This episode of ‘Circling the Rabbit Hole’ podcast, hosted by Dr. Claire, features guests Muthoni and Rix, for candid conversation on an increasingly popular yet still controversial lifestyle choice ie. opting to be child-free.

Today’s discussion aims to destigmatise this choice, moving away from negative connotations associated with "childlessness" or “being barren”. We contextualise this lifestyle choice to our society and culture here in Kenya, as Muthoni and Rix share their personal experiences, highlighting the combative reactions women often face compared to men when making this choice.

Muthoni, having never envisioned herself as a parent, talks us through how she arrived at her decision and what action she has taken to ensure she lives a life true to herself, her beliefs and passions. At the same time, Rix reveals that his decision stemmed from just how much "parenting" he had already done for his family and himself. His realisation that parenthood is a demanding vocation very few are truly prepared for.

The episode also explores the medical aspects of contraception, with Muthoni recounting being denied a tubal ligation at age 23 due to her age and societal expectations that denied her body autonomy, while Rix discusses the cultural resistance men face regarding the vasectomy procedure, despite it being a simpler procedure for couples looking to prevent pregnancy, having completed their family size. The conversation concludes with advice to "choose your hard" and not to have a child for someone else, emphasising that the decision should be a personal and well-reasoned one.

Connect with my guests today:

Onyango Otieno @rixpoet is a mental health activist, SRHR storyteller, podcast host, and all-around troublemaker, who is committed to using his voice to speak up against toxic masculinity and SGBV.

Muthoni Gitau @iammuthonigitau is a content creator, YouTuber, podcaster, DIY queen, and proud cat mom, who uses art and creativity to create a safe space for young people navigating everyday life and its challenges in modern-day Kenya.

Related episodes:

Creating awareness on suicide prevention

https://youtu.be/O5Rv8a6ZA48?si=trApYodrXB09ON8-

Gen Z & Maandamano: Safeguarding your mental

health https://youtu.be/TeceokYGJOc?si=AwIn2hEPA0Mx8M_bCTRH podcast

Location partner:

@ashleyfurniturekenya

@fairdealfurniture

How can you support this podcast? Subscribe & Rate this episode, Share & leave a comment.

Let’s continue the conversation on:

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TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.claire.kinuthia

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dr.claire.kinuthia?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Contact us via email ctrhpodcast@drclairekinuthia.com

WebsiteDrclairekinuthia.com

#livingchildfree #childfreelifestyle #buildingcommunity #contraception #vasectomy #tuballigation #healthymalefriendships #endingstigmaagainstwomen #conversationstarter #dybunkingmyths #Edutainment #CTRHPodcast

In today’s episode, I’m joined by a pair of amazing exerts in their respective fields of fitness and nutrition.

What do experts really mean by lifestyle modification? What should we be eating? Are supplements safe & what ones should you be prioritizing? Do we all need to be in the gym in order to be fit? Where do we start if we want to prioritize a healthy lifestyle? How do I make appropriate adjustments for life in my 30s & 40s?

Join us as we deep dive into this and much more.

Connect with my guests today:

Schola Muchiri a strength coach, fitness & personal trainer who helps Women & Men over 30 yrs get strong and build muscle through lifting weights & lose fat through mindful eating. @schola.muchiri on Instagram

Jemimah Saru is a fitness coach and nutritionist who specializes in fat loss and strength training for busy corporate women above age 30. @jemysaru on Instagram

Related episodes:

Our introductory episode on Menopause

https://youtu.be/hl7ZnkVj6CE?si=YMuym_yagKzDtVC5

CTRH podcast Location partner:

@ashleyfurniturekenya

@fairdealfurniture

How can you support this podcast?

Subscribe & Rate this episode, Share & leave a comment.

Let’s continue the conversation on:

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/ctrh_podcast/

TikTok

https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.claire.kinuthia

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/dr.claire.kinuthia?mibextid=LQQJ4d

#lifestylemodification #endstigmaoonaging #fitness #nutrition #wellnessmadeeasy #menopausesupportke #conversationstarter #dybunkingmyths #Edutainment #CTRHPodcast

Today we share an episode shot in front of our first Live audience at our ‘Myths from Below Yonder’ event. I’m joined by a panel of amazing experts for a holistic discussion on Menopause and Andropause, set in our African context.

Menopause is currently a hot topic globally, more-so as many Millenials enter this season of transition in their lives. We are quickly realising just how little those who went through it before us actually understood or were able to share with us. In addition, and with the aim of inclusion, we also take a deep dive into Andropause, often loosely referred to as “the male menopause”.

We delve into hormones and their effect on the signs and symptoms you may be experiencing; into nutrition and fitness, specifically the important role of strength training during this challenging time, and finally, everyone’s favourite segment; plastics and aesthetic surgery. We discuss everything you need to know about procedures especially relevant to this age group, What is available locally and how to best and safely find your most suitable option and providers.

Connect with my guests today:

Dr. Dorcus Muchiri IG: @drdorcusmuchiri is a Consultant OBGYN, Thought Leader, Educator & Women's Health Public Speaker.

Schola Muchiri a strength coach, fitness & personal trainer who helps Women & Men over 30 yrs get strong and build muscle through lifting weights & lose fat through mindful eating. @schola.muchiri on Instagram

Dr. Muriu Kinuthia IG: @dr.muriu.kinuthia is a Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon & Associate Editor, @prsglobalopen

Related episodes:

Our introductory episode on Menopause

https://youtu.be/hl7ZnkVj6CE?si=YMuym_yagKzDtVC5

CTRH podcast Location partner:

@ashleyfurniturekenya

@fairdealfurniture

How can you support this podcast?

Subscribe & Rate this episode, Share & leave a comment.

Let’s continue the conversation on:

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/ctrh_podcast/

TikTok

https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.claire.kinuthia

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/dr.claire.kinuthia?mibextid=LQQJ4d

#menopause #andropause #thegreattransition #endstigmaoonaging #debunkinghormones #menopausesupportke #conversationstarter #dybunkingmyths #Edutainment #CTRHPodcast