Episode 5: Kids

In this episode, we discuss kids and our relationship to them. Each of us discuss our reasoning for having decided not to be parents, but we also talk about how important our niece and nephew are to us as well as how important it is for us to see children as human beings rather than objects.

We hope you enjoy the episode!

[TRIGGER WARNINGS: miscarriages, wanting but not able to be a parent, not wanting but being expected to be a parent, dehumanization of children]

Show Notes

Starting off the conversation, Doug found himself inadvertently pitching a few of his favorite podcasts. He was drinking his coffee out of this mug from the Faith Uncut podcast and wearing the "Don't Should" t-shirt from the Sounds Fake But Okay podcast. Both the merch and the podcasts are worth checking out!

Vanessa's beverage for the episode was a three ginger tea made by Pukka, and consumed in a "Prison Mike" coffee mug. In our introductory conversation, we also brought up Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, one of Doug's favorite shows that he finally convinced Vanessa to try. And now it's totally one of her favorites. We cannot recommend the show highly enough for people with mental health issues. It's so great!

In discussing his journey in deciding not to be a parent, Doug mentioned reading up on "reasons not to have kids." Some great resources he came across were the organization No Kidding, and the books Two is Enough and Childfree by Choice.

In talking about his evolving view of children, Doug mentioned one of his favorite people, Cindy Wang Brandt. The Facebook group she started is actually called "Raising Children Unfundamentalist," but she also has a book, a podcast, and even an annual online conference. You can also follow Cindy on Twitter and, if you become as much a fan as Doug, consider giving to her Patreon.

The gender neutral term for niece/nephew that Vanessa and Doug ultimately decided they cannot stand is "nibling."

Our Blog Things quiz for this week was "What After School Snack Are You?"

This episode was recorded on June 4, 2020.