Minimal-ish

In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Kristen Strong (author, mom of 3, and military spouse) for a heartfelt conversation about something so many of us wrestle with… friendship. Whether it’s finding new friends as an adult, navigating the awkwardness of starting over, or simply maintaining meaningful connections in a busy season, Kristen brings so much honesty and encouragement to our chat. We talk about the ups and downs of friendship through different life stages, the unique challenges of modern life (hello, social media), and how vulnerability and intention can lead to deeper, more fulfilling relationships. Kristen also shares some beautiful wisdom from her new book, Desperate Woman Seeks Friends. It’s part memoir, part gentle guide for anyone feeling a little lonely or disconnected. You’ll walk away from this episode feeling less alone and more equipped to take the next small step toward community—whatever that might look like for you right now. Links from this episode: Kristen on Instagram

In this episode, I'm introducing a new series of shorter solo episodes where I'll get a little more personal, like we're friends on a coffee date. I'm starting this series with a big life update while I share three things I'm loving, something I'm simplifying, and what I'm calling a "minimal-ish learning" that I had over the past month. We kind of go all over the place as we start shallow with some self-care topics and then get a little deeper as I share a big life transition. I hope you enjoy this new series! Linking all the skin care/ hair items I briefly mentioned in case you're interested: Moisturizing face wash Byoma toner Vitamin C Serum Barrier Serum Moisturizing Cream Other links: Planner Desirae on Instagram Thank you to our current sponsors for making this episode possible! -Shop all things home at wayfair.com -Get the best sheets at Boll and Branch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Minimalish, I’m joined by Katy Wells– wife, mom and decluttering expert for a refreshing conversation on starting the new year off on the right foot in our homes. She shares her own journey with decluttering and discusses the mental, emotional, and physical impacts of clutter that quietly weigh us down.  Katy also shares practical strategies for simplifying in a busy household or season (and why we need to continue to normalize lived-in spaces, especially with kids).  Katy is the host of the Top 50 podcast The Maximized Minimalist and may have seen her featured recently on NBC News, where she helps families clear their floors, minds, and to-do lists so they can feel calm, clear and in control again. If you’ve been stuck in a cycle of decluttering and re-cluttering, I hope you leave this episode with the belief that change is possible.  Connect with Katy: Katy’s Website Katy’s Podcast (The Maximized Minimalist) Katy on Instagram (@katyjoywells) Pre-order Katy’s Book: Making H

Today's episode is starting with a mini solo episode and continuing with a conversation that I am honored to re-share with Emily Ley. She wrote a devotional book titled Sure as the Sunrise in 2022, and in today's episode, we focus in on the idea of creating a word for the year along with how to create a grace filled morning routine that will work for whatever your life looks like right now. This conversation was so encouraging and comes at the perfect time of year as we are looking towards the fresh start of the new year, but I hope this episode reminds you that any day can be a fresh start. More Minimal-ish New Year Episodes: Episode 213: 4 Ways to Walk Intentionally into 2024 - Other Ways to Set Goals or Intentions for the Year Episode 212: The Annual Minimal-ish Goal Setting Episode- Reflecting on Your Year and Setting Goals that Align with Your Values Episode 165: One Small, Impactful Change to Start the Year (Changing the New Years Narrative) Links: Emily's Devotional: Sure as

DRAFT SHOWNOTES: This week I’m so excited to be joined by Sam Lindauer, a mom, physical therapist, and strength training coach on the Ladder app, for a motivating and encouraging conversation all about strength training— especially for women and moms who want to feel stronger, more energized, and more mentally grounded. Sam reminds us that you don’t need perfect conditions, a gym membership, or a ton of free time to get started. She shares some much needed reminders for busy moms about how showing up consistently and giving your body small, intentional challenges over time can still make a big impact. If you’re craving a more doable and sustainable way to feel stronger in your current season of life or even as you approach creating goals for the new year, Sam’s encouragement and practical tips will meet you right where you are. Links from this episode: Ladder App (30 days free) Sam on Instagram (@strongwithsamantha) Join Sam’s Team on Ladder Ladder Website Desirae on Instagram Minimal

This week on Minimalish, I’m welcoming Devon Kuntzman, founder of Transforming Toddlerhood, for a conversation every toddler parent needs, especially during the holiday season. Devon brings so much clarity and compassion to the toddler years, and this episode is full of encouragement and truly helpful strategies you can start using right away. We talk about what’s really going on beneath “big behaviors,” why toddlerhood is such an important developmental season, and how a lot of the work actually starts with us—our emotions, our expectations, and the environment we create. Devon also shares practical tips for everyday challenges, including navigating sibling conflict, managing screen time, prepping for busy seasons (like holidays) so you and your kids can handle transitions with more ease, and setting boundaries with family and friends in a way that protects your values. If you’re craving more peace, confidence, and connection in your home—especially with little ones in the toddler stage (though the tips c

This week on Minimalish, I’m joined by author and speaker Palak Dave for an honest and relatable conversation about something so many of us crave in adulthood—true connection and community. Palak shares practical encouragement for building authentic friendships and creating spaces where people feel seen and welcomed. We talk about overcoming the fear of hosting, bringing authenticity into everyday gatherings, and finding joy in the simple, beautiful moments that make up real life. She also shares her insight on how technology impacts our ability to connect, and how we can bring more intention and thoughtfulness into our relationships. If you’ve been longing for deeper connections or want to create community right where you are, this episode will leave you inspired to start small and lead with intention. Links from this episode: Palak’s Website Palak on Instagram (@paldave) Check out Palak’s Book: Beautiful Everydays Desirae on Instagram Minimal-ish Podcast Website Learn m

This week on Minimalish, I’m joined by KyAnn Molina, a wife, homeschooling mom of three little ones 5 and under, and host of the Simple Rhythms for Busy Moms podcast.  In our conversation, KyAnn and I talk about the importance of intentional routines in motherhood, especially when you’re juggling work, keeping up with your home, and family life. She shares openly about her own journey with postpartum depression and how it shaped her approach to routines and why mental health and self-care matter so much for moms. We also chat about practical home management systems (like tackling the never ending piles of laundry), how to build rhythms that serve your family’s unique and ever-changing seasons, and the freedom that comes from keeping things simple and flexible. If you’ve been craving more balance and less chaos in your days, then be sure to tune in to this week's episode Links from this episode: KyAnn on Instagram (@kyannandmat) KyAnn’s Podcast: Simple Rhythms for Busy Moms KyAnn’s Free F

This week on Minimalish, I’m joined by Olivia, also known as The Marketplace Mom, for a fun yet practical conversation about one of my favorite topics—decluttering—and how selling on Facebook Marketplace can actually make the process easier (and even rewarding). Olivia shares her own story of starting to sell online, especially kids’ clothes and other family items, and how it’s helped her simplify her home while also connecting with others. She gives us tons of tips for creating effective listings, navigating interactions with buyers, staying safe during porch pickups, and keeping a healthy mindset about the process. We also talk about the joy of secondhand shopping, why it’s worth giving it a try, and how social media has created a supportive community around buying and selling pre-loved items. If you’ve been looking for a little motivation to tackle the clutter and maybe make some extra money in the process, then this episode is definitely for you! Links from this episode: Olivia on Instagram (@the

This week on Minimalish, I’m joined by Deanna Yates, the voice behind Wannabe Clutter Free, for a super practical and encouraging conversation about decluttering with your kids. Deanna shares her own journey into minimalism and offers helpful strategies for making decluttering a normal (and even fun!) part of family life. From age-appropriate tips for getting kids involved, to using children’s books to spark conversations, to handling the unique challenges that come as kids get older—this conversation is full of ideas to help you create more space and peace in your home without constant battles. If you’ve been feeling stuck in the clutter (or dreading the idea of tackling it with your kids), this episode will give you the tools and perspective to move forward with more patience, creativity, and confidence (and you’ll hear why we actually think back to school season is the perfect time to get started!). Links from this episode: Deanna on Instagram (@wannabeclutterfree) Deanna’s Website Dean

Today I’m honored to be speaking with author, podcaster, wife, and mother Tara Sun. In this conversation, Tara shares her journey towards a slower, more intentional life by prioritizing saying no and building habits that support the kind of life you want to live. We are also diving into her new book “Overbooked and Overwhelmed" where she shares practical tips for managing distractions and finding rest amidst a busy lifestyle.  Links from this episode: Tara on Instagram (@misstarasun) Tara’s Website Tara’s Podcast Pre-order her new book: Overbooked and Overwhelmed (Releases Aug. 5th) Desirae on Instagram Minimal-ish Podcast Website Sponsors: Calm.com: Go to calm.com/minimalish to get 40% off a premium subscription. Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box and a free item in every box for life with at hungryroot.com/minimalish Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sponsors: Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box and a free item in every box for life with at hungryroot.com/minimalish Born Shoes: Head to bornshoes.com and use code minimalish to get 15% off your full price shoe order and free shipping. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Minimalish, I’m back with my first guest interview in a while – and I couldn’t think of a better way to start the summer! After wrapping up my long-term sub position at the high school, I’m so excited to get back to conversations that help us live a little more intentionally. Today, I’m chatting with Nicole Runyon, a former psychotherapist turned parent coach, all about how we can set our families up for a simpler, more connected summer. This conversation is full of helpful, down-to-earth advice to help you feel more confident and grounded heading into summer with your kids at home. In this episode, we talk about: Why independence and responsibility is so important (and how to encourage it) How to navigate technology and set boundaries for different ages Why boredom is actually good for kids—and how to help them through it Whether you’re craving more rhythm, rest, or just want to avoid constant power struggles this summer, this episode is for you. Links from this episode: Nico

Today I'm bringing you a solo episode with 4 simple and quick steps we can all take to start our summer months with intention and (hopefully) have a more intentional season. I hope you'll even be able to use at least one of these steps and take action on it today. Sponsors: Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box and a free item in every box for life at hungryroot.com/minimalish Born Shoes: Get 15% off full price shoes and free shipping when you use code MINIMALISH at bornshoes.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I'm sharing 3 lessons I shared in a letter to my senior students before their graduation. In this episode, I expand on these lessons and reflect a bit on my year back to teaching. Sponsors: Born Shoes: Go to BornShoes.com today for a 15% discount plus free ground shipping on all full-price shoes when you use my promo code, MINIMALISH. Function Health: get a $100 credit towards your annual membership at functionhealth.com/minimalish Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sponsors: Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box and a free item in every box for life at hungryroot.com/minimalish. Born Shoes: Go to bornshoes.com and use code minimalish to get 15% off your order + free ground shipping. Calm: Get 40% off your Calm premium subscription at calm.com/minimalish Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sponsors: Born Shoes: Go to bornshoes.com for 15% off your order and free shipping when you use code MINIMALISH Function Health: Download “Long Live Moms” for FREE today at functionhealth.com/minimalish and learn more about how Function Health can help you take better care of you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I'm bringing you a solo episode where I'm getting very real about why minimalism isn't going as planned in this current season. If you feel a similar struggle, I hope this episode helps you reflect and move forward! Sponsors: Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box and get a free item in every box at hungryroot.com/minimalish with code minimalish. Lumen: Head to lumen.me/minimalish to get 15% off your Lumen. Calm: Calm is offering an exclusive offer of 40% off a Calm Premium Subscription at calm.com/minimalish. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sponsors: Calm: for listeners of our show, Calm is offering an exclusive offer of 40% off a Calm Premium Subscription at calm.com/minimalish. Hungry Root: get 40% off your first box PLUS get a free item in every box for life at hungryroot.com/minimalish Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices