50 episodes

Tips and tactics to declutter and simplify your house quickly!

The Minimal Mom Dawn Madsen

    • Education
    • 4.8 • 684 Ratings

Tips and tactics to declutter and simplify your house quickly!

    Addressing Negative Comments (I don't usually do this!)

    Addressing Negative Comments (I don't usually do this!)

    I don't generally like to draw attention to negative comments, but I think I felt misunderstood when it cam to a recent video I did on home organization. Was it plastic junk and unnecessary, or the icing on top of all of my hardworking decluttering!?!
    MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:
    Testing Out New Organizing Products Video: https://youtu.be/BAvWKtVwbY8 Minimal Mom Mentorship Group: https://cli.re/minimal-mom-private-group Clear Trash Bag Organizer: https://urlgeni.us/amzn/trashbags Small Acrylic Containers: https://urlgeni.us/amzn/small Ikea Acrylic Containers: https://urlgeni.us/ikea/ikea-bathroom Large Spice Jars: https://urlgeni.us/amzn/spice-jar-lg Small Spice Jars: https://urlgeni.us/amzn/spice-jars-sm Spice Shelf: https://urlgeni.us/amzn/spice-shelf Seasoning Packet Organizer: https://urlgeni.us/amzn/packet-organizer Ikea Shoe Bench: https://urlgeni.us/ikea/shoe-bench Wall Mount Shoe Racks: https://urlgeni.us/amzn/wall-rack Car Trash Bag Holder: https://urlgeni.us/amzn/car-garbage
     
    IN THIS PODCAST: 0:00 Are these organizing products wasteful? 2:30 My most controversial video 2:32 Addressing the negative comments and feeling misunderstood 5:05 If it’s not a definite yes, it’s a no. 6:50 Spice cabinet debacle 9:42 I felt like such a loser at keeping home and organizing10:50 Solutions vs. upgrades 11:43 Look at the data14:00 Shoe rack pushback 14:38 3 parts to keep a home maintained 15:38 Plastic, inventory, and gadget girl 17:25 We get to decide18:35 Feeling discontent? Do this first. 22:10 It’s about function, not just looks. 25:00 Give your mom some grace! (Lessons learned from my mom)
    --------------------------
    Welcome to The Official Minimal Mom Podcast. 
    ABOUT THE MINIMAL MOM: Hi, I'm Dawn, if we haven't met before, I'm married to Tom and we have four kids ages 9-14. We live outside of the Twin Cities in MN and have called ourselves minimalists for 8 years now. We got rid of 85% of our stuff and don't miss ANY OF IT! If you'd like to see more instructional videos about minimalism and decluttering, be sure to check out my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMinimalMom

    • 27 min
    Why I wouldn't homeschool again

    Why I wouldn't homeschool again

    Get your Early Bird Brave Conference Ticket Here (just $37 until Monday at midnight!): https://www.made2homeschool.com/bravetickets Whether this is your first year or your 10th year of homeschooling, the Brave Conference is designed just for you! Join in to find encouragement, gain fresh inspiration and new ideas, build a supportive network, and prepare for the future with purpose. The sessions are tailored to meet you where you are in your homeschooling journey. Don't miss out on our early bird sign-up for only $37! Secure your spot today and take the next step toward a fulfilling and successful homeschooling experience.
    Find the speaker line-up and more details here: https://www.made2homeschool.com/bravetickets ......................................
    ABOUT THE MINIMAL MOM: Hi, I'm Dawn, if we haven't met before, I'm married to Tom and we have four kids ages 8-13. We live outside of the Twin Cities in MN and have called ourselves minimalists for 9 years now. We got rid of 85% of our stuff and don't miss ANY OF IT! If you'd like to see more instructional videos about minimalism and decluttering, be sure to check out my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@TheMinimalMom

    • 30 min
    A Deathbed Epiphany + The Power of a Life Audit with Dr. Leonaura Rhodes

    A Deathbed Epiphany + The Power of a Life Audit with Dr. Leonaura Rhodes

    Ever feel like, "this isn’t the life I signed up for?" Wondering if it’s OK to want a better life? Struggling to simplify while managing ADHD? Join Dawn and Dr. Leonaura Rhodes—a physician, counselor, coach, relationship strategist, and neurotherapist—as they discuss how to navigate unexpected life challenges, understand neurodiversity, embrace identity changes, and develop a clear strategy for creating the life you desire.
    In this episode: 1:29 I hated my “dream job.” 2:55 Unexpected life challenges 5:15 Death bed epiphany 6:05 This isn’t what I signed up for7:00 Simplifying with ADHD 8:20 Neurodiversity in kids 9:09 Object Permanence 9:53 “Your house is SO messy!” 10:55 Tips for those with ADHD 12:09 What’s in it for you? 13:28 You are NOT here to be a martyr 14:20 “Women are REALLY selfish these days.” 17:30 Neurofeedback therapy 19:43 Mindfulness practice 24:04 Take identity inventory 25:18 We CAN want a better life for ourselves25:56 Invest 30 min a day in YOU! 26:30 Imagine, what would it be like to say no? 28:18 Identity changes 29:02 Do a “life audit.”
    Resources Mentioned:
    Beyond Soccer Mom by Leonaura Rhondes 
    About: Dr. Leonaura Rhodes has spent over 30 years helping people just create extraordinary lives on their terms. Her career began as a physician in the UK, then went on to become a counselor, coach, relationship strategist, and neurotherapist. She guides people who are committed to getting the most out of life, by helping them get clarity on the life they desire and help them create a solid strategy for change.
    https://www.drleonaurarhodes.com/
    Leonaura Rhodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC2IIJj_hnHZJO8BwcKPqInQ ............................................
    ABOUT THE MINIMAL MOM: Hi, I'm Dawn, if we haven't met before, I'm married to Tom and we have four kids ages 8-13. We live outside of the Twin Cities in MN and have called ourselves minimalists for 8 years now. We got rid of 85% of our stuff and don't miss ANY OF IT! If you'd like to see more instructional videos about minimalism and decluttering, be sure to check out my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMinimalMom/

    • 30 min
    The "Bucket List" needs to go! Managing Summer Anxiety with Britt Frank

    The "Bucket List" needs to go! Managing Summer Anxiety with Britt Frank

    Are you experiencing more anxiety than relaxation this summer? Are your expectations realistic? Do you feel stuck or broken? What is anxiety doing to you? How can we maintain momentum when we don’t feel like it?  Join Dawn and Britt Frank- a licensed neuropsychotherapist and author of The Science of Stuck and her newest release The Getting Unstuck Workbook- as they talk about seasonal summer anxiety, setting expectations, and getting “unstuck.”
    IN THIS EPISODE:
    2:36 Seasonal summer anxiety
    3:51 Reset expectations
    4:06 #Chuckthebucket
    4:29 Don’t worry about the why.
    5:14 My brain is on my side.
    8:10 How do we help our kids?
    10:17 It’s ok to need time.
    11:32 Stimulation requires down regulation.
    12:40 Boredom is NOT a problem to solve.
    16:00 Microdose relaxation
    18:42 Name it and own it.
    22:25 Better done than good
    23:01 How do we keep momentum going when the “pink cloud” goes away?
    27:10 There is no such thing as a broken person.
    27:35 Getting unstuck
    32:20 Brains CAN change.
     
    Resources Mentioned:
    The Science of Stuck
    The Getting Unstuck Workbook
    The interruption of stuff (Podcast Ep. 24)
     
    Bio/Her links: Britt Frank, LSCSW, SEP is a licensed neuropsychotherapist and author of The Science of Stuck (Penguin Random House), named by SHRM, Esquire, New York Magazine, and The Next Big Idea Club as a must-read as well as her new release, The Getting Unstuck Workbook. Britt received her undergraduate degree from Duke University and her master’s degree from the University of Kansas, where she later became an award-winning adjunct instructor. Britt is a contributing writer to Psychology Today and her work has been featured in Forbes, NPR, The New York Times, Fast Company, Psych Central, SELF, and Thrive Global.
     
    www.scienceofstuck.com
    IG: @brittfrank

    • 34 min
    Q+A: Letting go of Gifts, Hoarding & Homesteading, Fear & Guilt when Decluttering

    Q+A: Letting go of Gifts, Hoarding & Homesteading, Fear & Guilt when Decluttering

    Today I'll answer your questions like: How do I stop feeling overwhelming fear and guilt when letting go of things people have gifted me, even though I don’t want them anymore? I’m a homesteader, do I keep EVERYTHING in hopes of using it “someday?” My 3 kids share a room. Is there a better way to manage toys for older kids so the youngest doesn’t get into everything (or do I need to be reminded this is just a season)?
    If you'd like to leave a voicemail with your own question, you can do so here: https://www.speakpipe.com/MinimalMom
    In this episode:1:30 I’m a homesteader, do I keep EVERYTHING? 4:58 How do I know when to stop decluttering a room? 7:58 Hoarder, feeling fear and guilt when letting go of things 14:46 What’s the longest amount of time you’ve gone without cleaning? 18:38 Decluttering with special needs 22:57 My 3 kids share a room. Is there a better way to manage toys for older kids so the youngest doesn’t get into everything (or do I need to be reminded this is just a season)?
     
    Resources mentioned:
    Natalie Hoffman Podcast Episode
    A Monk's Guide to a Clean House and Mind
    Laurie from Simply B Organized Podcast Episode

    • 27 min
    Cheap and Easy Design Tips for a Bright and Cheery Home

    Cheap and Easy Design Tips for a Bright and Cheery Home

    What are some of the biggest design mistakes? What is the #1 design tip? How can you avoid making this $10,000 design mistake? Today Dawn visits with Melanie Zaelich, an interior designer and owner of Home Stylist - a company that uses the power of design to bring more happiness to people. Melanie shares insights on how to avoid the biggest design mistakes and how she got started in design after being on HGTV.
    IN THIS EPISODE:
    1:18 Melanie's start on HGTV
    3:37 Conventional vs. unconventional design
    4:48 Biggest designs mistakes
    5:00 #1 Design tip (get rid of your stuff!)
    5:43 Save $10,000 with this one tip
    12:21 Bring life into your space
    14:58 Architectural Design vs. Minimalism
    18:24 How do I discover my own style?
    23:35 Get an outside perspective 
    24:05 Newest design trends
     
    Resources
    Plant watering globes
     
    ABOUT MELANIE:
    Melanie is the owner of Happy Place Interiors. She loves seeing people light up when they enter a space that has been transformed. Melanie believes that your environment impacts your well-being and it can bring joy to your life and allow you to spend your time and energy on the things that are important to you — like, life. Happy Place Interiors puts a fresh spin on what you’d expect from an interior design company. Rooted in the belief that everyone deserves a happy home, our flexible and collaborative consultation-based, à la carte business model keeps high-quality interior design accessible. Learn more here: https://www.happyplaceinteriors.com/
     

    • 27 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
684 Ratings

684 Ratings

Effie Winterfeldt ,

My go-to for a lift

Not only does Dawn have great advice on simplifying the physical objects in the home but I get so much about simplifying my way of life, parenting/relationship advice, and decluttering my mind. It all comes in a positive and uplifting way as well. I listen when I feel worn out and just need an uplifting friend to hang with for a few minutes.

LilC67 ,

Absolutely love this podcast!

I love these podcasts! Dawn has great discussions and interviews and truly shows how minimalism isn’t just with material things. I have learned so much through these podcasts.

Phoenixgrl ,

So practical and encouraging

Dawn gives awesome advice about declutterring and living simply. She seems to understand how a typical family lives and how to minimize with a busy life. I’ve watched many of her videos but surprised how great her podcast is too! Goes deeper and has outstanding guests. Thank you!

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