Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
If staunch minimalism feels too extreme, but you want to declutter your house to alleviate some stress, this is the podcast for you. Shannon Leyko's style is like having your best friend in your ear, helping you get past those tough mental roadblocks that are keeping you from decluttering the things you don't need. From New York Times bestselling authors to everyday people in the trenches of life, Shannon's guests give practical tips and mindset advice for intentional living and self-improvement. Listen to Paring Down if you've ever asked yourself... Where do I start decluttering my house? Where do I...
230: Decluttering Tips that Stick, My Toddler Got Stuck in a Vending Machine, & Halloween Costumes
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat!
I answer: 1. Really craving so much less of EVERYTHING now—empty nest recently. What are some tips to just get it out? 2. What happened when your toddler got stuck inside a vending machine?
Listener recommendation: Merit Blush Balm
MENTIONED THIS EPISODE:
Ep 121: What to Do with Everything You Declutter
Ep 217: Our Adoption Story: An In Depth Breakdown of How Adoption Works
PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO):
...229: Adult Sibling Relationships: How We Became Close Despite Our Differences (feat. my brother, Jim Oliver)
Today my older brother Jim and I get brutally honest about what it really takes to stay close as adult siblings—especially as siblings who used to fight nonstop.
We look back on the tension of our teen years, the New York City chapter of our lives that bonded us through 2 for 1 martinis, and how losing our mom brought us closer instead of pulling us apart.
There's a lot of forgiveness, letting go of who your sibling used to be, and going out of the way to stay close year after year.
I th...
228: Save Money & Declutter Your House Using Healthy Money Mindsets with Crystal Paine
The Money Saving Mom herself, Crystal Paine, joins us to share how to build a healthier relationship with money, whether you're an overspender or an underspender (like me).
Crystal dove straight to the heart of things, and I walked out of our conversation feeling way more peaceful about how I spend money. I know you will, too!
CRYSTAL PAINE:
New book: The 7 Habits of Financially Healthy Women
Variable Expenses Worksheet
Free 5-Day Budget Makeover
Instagram: @themoneysavingmom
Website: https://moneysavingmom.com/
Po...
227: How to Store Backstock, How I Grew My Platform, & Flight Anxiety
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat!
I answer: 1. What are some tips for storing “extras”? It’s a struggle to have a home for everything but then almost need a second home for what doesn’t quite fit in the home location (toilet paper, soap refills, etc.) 2. How did you get started, choose a niche, learn how to grow on IG, design a website? How does an ordinary person figure it all out?
MENTIONED THIS EPISODE:
Ep 147: How I Got 700,000 Followers, a Life-Cha...
226: How to Raise Emotionally Mature Children with Dr. Lindsay Gibson
What does emotional maturity really look like, and how can we help our kids develop it? For this Good Stuff episode in our series all about strengthening family ties, I sat down with New York Times bestselling author Dr. Lindsay Gibson to better understand why emotional maturity matters in our families.
What does emotional maturity look like at different ages? How do kids develop emotional maturity without parents needing to be perfect? Why does the lack of emotional maturity in our world lead to many of the problems communities and countries face?Dr. Gibson is a wealth...
225: How to Stop Procrastinating with Dana K White
Another New York Times bestselling author is in the house!! Dana K. White is one of the biggest names in decluttering, and her brand new book, Procrastinators Get Stuff Done, is the ultimate guide for people who *know* why they should do something, but struggle to get themselves to do the thing!
Dana is also known for her no-mess decluttering method, along with her mega-hit book Decluttering at the Speed of Life. If you want to feel motivated to finally declutter your house—or complete any project you've been procrastinating—this episode will change your life.
224: "Help! My Husband Won't Declutter," How I feel About My Kids Growing Up, & My Scary Neighbors
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat!
I answer: 1. How do I get my spouse to declutter? 2. How are you coping with all your kids being school age?
Listener recommendation of the week: The Happy Color app
MENTIONED THIS EPISODE:
Ep 19: Decluttering as a Couple with My Husband, Aaron Leyko
PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO):
PREORDER MY BOOK, Don't Save the Good Stuff, HERE! Coming April 2027.
Join the special book email list for behind-the-scenes and opportunities to help get the word out!
Sign up for my newsletter! ...
223: Get Your Affairs in Order: Essential Documents Your Family Needs to Handle the Unexpected with Lori Selsberg
Making sure your family isn't stressed about logistics in the face of an emergency or once you're gone is an act of love. Today I’m joined by Lori Selsberg, co-founder and CEO of DocuGuardian, who is an expert in exactly that.
We cover:
The essential documents and details families often overlook How to organize legal, financial, medical, and personal information Simple ways to start difficult conversations and plan aheadIn this Good Stuff episode in our series all about strengthening healthy family ties, I hope the practical tips and a fresh perspective motivates you to...
222: Develop Easy Home Organization Systems that Don't Add to Your Stress
Why do we overcomplicate our decluttering and organizing systems when the whole point is to feel less stressed at home?
Today, I’m sharing the red flags that a system is too complex, plus the simple systems that work for my family to keep the clutter and housework under control.
MENTIONED THIS EPISODE:
Ep 102: Creating Systems to Be Productive Toward What Matters with Chelsi Jo
Ep 171: How to Organize Your Home So It Actually Stays Organized (Macro vs. Micro Organizing)
Ep 22: Doom Piles & Mail
Ep...
221: My Backstage Experience at Dancing With the Stars, Mother-in-Law Clutter "Gifts", & Do I Feel Famous?
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat!
I answer: 1. What do you do with clothes that your MIL hands down to you that your husband wore? 2. Do you feel famous?
And I tell the story of when I went backstage at Dancing with the Stars!
Listener recommendation of the week: Sterling Point on Amazon Prime
MENTIONED THIS EPISODE:
Ep 216: The Full Story Behind My Burnout
PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO):
PREORDER MY BOOK, Don't Save the Good Stuff, HERE...
220: Picky Eaters & Food Struggles: Stop the Arguments // feat. Kids Eat in Color's Jennifer Anderson
Jennifer Anderson of Kids Eat in Color, registered dietitian and author of Feed Them Well, joins me to talk about picky eating, food struggles, and how to help kids develop a healthy, positive relationship with food.
If you have a picky eater or just kids who say they're hungry 20 minutes after you fed them dinner, this episode will make you feel seen and also hopeful that there is a way forward without the stress!
We cover everything from food marketing to family meals (without the pressure to sit perfectly around the table 7 nights a week)—and...
219: Your House is a Mess? Here's a Shame-Free Way to Get Help – with Brittinie Tran
Brittinie Tran, founder of the nonprofit, Hot Mess Express, joins me to talk about messy homes, clutter, cleaning overwhelm, and why there’s no shame in asking for help.
I was blown away by the work she's doing, and once again convinced that nothing in the world is more spectacular than women coming together!
Hot Mess Express brings women together through practical, non-judgmental help and community support when life and home feel overwhelming.
Today's big takeaway: Accepting help isn’t a sign of failure. Because all of us are hot mess sometimes.
HO...
218: Capsule Wardrobes, Funny Pageant Memories, & My Real Thoughts About Social Media
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. Do you have a capsule wardrobe? 2. What is your silliest memory from pageant life? Listener recommendation of the week: Solve for Happy: Engineer Your Path to Joy by Mo Gawdat
MENTIONED THIS EPISODE:
Ep 162: Stop Overshopping for Good and Finally Declutter Your Clothes with Lauren Morley
Ep 129: How to Declutter Your Closet
What to Do with Clothes that Don't Currently Fit
PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO):
PREORDER MY BOOK, Don't Sav...
217: Our Adoption Story: An In Depth Breakdown of How Adoption Works
Why didn't we choose international adoption? Do we have an open adoption? What about children waiting to be adopted in foster care? How long did the process take? What does adoption cost? How do you know if you're doing it ethically? How do you talk about adoption with your kids?
Today, I'm answering these questions and more as we kick off our 10-week Good Stuff series all about why family matters. I figured it was a good time to share a bit more about my own family (while maintaining the highest privacy and respect for both my...
216: The Full Story Behind My Burnout
Today's a more personal episode. When I shared on social media that I'm feeling a little burned out, I got a huge reaction from people. So I wanted to share what's going on behind the scenes in my life in hopes that it helps you feel less alone during seasons of burnout in your own life.
MENTIONED THIS EPISODE:
Ep 117: Renewed Excitement for the Benefits of Minimalism
PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO):
PREORDER MY BOOK, Don't Save the Good Stuff, HERE! Coming April 2027.
Join the special book email list for behind-the-scenes and opportunities to help get the word out!
Sign up...
215: My Opinion on Decluttering "Right" the First Time, 5 Seconds of Me Singing Opera, & Rain Gear
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. What do you think of the quote “If you don’t have the time to do it right the first time, when will you have time to do it over” as it relates to decluttering? 2. Were or are you in a choir? Listener recommendation of the week: Earth Rangers Podcast for kids
MENTIONED THIS EPISODE:
Ep 121: What to Do with Everything You Declutter
Ep 48: Decluttering Books as a Book Lover
PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO):
214: Nutrition Myths Debunked: Stanford's Dr. Christopher Gardner on the Science Behind What We Eat
There's so much noise out there about what we should eat, so I had the HONOR of going directly to the leading global expert of nutrition science, Dr. Christopher Gardner.
Dr. Gardner is Stanford's Director of Nutrition Studies, former chair of the American Heart Association's Nutrition Committee, and has led more than twenty large-scale randomized clinical trials related to what we eat. You might remember him from Netflix's You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment!
In this episode, Dr. Gardner breaks down the real science behind nutrition guidelines and recommendations, exposes which popular diet...
213: 5 Clutter Traps That Make Decluttering Never-Ending
Who here throws in an extra purchase to get free shipping? Today, we're covering 5 major clutter traps that feel smart at the time, but end up bogging down our house (and clearing out our wallets).
Decluttering doesn't have to feel never-ending, so listen in to figure out which trap has been working on you, and how to stop it for good.
MENTIONED THIS EPISODE:
Ep 141: Where to Start Decluttering (or Start Again)
Ep 52: Getting Past the "Wasted Money" When Decluttering
Ep 32: Finding the Time to Declutter
Ep 5...
212: Memories Attached to Stuff, Update After My Son Swallowed a Quarter, & Plant Lovers
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. Sentimental stuff is so hard. When it is gone the memory is gone. What do I do? 2. What is the update about your son after he swallowed a quarter recently? Listener recommendation of the week: Flik Flak kids watches by Swatch
MENTIONED THIS EPISODE:
Ep 5: Decluttering Sentimental Items
PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO):
PREORDER MY BOOK, Don't Save the Good Stuff, HERE! Coming April 2027.
Join the special book email list for behind-the-scenes and...
211: The Effective, Accessible Remedy for a Struggling Mind with Rio Wilson
I wanted someone who isn't just pointing out that movement is good for our mental health, but who's actually doing something to help us bridge that gap.
So today we have the pleasure of hearing from Rio Wilson, licensed counselor and founder of the Brain-Body Therapy app. She joins me to unpack the connection between our brains and our bodies.
I share about a wild time when moving my body helped me get over a major heartbreak, and Rio walks us through which types of movement works best for different mental health conditions, where to...
210: Saying No to Tempting New Things with New York Times Editor, Eric Athas
New York Times editor and author Eric Athas joins me today to explore why we’re so drawn to new things, and the way our modern world has amplified our desire for more.
We cover...
The present bias The "new thing gap" The good kind of novelty vs. the detrimental kindAnd more!
If you ever get carried away in excitement about new things you probably don't actually need...do not miss this one!
ERIC ATHAS:
His book, Saying No to New: www.sayingnotonew.com
Substack: https://er...
209: What "Just In Case" Items to Keep & the Time I Recorded a Music Album in India
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. Are there any valid reasons for keeping something just in case? 2. What are some of the most random things you’ve seen/done on your travels? Listener recommendation of the week: The Lazy Genius Podcast by Kendra Adachi
MENTIONED THIS EPISODE:
Ep 52: Getting Past the "Wasted Money" When Decluttering
Ep 70: Is Decluttering Just for the Financially Secure? with Aubrey High
Ep 5: Decluttering Sentimental Items
PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO):
<...208: Can We Survive without Smart Phones? with Andrew Dugan
What happens when you stop letting your phone dictate your attention? Andrew Dugan joins me to share his journey from smartphone dependency to creating a minimalist smartwatch—and we explore how technology can affect our mental health, focus, sleep, and relationships.
If you’ve ever felt like your devices take more than they give, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on using technology more intentionally rather than trying to get rid of it completely.
ANDREW DUGAN: Visit RIST.WATCH to order the simplified smartwatch
PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO):
PREORDER MY BOOK, Don...
207: My Involuntary Staunch Minimalism in Finland
Finally—I'm recording from our brand new home in Rauma, Finland! And I'm spilling all the details about our first month living with (almost) none of our stuff while it makes its slow journey across the ocean!
So come hang out with me while I figure out life in a new country, one borrowed towel at a time!
MENTIONED THIS EPISODE:
MY BOOK: Don't Save the Good Stuff
Get your FREE ticket to Get Organized HQ Virtual Summit
Ep 19: Decluttering as a Couple with my husband, Aaron Leyko
Ep 102: Creating...
206: How to Ask for Help with Decluttering, My Biggest Surprise About Finland, & Robotic Lawn Mowers
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. Any tips on asking for help? I feel like I want/need someone for support to get momentum. 2. What is the biggest surprise about Finland so far? Listener recommendation of the week: Derry Girls on Netflix
MENTIONED THIS EPISODE:
Get your FREE ticket to Get Organized HQ Virtual Summit
Episode 165: The 15 Best Questions to Ask Yourself to Make Decluttering Easy
Episode 83: Making the Most of Our Space with Khrystyne Jaspers
Virtual Decluttering Help with Khrystyne Jaspers: Schedule a f...
205: Figuring Out a Realistic Fitness Routine with Olivia Young
For those of us who aren't fitness junkies, it can be hard to figure out good fitness routines that don't feel overwhelming, inconsequential, or like one more thing on our to-do list.
This week I'm joined by Olivia Young, a registered dietitian and personal trainer who's built her career around helping people find a healthier relationship with movement and food.
She breaks down the mental blocks that keep so many of us from getting started, and shares practical ways to fit strength and cardio into even the busiest schedules.
Olivia's insights are a...
204: How to Stop Feeling Behind on Your To-Do List with Megan Sumrell
Most of us need a to-do list to survive, but there's one major issue with them that productivity expert Megan Sumrell helps us unpack today:
To-do lists are not a plan.
Megan has spent years helping women rethink how they plan their time, and this conversation is full of practical, refreshing ideas.
If you've ever ended a day feeling behind despite working nonstop, this episode is for you!
MENTIONED THIS EPISODE
FriXion erasable pens
MEGAN SUMRELL
Grab your ticket to Plan-a-Palooza HERE!! (Oct 22-23, 2026)
<...203: How to Get Past Decluttering the Same Spots, Lindsay Clancy, & Our First Week in Finland
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. How do I get past feeling stuck doing the same spots (table, couch, entry) over and over? 2. Are you following the Lindsay Clancy trial? Who did it?
Listener recommendation of the week: The ChomChom roller for pet hair
SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY: Get your FREE ticket to Get Organized HQ Virtual Summit
PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO):
PREORDER MY BOOK, Don't Save the Good Stuff, HERE! Coming April 2027.
Join the special book email list for behind-the-scenes and opportunities to help get the word out!
Sign up for m...
202: Which Teeth Whitening Products to Avoid & Do You Really Need to Floss Daily? with Dr. Sanya Arora
I learned SO MUCH today! I sat down with Dr. Sanya Arora to get real about what's actually happening with our oral health.
From flossing myths to the truth about whitening products, this conversation challenged a lot of what I thought I knew about how to take care of my teeth.
We Cover:
What actually matters more for preventing cavities than flossing
The hidden risks of mouth rinses
Which toothpaste could be wearing down your enamel
The surprising links between your dental health and conditions like heart...
201: Declutter by House Hushing with Myquillyn Smith
What a TREAT! New York Times bestselling author Myquillyn Smith is on today's episode to help us declutter through a term she's coined House Hushing. (Also the title of her brand new book!)
Today's episode will help you create a home that feels not only peaceful and calm, but still highly personalized to YOU.
We Cover:
How to create a calmer, cozier home without sacrificing personality Myquillyn's seasonal practice that helps her let go of clutter Practical ways to create a home that can reset easily amidst daily messes...and more.
...
200: Decluttered but Still Overwhelmed, What I Changed My Mind About, & Meal Trains
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. What do I do if I’m organized, decluttered, and use everything I have but I’m still overwhelmed? 2. What’s something you recently changed your mind about? Listener recommendation of the week: The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion
MENTIONED THIS EPISODE:
Organize a free meal train
PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO):
PREORDER MY BOOK, Don't Save the Good Stuff, HERE! Coming April 2027.
Join the special book email list for behind-the-scenes and opportunities to...
199: Separating Health from Weight with Zoë Bisbing
I asked my followers who I should talk to about separating weight from health, and one name kept coming up. Zoë Bisbing is a psychotherapist specializing in body image and eating disorders, and she completely reframed how I think about my own body.
Here's what we get into:
The real difference between body positivity and body neutrality
How to tell the difference between pursuing health and pursuing thinness disguised as health
An honest, nuanced take on GLP-1 medications
How everyday spaces in your home (like the pantry or the b...
198: Cleaning Tips that Don't Feel Too Extreme with Morgan Flores
I sat down with professional house cleaner Morgan Flores, and she gave me permission to stop feeling guilty about my imperfect floor boards…while giving us tips to keep the house a bit more sparkling!
Morgan shares everything from her exact vacuum technique to the truth about why decluttering makes cleaning so much easier.
Whether you're drowning in laundry or just want a few pro tricks up your sleeve, this episode will leave you feeling more capable and a lot less guilty about the state of your home.
MORGAN FLORES:
...197: Decluttering Collectibles, Who I'd Switch Lives With, & Bribing Children
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. What about collectibles? Hubby collects…everything? 2. If you could switch lives with anyone for a day, who would it be? Listener recommendation of the week: @OkeeDokeeBros
MENTIONED THIS EPISODE:
How to Declutter When You're a Collector (YouTube video)
PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO):
PREORDER MY BOOK, Don't Save the Good Stuff, HERE! Coming April 2027.
Join the special book email list for behind-the-scenes and opportunities to help get the word out!
Sign up for my newsletter! ...
196: Ivy League Attorney Advice on How to Advocate for Your Health with Rayna Rayford
Attorney Rayna Reid Rayford and I are old friends from Miss New York, and she’s become a powerful force for maternal advocacy. Today, you’ll hear how Rayna turned her own terrifying pregnancy experience into a nonprofit that's changing how women advocate for themselves in the doctor's office.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Practical tools for advocating for yourself at medical appointments, from tracking symptoms to asking the right follow-up questions
Why Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women
How to spot red...
195: How Decluttering Reflects Our Values
If you want to get in the mood to declutter, look no further than this episode! Today, I’m doing something a little different by sharing an episode I did on the Moms Overcoming Overwhelm podcast with Emily McDermott.
We talk about how decluttering reflects our values and practical ideas for reducing the amount of things in your home.
EMILY MCDERMOTT:
Moms Overcoming Overwhelm podcast
IG: @simplybyemmy
PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO):
PREORDER MY BOOK, Don't Save the Good Stuff, HERE! Coming April 2027.
Join the special book email li...
194: When Do I "Arrive" at Decluttered?, Scheduling Around PMDD, & Living in the Grey
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. I’ve been at it for so long but still feel far from minimal/pared down enough- when do I arrive? 2. Tell us more about PMDD and how you schedule your time around it Listener recommendation of the week: O’keeffe 30 spf chapstick - orange tube
MENTIONED THIS EPISODE:
Ep 137: Knowing When You've Decluttered Enough, Maple Syrup, & the Mental Load
Ep 151: 10 Subtle Things Stealing Your Joy
Ep 103: Struggling Through PMDD to Declutter & Tidy
PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO):
193: Building an Empire of 10 Million Followers While Living with Chronic Illness with Rachel Farnsworth
Rachel Farnsworth is an absolute force with over 10 million social media followers and her wildly successful brand, The Stay at Home Chef. But her chronic health journey is a story so wild it's hard to believe it's real.
She gives us an inside look at her struggle with Addison’s disease, how she lost the ability to walk and swallow, and what’s led to her recent recovery.
Rachel shares why she chose to build her business to spite her illness rather than in spite of it, and how "spoon theory" helped her fiercely prioritize her...
192: A Better Way to Plan Your Fall & School Year with Danielle McGeough
If the busyness of the start of fall and a new school year stresses you out, today’s conversation with Danielle McGeough is for you!
We cover:
The difference between burnout and demoralization
How to figure out what actually matters to our families
Practical systems for managing school paper
How to prioritize activities and commitments
…and more.
Don’t let the new school year pressure you! This conversation is a perfect reminder that sometimes the most intentional thing you can do is subtract, not add.
191: Decluttering Computer Files, My Favorite Way to Vacation, & the Savannah Bananas
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. Do you have any advice on decluttering and organizing files on a computer? 2. What’s your favorite way to vacation with your family? Listener recommendation of the week: Emily Ley - Simplified
MENTIONED THIS EPISODE:
Ep 74: Removing the Chaos from Our Email Accounts & Desktops with Shawn Lemon
The Savannah Bananas: @thesavbananas
PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO):
PREORDER MY BOOK, Don't Save the Good Stuff, HERE! Coming April 2027.
...
