In this episode of Happy Childless Mindset, I sit down again with Lana for a heartfelt conversation about what it means to nurture, love, and leave a legacy without children.
In Part 1, we talk about:
🐾 How our pets give us the chance to mother, care, and experience deep love.
💬 Navigating questions like “Do you have kids?” or “How many children do you have?” — why our responses change depending on the person, the context, and how safe or comfortable we feel in sharing our story, plus what we wish others would say after hearing “no, I don’t have kids.”
🌿 Why we didn’t pursue adoption — the feeling of not having done “enough,” but also knowing we couldn’t face another painful, uncertain process with no guarantees.
🌱 Redefining legacy: how kindness, love, and the impact we leave on others become our true inheritance.
This conversation is a gentle reminder that being childless not by choice doesn’t mean we’re without nurturing, meaning, or legacy.
👉 Stay tuned for Part 2, where we share some of the tools that helped us and more
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In this episode of the Happy Childless Mindset podcast, I talk with Sandy Michelet about her childless-not-by-choice journey. She shares how she began with a blog and ended up creating The Childless Life—a thriving Facebook group for childless women seeking support, connection, and celebration.
We also talk about Sandy’s upcoming book, which features powerful childless stories from around the world, and her hopes for how it will support others who are CNBC (childless not by choice).
Together, we reflect on the importance of celebrating joy—not just surviving grief—and discuss advocacy in the childless community, the impact of World Childless Week, and the work of inspiring leaders like Stephanie Joy Phillips and Jody Day.
Whether you're childless by circumstance, choice, or chance, this conversation is filled with honesty, warmth, and hope.
#ChildlessNotByChoice #CNBC #TheChildlessLife #WorldChildlessWeek #StephanieJoyPhillips #JodyDay #ChildlessSupport #ChildlessPodcast #ChildlessCommunity #HappyChildlessMindset
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In this 6th episode of Childless Conversations, Nicole and I open up about the deep frustration of feeling invisible in a world built around motherhood. At work, in friendships, in holiday traditions — we’re often overlooked. But when we are noticed, it’s not much better: we’re seen as sad, broken, or even threatening to the ideal of the nuclear family.
We talk about the sting of being left out of Christmas cards and group messages, the lack of authentic representation in media, and how advocacy and care for the world often go unnoticed when it comes from someone who isn’t a parent.
This is a raw and honest conversation about misjudgment, invisibility, and the strength it takes to keep showing up in a world that doesn’t always see — or truly understand — us.
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In this episode, Anne and I talk about how we celebrate our CNBC (Childless Not By Choice) lives while navigating a world full of potential emotional triggers. We explore the power of rituals—both those that help us process grief and those that support our daily self-care. We discuss how to set and uphold boundaries with love, how to understand ourselves more deeply, and how our voices as CNBC women are growing stronger and clearer. This is a conversation about healing, reclaiming joy, and making space for all of who we are.
About Anne: Anne Altamore lives in Melbourne, Australia with her husband and two beautiful furbabies. Anne's efforts to become a human mom ended about 2 decades ago after long and unsuccessful IVF.
Coming to terms with a Happy Childless Mindset has been a long journey of grief work and in-depth getting to know herself which included a deep dive into values, identity, and reimagining the future to rewrite the narrative of her life. Today, Anne can confidently say she is contented and thriving not merely existing.
Anne is a counsellor specialising in working with people dealing with infertility, baby loss, and childlessness. www.lifeafterivf.com.au
✅ My Facebook group ---- 👉 👉 https://www.facebook.com/share/g/15DxfETpdt/ ✅ Website -- 👉 👉 👉 https://happychildlessmindset.com/✅ Support me and this podcast --- 👉 👉 https://ko-fi.com/happychildlessmindset ✅ Linktree --- 👉 👉 https://happychildlessmindset.com/linksIn this episode of the Happy Childless Mindset podcast, I sit down with Carrie Brauninger - @sondersisterhood - to talk about what it’s like to be childless and single over 40 — and how creating content on YouTube has brought both of us fulfillment, connection, and purpose.We explore the importance of representation for childless-not-by-choice women, how most online spaces still revolve around parenthood, and what it means to find visibility, community, and creative joy on our own terms.We also talk about the frustration of often being confused with the childfree-by-choice community — and how algorithms regularly show us videos about “whether or not to have kids,” when that choice was never actually ours to make.Plus: Sonder Sisterhood, healing through creativity, finding peace after disappointment, and learning to live fully in a life we didn’t expect.💜 If you’re a CNBC woman looking for real talk, solidarity, and inspiration, this one’s for you.#HappyChildlessMindset #ChildlessNotByChoice #SingleOver40 #CNBCWomen #SonderSisterhood #YouTubeRepresentation #LifeAfter40 #InvoluntarilyChildlessChidless not by choice#childless #podcast #cnbc Chidless not by choice#childless #podcast #CNBC
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In this episode — the fifth of Childless Conversations — Nicole and I talk about what happens when hard days hit, even in a life we’ve both come to love.
We share honestly about how grief still shows up, how “being happy all the time” isn’t realistic — and can even be a sign of depression — and how we hold space for truth without losing hope.
This conversation is for every woman who has made peace with a childless life… but still gets caught off guard by sadness, loneliness, or doubt. You are not alone.
💜 Let us know in the comments if this resonates.
🎧 Subscribe for more honest talks about living childless not by choice.
"Sincerely" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
#ChildlessNotByChoice #GriefAndJoy #RealTalk #ChildlessConversations #CNBCWomen #EmotionalWellbeing #HealingAfterLoss
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In this episode, Stephanie and I have a lovely, open conversation about her choice to speak with her family about being childless and not pursuing adoption. We talk about the pill and how poorly we were educated about our reproductive health, her work as a social worker with elderly people, her fur babies, and more.
Stephanie and I have been talking for a few months now, and I can tell you—she is kind, joyful, honest, and humble.
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In this episode, I sit down with Jody Day—perhaps the most recognizable face in the childless community—for a heartfelt and wide-ranging conversation. We explore the origins of her work and the unmet needs that first inspired her to speak out, as well as the deep love so many of us carry, even when the children we longed for are not part of our lives.
Jody also shares details about her powerful new project, AlterKin (Alternative Kinship Network), which focuses on aging without children and reimagining care and connection in later life.
I have to say—Jody is incredibly kind, humble, and warm. When she first appeared on screen, I had a full groupie moment. She let me have it, and at the same time gently helped calm my nerves. We all know the public figure, but she’s also just a truly genuine, easy-to-talk-to person.
Together, we reflect on the importance of community, the healing power of kindness—especially in today’s political climate—and how finding belonging can be nothing short of lifesaving.
About Jody Day:
Jody Day is an English/Irish psychotherapist and the founder of Gateway Women. She’s the author of Living the Life Unexpected: How to Find Hope, Meaning and a Fulfilling Future Without Children (PanMac 2016/2020). A two-time TEDx speaker and thought-leader on childless issues, Jody's been a World Childless Week Ambassador since its inception in 2017, was a founding board member at the UK Charity Ageing Without Children, and is a former Fellow in Social Innovation at Cambridge Judge Business School. Now in her early sixties, she is increasingly focused on ‘Elderhood without Motherhood’ and her Substack ‘Gateway Elderwomen’ is a Substack Bestseller. After a lifetime in London, she lives in rural Ireland and is working on two new books. She is managed by a large ginger cat, and a small white terrier. www.gateway-women.com
Website: www.gateway-women.com
Direct email: jody@gateway-women.com
Jody's 'Gateway Elderwomen' essays: https://jodyday.substack.com/
Llinked-in: @jodyday instagram @gatewaywomen & @apprenticecrone
Bluesky: @gatewaywomen.bsky.social
Jody's monthly newsletter: bit.ly/jody-list
Private online community: www.gateway-women.com/community
Free download of intro & chapter 1 of Jody's book: bit.ly/free-ltlu
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In this episode Stephanie and I have an authentic, honest and relaxed conversation about grief and all the emotions that being childless can hold, about how there are so many ways of ending childless, about how World Childless Week was born, about the chidless and the childfree community, the stories, the sadness and the joy.
Steph is warm, relatable, humble despite being one of the pillars the whole childless not by choice community relays on. Proving that we are all important, valuable and part of the kinder community.
About Stephanie Joy Phillips:
Stephanie spent a large part of her twenties in an abusive relationship so took the contraceptive pill to prevent a child being born into that situation. In her early thirties she met her husband to be but they didn't try to conceive until nearing forty. At the age of 39 she was told by an unsympathetic doctor "if he manages to get you pregnant it is highly unlikely you'll carry full term". She knew in that moment, she would never be a mum.In 2017 after realising there was no national recognition of the childless community Stephanie had an idea for a global awareness week. She mentioned her idea to several childless friends who encouraged her to pursue her idea. Inspired by their enthusiasm, she spoke to the childless not by choice community who rallied round and stepped forward to offer their support and participation. Six weeks later World Childless Week went live for the first time. In December 2020 Stephanie was shortlisted for a Most Inspirational Woman award, and in September 2023 she was announced as the winner of the BBC Hereford and Worcester Make A Difference Together Award.Stephanie lives in Worcestershire with her husband and two rescue cats, Storm and Tea-Cup. She enjoys gardening, arts and crafts, a good book, dining out and relaxing in front of the television with a puzzle book and one of her two cats snuggled up beside her.World Chidless Week links:Website: https://worldchildlessweek.netFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/WorldChildlessWeekInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/worldchildlessweek
Check out my website ---- https://happychildlessmindset.com/
In this episode Lauren an I talked about reconnecting with our body being chidless, how to befriended said body, masturbation, pleasure, limiting beliefs and more.About LaurenLauren Goyette is a certified sex, love, and relationship coach, podcast host of Desire Dialogues, and the founder of LNG Coaching. Known for her radically honest, pleasure-forward approach, Lauren helps low-libido individuals and bored-as-hell couples reignite their spark, reconnect with their bodies, and create sex they actually WANT to have.Her mission? To remind people that pleasure is your birthright—and that good sex isn’t just for the lucky or the healed. It’s for everyone, right now, exactly as they are.Lauren blends trauma-informed tools with playful, shame-free coaching that helps clients explore their desire, deepen intimacy, and communicate what they really want in bed (without the awkward shutdowns). She also brings a touch of magic to her work through sensual rituals, energetic practices, and a no-BS commitment to helping people reclaim their erotic power.Whether she’s coaching clients 1:1, speaking at colleges, or lighting up Instagram with real talk about libido, Lauren brings curiosity, consent, and confidence to every conversation about sex.-Website: https://linktr.ee/relationshipcoachlaurengoyetteInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurengoyette
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In this episode Trish and I talk about our anxiety, over working, meditation and of course being childless.
About Trish:
Trish is an integrative life coach who helps perfectionists living in stress and anxiety stop rushing through life. With over two decades of experience as a registered nurse, she masterfully blends evidence-based science with powerful spiritual practices to create a holistic approach that harmonizes the body and mind.
Trish's proven methodology empowers her clients to reclaim their confidence, trust their instincts, and take charge of their lives with crystal-clear direction.
Gift from Trish:Kundalini to Calm Anxiety https://mailchi.mp/68608e243856/kundalini-yoga-to-calm-anxiety?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaaHGyQk0l1T90zjRJc51ki3PwlFieuRgdZlrMcxphp8ePeJsqqZe4Pfgr0_aem_JIxtmWMOl_8IEo_nYCQuq
A
Wellness Empowerment Project PodcastThe Wellness Empowerment Project: Two nurses exploring the art and science of holistic modalities.
Instagram handle: @coach_trishgenthttps://www.instagram.com/coach_trishgent?igsh=MW9pcmJkcnp4aXJ4Yg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
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In this episode Tony talks about his life, being chidless, letting go of his son's ashes. He asks and shares what grief is for him, the blind spots he has, what he enjoys and the importance of self love and more.
About Tony:
Tony Lynch ,is the founder of the non-profit Memories of Us Ltd/ the global grief network podcast host of the Grief Let's Talk About It podcast, 2x author, international best seller/ program designer/ conference host and editor in chief of the grief talk magazineFB tony lynch/ global grief network/ grief let's talk about it podcastig...mens grief support
LinkedIn tony lynch
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/
@griefletstalkaboutitmagazine link....https://online.fliphtml5.com/ucekv/ofoc/
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In this episode Megan and I talk about how she and her husband moved to Colorado, and that let them reframe their childless life into one full of nature, trails and happiness. We shared painful things that we went through but we also laught and had a great time having this conversation.
Megan Cutter Seeing the beauty of this world, Megan Cutter explores photography, writing, and creative expression. Megan brings a blend of grounded creativity, connection, and curiosity into the physical and emotional aspects of life.
Megan’s field expertise includes 15+ years of project management, writing for health and wellness, and over 15,000 hours of training in creative expression and indigenous traditions. She combines this background to facilitate transformative experiences that embody the dynamic power that exists within the rhythmic cycles of nature. Professionally, Megan brings her creative and project management skills to the world of business. Married for 20 years, she and her husband, Barton, are the authors of Ink in the Wheels: Stories to Make Love Roll, a seminal work on disability and intimate relationship. Together, they have spoken and led interactive workshops on disability and the nuances of cultivating thriving inter-ability relationships, internationally since 2008.
Today, she highlights her writing, photography, and accessible hiking tips through Laughing Trails, where she integrates insights from coaching and the creative arts in service to others
.https://laughingtrails.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/megancutter/
Support me and this podcast ---- 👉 https://ko-fi.com/happychildlessmindsetTo join my Facebook group ---- 👉 https://www.facebook.com/share/g/15DxfETpdt/In this episode Regina and I talk about our happiness even when life is hard and didn't go as we wanted to. Regina is childfree and has MS and yet she has a positive attitude that lets her enjoy the life she does have.Regina Beach is a disabled poet and essayist. Originally from the American midwest, she now calls the Welsh Valleys home. She is a freelance writer and editor passionate about accessibility in the arts. She is the founder of the literary magazine Lesions | Art + Words featuring the work of creators living with chronic conditions. She hosts Writers’ Hour and is the editor of the London Writers' Salon’s Writing in Community anthology. She facilitates creativity workshops for the MS-UK charity and is the producer of the Living Well with MS podcast. Read more of Regina’s writing at reginagbeach.substack.com.How to find Regina:Email: regina.g.beach@gmail.comwebsite: www.reginagbeach.comwebsite: reginagbeach.substack.comub
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In this episode, Nicole and I explored the complexities of friendship while living childless. We talked about how this experience shapes our relationships, the nuances of loneliness, the pain of ghosting, and so much more
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In this episode Caroline Ellis shares her and her husband decision to move to Hawaii after realizing they are childless, her struggle with her mental health, how taking the "crazy" path was the best thing they could've done, living intentionally,
Suport me and this podcastIn this episode Laura Gallagher and I talk about childless purpose, work, healing our childhood and more
If you can help us keep doing this episodes, you can support us here In this episode Nicole and I talk about Mother's day being childless, pronatalism and antinatalism, businesses and they email campaigns, fears we have and more.
To join Happy Chidless Mindset Facebook Group 👉 https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BXgJc5jbo/In this episode Alyssa and I talk about the journey she and her husband went through with male infertility and how they "decided" to remain childless, their heartbreaks, joy, friends among other things.I do stutter a lot in this episode, so, please, be patient
For more information about my membership send me an email to happychildlessmindset@gmail.com In this episode Laura Curtis and I talk about her PhD in Childless Voices, her journey doing her disertation and her life as a childless not by choice woman, how our voices help us heal and more. Watch the video song Laura and the choir recorded: About Laura CurtisLaura holds a PhD in Music Education and is a lecturer at Western University in London, Ontario. Laura’s research interests include the social and affective impact of group singing on involuntarily childless women, the impact of childlessness on social and musical identity, and lifelong musical learning. Since 2004, Laura has established herself as a self-employed private music teacher. She is also Music Director of the Addison Women’s Choir in Cambridge, Ontario.Rooted in her personal experience with involuntary childlessness, Laura is passionate about raising consciousness of the experience, and working to support those who are childless not by choice, particularly in the Canadian context. She facilitates two groups on Meetup.com for childless individuals in Ontario and, most recently, founded the Involuntarily Childless Researchers facebook group.
