- Age-Proof Your Brain | Dr. Marc Milstein (Bonus Episode)
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
- 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/privacy32m - Oct 16, 2026 - Your Phone Doesn't Belong in Your Bedroom (Here's Why) | Emily Bryne (EP470)
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
- 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/privacy28m - Oct 15, 2026 - Stop Dividing and Conquering: A Better Way to Run Your Family | Blake & Chandler Allsmith (EP469)
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
- 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/privacy35m - Oct 13, 2026 - Before You Label It: What’s Actually Normal in Childhood? | Katie Davis (Bonus Episode)
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
- 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/privacy35m - Oct 12, 2026 - Stop Playing Small: Building a Career and Life You Actually Love | Kelly Mooney (Bonus Episode)
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:
- 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/privacy30m - Oct 9, 2026 - Your Teen’s Brain Isn’t Broken: Understanding ADHD Beyond Behavior | Dr. Tamara Rosier (Bonus Episode)
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: 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 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/privacy32m - Oct 8, 2026 - You Can’t Control the Economy - BUT You Can Control Your Money | Crystal Paine @TheMoneySavingMom (EP468)
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:
- 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/privacy35m - Oct 7, 2026 - [REPLAY] Let's Declutter: Arts + Crafts | Melissa Russell
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:
- 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/privacy26m - Oct 5, 2026 - Grow Wild, My Child: Restoring the Wonder of Childhood | Ainsley Arment (Bonus Episode)
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:
- 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/privacy29m - Oct 4, 2026 - Safer Driving Starts with Less: Minimizing Distractions on the Road | Jennifer Morrison (Bonus Episode)
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
- 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/privacy34m - Oct 2, 2026 - Stop Calling It "Normal": What Your Postpartum Symptoms Are Trying to Tell You | Dr. Alexandra MacKillop (Bonus Episode)
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
- 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
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy30m - Sep 30, 2026 - Why You Procrastinate (and How to Finally Get Things Done) | Dana K. White (EP467)
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
- 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/privacy30m - Sep 29, 2026 - [REPLAY] Stop Saying You Can't: Why Mindset & Community Are Keys to a Healthier You | Morgan Kline
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.
This is an episode of the Going Deeper series of the Minimalist Moms Podcast. Going Deeper episodes will be less structured with a more conversational tone. This week, I spoke with Morgan Kline of Burn Bootcamp. Morgan dives into the history and philosophy behind Burn Boot Camp. These pillars emphasize physical and mental health, nutrition, goal setting, and the importance of community. Additionally, Morgan discusses working alongside her husband, co-founding the business, and balancing family life with professional commitments. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or looking for inspiration to start a healthier lifestyle, this episode offers valuable takeaways!
Previous Going Deeper Episodes:
Building a Business: Navigating Friendship, Challenges & Growth in Podcasting
Choosing Quality Over Quantity (In Most Things) Can Improve Wellbeing
Leaving Corporate for a More Intentional Career
About Morgan |
Morgan Kline is the CEO of Burn Boot Camp. She has personally trained more than 5,000 Burn members. She lives in Charlotte, NC.
Links Discussed in This Episode |
- Order a Copy of Minimalist Moms: Living and Parenting with Simplicity
- Book: Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business
- Book: Rocket Fuel: The One Essential Combination That Will Get You More of What You Want from Your Business
- Book: Outlive by Peter Attia
- Morgan Can't Stop Talking About:
- Connect with Morgan:
- Website: https://burnbootcamp.com/
- Burn Boot Camp Instagram
Work with Me |
If you’ve been struggling with motivation to declutter or work through bad habits that keep you stuck, I’d love to help you achieve your goals! We’ll work together (locally or virtually) to discover what areas in your life are high priority to get you feeling less overwhelmed right away. For more info on my processes, fees, and availability please contact!
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.
Further Questions |
- You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.
- Checkout the Minimalist Moms Podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.
- Checkout a list of my collaborative podcasts here.
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/privacy27m - Sep 25, 2026 - What’s Happening to Our Boys - and How Can We Help? | Dr. Leonard Sax, Boys Adrift (Bonus Episode)
Content warning: This episode contains topics that may not be appropriate for younger ears. Use discernment when listening.
American boys are failing to meet their potential And joining me today is New York Times bestselling author, Dr. Leonard Sax, to explain why and what we can do about it. A growing proportion of American boys are failing. From kindergarten to college, boys are becoming less resilient and less ambitious, and the gender gap in college attendance and graduation rates has widened dramatically
sack shares research-based factors that play a role in this shift But he's also here to share strategies that educators have found effective in reengaging boys at school, as well as crucial guidance for parents about everything from selecting a school to navigating AI and the "manosphere".
If you are a parent of boys - this is an episode you do not wanna miss!
Links Discussed in This Episode |
- Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.
- Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube Channel
- Common Sense Media
- Connect with Dr. Leonard Sax
- Website
- Book: Boys Adrift: The Six Factors Driving the Growing Epidemic of Unmotivated Boys and Underachieving Young Men
About Dr. Leonard Sax |
Dr. Leonard Sax is a physician, psychologist, and New York Times bestselling author specializing in child and adolescent development. He is the author of Why Gender Matters, Boys Adrift, Girls on the Edge, and The Collapse of Parenting. Dr. Sax has visited more than 500 schools worldwide and regularly speaks to parents and educators about the challenges facing children and teens today.
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/privacy37m - Sep 24, 2026 - Less Guilt, More Presence: Staying Connected Through Goodbyes + Busy Seasons | Sarah Wright Olsen (Going Deeper)
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.
What helps a child feel connected to you - even when you’re apart? Actress, author, entrepreneur, and mom of four Sarah Wright Olsen joins me to talk about her new children’s book, When I Am Not With You: How We’re Together Even When We’re Apart, inspired by her own children’s experiences with separation anxiety.
Sarah shares the simple family mantra that became the heart of the book, why routines and imagination can make everyday goodbyes feel safer, and how she approaches each child’s need for connection differently. We also talk about parental guilt, balancing demanding careers with family life, protecting family dinners and presence, and what it has looked like for Sarah to redefine success beyond productivity and income.
At its heart, this is a conversation about giving our kids (and ourselves) the reassurance that connection doesn’t disappear simply because we aren’t physically together.
-------------------------------------------------
Previous Going Deeper Episodes:
The Hidden Ways Women Disappear: Sobriety, Motherhood & Identity
Redefining "Selfish": Choosing a Life That Feels Like Yours
Buzzing with Purpose: Teaching Kids to Protect Pollinators
Building Fount: Business, Family, & the Balance In Between
Links Discussed in This Episode |
- Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.
- Connect with Sarah:
- Website
- Instagram (Personal)
- Instagram (MotherDaze)
- Podcast
- YourZenMama
- Book: When I'm Not With You: How We're Together Even When We're Apart
About Sarah|
Sarah Wright Olsen is a mother of four - Wyatt, Esme, Winter, and Ocean. She cohosts the podcast The Mother Daze with fellow actress and mother Teresa Palmer. Sarah and Teresa also coauthored The Zen Mama Guide to Finding Your Rhythm in Pregnancy, Birth, and Beyond (Harper Horizon), a holistic and empowering guide that helps expectant mothers navigate pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenthood with mindfulness, balance, and confidence. Sarah has starred in many TV shows and movies including Mad Men, Parks and Recreation, The House Bunny, American Made, and Matlock. She is also the co-owner of a plant-based organic mommy/baby skincare line, baeo.com.
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/privacy42m - Sep 22, 2026 - The Attention Problem: Why Screen Time Isn’t the Real Issue | @OliviaUnplugged (EP466)
We talk a lot about screen time - but what if the bigger issue is what our phones are quietly taking our attention away from?
Olivia Yokubonis, known online as Olivia Unplugged, joins me to talk about moving beyond willpower and creating practical boundaries that help us use technology more intentionally. We discuss no-phone zones, practicing boredom, modeling healthier habits for our kids, and why the goal isn’t necessarily less technology—it’s having more autonomy over when and why we use it.
At the heart of the conversation is one question worth asking: When nobody’s watching, what do you want your life to feel like?
Links Discussed in This Episode |
- Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.
- Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube Channel
- Diane's Resource: Every Salad Ever: From Grains to Greens and Pasta to Beans Plus Every Salad in Betweens
- Olivia's Resource: PubMed
- Connect with Olivia
- Youtube
- TikTok
- Opal
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/privacy37m - Sep 22, 2026 - Stop Trying So Hard to Be Spiritual: Quiet Practices for An Already-Full Life | Laura Kauffman, The Meeting Place (Bonus Episode)
For those who are new here, I occasionally release bonus episodes designed for a specific part of my audience. I have listeners from all kinds of faith backgrounds, and this episode is shared from a Christian perspective. If that’s not quite what you’re looking for today, feel free to explore the other episodes released this week - or join me back here next Tuesday for a conversation you won’t want to miss!
------------------
What if growing closer to God wasn’t about adding another practice to your list - but becoming more aware of the presence that’s already here?
In this conversation, I’m joined by spiritual director and writer Laura Kauffman, author of The Meeting Place. We talk about moving away from what Laura calls “spiritual maximizing” and toward a quieter, more inhabited relationship with God.
Laura introduces us to spiritual direction and contemplative prayer, along with simple practices that can fit into the margins of an already-full life. We also talk about bringing playfulness and imagination back into prayer, helping our children practice noticing goodness, and the surprisingly powerful shift from constantly asking “What’s next?” to simply asking, “What’s here?”
Links Discussed in This Episode |
- Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.
- Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube Channel
- Laura's Resource: Podcast: Pray as You Go
- Connect with Laura
- Website
- Book: The Meeting Place: Quiet Spiritual Practices for Dwelling with God in Prayer
About Laura |
Laura Kauffman, MA, is a spiritual director and writer whose work explores the presence of God in everyday life. Drawing from the Christian contemplative tradition, she accompanies others in listening for God and responding to God's invitation. She has published three collections of poetry that examine the holy edge of ordinary things. Laura lives with her family in the Midwest, where she practices spiritual direction and continues to write.
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/privacy29m - Sep 18, 2026 - Buying Back Your Time: What to Outsource (and What to Keep) | Christine Landis (Bonus Episode)
What if the key to feeling less overwhelmed isn't doing more—it's deciding what you no longer need to do yourself?
In this eisode, Diane sits down with Christine Landis, founder of Peacock Parent, to explore the often-overlooked topic of outsourcing at home. While outsourcing is often associated with expensive services or large household budgets, Christine challenges that assumption by showing how every family can lighten both the physical and mental load - regardless of income.
Together, they discuss why time is one of our most valuable resources, how the invisible mental load contributes to burnout, and practical ways to delegate tasks that drain your energy. From using AI to simplify planning and decision-making to finding affordable ways to outsource everyday responsibilities, Christine shares actionable ideas for creating more margin in your life.
Specifically for the Minimalist Moms listeners: Ask Proxy™️ is a personal AI assistant by text. Get 1 month free with code MINIMALIST. Select the $39/month plan here and experience what it's like having someone think ahead for you.
Links Discussed in This Episode |
- Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.
- Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube Channel
- Previous Episode: Back-to-School, Back-in-Balance | Anna Dearmon Kornick (EP398)
- Connect with Christine
- Website
About Christine |
Christine Landis is a mom of two and founder and CEO of Peacock Parent, a home management platform designed to help people delegate at home and buy back time for joy. Previously, she led financial technology company National-Cred-A-Chek to a successful eight-figure exit.
Her own experience with the mental load of motherhood inspired her to create Ask Proxy™, an AI assistant that helps adults outsource not just the “doing” of home life, but the thinking, planning, and anticipating that comes with it. Christine speaks and writes about time as a currency, home management, AI, and creating more time for what matters most.
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/privacy34m - Sep 16, 2026 - The Kids’ Mental Health Crisis Started Before Smartphones - So What Changed? | Peter Gray (Bonus Episode)
What if the answer to the youth mental health crisis isn’t simply fewer screens - but more freedom?
In this conversation, I’m joined by psychologist and Free to Learn author Dr. Peter Gray to talk about his latest book, Restoring Childhood: How to Set Kids Free in the Age of Anxiety. Peter challenges us to look beyond smartphones and social media and consider a much bigger shift that’s taken place over the last several decades: children have far less independence, unstructured play, and freedom to navigate life without adults directing the experience.
We talk about how increased schooling, homework, organized activities, and constant supervision have gradually crowded out the kind of self-directed play that once defined childhood. Peter also offers a thought-provoking perspective on screens, questioning whether technology deserves as much blame for declining youth mental health as it often receives.
At the heart of our conversation are three things kids need to thrive: autonomy, competence, and connection. We explore what it might look like to give some of that back - not by abandoning boundaries, but by becoming more intentional about where we step in and where we step aside.
Links Discussed in This Episode |
- Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.
- Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube Channel
- Connect with Peter Gray
- Website
- Substack
- Book: Restoring Childhood: How to Set Kids Free in the Age of Anxiety
About Peter Gray |
Peter Gray is a research professor of psychology at Boston College whose work focuses on the role of play in human development and how children learn through freedom, exploration, and self-directed activity. He is the author of Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life and co-author of the widely used textbook Psychology. He also writes the “Freedom to Learn” blog for Psychology Today and is a founding member of the Alliance for Self-Directed Education and the nonprofit Let Grow.
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.
Quince | Find the fall pieces you’ll reach for most at Quince. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or go to Quince.com/minimalist. Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada and the UK, too.
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/privacy48m - Sep 15, 2026 - Why We Always Want Something New (& How to Finally Feel Like You Have Enough) | Eric Athas, Say No to More (EP465)
We're surrounded by messages telling us that the next thing will make life better. The upgraded phone, the new clothes, the latest productivity system, the newest trend....but what if our constant attraction to new is actually pulling us further away from the life that we want?
Today, I'm joined by Eric Athas, New York Times editor and author of Saying No to New. He's here today to share why novelty is so difficult for our brains to resist, how companies and technology make consumption increasingly frictionless, and why buying something new often gives us only a fleeting sense of satisfaction.
We also talk about something at the heart of minimalism, this idea of enough. Instead of simply asking how to declutter what we've accumulated, what if we got better at questioning what enters our lives in the first place? Eric shares how we can recognize persuasion, create more intentional friction before consuming, rediscover the value of what we already have, and become more discerning about what actually is worth welcoming into our homes and lives.
Links Discussed in This Episode |
- Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.
- Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube Channel
- Diane's Resource: The Midnight Train by Matt Haig
- Eric's Resource: Wirecutter
- Connect with Eric
- Website
- Book: Saying No to New: Why New Things Are Stealing Your Time, Money, and Happiness―and How to Take Back Your Life
About Eric |
Eric Athas is an editor at the New York Times, where he helps journalists learn new tools and skills they can use to tell stories. Before joining the Times in 2016, he worked at NPR and the Washington Post. His work has been published in the New York Times, the Washington Post, Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, and the Nieman Journalism Lab. Athas lives with his wife and two children in Brooklyn.
Episode Sponsors |
Hey Polo | Protect your loved ones without spying on them. Go to heypolo.com/MINIMALIST or use code MINIMALIST to get 40% 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/privacy34m - Sep 15, 2026
