# I’m in my 50s, Childfree and in Perimenopause - and I’m Tired of Being Judged

An episode of [Real Women's Stories with Lisa Quait](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1769667587), 28 Oct 2025, 37 min.

Audio: https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/688b450bc6d705dd3a2f1a3e/e/68ff8f9c5f8fb7ea819aa606/media.mp3

Marnie Nash joins Real Women’s Stories to talk about something many women still keep to themselves - what it’s really like to be childfree in midlife. Now in her 50s and navigating perimenopause, Marnie reflects on the questions, assumptions and quiet judgements that follow many women - and why she’s finally ready to say she’s had enough. In this honest and deeply relatable conversation, Marnie and host Lisa Quait discuss: 💬 The realities of being childfree in a mother-centric world 🔥 How ageing, identity and perimenopause shape women’s sense of belonging ✨ Why it’s time to redefine womanhood beyond motherhood This is a conversation for every woman - mother or not - who’s ever felt judged for her choices. --- Discover mid-life coaching with Lisa --- Connect with Lisa Instagram: Follow Lisa Facebook: Follow Lisa YouTube: The only place to watch every episode of Real Women's Stories with Lisa Quait --- 00:00 – Intro: Why Marnie’s Speaking Out About Being Childfree 00:28 – The Unspoken Truth: Living Without Children in a Mother-Centric World 01:30 – Finding Community: Creating Space for Women Who Aren’t Mums 03:20 – The Constant Question: “So… Do You Have Kids?” 05:30 – Midlife Realities: Ageing, Expectations & Who Looks After You Later in Life 08:30 – How Life Unfolded: Engagement, Coming Out & Missed Motherhood 11:20 – Family Pressure: Conversations With Mum & the ‘Selfish’ Label 13:00 – Choosing Strength: Why Marnie Never Tried to Have a Baby Alone 15:00 – Regret and Relief: The Complex Emotions of Not Becoming a Mum 17:00 – You Can’t Win: How Women Are Judged Either Way 17:30 – 1 in 4 Women: The Unseen Reality of Non-Mothers 19:00 – How to Talk About It: Sensitive Conversations Without Judgement 21:00 – Freedom & Legacy: The Positives of a Childfree Life 22:50 – Redefining Purpose: What Legacy Means Without Children 24:00 – As a Woman, Not as a Mother: Reframing Identity in Midlife 26:30 – Final Reflections: Why These Conversations Matter --- Series Producer: Aaron Nelson PR & Marketing: Kate Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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