Dinky

That’s right: Margaret Cho is here!!! Margaret joins us to talk about her childfree life and why she’d rather pay someone to take care of her when she’s old. She opens up about past pregnancies and jokes about the high-end nepo babies the world missed out on.

We also get the story of dating Quentin Tarantino in the ’90s, as well as her plans to abolish the billionaire class. Plus menopause! We really got into everything with her. Stick around to hear how she dinked herself with a four-room, mid-century modern catio for her cats.

Catch Margaret on tour with her new show, Choligarchy, which is touring through 2027.

“Don't get pregnant” merch: https://dinkypod.myspreadshop.com/

Want to travel with Dinky hosts & meet other childfree folks???

Colombia: https://trovatrip.com/trip/south-america/colombia/colombia-with-erika-abdelatif-feb-2027

France: https://trovatrip.com/trip/europe/france/france-with-erika-abdelatif-may-2027

Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Substack, Instagram,TikTok,and Threads at @dinkypod. Follow us onYouTube.

If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Don't get pregnant merch: https://dinkypod.myspreadshop.com/
More from Dinky: https://www.dinkypod.com/
Patreon: https://patreon.com/dinkypod

Today, we're introducing our latest project: Your Family Sucks! YFS is a series where we dive deep into your family drama + judge them accordingly. In this episode, a listener wants a childfree wedding, which makes sense when her fiance’s side alone has 26 kids. When she tells her sister, the sister quits her role maid of honor and divulges years and yearssss of hidden grudges. Erika and Kristen share how they handled their own weddings, debate how many kids is too many, and help the listener figure out how to set boundaries without losing her joy on the big day.

Got a family story? Email us at dinky@dinkypod.com.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

I hope you like searing depression, because boy oh boy, do we have an episode for you! You may have seen terrifying climate headlines in September 2026. Specifically, a new report by the UN Environment Programme which found that global temperature rise is set to cross 1.5°C, pushing climate risks and impacts to dangerous new heights. We’ll talk more about what’s in the report, the impacts, and if there’s any chance for society to overcome it.

EVERYONE who signs up to our giveaway will receive a FREE Rose suction toy with their @bellesaco order! https://bbvibes.com/dinky
#bbpartner

New merch is coming!!!!

Want to travel with Dinky hosts & meet other childfree folks???

Colombia: https://trovatrip.com/trip/south-america/colombia/colombia-with-erika-abdelatif-feb-2027

France: https://trovatrip.com/trip/europe/france/france-with-erika-abdelatif-may-2027

Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Substack, Instagram,TikTok,and Threads at @dinkypod.

Follow us onYouTube.

If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

The New York Times called her the "personification of the women's movement." The Wall Street Journal called her a feminist icon. The BBC News said that was the leader of the women's liberation movement in the United States — and CNN said that Steinem was the "face" of the second-wave feminism movement of the 1960s and 1970s. The Associated Press called Steinem one of the "most visible symbols and potent voices of the U.S. women's movement". Today we are talking about Gloria Steinem, her life, and her legacy as a childfree woman.

EVERYONE who signs up to our giveaway will receive a FREE Rose suction toy with their @bellesaco order! https://bbvibes.com/dinky

#bbpartner

Take a trip with Dinky!

Treat yourself to new merch!Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Substack, Instagram,TikTok,and Threads at @dinkypod. Follow us onYouTube.

If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Ah, the leaves are turning and the smell of pumpkin is in the air… which can only mean one thing: someone in your family is going to start hounding you about coming home for the holidays. As two people who have notoriously trashed the life script, I wanted to do this episode because I think we need a come to Jesus moment about why we’ve actually made the holiday season terrible and we should completely trash these traditions. In this episode, we’ll get into why, and what to do if going home for the holidays sucks.

EVERYONE who signs up to our giveaway will receive a FREE Rose suction toy with their @bellesaco order! https://bbvibes.com/dinky

#bbpartner

JOIN US FOR Christmas Markets 2026!!!OR Colombia 2027!!!!

PLUS: Treat yourself to new merch!Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Substack, Instagram,TikTok,and Threads at @dinkypod. Follow us onYouTube.

If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Want more exclusive content from Dinky? Join the Patreon!

Visit Amandine Bookkeeping, our small business spotlight: https://www.amandine-bookkeeping.com/about-us

Dink Yourself:
Beyoncé’s Cécred Lash Serum
Bauer Steamer Pro

JOIN US FOR Christmas Markets 2026!!!OR Colombia 2027!!!!

From 1979 to 2015, China's one child policy limited most families to a single kid. Now that generation is stuck in the sandwich generation, caring for aging parents and their own children with no siblings to share the load. Today we’ll break down the history of the policy, from forced abortions and son preference to China's sudden flip to pronatalist campaigns, and why daughters are still getting the worst of the caregiving deal.

PLUS: Treat yourself to new merch!Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Substack, Instagram,TikTok,and Threads at @dinkypod. Follow us onYouTube.

If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Today I’m speaking with Jenna Sherman, who serves as campaign director for Ultraviolet, a national advocacy organization that drives feminist cultural and political change, and works to improve the lives of all women and gender expansive people by disrupting patriarchy and creating a cost for sexism. You may have seen Ultraviolet’s recent campaign against Flock Cameras — specifically in raising awareness for their partnership with Ulta. Jenna joins me today to discuss the issue and what folks can do to fight back.

Learn more:
Follow Ultraviolet on Instagram.
Sign their petition.

Anti-Flock Resources:
Cities Fighting Back (Newsweek)
Don’t Get Flocked: https://dontgetflocked.com/maps/
Have I Been Flocked: https://haveibeenflocked.com/

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Want more exclusive content from Dinky? Join the Patreon!

EVERYONE who signs up to our giveaway wins a FREE spicy toy or gift card for toys! https://www.bboutique.co/vibe/dinky-pod

Shop items from ourDink Yourself segment or Kristen's Dior lipgloss in color Berry.

JOIN US FOR Christmas Markets 2026!!!OR Colombia 2027!!!!

Today we are doing an episode that is long overdue. We are interviewing Zoë Noble and James Glazebrook – hosts of the popular We Are Childfree podcast. The podcast started in January 2021 and focuses on childfree women and, more recently, on celebrating the lives and experiences of older childfree people. We Are Childfree has been featured in The New York Times, BBC, The Guardian, Vogue and much more. We will hear more about their stories, life on the road traveling Europe in a camper van, and much more.

Learn more about Hearth, guided gatherings for women.

Kristen has been quietly building a cozy chair for people who game on the couch or in bed. Also for crafters, knitters, and anyone who works from a laptop in bed. Lunni launches spring 2027, and the email list gets first access. Sign up at https://www.shoplunni.com.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

This is a FREE BONUS episode. Want more exclusive content from Dinky? Join the Patreon!

EVERYONE who signs up to our giveaway wins a FREE spicy toy or gift card for toys! https://www.bboutique.co/vibe/dinky-pod

Shop items from ourDink Yourself segment.

JOIN US FOR Christmas Markets 2026!!!OR Colombia 2027!!!!
https://trovatrip.com/trip/europe/germany-and-austria/germany-with-erika-abdelatif-dec-09-2026?earlybird=true
This episode is going to be A DOOOOOOOOZY. We’re talking about a story that centers in Texas (of course) featuring a baby, who was born with a severe heart defect, that drew the attention of anti-abortion activists as well as the Texas attorney general after the intended parents wanted the surrogate mother to have an abortion. I think there is a good likelihood that this case will rise to the Supreme Court and influence future abortion precedent — so, as your local abortion advocates, we thought it was valuable to fill you in.

Sources:
California couple’s surrogate gives birth in Texas after judge orders life-saving care
A Fight Over Abortion and Surrogacy Ends With a Baby Born in Texas
Newborn with heart condition at center of surrogacy legal fight has surgery
Surrogate fighting for baby’s life against abortion-pushing biological parents: ‘Every life matters’
Reddit: Biological parents file for a temporary restraining order against the surrogate mother, McKenna West

PLUS: Treat yourself to new merch!Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Substack, Instagram,TikTok,and Threads at @dinkypod. Follow us onYouTube.

If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Want more exclusive content from Dinky? Join the Patreon!

EVERYONE who signs up to our giveaway wins a FREE spicy toy or gift card for toys! https://www.bboutique.co/vibe/dinky-pod

JOIN US FOR Christmas Markets 2026!!!OR Colombia 2027!!!!

Our returning guest today is the fearless Dr. Danielle Gershon. Dr. Danielle is an OBGYN working and living in Alabama. She is a fellow of the Physicians for Reproductive Health and she is also childfree by choice. We are so excited to chat with her about her experiences as an abortion provider in the South, recent trends she’s noticing, Black maternal mortality, and more.

Shop items from ourDink Yourself segment.

PLUS: Treat yourself to new merch!Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Substack, Instagram,TikTok,and Threads at @dinkypod.

Follow us onYouTube.

If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.com

#bbpartner

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Want more exclusive content from Dinky? Join the Patreon! Shop items from ourDink Yourself segment.

JOIN US FOR Christmas Markets 2026!!!OR Colombia 2027!!!!

Our guest today, Brianna Madia, is a 3x bestseller having lived in and traveled the deserts of the American West in an old Ford van. She made a name for herself on social media discussing topics like identity, nature, and subverting expectations. She lives in Utah, Oregon and wherever the road takes her, so long as her four dogs are along for the ride. She is the author of Nowhere for Very Long and Never Leave the Dogs Behind, and her new book Homesick Nomad is out now.

PLUS: Treat yourself to new merch!Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Substack, Instagram,TikTok,and Threads at @dinkypod.

Follow us onYouTube.

If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Want more exclusive content from Dinky? Join the Patreon! Shop items from ourDink Yourself segment.

Today we are recapping two recent Dinky trips: Vietnam in April and France in June. If you’re new to our trips, we partner with the company TrovaTrip who organizes the itinerary and manages all the logistics for us so we just get to show up and enjoy our vacation.

If you’re interested in taking more trips with Dinky, Kristen and I are hosting folks for our second Christmas Markets trip in December, and next year I’ll taking folks to Colombia + France for part two (stay tuned for those trips to launch!)

Also, we get into a weird deep dive of our personal psychs, and share a ton of travel recs.

Erika’s Ha Long Bay Cruise: https://lyracruises.com/lyra-grandeur/
Erika’s favorite Crocs: https://go.shopmy.us/p-57929246
Kristen’s neck AC: https://www.amazon.ie/gp/aw/d/B0CW97DZZD?ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title&th=1
Portable fan: https://www.amazon.ie/gp/aw/d/B0GCWCV21P?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title
Kristen's new cute, comfy shoes:
https://go.shopmy.us/p-77070821

Upcoming trips:
Colombia goes on sale July 30. France 2027 details coming soon.

PLUS: Treat yourself to new merch!Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Substack, Instagram,TikTok,and Threads at @dinkypod. Follow us onYouTube.

If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Want more exclusive content from Dinky? Join the Patreon! Shop items from ourDink Yourself segment.

We’re talking with author Jaclyn Westlake! Jaclyn is a former recruiter and career advice columnist who now writes novels about funny, flawed women doing their best to find their authentic way in the world. She is the author of Dear Dotty — a finalist for the Women's Fiction Writers Association Star Award — and Lucky Break, whose main character navigates grief, therapy, and the unexpected freedom of a life that didn't go according to plan. Jaclyn lives in California with her husband Brian and their chihuahua mix, Mr. Pickles.

TRIPS:Christmas Markets 2026!!!

GET MORE FROM DINKY:Treat yourself to new merch!Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Substack, Instagram,TikTok,and Threads at @dinkypod. Follow us onYouTube.If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Today we are doing another dedicated Regretful Parents episode. This is our fourth full episode we’ve done on regretful parents and, if you didn’t notice by now, we also have a recurring series we try to do weekly available wherever you find podcasts and a whole lot more on our YouTube channel.

In today’s episode, I have compiled a ton of recent posts on Facebook’s I Regret Having Children, which as of recording has 105k members. Trigger warning that there is some talk of parricide (or the murder of one’s own family member) in today’s episode. Either way, you are in for a ride.

TRIPS: Christmas Markets 2026!!!

GET MORE FROM DINKY:Treat yourself to new merch!Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Substack, Instagram,TikTok,and Threads at @dinkypod.

Follow us onYouTube.If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Want more exclusive content from Dinky? Join the Patreon! Shop items from ourDink Yourself segment.

Today, we’re talking to the mind behind the Instagram account Kids or Childfree. Keltie Maguire is a Clarity Coach, and offers coaching, workshops, and a podcast dedicated to helping women navigate one of life's biggest and most underserved decisions: whether or not to become a parent. Now based in Germany, Keltie came to this work through her own uncertainty. In our conversation we’ll talk about what helped her feel good in her own choice, what to expect from her workshops, plus: we’ll ask her what the deal is with men.

TRIPS: Christmas Markets 2026!!!

GET MORE FROM DINKY:Treat yourself to new merch!Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Substack, Instagram,TikTok,and Threads at @dinkypod.

Follow us onYouTube.If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Want more exclusive content from Dinky? Join the Patreon! Shop items from our Dink Yourself segment.

Our guest today is Kennedy, who goes by Cozy K or just @cozy.games on social media, has more than 1.5 million followers across Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. Cozy K is your gaming and lifestyle bestie dedicated to creating a warm, welcoming space for all who appreciate games, hobbies and an overall cozy aesthetic – a true pioneer of the “cozy gamer” identity. From heartfelt game recommendations and game release play-throughs to cozy room tours and DIY projects, Kennedy’s content is a love letter to slowing down and finding joy in simple pleasures.

TRIPS: Christmas Markets 2026!!!

GET MORE FROM DINKY:
Treat yourself to new merch!

Wanna get your finances in order? Use our link to sign up for aFREE 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 onYouTube.

If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Want more exclusive content from Dinky? Join the Patreon! Shop items from ourDink Yourself segment.

Today we are joined by Eva Zu Beck: an adventure YouTuber, host and director of the show Superskilled on NatGeo, and a self-proclaimed feral woman. We ask her about her experiences leaving corporate life to travel the world, her experiences with her dog Vilk, and what it’s like to be a woman in this industry.

TRIPS:Christmas Markets 2026!!!

GET MORE FROM DINKY: Treat yourself to new merch!Wanna get your finances in order? Use our link to sign up for aFREE 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 onYouTube.

If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

Want more exclusive content from Dinky? Join the Patreon!

Shop items from our Dink Yourself segment.

Today, we’re talking with Helena de Groot — creator, sound designer, storyteller, and the audio producer behind several beloved podcasts. Originally from Belgium, she's the producer of the Poetry Foundation's flagship interview show Poetry Off the Shelf, and the co-creator of the cult-classic Paris Review Podcast.

Her newest project, Creation Myth, is an eight-part audio memoir for CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) — a deeply personal account of her experience wrestling with the decision to have children, or not. The series follows Helena from her certainty in her early years, through a marriage, an abortion, and a divorce, and beyond.

TRIPS: Christmas Markets 2026!!!

GET MORE FROM DINKY: Treat yourself to new merch!

Wanna get your finances in order? Use our link to sign up for aFREE 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 dinky@dinkypod.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.

UPDATE: Hi folks, we're releasing this Patreon exclusive to all our listeners for free because the main story in this episode is now going to court + we want to share the story more widely. If you want to support her trial: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-me-fight-for-justice-after-a-courtordered-csection

Erika and Kristen dig into a deeply disturbing ProPublica investigation of two Black women in Florida who were subjected to emergency court hearings during active labor when they refused unwanted C-sections.

The hosts break down the cases in detail, including the murky statistics on uterine rupture risk, the medical racism baked into how Black women are treated during childbirth, and how Florida's fetal personhood laws have created a legal landscape where state prisoners have more rights over their medical decisions than pregnant women.

They also revisit the ongoing story of Adriana Smith, the Georgia woman declared brain dead at 9 weeks pregnant whose family has been navigating the aftermath of forced life support ever since.

Key topics covered

The ProPublica investigation into Cherise Doyley and Brianna Bennett
What fetal personhood laws are and why they matter right now
The 1999 Laura Pemberton case — an early Florida forced C-section precedent
Medical racism and the maternal mortality disparity for Black women
The difference between doulas and midwives
Why mentally competent patients can refuse most medical treatment
Adriana Smith's story and her family's GoFundMe
Women being excluded from health studies until the 1990s

TRIPS:
Lavender Dreams & Riviera Nights With Erika (Tickets close on May 2!)
Christmas Markets 2026!!!

GET MORE FROM DINKY:Treat yourself to new merch!Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Substack, Instagram,TikTok,and Threads at @dinkypod. Follow us onYouTube.If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.com

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’re being BLESSED by the one and only Rachel Cargle. When we started this podcast, Rachel was one of our number one dream guests. Rachel is a founder, an organizer, an author, an activist. Her work focuses mostly on intersectionality and womanhood. She is the creator of the iconic community for childfree women Rich Auntie Supreme. She’s the author of A Renaissance of Our Own: A Memoir & Manifesto on Reimagining which is a very lovely book that I’d recommend to anyone who is working through a new phase of their life.

TRIPS:

Lavender Dreams & Riviera Nights With Erika (time is running out!!!)

Christmas Markets 2026!!!

GET MORE FROM DINKY:
Treat yourself to new merch!
Wanna get your finances in order? Use our link to sign up for aFREE 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 onYouTube.

If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.