Minimalist Moms Podcast

What if you’re not broken - but simply carrying too much? In this episode, Diane sits down with psychologist and coach Danielle Dowling to talk about the invisible weight so many mothers carry - burnout, emotional labor, identity loss, and the quiet pressure to “do it all.” Through honest conversation and practical tools, Danielle shares how to support your nervous system, set boundaries, and begin reconnecting with yourself in the middle of everyday motherhood. If you're overwhelmed, resentful, or unsure of who you are anymore, this conversation offers both validation and a way forward - one small, doable step at a time.Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Connect with Danielle:WebsiteInstagramLinkedInBook: Good Girl, Bad Mom: For Every Mom Who Has Ever Felt Imperfect About Danielle |Dr. Danielle Dowling, Psy.D., is a therapist-trained life coach, Mom, and author of the upcoming memoir-manifesto GOOD GIRL, BAD MOM. With over 12,000 hours of 1:1 c

What if chores and cooking weren’t just tasks - but tools for raising confident, capable teens?In this episode, Diane talks with Katie, a mom of four, about shifting from control to collaboration - helping teens build independence through real-life skills like cooking, responsibility, and decision-making. From reducing anxiety to strengthening communication, Katie shares simple systems that give teens ownership while still maintaining clear boundaries.If you want to raise teens who feel confident, capable, and prepared for real life, this conversation offers practical, doable steps to start today.Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Diane's Resource: Connect with Katie:WebsiteInstagramTeens Cook Real FoodAbout Katie |Katie Kimball is known as the national voice of healthy kids cooking. She’s a former teacher, two-time TEDx speaker, writer, and mom of 4 kids. She created the Kids Cook Real Food eCourse, which was recommended by The Wall Street Jour

Drowning is fast, silent, and often happens with adults nearby - so what are we missing?With Spring Break and summer travel approaching, Diane shares a timely conversation on what every parent needs to know about keeping kids safe in and around water. From the surprising statistics to the simple systems that save lives, this episode breaks down practical, doable steps - like assigning a “water watcher,” choosing the right swim lessons, and avoiding common safety mistakes many families unknowingly make.If your family will be near water this season, this is a must-listen conversation that could change the way you approach pool days, vacations, and everyday play.Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Connect with Dr. Molly O'Shea:WebsiteInstagramGoldfish Swim School - InstagramAbout Dr. Molly O'Shea |Dr. Molly has been in practice for nearly 30 years, providing health care to her two Michigan based pediatric offices. She served as a journal editor

What do you do when life doesn’t go as planned - and you’re just trying to get through the day?In this episode, Diane sits down with author and poet Tanner Olson to talk about navigating grief, burnout, and uncertainty with honesty and quiet hope. Rather than offering quick fixes, Tanner shares how small moments can help you move through hard seasons with more gentleness.If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of what’s next, this conversation offers simple, comforting reminders that you’re not alone - and that hope can begin, even here.Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Connect with Tanner:WebsiteInstagramYouTubeBook: Getting Through What You're Going Through: Notes and Poems for Hoping and BecomingAbout Tanner|Tanner Olson is an author, poet, and speaker. Across the country he shares poetry and tells stories of grace and hope. His work has been described as “hopefully unique and inviting” as it blends faith, humor, and curiosity. Tanne

What if stress isn’t the price of success - but the thing stealing it? In this episode, Diane sits down with former C-suite executive and leadership advisor Amy Leneker to explore a simple, practical framework for breaking free from overwhelm. Drawing from her book Cheers to Monday, Amy shares how to identify different types of stress, shift your mindset, and apply a 3-step method to reclaim your time, energy, and joy. If you’re tired of dreading the week ahead or constantly pushing through, this conversation offers a more sustainable - and intentional - way forward.Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Diane's Resource: Instagram PostPrevious Episode: The Power of Fun with Catherine Price (EP204)Connect with Amy:WebsiteInstagramLinkedInPodcastBook: Cheers to Monday: The Surprisingly Simple Method to Lead and Live with Less Stress and More JoyAbout Amy |You deserve to lead - and live - with less stress and more joy. Amy Leneker will show you how.Am

What if building wealth wasn’t just about money - but about compounding your entire life?In this episode, Diane sits down with Kiana Danial - CEO of Invest Diva and self-made multimillionaire - to break down “triple compounding,” a powerful framework to grow your income, investments, and mindset at the same time. From rebuilding her finances with just $500 to creating an eight-figure portfolio, Kiana shares the shifts that changed everything - and why “slow and steady” isn’t always the answer.If you’re ready for a smarter, more aligned approach to building long-term wealth, this conversation will change how you think about money.Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Triple Compounding in 90 seconds: www.instagram.com/p/DC7KIp4Rin8Triple Compounding Basics: www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-ovRWHZv7IKiana's Backstory in 90 seconds: www.instagram.com/p/DC7KIp4Rin8Connect with Kiana:WebsiteInstagramBook: Triple Compounding for DummiesAbout Kiana|Kiana Danial

Note: 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!---------------------------------------This podcast is part of the Clear Intentions series of the show.Is it possible that sibling rivalry holds the key to teaching kids grace, empathy, and lasting family bonds? In this episode, author and third-time guest Justin Whitmel Earley returns to talk about his new children’s book, The Big Mess—a heartfelt story centered on sibling reconciliation and the value of family amidst everyday chaos. Justin shares what led him from writing for adults to crafting stories for kids, inspired by his love for parenting and the power of imagination. He offers practical insights on turning daily messes into moments of grace, building habits of forgiveness, and nu

In this episode, Diane sits down with holistic interior designer Gala Magina to explore how our homes can better support our well-being. Drawing from her background in meditation, feng shui, and healthy materials, Gala shares how thoughtful design choices—from decluttering and intentional purchasing to biophilic elements and circadian-friendly lighting—can help create calmer, healthier spaces. She also encourages overwhelmed homeowners to start with the area of their home that feels like the biggest energy drain and work toward a more intentional environment.Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Diane's Resource: Instagram ReelGala's Resource: NewsletterConnect with Gala:Website: https://galamagrinadesign.com/Instagram: @galamagrinadesignLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/galamagrina/  About Gala |Gala Magriñá, Principal and Founder of Gala Magriñá Design, is an award-winning holistic designer and expert dedicated to elevating the collective

Today on the podcast, I’m speaking with biochemist and bestselling author Jessie Inchauspé, known to many online as the Glucose Goddess. Jessie has helped millions better understand blood sugar and metabolic health, and she’s back with a new book, 9 Months That Count Forever, which explores how nutrition during pregnancy can shape a child’s long-term health.In our conversation, Jessie explains how what happens in the womb can influence a baby’s future through epigenetics - essentially switches on our DNA that are affected by the environment during pregnancy. And even if you’re not pregnant or planning to become pregnant, there’s still so much in this conversation for you. Many of the principles Jessie shares about blood sugar balance, cravings, energy, and metabolic health apply to women in every stage of life.It’s a fascinating conversation that really reframes the way we think about food, health, and the powerful window pregnancy offers for shaping lifelong well-being.Links Discussed in This Episode |Checko

Motherhood was never meant to be a solo sport. In this episode, Diane sits down with Ashlee Gadd - founder of Coffee + Crumbs and editor of You’re in Good Company - to talk about redefining hospitality and building deep, meaningful friendships in the midst of busy mom life. Together, they explore why real community doesn’t require Pinterest-perfect dinners, but simple, consistent acts of showing up - often imperfectly. Ashlee shares how food becomes a vehicle for connection, why adult friendship can feel so hard, and how moms can create sacred, memorable moments without adding pressure to their plates. If you’ve been craving deeper connection or wondering how to cultivate community in this season, this conversation will remind you that you are not alone - and you are the “secret sauce.”Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Diane's Resource: Previous Episode: Friendship Fails and Finding Your People with Kristen StrongBook: The Life Council: 10 Frie

In a culture obsessed with early achievement, test scores, and “educational” apps, are we overcomplicating childhood? In this episode, Diane sits down with developmental scientists Kathy Hirsh-Pasek and Roberta Michnick Golinkoff, authors of Einstein Never Used Flash Cards, to share a freeing, research-backed truth: play isn’t a break from learning - it is learning. Drawing on more than 40 years of research, they explore how joyful play strengthens the brain, how parents can “Reflect, Resist, and Re-center” in a pressure-filled culture, what to know about screen time, and how everyday moments naturally build math, language, and resilience - reminding us that free and guided play may be the most powerful tools we have.Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Connect with Kathy + Roberta:WebsiteBook: Einstein Never Used Flash Cards: How Our Children Really Learn--and Why They Need to Play More and Memorize LessAbout Kathy + Roberta|Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, PhD, i

If you’ve ever felt like your calendar is running your life, this conversation is your wake-up call.In this episode, Diane sits down with minimalist thought leader and executive coach Chris Lovett to explore how a single frustrating moment - stepping on a CD case - sparked a radical journey from clutter to clarity. What began as physical decluttering evolved into something deeper: questioning busyness, corporate culture, and the internal rules that keep high achievers overworked and overwhelmed.Chris introduces the concept of “corporate minimalism” and explains why so many professionals - especially parents - struggle to say no. From burnout statistics to the alarming rise in overwork-related deaths, he makes a compelling case that hustle culture isn’t just exhausting - it’s dangerous. But this isn’t about quitting your job or selling everything you own. It’s about small, practical rebellions: protecting your lunch break, responding to emails later, declining low-value meetings, and creating breathing room fo

The teenage years can feel like unfamiliar territory - for both parents and kids. In this episode, Diane sits down with author and Bible teacher Melissa Kruger to talk about what it means to raise teens with hope in a culture shaped by social media, constant information, and increasing isolation.Melissa shares how parenting adolescents today is different than even a decade ago, particularly when it comes to mental health and digital influence. Instead of leading primarily with rules, she encourages parents to lead with conversation - doing the research, staying engaged, and setting boundaries that feel protective rather than punitive.If you’re navigating the teenage years - or preparing for them - this episode offers practical wisdom and steady encouragement for raising teens with intention, connection, and enduring faith.Links Discussed in This Episode |Book: Surviving Religion 101 by Michael KrugerConnect with Melissa:WebsiteInstagramBook: Parenting with Hope: Raising Teens for Christ in a Secular AgeAbout

In this episode, Diane talks with trauma therapist and parenting expert Maggie Nick about the hidden cost of growing up as the “good kid” - the responsible, high-achieving child who never caused trouble but often learned to ignore their own needs. Maggie explains how this pattern can follow many adults into motherhood, showing up as perfectionism, people-pleasing, anxiety, and the pressure to keep everyone else happy. Together they explore “good kid trauma,” why even loving homes can unintentionally create relational shame, and how these early scripts shape the way we parent. If you’ve ever struggled to relax or felt responsible for everyone else’s emotions, this conversation offers a compassionate path toward raising emotionally healthy families.Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Connect with Maggie:WebsiteInstagramFacebookBook: Good Kids: Why You Suffered in Silence and How to Break the CycleAbout Maggie |Maggie Nick, LCSW, is a trauma therapist,

Confused by labels like “grass-fed,” “natural,” or “organic”? In this episode, Diane talks with Jenni Harris of White Oak Pastures about what’s really happening inside America’s industrialized food system - and why cracks are beginning to show. From fragile supply chains to soil depletion and greenwashing, they unpack the hidden costs behind cheap food and the promise of regenerative farming. You’ll learn how rebuilding soil and decentralizing food production can strengthen communities and increase resilience. This isn’t about perfection—it’s about making more intentional choices at the dinner table.Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Local Resource: Yellowbird Foodshed (Local to Columbus)Previous Episode: Beyond Organic, Local, Delivered: Rethinking the Way We Grocery Shop | Benji Balmer (Yellowbird Foodshed) (EP390)Connect with Jeni + White Oak Pastures:WebsiteInstagramYouTubeBlogAbout Jenni |Jenni Harris, Will's middle daughter, is a member of

Why do we say things we don’t mean in the heat of conflict? Why does connection disappear the moment we feel criticized, dismissed, or misunderstood?In this episode, Diane sits down with clinical psychologist Dr. Kelly Flanagan, author of The Road Less Triggered, to explore what’s really happening when we get “triggered” in our closest relationships.Dr. Flanagan explains how conflict shifts us from connection mode into protection mode and introduces the powerful practice of “regulate, then relate,” a concept rooted in nervous system science. Together, they discuss defensiveness, emotional reactivity, compassion, and how learning to notice when your heart is closing can change the way you show up in marriage, parenting, and everyday interactions.Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Book: Untethered Soul by Michael SingerBook: What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and HealingDr. Flanagan's Resource: Front Row DadsConnect with Dr

This podcast is part of the Clear Intentions series of the show.Diane sits down with herbalist and author Rachelle Robinett for a deeply grounding and inspiring conversation about the healing power of plants. Together, they explore the ancient, globally practiced art of herbalism, and why it might be exactly what our stressed-out, fast-paced culture needs right now.From nervines and adaptogens to bitters and mushrooms, Rachelle gently walks us through how herbs can support sleep, digestion, emotional balance, mental clarity, and more. You'll learn that you don’t need a garden, a degree, or decades of study to benefit from herbalism—just a teapot and a few mindful minutes.Links Discussed in This Episode |Connect with Rachelle:WebsiteInstagramBook: Naturally: The Herbalist's Guide to Health and TransformationAbout Rachelle|Rachelle Robinett, RH (AHG), is a writer, herbalist, educator, and life-long naturalist. She’s the founder of multidisciplinary companies dedicated to the art and science of natural w

In this conversation, science journalist and former biochemist Michaeleen Doucleff (author of Hunt, Gather, Parent and Dopamine Kids) reframes everything we think we know about dopamine. It’s not a “feel-good” chemical - it’s a system that drives wanting and seeking, which today’s ultra-processed foods and digital apps are designed to exploit.We discuss why willpower alone doesn’t work, how to “curate cues” inside your home, and practical ways to retrain your family’s dopamine system - from screen-free rhythms to pairing foods for better satiety. Michaeleen shares how to create a home sanctuary that protects sleep, focus, and connection, while staying flexible in the real world.Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Diane's Resource: Minimalism with Kids (and Beyond) with Diane BodenBook: Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence Connect with Michaeleen:WebsiteBook: Dopamine Kids: A Science-Based Plan to Rewire Your Child's Brain

Managing family finances can feel overwhelming - especially when you’ve been conditioned to believe that working more is the only path to financial security. In this episode, Diane sits down with financial coach George to talk about simplifying money management, creating practical financial systems, and building long-term freedom without sacrificing your quality of life.George shares how he and his wife developed a values-based approach to budgeting, investing, and debt payoff that helps couples work as a team while still allowing for guilt-free personal spending. Together, they discuss the importance of auditing subscriptions, investing early to outpace inflation, and creating a clear financial mission so every dollar has a purpose.Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Diane's Resource: Minori BeautyConnect with George:Website InstagramAbout George |George Thomas is the CEO and founder of Financial Freedom Builders, a financial education and coach

Burnout, people-pleasing, procrastination, and mom guilt aren’t personal failures—they’re signs of a nervous system stuck in survival mode. In this episode, Diane talks with Elyssa Smith, founder of Your Best Moment and creator of the Ultimate Self-Regulation Method, about why so many women feel overwhelmed and exhausted despite doing “all the right things.”Elyssa explains how emotional regulation—not time management or self-discipline—is the key to setting boundaries without guilt, ending self-sabotage, and parenting with more peace and confidence. Drawing from her personal healing journey and years of coaching women, she shares practical insights to help moms stop putting themselves last and start living with clarity and calm.Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Elyssa's Resource: The Language of Letting Go: Daily Meditations on CodependencyConnect with Elyssa:WebsiteInstagramLink to Reset (free resource): https://elyssa-smith.mykajabi.com/reset