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 parenting coach and offers valuable resources to help families create more harmony at home.

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 parenting.

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 times of change.

Meera also opens up about her experiences balancing motherhood, art, and wellness, revealing how creative practice has supported her personal journey.

If you’re going through a season of change—in your relationships, career, or personal life—this episode will help you process your emotions, find clarity, and move forward with confidence.

Ever wonder how minimalism could actually make motherhood easier? In this episode, we dive into the real-life benefits of simplifying with kids—from decluttering clothes and toys to creating calmer routines and smoother family transitions. You’ll hear practical tips for starting small (like tackling your wardrobe or kitchen), plus honest stories about the challenges and wins of raising kids with less stuff and more intention. Whether you’re curious about minimalism or ready to embrace it fully, this conversation will inspire you to clear the clutter and create more space for what truly matters in motherhood.

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 stumbling block, and practical ways to conserve and redirect your energy so you can show up more fully in the areas that matter most.

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 action, and why accountability and small, achievable steps are key to lasting change. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the cycle of “trying” without results, this conversation will give you the tools and encouragement to stop spinning your wheels and start moving forward with confidence.

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.

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 practical wisdom, this conversation will encourage you to parent with intention and use words that truly build your child up.

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? In this episode, Diane sits down with directors John Schaefer and Tom Bancroft to talk about their brand-new 2D animated feature film, Light of the World, premiering September 5.

Told from the perspective of young John the Apostle, the film offers a fresh and emotionally resonant look at Jesus’ life—crafted to connect with both believers and those curious about His story. John and Tom share their incredible journeys in the animation industry, the vision behind this unique project, and the obstacles they overcame to bring the story to the screen. Whether you’re passionate about faith, storytelling, or animation, this behind-the-scenes conversation will inspire you to see the Gospel story with fresh eyes.

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 home.

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 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.

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…

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

In this episode, I spoke with author, Whitney Lowe to discuss her new book, Set Your Eyes Higher, a devotional designed to help young women navigate life through the lens of faith and abundance. Together, we delve into how shifting from a scarcity mindset to one rooted in God’s provision can transform the way we approach consumerism, minimalism, and the true meaning of fulfillment. Whether you’re seeking a deeper connection with God or looking for ways to simplify your life, this conversation is full of encouragement to set your sights on a higher purpose.

In this episode of the Minimalist Mom’s Podcast, Michelle Grosser, a nervous system and semantics coach, shares her journey from being a trial attorney to focusing on coaching amidst life changes and burnout. Michelle discusses the importance of nervous system regulation and offers practical tips to manage stress and anxiety through body-based tools. Discover lesser-known symptoms of nervous system dysregulation and learn about the impact of clutter on our mental state. Tune in to gain valuable insights on how to slow down, avoid burnout, and bring fulfillment and playfulness back into your life.