Connected Simplicity

Suzanne Searcy Johnson
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Weekly

You've already simplified your space. Now your soul is asking for more. That's where I come in. Welcome to the Connected Simplicity podcast. I'm your host, Suzanne Searcy Johnson. Living in a tiny home in Austin, TX has given me a unique perspective on decluttering and living with less, but there's more to simplicity than that. I'm here to share how life becomes simpler and more rooted when we embrace connection. In these episodes, we'll take a look at connection - to nature, others, spirituality, and ourselves - as a path to the simple life you crave. Together we'll discover that simplicity isn't what you remove, it's what you return to.

  1. 1d ago

    Creative Living with Ruth Hetland & Dawn Trautman

    In this episode, I'm joined by Ruth Hetland and Dawn Trautman, co-hosts of the Created Creative podcast. Together we explore how creativity shapes our lives, helps us process grief, strengthens community, and gives voice to experiences that might otherwise remain hidden. Ruth and Dawn share the stories behind their books and why so many people struggle to claim the title of "creative." We also discuss community, women's voices, and the everyday ways we can explore our creativity. In this episode: How writing can help us process grief and life transitionsThe healing power of sharing our storiesWhy creativity belongs to everyone, not just artistsWhy representation matters in the artsPractical encouragement for anyone feeling nudged to create something newConnect with Ruth & Dawn: Created Creative Podcast: https://createdcreativepodcast.com/Dawn's coaching: https://bigpicturebigpurpose.com/discern-by-doing-2/ Ruth's ConseCrate Subscription box: https://consecrate.cratejoy.com/Visit our Patreon: https://patreon.com/u11072417?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLinkMentioned: Lost Boy by Jordy Searcy: https://open.spotify.com/track/4YJ37rHG82OpZWF3FHyVq2?si=f60bcc9d83be43ccMy appearance on the Created Creative Podcast: https://pod.link/1717662137/episode/NDJlMjE4YTctMzU5YS00OWI2LTk2MjEtNTkwOWYzYmVjM2M2 Additional resources and links: Website: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/Linktree: https://linktr.ee/suzannesearcyjohnsonPrivate Coaching: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/work-with-me/Sign up for my newsletter: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/newsletter/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzanne.searcy.johnson/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzanne.searcy.johnsonYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@suzannesearcyjohnsonFree Resources: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/resources/

    Creative Living with Ruth Hetland & Dawn Trautman

  2. Oct 21

    Three Barriers to Simplicity

    I get a lot of questions about simplicity from people who are interested in my tiny home and community. In this solo episode, I share the three things I've noticed that block us from finding true simplicity, no matter how many square feet we live in. I then share three actions you can take to begin to slow down, find a deeper appreciation for what you have, and find your own version of simplicity. In this episode: How distraction pulls us away from meaningful connectionWhy comparison can lead to clutter, dissatisfaction, and unnecessary complexityThe surprising ways convenience can disconnect us from ourselves, others, and natureWhy contentment is an essential ingredient for a simpler lifeThree practical actions you can take this week to begin uncomplicating your life Vote for me to be the next Top Host! https://tophost.org/2026/suzanne-johnson Additional resources and links: Website: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/Linktree: https://linktr.ee/suzannesearcyjohnsonPrivate Coaching: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/work-with-me/Sign up for my newsletter: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/newsletter/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzanne.searcy.johnson/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzanne.searcy.johnsonTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@suzannesearcyjohnsonYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@suzannesearcyjohnsonFree Resources: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/resources/

    Three Barriers to Simplicity

  3. Oct 14

    The Spiritual Wisdom of Trees with Beth Norcross

    In this episode, I sit down with author, speaker, naturalist, and spiritual guide Beth Norcross, co-author of Discovering the Spiritual Wisdom of Trees. Together we explore what trees can teach us about grief, hope, community, resilience, and our relationship with the natural world. It is a thoughtful reminder that the natural world is not simply a backdrop to our lives, but a source of wisdom, wonder, and connection. In this episode: What a teacher tree is and how one might find youThe surprising ways trees communicate, collaborate, and support one anotherHow nature helps us hold both grief and hopeWhy wonder and awe expand our capacity to face difficult realitiesLessons from trees about resilience, surrender, and living through uncertaintySimple ways to deepen your connection with nature, even in the middle of a busy lifeConnect with Beth: Beth Norcross Website: https://bethnorcross.com/Spirituality in Nature Center: https://spiritualityinnature.org/Discovering the Spiritual Wisdom of Trees: https://www.broadleafbooks.com/store/product/9798889832133/Discovering-the-Spiritual-Wisdom-of-TreesTEDx: The Wisdom of Trees for Challenging Times: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYW7GuUCk6QLeah Rampy Website: https://www.leahmoranrampy.com/ Leah's Substack Essays Reweaving Earth & Soul: https://leahrampy.substack.com/Additional resources and links: Website: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/Linktree: https://linktr.ee/suzannesearcyjohnsonPrivate Coaching: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/work-with-me/Sign up for my newsletter: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/newsletter/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzanne.searcy.johnson/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzanne.searcy.johnsonTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@suzannesearcyjohnsonYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@suzannesearcyjohnsonFree Resources: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/resources/

    The Spiritual Wisdom of Trees with Beth Norcross

  4. Oct 7

    One Year in My Tiny House

    In this solo episode, I reflect on my first year of living in a tiny home at Village Farm Austin. I share the specifics of my tiny house and the practical ways I've adapted to a smaller space. More importantly, I talk about the sense of community I've found here and why belonging is even more important than the size of the home we live in. In this episode: The layout and specifics of my 399 sq ft homeThe storage solutions and tiny-house hacks that work for meWhat I love most about my home and what I'd design differentlyLife at Village Farm Austin and its connection to Green Gate FarmsThe challenges of tiny living and community lifeWhy a sense of belonging matters more than square footageLinks mentioned: Tiny House Tour on Tiny House Giant Journey YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/FWZzpSl7eAQ?si=G4ihb3_78rt8q10APodcast Episode with Erin Flynn: https://pod.link/1896635650/episode/ZTQ5YTE4MzUtYTI3Zi00OGMxLWJhMTAtY2NlOTQ4YjcyOTQwGreen Gate Farms: https://www.greengatefarms.net/Additional resources and links: Website: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/Linktree: https://linktr.ee/suzannesearcyjohnsonPrivate Coaching: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/work-with-me/Sign up for my newsletter: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/newsletter/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzanne.searcy.johnson/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzanne.searcy.johnsonTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@suzannesearcyjohnsonYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@suzannesearcyjohnsonFree Resources: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/resources/

    One Year in My Tiny House

  5. Sep 30

    Follow the Tickles: Trusting Life with Kristy Halvorsen

    In this episode, I talk with Kristy Halvorsen — former firefighter turned full‑time nomad, mentor, coach, and best‑selling author of Perfect Unfolding. In 2017, Kristy left her career and began traveling North America in her Airstream, guided not by plans but by what she calls “the tickles of her soul.” For nearly nine years, she has lived by curiosity, intuition, and a deep trust in the unknown. We explore her journey into nomadic life, the miracles that unfold when you follow inner nudges, and the profound connections she’s made along the way. Kristy shares stories of beauty, synchronicity, and the unexpected opportunities that arise when you stop predicting your future and start listening to life. In this episode: What coddiwompling means — and how it can reshape your lifeListening to intuition (“the tickles”) as a compassSafety, trust, and navigating the world as a solo woman travelerThe story behind touching an iceberg in LabradorHow unexpected encounters become life‑changing connectionsWhy miracles are always present when we’re awake enough to noticeConnect with Kristy: Website: https://PerfectUnfolding.comBuy link: https://books2read.com/PerfectUnfoldingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristy.halvorsen/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kristy-halvorsen/Facebook: www.facebook.com/1kristyGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/58579456.Kristy_HalvorsenAdditional resources and links: Website: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/Linktree: https://linktr.ee/suzannesearcyjohnsonPrivate Coaching: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/work-with-me/Sign up for my newsletter: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/newsletter/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzanne.searcy.johnson/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzanne.searcy.johnsonTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@suzannesearcyjohnsonYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@suzannesearcyjohnsonFree Resources: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/resources/

    Follow the Tickles: Trusting Life with Kristy Halvorsen

  6. Sep 23

    The Fall Equinox: Balance, Harmony, & Nature's Cycles

    In this brief solo episode, I explore the meaning of the fall equinox — both the astronomical event and the deeper spiritual themes it invites us to consider. As day and night come into balance, the equinox offers a moment to reflect on our own inner steadiness, our relationships with others, and our connection to the natural world. In this episode: What the fall equinox is and why it mattersThree spiritual aspects of the equinox: Balance, Harmony, and Nature's CyclesThree simple actions to guide you in this season Resources mentioned: Farmer's Almanac: https://www.farmersalmanac.com/fall-equinox-first-day-of-fallA Vital Simplicity: Charles Wagner's The Simple Life revisited: https://a.co/d/02NQam6V Additional resources and links: Website: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/Linktree: https://linktr.ee/suzannesearcyjohnsonPrivate Coaching: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/work-with-me/Sign up for my newsletter: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/newsletter/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzanne.searcy.johnson/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzanne.searcy.johnsonTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@suzannesearcyjohnsonYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@suzannesearcyjohnsonFree Resources: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/resources/

    The Fall Equinox: Balance, Harmony, & Nature's Cycles

  7. Sep 16

    Travel Made Simple with Laurie of Travel Tips by Laurie

    In this episode, I’m joined by Laurie from Travel Tips by Laurie, a pilot’s wife who has spent more than two decades traveling the world and learning how to make every part of the journey easier, calmer, and more enjoyable. Laurie has built a thriving YouTube community by teaching practical packing strategies, sharing airport and TSA tips, and helping travelers reduce stress before they ever reach their destination. We talk about how she started her channel, the lessons she’s learned from years of trial‑and‑error travel, and the heart behind her work — especially her desire to encourage women and help them feel more confident, capable, and prepared. Laurie also shares some of her favorite travel hacks, long‑flight essentials, and the free resources she’s created to help travelers pack smarter and move through airports with more peace of mind. In this episode: How Laurie went from schoolteacher to travel‑tips creatorCarry‑on strategies for long tripsCompression cubes, scarves, and other small items that make a big differenceTSA tips, including the little‑known TSA Cares programHow personality affects packing styleWhy encouraging other women has become central to her workFavorite destinations (and the ones still on her list)Connect with Laurie and Get Her Travel Freebies: Laurie's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/traveltipsbylaurieLaurie's packing blueprint: https://traveltipsbylaurie.mykajabi.com/lauries-packing-blueprintPickpocket Guide for 2026: https://bit.ly/pickpocketfreebie 3 Second Emergency Card: https://bit.ly/emergencykit2025 Additional resources and links: Website: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/Linktree: https://linktr.ee/suzannesearcyjohnsonPrivate Coaching: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/work-with-me/Sign up for my newsletter: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/newsletter/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzanne.searcy.johnson/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzanne.searcy.johnsonTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@suzannesearcyjohnsonYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@suzannesearcyjohnsonFree Resources: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/resources/

    Travel Made Simple with Laurie of Travel Tips by Laurie

  8. Sep 9

    The Art of Knowing When to Speak

    In this brief solo episode, I explore two themes that surfaced after a recent Instagram post: knowing when to engage in potentially volatile conversations and cultivating a deep sense of self that doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone. I share how I navigate group‑chat tension, how I listen for my own inner cues rather than reacting from ego or emotion, and why there is real peace in not always knowing the answer. I also offer three simple practices to help you reconnect with your inner voice — practices rooted in nature, quiet, and daily intention. In this episode: How to discern when to enter a heated or emotional conversationWhy certainty in who you are reduces the need to explain yourselfThe difference between reacting from ego and responding from clarityThe peace that comes from not always knowingThree grounding practices to reconnect with your intuitionLinks mentioned: Connected Simplicity Episode "Learning to Trust Your Own Voice Again": https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/learning-to-trust-your-own-voice-again/id1896635650?i=1000770914543Instagram Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DclWiDmkYWe/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&stkn=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==Additional resources and links: Website: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/Linktree: https://linktr.ee/suzannesearcyjohnsonPrivate Coaching: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/work-with-me/Sign up for my newsletter: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/newsletter/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzanne.searcy.johnson/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzanne.searcy.johnsonTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@suzannesearcyjohnsonYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@suzannesearcyjohnsonFree Resources: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/resources/Sixty Candles: Life Lessons from an OG Fire Horse: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/sixty-candles/

    The Art of Knowing When to Speak
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5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

You've already simplified your space. Now your soul is asking for more. That's where I come in. Welcome to the Connected Simplicity podcast. I'm your host, Suzanne Searcy Johnson. Living in a tiny home in Austin, TX has given me a unique perspective on decluttering and living with less, but there's more to simplicity than that. I'm here to share how life becomes simpler and more rooted when we embrace connection. In these episodes, we'll take a look at connection - to nature, others, spirituality, and ourselves - as a path to the simple life you crave. Together we'll discover that simplicity isn't what you remove, it's what you return to.

Information

  • Creator
    Suzanne Searcy Johnson
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Connected Simplicity LLC 2026
  • Show Website
    Connected Simplicity

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