Minimalist Moms Podcast | Purposeful Life & Parenting Tips

Diane Boden

The Minimalist Moms podcast is designed to accompany you on your journey toward a more purposeful life. Through thoughtful parenting tips and meaningful expert interviews, we explore every aspect of intentional living - your mindset, daily rhythms, relationships, and, of course, your possessions. Your host, Diane Boden, invites you into conversations with a diverse range of voices, including Dana K White, Dawn Madsen, Ginny Yurich, Charles Duhigg, Gretchen Rubin, Joshua Becker, and many more. Together, these expert interviews unpack practical ways to embrace minimalism, live with greater intention, and build a truly purposeful life.

  1. 1 day ago

    More Than a Meal: Raising Adventurous Eaters & Strong Family Connections | @cookingforlevi, Jack + Emmy Zhang (Bonus Episode)

    In this episode, Diane shares about Weeknight Winners, Family Dinners by Jack and Emmy Zhang, the parents behind the wildly popular @cookingforlevi account featuring their five-year-old son, Levi. What began as a simple way to spend time together in the kitchen has become a family mission: raising a curious eater while creating lasting memories around the table. Rather than focusing on perfect meals or picky eating battles, Jack and Emmy encourage families to see cooking as an opportunity for connection, confidence, and curiosity. Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube ChannelPrevious Episode: How to Get Dinner on the Table When You Don't Feel Like Cooking | Caroline Chambers (Bonus Episode)Connect with Jack + EmmyWebsiteInstagramBook: Weeknight Winners, Family Dinners: Kid-Approved, Adult-Loved Recipes About Jack + Emmy |Jack Zhang is a chef who has cooked at casual and upscale restaurants and for NFL players in the Buffalo, New York, area. With his wife, Emmy, he launched Cooking for Levi (@cookingforlevi), the wildly popular online cooking channel featuring their now five-year-old son, Levi. Jack was born in Guangzhou, China, and raised in Brooklyn.  Emmy Zhang earned her Ed.M in English Language from the University at Buffalo, where she also earned an undergraduate degree in applied linguistics with a special focus on child language development. 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 think more and do with less.  Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity. You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook. Our Sponsors: * Check out Amazing Generation: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com * Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com * Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    More Than a Meal: Raising Adventurous Eaters & Strong Family Connections | @cookingforlevi, Jack + Emmy Zhang (Bonus Episode)
  2. 2 days ago

    Beyond Quick Fixes: Your Child's Future Mental Health Starts Today | Dr. Celeste Birkhofer (Bonus Episode)

    In this episode, I’m joined by clinical psychologist and Stanford adjunct faculty member Dr. Celeste Birkhofer for a conversation about a powerful truth: the mental health your child will have as an adult is being shaped right now. But this isn’t about perfect parenting. It’s about understanding the everyday experiences and relationships that help children develop the internal resources they’ll rely on for the rest of their lives. We also explore: what “good enough” parenting actually looks like, the five essential capacities children need for long-term mental health, supporting versus rescuing - and why children need opportunities to struggle, building tolerance for boredom, frustration, and discomfort, how parenting strategies may need to shift for children with ADHD and much more... Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube ChannelDr. Birkhofer's Resource: Kristen Neff | Self-Compassion InstituteConnect with Dr. BirkhoferWebsiteInstagramLinkedInBook: Beyond Quick Fixes: Essential Ingredients for Better Mental Health and a Fulfilling Life About Dr. Birkhofer |Dr. Celeste Birkhofer is a licensed clinical psychologist and adjunct clinical faculty member at Stanford Medical School, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. She maintains a private psychotherapy practice, teaches and supervises Stanford psychiatry residents, and is on the clinical advisory board for the Jed Foundation - a nonprofit dedicated to promoting emotional well-being in teens and young adults and reducing suicide risk. Her holistic approach to patient care integrates extensive experience and training in contemporary psychoanalytic and psychodynamic therapies, grief counseling, couples therapy, dialectic behaviortherapy (DBT), and mindfulness and self-compassion practices. 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 think more and do with less.  Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity. You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook. Our Sponsors: * Check out Amazing Generation: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com * Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com * Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    Beyond Quick Fixes: Your Child's Future Mental Health Starts Today | Dr. Celeste Birkhofer (Bonus Episode)
  3. 4 days ago

    Protecting Your Spine Through Every Season of Motherhood | Dr. Amir Vokshoor (Bonus Episode)

    Many moms assume that back pain is simply part of motherhood. Between pregnancy, carrying babies, nursing, lifting toddlers, and juggling the physical demands of everyday life, aches and pains can feel inevitable. But what if they aren't? In this episode, Diane sits down with spine surgeon Dr. Amir Vokshoor to discuss why so many women experience back pain during pregnancy and postpartum - and why accepting it as "normal" may keep them from finding relief. Together, they explore how the small, repetitive movements of motherhood can quietly impact long-term spine health, the connection between core strength and spinal stability, and practical ways moms can care for their bodies before pain becomes chronic. Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube ChannelConnect with Dr. VokshoorWebsiteInstagram About Dr. Vookshor |Dr. Amir Vokshoor is a highly rated, board-certified neurosurgeon based in Santa Monica, California, who specializes in minimally invasive and motion-preserving spine care. Practicing at the Neurosurgery and Spine Group, he focuses on advanced, non-fusion surgical techniques designed to target the root cause of spinal disorders while preserving natural mobility and accelerating recovery. 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 think more and do with less.  Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity. You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook. Our Sponsors: * Check out Amazing Generation: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com * Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com * Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    Protecting Your Spine Through Every Season of Motherhood | Dr. Amir Vokshoor (Bonus Episode)
  4. 5 days ago

    [How To] Declutter Without Losing Your Style | Myquillyn Smith (EP462)

    What if creating a peaceful home didn't require getting rid of everything you love? In this episode, Diane is joined by New York Times bestselling author Myquillyn Smith - known to many as The Nester - to discuss her newest book, House Hushing. Together, they explore a refreshing middle ground between minimalism and maximalism, proving that you don't have to sacrifice beauty or personality to create a home that feels calm. Instead, Myquillyn introduces the idea of "house hushing" - turning down the visual volume of your home so the pieces that matter most can truly shine. From her unique "backwards decluttering" method to quiet decorating and embracing seasonal rhythms, Myquillyn shares practical ways to simplify your home without stripping it of warmth or character. If you've ever felt caught between wanting a peaceful space and wanting your home to still feel like you, this conversation will leave you inspired to create a home that's both restful and deeply personal. Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube ChannelDiane's Resource: Book: Memory-Making Mom by Jessica SmarttPrevious Episode: Creating a Space That Reflects YOUR Personality | Myquillyn SmithMyquillyn's Resource: Touch LampsConnect with MyquillynWebsiteInstagramPodcastBook: House Hushing: The Simple Method to Declutter and Decorate for a More Peaceful Home About Myquillyn |For the past ten years, Myquillyn Smith, also known as “The Nester,” has been encouraging women to embrace their homes - imperfections and all. Her lived-in, loved-on home has been featured in Better Homes & Gardens, Ladies' Home Journal and Cottages & Bungalows. Myquillyn is the author of The Nesting Place and Cozy Minimalist Home and was chosen by Christianity Today as one of the top twenty creatives in 2016. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and three boys. 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 think more and do with less.  Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity. You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook. Our Sponsors: * Check out Amazing Generation: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com * Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com * Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    [How To] Declutter Without Losing Your Style | Myquillyn Smith (EP462)
  5. 20 Aug

    Close the Tabs: Decluttering Your Mind for Better Sleep | Kathryn Nicolai (Bonus Episode)

    You crawl into bed exhausted… and suddenly your brain decides it's the perfect time to replay conversations, plan tomorrow's to-do list, and worry about everything you didn't finish. If that sounds familiar, you're not alone. In this episode, Diane sits down with Kathryn Nicolai, creator of the wildly popular Nothing Much Happens sleep podcast, to explore why so many of us struggle to quiet our minds at the end of the day. Drawing from years of teaching meditation and helping millions of listeners fall asleep, Kathryn explains why our brains aren't broken - they're simply doing what they've been trained to do in a world of constant urgency and information overload. Together, they discuss how simple evening rituals can help create a gentler transition from productivity to rest, why our minds feel busiest when we finally slow down, and practical ways to give our brains a calming place to land before sleep. Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube ChannelKathryn Resource: VipassanaConnect with KathrynWebsiteInstagramPodcastYouTubeAudio Novel: On the Street Where You Live About Kathryn |Kathryn Nicolai is the creator and host of Nothing Much Happens, one of the most listened-to sleep podcasts in the world, where millions of listeners use her stories to calm anxiety, fall asleep, and feel more at ease in their bodies. With over 20 years of experience as a yoga and meditation teacher, Kathryn is a trusted voice in self-care, focusing on sleep hygiene, nervous system regulation, mindfulness, and storytelling as medicine. Through her work, she helps people cultivate rest, creativity, and emotional resilience in a culture shaped by overstimulation and burnout. 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 think more and do with less.  Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity. You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook. Our Sponsors: * Check out Amazing Generation: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com * Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com * Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    Close the Tabs: Decluttering Your Mind for Better Sleep | Kathryn Nicolai (Bonus Episode)
  6. 19 Aug

    Navigating Vaccine Decisions Without Fear or Pressure | Dr. Joel Warsh (Bonus Episode)

    If you've been listening for a while, you know my goal with this podcast has never been to tell you what to think. My hope has always been to introduce you to thoughtful people, different perspectives, and conversations that encourage you to think more deeply and live more intentionally. Parenting today often means sorting through an overwhelming amount of health information, and few topics feel more emotionally charged than vaccines. In this conversation, I sit down with pediatrician and integrative medicine physician Dr. Joel "Gator" Warsh to discuss how parents can navigate these decisions with confidence, curiosity, and compassion. Dr. Warsh shares his journey from conventional pediatrics to integrative medicine and explains why he believes parents deserve thoughtful conversations about risks, benefits, schedules, and informed consent - not simply a choice between opposing sides. I know this topic can bring up strong opinions, and I understand that. My intention in sharing this conversation is not to persuade you toward a particular healthcare decision or to replace the advice of your trusted medical provider. Rather, it's to create space for respectful dialogue around a topic many parents are already wrestling with. Links Discussed in This Episode |Previous Episode: "You Are Responsible For Your Children's Health" | Joel Warsh (EP347)Connect with Dr. Joel Warsh:WebsiteInstagramBook: Between a Shot and a Hard Place: Tackling Difficult Vaccine Questions with Balance, Data, and Clarity About Dr. Joel Warsh |Joel Warsh is a board-certified pediatrician in Los Angeles specializing in parenting, wellness, and integrative medicine. He is the author of multiple books, including Between a Shot and a Hard Place, Love Dad, and Parenting at Your Child’s Pace. Originally from Toronto, he holds a Master’s in Epidemiology and earned his medical degree from Thomas Jefferson Medical College. After training at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, he founded Integrative Pediatrics and has published research on childhood health, obesity, and physical activity. 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 think more and do with less.  Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity. You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook. Our Sponsors: * Check out Amazing Generation: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com * Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com * Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    Navigating Vaccine Decisions Without Fear or Pressure | Dr. Joel Warsh (Bonus Episode)
  7. 18 Aug

    Decluttering Is Only the Beginning | Kelly Foss (EP461)

    In this special conversation, Diane sits down with a fellow minimalist (and host of the Millennial Minimalist podcast), Kelly Foss to explore how living with less has transformed far more than their homes. Together, they reflect on the defining moments that led them toward minimalism, why decluttering is only the beginning, and how creating space externally often reveals what's happening internally. Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube ChannelDiane's Resource: The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes us Happier, Healthier, and More CreativePrevious Episode: Minimalism That Actually Works (Even When Life Feels Full) | Kelly Foss, Millennial Minimalists (EP445)Previous Episode: Minimalism with Kids (and Beyond!)Joshua BeckerBook: Today I Noticed: A Little Book of Mindfulness That Will Change the Way You See the WorldBook: There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather by Linda McGurkBook: Essentialism by Greg McKeownBook: Indistractable by Nir EyalBook: The Paradox of Choice by Barry SchwartzBook: Unwinding Anxiety: Train Your Brain to Heal Your Mind by Judson A. BrewerBook: The Power of Fun by Catherine PriceTK ColemanEP204: The Power of Fun with Catherine PriceConnect with KellyPodcastInstagram About Kelly |Millennial Minimalists is a podcast about living simply and intentionally, hosted by Kelly Foss. Through conversations with bestselling authors, thought leaders, and listeners, the show explores how letting go of physical and mental clutter can lead to greater clarity, focus, and purpose. With over 257 episodes and 2 million downloads, the podcast features voices from the simplicity and personal development space. Launched in 2018, the show continues to inspire a global audience seeking to simplify their lives and cultivate more intentional living. 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 think more and do with less.  Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity. You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook. Our Sponsors: * Check out Amazing Generation: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com * Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com * Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    Decluttering Is Only the Beginning | Kelly Foss (EP461)
  8. 17 Aug

    [REPLAY] Back to School Tips and Tricks | Rachel Rosenthal

    This week, I speak with the owner and founder of Rachel and Company (a full-service professional organizing firm specializing in home organization, closet design, and home moves!) As the back to school season is here, Rachel provides us with her tried and true tricks for back to school organization! Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.What Rachel Can't Stop Talking About: Cropped PantsConnect with Rachel:WebsiteInstagramEpisode 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 think more and do with less.  Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity. You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook. Our Sponsors: * Check out Amazing Generation: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com * Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com * Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    [REPLAY] Back to School Tips and Tricks | Rachel Rosenthal

About

The Minimalist Moms podcast is designed to accompany you on your journey toward a more purposeful life. Through thoughtful parenting tips and meaningful expert interviews, we explore every aspect of intentional living - your mindset, daily rhythms, relationships, and, of course, your possessions. Your host, Diane Boden, invites you into conversations with a diverse range of voices, including Dana K White, Dawn Madsen, Ginny Yurich, Charles Duhigg, Gretchen Rubin, Joshua Becker, and many more. Together, these expert interviews unpack practical ways to embrace minimalism, live with greater intention, and build a truly purposeful life.

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