You Had Me at Childfree

Erika bids farewell in this brief episode. Other commitments prevent her from producing more episodes, so this series comes to a close. Thank you for listening and sharing it with your friends. In You Had Me at Childfree, Erika Arias speaks with couples about their unique romantic trajectories that have led towards the decision to opt out of parenthood. This is a series about liberating more people to choose a life that is most genuine to them, and to celebrate a choice that challenges antiquated perspectives about gender, sex, love, and what it means to be a real family in society. Discussion topics include but are not limited to: health, wellness, love, professional life, sex, contraception, and relationship satisfaction over time.  This series highlights the benefits of life in the childfree lane, and corrects misassumptions about childfree couples – to increase societal acceptance of all childfree individuals, whether they have found their soulmate, are in search of childfree love, or are happily single and childfree. Acceptance of all marginalized lifestyles and identities is crucial in a world that needs more equality, and less alienation, less internalized oppression, and less disconnection from personal values.  Special thanks to ArtofAlyse for our excellent podcast graphics

“If you don’t want children, then why get married?” The unchallenged and ubiquitous connection between marriage and parenthood calls for an important reexamination. This episode aims to show that the bond shared between two or more people is enough to substantiate any marriage, regardless of our choices and circumstances surrounding parenthood. Meet a culturally diverse group of childfree couples and one childfree single as they speak about why they believe the meaning of marriage transcends the choice to have children. In You Had Me at Childfree, Erika Arias speaks with couples about their unique romantic trajectories that have led towards the decision to opt out of parenthood. This is a series about liberating more people to choose a life that is most genuine to them, and to celebrate a choice that challenges antiquated perspectives about gender, sex, love, and what it means to be a real family in society. Discussion topics include but are not limited to: health, wellness, love, professional life, sex, contraception, and relationship satisfaction over time.  This series highlights the benefits of life in the childfree lane, and corrects misassumptions about childfree couples – to increase societal acceptance of all childfree individuals, whether they have found their soulmate, are in search of childfree love, or are happily single and childfree. Acceptance of all marginalized lifestyles and identities is crucial in a world that needs more equality, and less alienation, less internalized oppression, and less disconnection from personal values.  Special thanks to ArtofAlyse for our excellent podcast graphics

Have you wondered if there was ever a time when parents could identify more closely with the childfree community before they became parents? Would they have chosen to remain childfree if they knew it was a choice? Meet newlywed parents Shavonne and Andy. In this episode, they speak about why they believe parenthood is a choice, and why society needs to stop misrepresenting parenthood as the single model that does not fit everyone equally. Regardless of your choice and circumstances surrounding parenthood, your voices and support are equally important to a growing community of childfree singles, couples, and anyone who desires to live in a world that celebrates and includes all family sizes, relationship styles, and sexual identities, regardless of race/ethnicity, class, and gender. YES, those who are parents and those who are childfree can connect through shared experiences, can respect each other’s individual choices, and have much to learn from one another!  In You Had Me at Childfree, Erika Arias speaks with couples about their unique romantic trajectories that have led towards the decision to opt out of parenthood. This is a series about liberating more people to choose a life that is most genuine to them, and to celebrate a choice that challenges antiquated perspectives about gender, sex, love, and what it means to be a real family in society. Discussion topics include but are not limited to: health, wellness, love, professional life, sex, contraception, and relationship satisfaction over time.  This series highlights the benefits of life in the childfree lane, and corrects misassumptions about childfree couples – to increase societal acceptance of all childfree individuals, whether they have found their soulmate, are in search of childfree love, or are happily single and childfree. Acceptance of all marginalized lifestyles and identities is crucial in a world that needs more equality, and less alienation, less internalized oppression, and less disconnection from personal values.  Special thanks to ArtofAlyse for our excellent podcast graphics

Meet Clark and Emily of Emily and Clark’s Adventure channel (see link below)! Clark and Emily are leaders in redefining what it means to be a family and what it means to parent. An enlightening conversation with two role models for anyone looking to live more sustainably and more intentionally. Hear more about the time, love, and dedication they invest in the people of their community, the children of their neighbors, and to the world outside of themselves. LINKS: Emily & Clark's Adventure https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtRbKD1LB4o4aagI6OKoy7w Love Styles Quiz https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/well/family/love-style-relationship-quiz.html   Women on Waves https://www.womenonwaves.org/en/ In You Had Me at Childfree, Erika Arias speaks with couples about their unique romantic trajectories that have led towards the decision to opt out of parenthood. This is a series about liberating more people to choose a life that is most genuine to them, and to celebrate a choice that challenges antiquated perspectives about gender, sex, love, and what it means to be a real family in society. Discussion topics include but are not limited to: health, wellness, love, professional life, sex, contraception, and relationship satisfaction over time.  This series highlights the benefits of life in the childfree lane, and corrects misassumptions about childfree couples – to increase societal acceptance of all childfree individuals, whether they have found their soulmate, are in search of childfree love, or are happily single and childfree. Acceptance of all marginalized lifestyles and identities is crucial in a world that needs more equality, and less alienation, less internalized oppression, and less disconnection from personal values.  Special thanks to ArtofAlyse for our excellent podcast graphics

Dating for the average single has been a challenge for a number of reasons – not limited to an over-abundance of dating apps to choose from or simply having to work more hours in a week to afford rent! But what happens when you add being childfree to the mix? “The dating pool becomes a dating bucket” and this provokes some serious questions about the way we date and how we move forward in our relationships with others. When is the right time to come out as ‘childfree’ to a romantic partner(s)? Will uncertainty surrounding parenthood inhibit the success of that relationship? Hear more about the dating experiences of four unique childfree singles from around the globe, their challenges, how they rise above these challenges, and what they have to look forward to in a world where the choice to be childfree is finally gaining the recognition it deserves.  In You Had Me at Childfree, Erika Arias speaks with couples about their unique romantic trajectories that have led towards the decision to opt out of parenthood. This is a series about liberating more people to choose a life that is most genuine to them, and to celebrate a choice that challenges antiquated perspectives about gender, sex, love, and what it means to be a real family in society. Discussion topics include but are not limited to: health, wellness, love, professional life, sex, contraception, and relationship satisfaction over time.  This series highlights the benefits of life in the childfree lane, and corrects misassumptions about childfree couples – to increase societal acceptance of all childfree individuals, whether they have found their soulmate, are in search of childfree love, or are happily single and childfree. Acceptance of all marginalized lifestyles and identities is crucial in a world that needs more equality, and less alienation, less internalized oppression, and less disconnection from personal values.  Special thanks to ArtofAlyse for our excellent podcast graphics

When one childfree environmentalist meets another childfree environmentalist, it’s a match made in heaven! Dream couple Mike and Nandita celebrate 10 years of marriage, as they continue to share their knowledge and influence with the world on matters related to the childfree choice, environmental sustainability, minimalism, veganism, and much more!  Mike and Nandita are true childfree role models.   LINKS  The Climate Mitigation Gap: Education and Government Recommendations Miss the Most Effective Individual Action We’re {Not} Having a Baby Childfree by Choice: The Movement Redefining Family & Creating a New Age of Independence  Coming Out as Childfree Leading Voice of the Childfree Choice, Laura Carroll’s website To Kid or Not to Kid The Movie In You Had Me at Childfree, Erika Arias speaks with couples about their unique romantic trajectories that have led towards the decision to opt out of parenthood. This is a series about liberating more people to choose a life that is most genuine to them, and to celebrate a choice that challenges antiquated perspectives about gender, sex, love, and what it means to be a real family in society. Discussion topics include but are not limited to: health, wellness, love, professional life, sex, contraception, and relationship satisfaction over time.  This series highlights the benefits of life in the childfree lane, and corrects misassumptions about childfree couples – to increase societal acceptance of all childfree individuals, whether they have found their soulmate, are in search of childfree love, or are happily single and childfree. Acceptance of all marginalized lifestyles and identities is crucial in a world that needs more equality, and less alienation, less internalized oppression, and less disconnection from personal values.  Special thanks to ArtofAlyse for our excellent podcast graphics

In this exclusive episode of You Had Me at Childfree, Erika speaks with author Michael Zadoorian about his novel The Narcissism of Small Differences. Although it wasn’t initially a main theme, the two leading characters of the story, Joe and Ana, are unmarried and childfree! Listen in to hear more about what Erika found to be the most thought-provoking parts of the story. Psychological themes and theories include but are not limited to monogamy, self-expansion, life satisfaction, death, and so much more! LINKS Michael Zadoorian’s Website http://www.michaelzadoorian.com/   The Narcissism of Small Differences To receive a 30% discount, please “Add to Cart” and enter the Promo Code ‘ZADOORIAN30’ in the Coupon section, and then hit “Apply”.  Second Hand: A Novel The Denial of Death book Terror Management Theory Social Expansion Theory Sex and the City Sex and the City: The Movie Sex and the City 2 Choosing to be childfree opens a world of possibilities - joys and adventures, but also a few challenges in a society that’s behind the curve in accepting and celebrating the childfree choice. In You Had Me at Childfree, Erika Arias speaks with couples about their unique romantic trajectories that have led towards the decision to opt out of parenthood. This is a series about liberating more people to choose a life that is most genuine to them, and to celebrate a choice that challenges antiquated perspectives about gender, sex, love, and what it means to be a real family in society. Discussion topics include but are not limited to: health, wellness, love, professional life, sex, contraception, and relationship satisfaction over time.  This series highlights the benefits of life in the childfree lane, and corrects misassumptions about childfree couples – to increase societal acceptance of all childfree individuals, whether they have found their soulmate, are in search of childfree love, or are happily single and childfree. Acceptance of all marginalized lifestyles and identities is crucial in a world that needs more equality, and less alienation, less internalized oppression, and less disconnection from personal values.  Special thanks to ArtofAlyse for our excellent podcast graphics

Happy 9th year anniversary to high school sweethearts Aaron and Andrell!  Although it was love at first sight for these two, it took a series of tests and trials before they finally reunited and tied the knot years later. You know what they say-—absence makes the heart grow fonder! This is a story about how two people became stronger versions of themselves separately and have since become even stronger as partners. Listen to how their ideas about parenthood evolved over time, and why they consider their lives much better off without having children of their own. LINKS: Andrell & Aaron’s Padme and Anakin Star Wars Wedding Learn Your Love Language Choosing to be childfree opens a world of possibilities - joys and adventures, but also a few challenges in a society that’s behind the curve in accepting and celebrating the childfree choice. In You Had Me at Childfree, Erika Arias speaks with couples about their unique romantic trajectories that have led towards the decision to opt out of parenthood. This is a series about liberating more people to choose a life that is most genuine to them, and to celebrate a choice that challenges antiquated perspectives about gender, sex, love, and what it means to be a real family in society. Discussion topics include but are not limited to: health, wellness, love, professional life, sex, contraception, and relationship satisfaction over time.  This series highlights the benefits of life in the childfree lane, and corrects misassumptions about childfree couples – to increase societal acceptance of all childfree individuals, whether they have found their soulmate, are in search of childfree love, or are happily single and childfree. Acceptance of all marginalized lifestyles and identities is crucial in a world that needs more equality, and less alienation, less internalized oppression, and less disconnection from personal values.  Special thanks to ArtofAlyse for our excellent podcast graphics

Where do childfree people meet and find their childfree soulmates? In a pronatalist world where the choice to start a family is one of the most universally accepted norms, one might start to ask this question.  Although this can be a challenge for some, a natural bond formed 21 years ago for Bob and Helen – two recently single people who found one another through mutual friends. Luckily for them, they started out on the same page about not having children, and they still have no regrets about it today. LINKS Learn Your Love Language Choosing to be childfree opens a world of possibilities - joys and adventures, but also a few challenges in a society that’s behind the curve in accepting and celebrating the childfree choice. In You Had Me at Childfree, Erika Arias speaks with couples about their unique romantic trajectories that have led towards the decision to opt out of parenthood. This is a series about liberating more people to choose a life that is most genuine to them, and to celebrate a choice that challenges antiquated perspectives about gender, sex, love, and what it means to be a real family in society. Discussion topics include but are not limited to: health, wellness, love, professional life, sex, contraception, and relationship satisfaction over time.  This series highlights the benefits of life in the childfree lane, and corrects misassumptions about childfree couples – to increase societal acceptance of all childfree individuals, whether they have found their soulmate, are in search of childfree love, or are happily single and childfree. Acceptance of all marginalized lifestyles and identities is crucial in a world that needs more equality, and less alienation, less internalized oppression, and less disconnection from personal values.  Special thanks to ArtofAlyse for our excellent podcast graphics

Do all childfree people dislike children? That’s definitely not the case for Lukas and Suhei! Their choice to be childfree has been both an adventure and a process.  Having already traveled to various parts of the world, they don’t have plans to stop anytime soon. Lukas and Suhei are passionate about living purposefully, sustainably, and advocating for the single most effective action that benefits the world at large – choosing childfree. LINKS Keep up with us via You Had Me at Childfree email updates You Had Me at Childfree website United Nations’ Contraception Use by Method 2019  Effectiveness of Contraceptive Methods Women are Happier Without Children or a Spouse, Says Happiness Expert Marital Satisfaction Across the Transition to Parenthood World Population Balance UNFPA State of World Population. The power of choice - Reproductive Rights and the Demographic Transition Population: The Multiplier of Everything Else Travel Masters – Lukas and Suhei’s YouTube Channel Choosing to be childfree opens a world of possibilities - joys and adventures, but also a few challenges in a society that’s behind the curve in accepting and celebrating the childfree choice. In You Had Me at Childfree, Erika Arias speaks with couples about their unique romantic trajectories that have led towards the decision to opt out of parenthood. This is a series about liberating more people to choose a life that is most genuine to them, and to celebrate a choice that challenges antiquated perspectives about gender, sex, love, and what it means to be a real family in society. Discussion topics include but are not limited to: health, wellness, love, professional life, sex, contraception, and relationship satisfaction over time.  This series highlights the benefits of life in the childfree lane, and corrects misassumptions about childfree couples – to increase societal acceptance of all childfree individuals, whether they have found their soulmate, are in search of childfree love, or are happily single and childfree. Acceptance of all marginalized lifestyles and identities is crucial in a world that needs more equality, and less alienation, less internalized oppression, and less disconnection from personal values.  Special thanks to ArtofAlyse for our excellent podcast graphics

Erika Arias shares the first of many childfree love stories, as we observe International Childfree Day 2020 (August 1)! Meet Alice and Oliver, two lovebirds brought together by their love for chickens, and actively choosing one another over the choice to parent. Hear more about what keeps Alice and Oliver together, as they look forward to celebrating their 1-year anniversary in August.  LINKS Keep up with us via You Had Me at Childfree email updates You Had Me at Childfree website International Childfree Day Love Styles Quiz Eight Dates – Essential Conversations for a Lifetime of Love by John Gottman The Effect of the Transition to Parenthood on Relationship Quality: An Eight-Year Prospective Study Your Nest Is Empty? Enjoy Each Other It Turns Out Parenthood is Worse Than Divorce, Unemployment — Even the Death of a Partner Choosing to be childfree opens a world of possibilities - joys and adventures, but also a few challenges in a society that’s behind the curve in accepting and celebrating the childfree choice. In You Had Me at Childfree, Erika Arias speaks with couples about their unique romantic trajectories that have led towards the decision to opt out of parenthood. This is a series about liberating more people to choose a life that is most genuine to them, and to celebrate a choice that challenges antiquated perspectives about gender, sex, love, and what it means to be a real family in society. Discussion topics include but are not limited to: health, wellness, love, professional life, sex, contraception, and relationship satisfaction over time.  This series highlights the benefits of life in the childfree lane, and corrects misassumptions about childfree couples – to increase societal acceptance of all childfree individuals, whether they have found their soulmate, are in search of childfree love, or are happily single and childfree. Acceptance of all marginalized lifestyles and identities is crucial in a world that needs more equality, and less alienation, less internalized oppression, and less disconnection from personal values. 

Choosing to be childfree opens a world of possibilities - joys and adventures, but also a few challenges in a society that’s behind the curve in accepting and celebrating the childfree choice. In the You Had Me at Childfree podcast, host Erika Arias will speak with couples about their unique romantic trajectories that have led towards the decision to opt out of parenthood. This is a series about liberating more people to choose a life that is most genuine to them, and to celebrate a choice that challenges antiquated perspectives about gender, sex, love, and what it means to be a real family in society. Discussion topics will include but are not limited to: health, wellness, love, professional life, sex, contraception, and relationship satisfaction over time. This series will  highlight the benefits of life in the childfree lane, and will correct misassumptions about childfree couples to increase societal acceptance towards all childfree individuals, whether they have found their soulmate, are in search of childfree love, or are happily single and childfree. Acceptance of all marginalized lifestyles and identities is crucial in a world that needs more equality, and less alienation, less internalized oppression, and less disconnection from personal values. This podcast is a project of World Population Balance.