Minimalist Moms Podcast | Simple Living for Overwhelmed Moms

For those that are new around here, I release bonus episodes that serve a niche part of my audience, I have listeners of all faith backgrounds that listen to the podcast. This episode is coming from a christian perspective so if that’s something that doesn’t fit what you’re looking for, check out the other episodes that dropped this week or join me back here next Tuesday for a conversation that you don’t want to miss!

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Most of us are running — from pain, fear, disappointment, and wounds we haven’t had the chance to hea...

This week I want to have a discussion on the idea of our possessions 'sparking joy' as we declutter. The method comes from author, Marie Kondo in her book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. The idea has become a mainstream thought; however, is it really the best way to approach decluttering? I bring you some personal thoughts on this subject, as well as dive into a discussion with Marie Kondo consultant, Sarit Sela. I wanted to give you the opportunity to make the decision for yourself after listening to two sides of the method!

Links Discuss...

In this episode, Diane talks with Jessica Baum, licensed mental health counselor, relationship expert, and author of the upcoming book SAFE: Coming Home to Yourself and Others – An Attachment-Informed Guide to Building Secure Relationships. Jessica shares how early attachment patterns shape the way we love, trust, and connect, offering insights into healing attachment wounds, recognizing the difference between intensity and intimacy, and learning what it truly means to feel safe in relationships. With practical guidance for overcoming relationship anxiety and building secure, healthy love, this conversation is a roadmap for anyone ready to break old patterns and create deeper em...

In this episode, I speak with Brian Page, a nationally recognized financial education leader and founder of Modern Husbands, to explore what happens when a love for simplicity meets a partner’s preference for abundance. Together, we unpack how differing money mindsets and childhood experiences shape financial values, and how empathy, communication, and understanding each other’s “why” can bridge the gap between frugality and minimalism. Brian shares practical insights on how couples can navigate these differences with respect and curiosity. Whether you’re a devoted minimalist or simply striving for financial harmony in your relationship, this episode offers real-world...

For those that are new around here, I release bonus episodes that serve a niche part of my audience, I have listeners of all faith backgrounds that listen to the podcast. This episode is coming from a christian perspective so if that’s something that doesn’t fit what you’re looking for, check out the other episode that dropped this week or join me back here next Tuesday for a conversation that you don’t want to miss!

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Today, I’m joined by Rachel Myers, co-founder of She Reads Truth, to talk about the inspiration...

Can good manners really make life easier? Author and speaker Brooke Romney believes they can—for kids and families alike. In this practical conversation, Brooke shares insights from her book 52 Modern Manners for Kids, offering simple ways to raise kind, confident, and respectful children. She explains why manners matter more than ever, which habits actually stick, and how social skills can strengthen confidence, connection, and family relationships. Brooke also shares tips for building trust and healthy communication with tweens and teens, encouraging parents to start small and see big results through everyday acts of kindness and respect.

Li...

In this episode of the show, Dr. Rebecca Jackson breaks down the latest report on youth health and explains why parents need a preventative mindset to support their children’s well-being. She shares her four-pillar framework - movement, sensory integration, nutrition, and lifestyle - and how each element supports brain and emotional health. Dr. Jackson discusses how exercise aids focus and mood, how sensory maturity impacts learning, and how habits like sleep and screen time shape behavior. She also highlights how non-pharmaceutical strategies can complement or even reduce the need for medication in managing issues like ADHD and anxiety.

In this episode, parenting coach, Tia Slightman, joins us to share powerful insights on improving children’s listening and behavior without resorting to punishment. Tia explains why understanding the root causes of kids’ actions is far more effective than relying on yelling, timeouts, or endless reminders. She introduces simple, practical strategies to set clear boundaries, foster cooperation, and build stronger connections with your children. We also dive into the impact of screens, the importance of consistent discipline, and why it’s essential for parents to seek guidance and develop positive parenting skills. Tia also shares her personal journey as a pare...

In this replay episode, I’m joined by fellow podcaster, mindfulness teacher, and mindful mama Hunter Clarke-Fields, author of the upcoming book Raising Good Humans. In this insightful conversation, Hunter shares practical mindfulness strategies to help parents break free from “reactive parenting” habits and raise kind, confident, and cooperative kids. We talk about how mindful parenting can transform family dynamics, reduce stress, and help you stop yelling — even during the toughest moments. You’ll hear powerful yet simple ways to stay calm and present with your children, bring more self-awareness and compassion into your parenting, and create a more peaceful...

Feeling overwhelmed by tantrums, sleep struggles, or figuring out how to set respectful limits? This episode is for you! Joining me once again is toddler expert Devon Kuntzman, the voice behind the hugely popular Instagram account Transforming Toddlerhood. Devon shares practical, compassionate strategies for navigating the everyday challenges of raising toddlers—insights she expands on in her brand-new book. In our conversation, she breaks down why so-called “bad behavior” is actually a normal part of development, how to set firm yet respectful boundaries without yelling, and how to nurture emotionally healthy, confident kids—while actually enjoying the journey of parentin...

Change is one of life’s few constants—but letting go of what no longer serves us can be one of its hardest lessons. In this episode, Diane sits down with artist, author, and mother Meera Lee Patel to talk about her new book, Learn to Let Go: A Journey to Inner Peace and Self-Discovery.

Known for her bestselling guided journals, Meera shares how creativity, journaling, and mindfulness can help us navigate transitions, release old patterns, and rediscover inner peace. Together, Diane and Meera explore how self-expression becomes a powerful tool for healing, clarity, and growth—especially during...

In this episode, Diane talks with author Tommy Brown about why slowing down isn’t laziness—it’s wisdom. Drawing from his new book The Speed of Soul, Tommy challenges the cultural obsession with constant achievement and explores four spiritual practices that help us live with depth and clarity: love deeply, live quietly, mind your own affairs, and work with your hands. Together, they discuss how to create meaningful rhythms in a world that prizes productivity, how purposeful work can reconnect us to our values, and why peace often comes from doing less, not more.

Links Discussed in Thi...

YouTuber and mom Sarah Therese is trading her family home for life in a trailer — and she’s taking us behind the scenes of what it actually takes to downsize with kids. In this conversation, Sarah gets honest about why she’s choosing less, what she’s learned about attachment and identity through decluttering, and how minimalism looks different when real life (and real mess) are involved.

We talk about the mental load of motherhood, the emotional side of letting go, and the unexpected freedom that comes from owning fewer things. Sarah shares the small systems that keep her...

What if your spending habits could truly reflect your deepest values? In this episode, Diane and Jen explore the concept of values-based spending, revealing how it can lead to more intentional and mindful financial decisions. They delve into the role of dopamine in our spending habits and offer practical strategies for breaking the cycle of stress shopping. Tune in as they share tips for identifying and prioritizing your core values, helping you align your spending with what truly matters.

About Jen |

Jen Smith is a personal finance expert and co-host of the Fr...

How do you protect kids online without daily screen-time battles? In this episode, Diane sits down with cybersecurity expert and parent Ben Gillenwater, founder of Family IT Guy. With nearly 30 years in tech, Ben reveals the hidden risks of kids’ digital lives and shares simple, practical strategies—like parental controls, balance, and open communication—to help families raise digitally healthy kids.

Links Discussed in This Episode |

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.

Did you know our world depends on bees more than most of us realize? In this episode, we sit down with Luke Howard, founder of the Bee Collective, a visionary organization dedicated to supporting pollinators through education, habitat creation, outreach, and even art. Luke has spent nearly a decade as a beekeeper and artist, exploring how humans can connect more intentionally with...

Are you pouring your energy into everything and still feeling like it’s never enough? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Diana Hill—clinical psychologist, co-author of ACT Daily Journal, and author of the upcoming book Wise Effort: How to Focus Your Genius Energy on What Matters Most.

Grounded in psychology, neuroscience, and contemplative practices, Diana helps us explore how to stop scattering our energy and instead focus it on what aligns with our values, our families, and our well-being. We discuss what it means to identify your “parenting genius,” how that strength can sometimes become a s...

If you’re struggling to meet your goals, the problem may not be effort—it’s that you’re still trying. In this episode, author and motivational speaker Carla Ondrasik joins me to share insights from her new book, Stop Trying!: The Life-Transforming Power of Trying Less and Doing More. Drawing from her unconventional childhood, career in music publishing, and experience as a mother, Carla challenges the way we use the word “try” and makes the case for a powerful mindset shift: replacing trying with doing. We dive into the psychology of language, the difference between half-hearted attempts and decisive acti...

For those that are new around here, I release bonus episodes that serve a niche part of my audience, I have listeners of all faith backgrounds that listen to the podcast. This episode is coming from a christian perspective so if that’s something that doesn’t fit what you’re looking for, check out the other episode that dropped this week or join me back here next Tuesday for a conversation that you don’t want to miss!

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Do you long for deeper connection but feel overwhelmed at the thought of opening your home? In toda...

How do we raise boys who are not only confident, but also compassionate and emotionally intelligent? In this episode, parenting journalist Joanna Schroeder shares insights from her new book Talk to Your Boys, with practical scripts and tips for tackling subjects like masculinity, consent, bullying, and mental health. Drawing on research and insights from over 80 boys themselves, Joanna shares how we can build stronger connections with our sons while equipping them to navigate adolescence with confidence and care. Learn how to build trust, spark connection, and raise emotionally intelligent young men who care for themselves and others.

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Child psychologist Dr. Robyn Koslowitz explains why kids get stuck replaying violent images they’ve seen online—and why telling them to “just think about something else” can make it worse. She shares what parents should say instead, how to tell the difference between healthy vigilance and trauma-driven hypervigilance, and practical tools to help kids feel safe without overprotection.

Links Discussed in This Episode |

About Dr. Koslowitz |

Dr. Koslowitz directs The Cente...

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.

In this episode, I sit down with debut author Jessica Guerrieri to talk about her novel Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea—and the real-life journey that inspired it. Jessica opens up about motherhood, addiction, and the cultural pressures of “mommy wine culture,” sharing how sobriety, writing, and community became lifelines in her story. This is a raw and hopeful conver...

Drowning in thousands of photos? In this episode, photo organization expert, Haleh Shoa shares practical tips to declutter, back up, and enjoy your digital and physical memories. From the Daily Delete habit to the 3-2-1 backup method, you’ll learn how to simplify your photo collection, preserve family stories, and finally make space to enjoy the moments that matter.

Links Discussed in This Episode |

About Haleh |

Haleh Shoa is th...

Our words matter more than we realize. The phrases we use with our children—often without thinking—can leave lasting impressions on their hearts, shaping how they see themselves and their relationship with us as parents. In this episode, I’m joined by Amy Hughes—writer, speaker, and mother of nine—whose new book Words Like Honey helps parents recognize the unintended harm in common phrases like “Hurry up,” “Calm down,” or “Don’t be sad.” Amy explains how these words can cause stress, anxiety, or self-doubt, and offers life-giving alternatives that nurture confidence, security, and resilience. Filled with relatable stories and pr...

For those that are new around here, I release bonus episodes that serve a niche part of my audience, I have listeners of all faith backgrounds that listen to the podcast. This episode is coming from a christian perspective so if that’s something that doesn’t fit what you’re looking for, check out the other episode that dropped this week or join me back here next Tuesday for a conversation that you don’t want to miss!

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What if you could see the story of Jesus through the eyes of someone who knew Him best...

What if “control” didn’t mean perfection, but peace? In this episode, Christina Lee, co-founder of Graceful Spaces Organizing, shares how she’s reclaiming the word “control” — not as a path to perfection, but as a tool for peace. We talk about the difference between healthy control and perfectionism, how simple systems can reduce overwhelm at home, and why an organized space should reflect your values, not Instagram standards. Christina opens up about a time she felt completely out of control, the mindset shifts that brought her back, and how parents can take small, doable steps toward a calmer, more empowered...

Finding the right nanny isn’t just about childcare - it’s about trust, connection, and building a family rhythm that works. In this episode, the founder of Olive You Nanny, a nanny placement agency with over 20 years of experience, shares her journey from babysitting in high school to running a trusted agency. You’ll hear practical advice on hiring the right nanny, creating clear expectations, and building strong, respectful relationships that help both families and caregivers thrive.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Ever catch yourself scrolling and thinking, “I love my life, I just wish…”? In this episode, I sit down with Kate Strickler—mom of three, founder of Naptime Kitchen, and author—to talk about finding joy in the life you already have. Kate shares honest stories, practical tips, and simple perspective shifts to help you stop measuring yourself against someone else’s highlight reel and start embracing what’s real. If you’re tired of wishing your days looked different, this conversation will encourage you to see your home, your family, and your time in a whole new light.

Links Disc...

What if bravery wasn’t about being fearless—but about taking small, deliberate steps in the face of fear? In this episode, I’m joined by Jill Schulman, a Marine Corps veteran and leadership expert, to talk about her new book on courage. She shares how to move past routine, confront challenges in relationships, career, and parenting, and why building a supportive “brave tribe” matters. If fear has been holding you back, this conversation will help you see bravery in a whole new way.

Links Discussed in This Episode |

What if small space living could actually give your family more—more connection, more creativity, and more clarity about what really matters? In this conversation, Khrystyne Jaspers shares her story of raising two kids with her husband in a one-bedroom Manhattan apartment for over a decade. What started as a necessity turned into a lifestyle and eventually a business, as she now helps families rethink and reimagine the spaces they call home.

Khrystyne opens up about the lessons she’s learned from minimalist living, from managing toys and creating flexible living arrangements to letting go of the exce...

Is motherhood supposed to define everything about who we are as women? In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, therapist and author Vanessa Bennett joins us to discuss her new book The Motherhood Myth—a resource that’s less about parenting tips and more about rediscovering ourselves as whole, complex individuals. Vanessa opens up about her own journey navigating codependency, partnership, and the pressures of modern motherhood—revealing how societal systems shape the way women experience identity and fulfillment. Together, we dive into why motherhood should be part of who we are, not the whole, and how reclaiming individuality creates health...

What if mealtime could be more than just eating—and actually become one of the best ways to teach kids confidence, responsibility, and creativity? In this episode, I sit down with the author of The Best Kids Cookbook to explore how cooking together can shape not only healthier eating habits, but stronger family connections. We talk about the unique approach her cookbook takes—encouraging critical thinking, recipe flexibility, and adaptations for dietary restrictions—while making the kitchen a fun, welcoming place for all ages. Whether your kids are just starting to stir ingredients or ready to cook a full meal...

What if you could help your kids—and yourself—move through the day with more calm, focus, and balance? In today’s episode, I’m joined by Lisa, an educator with a background in psychology, who brings a wealth of experience in early childhood education and social-emotional learning. Lisa shares her own journey from a career in human resources to working closely with children and families, and why she’s so passionate about integrating mindful movement into daily life. We’ll explore simple, playful techniques—like balloon breath and the thunder and lightning exercise—that can help both kids and adults manag...

What if we stopped rushing childhood—and instead focused on raising whole, curious, and connected human beings? In today's episode, I'm joined by Lindsay Mimnagh, founder of Treehouse Schoolhouse. Drawing on her background in education, Lyndsey shares how she learned to see children as complete individuals, body, soul, spirit, and mind, and why this holistic view changes everything in parenting and education. Whether you homeschool, send your kids to school, or just want to nurture curiosity and connection in your home, this conversation is a reminder that the most meaningful education begins with relationship, wonder, and presence.

Wh...

For those that are new around here, I release bonus episodes that serve a niche part of my audience, I have listeners of all faith backgrounds that listen to the podcast. This episode is coming from a christian perspective so if that’s something that doesn’t fit what you’re looking for, check out the other episode that dropped this week or join me back here next Tuesday for a conversation that you don’t want to miss!

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Diane sits down with author Tara Sun to discuss her new book, Overbooked and Overwhelmed. Tara shares h...

Feeling overwhelmed as the school year is swiftly approaching? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to stay stuck in survival mode this year. In this episode, Time Management Coach Anna Deamon Kornick, shares simple, actionable strategies to help busy, ambitious moms take back their time, design routines that actually work, and prioritize what matters most. We also discuss: the 5 essential routines every mom needs for better balance, how to plan your week with intention (without over-planning), what to do when it all feels like too much and more!

Links Discussed in This Episode |

This episode is a part of the Clear Intentions series.

In this episode, artist and Master Penman Jake Weidmann shares how he came to see creativity not as a luxury, but as sacred work - an expression of purpose, worship, and connection. We explore the tension between craftsmanship and convenience in an AI-driven world, and why slowing down to create with intention still matters. Whether you're an artist or simply seeking deeper meaning in your work, this conversation will inspire you to rediscover the beauty and calling of creativity.

Links Discussed in This Episode |

What if the secret to raising curious, connected, and creative kids wasn’t found in an app—but in a mossy patch of forest floor? Naturalist and author Susie Spikol returns to share stories and insights from her new book, Forest Magic for Kids: How to Find Fairies, Make a Secret Fort, and Cook Up an Elf Picnic. Blending folklore, nature exploration, and hands-on activities, the book is a whimsical and practical guide for reconnecting children with the natural world—and their own imaginations. Together, Susie and Diane dive into the everyday enchantment waiting just outside our doors—from dandelio...

What if the interruptions in your life weren’t distractions—but divine invitations? In this soul-stirring episode, Bill Simmons, CEO of Hope Rises International and author of The Way of Interruption: Spiritual Practice for Organizational Life, shares how the spiritual discipline of pausing, praying, and letting go of control can radically reshape how we lead, work, and live.

Through personal stories and practical wisdom, Bill explores the tension between productivity and presence, and how integrating faith practices like the psalms into your daily routine can bring clarity, peace, and purpose—especially in high-pressure environments. He also opens up abo...

In today's episode, I sit down with Jill Czarnik. She opens up about the wake-up call that launched her wellness company, The Tribalist, and the surprising role that AI and home organization play in building a lox-tox lifestyle. She also shares her 4-C framework, a simple but powerful way to realign your life with what really matters. We start the conversation talking about decluttering and intentional consumption and then we move into sustainability and what it looks like to cultivate a home that haas fewer toxins. Simplicity, intentionality, sustainability, decluttering - all the things that I loved to talk...