New Legacy Radio

Today we celebrate International Childfree Day. In reflecting on what this day means for so many in our collective community, we also want to acknowledge the history and advocacy, behind the origins of this day, and the transition to becoming what it is today. The National Organization for Non-Parents (NON), later named the National Alliance for Optional Parenthood (NAOP), was founded in 1972 by Ellen Peck and Shirley Radl. NON first designated August 1st as Non-Parents' Day, in 1973. In 2013, Laura Carroll, childfree author and writer, lead the way in bringing back the acknowledgment and celebration of this day and date, as an annual “International Childfree Day. Laura guided these efforts for a decade, and this year, passed the torch to Childfree Media, which is co-founded by LeNora Faye and Cody Hetzel. Joining us today are Joan Eisenstodt and Marie Bernardy, who were active participants in NON/NAOP and played key roles in education and visibility on behalf of the organization. Their personal stories of reproductive experiences and choices, and the responses to their public advocacy work demonstrate their deep commitment, to having a choice to become a parent or not. Their work helped create the foundation for many of the ways we continue to seek change for our community today. We will also be joined by LeNora Faye and Cody Hetzel, the co-founders of Childfree Media, and the co-moderators of the Childfree Convention, which was held for the 3rd year, this past weekend. You will not want to miss what these dynamic childfree guests have to share and exchange, from experiences and perspectives over the past 50 years, to their insight on what is most needed now, for our collective community to be recognized in equal and equitable ways, and beyond.

What role does workplace culture play in the ways we are acknowledged or not and valued and not, socially and professionally? Amidst all of the initiatives around workplace equality and equity, people without children are still largely missing from this consciousness and from the conversations about what impacts us most, on day to day basis, and long term. What is the consequence of working in a company that designs pay structures & benefits, to favor people based on their marital status, family structure, and whether to not they have children? Employees who are married and have children have long been the beneficiaries of pronatalism. Their status and value in the work place, has continued to be elevated, often accompanied by an invisible cloak of credibility, unlike their colleagues and peers who are single, unmarried, and do not have children. Isn't it time we begin to envision a workplace beyond inequality & inequity? Joining us today is Dr. Erin Conner, who is the Co-Founder and Vice President of Inclusion Design Group, a leading DEI firm. Tune in to learn more from her experience and expert insight on issues impacting our community!

In our premiere episode, we will discuss the experience of being involuntarily childless in a pronatalist world, through personal experiences, and the need for change. Our guest for this episode is Hilary Fennell. Hilary is an award-winning programme maker and journalist with extensive experience of working in television and radio as a series producer and director. In her ground-breaking radio documentary, Childless, Hilary Fennell explores the realities and dynamics of being involuntarily childless in a child-centered society. Her voice as a childless not by choice woman, is interwoven with the stories of six other women. Each of the women speak to their diverse journeys in coming to terms with living a life without children. Currently, it is estimated that one in five women in Ireland will not have a child, by the time they reach age 45. It is further estimated that only 10% of these women are childless by choice (child free). Childless, focuses on the other 90% of women, who represent an often less represented group. This group is often silenced by the taboo nature of this topic, which remains today, despite the number of women living without children, not by choice. Further, these statistics do not include other genders. A majority of countries primarily track the parental status of women only. Societies have become obsessed with motherhood and the idealization of human reproduction, supported by pronatalist rhetoric, which is reinforced through policy, in the workplace and socially. Hilary navigates the social, physical and emotional impact of childlessness throughout her documentary, with skillful artistry and a full heart, amidst the shadows of grief, a call for social change, and the lightness of learning to live a full and meaningful life. Please join us to learn more about her incredible radio documentary, and the issues that matter most to those who are living without children, involuntarily.

What are the current implications of pronatalism for people without children, collectively and globally? How do extremist actors influence pronatalist agendas, reproductive rights and what is the social impact on our community? In today’s episode we will focus on some of the current and urgent realities facing us, and the importance of our informed awareness and response to these issues. Joining us are Nandita Bajaj, Executive Director of Population Balance, and TTherese Shechter, director of the documentary My So-Called Selfish Life and founder of Trixie Films, to discuss the immediate and long term implications of pronatalist extremism for our community. Tune in to learn more about the ways pronatalist propaganda has weaponized fertility decline, in an effort to control reproductive choice and healthcare, and how the childless community specifically, is being targeted in the pronatalist agenda.

Join us in conversation with Stephanie Joy Phillips, the founder of World Childless Week. We will discuss the highlights of this year's event, which will be held 11-17 September 2023, and how you can participate. This will be the 7th year World Childless Week has taken place, and the event continues to evolve in content, and global participation. World Childless Week aims to raise awareness of the childless not by choice (cnbc) community and enable every childless person to share their story with confidence. It's for anyone who is childless despite their longing to be a parent because they have never been pregnant (for any reason), not carried full term or have suffered the sadness of a baby born sleeping. Tune in as we delve into the personal impact of pronatalism, as it relates to childlessness. We will discuss the ways in which everyday and significant interactions, times and environments can serve to reignite and impact grief and healing, in ways that can challenge one's very identity in the world.

In today’s episode we will discuss the value of policy engagement for people without children, and why it matters for our community. We will look at the historical and current influences pronatalism has on social policy, workplace leave policies and benefits, and public policy. We will also assess the ways in which pronatalist culture and policies impact the daily lives of people without children, and why we must organize for collective action now. Joining us for this conversation will be New Legacy Advisors, Nandita Bajaj, Executive Director of Population Balance, Jody Day, who is an expert in female childlessness, and founder of Gateway Women; Dr. Robin Hadley, who is an expert and researcher on male childlessness, and Therese Shechter, who is a childfree filmmaker, and founder of Trixie Films! Tune in to learn more about New Legacy Institute’s purpose in advocating for policy change, and creating a social justice platform for people without children. We will also share how our community and allies can become part of the change we envision for our community and beyond!

The conscientious journeys and decision-making processes by people who don’t have children, often remain unacknowledged stories and contributions. Further, as our community of people without children grows in separate directions, namely via the identities childless and childfree it must be acknowledged that these identities most often reflect only the end points of this continuum. So, who are we as a collective community? What do the not so tidy experiences of people without children whose paths were not a simple “yes” or “no” look like, and how might the melding and choosing of ‘childless’ and ‘childfree’ identification be more complex than it is generally expressed? Our guest today is award-winning filmmaker, Maxine Trump, In her film, “To Kid. Or Not to Kid”, Maxine shares her own journey on this continuum. Her film bravely plunges into an aspect of reproductive choice often misunderstood, mischaracterized, or considered too taboo to discuss. With rising public awareness about climate change, resource scarcity and global population, her film asks the question Why can't we talk about not having children?” Join us for this conversation as we navigate these questions and more!

People without children remain a largely invisible, excluded population, socially and economically. Despite the growth in the number of people without children, ranging from 20%-30% globally, statistics and policy consideration to meet the needs and realities of our community remain outside the mainstream. This is particularly true in academic research, social and economic planning, and policy development. Today, we will be in conversation with Dr. Zachary Neal, an associate professor of psychology and global urban studies at Michigan State University, and Dr. Jennifer Watling Neal, a professor of psychology at Michigan State University. We will discuss their recently released research findings on childfree demographics and neighborhood satisfaction for those who do not have children. We will also assess some of the ways we can best create change on the basis of greater data-driven information, that reflects our community.

LeNora Faye and Cody Hetzel are visible advocates for those who are childfree, through their individual public and private platforms, and their collective work and moderation of Childfree Convention. They are creators of content, conversation and connection that brings childfree people together, while engaging meaningful conversations for change. Today, we will discuss their advocacy, collaborative work, and the diverse content and speakers comprising the ever-expanding Childfree Convention. The dates for this year’s Convention will be held on July 29th & 30th, just ahead of International Childfree Day. International Childfree Day is observed annually on August 1st. This day was first recognized in 1973, but the National Alliance of Optional Parenthood, and the celebration of on this date was revived by Laura Carroll, in 2013. 2023 is the 50-year celebration of this day! Join us to learn more about the importance of diverse childfree representation and how you can access and participate in this year’s virtual Childfree Convention!

We often discuss the personal aspects of pronatalism, both in the community of people without children and on this show. We also look at how we are impacted in our everyday environments, such as the workplace. What comes to mind when you consider the global impact of pronatalism? In this episode, we will explore the greater dimensions of pronatalism, including social stigma, reproductive autonomy and responsibility, and ecological perspectives. We will also speak to population pressures and the importance of centering discourse around the impact of population. To guide us in this conversation, we are excited to have Nandita Bajaj, the Executive Director of Population Balance with us today! Nandita brings a depth of knowledge, wisdom and compassion as an educator and leading voice on the realities and impact of pronatalism. Please join us to learn more, and share any questions you may have with us, ahead of the show!

Today's episode will offer listeners a timely, often-missing conversation about one of the least considered perspectives in pronatalist narratives, as we delve into the multi-layered impact of pronatalism on children. We will address current realities and future implications for the personal, social and systemic layers of the pronatalist agenda and resulting policies, for children. We will assess the reality of when children are centered and not, around the very meaning and value assigned to their lives and future possibilities. We will also explore questions such as, What kind of parents would children choose? and Should we really all have children? Our guest today is Kristen Tsetsi. She is the visionary author of the childfree-informed, post-Roe novel, The Age of the Child. Kristen uses her writing to explore and normalize the childfree choice, and brings a breadth and depth of perspective and insight to this discussion. Tune in live, to learn more!

Whether it is your own experience, or that of someone you know, the dismissal of symptoms, minimization of pain, failure to diagnose or incorrect diagnoses, and other medical oversight have caused often irreparable physical issues, and prolonged pain and symptoms, in the gynecological world. The high incidents and often life-long impact of medical care, absent of patient autonomy, remains prevalent with respect to gynecological disorders, and continues to impact more lives, every day. How do we raise awareness of these realities, experienced by so many? How do we further educate ourselves, and hold the field of gynecology accountable, while inviting respect for patient autonomy, and compassionate care? Joining us today, is Rachael Jablo, creator of The Hysteria Project. Rachael is a chronically ill, queer, Jewish, Berlin-based US-American artist who works with photography, installation, collage and occasionally performance. Through The Hysteria Project, Rachael honors and visual recognizes the personal narratives of those living with and who have experienced gynecological disorders. Tune in live, to learn more about her powerful work, and what you can do today to learn more about these real life matters.

In today’s episode we will celebrate women without children, who often remain overlooked against the backdrop of pronatalism, with respect to their talents, contributions and impact. We are fortunate to have with us two very talented writers, who are working to ensure that women without children are recognized in literature and throughout history. The collections, research and profiles expressed through their work, hold a significant and respected place in our community. Join us in conversation with Nicole Louie, who is a writer, translator, and content curator, and Emma Duval, writer, independent researcher, and the founder of the Childfree History Museum, the first virtual museum dedicated to the history of women without children. Through their guidance and knowledge, New Legacy Radio listeners and readers will discover and learn more about the extraordinary women, whose talents, influence and impact, pronatalism could not eclipse. As we recognize and celebrate these women, we honor all women without children, past and present, and look to the future possibilities of our collective power and creativity.

Over the past year, through New Legacy Radio, New Legacy Institute has worked to provide a breadth of perspectives from thought leaders, activists, and members of our community, to create a platform of visibility and social justice for our collective community of people without children. We continue to assess the current state of things for our community, from workplace policy, housing and taxation, to global, national policies, which most often exclude and fail to consider the needs of people without children, and those who are single, and in diverse, legally unrecognized relationships. We also have a sense of urgency in addressing the extremist narratives, which are projected onto women, when it comes to reproductive, relational and full life autonomy. In today’s episode we will discuss current cultural and policy narratives, which advocate for the control of women’s lives. Further, women without children, have been specifically targeted and blamed for unsubstantiated claims of population “crises” across the globe. Therefore, it is vital that we collectively challenge the weaponization of these false narratives, for our community and beyond. Join us for a conversation addressing these issues, and more, with today’s guest, Ruby Warrington. As a recognized thought leader, Ruby brings a unique, in-depth perspective to the complexities and priorities of our community, and the culture narratives, which impact women without children. She is the author of the brilliant, highly recommended book, “Women Without Kids: The Revolutionary Rise of an Unsung Sisterhood. “Women Without Kids” published by Sounds True, and is out today!

How does the overturning of Roe v. Wade demonstrate the control and devaluation of those who are and may be impacted by pregnancy? What is at risk beyond abortion rights and access in the United States, and what is the global impact of this decision, as precedent? Today, we are deeply honored to be in conversation with Karen Mulhauser. She is the first National Executive Director of the National Abortion Rights Action League (NARAL), now known as NARAL Pro-Choice America. From 1970-73, she trained family planning professionals in federally funded programs in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska. When she moved to Washington, DC in 1973, Karen was hired to open the DC office of NARAL and the following year, she was asked to be the Executive Director. In this position, she helped grow the membership 20-fold, started chapters throughout the country, and started the NARAL Foundation and political action committee. Her experiences, expertise and activism through these decades, including her recent (June and July 2022) testimony before the DC Council Committee on Government Operations and Facilities and the Committee on Housing and Executive Administration Joint Public Hearing on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women Amendment Act of 2022, exemplifies her continued commitment to protecting the freedom to choose whether or not to continue a pregnancy. She has spoken poignantly to the United States never ratifying the United Nation’s Women’s Treaty, CEDAW, and advocacy for Washington, DC to be the next city to ratify the amendment, through the Cities for CEDAW campaign. Karen, as other women, who have fought and advocated for these rights and freedom since the foundation of NARAL, are courageously sharing their personal stories of survivorship. Please join us for this very special episode.

People without children, those who are single, and diverse families remain excluded from status quo economic and family policies. Further, economic models that drive the social status quo, force policies that are neither inclusive, nor do they meet the realities of the population. The needs of households for individuals and relationships, which include chosen family require the same level of rights and protection granted to traditional family structures and households. What can we do to advocate for policy that reflects inclusive and equitable needs for our communities? Here to share their work with us, is Diana Adams, founder of Chosen Family Law Center, Inc., a non-profit legal services organization, and their own boutique LGBTQ family law and mediation firm Diana Adams Law & Mediation, PLLC, both based in New York City They are an advocate for the rights and protection of individuals and diverse families. Their work has already influences legal changes in the area of housing, amidst other initiatives. Tune in to learn more about the incredible work of these organizations and their founder, and how you can join us in taking action for continued change, which includes and protects us all.

In this episode we are going to address some prevalent social stereotypes most often, projected onto people without children, in general, and specifically from the perspective of Kimberly Martinez Phillips, who is a Ph.D. Candidate in the Sociology Department at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador. Her research and dissertation are focused on single, never-married, childfree women of color. Many of the women interviewed are childfree, but that does not mean their lives are carefree. Her analysis utilizes the perspectives of feminist standpoint theory and decolonial feminism through an intersectional lens. In alignment with many of the key focus areas of New Legacy Institute, we will discuss the many presumptions of a childfree life being equated to a carefree or responsibility free life. We will delve into the expectations and realities of people without children becoming caretakers for parents or other family members, and the social and economic realities of being single and not having children. We will also address the gross misconceptions that human characteristics such as being nurturing and having empathy, among others, are exclusive trait of mothers and parents. Join us live for this conversation addressing some of the poignant issues for our community, and for the opportunity to learn from the rich dissertation research outcomes Kimberly Martinez Phillips will share with us in this special follow up episode.

People without children continue to be dismissed in 2023. The media, educational and medical institutions, the workplace and policy makers, continue to ignore our very existence. People without children have always existed; we are not a new phenomenon. We are however, a growing community, and like every other marginalized group, we are left to fight for equity and relevant policy, and a recognized place of belonging in society. The denial of our community’s demographic, let alone out our immense contributions to society, evades us at every opportunity. Today, we will be speaking with childfree filmmaker and director, Therese Shechter. Her film, My So-Called Selfish Life has debuted globally via a digital premiere. This evening, the film will be celebrated at its Live New York City premiere, which is a sold-out event! Against the backdrop of this elevated visibility and the deeply reflective, cultural relevance of this film, its sold-out premiere evolved in the absence of press coverage, and other major marketing. Tonight’s event was made possible, and with many thanks, due to grassroots word-of-mouth and social media. Tune in to learn more about how this film has been received by diverse audiences, and the timely and in-depth connections to what is currently happening around the erosion of reproductive rights, and much more!

In today’s episode we recognize the founding and evolution of The NotMom -- its blog, social networks, and events for women without children by choice or by chance. We are happy to join the celebration of The NotMom’s upcoming 10th anniversary. We have previously discussed on the show the importance of how to come together as a collective community, engaging both childless and childfree community spaces, to influence changes in the workplace and public policy. Today, we will hear from the partners behind The NotMom: Karen Malone Wright and Laura M. LaVoie. Through their work and friendship, Karen and Laura have bridged their individual experiences of age, race, geography and living childless and childfree. They bring key insight and expertise to this conversation, and share what they have learned on their shared journey. We will also discuss how the scope of self-funded work that comprises so much of non-parents’ efforts to create real change are so often limited to what we can do as individuals or partners because our voices, concerns, and initiatives are too often not included, acknowledged, or respected, by businesses, funders, and governments. We will delve into the realities of how and why inclusion is needed within our own community and beyond, and the underlying reasons for challenges we face to achieve meaningful, impactful change.

In this episode, we will examine the presence of pronatalist influences throughout the mental health profession, from leadership and institutions to research and training. Within these critical roles and educational spaces, the mental health profession largely obscures the lived experiences of people without children. Given these influences, what is the impact on people without children, both as clients and practitioners in mental health? To help us navigate this conversation about what is needed to create greater inclusion and understanding of the needs of people without children, we will be joined by Katie Maynard. Katie is an experienced licensed Clinical Social Worker, who is advancing innovative and meaningful change in the mental health space, through her work with clinicians, to expand their competency with therapy that is affirmative of childless and childfree people. Join us for this relevant, insightful conversation!