Welcome to the 70th episode of the Full Stop Podcast! We’re joined by returning guests Bindi Shah and Lisa Kissane, alongside co-hosts Berenice and Michael Hughes, for an inspiring conversation about setting intentions, goals, and how we navigate life as childless individuals.

• Gentle Intentions vs. Rigid Goals: Lisa and Bindi contrast the pressures of goal-setting with the more flexible, empowering practice of setting intentions.

• Writing as Healing: Writing plays a pivotal role in self-expression and healing. From Bindi’s poetry to Lisa’s intention to write her first novel, we explore how creativity can unlock personal growth.

• Adapting to Life Challenges: How can we be kind to ourselves in the face of life’s challenges? Michael opens up about family dynamics and the importance of taking life’s reins, while Bindi highlights the transformative power of meditation.

• Seasons of Change: We discuss how the rhythm of the seasons—especially spring—can offer renewal and inspiration.

• Creating Safe Spaces: Lisa shares her intentions for “Flow,” her unique business community for childless and child-free individuals, providing a supportive environment away from parent-centric norms.

Contact Lisa on Instagram, LinkedIn and via her website for Really Honest Business and Flow.

Contact Bindi though her website and on her Youtube Channel: Soul Wisdom. Read her World Childless writing on adoption bias and watch her WCW webinar.

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.

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.

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.

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