Curious Life of a Childfree Woman

What if feeling complete with what you've created confirms it's the right time to step away?In this solo episode, Emily Paulsen announces that Curious Life of a Childfree Woman is going on a break. After 75 weeks straight without missing a beat, 67 guests, an in-person event, and consistently reaching 40,000 women, Emily shares why she's stepping away and what comes next. She reflects on the deep conditioning of sticking with something once you start it and keeping it exactly as it was, even when it no longer serves you. Emily explains how the podcast accomplished what she set out to do: create a space to explore curiosity exclusively from a childfree perspective, covering everything from fashion to finance, sustainability to the Salem Witch Trials, and unconventional choices like intentional singleness and tiny house living.Emily shares that she feels complete with this format and has been craving clarity on what the next chapter looks like for serving the childfree community. Research suggests that 45% of women aged 25 to 44 will be single and childfree by 2030, yet we're still underserved and underrepresented in media. This is not the end of Curious Life of a Childfree Woman, just a pause to find the flavor and format that will be most valuable. All episodes remain available on podcast platforms, and the Instagram account stays active for connection.Key Takeaways:Sometimes consistency becomes routine without intention: It's easy to focus on consistency over listening to your instincts.Feeling complete confirms the right time to step away: Being in love with what you've produced means it's time for the next chapter.The childfree community is growing: 45% of women aged 25 to 44 will be single and childfree by 2030.Representation matters: We're still underserved and underrepresented in media and content.This is a pause, not an ending: All episodes remain available and the journey continues in a new format.Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily's power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are.Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com and about her brand business: www.electriccollab.com Connect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewoman

Spring is the season of leveling up, and this one is back as part of the Spring Break Best Of series because Emily re-listens to it every single time she needs a tactical boost on how to hold the abundance she is always working toward. Dr. Olivia Marie is a doctor of psychology with deep expertise in nervous system regulation, business energetics, and wealth expansion, and Emily has never heard anyone explain this stuff so clearly.This conversation will change the way you think about every goal you have ever set and not hit. Emily and Olivia get into why affirmations and morning routines are not enough if you never get to the root, what it actually looks like to rewire your nervous system rather than manage it forever, and how living in a regulated state is not about being calm and quiet but about becoming someone who can hold the results they actually want. If you have ever wondered why you keep self-sabotaging right when things start to get good, this one is for you.Key TakeawaysBurnout is feedback, not failure—and it often points to patterns of chronic override.The “Starbucks Cup” analogy helps visualize how full most nervous systems already are before life adds more stress.Nervous system regulation creates capacity for presence, discernment, and deeper self-leadership.Boundaries aren’t walls—they’re invitations for more aligned connection and energy flow.“Normal” is a moving target, shaped by conditioning—not truth.Tiny moments of self-abandonment add up, and recognizing them is the first step toward reclaiming power.You can hold duality—empowerment and fear, clarity and confusion, expansion and stillness can coexist.—Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are . She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way. Learn more about Emily on her website: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com  And connect with her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiouslifeofachildfreewoman/ —The guest on this episode is Olivia Marie, a doctor with a degree in psychology and a deep expertise in nervous system regulation, business energetics, and wealth expansion. She has helped high-level entrepreneurs, celebrities, and industry leaders transform their experience of success—not through force or hustle, but by mastering deep nervous system recalibration.Her signature Rapid Rewire Technique helps women move past subconscious blocks, expand their capacity to receive, and scale their businesses in a way that feels effortless, aligned, and deeply fulfilling. Olivia built her own 7+ figure empire in under 2.5 years—not through burnout, but by regulating her nervous system to hold more. Now, she teaches others to do the same.Her work redefines wealth as more than just money—it’s aliveness, love, fulfillment, bliss, and joy. She believes that true success isn’t about pushing harder, but about expanding your ability to receive.Learn More about Olivia on her website: https://www.keepupwithliv.com/Connect with her on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/keepupwithliv/ And listen to her Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/beyond-limits-with-olivia-marie/id1529358695 

Spring has a way of making everything feel possible, and this week Emily is revisiting the episode that generated more DMs than any other in the show's history. Victoria Song is a private advisor to the world's top performers, and when she says top performers, she means it. Her clients include Cindy Crawford, the family of LeBron James, and some of the most influential leaders in tech, sports, entertainment, and business. Her work sits at the intersection of strategy and mysticism, and somehow she makes both feel completely inevitable.This conversation goes deep into what it actually means to bend reality in your favor, why so many high achievers are operating from a place of contraction without even realizing it, and how leaning into your natural zone of genius rather than white knuckling your way through your weaknesses is the real path to results that do not make logical sense. If you have been feeling the pull toward something bigger this season but cannot quite get your mindset to catch up, this one is for you.👉 Victoria's most popular masterclass, The GOAT Method, is the exact framework she uses with her private clients. Get access here: https://victoria-song.mykajabi.com/a/2148120895/Qy2YH3azKey Takeaways:Intuition as untapped data: Our gut instincts process information beyond what the five senses can capture, learning to trust them gives us access to shortcuts our linear mind can’t see.Low-stakes practice builds trust: Strengthening intuition starts small, like following a nudge to call a friend or choosing a new path on a weekend, and compounds into bigger decisions over time.Contraction drains success: Beliefs rooted in scarcity, overwork, or fear create heaviness in the body and bend outcomes against us; expansion lightens energy and invites possibility.Focus on super strengths: Instead of doubling down on weaknesses, identify the gifts that feel natural, joyful, and energizing, those are the true levers of success.Joy as soul language: What lights us up isn’t frivolous, it’s a signpost of our purpose. Following it creates alignment between our deepest calling and daily actions.___ Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.comConnect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewoman___The guest on this episode, Victoria Song, is a leadership advisor, venture capitalist turned performance coach, and bestselling author of Bending Reality. She works with top performers across tech, sports, entertainment, and business, helping them dissolve limiting beliefs, expand their vision, and achieve what once seemed impossible.Connect with Victoria: ⁠https://victoria-song.com⁠

April is Earth Month, which means sustainability is having its annual moment in the spotlight, and there is no better time to revisit this conversation with Ashlee Piper. Emily still references it constantly when she is trying to explain why stepping off the consumerism hamster wheel matters so much for our wellbeing, not just the planet, and that is exactly why it is back as part of our Spring Break Best Of series.Ashlee is a bestselling author, sustainability star, and media personality whose work has appeared everywhere from the Today Show and Good Morning America to Vogue, the New York Times, and the Washington Post. This conversation digs into the fascinating history of how we went from citizens to consumers, the psychology behind why shopping is so addictive and so unsatisfying at the same time, and the #NoNewThings Challenge Ashlee created to help people reclaim their time, money, and creativity. It is eye opening, empowering, and might just change the way you think about your next online order.Key Takeaways:Understanding Consumerism: Learn how post-war industrialization and marketing created a culture of overconsumption and environmental degradation.The Role of Marketing: Discover how modern marketing exploits psychology to influence purchasing decisions and create false needs.The #NoNewThings Challenge: Explore how this initiative helps individuals reclaim time, money, and creativity while reducing their environmental impact.Actionable Sustainability: Practical steps for curbing overconsumption, living sustainably, and contributing to climate solutions.Individual Power in Collective Change: Why our personal choices matter and how they can lead to systemic improvements.—Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are . She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way. Learn more about Emily on her website: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com  And connect with her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiouslifeofachildfreewoman/ —The guest on this episode is Ashlee Piper, a sustainability expert, TV personality, author and globally recognized speaker whose work has been featured on 310+ television segments, including The TODAY Show, Good Morning America, LIVE with Kelly & Mark, and CNN, and in VOGUE, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Marie Claire, The Atlantic and Newsweek. Piper's 2018 book, Give A Sh*t: Do Good. Live Better. Save the Planet. (Running Press) has been hailed as a 'sustainability Bible' by celebrities and reviewers.She's consulted on sustainability practices with well-known companies such as Airbnb, LUSH, Nissan and Eileen Fisher, has been a cabinet-level advisor to two Massachusetts Governors and is a judge for the Marie Claire Sustainability Awards. Piper has spoken at the United Nations, SXSW and has a popular TED Talk. She is also the creator of the #NoNewThings Challenge, which received a 2022 Silver Stevie Award for Best Nonprofit Innovation.Piper has been a Professor of Sustainability Marketing at Loyola University Chicago, eco instructor for LinkedIn Learning and holds a BA from Brown University, an MSc in Evidence-Based Social Intervention from the University of Oxford, UK and an MA in Holistic Health from IIN/Columbia University.She lives in Chicago with Skip, an 18-pound cat she found behind a dumpster, in a home that’s 98% secondhand. You can find her drinking Sugar-Free Red Bull and vodka and singing Seal’s ‘Kiss From A Rose’ at any not-so-fine karaoke establishment.Learn more about Ashlee on her website: www.ashleepiper.comAnd connect with her on Instagram:  @ashleepiper

This is the most meaningful episode Emily has ever recorded, and it is back as part of the Spring Break Best Of series for a reason. Marcia Drut-Davis is 83 years young, a pioneer of the childfree movement, and a living, breathing example that a life well lived has nothing to do with whether or not you have children. When Marcia publicly shared that she was childfree by choice in the 1970s, she received death threats, family backlash, and lost a teaching job she loved. She kept talking anyway, and this conversation is proof of why.Marcia and Emily get into all of it, from Marcia's appearance on 60 Minutes on Mother's Day that sent shockwaves through her life, to how to navigate friendship when your circle starts having kids, to the question nobody wants to ask out loud: are you actually parent material? Warm, wise, hilarious, and completely unfiltered, Marcia brings the kind of perspective that only comes from eight decades of living life entirely on her own terms. Since recording this episode, she and Emily have become personal friends, and it shows.Key Takeaways:Speaking Up & Facing Backlash: How Marcia’s 60 Minutes appearance made her a controversial figure overnight.Redefining Legacy: The unexpected ways childfree people build deep, meaningful connections.Navigating Friendships: How to maintain strong relationships when your life path looks different.Aging Without Children: What people get wrong about childfree aging—and Marcia’s personal experience.Owning Your Choices: Why being true to yourself is always worth it, even when the world pushes back.—Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are . She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way. Learn more about Emily on her website: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com  And connect with her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiouslifeofachildfreewoman/ —The guest on this episode is Marcia Drut-Davis Is an 82 Yr. Young Pioneer In The Childfree Movement. She's Been Featured In Two Documentaries And Has Authored Two Books. Her Joy Is Reaching Hearts With Support And Knowledge.Learn more about Marcia’s books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Marcia-Drut-Davis/author/B08429L4CLConnect with her on Socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childfree_guru/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/confessionsofchildfreepeople And watch the documentaries she has been featured in: https://myselfishlife.com/ by Therese Shechterhttps://www.tokidornottokid.com/  by Maxine Trump

Spring Break, meet spring cleaning. We are continuing our Best Of series and this one is perfectly timed for that annual moment of standing in your closet staring at your spring clothes thinking, who even bought this stuff? Transformational wardrobe stylist Chellie Carlson has answers. With over 20 years in the fashion industry and a standing-room-only panel at our February event, Chellie works with high-performing executives, entrepreneurs, and creatives to help them move beyond the cycle of overconsumption and into a wardrobe that actually reflects who they are.This conversation goes way deeper than clothes. From the psychology behind our shopping habits and the link between self-worth and personal style, to body image, fast fashion, and what it really means to dress for the woman you are becoming, Emily and Chellie unravel why so many of us have a closet full of clothes and still feel like we have nothing to wear. If a spring closet cleanout has been on your mind, this is your sign.Key TakeawaysThe Psychology of Style: Why we’re drawn to new clothes, how social media fuels overconsumption, and why more shopping doesn’t lead to better style.Closet Detoxing & Editing: The emotional baggage behind our wardrobes and why letting go of clothes that don’t serve us is a critical first step.Dressing for Your Future Self: How to align your wardrobe with the person you want to become—rather than who you used to be or who you think you "should" be.Tailoring & Fit: Why the right fit is more important than size and how a good tailor can completely transform the way clothes look on your body.The Energy of Clothing: How investing in fewer, higher-quality pieces can boost confidence and help you feel more magnetic in your daily life.*The article Emily referenced in the podcast can be found here: https://www.empower.com/the-currency/life/dressing-up-monthly-spend-apparel —Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are . She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way. Learn more about Emily on her website: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com  And connect with her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiouslifeofachildfreewoman/ —The guest on this episode is Chellie Carlson, a transformational wardrobe stylist and the founder of The Method and The Style Society, where she helps high-performing entrepreneurs, executives, and creatives redefine their personal style with confidence and intention. With over 20 years in the fashion industry, Chellie’s expertise goes beyond trends—she believes that clothing is a powerful tool for self-expression and personal transformation.Her signature styling approach focuses on curating fewer, higher-quality pieces, creating a wardrobe that feels both authentic and magnetic. Through her deeply personalized process, she helps clients break free from the cycle of overconsumption, align their wardrobe with their future selves, and show up in the world with undeniable presence.From in-depth closet edits to luxury styling sessions, Chellie’s work is rooted in helping people feel seen, stylish, and empowered—every single day.Learn more about Chellie on her website: https://www.chelliecarlson.com/And connect with her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chelliecarlson/

After 70 consecutive weeks of Curious Life of a Childfree Woman, we are taking a Spring Break from new episodes to bring back some of our favorite conversations. First up is this gem with NYC-based certified etiquette expert and author Mariah Grumet Humbert. Spring is when our social calendars start filling back up, networking picks up, and we find ourselves back in rooms full of people we may or may not know how to talk to. This one could not be more timely.Mariah brings a modern, psychology-driven approach to etiquette, reframing it not as a rigid set of rules but as a practical toolkit for building confidence and deeper human connection. From navigating first impressions to gracefully exiting a conversation, handling rude social media comments, choosing the right host gift, and knowing when to finally put the phone down, this episode is full of real, usable wisdom for every kind of social situation.Key Takeaways: The Power of a Strong First Impression: Why the first seven seconds matter, and how to make them count.Mastering Social Exits: How to leave conversations gracefully without awkwardness or guilt.Body Language & Presence: How nonverbal communication shapes the way we’re perceived.Declining Invitations Without Guilt: Why you don’t owe anyone an excuse for saying no.Grief & Difficult Conversations: How to acknowledge loss and show up for others in a meaningful way.Authenticity & Etiquette: Why true etiquette isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence, awareness, and kindness.The New Yorker Article Emily & Mariah talked about in the episode can be read here. —Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are . She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way. Learn more about Emily on her website: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com  And connect with her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiouslifeofachildfreewoman/ —The guest on this episode is Mariah Grumet Humbert. As a certified etiquette trainer, Mariah is on a mission to bring an intentional sparkle back to a lost art. She believes etiquette is much more than just a set of rules, it is a powerful tool to help individuals build confidence, create stronger connections, and distinguish themselves. In her pursuit to redefine the meaning of etiquette, she helps her clients master the nuances of various social and professional situations with authenticity, consideration for others, and a strong level of emotional intelligence. Mariah founded Old Soul Etiquette in 2021 when she left her career in fashion to pursue her lifelong passion: empowering others to shine their light through her approachable and vibrant take on etiquette. Today, she works with individuals and organizations across the globe, offering private consulting, interactive workshops, webinars, and keynotes on topics such as social, dining, and business etiquette, first and lasting impressions, personal branding, the art of conversation and small talk, the power of your professional presence, and more. Mariah is based in New York City and is available to travel by request. Mariah is also the author of the modern wedding etiquette book, What Do I Do? and The Essential Wedding Planner. Her expertise has been sought after by The Today Show, NBC News, Fox News, Forbes, Southern Living, The New York Post, Travel & Leisure, Brides, Martha Stewart, and more. Learn More about Mariah on her website:www.oldsouletiquette.comAnd connect with her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oldsouletiquette/ 

What if you stopped voluntarily sacrificing your present desires to accommodate hypothetical preferences of a stranger?In this episode, Emily Paulsen sits down with Rebekah Buege, a mentor for body neutrality, intentional singleness, and joyful feminism. Rebekah's Substack Nobody's Mother explores what it means to stop being the good girl who accepts the bare minimum. Emily and Rebekah discuss body neutrality as freeing up mental space instead of spending 17 years thinking about body image, intentional singleness as not waiting for a hypothetical partner before buying the house, and why women voluntarily tell themselves no. Rebekah shares why she painted her house pink and created her Barbie dream house unapologetically.They discuss why if you're a woman with high standards and a man wants to marry you, that's a compliment to himself, why marriage benefits men more than women according to data, joyful feminism as moving beyond anger, and why Rebekah chopped her long hair into a pixie cut as liberation.Key Takeaways:Body neutrality frees up mental space: American women spend 17 years of their life thinking about body image.Stop planning around hypothetical partners: Women voluntarily sacrifice their own present desires to accommodate hypothetical preferences of a stranger.Marriage benefits men more than women: Men are happiest and healthiest when married, while everything tanks for women.Joyful feminism celebrates options: Feminism is moving beyond anger into celebrating the rights we finally have.Get curious and playful: Question what you think you have to be to perform femininity.Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily's power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are.Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.comConnect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewomanGuest Rebekah Buege is a Mentor for body neutrality, intentional singleness, joyful feminism, & self confidence. She is the creator of the Substack Nobody's Mother, where she explores intentional singleness, identity, and redefining womanhood beyond partnership and motherhood. Through her writing and social platforms, she challenges the 'good girl' narrative and encourages women to consciously choose the lives they want, at any age.Follow Rebekah on Instagram: @rebekahbuegeRead Rebekah's Substack: rebekahbuege.substack.com

In this solo episode, Emily Paulsen reflects on her recent live event in Chicago centered around the theme of self-expression. She explores why living fully expressed isn’t indulgent, it’s essential, and how alignment, not perfection, is what creates real impact.From creativity and personal style to nervous system regulation and perfectionism, Emily connects the inner work of knowing yourself to the ripple effect it creates in leadership, relationships, and community. She also shares research showing that when women are self-aware and self-expressed, they build stronger, more resilient systems around them.This episode is an invitation to stop conforming, start questioning, and get curious about what fuller expression could look like in your own life.Key Takeaways:Self-expression is not selfish. Research shows that when women are self-aware and aligned, they prevent conflict, build community, foster emotional intelligence, and strengthen the environments around them.Being a “limitless creator” isn’t about hustle,  it’s about removing internal barriers and questioning the assumptions that quietly shape how you spend your time, energy, and money.What you wear, what you buy, and how you consume are reflections of your self-expression. Alignment in small, everyday choices creates more confidence and presence in bigger moments.Growth requires nervous system support. Expanding into new levels of visibility, wealth, or leadership can trigger fear, sustainable self-expression happens through steady, intentional expansion.Perfectionism is one of the biggest blocks to authentic expression. Holding back because something isn’t flawless limits both your own fulfillment and your impact on others.Conformity is often rewarded, but it rarely creates change. Self-expression challenges inherited narratives about what it means to be “good” and invites more honest participation in the world.Curiosity is the starting point. You don’t have to know your fullest expression yet,  you just have to be willing to explore it.Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily's power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are.Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com and about her brand business: www.electriccollab.com Connect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewoman

What if being childfree by choice and being a stepmom aren't mutually exclusive?In this episode, Emily Paulsen sits down with Kerry Cook, a woman who embraced the childfree path and is married to a man who has a child. Kerry shares her journey from never planning to be childfree to having an epiphany moment when she asked herself: what if the answer was just no? She opens up about the resentment she felt watching her stepson get free love from his dad, feeling like the backup dancer in family dynamics, and not recognizing herself in her wedding photos. Kerry also shares the plot twist of reaching out to her stepson's biological mom one-on-one, which became a genuine friendship that changed everything.They discuss jealousy as a compass, the importance of having safe people to crash out with, listening to your nervous system when living in internal conflict makes you sick, and why Kerry created a Childfree Collective that grew from 4-5 women to 19-20 strong. This episode is a reminder that you can be childfree by choice and love someone who already has kids.Key Takeaways:The epiphany moment: Kerry realized there was this constant moving target she never wanted to achieve.Feeling like the backup dancer: Stepmoms seek validation from people who are safe to them.The plot twist of friendship: Kerry's relationship with her stepson's biological mom became an authentic friendship.Listen to your nervous system: Living in internal conflict makes you sick.Community changes everything: Find your people who you can cut loose with.We're bringing the podcast into the real world with our first ever in-person event! An evening of curiosity and conversation hosted in downtown Chicago, February 19th, 2026. Picture an intimate dinner party stacked with speakers, all guests from some of your favorite episodes, and space to make new childfree friends. Seats are limited so you can read all the details and get your ticket by visiting curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com/2026-event.Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily's power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are.Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.comConnect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewomanGuest Kerry Cook has journeyed through and leaned into embracing childfree life and defining what that freedom means. She’s done this while figuring out how to navigate the intricacies of “step mom” life and building a girl tribe of fellow childfree women through the launch of her “Women’s Childfree Collective”. Enjoy a vulnerable and unfiltered take on step-momming and the power of community!Connect with Kerry: [email protected]

What if the disconnect between who you are and what you're wearing is holding you back from being your best self?In this episode, Emily Paulsen sits down with Ellie Richards, a stylist and founder of Nuude Studio who approaches fashion through the lens of psychology. Annual spending on women's apparel is over $1 trillion globally, yet women aren't reporting feeling more stylish or confident than ever. Ellie helps women understand not just what to wear, but why we wear it, and the positive role style can play in self-expression.Emily and Ellie discuss the white coat study that shows how clothing influences thoughts, feelings, and behavior. They explore cognitive dissonance, the disconnect between who you are and what you're wearing, and how the pandemic accelerated style disconnection. Ellie introduces her minimalist wardrobe formula, a pyramid with four tiers: foundation pieces, capsule basics, personality basics, and dopamine pieces.They also discuss Ellie's sustainable fashion boutique experience, why people say they want to shop sustainably but default to cheap options, the paradox of choice and why too many options leave us dissatisfied, how social media makes us look more like everyone else, and why getting rid of clothes that don't fit properly is rule number one.This episode is a reminder that your clothing sends signals to your brain every single day, first impressions happen in a split second, and investment in personal style can be life-changing.Key Takeaways:Clothing influences how you think, feel, and behave: The white coat study showed that when people believed they were wearing a lab coat, they significantly outperformed those told it was a painter's coat. Your clothes send signals to your brain.Cognitive dissonance happens when your wardrobe doesn't match your identity: When pieces represent a past version of you, there's discomfort. If your identity changed but your wardrobe didn't, you're not showing up as your best self.The minimalist wardrobe formula creates mental clarity: Four tiers - 1-2 foundation pieces, 16 capsule basics, 12 personality basics, 6-8 dopamine pieces. Limiting choice makes you more satisfied with what you wear.Social media makes us look more like everyone else: When you're not making your own decisions, you're buying pieces that don't represent you. The disconnect starts when you consume other people's style.Get rid of clothes that don't fit properly: If something makes you feel bad, it taunts you every time you open your closet. Saving clothes for when you lose weight is toxic.We're bringing the podcast into the real world with our first ever in-person event! An evening of curiosity and conversation hosted in downtown Chicago, February 19th, 2026. Picture an intimate dinner party stacked with speakers, all guests from some of your favorite episodes, and space to make new childfree friends. Seats are limited so you can read all the details and get your ticket by visiting curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com/2026-event.Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily's power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are.Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.comConnect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewomanGuest Ellie Richards is a stylist and founder of Nuude Studio who approaches fashion through the lens of psychology. She helps women understand not just what to wear, but why we wear it, and the positive role style can play in self-expression.Learn more about Ellie at: https://www.nuude-studio.com/Follow Ellie on Instagram: @ellierichards.intelWatch Ellie's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Ellie.Richards

What if the cure isn't sobriety, but the aggressive pursuit of a great life?In this episode, Emily Paulsen sits down with Craig Perra, founder of The Mindful Habit System, to discuss dopamine addiction and men's mental health. Craig helps high-performing men build awareness around behaviors without shame, working at the intersection of mindfulness, self-trust, and habit change. His vulnerability makes this a judgment-free conversation about what's really going on with men.Craig opens up about his past as what he calls an abusive husband, lying and gaslighting his wife while maintaining a secret pornography habit for decades. He shares how his childhood trauma shaped these behaviors and how he's spent years doing the work to change. Emily and Craig discuss dopamine as the chemical of want (not happiness), why we're not wired for the constant hits available through social media and pornography, and shocking statistics about porn consumption.They explore how young boys are learning about sex from pornography, the normalization of sexual violence, and why this generation is having less sex than any generation in recorded history. Craig explains that men's oldest habit of turning to sex to alleviate discomfort collides with women's deepest wound around feeling chosen second. The conversation turns to what women can do as partners and the importance of men's communities.This episode is a reminder that dopamine is fuel not fulfillment, people who love themselves don't lie, and sustainability requires community.Key Takeaways:Dopamine is the chemical of want, not happiness: It creates drive and fuels pursuit. The anticipation is often stronger than the payoff. Protecting your dopamine means sitting in the discomfort of its absence.We weren't wired for constant dopamine hits: Social media, pornography, gambling, and other quick hits are hijacking this chemical. The exposure starts younger and younger, with devastating impacts on mental health.Men's oldest habit collides with women's deepest wound: The habit of turning to sex for relief and doing it in secret intersects with women internalizing it as not being enough. This collision impacts birth rates and divorce rates.Focus on integrity issues, not just sexual behavior: Partners get better results focusing on the lying and gaslighting rather than getting lost in shame around sex. Speak to how behaviors make you feel.Men need community and brotherhood: Most men say they have nobody to reach out to when they're down. Sustainability requires accountability, vulnerability, and support from other men.We're bringing the podcast into the real world with our first ever in-person event! An evening of curiosity and conversation hosted in downtown Chicago, February 19th, 2026. Picture an intimate dinner party stacked with speakers, all guests from some of your favorite episodes, and space to make new childfree friends. Seats are limited so you can read all the details and get your ticket by visiting curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com/2026-event.Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily's power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are.Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.comConnect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewomanGuest Craig Perra is the founder of The Mindful Habit System, where he helps high-performing men build awareness around behaviors without shame or pressure. His work sits at the intersection of mindfulness, self-trust, and habit change for people tired of white-knuckling their way into a better life.Learn more about Craig at: www.themindfulhabitonline.com

Have you ever felt like something in your life no longer fits even though it's not necessarily bad?In this episode, Emily Paulsen sits down with Meghan Houle, founder and CEO of CONCÈ, a new hiring platform built on authenticity and purpose. After decades building a successful career in luxury retail recruitment, Meghan decided to start over to build something that felt more aligned, more alive, and more her. Together, they explore what happens when you trust the pull to pivot even when everything looks perfect on paper.Emily and Meghan discuss the courage it takes to separate your identity from your career, why getting into new rooms accelerates growth, and how to know when it's time to make a change. Meghan shares her philosophy of flow not force, why gratitude practices can shift your entire mindset, and what it's like to become a tech founder solving problems you've experienced firsthand. They also talk about releasing shame around resume gaps, why jealousy can be a powerful indicator of what you want, and how to give yourself permission to try something new.This episode is a reminder that you don't have to stay stuck just because you've invested time in something, and that sometimes the simplest shifts create the biggest transformations.Key Takeaways:Identity gets tied to career, but you can separate: Spending years in one role can make it feel like that's who you are. Making a proactive choice to pivot helps you mature and rediscover yourself.Get into rooms with people who've done what you want to do: Investing in yourself and getting into proximity with people ahead of you is game-changing, even when imposter syndrome shows up.Flow, not force: Chasing titles and forcing moves creates frenzy. Taking time for clarity and intentional action leads to better outcomes.Gratitude practice shifts everything: Starting each day with gratitude journaling, even just one thing, resets your mindset and helps you ask for more from a place of abundance.Jealousy is a powerful indicator: Instead of seeing it as negative, ask why you're envious of someone. It reveals what you want and where you might need to evolve.Want more from this conversation? Meghan and Emily continue their discussion on Substack, where Meghan shares her childfree journey, her powerful conversation with Gloria Steinem, and why she never felt maternal after spending her childhood as a caretaker. Join the Curious Life Club for free at curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.substack.com to access this bonus content.-----------------We're bringing the podcast into the real world with our first ever in-person event! An evening of curiosity and conversation hosted in downtown Chicago, February 19th, 2026. Picture an intimate dinner party stacked with speakers, all guests from some of your favorite episodes, and space to make new childfree friends. Seats are limited so you can read all the details and get your ticket by visiting curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com/2026-event.Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily's power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are.Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.comConnect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewomanJoin the Curious Life Club on Substack @curiouslifeofachildfreewomanGuest Meghan Houle is the founder and CEO of CONCÈ, a hiring platform built on authenticity and purpose. With over two decades of experience in luxury retail recruitment, Meghan has staffed some of the most iconic brands on Fifth Avenue, Rodeo Drive, and beyond. She believes in flow not force, investing in yourself, and creating meaningful connections that transform lives and businesses.Connect with Meghan and learn more about CONCÈ at: www.meghanhoule.comFollow Meghan on Instagram: @allthingsmeghoule

What if making a thoughtful decision is actually more mature than following the prescribed path?In this episode, Emily Paulsen sits down with Natasha Vaynblat, a comedian and writer whose work has appeared on The Tonight Show, Comedy Central, and The New Yorker. Natasha's current live show, Childless Freak, uses humor to explore the reactions, assumptions, and pressure that show up when a woman decides not to have kids. Together, they discuss what it's like to put unconventional choices out in public and why representation of childfree women matters.Emily and Natasha talk about Natasha's journey from improv to standup comedy, why freezing her eggs felt like a wake-up call, and how she spent years reading every book on maternal ambivalence to educate herself on life outside the traditional framework. Natasha also shares how embracing her decision has opened her life to hosting dinner parties, building found family, and living more intentionally.This episode is a reminder that ambivalence doesn't mean you're broken, that you don't get to have it all, and that choosing a path means sacrificing some things so the things you are rewarded with feel even richer and more special.Key Takeaways:Ambivalence is normal and doesn't mean you're broken: Years of uncertainty about having kids doesn't mean something is wrong with you. It means you're thoughtfully considering both options.We lack representation of happy childfree women: The only examples in media are crazy cat ladies or wild partiers. We need more examples of well-adjusted, normal women living this path.Making a proactive choice creates maturity: Choosing to be childfree requires self-awareness, standing up to questions, and sustaining your decision. That's growth.You don't get to have it all: Choosing a path means closing doors on some things and opening others. The things you're rewarded with feel richer when you've made an intentional choice.Comedy reflects culture and creates space for nuance: More women are talking about motherhood and childfree life through comedy, creating space for the middle ground and complicated decisions._____________________________________________________________We're bringing the podcast into the real world with our first ever in-person event! An evening of curiosity and conversation hosted in downtown Chicago, February 19th, 2026. Picture an intimate dinner party stacked with speakers, all guests from some of your favorite episodes, and space to make new childfree friends. Seats are limited so you can read all the details and get your ticket by visiting curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com/2026-event._____________________________________________________________Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.comConnect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewomanJoin the Curious Life Club on Substack @curiouslifeofachildfreewomanThe guest on this episode, Natasha Vaynblat is a NYC based writer/performer/director with frequent flyer miles seen on The Tonight Show, A Little Late with Lilly Singh, and Comedy Central. Her current live show, Childless Freak, uses humor to explore what it's like to make choices that don't fit into other people's expectations, including her decision not to have kids.Connect with Natasha and learn more about Childless Freak at: www.natashavaynblat.comFollow Natasha on Instagram: @natashavaynblatSee Natasha live on April 28th at Joe's Pub in NYC.

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting health information while simultaneously unsure how to actually take care of your body?In this episode, Emily Paulsen sits down with Dr. Denise Au, a fellow of the American College of Physicians who has spent over two decades focusing on women's health, wellness, prevention, and lifestyle medicine. Dr. Au believes good health is about understanding how your body works and caring for it in ways that are sustainable and empowering without fear or restriction.Emily and Dr. Au discuss the state of women's health and whether we're well-informed or overwhelmed by information from every direction. They explore how to build better relationships with healthcare providers, what's happening to our bodies during midlife and perimenopause, and the recent removal of the black box warning on hormone replacement therapy. Dr. Au also shares insights on preventative measures like full body MRI scans, why sleep is critical for everything from brain health to metabolism, and what the future of women's healthcare could look like.This episode is a reminder that good healthcare requires ongoing conversation, not just annual checkups, and that the simplest interventions like sleep might be the most powerful.Key Takeaways:We're both well-informed and overwhelmed: There's an overabundance of health information from friends, media, and the internet, making it hard to identify the best course of action for yourself.Healthcare needs ongoing conversation, not just annual exams: Easily accessible appointments, longer appointment times, telehealth, and patient portals create opportunities for shared decision making.Perimenopause symptoms originate in the brain: Hot flashes, night sweats, brain fog, mood changes, depression, and anxiety are centered in the hypothalamus, not just reproductive organs.The black box warning on hormone replacement therapy was removed: The original study had major flaws. Women closer to menopause can benefit from hormone therapy for hot flashes, night sweats, and quality of life.Sleep is foundational to health: Sleep removes waste from the brain, consolidates memory, regulates metabolism, improves heart health, decreases risk of obesity and diabetes, and boosts immune function.--------------------------------------------------------------------We're bringing the podcast into the real world with our first ever in-person event! An evening of curiosity and conversation hosted in downtown Chicago, February 19th, 2026. Picture an intimate dinner party stacked with speakers, all guests from some of your favorite episodes, and space to make new childfree friends. Seats are limited so you can read all the details and get your ticket by visiting curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com/2026-event.--------------------------------------------------------------------Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily's power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are.Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.comConnect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewomanGuest Dr. Denise K. Au, MD brings more than two decades of experience in internal medicine and medical education to her role at BIÂN Medical. A Fellow of the American College of Physicians, Dr. Au focuses on women’s health, wellness, prevention, and lifestyle medicine, blending evidence-based care with a holistic approach. Before joining BIÂN, she served as an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, where she trained future physicians and earned numerous teaching awards.Learn more about Dr. Au at https://livebian.com/  and @bianmedical

Have you ever wondered if you're working hard or just working against your natural flow?In this episode, Emily Paulsen sits down with Sam Nelson, a certified life and health coach and human design analyst. Sam helps people reconnect with their energetic blueprint and move through life with more ease. Together, they explore what human design actually is, how it synthesizes ancient wisdom with modern science, and why understanding your type, strategy, and authority can help you stop forcing things and start flowing.Emily and Sam discuss the five human design types and what they mean for how you work, rest, and relate to others. They explore why we minimize our own gifts, how deconditioning helps strip away who we think we should be, and why doing less might actually be the key to accomplishing more. Sam also challenges the cultural obsession with self-sacrifice and encourages listeners to start celebrating ease instead of struggle.This episode is a reminder that you don't have to believe in human design to benefit from experimenting with being yourself, and that sometimes the fastest way to age is to keep doing the same thing every single day.Key Takeaways:Human design is a practical map for being yourself: It synthesizes astrology, the I Ching, Kabbalah, chakras, and quantum physics to create a user manual for your energy and how you're designed to operate.We minimize our gifts because they feel easy: If something comes naturally, we assume it's not valuable when in reality ease is a sign you're aligned with your strengths.Deconditioning means stripping away who you were told to be: From childhood, we mold ourselves to fit perceived expectations, and human design helps identify what was never yours to begin with.Doing less can accomplish more: Instead of adding more modalities and to-do lists, removing what doesn't serve you creates space for what genuinely brings you joy and energy.Self-sacrifice shouldn't be celebrated: We bond over hardship and compete over who's most exhausted, but there's no prize for running yourself into the ground.Want more from this conversation? Sam and Emily continue their discussion on Substack, where Sam shares her childfree journey, her experience with tube removal, breast implant illness, and the medical system's treatment of women's bodies. Join the Curious Life Club for free at curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.substack.com to access this bonus content.We're bringing the podcast into the real world with our first ever in-person event! An evening of curiosity and conversation hosted in downtown Chicago, February 19th, 2026. Picture an intimate dinner party stacked with speakers, all guests from some of your favorite episodes, and space to make new childfree friends. Seats are limited so you can read all the details and get your ticket by visiting curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com/2026-event.-Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily's power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are.Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.comConnect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewoman-The guest on this episode, Sam Nelson from Human Aligned, is a certified life and health coach and human design analyst who helps people reconnect with their energetic blueprint. With expertise in identity refinement, Sam guides clients to move through life with more ease and clarity by understanding their unique design. She's also childfree by choice, a topic she explores in depth in the bonus Substack conversation.Find your free human design chart and connect with Sam at: www.humanaligned.comFollow Sam on Instagram: @humanaligned

What happens when you create something and it exceeds your expectations while raising completely new questions?In this solo episode, Emily reflects on the first year of Curious Life of a Childfree Woman. She shares what it's been like to host a childfree podcast, how the show has exceeded her expectations, and the questions that have emerged along the way. Emily discusses the problem she thought she was solving when she started the show versus what people assumed she was creating, and why finding the balance between exploring varied topics and maintaining a childfree perspective has been more challenging than expected.Emily offers an honest conversation about the uncertainties that still exist, whether every guest should be childfree or if expertise should take priority, and what it means to create something meaningful in a world overstuffed with content. She asks for listener input on how to refine the show going forward while staying true to the core mission of curiosity, connection, and providing a space where parenthood isn't part of the conversation.Ultimately, this is a reminder that honesty and transparency matter more than polished professionalism, and that building community means asking questions together rather than pretending to have all the answers.Key Takeaways:The original problem was creating space without parenting talk: Emily wanted a place to explore interesting topics where parenting wouldn't dominate the conversation, making content more relatable for childfree listeners.The show isn't about telling childfree stories exclusively: While childfree is one layer of identity, the goal is to explore varied topics from a childfree perspective rather than making every episode about being childfree.The sweet spot is harder to define than expected: Finding the balance between holding space for the childfree perspective without limiting conversations to one identity has been challenging to communicate.Should expertise or childfree status take priority: Emily questions whether every guest should be childfree or if having the best expert on a topic matters more, even if they happen to be a parent.Community input shapes the show's future: Rather than presenting a polished plan, Emily asks listeners for feedback on what they've lacked or craved in the podcast space as childfree women._____________________________________________________________We're bringing the podcast into the real world with our first ever in-person event! An evening of curiosity and conversation hosted in downtown Chicago, February 19th, 2026. Picture an intimate dinner party stacked with speakers, all guests from some of your favorite episodes, and space to make new childfree friends. Seats are limited so you can read all the details and get your ticket by visiting https://www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com/2026-event_____________________________________________________________Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.comConnect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewomanJoin the Curious Life Club on Substack @curiouslifeofachildfreewoman

Have you ever wondered if the answer to better skin might be simpler than you think?In this episode, Emily Paulsen sits down with Tara Leggero, a licensed aesthetician with over two decades of experience helping people feel at home in their skin. Tara's journey began with dismissive dermatologists who offered prescriptions without guidance. That experience drove her to become the bridge between drugstore products and clinical care, someone who actually understands your life and helps create a plan that works.Together, Emily and Tara explore the evolution of skincare and why understanding skin health now requires looking at diet, hormones, sleep, stress, and lifestyle alongside topical treatments. They discuss the rise and fall of filler culture, the shift toward regenerative treatments that stimulate natural collagen, and why the most impactful changes are often the simplest ones we resist.This episode is a reminder that skincare doesn't have to be overwhelming. It can be about understanding your body, making intentional choices, and doing what genuinely makes you feel good in your own skin.Key Takeaways:Skin health is an inside-out approach: Diet, hormones, sleep, stress, and lifestyle all impact your skin because it's a detoxification organ reflecting what's happening internally.Simple changes are often most impactful: Before buying new products or booking treatments, addressing habits like hydration, sleep quality, and diet can make the biggest difference.Regenerative treatments are replacing filler: Biostimulators, microneedling, and lasers that stimulate natural collagen offer long-term results without the overdone look of excessive filler.Aging should be embraced: Rather than fighting aging, the goal is to age well by caring for yourself internally and externally while maintaining realistic expectations.Do what makes you feel good: If your skincare routine and treatments genuinely make you feel good rather than seeking approval from others, you're on the right path.Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.comConnect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewomanJoin the Curious Life Club on Substack @curiouslifeofachildfreewomanThe guest on this episode, Tara Leggero, is a licensed aesthetician with over 20 years of experience combining technical expertise with a genuine understanding of how skin health affects confidence. After experiencing dismissive dermatology care as a teenager, Tara dedicated her career to being the bridge between over-the-counter products and clinical treatment. She works with clients in Chicago and Miami, offering personalized skincare plans and honest guidance.Connect on Instagram:@taraleggero.skin

Have you ever wanted to bring people together but convinced yourself you didn't have the time, the space, or the right setup?In this episode, Emily Paulsen sits down with Virginia Frischkorn, founder of Party Trick and an award-winning event producer who has crafted over a hundred million dollars worth of experiences for some of the world's biggest brands. Virginia believes that hosting isn't a luxury reserved for people with perfect homes or unlimited budgets. It's a fundamental human need, a way to create belonging and connection in a world that increasingly pulls us toward isolation. Party Trick was built to make hosting accessible, removing the guesswork and pressure so anyone can open their door with confidence.Together, Emily and Virginia unpack the three biggest barriers keeping people from hosting and how to overcome them. They discuss why themes eliminate hundreds of decisions and reduce stress, how intentionality transforms gatherings from chaotic to cohesive, and why even the most confident hosts still feel the fear of rejection.This episode is a reminder that hosting doesn't require Pinterest perfection or elaborate setups. It requires presence, intention, and the willingness to believe that the moments we share with others are what actually matter.Key Takeaways:The three objections are all solvable: People say they don't have time, don't want to clean up, or think hosting is too expensive, but almost all of these barriers can be overcome with intention and creativity.Themes eliminate decision fatigue: Hosting a dinner party involves over 200 decisions, but choosing a theme cuts that number dramatically by creating a framework that makes choices easier and faster.Intentionality creates cohesion: Starting with the question of why you're gathering people and what you want them to experience transforms hosting from obligation into purposeful connection.Everyone fears rejection: Even experienced hosts worry that no one will show up, and acknowledging this shared anxiety helps normalize the vulnerability of opening your door._____________________________________________________________Looking for something special this season? Emily’s created the Curious Life of a Childfree Woman Gift Guide, a curated collection of her favorite intentional gifts, wellness essentials, and treat-yourself picks. You can grab your free copy exclusively on Substack at curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.substack.com._____________________________________________________________Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com/ @curiouslifeofachildfreewomanJoin the Curious Life Club on Substack @curiouslifeofachildfreewomanThe guest on this episode, Virginia Frischkorn, is the founder of Party Trick, a platform designed to make hosting simple, accessible, and rooted in connection rather than pressure. With over 15 years of experience as an award-winning event producer, Virginia has crafted experiences for some of the world's biggest brands and now dedicates her work to helping everyday people host with confidence. Inspired by her father's legacy of making every guest feel seen and valued, Virginia believes that gathering people together is a fundamental human need, not a luxury.Try Party Trick for free at partytrick.comConnect on Instagram: @partytrick / @virginia_frischkorn

What happens when a scientist stops pushing and starts listening?In this episode, Emily Paulsen sits down with Dr. Sophia Trevenna, an award-winning scientist, professor, five-time author, and executive coach who bridges mechanical engineering, political science, and deep intuitive practice. Dr. Sophia spent decades in corporate manufacturing and academia before a breaking point led her to follow synchronicities instead of spreadsheets. Now, she teaches leaders around the world to use intuition as a competitive edge, blending data-driven strategy with embodied knowing to help clients 3x to 10x their revenue while finding alignment and fulfillment.Together, Emily and Dr. Sophia explore the 7 feminine principles that transform business, the daily rituals that open intuitive channels, and the measurable results that come from making space for emergence. This episode is an invitation to trust the flow, reclaim time for sacred practice, and discover that the most efficient path forward might be the one the mind couldn't have planned.Key Takeaways:Feminine principles create masculine results: Bringing flow, emergence, and intuition into business structure doesn't hinder productivity, it magnifies efficiency and unlocks possibilities the mind alone cannot access.Clearing energy changes everything: Absorbing others' thoughts and energy happens unconsciously, but releasing what isn't yours and reclaiming what is creates instant clarity and alignment.Signs and synchronicities are information: When desires are soul-aligned, nature responds with guidance through dreams, conversations, and unexpected meetings that reveal the next step.Nervous system regulation is foundational: Supplements and rituals that support the body's hardware allow intuition and presence to come online, making space for aligned action instead of reactive hustle.Motherhood exists beyond biology: The identity and energy of mothering can be expressed through work, mentorship, and creation, offering fulfillment without requiring physical children.----------------Looking for something special this season? Emily’s created the Curious Life of a Childfree Woman Gift Guide, a curated collection of her favorite intentional gifts, wellness essentials, and treat-yourself picks. You can grab your free copy exclusively on Substack at curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.substack.com.----------------Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.comConnect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewomanJoin the Curious Life Club on Substack @curiouslifeofachildfreewoman---The guest on this episode, Dr. Sophia Trevenna, is an award-winning scientist, professor, five-time author, and executive coach with degrees in mechanical engineering, sustainable urban planning, and political science. Her work bridges logic and intuition, data and embodiment, blending decades of research with a deep understanding of energy and human potential. As an executive coach, she supports the evolution of societal systems through the inclusion of feminine principles, helping conscious leaders align with their highest potential while achieving measurable business results. Dr. Sophia is also co-founder of Senia, bringing nerve tonic and sleep tonic products to market in early 2026.Explore Dr. Sophia's books, programs, and intuition development course at drsophiatrevenna.com Join the Senia waiting list for nerve tonic and sleep tonic at seniabeauty.com Listen to Everyday Magic with Senia podcast Connect on Instagram: @drsophiatrevenna

Have you ever noticed how hard it is to open your door when you're waiting for everything to be perfect?"In this episode, Emily Paulsen sits down with Chelsea Fagan, author of Having People Over: A Modern Guide to Gathering and co-founder of The Financial Diet. Chelsea believes that in a world that feels increasingly disconnected and transactional, opening your door and creating space for community might be one of the most important things we can do. She explores why hosting has become a dying art, how toxic self-care culture keeps us isolated, and what it takes to build meaningful connections through the simple act of having people over.Together, Emily and Chelsea unpack the barriers that keep us from hosting, from perfectionism to exhaustion to the misconception that gathering requires money we don't have. They discuss the critical role of platonic friendships in a culture that overvalues romantic relationships, the practice of adult sleepovers as a way to deepen intimacy, and how being a good guest is just as important as being a good host. Chelsea also shares practical tips for creating ambiance through the five senses, choosing themes that feel loose and inspiring rather than rigid, and maximizing time with guests instead of hiding in the kitchen.This episode is a reminder that connection doesn't require perfection. It requires presence, intention, and the willingness to let people see your home and your life as they are.Key Takeaways:Hosting is about people, not performance: The most important thing when hosting is maximizing time with your guests, because they came to be with you.Toxic self-care keeps us isolated: Prioritizing short-term comfort over showing up for others damages relationships and ourselves in ways we underestimate, because wellbeing is fundamentally about connection and community.Platonic relationships deserve protection: Friendships are just as essential as romantic partnerships and shouldn't be devalued or treated as placeholders until something more important comes along.Money is rarely the barrier: Most people spend more on dining out and ordering in than it would cost to cook for friends at home, making hosting more accessible than we think.Being childfree creates space for community: Without children, there's both the capacity and responsibility to create experiences and moments for others.Looking for something special this season? Emily’s created the Curious Life of a Childfree Woman Gift Guide, a curated collection of her favorite intentional gifts, wellness essentials, and treat-yourself picks. You can grab your free copy exclusively on Substack at curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.substack.com.---Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are.Learn more about Emily at:www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.comConnect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewoman---The guest on this episode, Chelsea Fagan, is the author of Having People Over: A Modern Guide to Gathering and co-founder of The Financial Diet, a platform dedicated to helping people build better relationships with money and create lives aligned with their values. Chelsea's work centers on the belief that hosting and gathering are essential practices for building community in an increasingly disconnected world. Through her writing and speaking, she encourages people to embrace imperfection, prioritize connection over performance, and use their homes as spaces for meaningful relationships rather than just private retreats.Get Chelsea's book Having People Over: A Modern Guide to GatheringFollow The Financial Diet @thefinancialdietConnect on Instagram: @faganchelsea

What happens when you stop doing, and start listening?In this episode, Emily Paulsen sits down with meditation teacher and former tech sales executive Nadene Cherry to explore what presence actually looks like in a high-achieving world. Nadene spent years climbing the corporate ladder before a personal crisis reshaped how she approached success, purpose, and the pace of her life. Now, she teaches meditation and emotional intelligence practices to companies like Salesforce, Microsoft, and PwC.Together, Emily and Nadene unpack the often-overlooked connection between mindfulness and performance, from navigating pressure and burnout to building deeper relationships through compassion and clarity. Nadene also walks listeners through a simple, grounding meditation and shares the three guiding pillars of her work: calmness, compassion, and connection.This episode is an invitation to slow down, not to disconnect, but to return to yourself with more attention, more curiosity, and more capacity to show up.Key Takeaways:Calm is not a luxury: Learning to regulate your nervous system is a foundational skill, not a bonus.Small moments matter: Micro-practices like breath awareness and grounding can change the tone of your entire day.Compassion builds resilience: Extending kindness to yourself creates more room for growth and connection.Slowing down can sharpen focus: Presence isn’t about doing less, it’s about doing with intention.Success and stillness can coexist: You don’t have to choose between achievement and inner peace.Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.comConnect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewomanJoin the Curious Life Club on Substack @curiouslifeofachildfreewomanThe guest on this episode, Nadene Cherry, is a meditation teacher, executive coach, and former top-performing tech sales leader. Through her corporate mindfulness work, Nadene supports leaders and teams in high-pressure environments to reconnect with calm, compassion, and authentic presence. She offers practical tools to build self-awareness, emotional resilience, and real connection, personally and professionally.Join her free 12 Days of Connection: nadenecherry.com/12-days-of-connectionSign up for her Monday Mantra emails: mailchi.mp/e781c25f894a/monday-mantra-email-sign-upConnect on Instagram: @nadenecherryAnd explore more at nadenecherry.com---This episode is sponsored by Pearlvest Capital.Founded by financial advisor Nicole Meihofer, Pearlvest Capital helps you align your money with your values and design a life that fits you, not anyone else’s expectations. Access her free private podcast series for Curious Life listeners at pearlvest.com/insider.Nicole Meihofer is an investment professional registered at IHT Wealth, LLC a registered investment advisor with the SEC. IHT Wealth management may only transact business in states it is registered or qualified for an exemption or exclusion from registration.

What if the path to personal healing and planetary restoration were the same journey?In this episode, Emily Paulsen is joined by entrepreneur and visionary Natasha Rankin, the founder of Athena Village, a regenerative community that blends farming, retreat spaces, and nature-based living. Together, they explore what it means to repair our relationship with the land, reimagine how we live and work, and reconnect with the natural systems that sustain us.From the history of disconnection that shaped modern life to the science behind soil health and human health, this episode invites listeners to look more closely at how our choices, what we eat, where we live, and how we engage with the planet, affect everything from climate resilience to personal vitality. Natasha shares her own journey of healing chronic illness through food and connection to nature, offering a deeply grounded and hopeful perspective on regeneration at every level.This is a conversation about remembering who we are, and how the smallest daily decisions, what we buy, how we eat, what we value, can become acts of restoration.Key Takeaways:Regeneration starts with reconnection: Healing the planet and healing ourselves both begin by rebuilding relationship, with the land, our food, and each other.Healthy soil, healthy bodies: Soil rich in microbial life produces nutrient-dense food and captures carbon, directly impacting human health and climate stability.Convenience has a cost: Industrialized agriculture and chemical fertilizers have depleted soil health and our nutrition, creating long-term harm disguised as efficiency.Vote with your dollars: Choosing locally grown, regenerative food, even one item at a time, is one of the most powerful ways to drive systemic change.Return to relationship, not perfection: Regeneration isn’t about doing everything right; it’s about participating consciously in the ecosystem we’re already part of.Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.comConnect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewomanJoin the Curious Life Club on Substack @curiouslifeofachildfreewomanThe guest on this episode, Natasha Rankin, is the founder of Athena Village, a regenerative real estate development designed to reconnect people with the land, their communities, and themselves. With a background in commercial real estate, health coaching, and retreat leadership, Natasha integrates wellness, sustainability, and soulful entrepreneurship into every project she touches. Her work centers on creating spaces that restore ecological balance while inviting deeper human connection.Learn more about Athena Village at: www.athenavillagecollective.comExplore her sister brand at: http://www.shewhogoesforit.comConnect on Instagram: @thenatasharankin---This episode is sponsored by Pearlvest Capital.Founded by financial advisor Nicole Meihofer, Pearlvest Capital helps you align your money with your values and design a life that fits you, not anyone else’s expectations. Access her free private podcast series for Curious Life listeners at pearlvest.com/insider.Nicole Meihofer is an investment professional registered at IHT Wealth, LLC a registered investment advisor with the SEC. IHT Wealth management may only transact business in states it is registered or qualified for an exemption or exclusion from registration.

Why are adult friendships so complicated, and so vital?To mark the one-year anniversary of Curious Life of a Childfree Woman, Emily Paulsen is joined by friendship researcher, writer, and podcast host Nina Badzin for a conversation that’s both validating and refreshingly practical. Nina has spent more than a decade exploring the realities of adult friendships, not the idealized versions, but the messy, beautiful, ever-evolving kind.Together, Emily and Nina unpack the silent expectations that often trip us up, the habits that quietly erode closeness, and the surprising ways we can deepen connection even when life gets busy. From texting styles and mismatched energy levels to friendship between parents and non-parents, nothing is off-limits in this honest, relatable, and ultimately hopeful conversation.This episode invites listeners to rethink how we define friendship, and how to keep showing up for the ones that matter most.Key Takeaways:Sameness is not the goal: Strong friendships aren’t built on identical habits, they’re built on curiosity, empathy, and flexibility.Time builds trust:  It takes around 200 hours to truly bond with someone, there’s no substitute for shared time and intention.Initiation isn’t one-sided:  Just because you reach out more doesn’t mean you care more. Different communication styles don’t always reflect emotional investment.Relationships evolve, and they should:  Friendships will shift with life seasons. Instead of resisting change, embrace the new version of your connection.Let good enough be enough:  Not every friend will be everything. Celebrate the friendships that serve you as they are, instead of wishing they were something else.Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.Learn more about Emily at www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.comConnect on Instagram @curiouslifeofachildfreewomanJoin the Curious Life Club on Substack @curiouslifeofachildfreewomanThe guest on this episode, Nina Badzin, is a nationally recognized friendship expert, longtime writer, and host of Dear Nina: Conversations About Friendship. Her podcast and Substack newsletter provide a space to explore the nuance of adult relationships, offering practical advice, thoughtful reflections, and validation for anyone navigating the complexities of connection in today’s world.Learn more about Nina at dearnina.substack.comConnect on Instagram: @dearninafriendshipAnd listen to her podcast wherever you get your shows: Dear Nina: Conversations About Friendship---This episode is sponsored by Pearlvest Capital.Founded by financial advisor Nicole Meihofer, Pearlvest Capital helps you align your money with your values and design a life that fits you, not anyone else’s expectations. Access her free private podcast series for Curious Life listeners at pearlvest.com/insider.Nicole Meihofer is an investment professional registered at IHT Wealth, LLC a registered investment advisor with the SEC. IHT Wealth management may only transact business in states it is registered or qualified for an exemption or exclusion from registration.

Belonging often takes shape through motion, through the steady rhythm of people working, racing, and growing together. In this episode, Emily Paulsen speaks with Kyle and Brent Pease, the brother team behind the Kyle Pease Foundation and the faces of one of the most inspiring stories in endurance sports. Together, they’ve completed more than 100 races, including the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, while building a movement that continues to expand access, visibility, and opportunity for people with disabilities.Kyle, who was born with cerebral palsy, and Brent, a lifelong athlete and coach, share how their partnership has evolved over time, from training for races to training communities in the practice of inclusion. They talk about attention, teamwork, and the small, repeatable actions that turn connection into culture on the racecourse and far beyond it.Their conversation explores endurance, leadership, and the quiet power of showing up for one another, offering a window into what happens when curiosity and care set the pace.Key TakeawaysInclusion in motion: Belonging grows through shared effort, awareness, and the willingness to move together toward a common goal.The details that matter: Inclusion begins in planning, preparation, and the small adjustments that make participation possible for everyone.Partnership as practice: Trust and presence build the foundation for meaningful collaboration—one conversation, one mile, one moment at a time.Leadership through listening: Staying curious and open allows leaders to respond to real needs, not assumptions.The endurance of care: Inclusion requires persistence, patience, and a commitment to keep showing up long after the spotlight fades.Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.comConnect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewomanKyle and Brent Pease are brothers, athletes, and co-founders of the Kyle Pease Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities through sports, education, and community. Known for making history as the first push-assist duo to complete the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, they continue to inspire athletes and advocates through their message of inclusion, endurance, and shared humanity.Connect with the Pease Brothers:Website: www.kylepeasefoundation.org

Fear is one of the most powerful human emotions, one that shapes our choices, culture, and even how we seek pleasure. But if we spend most of our lives avoiding it, why do we go out of our way to feel scared for fun?In this episode, Emily Paulsen talks with Jeff Beach, artist, photographer, and extra in the cult horror classic It Follows, about what draws us to horror and how fear becomes both art and entertainment. From his accidental entry into the world of film to his years photographing haunted houses, Jeff offers a behind-the-scenes look at how horror is made, and why it lingers long after the credits roll.Their conversation explores what makes something truly frightening, the psychology behind why we keep coming back for more, and how creative expression can transform fear into fascination.Together, they look at what horror reveals about imagination, consequence, and the way we confront what haunts us, on and off the screen.Key Takeaways:The pull of fear: Horror gives us a safe space to explore danger, consequence, and the unknown, without real-life risk.Behind the curtain: Seeing how horror is made doesn’t erase the fear; it deepens the respect for the craft and creativity behind it.The psychology of unease: What truly scares us is rarely the monster, it’s anticipation, imagination, and what might happen next.Shared fear as connection: Watching horror together creates a kind of community, fear becomes something we face side by side.Creativity in the dark: The horror genre offers endless room for expression, allowing artists to channel fear into meaning, humor, and beauty.Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.comConnect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewomanThe guest on this episode, Jeff Beach is a mixed media artist and photographer based in Toledo, Ohio, whose work explores the surreal, the cosmic, and the beautifully strange. A lifelong movie lover and self-described creative experimenter, Jeff brings an artist’s eye to everything he does, from his psychedelic paintings to his appearance in the cult horror film It Follows.Connect with Jeff:Instagram: @digitalbeach

Why do we find true crime so irresistible, even when it terrifies us?In this episode, Emily Paulsen talks with Jen Schaffer, host of Crude Acts and daughter of a homicide detective, about our collective fascination with the darkest corners of human behavior. Jen shares how growing up around real-life investigations shaped her storytelling lens, why empathy matters when covering tragedy, and what true crime reveals about fear, justice, and the human condition.Their conversation explores the ethical gray areas of retelling crime stories, the balance between curiosity and respect, and why so many women are drawn to this genre as both creators and consumers. From the psychology of serial killers to the healing power of truth-seeking, Emily and Jen examine what it means to study horror not for thrill, but for understanding.Key TakeawaysPurpose Beyond the Headlines: True crime storytelling can honor victims and uncover overlooked truths when done with compassion and depth.Empathy as a Guiding Lens: Respecting the humanity of everyone involved, victims, perpetrators, and families, keeps curiosity from crossing into exploitation.Knowing the Monster: Many women engage with true crime to better understand danger and reclaim a sense of preparedness and control.Context Is Clarity: Crimes can’t be separated from their social, historical, and cultural backdrop, understanding context deepens insight into why they happen.Curiosity as Catalyst: Asking why we’re drawn to darkness can illuminate more than crime, it reveals what we fear, what we value, and what we still hope to change.Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.comConnect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewomanThe guest on this episode, Jen Schaffer is the host and creator of Crude Acts, a top true crime podcast known for its investigative depth and storytelling precision. With a background in creative writing and a lifetime of exposure to criminal investigation through her father, a homicide detective, Jen brings a rare mix of empathy, rigor, and narrative craft to her work. She’s currently pursuing her master’s in criminal justice and criminology, continuing her exploration into why people commit unthinkable acts, and how understanding them can make us all safer.Connect with Jen:Website: www.crudeacts.com

When we think of witches, we might picture broomsticks, spells, and Halloween costumes, but behind those images lies a history of fear, control, and power.In this episode, Emily Paulsen speaks with Rachel Christ-Doane, Director of Education at the Salem Witch Museum, to uncover the truth about the Salem Witch Trials and the deeper human patterns that made them possible. They explore how tension, uncertainty, and moral panic led neighbors to turn on one another, and why those same dynamics still echo in modern society.Their conversation moves beyond myth to reveal the real story: how ordinary people became both accusers and accused, how fear fueled injustice, and how the archetype of the “witch” evolved into a symbol of autonomy and empowerment.From scapegoating and social anxiety to pop culture and reclaiming identity, this episode invites listeners to look closely at what history can teach us about courage, conformity, and the enduring need to question collective fear.Key TakeawaysScapegoating as instinct: When fear takes hold, people often look for someone to blame, usually those who already live outside accepted norms.Patterns that repeat: The witch trials reveal how easily societies slip into moral panic and how similar dynamics still surface in modern culture.The witch as mirror: What began as an accusation became an archetype, now reclaimed by many as a symbol of self-trust, empowerment, and rebellion.Empathy over villainy: Even those who fueled the trials were human, acting out of fear and belief. Seeing their humanity helps us recognize our own biases.Curiosity as resistance: Learning history through empathy and open inquiry reminds us that awareness, not denial, is what keeps history from repeating itself.___Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.comConnect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewoman___The guest on this episode, Rachel Christ-Doane is the Director of Education at the Salem Witch Museum. She holds a BA in History from Clark University and MA in History and Museum Studies from Tufts University. As Director of Education she trains museum docents, works with students and teachers, creates educational programming, oversees exhibit curation, and engages in a range of research. Her recent publications include, “The Salem Witch Trials Memorial: Finding Humanity in Tragedy” (Smithsonian Folklife, 2022) and “The Untold Story of Dorothy Good, Salem’s Youngest Accused Witch” (American Ancestors, 2023).Connect with Rachel and learn more:Website: www.salemwitchmuseum.comInstagram: @salemwitchmuseum

What does it mean to choose a childfree path and still feel deeply connected to the next generation? And how can ancient practices like astrology, tarot, and archetypal healing help us navigate uncertainty, fulfillment, and purpose?In this episode, Emily Paulsen speaks with Fiona Hillery, astrologer, tarot reader, Feng Shui alchemist, and founder of Esoteric Empowerment. Fiona’s work has guided everyone from Fortune 500 leaders to everyday seekers toward greater clarity, resilience, and empowerment by using esoteric tools not as fortune-telling tricks, but as frameworks for growth.Their conversation explores Fiona’s own “dark night of the soul” that led her from the corporate media world into spiritual practice, how astrology and tarot can serve as blueprints for both self-awareness and business strategy, and why she believes embracing the “Auntie” archetype is a powerful, affirming path for childfree women. Together they unpack the ways cultural narratives, backlash, and archetypes shape how women define themselves—and how curiosity, intuition, and community can offer another way forward.This episode is for anyone curious about living with greater alignment, exploring childfree identity through new lenses, or learning how ancient tools can empower modern decisions—in life, business, and beyond.Key TakeawaysThe power of initiation: A “dark night of the soul” often serves as a catalyst, stripping away what no longer aligns and opening the door to deeper soul truths.Astrology as blueprint: Beyond horoscopes, astrology provides a personalized map for gifts, challenges, and timing—meeting people where they are without bypassing the work.Tools for clarity: Tarot and astrology aren’t about predicting the future but helping individuals reconnect with inner wisdom and navigate uncertainty with more confidence.The Auntie archetype: Choosing not to have children doesn’t exclude nurturing roles—being an aunt (by blood or chosen family) can offer fulfillment, connection, and community impact.Business applications: Esoteric practices can foster empathy, collaboration, and even revenue growth when applied to leadership, team dynamics, and decision-making.___ Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.comConnect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewoman___ The guest on this episode, Fiona Hillery, is an intuitive consultant, spiritual writer, and conscious communications executive, currently serving as VP of Brand Communications at HigherDOSE. A world-weaver blending mysticism with modern life, she’s contributed to The Cut, Coveteur, Refinery29, and Vice, while guiding thousands of clients, from Hollywood celebrities to Fortune 500 CEOs, with her tarot and astrology readings.Connect with Fiona:Website: www.esoteric-empowerment.comInstagram: @fiona.hillery

Why do we gather every October 31st to dress up, knock on doors, and revel in the spooky, the playful, and the strange?In this special Halloween episode, Emily Paulsen speaks with Lesley Bannatyne, one of the world’s foremost authorities on Halloween, author of multiple books including Halloween Nation, and a scholar who has traced the holiday’s evolution from ancient Celtic rites to today’s billion-dollar industry. Lesley has appeared everywhere from Time Magazine to National Geographic, and her work unpacks not only the history of Halloween but also what it reveals about us as a culture.Their conversation dives into the roots of Samhain in pre-Christian Europe, the role the church played in shaping the holiday, and how immigration, mischief, and even Hollywood horror films transformed Halloween into the modern spectacle we know today. Along the way, they explore why costumes, horror movies, and haunted houses hold such a grip on our imagination, and how this one night continues to mirror our cultural anxieties, creativity, and collective need for ritual.This episode is for anyone who has ever felt the thrill of stepping into another identity, wondered where trick-or-treating really came from, or simply wanted to understand why Halloween endures as one of the most captivating nights of the year.This is a Halloween special you won’t want to miss! Just the right mix of history, mystery, and a little seasonal magic. For more Halloween fun, including a bonus episode, join Emily at:https://curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.substack.com/Key TakeawaysHistory has layers: Halloween’s origins trace back to Samhain, a Celtic festival marking the shift from summer to winter, later reshaped by Christian traditions like All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days.Trick-or-treating evolved: What began as door-to-door begging and sharing of food became structured mischief control in the 20th century, giving rise to the candy-fueled ritual we know today.Adults reclaimed Halloween: In the 1970s, nostalgia and the rise of horror films brought adults back into the holiday, sparking costume parties, haunted houses, and an explosion of Halloween culture.Horror has a purpose: From films to haunted attractions, scary stories provide a safe way to face fear, build resilience, and even create communal bonding through shared adrenaline.Reflection of society: Halloween always adapts, whether costumes get bloodier, sexier, or more ironic, the holiday mirrors cultural values, anxieties, and creativity in each generation.___ Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.comConnect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewoman___The guest on this episode, Lesley Bannatyne, is one of the country’s leading experts on Halloween, author of Halloween Nation and other definitive works on the holiday’s history and cultural significance. Her research has been featured in The New York Times, National Geographic, and The History Channel.Connect with Lesley:Website: www.iskullhalloween.com

What if clutter wasn’t just about a messy drawer, but about our self-worth, our health, and even our happiness?In this episode, Emily Paulsen speaks with Sarah Parisi, founder of The Clutter Curator, a psychology-based professional organizing company that helps people design homes that actually support the way they want to live. Sarah has guided countless clients through pivotal life transitions, whether moving, downsizing, or simply seeking more peace, and she brings a unique approach that goes far beyond bins and labels.Their conversation explores the psychology of why we hold onto things, how consumer culture fuels guilt and overwhelm, and why editing with intention can be more powerful than purging. From self-worth and boundaries to dopamine hits and daily habits, Sarah reveals how decluttering can free up time, energy, and even improve mental and physical health.This episode is for anyone who wants their home to feel calmer, more intentional, and aligned with the life they’re living now, not the one they used to live or feel pressured to maintain.Key TakeawaysEdit with intention: Organizing isn’t about purging everything, it’s about consciously choosing what stays to support your lifestyle.Vision leads the way: A clear picture of how you want your home to feel makes it easier to let go of what no longer fits.Worthiness matters: Believing you deserve a supportive, clutter-free home is the foundation of lasting change.Celebrate the reset: A true reset, resetting closets, kitchens, or routines, creates clarity and a sustainable fresh start.Reframe the “warm and fuzzy”: Shift the satisfaction from acquiring or donating to celebrating what you didn’t buy in the first place.___ Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.comConnect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewoman___The guest on this episode, Sarah Parisi, is the founder of The Clutter Curator, a Chicago-based professional organizing company that blends psychology and practical systems to help clients create homes that feel peaceful and supportive. With a background in guiding people through life transitions, Sarah and her team focus on reshaping habits and mindsets, highlighting what truly supports a client’s lifestyle, and teaching the joy of owning less.Connect with Sarah: www.thecluttercurator.comFollow on Instagram: @the_clutter_curator

What if success didn’t have to feel so heavy? And what if intuition and strategy could work together to unlock possibilities we can’t even imagine?In this episode, Emily Paulsen speaks with Victoria Song, leadership advisor, venture capitalist turned performance coach, and author of Bending Reality. Victoria has worked with leaders across industries, from the families of LeBron James and Elon Musk to entrepreneurs and creatives, helping them clear limiting beliefs, dissolve contraction, and experience what she calls “quantum leaps.”Their conversation explores the balance of logic and intuition, why our conditioning often leads us to chase the wrong things, and how to reframe “hard work” in a way that feels aligned rather than exhausting. From self-worth and limiting beliefs to expansion, joy, and the real meaning of readiness, Victoria reveals how bending reality isn’t about shortcuts, it’s about shifting the way we relate to possibility.This episode is for anyone who has ever felt stuck in overwork, disconnected from joy, or ready to explore a new paradigm of success, creativity, and fulfillment.👉 Victoria is also sharing access to her most popular masterclass, The GOAT Method, which brings together the exact frameworks and practices she teaches her private clients. It’s a powerful way to experience her work firsthand—and as a listener, you can get access at a discounted rate here: https://victoria-song.mykajabi.com/a/2148120895/Qy2YH3azKey TakeawaysIntuition as untapped data: Our gut instincts process information beyond what the five senses can capture, learning to trust them gives us access to shortcuts our linear mind can’t see.Low-stakes practice builds trust: Strengthening intuition starts small, like following a nudge to call a friend or choosing a new path on a weekend, and compounds into bigger decisions over time.Contraction drains success: Beliefs rooted in scarcity, overwork, or fear create heaviness in the body and bend outcomes against us; expansion lightens energy and invites possibility.Focus on super strengths: Instead of doubling down on weaknesses, identify the gifts that feel natural, joyful, and energizing, those are the true levers of success.Joy as soul language: What lights us up isn’t frivolous, it’s a signpost of our purpose. Following it creates alignment between our deepest calling and daily actions.___ Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.comConnect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewoman___The guest on this episode, Victoria Song, is a leadership advisor, venture capitalist turned performance coach, and bestselling author of Bending Reality. She works with top performers across tech, sports, entertainment, and business, helping them dissolve limiting beliefs, expand their vision, and achieve what once seemed impossible.Connect with Victoria: https://victoria-song.com

What does it mean to be living through a loneliness epidemic?In this episode, Emily Paulsen speaks with Dr. Jody Carrington, psychologist, bestselling author, and host of the UnLonely Podcast, about why disconnection has become one of the greatest challenges of our time, and what we can do to repair it. Jody unpacks how technology, shifting family structures, and cultural expectations have created a crisis of connection, and why the antidote isn’t more information but more authentic interaction.Their conversation explores what loneliness actually is (and isn’t), the role of childhood and attachment in shaping our capacity for connection, and why simple acts like eye contact, ritual, and presence can radically shift our nervous systems. From the “discipline of reconnection” to redefining community and choice, Jody offers both a hopeful perspective and concrete steps for rebuilding the connections we need most.This episode is for anyone curious about how to navigate loneliness, strengthen relationships, and live with more presence and joy in a noisy, distracted world.Key TakeawaysLoneliness is not the same as being alone: It’s an emotion that can show up in crowded rooms, marriages, or friendships, and addressing it requires understanding, not just company.Connection is neurobiology, not preference: We are wired for attachment, and our nervous systems regulate best when we’re with others we trust.Rituals and rhythms matter: Predictable practices, whether traditions, weekly meetups, or shared routines, help ground us and create stability in relationships.Authentic interaction is the real AI: No technology can replicate the neurochemical benefits of genuine human presence, eye contact, and touch.The discipline of reconnection: Building healthier communities and relationships requires intentional practices, charging phones outside the bedroom, practicing stillness, or simply waving at a neighbor.___ Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.comConnect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewoman___The guest on this episode, Dr. Jody Carrington, is a psychologist, bestselling author, and speaker who has dedicated her career to helping people understand disconnection and build stronger bonds. She is the founder of Carrington & Co. and the host of the UnLonely Podcast, where she continues her mission to inspire reconnection and resilience.Connect with Jody:Website: www.drjodycarrington.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjodycarringtonPodcast: UnLonely Podcast

What does it mean to be part of the largest wealth transfer in history?In this episode, Emily Paulsen speaks with Nicole Meihofer, financial advisor, wealth strategist, and founder of Pearlvest Capital, about the trillions of dollars shifting from baby boomers to millennials and Gen X. Nicole unpacks what this transfer means for individuals, especially those who are childfree and may inherit wealth from parents, grandparents, or other relatives.Their conversation goes far beyond numbers, exploring the emotions, opportunities, and challenges tied to inheritance. From trusts and family businesses to lifestyle spending and legacy, Nicole shares both the tactical steps and the bigger-picture mindset shifts millennials need when navigating unexpected wealth. She also emphasizes why financial planning isn’t just about the future, it’s about aligning money with the life and values we want right now.This episode is for anyone curious about inheritance, legacy, or how to approach money as a tool for joy, fulfillment, and impact in the present.Key TakeawaysOpen communication matters: Proactive conversations with family about inheritance expectations help avoid confusion, stress, and financial missteps.Assemble a financial board of directors: Surrounding yourself with a trusted CPA, estate attorney, and financial advisor ensures you’re prepared to steward wealth wisely.Spending is part of planning: Financial planning isn’t just about saving, it’s about identifying what brings joy and making intentional choices to spend on it.Investments should serve your goals: Understanding fees, structures, and strategies helps ensure your money is fueling your life plan, not just sitting in accounts.Legacy is more than money: Millennials are redefining impact by creating businesses, jobs, and charitable contributions that reflect their values.___ Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.comConnect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewoman___The guest on this episode, Nicole Meihofer, is a financial advisor, wealth strategist, and founder of Pearlvest Capital. She specializes in guiding millennial inheritors and entrepreneurs through wealth-building strategies that enrich life today while securing tomorrow. Nicole is registered with IHT Wealth LLC, a registered investment advisor with the SEC. Opinions expressed are her own and for informational purposes only.Connect with Nicole:Website: www.pearlvest.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolemeihoferweigel/

Most of us avoid talking about death but avoiding it doesn’t make it go away. In fact, learning how to approach death may be one of the clearest ways to understand life.In this episode, Emily Paulsen speaks with Kacie Gikonyo, a former nurse turned death doula educator and founder of Death Doula School. With over a decade of experience guiding people and families through the end of life, Kacie brings compassion, clarity, and a deep belief that end-of-life planning isn’t about morbidity, it’s about literacy, legacy, and presence.Their conversation explores what it really means to “labor out of life,” how to plan for end of life long before it’s urgent, and why normalizing death can reduce fear, conflict, and chaos for everyone involved. From the practical to the spiritual, Kacie offers perspective on how facing death honestly can change the way we live each day.This episode is for anyone curious about planning for the inevitable, reducing uncertainty for loved ones, and finding more meaning in the life they’re living right now.Key TakeawaysPlan early, live fully: End-of-life planning isn’t just for later, it’s a gift that prevents confusion, conflict, and unnecessary crisis.Make a death plan: Just like a birth plan, choosing who you want present, the environment, and the details of your final days creates dignity and comfort.Normalize the process: Education about what the body goes through at the end of life can ease fear and help loved ones support without panic.Financial preparation matters: Dying in America is expensive, planning and saving now protects both independence and quality of care later.Sit with your dying self daily: Reflecting on how you’d feel about today’s choices at the end of your life encourages radical presence and fewer regrets.___ Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.comConnect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewoman___The guest on this episode, Kacie Gikonyo, is a former RN, death doula educator, and founder of Death Doula School. She has supported hundreds of individuals and families through end of life, bringing education, advocacy, and presence to a process often avoided or feared. Through her work, she empowers people to create meaningful death plans, normalize conversations around mortality, and live more intentionally today.Connect with Kacie: Website: www.deathdoulakacie.com Instagram: @deathdoulakacie TikTok: @deathdoulakacie LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kaciegikonyo

What if the goal isn’t happiness at all, but joy?In this episode, Emily Paulsen speaks with M. Shannon Hernandez, founder of Joyful Business Revolution and author of Practical Joy. Shannon shares her belief that joy is an “inside job”, a state rooted in values, not circumstances, and opens up about how this perspective has guided her through some of life’s most unexpected transitions.Their conversation explores what it means to live in alignment with lifestyle values, navigate identity shifts, and choose joy even when happiness feels out of reach. From building a childfree life to redefining boundaries in work and relationships, Shannon offers a deeply personal yet practical perspective on what it takes to live authentically and joyfully.This episode is for anyone curious about how to move beyond fleeting happiness and step into a deeper, more grounded sense of joy in everyday life.Key TakeawaysJoy is an inside job: Unlike happiness, joy isn’t dependent on circumstances, it’s about choosing alignment with your values in any moment.Lifestyle values guide choices: Identifying and honoring your top lifestyle values helps filter decisions and boundaries with clarity.Micro-joys matter: Small, daily sources of joy, like savoring a coffee, can sustain us during life’s hardest seasons.Boundaries create freedom: Saying no to obligations and people-pleasing opens space for joy to flourish.Identity beyond roles: True self-expression requires separating who we are at our core from the roles and expectations placed on us.___ Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.comConnect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewoman___The guest on this episode, M. Shannon Hernandez, is the founder of Joyful Business Revolution®, creator of the Content Personality® Wheel, and author of Practical Joy. With her signature approach to aligning business, messaging, and values, Shannon helps entrepreneurs and organizations build joy-fueled success while redefining what it means to live authentically.Connect with Shannon:Website: www.joyfulbusinessrevolution.comPractical Joy Book: www.practicaljoybook.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mshannonhernandez

Who will take care of you when you’re older? For many, this question sparks discomfort, or gets brushed aside entirely. But caregiving is a reality most of us will face, whether we’re the ones providing care or receiving it. The real question is: how prepared are we for it?In this episode, Emily Paulsen speaks with Pamela D. Wilson, an international caregiving expert, advocate, and speaker with over 25 years of experience supporting older adults, individuals with disabilities, caregivers, and professionals. Their conversation explores the complexities of modern caregiving, from navigating healthcare systems to the emotional realities families face when plans aren’t in place.Pamela offers a clear-eyed but optimistic perspective on how to approach caregiving with foresight and intention. She shares why proactive planning can prevent emotional and financial crises, the legal and logistical tools everyone should have in place, and how to find trusted help, whether through loved ones, community networks, or professional fiduciaries.Whether you’re years away from needing care, actively caring for someone, or simply want to understand your options, this episode offers practical strategies, valuable resources, and a reminder that we all have more control than we might think.Key TakeawaysProactive planning prevents crisis: Early conversations and documented wishes reduce stress, confusion, and last-minute scrambling.Advocacy is non-negotiable: In today’s healthcare landscape, speaking up and requesting what you need is essential for quality care.Legal tools protect your wishes: Powers of attorney, living wills, and care plans ensure decisions align with your values.Know your financial path: Identify where and how you want care, then plan, through savings, insurance, or both, to fund it.Support networks matter: Build trusted relationships, whether with family, friends, or professionals, to avoid isolation in critical moments.___ Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.comConnect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewoman___The guest on this episode, Pamela D. Wilson, MS, BS/BA, CG, CSA, is an international caregiving expert, advocate, and speaker based in Denver, Colorado. Twenty-five years of experience supporting older adults, persons with disabilities, caregivers, and professionals as an expert witness, care manager, and professional fiduciary serve as Wilson’s platform to educate and increase awareness of caregiving as an essential role in life.Connect with Pamela:Website: www.pameladwilson.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/pameladwilsoncaregivingexpert

What if the future of healthcare wasn’t just about fixing what’s broken, but about discovering what’s possible? In this episode, Emily Paulsen speaks with Dr. Koen Kas, a molecular oncologist, healthcare futurist, and author of EPIC, about how technology is reshaping the way we think about wellness, illness, and aging.Together, they explore the idea of “healthspan” over lifespan, the rise of AI-powered health companions, and what it could mean to build a care system around delight, prevention, and purpose. Dr. Kas shares real-world tools, from apps that detect early signs of Parkinson’s through voice patterns to at-home diagnostics for eye disease and sleep apnea, and challenges long-held assumptions about how care should be delivered. Throughout the conversation, he invites listeners to imagine a world where each person is supported by a “digital twin,” empowered with personal data, and encouraged to measure not just physical health, but emotional well-being and meaning.Key Takeaways:Healthspan matters more than lifespan: Dr. Kas emphasizes the importance of feeling well, energized, and purposeful, not just living longer, but living better.We’re moving from reactive to proactive care: Instead of waiting to get sick, technology now allows us to monitor early changes and support health before problems begin.Delight is a legitimate health metric: By designing health interventions that feel good, intuitive, and emotionally rewarding, we’re more likely to sustain long-term wellness habits.Digital twins could change everything: AI-powered companions that track our speech, sleep, movement, and mood could soon detect illness early and personalize care, without stepping into a clinic.Measurable doesn’t mean clinical: From smart toilets to emotion-sensing playlists, Dr. Kas shares how everyday tools are being reimagined to support emotional, mental, and physical well-being.Healthcare can be human-centered again: Tech isn’t replacing empathy, it’s enhancing it. Used thoughtfully, it can bring care closer to home, make it more personal, and even restore trust in the system.___ Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.comConnect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewoman___The guest on this episode, Prof. Dr. Koen Kas, is a healthcare futurist and professor of Molecular Oncology & Digital Health at Ghent University, Belgium. He curates the global database of certified health apps and AI tools and is a sought-after keynote speaker. His books include Sick No More (shifting from reactive sick-care to proactive health) and Your Guide to Delight (crafting “wow” experiences and the personal digital twin). His new book, Epic, explores holistic longevity - showing how AI companions, creativity and data empowerment help people unlock their full potential and find purpose. Learn more on his website:  https://koenkas.com/ And pick up a copy of his book on Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com.be/-/nl/Koen-Kas/dp/9463107053

What if giving back wasn’t something you added to your life, but the thing that grounded it?In this episode of Curious Life of a Childfree Woman, longtime wildlife rescuer and yoga studio co-owner Kelly Mehring shares how two decades of volunteer work have shaped her purpose, strengthened her resilience, and connected her to a community she didn’t know she needed. From rescuing injured raccoons on busy highways to building lifelong friendships through grassroots animal advocacy, Kelly’s story is a powerful example of what it means to serve without seeking credit, and why that kind of service can be so deeply fulfilling.She opens up about the emotional weight of this work, the joy of educating others about native wildlife, and how volunteering helped her navigate challenges like burnout and even a recent breast cancer diagnosis. For anyone seeking meaning, connection, or a way to give back, this episode offers encouragement to start small and stay open.Whether you’re craving more purpose or simply curious about how others create it, this conversation invites you to explore volunteering not as an obligation, but as a life-affirming act of care.Key TakeawaysStart with what you care about: The best volunteer work begins with your own values, and one small step toward what lights you up.Fulfillment can come from structure: A regular volunteer commitment can bring purpose, connection, and a sense of being needed in the best way.It’s okay to try different paths: If one experience doesn’t fit, try another. The right organization will value your energy and your unique strengths.Emotional weight is real, and worth it: Hard moments will come, but knowing you’re reducing suffering, even by minutes, can make the discomfort meaningful.Community is a hidden benefit: Volunteering often leads to unexpected friendships and shared purpose, especially in emotionally intense settings.___ Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.comConnect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewoman___The guest on this episode, Kelly Mehring, is childfree by choice and co-owns the Columbus-based Mat Happy Yoga studio alongside her sister. She has spent over 20 years volunteering as a wildlife rescuer with the Ohio Wildlife Center and continues to advocate for animal welfare through hands-on rescue and public education. Kelly also supports farmed animal sanctuaries and has built a lifestyle rooted in service, compassion, and community.Follow her on Instagram: @mehringwayLearn more: ohiowildlifecenter.org | sunrisesanctuary.org | mathappy.com

What if the secret to financial freedom and a richer life wasn’t in earning more—but in living with less?In this episode of Curious Life of a Childfree Woman, financial planner and founder of The Tiny House Advisor, Laura Lynch, shares how the tiny living movement is rewriting the rules of homeownership, community, and enoughness. From leaving behind a 2,000-square-foot house to becoming mortgage-free, Laura’s journey is as much about values as it is about square footage.She explains what draws people to tiny living, why it’s not just about finances, and how it can create space for creativity, sustainability, and deeper connection. Plus, Laura offers practical tips for anyone curious about downsizing or exploring alternative living—without losing what matters most.Whether tiny living feels like a dream, a challenge, or something you’ve never considered, this episode invites you to rethink what “home” really means.Key TakeawaysYour biggest financial lever isn’t coffee—it’s housing: Downsizing can free up resources more than any budgeting tip or skipped latte ever could.Start with values, not square footage: A home should reflect what matters most to you—not what marketing or tradition says you need.Community thrives in smaller spaces: Alternative living often fosters stronger connection and resource sharing, countering isolation in conventional neighborhoods.Legalization is local and nuanced: Tiny homes aren’t one-size-fits-all; zoning and permitting vary widely, so research and persistence are key.Test before you leap: Stay in a tiny home or visit a community before making the transition to see how the lifestyle truly feels.—Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.comConnect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewoman—The guest on this episode, Laura Lynch, is a Certified Financial Planner™ and founder of The Tiny House Advisor. Laura helps individuals and families navigate the financial and logistical realities of downsizing, alternative housing, and creating lives that feel expansive—no matter the square footage. She also hosts the Less House, More Moolah podcast, where she features stories and strategies for financial freedom through intentional living.Learn more at: https://www.thetinyhouseadviser.com/Connect on Instagram: @lesshousemoremoolapodcast

What does it really mean to live the “right” life, and is that even possible?In this solo episode of Curious Life of a Childfree Woman, Emily Paulsen unpacks the assumptions people make about the show, shares why she created it, and explores the deeper purpose behind normalizing childfree living. Along the way, she challenges the myth of the “perfect path” and reminds us that living with curiosity, not comparison, is what truly matters.Emily also answers listener questions about her personal story, how she chooses topics, and what she hopes the future of the show looks like. From branding advice to dream guests, this is a behind-the-scenes look at the vision for a podcast that celebrates autonomy, individuality, and expansive possibilities for a life on your own terms.Whether you’re navigating societal expectations or simply craving conversations that reflect your reality, this episode offers clarity, reassurance, and a renewed sense of freedom to live life your way.Key Takeaways:Choice is the real freedom: There’s no single “right path,” only the power to choose and evolve as you go. Representation matters: Visibility for childfree perspectives helps normalize an equally valid life path. Curiosity keeps us open: Asking questions and exploring ideas prevents us from living on autopilot. Audience-first creation wins: Any creative project should center on who it serves, not just the creator’s vision. Engagement makes it better: Sharing your ideas and feedback shapes content that truly resonates.Want to connect, share episode ideas, or apply to be a guest?Visit⁠ www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com⁠ to join the conversation and explore what’s next.—Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.Learn more about Emily on her website:⁠ www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com⁠And connect with her on Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/curiouslifeofachildfreewoman/⁠

What if low energy, brain fog, or mood swings had less to do with motivation—and more to do with your microbiome?In this episode of Curious Life of a Childfree Woman, registered dietitian and researcher Dr. Mindy Patterson breaks down what gut health really is, why it matters, and how it quietly affects everything from digestion and blood sugar to inflammation, hormones, and longevity.She explains the difference between probiotics, prebiotics, and resistant starch—plus why not all fiber is beneficial, and how some “gut health” products may be doing more harm than good. This is a grounded, science-backed conversation about what’s going on beneath the surface and how to work with your gut, not against it.Whether gut health feels confusing or you’ve already tried every probiotic on the shelf, this episode offers clarity, real guidance, and a better way forward.Key Takeaways:Gut health impacts far more than digestion. It’s connected to mood, energy, immunity, and inflammation across the entire body.Prebiotics and probiotics are not the same. Prebiotics feed the good bacteria; probiotics are the bacteria themselves—and both are essential.Resistant starch is a powerful prebiotic. It ferments slowly, making it more tolerable for sensitive guts while also supporting blood sugar regulation.Short-chain fibers found in many wellness drinks may trigger bloating or discomfort. The type of fiber matters more than the amount.Consistent, small changes to your diet can start reshaping your microbiome in just a few days—but lasting results come from long-term habits.—Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way. Learn more about Emily on her website: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com  And connect with her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiouslifeofachildfreewoman/ —The guest on this episode, Dr. Mindy Patterson, is a registered dietitian, professor, researcher, and founder of Renutrin—a prebiotic fiber supplement designed to reduce inflammation, support blood sugar, and improve gut health without the typical digestive side effects. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Women’s Health, and more, and she has authored over 10 peer-reviewed publications.Learn more at: www.renutrin.coConnect with her on LinkedIn: Dr. Mindy Patterson

What does it mean to live as a woman when you’ve chosen to step outside the script?In this episode of Curious Life of a Childfree Woman, host Emily Paulsen talks with transformational coach, TEDx speaker, and author of Rewrite the Mother Code, Dr. Gertrude Lyons about the quiet rules women inherit around sacrifice, care, and emotional labor and how those rules shape our choices, confidence, and sense of self.Together, they explore the subtle ways women are taught to equate worth with overgiving, how to stand firm in your truth without becoming hardened, and why emotional expression is one of the most undervalued sources of strength. This conversation is about womanhood, self-trust, and redefining care on your own terms.Key TakeawaysWe inherit expectations we didn’t choose. Many women were handed a definition of femininity built around sacrifice, selflessness, and constant caretaking. It’s okay to question that.Choosing yourself isn’t selfish. Prioritizing your own well-being and fulfillment isn’t indulgent, it’s vital. And when women care for themselves, everyone benefits.Unshakeable doesn’t mean defensive. You don’t need to justify your choices. Confidence grows from clarity, not explanation.You are allowed to be complex. You can be soft and strong. Kind and firm. Giving and self-honoring.Your emotions are not the problem. Emotional presence is not weakness—it’s wisdom. The more you feel, the more fully you live.—Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are . She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way. Learn more about Emily on her website: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com  And connect with her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiouslifeofachildfreewoman/ —The guest on this episode,  Dr. Gertrude Lyons has dedicated her professional life to exploring the transformative capacity of all people. Dr. Lyons received her Ed.D. in 2017, and has given workshops at Google, International Coaches Federation, Hey Mama, and more. She has been published or appeared in The Guardian, WSJ, Thrive Global, The Bump, Motherly, Business Insider, and MindBodyGreen, and on Fox NY & Chicago, Good Day LA, NewsNation, and WGN radio. She is the host of the podcast, “Rewrite the Mother Code,” and lives in Chicago, where she and her husband Rich raised their own family.Learn more about Dr. Lyons on her website: www.drgertrudelyons.com Connect with her online: IG: instagram.com/drgertrudelyons  LI: www.linkedin.com/in/gertrudelyons/ Order a copy of her book:  https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1959524127?tag=simonsayscom Watch her TEDx Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/gertrude_lyons_rewrite_the_mother_code⁠

Is AI here to take over, or help us take back our time, energy, and creativity?In this episode of Curious Life of a Childfree Woman, Emily Paulsen sat down with AI strategist Jordache Johnson, founder of Never Tech Behind to talk about what this technology is really doing to our minds, our culture, and our day-to-day choices. They talked about everything from the actual history of AI to how it's shifting our expectations of convenience, productivity, and what it means to do “good work.”This isn’t a fear-based take, it’s a grounded, human conversation about critical thinking, boundaries, and the personal responsibility we all have to use these tools with intention. —Key Takeaways:AI has been here longer than we think. The roots of artificial intelligence go back to 1949, but its current rise is reshaping society at an unprecedented pace.We’re in a cultural shift, not just a tech shift. As consumers, our expectations around speed, convenience, and personalization are changing everything.The biggest risk isn’t AI, it’s outsourcing our thinking. Jordache shares how he uses AI as a thought partner, not a decision-maker, and why critical thinking is more essential than ever.It’s not about resisting AI, it’s about being intentional. You don’t need to be a tech expert to use these tools wisely. Start with curiosity, clear boundaries, and self-awareness.Efficiency doesn’t mean less human. AI can give us back time, help us think more creatively, and support our values—if we’re willing to stay in the driver’s seat.—Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are . She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way. Learn more about Emily on her website: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com  And connect with her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiouslifeofachildfreewoman/ —The guest on this episode,  Jordache Johnson, is an AI Strategist and AI-First Culture Architect who helps organizations thrive in our AI-driven world. Jordache is the Founder of Never Tech Behind, where he developed the ADAPT System, DICE Method™, and AHA Framework™—proven frameworks that help businesses implement AI sustainably while keeping the human element front and center. As an international keynote speaker, he's known for breaking down complex AI concepts into actionable strategies that entrepreneurs, business leaders and executives can actually use. Join Jordache’s newsletter: jordache.ai Learn more about his membership: nevertechbehind.com And connect with him online: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordachejohnson https://www.nevertechbehind.ai/ 

What makes someone magnetic in a meeting, not just competent, but commanding?In this episode, Emily talks with communications expert and executive coach Janet Bartucci about gravitas: that subtle but powerful presence that gets people to lean in, listen, and take you seriously. Drawing on decades of experience in corporate leadership and brand strategy, Janet breaks down what gravitas really is, why women are often praised for being “good” but not genuinely heard, and how we can start showing up with grounded presence, without shouting, shrinking, or pretending.This is a practical, personal conversation about what it looks like to stop second-guessing and start leading, in work and in life. Key TakeawaysGravitas isn’t about being the loudest. It’s about being the clearest. It’s the quiet conviction that makes people pay attention.Confidence gets you in the room, gravitas gets you heard. Delivery, tone, and presence often matter more than words alone.Recovery is part of power. Missteps happen. Gravitas shows up in how you handle them.Visual presence signals self-respect. Style, posture, and polish help you communicate authority before you speak.Good girl conditioning keeps us small. Approval-seeking dilutes your power. Gravitas begins with self-trust.This is a learnable skill. You don’t have to be born with it—you can develop it with intention, clarity, and practice.—Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are . She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way. Learn more about Emily on her website: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com  And connect with her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiouslifeofachildfreewoman/ —The guest on this episode, Janet Bartucci, is a leadership strategist who helps women stop performing and start leading. After decades inside high-powered boardrooms and executive roles, she saw the same story play out: brilliant women getting overlooked, not because they lacked skill, but because they were stuck in outdated scripts about how to show up.Through her 5 Steps to a Self-Directed Life framework, Janet now teaches women how to reclaim their voice, lead with grounded authority, and build gravitas that’s not performative, but deeply embodied. Her work is about dropping the “good girl” act and becoming the kind of leader who doesn’t wait to be chosen.Learn more at www.janetbartucci.com or connect with her on Instagram @janetbartucci.

What if your home isn’t just a reflection of your taste, but a mirror of your story, your ambition, and how you want to feel in the world?In this episode of Curious Life of a Childfree Woman, Emily Paulsen speaks with Jamie Gasparovic, founder of Studio Gaspo, an interior design firm known for creating bold, identity-driven spaces that are anything but ordinary. Together, they explore how our environments can shape our energy, influence our confidence, and quietly reinforce who we believe we are becoming.This conversation is less about trends and more about intention. Jamie explains why starting with your own identity, not Pinterest, is the key to designing a home that feels meaningful, and how everything from material choices to layout can affect your daily experience. Whether someone is working with a designer or figuring it out room by room, this episode offers a new lens on how space and self are deeply connected.For anyone who wants their home to feel like a true extension of who they are—not just what’s in style—this episode invites a more personal, empowered approach to design.Key Takeaways:Design can be a form of self-expression. Homes designed with identity in mind feel more personal, impactful, and aligned with the lives people want to live.Pinterest isn’t the starting point. Meaningful design begins with self-awareness, not aesthetics. Looking inward helps clarify what a space needs to support.Materials matter. From the tactile feel of fabrics to the natural presence of stone, the textures we live with every day affect how we feel.Placeholders are okay. It’s better to evolve a space over time than to rush into choices that don’t resonate. Thoughtfulness beats perfection.Function and feeling go hand-in-hand. Design isn’t just about beauty—it’s about ease, intention, and creating an environment that works for your real life.—Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are . She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way. Learn more about Emily on her website: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com  And connect with her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiouslifeofachildfreewoman/ —The guest on this episode, Jamie Gasparovic, is the founder of Studio Gaspo, the identity-driven interior design firm known for transforming luxury homes into powerful reflections of clients' values, ambition, and story. With a no-BS approach and a background in advertising and international business, Jamie blends fearless creativity with sharp strategy, designing spaces that don’t just look good, they mean something.She’s currently building a psychographic design platform that translates who you are into how your home should feel. From high-end builds to visionary tech, Jamie is reshaping the future of design, one unapologetically personal space at a time.Learn more about Studio Gaspo and connect with Jamie online:  https://studiogaspo.com/ https://www.instagram.com/studiogaspo/ Be the first to know about Studio Gaspo’s new launch https://gaspo.myflodesk.com/iti

What if winding down didn’t have to mean drinking wine or pushing through exhaustion? What if something gentler, something designed with women’s needs in mind, could actually help?In this episode, Emily Paulsen talks with Lisa Hurwitz, President of Happi, a low-dose, cannabis-infused seltzer brand redefining how women relax, celebrate, and cope with daily stress. They explore what it means to challenge the default rituals we’ve inherited, especially around alcohol, sleep, and self-care, and why so many women are looking for new ways to feel good without guilt, grogginess, or stigma.From Lisa’s journey off Ambien to the science behind cannabinoids, from entrepreneurship in a male-dominated industry to the emotional labor women carry every day—this conversation is a deep dive into wellness, reinvention, and rewriting the rules of what we reach for when life feels heavy.Key TakeawaysOur rituals shape us. From post-work decompression to weekend celebrations, what we reach for matters—and most of us are looking for something lighter, gentler, and more aligned with how we want to feel.Stress is stealing our sleep—and our joy. Lisa shares her own journey with insomnia, Ambien, and discovering the impact of low-dose cannabis as a natural alternative.Education is everything. Lisa breaks down what’s actually in Happi (like CBN, CBD, lion’s mane, and THC), how dosing works, and why formulation matters so much more than we’ve been told.Women are still underrepresented. From funding to product design, the cannabis industry has skewed male—and Happi is part of the push to change that.Stigma is real, but shifting. Lisa unpacks the cultural baggage around cannabis, how it’s evolving, and why education and transparency are essential.—Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are . She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way. Learn more about Emily on her website: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com  And connect with her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiouslifeofachildfreewoman/ —The guest on this episode, Lisa Hurwitz, is the President of Happi, a line of all-natural, cannabis-infused seltzers designed to offer a refreshing alternative to alcohol and pharmaceuticals. With a background that spans over two decades in CPG and wellness, Lisa brings both strategic vision and personal passion to her work. Before launching Happi, she served as Chief Marketing Officer at Grassroots Cannabis, playing a key role in its $830 million acquisition by Curaleaf. She also held senior leadership roles at global companies like Kimberly-Clark. Now splitting her time between Nicaragua and the U.S., Lisa is on a mission to help people rethink wellness, stress, and social rituals through approachable microdose cannabis products.Learn more about Happi and Connect with Lisa Online: Visit the Website www.happihourdrink.com  and use code CURIOUSLIFE25 for 25% off your first order. Instagram: https://instagram.com/happihourdrinkLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-hurwitz-3318571/

When you’re not planning on having children, you might not give much thought to pelvic health. But what if that space—whether physically present or not—holds more than just reproductive function? What if it carries your power, your patterns, your presence?In this episode, Emily sat down with somatic therapist Suzi Zobrist, who first discovered the concept of womb wisdom after surviving ovarian cancer and undergoing a radical hysterectomy in her thirties. Suzi’s journey into healing, embodiment, and nervous system regulation opened a new understanding of what it means to live from the root. Together, they explore how tending to this often-overlooked part of ourselves can become a path to deeper aliveness, clarity, and sovereignty, especially for childfree women.Key TakeawaysPelvic health isn’t just for mothers. It’s a powerful entry point into embodiment, intuition, and emotional healing—for all women.The pelvic bowl is a place of memory. This part of the body can hold stress, trauma, and tension until we learn how to gently release it.Symptoms are messengers. Discomfort or disconnection often signals deeper needs, not just problems to be fixed.Daily practices matter. From morning devotionals to breathwork, Suzi offers accessible tools for reconnecting to the body with care.There’s no one right rhythm. Part of living childfree is reclaiming a relationship with the body on your own terms—not anyone else’s timeline.—Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are . She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way. Learn more about Emily on her website: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com  And connect with her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiouslifeofachildfreewoman/ —Suzi Zobrist is a Spiritual Mentor, Ceremonial Bodyworker, and Womb Wisdom Keeper devoted to guiding women through the sacred thresholds of healing and remembrance. After losing her womb to ovarian cancer at age 30, Suzi was initiated into a path of deep reclamation—one that led her to the ancient arts of ritual, touch, and feminine embodiment.Rooted in earth-honoring traditions and the mysteries of the Divine Feminine, Suzi supports women in returning to the sacred center of their bodies through ceremonial bodywork, pelvic care, and rites of passage. She hosts the Tending the Sacred podcast and offers retreats and mentorship from her Temple space on Orcas Island, WA.Her work is a prayerful invitation to return to the wisdom of the womb, the rhythm of nature, and the wholeness of who we truly are.Learn more about Suzi and connect with her online: Website: rootmedicinehealing.comInstagram: @suzizobristListen to her Podcast: Tending the Sacred – Listen on Spotifyand  Download her Free Ritual Guide: Daily Devotion Ritual Guide

What if heritage wasn’t just what you inherited, but what you chose to carry forward?In this expansive conversation, Emily Paulsen is joined by Laura Sura, founder of Heritage Within, to explore how legacy can be defined by presence, energy, and intention rather than tradition or biology. Together, they question the assumptions baked into words like “heritage” and “ancestor,” and open the door to more personal, inclusive, and empowered interpretations.Rather than centering lineage in the traditional sense, this episode invites listeners to think about legacy as something everyone shapes—consciously or not. Emily and Laura reflect on how values, energy, and even ways of being can become part of what we pass on. They also challenge the pressure to “honor” what no longer feels aligned, and offer a compassionate, curious lens on how to decide what’s truly worth keeping.For anyone who has ever wondered what it means to leave a mark, to honor the past without being bound by it, or to become the kind of ancestor they wish they’d had—this episode offers both clarity and possibility.Key Takeaways:Heritage as an Intentional Inheritance: How to stop defaulting to what you were handed and begin curating what you’ll carry forward.Redefining Ancestry: Why ancestors don’t have to be blood-related—and how chosen influences shape our lives just as powerfully.Presence as a Legacy Practice: How the energy we bring into a room becomes part of what we leave behind.Letting Go of Obligation: The freedom that comes from releasing traditions or narratives that no longer resonate.Legacy Without Lineage: A powerful reminder that legacy isn’t reserved for parents—it’s created by how we live, connect, and show up every day.—Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are . She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way. Learn more about Emily on her website: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com  And connect with her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiouslifeofachildfreewoman/ —Laura Rike is the founder of Heritage Within, a nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals redefine legacy and identity beyond biological roots. An adoptee and lifelong advocate for purpose-driven living, Laura believes that true heritage is built through the lives we touch and the values we embody. Through Heritage Within, she creates a supportive space for personal growth, authenticity, and empowerment. Laura’s work inspires others to honor their stories, break free from societal expectations, and leave a legacy of love, courage, and impact.Learn more about Heritage Within on their website: www.heritagewithin.org 

What if we stopped trying to fit our lives into boxes—and started letting complexity lead?In this episode, Emily is joined by Nicole Louie, author of Others Like Me: Lives of Women Without Children. Nicole spent 14 years researching and interviewing women across 25 countries, exploring what it means to live a life outside the expectation of motherhood. Through her powerful work, she brings dignity and depth to stories that are too often left out of the cultural conversation.They talk about the importance of shared stories, the struggle to find role models, and the limitations of identity labels like "childfree" and "childless." Nicole shares how her quest for connection evolved into a global movement—one that challenges us to make space for nuance and representation. This conversation is both a celebration of choosing your own path and a reflection on how we make meaning in the absence of societal blueprints.Whether you’re childfree by choice, circumstance, or still figuring it out, this episode will make you feel seen, inspired, and deeply connected.Key TakeawaysFrom Loneliness to Legacy: Nicole shares how her personal search for role models led to a global oral history project—and why her book is a bridge, not a box.Beyond the Binary: The terms “childfree” and “childless” don’t work for everyone. Nicole breaks down why some women reject labels altogether.Culture and Context Matter: From Ghana to Thailand, societal expectations around motherhood vary wildly. Nicole shares eye-opening stories from around the world.The Power of Representation: Visibility isn’t just about being seen—it’s about recognizing the full humanity of women without children.Letting Go of Categories: Nicole explains why she removed labels from her book, choosing instead to focus on story, not identity politics.What Comes After Visibility: They discuss the urgent need for policy change, from healthcare to the workplace, and how we can advocate for a more inclusive future.—Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are . She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way. Learn more about Emily on her website: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com  And connect with her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiouslifeofachildfreewoman/ —The guest on this episode, Nicole Louie, is a writer and translator based in Ireland. Her essays have appeared in The Walrus, The Guardian, Electric Literature and Oh Reader Magazine. Her curated collectionsof books, movies and podcasts about women who are not mothers by choice, infertility, circumstance or ambivalence can be found on Instagram: @bynicolelouie.Others Like Me: The Lives of Women Without Children is her first book. You can learn more about her and Others Like Me at: linktr.ee/nicolelouie