The Kids or Childfree Podcast

• 67. Stacey Hicks on Being One and Done

  In this conversation, Keltie speaks with Stacey Hicks — a writer and Deputy Editor at Australian media outlet, Mamamia — about being a mom to one.  The two of them discuss... The complexities surrounding the decision to have kids and in particular, the choice to have only one child. How being one and done elicits a similar response from other people as being or considering being childfree. The challenges of navigating external expectations while striving to make choices that align with personal values and family dynamics. The joys and challenges of raising an only child.  How self-trust and self-knowledge play into the decision about whether to have no kids, one kid, or multiple children. As mentioned in the show: Find Stacey on social media at @staceyahicks. Check out Stacey's writing at Mamamia, including her piece about being the mom of an only child: mamamia.com.au/only-child-families/ The only child researcher Stacey and I discuss in our conversation is Dr. Rosina McAlpine.  About Stacey: Stacey Hicks is the Deputy Editor for Australia's largest women's media company, Mamamia. After working in magazines for a decade, she made the switch to digital where she loves sharing women's stories across news, lifestyle and parenting. She is also a mum to a glorious four-year-old girl with her husband, who she met in her first media job working at the local newspaper. __ The next round of our Kids or Childfree Group Program kicks off June 18th! kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-program 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

  --------  

  57:07
• 66. Dear Former Fence-Sitter #2 with Amanda E. White, LPC

  We're back for another episode of our Dear Former Fence-Sitter series with mom, therapist, and former fence-sitter, Amanda E. White, where we're answering questions that include... How do I reconcile the different parts of myself that both want and don't want kids? How can I finally decide?  Is it selfish to create a child for my own satisfaction? I'm scared that I'll only be happy on the childfree path if I can make all of my childfree dreams a reality. Am I living in fantasy — or is this me committing? I decided I don't want kids so I got an I.U.D. Now I'm freaking out — what's causing all these doubts? How do you maintain a feeling of closeness in my relationships, when one person has kids and the other is childfree?  As mentioned in the show: Listen to my original conversation with Amanda, where she shares her personal Kids or Childfree journey, here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4ir3CeSSRRLLh2PbVwQn1h Find Amanda on Instagram: instagram.com/therapyforwomen Read Amanda's Fence Sitter Substack: amandaewhite.substack.com Listen to Amanda's Nuance Needed Podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/73G84FVO6k5lIAaRWhzlUi?si=39f1a6ffbd444408 Learning about Amanda's therapy practice, Therapy for Women Center: www.therapyforwomencenter.com About Amanda: Amanda E. White is a licensed therapist and the creator of the popular Instagram account @therapyforwomen. She writes a substack called Fence Sitter. She is the author of the book “Not Drinking Tonight” and its corresponding workbook. She is the founder of the group therapy practice, Therapy for Women Center, based in Philadelphia serving clients across the country. She has been featured in notable publications such as Forbes, Washington Post, Shape, Women’s Health Magazine, and more.  To learn more visit amandaewhite.com __ The next round of our Kids or Childfree Group Program kicks off June 18th! kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-program 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

  --------  

  57:20
• 65. Jennifer Heimlich on Keeping Your Passions When You Have Kids

  In this conversation, Keltie Maguire speaks with journalist, mom, and runner, Jennifer Heimlich, about her journey into motherhood. Hear them discuss: Jennifer's initial ambivalence about motherhood, her experience of miscarriage, and the challenging early days of parenthood The unexpected joy Jennifer has found in motherhood, despite its difficulties. The role running has played in her life before, during and after pregnancy.  Her experience getting back into running after giving birth — and why running is a great hobby for moms.  Body image and the challenges with getting back into a sport, after having a child. How to prioritize your passions and personal interests after becoming a parent — and why it's so important to do so.  As mentioned in the show: Find Jennifer on Instagram at @thejennymaneuver Her website is jenniferheimlich.wordpress.com About Jennifer: Jennifer Heimlich is a freelance writer who covers health, fitness, and all kinds of wellness. With more than 15 years of journalism experience, she previously worked as the senior fitness editor for Well+Good and the editor in chief of Dance Magazine. Today, you can find her work in various publications like SELF, GQ, TIME, and PS, among other outlets. A UESCA-certified running coach, she leads running tours in Boston in her free time and is almost always training for her next marathon. __ Want to explore how we can work together 1-on-1?  Book a free discovery call here. Find my 1-on-1 coaching offers at kidsorchildfree.com/coaching 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

  --------  

  59:48
• 64. Dr. Jennifer Watling Neal on The Latest Research on the Childfree Choice

  In this conversation, Keltie Maguire speaks with Professor of Pyschology, Dr. Jennifer Watling Neal about her research on childfree adults. They explore... The growing demographic of individuals who choose not to have children, including the unique needs of this population, and the societal perceptions surrounding childfree lifestyles. Stereotypes and myths surrounding childfree individuals, and the societal pressures that often accompany these choices. Insights from Jenna's research, including the life satisfaction levels of childfree people, and the various reasons individuals choose not to have children.  As mentioned in the show: Find Jenna online at jennawneal.com and thechildfree.org Find Jenna on Bluesky: @jennawneal.bsky.social Instagram: @jennawneal Find information about pioneering researcher Amy Blackstone here: amyblackstonephd.com/childfreebychoice About Jennifer: Dr. Jennifer Watling Neal is a Professor of Psychology at Michigan State University. Her research uses large scale demographic data to understand the prevalence, characteristics, and experiences of childfree adults (adults who do not have and do not want kids) in the United States and other countries. She also researches social networks in educational contexts. She's authored 90 peer-reviewed papers, and her work is published in scholarly journals such as Scientific Reports, Developmental Psychology, and American Journal of Community Psychology. She has been a guest on several past podcasts including the American Psychological Association's Speaking of Psychology hosted by Kim Mills and The Overpopulation Podcast hosted by Nandita Bajaj and Alan Ware. ___ Want to explore how we can work together 1-on-1?  Book a free discovery call here. Find my 1-on-1 coaching offers at kidsorchildfree.com/coaching 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

  --------  

  1:03:39
• 63. Kristina Chilian on The Long View of Parenthood

  In this conversation, Keltie Maguire speaks with Kristina Chilian — teacher, coach, and mom to two 20-somethings —  about her journey into and experience of motherhood. You'll hear about... Kristina's initial reluctance to have kids, and how her perspectives evolved over time Kristina's transition from being a stay-at-home mom to discovering a new career in teaching Her experience parenting a child who is neurodiverse Why humor is her and her partner's secret to maintaining a great relationship while parenting The joys and difficulties of watching her children transition into adulthood, and why parents must adapt their roles as their children grow ...plus many more unique and candid perspectives from over 20 years as a parent. As mentioned in the show: Find Kristina online at www.kristinachilian.com. Kristina's Instagram is @kristinachilian. About Kristina: Kristina Chilian is a licensed teacher and time management coach for college students. As a high school English teacher, she witnessed many of her former students struggle as they tried to transition to college. After her own sons struggled with anxiety and overwhelm as freshmen, she felt called to start a business helping students thrive in college by teaching them how to organize their schedule, manage their workload, and reduce stress. She lives outside of Richmond, Virginia with her husband, two sons, three cats and a dog. _ Join one of our May Support Series sessions: Kids or Childfree Support Series: kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-support-series Confidently Childfree Support Series: kidsorchildfree.com/confidently-childfree-support-series 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

  --------  

  1:16:39

More Kids & Family podcasts

Trending Kids & Family podcasts

About The Kids or Childfree Podcast