Minimalist Moms Podcast | Purposeful Life & Parenting Tips

Diane Boden
  • 4.7 (1K)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

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. 21h ago

    Stop Trying So Hard to Be Spiritual: Quiet Practices for An Already-Full Life | Laura Kauffman, The Meeting Place (Bonus Episode)

    For those who are new here, I occasionally release bonus episodes designed for a specific part of my audience. I have listeners from all kinds of faith backgrounds, and this episode is shared from a Christian perspective. If that’s not quite what you’re looking for today, feel free to explore the other episodes released this week - or join me back here next Tuesday for a conversation you won’t want to miss! ------------------ What if growing closer to God wasn’t about adding another practice to your list - but becoming more aware of the presence that’s already here? In this conversation, I’m joined by spiritual director and writer Laura Kauffman, author of The Meeting Place. We talk about moving away from what Laura calls “spiritual maximizing” and toward a quieter, more inhabited relationship with God. Laura introduces us to spiritual direction and contemplative prayer, along with simple practices that can fit into the margins of an already-full life. We also talk about bringing playfulness and imagination back into prayer, helping our children practice noticing goodness, and the surprisingly powerful shift from constantly asking “What’s next?” to simply asking, “What’s here?” Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube ChannelLaura's Resource: Podcast: Pray as You GoConnect with LauraWebsiteInstagramBook: The Meeting Place: Quiet Spiritual Practices for Dwelling with God in Prayer About Laura |Laura Kauffman, MA, is a spiritual director and writer whose work explores the presence of God in everyday life. Drawing from the Christian contemplative tradition, she accompanies others in listening for God and responding to God's invitation. She has published three collections of poetry that examine the holy edge of ordinary things. Laura lives with her family in the Midwest, where she practices spiritual direction and continues to write. 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 1-800-GOT-JUNK and use my code 1800gotjunk.com for a great deal: https://www.1800gotjunk.com * 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

    Stop Trying So Hard to Be Spiritual: Quiet Practices for An Already-Full Life | Laura Kauffman, The Meeting Place (Bonus Episode)

  2. 21h ago ·  Bonus

    You Might Also Like: Grown-Up Stuff: How to Adult

    Introducing DIY Home Security for Grown-Ups from Grown-Up Stuff: How to Adult. Follow the show: Grown-Up Stuff: How to Adult You probably have a pretty specific picture in your head when you hear the words “home break-in.” Maybe it involves someone kicking down the front door in the middle of the night. But according to our guest, that’s not usually how it works. And that might change the way you think about home security. In this episode of Grown-Up Stuff, Matt and Lea talk with Aaron Miller, Vice President at ADT and Head of ADT Blu, about the things that actually make your home vulnerable, from leaving obvious signs that no one’s home to relying on a camera notification without anyone there to respond. They also get into smart-home technology, DIY security systems, and the difference between simply knowing something is happening and actually having help when it does. And because life has a funny way of creating new reasons to think about security, like moving, having a baby, and going on vacation, Aaron shares some practical things you can do to protect your home without turning it into a fortress. Because being a grown-up means realizing that home security is probably one of those things you should think about before you need it. And, apparently, listening for someone breaking in at 2 a.m. isn't much of a strategy. This episode is sponsored by ADT. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

    You Might Also Like: Grown-Up Stuff: How to Adult

  3. 2d ago

    Buying Back Your Time: What to Outsource (and What to Keep) | Christine Landis (Bonus Episode)

    What if the key to feeling less overwhelmed isn't doing more—it's deciding what you no longer need to do yourself? In this eisode, Diane sits down with Christine Landis, founder of Peacock Parent, to explore the often-overlooked topic of outsourcing at home. While outsourcing is often associated with expensive services or large household budgets, Christine challenges that assumption by showing how every family can lighten both the physical and mental load - regardless of income. Together, they discuss why time is one of our most valuable resources, how the invisible mental load contributes to burnout, and practical ways to delegate tasks that drain your energy. From using AI to simplify planning and decision-making to finding affordable ways to outsource everyday responsibilities, Christine shares actionable ideas for creating more margin in your life. Specifically for the Minimalist Moms listeners: Ask Proxy™️ is a personal AI assistant by text. Get 1 month free with code MINIMALIST. Select the $39/month plan here and experience what it's like having someone think ahead for you.  Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube ChannelPrevious Episode: Back-to-School, Back-in-Balance | Anna Dearmon Kornick (EP398)Connect with ChristineWebsiteInstagramLinkedIn About Christine |Christine Landis is a mom of two and founder and CEO of Peacock Parent, a home management platform designed to help people delegate at home and buy back time for joy. Previously, she led financial technology company National-Cred-A-Chek to a successful eight-figure exit. Her own experience with the mental load of motherhood inspired her to create Ask Proxy™, an AI assistant that helps adults outsource not just the “doing” of home life, but the thinking, planning, and anticipating that comes with it. Christine speaks and writes about time as a currency, home management, AI, and creating more time for what matters most. 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. Public Episode Page Our Sponsors: * Check out 1-800-GOT-JUNK and use my code 1800gotjunk.com for a great deal: https://www.1800gotjunk.com * 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

    Buying Back Your Time: What to Outsource (and What to Keep) | Christine Landis (Bonus Episode)

  4. 4d ago

    The Kids’ Mental Health Crisis Started Before Smartphones - So What Changed? | Peter Gray (Bonus Episode)

    What if the answer to the youth mental health crisis isn’t simply fewer screens - but more freedom? In this conversation, I’m joined by psychologist and Free to Learn author Dr. Peter Gray to talk about his latest book, Restoring Childhood: How to Set Kids Free in the Age of Anxiety. Peter challenges us to look beyond smartphones and social media and consider a much bigger shift that’s taken place over the last several decades: children have far less independence, unstructured play, and freedom to navigate life without adults directing the experience. We talk about how increased schooling, homework, organized activities, and constant supervision have gradually crowded out the kind of self-directed play that once defined childhood. Peter also offers a thought-provoking perspective on screens, questioning whether technology deserves as much blame for declining youth mental health as it often receives. At the heart of our conversation are three things kids need to thrive: autonomy, competence, and connection. We explore what it might look like to give some of that back - not by abandoning boundaries, but by becoming more intentional about where we step in and where we step aside. Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube ChannelConnect with Peter GrayWebsiteSubstackBook: Restoring Childhood: How to Set Kids Free in the Age of Anxiety About Peter Gray |Peter Gray is a research professor of psychology at Boston College whose work focuses on the role of play in human development and how children learn through freedom, exploration, and self-directed activity. He is the author of Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life and co-author of the widely used textbook Psychology. He also writes the “Freedom to Learn” blog for Psychology Today and is a founding member of the Alliance for Self-Directed Education and the nonprofit Let Grow. Episode Sponsors |Hey Polo | Protect your loved ones without spying on them. Go to heypolo.com/MINIMALIST or use code MINIMALIST to get 40% 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. Quince | Find the fall pieces you’ll reach for most at Quince. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or go to Quince.com/minimalist. Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada and the UK, too.  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 1-800-GOT-JUNK and use my code 1800gotjunk.com for a great deal: https://www.1800gotjunk.com * 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

    The Kids’ Mental Health Crisis Started Before Smartphones - So What Changed? | Peter Gray (Bonus Episode)

  5. 4d ago

    Why We Always Want Something New (& How to Finally Feel Like You Have Enough) | Eric Athas, Say No to More (EP465)

    We're surrounded by messages telling us that the next thing will make life better. The upgraded phone, the new clothes, the latest productivity system, the newest trend....but what if our constant attraction to new is actually pulling us further away from the life that we want? Today, I'm joined by Eric Athas, New York Times editor and author of Saying No to New. He's here today to share why novelty is so difficult for our brains to resist, how companies and technology make consumption increasingly frictionless, and why buying something new often gives us only a fleeting sense of satisfaction. We also talk about something at the heart of minimalism, this idea of enough. Instead of simply asking how to declutter what we've accumulated, what if we got better at questioning what enters our lives in the first place? Eric shares how we can recognize persuasion, create more intentional friction before consuming, rediscover the value of what we already have, and become more discerning about what actually is worth welcoming into our homes and lives. Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube ChannelDiane's Resource: The Midnight Train by Matt HaigEric's Resource: WirecutterConnect with EricWebsiteInstagramLinkedInBook: Saying No to New: Why New Things Are Stealing Your Time, Money, and Happiness―and How to Take Back Your Life About Eric |Eric Athas is an editor at the New York Times, where he helps journalists learn new tools and skills they can use to tell stories. Before joining the Times in 2016, he worked at NPR and the Washington Post. His work has been published in the New York Times, the Washington Post, Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, and the Nieman Journalism Lab. Athas lives with his wife and two children in Brooklyn. Episode Sponsors |Hey Polo | Protect your loved ones without spying on them. Go to heypolo.com/MINIMALIST or use code MINIMALIST to get 40% 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 1-800-GOT-JUNK and use my code 1800gotjunk.com for a great deal: https://www.1800gotjunk.com * 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

    Why We Always Want Something New (& How to Finally Feel Like You Have Enough) | Eric Athas, Say No to More (EP465)

  6. Sep 11

    Lysa TerKeurst on The Hidden Cost of Trying to Control Everything (Bonus Episode)

    What if the exhaustion you're feeling isn't coming from everything on your plate - but from trying to carry things that were never yours to hold? In this episode, Diane sits down with #1 New York Times bestselling author Lysa TerKeurst to unpack one of the most common struggles women face: the desire to control people, outcomes, and uncertainty. Whether it's worrying about your children, trying to fix a relationship, overthinking every decision, or believing that if you just planned a little better everything would work out, control often disguises itself as responsibility. Although Lysa shares from her Christian faith, this conversation offers practical wisdom for anyone seeking to live more intentionally, worry less, and focus their energy on what they can actually influence. Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube ChannelConnect with LysaWebsiteInstagramProverbs31 MinistriesPodcastBook: Making Peace with What I Can’t Control: Find Relief from the Exhaustion of Overthinking, Trying to Fix Others, and Wanting to Figure It All Out About Lysa |Lysa TerKeurst is president and chief visionary officer of Proverbs 31 Ministries and the author of eight New York Times bestsellers, including I Want to Trust You, But I Don’t, Good Boundaries and Goodbyes, Forgiving What You Can’t Forget, and It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way. Her latest book is Making Peace With What I Can’t Control: Find Relief from the Exhaustion of Overthinking, Trying to Fix Others, and Wanting to Figure It All Out (Nelson Books, September 15, 2026). She enjoys life with her husband, Chaz, and her kids and grandkids. 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. Public Episode Page Our Sponsors: * Check out 1-800-GOT-JUNK and use my code 1800gotjunk.com for a great deal: https://www.1800gotjunk.com * 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

    Lysa TerKeurst on The Hidden Cost of Trying to Control Everything (Bonus Episode)

  7. Sep 9

    The Case Against Convenience: Why the Small Stuff Makes Life Better | Ian Bogost (EP464)

    We’re often told that a better life is one that’s faster, easier, and more efficient. But what if removing every inconvenience is also removing some of the satisfaction, connection, and delight from our days? In this episode, Diane sits down with The Atlantic contributing writer Ian Bogost to discuss his book, The Small Stuff: How to Lead a More Gratifying Life. Ian explains how technology and modern convenience have distanced us from the physical world - and why ordinary, hands-on experiences may be more valuable than we realize. Together, they explore the difference between convenience and genuine fulfillment, the overlooked pleasure found in everyday tasks, and how paying closer attention to what’s already around us can lead to a more grounded and gratifying life. Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube ChannelConnect with IanWebsiteInstagramThe AtlanticBook: The Small Stuff: How to Lead a More Gratifying Life About Ian |Dr. Ian Bogost a contributing writer at The Atlantic, the Barbara and David Thomas Distinguished Professor and Assistant Vice Provost at Washington University in St. Louis, and a founding partner of Persuasive Games LLC, a game and design studio.  He is the author of 11 books, most recently The Small Stuff: How to Lead a More Gratifying Life. Bogost's award-winning games and artworks, which include Cow Clicker and A Slow Year have been played by millions of people and held in permanent collections around the world, including at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Episode Sponsors |Hey Polo | Protect your loved ones without spying on them. Go to heypolo.com/MINIMALIST or use code MINIMALIST to get 40% 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 1-800-GOT-JUNK and use my code 1800gotjunk.com for a great deal: https://www.1800gotjunk.com * 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

    The Case Against Convenience: Why the Small Stuff Makes Life Better | Ian Bogost (EP464)

  8. Sep 7

    [REPLAY] Finally Get Control of Those Unwanted Habits: Understanding the Roots of Bad Habits | Monica Packer

    I'm especially excited to share this replay episode with you as we are celebrating the release of my friend, Monica Packer's new book: Sticky Habits: A Woman's Guide to Reclaim Happiness, Ditch Perfectionism, and Create Habits that Last. Monica is my go-to for all things habits and I know you'll appreciate this conversation as much as I do. ----------------------------- Joining me for her second appearance on the show is fellow podcaster, Monica Packer. This conversation is a continuation on the topic of bad habits: today we explore the roots of bad habits and the importance of understanding the underlying reasons for these behaviors. We also discuss the role of support in habit change, how identity influences our habits, practical tools for addressing numbing behaviors and so much more... Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube ChannelPrevious Episode: Why Habit Consistency Looks Different for Women | Monica Packer (EP453)Previous Episode: EP255: Small Shifts (& a More Effective Approach) to Bad HabitsBook: Scarcity Brain by Michael EasterConnect with Monica:InstagramWebsite About Monica |Monica Packer is a recovering perfectionist who uncovered the truest model to lasting growth: it's progress made practical. As a writer, podcaster, and coach, she guides women to find sustainable growth by adopting progress over perfection.  Monica’s popular podcast, About Progress is a top-rated show with millions of downloads. She has served thousands of women online as a certified habits and identity coach.  Monica is a mom of five, former middle school teacher, sourdough obsessor, and beginning gardener. She lives in Salt Lake City with her husband, Brad, and their children. 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 1-800-GOT-JUNK and use my code 1800gotjunk.com for a great deal: https://www.1800gotjunk.com * 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] Finally Get Control of Those Unwanted Habits: Understanding the Roots of Bad Habits | Monica Packer
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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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