
Hosted by Diane Boden · EN
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.

What if lasting health has less to do with willpower - and more to do with identity, environment, and the systems we create around ourselves?In today's episode, I’m joined by Susan Peirce Thompson to discuss her new book, Maintain: The Three Identity Shifts that Turn Temporary Weight Loss into Lasting Freedom, and the deeper realities behind lasting behavior change. Susan shares her personal history with addiction, obesity, and creating Bright Line Eating, while explaining why long-term weight struggles are often rooted more in brain chemistry and hormones than willpower alone.Together, we explore food addiction, habit formation, emotional coping, the overstimulation of modern life, and the three identity shifts Susan believes are necessary for sustainable freedom. We also discuss the role of ultra-processed foods, leptin resistance, GLP-1 medications, and what it looks like to pursue health from a place of intention rather than obsession.Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube ChannelSusan's Resource: FocusMate | Stickk ContractConnect with Susan:WebsiteBright Line EatingInstagramBook: Maintain: The Three Identity Shifts that Turn Temporary Weight Loss into Lasting Freedom About Dr. Susan Peirce Thompson|Susan Peirce Thompson, Ph.D. is an expert in the psychology of eating and a recovering addict herself, bringing personal insight and lived experience to the field of Food Addiction. Her own journey through addiction — first to drugs and alcohol, and later to food - has profoundly shaped her life’s work. Dr. Thompson holds a Ph.D. in Brain and Cognitive Sciences from the University of Rochester, where she focuses her research on the neuroscience of self-regulation, weight loss, and Food Addiction. She also has a strong academic background in cognitive psychology, having taught at the university level for many years. Professionally, Susan is best known as the founder and CEO of Bright Line Eating®, a global movement that has helped hundreds of thousands of people achieve sustainable weight loss and food freedom. 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 Avocado Green Mattress: https://AvocadoGreenMattress.com/MINIMALIST* Check out BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com* Check out Boll & Branch: https://bollandbranch.com/minimalist* Check out Ruggable and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://ruggable.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, author and journalist Lisa Katayama joins me to discuss her book The Japanese Way of Parenting and the lessons she’s bringing from her upbringing in Tokyo into raising her children in America. We explore Japanese parenting philosophies around cooperation, responsibility, routines, independence, and caring for others - while also discussing the balance between freedom and boundaries. This conversation is all about creating calmer, more connected homes and raising kind, capable kids in today’s world.Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube ChannelConnect with Lisa:InstagramBook: The Japanese Way of Parenting: And What It Taught Me About Raising (Mostly) Calm, Caring, Capable KidsAbout Lisa |Lisa Katayama is a working mom and writer who was born and raised in Tokyo. She is the author of two books, including Urawaza: Secret Everyday Tips and Tricks from Japan, and is a former tech and culture journalist for Wired, Fast Company, and The New York Times Magazine. Katayama is a US-Japan Leadership Program Fellow and an Asia Society Young Leader and was named one of Forbes Japan’s Top Women to Watch in 2018. She currently serves as Chief Transformation Officer for the Japanese technology company Digital Garage and lives in Northern California with her family.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 Avocado Green Mattress: https://AvocadoGreenMattress.com/MINIMALIST* Check out BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com* Check out Boll & Branch: https://bollandbranch.com/minimalist* Check out Ruggable and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://ruggable.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Fatherhood is changing - but many of the expectations around it haven’t.Today I’m joined by Kevin Maguire, author of The New Fatherhood, for a conversation that challenges the traditional scripts many men are still trying to follow and why those scripts are no longer serving families.Kevin’s work is rooted in both personal experience and research. After the birth of his second child, he experienced severe paternal postpartum depression - something rarely talked about, especially among men. In this episode, he shares how it showed up for him, why it often goes unrecognized, and what helped him begin to heal.We also explore the “invisible load” fathers carry today - the pressure to provide, be present, succeed at work, and stay emotionally grounded - all while navigating identity shifts and often shrinking social circles.More importantly, Kevin offers a hopeful path forward: a new model of fatherhood that makes room for vulnerability, connection, and sustainability.Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube ChannelBook: Mindfulness in Plain EnglishBook: Waking Up by Sam HarrisKevin's Resource: On Being with Krista Tippett (Podcast)Connect with Kevin:WebsiteInstagramSubstackPodcastBook: The New Fatherhood: Why Everything They Told You About Being a Dad Is Wrong and How Embracing It Will Transform Your LifeAbout Kevin |Kevin Maguire is the creator of The New Fatherhood newsletter, read by tens of thousands of dads in 150+ countries. His work has been featured in Esquire and Emily Oster’s ParentData, and he’s appeared on podcasts with Daniel Pink, Oliver Burkeman, Brad Stulberg, and Jon Klassen. As an executive coach, he works with leaders at Amazon, Netflix, Google, and other Fortune 500 companies on the collision of career, identity, and family. He lives in Barcelona with his wife and two 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 Avocado Green Mattress: https://AvocadoGreenMattress.com/MINIMALIST* Check out BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com* Check out Boll & Branch: https://bollandbranch.com/minimalist* Check out Ruggable and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://ruggable.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What if confident parenting isn’t about making the “right” decision in every moment - but about building a family system you trust? In this episode, I’m joined by Danielle and Greg Neufeld, hosts of The Most Important Thing, to explore how leadership principles from high-performing teams can translate into family life. We talk about the subtle ways modern parenting advice creates second-guessing, why focusing on process over perfection can shift everything, and how to define success through a long-term lens. Danielle and Greg also share practical ways to approach decision-making, repair after conflict, and create a culture of trust at home. This conversation offers a grounded, refreshing perspective for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to get parenting “right.”Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube ChannelDanielle's Resource: 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People: A Groundbreaking Approach to Leading the Next Generation―And Making Your Own Life Easier Greg's Resource: The 12 Week Year: Get More Done in 12 Weeks than Others Do in 12 Months | Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free ProductivityConnect with Greg & Danielle:Linktree: linktr.ee/themostimpthingYouTube: youtube.com/@themostimpthingInstagram: instagram.com/themostimpthingWebsite: tmitpod.comAbout Danielle & Greg |Danielle and Greg Neufeld are the hosts of The Most Important Thing, a podcast exploring the idea that family is the most important team we will ever build. They are partners in life, leadership, and parenting three kids while navigating careers, ambition, and modern family life in real time.Danielle is a relationship builder and culture shaper who draws on her experience in the hedge fund industry and a deep interest in psychology and systems thinking. Greg is a venture investor and founder who focuses on people, incentives, and long-term decision-making.Together, they explore how families make decisions, share authority, repair after conflict, and stay connected in a fast-changing world. Their work blends research, lived experience, and practical experiments to help families operate with greater trust, clarity, and shared purpose at home.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 Avocado Green Mattress: https://AvocadoGreenMattress.com/MINIMALIST* Check out BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com* Check out Boll & Branch: https://bollandbranch.com/minimalist* Check out Ruggable and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://ruggable.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, Diane sits down with Zach Thompson, founder of the Scatter Joy Project, to discuss the personal experiences that led him to become an advocate for mental health awareness and accessibility. Zach shares how his own journey shaped the mission behind Scatter Joy Project - an initiative focused on making mental health resources more affordable, approachable, and community-driven. Together, they explore the importance of changing the conversation around mental health, reducing stigma, and creating cultures of care where people feel supported rather than isolated.-------------------------------Links Discussed in This Episode |Order a Copy of Minimalist Moms: Living and Parenting with SimplicityConnect with Zach:Scatter Joy ProjectInstagramLinkedInAbout Zach |Zachariah Thompson is the founder of the mental health nonprofit, The Scatter Joy Project. In his work with Scatter Joy and as a speaker, he aims to make complex social-emotional concepts a bit simpler to grasp and put into practice. His own personal journey with anxiety and battle with suicidal ideation has inspired all of this, to help people become more aware of the strength in their story and the joy to be had in life. Zach is also a proud husband and father, and he is newly obsessed with the idea of 20-second hugs and the scientific power they hold in the world of happiness. 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 Avocado Green Mattress: https://AvocadoGreenMattress.com/MINIMALIST* Check out BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com* Check out Boll & Branch: https://bollandbranch.com/minimalist* Check out Ruggable and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://ruggable.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, Diane sits down with Dr. Mamina Turegano, a triple board-certified dermatologist, internist, and dermatopathologist, to talk about simplifying skincare and focusing on what actually works. Dr. Mamina shares why a minimal approach is often best, and how lifestyle factors like diet, stress, and hormones can influence skin health. We discuss common concerns like adult acne, postpartum skin changes, and eczema, along with practical ways to support the skin barrier through gentle routines and consistent care. She also offers straightforward guidance for parents, including how to treat diaper rash, when to start sunscreen, and what products are worth keeping on hand. This conversation is a helpful reset if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by skincare advice and just want a simple, effective approach.Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube ChannelActive Skin RepairConnect with Dr. Mamina Turegano:WebsiteInstagramTikTokDr. Mamina’s Favorite Products: https://shopmyshelf.us/shops/dr.mamina About Dr. Mamina Turegano|Mamina Turegano, MD, is a triple board-certified dermatologist, internist, and dermatopathologist based in New Orleans. She specializes in medical, cosmetic, and integrative dermatology, blending conventional and holistic approaches to skin health. With over 2 million followers across social media, she shares dermatologist-backed skincare and wellness insights with a broad audience. She also co-hosts a podcast, called Skin Deep MDs, has been published in leading medical journals, and frequently contributes her expertise to major press outlets, TV, and beauty publications.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 Avocado Green Mattress: https://AvocadoGreenMattress.com/MINIMALIST* Check out BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com* Check out Boll & Branch: https://bollandbranch.com/minimalist* Check out Ruggable and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://ruggable.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What if one of the most powerful tools for your health, longevity, and overall well-being is something you’re already doing every day - but not quite optimally? In today’s episode, we’re rethinking walking with expert-backed insights that challenge common assumptions (including the 10,000 steps myth). We explore how your walking speed, cadence, and even foot health can reveal deeper truths about your body, and how small, simple shifts can reduce pain, improve energy, and support long-term health.Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Xero ShoesAltraRunningWHITIN Women's Minimalist Barefoot ShoesMilica's Resource: Fringe Red LightConnect with Dr. Milica McDowell:WebsiteInstagramBook: Walk: Rediscover the Most Natural Way to Boost Your Health and Longevity - One Step at a TimeAbout Dr. Milica McDowell|Dr. Milica McDowell is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, exercise physiologist, and certified strength and conditioning specialist with a passion for helping people move better and live longer. As the Vice President of Operations for Gait Happens, she specializes in foot health, biomechanics, and human movement, translating complex science into practical, everyday strategies. Dr. McDowell is also a trusted health expert featured in outlets like The New York Times, Women’s Health, and Runner’s World, where she shares evidence-based insights on injury prevention, longevity, and sustainable fitness. Through her work, she empowers individuals to reclaim movement as a foundational pillar of lifelong health.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.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This episode originally aired on the Millennial Minimalist podcast with host, Kelly Foss.--------------------------------------------Today’s episode is a little bit different—and kind of fun for me to share.About a month ago, I had the opportunity to sit down as a guest on the Millennial Minimalist Podcast, which doesn’t happen all that often. I’m usually the one asking the questions, so it was refreshing (and honestly a little vulnerable) to be on the other side of the conversation.Kelly and I talked about something that I know so many of us are craving - how to feel less overwhelmed, both in our homes and in our minds. And what I love about this conversation is that it really applies whether you have kids or not.We get into the practical side of managing the constant influx of stuff, involving kids in the process, and navigating the mental load of parenting - but also the bigger picture of simplifying your environment, reducing distractions, and creating more calm in everyday life.If you’ve ever wondered what it sounds like when I’m the one being interviewed… this is it.I hope it feels like a helpful, honest conversation - and maybe even offers a fresh perspective on some of the things we talk about here regularly.Our Sponsors:* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://AvocadoGreenMattress.com/MINIMALIST* Check out BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com* Check out Boll & Branch: https://bollandbranch.com/minimalist* Check out Ruggable and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://ruggable.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We don’t talk enough about how heavy fatherhood can feel. In this episode, I’m joined by Jon Gustin (known as “The Tired Dad”) for a candid conversation about the emotional weight dads carry behind the scenes. From postpartum challenges in his marriage to addiction and the pressure to provide while staying present, Jon shares what led him to speak out - and why so many men quietly relate. This is an honest look at modern fatherhood, vulnerability, and healing - for the whole family.Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube ChannelConnect with Jon:WebsiteInstagramBook: The Tired Dad: 100 Reflections on Showing Up for What Matters MostAbout Jon |Jon Gustin is the founder and owner of The Tired Dad LLC, where he has amassed more than two million followers for his portrayal of life as an ordinary father and the lessons he’s learned. Gustin is also the co-host (along with his wife, Jessica) of The Tired Dad & Tired Mom Podcast.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 Avocado Green Mattress: https://AvocadoGreenMattress.com/MINIMALIST* Check out BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com* Check out Boll & Branch: https://bollandbranch.com/minimalist* Check out Ruggable and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://ruggable.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, Diane sits down with cookbook author and gardener Crystal Schmidt to talk about her approach to meal prep, outlined in her book Freeze Fresh Meal Prep. Instead of relying on fully pre-made freezer meals, Crystal introduces the concept of “meal starters” - prepping the fresh components of a dish ahead of time and freezing them, then finishing the meal later with pantry staples. We talk about how this method helps reduce food waste, simplify weeknight cooking, and make the most of seasonal produce. Crystal shares practical tips for getting started, including how to choose what to freeze, which vegetables need blanching, and what actually holds up well in the freezer. She also offers ideas like freezing cookie dough for easy treats and using what you already have on hand to build a system that feels sustainable. This conversation is a helpful guide for anyone looking to make home cooking more flexible, efficient, and aligned with real life.Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube ChannelCrystal's Resource: Merlin Bird AppConnect with Crystal:Instagram | Youtube | WebsiteBook: Freeze Fresh Meal Prep: 160 Meal Starters and Make-Ahead Dishes for the FreezerAbout Crystal|Crystal Schmidt is the bestselling author of Freeze Fresh, and creator of Whole-Fed Homestead. With a passion for good food, she inspires others to grow their own produce, create delicious meals, and preserve fresh ingredients.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 Avocado Green Mattress: https://AvocadoGreenMattress.com/MINIMALIST* Check out BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com* Check out Boll & Branch: https://bollandbranch.com/minimalist* Check out Ruggable and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://ruggable.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy