The Full Stop

By: Michael Hughes Berenice Smith and Sarah Lawrence
  • Summary

  • Award-winning, monthly podcast for those who are childless not by choice, their friends, family and relatives supported by an online community open to all who are childless not by choice. We share hidden stories related to childlessness for any reason. We welcome known voices and new speakers.
    Copyright 2019 All rights reserved.
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Episodes
  • Triggers and Tackling Festive Celebrations
    Dec 1 2024

    We are thrilled to be joined by Karin Enfield De Vries from Pure Transformations and Scared Woman Retreats for an honest exploration of boundaries, grief, and finding joy during times of celebration.

    Holidays like Christmas are often painted as joyful and magical, but for many, they bring up emotional complexities—especially for those navigating childlessness and changing family dynamics. We join Karin to unpack what it means to honour yur needs, set healthy boundaries, and create new traditions that reflect who you are today.

    We’ll talk about the courage to say no, the art of self-care during the holidays, and the power of embracing a more authentic way of celebrating. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by family, work or friendship obligations, feeling lonely or looking for ways to make this season meaningful on your terms, this conversation will inspire and empower you.

    Karin established Pure Transformations in July 2022 and she works as a self-employed grief and loss counsellor, a wellbeing coach and a change management consultant offering support (online and in person) in English and Dutch.

    Sacred Woman Retreats offers supportive and heart-led spaces for women who are childless not by choice or circumstance.

    Did you enjoy this episode?

    Join in the conversation in our Full Stop online community for childless people from £5 a month with a free month on us

    Buy a Virtual Coffee to keep our podcast ad free and accessible to everyone.

    Download Finding Connections, a booklet by Sarah and Berenice with links to groups, books, events and other resources for childless people. We hope you find it helpful.

    Join our newsletter for behind the scenes info, wellbeing tips and news from the wider community and alerts to our podcast as it publishes direct to your inbox.

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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • Childless Men’s Experiences in Society
    Nov 3 2024

    Drawing from their panel discussion at the Storyhouse Childless event in Chester, we explore what it means to navigate society and self-perception as men without children—whether by choice or circumstance. Featuring insights from Michael, Andy Harrod, Mark Briggs van Leeuwen, and Sam Ryley, this candid conversation highlights the challenges, the societal silence, and the journey to self-acceptance faced by childless men across generations.

    The importance of providing visibility and voice for childless men, challenging societal silence, and creating safe spaces for men to openly discuss their experiences.

    Support for childless men:

    Andy Harrod on Substack

    Dr Robin Hadley’s research and website

    Robert Nurden’s website (author of I Always Wanted To Be A Dad: Men Without Children)

    The Full Stop online community is open to all genders.

    Michael and Andy are co-admins of The Childless Men’s Collective

    Gateway Women’s men’s page.

    After The Storm, run by Sarah Lawrence, our co-founder and podcast host, provides counselling for childless people.

    World Childless Week Men Matter Too along with resources and support spaces

    Chrissy Pantlin on Men’s Mental Health

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    56 mins
  • Childlessness and money explained
    Sep 23 2024

    In this conversation, Dr Jay Zigmont discusses the unique financial planning needs of childless people. He emphasises the importance of understanding the different life scripts and financial goals that come with being childless, and we have a chat about the societal judgments and perceptions that often accompany being childless not by choice. We talk about the challenges of systemic change in financial services to better help us, the significance of legacy and the power in building supportive communities.

    Childfree Wealth® and his website Childfree Wealth®.

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    1 hr and 15 mins

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