There’s a lot of talk in the media and social circles right now about going back to normal as the pandemic winds down. Melissa and Erik discuss their mixed emotions about that idea, particularly because there are some changes that they’d prefer to maintain. LINKS: LIVE CHILDFREE BLOG: https://livechildfree.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livechildfree/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/livechildfree Email: hello@livechildfree.com Mentioned in this episode: Chasing Creation https://www.chasingcreation.org/ Thanks for listening! Rate us on Apple Podcasts ..read more

Read the Article Here: https://harpers.org/archive/2020/12/false-labor-lena-dunham-fertility/ Erik and Melissa discuss a memoir piece recently written by Lena Dunham about her experience with infertility, which ultimately ended without a baby. They weigh in on the harsh criticism the article received, particularly from many in the infertility community. LIVE CHILDFREE blog: https://livechildfree.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livechildfree/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/livechildfree Email: hello@livechildfree.com If you appreciate this podcast, please rate us on Apple Podcasts! Quot ..read more

Erik and Melissa are in day 30 of home quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They discuss quarantine life as a childfree couple and the ways it differs from those quarantined with children. They also talk about what they've learned from this experience as well as their differing philosophies around Zoom etiquette. A debate ensues... Who do you side with? LIVE CHILDFREE BLOG: https://livechildfree.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livechildfree/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/livechildfree Email: hello@livechildfree.com Rate and Review us on Apple Podcasts ..read more

In this episode, Erik and Melissa answer several questions submitted to them on Instagram @livechildfree. The questions were thought provoking and helped them reflect on the past three years since they stopped pursuing parenthood.  The list of questions include "What was the last straw re stopping trying to grow your family?" -- "What's your favorite thing to do together?" -- "How do I stop caring what other people think?" -- and more! Thank you for listening! LIVE CHILDFREE BLOG: https://livechildfree.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livechildfree/ Twitter: https://twi ..read more

Melissa and Erik are back podcasting after a break. They open up about a personal loss and discuss some of the life lessons they learned through their experience of losing a loved one. LIVE CHILDFREE BLOG: https://livechildfree.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livechildfree/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/livechildfree Email: hello@livechildfree.com Rate us on Apple Podcasts ..read more

As a follow-up to the last episode, Erik and Melissa share and discuss listener feedback about why many people are not comfortable being open/vocal about their childfree lifestyle. Links to articles, etc. mentioned in this episode: https://www.livescience.com/58094-child-free-parents-moral-outrage.html https://theroadlesstravelledlb.blogspot.com/2012/01/so-why-arent-there-more-of-us.html https://theroadlesstravelledlb.blogspot.com/2019/03/so-why-arent-there-more-of-us-part-2.html https://www.katekaufmann.com/ LIVE CHILDFREE BLOG: https://livechildfree.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com ..read more

Why do so few people seem to embrace an identity as a non-parent? Erik and Melissa tackle this question and discuss a related thread on Twitter. They also express their thoughts and opinions on the recent college admissions scandals in the US. LIVE CHILDFREE BLOG: https://livechildfree.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livechildfree/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/livechildfree Email: hello@livechildfree.com Rate us on Apple Podcasts! Thank you for listening ..read more

Erik and Melissa discuss being interviewed on an episode of IVFML(A Huffington Post Podcast). They also discuss why they have struggled over the years, like many other childless people, with holiday traditions. LIVE CHILDFREE BLOG: https://livechildfree.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livechildfree/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/livechildfree Email: hello@livechildfree.com Rate us on Apple Podcasts! Thank you for listening ..read more

Formerly "How did We Get Here? with E&M". Erik and Melissa welcome new and old listeners to our updated podcast! No more anonymity! Woo hoo! [NOTE FOR SUBSCRIBERS: It may take some time for your podcast app to accurately display the new podcast name and logo. No action on your part is required.] Follow us on Instagram!! @Livechildfree Visit our website: livechildfree.com Email us: livechildfree@gmail.com Rate and Review us on Apple Podcasts!! Thank you for listening ..read more

With excitement, E&M announce the end of the name "How Did We Get Here?" They also discuss looking forward to the end of their anonymity(finally!)and provide a preview of what listeners should expect in the future! LIVE CHILDFREE BLOG: https://livechildfree.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livechildfree/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/livechildfree Email: hello@livechildfree.com Rate us on Apple Podcasts ..read more