Minimalist Moms Podcast

What if creating a more intentional life starts with rethinking the spaces around you? Today I’m joined by behavioral scientist and author, Leidy Klotz to explore a powerful (and often overlooked) idea: our surroundings don’t just reflect who we are - they actively shape who we become. While so much advice focuses on mindset, habits, and routines, Leidy invites us to zoom out and consider where those things are happening. From the layout of your kitchen to the design of your neighborhood, physical spaces influence your ability to connect, focus, learn, and thrive. In this conversation, we unpack how to work with your environment - not against it - and how even small, intentional changes can have a profound impact on your daily life.Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube ChannelDiane's Resource: EP207: Swedish Death Cleaning: Morbid or Mandatory? with Emily McDermottPrevious Episode: Simplify Your Life Using S

What if raising independent kids actually made life easier - for everyone? Today I’m joined by Jenna Michael, author of Let’s Choose Less and the children’s book We Can Help, for a conversation about simplifying family life by inviting our kids into it. Jenna’s work centers around one powerful idea: children are more capable than we often give them credit for. And when we allow them to participate - really participate - in the rhythms of daily life, we’re not only building their confidence and life skills… we’re also creating a more sustainable, connected home. We talk about why parents tend to step in too quickly (hint: time pressure and perfectionism), how to thoughtfully hand over responsibility, and what it looks like to balance independence with a strong sense of safety and attachment.Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube ChannelDiane's Resource: [REPLAY] Love People, Use Things | The MinimalistsPreviou

If you’ve been a listener here for awhile, you’ll know that minimalism goes beyond stuff. I’m thrilled to share today’s guests, Joshua Fields Milburn and Ryan Nicodemus - otherwise known as ‘The Minimalists’. Today they’ll dive deeper into the seven essential relationships in our lives: stuff, truth, self, money, values, creativity, and people and how minimalism makes room in our lives to re-evaluate and heal these areas.  Episode Sponsors |The Minimalist Moms Podcast would not be possible without the support of weekly sponsors. Choosing brands that I believe in is important to me. I only want to recommend brands that I believe may help you in your daily life. As always, never feel pressured into buying anything. Remember: if you don't need it, it's not a good deal!Enjoy the Podcast?Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your fellow mothers so that they can be inspired to think more and do with less. Ord

In this episode, Diane sits down with philosopher, artist, and founder of Sword and Pencil, Josh Nadeau, to talk about his book, Heaven Meets Earth: A 40-Day Journey of Transformation Through the Nicene Creed. Josh explains how the Nicene Creed - written in 325 and foundational to historic Christian belief - can serve as a stabilizing anchor in a time marked by distraction, burnout, and cultural noise. We discuss how intentional living can take shape through small, daily practices, and how this 40-day journey invites just 5–15 minutes a day of reflection, prayer, and art. Josh shares how ancient rhythms like silence, fasting, and structured prayer can feel freeing rather than restrictive when rooted in relationship with Christ. We also explore how beauty, art, and contemplation can help reorient our attention and deepen our faith, offering a grounded, accessible way to engage spirituality in everyday life.Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Diane'

Going Deeper episodes will be less structured with a more conversational tone. These conversations will focus on interesting people I've come across that share similar values, perspectives and intentions expressed on the Minimalist Moms Podcast.In this episode, Diane sits down with author and Faherty Brand co-founder Kerry Docherty to talk about her memoir, Selfish, and the idea of redefining what it means to choose yourself. Kerry shares how the concept of “selfishness” emerged during couples therapy, when she realized how much of her life had been shaped by prioritizing others - often at the expense of her own voice and desires. We talk about what it looks like to reconnect with yourself, make choices that feel aligned (even when they’re uncomfortable), and allow every part of who you are to have a place at the table.-------------------------------------------------Previous Going Deeper Episodes:Buzzing with Purpose: Teaching Kids to Protect PollinatorsBuilding Fount: Business, Family, & the Balance

In this episode, Diane sits down with executive coach, author, and founder of Career Frame, Carrie Fabris, to talk about redefining success, ambition, and motherhood. After more than 20 years in corporate leadership, Carrie shares two pivotal turning points - one in 2014 that led her toward coaching, and another in 2019 when she realized her career no longer felt aligned. She left corporate just before the pandemic and rebuilt her work in a way that better reflected her values. We talk about her concept of “return on energy,” and why how we spend our energy matters more than how we spend our time.What You’ll Learn...Why success needs to be redefined (especially in motherhood)The concept of “return on energy” and how to apply itWhat it really means to be “all in”How to identify and name your inner critical voiceWhy fear can be a helpful signal - not something to avoidHow to build a career that aligns with your valuesPractical ways to set boundaries without sacrificing growthWhy stillness and self-trust are ess

In this episode, Diane sits down with pediatric emergency medicine physician and sexual abuse prevention advocate Dr. Bronwyn Carroll to talk about how parents can approach safety conversations with clarity and confidence. Dr. Carroll explains why these discussions should be treated as standard injury prevention - no different than seatbelts or smoke detectors - and how building a family culture of open communication helps children trust their instincts and speak up when something feels off. This episode offers a straightforward framework for helping kids understand boundaries, build confidence, and stay safe.Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube ChannelPrevious Episode: A Proactive Approach to Talking with Your Teen About Pornography | Parker Hymas (EP15)Previous Episode: Good Pictures Bad Pictures | Kristen Jenson (EP14)Previous Episode: Online Safety for Families: Expert Advice from a Former NSA Cybersecurity

In this episode, Diane sits down with Vida Delrahim, co-founder of WeNatal and former Nike Senior Marketing Director, to talk about rethinking fertility, hormone health, and family wellness. After experiencing miscarriage and navigating parenthood later in life, Vida shifted her focus from brand marketing to reproductive health, with a mission to move the conversation from “me” to “we.” We discuss why fertility is not just about getting pregnant, but a foundation for long-term hormone balance, energy, and emotional wellbeing - even beyond the childbearing years. Vida shares how nutrient depletion, stress, and lack of recovery can contribute to burnout for moms, and offers simple, sustainable ways to support your health without adding more to your plate. We also talk about why fertility and hormone health should be a shared responsibility between partners, and how small, intentional habits can shape the long-term health of your entire family.Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for

This episode is a part of the Clear Intentions series.Diane sits down with Katie Day to explore her journey of radical habit transformation. After the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a deeper reevaluation of her life, Katie committed to eliminating alcohol, sugar, social media, and negativity for an entire year—an experiment that reshaped her identity, habits, and sense of purpose. In this conversation, she shares what she learned about the brain’s capacity for change, the power of intentional living, and how breaking free from unhelpful patterns can create lasting freedom. If you’re feeling stuck or craving a reset, this episode offers both practical insight and encouragement for meaningful personal change.Links Discussed in This Episode |The Four Tendencies Quiz (Gretchen Rubin)Connect with Katie:WebsiteInstagramHabit LabPodcast: Shailey & Katie's Lemonade Stand: Design Moms Finding the Happy Balance as Creative EntrepreneursEnjoy the Podcast?Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this po

Today’s kids face more anxiety, stress, and pressure than ever before. In this episode, I sit down with therapists and parenting experts Sissy Goff and David Thomas to talk about the missing piece many parents overlook: capability.Capable kids believe they can do hard things. They face challenges with confidence, bounce back from setbacks, and keep going when life gets complicated. Drawing from more than fifty years of combined counseling experience, Sissy and David share practical, research-backed strategies to help parents raise confident, resilient kids who can navigate stress and thrive.Whether you’re parenting young children or teens, this conversation will equip you with tools to build confidence, resilience, and a deep belief in who your child is becoming.Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Diane's Resource: Minimalist Moms Youtube ChannelDavid's Resource: Hope HealsSissy's Resource: App: Pray As You GoDavid Can't Stop Talking

Today’s guest invites us to consider this question: What if God is not absent in your hardest seasons - but actively at work, stitching together something beautiful in the middle of it? In this conversation, Diane sits down with author Kirby Kelly to talk about her new book, The Fabric of Hope, and what it looks like to trust God in the middle of life’s hardest seasons. We talk about what it looks like to move from anticipating trauma and living in anxiety to casting our burdens onto Christ, supported by both faith and counseling. Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Book: Blessed Are The Spiraling by Levi LuskoBook: Grieve, Breathe, Receive: Finding a Faith Strong Enough to Hold Us by Steven CarterConnect with Kirby:WebsiteInstagramPodcast: Bought and BelovedBook: The Fabric of Hope: How God Weaves Redemption into Every SeasonAbout Kirby|Kirby Kelly is a speaker, author, podcast host, and content creator based in Dallas, Texas, who has spent over a d

What if the key to better health isn’t found in a pill bottle - but in community, creativity, and connection? Today I’m joined by author and researcher Julia Hotz to talk about her new book, The Connection Cure, where she uncovers how movement, nature, art, service, and belonging can transform our well-being.From dementia care farms in Norway to social prescribing programs around the world, Julia shares powerful, real-life stories of how people are healing through human connection. We dive into how prescribing joy, purpose, and relationships could radically shift how we think about healthcare.Links Discussed in This Episode |Book: Outlive by Peter AttiaBook: The Nature Fix by Florence WilliamsBook: Heartbreak by Florence WilliamsBook: Your Brain on Art: How Art Transform Us by Ivy RossBook: Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World by Vivek MurthyBook: The Power of Fun by Catherine PriceConnect with Julia:WebsiteBook: The Connection Cure: The Prescriptive Power of Movement, N

Today’s guest says that when we talk about addiction, we often focus on the individual but rarely on the people standing right beside them.The parents, the spouses, the friends… who so deeply want to help, but often feel like they’re walking on eggshells - unsure if what they’re doing is actually supporting healing… or unintentionally making things harder.In this episode, I’m joined by Caroline Beidler, a licensed social worker and author of When You Love Someone in Recovery, to talk about what it really looks like to support a loved one through recovery in a way that fosters connection, not fear.If you love someone in recovery - or want to better understand how to show up with clarity and compassion - this conversation is such a valuable resource.Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Recovery.comConnect with Caroline:WebsiteInstagramBook: When You Love Someone in Recovery: A Hopeful Guide to Understanding AddictionAbout Caroline|Caroline Beidler, MSW,

In this episode, Diane sits down with Casey and Meygan Caston, co-founders of Marriage 365 and authors of The Marriage Habit, to explore why modern relationships often feel strained - and what we can do about it. They share how today’s culture of constant distraction, convenience, and digital noise can quietly pull couples apart, leading to what they call “the drift.” But more importantly, Casey and Megan offer tools to rebuild connection. If you’ve ever felt like you and your partner are just a little out of sync, this conversation is a really helpful place to start.Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Previous Episode: Cultivating an Intentional Marriage (EP264)Connect with Marriage365:WebsiteInstagramBook: The Marriage Habit: 10 Simple Practices to Build a More Intentional, Thriving RelationshipAbout Marriage365|Casey and Meygan Caston are the founders of Marriage365, an online platform for couples looking to overcome the obstacles keeping them fro

What if love isn’t something you simply find - but something you learn? In this episode, Diane sits down with relationship expert Robin Ducharme, author of Real Love Ready, to explore the idea that healthy, fulfilling relationships are built through something she calls “relational literacy.” Robin shares how our earliest relational patterns shape the way we show up in love, parenting, and everyday interactions - and why healing those patterns is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children. If you’ve ever felt stuck in relationship patterns or wondered how to create deeper connection in your home, this conversation offers both a hopeful reframe and practical tools to begin.Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Esther PerelRobin's Resource: A Course in MiraclesConnect with Robin:WebsiteInstagramPodcast: Let's Talk LoveBook: Real Love Ready: A Guide to Relational LiteracyAbout Robin|Robin Ducharme is the founder and CEO of Real Love Ready,

What if the goal of money isn’t just more - but meaning? In this conversation, Diane explores a refreshing and purpose-driven approach to personal finance inspired by Good Money by John Coleman. Rather than following the traditional formula of earning more, saving for retirement, and checking all the expected boxes, this episode invites you to rethink your relationship with money from the ground up. Together, we unpack how to align your finances with your values, prioritize purpose in your work, spend more intentionally, and use your resources to create real impact. Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Previous Episode: Uncluttered Faith: How Minimalism Deepens Your Relationship with God | Joshua Becker (Bonus Episode)Book: HBR Guide to Crafting Your PurposeBook: Happy Money: The Japanese Art of Making Peace with Your MoneyHarvard StudyJohn Beneficial Resource: Hallow appConnect with John:Website: https://www.johnwilliamcoleman.com/ X (Twitter): https

In this episode, Diane sits down with bestselling author Jennifer Dukes Lee to talk about her new book, How to Love Your Morning, and why renewal doesn’t have to begin with a rigid 5 a.m. routine. Jennifer shares how grief after her father’s passing reshaped her relationship with mornings - turning dread into a gentle invitation to hope.Together, they explore why she prefers the word ritual over routine, how to identify your unique morning archetype, and how to create a personalized, faith-filled rhythm that engages your body, mind, and soul. This conversation is an invitation to begin your day not proving your discipline, but remembering God’s faithfulness - because His mercies truly are new every morning.Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Jennifer's Resource: Weighted Vest + Treadmill DeskConnect with Jennifer:WebsiteInstagramFacebookFree Morning ResourcesBook: How to Love Your Morning: Faith-Filled Habits to Build a Life of Joy and Purpose On

In this episode, I sit down with author Adriel Booker to talk about what she calls “the crisis after the crisis” - that disorienting, in-between space where life no longer looks the way it once did, but the path forward still feels unclear. Drawing from her book Tethered to Hope, Adriel shares how these liminal seasons - while often uncomfortable - can become places of deep transformation. We talk about the quiet ways God meets us in uncertainty, why we don’t have to grip hope as tightly as we think, and a few simple, grounding practices that can help us move through change with more peace. If you’re in a season that feels heavy or unclear, this conversation is a gentle reminder: you’re not as lost as you feel.Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Book: Renovated: God, Dallas Willard, and the Church That TransformsAdriel's Beneficial Resource: These Comfy ShoesAdriel Can't Stop Talking About:Connect with Adriel:WebsiteInstagramBook: Tethered to

What if minimalism wasn’t about having less - but about making space for what matters? In this episode, Diane sits down with Kelly Foss of the Millennial Minimalists podcast to talk about how minimalism extends beyond your home. Kelly shares how embracing a “perfectly imperfect” approach helped her navigate stress, decision fatigue, and major life transitions with more clarity and intention. From simple decluttering strategies to mindset shifts around consumption, this conversation offers practical, doable ways to reduce overwhelm.Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Diane's Resource: Rosy SoilPodcast Episode: Minimalism with Kids (and Beyond) with Diane BodenBook: The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less by Barry SchwartzBook: Atomic Habits by James ClearConnect with Kelly:WebsitePodcastInstagramAbout Kelly|Millennial Minimalists is a podcast about living simply and intentionally, hosted by Kelly Foss. Through conversations with bestselling author

There’s a quiet fear many mothers carry - but rarely say out loud: What if I’m messing this up?What if my impatience, my selfishness, my exhaustion are shaping my kids in ways I don’t intend?In today’s conversation, I’m joined by Abbey Wedgeworth, author of the the new book, Help I’m Ruining My Kids. Abbey shares candidly about her early struggles in motherhood and the uncomfortable realization that sometimes the problem wasn’t her kids...it was her heart.We talk about what it really means to be a “work in progress.” Not self-condemnation. Not blaming our circumstances. But honest repentance - the kind that leads  to repair, growth, and deeper connection with our children.Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Connect with Abbey:WebsiteInstagramBook: Help! I'm Ruining My Kids: A Gospel Guide for the Mom Who's Desperate for ChangeAbout Abbey |Abbey Wedgeworth is a Bible teacher, speaker and writer. She is the author of Held: 31 Biblical Reflectio