Podcasts · Kids & Family · Society & Culture

The Kids or Childfree Podcast

Keltie Maguire

122 episodes

Should I have kids?

More about the show

If you're on the fence about whether or not to have kids, this is your podcast. Each week, host and Clarity Coach, Keltie Maguire, will interview a wide-ranging host of different voices — from best-selling authors to outdoor adventurers to health experts — about their personal Kids or Childfree decision and the topics that run alongside this choice.

From new and long-time moms to the currently ambivalent to those who are childfree by choice, you'll get to hear the answers to all the questions you can't seem to get straight answers on. What's it really like being a parent? What happens to childfree people when they get old? Do people who don't have kids regret it? Can you ever really be ready to have a child? And perhaps most importantly: How can I make my own Kids or Childfree decision?

Episodes page 1 of 3

  1. 120. Dr. Imogene Smith on The Experiences of Childfree Men

    · 1 h 20 min · S9 E120

    We're kicking off Season 9 of the podcast with a conversation with researcher and clinical psychologist, Dr. Imogene Smith, discussing her studies on men who choose to be childfree. Hear about: • How many men are…

  2. 119. The Mic is Turned: Keltie in the Hot Seat for Season 8 & More

    · 58 min · S8 E119

    In this wrap-up episode of Season 8 of the podcast, Keltie is interviewed by her marketing assistant, Nicole. Tune in to hear them talk about Season 8 highlights, what else is happening with Kids or Childfree, and some…

  3. 118. Elizabeth Earnshaw, LMFT on Navigating the Kids or Childfree Choice as a Couple

    · 47 min

    In this episode, Keltie is chatting with couples therapist, Elizabeth Earnshaw (a.k.a. @lizlistens on social media) all about how couples can discuss and navigate the choice to have — or not have — kids. Liz shares: •…

  4. 117. Helen Krug von Nidda on Closing the Fulfillment Gap

    · 54 min · S8 E117

    In this conversation, Keltie is speaking with executive coach, career counsellor, and international speaker, Helen Krug von Nida about her brand-new book, Closing the Fulfillment Gap, as well as Helen's personal…

  5. 116. Keltie Maguire on Advice for Couples at Odds About the Kids or Childfree Choice

    · 37 min · S8 E116

    "What if my partner and I want different things?" — that's the question we're tabling in this episode of the podcast. If you and your partner are at different ends of the Kids or Childfree decision spectrum, or one of…

  6. 115. Maddy Lettuce on Opting Out of Life's Biggest Default Setting

    · 1 h 13 min · S8 E115

    In this episode, Keltie hosts childfree content creator, Maddy Lettuce, for a conversation about why its critical we question parenthood as the default life choice, and Maddy's personal childfree journey. You'll hear…

  7. 114. Paula Barnes on Raising Kids Abroad

    · 1 h 10 min · S8 E114

    In this conversation, Keltie speaks with travel creator, podcast host, and mom, Paula Barnes, about the intricacies of raising kids while living abroad. Hear them discuss: • The importance of community, and the…

  8. 113. Ali & Charlie Higgins of DINK Social on Connecting Childfree Couples

    · 1 h 02 min · S8 E113

    In this episode, Ali and Charlie Higgins, founders of DINK Social, share their journey as a childfree couple and the inspiration behind the app designed to connect DINK couples. You'll hear about: • How Ali and…

  9. 112. Tess Pereira on Changing Her Mind About Motherhood

    · 1 h 04 min · S8 E112

    In this episode, Keltie speaks with mom-to-be Tess Pereira, about how she went from wanting to stay childfree — to deciding to have kids. You'll hear about: • Why Tess never planned on having kids — and her biggest…

  10. An Important FYI: We're taking a summer episode break!

    · 1:26

    We'll be back with new episodes on August 5th! MORE HELP FOR YOUR KIDS OR CHILDFREE DECISION: Start Here: sign up for an upcoming WORKSHOP 🔗 https://kidsorchildfree.com/workshop Join a GROUP PROGRAM 🔗 Kids or…

  11. 111. Caroline of @elsewherewithcare on Becoming Confidently Childfree

    · 1 h 25 min · S8 E111

    In this episode, Keltie speaks with highschool counselor and content creator, Caroline, about her deeply personal journey deciding to remain childfree. You'll hear about: • How Caroline went from dreaming of 3 kids,…

  12. 110. Caroline Lee on Birth, Death, Psychedelics, and the Kids or Childfree Choice

    · 1 h 09 min · S8 E110

    In this conversation, Keltie is joined by Caroline Lee, a death doula and somatic therapist who supports women and couples with the Kids or Childfree choice. You'll hear them discuss: • Caroline's personal journey to…

  13. 109. Tina Martinez on Living a Simple Childfree Life

    · 1 h 02 min · S8 E109

    Keltie is joined by guest, Tina Martinez, for a conversation about Tina's journey to embracing her childfree choice — and why a simple and peaceful life without kids is more than enough. The two of them chat about: •…

  14. 108. Emmalee Bierly & Jennifer Chaiken of ShrinkChicks on Friendships Between Moms and Non-Moms

    · 54 min

    Keltie is joined by therapists and hosts of the ShrinkChicks Podcast, Emmalee Bierly and Jennifer Chaiken, to discuss friendships between moms and women without kids — including their own. Hear them explore: • How…

  15. 107. Dr. Margo Lowy on Maternal Ambivalence and the Emotional Complexity of Motherhood

    · 59 min · S8 E107

    Join Keltie as she speaks with pyschotherapist and researcher, Dr. Margo Lowy, about the concept of maternal ambivalence and the mixed emotions that accompany the experience of motherhood. They discuss: • Why saying…

  16. 106. Tyece Wilkins-Amadi on Cultivating Creativity in Motherhood

    · 1 h 02 min · S8 E106

    In our first guest conversation of Season 8, Tyece Wilkins-Amadi gives us a unique view into her inner landscape as a mom to toddler twins — plus how her experience intertwines with themes of identity, ambition, and…

  17. 105. Keltie Maguire on Coaching Insights On Demand

    · 20 min · S8 E105

    We're kicking off a brand-new season of the podcast with some of the topic takeaways from our series of On Demand classes — plus, details on a big sale! We'll explore: • How the stories you're telling yourself about…

  18. 104. Keltie Maguire on Key Coaching Takeaways During Season 7

    · 33 min · S7 E104

    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 7 of The Kids or Childfree Podcast, as well as episodes from…

  19. 103. Tonya Kelly on the Complexities of Being a Childfree Stepmom

    · 1 h 08 min · S7 E103

    In this episode, Keltie speaks with therapist, Tonya Kelly, about what happens when you're childfree by choice...but your partner is a parent. Hear them discuss: • How societal norms and family expectations clouded…

  20. 102. Katie Snooks on Her View from the Fence

    · 1 h 04 min · S7 E102

    In this heartfelt conversation, content creator Katie Snooks shares her journey of navigating the the decision of whether or not to have kids, from the perspective of someone still on the fence. Hear her and Keltie…

  21. 101. Alfonso Costas on The Transition to Fatherhood

    · 1 h 00 min · S7 E101

    In this conversation, Keltie is joined by 32-year-old Alfonso Costas — a new dad from Spain, living in Munich with his German wife and their 14-month-old son. Hear Alfonso share: • How he knew he wanted to be a dad —…

  22. 100. We Celebrate 100 Episodes Hearing From You

    · 49 min · S7 E100

    We're celebrating our 100th episode of the podcast by turning the mic over to you, to hear your journeys, the insights that helped you most, and the episodes that left a lasting impression. (0:07) Celebrating 100…

  23. 99. Helena de Groot on Finding Peace Amid the Discomfort of Doubt

    · 1 h 26 min · S7 E99

    In this conversation, producer, sound designer, and creator of CBC Personally's Creation Myth podcast, Helena De Groot, shares her deeply personal journey of deciding to remain childfree. Hear Keltie & Helena discuss:…

  24. 98. Jordy Snyder on Overcoming Your Fears to Become a Mom

    · 1 h 01 min · S7 E98

    In this episode, Keltie speaks with mom-to-one and former fence-sitter, Jordy Snyder, about her personal journey through indecision to her choice to become a mom. Hear them discuss: • The key fears that kept Jordy…

  25. 97. The Bad Mothers Podcast feat. Keltie Maguire on Being a Childfree Dog Mom

    · 57 min · S7 E97

    This week we're hosting our first-ever "guest podcast" episode featuring our recent conversation on Monica Cardenas' The Bad Mothers Podcast. Join Monica and I for a discussion about being a childfree dog mom. How does…

  26. 96. Nicole Louie on Others Like Me (re-release)

    · 59 min · S7 E96

    [re-release] We're re-releasing this episode from August 2024 in promotion of an upcoming event! On March 26, 2026, join me and special guest Nicole Louie for the Childfree Book Club! We'll discuss her book, Others…

  27. 95. Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP on Childfree Trust & Estate Planning

    · 41 min · S7 E95

    In this episode, Dr. Jay Zigmont returns to the podcast to discuss the unique future planning needs of childfree individuals. He and Keltie chat about: • The importance of having proper medical and financial…

  28. 94. Amrita Vijay on When Platonic Life Partners Have a Child

    · 1 h 19 min · S7 E94

    In this episode of the podcast, Keltie speaks with creative director, producer, musician, and writer, Amrita Vijay, about her decision to have a child with her platonic life partner, Andrew. You'll hear about: • Why…

  29. 93. Keltie Maguire on Will Future Me Regret My Choice?

    · 27 min · S7 E93

    In this solo episode Keltie is tackling a frequent question she gets from fence-sitters: "I know what I want today — but wow do I know whether future me will regret my choice?" This episode gets into.. • Why it's…

  30. 92. Gemma Hartley on Emotional Labor and the Parenthood Path

    · 53 min · S7 E92

    Keltie is joined by freelance writer and author of the book, Fed Up: Emotional Labor, Women, and the Way Forward, Gemma Hartley. Their discussion explores... • What terms like emotional labor, mental load, and…

  31. 91. Marcia Drut-Davis on Being Unapologetically Childfree

    · 53 min · S7 E91

    Keltie is speaking with childfree trailblazer, Marcia Drut-Davis, about the ups and downs of her life without children. They discuss... • Marcia's public "coming out" of her childfree choice on the national TV show…

  32. 90. Heather & Douglas Boneparth on How to Money Together in Parenthood

    · 1 h 07 min · S7 E90

    We're kicking off Season 7 of the podcast with financial experts and co-authors of the book "Money Together," Heather and Douglas Boneparth. This conversation explores: - The often-overlooked financial considerations…

  33. 89. Keltie Maguire on Key Coaching Takeaways During Season 6

    · 36 min · S6 E89

    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 6 of The Kids or Childfree Podcast, as well as episodes from…

  34. 88. Zoë Noble on Cultivating Childfree Community

    · 1 h 09 min · S6 E88

    In this conversation, Keltie Maguire is joined by We Are Childfree founder, Zoë Noble, for a conversation that's a celebration of the childfree choice. Hear them discuss: • The inspiration behind We Are Childfree and…

  35. 87. Melissa Guida-Richards on The Nuances of Adoption

    · 1 h 03 min · S6 E87

    In this conversation, Keltie sits down with transracial adoptee, author, and advocate, Melissa Guida-Richards, for a conversation about adoption, and the considerations prospective adoptive parents need to make. They…

  36. 86. Ask Anne with Childfree 91-Year-Old Anne Wennhold

    · 1 h 07 min · S6 E86

    In this episode, Keltie is joined by past guest, Anne Wennhold — a 91-year-old who is childfree by choice — for a special "Ask Anne" Q&A. Keltie and Anne discuss... • Why the 70s and 80s were the best years of Anne's…

  37. 85. Lisa Patterson on Reinventing Parenting Gender Norms

    · 52 min · S6 E85

    In this episode, Keltie is joined by friend, Lisa Patterson, who shares how her and her partner are navigating parenting roles in a way that goes against traditional norms. Hear Keltie and Lisa discuss... • How Lisa…

  38. 84. Keltie Maguire on Recent Reflections on my Kids or Childfree Choice

    · 41 min · S6 E84

    In this solo episode, Keltie shares recent musings, insights, and reflections about her choice to stay childfree. She's sharing... • How her and Chris's aging parents' needs are intersecting with their decision not to…

  39. 83. Helen Taylor on The Meaning and Legacy of a Childfree Life

    · 1 h 05 min · S6 E83

    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…

  40. 82. Dear Former Fence-Sitter #3 with Amanda E. White, LPC

    · 57 min · S6 E82

    We're back for another episode of our Dear Former Fence-Sitter series with mom, therapist, and former fence-sitter, Amanda E. White! (3:02) Meet Amanda (8:01) Question 1: I feel like having a child will mean a more…

  41. 81. Laura Carroll on the Influence of Pronatalism on Your Kids or Childfree Choice

    · 1 h 10 min · S6 E81

    In this conversation, we hear from writer and researcher, Laura Carroll, about how societal and cultural narratives — including pronatalist beliefs — influence and shape our Kids or Childfree desires and the choices we…

  42. 80. Lia Love Avellino, LCSW on Grieving Your Past Life in Motherhood

    · 56 min · S6 E80

    In this conversation, Keltie Maguire and therapist Lia Avellino explore the intricate relationship between motherhood, identity, and grief. You'll hear them discuss: • The evolving nature of desire, the cultural…

  43. 79. Carrie Hauskens on a Childfree Life After Loss

    · 53 min · S6 E79

    In this conversation, writer and creative, Carrie Hauskens, shares her deeply personal journey of infertility, loss, and the decision she made — after 8 years of trying to have children — to embrace a childfree life.…

  44. 78. Katie Palazzo on Life as an Adventurer Turned Stay-at-Home Mom

    · 1 h 07 min · S6 E78

    In this episode of the podcast, Keltie speaks with Katie Palazzo, a stay-at-home mom to two (soon-to-be three) kids, about her journey from adventure-seeker to stay-at-home mom. They discuss: • Why Katie and her…

  45. 77. Lisa Sibbett on a "Childful" Life as an Auntie

    · 58 min · S6 E77

    In this conversation, The Auntie Bulletin creator, Lisa Sibbett, discusses her journey to becoming an auntie and the profound role that aunties play in the lives of children and families. Keltie and Lisa discuss: •…

  46. 76. Keltie Maguire on Key Coaching Takeaways During Season 5

    · 34 min · S5 E76

    Keltie Maguire, clarity coach and host of the Kids or Childfree Podcast, discusses some of the key themes and insights that have come up in her private and group coaching sessions during Season 5 of The Kids or…

  47. 75. Ruthie Ackerman on The Mother Code

    · 1 h 04 min · S5 E75

    In this conversation, writer and author of The Mother Code, Ruthie Ackerman, shares her personal journey from being childfree to becoming a mother, exploring the complexities of motherhood, societal expectations, and…

  48. 74. Keltie Maguire on The Key Beliefs I Needed to Change to Make my Kids or Childfree Choice

    · 19 min · S5 E74

    In this solo episode of the Kids or Childfree Podcast, clarity coach Keltie Maguire shares four key beliefs that she had to shift in order to embrace her childfree choice. (1:18) Belief 1: I will "just know" in a…

  49. 73. Elissa Strauss on When You Care

    · 58 min · S5 E73

    In this conversation, Keltie is speaking with mom, essayist, and author, Elissa Strauss, about her book 'When You Care: The Unexpected Magic of Caring for Others'. Hear her and Keltie discuss: • Elissa's personal…

  50. 72. Dr. Amanda Adeleye, MD on Empowering Fertility Journeys with Knowledge

    · 1 h 08 min · S5 E72

    In this conversation, fertility expert, Dr. Amanda Adeleye, MD, is sharing the fertility knowledge you need to feel empowered in your Kids or Childfree decision. This includes... • Common fertility myths and…

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