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⚠️Content Warning: This episode discusses disability, regret, resentment, and medical trauma. Listener discretion advised. In this episode, Kristen and Erika dive into a post titled “I dislike my disabled child and I am ashamed.” Pulled straight from Facebook — where it racked up over 5,000 likes — this anonymous post opens up an uncomfortable conversation about parenthood, disability, genetic testing, medical gaslighting, caregiver burnout, and the realities no one prepares parents for. We react in real time to a mother describing life after learning her child will be profoundly disabled, require 24/7 lifelong care, and never be independent. From missed genetic diagnoses and a lawsuit, to rage, grief, resentment, and shame — this episode tackles the things parents aren’t allowed to say out loud. We also unpack: Medical gaslighting of women by doctors Society’s obsession with “perfect motherhood” How people are brutally cruel to regretful parents online The myth that “everything will work out”  If you’re childfree, on the fence, or questioning the fantasy version of parenthood society sells us, this episode is for you. More episodes, tours, and unfiltered chaos: DinkyPod.com Join our childfree community: patreon.com/dinkypod Take a trip with us: https://trovatrip.com/host/profiles/dinky-wxarg  Learn more about our podcast: dinkypod.com  Love ya. Don’t get pregnant. 💬 Join the conversation: Do you think parents are allowed to talk honestly about regret? Where is the line between truth and taboo? Keywords / SEO Tags: regretful parents, disabled child, caregiver burnout, medical gaslighting, regretful motherhood, childfree podcast, parenting regret, genetic testing failure, NIPT test lawsuit, disability and parenting, Facebook confession, honest parenting podcast, anti natalism, childfree by choice, Dinky Podcast Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

This one has a twist ending! In this episode of the Regretful Parents series, Erika and Kristen react to a Reddit post titled “I genuinely hate my baby.” What starts as a familiar story about parenting regret, sleep deprivation, and postpartum mental health quickly turns into total chaos when the hosts realize the post wasn’t written by a mother — but by a first-time father (FTF). This episode dives deep into the realities of new parent burnout, baby sleep training, cry it out (CIO) methods, and the crushing isolation that comes with being an expat parent with no support system. The Reddit post describes a 33-year-old parent with a 4.5-month-old baby who hasn’t slept more than two hours at a time, leading to severe mental health struggles, weight loss, emotional breakdowns at work, and intense regret over becoming a parent. Along the way, Erika and Kristen unpack: The emotional toll of sleep deprivation and newborn parenting Whether sleep training actually works or causes harm Why parenting forums are obsessed with acronyms (FTF, CIO, PLS, TCB… seriously, why?) The differences in how mothers vs fathers are treated when they struggle mentally How parental regret is discussed (or ignored) online Why so many overwhelmed parents turn to churches, daycare, or community support just to survive And how being child-free offers a radically different perspective on parenting culture This episode blends dark humor, brutal honesty, and social commentary while exploring topics like postpartum depression (PPD), parenting expectations, gender roles, and the myth that having children automatically brings fulfillment. If you’re interested in: regretful parents new parent mental health baby sleep training parenting regret stories child-free commentary Reddit parenting stories first time father struggles postpartum depression discussions …this episode is for you. 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations about regret and choosing a childfree life. Join our childfree community: patreon.com/dinkypod Take a trip with us: https://trovatrip.com/host/profiles/dinky-wxarg  Learn more about our podcast: dinkypod.com  Love ya. Don’t get pregnant. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

In this episode, Erika and Kristen read and discuss a post from the Regretful Parents sub titled “Don’t Do It Folks.” The post details a chaotic day of parenting young children and offers practical advice for people who are considering having kids. Our conversation covers the realities of daily childcare, loss of free time, unequal caregiving labor, financial strain, and how resentment can build. We break down the post’s advice for fence sitters, including the importance of firsthand childcare experience, realistic expectations, financial support, and reliable help from partners or family. The episode also explores broader themes around decision-making, comparing parenthood to other long-term commitments people often underestimate. Listener comments from the subreddit add perspective on money stress, partner dynamics, and unmet expectations after having children. This episode is for fence sitters, childfree listeners, and parents looking for honest discussions about parenting, regret, and life choices. Topics discussed: Regretful Parents subreddit stories Parenting stress and burnout Fence sitting and deciding whether to have kids Childcare labor and resentment Financial pressure and parenting Childfree perspectives Keywords: regretful parents, parenting regret, fence sitter, childfree, deciding whether to have kids, parenting burnout, regretful parents subreddit, childfree podcast, parenting realities, DINK lifestyle Join our childfree community: patreon.com/dinkypod Take a trip with us: https://trovatrip.com/host/profiles/dinky-wxarg  Learn more about our podcast: dinkypod.com  Love ya. Don’t get pregnant. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Want more exclusive content from Dinky? Join the Patreon!  Today we are joined by TJ Bozarth, the creator, writer, and director of DINK: The Musical — a dramedy satire on the state of our world sung through the eyes of three DINK couples. We talk with TJ about the inspiration behind the musical, why satire feels important right now, and how this project has been received around the world. TRIPS: Artsy Adventure In Vietnam With Erika Lavender Dreams & Riviera Nights With Erika Wanna get your finances in order? Use our link to sign up for a FREE 34 day trial of YNAB (You Need A Budget) and support the show. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Substack, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube. Merch is here!!! If you have a question or comment, email us at [email protected] Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses self-harm, mental health crises, sexual content, and parental regret.A parent of a 17-year-old daughter with autism, ADHD, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts describes years of burnout, crisis management, and reaching a breaking point. From phone restrictions to parental PTSD, this story raises uncomfortable questions about autonomy, responsibility, mental health, and what happens when caregiving becomes all-consuming.💬 Topics include:Regretful parenting and caregiver burnoutNeurodivergence and adolescenceSexuality, boundaries, and harm reductionTherapy fatigue and parental PTSDWhy having kids isn’t the “default” choice we’re told it isMore Regretful Parents episodes available on YouTube and wherever you get podcasts.Join our childfree community: patreon.com/dinkypodLove ya. Don’t get pregnant. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Welcome back to the Regretful Parents series. This episode tackles what motherhood does to women’s bodies, mental health, and sense of self. Erika and Kristen read a post from the Regretful Parents subreddit titled “Never Felt as Ugly as I Do Now as a Mom.” A woman reflects on how pregnancy, postpartum life, chronic sleep deprivation, stress, and mental load have aged her physically and emotionally — and how devastating it feels to no longer recognize herself in the mirror. From "saggy apron bellies to lifeless eyes", celebrity “bounce-back” culture, Botox discourse, and why men somehow escape all of this entirely, the conversation spirals (as it should) into a full-blown rant about how cruel, unfair, and deeply misogynistic the expectations placed on mothers really are. Topics include: Postpartum body changes no one warns you about Why stress and sleep deprivation visibly age womenThe lie of “bouncing back” after pregnancy Celebrity beauty standards are fully rage-inducing Why motherhood drains women and barely touches men And the eternal question: why do we keep doing this to ourselves? Support us on patreon.com/dinkypod so we can kill ads forever Find childfree friends, connect with other fence-sitters, and join our next trip at dinkypod.com. And as always: don’t get pregnant. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

In this episode, Kristen and Erika dive into a wild Reddit post from a working mom dealing with a stay-at-home husband who refuses to actually parent their 28-month-old (that's 2 years and 4 months, people!). What We Cover: A stay-at-home dad who won't take his toddler to the playground, feed her, or play with her Why OP hired a house cleaner because he couldn't handle the basics The depression and isolation that can come with being a full-time parent Why men often aren't equipped to handle what women do every day The importance of community and adult friendships for stay-at-home parents Our thoughts on why this relationship is doomed GET MORE: Instagram & TikTok: @dinkypod Join our community: Find childfree friends, connect with other fence-sitters, and join our next trip at dinkypod.com. Key Moments: The math rant about calling kids "28 months old" instead of just saying their age in years Discussion about whether this dad was always terrible or if parenthood changed him Why the wife can't leave even though she "could care less about him anymore" The hypocrisy of stay-at-home dads vs stay-at-home moms and societal expectations This episode tackles the reality of regretful parenting, gender dynamics in childcare, stay-at-home parent depression, and why some people should never have kids.   Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

What happens when the love you’re promised as a parent never shows up? In this episode, Erika and Kristen dive into one of the most taboo and honest conversations about parenthood: regret, ambivalence, and not loving your child the way society says you should. Reading directly from the Regretful Parents subreddit, we unpack a post from a mother who admits she doesn’t love her baby and can't figure out why.  From postpartum expectations and hormonal myths to comparisons between loving pets vs. children, this episode explores: Why some parents don’t feel instant love after birth The difference between love as a feeling vs. love as an action Postpartum depression, trauma, and emotional overstimulation Why mothers are rarely allowed to admit regret The pressure to perform “good motherhood” even when you’re struggling Whether love can grow later — or never come at all 🎧 Listen if you’re: ✔ Questioning parenthood ✔ Childfree or on the fence ✔ A parent struggling with regret or guilt ✔ Tired of toxic positivity around motherhood ✔ Interested in honest, feminist conversations about family, choice, and autonomy Join the discussion: Do you think parental love is biological, hormonal, learned — or optional? Let us know in the comments. 💖 Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/dinkypod Keywords / Hashtags: #RegretfulParents #MotherhoodRegret #PostpartumReality #NotLovingYourChild #HonestParenting #Childfree #DINK #ParenthoodTruth #PostpartumDepression #RedditStories #TabooTopics #Feminism #DinkyPodcast Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE WEEK: Shop Herself Collections to snag you or someone you love a gorgeous gift this Valentine’s Day!!  It’s the listener question episode! Don’t miss your chance to join me in VIETNAM — and it’s an artsy person's dream itinerary! Buy your tickets while they last. Wanna get your finances in order? Use our link to sign up for a FREE 34 day trial of YNAB (You Need A Budget) and support the show. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Substack, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube. Merch is here!!! If you have a question or comment, email us at [email protected] Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Welcome back to the Regretful Parents series. This week, Erika and Kristen read and react to a post from the Regretful Parents subreddit titled “Feel Like I’ve Ruined My Life.” Spoiler alert: he kind of has. A 29-year-old man agrees to an ultimatum — have a baby before 30 or never — and now finds himself exhausted, resentful, intimacy-deprived, and being pressured for more kids he absolutely does not want. The hosts break down the red flags, the insanity of reproductive ultimatums, and why choosing hypothetical future children over your actual partner is… deeply unwell behavior. Along the way, they discover one of the smartest parenting arrangements they’ve ever seen, question why people keep doing this to themselves, and remind everyone (once again) that ultimatums are not love. Topics include:Reproductive ultimatums 🚩Regret after agreeing to parenthoodWhy “one and done” is a complete sentenceA surprisingly genius split-parenting strategyAnd yet another reminder to PLEASE use your brain🔗 Find everything we do at DinkyPod.com 💸 Support us on Patreon (emotionally, financially, spiritually) And as always: don’t get pregnant. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

We're sitting down with Rachael Eckles. In this conversation, Rachael shares her journey to becoming child-free, her career evolution from law and bioethics to fiction writing, and her advocacy for women's health. She discusses the impact of her education and health experiences on her life choices, the importance of diverse voices in publishing, and her desire to empower women through her writing and publishing platform. Rachael Eckles discusses her journey as an independent author and publisher, emphasizing the importance of providing access to publishing for others. She shares her experiences in building Aphrodite Books, her motivations for writing, and the impact of her childfree lifestyle on her creative process. Rachael also highlights the significance of empowering diverse voices in literature and the freedom to choose one's own path in life. Connect with Rachael on Instagram  Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode — it helps people find the show! Merch is here!!! Get your merch NOW! Erika is taking a group of childfree travelers to VIETNAM — and it’s an artsy adventurer's dream itinerary! Buy your tickets while they last.  Wanna get your finances in order? Use our link to sign up for a FREE 34 day trial of YNAB (You Need A Budget) and support the show. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Substack, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube. If you have a question or comment, email us at [email protected] Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

In this episode, Erika and Kristen dive into a jaw-dropping Reddit post titled “I Am A Roller Coaster Of Regret And Acceptance.” From religious guilt to missed abortions, dating struggles as a single parent, and the crushing realities of living with family, this story sparks one of our most chaotic discussions yet. We unpack: Why people banking on miscarriage is not a life plan The real statistics about pregnancy loss How religion traps people — especially women — in unwanted parenthood Why telling single parents to “just make more money” is useless advice The myth of “plenty of good men who will raise your kid” Dating with kids and the harsh math of shrinking romantic options What realistic support actually looks like for regretful parents Why child support and 50/50 custody are not as simple as Reddit makes it sound How societal expectations sabotage women’s independence Plus: Erika threatens to hand out abortions like Oprah gives out cars Kristen Googles miscarriage stats mid-episode Speculation on whether these Reddit commenters are bots A brief detour into Europe trips, face masks, and alleged co-host hatred A public reminder: STOP GETTING PREGNANT Perfect for listeners who: Are childfree or childfree-curious Love dark humor, honesty, and chaos Want a realistic look at the consequences of accidental parenthood Enjoy commentary on Reddit’s wildest regret-parent stories 💬 Have a regretful parent story? Email us at [email protected] — we might read yours on a future episode. ✈️ Want to travel with us? Check out upcoming trips at dinkypod.com. 🎧 Listen or watch more of Dinky Find us on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. 👉 Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, unfiltered commentary, and exclusive trip info. Final reminder: Don’t. Get. Pregnant. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

In today’s Regretful Parents episode, Erika and Kristen dive into a viral story from the I Regret Having Children Facebook page — and this time, it’s not a confession but a financial horror story. An Ohio mom’s TikTok exploded online after revealing the NICU bill for her premature quadruplets: $4.04 million.  Erika and Kristen unpack the wild reality of childbirth costs in America, why one medical complication can financially ruin a family overnight, and how unpredictable — and brutally expensive — pregnancy and birth can be.  Inside this episode: • A NICU bill for quadruplets that hit $4 million • Why childbirth and complications are financially catastrophic in the U.S. • Parents of twins facing $11 million in NICU charges • How insurance actually works (and doesn’t) for medically complex births • Hidden hospital costs, nonsense itemized charges & billing scams • Why “just have kids” ignores medical and financial reality • The emotional toll of raising premature or medically fragile infants • Why the childfree movement keeps gaining traction • The fear, uncertainty, and chaos behind “miracle baby” stories • Why influencers oversimplify parenthood into “children are a blessing” • U.S. healthcare vs. Europe’s systems — and who ends up paying 📌 FOLLOW US Instagram & TikTok: @dinkypod Trips, events, and childfree meetups: DinkyPod.com Thanks, Dink Squad — and remember: don’t get pregnant. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Today we are joined by the hilarious Liza Treyger, otherwise known as Glitter Cheese on social media. Liza is a comedian you may know from Netflix’s The Degenerates and Survival of the Thickest or her hit podcast That’s Messed Up: An SVU Podcast, where she dives deep into Law & Order episodes, true crime, and pop culture. She’s hilarious and if you love Dinky, you’ll love Liza. Connect with Liza on Instagram. Merch is here! \Erika is taking a group of childfree travelers to VIETNAM — and it’s an artsy adventurer's dream itinerary! ONLY 12 SEATS REMAIN AT TIME OF PUBLICATION! Wanna get your finances in order? Use our link to sign up for a FREE 34 day trial of YNAB (You Need A Budget) and support the show. Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Substack, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube. If you have a question or comment, email us at [email protected] Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Welcome back to our Regretful Parents series. In this episode, Kristen and Erika react to a Reddit post titled “Motherhood Has Been Hell As An Anxious Person,” where an overwhelmed mom explains how becoming a parent completely destroyed her mental health, sleep, and sense of stability. This is one of the most honest Reddit parenting stories we’ve covered. Before having kids, the original poster felt her anxiety was under control. She had routines, sleep, self-care, time for exercise, friendships, and a stable lifestyle. But motherhood brought sleep deprivation, overstimulation, constant responsibility, and the loss of basic personal freedom. Her anxiety returned with a vengeance, leaving her controlling, exhausted, and unable to maintain her own mental or physical health.  We discuss: • What happens when anxious people become parents • Sleep deprivation and the mental health collapse it can cause • The myth that motherhood is always fulfilling or “worth it” • Why self-care is not selfish, especially for parents • How societal pressure pushes people to have kids they aren’t prepared for • The fear of being labeled selfish for prioritizing mental health • Why so many parents feel regret but cannot say it out loud • Neurodivergence, overstimulation, and sensory overload in parenting • How childfree people often avoid these struggles by choice If you’re exploring the childfree lifestyle, questioning parenthood, managing anxiety, or looking for honest conversations about modern parenting, this episode dives into the real challenges parents face—but aren’t allowed to talk about. More episodes and resources: DinkyPod.com Follow us on Instagram and TikTok: @dinkypod Join our childfree community and group trips at DinkyPod.com Patreon for weekly bonus episodes and ad-free content: patreon.com/dinkypod Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:17 Why anxiety and motherhood often collide 02:00 How sleep deprivation destroys mental health 05:00 The motherhood myth and societal pressure 07:00 Why parents don’t expect the loss of freedom 10:00 Self-care vs. “selfishness” 13:00 Neurodivergence and sensory overload 18:00 The fear of constant danger 20:00 Final thoughts Keywords: motherhood anxiety, anxious mom, regretting motherhood, regretful parents, parenting burnout, sleep deprivation mom, overwhelmed mom, childfree by choice, should I have kids, mental health and parenting, Reddit stories, Dinky Pod, Kristen and Erika, parenting regret, motherhood expectations, anxious parents, overstimulation parenting Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.