Connected Simplicity

In this brief solo episode, I explore why it's so easy to find ourselves wanting more, even after we've simplified our lives and decluttered our homes. Whether it's scarcity, comparison, fear, or the constant messages telling us we need one more thing, the pull toward "more" can be difficult to resist. Rather than focusing on self-control or spending restrictions, I share three simple practices th...

I'm flipping the mic today. In this special episode, I'm sharing a conversation from the Created Creative Podcast , where I had the opportunity to be the guest instead of the host. Consider this a "prequel" to last week's episode where I interviewed Ruth and Dawn. We talk about my move from Nashville to a tiny home community in Austin, the lessons I've learned about simplicity and belonging, and h...

In this episode, I'm joined by Ruth Hetland and Dawn Trautman , co-hosts of the Created Creative podcast. Together we explore how creativity shapes our lives, helps us process grief, strengthens community, and gives voice to experiences that might otherwise remain hidden. Ruth and Dawn share the stories behind their books and why so many people struggle to claim the title of "creative." We also di...

I get a lot of questions about simplicity from people who are interested in my tiny home and community. In this solo episode, I share the three things I've noticed that block us from finding true simplicity, no matter how many square feet we live in. I then share three actions you can take to begin to slow down, find a deeper appreciation for what you have, and find your own version of simplicity....

In this episode, I sit down with author, speaker, naturalist, and spiritual guide Beth Norcross, co-author of Discovering the Spiritual Wisdom of Trees . Together we explore what trees can teach us about grief, hope, community, resilience, and our relationship with the natural world. It is a thoughtful reminder that the natural world is not simply a backdrop to our lives, but a source of wisdom, w...

In this solo episode, I reflect on my first year of living in a tiny home at Village Farm Austin. I share the specifics of my tiny house and the practical ways I've adapted to a smaller space. More importantly, I talk about the sense of community I've found here and why belonging is even more important than the size of the home we live in. In this episode: The layout and specifics of my 399 sq ft...

In this episode, I talk with Kristy Halvorsen — former firefighter turned full‑time nomad, mentor, coach, and best‑selling author of Perfect Unfolding . In 2017, Kristy left her career and began traveling North America in her Airstream, guided not by plans but by what she calls “the tickles of her soul.” For nearly nine years, she has lived by curiosity, intuition, and a deep trust in the unknown....

In this brief solo episode, I explore the meaning of the fall equinox — both the astronomical event and the deeper spiritual themes it invites us to consider. As day and night come into balance, the equinox offers a moment to reflect on our own inner steadiness, our relationships with others, and our connection to the natural world. In this episode: What the fall equinox is and why it matters Thre...

In this episode, I’m joined by Laurie from Travel Tips by Laurie , a pilot’s wife who has spent more than two decades traveling the world and learning how to make every part of the journey easier, calmer, and more enjoyable. Laurie has built a thriving YouTube community by teaching practical packing strategies, sharing airport and TSA tips, and helping travelers reduce stress before they ever reac...

In this brief solo episode, I explore two themes that surfaced after a recent Instagram post: knowing when to engage in potentially volatile conversations and cultivating a deep sense of self that doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone . I share how I navigate group‑chat tension, how I listen for my own inner cues rather than reacting from ego or emotion, and why there is real peace in not alway...

In this personal episode, I sit down with my brother and sisters — the Searcy siblings — to remember our parents, our childhood, and the legacy of love, faith, humor, and resilience that shaped each of us. We talk about growing up in a small house with big hospitality, the music that filled our home, the creativity that defined our early years, and the ways our parents’ strength and joy continue t...

In this solo episode, I explore the rapidly shifting AI landscape. I share why opt‑out (vs. opt-in) AI concerns me, potential environmental and creative harms, and how unchecked reliance on AI can weaken our critical thinking. I also offer an honest look at the ways I do use AI, along with simple practices to help you stay grounded, thoughtful, and human in an AI‑driven world. In this episode: The...

In this episode, I sit down with Joe and Heather McGarty — full‑time nomads traveling North America in their self‑converted school bus with their two dogs, Moose and Maple. We talk about how they went from New York newlyweds to building a home on wheels, what life is really like in 100 square feet, and the unexpected adventures that have shaped their journey — from volunteering at a horse ranch in...

In this solo episode, I explore the quiet relief of letting go of perfection — and why “good enough” is often more than enough. I share a childhood story that shaped my understanding of excellence, how striving for “great” can sometimes keep us stuck, and why loosening our grip creates space for joy, connection, and fun. If life feels heavy or overly serious right now, this conversation is a gentl...

In this episode, I sit down with Heather Adams — founder and CEO of Choice Media & Communications — for a conversation about confidence, connection, and the “red lip life” she’s inspiring women to embrace. Heather shares how she built a career rooted in genuine relationships, why storytelling is at the heart of her work, and how naming and protecting her “life‑giving essentials” transformed th...

In this solo episode, I explore the inner catalysts that make meaningful transformation possible — the moments, realizations, and shifts that prepare us for lasting change. I share part of my own story, what I’ve witnessed in the lives of other women, and questions that can help you recognize when you’re ready for a new chapter. If you’ve been craving a deeper shift in your life, this conversation...

In this episode, I talk with Stephanie Seferian, host of my favorite podcast, the Sustainable Minimalists podcast, and author of Sustainable Minimalism . We explore how minimalism and sustainability intersect, what conscious consumerism really looks like, and why buying less is one of the most powerful environmental choices we can make. Stephanie shares what she’s learned after interviewing nearly...

In this solo episode, I share five lessons that have shaped me as I step into my fire horse year and celebrate turning sixty. From rediscovering nature as the best entertainment to shifting perspective with one simple question, these reflections are meant to offer gentle guidance and a fresh way of seeing your own life. Consider this an invitation to embrace boldness, curiosity, and your own wisdo...

On this episode, I talk with author Fredrika Syren, a single mom of three teenagers who lives a zero‑waste lifestyle in Stockholm, Sweden. We explore what zero waste really means and how her family made the transition. Fredrika shares practical ways to reduce waste, the importance of composting, and her deep love for nature. It’s an inspiring, down‑to‑earth conversation about sustainability, resil...

Ready to let go of items holding emotional weight and discover how decluttering can lead to emotional healing and clarity? From old letters to childhood photos to objects tied to family memories, I share what surfaced for me recently and how sentimental decluttering can help release old narratives, highlight what truly matters, and establish a deeper connection to who you are today. In this episod...

On this episode, I get to sit down with my nephew, singer‑songwriter Jordy Searcy, for a conversation about creativity, community, and what it’s like to make music in today’s ever‑changing world. We talk about how his career has developed over the years, the story behind Love and War in Your Twenties , why he’s so passionate about helping other artists, and how his free house concerts are creating...

On this solo episode, I explore what it really means to apologize well — not from a place of defensiveness or justification, but from honesty, humility, and connection. You’ll learn the difference between guilt and shame, how to tell when your actions or values are out of alignment, and why taking responsibility builds self‑esteem rather than diminishing it. This is a gentle, practical conversatio...

Discover how decluttering goes beyond tidying up—it's a pathway to peace, deeper connections, and a fulfilled life. Shannon Leyko, host of the podcast Paring Down , shares her insights on the mental and emotional foundations of decluttering and how to make space for what truly matters. In this episode: Shannon’s journey from a professional singer and reality TV producer to decluttering expert and...

In this episode, I talk about why so many women struggle to trust their own intuition and how easy it is to lose connection with our inner voice. We'll identify what self‑trust looks like (and doesn’t look like), and how distraction, overwhelm, and over‑seeking advice can pull us away from our own wisdom. I also walk through the simple steps I use to slow down, listen to my inner "nudgings," and m...

My guest today is Jay Ramsden, the “Empty Nest Coach” on Instagram and TikTok. We're discussing how we can rediscover purpose and passion when our children leave home or any time in life. Jay and I have chatted before in person and on his podcast, so I'm thrilled to be able to share his insights with you. In this episode: The importance of communication and setting expectations with others Buildin...