Minimalist Moms Podcast | Purposeful Life & Parenting Tips

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

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

Going Deeper episodes will be less structured with a more conversational tone. These conversations will focus on interesting people I've come across that share similar values, perspectives and intentions expressed on the Minimalist Moms Podcast. Did you know our world depends on bees more than most of us realize? In this episode, we sit down with Luke Howard, founder of the Bee Collective , a...

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

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

For those that are new around here, I release bonus episodes that serve a niche part of my audience, I have listeners of all faith backgrounds that listen to the podcast. This episode is coming from a  christian perspective  so if that’s something that doesn’t fit what you’re looking for, check out the other episode that dropped this week or join me back here next Tuesday for a conversation that y...

How do we raise boys who are not only confident, but also compassionate and emotionally intelligent? In this episode, parenting journalist Joanna Schroeder shares insights from her new book Talk to Your Boys, with practical scripts and tips for tackling subjects like masculinity, consent, bullying, and mental health. Drawing on research and insights from over 80 boys themselves, Joanna shares how...

Child psychologist Dr. Robyn Koslowitz explains why kids get stuck replaying violent images they’ve seen online—and why telling them to “just think about something else” can make it worse. She shares what parents should say instead, how to tell the difference between healthy vigilance and trauma-driven hypervigilance, and practical tools to help kids feel safe without overprotection. Links Discuss...

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. In this episode, I sit down with debut author Jessica Guerrieri to talk about her novel Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea—and the real-life jour...

Drowning in thousands of photos? In this episode, photo organization expert, Haleh Shoa shares practical tips to declutter, back up, and enjoy your digital and physical memories. From the Daily Delete habit to the 3-2-1 backup method, you’ll learn how to simplify your photo collection, preserve family stories, and finally make space to enjoy the moments that matter. Links Discussed in This Episode...

Our words matter more than we realize. The phrases we use with our children—often without thinking—can leave lasting impressions on their hearts, shaping how they see themselves and their relationship with us as parents. In this episode, I’m joined by Amy Hughes—writer, speaker, and mother of nine—whose new book Words Like Honey helps parents recognize the unintended harm in common phrases like “H...

For those that are new around here, I release bonus episodes that serve a niche part of my audience, I have listeners of all faith backgrounds that listen to the podcast. This episode is coming from a  christian perspective  so if that’s something that doesn’t fit what you’re looking for, check out the other episode that dropped this week or join me back here next Tuesday for a conversation that y...

What if “control” didn’t mean perfection, but peace? In this episode, Christina Lee, co-founder of Graceful Spaces Organizing , shares how she’s reclaiming the word “control” — not as a path to perfection, but as a tool for peace. We talk about the difference between healthy control and perfectionism, how simple systems can reduce overwhelm at home, and why an organized space should reflect your v...

Finding the right nanny isn’t just about childcare - it’s about trust, connection, and building a family rhythm that works. In this episode, the founder of Olive You Nanny , a nanny placement agency with over 20 years of experience, shares her journey from babysitting in high school to running a trusted agency. You’ll hear practical advice on hiring the right nanny, creating clear expectations, an...

Ever catch yourself scrolling and thinking, “I love my life, I just wish…” ? In this episode, I sit down with Kate Strickler—mom of three, founder of Naptime Kitchen, and author—to talk about finding joy in the life you already have. Kate shares honest stories, practical tips, and simple perspective shifts to help you stop measuring yourself against someone else’s highlight reel and start embracin...

What if bravery wasn’t about being fearless—but about taking small, deliberate steps in the face of fear? In this episode, I’m joined by Jill Schulman, a Marine Corps veteran and leadership expert, to talk about her new book on courage. She shares how to move past routine, confront challenges in relationships, career, and parenting, and why building a supportive “brave tribe” matters. If fear has...

What if small space living could actually give your family more—more connection, more creativity, and more clarity about what really matters? In this conversation, Khrystyne Jaspers shares her story of raising two kids with her husband in a one-bedroom Manhattan apartment for over a decade. What started as a necessity turned into a lifestyle and eventually a business, as she now helps families ret...

Is motherhood supposed to define everything about who we are as women? In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, therapist and author Vanessa Bennett joins us to discuss her new book The Motherhood Myth —a resource that’s less about parenting tips and more about rediscovering ourselves as whole, complex individuals. Vanessa opens up about her own journey navigating codependency, partnership,...

What if mealtime could be more than just eating—and actually become one of the best ways to teach kids confidence, responsibility, and creativity? In this episode, I sit down with the author of The Best Kids Cookbook to explore how cooking together can shape not only healthier eating habits, but stronger family connections. We talk about the unique approach her cookbook takes—encouraging critical...

What if you could help your kids—and yourself—move through the day with more calm, focus, and balance? In today’s episode, I’m joined by Lisa, an educator with a background in psychology, who brings a wealth of experience in early childhood education and social-emotional learning. Lisa shares her own journey from a career in human resources to working closely with children and families, and why sh...

What if we stopped rushing childhood—and instead focused on raising whole, curious, and connected human beings? In today's episode, I'm joined by Lindsay Mimnagh, founder of Treehouse Schoolhouse. Drawing on her background in education, Lyndsey shares how she learned to see children as complete individuals, body, soul, spirit, and mind, and why this holistic view changes everything in pare...

For those that are new around here, I release bonus episodes that serve a niche part of my audience, I have listeners of all faith backgrounds that listen to the podcast. This episode is coming from a  christian perspective  so if that’s something that doesn’t fit what you’re looking for, check out  the other episode that dropped this week  or join me back here next Tuesday for a conversation that...

Feeling overwhelmed as the school year is swiftly approaching? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to stay stuck in survival mode this year. In this episode, Time Management Coach Anna Deamon Kornick, shares simple, actionable strategies to help busy, ambitious moms take back their time, design routines that actually work, and prioritize what matters most. We also discuss: the 5 essential routines...

This episode is a part of the Clear Intentions series. In this episode, artist and Master Penman Jake Weidmann shares how he came to see creativity not as a luxury, but as sacred work - an expression of purpose, worship, and connection. We explore the tension between craftsmanship and convenience in an AI-driven world, and why slowing down to create with intention still matters. Whether you're...

What if the secret to raising curious, connected, and creative kids wasn’t found in an app—but in a mossy patch of forest floor? Naturalist and author Susie Spikol returns to share stories and insights from her new book, Forest Magic for Kids: How to Find Fairies, Make a Secret Fort, and Cook Up an Elf Picnic. Blending folklore, nature exploration, and hands-on activities, the book is a whimsical...