Dinky

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Today, we’re talking about Project 2026.
 
Two years ago, we covered everything you needed to know about Project 2025, the dystopian right-wing plan from the Heritage Foundation that was largely considered the blueprint for the Trump administration’s first year back in office. 

But the Heritage Foundation didn’t stop there — no, their nightmare for America knows no bounds. So today, we’re unpacking everything you need to know about Project 2026, their new plans for chaos and destruction. 

SOURCES:
Project 2025 architects lay out 2026 policy vision
How much of Project 2025 has actually been accomplished this year?

TRIPS:
Artsy Adventure In Vietnam With Erika
Lavender Dreams & Riviera Nights With Erika

GET MORE FROM DINKY:
Treat yourself to new merch! 
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.

⚠️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.