Podcasts about Childless

In this episode, Maddy Roche sits down with Sherrill Wayland, Senior Director of Special Initiatives and Partnerships at SAGE, the country's largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ older adults. Sherrill brings over two decades of advocacy experience, a deeply personal connection to the community she serves, and a clear-eyed understanding of what it means to age as an LGBTQ+ adult in a world that was not always built to support you -- particularly when you are doing it without children.In This Episode, You'll Learn:Why LGBTQ+ older adults face a unique set of aging challenges rooted in a lifetime of discrimination, family estrangement, and a legal system that was not designed with their relationships in mind -- and what SAGE is doing at the national level to change thatWhat the Long-Term Care Equality Index is, how it helps LGBTQ+ older adults identify affirming housing and care communities, and what specific questions to ask when evaluating whether a provider is truly equipped to serve your communityHow SAGE Care's cultural competency training is equipping senior centers, assisted living facilities, and area agencies on aging across the country to serve LGBTQ+ older adults with dignity and respectWhat Sherrill's sabbatical to Antarctica with her mother taught her about the freedom that comes with being Childfree by choice, and why building a life on your own terms sometimes means spending it exactly the way you wantEpisode Guest:Sherrill Wayland (she/they) is the Senior Director of Special Initiatives and Partnerships at SAGE, the country's largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ older adults. With a career rooted in advocacy for marginalized communities, Sherrill oversees the National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging, SAGE Care, SAGE Collab, and SAGE U, and has spent over two decades working to ensure LGBTQ+ elders have access to affirming, dignified care and community.Learn more about SAGE on their website: https://www.sageusa.org/And follow along on social media: https://www.instagram.com/sageusa https://www.facebook.com/SAGEUSA Episode Host:Maddy Roche (she/her) is Chief Growth Officer at Childfree Trust®. She understands the challenges of being Childfree as it relates to estate planning and is passionate about educating her community about ways to prepare.About Childfree Insights:Childfree Insights is the trusted education hub for people who are Childfree or permanently Childless. It provides guidance on finances, estate planning, relationships, and life decisions for adults without children. Home of Childfree Wealth® and Childfree Trust®, supporting long-term planning for people living without kids.Connect with Us:Ready to work on building better financial habits? Connect with our financial planning team at childfreewealth.com or learn more about estate planning at childfreetrust.com.Follow Childfree Life by Design on your favorite podcast platform and join the conversation on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childfreeinsightsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeInsights/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childfreeinsightsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildfreeInsightsDisclaimer: This podcast is for educational & entertainment purposes. Please consult your advisor before implementing any ideas heard on this podcast.

A new report from the The Iona Institute suggests that almost one in four members of Generation Z could remain childless.   The report examines changing family patterns in Ireland and asks whether rising childlessness is a matter of choice or the result of factors such as housing costs, financial pressures and delayed family formation.    Breda O’Brien from The Iona Institute. 

Mirick Trusts and Estates Attorney Bob Mascali discusses the importance of having an estate plan, even when you have no children

Youth Talk with Bibi Aysha Laher: The childless aunt & uncle by Radio Islam

Heatwave pod special! It's not hot! No day off!  I hate BBQ's A pool man! Paddling pools Arias review  Train incident Bystander effect Scott Steps in Confrontation programme  Everyone can be saved 6am train!  Oven clean! Petrol pump plonker  Childless couples  Comedy and offence? bwtbpod@gmail.com Join our Patreon for exclusive episodes and early access here! https://www.patreon.com/bwtbpod A 'Keep It Light Media' Production Sales, advertising, and general enquiries: hello@keepitlightmedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's a profound grief associated with not having kids if you really wanted them, one that's rarely acknowledged, even less understood. But there's also an unexpected joy when you come out the other side. In today's conversation, Good Weekend senior writer Katrina Strickland discusses the ups and downs of her own path into childlessness with Good Weekend editor Melissa Stevens. They traverse what medical developments have given young women today, the potential downsides - and what those worried about the decline in global fertility rates should be paying attention to. They discuss, too, what Strickland wants Millennials and Gen Zs to know: it will be ok, however it turns out for you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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In this episode, Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP® brings his TED Conference takeaways directly to the Childfree community for a straight-talking look at what the AI economy actually means for people building a future without children. He does not sugarcoat it. The next recession will likely be the one that takes the jobs and does not bring them back, and the people who will be okay are not necessarily the ones who saw it coming, they are the ones who prepared before it arrived.In This Episode, You'll Learn:Why the next recession is likely to be a structural job loss event rather than a temporary one, and why AI replacing 80% of desk jobs is not doom and gloom, it is just mathWhy being the expert in your field is no longer the competitive advantage it once was, and what the one skill is that will actually protect you in an AI economyHow Childfree adults are uniquely positioned to navigate a post-work world, and why not having to worry about your children's job prospects is a genuine advantage when the economy shiftsWhy Dr. Jay is temporarily back on the hustle train and what he is doing personally to build his financial cushion before the window closesWhat the obituary exercise has to do with AI, why your second line will not say "Father of three," and why figuring out what it does say is the most important work you can do right nowResources Mentioned:Leadership Lessons from NASCAR with Drew Blickensderfer:  https://childfreeinsights.com/resources/podcast/episode-176/ The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist - Available on YouTube, Apple TV & Amazon PrimeWant to talk more about this? Join us on June 3rd for Navigating the AI Economy a Real Talk with Dr. Jay: https://childfreeinsights.com/event/20260603-realtalk/Can't make it on June 3rd? Check out our other free events here: https://childfreeinsights.com/events/Episode Hosts:Dr. Jay Zigmont, MBA, CFP® is the Founder of Childfree Wealth®, a life and financial planning firm dedicated to helping Childfree and Permanently Childless people, and Childfree Trust®. He is also the author of The Childfree Guide to Life and Money.About Childfree Insights:Childfree Insights is the trusted education hub for people who are Childfree or permanently Childless. It provides guidance on finances, estate planning, relationships, and life decisions for adults without children. Home of Childfree Wealth® and Childfree Trust®, supporting long-term planning for people living without kids.Connect with Us:Ready to work on building better financial habits? Connect with our financial planning team at childfreewealth.com or learn more about estate planning at childfreetrust.com.Follow Childfree Life by Design on your favorite podcast platform and join the conversation on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childfreeinsightsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeInsights/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childfreeinsightsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildfreeInsightsDisclaimer: This podcast is for educational & entertainment purposes. Please consult your advisor before implementing any ideas heard on this podcast.

Someone told me in my community that it's "bad for a woman to be single in her 30's." Not only did I found this statement to be wild, but it made me question why do we put a time limit on a woman's worth and beauty? And why do we allow society to dictate the lives of women in general?!I caught up with my friend, Lucy Meggeson who is a powerhouse for single and child-free women. Lucy is the Host of Thrive Solo Podcast, author of Shiny Happy Singles (or Thrive Solo if you're in North America). In this episode we explore: 

Birthdays After IVF Failed | Childless and Aging After Infertility What happens when birthdays stop feeling celebratory after IVF failed? For many women who are childless after infertility, birthdays can feel like painful reminders of everything that did not happen: • Another year older. • Another year without children. • Another year wondering what your future is supposed to look like now. In this deeply personal episode of The "So Now What?" Podcast, Lana Manikowski opens up about turning 52 after seven years of infertility, IUI, and IVF treatments that ended without a child. She shares the silent fears many women carry about aging without motherhood, feeling disconnected from themselves, and questioning their purpose, identity, and future after fertility treatments end. This episode explores: • Why birthdays can feel emotionally painful after IVF failed. • The fear of aging without children. • Feeling like your "real life" never started after infertility. • The identity loss that happens when motherhood does not happen. • Fear around legacy, purpose, and who will care for you later in life. • Why women often feel lost for years after fertility treatments end. • What helped Lana stop measuring her life against motherhood milestones. • How to begin creating meaning and connection after childlessness not by choice. If you have ever wondered: "What does aging look like without children?" "Who am I without motherhood?" "How do I stop feeling behind in life after infertility?" …this episode is for you. Lana also shares details about a confidential research study through Northwestern University focused on understanding the experiences and support needs of women whose fertility treatments ended without a live birth. Mentioned in this episode Participate in an anonymous Northwestern University Research Study for women who have left fertility treatments without a child. Researchers are gathering insight about the emotional experiences, unmet needs, and long-term impact of life after infertility so fertility clinics can better support future patients. The confidential survey is open to anyone in the world who meets the eligibility requirements. Click here to participate in the Northwestern University research study   Download "The Top 27 Things People Say When You're Childless," a free guide to help you respond to painful, awkward, and insensitive comments after infertility without spiraling, overexplaining, or losing yourself in the conversation. Get the free guide here   Read Lana's bestselling book, "So Now What?", the resource she wishes her fertility clinic had given her after seven years of infertility, IUI, and IVF ended without a baby. This book helps women navigate identity, grief, purpose, relationships, and creating a meaningful life after infertility. Read "So Now What?" here   Learn more about Thrive After Infertility, Lana's 12-week coaching program for women who are childless after infertility and ready to stop feeling stuck in grief, disconnected from themselves, and uncertain about the future. Learn more about Thrive After Infertility   Schedule a free 45-minute Thrive Call with Lana to talk through where you are right now, what feels hardest about life after infertility, and what it could look like to begin moving forward without the children you dreamed of. Schedule your free Thrive Call here   Follow Lana on Instagram for conversations about life after IVF failed, childlessness after infertility, aging without children, healing identity after infertility, and creating a meaningful future when motherhood did not happen. Follow Lana on Instagram  

We tend to see the world from where we are. It's only natural. We want everyone and everything else to fit in with us. But God, well, He doesn't quite see it that way.   A Boy Called Sam Last week on the programme we spent some time talking about the fact that when the storms of life hit and they inevitably do, what we need is some solid ground beneath our feet. It's a scary place to be, out on that stormy ocean – we are not made for that. We are made for solid ground. And we began looking at the story of some people: a woman called Hannah and her son Samuel and some priests – Eli and his sons Hophni and Phinehas. Hannah, now here was a woman who honoured God and He honoured her – the priests, on the other hand, although they should have known better, they didn't honour God. And as we will see on the programme this week, they reaped their just reward. And the reason we are looking at this story of these people, is that when we are in the midst of the storm, as we so often are, we lose our bearings. We so often lose sight of those things that really matter and for me, as I have spent time in that story, it has clarified some things for me – it's brought them into sharp focus and my hunch is that as you and I spend some time together today, well, maybe you will find that too. So let's just recap briefly on this story of Hannah. Hannah married a man called Elkanah and he had two wives: Peninnah and Hannah. And Hannah didn't have children and Peninnah did, so Peninnah would taunt Hannah and there was a lot of pain around that, so Hannah goes to God – she pours out her heart to Him in the temple and she gets God's peace. It is what always happens when we do that. Eli, on the other hand, is the priest that is at the temple at the time when Hannah comes to pour her heart out and he mistakes what Hannah is doing – he thinks she is drunk. And the priest Eli and his sons Hophni and Phinehas, they are bad dudes – they are plundering the sacrifices, they are not honouring God and there is a real contrast between these two – between Hannah and her family and Eli and his - this nobody Hannah and this priest Eli. See that's what we so often miss in life – God is hidden; He is invisible – we forget about Him – we go on living our lives, wondering why things are going from bad to worse. And in the middle of this story (last week we stumbled across this verse) when God was pronouncing His judgement on Eli and his family – you can read this if you have a Bible, grab it, open it up at First Samuel chapter 2 and verse 30. God said: Those who honour Me, I will honour but those who despise Me shall be treated with contempt. And that's kind of the pivot on which this whole story turns and this week on the programme we are going to look at how things turned out for Hannah and for Eli. There was a sharp contrast to their approach to God and there is a sharp contrast in how things turn out for them. It tells us a lot about God; it clarifies the confusion in the midst of our storm when we can't see God, necessarily. When that happens we know how to put our feet on solid ground. Well let's start today with Hannah – this pain of being childless and the taunts of the other wife. Childless couples the world over, know how painful this is. So she goes to God – let's have a look at it again in First Samuel chapter 1, beginning at verse 9 and she pours her heart out. Once they had finished eating and drinking at Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on a chair by the doorpost of the Lord's temple. In the bitterness of her soul, Hannah wept much and prayed to the Lord as she made a vow saying "O Lord Almighty, if You will only look upon Your servant's misery and remember me and not forget Your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life and no razor will ever be used on his head." Then she went on her way, ate something and her face was no longer downcast. Let's take a look to see what happened next. First Samuel chapter 1, verse 19: Straight after this, early the next morning they rise, they worship before the Lord and then they go back their home in Ramah. Elkanah lay with his wife Hannah and the Lord remembered her so in the course of time Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named his Samuel, saying "Because I asked the Lord for him." When the man Elkanah went up with his family to offer the annual sacrifice to the Lord and to fulfil his vow, Hannah didn't go – she said to her husband "After the boy is weaned I will take him up and present him before the Lord and he will live there always." "Do what seems best to you," Elkanah, her husband told her, "Stay here until you have weaned him, only may the Lord make good His Word." So the woman stayed at home, nursed her son until she had weaned him. After he was weaned, she took the boy with her, young as he was, along with a three year old bull, an ephah of flour and a skin of wine and brought him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh. When they had slaughtered the bull, they brought the boy to Eli and she said to him "As surely as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you, praying to the Lord. I prayed for this child and the Lord has granted me what I ask of Him so now I give him to the Lord for his whole life – he will be given over to the Lord and she worshipped the Lord there." See, Hannah had this terrible pain – she came to God with this impossible prayer – it was a humble and heartfelt prayer and God honours that. See we so underestimate the power of humble prayer; prayer from the heart; prayer that just lays it out before God the way we see it and feel it. God honours that! When He honours her with the impossible, she honours God back and gives her son over to God to serve at the temple for the rest of his life. Now that's easy to gloss over that, but can you imagine? I mean, she wanted her son more than anything and now she gives him up to honour God. God honours that – her incredible heart was to honour God, so she does. She honours Him by giving up the one thing that she desired most – her son. And what's more, she gives over her most precious to be under the wicked Eli and his sons. Now figure that out! It's not exactly a great strategic choice – this young, impressionable child, but see, God honours those who honour Him. And God honours her and protects young Samuel, and we will see, raises young Samuel up and makes him strong. See, the more we honour God, the more He honours us. Look at this - First Samuel chapter 3, verse 7: Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord. The Word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. And verse 19: The Lord was with Samuel as he grew up and He let none of His Words fall to the ground and all of Israel, from Dan to Beersheba recognised that Samuel was attested as a prophet of the Lord. The Lord continued to appear at Shiloh and there He revealed Himself to Samuel through His Word. And the word of Samuel came to all of Israel." You see, God honoured her in her storm! Young Samuel went on to become the chief priest, the prophet, the judge of all of Israel. Why? Because this nobody; this woman Hannah, honoured her God, so simply by pouring her heart out to Him, by trusting Him. I want you to notice how insignificant that may have appeared to her at the time. She had this big hairy giant; this huge storm; the pain of being childless, the taunts of Peninnah, it was impossible but for God nothing is impossible. God honours those who honour Him! She honoured God in her naivety – giving young Sam over to Eli. And even there in that impossible situation, God honoured her and He honoured young Sam. So simple – it's so powerful.   The Contrast Continues I guess intuitively, we understand that the things we say and do, the way we think and behave – well, they have consequences. There is a link between cause and effect. We kind of know that but how easy is it to delude ourselves in this area; to make excuse for ourselves? To live out our own selfish desires and pretend that, well, really, that cause and effect stuff applies to other people but not to me! You know what I am talking about. We deny it, we deny it, we deny it and all along the warning signs grow – the storm clouds start to gather over the horizon. But sometimes it's not till that first clap of thunder that we take any notice and then, so often, it's too late. The storm has gathered momentum and all we can do is brace ourselves for when it hits. We are going to spend some time in that space today with a man called Eli because he was in exactly that situation and he left it too late. Let's make no mistake, there is a definite link in God's economy between cause and effect, especially as it turns out, in our relationship with God. We have been working our way, in this series, through the story of Hannah, this woman who honoured God and Eli, the priest, a man with his sons who did the exact opposite – even though he should have known better. And right now I want to look at how things turn out for Eli and his sons, Hophni and Phinehas. These were men who were priests – their job was to be shepherding Israel, bringing them close to their God. Instead Hophni and Phinehas were plundering the sacrifices of God's people, they were sleeping with prostitutes – they were doing anything but honouring God. Look at how God reacts to that. If you have got a Bible, open it at First Samuel chapter 3, verse 1. The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli. In those days the Word of the Lord was rare. There were not many visions. One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. The lamp of God had not yet gone out and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord. Remember Samuel is Hannah's son. He was in the temple where the Ark of God was. Then the Lord called "Samuel" and Samuel answered "Here I am" and he ran in to Eli and said "Here I am, you called me." But Eli said "I didn't call you. God back, lie down." So he went and lay down. Again the Lord called "Samuel" and Samuel go up and went to Eli and said "Here I am, you called me." "My son," Eli said, "I didn't call you, go back, lie down." Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, the Word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. The Lord called Samuel a third time and Samuel got up and went to Eli and said "Here I am, you called me." Then Eli finally realised that the Lord was calling the boy so Eli told Samuel "Go and lie down and if God calls you again, say "Speak Lord for Your servant is listening." So Samuel went and lay down in his place so the Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times "Samuel, Samuel". Then Samuel said "Speak for Your servant is listening." And the Lord said to Samuel "See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make the ears of everyone who hears of it tingle. At that time I will carry out against Eli everything that I spoke against his family from beginning to end, for I told him that I would judge his family forever, because of the sin that he knew about. His sons made themselves contemptible and he failed to restrain them, therefore, I swore to the house of Eli, the guilt of Eli's house will never be atoned for by sacrifice of offering." Samuel lay down until morning and then opened the doors of the house of the Lord. He was afraid to tell Eli of the vision but Eli called him and said "Samuel, my son," Samuel answered, "Here I am." "What was it He said to you?" Eli asked. "Do not hide it from me. May God deal with you, be it ever so severely, if you hide from me anything He told you." So Samuel told Eli everything, hiding nothing from him. And Eli said, "He is the Lord. Let Him do what is good in His eyes." Here's the paradox – Samuel is this young kid, he didn't recognise God's voice and finally Eli did. Yet Samuel is the one that listened to God and Eli didn't, even though he knew God's voice. Remember that verse: First Samuel chapter 2, verse 30. "I honour those who honour Me" says God, "but those who despise Me I will treat with contempt." And here it is – it's happening to Eli. Here is this powerful truth working its way out in Eli's life. We can be beetling along in our own selfish ways, ignoring our conscience, treating people with contempt, treating God with contempt, ignoring God but God never stops speaking. And even someone like Samuel can hear Him. If you want to know what He has to say, just listen. He spoke to Eli over and over again but Eli didn't listen. He talks to us over and over again. How? Maybe you were just flicking around, channel surfing today and you happened across this programme – kind of by chance or by accident, it seemed – there you go. God is always trying to communicate with us; to reach out to us but eventually, enough is enough. Eventually we kindle His anger – eventually the time comes when we reap what we have sown and that's exactly what's happened with Eli, Hophni and Phinehas. And here it is coming: the first lightening strike of the storm and what God tells Samuel actually goes on to happen. You can read it in chapter 4, verses 12 to 22. This is a wakeup call! In the storms in life – yea, they happen – and sometimes they are of our own doing, as it was for Eli and his sons. And we keep going and we keep going and we keep going and deluding ourselves, pretending there is no cause and effect, but there is. Eventually, there is a day of reckoning, here in this life and one day, you and I will stand before God and He will judge us and He will! We may not like the idea, but that doesn't change anything. Today is a wakeup call. Perhaps we are in one of those stormy times of life and you know, when things are going badly we are tempted all the more to behave badly. This truth rings out – "I will honour those who honour Me but those who despise Me, will be treated with contempt." Those are the words of the sovereign God, the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords who is above all things and there is no solid ground beneath the feet of those who turn their backs on God. None! It might feel like that for a while but it will crumble.   Heading Off Without God I have said a few times that I am a confirmed landlubber – give me solid ground beneath my feet any day – I love good old terra firma. You know, what we have seen with Eli is Eli heading off in the wrong direction and you and I have done that too. How do we stop doing that? How do we not go in that place? Because it is so easy for us to head off there, go in the wrong direction, like Eli and his sons Hophni and Phinehas and plunder sacrifices and do all the wrong stuff that they did, in our own lives and forget that God honours those who honour Him. There is an executive summary of what God thinks about Eli, Hophni and Phinehas. It's in First Samuel chapter 2, verse 17. It says: The sin of the young men was very great in the sight of the Lord for they treated the offerings of the Lord with contempt. And remember the central theme – the pivot on which this whole story turns is in First Samuel 2, verse 30. God says: I will honour those who honour Me and those who despise Me, I will treat with contempt. Now there is a great part to this story; a great adjunct that goes with this story and it's about what happens when Israel just takes God for granted. This bad stuff has been happening among the priesthood and Israel ignores it and just expects God to keep on blessing them. Let's pick it up in First Samuel chapter 4. See, the Israelites went out to fight the Philistines, the Israelites were camped at Ebenezer, the Philistines at Aphek. The Philistines deployed all their forces to meet Israel and as the battle spread, Israel was defeated by the Philistines who killed about four thousand of their men. When the soldiers returned to camp, the elders of Israel said "Why did the Lord bring defeat on us today before the Philistines? Let's bring the Ark of the Covenant from Shiloh so that it may go with us and save us from the hand of our enemies. So the people sent men to Shiloh, they brought back the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord Almighty, who was enthroned between the cherubim and Eli's two sons Hophni and Phinehas were there with the Ark of the Covenant of God. And when the Ark of the Lord's covenant came into the camp, all of Israel raised such a great shout that the ground shook. Hearing the uproar, the Philistines ask "What are those Hebrews shouting about? When they learned that the Ark of the Lord had come into the camp, the Philistines were afraid. "A God has come into their camp" they said "we are in trouble. Nothing like this has ever happen before, woe to us! Who will deliver us from the hand of these mighty gods? They are the gods who struck the Egyptians with all kinds of plagues in the desert. Be strong Philistines, be men or you will be subject to the Hebrews as they have been to you – be men and fight." So the Philistines fought and the Israelites were defeated and every man fled to his tent. The slaughter was very great. Israel lost thirty thousand foot soldiers, the Ark of the Covenant of God was captured and Eli's two sons Hophni and Phinehas died. See, Israel is so used to God being on their side, they just kind of head off, assuming that He was, despite the fact that all this bad stuff was going on. Despite the fact that the two priests Hophni and Phinehas were dishonouring, they were despising God - they were doing what was wrong. They deluded themselves – see, there is a cause and effect. No, no, she'll be right! God is always on my side, He is a good God, and He blesses me. See, we take this mighty God, who created the whole universe and expect Him to become our performing poodle – don't we? He does tricks on our command, He comes along behind us. Their first defeat, they get defeated and they lose three thousand men – what do they do? They go and send for the Covenant of God – "Let's bring God to us, let's make God do what we want Him to do, to protect us against the Philistines." But God is not like that! God is an awesome, mighty, powerful and good God and when we start dishonouring Him let's not expect Him to put our feet on solid ground – let's not expect Him to keep honouring us. He always loves us – He'll always forgive us; He'll always bring us close but on His terms, not ours. We can't sow dishonour in God's direction and expect to receive honour from Him in return. See the humiliation of this story is: they treat God like a performing poodle, by bringing Him to them and in fact the Ark of the Covenant is captured by the Philistines. This was the place of the very presence of God Himself and over the next couple of weeks we will discover that people, when they realised what they actually had, these Philistines, all they wanted to do was to get rid of Him. But that's for another day. Today, the simple message of this story is this: we can't go living out a life of stiff necked rebellion and expect God to toddle along behind us on the leash and bless us on cue. We just can't! God is a powerful and mighty God. You know when you put it that way it's pretty plainly obvious, isn't it? And to tell you the truth, that's my agenda today – to make that plainly obvious. It's blindingly, glimpsingly obvious. Let's all take a big wakeup call here. When a storm hits, do you want solid ground beneath your feet? Do you want to know that God is with you? Do you want that certain knowledge that: well, He is going to bless you, no matter what this world throws at you? Gotta tell you – I sure do! And let me get back to the central point; the central theme that the sovereign God wants to get across to us today through His Word. First Samuel chapter 2, verse 30. God says: I honour those who honour Me but those who despise Me will be treated with contempt. God is a sovereign God. God is the King of Kings. God is the Lord of Lords. We had better stop treating Him as thought He is not. You just can't send for God and expect Him to show up when we have been dishonouring Him. Hophni and Phinehas found that out because just as the man of God had prophesied, they were both killed on that same day. And later on in the story we see Eli actually died on that same day as well. God is slow to anger but God does anger and He can't bless our rebellion because if He does, we'll think "Oh great, I can do anything I want and He'll bless it." But anything that I want is not the place of intimacy between God and me any more than adultery is the place of intimacy between a man and a wife. See just to underscore this point, this wasn't some small defeat by the Philistines, it was the mother of all defeats. How many Israelites were killed? Four thousand and then thirty thousand! That is a lot of people! And the irony of it all is that God's people did not understand the power of their Almighty God but the Philistines did. When the Philistines heard that God was in the camp they were afraid. I want to ram this home today – get right in your face with this: if we head off in our own direction, in our strength, in our own selfish ways – on our own without the blessing and covering of the power of God, we are going to come a cropper. We are not going to have any solid ground – if we do that we will reap what we sow and there is no solid ground in that place. None, only trouble! God honours those who honour Him but those who despise Him will be treated with contempt.

Welcome to the portal of power, pleasure, and unlimited potential... And welcome to our monthly series: Rambles + Musings! This is not a polished, linear podcast. This is Crimson sharing what's on her heart and taking you through the wild web of her mind. This month we talk about being single and childless as a woman in my mid 40s (I turn 46 next month!) and how I now see this as my soul's purpose to help usher in a new paradigm. Interested in diving deeper into this new emerging paradigm? Join me for my free "The Threshold: A Dark Feminine Initiation for the New Paradigm" on June 4th! Sign up here: https://www.esoerotic.com/schedule/2026/6/4/the-threshold-a-dark-feminine-initiation-for-the-new-paradigm ******** Learn more at esoerotic.com Crimson's Instagram: www.instagram.com/crimson.minx Minx + Muse Instagram: instagram.com/esoerotic.magick Sign up for our weekly Magick + Musings Newsletter: minx-muse.kit.com/00483e3067 ******** Music “Haunted Hearts” by Noisescape

Divorce After Ten Years Childless

Childless After Infertility? You Still Belong If you've ever felt like everyone else moved forward after IVF while you were left trying to figure out where you fit… this episode is for you. In Episode 205 of The "So Now What?" Podcast, Lana Manikowski shares a deeply personal recap of The Other's Day® weekend in Chicago, where women from 13 states gathered for connection, friendship, healing, and belonging after infertility and childlessness. But this episode is about much more than a weekend event. It's about what happens when you stop seeing yourself as the outsider. You'll hear honest conversation about the emotional aftermath of infertility, the loneliness many women experience after fertility treatments end without a baby, and why so many women quietly question who they are now once the future they imagined never happened. Lana shares: • Why Mother's Day weekend can feel emotionally exhausting when you are childless not by choice. • The hidden identity shifts that happen after IVF failed. • How infertility impacts friendships, marriage, confidence, and connection. • What it was like watching women who once felt disconnected instantly connect during The Other's Day® celebrations. • Why you already belong, even if motherhood didn't happen. • The emotional experience of meeting Thrive After Infertility clients in person after years of coaching together online. • Why healing is not about becoming someone different, but reconnecting to yourself and your life again. • How women are building meaningful, connected, joy-filled lives after infertility. This episode is for you if: • You feel disconnected from friends after infertility. • Mother's Day still feels hard after IVF failed. • You wonder where you fit now that fertility treatments are over. • You are struggling to picture a meaningful future without children. • You want to feel connected, grounded, and hopeful again. You are not broken. You are not behind. And you do not have to keep navigating this alone. ✨ Mentioned in this episode: Join the waitlist for The Other's Day® 2027 in Chicago (May 7–8, 2027): The Other's Day® Waitlist Participate in the confidential Northwestern University research study for women whose fertility treatment ended without a live birth: Northwestern Fertility Treatment Research Study Schedule a free Thrive Call with Lana: Book a Thrive Call Download the free guide: The Top 27 Things People Say When You're Childless and How to Respond Get the Free Guide Here Learn more about Thrive After Infertility Connect with Lana on Instagram: Instagram @lana.manikowski

Want more exclusive content from Dinky? Join the Patreon! Shop items from our Dink Yourself segment. Today we are joined by Eva Zu Beck: an adventure YouTuber, host and director of the show Superskilled on NatGeo, and a self-proclaimed feral woman. We ask her about her experiences leaving corporate life to travel the world, her experiences with her dog Vilk, and what it's like to be a woman in this industry. TRIPS:Christmas Markets 2026!!! GET MORE FROM DINKY: Treat yourself to new merch! Wanna get your finances in order? Use our link to sign up for a FREE 34 day trial of YNAB (You Need A Budget) and support the show. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Substack, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads at @dinkypod.Follow us on YouTube.If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Sponsored by the Gelb family.

We kick off this episode with some TV banter as well as discussing new AI music tools and The Beatles' White Album. Christian gives an update on his trick back, and then we hear from a younger Millennial about how no one is having kids anymore. We get into issues like sex work and OnlyFans, and then consider some reasons why some films just "feel real" while others don't (and it has nothing to do with setting or genre). We hear from a TikTok pastor about what hell's all about, and then go into another segment of "Pastor Jack's Off."

In this episode, Aimee sits down with Susan Kirshner-Sheldon to discuss her journey through later-in-life dating, making Aliyah, and navigating the challenges of infertility and pregnancy loss. Susan candidly shares her experience of dating, the joy of finding her husband Jeremy, and the subsequent roadblocks they faced while trying to build a family.  Susan walks us through the physical and emotional weight of multiple losses, including a natural miscarriage on Sukkot and the devastating words Ein dofek (no heartbeat) during IVF. She also touches on the unique experience of undergoing fertility treatments in Israel.   Now living a full life in Jerusalem, Susan offers a powerful perspective on finding peace when life doesn't go according to plan. Her story is a testament to resilience, the importance of a supportive partner, and the realization that there are many ways to live a meaningful life. More about Susan Kirshner-Sheldon: Susan Kirshner-Sheldon made aliyah from Chicago to Jerusalem in 2014, where she now lives with her husband, Jeremy. With a master's degree in human resource management and development from National Louis University and a bachelor's degree in communications from Stern College, Susan began her career in the high-tech healthcare industry before transitioning into the nonprofit world in Israel. She is the founder and owner of Gold Star Concierge, a boutique concierge service that helps locals and visitors navigate life in Israel — from logistics and bureaucracy to events and day-to-day needs — with ease, efficiency, and a personal touch. Susan recently went back to school to earn a certificate in animal assisted therapy where she is learning how to train dogs to be guide dogs. When not working, Susan can be found dog sitting, reading or planning her next travel adventure. Connect with Susan Kirshner-Sheldon: Instagram‍ ‍Website‍ ‍Email‍ Connect with us: Website‍ ‍Instagram - send us a message YouTube‍ ‍Facebook‍ ‍TikTok‍ ‍LinkedIn‍ ‍

For Childfree adults building a future without a traditional family support structure, the quality of your later years matters as much as the quantity. In this episode, Dr. Jay Zigmont CFP® sat down with Joshua Herring, President and CEO of the Longevity Science Foundation, to talk about what it actually takes to fund the research that could extend not just how long you live, but how well. In This Episode, You'll Learn:Why 85% of researchers spend the majority of their time looking for funding instead of doing research, and what the Longevity Science Foundation is doing to change thatHow 100% of every donation to the LSF goes directly to research, and why that is possible when most nonprofits allocate 10 to 20% to operational overheadWhy women who go through menopause before 40 face a 43% higher risk of Alzheimer's, and how a menopause clock currently in development could become one of the most impactful predictive health tools ever builtResources Mentioned:Dr. Jyoti Patel | How medicine is failing women and what you can do to fix it | TEDxWilsonParkhttps://youtu.be/z8SXmSi0eGI?si=F20HYvyXOBUlQ0b7 The Diary Of A CEO Female Health Debate: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kizDk8idpT8 Episode Guest:Joshua Herring is the President and CEO of the Longevity Science Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit funding research to expand the healthy human lifespan. Prior to joining the LSF, he managed over $2 billion in assets for ultra-high-net-worth clients at AllianceBernstein. Since taking the helm at LSF, he has launched funding for research at Oxford, Stanford, and the University of Copenhagen, and developed the LSF Education Bank to give everyday people agency in their own health journeys. Connect with Joshua on his website: https://longevity.foundation/ On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-herring-2a6099185/Or send him an email: jh@longevity.foundationEpisode Host:Dr. Jay Zigmont, PhD, MBA, CFP® (he/him) is the Founder of Childfree Wealth®, a life and financial planning firm dedicated to helping Childfree and Permanently Childless people, and Childfree Trust®. He is also the author of The Childfree Guide to Life and Money.About Childfree Insights:Childfree Insights is the trusted education hub for people who are Childfree or permanently Childless. It provides guidance on finances, estate planning, relationships, and life decisions for adults without children. Home of Childfree Wealth® and Childfree Trust®, supporting long-term planning for people living without kids.Connect with Us:Ready to work on building better financial habits? Connect with our financial planning team at childfreewealth.com or learn more about estate planning at childfreetrust.com.Follow Childfree Life by Design on your favorite podcast platform and join the conversation on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childfreeinsightsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeInsights/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childfreeinsightsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildfreeInsightsDisclaimer: This podcast is for educational & entertainment purposes. Please consult your advisor before implementing any ideas heard on this podcast.

Please remember to rate and review our podcast!Check out your YouTube channel @comadresycomics  CHISME DE LA SEMANA: SheroCon 2026 Save the date May 30, 2026 - Remember to follow @sherocomics  for the details to come!ON MY RADAR: Dungeon Crawler Carl on Webtoons - You know what's worse than breaking up with your girlfriend? Getting stuck on a sadistic alien gameshow with her cat. Join Carl and Princess Donut as they try to survive the end of the world — or just get to the next level of a trap-filled fantasy dungeon. www.webtoons.com/en/fantasy/dungeon-crawler-carl/list?title_no=8177BOOK REVIEW: The Childless: a 120 page Comic Book Anthology - A graphic novel set in a dystopian world where children of separated parents are sacrificed in the name of family values.  globalcomix.com/a/oscar-osorio  You can read the first 25 pages free.  @_oscarcomicsJUNTOS Y FUERTES: Local Comic Shop Day Sept 26, 2026 @localcomicshopdayLocal Comic Shop Day - an international event that celebrates Local Comic Book Shops sponsored by @wearecomicsproSALUDOS:  That couple that listens to us!  The whole team of How to Touch Grass. Power & Magic Press – POWER & MAGIC PRESS  www.powerandmagicpress.com Follow us on socials @comadresycomics Visit our website comadresycomics.comProduced by Comadres y Comics Podcast

Want more exclusive content from Dinky? Join the Patreon! Shop items from our Dink Yourself segment. Today, we're talking with Helena de Groot — creator, sound designer, storyteller, and the audio producer behind several beloved podcasts. Originally from Belgium, she's the producer of the Poetry Foundation's flagship interview show Poetry Off the Shelf, and the co-creator of the cult-classic Paris Review Podcast. Her newest project, Creation Myth, is an eight-part audio memoir for CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) — a deeply personal account of her experience wrestling with the decision to have children, or not. The series follows Helena from her certainty in her early years, through a marriage, an abortion, and a divorce, and beyond. TRIPS: Christmas Markets 2026!!! GET MORE FROM DINKY: Treat yourself to new merch!Wanna get your finances in order? Use our link to sign up for a FREE 34 day trial of YNAB (You Need A Budget) and support the show. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Substack, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube.If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

“From the Word to Stone to Flesh: Torah’s Living Covenant,” pt 7 Hebrews 6:13-19 New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition 13 When God made a promise to Abraham, because he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself, 14 saying, “I will surely bless you and multiply you.” 15 And thus […]

Belonging When You're Infertile and Childless What happens when fertility treatments end and there's no baby? It's a question that rarely gets discussed in the infertility world, yet it's the reality so many women face after IVF fails, fertility treatments end, or you make the painful decision to stop trying. In this episode of The "So Now What?" Podcast, I'm sharing the exact speech I recently gave at the Seeds of Hope Fertility Luncheon. What made this event especially powerful is that many women in the room ultimately became mothers after infertility. Their stories looked different than mine, but so many came up to me afterward and said: "I've never thought about what happens when fertility treatment ends without a baby." And that's exactly why this conversation matters. If you're infertile and childless, navigating life after IVF failed, or trying to figure out how to rebuild your identity when motherhood didn't happen, this episode will remind you that you still belong. In this episode, you'll hear: • Why there's a major gap in fertility care when treatment ends without a live birth. • Details about the new research study I'm supporting with Northwestern University focused on women whose fertility treatments ended without a baby. • Why being handed brochures for adoption, donor eggs, or more treatment is not the same as actual support. • The friendship brunch moment that made me question whether I still belonged. • Why so many women feel like motherhood is what makes them feel relevant or included in adulthood. • How one of my clients stopped disappearing from her own life after infertility. • Why creating new traditions and redefining your future matters when motherhood is no longer part of your path. • Why I created The Other's Day® for women who need a place to belong around Mother's Day. • How to stop waiting for life to begin and start creating a life you feel proud of. Your story may not look like what you planned. That does not make your life any less meaningful. And it absolutely does not make you any less worthy of belonging. Links Mentioned in This Episode Participate in the Northwestern Research Study This anonymous survey is open worldwide for women whose fertility treatments ended without a live birth. It takes about 20 minutes. https://redcap.nubic.northwestern.edu/redcap/surveys/?s=LM4TX4MJN3HRR7ER Get Tickets to The Other's Day® (May 8–9 in Chicago) Friday: The Foundation (yoga, guided meditation + sound bath) Saturday: The Other's Day® Brunch Attend one event or both. https://lanamanikowski.com/othersday Read Chapter 1 of "So Now What?" https://lana-manikowski.myflodesk.com/chapter1 Buy "So Now What?" https://www.lanamanikowski.com/book Free Guide: Top 27 Things People Say When You're Childless https://lana-manikowski.myflodesk.com/thingspeoplesay Book a Thrive Call https://calendly.com/lanamanikowski/strategy-session Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lana.manikowski/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@lana.manikowski YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@lana.manikowski   If this episode resonated with you, share it with another woman navigating infertility, IVF failed cycles, or life after fertility treatments end. And if you haven't already, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so more women searching for support after infertility can find this conversation. I hope you have a beautiful week. I love you, and remember that it's never too late to discover your meaning. I'll talk to you next week.

Want more exclusive content from Dinky? Join the Patreon! Today, we're being BLESSED by the one and only Rachel Cargle. When we started this podcast, Rachel was one of our number one dream guests. Rachel is a founder, an organizer, an author, an activist. Her work focuses mostly on intersectionality and womanhood. She is the creator of the iconic community for childfree women Rich Auntie Supreme. She's the author of A Renaissance of Our Own: A Memoir & Manifesto on Reimagining which is a very lovely book that I'd recommend to anyone who is working through a new phase of their life. TRIPS:Lavender Dreams & Riviera Nights With Erika (time is running out!!!) Christmas Markets 2026!!! GET MORE FROM DINKY:Treat yourself to new merch!Wanna get your finances in order? Use our link to sign up for a FREE 34 day trial of YNAB (You Need A Budget) and support the show. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Substack, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube.If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

This is the episode for anyone who has ever frozen when someone asked an inappropriate question. For anyone who has said yes to something that cost them far more than it should have. For anyone who is tired of absorbing other people's thoughtlessness and is ready to do something about it. Sandy Langhart-Michelet has spent over a decade building one of the most supportive online communities for childless people in the world — The Childless Life, now 3,500 members strong across the globe. She is also an HR professional with decades of experience in inclusion, a speaker at national conferences, and the author of My Family Tree Stops With Me: A Guide to Purpose and Possibility. She joins us from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with warmth, humour and a toolkit that will genuinely change the way you navigate the hard conversations. In this episode we cover: How Sandy went from freezing at inappropriate questions to building a question and answer bank and why preparing your responses in advance changes everything Scripts for the situations that catch us off guard: the baby shower invitation, the family day at work, the colleague who won't stop asking Why saying no doesn't need a reason and how to get comfortable with that The concept of consequences in boundary-setting: not as punishment, but as self-protection Legacy, family trees and what it means to be remembered when there is no one beneath you on the chart Why Sandy's book title My Family Tree Stops With Me is about so much more than genealogy The role of community in building confidence and how watching others find their words helps you find yours Inclusion in the workplace: parental status, leave policies, and the questions we ask without thinking Why "tell me about who matters to you" is a more inclusive question than "tell me about your family" The anger stage of grief, and why it was the easiest chapter of the book to write Finding and nurturing the allies in your life who will one day advocate for you without being asked About Sandy Sandy Langhart Michelet is an author, speaker, musician, and senior HR leader whose work bridges professional expertise with personal advocacy. Based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA, she helps women navigate life when children are no longer part of the future they envisioned. She is the founder of The Childless Life, a global private Facebook community of over 3,500 women offering connection, support, and honest conversation for women without children. Through The Childless Life (including its presence on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram) Sandy shares real stories, encouragement, and perspective for women learning to move forward when life takes an unexpected turn. Believing that humor belongs even in life's hardest moments, she brings honesty and levity to every conversation. Her debut book, My Family Tree Stops With Me, is a bold, soulful guide for anyone learning to live beyond the life they imagined - offering a path forward that honors what's been lost while embracing everything that's still possible. Sandy lives with her husband, Craig, and their goldendoodle sidekick, Ryder. Sandy is … Reading: Brene Brown's Daring Greatly Listening to: MasterClass Mindy Kaling Watching: The Pitt Continue the conversation: Join The Full Stop Community at thefullstoppod.com/fullstopcommunity The Full Stop is a podcast for and about the childless not by choice community. New episodes available on all major podcast platforms Transcript available at https://www.thefullstoppod.com/listen

If you've ever felt like friendships got harder after infertility, you're not imagining it. When IVF failed and your life didn't include children, you didn't just lose the dream of motherhood. You also lost the built-in ways friendships often form. No school drop-offs. No sports schedules. No automatic community. So now you're left wondering… how do you actually make meaningful friendships as a childless woman? In this episode, you hear a real, honest conversation about what it looks like to create connection when your life doesn't follow the traditional path.

In this episode, Bri Conn CFP®, Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP®, and Maddy Roche share four real client stories, the kind that start with someone doing everything more or less right, and then life intervening in ways nobody planned for. These stories are not cautionary tales. They are honest, human reminders that planning is not about predicting the future, it is about being ready for the version of it that actually shows up.In This Episode, You'll Learn:How an inheritance can sit quietly in the background of someone's life for years before a financial planner asks the right question and everything changes.What homeowner's insurance actually needs to cover, why so many people are underinsured without knowing it, and what 80% of home value really means when a tree comes through the roof.Why stock options are often dismissed as monopoly money and what that mindset costs people when an acquisition or IPO creates a narrow, time-sensitive window to save millions in taxes.How one form filed within 30 days with the IRS can protect up to $10 million in stock option gains.Additional Resources Mentioned in this Episode are: Building Your Bench with Maddy Roche and Bri Conn, CFP®https://www.buzzsprout.com/2002436/episodes/18504425 Planning Without Next of Kin | Maddy Roche & Chris Dale, CFP®, CeFT®https://www.buzzsprout.com/2002436/episodes/18748824 What if your Parents Run out of Money | Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP® & Bri Conn, CFP®https://childfreeinsights.com/resources/podcast/episode-136/ Inheriting Parent Care Responsibility | Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP® & Bri Conn, CFP®https://childfreeinsights.com/resources/podcast/episode-137/ Episode Hosts:Bri Conn, CFP® is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, Childfree Wealth Specialist® at Childfree Wealth®, and Customer Experience Manager at Childfree Trust®.Maddy Roche is Chief Growth Officer at Childfree Trust® and handles all marketing, growth, and prospect engagement. Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP® is the Founder of Childfree Wealth®, a life and financial planning firm dedicated to helping Childfree and Permanently Childless people, and Childfree Trust®. He is also the author of The Childfree Guide to Life and Money.About Childfree Insights:Childfree Insights is the trusted education hub for people who are Childfree or permanently Childless. It provides guidance on finances, estate planning, relationships, and life decisions for adults without children. Home of Childfree Wealth® and Childfree Trust®, supporting long-term planning for people living without kids.Connect with Us:Ready to work on building better financial habits? Connect with our financial planning team at childfreewealth.com or learn more about estate planning at childfreetrust.com.Follow Childfree Life by Design on your favorite podcast platform and join the conversation on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childfreeinsightsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeInsights/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childfreeinsightsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildfreeInsightsDisclaimer: This podcast is for educational & entertainment purposes. Please consult your advisor before implementing any ideas heard on this podcast.

Honest conversations about motherhood, womanhood, and the spaces in between. Hosted by Daniella Rabbani, Mom Curious is a podcast produced by Hoff Studios featuring culturally relevant conversations with artists, leaders, and everyday women saying the quiet part out loud about the lives we're living. What happens when you don't follow the script? In this episode of Mom Curious, Daniella sits down with comedian and performer Natasha Vaynblat to talk about her show Childless Freak and the complicated, often misunderstood experience of not having children. Through humor, storytelling, and sharp cultural observation, Natasha explores what it means to exist outside one of society's most deeply ingrained expectations. Natasha Vaynblat's show “Childless Freak” is coming to Joe's Pub on April 28th at 9:30pm. GUEST BIO Natasha Vaynblat (@natashavaynblat⁠⁠ ) is a comedian, writer, and performer known for her sharp, thoughtful work exploring identity, culture, and the expectations placed on women. Her show Childless Freak blends humor and storytelling to examine what it means to live outside traditional narratives around motherhood. AFFILIATE LINKS & MENTIONS Tickets for Natasha's performance at Joe's Pub are here: https://publictheater.org/performances-jp/2026/n/natasha-vaynblat-childless-freak/ Book your recording at Hoff Studios $30 off WTHN Acupuncture Booking with code MOMCURIOUS30 More Info on EVOLV GLP-1 Supplements Follow @momcurious and the host @daniellarabbani  on Instagram Subscribe, rate, and review - it helps get the word out about the show and keeps these conversations going. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's episode is for every stepmom who has ever felt something and immediately felt guilty for feeling it. Jen from The Sober Stepmom joins me this week and we go there. Jealousy, grief, nervous system overload, the control trap. All of it. This is the conversation I wished I'd had years ago. Here's what we cover, but honestly, just go listen. This one got personal fast. In this week's episode, Jen and I discuss: How becoming a stepmom inspired Jen's journey with sobriety The emotions that catch stepmoms completely off guard and why feeling them doesn't make you a bad person Jealousy in the stepmom role, what it actually is and why so many stepmoms carry shame around it The nervous system science behind why stepmoms feel so on edge, especially around transition days Grief that stepmoms never name and how it shows up sideways when you least expect it The unique experience of the childless stepmom, including Jen's raw and honest take on navigating infertility while stepparenting Why trying to control everything in your blended family is quietly costing you more than you realize How to create space between the feeling and your reaction and why that gap is where your power lives Practical nervous system regulation tools you can actually use in real stepmom moments I think this one is going to stay with you. Find Jen on Instagram @the_sober_stepmom Masterclass: How to Stop Letting a High-Conflict Ex Hijack Your Life  www.jamiescrimgeour.com/masterclass Get My Ebook -  120 Ways To Be A KICK-ASS Stepmom www.jamiescrimgeour.com/ebook    Episode Sponsors:  Cozy Earth | Head to www.cozyearth.com and use the code JAMIESBOGO by April 18th for my  exclusive Mother's Day BOGO deal. Or, use the code COZYJAMIE anytime for 20% off your order. LMNT | My Go To Electrolyte Drink. Head to www.drinklmnt.com/kickassstepmom to get a free sample pack with any drink mix purchase. Kajabi | www.jamiescrimgeour.com/kajabi to get all the details.

The April cohort of the Pregnancy Loss & Trauma-Informed Specialist Certification is open now — and it starts April 6th. Five spots. Application only. DM me HERE This is one of the most important conversations this podcast has had. Because childlessness not by choice is one of the most complex, layered, and misunderstood forms of grief — and it is almost never talked about. In this episode, Sharna sits down with Judi Johnson, certified grief coach and founder of Embrace Your Future, based in Auckland, New Zealand. Judi specialises in helping people navigate the grief of childlessness not by choice — and she speaks from both professional expertise and lived experience. Together, they explore what it actually means to reach the point of "I cannot do this anymore" — whether that comes after years of pregnancy loss, failed fertility treatment, or life circumstances that made motherhood impossible — and what happens next, when the world around you still doesn't understand why you're not just trying again. In this episode: Why grief on the reproductive journey starts far earlier than most people realise — long before the decision to stop The compounding layers of grief, guilt, hope, and loss that build through fertility treatment and pregnancy loss What it means to reach the decision to stop trying — and why that decision is not small, not simple, and not made lightly The myth of acceptance: why "you need to accept this" is the wrong thing to say, and what actually helps instead The profound loss of identity and sense of self when the future you imagined no longer exists How to protect yourself emotionally — in the workplace, at family events, around pregnancy announcements — when the world keeps coming Finding safe outlets for anger, grief, and emotional overwhelm Why you cannot wait to be rescued, and what it looks like to start doing the work yourself The unexpected truth about community — and how belonging eventually becomes possible again Resources mentioned: Judi Johnson — Embrace Your Future Website: www.embraceyourfuture.net Free download: Coping mechanisms for emotional overwhelm Free download: Breaking free from people pleasing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/embraceyourfuture_by_judi Facebook group: Childless Not By Choice community Connect with Sharna: International Institute for Reproductive Loss & Trauma Leadership: https://www.instagram.com/reproductivelossleadership/ If this episode landed for you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps this conversation reach the women who need it most.

CapeTalk’s Sara-Jayne Makwala King is joined on Weekend Breakfast by Candice Bresler who is childless by choice. Weekend Breakfast with Sara-Jayne Makwala King is the weekend breakfast show on CapeTalk. This 3-hour morning programme is the perfect (and perky!) way to kickstart your weekend. Author and journalist Sara-Jayne Makwala-King spends 3 hours interviewing a variety of guests about all things cultural and entertaining. The team keeps an eye on weekend news stories, but the focus remains on relaxation and restoration. Favourites include the weekly wellness check-in on Saturdays at 7:35 am and heartfelt chats during the Sunday 9 am profile interview. Listen live on Primedia+ Saturdays and Sundays between 07:00 and 10:00 am (SA Time) to Weekend Breakfast with Sara-Jayne Makwala-King broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show, go to https://buff.ly/AgPbZi9 or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/j1EhEkZ Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is one of those episodes that takes a little courage both to make, and perhaps to listen to. But we think you'll come away from it feeling more informed, less alone, and ready to take at least one step you've been putting off. Death and end of life planning are topics most of us avoid. Add childlessness into the mix and the silence gets even louder because so much of the information, guidance and legal framework out there assumes that you have someone: a child, a close family member, someone who knows you and will step in when the time comes. For a growing number of people, that assumption simply doesn't hold. In this episode we bring together three guests with distinct and complementary expertise to have the conversation that so many childless adults need and so rarely get. In this episode we cover: What end of life planning actually means, from advanced care planning right through to after death Powers of attorney: what they are, how they work, and crucially, what your options are if you don't have someone you trust to appoint Advanced Statements and Advanced Decisions to Refuse Treatment and why Penny argues these matter more than most people realise The concept of social death and how childlessness shapes the experience of ageing and loss What happens to your belongings and why recording the provenance of meaningful items matters The gap in legal guidance around local authority funerals and why it urgently needs updating Why there is currently no central register of wills in England and Wales and what that means for people who die alone The role of animals in later life, and the organisations that can help Assisted dying legislation: what it means (and doesn't mean) for powers of attorney right now Our guests: Charlotte Dixon — wills and probate solicitor and lifetime lawyer Professor Gail Letherby — sociologist and researcher specialising in childlessness, identity and the life course Penny Shepherd — coordinator of Ageing Without Children East Kent and trustee of the Ageing Without Children (AWOC) charity Please note: Nothing in this episode constitutes personal legal or financial advice. Laws and frameworks vary by country and region, always do your own research and consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your circumstances. Resources and links mentioned: Ageing Without Children (AWOC): awoc.org Office of the Public Guardian (England & Wales): gov.uk/opg National Will Register: nationalwillregister.co.uk The Cinnamon Trust: cinnamon.org.uk Cats Protection: cats.org.uk Dogs Trust: dogstrust.org.uk Ashes to Admin: Stories from the Caseload of a Local Authority Funeral Officer by Evie King Continue the conversation: Join The Full Stop Community at thefullstoppod.com/fullstopcommunity The Full Stop is a podcast for and about the childless not by choice community. New episodes available on all major podcast platforms Download the transcript

Finances have never been a level playing field for women, and for women who are Childfree, the landscape gets even more specific. It was only 1974 when the Equal Credit Opportunity Act gave women the legal right to open their own credit accounts, and the echoes of that delayed access still shape how women experience wealth, work, and financial security today.In this episode, Maddy Roche and Bri Conn, CFP®, sit down for an honest conversation about what the numbers actually say about Childfree women and money. From the real cost of single hood to the gender wage gap that nearly disappears among Childfree women, they walk through the data, the disparities, and the roadmap that makes intentional planning possible. They also cover the eight No Baby Steps, with a lens specifically focused on what solo aging and long-term financial independence look like for women without children.In This Episode, You'll Learn:Why the "singularity tax" is a real financial challenge for Childfree women, and how the Fidelity study should factor into your planning.Why Childfree women have the highest median net worth among any demographic 55 and older, and how understanding that data can help counter the financial anxiety and internalized pressure that so many single women carry.How the eight No Baby Steps provide a financial foundation built specifically for Childfree life.Why estate planning looks fundamentally different without traditional next of kin, and how tools like wills, living wills, powers of attorney, and a trust protect your autonomy when the healthcare or legal system might otherwise step in.How to approach the often-overlooked step of planning for aging parents, and why being proactive protects both you and them.Episode Hosts:Maddy Roche is Chief Growth Officer at Childfree Trust® and handles all marketing, growth, and prospect engagement. She understands the challenges of being Childfree as it relates to estate planning and is passionate about educating her community about ways to prepare.Bri Conn, CFP® is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, Childfree Wealth Specialist® at Childfree Wealth®, and Customer Experience Manager at Childfree Trust®.About Childfree InsightsChildfree Insights is the trusted education hub for people who are Childfree or permanently Childless. It provides guidance on finances, estate planning, relationships, and life decisions for adults without children. Home of Childfree Wealth® and Childfree Trust®, supporting long-term planning for people living without kids.Connect with Us:Ready to work on building better financial habits? Connect with our financial planning team at childfreewealth.com or learn more about estate planning at childfreetrust.com.Follow Childfree Life by Design on your favorite podcast platform and join the conversation on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childfreeinsightsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeInsights/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childfreeinsightsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildfreeInsightsDisclaimer: This podcast is for educational & entertainment purposes. Please consult your advisor before implementing any ideas heard on this podcast.

Want more exclusive content from Dinky? Join the Patreon! Dinky listeners have been flooding our inboxes lately pressuring us to watch Season 10 of Love Is Blind — because it featured not one, but TWO storylines about women choosing non-traditional paths when it comes to kids. One of those women was Emma Betsinger, who is our guest today!  Emma is a 28-year old who was adopted from China at age three, and raised in a white family in Ohio. Emma endured 10 surgeries before the age of 7 to remove high-risk birthmarks and expressed concerns about having biological kids as a result. She got engaged to Mike Gibney on the show, but their relationship ended at the altar. Today, we'll be talking to Emma about her experience sharing her story on the show and where she stands on kids now.TRIPS:Christmas Markets 2026!!! Lavender Dreams & Riviera Nights With ErikaGET MORE FROM DINKY:Treat yourself to new merch!Wanna get your finances in order? Use our link to sign up for a FREE 34 day trial of YNAB (You Need A Budget) and support the show. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Substack, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube.If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Learn more about Maddy at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maddy-roche-25962032/ https://childfreetrust.com/   Show Notes 

Want more exclusive content from Dinky? Join the Patreon! Today we are chatting with Nicole Louie, a writer and translator originally from Brazil and now based in Ireland. She is the author of Others Like Me: The Lives of Women Without Children. Others Like Me chronicles her own journey towards embracing a life without children while weaving in stories from women around the world she found in her search for community and guidance. Nicole's essays have appeared in Oh Reader Magazine, The Walrus, The Guardian, and Literary Hub. More info about the giveaway can be found on our Instagram!Book SynopsisOthers Like Me: The Lives of Women Without Children by Nicole Louie (published by House of Anansi in North America)In a world that expects all women to become mothers, what happens to those who circumvent motherhood?Now and throughout history, women without children have been misunderstood and even vilified for not conforming to the prescriptive path of daughter, wife, mother, whether by choice, circumstance, or ambivalence. But with an increasing number of people choosing to forego children, Nicole Louie knew she was not alone. As she recounts her own journey toward embracing a life without children, Louie weaves in stories from the women around the world she found in her search for community and guidance, from their pasts to their presents to their hopes for the future.TRIPS:Christmas Markets 2026!!! Lavender Dreams & Riviera Nights With ErikaGET MORE FROM DINKY:Treat yourself to new merch! Wanna get your finances in order?Use our link to sign up for a FREE 34 day trial of YNAB (You Need A Budget) and support the show. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Substack, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube.If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Hello, and welcome to episode 180 of the Childless Not by Choice Podcast. My name is Civilla Morgan. My mission is to recognize and speak to childless not by choice women and men worldwide, reminding us that we can live joyful, relevant, and fulfilled lives.   Whether you have children or not, thank you for tuning in!     What is today's show about? This is the final episode of the Childless not by Choice Podcast Special thank you to: You, the listener Supporters My podcast producer, Rob Say So Marketing for managing my websites My contact information: Website: www.childlessnotbychoice.net and www.civillamorgan.com Facebook: booksbycivillamorgan Instagram: @joyandrelevance Pinterest: Civilla M. Morgan, MSM LinkedIn: Civilla Morgan, MSM Thank you for listening to the Childless not by Choice Podcast!

A barren couple decide to steal a baby from its parents to raise as their own. This is complicated by two guys who break out of prison and decide they want the baby. On top of that there is this biker from Hell that also wants the baby. Does that make sense? Can you tell this is a comedy? The boys discuss.  Links You can rate and review us in these places (and more, probably) Does This Still Work? - TV Podcast https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/does-this-still-work-1088105 ‎Does This Still Work? on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/does-this-still-work/id1492570867 Creator Accountability Network creatoraccountabilitynetwork.org. Three arrested in kidnapping conspiracy case https://www.newspapers.com/article/tucson-citizen-310-raising-arizona-1987/191265736/ Childless couples may soon regret not having babies https://www.newspapers.com/article/arizona-daily-sun-310-raising-arizona-1/191265874/ Quints' mom took no fertility drugs https://www.newspapers.com/article/tucson-citizen-310-raising-arizona-1987/191265911/  

Rebuilding Trust With Your Body After Infertility When IVF Failed (with Holly Perkins) When IVF failed and fertility treatments ended without a baby, you did not just lose a dream. You often lost trust in your body. After years of hormones, medical procedures, weight changes, and emotional whiplash, it can feel almost impossible to want to care for yourself again. Movement can feel loaded. Exercise can feel like punishment. And sometimes the quiet thought underneath it all is: Why should I take care of you? In Episode 200, you are getting a grounded, practical conversation about rebuilding your relationship with your body after infertility. You will hear from Holly Perkins, a women's fitness expert with 30 years of experience helping women build strength through science-backed, sustainable approaches designed for women in their 30s, 40s, and beyond. This is not about chasing a smaller number on the scale. This is about strength, muscle, metabolism, bone health, and feeling better in your body after everything it has been through. If caring for your body has felt complicated since IVF failed, this episode is for you. What You Will Learn Why it makes sense that self-care feels hard after fertility treatments end. How emotional healing and physical strength support each other. Why "just lose weight" is not the right goal after hormone disruption. What happens to muscle and metabolism in your 40s and 50s. Why muscle is more important than the scale for long-term health. How strength training supports bone density and aging well. What a realistic starting point looks like when you have felt disconnected from your body. A Message You Might Need to Hear You are not broken because it feels hard to care for your body right now. When IVF failed, your body can start to feel like the enemy. This conversation helps you shift from punishment to partnership so you can rebuild trust in a way that feels steady and sustainable. Join Holly's Free 3-Day Workshop: Muscle for Life If you are ready for practical guidance on building strength in a way that fits your life, Holly is offering a free 3-day workshop called Muscle for Life. It starts March 5, 2026! Inside the workshop, you will learn: Why BMI and body weight are outdated metrics. How to think about muscle-to-fat ratio instead of just the scale. The strength training principles that matter most for women over 30. How to support bone density and long-term health. Nutrition strategies that support blood sugar, energy, and metabolism. You can register for FREE here:

Quick SummaryLaura Sinclair shares her journey from corporate marketing to gym ownership to building a thriving online business and community for ambitious mothers. This conversation dives deep into the realities of building a business while raising children, the importance of simplifying your business model, and why you need mentors who actually understand your season of life.In This EpisodeLaura's unconventional path from corporate BMW to gym owner to online entrepreneurThe challenging reality of being a mom entrepreneur (and why you don't get it until you get it)How to simplify your business by focusing on what actually worksThe power of choosing complexity in the right season vs. protecting your energyWhy expectations create more stress than motherhood or business combinedBuilding in-person community through the This Mother Means Business conferenceSetting boundaries that support your life (like no calls before 11 AM)Key TakeawaysYou can't take business advice from people who don't understand your season of life. Childless mentors may give you strategies that are impossible to implement as a mother—seek advice from people who get it.Simplification comes from knowing what works. Track where your last 3-5 clients came from and double down on those channels instead of spreading yourself thin across everything.You can choose complexity—but only in the right season. There are times to simplify and coast, and times to intentionally add complexity for growth. Neither is wrong; it's about alignment with your life.Most stress comes from expectations, not reality. Define what being a "good mom" and "good entrepreneur" means to you, not what society dictates.Community isn't optional—it's essential. Getting out from behind your laptop to connect with other moms in business reminds you why you do what you do.Memorable Quotes"You don't know what it's like to be a mom building a business until you're a mom building a business.""I really do believe that you can have it all. You can't do it all.""Do you wanna come over to my house and do bedtime while I host those calls? Because that's not possible.""Simple was fun, and now it's complexity time. My kids are both in school. I have the time to do it."Resources MentionedWebsite: www.thismothermeansbusiness.comInstagram/Threads: @itslaurasinclalrPodcast: This Mother Means BusinessThe Big Leap by Gay HendricksGreat Callings by Brianna WiestThis Mother Means Business Conference (April 1st, Burlington)This Mother Means Business Podcast (Mondays & Thursdays)Kelsey's Website: KelseyReidl.comKelsey's Instagram: @KelseyReidlKelsey's Podcast: Rain or Shine (350+ episodes featuring Canadian entrepreneurs)About the GuestLaura Sinclair is the founder of This Mother Means Business, a community and brand dedicated to supporting ambitious mothers in entrepreneurship. After a corporate marketing career at BMW and owning a successful CrossFit gym, Laura transitioned to the online space helping business owners leverage social media. She now hosts retreats, runs a membership community, offers coaching, and produces a twice-weekly podcast for mom entrepreneurs who refuse to choose between ambition and devoted motherhood.

What happens when parenting regret doesn't go away… it just evolves?In this episode, Erika is joined by fellow childfree girlie Abby Porter (aka z00mie, aka “the girl with the list”)  to unpack a brand-new post from a parent whose regret has shifted from newborn exhaustion to something much heavier: existential anxiety, fear about the future, and the pressure of shaping a child's entire life.We discuss: • Why regret can become more philosophical as kids grow• The crushing pressure parents feel to “not mess up” their children• Anxiety about AI, social media, and the modern world kids are growing up in• The myth that motherhood comes naturally• Why some people realize the realities of parenting too late• How comparison culture and mommy influencers make parenting harder• Whether thinking deeply about parenthood BEFORE kids could prevent regretTIMESTAMPS00:00 Intro + Meet Abby Porter01:00 How parenting regret changes over time03:00 Fear of traumatizing your kids (even if you're a good parent)05:00 Generational patterns, anxiety, and breaking cycles07:00 Parenting anxiety about the future, AI, and safety09:00 “Philosophical garbage” — unpacking that take12:00 When motherhood isn't what you expected14:00 The myth that parenting comes naturally16:00 Social media, mommy influencers, and comparison18:00 Kids, screens, and the “iPad generation”21:00 Therapist advice: stop spiraling or think deeper?23:00 Why these conversations matter BEFORE having kids24:50 Comment reactions + final thoughtsFOLLOW ABBY PORTERYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@z00mie TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@z00mieInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/z00mi.e/ MORE FROM USWebsite: https://www.dinkypod.com/ Patreon: https://patreon.com/dinkypod regretful parents podcast, parenting regret discussion, motherhood reality, childfree podcast, parenting mental health, motherhood expectations, modern parenting struggles, should I have kids, honest parenting talk, parenting anxiety, raising kids today, social media parenting pressure, AI future kidsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

In this episode, Erika and Kristen read and react to a viral post from Reddit about a parent struggling with a chronically unhappy, clingy, sleep-hating four-year-old — and the toll it's taking on her mental health.From colicky babies to nonstop whining, sleep deprivation, and the reality of parenting advice that doesn't always help, this conversation dives into the messy truth behind “it gets better.” Along the way, the hosts share personal stories, debate nature vs. nurture, question whether some kids are just born grumpy, and wonder if one tiny old-soul child simply belongs on a bench in New York complaining about life.They also discuss:What chronic sleep deprivation does to parentsWhy some kids always seem happier The pressure to follow perfect parenting adviceWhy “just take them somewhere fun” isn't always helpfulWhether kids actually enjoy things like trips to London or seeing Big Ben (apparently not

I've written a bunch of mildly serious stuff about having BIG NO-KIDS ENERGY. I've talked with so many others — and published interviews with them! — about how they've negotiated conversations with others about not having kids, leaned in to the expansiveness of their no-kids lives, and figured out their own life priorities when they're not what society tells you they should be. But all of these conversations have been pretty, well, serious. But not having kids can be many things. More specifically, not having kids can be hilarious. Today, comedian (and not-kid-haver) Natasha Vaynblat joins the pod to answer all your questions about the awkward, unconsciously ridiculous, and straight-up offensive questions that people ask when you don't have kids — and how to figure out how to answer (sometimes seriously, sometimes with a sense of humor). I don't think any Culture Study guest has made me spit out my water as much as Natasha, so regardless of whether you don't have kids and relate immediately or DO have kids and just relate to the idea of strangers and/or supposedly beloved family members asking you inappropriate shit... I hope you almost spit out your water, too. AND GREAT NEWS: WE HAVE VERY GOOD EPISODE TRANSCRIPTS NOW! They come out within 24 hours of the pod, so you just have to be a little patient and then come back and click here. We pay an actual human for help with these, so thank you for either being a paid subscriber or listening to the ads that make this model possible!If you're a paid subscriber and haven't yet set up your subscriber RSS feed in your podcast player, here's the EXTREMELY easy how-to .And if you're having any other issues with your Patreon subscription — please get in touch! Email me at annehelenpetersen @ gmail OR submit a request to Patreon Support. Thank you for making the switch with us — the podcast in particular is much more at home here!Thanks to the sponsors of today's episode!Thanks to Article for sponsoring this podcast! If you're in the market for a beautiful new sofa, dining table or bed, head over to https://www.article.com/Go to Graza.co and use CULTURESTUDY to get 10% off your first order of olive oil, and be sure to look for Graza Mayo the next time you're at your local grocery store!For a custom-fit night guard, go to shopremi.com/CULTURE and use code CULTURE  at checkout for 50% off.Get 40% off select Lola Blankets products at Lolablankets.com by using code CULTURE at checkout.Show Notes:Follow Natasha Vaynblat on Instagram here (worth it I promise) BUY A TICKET TO SEE NATASHA ON APRIL 28TH IN NEW YORK!!!!Visit Natasha's website for links to alllll of her stuff, including her stand-up special We're All Dads Here If you want to read the previous posts in the BIG NO-KIDS ENERGY series, they're all collected here! We're currently looking for your questions for future episodes about:New trends you've noticed in the world of MOMFLUENCERS (with Sara Petersen, of course) Dark academia — the trends, the themes, the popularity, whatever you want (for an episode with R.F. Kuang!) Conversion Therapy (how it affects people late into life, how it still exists, etc. etc.) Your Parent(s) Died — How Do You Deal with All This PAPERWORK and bureaucracy??? (with death doula Becky Robison) What would LIFE AFTER CARS look like?? (With the hosts of the War on Cars pod!) KID INFLUENCERS — what happens when your parent puts you on camera before you can really consent? Anything you need advice or want musings on for the AAA segment. You can ask about anything, it's literally the name of the segmentAs always, you can submit your questions (and ideas for future eps) hereFor this week's discussion: Natasha offered so many possibilities for how you could respond to various weird questions... do you have more? Or: let's hear the most awkward (having kids or not having kids) question someone has asked you about your reproductive future!!!!

When you're childless after IVF failed, life can look steady on the outside. You go to work. You answer emails. You show up to events. You keep functioning. But inside, something feels different. You might find yourself thinking, "I don't know how to enjoy being me anymore." When fertility treatments end without a baby, people assume the hardest part is over. The injections stop. The appointments end. The constant waiting slows down. But when you're childless after IVF failed, this is often when the identity questions begin. Who am I now? What does my future look like? How do I build a meaningful life when motherhood didn't happen? In this episode of The "So Now What?" Podcast, we talk about: Why life can feel directionless after IVF failed What disenfranchised grief really means when you never had a positive pregnancy test Why comparison feels louder when you are childless after infertility How grief quietly takes up space in everyday moments Why performing strength keeps you disconnected from yourself Small, practical ways to rebuild trust and enjoyment When you're childless after IVF failed, your grief is valid. Even if there was never a pregnancy. Even if there was never a baby to hold. Even if no one around you recognizes it as a loss. Enjoying being you again does not mean you are leaving the dream of motherhood behind. It means you are learning how to live alongside what you lost. You are allowed to feel steadiness. You are allowed to feel relief. You are allowed to build something meaningful in this life. Join Me in Chicago: The Other's Day® Brunch If you're ready to connect with other women who are also childless after infertility, The Other's Day® Brunch was created for you. Happening May 8–9 in Chicago, this two-day experience is designed specifically for women without children. It's about connection, meaning, and walking into a room where no one asks how many kids you have. Learn more here:

Today, we're re-airing one of our favorite Radio Cherry Bombe episodes. Ina Garten joins host Kerry Diamond to talk about her memoir, “Be Ready When The Luck Happens.” Ina shares what she learned about herself while writing the memoir, why she included stories about her unhappy childhood, overcoming hardships with her husband Jeffrey, and their decision not to have children. She also talks about her “leap before you look” philosophy, how Oprah Winfrey inspired the title of the book, the early Barefoot Contessa days in the Hamptons, and why she's “the worst kind of childless cat lady.”Pre-order our new Mom's the Bombe issueJubilee NYC 2026 tickets hereSubscribe to our SubstackCheck out Cherry Bombe on ShopMyVisit cherrybombe.com for subscriptions, tickets to upcoming events, and more.More on Ina: Instagram, website, “Be Ready When The Luck Happens” memoirMore on Kerry: Instagram, “So You Want To Open A Restaurant” essay

When IVF ends without a baby, life does not always fall apart. Sometimes it goes quiet. You may still be showing up to work, keeping plans, and getting through your days, yet something feels off. You are functioning, but not fully connected to your life. In this episode of The "So Now What?" Podcast, you are introduced to the concept of a grief plateau and why it is so common for women who are childless not by choice after infertility and IVF failed. A grief plateau explains why life can feel paused after fertility treatments end. Not dramatic grief. Not constant sadness. But a flat, stuck feeling that is hard to name and even harder to explain to others. This episode helps you understand what may be happening beneath the surface and why it makes sense, given everything you have been through. In this episode, you will learn: What a grief plateau is and how it shows up after IVF failed. Why many women feel "off" after infertility even when life looks fine on the outside. How years of fertility treatments affect your body, brain, and sense of safety. Why staying busy, feeling numb, or avoiding big dreams can be a form of protection. How losing the dream of motherhood can leave your future feeling unclear. Why understanding where you are matters before trying to move forward. This episode is for you if: You left fertility treatments without a baby and feel disconnected from yourself. Life feels stuck or paused after IVF failed. You are tired of being told to move on or look on the bright side. You want language that makes sense of life after infertility. This is not an episode about fixing yourself or rushing into a new version of life. It is about naming an experience many women have but rarely hear explained. Resource mentioned in this episode: Top 27 Things People Say When You're Childless and How to Respond A free guide to help you navigate uncomfortable comments and advice after infertility. Get the free guide here. If life feels quiet after IVF failed and you do not know why, this episode will help you understand what you may be standing in right now.

@misandristmemes is joined by @meme.phistopheles (aka Sean) for a solid yap sesh. Topics include: unlearning emotional repression, toxic masculinity as a perversion of stoicism, how to unironically use the word ally in the context of feminism, and like 45 other tangents. Patriarchy hurts everyone. Gatekeeping protects the gate but can also block resources. Your bf should go to therapy. Societal conditioning sucks and everyone's tired ._.Check out Sean's book “Everything Will Be Okay“, available pretty much everywhere! Follow his meme page @meme.phistopheles if you don't already!ig: @sadgap.podcast / @misandristmemes

Childfree or Childless? You Get to Decide What That Means If you don't have kids, you've probably noticed the words childfree and childless everywhere. They show up on social media, in podcasts, in articles, in movies, and in conversations about women's lives after infertility. And even if no one has ever asked you directly how you identify, you've likely felt something when you hear those terms used. Maybe you pause. Maybe you feel tension. Maybe you think, I don't know how I feel about that. In this episode of The "So Now What?" Podcast, you slow that moment down and look at what's really happening underneath the words. This conversation is not about choosing the "right" label. It is about understanding the meaning you are giving to the terms childfree and childless, and deciding whether that meaning actually supports the woman you are becoming after infertility or IVF did not result in a child. You explore why identity feels so tender after fertility treatments end, why language can feel so loaded, and how a single word can start to feel like it is being asked to explain your grief, your growth, your peace, and your future all at once. In this episode, you will hear: Why the term childfree can feel empowering for some women and completely misaligned for others. Why the word childless can feel truthful while still carrying old stories of disappointment or being perceived as less than. How some women reclaim their lives without kids by changing the word they use. How other women reclaim their lives without kids by keeping the same word and changing what it means to them. Why you are not reacting to the word itself, but to the meaning you believe the word gives you. How you get to decide how much power any label has over you. You will also hear Lana share why she personally identifies as childless, and how that word honors the truth of wanting motherhood while still reflecting a full, meaningful life without children. Most importantly, this episode reminds you that whether you identify as childfree or childless, you have permission to feel proud of the woman you are. Proud of how you kept going. Proud of how you learned to hold complexity. Proud of the life you are building, even if it looks different than you once imagined. You are not your terminology. You are not unfinished. You are not behind. You are not less than. You are whole. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode The Other's Day® Brunch A beautiful, connective event for women without children, happening May 9, with a special Friday night experience added this year. Check for updates or join the waitlist here:

Last week while the streets of Minneapolis filled with angry protesters choking on clouds of tear gas and images of ICE agents terrorizing people flooded social media feeds Fox News set its sights on the real danger - radicalized left-wing women.According to the network suburban soccer moms and urban childless cat ladies were pawns for a sophisticated Democratic Party domestic terrorist plot. Naive women were the foot soldiers to sacrifice at the altar of open border policies and foreign criminal syndicates.ICE agents might have weapons, body armor, face masks, tear gas, pepper spray, and the ability to take away a person's liberty plus the backing of a corrupt federal government but un-armed, loud women with shaved heads and protest signs are the real threat.The word ‘women' appeared 194 times in the transcripts last week. The word appeared 72 times in transcripts from Jesse Watters Primetime.Watters was working out his misogynistic baggage as he reduced women to helpless creatures who were tools in a game they didn't understand. Watters is the same Fox News host who constantly whines about his damaged relationship with his mother, tells embarrassing stories about his second wife and pontificates on what he believes is proper masculine behavior. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit decodingfoxnews.substack.com/subscribe

What Happens When the Future You Planned Doesn't Happen When fertility treatments end without a baby, you don't just grieve the child you hoped for. You grieve the future you were building your life around. In this episode of The So Now What? Podcast, you explore post-traumatic growth after infertility and why it matters for women who are childless not by choice. Not in a toxic-positivity way. Not as a lesson you were supposed to learn. But as a way to understand what happens after years of trying, waiting, and living in a fertility holding pattern. If you've ever thought, I'm not the same person I was before IVF, this episode helps you understand why—and what becomes possible next. In this episode, you'll hear: Why infertility and fertility treatments do count as trauma, even if no one ever named it that way How years of IVF, IUI, medical procedures, and waiting shaped your nervous system and identity Why the end of fertility treatments feels so disorienting, not just sad What post-traumatic growth actually means and what it does not mean The seismic "rebuild" moment that happens when the life you planned no longer exists The five areas where post-traumatic growth often shows up after infertility Why growth is optional, not required, and only happens when you feel safe enough How to move forward without erasing your dream of motherhood or minimizing what you endured What it looks like to find a starting point again after the fertility holding pattern ends Why post-traumatic growth matters after infertility You didn't go through infertility to grow. You didn't suffer for a reason. And you don't need to reframe your loss to justify moving forward. Post-traumatic growth simply explains what happens when your assumptions about the future break and you're left asking, So now what? This episode helps you see that wanting forward movement does not mean you're forgetting what mattered. It means you're ready to stop living in permanent disappointment and start building a life that feels connected, grounded, and meaningful—on your terms. Thrive After Infertility This episode reflects the core work you do inside Thrive After Infertility, the coaching program created for women who have completed fertility treatments and are ready to stop feeling incomplete because fertility treatments failed. Inside Thrive, you learn how to: Move out of the fertility holding pattern Reconnect with your body and nervous system Navigate relationships in a world full of parents Create meaning and direction for the decades ahead Growth doesn't come from time passing. It comes from learning how to intentionally rebuild after loss. Free resource mentioned in this episode If you've ever been told, "You can always adopt," or "Everything happens for a reason," and didn't know how to respond, download the free guide: The Top 27 Things People Say When You're Childless (and How to Respond)