Podcasts about Childless

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!

We got a question in for our American Mamas...Dear Mamas, do you think that childless women working past thirty actually wish they had stayed home and had kids?If you'd like to ask our American Mamas a question, go to our website, AmericanGroundRadio.com/mamas and click on the Ask the Mamas button.

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.

Joining Carys this week is writer, policy expert and author of Black Girl no Magic, Kimberly McIntosh.Together, Carys and Kimberly explore right-wing discourse around women's fertility, Sir Jim Ratcliffe comments on immigration, the UK's potential changes to settled status requirements, and families looking to take over a care home after owners amassed massive debts to HMRC.Support us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PATREON⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - get bonus episodes, a weekly newsletter and become a part of our members-only WhatsApp community.Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠info@overunderpod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up to the newsletter at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.overunderpod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on all socials @over_under_pod_William Blake House:https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/feb/16/william-blake-house-care-home-debtsConnect with Kim here: https://linktr.ee/Kimmi91

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

Today, Emma Bell talks to Claire Pedrick about moving from therapist to coach. She discusses the impact of her cancer diagnosis during the pandemic and how it shaped her approach to coaching, particularly in supporting those who are childless not by choice. Emma is passionate about the importance of creating safe spaces for conversations and the role of walking in her coaching practice.   Takeaways   Sometimes you just know - it's magic! Coaching sparked my curiosity and changed my career path. Cancer diagnosis taught me resilience and empathy. Creating safe spaces is crucial for meaningful conversations. Walking is a metaphor for forward movement in coaching. Supporting childless individuals is a passion of mine. Empathy and understanding are key in coaching. Coaching during the pandemic brought unique challenges. Personal experiences shape professional approaches. Connection and clarity come from being present. Coaching is about allowing things to unfold naturally. The Full Stop https://www.thefullstoppod.com/ Gateway Women https://gateway-women.com/   Join us walking in The Malvern Hills with other Coaches https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12827884/   Contact: Contact Emma hello@emmabellcoaching.co.uk http://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-bell-childlesscoach through Linked In  Contact Claire by emailing info@3dcoaching.com  or check out our Substack where you can talk with other listeners. Further Information: Subscribe or follow The Coaching Inn on your podcast platform or our YouTube Channel to hear or see new episodes as they drop. Find out more about 3D Coaching and get new ideas and offers in our weekly email. Keywords: childless not by choice, coaching journey, cancer resilience, safe spaces, empathy in coaching, walking coaching, personal growth, emotional support, life transitions, mental health, empowerment, community building, coaching philosophy, professional development, overcoming adversity, meaningful conversations, self-reflection, intuitive knowing, life coaching, personal transformation   We love having a variety of guests join us! Please remember that inviting someone to participate does not mean we necessarily endorse their views or opinions. We believe in open conversation and sharing different perspectives.

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

In this episode of The Full Stop, we are joined by Civilla Morgan, one of the earliest and most influential voices in the childless not by choice podcasting space. After ten years and 180 episodes, she shares her decision to step away from her podcast, a choice shaped by grief, timing, work, and deep self-reflection. Together, we explore the emotional weight of long-term podcasting, the stories behind consistent content creation, and how grief can fundamentally change the decisions we make about our lives. Civilla reflects on what she's learned about childlessness over a decade of conversations, including the shared undercurrent of grief that binds the community, even as each journey remains deeply individual. We also talk about visibility, why so many people remain “hidden in plain sight,” the frustration of still being asked the same questions after years of advocacy, and why representation across many platforms and voices truly matters. Civilla speaks candidly about rest, redirection, and choosing to live a meaningful life even when the life you imagined didn't happen. This is an honest, generous conversation about endings, legacy, healing, and the courage it takes to know when something meaningful has run its course. For more information, to join our online Community for childless people and appear on the Full Stop podcast please visit our website 

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)

If you're childless after infertility and growing older feels unsettling, this episode invites you to move from fear to intention and imagine a future that feels grounded and meaningful. Childlessness after infertility and growing older can bring up fears you never expected to carry. When motherhood didn't happen, aging is often framed as something to brace for rather than something you get to shape. In this episode of The "So Now What?" Podcast, you're invited to move from fear to intention as you explore what it means to grow older without children, reconnect with your body after IVF failed, and begin imagining a future that feels meaningful, grounded, and entirely your own. This episode was inspired by a simple question I overheard while out to dinner: Has getting old been like you expected it would be? For women who are childless after infertility, that question can land deeply. Not because aging itself is the problem, but because the future no longer comes with a default storyline. Together, we talk honestly about the physical fears of aging, the existential questions that surface when IVF fails, and how reaction mode can quietly shrink your sense of possibility. Most importantly, you'll be invited to consider what it might look like to participate in your future, rather than brace for it. This conversation isn't about having all the answers. It's about giving yourself permission to imagine again. In this episode, you'll explore: Why growing older without children is often framed through fear The physical aging fears many women carry after infertility and why they make sense How fertility treatments can leave you feeling disconnected from your body What existential fear really means when motherhood didn't happen The difference between bracing for the future and imagining it Why reaction mode helped you survive infertility but doesn't have to be permanent How childless women often have more agency than they realize when it comes to aging Questions to help you begin envisioning a future that feels intentional and grounded If growing older feels scary right now If thinking about aging without children brings up tightness, fear, or a sense of "I don't even know where to begin," you're not doing anything wrong. You've already had to let go of a future you worked hard for. It makes sense that imagining what comes next feels complicated. That's exactly why I offer Thrive Calls.

When IVF Failed and Time Didn't Fix It: Healing the Loss of Motherhood You were told time would heal this. That if you just waited long enough, the pain of leaving IVF without a baby would soften. That eventually the anger, loneliness, and grief around the dream of motherhood would fade on their own. But if you're childless after infertility, you already know the truth. The calendar didn't fix it. In this episode of The "So Now What?" Podcast, you explore why time alone doesn't heal the loss of motherhood when IVF failed and why that doesn't mean something is wrong with you. You'll hear why these feelings resurface again and again during emotionally charged moments like Christmas, birthdays, Mother's Day, and year-end milestones and why waiting quietly can start to cost you more than you realize. This episode is for you if you're childless not by choice, navigating life after IVF failed, and wondering why time hasn't brought the peace everyone promised. In this episode, you'll explore: Why time doesn't heal the loss of motherhood after IVF failed Why infertility grief is cyclical, not seasonal How holidays, birthdays, and Mother's Day can reopen the wound Why "just moving on" can disconnect you from yourself What actually helps you heal and move forward after infertility Ready to stop waiting and start feeling better now? ✨ Glow Up Sessions If you want focused, one-on-one support around one specific issue like navigating the holidays, preparing for family gatherings, handling intrusive comments, or getting grounded before the new year, a Glow Up session is a powerful place to start.

In this episode, Erika and Kristen dive into a jaw-dropping Reddit post titled “I Am A Roller Coaster Of Regret And Acceptance.” From religious guilt to missed abortions, dating struggles as a single parent, and the crushing realities of living with family, this story sparks one of our most chaotic discussions yet.We unpack:Why people banking on miscarriage is not a life planThe real statistics about pregnancy lossHow religion traps people — especially women — in unwanted parenthoodWhy telling single parents to “just make more money” is useless adviceThe myth of “plenty of good men who will raise your kid”Dating with kids and the harsh math of shrinking romantic optionsWhat realistic support actually looks like for regretful parentsWhy child support and 50/50 custody are not as simple as Reddit makes it soundHow societal expectations sabotage women's independencePlus:Erika threatens to hand out abortions like Oprah gives out carsKristen Googles miscarriage stats mid-episodeSpeculation on whether these Reddit commenters are botsA brief detour into Europe trips, face masks, and alleged co-host hatredA public reminder: STOP GETTING PREGNANTPerfect for listeners who:Are childfree or childfree-curiousLove dark humor, honesty, and chaosWant a realistic look at the consequences of accidental parenthoodEnjoy commentary on Reddit's wildest regret-parent stories

When you are childless after infertility, the holiday season can feel like a spotlight you never asked for. Everyone has an opinion about your fertility decisions. Everyone has a suggestion about what you should have done. And somehow every gathering becomes an open invitation for people to ask about baby news, adoption, donor eggs, or why you stopped trying. In this week's episode, you learn how to stay grounded, confident, and steady when holiday opinions collide with the decisions you made after IVF Failed. You discover how to trust your intuition again and how to walk into December without feeling like you owe anyone an explanation. This episode is for you if • you are childless after infertility • you ended fertility treatments and people still question why • you feel pressure during family gatherings • you struggle with unsolicited advice about adoption, donor eggs, donor sperm, surrogacy, or "trying again" • you want to feel connected to the holidays without feeling triggered • you want to walk into gatherings feeling prepared instead of anxious Inside the episode, you will learn • why holiday comments land so hard for women who are childless not by choice • how lifelong conditioning leads you to second guess your decisions • why your inner knowing is wiser than outside opinions • what to tell yourself when someone questions your fertility choices • how to feel empowered about the decisions you made when your fertility journey ended without a baby • how to walk into December feeling solid and sure of yourself If you are already bracing for the questions and opinions, I have two things that will support you through this season. Glow Up Sessions: Personalized Holiday Support These private sessions help you • practice what you want to say • stay grounded during conversations • feel confident about your decisions • handle family dynamics with clarity and calm These are one on one coaching sessions at a discounted rate for December. Book your Glow Up Session here! Register NOW! Free Masterclass on December 16 Handling the Holidays: Managing Your Family, Traditions, and Celebrations Without Kids Tuesday, December 16 11:30 AM Central In this class you learn how to • handle family gatherings when you are childless after infertility • navigate traditions that feel painful because you do not have kids to pass them onto • stay centered when everything around you feels kid focused • make space for your own joy this holiday season Register for the free class: https://meet.google.com/occ-gnzy-sdt (If you want a registration page link instead of a direct meet link, tell me and I will swap it.) Mentioned in this Episode Download the Top 27 Things People Say When You Are Childless and How to Respond https://lana-manikowski.com/thingspeoplesay Connect With Me Website https://www.lanamanikowski.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lana.manikowski TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@lana.manikowski YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@lana.manikowski If you loved this episode Please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. It helps other women who are childless after infertility discover this space and find the support they never received from their clinic once treatment ended.

In today's Regretful Parents episode, Erika and Kristen dive into a viral story from the I Regret Having Children Facebook page — and this time, it's not a confession but a financial horror story. An Ohio mom's TikTok exploded online after revealing the NICU bill for her premature quadruplets: $4.04 million. Erika and Kristen unpack the wild reality of childbirth costs in America, why one medical complication can financially ruin a family overnight, and how unpredictable — and brutally expensive — pregnancy and birth can be. Inside this episode:• A NICU bill for quadruplets that hit $4 million• Why childbirth and complications are financially catastrophic in the U.S.• Parents of twins facing $11 million in NICU charges• How insurance actually works (and doesn't) for medically complex births• Hidden hospital costs, nonsense itemized charges & billing scams• Why “just have kids” ignores medical and financial reality• The emotional toll of raising premature or medically fragile infants• Why the childfree movement keeps gaining traction• The fear, uncertainty, and chaos behind “miracle baby” stories• Why influencers oversimplify parenthood into “children are a blessing”• U.S. healthcare vs. Europe's systems — and who ends up paying

Today we are joined by the hilarious Liza Treyger, otherwise known as Glitter Cheese on social media. Liza is a comedian you may know from Netflix's The Degenerates and Survival of the Thickest or her hit podcast That's Messed Up: An SVU Podcast, where she dives deep into Law & Order episodes, true crime, and pop culture. She's hilarious and if you love Dinky, you'll love Liza.Connect with Liza on Instagram.Merch is here!Erika is taking a group of childfree travelers to VIETNAM — and it's an artsy adventurer's dream itinerary! ONLY 12 SEATS REMAIN AT TIME OF PUBLICATION!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.

Episode 192: How Childless Women Can Navigate the Holidays Ahead The holiday season can feel emotionally heavy when you're childless after infertility. In this episode, Lana explains why Thanksgiving and Christmas can stir up overwhelm, anxiety, numbness, and confusion when you always imagined this season with a child of your own. You'll learn how your brain and nervous system respond during this time of year, why nothing about your reaction means you're doing anything wrong, and how to feel more grounded and supported as the holidays approach. The holidays can feel complicated when you're childless after infertility. That knot in your stomach during Thanksgiving or Christmas is not your imagination. Whether you are done with fertility treatments, still navigating IVF or IUI, or childless by circumstance, this season can shine a spotlight on the life you thought you would be living by now. In this episode, you learn why the holidays often stir up so much emotion and why nothing about your experience means you're doing anything wrong. You'll understand how your brain and nervous system interpret this season, why old neural pathways get activated, and why your reactions are very normal for women who are childless after infertility or childless not by choice. Inside the episode, you'll learn: • How neural pathways built during your fertility journey impact your holidays • Why unpredictability around the holidays activates your nervous system • Why numbness is normal when the season feels emotionally loaded • Why family gatherings can trigger isolation even when you're loved • How to stop blaming yourself for how you feel this time of year • How to stay grounded when traditions center around children • Why you don't have to sit out of Christmas just because you don't have kids If you want real tools and support to help you feel more prepared and confident this year, join my free live class on Tuesday, December 16 at 11:30 AM Central: How to Deal with Your Family, Create Traditions, and Manage Celebrations Without Kids Register here! You deserve to feel grounded, steady, and in control of the rooms you walk into this season. And if you want help responding to the comments people make when they don't understand your experience, download my free guide HERE! The Top 27 Things People Say When You're Childless and How to Respond.

Welcome back to another episode in our Regretful Parents series — where we dive deep into stories from the Regretful Parents subreddit. Today's post comes from a woman who is 7 weeks pregnant, spiraling with anxiety, and realizing she may not actually want a baby — even though her husband does. She's 35, terrified of change, and suddenly questioning everything.In this episode, we talk about: ✨ Fear-based pregnancies and panic spirals ✨ Pressure from partners who want kids ✨ Why “children are funny” is NOT a reason to reproduce ✨ Abortion, guilt, intuition, and regret ✨ Why parenthood is a lifetime contract you cannot return ✨ The hard truth: You can divorce your husband… you cannot divorce your child If you're childfree, childfree-curious, or just fascinated by the realities people rarely talk about, this episode is for you.

How to Feel Like You Belong Again When You Are Childless After Infertility If you have ever walked into a room and instantly wondered where you fit, this episode is going to speak directly to you. When you are childless after infertility or you are still in the middle of your fertility journey, it can feel like everyone around you is living a chapter you hoped would be yours. Conversations about kids, family schedules and milestones can leave you feeling two inches outside the circle and unsure how to take your place in the room. In this episode, you learn why this happens and how to reconnect with yourself so you can walk into any space with confidence and grounding. You will understand why your nervous system reacts before your mind catches up, why belonging feels harder when your story looks different, and how the lack of support after IVF failed can shape the way you show up socially. You will also hear how public conversations about infertility, including the reaction to Jennifer Aniston's story, influence the way you protect yourself in group settings. This episode teaches you how to honor your own experience and how to show up without shrinking or pretending. You will learn four ways to lead with connection so you can feel steady and comfortable in rooms that once felt overwhelming. You will walk away knowing how to stay anchored in who you are becoming and how to trust your own voice so you can feel a sense of belonging again, even when the conversations around you do not reflect your life. If you are ready to feel grounded in social spaces again and to rebuild a future beyond infertility that actually feels meaningful, this episode will support you every step of the way. Resources mentioned in this episode Thrive After Infertility - My 12 week coaching program for women who are childless after infertility and IVF Book a Thrive Call - Ready to spend the best 45 minutes you've spent this year? Book a free Thrive Call woith me.  We will get a plan together for what is next for you now that IVF is over.  Download your free guide The Top 27 Things People Say When You Are Childless (...and How to Respond) Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lana.manikowski TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lana.manikowski YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lana.manikowski I hope this episode helps you feel more grounded and more seen as you walk into the rooms that matter to you.

Clement Manyathela and the listeners give advice to a listener who is struggling with pressure from her friends and loved ones about being childless and unmarried by choice. The Clement Manyathela Show is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station, weekdays from 09:00 to 12:00 (SA Time). Clement Manyathela starts his show each weekday on 702 at 9 am taking your calls and voice notes on his Open Line. In the second hour of his show, he unpacks, explains, and makes sense of the news of the day. Clement has several features in his third hour from 11 am that provide you with information to help and guide you through your daily life. As your morning friend, he tackles the serious as well as the light-hearted, on your behalf. Thank you for listening to a podcast from The Clement Manyathela Show. Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 09:00 and 12:00 (SA Time) to The Clement Manyathela Show broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/XijPLtJ or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/p0gWuPE Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Death is not an option: Caterpillar or frat boy sheets. Let's talk about some successful stars who ARE self made: Viola Davis, Selena Gomez, and Cardi B. Just because they are self made doesn't mean Vinnie likes them. The live action ‘Moana' trailer is here! Childless? AI can help! Maybe it's better to have pretend kids. San Francisco needs to step up its sins.

A major server in San Jose is down, so you might not be able to reach your favorite site. Roblox is introducing facial recognition to verify users' ages. Tom Cruise was chatting up Sydney Sweeney at the Governors Awards, but she's with a dude named Scooter! Real Christmas trees are in trouble. Are we using too much butter? Definitely not. It's the time of year for family and food traditions - to each their own. Ariana Grande hints at a third Wicked movie. Speaking of Cher, she and Ariana Grande are hosting SNL's final episode of the year. A week before, Josh O'Connor will host promoting the new ‘Knives Out' film with Lily Allen as the musical guest. A 2nd hand doobie smoke turns around a whole flight. Vinnie's telling the hang about a potato bed hack, and it reminds Bob of Burning Man. The conversation gets interesting from there. Death is not an option: Caterpillar or frat boy sheets. Let's talk about some successful stars who ARE self made: Viola Davis, Selena Gomez, and Cardi B. Just because they are self made doesn't mean Vinnie likes them. The live action ‘Moana' trailer is here! Childless? AI can help! Maybe it's better to have pretend kids. San Francisco needs to step up its sins. Ronnie Wood (of The Rolling Stones) makes art that's inspiring in an unusual way. There's so many ways to embrace going gray, but Vinnie doesn't want to be Santa Claus. Patrick Mahomes and his wife Brittany Mahomes are not good artists, but it's probably not the reason their relationship is on the rocks. Weird Al has announced a tour! Don't forget to watch ‘Planes, Trains, & Automobiles' for Bob's Movie Club! Vinnie's got a disturbing story about a real life Black Mirror episode. Plus, how old is that guy?

Sam Shamoun exposes Quranic passages that he says reveal how Muhammad treated his wives, including one he left alone for life after losing attraction. He questions how such acts could reflect mercy, contrasting Muhammad's conduct with Jesus' compassion and highlighting the moral divide between the teachings.

Today we're joined by the hilarious Natasha Vaynblat, a New York–based comedian and writer embracing the childfree life. You've seen her work on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and her debut stand-up album We're All Dads Here was named one of Paste's Best Comedy Albums and featured in Vulture's “5 Albums to Watch Right Now.” Natasha is also the creator and star of the award-winning digital Comedy Central series Your Worst Fears: Confirmed, which hilariously brings our most irrational anxieties to life. In this episode, Natasha opens up about her journey to embracing a childfree identity, how it's shaped her comedy, and what it means to carve your own path. Catch Natasha Live: Natasha is currently performing her show “Childless Freak” at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater in NYC on November 8, 2025.Connect with Natasha on InstagramDon't forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode — it helps people find the show!Merch is here!!! Get your merch NOW!New Dinky trip alert!! Erika is taking a group of childfree travelers to VIETNAM — and it's an artsy adventurer's dream itinerary! Buy your tickets while they last. 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.

In this latest podcast episode, Keltie Maguire speaks with Helen Taylor — feminist, retired university professor, and writer — about her choice to live a childfree life and her new memoir, Childless by Choice: The Meaning and Legacy of a Childfree Life.  Keltie and Helen discuss: Helen's personal journey of childfree living, including the influences that shaped her decision.  The challenges of choosing the childfree path — and the freedoms it has afforded her. Helen's abortion experience in early adulthood, and whether she ever thinks about the child she could have had.  How life without children can lead to deeper adult relationships and friendships. The societal stigmas surrounding childlessness, and the difficulties and blessings of being childfree at age 77 The role that regret, meaning, and legacy play for Helen, as a woman without children. As mentioned in the show Find Helen online at www.helen-taylor.co.uk She's on Bluesky at bsky.app/profile/helentaylor67.bsky.social Find Helen at the following upcoming events: helen-taylor.co.uk/events About Helen Helen Taylor has published books on women's writing, American southern culture, and women fiction readers. Her latest much-acclaimed work is Why Women Read Fiction: The Stories of Our Lives. Her best-known works focus on popular writing and culture: Scarlett's Women: Gone With the Wind and its Female Fans, The Daphne du Maurier Companion, and Circling Dixie: Contemporary Southern Culture through a Transatlantic Lens. Her new book is Childless by Choice: The Meaning and Legacy of a Child-free Life.  She taught English and American literature at three universities – West of England, Warwick and Exeter, where she was Head of English and is now Emeritus Professor. She has published widely on the literature and culture of the American South, as well as British and American women's writing. For many years, she has been a Chair, Curator and participant in many literary festivals, including Bath, Cheltenham, Oxford, Fowey, Budleigh Salterton and Clifton, and she was the first Director of the Liverpool Literature Festival. She is currently writing a book on Daphne du Maurier for the series 'Writers and Their Works'. She lives in Bristol. __ Join an upcoming Kids or Childfree workshop here: kidsorchildfree.com/workshop Check out our free resources here, or at kidsorchildfree.com/free-resources And don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Kids or Childfree Podcast if you love what you're hearing! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, or a rating on Spotify. Find us online at www.kidsorchildfree.com. Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidsorchildfree TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kidsorchildfree

"How high was Andrew Lloyd Webber when he wrote this and on what exactly?" This month on After School, we're discussing Cats, the 2019 movie musical featuring Taylor Swift as Bombalurina. For this bonus episode for paid subscribers, we watched and dissected Tom Hooper's infamous film adaptation. From the uncanny CGI to Taylor's scene-stealing performance to the existential question of cat proportions, we explore what went wrong (and occasionally right) in translating Andrew Lloyd Webber's 1981 stage musical to the big screen. Subscribe for free to get episode updates or upgrade to paid to get our After School premium content: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe. After School subscribers get monthly bonus episodes, exclusive content, and early access to help shape future topics! Stay up to date at aptaylorswift.com Mentioned in this episode: T.S. Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats (1939) Cats (2019 film) directed by Tom Hooper Taylor Swift's "Beautiful Ghosts" (written for the film) E3: Alice in Wonderland Follow AP Taylor Swift podcast on social!  TikTok → tiktok.com/@APTaylorSwift Instagram → instagram.com/APTaylorSwift YouTube → youtube.com/@APTaylorSwift Link Tree →linktr.ee/aptaylorswift Bookshop.org → bookshop.org/shop/apts Libro.fm →  tinyurl.com/aptslibro Contact us at aptaylorswift@gmail.com  Affiliate Codes:  Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off!  Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro   This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

Send us a textMy guest on the podcast today is the wonderful Helen Taylor. Helen is 77 years old, a retired academic, and the author of Childless By Choice: The Meaning & Legacy Of A Childfree Life. It was absolutely fascinating to talk to a woman who went against the grain at a time when motherhood was not only expected, but really was seen as totally central to the lives of women. From a very young age, Helen decided not to have children, and in her new book she shares her reasons for choosing to remain childfree as well as the very complex feelings that have accompanied her choice. In our conversation, Helen tells me all about how her own mother's attitude towards motherhood impacted her choice to not have kids; we also talk about the issue of regret, we talk about how women without kids are still often seen as outliers, we talk about how families can come in all shapes and sizes, and Helen also shares her thoughts about the later stages of a child-free life. 02:15 Guest Introduction: Helen Taylor04:51 Helen's Early Life and Decision07:26 Impact of Societal Expectations11:39 Contraception and Abortion19:05 Challenging Family Pressures27:51 Redefining Family and Friendships30:45 The Legacy of a ChildFree Life31:08 Exploring Fulfillment Without Children35:13 Regret and the ChildFree Choice37:33 Grandparenting and Childcare Challenges39:33 Writing 'Childless by Choice'40:56 Reactions to the Book52:28 Alternative Families and Friendships54:16 Final Thoughts and Future Outlook57:54 Wrapping Up and How to ConnectBuy Helen's Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Childless-Choice-Meaning-Legacy-Childfree/dp/1917523300Check out Helen's website: https://www.helen-taylor.co.uk/Support the showOrder my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/book Download my FREE PDF 'The Top 10 Answers To The Most Irritating Questions That Single People Get Asked On The Regular...& How To (Devilishly) Respond'? Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/questions Join the waitlist for my membership, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Interested in my 1-1 Coaching? Work with me HERE: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/workwithme Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/ Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening!

Episode 189 | Childless After Infertility: The Shift That Changes Everything What if you could stop living in regret after infertility and start creating a life that feels amazing to wake up to? In this episode of The “So Now What?” Podcast, Lana Manikowski shares the realization that changed everything: the moment she stopped identifying as a victim of infertility and began shaping a new story for her life after IVF failed. If you have ever wondered whether it is possible to feel fulfilled without motherhood, this episode will show you how. You will learn how to shift your mindset from loss to ownership, reconnect with your body, and rediscover your power to create joy and meaning again, even in a world that revolves around parenthood.

For nearly 175 years — from 1563 until its repeal in 1736 — this act stood as part of Scotland's law. In that time, it is estimated that 3,000 to 5,000 people were accused of witchcraft. Of those, a staggering 84 percent were women. Torture, often in the form of sleep deprivation and relentless interrogation, was routine. Executions followed — frequently by strangulation or burning — and their bodies were often destroyed so they could not even be buried, denied the final dignity of rest.Our guests know this story better than anyone.Today, we're joined by Claire Mitchell KC — a distinguished Scottish lawyer, specialising in criminal defence, constitutional and human rights law. She is co-founder of the Witches of Scotland campaign, which seeks posthumous pardons, a memorial, and an official apology for those persecuted under the Witchcraft Act.Zoe Venditozzi is a writer, teacher, and co-campaigner. Born and raised in Fife, she brings storytelling, archival curiosity, and moral urgency to this mission. Her literary debut Anywhere's Better Than Here won the Guardian's Not the Booker popular prize; now with Claire she's co-author of How to Kill a Witch: A Guide for the Patriarchy.Their new book weaves together legal history, archival testimony, fictional vignettes, and sharp critique. It lifts the stories of those accused — women, and a few men — out of dusty court records and into the present. It asks: how did this system become possible, and how do we make amends? Merch is here!!! Get your merch NOW!SMALL BUSINESS OF THE WEEK: Thornback Acupuncture with Dr. Rachel Oristano.New Dinky trip alert!! Erika is taking a group of childfree travelers to VIETNAM — and it's an artsy adventurer's dream itinerary! Buy your tickets while they last. The Dinky Patreon is officially live! Join now to support the show + gain access to weekly, ad-free episodes, chat with us & other childfree pals in the Dinky Discord, join our virtual book club, and more! 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.

When IVF Fails: How to Ask Your Fertility Clinic for the Support You Still Need When IVF fails, it can feel like your clinic disappears but you still deserve care. In this episode, learn how to ask for what you need from your fertility doctor even after fertility treatment ends. Discover how to advocate for yourself, share resources, and help your clinic better support women who are childless after infertility. If your fertility treatment ended without the baby you dreamed of, you are not alone and you are not forgotten. In this episode of The So Now What Podcast, host Lana Manikowski shares how to ask for what you need from your fertility clinic or doctor even after IVF fails. Whether you are still in treatment, deciding what is next, or already navigating life without children, you will learn how to take action, reclaim your voice, and inspire change inside the fertility industry. You will discover how to ✅ Ask for acknowledgment and emotional support from your clinic even months or years later ✅ Write a compassionate message to your IVF nurse, patient coordinator, or doctor ✅ Share what helped you heal so your feedback can support future patients ✅ Turn pain into purpose and become part of the change in fertility care for women who are childless after infertility When fertility treatment ends without a baby, silence from your clinic can feel like abandonment. But that silence does not mean you were unimportant. It means the system is incomplete. And systems change when you speak up. Lana offers a simple message template you can use to reach out to your clinic and invites you to take one small, brave step toward creating the care you and other women deserve. Your story still matters. You are not invisible. You are part of the change that can make fertility care more human, compassionate, and complete. Mentioned in this episode Listen to Episode 187 IVF Failed A Fertility Doctor's Thoughts About What Happens Next Free Guide The Top 27 Things People Say When You're Childless and How to Respond Book a Thrive Call to create your plan for thriving after infertility  

In this heartfelt episode of The Full Stop, counsellor and author Meriel Whale joins the team to discuss how childlessness reshapes love, identity, and connection within relationships. Together with Berenice, Sarah, and Michael, she explores what happens when partners experience grief at different paces, how intimacy and communication evolve after loss, and why understanding each other's emotional landscape matters more than ever. This conversation dives deep into the unspoken spaces — loneliness within couples, the struggle to ask for help, and the challenge of rebuilding closeness after childlessness. Insightful, compassionate, and full of warmth, it's an invitation to slow down, listen differently, and find courage in the spaces between.

IVF Failed: A Fertility Doctor's Thoughts About What Comes Next When IVF fails, both patients and doctors are left asking, “What now?” In this conversation, infertility and life coach Lana Manikowski and fertility doctor Erica Bove, MD, explore what patients wish doctors understood after failed IVF, what doctors feel but rarely say, and how to create support and meaning after infertility. When IVF failed, you were not just handed a result. You were handed decisions with very little support. If you have ever left a fertility clinic wondering whether your fertility doctor truly saw your pain or what to do next, this episode will help you feel seen while considering the language to ask for the support you need. In this conversation, I am joined by Erica Bove, MD, a double board certified OB GYN and Reproductive Endocrinologist at the University of Vermont. She is also the CEO and founder of Love and Science: Thriving Through Infertility. Dr. Bove has experienced both sides of treatment as a fertility doctor and as a fertility patient. Together, we explore what women wish their doctors understood after a failed IVF cycle, what doctors wish their patients knew, and how to create continuity of care when treatment ends without a baby. In this episode, you will learn: How both patients and doctors grieve when IVF does not work and why compassion on both sides matters. The post fertility treatment support you told me you needed most such as exit appointments, follow-up calls, therapy or coaching referrals, peer connection, and resources for life without children. Why many fertility doctors are not trained to deliver difficult news and how clinics can improve communication. How Dr. Bove coaches physicians through their own fertility journeys to help them practice with more empathy and confidence. Ways to redefine meaning and success after infertility so you can create a fulfilling life even if you are childless after infertility. This episode is for you if: You have finished fertility treatment without a baby and are unsure what comes next. You want to feel acknowledged and supported by your fertility doctor and your clinic. You are ready for community and guidance for life after infertility. You are a fertility professional who wants to better understand the patient experience after failed IVF. About Dr. Erica Bove Erica Bove, MD, is a double board-certified OB-GYN and Reproductive Endocrinologist (REI) at the University of Vermont. She is also the CEO and founder of Love and Science: Thriving Through Infertility. Dr. Bove combines an evidence-based approach with intuitive knowing in the context of a trusting relationship. She empowers professional women to build their families with confidence, self-compassion, and community. Her mission is to heal and support the healers and to create a legacy she is proud of. Website: loveandsciencefertility.com. Podcast: loveandsciencefertility.com/podcast. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/erica-bove-0701a0173. Instagram: instagram.com/loveandsciencefertility. Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183. Resources mentioned Love and Science: Thriving Through Infertility. A space for both patients and doctors to find connection and support. Free guide: The Top 27 Things People Say When You're Childless (and How to Respond). Thrive Call: Book your session to create a plan for what comes next. Key timestamps 00:00 Why this conversation matters when IVF fails. 06:30 What patients wish their fertility doctors knew. 18:40 How clinics can improve post treatment communication. 28:10 What doctors feel when IVF does not work. 36:15 How to find meaning and fulfillment after infertility. You are not behind and you are not alone. Even without children, you can create a life you love and you deserve real support after treatment ends. Listen now to IVF Failed: A Fertility Doctor's Thoughts About What Comes Next.

It's October, which means it's the start of Spooky Season. If you've been listening to Dinky for the past three years, you know we always do a Halloween episode – two of which have included our favorite, recurring guest star, Sapphire Sandalo. You might recognize her as a co-host on the Travel Channel TV shows ‘Ghost Town Terror' or from her appearances on ‘Paranormal Caught on Camera.' She also has her own award-winning podcast, Stories With Sapphire. Today, Sapphire rejoins the Dinky crew to chat about her new short film, as well as chat about witches. And this year we're trying something new – we're doing a whole month of spooky childfree tales across our Patreon bonus & regular episodes, including more stories spotlighting childfree witches and more spooky childfree/childless women. Learn more about Sapphire's new short film, BREEDER, and support the film HERE.Soft re-launching MERCH! (Shh.) Get your merch HERE. New Dinky trip alert!! Erika is taking a group of childfree travelers to VIETNAM — and it's an artsy adventurer's dream itinerary! Buy your tickets while they last. The Dinky Patreon is officially live! Join now to support the show + gain access to weekly, ad-free episodes, chat with us & other childfree pals in the Dinky Discord, join our virtual book club, and more! 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.

When you're going through fertility treatments, you never imagine they will end without a baby. I didn't. I believed that if I tried hard enough, followed every step, and stayed committed, eventually I would have the child I dreamed of. But when IVF failed and motherhood didn't happen, I was completely unprepared and unsupported. That gap, the silence that follows when treatments end without children, is why I became a member of ASRM, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, and serve in their Mental Health Providers group.  In October I am attending the ASRM annual congress with thousands of reproductive Endocrinologists, fertility doctors, IVF nurses, and fertility specialists from around the world. My mission is to make sure the voices of women who are childless after infertility are part of the conversation. For an upcoming podcast episode I will be interviewing a fertility doctor who not only treats patients but has gone through IVF herself. This is your opportunity to shape that conversation. ✨ What do you wish you had received when you left treatments without a baby? ✨ Were you offered support, and if yes what was most helpful? ✨ If you weren't, what do you think would have made the biggest difference? ✨ And what is one question you would love me to ask a fertility doctor about life after treatment?

Belinda spent her whole life struggling in relationships and rejection. Living with the painful condition of adenomyosis caused painful sex and infertility, leaving her single and questioning her self worth. As she watched friends marry, have children, and move forward in life, Belinda faced grief, loneliness, and the challenges of chronic illness. She shares about the stigmas of single and childless women in society, and her path to mindfulness and creativity. This is a raw and heartfelt conversation about grief, chronic illness, mental health, and the strength to survive loss.You can find her mindfulness course on: www.heartmindbreathe.comHer music on her instagram page: www.instagram.com/cellobelindaSend us a text Support the showAdditionally, you can now also watch the full video version of your favourite episode here on YouTube. Please subscribe, like or drop a comment letting us know your thoughts on the episode and if you'd like more stories going forward!If you would like to offer any feedback on our show or get in touch with us, you can also contact us on the following platforms: Website: www.multispective.org Email: info@multispective.org Instagram: www.instagram.com/multispectivepodcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/multispectiveorg Reddit: www.reddit.com/r/multispective Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/multispectiveProducer & Host: Jennica SadhwaniEditing: Stephan MenzelMarketing: Lucas Phiri Fatty15 promotes healthy metabolism, balanced immunity, and heart health. 2 out of 3 customers report near-term benefits, including calmer mood, deeper sleep or less snacking, within 6 weeks. 20% off on purchases link and code: ...

God promised a home to faithful eunuchs in the Old Testament, but what about childless believers today? Pastor John sees three enduring blessings.

What happens when the dream of motherhood doesn't come true? After seven years of fertility treatments that ended without a child, Lana Manikowski found herself facing grief, isolation, and the painful question: So now what?  Instead of following a path that didn't feel right, like donor eggs or adoption, Lana built the support system she longed for but couldn't find at her clinic. Today, she's an infertility advocate and the author of So Now What?, a powerful roadmap for women navigating life without the children they dreamed of. In this conversation with Hilary Russo on HIListically Speaking, Lana opens up about: The hidden grief and self-judgment that often follow infertility. Why “childless not by choice” doesn't mean hopeless. Practical ways to reclaim your identity and build a fulfilling future. How to shift from isolation to empowerment with community and coaching. Whether you're navigating infertility yourself or supporting someone you love, this episode offers compassion, tools, and hope for thriving beyond motherhood. Ep 121: Childless by Choice https://pod.link/hilisticallyspeaking/episode/YTU2NDliYzQtNThhMS00MmU2LTg5YzUtZjA0NDJjOTBjYTc3 Episode 124: Voices of the Childless and Childfree https://pod.link/hilisticallyspeaking/episode/NmYyMGExODQtMDEyZC00YzkxLTliOWQtOTdjZTBmZTQ5YTNj   GET LANA'S BOOK So Now What? Create a Life You Love Without the Children You Always Dreamed Ofhttps://amzn.to/4n9dvvL (Amazon) RAISE YOUR VOICE AND UPGRADE YOUR MIC!  ⁣ Hilary is Using Shure MV7+ Mic  ⁣ https://amzn.to/3ZBaXNm (Amazon)⁣ ⁣As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases CONNECT WITH LANA MANIKOWSKI   The Top 27 Things People Say When You Are Childless (...and How to Respond) https://lana-manikowski.myflodesk.com/thingspeoplesay (Free Resource Guide) https://lanamanikowski.com https://www.instagram.com/lana.manikowski/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lana-manikowski-7982a8/ https://www.youtube.com/@lana.manikowski  DISCOVER HAVENING TECHNIQUES TRAININGS & WORKSHOPS⁣ https://www.hilaryrusso.com/training⁣ BOOK HILARY FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT OR ATTEND!⁣ https://www.hilaryrusso.com/events⁣ JOIN ME ON SUBSTACK - THE BRAIN CANDY BLUEPRINT! ⁣https://substack.com/@hilaryrusso ⁣GET BRAIN CANDY & WAYS TO BE KIND TO YOUR MIND DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX⁣ https://www.hilaryrusso.com/braincandy⁣ BOOK HILARY FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT OR ATTEND!⁣ https://www.hilaryrusso.com/events⁣ ⁣ CONNECT WITH HILARY⁣ https://www.linkedin.com/in/hilaryrusso⁣ https://www.instagram.com/hilaryrusso⁣ https://www.instagram.com/hilisticallyspeaking⁣ https://www.youtube.com/hilaryrusso⁣ https://www.hilaryrusso.com/podcast⁣ ⁣ MUSIC by Lipbone Redding⁣ https://www.lipbone.com⁣  

How to tell your story with pride when IVF failed and you are living childless after infertility.  When IVF fails and motherhood did not happen, it is so easy to feel like your only option is to hide. You spent years doing everything you possibly could—fertility treatments, doctors' appointments, lifestyle changes, endless waiting. You gave your body, your money, your heart, and your time to the dream of becoming a mom. And despite all of it, you find yourself living childless after infertility. In those moments, it can feel impossible to talk about what really happened. Maybe you have learned to keep quiet because the pain feels too heavy. Maybe you are tired of comments like “You could always adopt” or “At least you can sleep in.” Maybe you worry about making others uncomfortable. But here is the truth: hiding from your infertility story will never create the life you crave. In this episode, I share why there is nothing more beautiful than telling your story, even when IVF failed and motherhood didn't happen. I will show you how owning your infertility story changes the way you see yourself and how others see you, and how telling your story can open the door to a future that feels powerful, grounded, and deeply meaningful. In this episode you will learn: Why you can feel proud of your infertility story even if IVF failed How hiding keeps you small and why telling your truth sets you free What life can feel like when the question “Do you have kids” no longer holds power over you How sharing your story helps you reconnect with your body, your friendships, and your future You may not have the children you dreamed of, but you can still live a life that feels rich, purposeful, and joyful. Your story is not one of failure. Your story is one of strength. And there is nothing more beautiful than learning how to tell it.

When IVF fails and you're childless after infertility, people often try to cheer you up with “at least you can…” comments. But what these comments really reveal is how uncomfortable our society is with sadness. In this episode, I share how a recent injury reminded me of that cultural reflex, why sadness is not a flaw, and how you can create room for both grief and growth as a childless woman. Plus: details on my free class September 17 and my World Childless Week panel on September 20, Rediscovering Your Identity as a Childless Woman. Sadness and Infertility: When It Feels Uncomfortable Have you ever been told “At least you can travel” or “At least you don't have to pay for college” after your IVF failed? If you're childless after infertility, you know how painful and dismissive these “at least you can” comments feel. People think they're comforting, but they rarely land that way. In this week's episode of The So Now What? Podcast, I explore what these comments really mean, why they don't help, and how to stop internalizing the silent message they send — that sadness, disappointment, and grief are emotions you shouldn't feel. You'll hear: Why people reach for “at least” comments and what it reveals about society's discomfort with sadness How my nephew's recent soccer injury reminded me of our instinct to erase someone else's sadness The connection between these comments and what we hear when IVF fails Why sadness is not a flaw but proof that something mattered to you How to hold both infertility grief and the good that still exists in your life Why rediscovering your identity as a childless woman can shift your story from loss to strength This episode also celebrates the 4-year anniversary of The So Now What? Podcast. Four years of creating a community for women who were left without resources after fertility treatments ended without a baby.  Free Resources & Upcoming Events Free Class: Wednesday, Sept 17: Things People Say When You're Childless (and How to Respond Without Spiraling or Shutting Down). Morning/afternoon in the US, evening in Europe.  Register here! World Childless Week: Saturday, Sept 20: I'm leading a panel called Rediscovering Your Identity as a Childless Woman at 8 AM CT / 2 PM BST. Join us live or catch the replay. Register here! Free Guide: The Top 27 Things People Say When You're Childless (and How to Respond) Download it for free. CLICK HERE! ☕ Help me celebrate 4 years of The “So Now What?” Podcast! If this podcast has supported you, would you leave a rating or review? Reviews help more women who are grieving infertility discover this resource. As a thank-you, I'll send you a $5 Starbucks gift card.