Minimal-ish: Minimalism, Intentional Living, Motherhood

296: Getting Intentional about Screen Time (for Kids and Adults) with Emily Feldpausch 26.06.2026 38мин

Today I am bringing you a guest episode featuring Emily Feldpausch, a parent of three, educator, and author of The Unfollow Effect: Intentional Living in a Digital Age. After a personal experiment with social media revealed just how much technology was shaping her daily life, she became passionate about helping others cultivate healthier, more intentional digital habits. Emily encourages people to protect what matters most—their peace, presence, and relationships—while using technology in ways that align with their values. Today she shares insights on how we can build boundaries for screen time and model better habits and boundaries as parents. Her tips come at a perfect time for any parent wanting to prioritize presence and intentionality around screen time and technology this summer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

295: June Coffee Date: 2 Things I'm Loving, 2 Things I'm Simplifying, and Finances + Minimalism 19.06.2026 26мин

In this 3rd edition of our minimal-ish coffee date, I'm sharing some summer routines, what I'm loving about community-based summer camps, summer reading incentives, and a minimal-ish learning dealing with finances and a tight budget. I hope you enjoy listening in, and feel free to share some of your things your loving, simplifying and learning in my instagram DMs! Links: Desirae on Instagram Barnes and Noble Summer Reading for grades 1-6 Pizza Hut Book It Program for grades pre-k - 6. Sponsor: Get 10% off your first bidet purchase at hellotushy.com/minimalish with code minimalish Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

294: Declutter the Basement, Garage, or Storage Area with Me 05.06.2026 38мин

A long awaited declutter with me episode is here! In January of this year I took time to accomplish a really tough decluttering project - my overrun-with-disorganized-storage basement. I'm here today bringing you the step by step process I took and what I learned in the process. Sponsor: Caraway Go to caraway.com/minimalish to get an additional 10% off your order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

293: Simplifying the Summer with Diane Boden (Minimal-ish Replay Episode) 23.05.2026 47мин

REPLAY: Today I am bringing you a fun conversation with special guest Diane Boden of Minimalist Moms all about having a minimal-ish summer. Diane shares so many great tidbits in this interview, including: finding a balance of flexibility and structure for everyone, simple routines to make getting out of the house less stressful, prioritizing connection with our family, and even unique ways to make time for our own friendships as moms. I’m so excited for you to tune into this episode to kick off your own minimal-ish summer! Links: ⁠Diane on Instagram⁠ ⁠Minimalist Moms Instagram⁠ ⁠Minimalist Moms Podcast⁠ ⁠Desirae on Instagram⁠ ⁠Minimal-ish Podcast Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

292: Mother's Day Edition - How Minimalism has Changed my Motherhood + 2 Things I'm Loving Through the Lens of Motherhood 08.05.2026 31мин

Today I'm sharing another "coffee date" style solo episode with you (formerly known as mini solo episodes), but I'm doing it with Mother's Day in mind! I'm sharing 2 things I've been loving and why they've been a game changer for me in motherhood, plus three ways minimalism is impactful to me as a mom. I hope you enjoy this episode, and I hope you're encouraged to find your thing. Desirae on Instagram⁠ ⁠Minimal-ish Podcast Website Sponsor: Caraway: take an additional 10% off your next purchase.This deal is exclusive for our listeners, so visit Carawayhome.com/MINIMALISH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

291: Simplifying Showing Up and Going Deeper in Our Friendships with Ashlee Gadd (Making Friends as an Adult Part 2) 30.04.2026 33мин

In today’s episode, I am so happy to welcome back Ashlee Gadd for an encouraging and practical conversation about friendship in motherhood and showing up for your people. Ashlee is a mother, writer, and founder of Coffee + Crumbs, and she has spent years helping women tell honest, beautiful stories about motherhood. In this episode, we talk about the role friendships play in our lives as moms—and how they naturally shift and evolve through different seasons of parenting, as well as her new book You’re in Good Company: The Gift of Friendship, Motherhood, and Showing Up. We share personal experiences with friendship in early motherhood, busier seasons, and everything in between. Ashlee also offers such a helpful perspective on being intentional in our relationships, including the power of being specific when offering support to a friend. If you’ve been loving these conversations about friendship as an adult like I have, you will love this chat filled with tangible takeaways to try right away. Links from this episode: Ashlee’s new book: You’re In Good Company (released March 2026) Ashlee on Instagram (@ashleegadd) (@coffeeandcrumbs) Ashlee’s website Desirae on Instagram Minimal-ish Podcast Website More Episodes on Friendship in Motherhood: Ep 287: Making Friends as an Adult: The Good, the Hard, and the Awkward with Kristen Strong Ep 281: Building Lasting Community with Palak Dave Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

290: Are we even still "minimal-ish?" Shifting with life seasons and a new definition of Minimal-ish 24.04.2026 19мин

In this episode, I'm sharing my mid-minimal-ish life crisis moment when my husband said to me: Can we even call ourselves minimal-ish anymore? It was a series of conversations that made me reflect and redefine what minimalish means. We'll discuss the ebb and flow of clutter and the impact of life seasons on this minimal-ish journey. Listen in for an even more grace-filled version of minimalism that I personally need in this season, and maybe you do, too. Desirae on Instagram⁠ ⁠Minimal-ish Podcast Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

289: Minimalism Stories with Dana Litz 19.04.2026 46мин

For this week’s Minimalism Story episode I’m joined by Dana Litz, content creator and founder of Minimal Moves, to talk about what it really looks like to pursue minimalism over time—not perfectly, but through real-life ups and downs. Dana shares her personal journey with decluttering, from her childhood home to moving out—and even moving back in—and how each season shaped her perspective on stuff, space, and what truly matters. This conversation is a great reminder that minimalism isn’t a one-time project, but something that evolves with you. We also talk about the emotional side of decluttering and how to start letting go of items that feel hard to release. Dana offers practical, doable tips for detaching from possessions without guilt, along with her “Minimal Moves” approach—focusing on small, consistent actions that create meaningful change over time. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the cycle of decluttering or struggled to let go, this episode will meet you with both encouragement and realistic next steps. Links from this episode: Dana on TikTok Dana on Instagram (@danalitzel) Dana’s website Desirae on Instagram Minimal-ish Podcast Website More Minimalism Stories: Ep 261: Minimalism Story: Smart Phone to Flip Phone with Abby Brennan Ep 252: Minimalism Stories with Sami Townsend Ep 220: Minimalism Stories with Jordan Jones Ep 201: Minimalism Stories - From Extreme Minimalism (+ tiny house living) to Minimal-ish with Korie Veidel Ep 192: Minimalism Stories with Leah Franklin Sponsor: Thank you to Caraway for making this episode of Minimal-ish possible! Visit Carawayhome.com/MINIMALISH to take an additional 10% off your next purchase. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

288: 30 Day Experiments to Overhaul Your Health with Tyler Moore (Tidy Dad) 05.03.2026 1ч 7мин

Tyler Moore, also known as Tidy Dad, is back on Minimal-ish for the third time—and it’s no surprise that you will leave this conversation with tons of actually doable ideas for simplifying the way you take care of yourself. The last time Tyler was on the show, we talked about his book Tidy Up Your Life and the idea of 30-day experiments instead of traditional New Year’s resolutions… and it had such an impact in sparking my own health journey in 2025. This time, we’re narrowing in on what those “experiments” can look like specifically for self-care—and how to gradually layer habits in a way that actually supports your current season of life, even when it’s full and feels impossible to add “one more thing”. We both share honestly about our recent health and fitness journeys, what’s shifted over the past year, and how we’ve learned to focus on small, consistent habits instead of all-or-nothing overhauls. Tyler also gives practical advice for listeners who feel overwhelmed by where to start when it comes to building healthy routines that actually stick. Links from this episode: Fitness bands Dance workout videos Tyler on Instagram Tyler’s website Desirae on Instagram Minimal-ish Podcast Website More episodes with Tyler: Ep 260: Tidying Up Your Life with Tyler Moore Ep 197: Layering Routines and “Surthriving” with Tyler Moore Sponsors: Bubs Natural Collagen: Get 20% off when you use the code MINIMALISH at bubsnaturals.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

287: Making Friends as an Adult: The Good, the Hard, and the Awkward with Kristen Strong 14.02.2026 47мин

In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Kristen Strong (author, mom of 3, and military spouse) for a heartfelt conversation about something so many of us wrestle with… friendship. Whether it’s finding new friends as an adult, navigating the awkwardness of starting over, or simply maintaining meaningful connections in a busy season, Kristen brings so much honesty and encouragement to our chat. We talk about the ups and downs of friendship through different life stages, the unique challenges of modern life (hello, social media), and how vulnerability and intention can lead to deeper, more fulfilling relationships. Kristen also shares some beautiful wisdom from her new book, Desperate Woman Seeks Friends. It’s part memoir, part gentle guide for anyone feeling a little lonely or disconnected. You’ll walk away from this episode feeling less alone and more equipped to take the next small step toward community—whatever that might look like for you right now. Links from this episode: Kristen on Instagram (@kristenstrong) Kristen’s Website Order her new book: “Desperate Woman Seeks Friends: Real Talk about Connection, Rejection, and Trying Again for the Friendships You Need“ Desirae on Instagram Minimal-ish Podcast Website Current Sponsor: Thank you to Laundry Sauce for making this episode of Minimal-ish possible! Get 20% off at laundrysauce.com with code MINIMALISH. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

286: February Mini-Solo: Things I'm Loving + Simplifying, Life Updates, and Starter-Habits 06.02.2026 25мин

In this episode, I'm introducing a new series of shorter solo episodes where I'll get a little more personal, like we're friends on a coffee date. I'm starting this series with a big life update while I share three things I'm loving, something I'm simplifying, and what I'm calling a "minimal-ish learning" that I had over the past month. We kind of go all over the place as we start shallow with some self-care topics and then get a little deeper as I share a big life transition. I hope you enjoy this new series! Linking all the skin care/ hair items I briefly mentioned in case you're interested: Moisturizing face wash Byoma toner Vitamin C Serum Barrier Serum Moisturizing Cream Other links: Planner Desirae on Instagram Thank you to our current sponsors for making this episode possible! -Shop all things home at wayfair.com -Get the best sheets at Boll and Branch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

285: Start Decluttering and Keep an Uncluttered Home with Katy Wells 25.01.2026 59мин

Today on Minimalish, I’m joined by Katy Wells– wife, mom and decluttering expert for a refreshing conversation on starting the new year off on the right foot in our homes. She shares her own journey with decluttering and discusses the mental, emotional, and physical impacts of clutter that quietly weigh us down. Katy also shares practical strategies for simplifying in a busy household or season (and why we need to continue to normalize lived-in spaces, especially with kids). Katy is the host of the Top 50 podcast The Maximized Minimalist and may have seen her featured recently on NBC News, where she helps families clear their floors, minds, and to-do lists so they can feel calm, clear and in control again. If you’ve been stuck in a cycle of decluttering and re-cluttering, I hope you leave this episode with the belief that change is possible. Connect with Katy: Katy’s Website Katy’s Podcast (The Maximized Minimalist) Katy on Instagram (@katyjoywells) Pre-order Katy’s Book: Making Home Your Happy Place: A Real-Life Guide to Decluttering Without the Overwhelm (Releases February 17, 2026) Other Links: Desirae on Instagram Minimal-ish Podcast Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

284: Consistency, Morning Routines, and A Word for the Year with Emily Ley (Replay) 17.01.2026 40мин

Today's episode is starting with a mini solo episode and continuing with a conversation that I am honored to re-share with Emily Ley. She wrote a devotional book titled Sure as the Sunrise in 2022, and in today's episode, we focus in on the idea of creating a word for the year along with how to create a grace filled morning routine that will work for whatever your life looks like right now. This conversation was so encouraging and comes at the perfect time of year as we are looking towards the fresh start of the new year, but I hope this episode reminds you that any day can be a fresh start. More Minimal-ish New Year Episodes: Episode 213: 4 Ways to Walk Intentionally into 2024 - Other Ways to Set Goals or Intentions for the Year Episode 212: The Annual Minimal-ish Goal Setting Episode- Reflecting on Your Year and Setting Goals that Align with Your Values Episode 165: One Small, Impactful Change to Start the Year (Changing the New Years Narrative) Links: Emily's Devotional: Sure as the Sunrise ⁠Emily's Website⁠ ⁠Emily on Instagram⁠ ⁠Podcast Website⁠ ⁠Desirae on Instagram⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

283: Why Strength Training is Life Changing for Women + How to Fit Fitness into your Busy Life with Sam Lindauer 30.12.2025 57мин

This week I’m so excited to be joined by Sam Lindauer, a mom, physical therapist, and strength training coach on the Ladder app, for a motivating and encouraging conversation all about strength training— especially for women and moms who want to feel stronger, more energized, and more mentally grounded. Sam reminds us that you don’t need perfect conditions, a gym membership, or a ton of free time to get started. She shares some much needed reminders for busy moms about how showing up consistently and giving your body small, intentional challenges over time can still make a big impact. If you’re craving a more doable and sustainable way to feel stronger in your current season of life or even as you approach creating goals for the new year, Sam’s encouragement and practical tips will meet you right where you are. Links from this episode: Ladder App (30 days free) Sam on Instagram (@strongwithsamantha) Join Sam’s Team on Ladder Ladder Website Desirae on Instagram Minimal-ish Podcast Website Previous Minimal-ish Episodes on Fitness in Motherhood Episode 265: Monthly Experiment #1: Healthier Habits Episode 224: Simplifying Fitness and Wellness in Motherhood with Amy Kiefer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

282: Intentional Parenting for the Holiday Woes: Sibling fights, Screen time, and Full schedules 04.12.2025 56мин

This week on Minimalish, I’m welcoming Devon Kuntzman, founder of Transforming Toddlerhood, for a conversation every toddler parent needs, especially during the holiday season. Devon brings so much clarity and compassion to the toddler years, and this episode is full of encouragement and truly helpful strategies you can start using right away. We talk about what’s really going on beneath “big behaviors,” why toddlerhood is such an important developmental season, and how a lot of the work actually starts with us—our emotions, our expectations, and the environment we create. Devon also shares practical tips for everyday challenges, including navigating sibling conflict, managing screen time, prepping for busy seasons (like holidays) so you and your kids can handle transitions with more ease, and setting boundaries with family and friends in a way that protects your values. If you’re craving more peace, confidence, and connection in your home—especially with little ones in the toddler stage (though the tips can span many ages of childhood)— then this episode is for you. Links from this episode: Devon's Website Devon on Instagram (@transformingtoddlerhood) Check out Devon's Book: Transforming Toddlerhood Desirae on Instagram Minimal-ish Podcast Website Holiday episodes: Declutter with me (Holiday Edition) A Values Based Holiday Season with Kat Steck Values Based holiday spending with Jen Hygge Holidays with Diane in Denmark Mental Decluttering for the Holidays Getting intentional about Gift Giving Thinking Ahead for Intentional Holiday Traditions Holiday Q&A (dealing with the influx of stuff, Finding time to rest, Traditions, etc) Teaching our kids contentment and gratitude with Rachel Cruze Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

281: Building Lasting Community with Palak Dave 17.11.2025 39мин

This week on Minimalish, I’m joined by author and speaker Palak Dave for an honest and relatable conversation about something so many of us crave in adulthood—true connection and community. Palak shares practical encouragement for building authentic friendships and creating spaces where people feel seen and welcomed. We talk about overcoming the fear of hosting, bringing authenticity into everyday gatherings, and finding joy in the simple, beautiful moments that make up real life. She also shares her insight on how technology impacts our ability to connect, and how we can bring more intention and thoughtfulness into our relationships. If you’ve been longing for deeper connections or want to create community right where you are, this episode will leave you inspired to start small and lead with intention. Links from this episode: Palak’s Website Palak on Instagram (@paldave) Check out Palak’s Book: Beautiful Everydays Desirae on Instagram Minimal-ish Podcast Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

280: Intentional Rhythms and Routines for a Busy Life with KyAnn Molina 11.10.2025 53мин

This week on Minimalish, I’m joined by KyAnn Molina, a wife, homeschooling mom of three little ones 5 and under, and host of the Simple Rhythms for Busy Moms podcast. In our conversation, KyAnn and I talk about the importance of intentional routines in motherhood, especially when you’re juggling work, keeping up with your home, and family life. She shares openly about her own journey with postpartum depression and how it shaped her approach to routines and why mental health and self-care matter so much for moms. We also chat about practical home management systems (like tackling the never ending piles of laundry), how to build rhythms that serve your family’s unique and ever-changing seasons, and the freedom that comes from keeping things simple and flexible. If you’ve been craving more balance and less chaos in your days, then be sure to tune in to this week's episode Links from this episode: KyAnn on Instagram (@kyannandmat) KyAnn’s Podcast: Simple Rhythms for Busy Moms KyAnn’s Free Facebook Community KyAnn’s Website Desirae on Instagram Minimal-ish Podcast Website More Episodes on Habits, Routines, & Home Management: Ep. 197: Layering Routines and "Surthriving" with Tyler Moore (aka the Tidy Dad) Ep. 181: Simple Home Management Routines + Habits (without the Perfectionism) with Kelly Briggs Ep. 145: Creating Daily Rhythms for Your Everyday Life with Katy Lewis Ep. 138: Creating a Laundry System That Works with Amy Eilers Sponsors: Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box and a free item in every box for life at hungryroot.com/minimalish Calm: Get 40% off a Calm Premium Subscription at calm.com/minimalish Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

279: Sell Your Clutter with Olivia (The Marketplace Mom) 20.09.2025 42мин

This week on Minimalish, I’m joined by Olivia, also known as The Marketplace Mom, for a fun yet practical conversation about one of my favorite topics—decluttering—and how selling on Facebook Marketplace can actually make the process easier (and even rewarding). Olivia shares her own story of starting to sell online, especially kids’ clothes and other family items, and how it’s helped her simplify her home while also connecting with others. She gives us tons of tips for creating effective listings, navigating interactions with buyers, staying safe during porch pickups, and keeping a healthy mindset about the process. We also talk about the joy of secondhand shopping, why it’s worth giving it a try, and how social media has created a supportive community around buying and selling pre-loved items. If you’ve been looking for a little motivation to tackle the clutter and maybe make some extra money in the process, then this episode is definitely for you! Links from this episode: Olivia on Instagram (@themarketplacemom) Olivia’s Website Desirae on Instagram Minimal-ish Podcast Website Previous Minimal-ish Episodes on Secondhand Shopping/Selling Episode 152: Minimalist Moving: Selling Everything & Refurnishing Fully Secondhand with Kat Steck Episode 141: Thrifting Tips + The World of Reselling with Lydia of Love This For You Sponsors: Calm: Get 40% off your Calm Premium Subscription at calm.com/minimalish Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box and a free item in every box for life at hungryroot.com/minimalish Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

278: Decluttering WITH Your Kids with Deanna Yates 05.09.2025 45мин

This week on Minimalish, I’m joined by Deanna Yates, the voice behind Wannabe Clutter Free, for a super practical and encouraging conversation about decluttering with your kids. Deanna shares her own journey into minimalism and offers helpful strategies for making decluttering a normal (and even fun!) part of family life. From age-appropriate tips for getting kids involved, to using children’s books to spark conversations, to handling the unique challenges that come as kids get older—this conversation is full of ideas to help you create more space and peace in your home without constant battles. If you’ve been feeling stuck in the clutter (or dreading the idea of tackling it with your kids), this episode will give you the tools and perspective to move forward with more patience, creativity, and confidence (and you’ll hear why we actually think back to school season is the perfect time to get started!). Links from this episode: Deanna on Instagram (@wannabeclutterfree) Deanna’s Website Deanna’s Podcast: Wannabe Clutter Free Deanna’s Children’s Book: Lenora and her Super Messy Room Desirae on Instagram Minimal-ish Podcast Website Sponsors: Hungryroot: Go to hungryroot.com/minimalish and use code minimalish to get 40% off your first box and a free item of your choice in every box for life! Calm: Head to calm.com/minimalish for 40% off your premium subscription. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

277: Overbooked and Overwhelmed with Tara Sun 05.08.2025 46мин

Today I’m honored to be speaking with author, podcaster, wife, and mother Tara Sun. In this conversation, Tara shares her journey towards a slower, more intentional life by prioritizing saying no and building habits that support the kind of life you want to live. We are also diving into her new book “Overbooked and Overwhelmed" where she shares practical tips for managing distractions and finding rest amidst a busy lifestyle. Links from this episode: Tara on Instagram (@misstarasun) Tara’s Website Tara’s Podcast Pre-order her new book: Overbooked and Overwhelmed (Releases Aug. 5th) Desirae on Instagram Minimal-ish Podcast Website Sponsors: Calm.com: Go to calm.com/minimalish to get 40% off a premium subscription. Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box and a free item in every box for life with at hungryroot.com/minimalish Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices