Connected Simplicity

Suzanne Searcy Johnson

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.

Episodes

  1. Creativity, Community, and Music Today with Jordy Searcy

    15h ago

    Creativity, Community, and Music Today with Jordy Searcy

    On this episode, I get to sit down with my nephew, singer‑songwriter Jordy Searcy, for a conversation about creativity, community, and what it’s like to make music in today’s ever‑changing world. We talk about how his career has developed over the years, the story behind Love and War in Your Twenties, why he’s so passionate about helping other artists, and how his free house concerts are creating real connection in a disconnected culture. It’s a warm, honest look at music, family, and the power of showing up for each other. In this episode: Jordy shares how his music career unfolded — from The Voice to touring, producing, and building a sustainable creative lifeWhy collaboration, kindness, and community matter so deeply in the music industryThe story behind his hit Love and War in Your Twenties and how a $1,500 house concert changed everythingHow house concerts are creating intimate, connective experiences in a disconnected worldThe surprising economics of touring today — and why artists are rethinking everythingJordy’s reflections on creativity, family, and what he hopes listeners feel when they hear his musicA look at his new album Mt. Tam and the creative process behind it Connect with Jordy Searcy: Website: https://www.jordysearcymusic.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordysearcymusicStream Mt. Tam album: https://jordysearcy.ffm.to/mttamWant a free house show? Text: 325-252-6170 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/

    29 min
  2. How to Apologize Well: Guilt, Shame, and Healing

    Jun 17

    How to Apologize Well: Guilt, Shame, and Healing

    On this solo episode, I explore what it really means to apologize well — not from a place of defensiveness or justification, but from honesty, humility, and connection. You’ll learn the difference between guilt and shame, how to tell when your actions or values are out of alignment, and why taking responsibility builds self‑esteem rather than diminishing it. This is a gentle, practical conversation about healing, repairing relationships, and moving forward with clarity and compassion. In this episode: Why most apologies fall short — and how to offer one that truly healsA personal story of repair and what it taught me about emotional honestyThe five elements of a sincere apology (from Beyond Decluttering)How guilt can guide you back into alignmentWhy shame is “guilt that has overstayed its welcome”How to know whether you need to change your actions or your valuesThe connection between taking responsibility and building self‑esteem If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, or share it with someone who might need this conversation. 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/Beyond Decluttering: 40 days to experiencing simplicity through connection: https://a.co/d/05GJcLFu

    12 min
  3. Making Room for the Good Stuff with Shannon Leyko

    Jun 10

    Making Room for the Good Stuff with Shannon Leyko

    Discover how decluttering goes beyond tidying up—it's a pathway to peace, deeper connections, and a fulfilled life. Shannon Leyko, host of the podcast Paring Down, shares her insights on the mental and emotional foundations of decluttering and how to make space for what truly matters. In this episode: Shannon’s journey from a professional singer and reality TV producer to decluttering expert and podcast hostHow her background in psychology informs her approach to declutteringThe three types of episodes on Paring Down: decluttering challenges, good stuff filling your life, and listener-focused chai chatsWhy mental roadblocks and emotional attachment are the core challenges in declutteringUnderstanding the difference between friendship and community and the importance of both in our livesHow decluttering gives you agency and peace in your home and mindShannon’s upcoming book: Don’t Save the Good Stuff, focusing on releasing excess to invite fulfillmentPractical tips for decluttering and inviting the good stuff into our lives Connect with Shannon Leyko: Paring Down Podcast: https://shannonleyko.com/paring-down-podcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonleyko/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Website: www.shannonleyko.com 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/

    34 min
  4. Redefining Your Identity During Empty Nesting with Jay Ramsden

    May 27

    Redefining Your Identity During Empty Nesting with Jay Ramsden

    My guest today is Jay Ramsden, the “Empty Nest Coach” on Instagram and TikTok. We're discussing how we can rediscover purpose and passion when our children leave home or any time in life. Jay and I have chatted before in person and on his podcast, so I'm thrilled to be able to share his insights with you. In this episode: The importance of communication and setting expectations with othersBuilding a new identity beyond parenting through self-discovery and curiosityStrategies for maintaining and revitalizing your relationship after children leaveThe significance of exploring interests and passions to live your best lifeHow to avoid waiting for circumstances and instead create opportunities for fulfillmentConnect with Jay Ramsden: Jay's Website: https://www.thisemptynestlife.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.emptynest.resetTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.emptynest.resetLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonramsden/This Empty Nest Life Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-empty-nest-life/id1547010658Resources and links: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/suzannesearcyjohnsonPrivate Coaching: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/work-with-me/Website: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/Sign up for my newsletter: The Live Connected NewsletterInstagram: 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/

    34 min
  5. Living Simply in 399 Sq. Ft.

    May 20

    Living Simply in 399 Sq. Ft.

    Most people imagine tiny house living as cramped, limiting, or only for extreme minimalists. As a Nashville transplant thriving in my 399 sq. ft. home in Austin, I found that downsizing transformed my finances, lifestyle, and sense of community. Whether you're looking to go tiny or just downsize to a smaller traditional home, you'll discover freedom in living with less. My story isn’t just about living small — it’s about living intentionally in a way that truly feels expansive. In this episode: How to evaluate if tiny living suits your goals and lifestyleThe different types of tiny homes and what works best for active travelers or rooted communitiesCreative storage hacks that maximize small spaces without clutterThe crucial financial considerations, including land lease costs, expected expenses, and affordable optionsThe emotional and social benefits of embracing community in a tiny home neighborhoodMentioned in this episode: Tiny House Tour on Tiny House Giant Journey YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/FWZzpSl7eAQ?si=G4ihb3_78rt8q10ARoaming with Moose YouTube Channel (Heather and Joe): https://www.youtube.com/@RoamingWithMooseResources and links: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/suzannesearcyjohnsonPrivate Coaching: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/work-with-me/Website: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/Sign up for my newsletter: The Live Connected NewsletterInstagram: 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/

    14 min
5
out of 5
5 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.

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