Episode Archives
Available wherever you listen to podcasts.
Control That Frees You: Finding Peace, Not Perfection at Home | Christina Lee (EP405)
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 Perfect Nanny: What Every Parent Needs to Know | Sarah Davis (Bonus Episode)
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.
Raising Kids in a One-Bedroom Apartment (Living Well in Less Space) | Krystyne Jaspers (EP402) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy)
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.
Building Your Bravery Muscle: Why Facing Discomfort is the Key to Fulfillment | Jill Schulman (EP403)
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.
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…
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
Set Your Eyes Higher: Finding Fulfillment Beyond Possessions | Whitney Lowe (Bonus Episode)
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.
Must-Know Tips from a Nervous System Expert: Protect Your Mental Wellness | Michelle Grosser (EP367)
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.
Breakthrough Strategies for Whole Child Development | Stephanie Krauss (EP366)
Raising kids in today's volatile world is no small feat. Join me for an insightful conversation with Stephanie Malia Kraus, author of 'Whole Child, Whole Life: Ten Ways to Help Kids Live, Learn, and Thrive.' Stephanie shares her experience as an educator, social worker, and mom, discussing her holistic approach to parenting during these ever-changing times. This episode will help you to discover ways to handle modern parenting challenges and learn how simple practices can profoundly impact the health and happiness of your family.
Kids in the Kitchen: This Expert Shares Her Secret to Raising Health-Conscious Children| Katie Kimball (EP365)
Katie Kimball joins the show today to share her journey about teaching kids to cook and the importance of real food. Katie discusses the challenges of introducing kids to cooking, especially amidst a culture of processed foods, and provides practical tips for getting started with your own children. Whether it’s simple tasks for toddlers or knife skills for older kids, Katie emphasizes the lasting benefits of involving children in meal preparation. This episode also dives into how changing dietary habits positively impacts kids' health and overall well-being.
When Decluttering Feels Difficult | Julia Ubbenga (EP364)
In this episode, Julia Ubbenga, creator of Rich in What Matters, explores the universal struggle with clutter and why letting go of possessions is a challenge for everyone. She shares her journey to minimalism, including overcoming debt and downsizing her family’s belongings by 75%. We discuss strategies for tackling emotional attachments to items, recognizing biases, and aligning decluttering with personal values. Julia explains how minimalism can bring freedom and peace, especially for busy moms.
Strategies for Reducing Your Grocery Bill | Kimberley Gillan (EP363)
With the rising cost of living and food prices, many are struggling to afford nutritious meals. Drawing from her own experience with food insecurity after a health crisis, my guest today, author, Kimberley Gillan provides insights on affordable shopping, meal planning, and ingredient swaps that stretch each dollar. She emphasizes realistic strategies that make nutritious eating accessible without sacrificing flavor or quality. Listeners will leave with actionable tools to improve their diet, save money, and foster better well-being for themselves and their families.
Simplify Nontoxic Living | Sophia Gushee (EP359)
How can we detox our living spaces and reduce toxic exposures in our daily lives? Sophia Gushee, author of A to Z of Detoxing, shares her journey into non-toxic living and explores the health impacts of everyday toxic exposures. She delves into the unintended consequences of technological advancements, the importance of detoxifying our homes, and provides insights into non-toxic living with children. The discussion also covers indoor air quality, the post-World War II rise in toxic exposures, the need to address EMFs (electromagnetic fields) in our homes and more...
The Alarming Reality About Synthetic Food Dyes & Their Impact on Children | Brandon & Whitney Cawood (EP355)
Today, I'm joined by Brandon and Whitney Cawood, whose personal journey led to an astonishing discovery: removing synthetic dyes from their son’s diet transformed his behavior almost overnight. After struggling with impulse control, hitting, and biting, they found that cutting out these dyes stopped the issues within 48 hours. Their experience inspired them to create To Dye For: The Documentary, which uncovers the hidden dangers of synthetic dyes on children’s health. Traveling across the U.S. and Europe, they've gathered insights from experts and affected families, determined to raise awareness and inspire change. Stay tuned to hear how this simple dietary shift could improve millions of lives - including yours!
7 Screen-Free Weeks with Monks and Amish Farmers: Rediscovering the Art of Being Human | Carlos Whittaker (EP352)
Join me for a conversation with author, Carlos Whittaker on his transformative journey embarking on a bold experiment: disconnecting from screens for seven weeks. Immersing himself first in the serenity of a remote monastery, then on an Amish farm, and finally at home, Carlos saught to unveil the profound impact of being unplugged in his mind and spirit. Through this exploration, he discovered new dimensions of presence, mindfulness, and inner peace, revealing how stepping away from the constant buzz of technology can lead to deeper connections with both the world and oneself.
How to Heal the #1 Issue in Our Relationships | Elizabeth Earnshaw (EP351)
How do couples stay connected when life’s stressors threaten to pull them apart? What if the problem isn’t your partner―it’s stress? In today’s episode, Diane Boden talks with Elizabeth Earnshaw, a licensed marriage and family therapist and author of Till Stress Do Us Part, about navigating relationship challenges.