Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living

Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living

If staunch minimalism feels too extreme, but you want to declutter your house to alleviate some stress, this is the podcast for you. Shannon Leyko's style is like having your best friend in your ear, helping you get past those tough mental roadblocks that are keeping you from decluttering the things you don't need. From New York Times bestselling authors to everyday people in the trenches of life, Shannon's guests give practical tips and mindset advice for intentional living and self-improvement. Listen to Paring Down if you've ever asked yourself... Where do I start decluttering my house? Where do I start decluttering when overwhelmed? How do I declutter if I have ADHD? What if I end up needing something I decluttered? How can I stop shopping my shopping addiction? How do I stop being stressed? How do I keep my house clean? How do I tidy my room? How do I get my husband or wife to declutter? How many toys should a child have? How can I save money? What is minimalism? How can I be a minimalist with kids? What should I declutter first? How can I be a conscious consumer? Find more of Shannon's work: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.shannonleyko.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@shannonleyko⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@shannon_leyko⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Weekly Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The L.E.S.S. Express⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Substack: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Blog & Additional Support (free trial!)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PARING DOWN RESOURCES⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (free checklist, hacks, worksheet, & more!)

Episodes

June 16, 2026 39 mins
Everyone I know pulls their hair out because it's one thing to organize the house...it's another for it to STAY organized. That's what today's episode is for! I break down the difference between macro and micro organizing, when to use each type, and how to make sure your house doesn't explode 30 seconds after you finally have it looking good. MENTIONED THIS EPISODE How to Declutter Your Kitchen (YouTube video) Ep 77: What If ...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. How do I gently encourage my parents to start going through their stuff? There’s so much! 2. Did you know you would be a career military wife when you married your husband? Listener recommendation of the week: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Caroline Chambers Instagram: @carochambers Substack: What to Cook When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking Coo...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
This is a super vulnerable and real conversation with my childhood friend, Mallory Andrews, about what it means to trust yourself when everything you've known begins to shift. Mallory opens up about walking away from her evangelical Christian community and the recent end of her almost 20-year marriage—and what both experiences have taught her about true belonging. We cover: Why leaving a community can bring both relief ...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
Wow—I was blown away by executive coach Carrie Fabris this week on Paring Down! We talked all about how to stick to our goals (decluttering and otherwise).  Carrie shares practical frameworks for staying focused on what actually matters, especially when results don’t happen overnight. What you’ll learn: • How to use the “VIBE” framework to prioritize goals and protect your energy • Why burnout...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. I think we have too much furniture for our house but I can’t figure out what could go? 2. Which kid age has been your favorite? Listener recommendation of the week: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Finish-It Friday with an "Unfinished Business" Bin MENTIONED THIS EPISODE Effortless - book by Greg McKeown Ep 85: Become an Essentialist with NYT Bestsell...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
Shannon McKinstrie is a social media strategist with a refreshingly grounded take on what it truly means to build community online, and this conversation covers it all. We dig into what separates a thriving, supportive digital space from one that drains you. We Cover: What makes an online community genuinely healthy and supportive Red flags that signal a community has become unhealthy How algorithms shape the w...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
It's much easier to declutter when we filter our choices through certain questions, so I've compiled the best 15 questions to ask yourself when decluttering. Some are famous ("Does this spark joy?") and some are recent viral sensations ("If this had poop on it, would you wash it off or throw it away?"), but I break down why they work (and circumstances when they don't). Choose your favorites from this list and let them help you p...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. I got decluttering fatigue after our recent move to a temporary rental. Motivation tips? 2. What is your favorite funny memory in your life? Moment that makes you laugh still? Listener recommendation of the week: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Benson's Table Tasty Salt Substitute⁠ MENTIONED THIS EPISODE: Ep 99: ⁠7 Tips to Conquer Decluttering Burnout⁠ Ep 1...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
It's the WORST when people "hide" information or help because they think it will help them get ahead or gain respect...psychology tells us it will do the opposite. In this Good Stuff episode about filling our lives with community, I unpack why we're prone to gatekeeping and why it ultimately works against us. In fact, sharing knowledge, connections, and resources freely is the key to building real community and personal success. ...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
It's counterintuitive, but a simple wardrobe can actually make your style even better! In this episode, I'm sitting down with Lauren Morley, founder of the 20 Outfit Wardrobe, who helps people simplify their closets by curating just 20 outfits they love and wear on rotation. We Cover: Why no one is paying attention to outfit repeating as much as you think. How to recognize when your shopping habits may have become unhealthy...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. How do you get kids to clean up after themselves without feeling like you're nagging? 2. What are some technology tools that you use to organize your life? Listener recommendation of the week: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Emesis Bags MENTIONED THIS EPISODE: ⁠Shoe bin organizer Ep 100: Life-Changing Hacks to Make Tech Your Personal Assistant with Am...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
Olivia Levin, New York Times bestselling author of The Story of Us: How the Taylor Swift Fandom Changed Our Lives, joins me to explore what makes the Swiftie community one of the most powerful fandoms in the world. From meeting Taylor at a secret session to selling Eras Tour tickets at face value, Olivia shares how a shared passion can create genuine, lasting human connection. In this episode, you'll learn: Why authenticity ...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
This episode is a little different than usual because it's not an official interview...instead, one of my close friends and fellow "influencer" Elisabeth Beam joined me to have a candid conversation about how we navigate the contradictions of decluttering while making it our career. We answer: • Why would decluttering influencers work with brands if they sell stuff...aren't we supposed to be getting rid of stuff? • How much mone...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. How do I channel the burn it all energy into something useful? 2. Any advice on how to go from dreaming about writing a book to actually writing it? Listener recommendation of the week: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Paradise on Hulu Sarah Cray - Let's Make Art MENTIONED THIS EPISODE: Ep 109: What to Do with Clothes that Don't Currently Fit Ep 57: S...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
In this episode, I break down the difference between friendship and community, and explain why confusing the two might be leaving you feeling disconnected. Understanding how these two types of relationships work differently could be the key to finally feeling like you truly belong. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why you can't substitute community with friendship (or vice versa) • The science behind "weak ties"—researc...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
What do sourdough bread, world travel, and minimalism have in common? More than you'd think. In this episode, I sit down with Brett Wiewiora and Christina Cann, former owners of a 1,500-loaves-a-day bakery in Tampa who sold it all, packed their lives into carry-on luggage, and hit the road with their two kids—and their sourdough starter—to teach baking classes from around the world. In this episode, you'll learn...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. What decluttering project is the most bang for your buck? 2. Tell us more about your beauty queen journey! Listener recommendation of the week: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Elbert the Curious Clock Tower Bear Libby library app MENTIONED THIS EPISODE: Fridge Water Bottle Holder Ep 129: How to Declutter Your Closet Ep 141: Where to Start Decluttering...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
Today I’m joined by my dear friend from high school, Deja Riley! Watching her career evolve from a professional dancer into a powerful voice in the fitness and wellness space has been so motivating. Deja shares how her time in the entertainment industry shaped her perspective on movement, which is why she now helps people connect to movement in a way that feels joyful and accessible. In this episode, you'll learn: • Abou...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
I've been craving a personal decluttering episode—bringing you guys with me around my house while I declutter! And what better opportunity than thinking through what we'll need to declutter before moving to Finland! In this episode, I share 20 things I'll be decluttering—some are categories, and some are very specific things. I hope it inspires you to pare down your own home, too. (Moving or not!) MENTIONED THIS E...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. How do you declutter boxes and boxes of old mail? 2. How are you feeling about your move to Finland? What’s your favorite ice cream flavor? Listener recommendation of the week: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Too Good to Go App - Get day-ish old food sold at great discount MENTIONED THIS EPISODE Ep 22: Doom Piles & Mail The Power of Half by Kev...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    Hey Jonas!

    Hey Jonas! The official Jonas Brothers podcast. Hosted by Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas. It’s the Jonas Brothers you know... musicians, actors, and well, yes, brothers. Now, they’re sharing another side of themselves in the playful, intimate, and irreverent way only they can. Spend time with the Jonas Brothers here and stay a little bit longer for deep conversations like never before.

    Crime Junkie

    Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by Audiochuck Media Company.

    The MeatEater Podcast

    Building on the belief that a deeper understanding of the natural world enriches all of our lives, host Steven Rinella brings an in-depth and relevant look at all outdoor topics including hunting, fishing, nature, conservation, and wild foods. Filled with humor, irreverence, and things that will surprise the hell out of you, each episode welcomes a diverse group of guests who add their own expertise to the vast world of the outdoors. Part of The MeatEater Podcast Network.

    The Global Story

    Where the world and America meet, with episodes each weekday. The world is changing. Decisions made in the US and by the second Trump administration are accelerating that change. But they are also a symptom of it. With Asma Khalid in DC, Tristan Redman in London, and the backing of the BBC’s international newsroom, The Global Story brings clarity to politics, business and foreign policy in a time of connection and disruption. Come and join us our live event. You can register for Castfest tickets here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/shows/castfest-2026

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2026 iHeartMedia, Inc.

  • Help
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • AdChoicesAd Choices