dinks

In this episode, Rick and I dismantle the Top 5 Assumptions that society often casts on those of us living childfree – we debunk childfree myths and shed some light on the actual truth of the childfree lifestyle. We go from dispelling the notion of us being baby haters to challenging the prevailing misconception that all childfree people are rich.

We share with you a very special encounter that unfolded at the Austin airport as I was on my way to Florida. This latest visit to see my mom sparked yet another childfree gratitude moment and a personal reflection that some of you may be experiencing as well. 

We invite you to join in on the conversation so that together, we can unravel all the false narratives that STILL exist and continue celebrating our childfree choice!

And don’t forget, if you are feeling lonely now or at any time, there’s a whole community of childfree people you can instantly relate to. 🧡Join our membership community here! https://www.thechildfreeconnection.com/

I’m excitedly gearing up for my March group program “Is Childfree For Me?”. This group program  is a deep exploration journey of the childfree choice for women who are ready to live a confident and peaceful childfree life. If you’re ready to move forward without the fear that you are making a giant mistake by not having kids, book a FREE call. This is an invite-only program and there are only 9 spots left! (https://www.ischildfreeforme.com) 

Reminder: We are now accepting guest applications for our 2024 podcast episodes! (https://www.thechildfreeconnection.com/childfree-podcast-episodes).

Don't forget to subscribe so that you are notified when an episode is posted. Have an episode idea? Reach out on social!

More about The Childfree Connection: https://www.thechildfreeconnection.com/

In this episode, we unpack the relentless pressure that STILL exists within our pronatalist society to convince childfree people to have kids. We dissect the origin of these pesky pressures and offer some insight in how to shoo them away or support others to do so. 

Rick debuts his "poem writing" skills and reads a heartfelt-ish message for childfree people to enjoy. (wait till you hear ) 

We also share how we recently found ourselves sitting next to a couple with a toddler and how we reacted to their communication style. By the way- where are all the films celebrating a happy and fulfilled childfree life? The search is on!

And don’t forget, if you are feeling lonely now or at any time, there’s a whole community of childfree people you can instantly relate to. 🧡Join our membership community here! https://www.thechildfreeconnection.com/

I’m excitedly gearing up for my March group program “Is Childfree For Me?”. This group program  is a deep exploration journey of the childfree choice for women who are ready to live a confident and peaceful childfree life. If you’re ready to move forward without the fear that you are making a giant mistake by not having kids, book a FREE call. This is an invite-only program and there are only 9 spots left! (https://www.ischildfreeforme.com) 

Reminder: We are now accepting guest applications for our 2024 podcast episodes! (https://www.thechildfreeconnection.com/childfree-podcast-episodes).

Don't forget to subscribe so that you are notified when an episode is posted. Have an episode idea? Reach out on social!

More about The Childfree Connection: https://www.thechildfreeconnection.com/

In this Bonus Episode, I interview an alumni member of my program "Is Childfree For Me?" The intention of this episode is to explore the intricate journey of embracing a childfree life—a path that can be marked by uncertainty, anxiety, stress and profound introspection.

Rick and I will be back next week but today, I have the privilege of chatting with Vera, a remarkable woman who found herself at a crossroads in her early thirties. Surrounded by friends diving into parenthood, Vera and her soon-to-be husband were charting their own course, preparing for their wedding while contemplating a childfree future. However, a family tragedy shook their world, prompting them to reevaluate their plans.

Vera candidly describes how they began to Feel responsible for bringing joy to the family which resulted in them trying to conceive. BUT, they soon realized that they were grappling with infertility.

She very honestly and openly shares how she had to decide how far she was willing to go with fertility treatment and how reaching out to me led her down a path of discovering what she truly wanted for herself and her future. Vera's story resonates with the profound significance of exploring the childfree life with authenticity and depth.

“Is Childfree For Me?” is a group program for women who are childfree or leaning into a childfree life but feel a roller coaster of emotions about solidifying this choice. If you are ruminating in anxiety, doubt, fear, shame or the idea of regret, this program is for you. “Is Childfree For Me?” guides you through the cause of those feelings and offers actionable steps to move forward with confidence and peace. This is an invite-only program. You can book a FREE call with Veronica to grab your seat for the next round. Doors open soon! (https://www.ischildfreeforme.com)


Reminder: We are now accepting guest applications for our 2024 podcast episodes! (https://www.thechildfreeconnection.com/childfree-podcast-episodes).

And don’t forget, if you are feeling lonely now or at any time, there’s a whole community of childfree people you can instantly relate to. 🧡Join our membership community here! https://www.thechildfreeconnection.com/

Don't forget to subscribe so that you are notified when an episode is posted. Have an episode idea? Reach out on social!

More about The Childfree Connection: https://www.thechildfreeconnection.com/

Connect with us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechildfreeconnection/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCijDaIWP2XcXMNPaUG08t8g
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thechildfreeconnection
X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheChildfreeCxn

As a childfree person, have you ever heard someone say that having a kid makes you a better person? (We've heard that a lot!) In today’s episode of The Childfree Connection Podcast, Rick shares a clip where the guest said exactly that -so, we’re going to dive into what a “better” person means and how is having children related to this supposed transformation? 

Also, Rick wants to know if celebrity pregnancy announcements are really necessary after he sees one as a top headline on his favorite site. Plus, we both share why our gratitude for being childfree was higher than usual these past two weeks (way high!). And lastly, Rick questions if it's weird to go to Disney without kids? 

And, don’t forget, if your community of friends are all having kids and you’re feeling left out, there’s a whole community of childfree people you can instantly relate to. 🧡Join our membership community here! https://www.thechildfreeconnection.com/

Reminder: We are now accepting guest applications for our 2024 podcast episodes! (https://www.thechildfreeconnection.com/childfree-podcast-episodes).

I’m excitedly gearing up for my February group program “Is Childfree For Me?”. This group program  is a deep exploration journey of the childfree choice for women who are ready to live a confident and peaceful childfree life. If you’re ready to move forward without the fear that you are making a giant mistake by not having kids, book a FREE call. This is an invite-only program and doors close in just a few days! (https://www.ischildfreeforme.com) 

And don’t forget, if you are feeling lonely now or at any time, there’s a whole community of childfree people you can instantly relate to. 🧡Join our membership community here! https://www.thechildfreeconnection.com/

Don't forget to subscribe so that you are notified when an episode is posted. Have an episode idea? Reach out on social!

More about The Childfree Connection: https://www.thechildfreeconnection.com/

Interested in being a guest? Email veronica@thechildfreeconnection.com

Connect with us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechildfreeconnection/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCijDaIWP2XcXMNPaUG08t8g
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thechildfreeconnection
X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheChildfreeCxn

Are parents happier than those without children? If you had asked either of us in our 20s and 30s, we likely would have answered yes. I can still hear the refrain in my head: "You'll never be truly happy until you become a mom." This concept was so deeply ingrained in my mind that the possibility of it not being true didn't even occur to me. I simply assumed that my lack of desire meant I would never experience true happiness.

In this episode, I share the results of some recent research studies which answer this question and of course, we share our own thoughts on happiness and living a childfree life. I also report on Rick’s latest stunt that resulted in a broken TV set and how he (annoyingly) won our 24 Hour contest.

We can’t wait to hear your thoughts on how you frame happiness as a childfree person! And, don’t forget, if your community of friends are all having kids and you’re feeling left out, there’s a whole community of childfree people you can instantly relate to. 🧡Join our membership community here! https://www.thechildfreeconnection.com/

Reminder: We are now accepting guest applications for our 2024 podcast episodes! (https://www.thechildfreeconnection.com/childfree-podcast-episodes).

I’m excitedly gearing up for my January group program “Is Childfree For Me?”. This group program  is a deep exploration journey of the childfree choice for women who are ready to live a confident and peaceful childfree life. If you’re ready to move forward without the fear that you are making a giant mistake by not having kids, book a FREE call. This is an invite-only program and doors close in just a few days! (https://www.ischildfreeforme.com) 

And don’t forget, if you are feeling lonely now or at any time, there’s a whole community of childfree people you can instantly relate to. 🧡Join our membership community here! https://www.thechildfreeconnection.com/

Don't forget to subscribe so that you are notified when an episode is posted. Have an episode idea? Reach out on social!

More about The Childfree Connection: https://www.thechildfreeconnection.com/

Interested in being a guest? Email veronica@thechildfreeconnection.com

Connect with us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechildfreeconnection/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCijDaIWP2XcXMNPaUG08t8g
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thechildfreeconnection
X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheChildfreeCxn

Does Childhood Affect Your Childfree Choice? Ina Garten “The Barefoot Contessa” did a recent interview where she spoke about her childfree choice and how she “did not want to recreate her childhood”. Rick and I were inspired to post about this on our social media accounts and decided to discuss if that was a reason for us as well. 

Also in this first episode of 2024, we share some details of our NYE party where I performed a choreographed dance routine for one of my best friends. Continuing on our true crime obsession, an investigation scene left Rick wondering if we “have to” say congratulations to people who announce a pregnancy. 

And don’t forget, if you are feeling lonely now or at any time, there’s a whole community of childfree people you can instantly relate to. 🧡Join our membership community here! https://www.thechildfreeconnection.com/

Don't forget to subscribe so that you are notified when an episode is posted. Have an episode idea? Reach out on social!

More about The Childfree Connection: https://www.thechildfreeconnection.com/

Interested in being a guest? Email veronica@thechildfreeconnection.com

Connect with us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechildfreeconnection/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCijDaIWP2XcXMNPaUG08t8g
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thechildfreeconnection
X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheChildfreeCxn

Will I be bored without kids? Rick and I were asked this question at a recent Holiday party. This is a common fear that is placed on childfree people along with the mindset that the only way not to be bored is to have children. We start exploring this topic with each other but also wonder if this fear has crossed your mind too?

In this episode, Rick and I also discuss a recent headline where a childfree woman finds out her husband has 2 secret children. Yikes! We also dive into the polarity that a DINK viral video caused as people defended opposite ends of the spectrum. Not surprisingly, Elon Musk gets involved in this controversy as he continues to blame childfree people for declining birth rates.

And don’t forget, if you are feeling lonely now or at any time, there’s a whole community of childfree people you can instantly relate to. 🧡Join our membership community here! https://www.thechildfreeconnection.com/

Don't forget to subscribe so that you are notified when an episode is posted. Have an episode idea? Reach out on social!

More about The Childfree Connection: https://www.thechildfreeconnection.com/

Interested in being a guest? Email veronica@thechildfreeconnection.com

Connect with us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechildfreeconnection/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCijDaIWP2XcXMNPaUG08t8g
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thechildfreeconnection
X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheChildfreeCxn

We deserve to enjoy the Holiday Season! As childfree people, we have been conditioned to believe that the Holidays are “for the kids”. With all the pronatalism in media and social media during this season, it can be easy for childfree people to brush off the Holidays or feel a bit lost during this time.
 
In this episode, Rick and I discuss the joy of the Holiday Season and the importance of childfree traditions. We share some of our own and a few that we want to start incorporating as of this year.

We appreciate the quiet time, the ability to choose what we want to do and the space for adult fun. We also share a list of Holiday Fun ideas that you can do for the Holidays! 
We hope that this episode motivates you to join in and start your own childfree traditions.

And don’t forget, if you are feeling lonely now or at any time, there’s a whole community of childfree people you can instantly relate to. 🧡Join our membership community here! https://www.thechildfreeconnection.com/

Don't forget to subscribe so that you are notified when an episode is posted. Have an episode idea? Reach out on social!

More about The Childfree Connection: https://www.thechildfreeconnection.com/

Interested in being a guest? Email veronica@thechildfreeconnection.com

Connect with us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechildfreeconnection/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCijDaIWP2XcXMNPaUG08t8g
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thechildfreeconnection
X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheChildfreeCxn

Fear of future regret can be a common emotion in the childfree community. Unless you were 100% certain that you didn’t want kids from day one, your mind can automatically flow into the murky waters of the “what ifs”. 

In this episode, Rick and I dive into the difference between feeling regret about the past and the fear of future regret once a person decides to be childfree. I discuss my experience in speaking to the members of my program “Is Childfree For Me?” and how deeply this fear can affect their mindset.

What causes regret? What can you do about it? What is the one important thing that will help you avoid the fear of regret?

We answer these questions and share examples of other parts of our lives where the fear of regret can set in. We hope that this conversation sparks some introspection for you or motivates you to support a childfree friend who may be stuck in this fear loop.

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments below. We'd love to hear what topics you'd like us to explore in future episodes!"

More about The Childfree Connection: https://www.thechildfreeconnection.com/

Interested in being a guest? Email veronica@thechildfreeconnection.com

Connect with us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechildfreeconnection/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCijDaIWP2XcXMNPaUG08t8g
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thechildfreeconnection
X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheChildfreeCxn

Episode Breakdown

• Welcome to day #2 of the Corporate Retreat
• Taylor Swift sounds different in the speakers - must be a stroke
• Kaitlinn & Rose strap on the blades (only injuries sustained were to the pride)
• We're sorry Gabby - the epic brunch meltdown and the French judgment
• Send us your hobby recommendations! We will try almost anything...
• Patti Solinsky send us hate email...via text (we did not receive it)
• BC of the week - back by popular demand
• Movies we love and love to hate
• The DINK Wives' top 3 favorite movies
• We will burn the Star Wars franchise to the ground
• Spooky toots of fear farts?

Have something to share? Kid stories, your DINK life, cocktail recipe for the DINK-tini of the week? We'll take it! Drop us a line at spillit@dinkwivesclub.com.

In this episode, I reflect on the end of the 2022-23 school year by revisiting projections from research published in the mid-2010s about an impending college enrollment cliff. The projected freefall in college enrollment was expected around the mid-2020s onward.

Obviously a lot has happened over the last 7 or 8 years, which has significantly affected all aspects of U.S. society including the state of its colleges and universities. I briefly explore the actual and projected enrollment data, and speculate on what might be the catalyst for this potential crisis.


Sources

Jenny Anderson. (2023, April 3). How America Started to Fall Out of Love with College Degrees. Time.
https://time.com/6265266/america-college-degrees-essay/

Nathan D. Grawe. (2016). Demographics and the Demand for Higher Education.
https://ngrawe.sites.carleton.edu/demographics-and-the-demand-for-higher-education/2/

Missy Kline. (Fall 2019). The Looming Higher Ed Enrollment Cliff. CUPA-HR.
https://www.cupahr.org/issue/feature/higher-ed-enrollment-cliff/ 

Jon Marcus. (2023, April 18). In Japan, Plummeting Enrollment Forecasts What's Ahead for the U.S. Hechinger Report.
https://hechingerreport.org/in-japan-plummeting-university-enrollment-forecasts-whats-ahead-for-the-u-s/

National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. (2023, May 24). Current Term Enrollment Estimates.
https://nscresearchcenter.org/current-term-enrollment-estimates/

New intro for Cool Meanderings with Dr Jerm G podcast!

If you like this episode, please like, subscribe and share. Also, check out my content hub at drjermg.com where you can find links to my podcasts, blogs and other social media content!

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast is for entertainment purposes only.

After an extended hiatus, I'm back on the podcast front with an update. A big thanks goes out to my faithful listeners. I appreciate you keeping the podcast alive!

Stay tuned for fresh commentary on topics related to education, sports, entertainment, culture, etc.!

New intro for Cool Meanderings with Dr Jerm G podcast!

If you like this episode, please like, subscribe and share. Also, check out my content hub at drjermg.com where you can find links to my podcasts, blogs and other social media content!

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast is for entertainment purposes only.

Tejas and Dinkar take the scenic route around the non-news of the day, discussing chocolates that promote world peace, the pointlessness of raisins, and KFC's new dating sim

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