Minimalist Moms Podcast

This episode is a part of the Clear Intentions series.Diane sits down with Pema Sherpa, co-author of The Daily Buddhist, to explore how ancient Buddhist wisdom can bring more clarity, calm, and intention to daily life. Pema shares how she and her husband Brendan turned deep spiritual teachings into accessible, bite-sized reflections—while navigating pregnancy, postpartum, and personal transformation. From mindfulness and emotional regulation to spiritual overlap and practical micro-practices, this episode offers gentle, grounded insight for anyone seeking more peace and purpose in their everyday routine.In this episode, you’ll hear about:The story behind The Daily Buddhist and how it came to lifeThe beauty of micro-practices and why small moments matterPractical tools for managing emotions and staying presentPema’s journey growing up in Nepal and studying at Harvard Divinity SchoolWriting a book during motherhood and finding mindfulness in difficult seasonsThe universal wisdom in Buddhist teachings—accessible

What if the very things that once made you feel small were actually the source of your greatest strength? In this powerful episode, I’m thrilled to speak with author, speaker, and business coach Mary Marantz for an inspiring conversation around her new book, Underestimated: The Surprisingly Simple Shift to Quit Playing Small, Name the Fear, and Move Forward Anyway.From growing up in a trailer in rural West Virginia to graduating from Yale Law, Mary’s story is proof that your beginnings don’t define your potential. We talk about what it really takes to stop living to prove your worth and start showing up from a place of confidence, clarity, and purpose. If you’re feeling stuck, small, or like you’re constantly trying to measure up - this episode is for you!Links Discussed in This Episode |Book: Dirt by Mary MarantzDr. Alison CookConnect with Mary:https://marymarantz.com/underestimated https://www.instagram.com/marymarantzhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/marymarantzshowBook: Underestimated: The Surprisingly Simp

What happens when a diagnosis changes everything? In this heartfelt episode, Chelsea and Amber share their journeys parenting children with medical complexities—from rare disorders and developmental delays to epilepsy and cerebral palsy. They open up about advocacy, self-care, and finding strength in community. A powerful reminder that even in the hardest moments, there’s hope in the small wins.Links Discussed in This Episode |Diane's Resource: Podcast: Diary of a CEO (Episode: Masculinity Debate: Are Dating Apps Creating A Generation Of Incels?! Lonely Men Are More Dangerous Than Ever!)Book: The Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact by Chip HeathStewart Bogle - The Resilient Souls CommunityVitamin String QuartetPrevious Episode: Stop Saying You Can't: Why Mindset & Community Are Keys to a Healthier You (Going Deeper)Burn Boot CampConnect with Lemon Cake:WebsiteInstagramBook: Finding Joy in the Journey Book (DISCOUNT CODE: MINIMALISTMOM for 20% OFF)Better Together Pla

In this episode, we’re joined by speaker and author Justin Jones-Fosu to explore how respectful disagreement can be a powerful antidote to today’s growing loneliness epidemic. With half of Americans reporting just three or fewer close friends, we examine how fear of judgment, cancel culture, and surface-level conversations are driving disconnection. Justin unpacks concepts like the “dotted line dilemma” and the “illusion of asymmetric insight,” showing how our assumptions often block true connection. He also shares practical strategies to foster curiosity, embrace open-hearted dialogue, and stay present—even when we disagree. This conversation is a compelling reminder that we don’t have to agree to connect—we just have to keep talking.Links Discussed in This Episode |Book: What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing by Oprah and Dr. Bruce PerryConnect with Justin:WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedInBook: I Respectfully Disagree: How to Have Difficult Conversations in a Divided WorldAbo

Summer can feel like a whirlwind—kids are home, routines upended, and clutter seems to multiply overnight. But it doesn’t have to be that way. In today's episode, I'm joined once again by professional organizer, Tracy Showalter, for a timely conversation about how to bring calm, clarity, and structure into your home before summer kicks into full gear. Tracy shares practical, sustainable strategies to help you simplify your days, from creating kid-friendly routines and clearing seasonal clutter to setting up systems that actually last. You’ll walk away with realistic tips for managing everything from mealtime chaos to the mess of pool gear—plus mindset shifts to keep things peaceful without perfection. If you're ready for a summer that feels more intentional than overwhelming, this episode is your starting point.Links Discussed in This Episode |Connect with Tracey:WebsiteInstagramAbout Tracey|Tracey Showalter is a busy mom of three, wife and founder of The LightHouse Co. You can find her running ar

Author and 1000 Hours Outside founder Ginny Yurich joins us to share encouragement from her upcoming book, Homeschooling: You’re Doing It Right Just By Doing It. We explore how real learning happens through everyday life—beyond checklists and pressure.Whether you're homeschooling, curious about it, or simply want to bring more intention into your child’s education, this episode offers practical insight, a fresh perspective on success, and plenty of permission to slow down and trust your gut.Links Discussed in This Episode |Previous Episode: Creating a Worldwide Movement Simply By Stepping Outside | Ginny Yurich (EP01)Book: Smart Moves: Why Learning Is Not All in Your Head by Carla HannafordBook: Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life by Dr. Peter GreyBook: What Time is Noon?: Hilarious Texts, Ridiculous Feedback, and Not-So-Subtle Advice from Teenagers by Chip LeightonBook: The 5 Types of Wealth: A Transformative G

In this episode, play and design expert Myriam Sandler—founder of the wildly popular Mothercould platform and author of the upcoming book Playful by Design—shares how to transform everyday spaces into intentional, low-stress zones that invite kids to explore, create, and play on their own. Myriam unpacks the psychology behind independent play, how to set healthy boundaries (without guilt), and why fewer toys can lead to richer experiences. With real-life insights from working with children of all abilities—including her own daughter with sensory aversion—Myriam’s approach is both practical and empowering. Whether you live in a small apartment or a spacious house, this conversation will leave you inspired to create functional, joyful spaces that work for the whole family.Links Discussed in This Episode |Diane's Resource: The Mother Self: Poems by Talia GutinConnect with Myriam:WebsiteInstagramBook: Playful by Design: Your Stress-Free Guide to Raising Confident, Creative Kids through Independent Play About

Author Kristen Strong gets real about the highs and heartbreaks of adult friendship. From chasing connection after countless moves to learning when to let go, Kristen shares honest lessons on being a good friend—to others and yourself. If you’ve ever felt lonely or struggled to find your people, this episode is for you.Links Discussed in This Episode |Book: Made for Friendship: The Relationship That Halves Our Sorrows and Doubles Our JoysConnect with Kristen:WebsiteInstagramBook: Desperate Woman Seeks Friends: Real Talk About Connection, Rejection, and Trying Again for the Friendships You NeedAbout Kristen|Kristen Strong, author of Girl Meets Change and Back Roads to Belonging, writes as a friend offering meaningful encouragement for each season of life so you can see it with more hope and less worry. She and her US Air Force veteran husband, David, have three children. Together this military family zigzagged across the country (and one ocean) several times before settling in Colorado Springs, Colorado.Enjoy

This podcast is part of the Clear Intentions series of the show.What if you could handle workplace conflict without shutting down, blowing up, or backing away? Today we’re diving into a hidden crisis in the workplace: poor communication—a leading cause of corporate errors, costing companies hundreds of thousands each year. In this episode, renowned communication expert Cynthia Kane joins us to share insights from her new book, The Pause Principle, and how her SOFTEN method can help leaders and teams navigate high-stress conversations with clarity and respect. Cynthia opens up about her personal journey and how it shaped her approach to mindful communication—tools that can transform not only professional dynamics but also personal relationships. We explore how setting daily intentions, regulating our nervous system, and staying present can drastically reduce miscommunication and bring more peace to both boardrooms and dinner tables.Links Discussed in This Episode |Connect with Cynthia:WebsiteInstagramBook: The

In this deeply reflective episode, acclaimed poet and author Jill Bialosky joins us to share the heart behind her newest memoir, The End Is the Beginning: A Personal History of My Mother. Unlike traditional memoirs or self-help books, Jill’s latest work offers a poetic, emotionally rich narrative told in reverse—from her mother’s death to her birth—unfolding a tender portrait of a woman shaped by love, loss, faith, and resilience. In this episode, Jill reflects on writing through grief, the unbreakable bond between mothers and daughters, and how memory shapes identity. A powerful listen for anyone navigating loss, caregiving, or the quiet beauty of remembrance.Links Discussed in This Episode |Connect with Jill:WebsiteBook: The End is the Beginning: A Personal History of My MotherAbout Jill|Jill Bialosky's newest work of prose is The End is the Beginning: A Personal History of My Mother. Her most recent volume of poetry Asylum: A Personal, Historical, Natural Inquiry in 103 Lyric Sections, was a finalist f

Minimalism isn’t about living in a blank, sterile space — it’s about making room for what truly reflects you. It’s less about having less, and more about living with intention. On today’s episode, I’m chatting with designer and author Whitney English, about her brand-new book Organize First, Decorate Second. We talk about how to bring order to your space before you style it — and why a home that feels like you doesn’t have to feel chaotic.Links Discussed in This Episode |Previous Episode: Making Space for Balance with Whitney English (EP220)Book: The Next Right Thing by Emily FreemanConnect with Whitney:WebsiteInstagramSubstackBook: Organize First, Decorate SecondAbout Whitney|Whitney English believes in living a beautiful, intentional life — one rooted in gratitude, creativity, and growth. She’s built two seven-figure businesses from the ground up, holds a degree in interior design, and studied management at Parsons in New York. Her work has been featured in O Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, and twice on

This podcast is part of the Clear Intentions series of the show.Is it possible that sibling rivalry holds the key to teaching kids grace, empathy, and lasting family bonds? In this episode, author and third-time guest Justin Whitmel Earley returns to talk about his new children’s book, The Big Mess—a heartfelt story centered on sibling reconciliation and the value of family amidst everyday chaos. Justin shares what led him from writing for adults to crafting stories for kids, inspired by his love for parenting and the power of imagination. He offers practical insights on turning daily messes into moments of grace, building habits of forgiveness, and nurturing healthy sibling dynamics. Whether you're navigating screen time or sibling squabbles, this conversation is packed with wisdom for every parent looking to raise kids with empathy, creativity, and connection.Note: I have listeners of all faith backgrounds that listen to the podcast. This episode is coming from a christian perspective so if that’s somet

This podcast is part of the Clear Intentions series of the show.What if our system was built to support moms just as much as their babies? In this episode, I sit down with Lauren Scocozza, VP of Product at Willow, to unpack how the company is reimagining motherhood—starting with the hidden weight moms carry every day. From the mental load of breastfeeding to the link between nursing stress and postpartum depression, we explore how Willow is putting moms first through innovative products, mental health support, and bold policy advocacy. If you're ready to hear what true maternal support can look like, this conversation is for you.Links Discussed in This Episode |Connect with Willow:WebsiteEpisode Sponsors |Clear Intentions 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

This podcast is part of the Clear Intentions series of the show.Note: 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 you don’t want to miss!-----------------------What does it mean to truly believe you are worthy, especially in the midst of life's struggles? In this heartfelt interview, Erin Eddy, founder of So Worth Loving and co-host of the podcast God Hears Her, opens up about her personal journey of faith and self-worth. Erin shares the inspiration behind her podcast, which encourages women to remember that God hears them, even in their toughest moments. She reflects on her experience with a difficult divorce, battling imposter syndrome, and rebuilding her faith. Erin also discusses the importance of honest conversations with her daughters about self-worth,

This podcast is part of the Clear Intentions series of the show.What if you could take control of your personal safety by strengthening your mind, body, and emotions? In this empowering episode, I speak with Stephanie Cyr, executive health coach and founder of Power Up Moves, about her holistic approach to personal safety. Stephanie explains how she blends self-defense techniques with mental and emotional strategies to help people feel confident and secure in any situation. She shares her journey from attorney to personal safety expert and offers powerful insights on situational awareness, setting intentions, and communicating with confidence. Tune in for practical tips on living fearlessly, building resilience, and taking charge of your well-being, both inside and out.Links Discussed in This Episode |Book: The Gift of FearBook: The Body Keeps the ScoreConnect with Stephanie:https://powerupmoves.com/https://www.instagram.com/powerupmoves/https://www.facebook.com/PowerUpMoves/About Stephanie|Stephanie Cyr (NBC

This podcast is part of the Clear Intentions series of the show.Note: 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 week for a conversation that you don’t want to miss!-------------------------------What if you could break free from the toxic thought patterns that keep you stuck, drained, and held back? In this powerful episode, bestselling author and pastor Kyle Idleman shares insights from his new book Every Thought Captive: Calm the Mental Chaos That Keeps You Stuck, Drains Your Hope, and Holds You Back. Drawing from both Scripture and neuroscience, Kyle unpacks how renewing your mind—through intentional thinking and the power of God’s truth—can lead to lasting mental, emotional, and spiritual transformation. He offers practical tools for recognizing and redirecting destructive thoughts like

This podcast is part of the Clear Intentions series of the show.What if the key to better health isn’t found in a pill bottle—but in community, creativity, and connection? Today I’m joined by author and researcher Julia Hotz to talk about her new book, The Connection Cure, where she uncovers how movement, nature, art, service, and belonging can transform our well-being. From dementia care farms in Norway to social prescribing programs around the world, Julia shares powerful, real-life stories of how people are healing through human connection. We dive into how prescribing joy, purpose, and relationships could radically shift how we think about healthcare. If you’ve ever felt like something’s missing from modern medicine, this conversation will open your eyes to what really makes us well.Links Discussed in This Episode |Book: Outlive by Peter AttiaBook: The Nature Fix by Florence WilliamsBook: Heartbreak by Florence WilliamsBook: Your Brain on Art: How Art Transform Us by Ivy RossBook: Together: The Healing Po

This podcast is part of the Clear Intentions series of the show.Note: 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 week for a conversation that you don’t want to miss!-------------------------------What does it really mean to be a Christian in today’s world of confusion and cultural contradictions? In this episode, Diane talks with Glen Pia, lead pastor at Rock Harbor Church, about his new book What’s a Christian? Anyway. How can ancient truths—like the Nicene Creed—help anchor our faith in a time when trust in the Church is wavering? Glen shares his perspective on the intersection of politics, faith, and community, and how believers can stay rooted without losing heart. Through personal stories and pastoral insight, he unpacks how to live with integrity and clarity in a complicated spiritual l

Join me today as I speak with creator of The Freedom Moms, Ashley Buffa. Ashley is the mother of 10 children (yes, 10!), a business owner, and a dedicated non perfectionist home systems extraordinaire! On today's episode, Ashley answers questions such as: where do we start when managing a large household (kids rooms? toys? schedules?) Sticking points when it comes to getting everyone organized (and how can we move through these challenges) and more! 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 t

This podcast is part of the Clear Intentions series of the show.What happens when you realize success isn’t success if it costs you your peace? In this episode, Kim Rittberg shares her journey from burnout to building a life and career that align with her values. Can you balance ambition with family, and still show up confidently in your work? Kim walks us through her shift from TV and digital video to launching her own coaching business, where she now helps others speak with confidence and authenticity. She shares practical tips on public speaking, overcoming imposter syndrome, and managing time with intention. This conversation is a reminder that you don’t have to choose between impact and balance—you can have both.Links Discussed in This Episode |Connect with Kim:WebsiteInstagramPodcast: The Exit Interview with Kim RittbergGrab Kim’s Free Tips to Make Magnetic Video that Grows Your Revenue + a bonus How to Be Confident on Camera & Public Speaking: https://www.kimrittberg.com/tips About Kim|Kim Rittberg