The Full Stop blog

Find updates, reflections, and guidance on topics related to involuntary childlessness and our episodes.

If you're exploring what it’s like to be childless not by choice, or are already engaged and looking for connection, this page is a supportive, welcoming resource. Start with the most recent entry and scroll back to find posts, or use the search below.

Berenice Howard-Smith Berenice Howard-Smith

Stage fright and awe

I’ve got to admit that when we started this podcast, I had thought we’d largely be talking to ourselves initially, and so when I see Michael excitedly sharing the stats, showing that we’ve reached places like Cyprus, San Marino and Lativa, I have to take a deep breath, not just to keep the stage fright in check, but also because I have to admit to feeling a sense of awe.

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Berenice Howard-Smith Berenice Howard-Smith

Special offer from Empowering Childless

To help make 2020 your best year yet, Anne Barratt from Empowering Health in Sydney, Australia is offering a 15% discount on her emotional healing and wellbeing services. Anne specialises in helping people who are childless not by choice, and is CNBC herself.

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Berenice Howard-Smith Berenice Howard-Smith

Greetings from down under from Michael

Many of you would have seen the horrific scenes from the fires and the devastation that came with it. As the fires are coming under control, the sky is beginning to clear and there are many stories that warm the heart, showing us that, in this cynical world, there is humanity and lots of it. 

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Berenice Howard-Smith Berenice Howard-Smith

The power of our community

Watch Michael’s Facebook Live in which he reflects on this year and how we’ve found strength from our community.

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Berenice Howard-Smith Berenice Howard-Smith

Finding hope at Christmas

It’s funny, I didn’t intend to get up today and put up the Christmas tree or decorate the front room. Nor did I imagine that I would then sit to write about it afterwards to share with you, our wonderful community, but it felt right to share this private moment with you. I wanted to show you all that you are making progress in small ways, even if you can’t see it.

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Berenice Howard-Smith Berenice Howard-Smith

Take part in our next episodes

You’ll reach our friendly and supportive audience from the childless not by choice community. The podcast is accessible to everyone so we can draw more listeners into our network through great stories and content. Here’s how you can take part in our November and December episodes.

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Berenice Howard-Smith Berenice Howard-Smith

Friendship and mental health

We are pleased to bring you our latest episode which is all about mental health. We must mention that I share my story which refers to suicide and you may wish to skip to 0.58 mins if you feel it could be difficult to listen to. We’ve provide helpline details on our Listen page and in the show notes across all the channels, please do not hesitate to contact them if you feel you need too.

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Berenice Howard-Smith Berenice Howard-Smith

October episode 6 news: looking after our mental health

We’ll bring you more news about what we’ve been up to, who’s creating waves in the community and discussing what’s been in the news. Drop us a line if you have something you’d like to share with us.

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Berenice Howard-Smith Berenice Howard-Smith

Meet Michael

“I didn’t know Michael until the podcast but I liked him immediately. He’s genuine, caring and bloody funny! I admire his ability to show his vulnerabilities and I’ve learned so much from him about the men’s side of being CNBC.” Sarah, speaking about co-presenter, Michael.

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Podcast episode Berenice Howard-Smith Podcast episode Berenice Howard-Smith

Episode 1 show notes

We’ll be publishing show notes for each issue. They’re embedded into the RSS code which means they pop up in whichever player you use to listen to us. To make it easier to find more information, here’s a run down of the links for Episode 1 ‘Speaking Out’ which featured Jody Day as our special guest.

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Podcast episode Berenice Howard-Smith Podcast episode Berenice Howard-Smith

Episode 1 Bonus show!

We promised you a thank you for all your support and here it is! Michael cast his magic talents over the extra content we recorded for episode 1. We’re sharing it with you today exclusively on our website

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