Childfree Me - podcast cover

Childfree Me

A gathering place for people who have chosen the road less traveled by. Listen in as I speak with friends, family and strangers about what it’s like to choose not to have children in a child-obsessed world.  

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Episodes

23. Marisa Moon on prioritizing your health

Today I am honored to sit down with Marisa Moon , a national board-certified health and wellness coach and author of the Amazon bestseller book Not So Fast . Growing up surrounded by her large Italian family, Marisa always assumed she wanted to have children...until she realized that she didn't. We discuss how her ADHD diagnosis played a role in her decision, what it was like coming to terms with the choice in her late 20s, and why she's now drawn to coaching to mothers as a primal health coach....

Apr 16, 202442 min

22. Anish on taking fate into your own hands

Today I sit down with Anish to discuss his decision to get a vasectomy as a single man at the age of 31. Together we debunk some common myths about the procedure, the factors that went into his decision, and the impact it's had on his life (hint: it's been positive). I'm so honored that Anish was willing to come on the show to talk about this extremely private decision and encourage anyone who might be interested in the procedure to speak with a professional about what it entails. Support the sh...

Apr 09, 202433 min

21. Sarah Patel on loving your child but regretting motherhood

Today I sit down with Sarah Patel, a woman who knew she didn't want to have childfren but doubted her choice when no one else around her felt the same way. Sarah is the mother of a thriving 6-year old who she loves deeply, and yet she can clearly recognize that the love for her child does not come with a love of parenting. She and I discuss her journey to choosing to have a child, the impact of childbearing in an overpoulated world, and the courage to honor one's truth amidst the clamor of cultu...

Mar 26, 202441 min

20. Shweta Ramkumar on breaking free from conformity

Join me as I sit down with Shweta Ramkumar, a proud anti-natalist and passionate childfree woman who advocates for the childfree choice around the globe. We discuss her upbringing in a culture where a woman's value is often tied to her role as a wife and mother, and Shweta offers insights into her experiences, the support she has received from her family, and her relentless advocacy work. She also sheds light on the harsh realities faced by many Southern Asian women who dare to deviate from the ...

Mar 19, 202445 min

19. Amanda Lane on being the fun, van-dwelling aunt

It was a blast from the past to sit down with my friend and former co-worker Amanda Lane. Join us as we reminisce about dating apps, discuss her decision to embrace van life, examine the ecological merits of not having children, and question why the American dream of buying a house is even necessary. Amanda's story is a testament to living life on her own terms and never succumbing to societal expectations. It was such a treat to reconnect with an old friend over a newfound affinity - I hope you...

Mar 05, 202440 min

18. Lindsay Dickes on walking the uncomfortable path

Join me as I sit down with Lindsay Dickes, a trauma psychotherapist and clinical social worker turned Somatic Empowerment Coach and Nervous System Witch. Together we discuss: Her BRCA gene mutation diagnosis, and its impact on her childfree decision How choosing a life outside the "normal" path has led to deeper fulfillment Channeling erotic life force energy as a source of creativity and power Lindsay's authentic and unapologetic approach to life was incredibly inspiring and I'm so grateful for...

Feb 27, 202441 min

17. Why are you being so selfish?

Today I sit down for a quick solo episode (a minisode?) to discuss the topic of selfishness. What does it mean? Where does it come from? Why are people who choose not to have children condemned with it? And (perhaps most importantly)...is it actually a bad thing to be? Also discussed: My favorite Steve Jobs quote on the Secrets of Life The Art of Accomplishment Podcast: What is selfishness? Support the show Email me questions at childfree.me.podcast@gmail.com - I'd love to hear from you! Follow ...

Feb 20, 202415 min

16. Jared Page on intentionally designing your life

Join us as Jared and I sit down (literally...on my couch) to chat about what led him to choosing childfree, how he's designed a life deeply aligned with his values, and the reasons he doesn't actually want a vasectomy (nor did he really want to talk about it). Together with Amber (see episode 4 ), he forms the other half of my most favorite childfree couple - and I couldn't be more excited to have him on! This one has many twists and turns, so make sure to hold on tight. Support the show Email m...

Feb 13, 202444 min

15. The One Where I Speak With My Sisters

Today's episode is a family affair when I'm joined by my two younger sisters! Together, we delve into our shared memories, from their earliest recollections of my staunch declarations against having children, to where they currently stand in their own decisions regarding parenthood. We explore what it's like to grapple with the fear of regret, revel in our 'villain era' moments, and even reminisce about that time one of us got kicked off a church mission trip (which, admittedly, has nothing to d...

Feb 06, 202440 min

14. Laura Carroll on a Special Sisterhood

It is a tale of two Laura's today when I'm joined by renowned childfree advocate, researcher, and author Laura Carroll . As one of the founding members of the childfree movement, Laura has been researching, writing and talking about being childless by choice for over twenty years. Her most recent book, A Special Sisterhood , celebrates 100 women around the world who make up a sisterhood that is bonded by not following the beaten path. We discuss the evolution of the childfree movement, how socia...

Jan 23, 202438 min

13. Dr. Jay Zigmont on childfree wealth

Today I sit down with Dr. Jay of Childfree Wealth and the Childfree Wealth Podcast , to discuss ... you guessed it ... childfree wealth! Dr. Jay is a leading figure in the childfree community and a huge childfree advocate; it was an absolute honor to have him on the show. Tune in to hear him put me in the hot seat and discuss my winding road off and then on the STP (standard life plan). We address the myth that all childfree people are automatically dripping with money, and discuss the many bias...

Jan 16, 202445 min

12. Nathalie Gaglione on experiencing unconditional love

Happy 2024! To kick the year off on a strong note, I sit down with the lovely Nathalie Gaglione, a sex, love and relationship coach based in Scotland. She and I discuss how procreation and motherthood can be defined in many different ways, as well as the profound impact that energetic healing has had on her life. Nathalie approaches her decision to be childfree with serene confidence, spirituality and most importantly, self love. Something we can all aspire to! Support the show Email me question...

Jan 10, 202450 min

11. Kae Morales on dating around the globe

Today I sit down with my coworker Karen (Kae) Morales who spends six months a year in Mexico and the rest exploring the world. After getting the travel bug at the age of 12, Kae has pursued her passion for travel around the world and gets to live the life most of us only dream of - bopping around Europe visiting friends, and of course dating along the way. Kae and I discuss how (and more importantly, at what point) she brings up the topic of being childfree when first starting to date someone, a...

Dec 12, 202340 min

10. John Thomas on redefining your legacy

Today I'm joined by John Thomas, a friend of a friend brave enough to sit down (in person!) with me to discuss his childfree journey. Join us for an episode that champions the freedom of choice and celebrates the many ways individuals can contribute positively to society - children or not. Support the show Email me questions at childfree.me.podcast@gmail.com - I'd love to hear from you! Follow on the Gram: @childfreeme_ Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/andrey-rossi/seize-the-day License...

Dec 05, 202339 min

9. The One Where I Tell My Story

For our 10th episode, Laura is taking the spotlight solo. Join her for a stroll down memory lane as she discusses the various snapshots that shaped her decision to be childfree. From quirky moments to emotional revelations, she's baring it all. Then as we gear up for Thanksgiving, Laura's got your back. Ever felt the heat of those probing questions during the holiday feast? Whether you're childfree, on the fence, or just biding your time, Laura's serving up some advice to tackle those tricky inq...

Nov 21, 202319 min

8. Lisbeth Hart on the myth of the biological clock

Ever wondered what life looks like when you ditch the rulebook? Meet Lisbeth, childfree influencer and advocate for doing life your way. Lisbeth Hart joins me this week to discuss the joys of being childfree, solo and thriving. Lisbeth's story is a total power move. We dig into the various stigmas she's had to face, Instagram's role in normalizing childfree life, and the surprising dearth of single childfree people . Plus, Lisbeth debunks the myth of the so-called 'biological clock' and that bei...

Nov 14, 202337 min

7. Rimple Patel on prioritizing yourself

Today I'm joined by Rimple Patel to discuss how being childfree has influenced her professional growth and the lessons she's learned in prioritizing self and setting boundaries at work. After growing up in Malawi, Rimple moved to the U.S. at the age of 17 to earn her undergraduate degree and has experienced a meteoric career ever since. We have a great discussion on how she's able to experience the role of parent to her niece and nephew and her excitement around being able to move to Madrid for ...

Nov 07, 202337 min

6. Rae Chatterton on sterilization, witchcraft, and meaningful rituals

Happy Halloween everyone! My guest today is Rachel (Rae) Chatterton, a naturalistic Pagan and anti-natalist hailing from a small town in northern Michigan where she and her husband are the only childfree couple that they know of. Rae delves into her decision to opt for permanent birth control, the sterilization process, and the challenges she faced in a misogynistic healthcare system that often resists such choices. Together we dissect societal assumptions - from being childfree in a rural commu...

Oct 31, 202340 min

4. Amber Shoffey on not apologizing for your choices

Today I grab a glass of wine and sit down with my friend Amber to delve into the often overlooked disparities in work expectations and pressures that childfree individuals confront. Our conversation traverses Amber’s journey from a young girl obsessed with school to an impressive woman obsessed with her career. She candidly opens up about her southern family's expectations of a woman's role and their disbelief that life can actually entail more than just having childfree. We also challenge the i...

Oct 17, 202325 min

3. Cody Hetzel on building a unified community

Today Laura sits down with Cody Hetzel from Childfree Media to better understand the landscape and complexities of the childfree community. Cody shares his personable narrative on choosing a childfree life, shedding light on the societal influences that often steer these critical life decisions. The discussion opens with quick overview of the lexicon of the childfree world. Terms such as pronatalism, anti-natalism, 'dinks', 'dinkwads', 'bingoing' and the aggressively childfree, are decoded, offe...

Oct 10, 202331 min

2. Annie McNaughton on listening to your own inner voice

Annie McNaughton and I sit down to discuss her journey to being childfree, from initially believing in the ideal of the "husband, child and white picket fence" package to realizing her inner voice was telling her something different. We talk about the importance of clear communication and mutual understanding between partners when standing firm in the face of external pressures, and the importance of ensuring both partners are on the same page to sustain this choice. Finally, we dive into how so...

Oct 03, 202330 min

1. Marisela Martinez on choosing what is best for you

Meet my dear friend and former coworker Marisela. As a first-generation Mexican American, Sela offers a fresh perspective on the societal expectations, relationships, and the fear of regret that can influence the choice to be childfree Today we dissect the pressures and misconceptions surrounding women who opt not to have children, bringing to light the importance of staying true to oneself. This episode isn't just about being childfree; it's about the freedom to choose your path without societa...

Sep 28, 202332 min

TRAILER: Two roads diverged (a.k.a. meet your host)

Ever felt like a lone ship sailing against the societal current, yearning for companionship and understanding? That's where I found myself as I veered off the 'normal' path to embrace a child-free life, prompting the creation of this podcast, Childfree Me. I'm Laura Allen, inviting you to join me on this exciting exploration of individual narratives, shared experiences, and collective celebration of choosing a childfree life. In our inaugural episode, I open up about my journey, from choosing th...

Sep 26, 20233 min
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