Slow Living | Find Peace, Balance, and Calm in Hustle Society

If you are a busy woman trying to do all the things for all the people all the time and feel like whatever you do isn’t enough, this is the podcast for you. Maybe you have ADHD, maybe you don’t. Maybe you work full time and have kids, maybe you don’t. But whatever is happening in your life right now isn’t working and you aren’t sure what to do next. Deep breath in, deep breath out. Help is here. New York Times bestselling author and slow living expert Stephanie O’Dea is your friendly guide to creating a calm, peaceful, and purpose-filled life—without the burnout. This isn’t a pushy productivity or goal-setting show. Instead, Stephanie shares gentle, practical ways to simplify your routines, find work-life balance, and bring more peace and tranquility into your days. Through honest conversations and easy-to-follow tips, you’ll learn to slow down, realign your priorities, and create the space to truly enjoy your life. Each episode covers topics like: Creating simple, sustainable routines Parenting with presence and patience Mindful time management (without the hustle) Organization and decluttering for a calm home Finding peace in relationships and daily life In a world that moves too fast and constantly demands more, this podcast is your weekly reminder that you are already enough. You don’t need to chase perfection—you just need to slow down and live intentionally. Stephanie O’Dea is the New York Times bestselling author of Slow Living: Cultivating a Life of Purpose in a Hustle-Driven World and the creator of A Year of Slow Cooking, featured on Good Morning America, The Rachael Ray Show, and in major national publications. With a background in child development, psychology, and early childhood education, Stephanie has helped millions of busy families simplify, reconnect, and rediscover what truly matters. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband of 25+ years, their three kids, and their beloved dog, Sheldon—where they practice what she preaches: slowing down, unplugging, and savoring a peaceful life.

  1. 4H AGO

    Shelly Session 2 (Part 2): Working on the next Best Step

    BUY THE SLOW LIVING BOOK HERE! In this episode, Stephanie and Shelly dive into a powerful self-reflection exercise, exploring the adjectives Shelly uses to describe herself and her current season of life. The conversation opens up into an honest discussion about health, menopause, and how ongoing struggles with doctors and health insurance have shaped Shelly’s mindset. With vulnerability and compassion, they talk about how discouragement can impact not just the body, but self-image and confidence too. Shelly describes her life as being in “survival mode,” which leads to a meaningful conversation about her journey through breast cancer, family relationships, and resilience. Stephanie gently challenges Shelly to reimagine what health looks like for her future self, sparking a hopeful discussion about aging well, staying active, and a growing love for hiking. The episode wraps with reflections on the book Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay Gibson and how its insights helped Shelly better understand her relationship with her father—making this a thoughtful, relatable listen about healing, health, and personal growth. Past Episodes You May Love: Episode 9: How to Get What You Want When You Want ItEpisode 26: Stop Delaying HappinessEpisode 36: Becoming Resilient Episode 43: Imperfect ActionEpisode 51: Adult Friendships Want to know more about living a slowed down life?!Simple Shortcuts to Peace Course - https://stephanieodea.com/peace New Year, New You Mini Challenge - https://stephanieodea.com/newyou Join me for my LIVE Masterclass - https://stephanieodea.com/masterclass/ Website - https://stephanieodea.com Blog - https://stephanieodea.com/blog/ Slow Living Podcast - https://stephanieodea.com/podcast Speaking Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/speaking/ Coaching Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/coaching/ Courses - https://stephanieodea.com/courses/ Contact - stephanieodea.com/contact/

    30 min
  2. FEB 9

    Shelly session 2 (Part 1): Continuing to Establish Boundaries

    BUY THE SLOW LIVING BOOK HERE! Stephanie and Shelly kick off this episode with a fun chat about County Fairs, table scapes, and Stephanie’s entries in the Home and Hobby Garden. The conversation quickly shifts to Shelly’s new role at work and the challenge of creating a routine that actually works with her new hours. They dig into productivity, time management, and a time-blocking exercise that helped Shelly see where her time and energy were really going. From morning routines to the supportive scrapbooking community Shelly checks in with daily, this episode is all about balance and connection. The conversation wraps with an honest look at boundaries, caregiving, and what it means to be an introverted extrovert—especially when navigating family dynamics. It’s a warm, relatable episode full of self-awareness, growth, and encouragement you won’t want to miss. Want to know more about living a slowed down life?!Simple Shortcuts to Peace Course - https://stephanieodea.com/peace New Year, New You Mini Challenge - https://stephanieodea.com/newyou Join me for my LIVE Masterclass - https://stephanieodea.com/masterclass/ Website - https://stephanieodea.com Blog - https://stephanieodea.com/blog/ Slow Living Podcast - https://stephanieodea.com/podcast Speaking Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/speaking/ Coaching Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/coaching/ Courses - https://stephanieodea.com/courses/ Contact - stephanieodea.com/contact/

    40 min
  3. JAN 12

    Beginning of the Rest of Your Life

    BUY THE SLOW LIVING BOOK HERE! Recorded on New Year’s Eve, this episode invites you to pause at the edge of a brand-new year and reflect on where you are right now. Rather than focusing on resolutions or January 1st pressure, Stephanie reframes this moment as the beginning of the rest of your life—one intentional choice at a time. It’s a gentle reminder to slow down, live quietly, and look within for what truly brings you peace. Stephanie challenges the belief that productivity equals self-worth and asks a powerful question: what are you doing today that your future self will be proud of? If something in your life leaves you feeling small or behind, remember—it doesn’t get unlimited access to you. This conversation is an invitation to embrace slow living, choose fulfillment in the present moment, and step into the new year with purpose and clarity. Want to know more about living a slowed down life?!Simple Shortcuts to Peace Course - https://stephanieodea.com/peace New Year, New You Mini Challenge - https://stephanieodea.com/newyou Join me for my LIVE Masterclass - https://stephanieodea.com/masterclass/ Website - https://stephanieodea.com Blog - https://stephanieodea.com/blog/ Slow Living Podcast - https://stephanieodea.com/podcast Speaking Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/speaking/ Coaching Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/coaching/ Courses - https://stephanieodea.com/courses/ Contact - stephanieodea.com/contact/

    16 min
  4. JAN 5

    Wrapping it All Up. Melessa Session 6 (Part 2)

    BUY THE SLOW LIVING BOOK HERE! In this reflective episode, Melessa and Stephanie talk about the end of one era and the beginning of another, exploring what it feels like when life starts to feel easier. Melessa shares her experience moving through big changes, questioning whether ease means something is wrong, and ultimately learning to trust the process. They also discuss the deep impact of close friendships, how those relationships have supported Melessa through transition, and how her life now feels more peaceful and aligned than ever before. In the second half, Melessa opens up about her book-in-progress, her creative flow state, and her flexible goal to finish writing by March 2026. The conversation wraps with thoughtful reflections on family, caregiving as parents age, and how making space for herself—even early in motherhood—helped her stay true to who she is. This episode is a warm, honest look at personal growth, creativity, and what it means to feel like life is finally falling into place. Want to know more about living a slowed down life?!Simple Shortcuts to Peace Course - https://stephanieodea.com/peace New Year, New You Mini Challenge - https://stephanieodea.com/newyou Join me for my LIVE Masterclass - https://stephanieodea.com/masterclass/ Website - https://stephanieodea.com Blog - https://stephanieodea.com/blog/ Slow Living Podcast - https://stephanieodea.com/podcast Speaking Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/speaking/ Coaching Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/coaching/ Courses - https://stephanieodea.com/courses/ Contact - stephanieodea.com/contact/

    33 min
  5. 12/29/2025

    Slowly Productive. Melessa Session 6 (Part 1)

    BUY THE SLOW LIVING BOOK HERE! In this heartfelt episode, Stephanie and Melessa open up about major life transitions—from closing the chapter on an old family home to embracing new routines, healthier habits, and the excitement of building fresh memories. Melessa shares the clarity she found after her Peace Corps session, realizing how grateful she is to downsize now rather than leave that burden to her kids later. She also dives into what “healthy living” looks like today, from weekly gym visits to enjoying long walks and pool time in her new neighborhood. As the conversation unfolds, Melessa reflects on her legacy, the strength she hopes her children remember, and the accomplishments she’s proud of—like earning her master’s degree while raising four little ones. With life slowing down, she’s savoring upcoming adventures, including a road trip with close friends and the joy of finding a new local Bunco group. Tune in for an inspiring, uplifting episode filled with personal growth, fresh starts, and the beauty of embracing new seasons in life.c Past Episodes You May Love: Episode 51: Adult FriendshipsEpisode 73: Christy's Slow Living StoryEpisode 74: Denise's StoryEpisode 75: Ruth's Slow Living StoryEpisode 76: Emily's Story -- escaping a MLMEpisode 77: Lisa's story -- sustainable habitsEpisode 78: Megan's story -- Slow ProductivityEpisode 79: Merideth's Story -- Imperfect ParentingEpisode 180: Meet Jessica, the Autistic Mom Want to know more about living a slowed down life?!Simple Shortcuts to Peace Course - https://stephanieodea.com/peace New Year, New You Mini Challenge - https://stephanieodea.com/newyou Join me for my LIVE Masterclass - https://stephanieodea.com/masterclass/ Website - https://stephanieodea.com Blog - https://stephanieodea.com/blog/ Slow Living...

    36 min
4.8
out of 5
83 Ratings

About

If you are a busy woman trying to do all the things for all the people all the time and feel like whatever you do isn’t enough, this is the podcast for you. Maybe you have ADHD, maybe you don’t. Maybe you work full time and have kids, maybe you don’t. But whatever is happening in your life right now isn’t working and you aren’t sure what to do next. Deep breath in, deep breath out. Help is here. New York Times bestselling author and slow living expert Stephanie O’Dea is your friendly guide to creating a calm, peaceful, and purpose-filled life—without the burnout. This isn’t a pushy productivity or goal-setting show. Instead, Stephanie shares gentle, practical ways to simplify your routines, find work-life balance, and bring more peace and tranquility into your days. Through honest conversations and easy-to-follow tips, you’ll learn to slow down, realign your priorities, and create the space to truly enjoy your life. Each episode covers topics like: Creating simple, sustainable routines Parenting with presence and patience Mindful time management (without the hustle) Organization and decluttering for a calm home Finding peace in relationships and daily life In a world that moves too fast and constantly demands more, this podcast is your weekly reminder that you are already enough. You don’t need to chase perfection—you just need to slow down and live intentionally. Stephanie O’Dea is the New York Times bestselling author of Slow Living: Cultivating a Life of Purpose in a Hustle-Driven World and the creator of A Year of Slow Cooking, featured on Good Morning America, The Rachael Ray Show, and in major national publications. With a background in child development, psychology, and early childhood education, Stephanie has helped millions of busy families simplify, reconnect, and rediscover what truly matters. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband of 25+ years, their three kids, and their beloved dog, Sheldon—where they practice what she preaches: slowing down, unplugging, and savoring a peaceful life.

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