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. 18h ago

    Are You Moving Too Fast? The Art of Pacing Yourself | Elizabeth Svoboda (Bonus Episode)

    What if the reason you're feeling exhausted isn't how much you're doing, but the pace at which you're doing it? In this episode, I'm joined by Elizabeth Svoboda, author of The Art of Pacing, to explore why so many of us are caught in a cycle of pushing harder, doing more, and struggling to slow down. Drawing on research, psychology, and lessons from elite athletes, Elizabeth explains how to recognize when you're running on empty, work with your natural energy rhythms, and make room for rest without putting your goals on hold. It's a refreshing perspective for anyone who's tired of feeling like they're always racing to keep up. Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube ChannelElizabeth's Resource: Hero's Journey ExerciseConnect with ElizabethWebsiteInstagramBook: The Art of Pacing: A Guide to Balancing Short-Term Demands with Long-Term Thriving About Elizabeth |Elizabeth Svoboda is an award-winning science writer and contributor to Scientific American, Discover, The Boston Globe, The New York Times, and other publications. Elizabeth is a winner of the Evert Clark/Seth Payne Award for Young Science Writers, and her work has been anthologized in the Best American Science and Nature Writing series. She lives in San Jose, California, with her husband and young sons.  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 BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com * Check out Cure Hydration and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://www.curehydration.com * Check out DeleteMe and use my code joindeleteme.com/MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://joindeleteme.com * Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    Are You Moving Too Fast? The Art of Pacing Yourself | Elizabeth Svoboda (Bonus Episode)
  2. 1d ago

    Stop Giving Your Phone Your BEST Attention | Ruby Ryba (EP472)

    Our attention is one of our most finite resources - and just as we consider what deserves space in our homes, we should also be considering what deserves space in our minds, our days and our relationships. In this episode, I’m joined by Ruby Ryba, author of How to Stop Scrolling, for a conversation that goes beyond the typical “we’re all on our phones too much” advice. Instead, we explore what it looks like to become more intentional about where our attention is going in the first place. We talk about why simply knowing we scroll too much usually isn’t enough to change our behavior, what we lose when every quiet or uncomfortable moment gets filled with input, and why boredom and empty space may actually be worth protecting. Ruby also shares practical ways to create healthier digital boundaries without demonizing technology or pretending we can simply throw our phones away. This isn’t about using your phone perfectly - or even necessarily using it less. It’s about recognizing that our attention has value and becoming more intentional about where we choose to spend it. Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube ChannelDiane's Resource: App: ReThink (Pause Before You Buy) Use code MINIMALIST for 10% off in the appPrevious Episode: Your Phone Doesn't Belong in Your Bedroom (Here's Why) | Emily Bryne (Bonus Episode)Previous Episode: The Attention Problem: Why Screen Time Isn’t the Real Issue | @OliviaUnplugged (EP466)Previous Episode: What We Lose (and Reclaim) When We Put Down Our Phones | Frank Possemato (EP433)Previous Episode: Reset Your Relationship with Your Phone | Joey Odom (EP345)BrickBook: Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention--and How to Think Deeply AgainRuby's Resource: Libby appConnect with Ruby:WebsiteBook: How to Stop Scrolling: A clear path from phone dependency to digital empowerment About Ruby |Ruby is a Columbia trained Statistician and former New York City high school math teacher. Her background and training along with her personal interest in psychology, have shaped her research and writing interest: the intersection of optimization, habits, and intentionality. She is the author of the book, How to Stop Scrolling, which is available in paperback, kindle and audiobook. You can find her book, blog, and weekly newsletter The Scroll Shift, on her website, rubyrybawrites.com   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 BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com * Check out Cure Hydration and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://www.curehydration.com * Check out DeleteMe and use my code joindeleteme.com/MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://joindeleteme.com * Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    Stop Giving Your Phone Your BEST Attention | Ruby Ryba (EP472)
  3. 2d ago

    Beyond "Just Get Outside": Raising Kids Who Notice & Marvel | Erin Lyum (Bonus Episode)

    A quick note before we begin: Eryn Lynum is a Christian author and creator, and her work explores the natural world through the lens of both science and faith. While our conversation includes references to God and Scripture, the ideas we explore around attention, wonder, contentment, and helping our kids become more curious about the world around them are relevant regardless of your faith background. Our kids are growing up in a world designed to make them want the next thing - the next video, the next toy, the next experience, the next hit of stimulation. So how do we help them discover the satisfaction of simply paying attention to what's already here? Today I'm joined by master naturalist, author, and Nat Theo podcast host Eryn Lynum for a conversation that goes beyond the usual advice to “get your kids outside.” Instead, we're exploring what the natural world can teach our kids about attention, contentment, curiosity, and enough. Eryn explains why “noticing” is both a scientific and spiritual discipline and how learning to observe creation closely can shift kids from passive consumption to active curiosity. We talk about the surprising purpose behind creatures we often dismiss - from mosquitoes and skunks to vultures - and how discovering order in the natural world can deepen a child's sense of wonder. Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube ChannelPrevious Episode: The Case Against Convenience: Why the Small Stuff Makes Life Better | Ian Bogost (EP464)App: Merlin Bird IDEpisode: Why Did God Make Mosquitoes? Lesson 129Erin's Resource: Sherwood Audio AppConnect with Erin:WebsiteInstagramFacebookYoutubePodcastBook: Made to Marvel: 52 Family Devotions Exploring the Wild Wonders of God's Creation | Where Wonder Leads: An Adventure in God's Wild and Wonderful World About Erin |Eryn Lynum is a certified master naturalist, has a degree in biblical studies and systematic theology, and hosts the popular podcast Nat Theo: Nature Lessons Rooted in the Bible, which is regularly ranked as a Top Ten podcast in multiple categories on Apple Podcasts. She is the author of three books, has four children, and lives in Colorado with her family. 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 BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com * Check out Cure Hydration and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://www.curehydration.com * Check out DeleteMe and use my code joindeleteme.com/MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://joindeleteme.com * Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    Beyond "Just Get Outside": Raising Kids Who Notice & Marvel | Erin Lyum (Bonus Episode)
  4. Oct 28

    Why We Take Things Personally (And How to Stop) | Mark Schroeder (Bonus Episode)

    Ever replayed a conversation in your head, wondering if someone was upset with you? Or found yourself getting defensive over a comment that probably wasn't meant the way you interpreted it? We all do it. We assume the worst, read between the lines, and sometimes turn small misunderstandings into much bigger conflicts. But how much of the tension in our relationships comes from what's actually happening - and how much comes from the stories we're telling ourselves? Today I'm joined by philosopher Mark Schroeder, author of When Things Get Personal, to explore why we take things personally, how easily we misunderstand the people closest to us, and what we can do differently. We talk about why good intentions don't always prevent conflict, how to recognize when we're making assumptions about someone else's behavior, and the difference between extending grace and overlooking something that genuinely needs to be addressed. From marriage and parenting to friendships and everyday interactions, Mark offers a fresh perspective on navigating difficult relationships without adding unnecessary tension to our lives. Because sometimes the most freeing thing we can do isn't change someone else's behavior - it's change how we interpret it. Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube ChannelConnect with Mark:www.markschroeder.netphilosophymark.substack.comhttps://www.instagram.com/maschroe/Book: When Things Get Personal: A Philosophical Guide to Conflict About Mark |Mark Schroeder is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Southern California, where he is founding director of the Conceptual Foundations of Conflict Project. His books include Slaves of the Passions, Being For, Reasons First, and When Things Get Personal. 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 BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com * Check out Cure Hydration and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://www.curehydration.com * Check out DeleteMe and use my code joindeleteme.com/MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://joindeleteme.com * Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    Why We Take Things Personally (And How to Stop) | Mark Schroeder (Bonus Episode)
  5. Oct 27

    Clear the Mental Clutter + Start Feeling Like YOU Again | Mimi Bouchard (EP471)

    Most of us could probably tell you the kind of person we want to be. We want to be more present, more intentional, less reactive. We want to stop overthinking so much and actually take action on the things that matter to us. But I think there can be a pretty big gap between who we say we want to be and how we’re actually showing up in our everyday lives. And that’s really what today’s conversation is about: how do we begin to close that gap? My guest today is Mimi Bouchard. Mimi is an entrepreneur, motivational speaker, author of Activate Your Future Self, and creator of the Activations app. But this conversation goes beyond the app. Mimi and I talk about what it actually looks like to become the person you keep saying you want to be. We get into overthinking, getting clear about what you want, the things we repeatedly feed our minds, and why real change is usually much less dramatic than we make it out to be. It happens through the small choices we make again and again. Get a 14-day free trial plus a massive discount on Activations: activations.com/minimal Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube ChannelDiane's Resource: Sentimental CardsApp: ActivationsActivations: Become Your Magnetic Future SelfConnect with Mimi:Website InstagramBook: Activate Your Future Self About Mimi |Mimi is an entrepreneur, motivational speaker, published author of "Activate Your Future Self", and founder of the app Activations - a modern alternative to meditation. After years of struggling to connect with traditional mindfulness, Mimi created a more versatile, time-efficient option to feel grounded and motivated. With over 100,000 users (including fans like Miranda Kerr!), Activations are unique guided audios designed to be played while you live your life - no sitting in silence required. Her signature approach blends science and soul; rooted in habit formation, neuroscience, and practical strategies while radiating warmth and relatability. Mimi has helped thousands of women feel more inspired, abundant, and motivated, and is creating a new form of “personal development” method that’s both practical and magnetic. 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 BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com * Check out Cure Hydration and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://www.curehydration.com * Check out DeleteMe and use my code joindeleteme.com/MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://joindeleteme.com * Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    Clear the Mental Clutter + Start Feeling Like YOU Again | Mimi Bouchard (EP471)
  6. Oct 26

    Backyard Chickens 101: What to Know Before Starting Your Flock | Nikki Husted, @purelychickens (Bonus Episode)

    There's something about slowing down, spending time outdoors, and getting back to the basics that makes backyard chicken keeping so appealing. But as today's guest, Nikki Husted of Purely Chickens, shares, raising chickens offers more than just fresh eggs. In this episode, we talk about the growing interest in backyard chickens and how caring for a flock can encourage a simpler, more intentional way of living. Nikki shares her journey from hatching chicks in her kindergarten classroom to becoming a trusted resource for chicken keepers, along with practical advice for anyone considering a flock of their own. We discuss common misconceptions, how to create a healthy and safe environment for your chickens, seasonal care, predator protection, and why so many people develop an unexpected emotional connection with these animals. Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube ChannelBook: Once Upon a Flock: Life with My Soulful ChickensNikki's Resource: The Poultry DocNikki Can't Stop Talking About: Purely KittiesConnect with Nicole:InstagramTikTokWebsiteBook: A Healthy Home Flock: A Complete Guide to Keeping Backyard Chickens and Chicks Happy and Healthy About Nicole |Nikki Husted is a backyard chicken keeper who loves educating others about her chicken keeping techniques. She hatched her first set of eggs in 2006 for her kindergarten classroom and has been in love with chickens ever since! She is active on social media as @purelychickens and you can find her on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube where she shares time saving hacks, proper care, and funny chicken antics.  Episode Sponsors |Hey Polo | Protect your loved ones without spying on them. Go to heypolo.com/MINIMALIST or use code MINIMALIST to get 70% off your first year. HungryRoot | Head to HungryRoot.com/minimalist and use code MINIMALIST to get 40% off your first box and a free item of your choice for life. 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 BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com * Check out Cure Hydration and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://www.curehydration.com * Check out DeleteMe and use my code joindeleteme.com/MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://joindeleteme.com * Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    Backyard Chickens 101: What to Know Before Starting Your Flock | Nikki Husted, @purelychickens (Bonus Episode)
  7. Oct 22

    John Mark Comer on The Quiet We Keep Filling (Bonus Episode)

    The constant stream of notifications, podcasts, social media, background noise and information has made true quiet increasingly rare. And even when we find ourselves with a few empty minutes, many of us instinctively reach for something to fill them. In this conversation, bestselling author John Mark Comer joins me to talk about what we may be losing when we eliminate silence from our lives. Drawing from his new book, Into the Quiet, John Mark shares what surfaced during his own three weeks of solitude and why silence can feel so uncomfortable at first. We also talk about the difference between quiet as another form of self-care to optimize and quiet as a spiritual practice; how moms and those in full seasons of life can find solitude without escaping their responsibilities; and why small, ordinary moments can become opportunities to leave a little space unfilled. A quick note: John Mark approaches this conversation from a Christian perspective, but there’s something here for anyone craving less noise and more space to think, reflect, and simply be. Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube ChannelPrevious Episode: John Mark Comer Discusses the Ruthless Elimination of Hurry (Bonus Episode)Book: Liturgy of the Ordinary: Sacred Practices in Everyday Life by Tish Harrison WarrenBook: Domestic Monastery: Creating Spiritual Life at Home by Ronald RolheiserJohn Mark's Resource: Podcast: Pray As You GoJohn Mark Can't Stop Talking About: Exit Party: A Novel by Emily St. John MandelConnect with John Mark:InstagramWebsiteBook: Into the Quiet: Following Jesus in a World of Noise About John Mark |John Mark Comer is the New York Times bestselling author of eight books, including Practicing the Way, which was named the 2025 Christian Book of the Year by the ECPA, and The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, which has sold more than a million copies and been translated into over twenty languages. He is a pastor and the founder of Practicing the Way, an organization working to see the renewal of apprenticeship to Jesus in our time. More than 23,000 churches in 157 countries are actively using Practicing the Way resources. The Comers live in the Santa Monica Mountains just outside Los Angeles. 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 BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com * Check out Cure Hydration and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://www.curehydration.com * Check out DeleteMe and use my code joindeleteme.com/MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://joindeleteme.com * Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    John Mark Comer on The Quiet We Keep Filling (Bonus Episode)
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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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