The Little Things Podcast

Jen Koman
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Semimonthly

Conversations about the little moments that matter.

  1. 1d ago

    15. Rebecca Gardner on the Art of Entertaining, Forced Serendipity, and Making an Occasion

    This week on The Little Things, Jennifer sits down with Rebecca Gardner, founder and creative director of Houses & Parties, for a conversation about entertaining, imagination, and the art of bringing people together. Known for creating wildly imaginative celebrations, interiors, and objects, Rebecca brings a distinctive mix of elegance, humor, fantasy, and warmth to everything she does. She shares how growing up in South Texas shaped her eye for glamour and surprise, and how the women, traditions, and gatherings of her childhood first taught her that making an effort is part of what makes an occasion feel special. Together, Jennifer and Rebecca explore what separates a memorable party from a simply beautiful one. They talk about choosing spaces with character, creating comfort without sacrificing surprise, and why thoughtful details—from candlelight and seating charts to unexpected guests and forced serendipity—can completely change the feeling of a room. Rebecca also shares her philosophy of making something feel effortless even when it requires enormous preparation, and why the best hosts focus less on impressing people and more on helping them connect. They discuss social graces, outsourcing what you can, remaining present as a host, and the importance of creating occasions instead of waiting for them. At its heart, this conversation is about generosity, imagination, and resisting a beige life. It’s a reminder that joy can be scheduled, beauty can be part of everyday life, and the most memorable gatherings are often made from thoughtful details, interesting people, and just enough surprise. In this episode, we discuss: How growing up in South Texas shaped Rebecca’s approach to style and entertainingWhy imagination matters more than taste aloneCreating surprise without making guests feel uncomfortableWhy true luxury is thoughtfulnessMaking a gathering feel effortless when it requires enormous preparationRebecca’s philosophy of “forced serendipity”Creating parties that connect people rather than simply impress themMaking occasions instead of saving everything for a special oneWhether you love to host, are drawn to beautiful spaces, or simply want to bring more color and delight into everyday life, this episode is a joyful reminder that the best moments are often the ones we make an effort to create. Connect with Rebecca: Instagram: @housesandparties Website: housesandparties.com

  2. Sep 28

    14. Ivey Leidy on Intentional Living, Wellness, and Building a Life that Feels Deeply Aligned

    In this episode of The Little Things, Jennifer sits down with Ivey Leidy, founder of Living with Ivey, for a conversation about wellness, motherhood, entrepreneurship, and the trust that has shaped her brand. One of the most trusted voices in intentional living, Ivey has built Living with Ivey into a thoughtfully curated destination for wellness, beauty, home, and everyday essentials. What began as a personal search to better understand her own health has grown into a lifestyle brand rooted in transparency, taste, and helping people make better choices.  Together, they talk about the evolution of wellness, why balance matters more than obsession, and how food, beauty, and home can all be approached with more intention and less pressure. They also explore how Ivey has built a business around integrity, why she only carries products she truly believes in, and what it means to create a home and life that feel as good as they look.  Ivey also opens up about motherhood, trusting her instincts, navigating trends, and the little things that matter most to her now. At its heart, this is a conversation about confidence, discernment, and building a life that feels deeply aligned. In this Episode: How Living with Ivey began and evolved into a trusted lifestyle brandWhy balance matters more than wellness obsessionThe shift from diet culture to a more holistic view of healthHow Ivey approaches food, motherhood, and raising kids without shameWhat the wellness community gets wrong about trends like proteinHow products earn a place in Living with IveyThe role of trust, transparency, and personal taste in her brandWhy she started her own body care lineThe importance of trusting your gut in business and lifeHow to create a home that feels beautiful and livableWhat success looks like beyond sales and growthThe little things that matter most to Ivey nowConnect With Ivey: @livingwithivey Living With Ivey

  3. Sep 14

    13. Rita Hazan on Hair, Confidence & the Colorist-Client Connection

    Rita Hazan on the connection between hair and confidence, and the unique relationship between a colorist and her clients In this episode of The Little Things, Jennifer sits down with legendary New York colorist Rita Hazan for a conversation about beauty, confidence, motherhood, ambition, and what decades behind the chair have taught her about people. One of the most sought-after colorists in the world, Rita has built an extraordinary career helping women look and feel like the best versions of themselves. Jennifer knows firsthand that time in Rita’s chair is rarely just about hair. Over the years, it’s become a place to catch up on life, share milestones, and talk through everything in between. Together, they talk about the connection between hair and confidence, navigating trends, going gray, and why the best color should still feel like you. They also explore the unique relationship between a colorist and her clients, and what it’s like to have a front-row seat to so many women’s lives over the years. Rita also shares how motherhood changed her perspective on ambition and success, the New York rituals she still loves, and the little things that matter most to her now. At its heart, this is a conversation about knowing yourself, feeling good in your own skin, and the relationships that become part of our lives in unexpected ways. In This Episode What decades behind the chair have taught Rita about peopleWhy great hair color should still feel like youHair, confidence, and feeling your bestCommon hair mistakes and how to avoid themSimple habits for healthier, shinier hairHow to cover gray hair and with confidenceThe trust and connection between a colorist and clientBuilding an extraordinary brand a reputation in New York and beyondMotherhood and Rita’s evolving perspective on ambition and successEveryday rituals and the little things that matter most

  4. Aug 31

    12. Dria Murphy on Staying Curious, Trusting Your Instincts, and Knowing What's Worth Your Attention

    In this episode of The Little Things, Jennifer sits down with Dria Murphy, founder of By Dria, for a conversation about wellness, discovery, and learning to recognize what is truly worth your time, energy, and attention. Known for her discerning eye and thoughtful recommendations across wellness, beauty, and travel, Dria has built a trusted platform around finding and sharing the things that genuinely make life better. Together, Jennifer and Dria discuss the evolution of By Dria, how she approaches curation, and what separates something truly useful from something that is simply having a moment. They also explore what it really means to feel good, the wellness habits that have stood the test of time, and the things we tend to overcomplicate in the pursuit of living well. Dria shares how travel has shaped her perspective, the people she turns to for advice, and why she has become increasingly protective of her time, attention, and energy. At its heart, this conversation is about discernment: staying curious without constantly chasing what’s next, appreciating what you already have, and paying attention to the people, places, habits, and little things that make life feel better. In This Episode The story behind By DriaHow Dria decides what is truly worth recommendingSeparating lasting value from passing trendsThe wellness habits she returns to again and againWhat we tend to overcomplicate about feeling goodBalancing discovery with contentmentTravel and the places that have shaped her perspectiveProtecting your time, attention, and energyFriendship, community, and the people we trustThe little things that make everyday life better Follow Dria Instagram: @driamurphy By Dria: @_bydria

  5. Aug 17

    11. Brittany Bromley on Making A House Feel Like Home

    This week on The Little Things, Jennifer sits down with Brittany Bromley, founder and creative director of Brittany Bromley Interiors, whose colorful, layered, and deeply personal approach to design has made her one of the most sought-after voices in interiors today. Known for creating homes that feel both elegant and effortlessly lived in, Brittany shares how childhood memories, motherhood, collecting meaningful objects, and a love of beauty have shaped her philosophy on home. Together, they explore why the most memorable spaces aren't necessarily the most perfect ones—they're the ones that make people feel welcome. From the power of small design details to the art of gathering, slowing down, and creating warmth in everyday life, this conversation is a reminder that home is about so much more than aesthetics. It's about connection, memory, and the little things that make life meaningful. In this episode, we discuss:What home felt like growing up and how it shaped Brittany's design perspectiveThe small details that make a space feel warm, welcoming, and personalBalancing beauty, elegance, and real lifeHow motherhood has changed her relationship with home and perfectionThe art of hosting and creating spaces where people feel comfortableFinding inspiration in everyday lifeWhy our homes matter more than ever in a fast-moving worldThe memories Brittany hopes her children carry with them Whether you're designing a home, hosting friends, or simply looking to bring more beauty into your everyday life, this episode offers thoughtful reminders about the power of creating spaces that truly reflect who we are. Connect with Brittany: @brittanybromleyinteriors brittanybromley.com

  6. Aug 10

    10. Jennifer Koman on Reinvention, Parenting, and Building a Life Around What Truly Matters

    What happens when the host becomes the guest? For the first time on The Little Things, the tables turn. Instead of asking the questions, Jen Koman sits down to answer them, reflecting on the experiences that shaped her, the lessons motherhood continues to teach her, and why she's become more interested in connection than achievement. In conversation with Madeleine Fawcett, Jen shares her thoughts on reinvention, aging, parenting adult children, learning to say no, and building a life around what truly matters. She also opens up about the unexpected path that led to The Little Things and her hope of creating a community where meaningful conversations feel as natural as gathering around a dinner table. This is a conversation about becoming, trusting the seasons of life, and discovering that the things we remember most are often the smallest ones. In this episode: Growing into new versions of ourselvesThe evolution of motherhood and letting goWhy saying "no" creates space for what mattersFinding beauty in ordinary momentsBuilding The Little Things—and the community still to come

  7. Aug 3

    09. Nan Philip on Personal Taste, Intuition, and Paying Attention To What Resonates

    In this episode of The Little Things, Jennifer sits down with creator, writer and tastemaker Nan Philip for a conversation about building a life guided by intention, personal taste and paying attention to what truly resonates. Known for her thoughtful recommendations, timeless style and beloved newsletter Nan's Notebook, Nan has built a community around sharing the things she genuinely loves. Together, Jennifer and Nan discuss her decision to leave a successful career in public relations to become a full-time creator, the realities of building a business across Instagram, Substack, and podcasting, and what she's learned from creating a life on her own terms. They also explore the evolution of personal style, how to stay connected to your own perspective in a world driven by trends, and why the best recommendations come from authenticity rather than influence. Along the way, Nan shares her favorite corners of New York City, the routines that ground her, and the small details that make everyday life feel richer. At its heart, this conversation is a reminder that a fulfilling life isn't built from grand gestures, but from knowing what matters to you and making space for more of it. In This Episode Building a business across Instagram, Substack, and podcastingDeveloping confidence in your own taste and styleNavigating trends while staying true to yourselfCreating a thoughtful wardrobe that lastsA perfect day in New York CityDaily rituals, inspiration, and creative resets Connect with Nan Instagram: @nan.philip & noteworthywithnan Substack: Nan's Notebook Podcast: Noteworthy by Nan

  8. Jul 20

    08. Cristina Lynch on the Threads That Connect Us

    In this episode of The Little Things, Jennifer sits down with Cristina Lynch, founder of Mi Golondrina, a clothing and lifestyle brand known for its handcrafted dresses, blouses, and home goods made in partnership with artisans throughout Mexico. Through her work, Cristina has built more than a brand—she has created a way to preserve cultural traditions, celebrate generations of craftsmanship, and connect people to the stories woven into every piece. Cristina also reflects on growing up in a family of women who forged their own paths in the gift and apparel industries, sharing how their experiences, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit continue to shape the way she leads and builds today. Together, they explore growing up between cultures, the women who shaped Cristina's understanding of beauty and belonging, and the role clothing can play in carrying memory, history, and connection. They discuss the value of slowing down in a fast-moving world, what gets lost when traditions disappear, and why authenticity and craftsmanship feel more important than ever. Cristina also shares how becoming a mother has deepened her commitment to preserving rituals, traditions, and a sense of heritage within her own growing family. It's a thoughtful conversation about home, community, and the responsibility we have to honor the stories that shape us while passing them on to future generations. Follow Cristina & Mi Golondrina  Instagram: @migolondrina @cristina_lynch Website: www.migolondrina.com

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Conversations about the little moments that matter.

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