Minimalist Moms Podcast | Simple Living for Overwhelmed Moms

Today’s guest, Ash Brandin, says we’ve been taught to fear screens — but what if that fear is keeping us from finding real balance? Ash is a longtime public school teacher, librarian, and creator of The Gamer Educator, where they help families understand how screens can be part of a healthy, connected life. Their new book, POWER ON: Managing Screen Time to Benefit the Whole Family, offers a calm, realistic approach to parenting in ...

For those that are new around here, I release bonus episodes that serve a niche part of my audience, 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 episodes 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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This week I want to have a discussion on the idea of our possessions 'sparking joy' as we declutter. The method comes from author, Marie Kondo in her book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. The idea has become a mainstream thought; however, is it really the best way to approach decluttering? I bring you some personal thoughts on this subject, as well as dive into a discussion with Marie Kondo consultant, Sarit Sela. I w...

In this episode, Diane talks with Jessica Baum, licensed mental health counselor, relationship expert, and author of the upcoming book SAFE: Coming Home to Yourself and Others – An Attachment-Informed Guide to Building Secure Relationships. Jessica shares how early attachment patterns shape the way we love, trust, and connect, offering insights into healing attachment wounds, recognizing the difference between intensity and intimac...

In this episode, I speak with Brian Page, a nationally recognized financial education leader and founder of Modern Husbands, to explore what happens when a love for simplicity meets a partner’s preference for abundance. Together, we unpack how differing money mindsets and childhood experiences shape financial values, and how empathy, communication, and understanding each other’s “why” can bridge the gap between frugality and minima...

For those that are new around here, I release bonus episodes that serve a niche part of my audience, 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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Can good manners really make life easier? Author and speaker Brooke Romney believes they can—for kids and families alike. In this practical conversation, Brooke shares insights from her book 52 Modern Manners for Kids, offering simple ways to raise kind, confident, and respectful children. She explains why manners matter more than ever, which habits actually stick, and how social skills can strengthen confidence, connection, and fa...

In this episode of the show, Dr. Rebecca Jackson breaks down the latest report on youth health and explains why parents need a preventative mindset to support their children’s well-being. She shares her four-pillar framework - movement, sensory integration, nutrition, and lifestyle - and how each element supports brain and emotional health. Dr. Jackson discusses how exercise aids focus and mood, how sensory maturity impacts learnin...

In this episode, parenting coach, Tia Slightman, joins us to share powerful insights on improving children’s listening and behavior without resorting to punishment. Tia explains why understanding the root causes of kids’ actions is far more effective than relying on yelling, timeouts, or endless reminders. She introduces simple, practical strategies to set clear boundaries, foster cooperation, and build stronger connections with yo...

In this replay episode, I’m joined by fellow podcaster, mindfulness teacher, and mindful mama Hunter Clarke-Fields, author of the upcoming book Raising Good Humans. In this insightful conversation, Hunter shares practical mindfulness strategies to help parents break free from “reactive parenting” habits and raise kind, confident, and cooperative kids. We talk about how mindful parenting can transform family dynamics, reduce stress,...

Feeling overwhelmed by tantrums, sleep struggles, or figuring out how to set respectful limits? This episode is for you! Joining me once again is toddler expert Devon Kuntzman, the voice behind the hugely popular Instagram account Transforming Toddlerhood. Devon shares practical, compassionate strategies for navigating the everyday challenges of raising toddlers—insights she expands on in her brand-new book. In our conversation, sh...

Change is one of life’s few constants—but letting go of what no longer serves us can be one of its hardest lessons. In this episode, Diane sits down with artist, author, and mother Meera Lee Patel to talk about her new book, Learn to Let Go: A Journey to Inner Peace and Self-Discovery.

Known for her bestselling guided journals, Meera shares how creativity, journaling, and mindfulness can help us navigate transitions, release old pat...

In this episode, Diane talks with author Tommy Brown about why slowing down isn’t laziness—it’s wisdom. Drawing from his new book The Speed of Soul, Tommy challenges the cultural obsession with constant achievement and explores four spiritual practices that help us live with depth and clarity: love deeply, live quietly, mind your own affairs, and work with your hands. Together, they discuss how to create meaningful rhythms in a wor...

YouTuber and mom Sarah Therese is trading her family home for life in a trailer — and she’s taking us behind the scenes of what it actually takes to downsize with kids. In this conversation, Sarah gets honest about why she’s choosing less, what she’s learned about attachment and identity through decluttering, and how minimalism looks different when real life (and real mess) are involved.

We talk about the mental load of motherhood, ...

What if your spending habits could truly reflect your deepest values? In this episode, Diane and Jen explore the concept of values-based spending, revealing how it can lead to more intentional and mindful financial decisions. They delve into the role of dopamine in our spending habits and offer practical strategies for breaking the cycle of stress shopping. Tune in as they share tips for identifying and prioritizing your core value...

How do you protect kids online without daily screen-time battles? In this episode, Diane sits down with cybersecurity expert and parent Ben Gillenwater, founder of Family IT Guy. With nearly 30 years in tech, Ben reveals the hidden risks of kids’ digital lives and shares simple, practical strategies—like parental controls, balance, and open communication—to help families raise digitally healthy kids.

Links Discussed in This Epis...

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.

Did you know our world depends on bees more than most of us realize? In this episode, we sit down with Luke Howard, founder of the Bee Collective, a visionary organization dedicated to s...

Are you pouring your energy into everything and still feeling like it’s never enough? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Diana Hill—clinical psychologist, co-author of ACT Daily Journal, and author of the upcoming book Wise Effort: How to Focus Your Genius Energy on What Matters Most.

Grounded in psychology, neuroscience, and contemplative practices, Diana helps us explore how to stop scattering our energy and instead focus it on wh...

If you’re struggling to meet your goals, the problem may not be effort—it’s that you’re still trying. In this episode, author and motivational speaker Carla Ondrasik joins me to share insights from her new book, Stop Trying!: The Life-Transforming Power of Trying Less and Doing More. Drawing from her unconventional childhood, career in music publishing, and experience as a mother, Carla challenges the way we use the word “try” and ...