Hey there,
“this week in childfree (t.w.i.c)” is a live-stream show where Childfree Media co-founders Cody Hetzel and LeNora Faye (me) react to the latest articles that show up on Cody’s #childfree Google Alerts. It’s also his brainchild. I never know what the pieces will be about until director Rebecca hits “live” in our StreamYard studio. Cody warned me that he’d found an article that would probably make my head explode. I’ll admit to getting fired up on the show, and no reactions are ever edited out. We upload them on the Childfree Media podcast.
Well, my head did explode. But not from anger. From laughter. To be fair, I was doing just fine while reading a response from a pastor to a stay-at-home wife who didn’t have kids and was feeling guilty about not having a job. This pastor began to reference Noah’s wife (biblical Noah of the building-the-ark fame), saying how it was unlikely that the wife was out there “manhandling big wooden beams.” Cody began laughing, and suddenly I realized how funny that phrase was. And then, both of us could not contain our laughter. I read the rest of the article, sounding like I was crying. Which I was from laughing so hard.
That unedited episode can be found later in this newsletter under the podcast section. Laughter really is the best medicine.
LeNora Faye, co-founder of Childfree Media Ltd.
2023 Virtual Childfree Convention Update
Last week, we sent confirmation emails to all selected speakers for this year’s Childfree Convention. So, if you applied to be a speaker, check your inbox, spam/junk folder, promotional folder and all other folders if you haven’t yet. Cody spent weeks organizing all the speaker time zone before creating the final schedule for July 29th and 30th. We have one last step before we release the speaker and panel information.
We already have a dedicated volunteer team helping with social media and tech. Still, you can be an enormous help by sharing future promotional graphics with your network—childfree and otherwise. Childfree Convention is already worldwide and poised to catch the attention of mainstream non-childfree platforms. If you need some assistance with vocabulary when sharing with your network, that is to say, if you are unsure how to present the information tactfully, feel free to email us, and we’ll give you a professional caption to use.
ChildfreeMedia@gmail.com
Childfree Podcasts: latest episodes
Childfree Media Podcast
What set Cody and LeNora into uncontrollable laughter in this latest episode of t.w.i.c? Seth Rogen's comments on his childfree marriage, Heather Graham's childfree life, and how helpful was Noah's wife as he built the ark (we aren't asking, but this question comes up in one of the articles, and it's pretty funny).
Childfree Media presents Candidly Childfree, where each guest has a series of episodes dedicated to their story and insights on living a childfree life. In this episode, Chanel speaks of her marriage and subsequent divorce and how her desire to remain childfree made an impact.
Cody of Childfree Family and Dr. Jay of Childfree Wealth discuss student loan repayments.
What's it like to be childfree in organized religion or spiritual community? The panellists discuss their experiences in this replay from the 2022 Virtual Childfree Convention.
Childfree Wealth
The Silicon Valley Bank bank run was a wake-up call for many individuals, as they saw how quickly things can go wrong in the financial world. In this episode, we'll be discussing what happened and why it matters. Our hosts will also be sharing their thoughts on how to navigate uncertain times and keep your finances safe. We'll also be talking about the importance of keeping cash on hand, even in a world where digital payments are becoming increasingly common. Our hosts will be sharing their tips on how much cash to keep on hand and where to store it to protect your finances.
Claiming Zero Podcast
Surprise! No, this hasn’t turned into a reality show recap podcast. We just found out we’re both obsessed with Love is Blind and after a reunion like that, we had to share our two cents!
Over 40 and Childfree
This week, we're diving into the topic of self-care and indulging in a little pampering, because let's face it, we all deserve to treat ourselves every now and then. We'll be exploring the benefits and importance of taking care of yourself physically and mentally and discussing some of our favorite ways to unwind and relax. But be warned, this episode is not for the faint of heart!
Spinsterhood Reimagined
In this week's minisode, I'm talking about the power of awe, and how it turns out that experiencing awe for just a few moments each day has a positive impact on both our emotional and physical health. Researchers Michael Amster and Jake Eagle have found that practicing their 'A.W.E Method' just a few times a day for mere seconds, decreases stress, anxiety, and even depression. Awe can also improve our overall well-being, connectedness, generosity, and happiness. Whether it's an incredible sunset, listening to an uplifting song, or appreciating the beauty of our pet, awe is something that we should be intentionally cultivating in our lives.
The Overpopulation Podcast
In this illuminating episode, we talk with Dr. Kristyn Brandi, an Obstetrician-Gynecologist, proud abortion provider, and board chair with Physicians for Reproductive Health, where she debunks the “biological clock” among other pronatalist myths and shares how the medical institution in one of many that fuels pronatalism. We also discuss what the overturning of Roe v Wade means in terms of safe abortion care for the already marginalized communities, including BIPOC, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, and those living in poverty, within the U.S.
We’re Not Kidding
In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant Peggy O'Donnell Heffington to discuss her new book, Without Children: The Long History of Not Being a Mother. Peggy shares her insights from researching and writing this fantastic book. She also shares a bit about her own childfree story.
An NPR Podcast Interviews Childfree People
A bonus childfree podcast episode courtesy of Life Kit, on the NPR podcast network. Featuring Dr. Angela L. Harris of No BibsBurpsBottles podcast & brand, and Life Without Kids Instagram creators.
If you've decided not to have kids, your life will look different from what you might have seen growing up. This episode of Life Kit is about how to build your child-free life, with or without a long-term partner. We talk about finding community, planning for the future, making a financial plan and responding to some of the comments and judgments of other people.
Closing Remarks
Celebrating the good things we enjoy in our lives is wonderful and essential. There is also nothing wrong with acknowledging that our childfree lives aren’t perfect. We feel stressed, anxious, unsure, and all the other less-than-fun emotions. Sometimes, we say, “Well, at least we don’t have kids.” The older I get (I’m currently 40), I appreciate the emotional space I have to work through whatever is challenging me. Living a childfree life is not problem-free, despite what society thinks. So, if you feel you should be happier and more carefree because you don’t have kids, but life is putting you through the wringer right now, it’s OK to feel crappy AF. You and I have the luxury of giving attention to how we feel.
As always, if you have content ideas or submissions for the newsletter, including Childfree Spotlight, or are interested in getting involved with Childfree Media, email us at ChildfreeMedia@gmail.com.
Love all these podcast options!