The Are Kids For Me Podcast

My guest today, and the last for season 2, is Louise Vance.  With a background in law, she is a writer, content creator and presenter. Her experience includes working as a fashion writer, stylist, editor and in event management. She is also a regular contributor to BBC radio and TV. For many years, she has been passionate about sharing her experiences of deciding to be childfree. We discuss her experience of other people's reactions to her personal decision to not have children as well as the importance of de-stigmatising this conversation for everyone. Please subscribe/follow the podcast and check out the 'Are Kids For Me' pages on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/arekidsforme and Instagram,https://www.instagram.com/arekidsforme/ for more information and episode updates! Episode transcripts are available on  https://www.arekidsforme.ie/podcast 

I am speaking to Tanya Williams about her wide range of work as a childfree activist and advocate. This includes her book (A Childfree Happily Ever After), the Childfree Magazine, projects to support childfree people in the workplace and her ideas on how we can expand and progress the Childfree movement. She shares some great advice on how we can all start to make changes in our daily life to help this. I found this conversation very inspiring about the prospect of further positive change and I hope you do too. For more information on Tanya's projects, resources and to order your copy of Childfree Magazine, click here - https://childfreehappilyeverafter.com.au/Please subscribe/follow the podcast and check out the 'Are Kids For Me' pages on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/arekidsforme and Instagram,https://www.instagram.com/arekidsforme/ for more information and episode updates! Episode transcripts are available on  https://www.arekidsforme.ie/podcast 

Today, I am speaking to Ali Wyllie, who runs the 'Childfree By Choice' account on Twitter - https://twitter.com/ChildFreeBC. The aim of this account is to take away the stigma of being childfree. It has also evolved to address the division which can occur between parents and non parents by developing mutual empathy. We discuss Ali's experience of making the childfree choice and how this has been both challenged and challenging. We also explore how this keeps  developing as she  continues to live it, learn about it and meet other childfree people. Please subscribe/follow the podcast and check out the 'Are Kids For Me' pages on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/arekidsforme and Instagram,https://www.instagram.com/arekidsforme/ for more information and episode updates! Episode transcripts are available on  https://www.arekidsforme.ie/podcast 

This is part 5 (and the last!) of the mini-series of 'Who will look after me when I get old' and we are discussing death. My guest is Liam McCarthy, a death doula (also known as an end of life doula). Liam is based in Youghal, Co. Cork and is a civil celebrant for weddings, baby naming ceremonies and funerals. We discuss what a death doula does, how our relationship with death has changed and why we need to be able to talk about death and grief more openly, for both practical and emotional reasons. We also discus funeral options, budgeting and the benefits of planning ahead for our own deaths and funerals. This was a really informative and also very enjoyable conversation, with quite a few laughs along the way, despite the topic.Please subscribe/follow the podcast and check out the 'Are Kids For Me' pages on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/arekidsforme and Instagram,https://www.instagram.com/arekidsforme/ for more information and episode updates! Episode transcripts are available on  https://www.arekidsforme.ie/podcast 

Part 4 of the 'Who will look after me when I get old' series. My guest is Jennifer Moran Stritch. We have a fascinating and wide ranging discussion on the topic of ageing without children. We explore common stereotypes, the power of assumptions and how to catch ourselves from being drawn into them. We explore some concepts such as the adult orphan and the loss of the assumptive world which can help us to understand what we might be experiencing in our own lives. And we round things off by talking about Death Cafes and the rule that there must always be cake!Jennifer has a background in social care and social work; she lectures in Social Care in the Limerick Institute of Technology and with the MSc in Loss and Bereavement  with the Irish Hospice/RCSI. She is a frequent keynote speaker and workshop facilitator on aspects of loss, resilience and growth across the human lifespan. She is also a host of Limerick Death Café since 2015.This is a link to the Irish Hospice 'Think Ahead' form which we discuss - https://hospicefoundation.ie/i-need-help/i-want-to-plan-ahead/think-ahead/ and to Death Café Limerick - https://www.facebook.com/deathcafelimerick/Please subscribe/follow the podcast and check out the 'Are Kids For Me' pages on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/arekidsforme and Instagram,https://www.instagram.com/arekidsforme/ for more information and episode updates! Episode transcripts are available on  https://www.arekidsforme.ie/podcast 

Part 3 of  the 'Who will look after me when I get old' series. My guest is Sinead Ryan, a journalist focusing on consumer and personal finance matters. We look at the range of care options for older people in Ireland.  This includes nursing home care, the 'Fair Deal' Scheme and home care options. This is a link to the HSE information booklet on the Fair Deal Scheme (officially known as the Nursing Home Support Scheme) - https://www2.hse.ie/file-library/fair-deal/nursing-homes-support-scheme-information-booklet.pdfSinead is a columnist with the Irish Independent and has a weekly radio programme called 'The Home Show' on Newstalk every Saturday morning. Please see her website for more information - http://sineadryan.com/Please subscribe/follow the podcast and check out the 'Are Kids For Me' pages on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/arekidsforme and Instagram,https://www.instagram.com/arekidsforme/ for more information and episode updates! Episode transcripts are available on  https://www.arekidsforme.ie/podcast 

Here, we explore the financial side of aging without children. I speak to financial advisor, Paul Merriman about the basic elements of understanding your money, making it work for you and planning for your financial future. Paul also highlights some opportunities that may be available to people who don't have children. Paul wants to take the fear out of money and gives practical advice on how to feel more in control of your finances right now. For more information see https://www.askpaul.ie/ and 'Ask Paul' on social media.Please subscribe/follow the podcast and check out the 'Are Kids For Me' pages on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/arekidsforme and Instagram,https://www.instagram.com/arekidsforme/ for more information and episode updates! Episode transcripts are available on  https://www.arekidsforme.ie/podcast 

This is a brief chat with Simon Forsyth, who I will be co-facilitating the upcoming 'Taking the Road Less Travelled - Embracing Your Childfree Life' Workshop with. We discuss what therapeutic/reflective writing is generally and how we will use it to help people reflect upon and deepen their understanding of being childfree. The emphasis is on the content and process in whatever form that works for the participant. It is not about neat handwriting or correct sentence structure. No one will be correcting your work with a red pen and no one has to share anything they have written unless they want to. However, being able to share and hear content with like minded people can be very powerful and enjoyable in itself. Our workshop takes place on June 26th, 10am to 4pm via Zoom. Tickets are 90e and are on sale now through this link - https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/taking-the-road-less-travelled-embracing-your-childfree-life-tickets-154438492689 We are very excited to hold this unique event specifically designed for childfree people. The workshop is open to participants both inside and outside of Ireland, but please note that due to insurance limitations we are unfortunately unable to include applicants based in the USA. 

This is the first in a mini series of episodes where I will explore the question of 'who will look after you when you get old' from a childfree perspective. I am starting with the legal side and am talking to solicitor Karen O'Neill about the things childfree people (and actually everyone) needs to know about and have in place for later life. We focus on wills and enduring power of attorney. Please subscribe/follow the podcast and check out the 'Are Kids For Me' pages on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/arekidsforme and Instagram,https://www.instagram.com/arekidsforme/ for more information and episode updates! Episode transcripts are available on  https://www.arekidsforme.ie/podcast 

I speak to two guests from 'The End of the Line' Podcast, Mark Heywood & Romy Park. Mark is the creator of the podcast which is a series of powerful stories about how women who don't have children for a wide variety of reasons, are treated in society. Romy plays the character 'Mona' in one of the episodes. Both are passionate about amplifying the voices of childfree people. We discuss how the series came about, the issues that are explored, their own real life experiences as childfree people and the very positive response to the series from people all over the world. Check out 'The End of the Line' Podcast here - https://www.inkjockey.co.uk/the-end-of-the-line/ and on the usual podcast platforms. Please subscribe/follow the podcast and check out the 'Are Kids For Me' pages on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/arekidsforme and Instagram,https://www.instagram.com/arekidsforme/ for more information and episode updates! Episode transcripts are available on  https://www.arekidsforme.ie/podcast 

In this episode, I have a really insightful and honest conversation with Julie Cobbe about her process of choosing not to have children of her own, as her husband had children from a previous relationship and also had a vasectomy before they met. There are many layers to this including becoming a step parent, the cultural impact of moving back to Ireland and the challenges of following a road less travelled compared to family and friends.You can check out Julies website here - https://www.juliecobbe.ie/Please subscribe/follow the podcast and check out the 'Are Kids For Me' pages on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/arekidsforme and Instagram,https://www.instagram.com/arekidsforme/ for more information and episode updates! Episode transcripts are available on  https://www.arekidsforme.ie/podcast 

My guest today is Selina Bonnie. Selina is an Indian/Irish disabled woman. She is an activist, lecturer and trainer in the international disabled people's movement  for over 25 years. Her research focuses on sexuality, sexual expression and reproductive rights for disabled people. She is also a busy wife and mother.As previously discussed, there is a strong societal attitude that everyone will, should and wants to have children. It can be so pervasive it is almost difficult to see.  However, we see that this applies very differently to disabled people, which shows how much of a social construct it is. We talk about the barriers which face disabled people who want to be parents and how important autonomy and choice are for everyone in this very personal decision. Please subscribe/follow the podcast and check out the 'Are Kids For Me' pages on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/arekidsforme and Instagram,https://www.instagram.com/arekidsforme/ for more information and episode updates! Episode transcripts are available on  https://www.arekidsforme.ie/podcast 

My guest today is Michelle Mayefske, a birth and postpartum doula who works with families in the mid west of Ireland. She helps expecting parents navigate pregnancy and prepare for their best possible birth. Her passion is helping parents move from a place of fear to one of confidence. This episode may not be of interest to everyone, but I was curious to speak to someone with so much experience of working with pregnant people. We speak about the range of fears people can have around pregnancy and birth, where these might come from and the options available if you do want to go on and be a parent. I definitely learned a lot from our conversation! You can go to Michelle's website https://www.limerickdoulaservices.ie/ and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/limerickdoulaservices/ for lots of useful information and to find out more about her services.Please subscribe/follow the podcast and check out the 'Are Kids For Me' pages on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/arekidsforme and Instagram,https://www.instagram.com/arekidsforme/ for more information and episode updates! Episode transcripts are available on  https://www.arekidsforme.ie/podcast 

I am launching season 2 of the podcast by speaking to international best selling author Sheila O'Flanagan. Sheila is happily childfree by choice at 63 years of age. We discuss the importance of having positive role models who showed her that this was an option and what being childfree has allowed her to do. We also discuss the impact of social pressure and the importance of prioritising what is best for you over the expectations of others. Please subscribe/follow the podcast and check out the 'Are Kids For Me' pages on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/arekidsforme and Instagram,https://www.instagram.com/arekidsforme/ for more information and episode updates! Episode transcripts are available on  https://www.arekidsforme.ie/podcast 

In this episode, I speak to Dr. Amy Morgan.  She is a GP based in Drogheda and has a special interest in women's health and sexual health. We talk about the range of both temporary and permanent contraceptive options available, the factors to consider when choosing a form for yourself and how to approach these discussions with your doctor, so as to get the best outcome for your own situation. These are recommended websites for more information - https://www.sexualwellbeing.ie/https://www.mycontraception.ie/https://www.ifpa.ie/https://wellwomancentre.ie/Please subscribe/follow the podcast and check out the 'Are Kids For Me' pages on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/arekidsforme and Instagram,https://www.instagram.com/arekidsforme/ for more information and episode updates! Episode transcripts are available on  https://www.arekidsforme.ie/podcast 

In this episode, I speak to Patrick Freyne; journalist, author and musician. He recently published his highly acclaimed debut book of personal essays called 'Ok Lets Do Your Stupid Idea'. This includes an essay discussing  not having children which wasn't by choice for Patrick and his wife. We discuss the impact of this and how he feels about it now. We speak about the power of social norms and narratives, and how difficult, but also how important it is, to separate ourselves from them as much as we can. Please subscribe/follow the podcast and check out the 'Are Kids For Me' pages on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/arekidsforme and Instagram,https://www.instagram.com/arekidsforme/ for more information and episode updates! Episode transcripts are available on  https://www.arekidsforme.ie/podcast 

In this episode, I speak to Cork couple, Kym and Rick Kenny. We talk about how, initially, they had different opinions on whether to have children or not. Kym knew from a young age that she didn't want to, while Rick assumed he would have kids in the future. He describes how he came to see this as an automatic assumption and how he didn't know if it was actually something he wanted or not. They share the process they went through, both individually and as a couple to examine these positions and make the decision that kids are not for them. They also talk about the enjoyment and freedom that comes with this choice. Please subscribe/follow the podcast and check out the 'Are Kids For Me' pages on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/arekidsforme and Instagram,https://www.instagram.com/arekidsforme/ for more information and episode updates! Episode transcripts are available on  https://www.arekidsforme.ie/podcast 

I am delighted to speak to Marcia Drut-Davis in this episode. Marcia is a life long campaigner and advocate for the childfree lifestyle, as well as being an author, teacher and sought after public speaker. She is now in her 70's and can give the perspective of an older childfree person that we don't always get to hear.  We talk about the many ways her life has been influenced by her decision to not have children and she shares some great advice on how to get the most from your childfree life. You can follow Marcia on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/childfree_guru/?hl=en and her private Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/913125648801584/?ref=pages_profile_groups_tab&source_id=523538741024989.Please subscribe/follow the podcast and check out the 'Are Kids For Me' pages on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/arekidsforme and Instagram,https://www.instagram.com/arekidsforme/ for more information and episode updates! Episode transcripts are available on  https://www.arekidsforme.ie/podcast 

In this episode, I speak to Saoirse McHugh and Colm Cafferky about what it is like trying to decide whether to have children or not, and being very uncertain about that. We look at the many factors they are considering including the environmental impact of having a child, the type of world a child would be born into, the need for financial security, concerns about the physical and emotional impact of pregnancy and the fear of being left out, whichever decision they make. Please subscribe/follow the podcast and check out the 'Are Kids For Me' pages on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/arekidsforme and Instagram,https://www.instagram.com/arekidsforme/ for more information and episode updates! Episode transcripts are available on  https://www.arekidsforme.ie/podcast 

In this episode, I speak to Emilie Pine,  author of the multi award winning book 'Notes to Self'.  We discuss her movement through, and experience of, many positions regarding parenthood - not being sure if she wanted to be a parent, very strongly wanting to be a parent, having a miscarriage and needing to accept that she wasn't going to be a parent.  We discuss the guilt that can come with deciding not to pursue IVF and how important it is to stop defining yourself through what is absent in your life, even though this is a hard and ongoing process. Please subscribe/follow the podcast and check out the 'Are Kids For Me' pages on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/arekidsforme and Instagram,https://www.instagram.com/arekidsforme/ for more information and episode updates! Episode transcripts are available on  https://www.arekidsforme.ie/podcast 

In this episode, I talk to Jenny and Ann Blake about their experience of making a decision of whether to become parents or not, both as individuals and as a couple. They very generously share this personal process and important insights. These include the need to be very honest and open with yourself and your partner, to be aware of your relationship dynamics and individual needs within that, as well as the danger of focusing on the things you don't have in your life and how this can block you from seeing what you do actually have and might want. This is both informative and entertaining! Please subscribe/follow the podcast and check out the 'Are Kids For Me' pages on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/arekidsforme and Instagram,https://www.instagram.com/arekidsforme/ for more information and episode updates! Episode transcripts are available on  https://www.arekidsforme.ie/podcast 

In this episode, I speak to Catherine O'Connor who is happily childfree by choice from a young age. We discuss how this hasn't changed for her, what her childfree life looks like, her positive approach to getting older and about adapting friendships when kids come along. Please subscribe/follow the podcast and check out the 'Are Kids For Me' pages on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/arekidsforme and Instagram,https://www.instagram.com/arekidsforme/ for more information and episode updates! Episode transcripts are available on  https://www.arekidsforme.ie/podcast 

In this episode, I speak to three amazing women about their experiences of endometriosis and its impact on their fertility decisions. Amy now has a 16 month old son after 2 years of difficulties. Irene has previously tried to get pregnant and is currently enjoying her childfree life with her husband and two dogs. Sarah is currently going through IVF treatment but with a keen awareness of the physical and emotional impact of this option. Endometriosis affects one in ten women. It has a wide range of symptoms and can be difficult to diagnose. These are some links mentioned in the episode if you affected by the chronic condition. https://www.endometriosis.ie/  https://www.facebook.com/EndoIreland/  https://www.instagram.com/endoireland/  https://nancysnookendo.com/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/NancysNookEndoEd/ Please subscribe/follow the podcast and check out the 'Are Kids For Me' pages on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/arekidsforme and Instagram,https://www.instagram.com/arekidsforme/ for more information and episode updates! Episode transcripts are available on  https://www.arekidsforme.ie/podcast 

In this episode, I speak to Catherine Costigan, the 'Alpha Female' professional MMA fighter from Limerick. Catherine speaks with great passion about her sport both as a fighter and a coach. We talk about the competing demands of being a professional athlete and a parent. Catherine does not currently plan on having children and is very dedicated to the many children and adults she works with in her gym. She has a very positive mindset, believes in challenging herself and is not afraid to be different. Even if you are not an MMA fan, I think you will find this conversation really inspiring! You can follow Catherine at https://www.facebook.com/Catherine-Costigan-Alpha-Female-Fitness-183760674985799 and  https://twitter.com/alphafemalewar Please subscribe/follow the podcast and check out the 'Are Kids For Me' pages on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/arekidsforme and Instagram,https://www.instagram.com/arekidsforme/ for more information and episode updates! Episode transcripts are available on  https://www.arekidsforme.ie/podcast 

In this episode, I speak to Ciara Meehan. She is an historian, lecturer, and author who is childfree by choice. She speaks about being very sure of that and what it's like feeling excluded from society where the focus is on motherhood and families with children. She shares some great insight on how to support yourself in this. You can follow Ciara on Twitter - https://twitter.com/CA_Meehan Please subscribe/follow the podcast and check out the 'Are Kids For Me' pages on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/arekidsforme and Instagram,https://www.instagram.com/arekidsforme/ for more information and episode updates! Episode transcripts are available on  https://www.arekidsforme.ie/podcast 

In this episode, I speak with Joanne Ryan. Joanne is an actor and playwright, who wrote and performed a play called 'Eggistentialism', which was all about her process of trying to decide if she wanted to have a child or not. We discuss the experience of feeling overloaded with conflicting information and how she needed to stop searching for the 100% correct answer to this question. Joanne does now have a child and we discussed what this has been like too. Joanne is very open, honest and funny. You can follow Joanne's work at http://joanneryan.ie/ Please subscribe/follow the podcast and check out the 'Are Kids For Me' pages on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/arekidsforme and Instagram,https://www.instagram.com/arekidsforme/ for more information and episode updates! Episode transcripts are available on  https://www.arekidsforme.ie/podcast 

In this episode, I have a great conversation with Bronagh Fleming about her choice to be childfree. Bronagh is really interesting person, with a wide range of passions and interests. You can follow her at https://www.instagram.com/foxhollowstyle/ to see her wonderful interior styling ideas. Bronagh is approaching glorious middle age with the hope that people will stop asking her when she and her partner are going to have children! She highlights the importance of finding like minded people to feel connected to and supported by.Please subscribe/follow the podcast and check out the 'Are Kids For Me' pages on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/arekidsforme and Instagram,https://www.instagram.com/arekidsforme/ for more information and episode updates! Episode transcripts are on  https://www.arekidsforme.ie/podcast 

Welcome to the Are Kids For Me podcast. This is a brief introduction to explain what the podcast is about and what you can expect from future episodes. I am really looking forward to this series and would love to hear listener's feedback. Please subscribe/follow the podcast and check out the 'Are Kids For Me' pages on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/arekidsforme and Instagram,https://www.instagram.com/arekidsforme/ for more information and episode updates! Episode transcripts are on https://www.arekidsforme.ie/blog