Clear Intentions with Diane Boden

Minimalism isn’t about living in a blank, sterile space — it’s about making room for what truly reflects you. It’s less about having less, and more about living with intention. On today’s episode, I’m chatting with designer and author Whitney English, about her brand-new book Organize First, Decorate Second. We talk about how to bring order to your space before you style it — and why a home that feels like you doesn’t have to feel ...

Is it possible that sibling rivalry holds the key to teaching kids grace, empathy, and lasting family bonds? In this episode, author and third-time guest Justin Whitmel Earley returns to talk about his new children’s book, The Big Mess—a heartfelt story centered on sibling reconciliation and the value of family amidst everyday chaos. Justin shares what led him from writing for adults to crafting stor...

What if our system was built to support moms just as much as their babies? In this episode, I sit down with Lauren Scocozza, VP of Product at Willow, to unpack how the company is reimagining motherhood—starting with the hidden weight moms carry every day. From the mental load of breastfeeding to the link between nursing stress and postpartum depression, we explore how Willow is putting moms first through innovative products, mental...

Note: I have listeners of all faith backgrounds that listen to the podcast. This episode is coming from a christian perspective so if that’s something that doesn’t fit what you’re looking for, check out the other episode that dropped this week or join me back here next Tuesday for a conversation that you don’t want to miss!

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What does it mean to truly believe you are worthy, especially in the midst of life'...

What if you could take control of your personal safety by strengthening your mind, body, and emotions? In this empowering episode, I speak with Stephanie Cyr, executive health coach and founder of Power Up Moves, about her holistic approach to personal safety. Stephanie explains how she blends self-defense techniques with mental and emotional strategies to help people feel confident and secure in any situation. She shares her journ...

Note: I have listeners of all faith backgrounds that listen to the podcast. This episode is coming from a christian perspective so if that’s something that doesn’t fit what you’re looking for, check out the other episode that dropped this week or join me back here next week for a conversation that you don’t want to miss!

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What if you could break free from the toxic thought patterns that keep you stuck, ...

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 o...

Note: I have listeners of all faith backgrounds that listen to the podcast. This episode is coming from a christian perspective so if that’s something that doesn’t fit what you’re looking for, check out the other episode that dropped this week or join me back here next week for a conversation that you don’t want to miss!

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What does it really mean to be a Christian in today’s world of confusion and cultu...

Join me today as I speak with creator of The Freedom Moms, Ashley Buffa. Ashley is the mother of 10 children (yes, 10!), a business owner, and a dedicated non perfectionist home systems extraordinaire! On today's episode, Ashley answers questions such as: where do we start when managing a large household (kids rooms? toys? schedules?) Sticking points when it comes to getting everyone organized (and how can we move through these...

What happens when you realize success isn’t success if it costs you your peace? In this episode, Kim Rittberg shares her journey from burnout to building a life and career that align with her values. Can you balance ambition with family, and still show up confidently in your work? Kim walks us through her shift from TV and digital video to launching her own coaching business, where she now helps others speak with confidence and aut...

What can American parents learn from Brazilian birth parties, Danish babies napping outside, or Singaporean grandparents deeply involved in childcare? In this episode, journalist Marina Lopes shares insights from her new book, Please Yell at My Kids: What Cultures Around the World Can Teach You About Parenting and Community. Marina takes us on a global tour of parenting practices, highlighting the power of community, cultural tradi...

What does it mean to be a "good enough" mother in the midst of chaos, chronic illness, and creativity? In this episode, Ashley Fenker shares the story behind her book Good Enough Mother: Stories and Essays, and how the isolation of the 2020 pandemic sparked her return to writing. In our conversation today, Ashley opens up about her struggles and the healing power of journaling, reflection, and creative expression. This hone...

Here to share her deeply personal journey through infertility and ultimately, surrogacy is my friend (and fellow podcaster), Keri Croft. On this episode, Keri opens up about her decision to pursue surrogacy, the support systems that sustained her, and the workshop she created to help others find their dream surrogate. This powerful conversation is a testament to resilience, community, and the courage to keep moving forward. The con...

Note: I have listeners of all faith backgrounds that listen to the podcast. This episode is coming from a christian perspective so if that’s something that doesn’t fit what you’re looking for, check out the other episode that dropped this week or join me back here next Tuesday for a conversation that you don’t want to miss!

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What if the path to peace, purpose, and a more meaningful life begins by letting go—f...

For nearly two years, Ashlee Piper challenged herself to buy nothing new. And in the process, she got out of debt, cut clutter, crushed her goals, and became healthier and happier than ever―all the things she’d always wanted to do but “never had time to” (because she was mindlessly scrolling, shopping, spending, and stressing). Today we specifically talk about: Whether you’re a bona fide shopaholic or someone who just wants to buy ...

What does it really take to build a strong, lasting sense of family and belonging—even through life’s hardest moments? In this episode, Chris and Julie Bennett share their journey from Oklahoma to Malibu and the powerful story behind their book Fighting for Family: The Relentless Pursuit of Building Belonging. They open up about facing Julie’s stage three breast cancer diagnosis and the challenges of marriage, parenting, and commun...

Stoicism combined with empathy may sound like a contradiction in terms. But when these seemingly opposing forces are harnessed together, they have the power to change your life. In today's episode, I explore the concept of "stoic empathy" with award-winning lawyer, speaker, and thought leader Shermin Kruse. Blending cutting-edge research, ancient Stoic wisdom, and practical strategies, she challenges the traditional vie...

Why do we instinctively add more—but rarely consider taking things away? In this episode, Leidy Klotz joins us to explore the hidden power of subtraction and why our brains are wired to overlook it. Drawing from his book Subtract, Leidy explains how this instinct to add can lead to unnecessary complexity, missed opportunities, and burnout. But this conversation goes far beyond minimalism—it's about rethinking how we approach ch...

Note: I have listeners of all faith backgrounds that listen to the podcast. This episode is coming from a christian perspective so if that’s something that doesn’t fit what you’re looking for, check out the other episode that dropped this week or join me back here next Tuesday for a conversation that you don’t want to miss!

Every relationship has its highs and lows, but we often don't know what to do with our "lows," or ...