And 10 episodes later, we are at the Season 1 finale! Thank you all for listening and sharing the pod with others. It looks like the topic of non-traditional family structures is getting some deserved attention and traction. Podcasts like “Refamulating” and a mini-series on “This is Actually Happening” came out in April and June, respectively. Check them out! I find this really promising in terms of discussing and normalizing the experience of being part of a unique family.

Speaking of which, in this episode, I talk to two therapists — Meg Michaelson and Leora Lerba — about how to approach potentially challenging conversations with kiddos. While the focus is on how to help children understand how their families may look different from those of their peers, we cover topics like illness and disability, as well.

Lots of wisdom gems dropped here. For anyone seeking guidance navigating life, please visit the episode page for Meg’s and Leora’s bios and contact information. 10/10 recommend them!

Enjoy!

How does one navigate the realization that she will not become a mother? That’s the question this episode explores with our guest, Andrea Lira, and Intuitive Therapist Meg Michaelson.

A theme shared across many of the previous episodes is one where guests find themselves on a life path that looks different from one they may have envisioned for themselves. For Andrea, her vision of being a mother, one day, did not become a reality. And she’s not alone. This is a more common story than many of us realize, but it’s not one often told. I’m really grateful to her for having the courage to share her story with us. We talk about her path to get pregnant, her grieving process, and the steps she is taking to move into a state of acceptance. We discuss how best to support friends through this experience, as well.

For anyone going through a similar situation — or for those who want to learn how to support a friend on this journey — both Andrea and Meg offer helpful and actionable suggestions.

From an early age, most of us received a clear message about what an ideal future looks like: You find your life partner and you have children. While this vision has evolved a bit over time, many (all?) cultures continue to reinforce the idea that the highest form of fulfillment — particularly for women — comes from marriage and procreating. So, what happens if you didn’t meet that future partner, or realize the original picture of “family” in your mind?

Or, what if you choose not to have children because you simply don’t want to be a parent?

In this episode, we speak to three child-free women about living full lives without children. And how they have cultivated chosen family — friendships that endure throughout life. Enjoy!