Minimalist Moms Podcast

For those that are new around here, I release bonus episodes that serve a niche part of my audience, so if this content 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!--------------------------------Is it really possible to build a meaningful career without sacrificing your presence at home? In this conversation, Diane sits down with venture capitalist and conscious investor Eva Yazhari to talk about the tension between entrepreneurship and motherhood - and why “work-life balance” often isn’t the goal in either space. After a decade on Wall Street managing billions in hedge fund investments, Eva stepped away from the traditional finance path to co-found Beyond Capital Ventures, a purpose-driven impact fund investing in ethical companies around the globe - all while becoming a mother of two. Together, they explore how motherhood reshaped Eva’s approach to leadership, risk

This podcast is part of the Clear Intentions series of the show.In this episode, we’re joined by speaker and author Justin Jones-Fosu to explore how respectful disagreement can be a powerful antidote to today’s growing loneliness epidemic. With half of Americans reporting just three or fewer close friends, we examine how fear of judgment, cancel culture, and surface-level conversations are driving disconnection. Justin unpacks concepts like the “dotted line dilemma” and the “illusion of asymmetric insight,” showing how our assumptions often block true connection. He also shares practical strategies to foster curiosity, embrace open-hearted dialogue, and stay present—even when we disagree. This conversation is a compelling reminder that we don’t have to agree to connect—we just have to keep talking.Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Book: What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing by Oprah and Dr. Bruce PerryConnect with

If you’ve ever decluttered your home only to find the mess creeping back weeks later, you’re not alone - and it’s not a willpower problem. In this episode, Diane sits down with Katy Wells, author of Making Home Your Happy Place, to explore why traditional organizing methods often fail busy moms. After realizing clutter was keeping her from connecting with her toddler, Katy began uncovering the deeper emotional and behavioral roots behind accumulation. We talk about why some spaces feel impossible to manage, what “good enough” really looks like in a home with kids, and how to stop tying your self-worth to the state of your home.Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Book: How to Deal with Your ____ So Your Kids Don't Have to: An Encyclopedia for Ditching Your Emotional BaggageEli HarwoodConnect with Katy:WebsiteInstagramBook: Making Home Your Happy Place: A Real-Life Guide to Decluttering Without the OverwhelmAbout Katy |Katy Wells, author of Making

For those that are new around here, I release bonus episodes that serve a niche part of my audience. This episode is coming from a Christian perspective, so if this content 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!--------------------------------What happens when you follow all the “right” rules of faith - make the right friends, attend church faithfully, marry the right person, seek God sincerely - and something still feels off?In this episode, Diane sits down with Kendall Mariah, author of This Little Fire of Mine, to talk about what she calls “soul friction” - that quiet but persistent tension between what we believe and what we’re actually experiencing. Kendall shares how growing up as a “good Christian girl” didn’t shield her from doubt, disillusionment, or the pressure to stay silent when things didn’t align. Instead of ignoring that friction, she began to le

Did you know that shopping won’t solve your style struggles? If it did, you wouldn’t be struggling with a closet full of nothing to wear. The ultimate style solution starts with a mindset shift. Joining me today is former Hollywood stylist, Jammie Baker. Five years ago, she ditched the red carpet lifestyle to create a virtual styling business. Jammie empowers real women to find their unique style because she knows it’s not just about the clothes you wear, but the life you live in your clothes. Dressing from a mindset of appreciation and acceptance for your body will not only improve your experience with getting dressed but it will also boost your confidence.Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Order a Copy of Minimalist Moms: Living and Parenting with SimplicityDiane's Resource: EarlyBird CBD (Use code: MMP at checkout for 20% off of your first order)Beneficial Resource: Book: Year of Yes by Shonda RhimesConnect with Jammie:WebsiteInstagramFaceboo

Are tantrums and meltdowns really the same thing? Most parents treat them as interchangeable - but the difference matters more than we realize.In this episode, parenting expert Tia Slightham returns to the show to help us rethink what’s actually happening beneath our children’s behavior. She breaks down the key distinctions between tantrums and meltdowns, explains the deeper “why” driving these moments, and shares how our responses can either escalate or ease the situation.Tia also introduces her powerful Behavior Needs Roadmap - a practical, easy-to-use tool that helps parents identify unmet needs before behaviors spiral. If you’ve ever felt frustrated, confused, or unsure how to respond in the heat of the moment, this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and actionable steps you can use right away.Links Discussed in This Episode |Diane's Resoure: Book: Why We Sleep by Matthew WalkerPodcast: Dr. Matthew Walker: The Science & Practice of Perfecting Your Sleep | Huberman Lab Podcast #31Previous Epi

For those that are new around here, I release bonus episodes that serve a niche part of my audience, so if this content 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!--------------------------------In a culture where busy schedules and unspoken expectations can quietly erode connection, how do we stay intentional in our relationships? In this episode, Diane sits down with author and TV producer Lindsay Jill Roth to discuss her book Romances & Practicalities: A Love Story (Maybe Yours!) in 250 Questions - a refreshingly honest guide to building lasting love with both heart and clarity. After a pivotal moment in her own relationship, Lindsay created 250 research-backed questions covering money, parenting, faith, ambition, and more - not to interrogate, but to illuminate. Together, Diane and Lindsay explore how intentional conversations strengthen communication, reveal

For those who are new here, I occasionally release bonus episodes that speak to a specific part of my audience. If this content is not what you’re looking for right now, feel free to explore the other episodes released this week - or join me back here next Tuesday for a conversation you won’t want to miss.--------------------------------Resilience doesn’t start in middle school - it begins in toddlerhood. In this episode, Diane sits down with parenting and education expert Gigi Schweikert, CEO of Lightbridge Academy, to explore how emotional regulation, confidence, and grit are developed long before kindergarten. Gigi explains why everyday moments are actually powerful training grounds for lifelong skills. Together, they discuss why allowing young children to struggle in healthy ways builds emotional strength, how preschool environments foster independence and problem-solving, and what parents can do at home to support resilience without creating unnecessary stress.Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout th

For those who are new here, I occasionally release bonus episodes that speak to a specific part of my audience. This particular conversation is rooted in a Christian perspective. If that’s not what you’re looking for right now, feel free to explore the other episodes released this week - or join me back here next Tuesday for a conversation you won’t want to miss.--------------------------------Bestselling author Joshua Becker shares how a pivotal conversation led him from pastoral ministry into a life of radical simplicity - and ultimately into becoming one of the world’s leading voices on minimalism.In this episode, we discuss his newest book, Uncluttered Faith: Own Less, Love More, and Make an Impact in Your World, and explore how consumerism quietly competes for our devotion. Joshua unpacks how minimalism reshaped not only his home, but his spiritual life - offering believers and spiritual seekers alike a compelling invitation to loosen their grip on worldly possessions and rediscover the fullness of life

Is your child deeply emotional, stubborn and seemingly immune to traditional parenting advice? In this episode, Diane sits down with parenting coach Mary Van Geffen, author of Parenting a Spicy One, to explore how to raise intense, big-feeling kids without crushing their spirit - or losing yourself in the process.Mary shares tools for staying calm during explosive tantrums, choosing connection over control, maintaining firm boundaries, and avoiding burnout when parenting feels relentless. If “gentle parenting” hasn’t worked in your home, this conversation offers a compassionate, realistic alternative rooted in calm, kindness, and confidence.Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Previous Episode: How to Stop Mom Rage: Calming Strategies Every Parent Needs | Jessie Ereddia (EP420)Connect with Mary:WebsiteInstagramBook: Parenting a Spicy One: A Compassionate Guide for Raising a Deep-Feeling and Wonderfully Strong-Willed KidQuiz: Are You a Spicy One?About

As we head into late winter/early spring, the pressure to “get organized,” “purge everything,” and finally become our "most minimalist selves" starts to creep in. But what if our decluttering intentions don’t fail because of laziness - but because they’re rooted in guilt? In this episode, I’m joined by Ari Kimmelfeld, founder of Commonplace, a company rethinking how we buy and sell large wellness and fitness equipment. We talk about the items that often feel hardest to let go of - the big investments that once represented our best intentions. And yet, for many of us, they quietly become reminders of goals unmet or seasons that have shifted. If you’ve been staring at something in your home that represents an old goal, a past version of you, or simply a season that has passed - this episode will give you permission to move forward thoughtfully.Because minimalism isn’t about becoming someone new. It’s about living honestly with who you are right now.Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast s

This podcast is part of the Clear Intentions series of the show.What happens when a high-powered entrepreneur realizes that success has come at the cost of her well-being? After launching an award-winning sustainable fashion startup in Hong Kong, Michelle Jungmin Bang found herself in the emergency room, overwhelmed by years of stress. Determined to prioritize health for both herself and her family, she embarked on a journey of healing and self-discovery, chronicled in her new book, SUN & SSUKGAT: The Korean Art of Self-Care, Wellness & Longevity. She dives into the wisdom of traditional Korean wellness practices, the power of food as medicine, and the importance of functional foods and phytochemicals in promoting longevity. Along the way, she reveals insights on terrain theory, keeping a food journal, shifting perspectives on aging and more.Links Discussed in This Episode |Connect with Michelle:Book: Sun & Ssukgat: The Korean Art of Self-Care, Wellness & Longevity Website | Instagram | Grow N

For those that are new around here, I release bonus episodes that serve a niche part of my audience, so if this content 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!--------------------------------Today’s conversation is one I wish more women were having. I’m joined by Dani Sheriff, founder of The HA Society, who helps high-achieving, health-conscious women recover their missing menstrual cycles and restore their fertility - without medication, IVF, or being dismissed by doctors. We talk about why hormone issues are exploding in active women who look “fit and fine,” the hidden cost of chronic stress and overachievement, and why what we label as discipline can sometimes be depletion. Dani also offers practical, compassionate guidance for women trying to regain their cycles - and explains why specialized support is often more helpful than conventional advice that can min

In a world of constant notifications and endless scrolling, how do we stay present in our real, physical lives? In this episode, Diane sits down with writer and educator Frank Possemato, author of How to Live an Analog Life in a Digital World, to explore how we can reclaim presence, depth, and real connection without abandoning technology altogether.Frank shares how digital overwhelm reshapes our attention, relationships, and even our sense of self - and offers simple, inexpensive practices to take back control. From embracing boredom and asking “What am I doing?” to restoring meaningful face-to-face conversations, this conversation invites you to make room for a slower, more intentional way of living - even in a digital world.Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Previous Episode: The Age of Magical Overthinking | Amanda Montell (EP427)The Flight from Conversation by Sherry TurkleConnect with Frank:Email: analoglifebook@gmail.comTedX TalkBook: How to

Motherhood is often framed as either blissful or broken - but most mothers live in the in-between. In this episode, I’m joined by psychotherapist and author Dr. Margo Lowy to explore maternal ambivalence and the conflicting emotions many mothers feel but rarely name. We talk about why feelings like resentment, grief, and overwhelm can coexist with deep love, how unrealistic expectations fuel guilt and burnout, and why these “darker” emotions are a normal part of real-world parenting.Links Discussed in This Episode |Connect with Margo:InstagramFacebookWebsiteAbout Margo|Dr. Margo Lowy is a psychotherapist and researcher specializing in motherhood and women’s reproductive health. She holds a PhD and Research Masters from the University of New South Wales, Sydney with a focus on maternal ambivalence and infertility. Her newest book, Maternal Ambivalence: The Loving Moments & Bitter Truths of Motherhood (Post Hill Press, 2025), examines the complex emotions that accompany motherhood. She is also the author of

This podcast is part of the Clear Intentions series of the show.What makes someone a great communicator—and can anyone learn this skill? In this insightful episode, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Charles Duhigg joins the conversation to discuss his latest book, *Supercommunicators*, where he breaks down the science of effective communication. Charles challenges the idea that great communicators are simply born that way, revealing instead that communication is a learnable skill rooted in understanding human connection. Drawing from his research and experiences writing for The New Yorker, The New York Times, the discussion explores the power of storytelling, the psychology behind meaningful conversations, and the habits that set exceptional communicators apart. Whether you’re looking to improve personal relationships or become a stronger leader, this episode offers valuable takeaways from one of the world’s leading experts on communication.Links Discussed in This Episode |Book: The Power of Habit: Why We Do

Marriage rarely falls apart all at once - it erodes slowly through disconnection, unmet expectations, and everyday pressure. In this episode, relationship expert Lindsey Maestas shares insights from her book Don’t Burn Your Own House Down, offering practical tools and hope for couples who feel distant, discouraged, or stuck. We talk about how small moments of neglect and resentment can quietly damage a marriage, why it’s possible to reconnect with the spouse you’re married to today, and how simple, intentional habits can rebuild trust, playfulness, and emotional intimacy. Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Book: Dopamine NationEsther PerelLindsay's Resource: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark ComerPrevious Episode: John Mark Comer Discusses the Ruthless Elimination of HurryConnect with Lindsay:WebsiteInstagramBook: Don't Burn Your Own House Down: Prioritizing Your Marriage, Your Spouse, and Yourself for a Deeper ConnectionAbout L

For those that are new around here, I release bonus episodes that serve a niche part of my audience, so if this content 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!--------------------------------Can you really potty train a baby from birth - and should you? In this episode, we take a gentle, pressure-free look at Elimination Communication with Andrea Olson, founder of Go Diaper Free and Tiny Undies. Andrea breaks down what EC actually is (and what it’s not), why it’s less about early potty training and more about communication and trust, and how parents can approach it in a realistic, flexible way.We talk about common myths, fears, and misconceptions - like whether EC has to be all-or-nothing, if you’re “too late” to start, or how this works for busy families. Andrea also explains why traditional ideas of potty-training readiness and reward-based incentives often mis

What if a more joyful motherhood didn’t come from better routines, but from better thoughts? In this episode, Natalie Bacon of Mom On Purpose shares how learning to manage your mind can transform the way you experience motherhood.Natalie opens up about her journey from attorney to life coach and explains why mindset—not perfection or productivity—is the foundation for emotional well-being. We talk about practical ways to manage thoughts and emotions, navigate sibling rivalry, make peace with worst-case scenarios, and separate achievement from happiness.Links Discussed in This Episode |Previous Episode: Connect with Natalie:WebsiteInstagramPodcastAbout Natalie |Natalie Bacon is a former lawyer turned boy mom of three and the founder of Mom On Purpose, where she helps high-achieving moms create calmer, more meaningful lives. She’s helped more than 2,000 moms transform their motherhood experience and hosts a top-rated podcast, Mom On Purpose With Natalie Bacon. Natalie lives in Chicago with her husband, their th

For those that are new around here, I release bonus episodes that serve a niche part of my audience, so if this content 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!--------------------------------Intimate betrayal doesn’t just break trust—it can shatter your sense of reality, safety, and self. In this powerful conversation, Tammy Gustafson, author of Broken to Brave, joins me to unpack what happens after the truth comes out and why betrayal is experienced as real trauma in both the body and the mind.Drawing from her personal experience and professional insight, Tammy explains the emotional free fall that often follows betrayal, how to identify where you are in the healing journey, and why rushing to “fix” the relationship can actually slow recovery. We talk about rebuilding self-worth after betrayal, avoiding common healing traps, and making grounded decisions about t