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

104. Keltie Maguire on Key Coaching Takeaways During Season 7

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 Season 7 that address these topics. We'll explore: * Why it's important to make sure you're trying to solve the right problem when making this choice. (4:50) * That it's good to want to be prepared - but why you should stop striving for perfection. (15:03) * The importance of cultivating self-trust. (19:54) * How to be conscious about what you're consuming, and asking yourself what you're hoping to hear. (24:58) As mentioned in the episode: Ep. 95 with Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP on Childfree Trust & Estate Planning [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/podcast/episode/2d8c9f4d/95-dr-jay-zigmont-cfp-on-childfree-trust-and-estate-planning] Ep. 94 with Amrita Vijay on When Platonic Life Partners Have a Child [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/podcast/episode/f7938557/94-amrita-vijay-on-when-platonic-life-partners-have-a-child] Ep. 99 with Helena de Groot on Finding Peace Amid the Discomfort of Doubt [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/podcast/episode/2cca6b9f/99-helena-de-groot-on-finding-peace-amid-the-discomfort-of-doubt] Ep. 90 with Heather and Doug Boneparth on How to Money Together in Parenthood [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/podcast/episode/298f9233/90-heather-and-douglas-boneparth-on-how-to-money-together-in-parenthood] Ep. 98 with Jordy Snyder on Overcoming Your Fears to Become a Mom [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/podcast/episode/22c4e5b8/98-jordy-snyder-on-overcoming-your-fears-to-become-a-mom] Ep. 100 - We Celebrate 100 Episodes Hearing From You [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/podcast/episode/f4178747/100-we-celebrate-100-episodes-hearing-from-you] Ep. 91. with Marcia Drut-Davis on Being Unapologetically Childfree [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/podcast/episode/2c297f31/91-marcia-drut-davis-on-being-unapologetically-childfree] Ep. 102: Katie Snooks on Her View from the Fence [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/podcast/episode/25c159a8/102-katie-snooks-on-her-view-from-the-fence] __ MORE HELP FOR YOUR KIDS OR CHILDFREE DECISION: Start Here: sign up for an upcoming WORKSHOP 🔗 https://kidsorchildfree.com/workshop [https://kidsorchildfree.com/workshop] Join a GROUP PROGRAM 🔗 Kids or Childfree Group Program ▸ https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-program [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-program] 🔗Confidently Childfree Group Intensive ▸ https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/confidently-childfree-group-intensive [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/confidently-childfree-group-intensive] Access an ON DEMAND class 🔗 Peruse the entire On Demand Collection ▸ https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/ondemand [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/ondemand] Join one of our monthly SUPPORT SERIES sessions 🔗 Kids or Childfree Support Series ▸ https://kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-support-series [https://kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-support-series] 🔗Confidently Childfree Support Series ▸ https://kidsorchildfree.com/confidently-childfree-support-series [https://kidsorchildfree.com/confidently-childfree-support-series] Work with me in 1-on-1 COACHING 🔗 https://kidsorchildfree.com/coaching FREE resources ▸ https://kidsorchildfree.com/free-resources [https://kidsorchildfree.com/free-resources] CONNECT ONLINE 💻 Website ▸ http://kidsorchildfree.com [http://kidsorchildfree.com/] 📸 Instagram ▸ http://instagram.com/kidsorchildfree [http://instagram.com/kidsorchildfree] ⏰ Tiktok ▸ https://tiktok.com/@kidsorchildfree [https://tiktok.com/@kidsorchildfree] 📽️ YouTube ▸ https://www.youtube.com/@KidsorChildfree [https://www.youtube.com/@KidsorChildfree] 👉 Brought to you by Keltie Maguire, Clarity Coach ▸ http://keltiemaguire.com [http://keltiemaguire.com/] Love what you're hearing? 💕 Subscribe | Like | Comment | Share with a friend

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

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 Tonya's Kids or Childfree choice. * Tonya's journey to making her childfree decision, after years of being on the fence. * How she navigated tough conversations with her mom about her decision not to have kids, especially as an only child. - The things that helped Tonya to cultivate greater confidence in her childfree choice. * The challenges — and perks — of being married to someone who is a parent. * How unusual and challenging it can be to be a step-mom who is childfree — and why it often feels like you don't fully fit in anywhere. (0:48) Meet Tonya and her Kids or Childfree decision (12:27) Advice for fence-sitters about outside pressure (18:07) Marriage, divorce, considering egg freezing, and re-marrying someone with a 16-year-old (34:22) Being a childfree step-mother (47:28) Tips for finding confidence in being childfree (56:34) Tonya's experience in the Confidently Childfree Group Intensive About Tonya: Tonya Kelly has a background in social work and is an owner of a private practice clinic in Ontario, Canada. She specializes in trauma treatment for first responders. She also works with individuals and couples to help them explore old patterns, heal from painful experiences and reconnect with their sense of self. She is deeply committed to her own healing journey and is passionate about cultivating a life that is rooted in inner peace, joy, and purpose. She spent over a decade on the fence about whether or not to have kids, shaped by her own childhood experiences, relationship changes and learning to trust her inner knowing. Mentioned in the episode: Find Tonya online at www.coretherapycentre.com [https://www.coretherapycentre.com] And on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/core.therapy.and.assessment/ [https://www.instagram.com/core.therapy.and.assessment/] Read Cheryl Strayed's The Ghost Ship That Didn't Carry Us [https://therumpus.net/2011/04/21/dear-sugar-the-rumpus-advice-column-71-the-ghost-ship-that-didnt-carry-us/]. Hear these past The Kids or Childfree episodes that discuss egg freezing: Episode 53 with Sophia Seymour [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/podcast/episode/1e0bd843/53-sophia-seymour-on-freezing-your-eggs-when-youre-on-the-fence] Episode 75 with Ruthie Ackerman [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/podcast/episode/23ad9b20/75-ruthie-ackerman-on-the-mother-code] Episode 72 with Dr. Amanda Adeleye [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/podcast/episode/4848d417/72-dr-amanda-adeleye-md-on-empowering-fertility-journeys-with-knowledge] __ MORE HELP FOR YOUR KIDS OR CHILDFREE DECISION Start Here: sign up for an upcoming WORKSHOP 🔗 https://kidsorchildfree.com/workshop [https://kidsorchildfree.com/workshop] Join a GROUP PROGRAM 🔗 Kids or Childfree Group Program ▸ https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-program [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-program] 🔗Confidently Childfree Group Intensive ▸ https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/confidently-childfree-group-intensive [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/confidently-childfree-group-intensive] Access an ON DEMAND class 🔗 Peruse the entire On Demand Collection ▸ https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/ondemand [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/ondemand] Join one of our monthly SUPPORT SERIES sessions 🔗 Kids or Childfree Support Series ▸ https://kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-support-series [https://kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-support-series] 🔗Confidently Childfree Support Series ▸ https://kidsorchildfree.com/confidently-childfree-support-series [https://kidsorchildfree.com/confidently-childfree-support-series] Work with me in 1-on-1 COACHING 🔗 https://kidsorchildfree.com/coaching [https://kidsorchildfree.com/coaching] FREE resources ▸ https://kidsorchildfree.com/free-resources [https://kidsorchildfree.com/free-resources]

102. Katie Snooks on Her View from the Fence

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 discuss: * Katie's decision to share her decision journey publicly, and why it's been equal parts helpful and harmful. * The most difficult parts of being on the fence — and the fears keeping Katie stuck. * Why Katie's "action plan" didn't work the way she and her husband thought it would. * Ways to prevent other's opinions and external pressures from getting in the way. ...and so much more (0:45) Meet Katie & her Kids or Childfree indecision (17:50) Coaching Katie through grief & acceptance about not wanting kids (21:11) Making the decision with her husband (30:54) Sharing online about being a fence-sitter (40:00) Navigating fear and regret in this decision About Katie: Katie Snooks is a London-based content creator and writer known for her honest, relatable conversations around dating, relationships, and the complexities of modern life. On her social media she shares London date night recommendations in a series called #dateswithkate and has also documented her struggle with acne on YouTube. Mentioned in the episode: Find Katie on YouTube: www.youtube.com/snooksy [https://www.youtube.com/snooksy] And on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katesnooks/ [https://www.instagram.com/katesnooks/] Pre-order Katie's new book, The Ghost of Exes Past, using the links below: https://amzlink.to/az00HvAPqTIFO [https://amzlink.to/az00HvAPqTIFO] https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ghost-Exes-Past-paranormal-romance-ebook/dp/B0G5FGQ6BJ [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ghost-Exes-Past-paranormal-romance-ebook/dp/B0G5FGQ6BJ] __ MORE HELP FOR YOUR KIDS OR CHILDFREE DECISION Start Here: sign up for an upcoming WORKSHOP 🔗 https://kidsorchildfree.com/workshop [https://kidsorchildfree.com/workshop] Join a GROUP PROGRAM 🔗 Kids or Childfree Group Program ▸ https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-program [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-program] 🔗Confidently Childfree Group Intensive ▸ https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/confidently-childfree-group-intensive [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/confidently-childfree-group-intensive] Access an ON DEMAND class 🔗 Peruse the entire On Demand Collection ▸ https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/ondemand [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/ondemand] Join one of our monthly SUPPORT SERIES sessions 🔗 Kids or Childfree Support Series ▸ https://kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-support-series [https://kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-support-series] 🔗Confidently Childfree Support Series ▸ https://kidsorchildfree.com/confidently-childfree-support-series [https://kidsorchildfree.com/confidently-childfree-support-series] Work with me in 1-on-1 COACHING 🔗 https://kidsorchildfree.com/coaching [https://kidsorchildfree.com/coaching] FREE resources ▸ https://kidsorchildfree.com/free-resources [https://kidsorchildfree.com/free-resources]

101. Alfonso Costas on The Transition to Fatherhood

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 — and the doubts he encountered along the way. * Why he views fatherhood as an "invitation" — rather than a choice made due to pressure. * The perspectives on parenthood that allow him to weather its challenges and difficulties. * The important conversations he and his wife had to have before trying to conceive — and how they've balanced the responsibilities of raising their son. * How he and his wife have navigated their different cultural backgrounds and decisions like where to live. * Why he thinks its important for men to take paternity leave. * The joy he's finding in parenthood so far. About Alfonso: Alfonso was born and raised in Spain. He moved to the USA to study at age 18, and then to Munich to work as a mechanical engineer at age 24. He's married to German wife with a Vietnamese background and they have a 14-month old son together. Mentioned in the episode: Find Alfonso on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/costasalfonso/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/costasalfonso/] Join the Spring session of our Kids or Childfree Group Program: https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-program [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-program] __ MORE HELP FOR YOUR KIDS OR CHILDFREE DECISION Start Here: sign up for an upcoming WORKSHOP 🔗 https://kidsorchildfree.com/workshop [https://kidsorchildfree.com/workshop] Join a GROUP PROGRAM 🔗 Kids or Childfree Group Program ▸ https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-program [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-program] 🔗Confidently Childfree Group Intensive ▸ https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/confidently-childfree-group-intensive [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/confidently-childfree-group-intensive] Access an ON DEMAND class 🔗 Peruse the entire On Demand Collection ▸ https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/ondemand [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/ondemand] Join one of our monthly SUPPORT SERIES sessions 🔗 Kids or Childfree Support Series ▸ https://kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-support-series [https://kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-support-series] 🔗Confidently Childfree Support Series ▸ https://kidsorchildfree.com/confidently-childfree-support-series [https://kidsorchildfree.com/confidently-childfree-support-series] Work with me in 1-on-1 COACHING 🔗 https://kidsorchildfree.com/coaching [https://kidsorchildfree.com/coaching] FREE resources ▸ https://kidsorchildfree.com/free-resources [https://kidsorchildfree.com/free-resources]

100. We Celebrate 100 Episodes Hearing From You

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 episodes of The Kids or Childfree Podcast; (7:18) Monica, 34, from Illinois, USA; (12:21) Jara, 36, from Spain; (16:54) Kristin, 42, from Georgia, USA; (18:20) Kristen from Ontario, Canada; (24:32) Taylor, 33, from New York, USA; (29:39) Emma, 38, from Colorado, USA; (36:39) Paige, 36, from California, USA; (41:14) Kate, 36, from Ohio, USA Mentioned in the episode: These are the resources and podcast episodes shared by our guest listeners: Kristin: The Baby Decision by Merle Bombardieri [https://www.thebabydecision.com/about-the-book/] Episode 29 with Merle Bombardieri [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/podcast/episode/ce7befb0/29-merle-bombardieri-msw-licsw-on-navigating-the-baby-decision] Kristen: Episode 62 [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/podcast/episode/2b7ea0b5/62-anne-wennhold-on-being-childfree-by-choice-at-90] and Episode 86 [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/podcast/episode/2b2d3475/86-ask-anne-with-childfree-91-year-old-anne-wennhold] and with Anne Wennhold Episode 29 with Merle Bombardieri [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/podcast/episode/ce7befb0/29-merle-bombardieri-msw-licsw-on-navigating-the-baby-decision] Episode 79 with Carrie Hauskens [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/podcast/episode/21748125/79-carrie-hauskens-on-a-childfree-life-after-loss] Episode 28 with Alice Greczyn [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/podcast/episode/3f2fdf4a/28-alice-greczyn-on-grieving-the-path-not-chosen] Episode 30 with Nicole Louie [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/podcast/episode/35084cfe/30-nicole-louie-on-others-like-me] Episode 26 with Katy Seppi [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/podcast/episode/38cd0b12/26-katy-seppi-on-being-childfree-not-by-choice] Taylor: Check out the DINK Social app [https://www.dinksocial.com/] Episode 8 with Maria Coffey [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/podcast/episode/1a9ad0ec/8-maria-coffey-on-life-instead-of-having-kids] Episode 10 with Ruby Warrington [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/podcast/episode/26bfeb36/10-ruby-warrington-on-women-without-kids] Episode 62 [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/podcast/episode/2b7ea0b5/62-anne-wennhold-on-being-childfree-by-choice-at-90] and Episode 86 [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/podcast/episode/2b2d3475/86-ask-anne-with-childfree-91-year-old-anne-wennhold] and with Anne Wennhold Episode 83 with Helen Taylor [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/podcast/episode/fa697d66/83-helen-taylor-on-the-meaning-and-legacy-of-a-childfree-life] Episode 16 with Jane van Dis, MD [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/podcast/episode/419f0077/16-jane-van-dis-md-on-having-kids-in-todays-world] Episode 21 with Julie McFadden [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/podcast/episode/242ba797/21-julie-mcfadden-aka-hospice-nurse-julie-on-your-kids-or-childfree-choice-and-end-of-life] (a.k.a. Hospice Nurse Julie) Episode 24 [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/podcast/episode/219886a3/24-dr-jay-zigmont-cfp-on-childfree-wealth-and-legacy] and Episode 95 [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/podcast/episode/2d8c9f4d/95-dr-jay-zigmont-cfp-on-childfree-trust-and-estate-planning] with Dr. Jay Zigmont Episode 42 with Astrid Hurault de Ligny [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/podcast/episode/329c12d7/42-astrid-hurault-de-ligny-on-when-you-regret-becoming-a-mom] Emma: Private coaching with Keltie [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/coaching] Confidently Childfree Support Series [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/confidently-childfree-support-series] Episode 83 with Helen Taylor [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/podcast/episode/fa697d66/83-helen-taylor-on-the-meaning-and-legacy-of-a-childfree-life] Episode 91 with Marcia Drut-Davis [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/podcast/episode/2c297f31/91-marcia-drut-davis-on-being-unapologetically-childfree] Episode 8 with Maria Coffey [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/podcast/episode/1a9ad0ec/8-maria-coffey-on-life-instead-of-having-kids] Episode 23 with Amanda E. White [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/podcast/episode/4b275caa/23-amanda-e-white-lpc-on-lessons-from-a-former-fence-sitter] Episode 24 [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/podcast/episode/219886a3/24-dr-jay-zigmont-cfp-on-childfree-wealth-and-legacy] and Episode 95 [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/podcast/episode/2d8c9f4d/95-dr-jay-zigmont-cfp-on-childfree-trust-and-estate-planning] with Dr. Jay Zigmont Paige: Kids or Childfree Group Program [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-program] Kate: Kids or Childfree Group Workshop [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/workshop] __ MORE HELP FOR YOUR KIDS OR CHILDFREE DECISION Start Here: sign up for an upcoming WORKSHOP 🔗 https://kidsorchildfree.com/workshop [https://kidsorchildfree.com/workshop] Join a GROUP PROGRAM 🔗 Kids or Childfree Group Program ▸ https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-program [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-program] 🔗Confidently Childfree Group Intensive ▸ https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/confidently-childfree-group-intensive [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/confidently-childfree-group-intensive] Access an ON DEMAND class 🔗 Peruse the entire On Demand Collection ▸ https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/ondemand [https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/ondemand] Join one of our monthly SUPPORT SERIES sessions 🔗 Kids or Childfree Support Series ▸ https://kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-support-series [https://kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-support-series] 🔗Confidently Childfree Support Series ▸ https://kidsorchildfree.com/confidently-childfree-support-series [https://kidsorchildfree.com/confidently-childfree-support-series] Work with me in 1-on-1 COACHING 🔗 https://kidsorchildfree.com/coaching [https://kidsorchildfree.com/coaching] FREE resources ▸ https://kidsorchildfree.com/free-resources [https://kidsorchildfree.com/free-resources]