The Kids or Childfree Podcast

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 understanding and compassion in discussions about maternal regret. Feedback from listeners on this topic and Astrid's experience regretting motherhood. Keltie's personal views on motherhood regret, and some of the questions she's asking and is curious to explore further. As mentioned in the show: Tune into my podcast conversation (Episode 42) with Astrid Hurault de Ligney, here. Read Astrid's book (in French), Le Regret Maternel. Join an upcoming Kids or Childfree Workshop here: kidsorchildfree.com/workshop -- 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

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 exist in awareness and engagement with climate change. Why emotional distress about climate change often intersects with other factors, including race and class.  How climate anxiety complicates the decision to have children — and why it's essential to consider climate change when exploring the Kids or Childfree choice. Why, for some, having children can be an act of hope and joy, while for others, forgoing children can bring a sense of relief.  The importance of community support when addressing climate concerns and anxiety. How youth activism can shift political landscapes regarding climate change. Jade's personal Kids or Childfree choice — and whether it has anything to do with climate change. As mentioned in the show: Read Dr. Jade Sasser's book, Climate Anxiety and The Kid Question: Deciding Whether to Have Children in an Uncertain Future Listen to Jade's Podcast, Climate Anxiety and The Kid Question here. You can find Jade online at jadesasserphd.com. Learn more about the Climate Mental Health Network at climatementalhealth.net.  Save 30% with code UCPSAVE30 when you purchase Jade's book, Climate Anxiety and The Kid Question, from the UC Press website: www.ucpress.edu/books/climate-anxiety-and-the-kid-question/ About Dr. Jade Sasser: Dr. Jade S. Sasser is Associate Professor in the Department of Gender & Sexuality Studies at the University of California, Riverside. She received her PhD in Environmental Science, Policy, and Management from the University of California, Berkeley. Her work explores how environmental problems such as climate change and toxic exposures intersect with reproductive bodies, health, and rights. Her first book, On Infertile Ground: Population Control and Women’s Rights in the Era of Climate Change, was published in 2018 by NYU Press and won the Emory Elliott book award. Her new book, Climate Anxiety and the Kid Question: Deciding Whether to Have Children in an Uncertain Future (2024), analyzes the relationship between climate emotions, social inequality, and reproductive anxiety in the U.S. She also has a podcast with the same name. In her free time, Sasser is a DJ at her campus radio station. __ Join an upcoming Kids or Childfree Workshop here: kidsorchildfree.com/workshop 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

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 her feelings were more than postpartum depression, but actually, ones of regret that she had chosen motherhood. Why support — or a lack thereof — has played a key role in Astrid's regret. Why regretting motherhood doesn't mean not loving your child, or wishing they weren't born. Why she decided to start her Instagram channel, and ultimately, to write a book detailing her experiences.  The role therapy has played in Astrid's marriage and the support systems that have helped her navigate the challenges of parenting. Which feelings about motherhood are most present for Astrid today. How and if women on the fence about kids can safeguard themselves against regret in motherhood. As mentioned in the show:  Find Astrid's book, Le Regret Maternel, here.  Astrid can be found on Instagram at @le_regret_maternel. Find the book, Regretting Motherhood by Orna Donath, here.  About Astrid: Astrid Hurault de Ligny is a soon-to-be 39-year-old woman who was born in France, and who has been living in Montreal, Canada, since 2008. She and her husband met in Montreal 12 years ago, and have a 6-year-old son together.  _ Join our upcoming Confidently Childfree Coaching intensive, which starts January 25th, here: kidsorchildfree.com/confidently-childfree-group-intensive 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

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, freedom, and creativity that a childfree life has afforded Reena. The pressures and guilt that can accompany being an only child who chooses not to have children, and how Reena navigated difficult conversations with her parents about her decision. The intersection of career and parenthood, including the concept of legacy, especially for those who choose not to have kids. The significant role that mentorship has played for Reena, in shaping the lives of young, fellow musicians. As mentioned in the show: Find Reena online at www.reenaesmail.com Her Instagram is www.instagram.com/reenaesmail You can find some of Reena's incredible musical compositions on her YouTube channel: youtube.com/@reenaesmailcomposer About Reena: Reena Esmail is a concert composer who writes new music for major orchestras and choirs all over the world. Her work bridges the worlds of Indian and Western classical music, bringing people from different cultures and backgrounds together through music. She was trained at Juilliard, Yale School of Music and did a Fulbright in India.  Reena loves working with young people everywhere she goes, and is always looking for ways to cultivate their unique creative spirits. __ Get our Kids or Childfree Book Guide and other 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