The Child-Free Life: Honest Conversation on Freedom, and Societal Pressure | Openly Spoken Podcast

In this candid (we said like A LOT, sorry not sorry) episode of Openly Spoken, I sit down with visionary photographer and coach Caitlin Rose to discuss the choice to live a child-free life. Caitlin and I share our personal journeys on choosing not to have children, weigh the pros and cons, and explore the societal pressures and expectations placed on women. We dive deep into topics like the impact of motherhood on freedom, personal values, and the unique challenges women face when making this life-altering decision. Whether you’re exploring your own path to being child-free or simply curious about the perspectives behind this decision, join us for an open, unfiltered discussion. We also touch on mental health, body image, and how to embrace self-love throughout life’s toughest choices. Topics Covered: -The decision to be child-free by choice -Navigating societal expectations and family pressure -Personal experiences with motherhood, fertility, and freedom -Mental health, self-love, and body image as it relates to having children -Adoption and fostering as alternatives Caitlin Rose is a visionary photographer, facilitator, and coach dedicated to empowering female-identifying individuals to feel more Safe, Confident, and Sexy in their own skin. Connect with Caitlin on Instagram: ----- If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts: Listen on Spotify: Listen in Stitcher: Listen on iHeart Radio: Listen on Google Play: Listen on Amazon Music: If your preferred podcast platform isn’t above, search Openly Spoken podcast and you should find it! Thank you for being here! ---- timestamps: 00:00:00-00:04:06 INTRO 00:04:07-00:17:38 The Choice to be Child-Free 00:17:39-00:22:34 Health Perspectives on Parenthood 00:22:35-00:32:36 Fostering/Adoption, Friendships and Parenthood 00:32:37-00:53:40 Pros and Cons List 00:53:41-00:56:37 Child-Free vs. Childless: Terminology and Empowerment 00:56:38-01:01:25 Environmental Considerations in Parenting Decisions 01:01:26-01:07:06 Future Reflections: Aging Without Children 01:07:07-01:08:08 Self-Love and Personal Choices 01:08:09-01:14:49 Advice for Those on the Fence About Parenthood 01:14:50-01:15:39 OUTRO