Seven years ago, Michael hit record, Sarah spoke and Berenice published episode 1 of the Full Stop pressed publish on the first episode. It was 20 minutes and 20 seconds long. There were 108 downloads. And neither of us had any idea what we were doing.
Episode 86 brings us together to mark seven years of honest conversation about childless life. Join us to listen back, reflect, and look forward.
In this episode:
Hear clips from the very first Full Stop episode including the actual first words ever spoken on the podcast
How each of us and our relationship with our own childless grief has changed over seven years
Sarah talks about the concept of grief as a companion rather than an enemy and how that shift changes everything, with examples from Michael and Berenice on where their grief sits right now.
Masking behind humour, anger that softens, and the wisdom that comes with time
The childless landscape since 2019, and we talk about what's changed, what still needs to change, and why the conversation matters more than ever
What the next seven years might look like — and how you can be part of them
Why "you are not alone" was the phrase coined by Michael in Episode 1, way back in 2019 and why his words still say everything
Guests and community mentioned in this episode:
The Full Stop has been built on the generosity of its guests over seven years. Here are some of the key voices and resources referenced in this episode and throughout our library:
Jody Day — Gateway Women — the original community and resource for childless women, founded by our first-ever guest
Dr Robin Hadley — researcher and advocate for childless men
Bibi Lynch — journalist and childlessness advocate - search Bibi Lynch, The Guardian
Dr Stella Duffy, OBE — writer, activist, psychotherapist and theatremaker
Jessica Hepburn — author, arts producer and activist and founder of Fertility Fest
Sarah Lawrence — counsellor at After The Storm, specialising in childless grief
Meriel Whale — Neurodivergent, childless and queer specialist counsellor for permanently childless people and celebrant
Storyhouse Childless – an event held in Chester, UK for childless and childfree people
Find us:
All episodes: bio.site/thefullstop
Community: thefullstoppod.com/fullstopcommunity
Support us: ko-fi.com/thefullstop
The Full Stop is a podcast for childless people and everyone who cares for them.
UK: Contact the Samaritans on freephone 116 123, they're open 24 hours and are there to listen and Mind.
USA: Suicide Prevention
Canada: Canada Crisis
Australia: Beyond Blue
Sarah Lawrence After The Storm
Pink Therapy (UK): Directory of LGBTQIA+ friendly therapists.
Many of our guests have channels online and blogs so you can follow what they do and read their words. Head to our podcast page, and click on the episode image to access the show notes and further reading.
The Full Stop podcast and content posted by The Full Stop Community CIC is presented solely for general information, and educational purposes. The guests’ views may not represent those of the Full Stop Community CIC, online community members or the co-directors. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.
