Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living

This episode is a little different than usual because it's not an official interview...instead, one of my close friends and fellow "influencer" Elisabeth Beam joined me to have a candid conversation about how we navigate the contradictions of decluttering while making it our career. We answer: • Why would decluttering influencers work with brands if they sell stuff...aren't we supposed to be getti...

Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. How do I channel the burn it all energy into something useful? 2. Any advice on how to go from dreaming about writing a book to actually writing it? Listener recommendation of the week: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Paradise on Hulu Sarah Cray - Let's Make Art MENTIONED THIS EPISODE: Ep 109: What to Do with Clothes that Don't Cur...

In this episode, I break down the difference between friendship and community, and explain why confusing the two might be leaving you feeling disconnected. Understanding how these two types of relationships work differently could be the key to finally feeling like you truly belong. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why you can't substitute community with friendship (or vice versa) • The science beh...

What do sourdough bread, world travel, and minimalism have in common? More than you'd think. In this episode, I sit down with Brett Wiewiora and Christina Cann, former owners of a 1,500-loaves-a-day bakery in Tampa who sold it all, packed their lives into carry-on luggage, and hit the road with their two kids—and their sourdough starter—to teach baking classes from around the world. In this episod...

Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. What decluttering project is the most bang for your buck? 2. Tell us more about your beauty queen journey! Listener recommendation of the week: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Elbert the Curious Clock Tower Bear Libby library app MENTIONED THIS EPISODE: Fridge Water Bottle Holder Ep 129: How to Declutter Your Closet Ep 141: Where to...

Today I’m joined by my dear friend from high school, Deja Riley! Watching her career evolve from a professional dancer into a powerful voice in the fitness and wellness space has been so motivating. Deja shares how her time in the entertainment industry shaped her perspective on movement, which is why she now helps people connect to movement in a way that feels joyful and accessible. In this episo...

I've been craving a personal decluttering episode—bringing you guys with me around my house while I declutter! And what better opportunity than thinking through what we'll need to declutter before moving to Finland! In this episode, I share 20 things I'll be decluttering—some are categories, and some are very specific things. I hope it inspires you to pare down your own home, too. (Moving or not!)...

Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. How do you declutter boxes and boxes of old mail? 2. How are you feeling about your move to Finland? What’s your favorite ice cream flavor? Listener recommendation of the week: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Too Good to Go App - Get day-ish old food sold at great discount MENTIONED THIS EPISODE Ep 22: Doom Piles & Mail The Power of...

In this Good Stuff episode of the Paring Down podcast, I want to share about the flip side of joy—as in, what's getting in the way? So I decided to put together a list of 10 things that are stealing your joy and offers practical, research-backed ways to subtract them from your life. You'll learn: • What "personality trait" isn't one that you have to accept...you can free yourself from its trap! •...

What a treat today! Acclaimed engineering professor and author Leidy Klotz joins me on Paring Down to explore how our environments shape our lives more than we realize. From decluttering to designing meaningful spaces, this conversation will change how you see both your home and your habits. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why we instinctively add instead of subtract (and how to train your brain...

Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. What happens when you declutter your kids stuff and then they ask about it three years later? 2. What is a non-religious source of hope for you? Listener recommendation of the week: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get a pothos house plant Article I read: Effects of Indoor Plants on Human Functions MENTIONED THIS EPISODE The Comfort Cr...

The one and only Libby Ward is in the house! In this episode, mega mom influencer Libby Ward shares how to find joy even when motherhood feels overwhelming, exhausting, and hard. This honest conversation dives into the reality of modern motherhood, mental load, and why embracing difficult emotions can actually lead to more peace and fulfillment. Libby speaks so vulnerably, and we cover: • Why thin...

Ask and you shall receive! Today I'm departing slightly today from usual decluttering content and instead giving you the full lowdown of how to grow on Instagram, how to make a successful podcast, and how to get a book deal. (At least what worked for me!) I cover: • Best general advice for each topic (social media, book, & podcast) • Specific programs & templates I use • Free resources and experts...

Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. What if I have too many clothes, but they’re too nice to giveaway (but I’m too busy to sell)? 2. Tell us about your upbringing. Listener recommendation of the week: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ "For greasy stains, I use ⁠Amodex⁠ and wash on the hottest temperature the fabric can handle with ⁠Oxiclean powder ⁠and ⁠Tide Pods⁠." ⁠New Yo...

Today we're talking about a highly underrated source of joy: anticipation. In this episode, you'll learn: • The science behind why anticipation improves an overall experience • The role of future-focused thinking in building hope, optimism, and resilience (without being discontent in the present) • Simple, practical ways to build more anticipation into your life When we intentionally create things...

The strategies in today's episode are practical and life-changing! I had so much fun hearing from Kate Vanness-Kandoth on how her background in science and process improvement led her to rethink decluttering as a systems problem—not a motivation problem. She brilliantly shows us how to reduce friction, eliminate waste, and create sustainable systems that actually support real life. You'll learn: H...

Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. How much “cool old stuff” to keep for your kids to discover? 2. Are you a morning person or a night owl? If you could have any super power for a day what would it be and why? Listener recommendation of the week: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • ⁠The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey • ⁠Owala water bottle MENTIONED THIS EPISODE Ep 19: Decluttering a...

What does it really look like to build a joyful life through hard work, resilience, and purpose? I had the pleasure of sitting down with inspiring Kodiak dairy farmer Kelli Foreman to explore the unfiltered reality of farm life in Alaska—and why working with your hands might be the missing piece in modern happiness. From 2:30 a.m. wake-ups to community impact, this conversation dives deep into fin...

If you want to declutter but don't know where to start, this is the episode for you! You’ll learn exactly how to overcome decluttering paralysis and take the first step without feeling overwhelmed. The science-backed reasons getting started on decluttering feels so hard Simple, practical decluttering tips to help you start even when you feel stuck How to choose the best place to begin decluttering...

Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. My in-laws and parents never respect the conversations I’ve had about less gifts…now what? 2. In what areas do YOU struggle with clutter? You’ve said your husband often cooks, does he also clean the kitchen when done? Listener recommendation of the week: ⁠⁠⁠ • ⁠Ardant earrings • ⁠Tubby Todd products MENTIONED THIS...

In this episode, we unpack why "having fun" can feel elusive or even guilt-inducing, and how to create more genuine fun in our daily lives as adults. The big pictures is that fun isn’t optional for creating joy, so we need to be intentional about what it means to us...and then have more of it. I go over: Why adults often think of "fun" as it relates to childhood—and how that drains joy The misunde...

How would your loved ones feel if they had to go through your stuff after you're gone? It's tough to think about, but the emotional weight of decluttering is heavy for those we leave behind. No one wants their family grieving while sorting through a lifetime of belongings—wondering what to keep, what to toss, and what any of it truly meant. That’s where Swedish death cleaning comes in. More than j...

Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. When do you reach decluttered “enough”? 2. How did you get started with writing? What's your favorite childhood movie? Listener recommendation of the week: ⁠ • Thrive's Market maple syrup (I found out you need a membership, just FYI!) • Ember heated mug PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.shannonleyko.co...

In this Good Stuff episode on the topic of joy, I sit down with psychologist Janet M. Gibson to explore the psychology of humor and how it impacts our mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. We break down how humor works in the brain, why we all find different things funny, and how laughter can reduce stress and boost joy. What you’ll get out of it: Why laughter is powerful for stres...

Have you ever felt like decluttering makes other people in your life defensive? Like you're judging them–even though you're not? In this episode, I’m talking about the relationship tension that can come up when we choose to live with less stuff. I break down why people might feel judged: Natural comparison Identity tied to possessions Cognitive dissonance Psychological reactance The spotlight effe...