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In today's episode of Claiming Zero, I sit down with a dear friend, author, speaker, ministry leader, and founder of a nonprofit serving foster youth, to talk honestly about faith, waiting, and purpose. She once believed she’d be a mom by now. She was married. She hoped. She waited. And then life took an unexpected turn. Now in her thirties, single, and deeply rooted in her faith, she shares what it looks like to live a full, meaningful, God-centered life even when the season you prayed for hasn’t arrived yet. We talk about: Holding space for the desire to be a mother without letting it define your worth.Grieving a timeline you thought God promisedFinding purpose, joy, and calling outside of marriage and motherhood.What Scripture says about waiting—and what it doesn’t.How serving, leading, and loving others doesn’t require biological children.This episode is for women who are childfree by circumstance, who would like to be a mom one day, and are learning to trust God with the timing—without putting their lives on pause. We see you!  Support the show Email: [email protected] IG/FB: @claimingzero

This week on Claiming Zero, we explore the extraordinary life of Queen Elizabeth I—one of history’s most powerful monarchs and one of its most iconic childfree leaders. Born into danger, crowned in turmoil, and reigning for 45 years, Elizabeth’s story is one of intellect, strategy, and self-determination. We’ll unpack: 👑 Her upbringing in a fractured royal family, the shock of losing her mother at a young age, and her remarkable educational journey. 👑 Why she chose no husband, no children, and what that meant for a queen in the 1500s.  👑 Her leadership, legacy, and how her childfree life shaped an era remembered as the Elizabethan Age.  Whether you’re childfree by choice, circumstance, or a curious fence sitter, this episode celebrates a woman who redefined power and motherhood on her own terms. Support the show Email: [email protected] IG/FB: @claimingzero

In this episode of Claiming Zero we are headed back to the r/AITAH channel for a post that sparked intense reactions about parenting, divorce, and child-free relationships. An ex-wife, 2 kiddos, a childfree woman and a man stuck in the middle. When his family jumps in with assumptions, accusations, and a whole lot of feelings he turns to reddit for clarity.  Why is it so wrong for him to want a new relationship with a woman who doesn't want children? How does he handle the conversation with his kids?  Join me as I unpack all of this and more! Support the show Email: [email protected] IG/FB: @claimingzero

In the age of turning to technology over talking with others I was curious what the 10 most Googled questions about childfree living are. So today, I'm giving my most honest responses to the questions people are curious about but don’t always feel comfortable asking out loud. What are the benefits of a child-free lifestyle? Does being child-free affect relationships, marriage, and partner compatibility? How do child-free people find community, support, or social groups? This episode breaks down common fears, myths, and assumptions surrounding a childfree life with a few throwbacks to former episodes full of resources of support. If you're new to the podcast or the childfree community this is a great episode to start with!  Support the show Email: [email protected] IG/FB: @claimingzero

In this episode I am making history on the podcast by sitting down with a mom for the first time in the show's existence! Victoria is a proud mother in the thick of early parenthood and today she joins me to me to talk openly about the assumptions, misunderstandings, and quiet struggles that exist on both sides. This isn’t a debate. It’s not “us vs. them.” It’s a real conversation about coexistence. Join us as we talk about what parents may not realize about the pressures faced by childfree adults. How the childfree community can show up better for parents — without sacrificing boundaries. Why mutual respect matters more than agreement. And how empathy, honesty, and curiosity can change the narrative for everyone. Whether you’re childfree, on the fence, a parent, or somewhere in between, this episode is an invitation to listen, learn, and build bridges — not walls. Support the show Email: [email protected] IG/FB: @claimingzero

Harriet Tubman is often remembered as a hero — but rarely discussed as a woman who lived child-free by circumstance. In this episode, we explore Harriet Tubman’s life beyond the history books: her childhood in slavery, the traumatic injury that shaped her faith and resilience, her escape to freedom, and her fearless return south to lead dozens to freedom. We also dive into her marriages, her private life, her service during the Civil War, and why she never had biological children.  Her story highlights how legacy can be built through courage, community care, and purpose. Harriet Tubman didn’t raise children — she helped raise a nation toward freedom. Support the show Email: [email protected] IG/FB: @claimingzero

Just in time for the holidays today I am reading a post from the r/childfree community that perfectly captures a childfree holiday nightmare. What starts as a Thanksgiving dinner quickly turns into that all-too-familiar interrogation we all dread having when this poster's aunt starts questioning her choice to no have kids.  In this episode I break down why holiday gatherings are often a breeding ground for intrusive comments, forced opinions, and disrespect of childfree choices. I'll give you some tips on how to navigate these situations without loosing your sanity. As Christmas approaches let this be your reminder that being childfree does not mean you have to be open to debate.  Share your holiday experience with me at [email protected] Support the show Email: [email protected] IG/FB: @claimingzero

It's the debut of Season 6 of Claiming Zero and these time around I am starting it off with a big update! This season Vanessa will be hosting solo. New chapter, same honesty. Starting with why your childfree-by-choice decision owes no-one any explanations.  If you've ever heard "You'll change your mind" or "You must hate children" or "You'll never know true love" and are not quite sure what to say back this episode covers each one and more!  Give it a listen and let me know what your thoughts are on the new format at [email protected] Support the show Email: [email protected] IG/FB: @claimingzero

Today we chat with author, illustrator, and content creator Emma Duval! You may know her content on instagram @millennialemma or heard of her online community "Childfree History Museum" already but Emma is not only a voice for the childfree people of her own generation. On this episode she shares with us her passion for storytelling and the lessons she has learned from the legacies of the women who have come before us.  Check out her book "Unwed and Unbothered: The Defiant Lives of Single Women Throughout History" Available in the US now!  https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Unwed-Unbothered/Emma-Duval/9798881600037?fbclid=PAb21jcAM1wRVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABpxL5gTJFbxYirT1EPvgdNniwpHPpsdCBca0gvk-Fks4zBJKELHVb6Mx2wC2p_aem_UpUZzrG8ZIAnqhog0ATmbQ Support the show Email: [email protected] IG/FB: @claimingzero

In today's episode Vanessa takes us down the Pink Pony Road to learn about the life and legacy of childfree queer pop sensation Chappell Roan! From her humble beginnings in Willard Missouri to snagging a Grammy for Best New Artist her story is nothing but extraordinary and one that Devin is very aware of already! Can Vanessa do the story justice to a super fan like Devin? Give it a listen and tell us who you want to hear about in Season 6, links to her first performances below. Chappell Roan’s cover of I’ll be home for Christmas  at 15 https://youtu.be/hy_VqAoHhD0?si=OqK_ab2T_QmtezgD Chappell Roan’s cover of Stay by Rihanna at 15 https://youtu.be/RgKAyhe8JNc?si=mSDCFIhn2zrAzC8s Support the show Email: [email protected] IG/FB: @claimingzero

Today's Reddit post comes from the subreddit r/whatshouldido and it's a doozy. He's 19, his girlfriend is 21. They just found out they are expecting. She is excited but he is terrified. What should he do and how should he tell her? Devin breaks it down from a young male perspective and Vanessa is sifting through the harsh truth comments. What would your advice to him be? Tell us your thoughts and don't forget to send or tag us in the online childfree topics you want us to weigh in on. Support the show Email: [email protected] IG/FB: @claimingzero

Have you ever wondered where all the childfree hotspots are in the U.S.? This week we break down the Top 10 Cities with the Fewest Kids according to the 2020 Census. Join us as we rank, roast and rave about the best and worst reasons to live in each of these mostly childfree cities.  Support the show Email: [email protected] IG/FB: @claimingzero

She's an admissions counselor by day, PhD student by night and childfree by choice 24/7. Today we are talking to the other half of the Rios family from season 5 episode 4, Clarissa! She walks us through growing up in Texas to settling down in Vegas and all the fun hobbies she has collected along the way.  If you would like to be a guest on the show email or direct message us on Instagram or Facebook.  Support the show Email: [email protected] IG/FB: @claimingzero

He's played heroes, lovers, and legends but off screen Andrew Garfield is just a chill, quick-witted Brit living his best childfree life. He may have left the Spidey suit behind but today Devin tells us how he is still swinging through life and how his childfree choice has changed over the years.   Support the show Email: [email protected] IG/FB: @claimingzero

"We all have our big reasons for not wanting kids. Having time to sleep, being able to save extra money, fear of pregnancy, not wanting to bring a child into the current state of the world. But what is a secondary reason that makes being childfree a great choice?" That is the reddit question we are diving into today.  For Vanessa it's all the PTA meetings and brownie bake sales and for Devin it's the dirty diapers and dog allergies haha. What is your underrated reason to not have kids? Send them to us and don't forget to follow us on social media to see everyone else's reasons! Support the show Email: [email protected] IG/FB: @claimingzero