In this special extended episode, we explore the complex decision of whether or not to have children through intimate conversations with parents, step-parents, and those who have chosen to be child-free. Our guests share their personal journeys, fears, joys, and wisdom around one of life's biggest choices.

Key Topics Discussed:

● The shift from seeing parenthood as a default path to a conscious choice

● How different people come to their decision about having children

● Addressing fears and societal pressures around both choices

● Finding purpose and meaning with or without children

● Making intentional choices rather than following expectations

Featuring conversations with:

● Caitlin Grieves (New mother) @caitlingraces on instragram

● Megan Vasko (Founder of No Kidding, Child Free in Edinburgh, a thriving community of over 1,000 child-free women fostering connection and friendship) https://www.facebook.com/groups/5384799758244453/

● Peter Clark (Father of two) @clarke.pete on Instagram

● Dr. Elizabeth Cripps (Senior lecturer in Political Theory at the University of Edinburgh and author of "Parenting on Earth: A Philosopher's Guide to Doing Right by Your Kids and Everyone Else") https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-cripps-7789061a6/

● Camila Das Gupta (Child-free by choice) @camidas on instragram

● Litzi Essler (Producer) https://www.linkedin.com/in/litziessler/

● Jan and Mike Thompson (Parents with grown children)

Caitlin’s 4 Ps to Consider When Exploring Whether To Have Kids:

1. Practicalities - Discuss concrete aspects like finances, parental policies at work, and lifestyle considerations.
2. Personal values (around parenting) - Exploring views on discipline, family involvement, and how parenting styles would mesh together.
3. Priorities (for life) - Examining what's important in life overall (like travel, relationships, career) and how children would fit or wouldn't fit into that picture.
4. Prophesising - Walking through what life might look like in 5, 10, 15 years, both with and without children, considering each path's positives and potential challenges.

Links mentioned in the episode:

● No Kidding, Child Free in Edinburgh facebook page

● Dr. Elizabeth Cripps' book "Parenting on Earth"

● Gabor Maté’s Instagram page

Connect With Our Host, Alice Thompson, through her Instagram, LinkedIn or check out her coaching services and resources on her website

Connect With Our Producer, Litzi Essler, through LinkedIn

Connect With Our Artist, Duncan Peace of Peace Signs, through his Instagram

Sarah’s back! In this insightful episode, we delve deeper into the complex dynamics of relationships through the lens of the Enneagram with Sarah. This conversation unpacks how our unconscious fears shape relationship patterns, attachment styles, and reactions, offering a fresh perspective on cultivating understanding and compassion in partnerships. We explore how knowing our type and those of our partners can help us navigate differences with more empathy and openness.

Key Topics Discussed:

● Using the Enneagram to understand relationship dynamics and personal triggers

● Exploring attachment styles and how they manifest in relationships

● Differentiating between personal needs and relational expectations

● Cultivating self-awareness to break unconscious patterns

● Practical ways to foster empathy, communication, and connection

Sarah Cumings is a relationship counsellor with specialised training from Relationship Scotland. Combining counselling and coaching approaches, she helps facilitate meaningful change by developing a deep and compassionate understanding of human nature. Sarah has extensive experience working with the Enneagram, using this profound tool to help people understand the forces that shape their behaviours and worldviews. Her work focuses on helping clients recognise their patterns and motivations, leading to greater self-compassion and improved relationships. With her gentle yet direct approach, Sarah guides individuals toward deeper self-awareness and more authentic connections with others.

Connect With Our Guest: Sarah is far too cool for social media, but you can check out her website here

Connect With Our Host, Alice Thompson, through her Instagram, LinkedIn or check out her coaching services and resources on her website

Connect With Our Producer, Litzi Essler, through LinkedIn

Connect With Our Artist, Duncan Peace of Peace Signs, through his Instagram

In this illuminating conversation with breathwork teacher John Paul, we explore the transformative power of conscious connected breathing. From the neuroscience behind breathwork to its spiritual dimensions, John Paul shares how this practice can help us integrate difficult experiences, connect more deeply with ourselves and nature, and find sovereignty in our healing journey. This episode offers both practical insights into breathwork and deeper wisdom about what it means to be fully present in our human experience.

Key Topics Discussed:

● Understanding conscious connected breathing

● The relationship between breath and nervous system regulation

● Integration as a path to healing

● Connection to self, others, and nature through breath

● Different approaches to breathwork and their effects

● The spiritual dimensions of breathing

● Empowerment through breath awareness

John Paul is a breathwork teacher based in Scotland who specialises in conscious connected breathing. Combining his deep understanding of spiritual practices with practical experience in trauma-informed work, he guides people toward greater connection with themselves and their environment. His approach emphasises personal autonomy and empowerment, helping people discover their own innate wisdom through the breath. From group sessions to intensive training, John Paul makes breathwork accessible to all who seek this transformative practice.

Connect With Our Guest on socials: John Paul is far too cool for social media, but you can check out his website here(we recommend signing up to his newsletter!)

Andrew Huberman’s breathing insights into the “physiological sigh” to reduce stress. Another short clip on the effects of breathing on your physiology from Andrew Huberman here.

Connect With Our Host, Alice Thompson, through her Instagram, LinkedIn or check out her coaching services and resources on her website

Connect With Our Host, Alice Thompson, through her Instagram, LinkedIn or check out her coaching services and resources on her website

Connect With Our Producer, Litzi Essler, through LinkedIn

Connect With Our Artist, Duncan Peace of Peace Signs, through his Instagram