Minimalist Moms Podcast | Purposeful Life & Parenting Tips

What does tyranny have to do with parenting, marriage, or everyday life? More than we might think. Joshua Jipp, author of How Not to Be a Tyrant, joins me to explore how fear, insecurity, and the desire for control can shape the way we lead at home and beyond. We discuss the difference between authority and manipulation, why good intentions don't always justify our actions, and how humility, honest communication, and a willingness to apologize can help us build healthier relationships.

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Feeling forgetful, distracted, or mentally exhausted? Brain health expert and bestselling author Dr. Marc Milstein joins me to explore how chronic stress, multitasking, and information overload affect our memory, focus, and long-term health. We discuss the science behind “mom brain,” the importance of sleep, and simple, realistic habits that can help protect our brains as we age. Because caring for our mental well-being doesn’t have to mean adding more to our plates - sometimes it starts with doing less.

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Today, I'm joined by Emily, founder of Rise Centered, for a conversation about something I've been thinking a lot about lately: what if creating a healthier relationship with our phones has less to do with willpower and more to do with the environments we're creating?

If you've been listening recently, you know I've had quite a few conversations about technology, screen time, and reclaiming our attention - and I actually have one or two more coming your way. I know it might seem like we're spending a lot of time on this topic, but I think that's...

Between school schedules, household responsibilities, extracurricular activities, and everything else that comes with raising kids, it's easy for family life to start feeling like a series of tasks we're simply trying to get through. But what if we stopped dividing and conquering and started working together?

Today, I'm joined by Blake and Chandler Allsmith, parents of seven and authors of The Family Framework, to talk about building a more connected, intentional family culture. Drawing from their experience in business and parenting, they share how simple systems can help families move from merely managing the chaos to actually...

When our children struggle - with attention, learning, emotions, friendships, or behavior - it's natural to wonder: Is something wrong? Do we need an evaluation? Am I missing something?

Clinical neuropsychologist and learning disorder expert Dr. Katie Davis, author of Actually, You're Fine, joins me to unpack the increasingly complicated world of childhood development and diagnosis. We talk about the difference between a symptom and a disorder, how much developmental variation is actually normal, and why parents may need to become more comfortable observing a struggle before immediately trying to fix it.

Katie also explains...

What if the secret to getting ahead isn't doing more, but getting intentional about what matters most?

In this episode, I'm joined by Kelly Mooney, founder and CEO of Equipped Women and co-author of Up: The Playbook for Every Woman on the Rise, for a conversation about ambition, self-advocacy, and creating a career and life that reflect your values. Drawing on three decades of leadership experience, Kelly shares the unwritten rules of career advancement that women aren't always taught, including why working hard isn't enough, how to make your contributions visible, and why advocating for yourself matters.<...

When a teen with ADHD knows what they’re supposed to do - but still can’t seem to do it - it’s easy for parents to see defiance, laziness, or a lack of motivation. But ADHD is often a performance problem, not a knowledge problem, and understanding that distinction can completely change the way we respond to our kids. 

In this episode, I’m joined by ADHD coach and author Dr. Tamara Rosier to talk about what’s actually happening inside the ADHD brain during the teen and young adult years.

We discuss: time blindn...

Money can feel especially stressful when so much of the economy is outside of our control. Rising costs, housing challenges, job uncertainty, college expenses, retirement - it’s easy to feel like we’re constantly bracing for what might come next. But while we can’t control the economy, we can become more intentional about the way we manage what we have.

Today I’m joined by Crystal Paine, author of The 7 Habits of Financially Healthy Women, to talk about creating more peace and confidence around money. Crystal shares about the emotional side of spending, financial fears many wom...

A question that keeps coming up is: how do I declutter crafts? I knew this was a topic that could be applied to not just kids crafts, but our own. Where do we store it all? Do I have too much? How do I know what to keep and get rid of? Joining me today to tackle these questions (and more) is author of Simple Lion Heart Life, Melissa Russell.

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If you've been listening for a while now, you know, I've talked about the benefits of getting kids outside or living a slower childhood or having less screen time. But in today's conversation, we're going to be talking about the negative side of making our children's childhood too structured and adult directed. And what children can gain when we give some of that back?

Today, I'm joined by Ainsley Arment, founder of Wild and Free, an author of the new children's book, Grow Wild My Child, for a conversation about protecting the wonder, curiosity, and freedom of...

For many families, the car isn't just transportation - it's a second living room, a snack station, a homework hub, and the place where life happens between destinations. But with so much happening inside the vehicle, it's easy for distractions to quietly steal our attention.

In this episode, Diane sits down with Jennifer Morrison, Director of Vehicle Safety Strategy at Mazda, to discuss ways families can make everyday drives calmer, safer, and less stressful. Together, they explore how simplifying what's happening inside the car can help us stay more focused on the road, how modern safety technology...

Fatigue. Brain fog. Hair loss. Mood changes. Hormonal shifts. After having a baby, women are often told these symptoms are simply part of motherhood - but when does “normal postpartum” become something worth investigating?

Today I’m joined by Dr. Alexandra MacKillop, functional medicine doctor specializing in women’s health and hormones and author of The Postpartum Check-In. Alexandra helps women better understand what’s happening in their bodies after pregnancy and childbirth - and, importantly, how to recognize when something may deserve a closer look.

We talk about why pregnancy can uncover or trigger underlying...

If you’ve ever called yourself lazy because you procrastinate, Dana K. White wants you to reconsider what’s really happening. Dana is back for the second time to discuss Procrastinators Get Stuff Done and why procrastination is often less about laziness and more about overwhelm, mental load, and too many decisions. We talk about why consistency doesn’t have to be the goal, how “pre-made decisions” can quiet the constant internal debate, and why doing one small thing right now can create the momentum we need.

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Going Deeper episodes will be less structured with a more conversational tone. These conversations will focus on interesting people I've come across that share similar values, perspectives and intentions expressed on the Minimalist Moms Podcast.

This is an episode of the Going Deeper series of the Minimalist Moms Podcast. Going Deeper episodes will be less structured with a more conversational tone. This week, I spoke with Morgan Kline of Burn Bootcamp. Morgan dives into the history and philosophy behind Burn Boot Camp. These pillars emphasize physical and mental health, nutrition, goal setting, and the importance of community...

Content warning: This episode contains topics that may not be appropriate for younger ears. Use discernment when listening.

American boys are failing to meet their potential And joining me today is New York Times bestselling author, Dr. Leonard Sax, to explain why and what we can do about it. A growing proportion of American boys are failing. From kindergarten to college, boys are becoming less resilient and less ambitious, and the gender gap in college attendance and graduation rates has widened dramatically

sack shares research-based factors that play a role in this shift But he's...

Going Deeper episodes will be less structured with a more conversational tone. These conversations will focus on interesting people I've come across that share similar values, perspectives and intentions expressed on the Minimalist Moms Podcast.

What helps a child feel connected to you - even when you’re apart? Actress, author, entrepreneur, and mom of four Sarah Wright Olsen joins me to talk about her new children’s book, When I Am Not With You: How We’re Together Even When We’re Apart, inspired by her own children’s experiences with separation anxiety.

Sarah shares the...

We talk a lot about screen time - but what if the bigger issue is what our phones are quietly taking our attention away from?

Olivia Yokubonis, known online as Olivia Unplugged, joins me to talk about moving beyond willpower and creating practical boundaries that help us use technology more intentionally. We discuss no-phone zones, practicing boredom, modeling healthier habits for our kids, and why the goal isn’t necessarily less technology—it’s having more autonomy over when and why we use it.

At the heart of the conversation is one question worth asking: When n...

For those who are new here, I occasionally release bonus episodes designed for a specific part of my audience. I have listeners from all kinds of faith backgrounds, and this episode is shared from a Christian perspective. If that’s not quite what you’re looking for today, feel free to explore the other episodes released this week - or join me back here next Tuesday for a conversation you won’t want to miss!

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What if growing closer to God wasn’t about adding another practice to your list - but becoming more aware of...

What if the key to feeling less overwhelmed isn't doing more—it's deciding what you no longer need to do yourself?

In this eisode, Diane sits down with Christine Landis, founder of Peacock Parent, to explore the often-overlooked topic of outsourcing at home. While outsourcing is often associated with expensive services or large household budgets, Christine challenges that assumption by showing how every family can lighten both the physical and mental load - regardless of income.

Together, they discuss why time is one of our most valuable resources, how the invisible mental load contributes to bu...

What if the answer to the youth mental health crisis isn’t simply fewer screens - but more freedom?

In this conversation, I’m joined by psychologist and Free to Learn author Dr. Peter Gray to talk about his latest book, Restoring Childhood: How to Set Kids Free in the Age of Anxiety. Peter challenges us to look beyond smartphones and social media and consider a much bigger shift that’s taken place over the last several decades: children have far less independence, unstructured play, and freedom to navigate life without adults directing the experience.

We tal...

We're surrounded by messages telling us that the next thing will make life better. The upgraded phone, the new clothes, the latest productivity system, the newest trend....but what if our constant attraction to new is actually pulling us further away from the life that we want?

Today, I'm joined by Eric Athas, New York Times editor and author of Saying No to New. He's here today to share why novelty is so difficult for our brains to resist, how companies and technology make consumption increasingly frictionless, and why buying something new often gives us only a...

What if the exhaustion you're feeling isn't coming from everything on your plate - but from trying to carry things that were never yours to hold?

In this episode, Diane sits down with #1 New York Times bestselling author Lysa TerKeurst to unpack one of the most common struggles women face: the desire to control people, outcomes, and uncertainty. Whether it's worrying about your children, trying to fix a relationship, overthinking every decision, or believing that if you just planned a little better everything would work out, control often disguises itself as responsibility.

Although Lysa shares...

We’re often told that a better life is one that’s faster, easier, and more efficient. But what if removing every inconvenience is also removing some of the satisfaction, connection, and delight from our days?

In this episode, Diane sits down with The Atlantic contributing writer Ian Bogost to discuss his book, The Small Stuff: How to Lead a More Gratifying Life. Ian explains how technology and modern convenience have distanced us from the physical world - and why ordinary, hands-on experiences may be more valuable than we realize.

Together, they explore the difference betw...

I'm especially excited to share this replay episode with you as we are celebrating the release of my friend, Monica Packer's new book: Sticky Habits: A Woman's Guide to Reclaim Happiness, Ditch Perfectionism, and Create Habits that Last. Monica is my go-to for all things habits and I know you'll appreciate this conversation as much as I do.

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Joining me for her second appearance on the show is fellow podcaster, Monica Packer. This conversation is a continuation on the topic of bad habits: today we explore the roots of bad habits and the importance...

For those who are new here, I occasionally release bonus episodes designed for a specific part of my audience. I have listeners from all kinds of faith backgrounds, and this episode is shared from a Christian perspective. If that’s not quite what you’re looking for today, feel free to explore the other episodes released this week - or join me back here next Tuesday for a conversation you won’t want to miss!

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What happens when the very thing you've been praying for finally arrives... and it isn't what you expected?

Mayb...

Artificial intelligence is becoming part of our everyday lives - but where should we draw the line?

In this thought-provoking conversation, Diane sits down with Ben Peterson, Army veteran, founder of Engage Your Destiny, and author of When Intelligence Isn't Human, to explore the growing role AI is playing in our relationships, mental health, and sense of identity. Drawing from his military experience, years of mentoring service members, and his work helping others navigate trauma and purpose, Ben challenges listeners to see AI for what it is: a powerful tool - but a poor substitute for human...

When did technology stop being a learning tool and quietly become the learning environment?

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If you've ever reached the end of the day wondering how you stayed busy but still didn't accomplish what mattered most, this episode is for you.

Diane sits down with time management coach and CEO of The Pink Bee, Megan Sumrell, to challenge one of the biggest productivity myths many women believe: that a longer to-do list will somehow make us feel more in control. Instead, Megan explains why traditional task lists often leave us feeling overwhelmed, behind, and stuck in a cycle of "time debt."

Together, they explore a more intentional approach to planning...

In this episode, Diane shares about Weeknight Winners, Family Dinners by Jack and Emmy Zhang, the parents behind the wildly popular @cookingforlevi account featuring their five-year-old son, Levi. What began as a simple way to spend time together in the kitchen has become a family mission: raising a curious eater while creating lasting memories around the table.

Rather than focusing on perfect meals or picky eating battles, Jack and Emmy encourage families to see cooking as an opportunity for connection, confidence, and curiosity.

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In this episode, I’m joined by clinical psychologist and Stanford adjunct faculty member Dr. Celeste Birkhofer for a conversation about a powerful truth: the mental health your child will have as an adult is being shaped right now.

But this isn’t about perfect parenting. It’s about understanding the everyday experiences and relationships that help children develop the internal resources they’ll rely on for the rest of their lives.

We also explore: what “good enough” parenting actually looks like, the five essential capacities children need for long-term mental health, supporting versus rescuing - and why ch...

Many moms assume that back pain is simply part of motherhood. Between pregnancy, carrying babies, nursing, lifting toddlers, and juggling the physical demands of everyday life, aches and pains can feel inevitable.

But what if they aren't?

In this episode, Diane sits down with spine surgeon Dr. Amir Vokshoor to discuss why so many women experience back pain during pregnancy and postpartum - and why accepting it as "normal" may keep them from finding relief. Together, they explore how the small, repetitive movements of motherhood can quietly impact long-term spine health, the connection between core...

What if creating a peaceful home didn't require getting rid of everything you love?

In this episode, Diane is joined by New York Times bestselling author Myquillyn Smith - known to many as The Nester - to discuss her newest book, House Hushing. Together, they explore a refreshing middle ground between minimalism and maximalism, proving that you don't have to sacrifice beauty or personality to create a home that feels calm. Instead, Myquillyn introduces the idea of "house hushing" - turning down the visual volume of your home so the pieces that matter most can truly shine.<...

You crawl into bed exhausted… and suddenly your brain decides it's the perfect time to replay conversations, plan tomorrow's to-do list, and worry about everything you didn't finish.

If that sounds familiar, you're not alone.

In this episode, Diane sits down with Kathryn Nicolai, creator of the wildly popular Nothing Much Happens sleep podcast, to explore why so many of us struggle to quiet our minds at the end of the day. Drawing from years of teaching meditation and helping millions of listeners fall asleep, Kathryn explains why our brains aren't broken - they're simply do...

If you've been listening for a while, you know my goal with this podcast has never been to tell you what to think. My hope has always been to introduce you to thoughtful people, different perspectives, and conversations that encourage you to think more deeply and live more intentionally.

Parenting today often means sorting through an overwhelming amount of health information, and few topics feel more emotionally charged than vaccines. In this conversation, I sit down with pediatrician and integrative medicine physician Dr. Joel "Gator" Warsh to discuss how parents can navigate these decisions with confidence, curiosity...

In this special conversation, Diane sits down with a fellow minimalist (and host of the Millennial Minimalist podcast), Kelly Foss to explore how living with less has transformed far more than their homes. Together, they reflect on the defining moments that led them toward minimalism, why decluttering is only the beginning, and how creating space externally often reveals what's happening internally.

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This week, I speak with the owner and founder of Rachel and Company (a full-service professional organizing firm specializing in home organization, closet design, and home moves!) As the back to school season is here, Rachel provides us with her tried and true tricks for back to school organization!

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Episode Sponsors |

The Minimalist Moms Podcast would not be possible without the support of weekly sponsors. Choosing...

On today's bonus episode, hosts of the Peaceful Homeschool podcast (Emma and Beth) are here to encourage and empower you by sharing how you can simplify your homeschool day and achieve a peaceful relationship with your children. We are here to tell you that homeschooling is not as daunting as it may seem, and with the right mindset and tools, you can give your children an excellent education while fostering a close relationship with them. We discuss tips to simplify your homeschool day and encourage other moms who may be struggling with this fulfilling yet challenging journey. I hope...

For those who are new here, I occasionally release bonus episodes designed for a specific part of my audience. I have listeners from all kinds of faith backgrounds, and this episode is shared from a Christian perspective. If that’s not quite what you’re looking for today, feel free to explore the other episodes released this week - or join me back here next Tuesday for a conversation you won’t want to miss!

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Motherhood rarely goes according to plan - but what if the interruptions are where God meets us most? In this e...

If the question, "What's for dinner?" feels like the most exhausting part of your day, this episode is for you. In this conversation, Diane sits down with cookbook author and recipe developer Caroline Chambers to discuss how we can dramatically reduce the mental load of feeding our families - without sacrificing delicious meals. Rather than chasing elaborate recipes or constantly searching for new dinner ideas, Caroline introduces the concept of recipe minimalism: simplifying your approach to meal planning so dinner becomes one less decision you have to make.

From creating a repeatable meal rotation and maintaining a...

What if the life you're chasing isn't actually the one you want?

In this episode, Diane sits down with speaker and author Justin Jones-Fosu to explore the subtle difference between chasing success and creating a life of meaning. Inspired by the timeless fable of the tortoise and the hare, Justin's newest book, Stop Chasing, Start Creating, challenges the cultural narrative that fulfillment comes from achievement, recognition, or constantly proving ourselves.

Together, they unpack why so many of us spend our lives pursuing someone else's definition of success - and how that pursuit often leaves us...