We're Not Kidding

Ky joins me again on the podcast to share the details of a summer reading challenge underway in WNK Club. We hope you'll join us in this fun summer reading contest. To do so, head to wnk-club.com to become a member if you aren't already. Then head to the Book Club section and you'll find the details there. To find your summer romance novel, here's the quiz Ky gives Anna in this episode: Find Your Summer Read Books mentioned in this episode: It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover (Anna's accidental intro to romance books) Love and Other Words by Christine Lauren Love in the Time of Serial Killers by Alicia Thompson Book Lovers by Emily Henry --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/anna-marie-olson/message

Ky Gerbush is a writer, a lowkey tree and flower farmer, a WNK-member, and the co-facilitator of a course we created together in the WNK community called Creating A Meaningful Childfree Life. Ky has added so much to both my life and WNK community. I'm forever grateful to her and honored to call her a friend. In this episode, she shares how her childfree identity unfolded and the terrible moment that awakened it. She also shares her less-than-straightforward sterilization process and we talk about the value of community and the course we have created. This is a phenomenal episode and I am so excited to share it with you, dear listener. Connect with Ky: IG: @donuttrashpanda Website: https://kailiawrites.com/ Join WNK: wnk-club.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/anna-marie-olson/message

In this episode, I sit down with the lovely Jess Ridder to talk all things childfree. We talk about losing our fathers at a young age and how this shaped our view of aging. Jess shares her excitement for what aging as a childfree person means and what opportunities might exist for communal living. I loved every second of this conversation and I think you will too! About Jess: Jess Ridder is a professional voice-over artist and has also worked as a journalist. She is the founder of a womxn's interview project called “What She Says.” I was honored to be featured on this fantastic blog in which interviewees from around the world are asked the same six questions showcasing the different facets of female voices and stories. The project is currently in blog form though may take shape as a podcast soon!  There have been a few video talks already in the past. Connect with Jess: What She Says Blog Instagram @_whatshesays and @jess.ridder --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/anna-marie-olson/message

Brenda Brodie is an all-around fabulous human who I am grateful to consider a friend. In this episode, Brenda shares her experience advocating for her choice to be sterilized and her relatively easy experience getting approved for a bilateral salpingectomy. Brenda was incredibly helpful in my own personal journey of seeking sterilization and helping me with my pre-surgery angst. I'm incredibly grateful to her and it was an honor to have her as a guest on We're Not Kidding. Connect with Brenda on Instagram: @foodie_and_the_feline Grab your spot in the Childfree Life Vision Program: ⁠⁠https://annaolson.com/childfree-life-vision/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/anna-marie-olson/message

It was an honor and a blast to interview Daina Bond for this episode of the podcast. At 52, Daina has no regrets when it comes to not having kids. She is a proud dog mom who understands the value of being selfish with her time. Having met Daina through a mutual friend in the small town that we live in, reminds me that we really aren't alone in this life path. Grab your spot in the Childfree Life Vision Program: ⁠https://annaolson.com/childfree-life-vision/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/anna-marie-olson/message

In today's episode, Veronica Weston shares her childfree experience and how she cultivated a community after moving from Canada to Mexico. Veronica is a personal development coach. She and her husband moved to Mexico in 2021. They have two sweet adopted pups named Lily and Layla. When she's not coaching, Veronica enjoys going to the beach, trying a new restaurant, or exploring all the ruins, cenotes Mexico has to offer. Connect with Veronica: https://veronicaweston.ca/ Grab your spot in the Childfree Life Vision Program: https://annaolson.com/childfree-life-vision/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/anna-marie-olson/message

Diliana Gadjova is the creator of the Instagram account Childfree Blessings. Within the last two years, Diliana came to the realization that she didn't want to have kids. This inspired her to create an account and help others realize that parenthood is a choice. I've loved getting to know Diliana through WNK-Club and it's an honor to share her story with you all here on the podcast. Mentioned on this Episode Childfree by Choice by Dr. Amy Blackstone Without Children: The Long History of Not Being a Mother by Peggy O'Donnell Heffington Olive by Emma Gannon The Nine Lives of Rose Napolitano by Donna Freitas Sidney Morss childfree reels @sidney_morss Childfree Blessings @childfreeblessings Grab your spot in the Childfree Life Vision Program: https://annaolson.com/childfree-life-vision/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/anna-marie-olson/message

In this episode, Grant and I sit down with Dr. Jay at the end of March to recap our experience getting a disability insurance quote from our local insurance agent. This was an eye-opening experience and unpacking it with Dr. Jay was enlightening. If you haven't heard the first three sessions with Dr. Jay, you can listen to them here: ⁠Session 1 Session 2⁠ ⁠ Session 3⁠ Session 4 Or watch the sessions ⁠here⁠.   --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/anna-marie-olson/message

In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant Peggy O'Donnell Heffington to discuss her new book, Without Children: The Long History of Not Being a Mother⁠. Peggy shares her insights from researching and writing this fantastic book. She also shares a bit about her own childfree story. I learned so much both from reading the book and having this conversation. Enjoy! About Peggy: Peggy O'Donnell Heffington is an Assistant Instructional Professor in the Department of History at the University of Chicago, where she teaches historical research and writing methods and a bit about gender and women's history too. Her first book, Without Children: The Long History of Not Being a Mother, was published by Seal Press on April 18, 2023 (the day before this recording airs). In her free time, she can usually be found trail running, baking gluten-free cake, or looking at clothes on the internet. She and her husband Bob have two adorable pugs, Ellie and Jake. Connect with Peggy: Find her on Twitter and Instagram, @peggyohdonnell. Website: poheffington.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/anna-marie-olson/message

Nicole Louie is a writer, translator, and content curator based in Ireland. She has dedicated a great amount of time to finding and sharing the stories of amazing women without children through her social media accounts (@bynicolelouie). In our conversation, Nicole shares her personal journey of feeling isolated as a childfree woman which lead her to books, and in turn, she has written one of her own. Here are the resources she shared in our conversation, sorted by topic. Ambivalence  Book: Beyond Motherhood by Jeanne Safer (1996).  Childfree path  Laura Carrol:  Book: Families of Two: Interviews with Happily Married Couples Without Children by Choice (2000). Book: The Baby Matrix (2012). Marcia Drut Davis:  Book. Confession of a Childfree Woman (2013). Childless not by choice path Jody Day, Founder of the Gateway community In-person workshops A list of childless therapists, counselors and coaches on their website https://gateway-women.com Being single Bella DePaulo Has written quite a few books about this topic Book: Singled Out: How Singles Are Stereotyped, Stigmatized, and Ignored, and Still Live Happily Ever After Connect with Nicole: Instagram and Twitter with the handle @bynicolelouie --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/anna-marie-olson/message

In this episode, Grant and I sit down with Dr. Jay at the end of February to recap how our budget went in February. We also discuss the ins and outs of disability insurance and talk about what might be best for Grant. Then we talk about an upcoming trip and how to budget for that. If you haven't heard the first three sessions with Dr. Jay, you can listen to them here: Session 1 Session 2 Session 3 Or watch the sessions here. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anna-marie-olson/message

Antara Sarkar is the creator of Sunday Class, a free STEM school for underprivileged youth. Her passion for volunteering turned into a mission to help students stay in school through the creation of Sunday Class. For this work, she was named the iVolunteer Hero Winner in 2022. Antara is also the co-founder of The Pink Engine which makes 3d-printed Indian Railway scale models. Connect with Antara on YouTube and Instagram. You can follow The Pink Engine on IG as well. Read more about Antara and her husband Anurup. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anna-marie-olson/message

In this episode, Grant and I sit down with Dr. Jay at the end of January to recap how our budget went over the holidays. We also get into more detailed goal discussions. If you haven't heard our first two sessions with Dr. Jay, you can listen to them here: Session 1 Session 2 Or watch the sessions here. As you heard in this episode, I am looking to understand how my work has impacted you. Feel free to let me know via email: anna@annaolson.com. Thanks! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anna-marie-olson/message

Jewel Hohman is a life coach who specializes in helping people feel secure and confident, while also teaching them how to create deep, meaningful friendships. In this episode, she shares what she calls the connection formula, an intentional way to build fulfilling friendships. Did you know that research shows that roughly half of our friendships change and shift every seven years? Tune into this episode to learn more about that and so much more! Connect with Jewel: Website: jewelhohman.com Instagram: @jewel.hohman Mentioned in this episode: Shasta Nelson Looking to make more childfree friends? Join WNK-Club today! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anna-marie-olson/message

In this episode, Jordan who runs the Instagram account, @violet_unexplained, shares her experience navigating IVF. After she and her husband decided to stop IVF treatments, they were faced wtih the question, "now what?" Tune into this episode to hear how they embraced being childfree after finding themselves childless. Follow Jordan on Instagram, @violet_unexplained, and her adorable dogs Lulu and Dexter, @dachshundduderanch. Want to join a childfree community? Check out wnk-club.com! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anna-marie-olson/message

Lucy Meggeson is the creator of the incredible podcast, Spinsterhood Reimagined. Lucy is reclaiming and redefining the image of the spinster as something to be aspired to rather than pitied, feared, or avoided. She also coaches women and helps them lean into their solo lives and find freedom and fulfillment. Lucy is brilliant and this episode is not to be missed! Connect with Lucy: Email: lucy@lucymeggeson.com Website: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/ (Grab her free Top 10 Mindset Tips) Podcast: Spinsterhood Reimagined (Listen to my interview on her podcast) Instagram: @spinsterhoodreimagined Book a free 30-minute 'taster' session with Lucy Mentioned in this episode: Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod Want to join a childfree community? Check out wnk-club.com! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anna-marie-olson/message

Margaret O'Connor has worked as a counselor and psychotherapist since 2011. She specializes in helping those who are unsure about parenthood make the right decision for them. Margaret has conducted two pieces of research regarding this topic. The first explored the role of personality factors and how they impact the decision to have kids. She also researched how women in Ireland make the decision whether or not to have children. In this episode, Margaret shares her insight and expertise in helping people navigate the decision of whether or not they want to have kids. You won't want to miss this episode! Connect with Margaret: Instagram: @arekidsforme Website: https://www.arekidsforme.ie/ Read her research: https://www.arekidsforme.ie/research-and-resources Want to join a childfree community? Check out wnk-club.com ! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anna-marie-olson/message

In this episode, I sit down with Jared Hansen the founder of the Facebook group, Best Childfree Life Possible, a community that is 9K strong. Jared co-created the Childfree Convention along with Cody Hetzel and LeNora Faye. He also created the Facebook group Childfree Runners and has organized an in-person childfree 5k walk taking place May 14th in Punt Gorda, FL at Laishley Park. Additional links mentioned in this episode: Jared's YouTube video from 2013 Laura Carroll Need a childfree t-shirt? Check out my collaboration with I Love Inspiration Avenue. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anna-marie-olson/message

This bonus episode is our second coaching session with financial planner Dr. Jay Zigmont. In this session, we go over our current finances and began creating our monthly budget. If you haven't heard our first session, you can listen here: Listen to Session 1 Want to see the video footage of session 2? Watch it here. Resource mentioned in this episode: Childfree Wealth Annual Assessment Money Management System The Gardner and the Rose --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anna-marie-olson/message

Dane Reid is a Brooklyn, NY-born voice actor and author based in Atlanta. His voiceover work spans two decades, and his previous book, Dana the Procrastinator, was published in 2008. In his latest book, Forget Having Kids, I'm Having Fun, Dane collects anecdotes from his life and experiences from close friends. His life as the child of immigrants, his work as an after-school teacher, his passion for travel, and the complex responsibilities of raising a child are all critically examined in a child-free context. In this episode, Dane and I discuss his experience writing the book and what he hopes readers will take away from it. Buy the book: childfreebook.com Connect with Dane: danereidmedia.com __________________________ Don't forget to share, rate, and review this podcast! It helps the podcast reach more listeners. (And thank you!!) Are you looking for a community of others who are childfree? Join WNK-Club a community for those opting out of parenthood. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anna-marie-olson/message

Dr. Morgan Levy is a psychologist and therapist who helps executives and professionals maximize their personal and professional development. In this episode, she shares tips for embracing all of who we are not just one aspect of our identities as well as how to create more balance and less burnout in our lives. This is a value-packed episode you won't want to miss! Connect with Dr. Morgan Levy: https://www.drmorganlevy.com/ __________________________ Don't forget to share, rate, and review this podcast! It helps the podcast reach more listeners. (And thank you!!) Book your free clarity call today! Are you looking for a community of others who are childfree? Join WNK-Club a community for those opting out of parenthood. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anna-marie-olson/message

In this episode, I sit down with Eli Weissman, a Senior Private Wealth Advisor. Eli shares what to look for in selecting a financial professional as well as the top five mistakes he sees people without children making when it comes to their finances. If you're wanting to improve your finances in 2023, don't miss this episode. Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode: Choosing A Financial Professional: https://www.sec.gov/brokers-and-investment-advisers-tips-chairman-jay-clayton Top Tips for Selecting a Financial Professional: https://www.sec.gov/oiea/investor-alerts-bulletins/ib_selectpro.html#.Y7NzKxtRHPI.mailto Accredited Designations: https://www.finra.org/investors/professional-designations/accredited-designations 3 Things to Know About Financial Designations:https://www.finra.org/investors/insights/financial-designations Connect with Eli: Eli's website: www.spire-weissman.com LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliweissman/ Also mentioned in this episode: Childfree Financial Planning with Dr. Jay Zigmont __________________________ Don't forget to share, rate, and review this podcast! It helps the podcast reach more listeners. Book your free clarity call today! Are you looking for a community of others who are childfree? Join WNK-Club a community for those opting out of parenthood. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anna-marie-olson/message

I finally got to sit down with the one and only Childfree Millennial. Marcela shares what it was like to realize she didn't want kids and navigate both cultural and religious pressures in doing so. She opens up about how loved ones responded to her choice and how she started her incredibly popular Instagram and YouTube accounts. We had a lot of fun recording this episode! Connect with Marcela on Instagram and YouTube. Don't forget to share, rate, and review this podcast! It helps the podcast reach more listeners. Book your free clarity call today! Are you looking for a community of others who are childfree? Join WNK-Club a community for those opting out of parenthood. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anna-marie-olson/message

In this special holiday episode, Lana Manikowski shares tips for navigating those dreaded questions over the holidays. Bio Lana Manikowski is a fertility survivor, dog mom, and life coach for women looking to create meaningful lives without motherhood. In this episode, she shares how she came to love her life without kids and how she helps clients do the same. Connect with Lana Instagram: @lana.manikowski Podcast: The So Now What Podcast Mastermind: Thrive After Infertility Connect with Anna (host) annaolson.com @coachannaolson wnk-club.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anna-marie-olson/message

Nikki is an artist, designer, photographer, entrepreneur, and podcaster. Nikki shares her childfree journey along with a pivotal moment in her life that lead her to ask the question "why?" Connect with Nikki: Her website: iloveinspirationavenue.com Email here: iloveinspirationave@gmail.com Connect with her in WNK-Club: wnk-club.com Shop the childfree merch collection from Nikki and me: https://www.iloveinspirationavenue.com/shop?Collection=Childfree --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anna-marie-olson/message

Maggie Dickens is a licensed professional counselor and childfree millennial in Texas. In addition to providing mental health support for her private practice clients, she's also an online community builder for women who are childfree by choice or circumstances. Her online group, "the unapologetically childfree collective," is a place for women to find friends with similar values and encouragement to enhance and maximize their lives. She shares her personal decision to be childfree and the importance of choice, boundaries and friendships. 0:00 Teaser 1:00 TikTok 2:20 About Maggie 5:30 1:1 vs group settings 10:00 Finding identity 12:30 “yes” life 18:30 Untamed 20:00 Maggie's child-free choice 30:00 Friendship and boundaries 39:04 More than a label 40:30 Final thoughts 43:30 Connect with Maggie Maggie Dickens https://maggiedickens.com/freestarterpack https://maggiedickens.com/collective TikTok @childfreecoach_maggie Mentioned Untamed by Glennon Doyle Anna Marie Olson https://www.instagram.com/coachannaolson/ Free Clarity Call Join our private childfree community to find friendship and support (wnk-club.com) --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anna-marie-olson/message

Cody is the creator of the micro-networking site Childfree Family, where he launched the first interactive map to help childfree people find others around the world. He also co-founded the Childfree Convention as well as Childfree Media. Cody works to amplify the work of other childfree content creators to help broaden the reach of the childfree community. Connect with Cody via email at info@childfreefamily.com or join his micro-networking site Childfree Family and connect with him and other childfree members there! Check out BuyChildfreeByChildfree. __________________________ Curious to know what it's like to work with a childfree life coach? Book your free 45-minute clarity call with podcast host and life coach, Anna Olson, to find out! I can't wait to talk with you! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anna-marie-olson/message

Jake Punimata originally thought he'd one day have kids, that was until he realized it was a choice. He is from Auckland, New Zealand, and of Niuean descent (Polynesian/Island in the South Pacific). Jake spends his days as a youth worker advocating for kids (Specialist in Mental Health) and is studying Social Work at University with the goal of creating policy change to better protect at-risk youth. Connect with Jake on Instagram: @jakepunimataphotos and @childfreenewzealand Resources: https://snip.co.nz/ (For childfree males in NZ who want to get a vasectomy.) https://www.ctvnews.ca/lifestyle/gen-z-millennials-speak-out-on-reluctance-to-become-parents-1.6048148 https://www.familyplanning.org.nz/ https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/contributors/98597 ___________________________________________________ Want to meet and connect with others who have also chosen not to have kids? Join a growing global network of childfree people today: wnk-club.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anna-marie-olson/message

This bonus episode is the first coaching session with Dr. Jay Zigmont. My husband Grant and I will be receiving coaching monthly from Dr. Jay and are sharing the sessions in hopes that they will help other childfree people learn more about financial planning as individuals without kids. This was a very vulnerable session and we are so grateful to Dr. Jay for his expert coaching. You can learn more about financial planning and get tips from Dr. Jay at childfreewealth.com. And you can read Dr. Jay's blog featuring this session here: https://childfreewealth.com/blog/introductory-meeting-cfp --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anna-marie-olson/message

In this episode, Dr. Jay Zigmont shares his tips and expertise as a Childfree Financial Planner. If you've ever wondered who will take care of you when you're older. You won't want to miss this episode as he shares how to prepare for old age when you don't have kids. Dr. Jay Zigmont and his wife are childfree and live in Water Valley, MS. He has a Ph.D. in Adult Learning from the University of Connecticut and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and Childfree Wealth Specialist. He is the founder of Childfree Wealth, a life and financial planning firm specializing in helping Childfree Individuals. He has been featured in Fortune, Forbes, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Business Insider, Woman's World, Investors Business Daily, FinancialPlanning, and many other publications. Connect with Dr. Jay: Check out his website, follow him on Instagram, and follow him on LinkedIn. ___________________________________________________ Want to meet and connect with others who have also chosen not to have kids? Join a growing global network of childfree people today: wnk-club.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anna-marie-olson/message

Mireille Robinson is passionate about helping others know they are not alone. As a homeless domestic violence specialist, she has devoted her career to creating safe spaces for others. Her compassion, empathy, and faith fuel her. Mireille also makes time to podcast and empower others through Beauty With A Cause, Mentally Aspiring Podcast (available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts). Connect with Mireille on Instagram: @wise_girl_dear_heart ___________________________________________________ Want to meet and connect with others who have also chosen not to have kids? Join a growing global network of childfree people today: wnk-club.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anna-marie-olson/message

LeNora is a childfree lifestyle advocate, speaker, and moderator who creates global platforms, both public and private, for people who are choosing not to birth or raise children. She is a co-founder of Childfree Media, a co-host of the international podcast and web series, Childfree Girls, and serves as PR manager and co-moderator for Childfree Convention. Connect with LeNora on Instagram: @childfreeblog Watch the Childfree Convention. Check out, Childfree Girls. ______________________ Want to meet and connect with others who have also chosen not to have kids? Join a growing global network of childfree people today: wnk-club.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anna-marie-olson/message

Rob had never given much thought to whether or not he wanted kids. After a turning point in his life, that changed. Not only did Rob realize he didn't want kids, but shortly after he made the choice permanent by getting a vasectomy. Rob is passionate about helping others in their times of crisis and improving their overall wellbeing. Having navigated his own mental health experiences, he is on a journey to help others ensure they live the life they want, instead of what society demands. Together with his partner Kaigan, he founded a free wellbeing magazine, Rise of Happiness, which aims to provide inspirational and uplifting stories. Connect with Rob: LinkedIn ______________________ Want to meet and connect with others who have also chosen not to have kids? Join a growing global network of childfree people today: wnk-club.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anna-marie-olson/message

Zoë is a childfree woman living in Kentucky with her husband and their two corgis. She is the creator of a childfree-focused blog called "Not Kidding." Recently Zoë decided to make her childfree choice permanent by undergoing a bilateral salpingectomy. She shares her experience in this episode and how she arrived at this decision. Submit questions for the upcoming sterilization Q&A episode: Submit a voice memo through Anchor Submit written questions via email to anna@annaolson.com Resources mentioned in the episode: Sterilization Build A Binder Site Study on Sterilization and Regret Childfree Friendly Doctors List Connect with Zoë: Not Kidding Blog Instagram ______________________ Want to meet and connect with others who have also chosen not to have kids? Join a growing global network of childfree people today: wnk-club.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anna-marie-olson/message

Hamsa is a digital marketing professional from India. She is passionate about intersectional feminism and human rights. Hamsa shares her perspective and experience as a childfree woman living in India. It's a conversation you won't want to miss! Connect with Hamsa: hamsanandini97@gmail.com ______________________ Want to meet and connect with others who have also chosen not to have kids? Join a growing global network of childfree people: wnk-club.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anna-marie-olson/message

In this episode, I got to sit down with Hannah, Wife Without Kids. Hannah shares her childfree experience and opens up about how she got started creating childfree content. Do you know what kind of content she created before she put out childfree content? Listen to find out! Here are Hannah's YouTube videos referenced in our conversation: Her first ever childfree YouTube video. The one with the awesome Christmas tree. Follow Hannah on Instagram and YouTube. ______________________ Want to meet and connect with others who have also chosen not to have kids? Join a growing global network of childfree people: wnk-club.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anna-marie-olson/message

This week's guest is the lovely Kaigan Carrie. Kaigan is passionate about improving well-being and encouraging people to live an aligned life that brings them joy. She is eager to improve prisons around the world to make them places of growth and transformation. When she's not working to improve prison systems, Kaigan spends her time pursuing her interests as an avid travel lover, foodie, and personal development enthusiast. In our conversation, Kaigan shares her childfree experience, along with how her parents have responded, the common bingos she's received, and what a well-lived life entails for her. Connect with Kaigan on Instagram: @kaigancarrie (personal) @riseofhappinessltd (business) @evolvingprisons (podcast) Download the latest copy of Kaigan and her partner's well-being magazine, Rise Of Happiness. Listen to Kaigan's podcast, Evolving Prisons, on Anchor, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. ______________________ Join a growing global network of childfree people: wnk-club.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anna-marie-olson/message

Kimberly Martinez Phillips is a Doctoral Candidate at Memorial University in Newfoundland and Labrador. Her dissertation studies single, never-married, childfree women of color. She has a bachelor's degree in both Cultural Anthropology and Criminology, a master's in Sociology, and has been teaching sociology courses in colleges and universities for over 24 years. Previous to her work in academia she was a Program Director, Jury Consultant, Local Evaluator, Safety Educator, and Health Educator working in extremely diverse communities. In this episode, Kimberly shares what is coming to light from her research interviewing single, never-married, childfree women of color. We also talk about her past study on the portrayal of the single woman in films and how what she's learning from her research participants is that they are gloriously happy and fulfilled counter to the crazy cat lady narrative. Follow and connect with Kimberly: Website: ichoosefeminism.com Twitter: @ichoosefeminism Instagram: @kimmartinezphillips Listen to additional interviews featuring Kimberly Martinez Phillips: New Legacy Radio Spinsterhood Reimagined ______________________ Join a growing global network of childfree people: wnk-club.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anna-marie-olson/message

I share my thoughts on regret along with a couple of tips for anyone who is conflicted about having kids and fears regret. Let me know what you think of this episode. DM me on Instagram or email me your thoughts at anna@annaolson.com Learn more about the We're Not Kidding Club. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anna-marie-olson/message

This week's guest chose to remain anonymous, going by "Kelly" for our interview. She is a pediatric dentist who loves kids and once dreamed of having three of her own but ultimately decided on none. I found her story incredibly powerful. Please know there is mention of death and loss in this episode. Learn more about the We're Not Kidding Club. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anna-marie-olson/message

Courtney Clucas is a digital nomad who owns her own business and travels full-time with her husband. Courtney opens up about her realization that she didn't want to have kids and how that impacted her faith as a Christian. She also shares how she and her husband who wants kids have navigated this together. You can follow Courtney's van life adventures on Instagram and TikTok. Learn more about the We're Not Kidding Club. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anna-marie-olson/message

Renee and Kenn of Aussies Without Kids share their experience wrestling with the question of whether or not to have kids. This is an incredibly vulnerable and sincere conversation. Their passion for helping others feel validated in their choice is evident in their message as well as the work they are doing through social media. You can follow them on YouTube and Instagram. Learn more about the We're Not Kidding Club. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anna-marie-olson/message

I got to sit down with a childfree icon! Marcia Drut-Davis is the childfree guru and a pioneer in the childfree movement. She has written two best-selling books: “Confessions of A Childfree Woman” and “What? You Don't Want Children?” And has now appeared in two documentaries revolving around the idea of being childfree which are, “To Kid or Not To Kid” by Maxine Trump, and, “My So-Called Selfish Life” by Therese Shechter. Marcia talks about the backlash she received after 60-Minutes aired a conversation between her, her then-husband, and her in-laws. During which she and her husband expressed their desire not to have kids. She also talks about her passion for uplifting and celebrating the childfree choice. Connect with Marcia on Instagram and Facebook. Learn more about the We're Not Kidding Club. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anna-marie-olson/message

Jennifer Flint's debut novel, Wild Egg, is a delicious story about one woman's search for her childfree life. From ambivalence to clarity and beyond, I was hooked from page one. In part one of this two-part episode, Jennifer shares her own childfree experience. In part two, we dive into all things Wild Egg! Follow and connect with Jennifer Flint on Instagram: @wildegg21 and Twitter: @jenniferflint5 Get your copy of Wild Egg. Learn more about the We're Not Kidding Club: wnk-club.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anna-marie-olson/message

Jennifer Flint's debut novel, Wild Egg, is a delicious story about one woman's search for her childfree life. From ambivalence to clarity and beyond, I was hooked from page one. In part one of this two-part episode, Jennifer shares her own childfree experience. In part 2 we dive into all things Wild Egg! This is an episode with lots of twists and turns. Strap in, it's a fun one! Follow Jennifer Flint on Instagram: @wildegg21 Get your copy of Wild Egg. Learn more about the We're Not Kidding Club: wnk-club.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anna-marie-olson/message

I had the insane honor of sitting down to record a podcast with the award-winning documentary filmmaker, Therese Shechter. She shares her process of making the film as well as what she was surprised to learn in the process. This is an episode you won't want to miss! Therese's film will be available to stream from July 29-August 1 in celebration of International Childfree Day. You can buy a ticket and learn more about the film here. In the episode, Therese mentioned that the Childfree Convention takes place the same weekend as her film screening. You can find more info on that here. Connect with Therese: Facebook Instagram: @trixiefilms, @mysocalledselfishlife Check out her other documentaries. Watch the Filmmaker Conversations Recordings Additional resources mentioned in this conversation: Article: The Clock is Ticking for the Career Woman New Legacy Institute Population Balance Nobibsburpsbottles Dr. Kimya Nuru Dennis Learn more about the We're Not Kidding Club: wnk-club.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anna-marie-olson/message

Tara works as a therapist and a life coach. In this conversation, she shares her experience dating as a childfree woman and the cultural expectations that come with it. We also talk about the harm caused by society holding up motherhood as the default path for women. It's a great conversation that you won't want to miss! Connect with Tara Instagram: @finishlinemindset TikTok: @finishlinemindset Join WNK-Club: wnk-club.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anna-marie-olson/message

Lee and Lindsay are two of my favorite people. I met them ten years ago through my husband and they've had a huge impact on both of us. I'm honored to share their story and wisdom with you in this episode. If you have questions for Lee & Lindsay to answer on our follow-up episode you can submit them by email to anna@annaolson.com. Or submit a voice memo by going to https://anchor.fm/anna-marie-olson/message Learn more about the We're Not Kidding Club: wnk-club.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anna-marie-olson/message

Due to technical difficulties, today's episode is going to be rescheduled. In the meantime, get your questions ready. I will sit down with Lee & Lindy, who have 40 years of experience as a childfree couple. They have already suggested we do a follow-up episode to answer listener questions. So be on the lookout. We'll put a call out for questions once their episode airs. Stay tuned! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anna-marie-olson/message

Sina is a life coach for childfree women. She shares her own experience as a childfree woman as well as what she's learned from working with childfree clients. She has a lot of wisdom to share. You won't want to miss this conversation. You can connect with Sina through her website and her Instagram account @sinascheithauer. If you'd like to schedule a call with me, the host, Anna Olson, you can reach out to me via email at anna@annaolson.com. Learn more about the We're Not Kidding Club: wnk-club.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anna-marie-olson/message

Ilinca conducted research on the lived experiences of childfree women for her undergraduate dissertation. We talk about her experience doing this research and what she learned from interviewing 13 childfree women residing in Western English-speaking countries. You can read Ilinca's dissertation here. You can share your thoughts and feedback with Ilinca by connecting with her on Instagram, @ilincaroibu. Learn more about the We're Not Kidding Club: wnk-club.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anna-marie-olson/message