The Kids or Childfree Podcast

In this episode, Keltie Maguire discusses some of the key themes and insights that have come up in her private and group coaching sessions during Season 4 of The Kids or Childfree Podcast, as well as episodes from Season 4 that address these topics. You'll hear her discuss: Why it's tough to allow yourself to want something that you secretly judge. The importance of separating the version of mothe...

In this conversation, Keltie speaks with Gabrielle Salamone, a licensed clinical social worker specializing in OCD and anxiety. The two of them discuss... Tokophobia, a severe fear of childbirth, and its implications on women's mental health and parenting decisions. The importance of addressing fears surrounding childbirth, and therapeutic approaches to overcoming these fears. The importance of CB...

Your questions, answered! In this very first episode of my new Dear Former Fence-Sitter series, I sit down with former guest — mom, therapist, and former fence-sitter, Amanda E. White — to answer questions that include... How do I decide if I don't feel strongly about having kids one way or the other? If I'm scared of pregnancy and childbirth, what advice do you have for me? I'm a step-mom and str...

In this episode, Keltie speaks with colleague, Sina Scheithauer, about her experience being on the fence about kids; how she made her childfree decision; and her work as a coach helping women with the "kid question" in Germany, and beyond. The two of them discuss: The complexities of the Kids or Childfree decision, including societal expectations surrounding motherhood. How Sina's personal experie...

In this episode, Keltie Maguire speaks with one of her long-time friends, Carly Church, about life as a new mom, and how Carly made her decision to have a child.  Keltie and Carly chat about: Carly's journey from single to meeting her partner, Mike; the experience of becoming a step-mom to Mike's two daughters — and how this relationship influenced Carly's own Kids or Childfree choice; and Carly's...

In this conversation, Keltie Maguire and philosopher, Ruth Chang, explore the complexities of hard choices, and in particular, the decision to have kids or remain childfree. They discuss... The idea of drifting into decisions — and why it's a valid decision tactic. That hard choices aren't about finding the right answer, but about understanding one's values and making a commitment to a chosen path...

In this episode, Keltie speaks with artist and dad, Tyler Pentland, who shares his journey of becoming a father through surrogacy. Hear the two of them discuss: Why Tyler never considered kids or fatherhood until he met his husband, Jeff, in his late 30s. The decision to have a child via surrogacy, including both the emotional and logistical aspects of growing a family in this way. The importance...

In this episode, Keltie Maguire speaks with Florence Wlodarski about Florence's Kids or Childfree journey — from ambivalence to IVF to embracing life without kids — plus, the inspiration behind PARALLEL, the social club Florence recently co-founded for those without kids.  Keltie and Florence discuss:  The societal expectations regarding motherhood and the pressures Florence faced to become a mom....

In this conversation, Keltie Maguire interviews filmmaker Sophia Seymour about her personal journey with egg freezing, and her documentary, Harvest, which Sophia created about the experience.  You'll hear them discuss: The emotional and physical aspects of the egg-freezing process, and the decision-making involved. The societal pressures surrounding motherhood and fertility. Sophia's advice for an...

In this conversation, Keltie Maguire speaks with lifespan psychologist and post-doctoral researcher, Dr. Laura Buchinger, about her latest research on how parents versus childfree people fare in terms of well-being, mental health, and overall life satisfaction. Hear them discuss: What existing research tells us about how parents and non-parents fare at different stages of life and across various a...

In this solo episode, host Keltie Maguire answers a listener question about how life looks a few years beyond making her Kids or Childfree choice. Rather than speaking solely from the perspective of being childfree, Keltie shares five key insights that can be applied to any choice you ultimately make. You'll hear about: Why making a decision means you can finally get on with your life. The idea th...

In this conversation, Keltie Maguire speaks with therapist, author, and podcast host, Vasavi Kumar. You'll hear about: Vasavi's choice to be childfree, and why she says it's the best decision she's ever made. How to navigate the external influences that are keeping you stuck in your Kids or Childfree choice.  How you can tap into and access your authentic voice — and what it's telling you about wh...

In this conversation, Keltie chats with Dr. Hayley Evers-King, a marine scientist and mom of one, about her journey from indecision about parenthood — to ultimately embracing the experience. Hayley and Keltie discuss: Hayley's initial reluctance to have children, and the various factors that influenced her decision-making process. The conversations she had with her husband about their future, and...

In this conversation, Keltie speaks with writer Monica Cardenas, who shares her journey of being childfree by choice, and her research about maternal ambivalence and apathy. Hear them discuss... The cultural and societal pressures surrounding motherhood. The representation of childfree women — and those who are ambivalent or apathetic about motherhood — in literature and media.  Monica's Substack...

The Kids or Childfree Podcast is back with a brand-new season, and we're kicking it off with a conversation with Brooke Froelich Murray — mom, outdoor adventurer, and founder of the outdoor community, WildKind. Hear Keltie and Brooke discuss: Brooke's initial reluctance to have kids, including how her Mormon upbringing influenced her feelings about motherhood What shifted for Brooke that led her t...

In this episode, Keltie Maguire discusses some of the key themes and insights that have come up in her private and group coaching sessions during Season 3 of The Kids or Childfree Podcast, as well as episodes from Season 3 that address these topics. You'll hear her discuss: The concept of alloparenting — a way for individuals who don't want the commitment of parenthood to engage with and support c...

In this episode, Keltie Maguire interviews Jennifer Flint, a women's empowerment coach and author of 'Wild Egg'. You'll hear about: Jennifer's journey of choosing a childfree life, her reflections on motherhood, and the existential questions that arise from such a decision. Insights into the writing of her book, Wild Egg, and why she chose to write it as a fiction book, rather than a memoir.  The...

In this episode, host Keltie Maguire reflects on her conversation with Astrid Hurault de Ligney (Episode 42), about the complexities of motherhood and the feelings of regret that can accompany it. This episode touches on... The key themes that Keltie observed in her conversation with Astrid, including how expectations might help shape feelings of regret, the importance of support, and the role of...

In this conversation, Keltie interviews author and professor, Dr. Jade Sasser, about her book, 'Climate Anxiety and the Kid Question,' which explores the emotional and mental health impacts of climate change on reproductive decisions.  They discuss: Jade's research exploring how climate anxiety is shaping young people's reproductive decision-making, including the generational differences that exis...

In this conversation, Keltie speaks with author and mother, Astrid Hurault de Ligny, about the complexities of motherhood, including Astrid's experience of maternal regret. You'll hear... Astrid's journey from the decision to have children, through the romanticized notions of motherhood, to the harsh realities of parenting, including the mental load and postpartum depression. How Astrid realized h...

This week on the podcast, Keltie speaks with composer, Reena Esmail, about her unique journey to getting clear on her choice to pursue a creative life without kids. You'll hear about: How Reena knew that the choice to remain childfree was the right one for her. The dynamic between her and her husband — from his involvement in their childfree decision, to the creative life they share. The autonomy,...

In this conversation, Becca Tucker shares her unique journey as a baker, author, abortion rights advocate, and mom — including how her past abortion is intertwined with her decision to have a child.  You'll hear her and Keltie discuss: The stigma that exists around abortion, and the work Becca is doing to break this stigma Becca's experience of having an abortion at age 20 — including the secrecy...

In this conversation, Rose Diell discusses her debut novel 'Fledging', which explores the complexities of the decision to have children — plus, we hear Rose's personal experience of being on the fence about kids. You'll hear Rose and Keltie discuss: The societal pressures and personal reflections that shape the Kids or Childfree decision. The emotional landscape of regret, acceptance, and the infl...

In this week's episode, guest Angela Accomando shares the ups and downs of her motherhood journey — a path that has been rooted in resilience, strength, and love.  You'll hear about: The relationship that as Angela shares, "never should have happened" — with a man 23 years her senior, when Angela was just 16 years old. How Angela's early childhood left her longing for the connection she saw that p...

In this conversation, Rachel Honeyman shares her personal Kids or Childfree journey, including how she changed her mind about not wanting kids, the fertility journey that ensued when she decided to pursue motherhood — and what life looks like today as a childless-not-by-choice woman.  You'll hear Keltie and Rachel discuss: Why Rachel originally decided not to have kids — and what made her change h...