In this episode of the Regretful Parents series, Erika and Kristen react to a viral Reddit post from the Regretful Parents subreddit written by a mom who loved cooking — until she had a child. From cold meals and high-pitched screaming at the dinner table to losing her passion for the kitchen entirely, this mom's story hits different for anyone who lives for food.We break down the emotional toll of meal time battles with picky toddlers, why the mental load of feeding a child falls disproportionately on moms, and what it really means when parents say motherhood is their "favorite job." Plus, the dinosaur documentary comes up again (naturally), Desperate Housewives makes a surprise appearance, and the girls share their completely unqualified parenting advice — chicken nuggets, blended vegetables, and Flintstones vitamins included.In this episode:A mom who loved cooking loses all joy in the kitchen after having a toddlerThe reality of meal time with picky eaters and what actually worksWhy so many parents lie when asked if they love being a momThe mental load imbalance at the dinner table (and everywhere else)Erika's ongoing dinosaur documentary arc and what it says about modern lifeTake a trip with us! South of France in June: https://trovatrip.com/trip/europe/france/france-with-erika-abdelatif-jun-2026 Christmas Markets trip in December: https://trovatrip.com/trip/europe/germany-and-austria/germany-with-erika-abdelatif-dec-09-2026?earlybird=true Support the pod and get even more content: patreon.com/dinkypod Keywords: regretful parents reddit, parenting regret stories, picky eater toddler, mom burnout, stay at home mom mental load, parenting honest conversations, childfree podcast, reddit reactions, parenting stress, cooking for kids, toddler meal time struggles, child free by choice Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

This week on the Regretful Parents series, Erika and Kristen react to a Reddit post from a 34-year-old German father who says he never wanted kids, claims his Japanese wife lied about being on birth control, and now regrets both his marriage and his baby — while living in a completely different country from them.The post is equal parts heartbreaking and baffling.In this episode:A German man describes his marriage to a Japanese woman and the culture clash that followedWhy "you have to read the air" is the most iconic line of the episodeThe baby was born in Japan — while he was in GermanyWhat you need to know about international custody laws when one parent is JapaneseWhy living together before marriage matters (especially across cultures)Our hottest take: get a vasectomy, babeWhether you're here for the relationship drama, the cultural commentary, or just two women yelling "you're not even in the same country!" — this one's for you.Take a trip with us! South of France in June: https://trovatrip.com/trip/europe/france/france-with-erika-abdelatif-jun-2026 Christmas Markets trip in December: https://trovatrip.com/trip/europe/germany-and-austria/germany-with-erika-abdelatif-dec-09-2026?earlybird=true Support the pod and get even more content: patreon.com/dinkypod Tags / Keywords:regretful parents, baby regret reddit, parenting regret, reddit relationship advice, german japanese couple, international custody laws, baby trapped reddit, marriage regret, childfree reddit, reddit react podcast, parenting podcast, divorce advice, cross-cultural marriage, Japan custody laws, reddit stories reactedChapters:0:00 Intro0:27 Reading the post — "I just need a channel to let out despair"1:21 The birth control lie2:09 "I regret many things" (very German)2:52 "You have to read the air" — Germany vs. Japan culture clash5:29 Wait… she gave birth in JAPAN?6:45 International marriage: are they even legally married?10:15 Reddit comments react11:36 Japan's strict custody laws explained13:21 Our verdict: snip snip, bitch14:19 Outro + how to find usBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Want more exclusive content from Dinky? Join the Patreon! This week, Erika takes Kristen down a rabbit hole she wishes she could un-visit — the disturbing story of Mike and Heather Martin, the couple behind the infamous DaddyOFive YouTube channel. What started as a "family prank" account quickly became one of the most notorious examples of child exploitation on the internet.We cover:How the DaddyO5 channel grew to 750,000 subscribers and an estimated $200K–$350K annually — and what was really happening behind the cameraThe "invisible ink" prank video that broke the internet The role of biological mom Rose Hall and the custody battle that followedWhat actually happened in court (spoiler: not enough)Where the family is now SOURCES: BBC, NYMag, Wikipedia, People TRIPS:TIME IS RUNNING OUT: Lavender Dreams & Riviera Nights With ErikaChristmas Markets 2026!!! GET MORE FROM DINKY:Treat yourself to new merch! Wanna get your finances in order? Use our link to sign up for a FREE 34 day trial of YNAB (You Need A Budget) and support the show. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Substack, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube.If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Erika is joined by friend of the pod and special guest Ashton to react to a Reddit post from a woman who is absolutely DONE being pregnant — stretch marks in places she didn't know could stretch, a partner telling her "your body will be better than ever," and a mom who just keeps saying "focus on the baby." YIKES. We get into why pregnancy horror stories are kept so quiet, the evolutionary reason human childbirth is uniquely dangerous, why women's pain gets minimized the second there's a baby involved, and the man on Instagram who came home for 1-2 hours a day and considered himself a parenting expert.Also: Ashton makes a great case for Dinky trips. Speaking of which, seats are still available for these two Dinky trips:South of France in June: https://trovatrip.com/trip/europe/france/france-with-erika-abdelatif-jun-2026 Christmas Markets trip in December: https://trovatrip.com/trip/europe/germany-and-austria/germany-with-erika-abdelatif-dec-09-2026?earlybird=true Support the pod and get even more content: patreon.com/dinkypod In this episode:Reacting to "I WANT THIS PERSON OUT" — a viral r/regretfulparents postWhat actually happens to your body during pregnancy that no one tells youThe evolutionary reason human childbirth is so much harder than other mammalsWhy lying on your back during labor might not actually be best for women800 women die in childbirth every day — and some men still minimize itMorning sickness so bad her doctor waited SIX MONTHS to mention there was medicationVagina pain, butthole cramps, and getting screamed at from a car while 8 months pregnantThe man who spent 1-2 hours/day with his baby and got on the internet to explain uteruses to womenWhy Ashton thinks Dinky trips might be one of the best decisions of her lifeChapters: 0:00 – Welcome & introducing guest Ashton 0:42 – Ashton's honest Dinky trip review (unprompted, unsponsored) 3:34 – The post: "I WANT THIS PERSON OUT" 4:33 – Can you actually be pregnant for 365 days? 6:19 – Stretch marks in places she never expected 7:08 – The mental whiplash of your body changing that fast 9:01 – "You might not even get a healthy baby. You just get a baby." 10:15 – Her partner & mom completely dismiss her feelings 12:34 – Why society keeps pregnancy realities hidden 14:31 – Ashton on being childfree since childhood 18:41 – Why human childbirth is uniquely dangerous (evolution explainer) 20:23 – Were women never supposed to give birth on their backs? 21:54 – Comment section: 800 deaths a day & the Instagram man 24:39 – Vomiting for 6 months before anyone offered medication 25:14 – Not every woman is built for this — and that should be okay 26:42 – Final thoughts & trip linksBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Want more exclusive content from Dinky? Join the Patreon! Dinky listeners have been flooding our inboxes lately pressuring us to watch Season 10 of Love Is Blind — because it featured not one, but TWO storylines about women choosing non-traditional paths when it comes to kids. One of those women was Emma Betsinger, who is our guest today!  Emma is a 28-year old who was adopted from China at age three, and raised in a white family in Ohio. Emma endured 10 surgeries before the age of 7 to remove high-risk birthmarks and expressed concerns about having biological kids as a result. She got engaged to Mike Gibney on the show, but their relationship ended at the altar. Today, we’ll be talking to Emma about her experience sharing her story on the show and where she stands on kids now.TRIPS:Christmas Markets 2026!!! Lavender Dreams & Riviera Nights With ErikaGET MORE FROM DINKY:Treat yourself to new merch!Wanna get your finances in order? Use our link to sign up for a FREE 34 day trial of YNAB (You Need A Budget) and support the show. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Substack, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube.If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Erika and Kristen react to one of the most harrowing posts from the r/regretfulparents subreddit — a woman's decade-long battle with serious birth injury damage after a midwife failed to suture a second-degree tear, leaving her with permanent physical damage, no sensation during sex, and a medical system that keeps turning her away.This one is NOT for the faint of heart. (You've been warned. 💀)We get into it all: the midwife vs. hospital birth debate, how the medical system routinely dismisses women's pain, why this would be treated as an emergency if it happened to a man, and the absolutely devastating moment where this woman has to choose between fixing her body and buying her kid braces.☕ Support the pod: patreon.com/DinkyPod (Help Kristen pay her 450-euro electricity bill in her Georgian-era icebox apartment. She deserves it.)In this episode:Reacting to a viral r/regretfulparents post about long-term birth injuryThe midwife vs. hospital birth debate — what does the data actually say?Prolapse, perineal tears, and why the medical system calls it "cosmetic"Why women's pain and sexual dysfunction are chronically under-treated"Braces or my vagina" — the impossible choices mothers are forced to makeChildfree commentary on why childbirth risks are still under-discussedChapters:0:00 – Welcome & intro to the post 0:42 – The midwife who didn't suture the tear 1:34 – Midwife vs. hospital births: Erika's hot take 3:24 – The tear that went unrepaired for years 5:08 – "It was gaping open" 6:38 – The surgeon who refused to fix it 8:25 – A decade of rejections from the medical system 10:32 – Braces vs. surgery: the impossible choice 12:26 – Top comments + our final thoughts 15:12 – Wrap up & how to support DinkyDon't get pregnant. 💅Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

This week, Erika and Kristen take a brief detour from the usual Regretful Parents subreddit and dive into a viral post from the “Am I Overreacting?” corner of Reddit. The situation? A mom who hasn’t had a solo shower in four days after caring for two sick kids alone while her husband enjoyed a bachelor party weekend. She finally gets a moment to herself… only to have it interrupted.When her husband returns home, things quickly spiral from mildly inconsiderate to fully infuriating. Instead of watching their one-year-old for five minutes while she showers, he places the baby in a playpen and leaves the house to run an errand. The result is a text exchange so ridiculous that Erika and Kristen perform a dramatic reenactment — and have plenty to say about communication, mental load, and weaponized cluelessness in parenting partnerships.Is the original poster overreacting… or is this guy just the worst?What We Talk AboutThe realities of parenting while your partner is awayWhy moms so often feel like they need to “ask permission” for basic self-careWhether the OP should have been more direct—or if the husband should have used common senseA dramatic reading of the couple’s painfully awkward text exchangeThe absolute audacity of leaving a baby alone during a showerThe difference between a partner and an extra child you have to manageThe fantasy revenge scenarios we’d personally consider in this situationReddit’s best comments roasting this guyMORE FROM USWebsite: https://www.dinkypod.com/ Patreon: https://patreon.com/dinkypod Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Want more exclusive content from Dinky? Join the Patreon! Today we are chatting with Nicole Louie, a writer and translator originally from Brazil and now based in Ireland. She is the author of Others Like Me: The Lives of Women Without Children. Others Like Me chronicles her own journey towards embracing a life without children while weaving in stories from women around the world she found in her search for community and guidance. Nicole’s essays have appeared in Oh Reader Magazine, The Walrus, The Guardian, and Literary Hub. More info about the giveaway can be found on our Instagram!Book SynopsisOthers Like Me: The Lives of Women Without Children by Nicole Louie (published by House of Anansi in North America)In a world that expects all women to become mothers, what happens to those who circumvent motherhood?Now and throughout history, women without children have been misunderstood and even vilified for not conforming to the prescriptive path of daughter, wife, mother, whether by choice, circumstance, or ambivalence. But with an increasing number of people choosing to forego children, Nicole Louie knew she was not alone. As she recounts her own journey toward embracing a life without children, Louie weaves in stories from the women around the world she found in her search for community and guidance, from their pasts to their presents to their hopes for the future.TRIPS:Christmas Markets 2026!!! Lavender Dreams & Riviera Nights With ErikaGET MORE FROM DINKY:Treat yourself to new merch! Wanna get your finances in order?Use our link to sign up for a FREE 34 day trial of YNAB (You Need A Budget) and support the show. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Substack, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube.If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Is Love Is Blind accidentally telling a regretful parents story?In this solo episode of the Regretful Parents series, Erika dives into the viral Reddit discussion about Love Is Blind Season 6 and the controversial engagement between Emma and Mike — specifically their major disagreement about having children.From pronatalist pressure to “you’d make a great mother” propaganda, this episode breaks down:Why you should NEVER “convince yourself” to have a childThe red flags in Emma and Mike’s engagementThe moment when Emma’s sister admitted she regrets having kids (and why the internet shamed her for it)Transracial adoption trauma and identity strugglesMedical concerns, genetic testing, and reproductive autonomyItalian family expectations & cultural pressure to have grandchildrenWhy marriage is about compromising paint colors — not parenthoodHave you been watching Love Is Blind this season? What did you think about Emma’s sister’s honesty? Can a relationship survive when partners disagree about kids? Drop your thoughts in the comments.MORE FROM USWebsite: https://www.dinkypod.com/ Patreon: https://patreon.com/dinkypod Keywords:regretful parents, regretful motherhood, Love Is Blind season 6, Emma and Mike Love Is Blind, childfree by choice, motherhood regret, pro natalism, transracial adoptee, adoption trauma, reality TV analysis, parenting pressure, women and reproductive choice, childfree women, regretful mom story, Netflix Love Is Blind recapBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Want more exclusive content from Dinky? Join the Patreon! We’re kicking off Season 10 with a recap of our 2025 Christmas Markets trip and getting a sneak peek ahead at our next adventure. We cover what surprised us, what we loved, and what we’d do differently in, plus with some tips of what we’d do differently! PS: we also preview our upcoming 2026 Christmas Markets trip featuring stops in Vienna and Munich.Please forgive that we are both FULLY sick and FULLY ADHD.TRIPS:Christmas Markets 2026!!! Lavender Dreams & Riviera Nights With ErikaGET MORE FROM DINKY:Treat yourself to new merch! Wanna get your finances in order? Use our link to sign up for a FREE 34 day trial of YNAB (You Need A Budget) and support the show. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Substack, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube.If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

What happens when parenting regret doesn’t go away… it just evolves?In this episode, Erika is joined by fellow childfree girlie Abby Porter (aka z00mie, aka “the girl with the list”)  to unpack a brand-new post from a parent whose regret has shifted from newborn exhaustion to something much heavier: existential anxiety, fear about the future, and the pressure of shaping a child’s entire life.We discuss: • Why regret can become more philosophical as kids grow• The crushing pressure parents feel to “not mess up” their children• Anxiety about AI, social media, and the modern world kids are growing up in• The myth that motherhood comes naturally• Why some people realize the realities of parenting too late• How comparison culture and mommy influencers make parenting harder• Whether thinking deeply about parenthood BEFORE kids could prevent regretTIMESTAMPS00:00 Intro + Meet Abby Porter01:00 How parenting regret changes over time03:00 Fear of traumatizing your kids (even if you’re a good parent)05:00 Generational patterns, anxiety, and breaking cycles07:00 Parenting anxiety about the future, AI, and safety09:00 “Philosophical garbage” — unpacking that take12:00 When motherhood isn’t what you expected14:00 The myth that parenting comes naturally16:00 Social media, mommy influencers, and comparison18:00 Kids, screens, and the “iPad generation”21:00 Therapist advice: stop spiraling or think deeper?23:00 Why these conversations matter BEFORE having kids24:50 Comment reactions + final thoughtsFOLLOW ABBY PORTERYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@z00mie TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@z00mieInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/z00mi.e/ MORE FROM USWebsite: https://www.dinkypod.com/ Patreon: https://patreon.com/dinkypod regretful parents podcast, parenting regret discussion, motherhood reality, childfree podcast, parenting mental health, motherhood expectations, modern parenting struggles, should I have kids, honest parenting talk, parenting anxiety, raising kids today, social media parenting pressure, AI future kidsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

In this episode, Erika and Kristen read and react to a viral post from Reddit about a parent struggling with a chronically unhappy, clingy, sleep-hating four-year-old — and the toll it’s taking on her mental health.From colicky babies to nonstop whining, sleep deprivation, and the reality of parenting advice that doesn’t always help, this conversation dives into the messy truth behind “it gets better.” Along the way, the hosts share personal stories, debate nature vs. nurture, question whether some kids are just born grumpy, and wonder if one tiny old-soul child simply belongs on a bench in New York complaining about life.They also discuss:What chronic sleep deprivation does to parentsWhy some kids always seem happier The pressure to follow perfect parenting adviceWhy “just take them somewhere fun” isn’t always helpfulWhether kids actually enjoy things like trips to London or seeing Big Ben (apparently not 😅)The overstimulation nightmare of kid-heavy spacesAnd a wild intergenerational daycare idea spotted on TikTokIf you’ve ever wondered what happens when parenting isn’t magical — this episode is for you.If you enjoy the show and want to support it, check out our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/dinkypodBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

In this episode, Kristen and Erika dive into another brutally honest story from the Regretful Parents series — this time from a 39-year-old single mother by choice who spent thousands on fertility treatment… and now says she feels trapped, broke, constantly sick, and deeply regretful.If you’ve ever felt pressure from society, family, media, or your “biological clock” — this episode is for you.We’re talking about:The reality of being a single mom by choiceFertility treatment expectations vs. realityPostpartum depression & long-term mental health strugglesWhy parents say “it’s worth it” (even when it’s not)The myth of “you’ll have so much support”Constant illness after daycareWhy society pushes women toward marriage & motherhoodDisney, fairy tales, and lifelong conditioningMarriage propaganda & pronatalist cultureWhy antidepressants are often recommended to struggling parentsAnd the uncomfortable truth: what if you simply don’t enjoy parenting?Subscribe for MoreNew episodes weekly on:Regretful parents storiesChildfree lifeMarriage realitiesWomen opting out of traditional pathsFinancial & emotional freedom without kidsLike, comment, and share if this episode resonated with you.Learn more about Dinky: https://www.dinkypod.com Support the show on Patreon for bonus content: https://patreon.com/dinkypodBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

⚠️ Content Warning: Discussions of parental resentment, mental health crises, and implied threats of violence.In this episode, Erika and Kristen dive a viral Reddit post from an Australian father overwhelmed by parenting two ADHD children with an ADHD spouse. What starts as complaints about mess, noise, and burnout spirals into resentment, misogyny, and an alarming confession.As two hosts with ADHD, we unpack the realities of living with ADHD and why so many parents seem shocked by… having to parent??? Along the way, we discuss weaponized incompetence, emotional labor, mental health stigma, ADHD medication debates, and why therapy is not optional when resentment turns dangerous.Learn more about Dinky: https://www.dinkypod.com Support the show on Patreon for bonus content: https://patreon.com/dinkypodAnd until next time…Don’t get pregnant. 😌Timestamps00:00 – Welcome to the Regretful Parents series00:17 – “Parenting with ADHD is pretty rough” (yeah… we noticed)01:06 – ADHD, pregnancy, resentment & mood swings02:20 – Corporate burnout, part-time work, full-time expectations03:23 – Gentle parenting, authority, and medicating ADHD kids04:19 – “If I’d known, I would’ve run the other way”05:03 – Losing respect for a spouse & blaming medical misogyny06:40 – “I don’t like my kids” (🚩🚩🚩)07:36 – Messy houses, unrealistic expectations & parenting delusion08:14 – “Why can’t they just be normal?”09:11 – Health decline, resentment, and isolation09:53 – The sentence that made everything terrifying10:31 – Therapy is not optional11:26 – Reddit comments that actually offer solutions12:32 – ADHD discipline, structure & realistic expectations14:20 – Autonomy, accountability & parenting resentment15:24 – ADHD, ODD, and opting out of parenthood16:02 – Final thoughts: the kids didn’t ask to be hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Want more exclusive content from Dinky? Join the Patreon! Today, we’re talking about Project 2026. Two years ago, we covered everything you needed to know about Project 2025, the dystopian right-wing plan from the Heritage Foundation that was largely considered the blueprint for the Trump administration’s first year back in office. But the Heritage Foundation didn’t stop there — no, their nightmare for America knows no bounds. So today, we’re unpacking everything you need to know about Project 2026, their new plans for chaos and destruction. SOURCES:Project 2025 architects lay out 2026 policy visionHow much of Project 2025 has actually been accomplished this year?TRIPS:Artsy Adventure In Vietnam With ErikaLavender Dreams & Riviera Nights With ErikaGET MORE FROM DINKY:Treat yourself to new merch! Wanna get your finances in order? Use our link to sign up for a FREE 34 day trial of YNAB (You Need A Budget) and support the show. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Substack, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube.If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

⚠️Content Warning: This episode discusses disability, regret, resentment, and medical trauma. Listener discretion advised.In this episode, Kristen and Erika dive into a post titled “I dislike my disabled child and I am ashamed.”Pulled straight from Facebook — where it racked up over 5,000 likes — this anonymous post opens up an uncomfortable conversation about parenthood, disability, genetic testing, medical gaslighting, caregiver burnout, and the realities no one prepares parents for.We react in real time to a mother describing life after learning her child will be profoundly disabled, require 24/7 lifelong care, and never be independent. From missed genetic diagnoses and a lawsuit, to rage, grief, resentment, and shame — this episode tackles the things parents aren’t allowed to say out loud.We also unpack:Medical gaslighting of women by doctorsSociety’s obsession with “perfect motherhood”How people are brutally cruel to regretful parents onlineThe myth that “everything will work out” If you’re childfree, on the fence, or questioning the fantasy version of parenthood society sells us, this episode is for you.More episodes, tours, and unfiltered chaos: DinkyPod.comJoin our childfree community: patreon.com/dinkypodTake a trip with us: https://trovatrip.com/host/profiles/dinky-wxarg Learn more about our podcast: dinkypod.com Love ya. Don’t get pregnant.💬 Join the conversation:Do you think parents are allowed to talk honestly about regret? Where is the line between truth and taboo?Keywords / SEO Tags:regretful parents, disabled child, caregiver burnout, medical gaslighting, regretful motherhood, childfree podcast, parenting regret, genetic testing failure, NIPT test lawsuit, disability and parenting, Facebook confession, honest parenting podcast, anti natalism, childfree by choice, Dinky PodcastBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

This one has a twist ending!In this episode of the Regretful Parents series, Erika and Kristen react to a Reddit post titled “I genuinely hate my baby.” What starts as a familiar story about parenting regret, sleep deprivation, and postpartum mental health quickly turns into total chaos when the hosts realize the post wasn’t written by a mother — but by a first-time father (FTF).This episode dives deep into the realities of new parent burnout, baby sleep training, cry it out (CIO) methods, and the crushing isolation that comes with being an expat parent with no support system. The Reddit post describes a 33-year-old parent with a 4.5-month-old baby who hasn’t slept more than two hours at a time, leading to severe mental health struggles, weight loss, emotional breakdowns at work, and intense regret over becoming a parent.Along the way, Erika and Kristen unpack:The emotional toll of sleep deprivation and newborn parentingWhether sleep training actually works or causes harmWhy parenting forums are obsessed with acronyms (FTF, CIO, PLS, TCB… seriously, why?)The differences in how mothers vs fathers are treated when they struggle mentallyHow parental regret is discussed (or ignored) onlineWhy so many overwhelmed parents turn to churches, daycare, or community support just to surviveAnd how being child-free offers a radically different perspective on parenting cultureThis episode blends dark humor, brutal honesty, and social commentary while exploring topics like postpartum depression (PPD), parenting expectations, gender roles, and the myth that having children automatically brings fulfillment.If you’re interested in:regretful parentsnew parent mental healthbaby sleep trainingparenting regret storieschild-free commentaryReddit parenting storiesfirst time father strugglespostpartum depression discussions…this episode is for you.👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations about regret and choosing a childfree life.Join our childfree community: patreon.com/dinkypodTake a trip with us: https://trovatrip.com/host/profiles/dinky-wxarg Learn more about our podcast: dinkypod.com Love ya. Don’t get pregnant.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

In this episode, Erika and Kristen read and discuss a post from the Regretful Parents sub titled “Don’t Do It Folks.” The post details a chaotic day of parenting young children and offers practical advice for people who are considering having kids.Our conversation covers the realities of daily childcare, loss of free time, unequal caregiving labor, financial strain, and how resentment can build. We break down the post’s advice for fence sitters, including the importance of firsthand childcare experience, realistic expectations, financial support, and reliable help from partners or family.The episode also explores broader themes around decision-making, comparing parenthood to other long-term commitments people often underestimate. Listener comments from the subreddit add perspective on money stress, partner dynamics, and unmet expectations after having children.This episode is for fence sitters, childfree listeners, and parents looking for honest discussions about parenting, regret, and life choices.Topics discussed:Regretful Parents subreddit storiesParenting stress and burnoutFence sitting and deciding whether to have kidsChildcare labor and resentmentFinancial pressure and parentingChildfree perspectivesKeywords: regretful parents, parenting regret, fence sitter, childfree, deciding whether to have kids, parenting burnout, regretful parents subreddit, childfree podcast, parenting realities, DINK lifestyleJoin our childfree community: patreon.com/dinkypodTake a trip with us: https://trovatrip.com/host/profiles/dinky-wxarg Learn more about our podcast: dinkypod.com Love ya. Don’t get pregnant.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Want more exclusive content from Dinky? Join the Patreon! Today we are joined by TJ Bozarth, the creator, writer, and director of DINK: The Musical — a dramedy satire on the state of our world sung through the eyes of three DINK couples. We talk with TJ about the inspiration behind the musical, why satire feels important right now, and how this project has been received around the world. TRIPS:Artsy Adventure In Vietnam With ErikaLavender Dreams & Riviera Nights With ErikaWanna get your finances in order? Use our link to sign up for a FREE 34 day trial of YNAB (You Need A Budget) and support the show. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Substack, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube.Merch is here!!!If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses self-harm, mental health crises, sexual content, and parental regret.A parent of a 17-year-old daughter with autism, ADHD, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts describes years of burnout, crisis management, and reaching a breaking point. From phone restrictions to parental PTSD, this story raises uncomfortable questions about autonomy, responsibility, mental health, and what happens when caregiving becomes all-consuming.💬 Topics include:Regretful parenting and caregiver burnoutNeurodivergence and adolescenceSexuality, boundaries, and harm reductionTherapy fatigue and parental PTSDWhy having kids isn’t the “default” choice we’re told it isMore Regretful Parents episodes available on YouTube and wherever you get podcasts.Join our childfree community: patreon.com/dinkypodLove ya. Don’t get pregnant.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Welcome back to the Regretful Parents series. This episode tackles what motherhood does to women’s bodies, mental health, and sense of self.Erika and Kristen read a post from the Regretful Parents subreddit titled “Never Felt as Ugly as I Do Now as a Mom.”A woman reflects on how pregnancy, postpartum life, chronic sleep deprivation, stress, and mental load have aged her physically and emotionally — and how devastating it feels to no longer recognize herself in the mirror. From "saggy apron bellies to lifeless eyes", celebrity “bounce-back” culture, Botox discourse, and why men somehow escape all of this entirely, the conversation spirals (as it should) into a full-blown rant about how cruel, unfair, and deeply misogynistic the expectations placed on mothers really are.Topics include:Postpartum body changes no one warns you aboutWhy stress and sleep deprivation visibly age womenThe lie of “bouncing back” after pregnancyCelebrity beauty standards are fully rage-inducingWhy motherhood drains women and barely touches menAnd the eternal question: why do we keep doing this to ourselves?Support us on patreon.com/dinkypod so we can kill ads foreverFind childfree friends, connect with other fence-sitters, and join our next trip at dinkypod.com.And as always: don’t get pregnant.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

In this episode, Kristen and Erika dive into a wild Reddit post from a working mom dealing with a stay-at-home husband who refuses to actually parent their 28-month-old (that's 2 years and 4 months, people!).What We Cover:A stay-at-home dad who won't take his toddler to the playground, feed her, or play with herWhy OP hired a house cleaner because he couldn't handle the basicsThe depression and isolation that can come with being a full-time parentWhy men often aren't equipped to handle what women do every dayThe importance of community and adult friendships for stay-at-home parentsOur thoughts on why this relationship is doomedGET MORE: Instagram & TikTok: @dinkypodJoin our community: Find childfree friends, connect with other fence-sitters, and join our next trip at dinkypod.com.Key Moments:The math rant about calling kids "28 months old" instead of just saying their age in yearsDiscussion about whether this dad was always terrible or if parenthood changed himWhy the wife can't leave even though she "could care less about him anymore"The hypocrisy of stay-at-home dads vs stay-at-home moms and societal expectationsThis episode tackles the reality of regretful parenting, gender dynamics in childcare, stay-at-home parent depression, and why some people should never have kids.  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

What happens when the love you’re promised as a parent never shows up?In this episode, Erika and Kristen dive into one of the most taboo and honest conversations about parenthood: regret, ambivalence, and not loving your child the way society says you should. Reading directly from the Regretful Parents subreddit, we unpack a post from a mother who admits she doesn’t love her baby and can't figure out why. From postpartum expectations and hormonal myths to comparisons between loving pets vs. children, this episode explores:Why some parents don’t feel instant love after birthThe difference between love as a feeling vs. love as an actionPostpartum depression, trauma, and emotional overstimulationWhy mothers are rarely allowed to admit regretThe pressure to perform “good motherhood” even when you’re strugglingWhether love can grow later — or never come at all🎧 Listen if you’re:✔ Questioning parenthood✔ Childfree or on the fence✔ A parent struggling with regret or guilt✔ Tired of toxic positivity around motherhood✔ Interested in honest, feminist conversations about family, choice, and autonomyJoin the discussion:Do you think parental love is biological, hormonal, learned — or optional? Let us know in the comments.💖 Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/dinkypodKeywords / Hashtags:#RegretfulParents #MotherhoodRegret #PostpartumReality #NotLovingYourChild #HonestParenting #Childfree #DINK #ParenthoodTruth #PostpartumDepression #RedditStories #TabooTopics #Feminism #DinkyPodcastBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE WEEK: Shop Herself Collections to snag you or someone you love a gorgeous gift this Valentine’s Day!! It’s the listener question episode!Don’t miss your chance to join me in VIETNAM — and it’s an artsy person's dream itinerary! Buy your tickets while they last.Wanna get your finances in order? Use our link to sign up for a FREE 34 day trial of YNAB (You Need A Budget) and support the show. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Substack, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads at @dinkypod.Follow us on YouTube.Merch is here!!!If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Welcome back to the Regretful Parents series. This week, Erika and Kristen read and react to a post from the Regretful Parents subreddit titled “Feel Like I’ve Ruined My Life.” Spoiler alert: he kind of has. A 29-year-old man agrees to an ultimatum — have a baby before 30 or never — and now finds himself exhausted, resentful, intimacy-deprived, and being pressured for more kids he absolutely does not want. The hosts break down the red flags, the insanity of reproductive ultimatums, and why choosing hypothetical future children over your actual partner is… deeply unwell behavior. Along the way, they discover one of the smartest parenting arrangements they’ve ever seen, question why people keep doing this to themselves, and remind everyone (once again) that ultimatums are not love.Topics include:Reproductive ultimatums 🚩Regret after agreeing to parenthoodWhy “one and done” is a complete sentenceA surprisingly genius split-parenting strategyAnd yet another reminder to PLEASE use your brain🔗 Find everything we do at DinkyPod.com💸 Support us on Patreon (emotionally, financially, spiritually)And as always: don’t get pregnant.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

We're sitting down with Rachael Eckles. In this conversation, Rachael shares her journey to becoming child-free, her career evolution from law and bioethics to fiction writing, and her advocacy for women's health. She discusses the impact of her education and health experiences on her life choices, the importance of diverse voices in publishing, and her desire to empower women through her writing and publishing platform. Rachael Eckles discusses her journey as an independent author and publisher, emphasizing the importance of providing access to publishing for others. She shares her experiences in building Aphrodite Books, her motivations for writing, and the impact of her childfree lifestyle on her creative process. Rachael also highlights the significance of empowering diverse voices in literature and the freedom to choose one's own path in life.Connect with Rachael on Instagram Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode — it helps people find the show!Merch is here!!! Get your merch NOW!Erika is taking a group of childfree travelers to VIETNAM — and it’s an artsy adventurer's dream itinerary! Buy your tickets while they last. Wanna get your finances in order? Use our link to sign up for a FREE 34 day trial of YNAB (You Need A Budget) and support the show. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Substack, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube.If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

In this episode, Erika and Kristen dive into a jaw-dropping Reddit post titled “I Am A Roller Coaster Of Regret And Acceptance.” From religious guilt to missed abortions, dating struggles as a single parent, and the crushing realities of living with family, this story sparks one of our most chaotic discussions yet.We unpack:Why people banking on miscarriage is not a life planThe real statistics about pregnancy lossHow religion traps people — especially women — in unwanted parenthoodWhy telling single parents to “just make more money” is useless adviceThe myth of “plenty of good men who will raise your kid”Dating with kids and the harsh math of shrinking romantic optionsWhat realistic support actually looks like for regretful parentsWhy child support and 50/50 custody are not as simple as Reddit makes it soundHow societal expectations sabotage women’s independencePlus:Erika threatens to hand out abortions like Oprah gives out carsKristen Googles miscarriage stats mid-episodeSpeculation on whether these Reddit commenters are botsA brief detour into Europe trips, face masks, and alleged co-host hatredA public reminder: STOP GETTING PREGNANTPerfect for listeners who:Are childfree or childfree-curiousLove dark humor, honesty, and chaosWant a realistic look at the consequences of accidental parenthoodEnjoy commentary on Reddit’s wildest regret-parent stories💬 Have a regretful parent story?Email us at dinky@dinkypod.com — we might read yours on a future episode.✈️ Want to travel with us?Check out upcoming trips at dinkypod.com.🎧 Listen or watch more of DinkyFind us on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.👉 Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, unfiltered commentary, and exclusive trip info.Final reminder:Don’t. Get. Pregnant.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

In today’s Regretful Parents episode, Erika and Kristen dive into a viral story from the I Regret Having Children Facebook page — and this time, it’s not a confession but a financial horror story. An Ohio mom’s TikTok exploded online after revealing the NICU bill for her premature quadruplets: $4.04 million. Erika and Kristen unpack the wild reality of childbirth costs in America, why one medical complication can financially ruin a family overnight, and how unpredictable — and brutally expensive — pregnancy and birth can be. Inside this episode:• A NICU bill for quadruplets that hit $4 million• Why childbirth and complications are financially catastrophic in the U.S.• Parents of twins facing $11 million in NICU charges• How insurance actually works (and doesn’t) for medically complex births• Hidden hospital costs, nonsense itemized charges & billing scams• Why “just have kids” ignores medical and financial reality• The emotional toll of raising premature or medically fragile infants• Why the childfree movement keeps gaining traction• The fear, uncertainty, and chaos behind “miracle baby” stories• Why influencers oversimplify parenthood into “children are a blessing”• U.S. healthcare vs. Europe’s systems — and who ends up paying📌 FOLLOW USInstagram & TikTok: @dinkypodTrips, events, and childfree meetups: DinkyPod.comThanks, Dink Squad — and remember: don’t get pregnant.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Today we are joined by the hilarious Liza Treyger, otherwise known as Glitter Cheese on social media. Liza is a comedian you may know from Netflix’s The Degenerates and Survival of the Thickest or her hit podcast That’s Messed Up: An SVU Podcast, where she dives deep into Law & Order episodes, true crime, and pop culture. She’s hilarious and if you love Dinky, you’ll love Liza.Connect with Liza on Instagram.Merch is here!\Erika is taking a group of childfree travelers to VIETNAM — and it’s an artsy adventurer's dream itinerary! ONLY 12 SEATS REMAIN AT TIME OF PUBLICATION!Wanna get your finances in order? Use our link to sign up for a FREE 34 day trial of YNAB (You Need A Budget) and support the show. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Substack, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube.If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Welcome back to our Regretful Parents series. In this episode, Kristen and Erika react to a Reddit post titled “Motherhood Has Been Hell As An Anxious Person,” where an overwhelmed mom explains how becoming a parent completely destroyed her mental health, sleep, and sense of stability. This is one of the most honest Reddit parenting stories we’ve covered. Before having kids, the original poster felt her anxiety was under control. She had routines, sleep, self-care, time for exercise, friendships, and a stable lifestyle. But motherhood brought sleep deprivation, overstimulation, constant responsibility, and the loss of basic personal freedom. Her anxiety returned with a vengeance, leaving her controlling, exhausted, and unable to maintain her own mental or physical health. We discuss:• What happens when anxious people become parents• Sleep deprivation and the mental health collapse it can cause• The myth that motherhood is always fulfilling or “worth it”• Why self-care is not selfish, especially for parents• How societal pressure pushes people to have kids they aren’t prepared for• The fear of being labeled selfish for prioritizing mental health• Why so many parents feel regret but cannot say it out loud• Neurodivergence, overstimulation, and sensory overload in parenting• How childfree people often avoid these struggles by choiceIf you’re exploring the childfree lifestyle, questioning parenthood, managing anxiety, or looking for honest conversations about modern parenting, this episode dives into the real challenges parents face—but aren’t allowed to talk about.More episodes and resources: DinkyPod.comFollow us on Instagram and TikTok: @dinkypodJoin our childfree community and group trips at DinkyPod.comPatreon for weekly bonus episodes and ad-free content: patreon.com/dinkypodTimestamps:00:00 Intro00:17 Why anxiety and motherhood often collide02:00 How sleep deprivation destroys mental health05:00 The motherhood myth and societal pressure07:00 Why parents don’t expect the loss of freedom10:00 Self-care vs. “selfishness”13:00 Neurodivergence and sensory overload18:00 The fear of constant danger20:00 Final thoughtsKeywords: motherhood anxiety, anxious mom, regretting motherhood, regretful parents, parenting burnout, sleep deprivation mom, overwhelmed mom, childfree by choice, should I have kids, mental health and parenting, Reddit stories, Dinky Pod, Kristen and Erika, parenting regret, motherhood expectations, anxious parents, overstimulation parentingBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Welcome back to another episode in our Regretful Parents series — where we dive deep into stories from the Regretful Parents subreddit. Today’s post comes from a woman who is 7 weeks pregnant, spiraling with anxiety, and realizing she may not actually want a baby — even though her husband does. She’s 35, terrified of change, and suddenly questioning everything.In this episode, we talk about: ✨ Fear-based pregnancies and panic spirals ✨ Pressure from partners who want kids ✨ Why “children are funny” is NOT a reason to reproduce ✨ Abortion, guilt, intuition, and regret ✨ Why parenthood is a lifetime contract you cannot return ✨ The hard truth: You can divorce your husband… you cannot divorce your child If you're childfree, childfree-curious, or just fascinated by the realities people rarely talk about, this episode is for you.🎧 LISTEN TO THE PODCAST: Want more than just the heavy stuff? Our Dinky Pod podcast dives into travel, comedy, interviews, astrology, politics, and all things childfree life. Search Dinky wherever you get your podcasts.💬 LET’S CONNECT: Instagram, TikTok, YouTube — @DinkyPod 👇 Tell us in the comments: What would you do in her situation?#regretfulparents #redditstories #childfree #childfreebychoice #parentregret #childfreewomen #unexpectedpregnancy #abortionstories #relationshipadvice #pregnancyregret #redditreadings #dinkypodBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

This episode’s returning guest is Maggie Dickens, licensed therapist and the host of Unapologetically Childfree. Maggie’s built an incredible space for childfree women who are done holding it all together for everyone else and ready to feel as supported as everyone else. She’s got a mix of therapy smarts, real talk, and a calming energy that makes you want to exhale and finally stop carrying everyone’s emotional baggage. In this episode, Maggie joins to talk through how to stop being the entire village and do it guilt-free. And today, just in time for the holidays, she’s sharing some strategies to regulate your nervous system. Connect with Maggie on Instagram.SMALL BUSINESS OF THE WEEK: Contact Taylor of Oxley Consulting Services for support in building personalized administrative solutions to help you make real progress in your life + in your business.Merch is here!!! New Dinky trip alert!! Erika is taking a group of childfree travelers to VIETNAM — and it’s an artsy adventurer's dream itinerary! Buy your tickets while they last. Wanna get your finances in order? Use our link to sign up for a FREE 34 day trial of YNAB (You Need A Budget) and support the show. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Substack, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube.If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Welcome back our Regretful Parents series! In this episode, Erika and Kristen react to a viral Reddit post from a parent who openly regrets having kids — and his reasons why will make your jaw drop. From religious guilt and peer pressure to capitalism and walkable cities, this conversation breaks down why so many parents are speaking out about regret, exhaustion, and the myth of “the village.”We dive into:The viral Reddit post titled “For the ones lurking and seeking answers”Why some people regret having kids — and what they wish they’d knownThe impact of religion, social pressure, and capitalism on family planningThe myth of “it takes a village” and what parents actually need: money, services, and walkable citiesWhy billionaires and late-stage capitalism are part of the parenting crisisGET MORE: Find us on YouTubeFollow us on Instagram & TikTok: @dinkypodJoin our community:Find childfree friends, connect with other fence-sitters, and join our next trip at dinkypod.com.Timestamps:00:00 Intro – The “Regretful Parents” series00:21 The viral Reddit post01:00 The “sex drive” rant03:00 Religion, guilt, and regret05:00 “You need a village” vs “You need services”06:00 Capitalism, billionaires, and burnout08:00 Dinky Pod community & PatreonKeywords: regretful parents, childfree podcast, childfree lifestyle, should I have kids, parent regret, Reddit parenting, childfree women, childfree couples, religious guilt parenting, capitalism parenting crisis, late stage capitalism, Dinky Pod, Erika and Kristen, fence sitters, walkable cities parentingBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Select Regretful Parents episodes are being uploaded to the podcast feed — to watch the full series, visit Dinky Podcast on our YouTube!Welcome back to our Regretful Parents series, where hosts Erika and Kristen read and react to posts from parents who regret having kids. This episode dives into a Reddit confession titled “4 A.M. Thoughts” — a raw look at the exhaustion, resentment, and grief that some parents feel behind closed doors.Erika and Kristen unpack it all:🐶 The dog that remembers the “before times”☕ The cold coffee and endless morning chaos😩 The invisible labor of motherhood🧠 The mental load and emotional burnoutTimestamps:00:36 – The “4 A.M. Thoughts” Reddit post06:00 – The emotional toll of motherhood10:00 – When parenthood feels like a prison sentence15:00 – Quiet mornings, lost freedom, and what-ifs18:00 – Unpacking lore about Charles Dickens' wife story (yikes)22:00 – Final thoughts💬 Join the Discussion:Would you go back to bed at 4 a.m.? Or stay up to savor the time with your dog? 💡 About the Show:Regretful Parents is part of the Dinky Podcast, where Erika and Kristen explore child-free living, parental regret, and the culture around choosing (or not choosing) kids. 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts!🌐 Visit DinkyPod.com for more information + to learn about our trips#RegretfulParents #ChildFreeByChoice #ParenthoodRegret #DinkyPodcast #ChildFreeCommunity #Antinatalism #ParentBurnout #MomRegret #RealParenthood #DINKLife #ChildFreeLiving #ParenthoodUnfiltered #PodcastClips #RedditStoriesBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Today we’re joined by the hilarious Natasha Vaynblat, a New York–based comedian and writer embracing the childfree life. You’ve seen her work on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and her debut stand-up album We’re All Dads Here was named one of Paste’s Best Comedy Albums and featured in Vulture’s “5 Albums to Watch Right Now.” Natasha is also the creator and star of the award-winning digital Comedy Central series Your Worst Fears: Confirmed, which hilariously brings our most irrational anxieties to life. In this episode, Natasha opens up about her journey to embracing a childfree identity, how it’s shaped her comedy, and what it means to carve your own path. Catch Natasha Live: Natasha is currently performing her show “Childless Freak” at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater in NYC on November 8, 2025.Connect with Natasha on InstagramDon’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode — it helps people find the show!Merch is here!!! Get your merch NOW!New Dinky trip alert!! Erika is taking a group of childfree travelers to VIETNAM — and it’s an artsy adventurer's dream itinerary! Buy your tickets while they last. Wanna get your finances in order? Use our link to sign up for a FREE 34 day trial of YNAB (You Need A Budget) and support the show. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Substack, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube.If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

In the spirit of Halloween, Kristen and Erika decided to give you ALL the bonus Halloween content! Enjoy!!!If you don’t immediately recognize her name, you may know the famous nursery rhyme: Lizzie Borden took an axe, she gave her mother 40 whacks; when she saw what she had done, she gave her father 41. Besides her infamy in American crime history, she was also a woman who never had kids. In this episode, we’re going to review the case and the aftermath — and question: was she the killer? This is sure to be a fan-favorite among those who love our rambling. Want more bonus content? Sign up for the Patreon! Join now to support the show + gain access to weekly, ad-free episodes, chat with us & other childfree pals in the Dinky Discord, join our virtual book club, and more! Merch is here!!! Get your merch NOW!New Dinky trip alert!! Erika is taking a group of childfree travelers to VIETNAM — and it’s an artsy adventurer's dream itinerary! Buy your tickets while they last. Wanna get your finances in order? Use our link to sign up for a FREE 34 day trial of YNAB (You Need A Budget) and support the show. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Substack, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube.If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

In the spirit of Halloween, Kristen and Erika decided to give you ALL the bonus Halloween content! Enjoy!!!This past summer, Kristen visited Salem, MA — the city best known for one of the most devastating events of early American history: the Salem Witch Trials. Given some parallels and stereotypes between witches and childfree women (i.e., childless cat ladies), Kristen + Erika wanted to revisit this event in history and focus on some key details of the witches themselves.The Dinky Patreon is officially live! Join now to support the show + gain access to weekly, ad-free episodes, chat with us & other childfree pals in the Dinky Discord, join our virtual book club, and more! Wanna re-read the blog Kristen read about childfree witches? See it here. Erika is taking a group of childfree travelers to VIETNAM — and it’s an artsy adventurer's dream itinerary! Buy your tickets while they last. Wanna get your finances in order? Use our link to sign up for a FREE 34 day trial of YNAB (You Need A Budget) and support the show. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Substack, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube.If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

For nearly 175 years — from 1563 until its repeal in 1736 — this act stood as part of Scotland’s law. In that time, it is estimated that 3,000 to 5,000 people were accused of witchcraft. Of those, a staggering 84 percent were women. Torture, often in the form of sleep deprivation and relentless interrogation, was routine. Executions followed — frequently by strangulation or burning — and their bodies were often destroyed so they could not even be buried, denied the final dignity of rest.Our guests know this story better than anyone.Today, we’re joined by Claire Mitchell KC — a distinguished Scottish lawyer, specialising in criminal defence, constitutional and human rights law. She is co-founder of the Witches of Scotland campaign, which seeks posthumous pardons, a memorial, and an official apology for those persecuted under the Witchcraft Act.Zoe Venditozzi is a writer, teacher, and co-campaigner. Born and raised in Fife, she brings storytelling, archival curiosity, and moral urgency to this mission. Her literary debut Anywhere’s Better Than Here won the Guardian’s Not the Booker popular prize; now with Claire she’s co-author of How to Kill a Witch: A Guide for the Patriarchy.Their new book weaves together legal history, archival testimony, fictional vignettes, and sharp critique. It lifts the stories of those accused — women, and a few men — out of dusty court records and into the present. It asks: how did this system become possible, and how do we make amends? Merch is here!!! Get your merch NOW!SMALL BUSINESS OF THE WEEK: Thornback Acupuncture with Dr. Rachel Oristano.New Dinky trip alert!! Erika is taking a group of childfree travelers to VIETNAM — and it’s an artsy adventurer's dream itinerary! Buy your tickets while they last. The Dinky Patreon is officially live! Join now to support the show + gain access to weekly, ad-free episodes, chat with us & other childfree pals in the Dinky Discord, join our virtual book club, and more! Wanna get your finances in order? Use our link to sign up for a FREE 34 day trial of YNAB (You Need A Budget) and support the show. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Substack, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube.If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

It’s October, which means it’s the start of Spooky Season. If you’ve been listening to Dinky for the past three years, you know we always do a Halloween episode – two of which have included our favorite, recurring guest star, Sapphire Sandalo. You might recognize her as a co-host on the Travel Channel TV shows ‘Ghost Town Terror’ or from her appearances on ‘Paranormal Caught on Camera.’ She also has her own award-winning podcast, Stories With Sapphire. Today, Sapphire rejoins the Dinky crew to chat about her new short film, as well as chat about witches. And this year we’re trying something new – we’re doing a whole month of spooky childfree tales across our Patreon bonus & regular episodes, including more stories spotlighting childfree witches and more spooky childfree/childless women. Learn more about Sapphire’s new short film, BREEDER, and support the film HERE.Soft re-launching MERCH! (Shh.) Get your merch HERE. New Dinky trip alert!! Erika is taking a group of childfree travelers to VIETNAM — and it’s an artsy adventurer's dream itinerary! Buy your tickets while they last. The Dinky Patreon is officially live! Join now to support the show + gain access to weekly, ad-free episodes, chat with us & other childfree pals in the Dinky Discord, join our virtual book club, and more! Wanna get your finances in order? Use our link to sign up for a FREE 34 day trial of YNAB (You Need A Budget) and support the show. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Substack, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube.If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

In this episode, Erika and Kristen dive into the complexities of marriage, exploring whether it is truly hard or if it depends on circumstances. They share personal experiences, discuss societal expectations, and analyze YOUR feedback via Instagram Stories. Plus, we touch on the impact of children in marriage and the importance of communication and compatibility.Soft re-launching MERCH! (Shh.) Get your merch HERE. New Dinky trip alert!! Erika is taking a group of childfree travelers to VIETNAM — and it’s an artsy adventurer's dream itinerary! Buy your tickets while they last. Only two more weeks to book your tickets and join us for our CHRISTMAS MARKETS trip. The Dinky Patreon is officially live! Join now to support the show + gain access to weekly, ad-free episodes, chat with us & other childfree pals in the Dinky Discord, join our virtual book club, and more! Wanna get your finances in order? Use our link to sign up for a FREE 34 day trial of YNAB (You Need A Budget) and support the show. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Substack, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube for Regretful Parents content.If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Today we are talking through one of our favorite topics: DEATH. Kristen and Erika talk about the importance of making a will, the ins and outs of what happens with your property after you die, and how to make a will today for free. (For legal purposes this is not legal advice. Consult a lawyer for verifiable information.)Timestamps:2:33 - Dink Yourself11:46 - Let’s talk about wills18:36 - Who gets your property if you don’t have a will?20:46 - What is probate & why is it bad?25:54 - When should you update your will?26:26 - Where do I get a will?36:31 - How to establish a free will40:48 - What’s in Kristen’s will? New Dinky trip alert!! Erika is taking a group of childfree travelers to VIETNAM — and it’s an artsy adventurer's dream itinerary! Buy your tickets while they last. The Dinky Patreon is officially live! Join now to support the show + gain access to weekly, ad-free episodes, chat with us & other childfree pals in the Dinky Discord, join our virtual book club, and more! Wanna get your finances in order? Use our link to sign up for a FREE 34 day trial of YNAB (You Need A Budget) and support the show. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Substack, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube.If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

We have something very special for you today — about a month ago, we had bestselling author Andrea Bartz join our Patreon book club for a discussion about her new book, The Last Ferry Out. Andrea was on the show previously on one of our best-performing episodes on childfree representation in the media, so go back and listen to that episode!Our Christmas Markets magic trip in Germany is now open to everyone! Buy your tickets while you still can. The Dinky Patreon is officially live! Join now to support the show + gain access to weekly, ad-free episodes, chat with us & other childfree pals in the Dinky Discord, join our virtual book club, and more! Wanna get your finances in order? Use our link to sign up for a FREE 34 day trial of YNAB (You Need A Budget) and support the show. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Substack, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube.If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

In this follow-up to our first tradwives episode, we dive into the toxic world of the manosphere and the concept of “princess treatment.” From Andrew Tate wannabes to algorithm-fed misogyny, we unpack how these online communities are radicalizing young men, feeding the male loneliness epidemic, and warp ideas about relationships. What you’ll hear in this episode:What the manosphere is, who’s in it, and how it’s damaging men AND womenThe role of YouTube algorithms in fueling extremist contentWhy beauty standards for men are moving backward while women’s are evolvingHow patriarchy, entitlement, and unrealistic dating expectations feed each otherThe male loneliness epidemic and why “man up” culture is part of the problemImportant links:Mexico City Weekend: Cutoff date Aug. 20, 2025Christmas Markets Girls’ Trip: Prague, Berlin & beyond The Dinky Patreon is officially live! Join now to support the show + gain access to weekly, ad-free episodes, chat with us & other childfree pals in the Dinky Discord, join our virtual book club, and more! Wanna get your finances in order? Use our link to sign up for a FREE 34 day trial of YNAB (You Need A Budget) and support the show. Dinky is now on Substack — free of charge! Subscribe now to access exclusive content, unhinged memes, guest articles, and stay up to date on the podcast.Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and BlueSky at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube.If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Before we talk about today’s episode, consider taking a trip with Dinky! We have two amazing trips: A long weekend in Mexico City, and a Christmas Markets adventure in Germany.Is your childfree choice written in the stars? In this episode, we sit down with astrologer Christina Garcia to explore what astrology reveals about the decision not to have children. Christina reads Erika + Kristen’s birth charts and walks us through the placements and patterns that might point to a childfree path. We dive into the houses and signs that speak to parenting, autonomy, and purpose — and unpack how astrology can validate, affirm, or even challenge how we see ourselves. Whether you're a chart-curious skeptic or a full-blown astro girlie, this is a juicy one.The Dinky Patreon is officially live! Join now to support the show + gain access to weekly, ad-free episodes, chat with us & other childfree pals in the Dinky Discord, join our virtual book club, and more! Wanna get your finances in order? Use our link to sign up for a FREE 34 day trial of YNAB (You Need A Budget) and support the show. Dinky is now on Substack — free of charge! Subscribe now to access exclusive content, unhinged memes, guest articles, and stay up to date on the podcast.Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and BlueSky at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube.If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

What if the very thought of pregnancy or giving birth filled you with terror — not just discomfort or anxiety, but real, paralyzing fear?In this episode, Erika and Kristen explore tokophobia, an often-overlooked condition defined by the Cleveland Clinic as an extreme fear of childbirth. Tokophobia can affect people so severely that they may go to great lengths to avoid pregnancy altogether. For those who do become pregnant, the fear can overshadow what many new parents expect to be a joyful time. We unpack the psychological and cultural roots of this condition, share firsthand accounts from those living with it, and discuss how tokophobia intersects the choice to remain childfree. Whether you've experienced this fear yourself, or are just hearing about it for the first time, this episode offers validation, insight, and a fresh perspective on reproductive autonomy.In This Episode, We Cover:🧠 The difference between primary and secondary tokophobia, and how each type manifests📊 Statistics from the Norwich Medical School on the prevalence of childbirth-related anxiety and severe fear🧪 Kristen’s deep dive into the Wijma Delivery Expectancy Questionnaire (W-DEQ) — including her own results😨 Erika’s personal experience with extreme physical reactions to discussions of pregnancy🧵 How tokophobia, PTSD, and general fear of childbirth exist on a spectrum — and why misdiagnosis matters💊 The limited treatment options for tokophobia, including therapy and planned cesarean births🗣️ Emotional Reddit confessions from those with tokophobia, and how the childfree identity often overlaps with the condition⚖️ The impact of abortion restrictions on those with tokophobia — and how forced pregnancy can feel life-threatening to some🧵 Why “being a woman” can feel like a burden when reproductive autonomy is at stake💬 Join the Conversation: Have you experienced tokophobia or a fear of pregnancy? Tell us your story or weigh in on the conversation at @dinkypod on Instagram, or email us at dinky@dinkypod.com. Rate & Review:If you found this episode validating, eye-opening, or just super interesting, don’t forget to follow and leave us a review! It helps other childfree listeners find us.TAKE A TRIP WITH DINKY:Mexico City Weekend 1: Oct 9 - 128 Days In Germany + Prague for Christmas Markets: Dec. 6 - 13 (GIRLS TRIP)Wanna get your finances in order? Use our link to sign up for a FREE 34 day trial of YNAB (You Need A Budget) and support the show. Dinky is now on Substack — free of charge! Subscribe now to access exclusive content, unhinged memes, guest articles, and stay up to date on the podcast.Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and BlueSky at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube.If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

A lot to unpack in this episode! Today we are talking about Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill": what it includes and, most importantly, what's at stake for Americans when it comes to Medicaid, increasing federal debt, AI, and impacts specific to "childless adults."Note: We’re recording this on June 20, 2025 and the Senate won’t even start debating the bill until at least June 22, 2025. So, some details about this conversation MAY have updates by the time this episode goes live, but the generalizations should remain in tact. Take a trip with Dinky:We have two long weekend trips to:Mexico City Weekend 1: Oct 9 - 12Mexico City Weekend 2: Oct. 16 - 19 (GIRLS TRIP)Plus 8 Days In Germany + Prague for Christmas Markets: Dec. 6 - 13 (GIRLS TRIP)The Dinky Patreon is officially live! Join now to support the show + gain access to weekly, ad-free episodes, chat with us & other childfree pals in the Dinky Discord, join our virtual book club, and more! Wanna get your finances in order? Use our link to sign up for a FREE 34 day trial of YNAB (You Need A Budget) and support the show. Dinky is now on Substack — free of charge! Subscribe now to access exclusive content, unhinged memes, guest articles, and stay up to date on the podcast.Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and BlueSky at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube.If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Our guest today needs no introduction, as you’ve likely seen her all over your FYP educating the masses on midlife and menopause. Tamsen Fadal is the bestselling author of How To Menopause: Take Charge of Your Health, Reclaim Your Life, and Feel Even Better Than Before, the host of the Tamsen Show Podcast, and the creator, producer, and executive producer of the PBS documentary The M Factor: Shredding The Silence On Menopause. Beyond that, she is also a 12-time Emmy award-winning journalist and documentarian. Her regular appearances in media outlets include Oprah Daily, The Today Show, The New York Times, and The Harvard Business Review. Long story short? She’s a big fucking deal and we’re so excited to have her with us today! Take a trip with Dinky:We have two long weekend trips to:Mexico City Weekend 1: Oct 9 - 12Mexico City Weekend 2: Oct. 16 - 19 (GIRLS TRIP)Plus 8 Days In Germany + Prague for Christmas Markets: Dec. 6 - 13 (GIRLS TRIP)The Dinky Patreon is officially live! Join now to support the show + gain access to weekly, ad-free episodes, chat with us & other childfree pals in the Dinky Discord, join our virtual book club, and more! Wanna get your finances in order? Use our link to sign up for a FREE 34 day trial of YNAB (You Need A Budget) and support the show. Dinky is now on Substack — free of charge! Subscribe now to access exclusive content, unhinged memes, guest articles, and stay up to date on the podcast.Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and BlueSky at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube.If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Today we’re revisiting a crowd fave: regretful parents! We spiced it up this time and went to a new source for regretful parents content: Facebook’s “I Regret Having Children” page. Can you imagine anything more depressing than posting about regretting parenthood on Facebook?? Me either! Tune in for a great recap of three stories found on Meta's worst platform. We have two long weekend trips to:Mexico City Weekend 1: Oct 9 - 12Mexico City Weekend 2: Oct. 16 - 19 (GIRLS TRIP)Plus 8 Days In Germany + Prague for Christmas Markets: Dec. 6 - 13 (GIRLS TRIP)Dinky is now on Substack — free of charge! Subscribe now to access exclusive content, unhinged memes, guest articles, and stay up to date on the podcast. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and BlueSky at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube.If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

R. O. Kwon is the author of the two best selling books —The Incendiaries and Exhibit, the second of which received a New York Times Editors’ Choice award. Kwon’s writing has appeared in The New York Times, New Yorker, Time, Vanity Fair, The Guardian, and beyond — often writing about abortion rights, being childfree, as well as her identities as an Asian American and queer woman. Born in Seoul, Kwon has lived most of her life in the United States. You can find more info on ordering her books here.We have two long weekend trips to:Mexico City Weekend 1: Oct 9 - 12Mexico City Weekend 2: Oct. 16 - 19 (GIRLS TRIP)The Dinky Patreon is officially live! Join now to support the show + gain access to weekly, ad-free episodes, chat with us & other childfree pals in the Dinky Discord, join our virtual book club, and more! Dinky is now on Substack — free of charge! Subscribe now to access exclusive content, unhinged memes, guest articles, and stay up to date on the podcast. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and BlueSky at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube.If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Let’s talk about the SAVE act — the new legislation moving through Congress that has TikTok worried that many women and trans people will no longer be eligible to vote. If you’re unfamiliar, the SAVE Act would require all Americans to prove their citizenship with documentation unavailable to millions and upend the way every American citizen registers to vote.We have two long weekend trips toMexico City going live on May 7!Mexico City Weekend 1: Oct 9 - 12Mexico City Weekend 2: Oct. 16 - 19 (GIRLS TRIP)The Dinky Patreon is officially live! Join now to support the show + gain access to weekly, ad-free episodes, chat with us & other childfree pals in the Dinky Discord, join our virtual book club, and more! Dinky is now on Substack — free of charge! Subscribe now to access exclusive content, unhinged memes, guest articles, and stay up to date on the podcast. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and BlueSky at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube.If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

If you’ve been thinking about joining Dinky on a trip but not yet quite sold, this is the episode for you! In March, Dinky took 20 members of the Dink Squad to the bucket list destination every person who wanted to become an archeologist dreamt of going: Egypt. In this episode, we’ll recount the experience and share some audio clips from the travelers — and hopefully inspire you, too, to add Egypt to your list of travel spots to visit! The Dinky Patreon is officially live! Join now to support the show + gain access to weekly, ad-free episodes, chat with us & other childfree pals in the Dinky Discord, join our virtual book club, and more! Dinky is now on Substack — free of charge! Subscribe now to access exclusive content, unhinged memes, guest articles, and stay up to date on the podcast. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and BlueSky at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube.  If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Enjoy this full preview of the our bonus episodes! The Dinky Patreon is officially live — join now to support the show + gain access to weekly, ad-free episodes, chat with us & other childfree pals in the Dinky Discord, join our virtual book club, and more! Today we are joined by Caitlin Easter, who has been practicing family law in Oregon since 2016. Her and her fiancee are proudly childfree by choice, a decision reinforced by what she witnesses in her career as a divorce and child custody attorney. We’ll be talking to her about her day-to-day as well as her legal "thesis,” which argued why women shouldn't get married in the 21st century. Dinky is now on Substack — free of charge! Subscribe now to access exclusive content, unhinged memes, guest articles, and stay up to date on the podcast. Buy your own Dinky x Cheese Grotto pairing box! Use DINKYPOD10 at checkout. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and BlueSky at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube.  If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

To get access to the full episode, subscribe to our Patreon.In the second part of this stupid series, Kristen and Erika explore one of our favorite topics, The Muppets, and whether or not each character would have had kids or been childfree by choice. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Today we are talking about a cult adjacent to Tradwives: the Momfluencer. According to Wikipedia: “A mom influencer or momfluencer is a mother who shares the early moments of motherhood on social media, often utilizing sites such as Instagram.” Or, as Vox reports, “The simplest definition (of a momfluencer) is someone who has monetized her maternal identity on social media.” We’ll be covering the world of momfluencing in more detail, including the notorious cases of the Stauffers & Ruby Franke.The Dinky Patreon is officially live! Join now to support the show + gain access to weekly, ad-free episodes, chat with us & other childfree pals in the Dinky Discord, join our virtual book club, and more! Dinky is now on Substack — free of charge! Subscribe now to access exclusive content, unhinged memes, guest articles, and stay up to date on the podcast. Buy your own Dinky x Cheese Grotto pairing box! Use DINKYPOD10 at checkout. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and BlueSky at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube.If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

To get access to the full episode, subscribe to our Patreon.Today we are joined by Caitlin Easter, who has been practicing family law in Oregon since 2016. Her and her fiancee are proudly childfree by choice, a decision reinforced by what she witnesses in her career as a divorce and child custody attorney. We’ll be talking to her about her day-to-day as well as her legal "thesis,” which argued why women shouldn't get married in the 21st century. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Today we are speaking with Dr. Emily Sbiroli, a board-certified Emergency Medicine physician based in Southern California. She has expertise in climate medicine, healthcare sector decarbonization, and clinician education in these issues. She holds a Diploma in Climate Medicine from the University of Colorado and completed the National Physician Fellowship in Climate and Health Science Policy in 2022. She serves as course director for the University of Colorado’s Sustainable Health Systems curriculum, and consults on healthcare climate mitigation for US, Latin American, and Caribbean health systems. The Dinky Patreon is officially live! Join now to support the show + gain access to bonus episodes, chat with us in the Dinky Discord, join our virtual book club, and more! Dinky is now on Substack — free of charge! Subscribe now to access exclusive content, unhinged memes, guest articles, and stay up to date on the podcast. Buy your own Dinky x Cheese Grotto pairing box! Use DINKYPOD10 at checkout. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and BlueSky at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube. If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Enjoy Erika sweating over whether she knows high school education material about her body.To get access to the full episode, subscribe to our Patreon.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Our guest today needs no introduction, as she’s the guest of our most-beloved episode. That’s right, we’re talking to Marcia Drut-Davis to cap off our three-part series on childfree trailblazers. Now 82 years young, Marcia is a pioneer of the childfree lifestyle and author of two books: ‘Confessions Of A Childfree Woman’ and ‘What? You Don’t Want Children?’ In 1974, Marcia revealed her childfree status on national television on a groundbreaking segment of ‘60 Minutes.’ We’ll be asking her all about the fabulous adventures she’s had in the past few years, what advice she has on making intergenerational friendships and so much more.Dinky is now on Substack — free of charge! Subscribe now to access exclusive content, unhinged memes, guest articles, and stay up to date on the podcast. The Dinky Patreon is officially live! Join now to support the show + gain access to bonus episodes, chat with us in the Dinky Discord, join our virtual book club, and more! Buy your own Dinky x Cheese Grotto pairing box! Use DINKYPOD10 at checkout. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and BlueSky at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube.  If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

To get access to the full episode, subscribe to our Patreon.Today, we are reading some of the most disturbing parent-related posts on “the Reddit,” where I created a Dinkypod account signed up for every SubReddit related to having kids, from r/pregnant, r/parenting, and our personal favorite – r/regretfulparents. We will react in real time to some of these posts.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Today, we’re kicking off the second episode in our series on childfree trailblazers with a conversation with Marie Bernardy. Marie and her husband, Bill, met in 1968 and have been married since 1974. She served as Development Director for Planned Parenthood (in both CA and OR); Vice-President for Development at two CA hospitals, and Executive Director of two library foundations in both California and Oregon. After reading a Time article about the National Organization for Non Parenthood, she and Bill became involved in the St. Louis chapter,helping to grow its membership and visibility. Eventually both Marie and Bill served on theNON/NAOP board, each as President. Marie’s presidency coincided with the dissolution of theorganization in 1982. Marie & Bill made many local and several national appearances (including a Phil Donahue segment on the “Today” show) on behalf of NAOP. We ask her about her experience receiving physical threats, nasty late night phone calls, and a several weeks-long “dialogue” in the newspaper with the Archbishop of St. Louis, who called for their excommunication were some darks spots in an otherwise exciting, fulfilling and educational journey with NAOP.Dinky is now on Substack — free of charge! Subscribe now to access exclusive content, unhinged memes, guest articles, and stay up to date on the podcast. The Dinky Patreon is officially live! Join now to support the show + gain access to bonus episodes, chat with us in the Dinky Discord, join our virtual book club, and more! Buy your own Dinky x Cheese Grotto pairing box! Use DINKYPOD10 at checkout. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and BlueSky at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube.If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

To get access to the full episode, subscribe to our Patreon.In this stupid episode, Kristen (buzzed) and Erika (high) explore one of our favorite topics, The Muppets, and whether or not each character would have had kids or been childfree by choice. Dinky is now on Substack — free of charge! Subscribe now to access exclusive content, unhinged memes, guest articles, and stay up to date on the podcast. Buy your own Dinky x Cheese Grotto pairing box! Use DINKYPOD10 at checkout. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram and TikTok at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube.If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

We’re kicking off the first episode in a series on childfree trailblazers with a conversation with Joan Eisenstodt. An Ohio native, Joan moved to Washington, DC in 1978 and worked in the hospitality industry by trade. She was an early member of The National Organization for Non-Parents, which later became the National Alliance For Optional Parenthood, before shutting down during the Reagan administration. Joan has been featured in publications like The Washington Post, New Legacy Radio, and more. In this episode, we talk with her about her experiences seeking sterilization in the 1970s, how she’s feeling about the current political climate, and more. Dinky is now on Substack — free of charge! Subscribe now to access exclusive content, unhinged memes, guest articles, and stay up to date on the podcast. The Dinky Patreon is officially live! Join now to support the show + gain access to bonus episodes, chat with us in the Dinky Discord, join our virtual book club, and more.Buy your own Dinky x Cheese Grotto pairing box! Use DINKYPOD10 at checkout. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram and TikTok at @dinkypod.Follow us on YouTube.  If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

To access the full bonus episode, sign up for our Patreon.In this episode, we dive into Shit People Say, our recurring segment where we discuss the dumb shit that people have the audacity to say out loud. In this edition, Kristen and Erika chat about various social media comments that have pissed us off (well, Kristen anyway).Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Our guest today is Maggie Dickens. Maggie is a licensed therapist and relationship coach and with her Unapologetically Childfree community of more than 80,000 worldwide, she shares expert guidance. We recently joined Maggie on her podcast, where we screamed into the void about the recent election results (be sure to check that out!) and knew her experience as an expat in Portugal would be interesting for listeners who may also be feeling like they want to flee America for Europe, too.Follow Maggie on Instagram.The Dinky Patreon is officially live! Join now to support the show + gain access to bonus episodes, the Dinky Discord channel, our virtual book club and more! Buy your own Dinky x Cheese Grotto pairing box! Use DINKYPOD10 at checkout. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram and TikTok at @dinkypod.Follow us on YouTube.  If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

To access the full bonus episode, sign up for our Patreon.In this episode, we dive into Shit People Say, our recurring segment where we discuss the dumb shit that people have the audacity to say out loud. In this edition, Kristen and Erika chat about a legendary Facebook post that’s been making the rounds on Reddit and Twitter where a mom laments birthing extra kids because her “selfish daughter” is childfree, and we discuss which history-altering circumstances would make us open to having kids. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Today, we’re talking to a very special guest: Todd Warner. Todd has been a long-time Dinky community member — but when we met him at our Portland Happy Hour in October, we knew we had to sit down to talk with him more about his life. I think it’s safe to call Todd an activity junkie: as a typical Oregonian, he was an avid hiker, biker, skier, boat enthusiast, and beyond. Unfortunately, in the early 2010s, Todd started to notice his body taking on limitations — and ultimately was diagnosed with an ultra-rare and likely fatal disease known as Valosin Containing Protein disease, often referred to as VCP. So, today we’ll be talking with Todd about his life, his experience living with VCP, and if he has any regrets about not having kids.Follow Todd on Instagram and donate to find a cure for VCP.The Dinky Patreon is officially live! Join now to support the show + gain access to bonus episodes, the Dinky Discord channel, our virtual book club and more! Buy your own Dinky x Cheese Grotto pairing box! Use DINKYPOD10 at checkout. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram and TikTok at @dinkypod.Follow us on YouTube. If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

To access the full bonus episode, sign up for our Patreon.Our guest today is Manon de Visser, a biologist from the Netherlands — who first reached out to us to provide more information about ‘The Man With 1000 Kids’ — but our conversation went so much further, including sneaky fuckers and childfree animals. Manon’s expertise varies from studying animals in zoos, museums, and universities, and she also runs her own science communication company, 'Wild DNA' (Which, BTW, You can find her on Instagram with her handle @wild_DNA). Multitasking is clearly in her DNA, as she is about to complete her PhD in evolutionary genetics! She happily lives in her cozy home in the Netherlands with her husband, two cats, and an elderly rabbit. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

TW: This episode contains mentions of SA, death, and other upsetting topics. Being unalived by your children is one of the many unthinkable horrors of parenting and a top reason for NOT having kids. Few cases have sparked as much social commentary, media frenzy, and public debate as that of the Menendez brothers. For over 35 years, Erik and Lyle Menendez have remained in the spotlight, ever since the brutal murder of their parents in Beverly Hills in 1989 — an event that continues to captivate and divide the public. Their story has recently resurfaced given the potential for them to be released from prison. Tune in now to learn more!Wanna learn more about this case? Here is our research list:What Happened To The Menendez Brothers' $14.5 Million Inheritance As Netflix Series Divides ViewersDateline episode about the Menendez BrothersABC’s Inside the Menendez MovementMenendez Brothers Speak Directly to TikTok Movement, Share Differing Views on Hope Amid Renewed Case InterestThe Dinky Patreon is officially live! Join now to support the show + gain access to bonus episodes, the Dinky Discord channel, our virtual book club and more! Buy your own Dinky x Cheese Grotto pairing box! Use DINKYPOD10 at checkout. DINKY MERCH is now live for the holidays!We lied in this episode — Egypt is actually now sold out. Get on the waitlist!: Adventures In Egypt With Erika Of DinkyWanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram and TikTok at @dinkypod.Follow us on YouTube. If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

In late September 2024, we took an epic trip to Switzerland with 20 other childfree gals — and in today’s episode we’ll be recapping the highs and lows of our experiences, sharing some of our recommendations if you ever make your way to Switzerland, as well as snippets from the tiny mic interviews we did with several attendees.  Join Erika for the next Dinky trip: Adventures In Egypt With Erika Of DinkyThe Dinky Patreon is officially live! Join now to support the show + gain access to bonus episodes, the Dinky Discord channel, and more! Buy your own Dinky x Cheese Grotto pairing box! Use DINKYPOD10 at checkout. DINKY MERCH is now live for the holidays!Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram and TikTok at @dinkypod. Also, follow us on YouTube. If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

To access the full bonus episode, sign up for our Patreon.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

To access the full bonus episode, sign up for our Patreon.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

To access the full bonus episode, sign up for our Patreon.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Donald Trump has (once again) won the United States presidential election — despite 34 felony counts, 1 conviction, 2 cases pending, 2 impeachments, and 6 bankruptcies.  That means a Republican White House, a Republican leaning Supreme Court, a Republican majority in the Senate, and a likely Republican House of Representatives. With Republicans at the helm, so much is at stake for our democracy — particularly for women and the childfree.And that’s where the 4B movement comes in. In this episode we’ll cover the 4B movement, what it is, how it’s growing into a 5B, 6B, and 7B movement, why childfree women are embracing it, and what it means for our future. Read the book Flowers of Fire: The Inside Story of South Korea's Feminist Movement and What It Means for Women's Rights WorldwideRead an interview with Nayoung Kim, one of Korea’s 4B activists, and watch this YouTube interview from Asian Boss. Buy your own Dinky x Cheese Grotto pairing box! Use DINKYPOD10 at checkout. DINKY MERCH IS NOW LIVE FOR THE HOLIDAYS!  Join the next Dinky trip: Adventures In Egypt With Erika Of DinkySupport this show. (We haven’t launched the Patreon yet, lol) Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram and TikTok at @dinkypod.  If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Today we’re talking with Jessica Sennett, an award-winning entrepreneur and inventor of Cheese Grotto, a cheese storage line for the home and restaurant. She has been recognized internationally for her innovation within the dairy industry, and received the 2019 Best Equipment Award at the World Dairy Innovations Awards Conference in Portugal. In 2018, her business was selected for Agropur's first dairy innovation cohort in Canada where her product was tested in a dairy lab and proven to keep cheese fresher than professional cheese paper. She has been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Wine Spectator, Saveur, and more. We're talking to her today particularly to discuss our new & exclusive cheese box, available now!Buy your own Dinky x Cheese Grotto pairing box! Use DINKYPOD10 at checkout. Join the next Dinky trip: Adventures In Egypt With Erika Of DinkySupport this show. (We haven’t launched the Patreon yet, lol) Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram and TikTok at @dinkypod. If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

It’s our favorite episode of the year! Today, we’re joined by two of our besties — friends of the pod, Mrs. Mikee Garcia and Sapphire Sandalo. Join us as we discuss the horrifying topic of “parricide” and partake in a round of Spooky Would You Rather? Plus, test your knowledge of cryptids and see if you know more than our guest hosts (but don’t worry: you definitely know more than Erika.) Mikee is a TikToker under the handle @mrs.mikeegarcia — she’s a 3rd degree black belt in Taekwondo, a curly girl who loves to help women embrace their natural hair, and a DINK who is an active voice in the childfree community.We’re also joined by paranormal historian and expert, guest Sapphire Sandalo. You might recognize her as a co-host on the Travel Channel TV shows “Ghost Town Terror” or from her appearances on “Paranormal Caught on Camera.” She also has her own award-winning podcast, Stories With Sapphire.Support this show. (We haven’t launched the Patreon yet, lol) Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram and TikTok at @dinkypod. If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

This might be our most requested episode EVER. In August, the United States Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued an advisory with the claim that parenting is a hazard to your health and mental well-being. The full document from the Surgeon General is roughly 30 pages and let me tell you, if you thought parenting sounded horrible before, let me tell you: it’s worse than you think! We’ll get into what the study found, and discuss what they’re recommending as opportunities to lessen parental stress. Take the ANXIETY and DEPRESSION screenings. Join Dinky’s Peloton group!Support this show. (We haven’t launched the Patreon yet, lol) Our Portland meetup is officially *SOLD OUT.* Stay tuned for future opportunities! Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram and TikTok at @dinkypod. If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

As childfree content creators, we often hear from folks who are considering fostering or adoption. That’s why today, we’re talking to probably one of the best voices on the topic. Angela Tucker, a transracial adoptee, is a filmmaker and author challenging the dominant adoption paradigms by centering adoptee voices in the mainstream. Angela is a Black woman adopted from foster care to a white family. Her story has been chronicled in ‘Closure’, a documentary about the search for her biological parents, as well as in her book ‘You Should Be Grateful’ which was released in 2023. She’s also the founder of The Adopted Life, a consulting company where she offers workshops and mentorship, with a mission to help center adoptee stories and bring clarity and truth narratives about race, class, and identity. She has advised the writers of Broadway’s ‘Jagged Little Pill’ as well as NBC’s ‘This Is Us’.  If you enjoy this episode, be sure to check out her podcast, ‘The Adoptee Next Door.’ Angela lives in Seattle, Washington with her husband, Emmy-award winning filmmaker Bryan Tucker.Follow Angela on Instagram. Support this show. (We haven’t launched the Patreon yet, lol) Our Switzerland trip + Portland meetups are officially *SOLD OUT.* Stay tuned for future trips! Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram and TikTok at @dinkypod. If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Two years ago on Reddit, user dettispaghetti wrote on the truechildfree subreddit on a post titled “Euthanasia will be an option when we're old and decrepit.” Saying, “Seriously... the answer to the age old question of who will change your diapers when you're old is no one. People will not be dying agonizing cancer deaths in a few decades either. Whenever people have asked me this I have always told them I am never going to be an old hag suffering in pain regardless of whether I have children or not.Euthanasia is already becoming legalized in more and more places, by the time we're old it will be widely available and accessible to old people who can't fend for themselves. I would never waste my money or my children's money paying for assisted living or whatever, even if I had kids that money would go to them instead of prolonging my misery. Some people sell their houses so they can pay for assisted living which is a waste of your life's work and you are taking that money from whoever would inherit the house. This point of view will be the norm when we're old, quality of life is what is important, not quantity.”So, today we’re talking about physician-assisted a death — the practice of receiving, essentially, legalized suicide support to end your life on your terms. We’ll be looking at the pros and cons, where it’s actually legal, how we feel about it, and more.Read more about death with dignity from our sources:EuroNews: Euthanasia in Europe: Where is assisted dying legal?Statista (InfoGraph): Where Most People Die by Assisted SuicideCNN: Physician-Assisted Suicide Fast FactsSupport this show.Our Switzerland trip + Portland meetups are officially *SOLD OUT.* Stay tuned for future trips! Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram and TikTok at @dinkypod. If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Our guest today is Israa Nasir, a psychotherapist, speaker, and founder of the digital mental health brand Well.Guide on Instagram. Israa was born in Pakistan, and raised between Saudi Arabia and Toronto — but she’s also lived in the Middle East, South Asia, and the United States. This, along with her mixed-cultural identity has given her a unique perspective on the challenges of cross-cultural experiences and life transitions. Her work on mental health has been featured in Business Insider, NBC News, Teen Vogue and more. Plus, her new book ‘Toxic Productivity: Reclaim Your Time and Emotional Energy in a World That Always Demands More’ comes out in November 2024 and is available for pre-order now. DINK YOURSELF: Donate to the Columbia Gorge Humane Society GoFundMeRead Israa’s article, ​​8 Tips for Talking About Mental Health With Your Asian FamilyMERCH HAS ARRIVED! Get yours before it’s gone! Support this show.Our Switzerland trip + Portland meetup are officially *SOLD OUT.* Stay tuned for future events! Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram and TikTok at @dinkypod. If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

In this episode, Kristen and Erika unpack — gestures broadly — everything happening in the world — before ultimately discussing the new Netflix docuseries ‘The Man With 1000 Kids’ — which primarily tells the story of Jonathan Meijer, a Dutch sperm donor accused of fathering somewhere between 500 and 3,000 children via sperm donation, and defrauding vulnerable families in the Netherlands and around the world. Tune in to hear our thoughts on the documentary and much more! Articles referenced: NYT article: The Sperm Kings Have a Problem: Too Much DemandNewsweek article: How the Unregulated Sperm Market Is Creating an Online Baby BoomDaily Mail: Inside The World Of Super Sperm Donors Watch the Elon Musk clip from TikTok, referenced in Shit People Say. DINK YOURSELF: Learn more about Litter Robot. MERCH HAS ARRIVED! Get yours before it’s gone! Wanna join our Portland-area meetup? Fill out this form.Support this show.Our Switzerland trip is officially *SOLD OUT.* Stay tuned for future trips! Today's podcast is brought to you by Childfree Wealth, a life and financial planning firm dedicated to helping childfree and permanently childless people live their best life without kids. Visit their website to get started — and tell them we sent you!  Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram and TikTok at @dinkypod. If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

By popular demand, this episode will cover everything you need to know about Project 2025. If you’re unfamiliar, many are calling Project 2025 a “dystopian right-wing blueprint to overhaul America,” under the assumption that former President and convicted felon Donald Trump is elected to a second term as president. We’ll discuss abortion, women’s rights, and why it matters for you. Most importantly, we’ll talk about what you can do to make sure this insanity doesn’t make it to the White House. Wanna read more about Project 2025? Here are some articles that guided our research: (BBC) Project 2025: A wish list for a Trump presidency, explained(PEOPLE) What Is Project 2025? Inside the Far-Right Plan Threatening Everything from the Word 'Gender' to Public Education(ALJAZEERA) What could Project 2025 mean for the rest of the world?(BLOOMBERG) Trump, Project 2025 and Spreading Abortion MisinformationDon’t want to live in a world where the government tracks your miscarriages? Sign up to volunteer or donate in the 2025 election. Visit Vote Save America.DINK YOURSELF: Learn more about Litter Robot and Unbound Merino.Support this show.Our Switzerland trip is officially *SOLD OUT.* Stay tuned for future trips! Today's podcast is brought to you by Childfree Wealth, a life and financial planning firm dedicated to helping childfree and permanently childless people live their best life without kids. Visit their website to get started — and tell them we sent you!  Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram and TikTok at @diypod. If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Today, we’re talking with Danni Duncan: one of the most-well known childfree creators on the internet. You’ll recognize Danni from her incredible New Zealand accent, where she resides with her husband Alex and two cats, Stan and Billie. She’s a self-proclaimed homebody and known for spending her day rearranging her home. She loves fashion, good wine, and books — and spends all her money on eating at restaurants and a bit of travel here and there.Find Danni on Instagram and TikTok. You can also follow her new project, The Others Club as well as get updates on her new home. Support this show.Wanna go to Switzerland with us? Learn more and book now. Warning: only one month left before bookings close!!Today's podcast is brought to you by Childfree Wealth, a life and financial planning firm dedicated to helping childfree and permanently childless people live their best life without kids. Visit their website to get started — and tell them we sent you!  Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram and TikTok at @dinkypod.If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

In this episode, we’re joined by Krystal the Hot Mess Healer — she’s a spiritual coach, animal sanctuary director, fitness and wellness entrepreneur, and yes: a retired stripper. We’re gonna talk to her about the sex work industry, the things men said about their “baby mommas” in private, and so much more. Follow Krystal the Hot Mess Healer on TikTok.Read more about The Baldwins and their new stupid show. Watch the four hour Star Wars video review on YouTube. If you’d like to donate to the sanctuary via PayPal, find them at @upwarddogs.For eco-tourism reservations and to zoom in to the twice weekly donation-only yoga class email upwarddogsyoga@gmail.comSupport this show.Wanna go to Switzerland with us? Learn more and book now.Today's podcast is brought to you by Childfree Wealth, a life and financial planning firm dedicated to helping childfree and permanently childless people live their best life without kids. Visit their website to get started — and tell them we sent you!  Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram and TikTok at @dinkypod. If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

We! Love! Teachers! That’s why, in this episode, we’re talking to a legendary, hilarious educator known on TikTok as MyTeacherFace with nearly 700k followers at the time of publication. Dr. Jessica Hawk has been an educator for 32 years and teaches advanced placement English to seniors and a film analysis class in New Jersey — with very exciting things on the horizon! Tune in to hear her thoughts on why so many teachers are childfree, what it’s like to come from four generations of childfree women, and what’s next for her career. Follow Jessica on TikTok and Instagram. Wanna go to Switzerland with us? Learn more and book now.Today's podcast is brought to you by Childfree Wealth, a life and financial planning firm dedicated to helping childfree and permanently childless people live their best life without kids. Visit their website to get started — and tell them we sent you!  Support this show.Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram and TikTok at @diypod. If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Grab the Kleenex, because this interview gets *emotional!* Chelsea Devantez is an Emmy-nominated writer, comedian, director, and host of the podcast Glamorous Trash. Before she entered into an overall television deal with 20th Century Fox, she was Jon Stewart’s Head Writer for Apple TV+'s The Problem with Jon Stewart. Other television credits include Not Dead Yet, Girls5Eva, and Bless this Mess, among others. In 2020, Chelsea wrote, directed, and starred in the 2020 SXSW film, Basic, and is set to direct her feature debut this fall and her memoir will be published in June 2024 — titled I Shouldn't Be Telling You This (But I'm Going To Anyway).Follow Chelsea on Instagram and pre-order her memoir now.Wanna go to Switzerland with us? Learn more and book your trip!Today's podcast is brought to you by Childfree Wealth, a life and financial planning firm dedicated to helping childfree and permanently childless people live their best life without kids. Visit their website to get started — and tell them we sent you!  Support this show.Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram and TikTok at @diypod. If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Somedays, it really feels like the trolls have it out for childfree folks — but no one knows this more than our friend Mikee. You’ve probably seen her on TikTok, where she has nearly 17k followers under the username @mrs.mikeegarcia. Mikee is a 29-year-old 3rd degree black belt in Taekwondo, a curly girl who loves to help women embrace their natural hair, and a DINK who is an active voice in the childfree community. In this episode, we’ll be talking with her about her experiences as a content creator — and unfortunately, what it was like to get doxxed for being vocally childfree.Support this show.Follow Mikee on TikTok and Instagram. Learn more about Incogni, the software that removes your personal info from the internet. Watch Dominique Baker’s perfume TikTok and grab some Maison Francis Kurkdijan Paris. Get yourself some Salt & Straw Ice Cream. Wanna go to Switzerland with us? Learn more and book now.Today's podcast is brought to you by Childfree Wealth, a life and financial planning firm dedicated to helping childfree and permanently childless people live their best life without kids. Visit their website to get started — and tell them we sent you!  Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram and TikTok at @diypod. If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Today we are excited to chat with a “pleasure doula,” Sara Elise: an autistic, Black & Indigenous, queer, femme, who works primarily in the hospitality, well-being, and food industries. She has graduated business school, worked on Wall Street, and has been featured in Playboy, Nylon, Bon Appetit, StyleLikeU, and was one of BK Magazine’s 50 Most Fascinating People of 2022. She has modeled for brands like Sephora, Mercedes Benz, Madewell, and Instagram, and she is the author of A Recipe for More, her debut book which launched May 2023. Wanna go to Switzerland with us? Learn more and book now.Today's podcast is brought to you by Childfree Wealth, a life and financial planning firm dedicated to helping childfree and permanently childless people live their best life without kids. Visit their website to get started — and tell them we sent you!  Support this show.Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram and TikTok at @diypod. If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

If you’re a Millennial or Gen Z, there’s a good chance you were raised on shows from Disney Channel and Nickelodeon. By now, you’ve probably heard about the documentary ‘Quiet on Set’ which covers the untold story of the abusive environment inside '90s kids' television. So, as two people who love pop culture and aren’t having kids because the planet is awful, we have to talk about it. Wanna go to Switzerland with us? Learn more and book now.Today's podcast is brought to you by Childfree Wealth, a life and financial planning firm dedicated to helping childfree and permanently childless people live their best life without kids. Visit their website to get started — and tell them we sent you!  Support this show.Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram and TikTok at @dinkypod. If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

“Trad wife” is the new buzzword in pop culture — and we can’t seem to escape it, no matter how hard we try. While it might seem harmless and dumb on the surface, trad wife culture is deeply rooted in pronatalism. If you’re not familiar with the term, pronatalism is the policy or practice of promoting childbirth or encouraging people to have children. Today, pronatalism & pronatalist policies are on the rise all around us — from ads on television to the decisions from the Supreme Court. So, today we’re giving you an introductory lesson on pronatalism — the origins, the consequences, and what we can do about it. To register to vote, visit vote.gov.To read the AITA Reddit thread discussed in Shit People Say, click here.Wanna go to Switzerland with us? Learn more and book now.Today's podcast is brought to you by Childfree Wealth, a life and financial planning firm dedicated to helping childfree and permanently childless people live their best life without kids. Visit their website to get started — and tell them we sent you!  Support this show.Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram and TikTok at @dinkypod. If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Today we are honored to be joined by Ali Davis, a cult and childhood torture survivor. Ali grew up under Bill Gothard's teachings (otherwise known as the fundamentalist Christian cult portrayed in ‘Shiny Happy People’). Due in large part to Ali’s childhood experiences, she is now in her early 30s and childfree by choice. Ali is passionate about raising awareness of non-war related childhood torture and is the founder and Executive Director of the pretti graffiti foundation — the first and only nonprofit in the US dedicated to securing humanitarian aid for other survivors. Follow pretti graffiti foundation on Instagram.Visit the pretti graffiti foundation website to learn more or donate. To shop Erika’s mentioned lip stain, visit Wonderskin. (Not an ad.)Wanna go to Switzerland with us? As of publishing, there are only 6 spots left so don’t waste time! Book now.Today's podcast is brought to you by Childfree Wealth, a life and financial planning firm dedicated to helping childfree and permanently childless people live their best life without kids. Visit their website to get started — and tell them we sent you!  Support this show.Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram and TikTok at @dinkypod. If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

It’s almost spring, so naturally, we’re looking for excuses to DINK ourselves with a 2024 vacation. Your irresponsible, unhinged childfree besties have done the research on all things childfree vacations — including locations, best times of year, and childfree travel groups. Last but not least, we will also be chatting about our Lazy Girls trip, including a deep dive on the itinerary and what we’re looking forward to most. Wanna go to Switzerland with us? As of publishing, there are only 8 spots left so don’t waste time! Book now.Today's podcast is brought to you by Childfree Wealth, a life and financial planning firm dedicated to helping childfree and permanently childless people live their best life without kids. Visit their website to get started — and tell them we sent you! Looking for other travel options? Here are a few recs:WildShe RetreatsThe Philippines with Danni Duncan Greece with Childfree Millennial CF Travel ConnectSupport this show. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram and TikTok at @dinkypod. If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

If there’s one thing childfree people hear over and over and over again, it’s that someday we’ll wake up and realize we made a mistake — and be saddled with tremendous regret over our choice to be childfree. So, today we’ll be talking to Marcia Drut-Davis — an 81 year old pioneer of the childfree lifestyle and author of two books: Confessions Of A Childfree Woman and What? You Don’t Want Children? Marcia also revealed her childfree status on national television in 1974 on a segment of ‘60 Minutes.’ We’ll be asking her about her choice to remain childfree — and finding out if she has any regrets today.We wanna go on vacation with you! Fill out our survey to help us figure out where we’re going! Survey closes on February 27, 2023 at 11:59PM PST. Today's podcast is brought to you by Childfree Wealth, a life and financial planning firm dedicated to helping childfree and permanently childless people live their best life without kids. Visit their website to get started — and tell them we sent you! Support this show.Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram and TikTok at @dinkypod. If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

It’s a mailbag episode!! We had such a blast answering listener questions last season that we’re coming at you with a fresh batch. We’ve pulled some of our favorite questions that listeners like you have sent in over DMs and email — so let this serve as a reminder: if you have a question or a comment, you can always reach us at dinky@dinkypod.com!Cheese Grotto graciously offered us an affiliate code! Use code DinkyPod10 for 10% off any Cheese Grotto order. Click HERE to see the Instagram post discussed about your top reasons to not have kids. To watch the Instagram Reel referenced in Shit People Say, click HERE. Donate to support this show. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram, Threads, and TikTok at @dinkypod. If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Have you ever thought, “Wow, I wish i could just leave everything behind and travel the globe with a community of other childfree women?” Well, then this episode was designed for you. We’ll be talking with the childfree content creator known on social media as @WildShe. Through her work, she’s creating a community for childfree, travel-loving, free-spirited women to unite and challenge social norms. Having traveled and lived globally, mostly solo, for more than 10 plus plus years, she is probably best known for organizing childfree women’s group trips in places like Bali, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Costa Rica and beyond. Tune in to hear her story and a really, truly riveting game of Mad Libs. Wanna learn more about WildShe? You can find her on Instagram and TikTok. Plus, join her Facebook Group and learn more about her childfree adventures and retreats.Donate to support this show.Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram and TikTok at @dinkypod. If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

It’s a new year and we know fans of Dinky aren’t just childfree — they’re also big fans of true crime. So, our 2024 gift to you is Dinky with a slice of murder. In this episode we’re covering the famous story that made us all think deeply about the ethics of procreation: Gypsy Rose Blanchard and her mother Dee Dee. Plus, we unpack the news that Gypsy plans to have kids post-prison. Donate to support this show.Shop our merch.Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram and TikTok at @dinkypod. If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Listeners, strap in for a thriller of an episode. We’re talking to New York Times bestselling author and childfree superstar Andrea Bartz. Andrea Bartz is a journalist and author of her hit novels like The Spare Room, The Lost Night, The Herd, and Reese’s Book Club pick We Were Never Here. Her work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Marie Claire, Vogue, and many other outlets, and she's held editorial positions at Glamour, Psychology Today, and Self, among other publications. Tune in to hear her thoughts on the intersection of being childfree by choice, writing childfree characters, coming out as queer during the podcast, and what it’s like to be trolled online for your lifestyle. Please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!Wanna connect with Andrea Bartz? Find her on Instagram and buy The Spare Room here. Donate to support this show. Shop our merch.Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram and TikTok at @dinkypod. If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

In this episode, we’re diving into the topic of codependency. You might be asking yourself, what does codependency have to do with being childfree? Well, with some estimates suggesting that over 90-percent of the American population demonstrates some form of codependent behavior — childfree folks are no exception. So today, we’ll be talking to codependency coach Jo Westood on overcoming people pleasing tendencies in your childfree life, setting boundaries, and most importantly: how to deal with the toxic garbage your family will spew during the holiday season — especially around your choice to not have kids. Please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!Wanna connect with Jo Westwood? Find her on Instagram, her website, or sign up for her weekly email series Codependency Curious. Donate now to support this show. Shop our merch.Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram and TikTok at @dinkypod. If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Today, we’re going to be talking about the commodification of pregnancy. Specifically, we’re taking a deep dive into the complicated world of surrogacy: the process in which a person carries and delivers a child for a couple or individual. We’ll be learning about the different types of surrogacy, how surrogates are compensated (that is, if payment is even allowed in your state!) — and discuss if surrogacy overall is even ethical. It’s a heady one, but a good one. To learn more about surrogacy laws by state, visit THIS site. Donate now to support this show.Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram and TikTok at @dinkypod. If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Is it just me, or do we all dream about shirking societal norms and living with our childfree besties in a shared, intentional community — something like the Golden Girls? In today’s episode, Erika and Kristen dive deep into why intentional communities might just be the answer to childfree living we’ve been looking for. We’ll be talking about the broad strokes of the topic: from types of intentional communities that exist, to the logistics around shared property, and more. To learn more about intentional communities, we recommend checking out the Foundation for Intentional Communities website.Donate now to support this show.Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram and TikTok at @dinkypod. If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Our first episode on regretful parents was such a hit, we wanted to dive even deeper. In this episode, we’re joined by Orna Donath, a sociologist who probably knows more about parental regret than anyone on the planet. She is the author of the book, ‘Regretting Motherhood’ — which covers her study of 23 women on their experiences with regret over their role as mothers. You can buy Orna’s book HERE to read it yourself.To find the article on orgs to support in Israel and Palestine, visit CharityWatch.Become a monthly subscriber to support this show. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram and TikTok at @dinkypod. If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

To celebrate the launch of Season 4 and Halloween in one fell swoop, we’re joined by paranormal historian and expert Sapphire Sandalo. You might recognize her as a co-host on the Travel Channel TV shows like ‘Ghost Town Terror’ or ‘Paranormal Caught On Camera.’ She also has her own award-winning spooky podcast, 'Stories With Sapphire.' Additionally, October is Filipino American History Month, and as a Filipino-American, Sapphire shares her thoughts on the cultural pressures of being childfree as an Asian American.You can find Sapphire on TikTok and Instagram. Become a monthly subscriber to help support the show Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram and TikTok at @dinkypod. If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

The season three finale has arrived! To celebrate, we’re interviewing Dominique Baker, an award-winning skin and hair expert in her 40s who has been featured in WhoWhatWear, Style Canada, The Guardian and more. Plus, we catch up with Nick, one of the listeners we recently set up on a date via Instagram’s new app Threads, and it’s a WILD story. To shop Erika’s skincare routine: The Wayfair makeup organizer Olay Total Effects Revitalizing Foaming Face WashDr. Andrew Weil Mega-Mushroom Relief & Resilience Soothing Treatment LotionGood Molecules Lightweight Daily Moisturizer Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid ExfoliantBlack Girl Sunscreen Broad SpectrumIlia C Beyond Triple Serum SPF 40Tatcha Indigo Overnight Repair Youth To The People Peptides + C Energy Eye Concentrate with Vitamin C and CaffeineOrdinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Exfoliating Peeling SolutionPond's Cold Cream CleanserFarmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing BalmTo shop Kristen’s skincare routine: Vanicream Moisturizing Cream with Pumpderma e Vitamin C SerumColor Science Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Classic SPF 50Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Brush-On Shield SPF 50The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%The Ordinary Azelaic Acid 10% Suspension Brightening CreamDermstore Deep Cleansing Oil CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser Midnight Recovery ConcentratePaula’s Choice BHA Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50 with Sunflower ExtractTo shop Dominique Baker’s recommendations: dermalogica powerbright dark spot serumLa Roche Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid SerumEltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46Become a monthly subscriber to help this show stay ad-free: Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram and TikTok at @dinkypod. If you have a question or comment, email us at dinkypod@gmail.com. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dinky-podcast/support

Listeners, today is all about YOU. This may be our third season, but it’s also our first season doing a mailbag episode! You all sent in a ton of great questions on Instagram — from how to deal with your childfree status in professional settings, to our best dating advice, to coping with in-laws, and so much more! Become a monthly subscriber to help this show stay ad-free. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram and TikTok at @dinkypod. If you have a question or comment, email us at dinkypod@gmail.com. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dinky-podcast/support

I know what you’re thinking: what does artificial intelligence have to do with a DINK lifestyle? Surprisingly, more than you think! In this episode, we explore a common philosophical question in antinatalist circles: Should artificial intelligence be given the ability to experience pain and suffering? Plus, we chat about recent statements from Mo Gawdat, a former Google X exec, on why he’s urging people to hold off on having kids as a result of the rise of artificial intelligence.  You can find the New York Time’s story on if it’s ethically wrong to have kids here.  To learn more about the discussion between Sam Harris and David Benatar, visit here. If you want to fuck around and find out about AI, you can try out ChatGPT here.  Become a monthly subscriber to help this show stay ad-free. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram and TikTok at @dinkypod.  If you have a question or comment, email us at dinkypod@gmail.com.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dinky-podcast/support

Believe it or not, this episode marks Dinky’s one year anniversary! To celebrate, we’ll be talking to one of the biggest (and favorite) childfree influencers on TikTok. You may know her on the internet as z00mie, but she’s known as Abigail Porter IRL. Tune in to hear us chat with her about the origins of her mega-viral “free birth control” series on TikTok, the craziest things she’s learned about being childfree online, the “girl with the list”, and so much more. Be sure to follow z00mie, aka Abigail, on TikTok and Instagram. Become a monthly subscriber to help this show stay ad-free. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram and TikTok at @dinkypod. If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.com. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dinky-podcast/support

In this episode, Kristen and Erika are joined by Dr. Jay Zigmont, the founder of Childfree Wealth, a financial planning service that supports your life without kids. We’ll be talking about the basics of financial planning as people without kids as well as some out-of-the-box approaches to retiring that are exclusively designed for childfree lifestyles. While millennials may be in a sad state when it comes to financial planning and retirement, this episode is designed to help you feel inspired and ready to think *differently.* We also perform a riveting dramatic re-enactment of our comments section. Trust me when I say, you’ll want to listen until the end.  If you’re interested in contacting Childfree Wealth, visit their website. You can also find Dr. Jay Zigmont and Childfree Wealth on Instagram. To listen to the Childfree Wealth Podcast, visit Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7yC4VzL0yGt757vhXZZQX4  Wanna read Dr. Jay’s book? Download a free copy here. Here are two articles he recommended from his blog, one on long-term care and the other on caring for elderly family members. If you’d like to read the article Kristen cites, visit Big Think for their article on ‘Will Millennials Ever Be Able To Retire?’ To review the top paying jobs we discuss, visit CNBC. Become a monthly subscriber to help this show stay ad-free. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram and TikTok at @dinkypod.  If you have a question or comment, email us at dinkypod@gmail.com.   --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dinky-podcast/support

In this episode, we’re joined by journalist and thought-leader Ruby Warrington who recently published her fourth book, Women Without Kids: The Revolutionary Rise Of An Unsung Sisterhood. You’ve probably seen this book all over social media, but for those who are unfamiliar, Ruby’s latest book was intended to be a radical reframing of everything it means NOT to be a mom. Instead of continuing to paint women without kids as sad, self-obsessed, or somehow dysfunctional, what if we saw them as boldly forging a first-in-a-civilization vision for a fully autonomous womankind? As Ruby says in her book: “What if being a woman without kids were in fact its own kind of legacy?” We also read some of our favorite listener reviews and engage in a heated conversation in our Shit People Say segment about men saying “women have too many rights.” And naturally, we swoon over Internet Daddy Pedro Pascal. Become a monthly subscriber to help this show stay ad-free. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram and TikTok at @dinkypod. If you have a question or comment, email us at dinkypod@gmail.com. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dinky-podcast/support

Antinatalism. Parents and trolls love to talk shit about this controversial philosophy on the internet, but few truly understand it. Today we will be discussing the misconceptions that piss us off, debunking common myths, and setting the record straight on everything from if antinatalists hate kids to the belief that antinatalists are “pro-death.”  In this episode, we also Dink Ourselves by reading YOUR comments on Instagram — and unpack a truly batshit series of comments from parents in our Shit People Say segment.  To learn more about antinatalism, read the FAQs. You can find New Yorker’s profile of antinatalism and David Benatar HERE. Become a monthly subscriber to help this show stay ad-free. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram and TikTok at @dinkypod.  If you have a question or comment, email us at dinkypod@gmail.com.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dinky-podcast/support

For many women, a childfree life isn’t a choice. According to the CDC, nearly 20% of women are unable to get pregnant after one year of trying. The inability to have a child affects 6.7 million women in the U.S. — about 11% of the reproductive-age population. That’s why today, we’re talking about those who are childless — rather than childfree — from the struggle to get pregnant to how to overcome the grief process.  In this episode, we’re joined by content creator Tiffany J. Marie to hear about her journey with infertility. Tiffany lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband Phil and their two cats, Audrey and Luna. Her writing can be found on Instagram and Medium. Her online community is a place that strives to create a positive atmosphere for childfree and childless people to connect and engage. Thank you to Jessica in Austin, TX for sending in your listener question! Want to send us a question or comment? Email us at dinkypod@gmail.com.   To read the article about Brooke Shields and her mom from our Shit Celebs Say segment, visit People.com Become a monthly subscriber to help this show stay ad-free! Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram and TikTok at @dinkypod.  If you have a question or comment, email us at dinkypod@gmail.com.   --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dinky-podcast/support

Did you know that Reddit’s Regretful Parents subreddit has over 72k members? Today’s episode covers the topic of regretful parenting — a doozy of a subject! While it may be taboo, there are more and more parents coming clean about their lived experiences, whether it’s through social research or social media forums like Reddit. In this episode, we talk about the primary reasons parents regret, the sociology behind it all — and more.  Read Newsweek's piece titled, 'I Regret Having Children': The Moms United In An Uncomfortable Truth' Tap this link to purchase a copy of Orna Donath’s book, Regretting Motherhood. To read the article from our Shit Parents Say segment, tap here. To support this show, click here. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram and TikTok at @dinkypod.  If you have a question or comment, email us at dinkypod@gmail.com.   --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dinky-podcast/support

If you’ve downloaded the Co-Star app or asked a Tinder date what time they were born, today’s episode is for you. In this episode, we’ll be talking about the intersection of astrology and family planning (or, rather, planning to not have a family) with our special guest, astrologer Jessica Lanyadoo. With more than twenty-five years of experience as a consulting Astrologer & psychic medium, Jessica Lanyadoo believes no topic is off limits or unworthy of kindness. Lanyadoo has lectured extensively and is the host of the popular twice weekly Astrology + Advice show, Ghost of a Podcast, the author of Astrology For Real Relationships, and the creator of the astrology pro-tool, Astrology for Days. She can also be found all over the internet and at lovelanyadoo.com To sign up for Jessica’s class The Moon In You on April 16th, click here.  To get a copy of the book ‘The Road’ by Cormac McCarthy, visit Bookshop.org. To support this show, tap here. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram and TikTok at @dinkypod.  If you have a question or comment, email us at dinkypod@gmail.com. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dinky-podcast/support

On this Season 2 finale, we’re joined by TikTok star Rachel Diamond, known by her handle @rachelandrue. She is an actor, writer, and fellow podcaster who is vocally childfree and sterilized. With more than 118,000 followers to date, she joins us to chat through everything from her sterilization journey to life as a childfree content creator. You can access the Childfree Doctors thread HERE.  For more information on the Sterilization Preparations Binder resource, visit THIS link.  Dr. Danielle from Episode 9 also offered: Physicians performing vasectomiesGynecologists who will perform a tubal sterilization Join us in playing Smash or Pass, Disney men edition.  To learn more about the illustrious Jeff Conaway, visit his Wikipedia.  To support this show, visit Anchor.com Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram and TikTok at @dinkypod. If you have a question or comment, email us at dinkypod@gmail.com. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dinky-podcast/support

If we paid our guests by the hour, this would be our most expensive episode ever. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Danielle (an OBGYN in New York) and Dr. Alli (a urologist in California) to talk about abortion, sterilization, vasectomy, birth control, women’s reproductive rights and so much more! Trust us when we say, we asked ALL the dumb questions so you don’t have to. Click HERE to buy a copy of ‘Ejaculate Responsibly’ by Gabrielle Stanley Blair. Listen to Dr. Alli’s second favorite podcast, You Are Not Broken.  Please join us on watching ‘MILF Manor’ on TLC or Discovery+ To read about the illustrious Jeff Conaway, visit his Wikipedia.  To support this show, visit our page at Anchor.com Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram and TikTok at @dinkypod. If you have a question or comment, email us at dinkypod@gmail.com. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dinky-podcast/support

It’s time to talk about STEPPARENTS! Pop culture references like ‘Cinderella’s evil stepmother and the  ‘Parent Trap’s Meredith Blake have given us a negative perception of the role. Stepparents – and stepmothers in particular — have been painted as cruel, home-wrecking villains. But realistically, if you’re not interested in having biological kids of your own, perhaps being a stepparent is the best of both worlds: you get the joys of raising a child, without ever having to suffer through pregnancy — and with only a fraction of the responsibility! Today, we’ll be joined by Chloe Steinhoff-Smith. Yes, that’s right — the design mastermind behind our podcast cover art, and a bonafide, honest to goodness stepmom. We’ll talk to her about her experience, the ups and downs of stepparent-hood, and get her best advice for people who might be considering becoming stepparents themselves. To read about the illustrious Jeff Conaway, visit his Wikipedia.  Take the quiz!: What Kind Of Stepparent Are You? To follow Chloe Steinhoff-Smith, check her out on Instagram. To support this show, visit https://anchor.fm/dinky-podcast Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram and TikTok at @dinkypod. If you have a question or comment, email us at dinkypod@gmail.com. For the love of god, please share the show with friends.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dinky-podcast/support

The decision to be childfree might leave you with one big question: how do I meet childfree friends? You’re not alone; it’s one of the most commonly searched childfree topics on Google. In this episode, we’re talking about our own journeys and struggles to form childfree community – plus offering advice on how to take the first step in finding like-minded friends. Tap HERE to watch the TikTok about Kim Kardashian’s dogs.  To support this show, visit us on Anchor.  Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram and TikTok at @dinkypod. If you have a question or comment, email us at dinkypod@gmail.com. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dinky-podcast/support

According to ‘The Atlantic’, millennials recently overtook boomers as the largest pet-owning cohort of Americans; by some estimates, more than half of them have a dog. The pet-ownership rate is even higher among those with a college education and a stable income—the same people who are most likely to delay marriage and parenthood beyond the timelines set by previous generations. So should you just stop at pet ownership or continue down the path of human parenthood? In this episode, we will review how pets vs. children impact your health, happiness, and more. To learn more about the effects children and pets have on health and life expectancy, check out these articles: https://www.health.com/condition/pregnancy/reproductive-history-health-risks https://www.mrhc.org/blog/news/does-not-having-kids-cause-health-issues-in-women/ https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/blog/understanding-how-having-children-can-affect-your-health/ https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/keeping-pets-and-people-healthy/how.html https://www.parents.com/news/giving-birth-later-in-life-could-mean-you-live-longer-according-to-a-new-study/ https://www.vice.com/amp/en/article/gyxqxw/how-having-kids-could-affect-your-lifespan https://www.verywellhealth.com/pets-and-longevity-2223874 For more info on brain changes when interacting with kids or pets, visit: https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/blog/understanding-how-having-children-can-affect-your-health/ https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/many-same-brain-regions-are-activated-when-mothers-look-their-pets-or-their-children-180952946/ To support this show, visit https://anchor.fm/dinky-podcast Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram and TikTok at @dinkypod. If you have a question or comment, email us at dinkypod@gmail.com. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dinky-podcast/support

Nothing defines the holidays more than brutal conversations with family. Going home for the holidays leaves you especially vulnerable to parents asking when you’re gonna settle down and pop out a couple grandchildren. On this special episode, we’re joined by Gabrielle Moss, author of How To Tell Your Parents You Don’t Want Kids on Bustle.com, as well as Paperback Crush: The Totally Radical History of '80s and '90s Teen Fiction, and GLOP: Nontoxic, Expensive Ideas That Will Make You Look Ridiculous And Feel Pretentious. Moss joins to breaks down her top tips on how delivering the news with compassion. If you’re sweating the conversation, this episode is for you. To buy one of Gabrielle’s books, visit Bookshop.org.  For the full story on Kylie Jenner’s son, Wolf, check out this story at People.  Tap HERE to support this show.  Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram and TikTok.  If you have a question or comment, email us at dinkypod@gmail.com. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dinky-podcast/support

Black Friday and Cyber Monday might be over — but the residual effects of capitalism will stick with you for a lifetime! It’s the most anticipated time of year, so it’s only appropriate that we release one of our most anticipated episodes, and the topic that’s America’s #1 friend: capitalism. What do capitalism and choosing to be childfree have in common? Actually, a lot! Tune in to hear us unpack the topic and dig deep on why billionaires are really counting on procreation. For the full list of the most popular toys of the 90s, read the full list HERE.  To learn more about the history of capitalism, visit Wikipedia. Yes, really.  For more on Jennifer Aniston’s journey with IVF and childlessness, read her feature in Allure.  To support this show, give back by clicking HERE.  Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram and TikTok at @dinkypod. If you have a question or comment, email us at dinkypod@gmail.com. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dinky-podcast/support

The holidays are right around the corner and that means one thing: people are about to say some really awful sh!t to you about your decision to remain childfree. If you’re bubbling with anxiety about how to respond when people ask “who will take care of you when you’re old?” or tell you “you’re selfish” — we’ve got you covered. It’s high tide to prep your reactions so you’re in peak position to clap back at Aunt Kathy. To learn more about the $25k necklace Tristan Thompson gave to his daughter, god speed.  To see Brittany Mahomes “sexy maternity shoot” visit People.com:  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dinky-podcast/support

We’re talking about children who see dead people, kids who believe they’re reincarnated, and the stressed out parents who birthed them. Kristen and Erika also introduce a brand new segment: The Celebrity Playground! Tune in to hear it all — but warning: you might wanna leave the lights on and your IUD in. If you want to learn more about the psychology of why kids see ghosts, read this article from WaPo.  If you want to hear more horrifying stories from parents, there are several articles where parents share creepy things their kids said. There's also a Reddit thread on the topic.  Click here to buy ‘Return To Life: Extraordinary Cases Of Children Who Remember Past Lives’.  To learn more about time slips, we recommend this article on Medium. To learn more about how babies’ brains look similar to a person on LSD, check out this article.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dinky-podcast/support

Welcome back to Season 2 of Dinky! In this season premiere, Kristen and Erika catch up on what happened during the break — from weddings, to health scares, and beyond. We introduce some new changes and cover what’ll be new in this season, including more celeb content, and a deeper dive on antinatalism and being childfree. Plus, we’re joined by Matt Simpson, the creator of the Parenting Simulator from Season 1. Listen in to hear him reveal the real reason he created the game, his takes on how to know if parenting is right for you, and more. ‘My Five Wives’ is available to stream on Discovery+ To follow Matt Simpson, find him on Twitter To play the Parenting Simulator yourself, download the app HERE. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dinky-podcast/support

In this season's finale, we’ve been saving the best for last!!! Kristen & Erika love reality television, celebrity news, and gossip — so we finally combined our favorite topics of all time to discuss the intersection of the childfree lifestyle and celebrities. This episode is all about childfree icons and the pressures of having children as seen in pop culture. To enjoy a nice sit down dinner, visit your local Red Lobster. To play along with the Parenting Simulator, download the app here.  Here’s a comprehensive list of every article we referenced during our conversation: https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/celebrities/news/g21965029/11-celebrities-on-not-having-children/https://www.reddit.com/r/childfree/comments/w36tp5/who_are_your_favorite_childfree_celebrities/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmfhttps://www.wellesley.edu/news/2014/04/node/41168https://screenrant.com/best-tv-shows-about-married-couples-without-children/amp/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dinky-podcast/support

This bonus is special conversation that was cut from our episode on the declining birth rate on the factors behind Japan's shrinking population, and the genius way Japanese women have handled the inequality in parenting relationships.  To learn more about Japan's shrinking population, read this article from the New York Times.  To enjoy a nice sit down dinner, visit your local Red Lobster: https://www.redlobster.com/ To play along with the Parenting Simulator, download the app here: https://www.choiceofgames.com/user-contributed/parenting-simulator/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dinky-podcast/support

Whether you’ve seen it mentioned by Elon Musk on Twitter or in a panic article by the New York Times, you’ve probably heard buzz lately about concerns about the declining birth rate. In this episode, we discuss the global trend, how different countries are tackling the issue, how it will affect millennials in particular, and chat through how worried we really should be. Try out our TikTok filter & find out what sit down dinner you are: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRfS22r1/ To learn more about the declining birth rates worldwide, visit: https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/total-fertility-rate To learn about the impacts COVID had on birth rates, read this article by NYT: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/05/us/us-birthrate-falls-covid.html To learn more on why folks are freaking out over it, read this article by WaPo: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2017/06/30/the-u-s-fertility-rate-just-hit-a-historic-low-why-some-demographers-are-freaking-out/ Check out this article on how Social Security will be impacted: https://feeds.aarp.org/retirement/social-security/questions-answers/how-much-longer-will-social-security-be-around.html?_amp=true To enjoy a nice sit down dinner, visit your local Red Lobster: https://www.redlobster.com/ To play along with the Parenting Simulator, download the app here: https://www.choiceofgames.com/user-contributed/parenting-simulator/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dinky-podcast/support

If you’re in your 20s or 30s, there’s a good chance you’ve lost friends as people you knew started to have kids. In today’s episode, Kristen and Erika chat about how to cope when you’re the last childfree person in your friend group, and the best and worst advice the internet has to offer on maintaining friendships with friends after they become parents. Have a question? Email us at dinkypod@gmail.com. Read “Hi, From Your Childless Friend” by A Cup Of Jo. More stats on being childfree: https://time.com/241/having-it-all-without-having-children/ On parents staying friends with childfree folks: https://archive.nytimes.com/parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/08/06/can-parents-stay-friends-with-the-child-free/ To buy yourself fresh flowers, visit bouqs.com To enjoy a nice sit down dinner, visit your local Red Lobster: https://www.redlobster.com/ To play along with the Parenting Simulator, download the app here: https://www.choiceofgames.com/user-contributed/parenting-simulator/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dinky-podcast/support

What defines a family? To some, family is about blood relations. For others, family is something you develop with people you love and trust. If you’ve ruled out having biological children, what other options are there to form alternative family arrangements? In this episode, we discuss adoption, foster care, and other “unconventional” family structures. Have a question? Email us at dinkypod@gmail.com. To learn more about adoption and the trauma adopted children experience, buy a copy of ‘Primal Wound’: https://bookshop.org/a/56255/9780963648006 If you’d like to learn more about celebs who were adopted, visit Popsugar.com: https://www.popsugar.com/celebrity/Celebrities-Who-Were-Adopted-37979874/amp To read on about celebs who were estranged from their parents, visit Ranker.com: https://www.ranker.com/list/celebrities-who-are-estranged-from-their-parents/celebrity-lists Our research on family structures came from ifstudies.org: https://ifstudies.org/blog/more-than-60-of-u-s-kids-live-with-two-biological-parents/ On adoption: https://adoptionnetwork.com/how-long-does-it-take-to-adopt-a-child/ https://adoptionart.org/adoption/private-adoption-vs-agency-adoption/ https://time.com/6051811/private-adoption-america/ https://adoptionswithlove.org/adoptive-parents/how-long-does-it-take-to-adopt https://www.holtinternational.org/top-10-myths-about-adopting-from-china/ https://childrenofallnations.com/adoption-programs/asia/china-adoption/#requirements On fostering: https://www.childrensrights.org/newsroom/fact-sheets/foster-care/ On childfree alternatives: https://thesocietypages.org/ccf/2014/08/11/childfree-is-family-friendly/ To enjoy a nice sit down dinner, visit your local Red Lobster: https://www.redlobster.com/ To play along with the Parenting Simulator, download the app here: https://www.choiceofgames.com/user-contributed/parenting-simulator/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dinky-podcast/support

Imagine a red button that, when pressed, would instantly end human life and suffering. Would you press it? Kristen and Erika debate this concept in a special bonus episode from the cutting room floor of our Antinatalism episode. Enjoy!  Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Instagram and TikTok at @dinkypod. If you have a question or comment, email us at dinkypod@gmail.com. If you’re a fan of the show, please remember to subscribe — bonus points for the extra special fans who leave us a glowing review. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dinky-podcast/support

Grab some oat milk, because this episode is spicy! This week, Kristen and Erika ask a tough question: is procreation morally wrong? In other words, they discuss the philosophical topic of antinatalism: a controversial perspective that argues that “humans should abstain from procreation because it is morally wrong.” We chat through the theory’s major concepts, as well as everyone’s favorite topics: veganism, depression, and human suffering! (Look, it might sound like you’ll need to double up on a dose of Zoloft before tuning into the episode — but trust us, we keep it fun.) The data about unintended pregnancies can be found at: https://www.unfpa.org/press/nearly-half-all-pregnancies-are-unintended-global-crisis-says-new-unfpa-report To learn more about Antinatalism, visit Stop Having Kids: https://www.stophavingkids.org/ To read more from David Benetar (truly no relation to Pat Benetar), check out his argument in The New Yorker: https://www.newyorker.com/culture/persons-of-interest/the-case-for-not-being-born Watch Mr. Smith’s monologue from The Matrix (since we know you ran here for this, specifically) visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrBdYmStZJ4 To enjoy a nice sit down dinner, visit your local Red Lobster: https://www.redlobster.com/ To play along with the Parenting Simulator, download the app here: https://www.choiceofgames.com/user-contributed/parenting-simulator/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dinky-podcast/support

Fencesitters, unite!! If you’re questioning whether having kids is right for you, this episode has got you covered. We’re covering the top tools — from workbooks to influencers and beyond — to explore in order to make a decision and get off the fence. To read the article by parenting clarity therapist Ann Davidson (not Pete Davidson’s mom…), visit Vox.com. For more on the declining millennial birth rate. Snag a copy of ‘The Baby Decision’  Snag a copy of ‘Motherhood: Is It For Me?’ To follow Cleo Abrams on TikTok, visit: https://www.tiktok.com/@cleoabram To enjoy a nice sit down dinner, visit your local Red Lobster. To play along with the Parenting Simulator, download the app here: https://www.choiceofgames.com/user-contributed/parenting-simulator/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dinky-podcast/support

This week, we’re talking about everyone’s favorite topic: MONEY. We share our hot takes on baby showers, unpack how much it really costs to raise a child, and compare the financial tolls of having a child biologically vs adopting or fostering. To buy a Peloton for yourself, visit onepeloton.com and use code BX7RW2 to get $100 off your purchase. To read more about the pay disparity between men and women after giving birth, read these articles: https://www.cnbc.com/2019/10/16/womens-earnings-drop-after-having-a-childbut-mens-do-not.htmlhttps://www.nber.org/digest/apr11/how-childbearing-affects-womens-wages To enjoy a nice sit down dinner, visit your local Red Lobster: https://www.redlobster.com/ To play along with the Parenting Simulator, download the app here: https://www.choiceofgames.com/user-contributed/parenting-simulator/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dinky-podcast/support

Parents often say that the happiest day of their lives is the day their children were born… But is that true? Do kids *actually* make you happier — or lead to more meaningful lives? This week, Erika and Kristen consult the stats to see what the research reveals about the impact parenting has on your happiness. (Spoiler: it’s not great.) To enjoy a nice sit down dinner, visit your local Red Lobster: https://www.redlobster.com/ To reference the study about Texas mothers: https://www.amazon.com/All-Joy-No-Fun-Parenthood/dp/B01L9E1R66 To read the additional data we reference, visit these links: https://positivepsychology.com/parenthood-paradox/https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/why-bad-looks-good/202102/why-many-single-women-without-children-are-so-happy To play along with the Parenting Simulator, download the app here: https://www.choiceofgames.com/user-contributed/parenting-simulator/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dinky-podcast/support

This special bonus episode is only for the truly deranged souls who want to listen to the BONUS EXTENDED full quiz on if you're ready to become a parent.  TAKE THE QUIZ: https://www.thequiz.com/are-you-ready-to-be-a-parent/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dinky-podcast/support

In this episode, Kristen and Erika weigh the pros and cons of parenting based on their personal opinions and what they’ve found on the Internet. Does the miracle of life outweigh a lack of sleep? Is it ethical to bring life into the world to gain a built-in friend? To enjoy a nice sit down dinner, visit your local Red Lobster: https://www.redlobster.com/ To shop the hair dryer mentioned by Kristen in Dink Yourself: https://www.bioionic.com/10x-ultralight-speed-dryer-new-black To follow along with the quiz and discover if you’re ready to be a parent, visit: https://www.thequiz.com/are-you-ready-to-be-a-parent/ To reference the article we discuss on the Pros and Cons of parenting: https://parentspluskids.com/blog/pros-and-cons-of-having-kids To play along with the Parenting Simulator, download the app here: https://www.choiceofgames.com/user-contributed/parenting-simulator/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dinky-podcast/support

Kristen and Erika introduce Dinky, a podcast to navigate the decision around becoming parents or remaining childfree as two women in dual income, no kid households through lighthearted (aka ridiculous) conversations. In this episode, they unpack the WHY behind the series and share their personal goals for the first season. To book the Obama impersonator (Reggie Brown) that Kristen referenced in Dink Yourself, visit: http://reggiebrownobamaimpersonator.com/2020/03/16/reggie-brown-is-now-on-cameo/ To play along with the Parenting Simulator, download the app here: https://www.choiceofgames.com/user-contributed/parenting-simulator/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dinky-podcast/support