The Full Stop

Michael Hughes, Berenice Smith and Sarah Lawrence
  • 5.0 (7)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED MONTHLY
The Full Stop

To provide a cohesive voice to the childless-not-by-choice community, covering all of the topics that affect us in an inspiring and supportive way.

  1. FEB 2

    Childless and Pregnancy Loss

    In this deeply moving episode, Sarah and Michael open up an honest and heartfelt conversation about miscarriage, pregnancy loss, and the isolation that follows. Joined by special guests Lori and Sandra McNicol, we share personal journeys of loss, infertility, and coming to terms with a life without children. From the emotional highs of pregnancy to the devastating impact of loss, they explore the grief, silence, and stigmas surrounding miscarriage, as well as the challenges of finding support in a society that often struggles to acknowledge this type of grief.

    1h 1m

  2. JAN 5

    Alternative Approaches to Resolutions

    Welcome to the 70th episode of the Full Stop Podcast! We’re joined by returning guests Bindi Shah and Lisa Kissane, alongside co-hosts Berenice and Michael Hughes, for an inspiring conversation about setting intentions, goals, and how we navigate life as childless individuals. What We Discuss: Gentle Intentions vs. Rigid Goals:Lisa and Bindi contrast the pressures of goal-setting with the more flexible, empowering practice of setting intentions. Writing as Healing:Writing plays a pivotal role in self-expression and healing. From Bindi’s poetry to Lisa’s intention to write her first novel, we explore how creativity can unlock personal growth. Adapting to Life Challenges:How can we be kind to ourselves in the face of life’s challenges? Michael opens up about family dynamics and the importance of taking life’s reins, while Bindi highlights the transformative power of meditation. Seasons of Change:We discuss how the rhythm of the seasons—especially spring—can offer renewal and inspiration. Creating Safe Spaces:Lisa shares her intentions for “Flow,” her unique business community for childless and child-free individuals, providing a supportive environment away from parent-centric norms. Contact Lisa on Instagram, LinkedIn and via her website for Really Honest Business and Flow. Contact Bindi though her website and on her Youtube Channel: Soul Wisdom. Read her World Childless writing on adoption bias and watch her WCW webinar. Did you enjoy this episode? Join in the conversation in our Full Stop online community for childless people from £5 a month with a free month on us Buy a Virtual Coffee to keep our podcast ad free and accessible to everyone. Download Finding Connections, a booklet by Sarah and Berenice with links to groups, books, events and other resources for childless people. We hope you find it helpful. Join our newsletter for behind the scenes info, wellbeing tips and news from the wider community and alerts to our podcast as it publishes direct to your inbox.

    1h 12m

  3. 12/01/2024

    Triggers and Tackling Festive Celebrations

    We are thrilled to be joined by Karin Enfield De Vries from Pure Transformations and Scared Woman Retreats for an honest exploration of boundaries, grief, and finding joy during times of celebration. Holidays like Christmas are often painted as joyful and magical, but for many, they bring up emotional complexities—especially for those navigating childlessness and changing family dynamics. We join Karin to unpack what it means to honour yur needs, set healthy boundaries, and create new traditions that reflect who you are today. We’ll talk about the courage to say no, the art of self-care during the holidays, and the power of embracing a more authentic way of celebrating. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by family, work or friendship obligations, feeling lonely or looking for ways to make this season meaningful on your terms, this conversation will inspire and empower you. Karin established Pure Transformations in July 2022 and she works as a self-employed grief and loss counsellor, a wellbeing coach and a change management consultant offering support (online and in person) in English and Dutch. Sacred Woman Retreats offers supportive and heart-led spaces for women who are childless not by choice or circumstance. Did you enjoy this episode? Join in the conversation in our Full Stop online community for childless people from £5 a month with a free month on us Buy a Virtual Coffee to keep our podcast ad free and accessible to everyone. Download Finding Connections, a booklet by Sarah and Berenice with links to groups, books, events and other resources for childless people. We hope you find it helpful. Join our newsletter for behind the scenes info, wellbeing tips and news from the wider community and alerts to our podcast as it publishes direct to your inbox.

    1h 10m

  4. 11/03/2024

    Childless Men’s Experiences in Society

    Drawing from their panel discussion at the Storyhouse Childless event in Chester, we explore what it means to navigate society and self-perception as men without children—whether by choice or circumstance. Featuring insights from Michael, Andy Harrod, Mark Briggs van Leeuwen, and Sam Ryley, this candid conversation highlights the challenges, the societal silence, and the journey to self-acceptance faced by childless men across generations. The importance of providing visibility and voice for childless men, challenging societal silence, and creating safe spaces for men to openly discuss their experiences.   Support for childless men: Andy Harrod on Substack Dr Robin Hadley’s research and website Robert Nurden’s website (author of I Always Wanted To Be A Dad: Men Without Children) The Full Stop online community is open to all genders. Michael and Andy are co-admins of The Childless Men’s Collective Gateway Women’s men’s page. After The Storm, run by Sarah Lawrence, our co-founder and podcast host, provides counselling for childless people. World Childless Week Men Matter Too along with resources and support spaces Chrissy Pantlin on Men’s Mental Health

    56 min

  5. 09/23/2024

    Childlessness and money explained

    In this conversation, Dr Jay Zigmont discusses the unique financial planning needs of childless people. He emphasises the importance of understanding the different life scripts and financial goals that come with being childless, and we have a chat about the societal judgments and perceptions that often accompany being childless not by choice. We talk about the challenges of systemic change in financial services to better help us, the significance of legacy and the power in building supportive communities. The Childfree Guide to Life and Money by Dr Jay Zigmont, Dr Jay’s podcast Childfree Wealth® and his website Childfree Wealth®.

    1h 15m

  6. 09/01/2024

    Ageing with experience

    In this conversation, Michael discusses the challenges and fears associated with aging and the need for planning and preparation. He emphasises the importance of thinking ahead and considering various aspects of life, such as cognitive ability, health, relationships, and technology. We also talk about the role of advocacy and the need for trusted friends or family members to support and advocate for individuals as they age. Michael shares personal experiences with his parents' dementia and the importance of having legal documents in place, such as power of attorney and enduring guardianship. We highlight the need for proactive planning and open discussions about ageing and care and ask if there are more ways to create a movement around end-of-life planning for the childless community.

    55 min

  7. 07/28/2024

    Making a noise with World Childless Week

    World Childless Week is an annual event that aims to give a voice to the childless community. It was started by Stephanie Joy Phillips because she felt there was a lack of representation for childless individuals. The event has grown over the years, supported by the Ambassadors who help organise and promote the week. Being childless not by choice (cnbc) is the taboo subject of an unrecognised minority. World Childless Week is there to help the cnbc: validate their emotions, find support, build friendships, realise their own worth and rediscover the confidence to speak out and celebrate themselves as a unique individual.  Alongside supporting the childless community World Childless Week hopes to reach out and work towards building bridges between the childless, childfree and parents; raising empathy and removing the stigma of disenfranchised grief.   World Childless Week takes place on 16-22 Sept 2024.

    52 min

  8. 07/07/2024

    Telling Stories with Storyhouse

    Storyhouse is an independent arts centre and creative hub in Chester, UK. It offers a range of events, including Storyhouse Childless, which focuses on supporting and raising awareness for those who are childless or child-free. The event has grown over the years, with increasing attendance and expanded programming. It provides a safe and supportive environment for people to connect, share their experiences, and find understanding. The event is a two-day gathering that aims to create a supportive and empowering space for the childless community. Join Annabel, Kirsty, Jane and Nicola as we find out about the themes, get a few spoilers and talk about the need for Storyhouse Childless, and how this event has had a positive impact on volunteers and staff at the venue too. Storyhouse Childless takes place on 28-29th September 2024 with an extra meet-up on Friday 27th September at the Storyhouse bar. Buy tickets or find out more on the Storyhouse website.

    1h 7m
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out of 5
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About

To provide a cohesive voice to the childless-not-by-choice community, covering all of the topics that affect us in an inspiring and supportive way.

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Hughes, Berenice Smith and Sarah Lawrence
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2025
  • Episodes
    71
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2019 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Full Stop

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