off the 'normal' path to embrace a child-free life, prompting the creation of this podcast, Childfree Me. I'm Laura Allen, inviting you to join me on this exciting exploration of individual narratives, shared experiences, and collective celebration of choosing a childfree life.In our inaugural episode, I open up about my journey, from choosing the traditional route of education and career to diverging from the norm to embrace this liberating, yet often isolating, decision. Each week, we'll delve into intimate conversations with others who've also chosen this unconventional path. Whether you're already walking this road, pondering over it or simply intrigued by the idea, I hope you'll find resonance, inspiration, and possibly, camaraderie in our stories. Remember to subscribe to Childfree Me on your preferred podcast platform. The first episode drops in two days, with new ones coming your way every Tuesday. Can't wait to have you alongside on this journey!Support the showEmail me questions at childfree.me.podcast@gmail.com - I'd love to hear from you!Follow on the Gram: @childfreeme_Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/andrey-rossi/seize-the-day License code: 10MWPZUG3AZBGZPR