Rachael Ray on Decision Not to Have Children: 'Boy, Did I Get Bashed for It Over the Decades'

Rachael Ray is open about her decision not to have children.

On the November 12 episode of her podcast, I’ll sleep when I’m deadformer The Rachael Ray Show presenter, 56, spoke with Bob Harper, a famous trainer from The biggest loser. The duo discussed the rejection that comes with deciding to live without children, as well as the benefits of resisting the pressure.

It’s important to surround yourself with love and support as you pursue your own goals, Harper said. And while for some that aspect of life comes from raising children, parenting is not for everyone.

I chose never to have children, Harper said. “God loves all people who have children.”

“Me too!” Ray replied. “And man, did I get beat up over the decades for that.”

Bob Harper 2022

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Harper said societal expectations for queer people to have children were significantly lower when he was growing up — a stark change from current circumstances, where LGBTQ+ couples now have many options for conceiving.

Instead, Harper shows loyalty and care towards her pets. What my dogs teach me every day is unconditional love, he said.

A dog owner herself, Ray agreed. Her pets bring her a “ray of light” and get her through the “dark days”.

“For me, if I’m having the absolute worst day, or I’m sick as a dog — as they say — what makes me feel the best is to go home and literally climb into bed under the covers with my dog,” Ray said.

Rachael Ray and John Cusimano.

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In past episodes of her podcast, Ray has also talked about the support she gets from her husband, John Cusiman. The second episode, which aired on October 29, gave an insight into their marriage – Ray said they need their space, but she still considers herself a “wild, wild, wild lucky girl”.

Ray later spoke about the dynamic between her and Cusiman, 57, during next week’s episode.

“You know, [John is] a lawyer and a musician,” Ray said. “I’m not a musician. I’m certainly not a lawyer. I hate reading legal documents and official stuff, but we balance each other out in a weird way. We allow each other to be open to different worlds.”

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Source: HIS Education