The Down Under On Childless Not By Choice: A Conversation with Michael Hughes

The Down Under On Childless Not By Choice: A Conversation with Michael Hughes

During National Infertility Awareness Week, we’re joined by Michael Hughes, advocate, speaker, and host of the podcast The Full Stop, coming to us from Australia. Michael shares his powerful perspective on being Childless Not By Choice (CNBC) and the often-overlooked emotional, social, and identity challenges that come with this experience. Together, we explore the grief of unmet expectations, the stigma surrounding involuntary childlessness, and the importance of creating space for honest conversations about loss, purpose, and belonging. Michael also discusses how his own journey inspired him to launch The Full Stop, a podcast dedicated to giving a voice to those navigating life without children and challenging the silence around this topic. As we recognize National Infertility Awareness Week, this conversation is a meaningful reminder that infertility and childlessness impact people in many different ways—and that every story deserves to be heard. Michael Hughes https://www.instagram.com/michael_fullstop/ [https://www.instagram.com/michael_fullstop/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-hughes-60996816/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-hughes-60996816/] https://www.thefullstoppod.com/ [https://www.thefullstoppod.com/] Steven J. Miller, APSW ⁠https://www.instagram.com/sjmiller2024/⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/sjmiller2024/] ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-miller-7082b1191/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-miller-7082b1191/]

TFMR: A Conversation with Dr. Julie Bindeman

In this episode of The MILES Podcast, we explore the deeply complex and often misunderstood experience of Terminating for Medical Reasons (TFMR). Joined by Dr. Julie Bindeman, PsyD—a licensed psychologist and expert in reproductive mental health—we unpack the psychological layers that accompany this difficult decision. Dr. Bindeman brings both clinical insight and compassionate understanding to a conversation that many individuals and couples face in silence. Together, we discuss the impact of TFMR on grief, relationships, and mental health, as well as the importance of validating these experiences without stigma or judgment. This episode creates space for honesty, education, and empathy—whether you are someone who has experienced TFMR, are supporting a loved one, or are a clinician seeking to better understand and support your clients. Dr. Julie Bindemanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/juliebindeman/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliebindeman/]https://www.instagram.com/dr.juliebindeman/ [https://www.instagram.com/dr.juliebindeman/] Steven J. Miller, APSW https://www.instagram.com/sjmiller2024/ [https://www.instagram.com/sjmiller2024/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-miller-7082b1191/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-miller-7082b1191/]

Reproductive Trafficking: A Conversation with Dr. Kristen Chambliss

In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, we explore the complex and often misunderstood topic of reproductive trafficking. Joining us is psychologist Kristin Chambliss, who brings clinical insight and an ethical perspective to a conversation at the intersection of mental health, reproductive medicine, human rights, and global inequality. Together, we unpack what reproductive trafficking is, how it can manifest in fertility treatment contexts, and why vulnerable individuals and families may be at increased risk. Dr. Chambliss discusses the psychological impact on intended parents, donors, and surrogates. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the systemic factors that contribute to exploitation, including financial desperation, lack of regulation, stigma surrounding infertility, and disparities in access to care. We also explore how clinicians, advocates, and patients can recognize warning signs, promote ethical practices, and support policies that protect reproductive autonomy and dignity. This episode is essential listening for mental health professionals, fertility providers, social workers, and anyone interested in reproductive justice. Join us for a nuanced conversation that challenges assumptions, elevates awareness, and highlights the importance of compassion, informed consent, and advocacy in reproductive spaces. National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 Dr. Kristen Chambliss https://www.instagram.com/drkristenchambliss/ [https://www.instagram.com/drkristenchambliss/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-chambliss-90670b17/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-chambliss-90670b17/] Steven Miller's Social Media ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/sjmiller2024/⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/sjmiller2024/⁠] ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-miller-7082b1191/⁠ [⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-miller-7082b1191/]

ACT with Infertility: A Conversation with Dr. Julia Woodward

In this episode of The MILES Podcast, Steven sits down with Dr. Julia Woodward to explore how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can support individuals and couples navigating infertility. Infertility is filled with uncertainty, loss of control, grief, and the constant pull between hope and heartbreak. Dr. Woodward breaks down how ACT helps people stop fighting their internal experience and instead build psychological flexibility — making room for painful thoughts and emotions while still moving toward what matters most. Together, they discuss: * Why “positive thinking” isn’t the answer * How acceptance is different from giving up * Defusing from shame, self-blame, and identity threats * Supporting men who feel pressure to “fix” the problem * Staying connected to values in the middle of medical uncertainty This conversation is both practical and compassionate, offering tools clinicians can use in reproductive medicine and language that resonates deeply with those personally walking the infertility journey. Whether you’re a mental health professional, someone trying to conceive, or supporting a partner through infertility, this episode offers a grounded, evidence-based framework for living meaningfully — even when outcomes are unknown. Because while we can’t always control the results, we can choose how we show up. Dr. Julia Woodward https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-woodward-9746387/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-woodward-9746387/] Steven Miller's Social Media ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/sjmiller2024/⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/sjmiller2024/⁠] ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-miller-7082b1191/⁠ [⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-miller-7082b1191/]

Two 2 Tango: A Conversation with Dr. Liz Grill

In this episode, we explore how infertility affects couples — emotionally, relationally, and individually. While infertility is often discussed as a medical diagnosis, its impact on communication, intimacy, identity, and partnership can be just as profound. Couples may find themselves navigating grief, uncertainty, shifting roles, and different coping styles, all while trying to stay connected to one another. I’m joined by Dr. Liz Grill, a psychologist specializing in reproductive mental health, to talk about the complex dynamics infertility can introduce into relationships. Dr. Grill shares insights on how partners can support one another through fertility treatment, as well as practical strategies for maintaining empathy and connection during stressful moments. Whether you are personally experiencing infertility, supporting a loved one, or are a mental health or medical professional seeking to better understand the couple experience, this conversation offers validation, guidance, and hope. Dr. Liz Grill https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlizgrill/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlizgrill/] https://www.instagram.com/dr.lizgrill/ [https://www.instagram.com/dr.lizgrill/] Steven Miller's Social Media ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/sjmiller2024/⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/sjmiller2024/⁠] ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-miller-7082b1191/ [⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-miller-7082b1191/]