Minimalist Moms Podcast | Purposeful Life & Parenting Tips

Our attention is one of our most finite resources - and just as we consider what deserves space in our homes, we should also be considering what deserves space in our minds, our days and our relationships.

In this episode, I’m joined by Ruby Ryba, author of How to Stop Scrolling, for a conversation that goes beyond the typical “we’re all on our phones too much” advice. Instead, we explore what it looks like to become more intentional about where our attention is going in the first place.

We talk about why simply knowing we scroll too much usually isn’t enough to change our behavior, what we lose when every quiet or uncomfortable moment gets filled with input, and why boredom and empty space may actually be worth protecting. Ruby also shares practical ways to create healthier digital boundaries without demonizing technology or pretending we can simply throw our phones away.

This isn’t about using your phone perfectly - or even necessarily using it less. It’s about recognizing that our attention has value and becoming more intentional about where we choose to spend it.

Links Discussed in This Episode |

• Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.
• Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube Channel
• Diane's Resource: App: ReThink (Pause Before You Buy) Use code MINIMALIST for 10% off in the app
• Previous Episode: Your Phone Doesn't Belong in Your Bedroom (Here's Why) | Emily Bryne (Bonus Episode)
• Previous Episode: The Attention Problem: Why Screen Time Isn’t the Real Issue | @OliviaUnplugged (EP466)
• Previous Episode: What We Lose (and Reclaim) When We Put Down Our Phones | Frank Possemato (EP433)
• Previous Episode: Reset Your Relationship with Your Phone | Joey Odom (EP345)
• Brick
• Book: Stolen Focus by Johan Hari
• Ruby's Resource: Libby app
• Connect with Ruby:
• Website
• Book: How to Stop Scrolling: A clear path from phone dependency to digital empowerment

About Ruby |

Ruby is a Columbia trained Statistician and former New York City high school math teacher. Her background and training along with her personal interest in psychology, have shaped her research and writing interest: the intersection of optimization, habits, and intentionality. She is the author of the book, How to Stop Scrolling, which is available in paperback, kindle and audiobook. You can find her book, blog, and weekly newsletter The Scroll Shift, on her website, rubyrybawrites.com

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.

Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity.

You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com
* Check out Cure Hydration and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://www.curehydration.com
* Check out DeleteMe and use my code joindeleteme.com/MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://joindeleteme.com
* Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

A quick note before we begin: Eryn Lynum is a Christian author and creator, and her work explores the natural world through the lens of both science and faith. While our conversation includes references to God and Scripture, the ideas we explore around attention, wonder, contentment, and helping our kids become more curious about the world around them are relevant regardless of your faith background.

Our kids are growing up in a world designed to make them want the next thing - the next video, the next toy, the next experience, the next hit of stimulation. So how do we help them discover the satisfaction of simply paying attention to what's already here?

Today I'm joined by master naturalist, author, and Nat Theo podcast host Eryn Lynum for a conversation that goes beyond the usual advice to “get your kids outside.” Instead, we're exploring what the natural world can teach our kids about attention, contentment, curiosity, and enough.

Eryn explains why “noticing” is both a scientific and spiritual discipline and how learning to observe creation closely can shift kids from passive consumption to active curiosity. We talk about the surprising purpose behind creatures we often dismiss - from mosquitoes and skunks to vultures - and how discovering order in the natural world can deepen a child's sense of wonder.

Links Discussed in This Episode |

• Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.
• Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube Channel
• Previous Episode: The Case Against Convenience: Why the Small Stuff Makes Life Better | Ian Bogost (EP464)
• App: Merlin Bird ID
• Episode: Why Did God Make Mosquitoes? Lesson 129
• Erin's Resource: Sherwood Audio App
• Connect with Erin:
• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Youtube
• Podcast
• Book: Made to Marvel: 52 Family Devotions Exploring the Wild Wonders of God's Creation | Where Wonder Leads: An Adventure in God's Wild and Wonderful World

About Erin |

Eryn Lynum is a certified master naturalist, has a degree in biblical studies and systematic theology, and hosts the popular podcast Nat Theo: Nature Lessons Rooted in the Bible, which is regularly ranked as a Top Ten podcast in multiple categories on Apple Podcasts. She is the author of three books, has four children, and lives in Colorado with her family.

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.

Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity.

You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com
* Check out Cure Hydration and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://www.curehydration.com
* Check out DeleteMe and use my code joindeleteme.com/MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://joindeleteme.com
* Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ever replayed a conversation in your head, wondering if someone was upset with you? Or found yourself getting defensive over a comment that probably wasn't meant the way you interpreted it?

We all do it. We assume the worst, read between the lines, and sometimes turn small misunderstandings into much bigger conflicts. But how much of the tension in our relationships comes from what's actually happening - and how much comes from the stories we're telling ourselves?

Today I'm joined by philosopher Mark Schroeder, author of When Things Get Personal, to explore why we take things personally, how easily we misunderstand the people closest to us, and what we can do differently.

We talk about why good intentions don't always prevent conflict, how to recognize when we're making assumptions about someone else's behavior, and the difference between extending grace and overlooking something that genuinely needs to be addressed. From marriage and parenting to friendships and everyday interactions, Mark offers a fresh perspective on navigating difficult relationships without adding unnecessary tension to our lives.

Because sometimes the most freeing thing we can do isn't change someone else's behavior - it's change how we interpret it.

Links Discussed in This Episode |

• Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.
• Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube Channel
• Connect with Mark:
• Website
• Instagram
• Book: When Things Get Personal: A Philosophical Guide to Conflict

About Mark |

Mark Schroeder is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Southern California, where he is founding director of the Conceptual Foundations of Conflict Project. His books include Slaves of the Passions, Being For, Reasons First, and When Things Get Personal.

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.

Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity.

You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out 1-800-GOT-JUNK and use my code 1800gotjunk.com for a great deal: https://www.1800gotjunk.com
* Check out Amazing Generation: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com
* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com
* Check out Cure Hydration and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://www.curehydration.com
* Check out DeleteMe and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://joindeleteme.com
* Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We spend a lot of time talking about decluttering our physical spaces - but what about our internal environment? The overthinking, limiting beliefs, stress, and patterns that can quietly keep us from living the way we actually want to live?

Today I’m joined by Mimi Bouchard - creator of the Activations app - for a conversation about becoming more intentional with our thoughts, habits, and everyday choices.

Mimi shares her own experience of feeling stuck and the practices that helped her begin changing the direction of her life. We talk about why clarity matters, how overthinking can keep us from taking action, and what it looks like to stop waiting to become a different version of ourselves and instead begin making small choices as that person today.

We also explore the idea of “activations” and how the things we repeatedly listen to, think about, and practice can influence the way we move through our days.

This conversation is ultimately a reminder that intentional living isn't about constantly adding more or trying to optimize every part of ourselves. Sometimes it's about clearing away the internal noise, getting honest about the life we want to create, and taking the next small step toward it.

Get a 14-day free trial plus a massive discount on Activations: http://activations.com/minimal

Links Discussed in This Episode |

• Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.
• Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube Channel
• Diane's Resource: Sentimental Cards
• App: Activations
• Activations: Become Your Magnetic Future Self
• Connect with Mimi:
• Website
• Instagram
• Book: Activate Your Future Self

About Mimi |

Mimi is an entrepreneur, motivational speaker, published author of "Activate Your Future Self", and founder of the app Activations - a modern alternative to meditation. After years of struggling to connect with traditional mindfulness, Mimi created a more versatile, time-efficient option to feel grounded and motivated. With over 100,000 users (including fans like Miranda Kerr!), Activations are unique guided audios designed to be played while you live your life - no sitting in silence required. Her signature approach blends science and soul; rooted in habit formation, neuroscience, and practical strategies while radiating warmth and relatability. Mimi has helped thousands of women feel more inspired, abundant, and motivated, and is creating a new form of “personal development” method that’s both practical and magnetic.

Episode Sponsors |

Hey Polo | Protect your loved ones without spying on them. Go to heypolo.com/MINIMALIST or use code MINIMALIST to get 70% off your first year.

HungryRoot | Head to HungryRoot.com/minimalist and use code MINIMALIST to get 40% off your first box and a free item of your choice for life.

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.

Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity.

You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

There's something about slowing down, spending time outdoors, and getting back to the basics that makes backyard chicken keeping so appealing. But as today's guest, Nikki Husted of Purely Chickens, shares, raising chickens offers more than just fresh eggs.

In this episode, we talk about the growing interest in backyard chickens and how caring for a flock can encourage a simpler, more intentional way of living. Nikki shares her journey from hatching chicks in her kindergarten classroom to becoming a trusted resource for chicken keepers, along with practical advice for anyone considering a flock of their own. We discuss common misconceptions, how to create a healthy and safe environment for your chickens, seasonal care, predator protection, and why so many people develop an unexpected emotional connection with these animals.

Links Discussed in This Episode |

• Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.
• Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube Channel
• Book: Once Upon a Flock: Life with My Soulful Chickens
• Nikki's Resource: The Poultry Doc
• Nikki Can't Stop Talking About: Purely Kitties
• Connect with Nicole:
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Website
• Book: A Healthy Home Flock: A Complete Guide to Keeping Backyard Chickens and Chicks Happy and Healthy

About Nicole |

Nikki Husted is a backyard chicken keeper who loves educating others about her chicken keeping techniques. She hatched her first set of eggs in 2006 for her kindergarten classroom and has been in love with chickens ever since! She is active on social media as @purelychickens and you can find her on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube where she shares time saving hacks, proper care, and funny chicken antics.

Episode Sponsors |

Hey Polo | Protect your loved ones without spying on them. Go to heypolo.com/MINIMALIST or use code MINIMALIST to get 70% off your first year.

HungryRoot | Head to HungryRoot.com/minimalist and use code MINIMALIST to get 40% off your first box and a free item of your choice for life.

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.

Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity.

You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The constant stream of notifications, podcasts, social media, background noise and information has made true quiet increasingly rare. And even when we find ourselves with a few empty minutes, many of us instinctively reach for something to fill them.

In this conversation, bestselling author John Mark Comer joins me to talk about what we may be losing when we eliminate silence from our lives. Drawing from his new book, Into the Quiet, John Mark shares what surfaced during his own three weeks of solitude and why silence can feel so uncomfortable at first.

We also talk about the difference between quiet as another form of self-care to optimize and quiet as a spiritual practice; how moms and those in full seasons of life can find solitude without escaping their responsibilities; and why small, ordinary moments can become opportunities to leave a little space unfilled.

A quick note: John Mark approaches this conversation from a Christian perspective, but there’s something here for anyone craving less noise and more space to think, reflect, and simply be.

Links Discussed in This Episode |

• Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.
• Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube Channel
• Previous Episode: John Mark Comer Discusses the Ruthless Elimination of Hurry (Bonus Episode)
• Book: Liturgy of the Ordinary: Sacred Practices in Everyday Life by Tish Harrison Warren
• Book: Domestic Monastery: Creating Spiritual Life at Home by Ronald Rolheiser
• John Mark's Resource: Podcast: Pray As You Go
• John Mark Can't Stop Talking About: Exit Party: A Novel by Emily St. John Mandel
• Connect with John Mark:
• Instagram
• Website
• Book: Into the Quiet: Following Jesus in a World of Noise

About John Mark |

John Mark Comer is the New York Times bestselling author of eight books, including Practicing the Way, which was named the 2025 Christian Book of the Year by the ECPA, and The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, which has sold more than a million copies and been translated into over twenty languages. He is a pastor and the founder of Practicing the Way, an organization working to see the renewal of apprenticeship to Jesus in our time. More than 23,000 churches in 157 countries are actively using Practicing the Way resources. The Comers live in the Santa Monica Mountains just outside Los Angeles.

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.

Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity.

You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out 1-800-GOT-JUNK and use my code 1800gotjunk.com for a great deal: https://www.1800gotjunk.com
* Check out Amazing Generation: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com
* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com
* Check out Cure Hydration and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://www.curehydration.com
* Check out DeleteMe and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://joindeleteme.com
* Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We often think of envy as something negative - an emotion to ignore, suppress, or feel guilty about. But what if envy could actually teach us something about ourselves?

In today's episode, I'm joined by Stacy Kim to explore the difference between envy and jealousy, why we experience these emotions, and how they can reveal what we truly value. Drawing from her experiences growing up in both the U.S. and South Korea, Stacy offers a refreshing perspective on why envy doesn't always have to be rooted in comparison or resentment. We discuss how to recognize envy without judgment, use it as a tool for self-reflection, and better understand the desires behind it.

Because sometimes, the things we envy in others can tell us something important about the life we want to create for ourselves.

Links Discussed in This Episode |

• Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.
• Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube Channel
• Diane's Resource
• Connect with Stacy:
• Website
• Instagram
• Book: Envy: Why Wanting What They Have Is the Key to Getting What You Want

About Stacy |

Stacy S. Kim, Ph.D. is a social scientist, career coach, and founder of Life Junctions LLC. With nearly two decades of experience, she helps conscientious high achievers untangle envy and other internal blocks to navigate the complexities of life and work and knit together lives they love. She conducted research for the Families and Work Institute, Columbia University’s National Center for Children and Families, the University of Pennsylvania, and the Leo Burnett Company. Her work has been featured in outlets including The Washington Post, The New York Times, Business Insider, CNN, and NPR.

Episode Sponsors |

Hey Polo | Protect your loved ones without spying on them. Go to heypolo.com/MINIMALIST or use code MINIMALIST to get 70% off your first year.

HungryRoot | Head to HungryRoot.com/minimalist and use code MINIMALIST to get 40% off your first box and a free item of your choice for life.

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.

Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity.

You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out 1-800-GOT-JUNK and use my code 1800gotjunk.com for a great deal: https://www.1800gotjunk.com
* Check out Amazing Generation: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com
* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com
* Check out Cure Hydration and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://www.curehydration.com
* Check out DeleteMe and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://joindeleteme.com
* Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What does tyranny have to do with parenting, marriage, or everyday life? More than we might think. Joshua Jipp, author of How Not to Be a Tyrant, joins me to explore how fear, insecurity, and the desire for control can shape the way we lead at home and beyond. We discuss the difference between authority and manipulation, why good intentions don't always justify our actions, and how humility, honest communication, and a willingness to apologize can help us build healthier relationships.

Links Discussed in This Episode |

• Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.
• Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube Channel
• Joshua's Resource:
• Connect with Joshua:
• Website
• Book: How (Not) to Be a Tyrant: Ten Lessons on Life and Leadership from the Bible’s Worst Rulers

About Joshua |

Joshua W. Jipp (PhD, Emory University) is associate professor of New Testament at the University of Notre Dame. He is the author of several books, including Reading the Gospels as Christian Scripture, Pauline Theology as a Way of Life, Saved by Faith and Hospitality, and The Messianic Theology of the New Testament. Jipp also serves as coeditor for the Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament. He lives in South Bend, Indiana.

Episode Sponsors |

Hey Polo | Protect your loved ones without spying on them. Go to heypolo.com/MINIMALIST or use code MINIMALIST to get 70% off your first year.

HungryRoot | Head to HungryRoot.com/minimalist and use code MINIMALIST to get 40% off your first box and a free item of your choice for life.

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.

Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity.

You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out 1-800-GOT-JUNK and use my code 1800gotjunk.com for a great deal: https://www.1800gotjunk.com
* Check out Amazing Generation: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com
* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com
* Check out Cure Hydration and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://www.curehydration.com
* Check out DeleteMe and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://joindeleteme.com
* Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Feeling forgetful, distracted, or mentally exhausted? Brain health expert and bestselling author Dr. Marc Milstein joins me to explore how chronic stress, multitasking, and information overload affect our memory, focus, and long-term health. We discuss the science behind “mom brain,” the importance of sleep, and simple, realistic habits that can help protect our brains as we age. Because caring for our mental well-being doesn’t have to mean adding more to our plates - sometimes it starts with doing less.

Links Discussed in This Episode |

• Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.
• Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube Channel
• Connect with Marc
• Website
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Podcast
• Book: The Age-Proof Brain: New Strategies to Improve Memory, Protect Immunity, and Fight Off Dementia

About Marc |

Dr. Marc Milstein specializes in taking the leading scientific research on health and happiness and presents it in a way that entertains, educates, and empowers his audience to live better. His presentations provide science-based solutions to keep the brain healthy, lower the risk of dementia, boost productivity and maximize longevity.

Dr. Milstein's new book, "The Age-Proof Brain," is an Amazon best seller and was nominated for the “Next Big Idea” award for best non-fiction book of the year. Here is the info on "The Age-Proof Brain"

He earned both his Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry and his Bachelor of Science in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology from UCLA.

Dr. Milstein has researched topics including cancer biology and neuroscience and his work has been published in multiple scientific journals. Dr. Milstein has been quoted breaking down and analyzing the latest research in popular press such as USA Today, New York Post, and Oprah Daily. Dr. Milstein has also been featured on television explaining the latest scientific breakthroughs that improve our life.

Episode Sponsors |

Hey Polo | Protect your loved ones without spying on them. Go to heypolo.com/MINIMALIST or use code MINIMALIST to get 70% off your first year.

HungryRoot | Head to HungryRoot.com/minimalist and use code MINIMALIST to get 40% off your first box and a free item of your choice for life.

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.

Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity.

You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out 1-800-GOT-JUNK and use my code 1800gotjunk.com for a great deal: https://www.1800gotjunk.com
* Check out Amazing Generation: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com
* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com
* Check out Cure Hydration and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://www.curehydration.com
* Check out DeleteMe and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://joindeleteme.com
* Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today, I'm joined by Emily, founder of Rise Centered, for a conversation about something I've been thinking a lot about lately: what if creating a healthier relationship with our phones has less to do with willpower and more to do with the environments we're creating?

If you've been listening recently, you know I've had quite a few conversations about technology, screen time, and reclaiming our attention - and I actually have one or two more coming your way. I know it might seem like we're spending a lot of time on this topic, but I think that's because technology has become such a significant part of our everyday lives, and there are so many different angles worth exploring.

What makes today's conversation a little different is that we're bringing it back to the home. Specifically, where does your phone actually belong in your home? And what if the bedroom isn't the best place for it?

Links Discussed in This Episode |

• Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.
• Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube Channel
• NodPod Sleep Mask
• Connect with Emily
• Website
• Instagram
• Substack
• Rise Centered Alarm Clock

About Rise Centered |

Rise Centered is a Jackson Hole-based wellness company creating thoughtful tools to help people step away from technology, simplify their routines, and reconnect with themselves. Its hero product is a phone-free sunrise alarm clock made from natural materials, including Himalayan salt and wood, that wakes users gradually with light, without apps, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or subscriptions.

Episode Sponsors |

Hey Polo | Protect your loved ones without spying on them. Go to heypolo.com/MINIMALIST or use code MINIMALIST to get 70% off your first year.

HungryRoot | Head to HungryRoot.com/minimalist and use code MINIMALIST to get 40% off your first box and a free item of your choice for life.

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.

Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity.

You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out 1-800-GOT-JUNK and use my code 1800gotjunk.com for a great deal: https://www.1800gotjunk.com
* Check out Amazing Generation: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com
* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com
* Check out Cure Hydration and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://www.curehydration.com
* Check out DeleteMe and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://joindeleteme.com
* Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Between school schedules, household responsibilities, extracurricular activities, and everything else that comes with raising kids, it's easy for family life to start feeling like a series of tasks we're simply trying to get through. But what if we stopped dividing and conquering and started working together?

Today, I'm joined by Blake and Chandler Allsmith, parents of seven and authors of The Family Framework, to talk about building a more connected, intentional family culture. Drawing from their experience in business and parenting, they share how simple systems can help families move from merely managing the chaos to actually functioning as a team. We discuss why efficiency shouldn't always be the goal, how to get everyone working toward a shared vision, and why involving our kids in everyday family life builds confidence, competence, and connection.

This conversation is a reminder that a well-functioning family isn't necessarily one that gets everything done the fastest. It's one that's learning to do life together.

Links Discussed in This Episode |

• Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.
• Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube Channel
• Diane's Resource: Laytr App
• Blake's Resource: Claude
• Chandler's Resource: Skylight Calendar
• Connect with Blake + Chandler:
• Website
• Instagram
• Book: The Family Framework: Essential Habits to Create Order, Joy, and Deep Connections at Home

About Blake & Chandler |

Blake and Chandler Allsmith are the authors of The Family Framework and parents of seven children.

Blake is a former tech CEO who went on to build and sell a growth marketing agency, where he helped grow 100+ brands. He's now Head of Growth at Synthweave. He has spoken at TEDx, advises for Techstars and 500 Startups, and supports a venture capital firm as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence.

Chandler is a homemaker, writer, homeschool co-op leader, and real estate investor - and she is the heart behind many of the systems they've created.

Together, they homeschool, launch companies, invest in real estate, and live a big, beautiful, messy and loud life where the lines between work, family, play and ministry are as blurred as possible.

Episode Sponsors |

Hey Polo | Protect your loved ones without spying on them. Go to heypolo.com/MINIMALIST or use code MINIMALIST to get 70% off your first year.

HungryRoot | Head to HungryRoot.com/minimalist and use code MINIMALIST to get 40% off your first box and a free item of your choice for life.

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.

Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity.

You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out 1-800-GOT-JUNK and use my code 1800gotjunk.com for a great deal: https://www.1800gotjunk.com
* Check out Amazing Generation: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com
* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com
* Check out Cure Hydration and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://www.curehydration.com
* Check out DeleteMe and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://joindeleteme.com
* Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

When our children struggle - with attention, learning, emotions, friendships, or behavior - it's natural to wonder: Is something wrong? Do we need an evaluation? Am I missing something?

Clinical neuropsychologist and learning disorder expert Dr. Katie Davis, author of Actually, You're Fine, joins me to unpack the increasingly complicated world of childhood development and diagnosis. We talk about the difference between a symptom and a disorder, how much developmental variation is actually normal, and why parents may need to become more comfortable observing a struggle before immediately trying to fix it.

Katie also explains how to recognize when a child genuinely needs additional support, what parents should consider before pursuing an evaluation, and how to advocate for a child without inadvertently sending the message that something is “wrong” with them.

This conversation isn't about dismissing diagnoses or necessary interventions. It's about becoming more thoughtful about when to worry, when to seek help, and when our kids may simply need time and space to develop.

Links Discussed in This Episode |

• Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.
• Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube Channel
• Previous Episode: Your Teen’s Brain Isn’t Broken: Understanding ADHD Beyond Behavior | Dr. Tamara Rosier (Bonus Episode)
• Nikole Hannah Jones essay
• Connect with Katie:
• Website
• Instagram
• Book: Actually, You’re Fine: A Compassionate, Practical Guide to Maximizing Your Child's Potential in the Age of Anxiety

About Katie |

Dr. Katie Davis is a clinical neuropsychologist, child development expert, and author of Actually, You’re Fine. She specializes in helping children with learning and developmental challenges and serves as an assistant professor of psychology at Yeshiva University. Her research focuses on neurodevelopmental disorders, learning disabilities, and child mental health, with work published in leading academic journals. She has also been featured in New York Magazine, Psychology Today, and Reader’s Digest. Dr. Davis lives in New York City with her family.

Episode Sponsors |

Hey Polo | Protect your loved ones without spying on them. Go to heypolo.com/MINIMALIST or use code MINIMALIST to get 70% off your first year.

HungryRoot | Head to HungryRoot.com/minimalist and use code MINIMALIST to get 40% off your first box and a free item of your choice for life.

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.

Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity.

You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out 1-800-GOT-JUNK and use my code 1800gotjunk.com for a great deal: https://www.1800gotjunk.com
* Check out Amazing Generation: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com
* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com
* Check out Cure Hydration and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://www.curehydration.com
* Check out DeleteMe and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://joindeleteme.com
* Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What if the secret to getting ahead isn't doing more, but getting intentional about what matters most?

In this episode, I'm joined by Kelly Mooney, founder and CEO of Equipped Women and co-author of Up: The Playbook for Every Woman on the Rise, for a conversation about ambition, self-advocacy, and creating a career and life that reflect your values. Drawing on three decades of leadership experience, Kelly shares the unwritten rules of career advancement that women aren't always taught, including why working hard isn't enough, how to make your contributions visible, and why advocating for yourself matters.

Whether you're building a career, raising a family, considering your next chapter, or simply feeling stretched too thin, this conversation is a reminder that you don't have to do everything to build a life you love. You just have to get clearer about what matters most.

Links Discussed in This Episode |

• Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.
• Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube Channel
• Previous Episode: You Can’t Control the Economy - BUT You Can Control Your Money | Crystal Paine @TheMoneySavingMom (EP468)
• Book: Strangers by Belle Burden
• Kelly's Resource(s): How Women Rise: Break the 12 Habits Holding You Back by Sally Helgesen | Pay Up: The Future of Women and Work (and Why It's Different Than You Think) by Reshma Saujani | The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter - and How to Make the Most of Them Now by Meg Jay PhD
• Connect with Kelly:
• Instagram
• Website
• Book: UP!: The Playbook for Every Woman on the Rise

About Kelly |

Kelly Mooney is a three-time author, speaker, board director of a public company, and longtime gender equality advocate. She’s also a wife and mother of two who built her career while navigating the realities of modern work and family life. Over a decades-long career, she has experienced the full arc of the workplace—from intern to CEO—ultimately co-owning and leading the nation’s largest women-owned digital agency, scaling it 15x, and later exiting the business to IBM, where she served as Chief Experience Officer for North America.

Consistently ahead of the curve, Kelly anticipated the power shift from organizations to consumers, authoring The Ten Demandments and The Open Brand—the latter becoming required reading at Stanford and other universities. She also founded the Equipt Women Foundation and created Get Equipt, a widely read weekly career advice newsletter.

Episode Sponsors |

Hey Polo | Protect your loved ones without spying on them. Go to heypolo.com/MINIMALIST or use code MINIMALIST to get 70% off your first year.

HungryRoot | Head to HungryRoot.com/minimalist and use code MINIMALIST to get 40% off your first box and a free item of your choice for life.

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.

Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity.

You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out 1-800-GOT-JUNK and use my code 1800gotjunk.com for a great deal: https://www.1800gotjunk.com
* Check out Amazing Generation: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com
* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com
* Check out Cure Hydration and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://www.curehydration.com
* Check out DeleteMe and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://joindeleteme.com
* Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

When a teen with ADHD knows what they’re supposed to do - but still can’t seem to do it - it’s easy for parents to see defiance, laziness, or a lack of motivation. But ADHD is often a performance problem, not a knowledge problem, and understanding that distinction can completely change the way we respond to our kids.

In this episode, I’m joined by ADHD coach and author Dr. Tamara Rosier to talk about what’s actually happening inside the ADHD brain during the teen and young adult years.

We discuss: time blindness, rejection sensitivity, masking and people-pleasing, and why stress, anger, panic, and shame can become temporary “power-ups.” Most importantly, Tamara shares how parents can move away from trying to fix their child and instead lead with empathy, respect, love, and honesty - even on the hard days.

Links Discussed in This Episode |

• Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.
• Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube Channel
• Connect with Dr. Tamara Rosier:
• Website: https://www.tamararosier.com
• Instagram: @dr.tamararosier
• Facebook: Brain Not Broken
• LinkedIn: Dr. Tamara Rosier
• ADHD Center of West Michigan: ADHD Center of West Michigan
• Book: Your Brain's Not Broken for Teens and Young Adults: Strategies for Your Life with ADHD

About Dr. Tamara Rosier |

Dr. Tamara Rosier is an ADHD coach, author, speaker, and founder of the ADHD Center of West Michigan, where she helps individuals and families better understand ADHD and develop practical strategies for navigating everyday life.

Episode Sponsors |

Hey Polo | Protect your loved ones without spying on them. Go to http://heypolo.com/MINIMALISTor use code MINIMALIST to get 70% off your first year.

HungryRoot | Head to http://HungryRoot.com/minimalist and use code MINIMALIST to get 40% off your first box and a free item of your choice for life.

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.

Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity.

You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out 1-800-GOT-JUNK and use my code 1800gotjunk.com for a great deal: https://www.1800gotjunk.com
* Check out Amazing Generation: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com
* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com
* Check out Cure Hydration and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://www.curehydration.com
* Check out DeleteMe and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://joindeleteme.com
* Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Money can feel especially stressful when so much of the economy is outside of our control. Rising costs, housing challenges, job uncertainty, college expenses, retirement - it’s easy to feel like we’re constantly bracing for what might come next. But while we can’t control the economy, we can become more intentional about the way we manage what we have.

Today I’m joined by Crystal Paine, author of The 7 Habits of Financially Healthy Women, to talk about creating more peace and confidence around money. Crystal shares about the emotional side of spending, financial fears many women carry, navigating money as a couple, and why both partners should understand their household finances. Plus, Crystal shares practical ways to curb impulse spending, identify stress-spending triggers, save on everyday expenses, and build financial habits that actually work in real life.

Links Discussed in This Episode |

• Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.
• Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube Channel
• Previous Episode: EP261: Time-Saving Tips for Overwhelmed Moms | Crystal Paine
• Website: Camel Camel Camel
• Website: You Need a Budget
• Free 5-Day Budget Makeover: https://moneysavingmom.lpages.co/5-day-budget-makeover/
• Free Budgeting Worksheets: https://moneysavingmom.lpages.co/budget-spreadsheet/
• Free 60 Meals to Make Instead of Getting Takeout Cheatsheet: https://moneysavingmom.lpages.co/60-free-meal-ideas/
• Connect with Crystal:
• Instagram
• Website
• Book: The 7 Habits of Financially Healthy Women: How to Stop Stressing, Begin Where You Are, and Build the Future You Want

About Crystal |

A wife and homeschool mom of three, Crystal Paine is a bestselling author, business consultant, speaker, and the founder of MoneySavingMom.com which averages over two million unique visitors per month. A New York Times bestselling author, her next book, Money Making Mom: How Every Woman Can Earn More and Make a Difference releases in November 2015. Crystal's mission is to help women from all walks of life discover the freedom that comes from living with intention, simplicity, and generosity. Through her books and blog she seeks to encourage women and families to wisely steward their time, energy, and finances so that, ultimately, they might be able to bless and give more to those in their community and around the world. Crystal and her family make their home in Franklin, TN.

Episode Sponsors |

Hey Polo | Protect your loved ones without spying on them. Go to heypolo.com/MINIMALIST or use code MINIMALIST to get 70% off your first year.

HungryRoot | Head to HungryRoot.com/minimalist and use code MINIMALIST to get 40% off your first box and a free item of your choice for life.

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.

Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity.

You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out 1-800-GOT-JUNK and use my code 1800gotjunk.com for a great deal: https://www.1800gotjunk.com
* Check out Amazing Generation: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com
* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com
* Check out Cure Hydration and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://www.curehydration.com
* Check out DeleteMe and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://joindeleteme.com
* Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

A question that keeps coming up is: how do I declutter crafts? I knew this was a topic that could be applied to not just kids crafts, but our own. Where do we store it all? Do I have too much? How do I know what to keep and get rid of? Joining me today to tackle these questions (and more) is author of Simple Lion Heart Life, Melissa Russell.

Links Discussed in This Episode |

• Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.
• Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube Channel
• Connect with Melissa:
• Instagram
• Website

Episode Sponsors |

Hey Polo | Protect your loved ones without spying on them. Go to heypolo.com/MINIMALIST or use code MINIMALIST to get 70% off your first year.

HungryRoot | Head to HungryRoot.com/minimalist and use code MINIMALIST to get 40% off your first box and a free item of your choice for life.

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.

Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity.

You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out 1-800-GOT-JUNK and use my code 1800gotjunk.com for a great deal: https://www.1800gotjunk.com
* Check out Amazing Generation: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com
* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com
* Check out Cure Hydration and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://www.curehydration.com
* Check out DeleteMe and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://joindeleteme.com
* Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

If you've been listening for a while now, you know, I've talked about the benefits of getting kids outside or living a slower childhood or having less screen time. But in today's conversation, we're going to be talking about the negative side of making our children's childhood too structured and adult directed. And what children can gain when we give some of that back?

Today, I'm joined by Ainsley Arment, founder of Wild and Free, an author of the new children's book, Grow Wild My Child, for a conversation about protecting the wonder, curiosity, and freedom of childhood, we talk about how easily parenting can become over-structured and adult-directed, why not every childhood interest needs to become productive and the tension between guiding our kids and knowing when to step out of the way because our job isn't necessarily to manufacture a magical childhood for our children, but to leave enough space for them to experience one.

Links Discussed in This Episode |

• Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.
• Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube Channel
• Book: The Call of the Wild and Free: Reclaiming the Wonder in Your Child’s Education, A New Way to Homeschool
• Previous Episode: Nature as a Classroom (EP119)
• Book: Balanced and Barefooot by Angela J. Hanscom
• Book: How to Raise a Wild Child: The Art and Science of Falling in Love with Nature by Scott Sampson
• Book: Restoring Childhood: How to Set Kids Free in the Age of Anxiety by Peter Gray
• Previous Episode: The Kids’ Mental Health Crisis Started Before Smartphones - So What Changed? | Peter Gray (Bonus Episode)
• Previous Episode: What’s Happening to Our Boys - and How Can We Help? | Dr. Leonard Sax, Boys Adrift (Bonus Episode)
• Connect with Ainsley:
• Instagram
• Website
• Book: Grow Wild, My Child

About Ainsley |

Ainsley Arment is the founder and leader of Wild + Free, author of the bestselling book The Call of the Wild & Free, and co-host of the regular Wild + Free Podcast. As she leads this movement of families doing homeschooling in a new way, she thinks deeply about making the most of life and ensuring her children have a fertile seedbed for their own uniqueness and creativity.

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.

Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity.

You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out 1-800-GOT-JUNK and use my code 1800gotjunk.com for a great deal: https://www.1800gotjunk.com
* Check out Amazing Generation: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com
* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com
* Check out Cure Hydration and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://www.curehydration.com
* Check out DeleteMe and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://joindeleteme.com
* Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

For many families, the car isn't just transportation - it's a second living room, a snack station, a homework hub, and the place where life happens between destinations. But with so much happening inside the vehicle, it's easy for distractions to quietly steal our attention.

In this episode, Diane sits down with Jennifer Morrison, Director of Vehicle Safety Strategy at Mazda, to discuss ways families can make everyday drives calmer, safer, and less stressful. Together, they explore how simplifying what's happening inside the car can help us stay more focused on the road, how modern safety technology is designed to support (not replace) attentive driving, and why creating calmer routines before you leave the driveway may be one of the easiest ways to protect the people you love.

Links Discussed in This Episode |

• Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.
• Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube Channel
• https://www.iihs.org/
• Report: Consumer Reports Names Mazda Its First‑Ever Safest New‑Car Brand
• Jennifer's Resource: Audible
• Connect with Jennifer
• Website

About Jennifer |

A nationally recognized automotive safety expert, Jennifer Morrison is Mazda’s chief safety advocate in the United States, shaping technical policy positions, guiding public‑facing safety communications, and representing Mazda across regulatory, academic, and industry forums.

Jennifer led Mazda North American Operations to established of the Vehicle Safety Strategy & Communications Department for Mazda North American Operations, where she leads safety compliance, vehicle safety ratings, and advanced safety research for the U.S. market. She is responsible for aligning Mazda’s safety roadmap with emerging regulatory, technological, and industry trends, while advancing the company’s human‑centric approach to crash avoidance, crashworthiness, and occupant protection. Her work supports Mazda’s long-term vision of eliminating roadway fatalities and reinforces the brand’s reputation as a leader in safety engineering.

Jennifer began her career in the Office of Defects Investigation at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) before spending 15 years as a Vehicle Factors Investigator and Investigator‑in‑Charge at the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) There, she investigated more than 70 major loss‑of‑life crashes involving passenger vehicles, trucks, buses, and trains. Those cases profoundly shaped her dedication to preventing roadway crashes and driving measurable improvements in vehicle safety.

Episode Sponsors |

Hey Polo | Protect your loved ones without spying on them. Go to heypolo.com/MINIMALIST or use code MINIMALIST to get 70% off your first year.

HungryRoot | Head to HungryRoot.com/minimalist and use code MINIMALIST to get 40% off your first box and a free item of your choice for life.

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.

Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity.

You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out 1-800-GOT-JUNK and use my code 1800gotjunk.com for a great deal: https://www.1800gotjunk.com
* Check out Amazing Generation: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com
* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com
* Check out Cure Hydration and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://www.curehydration.com
* Check out DeleteMe and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://joindeleteme.com
* Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Fatigue. Brain fog. Hair loss. Mood changes. Hormonal shifts. After having a baby, women are often told these symptoms are simply part of motherhood - but when does “normal postpartum” become something worth investigating?

Today I’m joined by Dr. Alexandra MacKillop, functional medicine doctor specializing in women’s health and hormones and author of The Postpartum Check-In. Alexandra helps women better understand what’s happening in their bodies after pregnancy and childbirth - and, importantly, how to recognize when something may deserve a closer look.

We talk about why pregnancy can uncover or trigger underlying health issues, how to distinguish the exhaustion of motherhood from symptoms of a larger problem, and why postpartum health extends far beyond the traditional six-week checkup. Alexandra also shares how women can advocate for themselves when they know something feels off, even when they’ve been told everything looks “normal.”

Links Discussed in This Episode |

• Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.
• Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube Channel
• Diane's Resource: Book: Memory-Making Mom by Jessica Smartt
• Previous Episode: Protecting Your Spine Through Every Season of Motherhood | Dr. Amir Vokshoor (Bonus Episode)
• List of Postpartum Lab Tests
• Dr. MacKillop's Resource: Podcast: The Birth Hour
• Dr. MacKillop Can't Stop Talking About: The Cost of Discipleship
• Connect with Dr. Mackillop
• Website
• Instagram
• Substack
• Book: The Postpartum Check-In: What's Normal, What's Not, and How to Advocate for the Care You Deserve

About Dr. MacKillop |

Dr. Alexandra MacKillop is a functional medicine doctor and the author of 3 books, including The Postpartum Check-In, a health guide for moms that helps them understand what is and isn't normal in the postpartum period, and learn how to advocate for themselves in a healthcare setting. Dr. MacKillop specializes in women's health, fertility, and hormonal disorders, and sees patients via telehealth throughout Illinois.

Episode Sponsors |

Hey Polo | Protect your loved ones without spying on them. Go to heypolo.com/MINIMALIST or use code MINIMALIST to get 70% off your first year.

HungryRoot | Head to HungryRoot.com/minimalist and use code MINIMALIST to get 40% off your first box and a free item of your choice for life.

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.

Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity.

You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out 1-800-GOT-JUNK and use my code 1800gotjunk.com for a great deal: https://www.1800gotjunk.com
* Check out Amazing Generation: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com
* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com
* Check out Cure Hydration and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://www.curehydration.com
* Check out DeleteMe and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://joindeleteme.com
* Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com

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If you’ve ever called yourself lazy because you procrastinate, Dana K. White wants you to reconsider what’s really happening. Dana is back for the second time to discuss Procrastinators Get Stuff Done and why procrastination is often less about laziness and more about overwhelm, mental load, and too many decisions. We talk about why consistency doesn’t have to be the goal, how “pre-made decisions” can quiet the constant internal debate, and why doing one small thing right now can create the momentum we need.

Links Discussed in This Episode |

• Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.
• Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube Channel
• Diane's Resource: Previous Episode: EP137: Living a Sustainable(ish) Lifestyle with Children with Jen Gale
• Previous Episode: Rethinking "Cleanliness": Faith & the Messy Home | Dana K White (Bonus Episode)
• Connect with Dana
• Website
• Instagram
• Podcast
• Youtube
• Book: Procrastinators Get Stuff Done: How to Go from Overwhelmed to Finished

About Dana |

Dana K. White is a bestselling author, speaker, podcaster and renowned decluttering expert who has helped millions of people make real, visible progress in their homes and lives.

She is the creator of A Slob Comes Clean and the host of the popular podcast of the same name. Known for her humorous, practical and deeply relatable approach, White offers simple strategies that work in real life for people who do not naturally love organizing, routines or traditional productivity systems.

Her books and teaching have made her a trusted voice for overwhelmed readers looking for shame-free help and lasting change.

Episode Sponsors |

Hey Polo | Protect your loved ones without spying on them. Go to heypolo.com/MINIMALIST or use code MINIMALIST to get 70% off your first year.

HungryRoot | Head to HungryRoot.com/minimalist and use code MINIMALIST to get 40% off your first box and a free item of your choice for life.

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.

Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity.

You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out 1-800-GOT-JUNK and use my code 1800gotjunk.com for a great deal: https://www.1800gotjunk.com
* Check out Amazing Generation: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com
* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com
* Check out Cure Hydration and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://www.curehydration.com
* Check out DeleteMe and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://joindeleteme.com
* Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy