Episode Archives

Available wherever you listen to podcasts.

Raising Kids in a One-Bedroom Apartment (Living Well in Less Space) | Krystyne Jaspers (EP402)

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…

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Diane Boden Diane Boden

Reclaiming Identity Beyond Motherhood | Vanessa Bennett (EP401)

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 healthier families and stronger communities.

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From Picky to Passionate: Helping Kids Love Cooking (and Eating!) | Danielle Kartes (EP400)

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, this conversation will inspire you to see the kitchen as a place of learning, bonding, and joy.

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From Meltdowns to Mindful: Simple, Playful Ways to Help Your Kids (and You) Stay Calm | Lisa Danahy (Bonus Episode)

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 manage stress, regulate emotions, and stay grounded. You’ll also hear about the power of co-regulation—how modeling calm, centered behavior can guide children in learning self-regulation—and why a joyful, flexible approach makes all the difference, whether you’re in a classroom or at home.

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Diane Boden Diane Boden

Why Childhood Shouldn’t Be Rushed | Lyndsey Mimnagh (EP399)

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.

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Christianity, Bonus Episode, Motherhood Diane Boden Christianity, Bonus Episode, Motherhood Diane Boden

Overbooked & Overwhelmed: A Better Way Forward For Busy Moms | Tara Sun (Bonus Episode)

Diane sits down with author Tara Sun to discuss her new book, Overbooked and Overwhelmed. Tara shares her personal breaking point—and how she restructured her life to prioritize rest, spiritual growth, and meaningful connection over hustle and overcommitment. Diane also opens up about her own journey toward letting go, including her decision to end the Clear Intentions podcast. Together, they explore the difference between an abundant life and an overcommitted one, the role of spiritual formation, and how to create space for God in a distracted world.

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Back-to-School, Back-in-Balance | Anna Dearmon Kornick (EP398)

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!

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Diane Boden Diane Boden

Embracing Whimsy and Imagination Outdoors | Susie Spikol (EP397)

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 dandelion tea to fairy rings, moss gardens to mushroom lore. More than just fun projects, Susie’s work is a call to reclaim wonder in an age of screens and over-scheduling.

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Crafting a Conscious Home: From Intentional Consumption to Decluttering Toxins | Jill Czarnik (EP396)

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 about are wrapped up in this conversation with Jill.

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Guest Interview, Christianity, Parenting Diane Boden Guest Interview, Christianity, Parenting Diane Boden

Discipleship Without All the Pressure: Parenting from Weakness, Not Perfection | Chris Ammen (Bonus Episode)

In this episode, Diane sits down with Chris Ammen, a children’s pastor from Chattanooga, Tennessee, author of Raising Disciples at Home, and contributor to Kaleidoscope Kids Bibles. Chris shares his journey into children’s ministry, his passion for nurturing the spiritual and emotional health of children, and his vision for discipleship as a communal, grace-filled process. We explore what it means to raise kids in a Christ-centered way - without the pressure to be perfect parents. Chris offers guidance on how to integrate humility, emotional awareness, and behavioral instruction rooted in the example of Jesus

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Diane Boden Diane Boden

From Brain Games to Brave Moves: Jerry Kolber’s Journey from TV to Purpose-Driven Podcasting (Going Deeper)

In this episode, Diane sits down with TV producer-turned-podcaster Jerry Kolber (co-creator of Brain Games and creator of Who Smarted?) for a candid conversation about creativity, purpose, and the pursuit of meaningful work. Jerry shares his journey from producing hit educational TV to pivoting into podcasting during the pandemic. Along the way, he opens up about his passion for blending fun and learning, how spirituality and curiosity have shaped his career choices, and the origin story of Who Smarted?—a wildly successful family podcast that makes learning engaging for kids and adults alike.

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Diane Boden Diane Boden

450 Pieces of Clothing & Still Nothing to Wear | Erin Flynn (EP395)

In this episode, Erin Flynn—entrepreneur, author, and founder of the Cladwell app—joins us to talk about the moment she found herself surrounded by 450 pieces of clothing and asked, “How did I end up here?” Her memoir, The Road Less Worn, is a journey through identity, cultural expectations, and what we hold onto—literally and figuratively—that no longer fits. We explore how closets mirror our inner lives, the difference between dressing for success and dressing for someone else’s story, and what it takes to unravel a “more-is-more” mindset. Erin shares personal stories, mindset shifts, and lessons from building a startup rooted in intentional living, inviting us all to let go of what’s not ours—and make space for what is.

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Diane Boden Diane Boden

Reclaiming Childhood From the Grip of Technology | Clare Morell (EP385)

Author and tech policy expert Clare Morell joins us to share a bold, hopeful message: kids don’t need smartphones or social media to thrive—and it’s not too late to reclaim their childhood. In this episode, Clare unpacks her new book The Tech Exit, exposing the myths we’ve been sold about managing tech and offering a practical roadmap for families ready to break free from digital dependence. Whether your kids already have devices or you’re hoping to avoid them, this conversation is full of real-life solutions and encouragement to help you raise connected, grounded kids in a screen-saturated world.

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Diane Boden Diane Boden

Secrets From a Senior Move Expert | Jeannine Bryant (EP384)

Joining me today is rightsizing expert Jeannine Bryant, founder of Easy Rightsizing and CEO of Changing Spaces SRS, to talk about what it really takes to help older adults downsize with dignity, clarity, and care. With over 15 years of experience helping thousands of seniors and their families, Jeannine shares invaluable insights on how to approach the emotional and logistical challenges of letting go and moving forward.

From starting early and avoiding common pitfalls to hosting creative send-offs, this conversation is full of real-life wisdom, deep empathy, and actionable tips for anyone supporting a loved one through a big transition. Whether you're helping a loved one or planning ahead for yourself, this conversation offers clear, thoughtful guidance for making a major life transition a little easier.

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Diane Boden Diane Boden

Finding Light While Raising Medically Complex Kids | Chelsea Kuhn + Amber Pierson of Lemon Cake (EP382)

What happens when a diagnosis changes everything? In this heartfelt episode, Chelsea and Amber share their journeys parenting children with medical complexities—from rare disorders and developmental delays to epilepsy and cerebral palsy. They open up about advocacy, self-care, and finding strength in community. A powerful reminder that even in the hardest moments, there’s hope in the small wins.

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Diane Boden Diane Boden

Summer Simplified: Systems to Stay Clutter-Free | Tracey Showalter (EP381)

Summer can feel like a whirlwind—kids are home, routines upended, and clutter seems to multiply overnight. But it doesn’t have to be that way. In today's episode, I'm joined once again by professional organizer, Tracy Showalter, for a timely conversation about how to bring calm, clarity, and structure into your home before summer kicks into full gear. Tracy shares practical, sustainable strategies to help you simplify your days, from creating kid-friendly routines and clearing seasonal clutter to setting up systems that actually last. You’ll walk away with realistic tips for managing everything from mealtime chaos to the mess of pool gear—plus mindset shifts to keep things peaceful without perfection.

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Diane Boden Diane Boden

Playful by Design: How to Create Spaces That Spark Independent Play | Myriam Sandler (EP379)

In this episode, play and design expert Myriam Sandler—founder of the wildly popular Mothercould platform and author of the upcoming book Playful by Design—shares how to transform everyday spaces into intentional, low-stress zones that invite kids to explore, create, and play on their own. Myriam unpacks the psychology behind independent play, how to set healthy boundaries (without guilt), and why fewer toys can lead to richer experiences. With real-life insights from working with children of all abilities—including her own daughter with sensory aversion—Myriam’s approach is both practical and empowering. Whether you live in a small apartment or a spacious house, this conversation will leave you inspired to create functional, joyful spaces that work for the whole family.

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Diane Boden Diane Boden

Redefining Career Pauses: A Fresh Perspective on Stay-at-Home Life | Neha Ruch (Bonus Episode)

Are you tired of the tired question, “What do you do?” as an at-home parent—a question that oversimplifies and undervalues the role? In this podcast episode, I spoke with Neha Ruch, founder of Mother Untitled, to explore the multifaceted reality of taking a career break after having kids. We discuss the invisible yet essential labor of managing a household, the need to redefine success during this unique life phase, and practical ways to stay connected to professional goals while prioritizing family. Neha offers actionable strategies for remaining prepared to re-enter the workforce when the time is right, while also addressing the cultural stigma surrounding career pauses. Together, we reframe parenting as a valuable and fulfilling chapter, challenging outdated narratives about success and family balance. Whether you're navigating this journey or curious about modern perspectives on work and family, this conversation offers an empowering look at thriving in every phase of life.

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Trauma, Healing, Rejection Diane Boden Trauma, Healing, Rejection Diane Boden

Healing the Wounds of Rejection | Tabitha Panariso (Bonus Episode)

For those that are new around here, I release bonus episodes that serve a niche part of my audience, so if this topic is 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!

Rejection is a universal experience, yet it often feels deeply personal and isolating. In this episode, we delve into the profound impact rejection has on our sense of identity and connection to ourselves and others. Drawing inspiration from Tabitha Panariso’s Loyal in His Love, we’ll explore how rejection, though painful, can be a transformative force when met with truth and self-reflection. Tabitha’s wisdom, rooted in her journey as a therapist, invites us to move beyond shallow comfort and into a deeper understanding of healing and restoration. Join us as we uncover how confronting rejection can pave the way for hope and renewal in our lives today.

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Decluttering, organization Diane Boden Decluttering, organization Diane Boden

"Is Target Getting in the Way of Your Values?" | Tyler More (EP374)

A father of three with a stressful job, Tyler Moore felt his life resembled an overstuffed closet: disorganized and overly busy behind the tidy, closed doors. When it all became too much—for their 750-square-foot apartment and his nerves—he set out to unpack the physical and emotional mess around him. In today's conversation, we explore the broader concept of tidiness beyond physical decluttering, touching on mental health, personal values, and routines. The conversation also delves into balancing career, creative pursuits, and family life, highlighting the importance of grounding one's lifestyle in core values.

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