The Kids or Childfree Podcast

Keltie Maguire

Should I have kids? If you're on the fence about whether or not to have kids, this is your podcast. Each week, host and Clarity Coach, Keltie Maguire, will interview a wide-ranging host of different voices — from best-selling authors to outdoor adventurers to health experts — about their personal Kids or Childfree decision and the topics that run alongside this choice. From new and long-time moms to the currently ambivalent to those who are childfree by choice, you'll get to hear the answers to all the questions you can't seem to get straight answers on. What's it really like being a parent? What happens to childfree people when they get old? Do people who don't have kids regret it? Can you ever really be ready to have a child? And perhaps most importantly: How can I make my own Kids or Childfree decision?

  1. 2h ago

    117. Helen Krug von Nidda on Closing the Fulfillment Gap

    In this conversation, Keltie is speaking with executive coach, career counsellor, and international speaker, Helen Krug von Nida about her brand-new book, Closing the Fulfillment Gap, as well as Helen's personal decision to remain childfree.   You'll hear them discuss: Why so many women are feeling less lit up by their careers and lives than they'd like. How women can find greater fulfillment no matter which Kids or Childfree choice they make. Helen's MOVE framework for personal growth and fulfillment, which emphasizes motivation, opportunities, vision, and empowering community. The importance of "diversifying" one's fulfillment, and the risk we run if we look to motherhood to be the one fulfilling thing.  Helen's own journey of choosing a childfree life, including the fulfillment she finds in her autonomy and the importance of grace in decision-making. (0:34) Meet Helen & her work on fulfillment; (10:36) The gap between feeling stuck & feeling fulfilled; (17:02) Fulfillment & the Kids or Childfree decision; (29:26) MOVE framework & the Kids or Childfree decision; (40:22) Helen's choice to be childfree About Helen: Dr. Helen Krug von Nidda is an executive coach, international speaker, and advisor who delivers keynotes and workshops on leadership development, career empowerment for women, and strengthening workplace culture. With over 20 years of global HR experience spanning the United Nations system and Fortune 500 companies. Her clients include Morgan Stanley, Dell, LinkedIn, Google, Oracle and Sony Music. Helen holds a Doctorate in Education from Columbia University. She is a certified executive coach and licensed career counselor, and holds an MA in Human Resources Management and a BA from Smith College. She is currently an instructor at Stanford University and has taught at IMD Business School in Lausanne, Switzerland and INSEAD France. Her forthcoming book, Closing the Fulfillment Gap, published by Post Hill Press will be released 15 September 2026. As mentioned in the episode:  Purchase Closing the Fulfillment Gap  Helen's website is www.with-helen.com Find Helen on Instagram at @with.dr.helen and on LinkedIn Sign up for our September 16th Kids or Childfree Group Program start.    MORE HELP FOR YOUR KIDS OR CHILDFREE DECISION: Start Here: sign up for an upcoming WORKSHOP  🔗 https://kidsorchildfree.com/workshop Join a GROUP PROGRAM 🔗 Kids or Childfree Group Program ▸ https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-program 🔗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 Join one of our monthly SUPPORT SERIES sessions  🔗 Kids or Childfree Support Series ▸ https://kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-support-series 🔗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 CONNECT ONLINE 💻 Website ▸ http://kidsorchildfree.com 📸 Instagram ▸ http://instagram.com/kidsorchildfree ⏰ Tiktok ▸ https://tiktok.com/@kidsorchildfree 📽️ YouTube ▸ https://www.youtube.com/@KidsorChildfree  👉 Brought to you by Keltie Maguire, Clarity Coach ▸ http://keltiemaguire.com Love what you're hearing? 💕 Subscribe | Like | Comment | Share with a friend

    117. Helen Krug von Nidda on Closing the Fulfillment Gap
  2. Sep 2

    116. Keltie Maguire on Advice for Couples at Odds About the Kids or Childfree Choice

    "What if my partner and I want different things?" — that's the question we're tabling in this episode of the podcast. If you and your partner are at different ends of the Kids or Childfree decision spectrum, or one of you is clear, and the other is on the fence, this one is for you.  Keltie is dishing out her topic advice including... Why being at odds about this choice doesn't have to mean a break-up. The fact that your relationship can absolutely inform what you want and how you feel about this choice. When being on a different page about this decision is actually a symptom or manifestation of bigger issues at play in your relationship. Why decision that's only for the other person is likely to bring up future resentment. The key red flags in relationships who are in disagreement about this decision. (0:45) It's not an automatic break-up; (4:48) Identifying priorities; (10:26) Bigger issues come to light; (15:14) Compromise; (25:35) Separate your desire from the decision; (28:00) Red flags As mentioned in the episode: Check out our On Demand class, A Difference of Opinion, for further support on the topic of being at odds with your partner about this choice. You can find the full On Demand line-up here.  The following Kids or Childfree Podcast episodes feature guests or the topic of being at odds with your partner about this choice: Episode 112 Episode 99 Episode 85 Episode 75 Episode 45 Episode 32 Episode 30 Episode 29 Episode 8 Sign up for our September 16th Kids or Childfree Group Program start.  MORE HELP FOR YOUR KIDS OR CHILDFREE DECISION: Start Here: sign up for an upcoming WORKSHOP  🔗 https://kidsorchildfree.com/workshop Join a GROUP PROGRAM 🔗 Kids or Childfree Group Program ▸ https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-program 🔗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 Join one of our monthly SUPPORT SERIES sessions  🔗 Kids or Childfree Support Series ▸ https://kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-support-series 🔗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 CONNECT ONLINE 💻 Website ▸ http://kidsorchildfree.com 📸 Instagram ▸ http://instagram.com/kidsorchildfree ⏰ Tiktok ▸ https://tiktok.com/@kidsorchildfree 📽️ YouTube ▸ https://www.youtube.com/@KidsorChildfree  👉 Brought to you by Keltie Maguire, Clarity Coach ▸ http://keltiemaguire.com Love what you're hearing? 💕 Subscribe | Like | Comment | Share with a friend

    116. Keltie Maguire on Advice for Couples at Odds About the Kids or Childfree Choice
  3. Aug 25

    115. Maddy Lettuce on Opting Out of Life's Biggest Default Setting

    In this episode, Keltie hosts childfree content creator, Maddy Lettuce, for a conversation about why its critical we question parenthood as the default life choice, and Maddy's personal childfree journey. You'll hear them discuss: The importance of questioning societal norms, and why self-discovery is a key part of this process. How personal life experiences shape decisions, and some of the key experiences that informed Maddy's childfree choice. How relationship dynamics play into the decision to have or not have kids, and some of the misconceptions about men's desires.  (0:36) Meet Maddy & her Kids or Childfree story; (16:42) Parenthood as a default setting; (35:34) The impact from Maddy's upbringing; (48:04) Childfree dating & partnership; (1:07:27) Who has authority to discuss the Kids or Childfree decision About Maddy: Maddy Lettuce is a childfree content creator and writer based in New Hampshire. She creates content at @whozyourmaddy on TikTok, where her childfree content has accumulated 21 million views in the past year. She's currently working on a book called Opting Out: A Thinking Person's Guide to the Biggest Default Setting of Your Life, a prescriptive nonfiction book examining how parenthood became the default setting nobody questions, and what it would mean to actually treat it as a choice. Het content focuses on raising awareness that the decision to have children is exactly that, a decision, and giving people permission to examine it honestly before they make it. As mentioned in the episode: Find Maddy on Substack, TikTok, and Instagram at @whozyourmaddy.  Sign up for our September 16th Kids or Childfree Group Program start.  MORE HELP FOR YOUR KIDS OR CHILDFREE DECISION: Start Here: sign up for an upcoming WORKSHOP  🔗 https://kidsorchildfree.com/workshop Join a GROUP PROGRAM 🔗 Kids or Childfree Group Program ▸ https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-program 🔗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 Join one of our monthly SUPPORT SERIES sessions  🔗 Kids or Childfree Support Series ▸ https://kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-support-series 🔗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 CONNECT ONLINE 💻 Website ▸ http://kidsorchildfree.com 📸 Instagram ▸ http://instagram.com/kidsorchildfree ⏰ Tiktok ▸ https://tiktok.com/@kidsorchildfree 📽️ YouTube ▸ https://www.youtube.com/@KidsorChildfree  👉 Brought to you by Keltie Maguire, Clarity Coach ▸ http://keltiemaguire.com Love what you're hearing? 💕 Subscribe | Like | Comment | Share with a friend

    115. Maddy Lettuce on Opting Out of Life's Biggest Default Setting
  4. Aug 19

    114. Paula Barnes on Raising Kids Abroad

    In this conversation, Keltie speaks with travel creator, podcast host, and mom, Paula Barnes, about the intricacies of raising kids while living abroad. Hear them discuss: The importance of community, and the concept of found family among expats. What it was like for Paula first moving to a foreign country with young kids, and how she navigated the transition. The impact various cultural perspectives have had on her kids' education and lives.  The challenges and rewards of sending her kids to boarding school in a different country — and how she has had to learn to let go. How to instill values in kids being brought up in a privileged environment.  The evolution of Paula's relationship with her kids as they grow into adulthood, and the transition to becoming an empty nester.  (2:51) Meet Paula & her Kids or Childfree choice; (10:57) Comparing raising young children with and without support; (14:23) Moving abroad with 3 kids; (25:10) Sending her children to boarding school; (39:54) Instilling values in kids raised in a privileged environment; (45:52) Being an empty nester/having adult children About Paula: Paula Barnes is a travel creator, podcast host, and expat who has spent nearly two decades living across Asia. After relocating from Australia to Taiwan in 2006 with her young family, she went on to live in multiple countries, embracing new cultures and building a global lifestyle. Now based between Hong Kong, Singapore and Sydney, she shares authentic travel insights, expat experiences, and insider tips through Truly Expat Travel. Passionate about empowering women—especially over 45—to explore the world with confidence, she creates a supportive community for meaningful, experience-led travel. As mentioned in the episode: Find Paula online at trulyexpattravel.com Listen to the Truly Expat Travel Podcast. Keltie can be heard on the Truly Expat Travel Podcast, sharing her insider's tips for Munich, here.  Find Paula on social media at @trulyexpattravel. MORE HELP FOR YOUR KIDS OR CHILDFREE DECISION: Start Here: sign up for an upcoming WORKSHOP  🔗 https://kidsorchildfree.com/workshop Join a GROUP PROGRAM 🔗 Kids or Childfree Group Program ▸ https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-program 🔗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 Join one of our monthly SUPPORT SERIES sessions  🔗 Kids or Childfree Support Series ▸ https://kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-support-series 🔗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 CONNECT ONLINE 💻 Website ▸ http://kidsorchildfree.com 📸 Instagram ▸ http://instagram.com/kidsorchildfree ⏰ Tiktok ▸ https://tiktok.com/@kidsorchildfree 📽️ YouTube ▸ https://www.youtube.com/@KidsorChildfree  👉 Brought to you by Keltie Maguire, Clarity Coach ▸ http://keltiemaguire.com Love what you're hearing? 💕 Subscribe | Like | Comment | Share with a friend

    114. Paula Barnes on Raising Kids Abroad
  5. Aug 11

    113. Ali & Charlie Higgins of DINK Social on Connecting Childfree Couples

    In this episode, Ali and Charlie Higgins, founders of DINK Social, share their journey as a childfree couple and the inspiration behind the app designed to connect DINK couples.  You'll hear about: How Ali and Charlie came to their childfree decision as a couple. The comments and pushback they get about their choice, especially online — and how this differs based on their gender. Their perspective on the concepts of legacy and impact. Why they were inspired to start creating community specifically for DINKS. Their best advice for cultivating connections with other childfree people.  (0:25) Meet Ali & Charlie and their childfree decision; (13:57) "Mothering" & "fathering" as childfree people; gender differences; (22:29) Benefits of not having kids for your relationship; (26:39) About DINK Social; (48:22) Advice for making childfree friends About Ali & Charlie: Ali and Charlie met on Hinge in 2018 and were married in 2021. Since then, they've built a life centered around shared values, curiosity, and the freedom to choose their own path. Together, they've traveled to 24 countries, bonded over great food and drinks, and made movie date nights a regular tradition. Along the way, they've called Seattle and Charlotte home and are now based in Amsterdam — never ruling out wherever the next chapter might take them. They're proud DINKWADs to two dogs, Roscoe and Remy, who are truly their entire world. Alongside full-time corporate jobs, they are co-founders of DINK Social, the social app built specifically for childfree couples. Charlie focuses on business development and building the app itself, while Ali leads community development and social media, growing and connecting the childfree community around the globe. As mentioned in the episode: Find DINK Social on Instagram and TikTok at @dinksocial Their website is dinksocial.com Join the next round of Confidently Childfree Group Intensive that starts on August 18th.  MORE HELP FOR YOUR KIDS OR CHILDFREE DECISION: Start Here: sign up for an upcoming WORKSHOP  🔗 https://kidsorchildfree.com/workshop Join a GROUP PROGRAM 🔗 Kids or Childfree Group Program ▸ https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-program 🔗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 Join one of our monthly SUPPORT SERIES sessions  🔗 Kids or Childfree Support Series ▸ https://kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-support-series 🔗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 CONNECT ONLINE 💻 Website ▸ http://kidsorchildfree.com 📸 Instagram ▸ http://instagram.com/kidsorchildfree ⏰ Tiktok ▸ https://tiktok.com/@kidsorchildfree 📽️ YouTube ▸ https://www.youtube.com/@KidsorChildfree  👉 Brought to you by Keltie Maguire, Clarity Coach ▸ http://keltiemaguire.com Love what you're hearing? 💕 Subscribe | Like | Comment | Share with a friend

    113. Ali & Charlie Higgins of DINK Social on Connecting Childfree Couples
  6. Aug 5

    112. Tess Pereira on Changing Her Mind About Motherhood

    In this episode, Keltie speaks with mom-to-be Tess Pereira, about how she went from wanting to stay childfree — to deciding to have kids.  You'll hear about: Why Tess never planned on having kids — and her biggest fears about motherhood. What the conversations looked and sounded like between her and her husband, who wanted to become a father. Why it was important to Tess that she doubled down on the pragmatic parts of her decision — and why self-trust has been a huge part of the equation. How Tess's confidence tipped to 51% in favor of having kids — and how she feels about her choice today. The potential dangers of romanticizing motherhood — and the things that matter way more than your baby's nursery color. (0:29) Meet Tess & her Kids or Childfree choice; (15:30) Shifting views on motherhood/parenthood; (34:15) Overcoming fears about having a kid; (45:14) Becoming pregnant at 35 (50:06) Pragmatism vs. romanticizing motherhood About Tess: Tess identified strongly with the childfree perspective for most of her life and deeply questioned whether motherhood aligned with the life she wanted. Over time, she became open to the idea of becoming a parent and now finds herself pregnant. She brings a nuanced and honest perspective on the emotional complexity, fears, relationship dynamics, identity shifts, and personal growth that shaped her journey. Tess joins the podcast to share her experience navigating the kids versus childfree question from both sides, including what changed, what didn't, and what it feels like to move through such a major life transition without simple answers. When not preparing for the arrival of her baby, Tess works as a product manager and strives to be a better home cook. As mentioned in the episode: Want to be one of my 50 Decision Conversations? DM me on Instagram at @kidsorchildfree or email me at hello@keltiemaguire.com. You can connect with Tess by email at tess711rp@gmail.com or on Instagram at @tess.pereira. MORE HELP FOR YOUR KIDS OR CHILDFREE DECISION: Start Here: sign up for an upcoming WORKSHOP  🔗 https://kidsorchildfree.com/workshop Join a GROUP PROGRAM 🔗 Kids or Childfree Group Program ▸ https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-program 🔗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 Join one of our monthly SUPPORT SERIES sessions  🔗 Kids or Childfree Support Series ▸ https://kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-support-series 🔗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 CONNECT ONLINE 💻 Website ▸ http://kidsorchildfree.com 📸 Instagram ▸ http://instagram.com/kidsorchildfree ⏰ Tiktok ▸ https://tiktok.com/@kidsorchildfree 📽️ YouTube ▸ https://www.youtube.com/@KidsorChildfree  👉 Brought to you by Keltie Maguire, Clarity Coach ▸ http://keltiemaguire.com Love what you're hearing? 💕 Subscribe | Like | Comment | Share with a friend

    112. Tess Pereira on Changing Her Mind About Motherhood
  7. Jul 8

    111. Caroline of @elsewherewithcare on Becoming Confidently Childfree

    In this episode, Keltie speaks with highschool counselor and content creator, Caroline, about her deeply personal journey deciding to remain childfree. You'll hear about: How Caroline went from dreaming of 3 kids, to thinking she'd have only one, to being fulfilled with none.  What it's like to navigate infertility treatments when you're still on the fence.  Navigating the societal pressures around this choice, including when all your friends are becoming moms. How Caroline broke the news to her family and friends that she and her husband had decided to stop trying. What helped solidify her decision, and why she's decided to start sharing publicly about her childfree choice. (2:25) Meet Caroline & her Kids or Childfree decision (15:01) Trying for a kid, fertility struggles (25:40) Deciding to stay childfree (38:47) Navigating friendship groups (55:30) Embracing a childfree life (1:04:28) Childfree vs. Childless (1:16:06) Posting childfree content as an influencer About Caroline: Caroline is a high school counselor in the New York City public school system with 14 years of experience and a master's degree in counseling. As the creator behind @elsewherewithcare on Instagram, she shares content about life in New York City, travel, personal style, and her journey as a childfree woman. Through her personal experiences and professional insight, Caroline explores the complexities of choosing a childfree life and encourages others to live & find fulfillment on their own terms. By talking about the things many people are thinking but hesitant to say out loud, she helps normalize difficult conversations and fosters a sense of connection for those navigating similar experiences. Her content creates space for honest, nuanced reflection among childfree individuals and the parents and loved ones in their lives.  As mentioned in the episode: Find Caroline on Instagram at instagram.com/elsewherewithcare. Join our August Confidently Childfree Group Intensive that starts on August 4th.  MORE HELP FOR YOUR KIDS OR CHILDFREE DECISION: Start Here: sign up for an upcoming WORKSHOP  🔗 https://kidsorchildfree.com/workshop Join a GROUP PROGRAM 🔗 Kids or Childfree Group Program ▸ https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-program 🔗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 Join one of our monthly SUPPORT SERIES sessions  🔗 Kids or Childfree Support Series ▸ https://kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-support-series 🔗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 CONNECT ONLINE 💻 Website ▸ http://kidsorchildfree.com 📸 Instagram ▸ http://instagram.com/kidsorchildfree ⏰ Tiktok ▸ https://tiktok.com/@kidsorchildfree 📽️ YouTube ▸ https://www.youtube.com/@KidsorChildfree  👉 Brought to you by Keltie Maguire, Clarity Coach ▸ http://keltiemaguire.com Love what you're hearing? 💕 Subscribe | Like | Comment | Share with a friend

    111. Caroline of @elsewherewithcare on Becoming Confidently Childfree
4.9
out of 5
87 Ratings

About

Should I have kids? If you're on the fence about whether or not to have kids, this is your podcast. Each week, host and Clarity Coach, Keltie Maguire, will interview a wide-ranging host of different voices — from best-selling authors to outdoor adventurers to health experts — about their personal Kids or Childfree decision and the topics that run alongside this choice. From new and long-time moms to the currently ambivalent to those who are childfree by choice, you'll get to hear the answers to all the questions you can't seem to get straight answers on. What's it really like being a parent? What happens to childfree people when they get old? Do people who don't have kids regret it? Can you ever really be ready to have a child? And perhaps most importantly: How can I make my own Kids or Childfree decision?

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