An Episode on Antinatalism

Plus the latest in childfree podcast episodes and events.

Hey there!

While organizing the podcasts for this week, an opinion piece that seemingly lumps together childfree and antinatalists showed up on my Twitter feed. The link to the article is below. This article quotes Amanda Sukenick, host of The Exploring Antinatalism Podcast. Amanda is also on the Childfree Media podcast this week in a replay of the Antinatalism panel from the 2022 Virtual Childfree Convention.

We need to talk about extreme antinatalism, childfree doomsters believe life is suffering.

-Katherine Dee, for Unherd.Com

Do you see a distinction between antinatalism and childfree? Can people acknowledge suffering, offer solutions and still be happily childfree, antinatalist, or however they wish? While this probably isn’t the article’s point, it speaks to the need for conversations from all sides. Not to convince anyone but rather to present an idea and let a person decide for themselves.

Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.

LeNora Faye, co-founder of Childfree Media Ltd.

Congratulations

Congratulations to host ChildfreeSista on 100+ downloads of your first podcast episode!

“As a childfree woman who is also a true crime junkie, I can’t ignore how much we normalize the unchallenged goodness and entitlement of parenthood in our narratives about true crime. That is why the tagline for my podcast is, “If it breeds, it leads,” because, in true crime journalism, pronatalism is supreme even though it claims to be objective. And I have news for you, most true crime media is drinking that pro-parent koolaid…..and from a sippy cup!” — Jenn, aka ChildfreeSista.

Episode one is available now on the Childfree Media podcast! Listen on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you like to stream podcasts!

Childfree Podcasts: latest episodes

Childfree Media Podcast

Meet Arif (India) and Sadiq (Pakistan). Some might call them an unlikely friendship. Their involvement in the Childfree community forged their comradery in shared experiences as men who have chosen not to have children.

Host Raphie explores the question, should we use the hashtag “childfree”? Are we doing ourselves a favor or not?

Childfree in Asia panel from the 2022 Virtual Childfree Convention. Panelists Eissa from Yemen and Kazane from Japan. This panel replay is available to watch on the Childfree Media YouTube channel.

Cody and Dr. Jay discuss the insurance needs of those living a childfree lifestyle.

Amanda Sukenick and Mark J. Maharaj share their knowledge on the Antinatalism panel for the 2022 Virtual Childfree Convention.

Claiming Zero Podcast

This week Vanessa has a Reddit post that discusses what it’s like being an Auntie, when you just don’t feel the vibes with your niblings… aka your siblings’ kids/nieces/nephews!

Reimagined Spinsterhood

In this week’s episode, I talk to poet, writer, teacher and editor, Tania Hershman. Tania, as she describes herself on her website, is “a queer writer of odd things, short, very short, and longer.”

Childfree Event Recap

“I recently had the pleasure of attending the New York City event for Ruby Warrington’s book release “Women Without Kids.” As a New Yorker, it was a must-attend for me. Ruby’s intimate event was co-run with activist Rachel Cargle in a comfortable setting of about 150 people. The flow of conversation was very inviting and left me wanting to listen to Ruby more. Ruby and Rachel spoke at length about their personal experiences being Childfree women. The guests listened intently to conversations regarding choice, family, personal introspection, aging, and some lines from the book.

I felt connected in the space. Although I did not speak, I felt heard. I met Ruby at the end of the event, and we spoke in a brief but great conversation. Her words resonated with me very much. I have already started her book with excitement. It was important for me to attend this event and show my support. It felt good to see not only Childfree women but also parents, couples, and men at the event. It speaks to the importance of sharing in public spaces to any and all. There is plenty of room for all voices to be heard. That includes those of us living Childfree lives.

I look forward to more opportunities, events and conversations.”

Silka Calderon

Childfree Girls Instagram

Celebrating Childfree People Doing Cool Things

No Bibs Burps Bottles Podcast

Now on YouTube

LeNora Faye and Laur Fitch explore the process of rethinking harmful indoctrinated beliefs surrounding pronatalism (the policy or practice of encouraging people to have children) using Steven Hassan’s BITE Model of Authoritarian Control. BITE is an acronym for the control of a person’s Behavior, Information, Thoughts, and Emotions.

This four-part series is available now on Childfree Media’s YouTube channel and podcast platform.

Closing remarks

I received a message this morning from one of the Childfree Convention volunteers sharing a letter written to her by a friend who is also a parent. The letter was full of enthusiasm and support for the childfree community and conversations being had. The letter’s author also stated that while she chose to have children, she is concerned about the rights of others to choose being taken away.

For me, this reminded me why we create public platforms for childfree conversations. Those who are having kids can relay the message of choice and cultivate support.

Originally posted on https://childfree.substack.com

As always, if you have content ideas or submissions for the newsletter, including Childfree Spotlight, or are interested in getting involved with Childfree Media, email us at ChildfreeMedia@gmail.com.