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Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
Cloud10
Self-Improvement147 episodes
View on Apple PodcastsEpisodes (147)
146: What If You're Too Busy to Sell Nice Clothing, My Upbringing, & Oil Stains
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. What if I have too many clothes, but they’re too nice to giveaway (but I’m too busy to sell)? 2. Tell us about your upbringing. Listener recommendation of the week: "For greasy stains, I use Amodex and wash on the hottest temperature the fabric can handle with Oxiclean powder and Tide Pods." New York Times article about removing stains MENTIONED THIS EPISODE Ep 32: Finding the Time to Declutter Ep 71: How Growing Up in a Cult Made Me More Intentional PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) PARING DOWN RESOURCES (free checklist, hacks, worksheet, & more!) SPONSORS: Go to BornShoes.com today for a 15% discount plus free ground shipping on all full-price shoes when you use my promo code, PARING 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh + Free Nutribullet® Ultra Plus+ 2-in-1 Compact Kitchen System (a $189.99 value) on your 3rd box: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate + 10% off for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. https://www.wayfair.com/ $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING & use code PARING at checkout- sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 16, 202612 min
145: The Secret to Feeling Happier Before Anything Even Happens
Today we're talking about a highly underrated source of joy: anticipation. In this episode, you'll learn: • The science behind why anticipation improves an overall experience • The role of future-focused thinking in building hope, optimism, and resilience (without being discontent in the present) • Simple, practical ways to build more anticipation into your life When we intentionally create things to look forward to, we're not just planning ahead—we're actively creating a more joyful life. PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) MENTIONED THIS EPISODE Ep 34: The Pitfall of Too Much Backstock Ted Talk about Rumination PARING DOWN RESOURCES (free checklist, hacks, worksheet, & more!) SPONSORS: Go to BornShoes.com today for a 15% discount plus free ground shipping on all full-price shoes when you use my promo code, PARING 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh + Free Nutribullet® Ultra Plus+ 2-in-1 Compact Kitchen System (a $189.99 value) on your 3rd box: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate + 10% off for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. https://www.wayfair.com/ $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING & use code PARING at checkout- sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 15, 202635 min
144: Make Decluttering Simple with Proven Strategies with Kate Vanness-Kandoth
The strategies in today's episode are practical and life-changing! I had so much fun hearing from Kate Vanness-Kandoth on how her background in science and process improvement led her to rethink decluttering as a systems problem—not a motivation problem. She brilliantly shows us how to reduce friction, eliminate waste, and create sustainable systems that actually support real life. You'll learn: How to use the LEAN framework to identify hidden sources of waste in your home—like overbuying, waiting, and unnecessary effort How the 5S method creates lasting organization A simple but powerful decluttering method called “red tagging” that separates decision-making and makes letting go easier ...and so much more. When you design your home around what actually matters to you, your space stops working against you. PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) KATE VANNESS-KANDOTH Website: https://www.sorted-state.com/ Sorted in 6 program Substack: https://substack.com/@katevannesskandoth MENTIONED THIS EPISODE Ep 34: The Pitfall of Too Much Backstock Ted Talk about Rumination PARING DOWN RESOURCES (free checklist, hacks, worksheet, & more!) SPONSORS: Go to BornShoes.com today for a 15% discount plus free ground shipping on all full-price shoes when you use my promo code, PARING 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh + Free Nutribullet® Ultra Plus+ 2-in-1 Compact Kitchen System (a $189.99 value) on your 3rd box: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate + 10% off for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. https://www.wayfair.com/ $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING & use code PARING at checkout- sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 14, 202653 min
143: Should We Keep Cool Old Stuff for Our Kids?, Teleportation, & Owala Water Bottles
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. How much “cool old stuff” to keep for your kids to discover? 2. Are you a morning person or a night owl? If you could have any super power for a day what would it be and why? Listener recommendation of the week: • The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey • Owala water bottle MENTIONED THIS EPISODE Ep 19: Decluttering as a Couple with my Husband, Aaron Leyko PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) PARING DOWN RESOURCES (free checklist, hacks, worksheet, & more!) SPONSORS: 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh + Free Nutribullet® Ultra Plus+ 2-in-1 Compact Kitchen System (a $189.99 value) on your 3rd box: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate + 10% off for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. https://www.wayfair.com/ $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING & use code PARING at checkout- sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 9, 202613 min
142: Busting the Myth that Joy Comes from an Easy Life with Kelli Foreman
What does it really look like to build a joyful life through hard work, resilience, and purpose? I had the pleasure of sitting down with inspiring Kodiak dairy farmer Kelli Foreman to explore the unfiltered reality of farm life in Alaska—and why working with your hands might be the missing piece in modern happiness. From 2:30 a.m. wake-ups to community impact, this conversation dives deep into finding joy through discipline and meaningful work. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why working hard with your hands can increase joy, fulfillment, and mental well-being in a digital world The realities of small farm life in Alaska, including dairy farming, animal care, and rural challenges How resilience is built through loss, setbacks, and uncontrollable circumstances The powerful connection between purpose and long-term happiness How simplifying your life and “paring down” can help you focus on what truly matters This episode will leave you rethinking convenience, embracing hard work, and rediscovering joy in the simple, meaningful things. KELLI FOREMAN YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thelastsmallfarm Instagram: @kodiakgoatdairy Episode of Dr. Oakley Yukon Vet PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) PARING DOWN RESOURCES (free checklist, hacks, worksheet, & more!) SPONSORS: 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh + Free Nutribullet® Ultra Plus+ 2-in-1 Compact Kitchen System (a $189.99 value) on your 3rd box: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate + 10% off for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. https://www.wayfair.com/ $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING & use code PARING at checkout- sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 8, 202643 min
141: Where to Start Decluttering (Or Start Again)
If you want to declutter but don't know where to start, this is the episode for you! You’ll learn exactly how to overcome decluttering paralysis and take the first step without feeling overwhelmed. The science-backed reasons getting started on decluttering feels so hard Simple, practical decluttering tips to help you start even when you feel stuck How to choose the best place to begin decluttering for quick wins and motivation My 3-step strategy for tackling messy spaces Specific ideas for deeper home organization projects Truly, the hardest part of decluttering is getting started. I'm so glad you're here! MENTIONED THIS EPISODE Ep 89: The Key to Staying Motivated to Declutter (the 'know your why' episode) Ep 17: When Your Partner Doesn't Want to Declutter Ep 19: Decluttering as a Couple with my Husband, Aaron Leyko Ep 86: Strategies for Getting Your Kids to Declutter Ep 22: Doom Piles and Mail PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) PARING DOWN RESOURCES (free checklist, hacks, worksheet, & more!) SPONSORS: 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh + Free Nutribullet® Ultra Plus+ 2-in-1 Compact Kitchen System (a $189.99 value) on your 3rd box: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate + 10% off for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. https://www.wayfair.com/ $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING & use code PARING at checkout- sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 7, 202645 min
140: When Over-Gifters Don't Stop Even After a Conversation, What's in My Basement, & Independent Kids
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. My in-laws and parents never respect the conversations I’ve had about less gifts…now what? 2. In what areas do YOU struggle with clutter? You’ve said your husband often cooks, does he also clean the kitchen when done? Listener recommendation of the week: • Ardant earrings • Tubby Todd products MENTIONED THIS EPISODE The Anxious Generation book Ep 50: The Guilt & Fear of Decluttering Gifts PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist Free 20 Decluttering Roadblocks (with specific advice for each) 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh + Free Nutribullet® Ultra Plus+ 2-in-1 Compact Kitchen System (a $189.99 value) on your 3rd box: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate + 10% off for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. https://www.wayfair.com/ High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING & use code PARING at checkout- sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 2, 202615 min
139: Making "Fun" Less Elusive in Adulthood
In this episode, we unpack why "having fun" can feel elusive or even guilt-inducing, and how to create more genuine fun in our daily lives as adults. The big pictures is that fun isn’t optional for creating joy, so we need to be intentional about what it means to us...and then have more of it. I go over: Why adults often think of "fun" as it relates to childhood—and how that drains joy The misunderstanding that having fun means doing something easy How to define fun on your own terms (instead of what looks “fun” to others) 10 things I personally don't think are very fun (sorry for the hot takes) When you stop trying to make fun look a certain way, you can finally start experiencing more of it! PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist Free 20 Decluttering Roadblocks (with specific advice for each) 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh + Free Nutribullet® Ultra Plus+ 2-in-1 Compact Kitchen System (a $189.99 value) on your 3rd box: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate + 10% off for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. https://www.wayfair.com/ High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING & use code PARING at checkout- sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 1, 202639 min
138: Swedish Death Cleaning with Emily McDermott
How would your loved ones feel if they had to go through your stuff after you're gone? It's tough to think about, but the emotional weight of decluttering is heavy for those we leave behind. No one wants their family grieving while sorting through a lifetime of belongings—wondering what to keep, what to toss, and what any of it truly meant. That’s where Swedish death cleaning comes in. More than just decluttering, it’s a thoughtful, intentional way to organize your life now so your loved ones aren’t overwhelmed later. I was so happy to sit down with Emily McDermott of Moms Overcoming Overwhelm to talk through: • What types of things to declutter and organize today in the off chance we pass away unexpectedly • What is "the sign up list" and how does it preserve your family's relationships? • What book do we recommend to help you through the process? Walk away knowing: What is Swedish death cleaning? Why Swedish death cleaning matters How to begin Swedish death cleaning PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) EMILY MCDERMOTT Moms Overcoming Overwhelm podcast IG: @simplybyemmy MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning by Margareta Magnusson Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring When I Die Binders on Etsy LegacyBox.com to digitize your photos Ep 22: Decluttering Photos On Our Phones & In Our Homes PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist Free 20 Decluttering Roadblocks (with specific advice for each) 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh + Free Nutribullet® Ultra Plus+ 2-in-1 Compact Kitchen System (a $189.99 value) on your 3rd box: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate + 10% off for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. https://www.wayfair.com/ High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING & use code PARING at checkout- sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 31, 202650 min
137: Knowing When You've Decluttered Enough, Maple Syrup, & the Mental Load
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. When do you reach decluttered “enough”? 2. How did you get started with writing? What's your favorite childhood movie? Listener recommendation of the week: • Thrive's Market maple syrup (I found out you need a membership, just FYI!) • Ember heated mug PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: shannonsnyc.blogspot.com Substack blog My book: You're Completely Normal Ep 22: Decluttering Photos on Our Phones & In Our Homes Ep 123: How Minimalism Can Change Your Life with Joshua Becker PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist Free 20 Decluttering Roadblocks (with specific advice for each) 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING & use code PARING at checkout- sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. https://www.wayfair.com/ $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 26, 202618 min
136: Can Humor Be Taught? with Dr. Janet Gibson
In this Good Stuff episode on the topic of joy, I sit down with psychologist Janet M. Gibson to explore the psychology of humor and how it impacts our mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. We break down how humor works in the brain, why we all find different things funny, and how laughter can reduce stress and boost joy. What you’ll get out of it: Why laughter is powerful for stress relief and mental health The science behind different senses of humor How humor strengthens relationships and connection Practical, everyday ways to use humor to feel happier If you’re looking to boost your mental health, reduce stress, and feel more connected, learning to use humor intentionally can be a simple, science-backed way to do it. PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) JANET GIBSON https://www.grinnell.edu/user/gibsonj PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist Free 20 Decluttering Roadblocks (with specific advice for each) 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING & use code PARING at checkout- sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. https://www.wayfair.com/ $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 25, 202653 min
135: When People Feel Judged by Your Decluttered Life
Have you ever felt like decluttering makes other people in your life defensive? Like you're judging them–even though you're not? In this episode, I’m talking about the relationship tension that can come up when we choose to live with less stuff. I break down why people might feel judged: Natural comparison Identity tied to possessions Cognitive dissonance Psychological reactance The spotlight effect And what I personally do to keep things positive: Keep it personal (“this works for me”) Avoid “should” language Stay curious about others Don’t give unsolicited advice Never gossip I hope this episode helps you better understand where other people's defensiveness might come from (and your own!), and how to navigate lifestyle differences without straining relationships or compromising your own values to keep the peace. PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist Free 20 Decluttering Roadblocks (with specific advice for each) 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING & use code PARING at checkout- sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. https://www.wayfair.com/ $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 24, 202639 min
134: Keeping Rarely Used Items, My Friendships, & a Giant Pacific Octopus
In this Chai Chat, I answer these listener questions: • Is it okay to keep something that you rarely use but can’t easily borrow? - Sarah • How do you maintain friendship as an adult and mom? - Sarah (different Sarah!) Plus I give some final thoughts about the value of reading fiction! PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) MENTIONED THIS EPISODE Ep 81: The Art of Making Friends & How it Helps Us Declutter The Correspondant Remarkably Bright Creatures PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist 20 Decluttering Roadblocks (with specific advice for each) 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING & use code PARING at checkout- sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. https://www.wayfair.com/ $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 19, 202611 min
133: Using Our 5 Senses to Create Joy
We often take our senses for granted, and rarely think about how to intentionally use them to create more joy in our lives! So today, we talk about: • An overview to better understand all of our senses (beyond the primary 5!) • How our senses affect our emotions (a scientific understanding) • Practical ideas for how to produce joy through each of our 5 main senses: sight, taste, touch, smell, and hearing PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) MENTIONED THIS EPISODE Life in Five Senses by Gretchen Rubin Little Green Machine for cleaning couch, carpet, etc. PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist 20 Decluttering Roadblocks (with specific advice for each) 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING & use code PARING at checkout- sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. https://www.wayfair.com/ $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 18, 202636 min
132: How Minimalism Makes You Better at Your Job with Chris Lovett
Today we welcome on Chris Lovett to talk about minimalism in the workplace, or as he calls it "corporate minimalism": • How did Chris' personal journey with decluttering lead him to corporate minimalism? • Who is responsible for eradicating pointless busy work — employees or executives? • What happens if we opt out of "mandatory" meetings? • How has Covid changed how we work? Whether you work in corporate or not, this episode has plenty nuggets of wisdom for productivity and focusing on what truly matters. PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) CHRIST LOVETT Relentless: The Power of Doing Less in a Workplace that Demands More The Discovery of Less IG: @christolovett PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist 20 Decluttering Roadblocks (with specific advice for each) 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING & use code PARING at checkout- sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. https://www.wayfair.com/ $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 17, 202656 min
131: Decluttering Guilt, Our Adoption Story, & Great Teachers
In this Chai Chat, I answer these listener questions: • How to get through guilt of all the things I wastefully bought that I uncover when declutter? - Gwen • Tell us more about your adoption story. - Rachel Plus I give some final thoughts about how much I love teachers! PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) MENTIONED THIS EPISODE: Ep 121: What to Do with Everything We Declutter Listener Recommendation: Currently Reading Podcast PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist 20 Decluttering Roadblocks (with specific advice for each) 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING & use code PARING at checkout- sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. https://www.wayfair.com/ $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 12, 202615 min
130: The Underrated Power of Joy-Filled Stories with NYT Best-Selling Author, Katherine Center
How lucky are we?? Katherine Center, NYT Bestselling romance author, is joining us on this Good Stuff episode to talk about the importance of joy-filled stories. We cover: • Why exposing ourselves to positive stories can actually change the way we live • The role of pain and struggle in developing joy • Why Katherine chose to keep her romance novels PG-13 • The personal struggle Katherine put into one of her characters and how it shifted her view of herself ...and more! PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) KATHERINE CENTER: Katherine's newsletter: https://katherinecenter.com/newsletter/ Preorder Katherine's new book: The Shippers All Katherine center books: https://katherinecenter.com/books/ PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist 20 Decluttering Roadblocks (with specific advice for each) 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING & use code PARING at checkout- sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. https://www.wayfair.com/ $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 11, 20261h 3m
129: How to Declutter Your Closet
Decluttering clothes is a unique challenge. So today, I cover: • 7 major reasons decluttering our closet feels complicated • 3 easy-to-remember and wildly helpful mindset shifts • 3 practical steps to decluttering your clothes without the overwhelm PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Website: www.shannonleyko.com Get insider emails about the new book!! Sign up HERE Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) GET ALL PARING DOWN FREEBIES & GUIDES HERE (checklist, worksheet, decluttering hacks, etc.) MENTIONED THIS EPISODE: Website: www.shannonleyko.com Get insider emails about the new book!! Sign up HERE My Website Team (Branding, SEO, Design): duocollective.com Ep 109: What to Do With Clothes that Don't Currently Fit Ep 52: Getting Past the "Wasted Money" When Decluttering Ep 121: What to Do With Everything We Declutter Ep 5: Decluttering Sentimental Items Ep 77: What If I End Up Needing What I've Decluttered? Ep 67: 5 Psychological Phenomena that Affect Decluttering & Consumption 6 categories when sorting before you declutter: Love & Wear Often Special occasion Sentimental Don’t currently fit Donate/Sell Worn Out / Trash SPONSORS: 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING & use code PARING at checkout- sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. https://www.wayfair.com/ $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 10, 202648 min
128: Big vs. Small Decluttering Projects, My 2026 Goals, & Magnesium Lotion
Welcome to the very first ever Chai Chat!! A 10-15 minute mini-episode each Thursday on the Paring Down podcast. Each week follows this simple formula: 1. I answer a listener decluttering question 2. I answer a listener question about my own life 3. I share a listener decluttering win 4. I share a listener recommendation 5. I give some final thoughts This week, I answer: 1. Is it productive to declutter one item a day, or does it have to be a big effort? 2. What are my goals for 2026? (And favorite shape of pasta?) Listener recommendation of the week: Earthley Magnesium Lotion PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Free Decluttering Checklist 20 Decluttering Roadblocks (with specific advice for each) 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING & use code PARING at checkout- sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 5, 202614 min
127: 5 Science-Backed Ways to Get Out of an Emotional Slump
Welcome to the VERY first Good Stuff episode on the Paring Down podcast!! For the next 10 weeks, we'll be exploring how to design our lives around joy. To kick things off, today I share 5 science-backed strategies for producing more joy in our lives so that we're excited to wake up each morning! Coming up in this series on joy: • New York Times best selling romance author, Katherine Center on the importance of joy-filled stories • Worldwide motherhood influencer, Libbi Ward of Diary of an Honest Mom, on finding joy in the hard parts of life • Professor & psychologist Dr. Janet Gibson on the psychology of humor • Popular Alaskan dairy farmer, Kelli Foreman, on the joy of working hard and using our hands ...and so much more! PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Free Decluttering Checklist 20 Decluttering Roadblocks (with specific advice for each) 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING & use code PARING at checkout- sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 4, 202639 min
126: ADHD Decluttering & Organization Tips with Libbi Moore
- How do you avoid getting distracted by what you find when decluttering? - How do you stop using piles as reminders? - What if you like trying new hobbies regularly? We're talking through all these questions for people with ADHD (and people without!) on today's episode with Libbi Moore of Neatly Ever After organizing service. PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) LIBBI MOORE: neatlyeverafter.com IG: @neatlyeverafterorganizing FB: https://www.facebook.com/NeatlyEverAfter PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Free Decluttering Checklist 20 Decluttering Roadblocks (with specific advice for each) 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING & use code PARING at checkout- sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 3, 202659 min
125: 7 Simple Living Lessons from Life in Alaska
This episode was so fun to make! Not only do I get to share some fascinating tidbits about the state of Alaska and what it's like to live here, I share 7 lessons I've learned about simple living from life in such a remote area. • What's the biggest difference when it comes to living here vs. the lower 48 in terms of daily stress? • Am I scared of the giant Kodiak bears that are exclusive to the remote island where I live? • Do I miss Chipotle? • What do I do if I need something last minute, but there's no 2-day shipping and only one major store on the island? Truly, this is a fun one! Hope you enjoy! PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Free Decluttering Checklist 20 Decluttering Roadblocks (with specific advice for each) 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING - sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 24, 202648 min
124: Stop Feeling Stressed by Your House with Katy Joy Wells
Fellow podcaster and new author, Katy Joy Wells, joins Paring Down today to talk about creating a home that doesn't stress you out. We cover: • Do you need to be a homebody or full-time homemaker to care about making home your happy place? • What are our personal favorite spots in our homes? • How do relationships come into play as it relates to clutter and peace inside of our homes? ...and more! PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express KATY JOY WELLS The Maximized Minimalist Podcast IG: @katyjoywells Book, Making Home Your Happy Place PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Free Decluttering Checklist 20 Decluttering Roadblocks (with specific advice for each) 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING - sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 17, 202653 min
123: How Minimalism Can Change Your Life with Joshua Becker
The most respected voice in modern minimalism, Joshua Becker, joins me today to talk about how living with less can change our entire life. We talk about: • the opportunity cost of clutter • the dangerous mindset so many people have about money • using experiments to see how much you actually need ...and more! PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) JOSHUA BECKER https://www.becomingminimalist.com/ Uncluttered Faith (book): https://www.becomingminimalist.com/books/ Simplify Magazine: https://simplifymagazine.com/ Instagram: @joshua_becker YouTube: @joshuabecker PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Free Decluttering Checklist 20 Decluttering Roadblocks (with specific advice for each) 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING - sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 10, 20261h 0m
122: How to Create Life-Changing Habits with Hanna Seymour
Welcoming back author Hanna Seymour for the second time on Paring Down, and today we're talking all things habit formation. • What can we do today to start a new habit? • How can we avoid giving up? • What different areas of life can habits be applied to? I know you'll love this conversation and feel motivated to make the things that are important to you automatic. PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express HANNA SEYMOUR hannaseymour.com Everyday Spiritual Habits (book): everydayspiritualhabits.com *buy book directly from Hachette: HANNA20 Instagram: @hannaeseymour MENTIONED THIS EPISODE: Shoe bin organizer Ep 8: What the Bible Says About Our Stuff with Hanna Seymour PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Free Decluttering Checklist 20 Decluttering Roadblocks (with specific advice for each) 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate, plus free steak for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paringsteak High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING - sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 3, 20261h 5m
121: What to Do with Everything You Declutter
Figuring out what to do with all our stuff AND finding the time & energy to do it is one of the biggest hurdles to decluttering. Here are some things I cover in this episode: • The Goodwill controversy • How to break free from perfectionism that paralyzes us • 4 questions to help you determine which donation centers to pick • The best principle I've ever heard for how to handle overwhelming decisions (shout out to Kendra Adachi from The Lazy Genius Way) • Tips for donating, selling, & posting items online ...and more. PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express MENTIONED THIS EPISODE: The Lazy Genius Way by Kendra Adachi pickupplease.org PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Free Decluttering Checklist 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate, plus free steak for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paringsteak High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING - sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Convenient therapy that’s covered by insurance: Rula.com/PARING 25% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to Prolon’s 5-Day Fasting Mimicking Diet. *remember this is for metabolic health, not simply a weight loss hack*: prolonlife.com/paring 20% off Longevity Mitopure Gummies for Urolithin A at timeline.com/PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 27, 202646 min
120: Decluttering through Grief - Letting Go of Belongings After Loss with Krista St-Germain
If you've ever struggled with letting go of sentimental items after loss, I hope today's episode gives you both validation and encouragement. I talk with Krista St. Germain of the Widowed Moms Podcast, who lost her husband to a drunk driver, and we explore the emotional weight of decluttering a loved one’s belongings. You'll hear: • mindset shifts around grief • what it means to let go in a way that "feels like love" • why there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to releasing sentimental items This comforting conversation offers gentle guidance for decluttering when space is limited or when keeping certain items no longer feels supportive for your wellbeing. PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express KRISTA ST-GERMAIN The Widowed Mom Podcast Episode: What to Say and What Not to Say to a New Widow Website: www.coachingwithkrista.com Instagram: @lifecoachkrista PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate, plus free steak for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paringsteak High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING - sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Convenient therapy that’s covered by insurance: Rula.com/PARING 25% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to Prolon’s 5-Day Fasting Mimicking Diet. *remember this is for metabolic health, not simply a weight loss hack*: prolonlife.com/paring 20% off Longevity Mitopure Gummies for Urolithin A at timeline.com/PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 20, 202656 min
119: How to Develop Self-Discipline for a Clutter-Free Home
Self-discipline doesn't have to feel exhausting! In today's episode, I... • Debunk 7 myths about self-discipline • Share 5 core principles for developing self-discipline • Suggest 5 specific areas to be self-disciplined about to keep a clutter-free home. If decluttering feels like a cycle you keep repeating, this episode explains why discipline isn’t the enemy of an easy, enjoyable life—it's the key! PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Ep 50: The Guilt & Fear of Decluttering Gifts Ep 112: The Trap of Upgrading Our Lives PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate, plus free steak for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paringsteak High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING - sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Convenient therapy that’s covered by insurance: Rula.com/PARING 20% off Longevity Mitopure Gummies for Urolithin A at timeline.com/PARING 25% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to Prolon’s 5-Day Fasting Mimicking Diet. *remember this is for metabolic health, not simply a weight loss hack*: prolonlife.com/paring Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 13, 202642 min
118: Declutter Your House 15 Minutes at a Time with Tracy Hoth
The problem with our determination to declutter in the new year is that we often go hard at the beginning and then burn out fast. Then what? So today I brought on certified life coach and professional organizer, Tracy Hoth, to to discuss practical strategies for overcoming overwhelm, setting realistic expectations, and making real progress in just 15 minute decluttering spurts. Tracy introduces her SPACE method for organizing, and highlights the emotional barriers that can hinder progress. PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Ep 81: The Art of Making Friends & How it Helps Us Declutter TRACY HOTH: Website: https://simplysquaredaway.com/ Tracy's 15 Minute Challenge: simplysquaredaway.com/declutter Tracy's Instagram: @tracyhoth PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate, plus free steak for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paringsteak High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING - sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Convenient therapy that’s covered by insurance: Rula.com/PARING 20% off Longevity Mitopure Gummies for Urolithin A at timeline.com/PARING 25% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to Prolon’s 5-Day Fasting Mimicking Diet. *remember this is for metabolic health, not simply a weight loss hack*: prolonlife.com/paring Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 6, 202654 min
117: Renewed Excitement for the Benefits of Minimalism
This past year brought more change than I expected—personally, spiritually, and professionally. As you'll hear in this episode, some of the change distracted me from pursuing a life free from clutter. So I wanted to share: A) A little recap of my year (some analytic numbers, some personal struggles, etc.) and B) What has helped me recalibrate and reconnect with why decluttering matters in the first place.I hope it motivates you to feel excited about embracing a life that rejects materialism, too! PARING DOWN SOCIALS (SHANNON LEYKO): Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Uncluttered Faith by Joshua Becker Duo Collective marketing podcast & services Episode 19: Decluttering as a Couple with my husband, Aaron Leyko Paring Down Substack Information to Subscribe (weekly blog posts & bi-weekly Decluttering Hype Sessions) PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate, plus free steak for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paringsteak High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING - sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING Convenient therapy that’s covered by insurance: Rula.com/PARING 20% off Longevity Mitopure Gummies for Urolithin A at timeline.com/PARING 25% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to Prolon’s 5-Day Fasting Mimicking Diet. *remember this is for metabolic health, not simply a weight loss hack*: prolonlife.com/paring Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 30, 202543 min
116: When Our Health Journeys Lead to Clutter with Andrea Nakayama
When her husband was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor while she was pregnant with their first child, Andrea Nakayama's career took a hard left turn. Since then, she founded the Functional Nutrition Alliance and has spent the last 20 years helping practitioners and patients learn about a holistic approach to health. In this episode, you'll hear about the importance of both traditional medicine AND functional medicine—and why the term "functional medicine" has been exploited to encourage overconsumption. Together, we explore the state of chronic illness in the U.S., why quick fixes and wellness trends are so seductive, and how the wellness industry often adds more noise than clarity. This conversation is an invitation to declutter our health routines, tune back into our own bodies, and make more intentional, grounded choices—without fear, blame, or overwhelm. ANDREA NAKAYMA: Website: andreanakayama.com Instagram: @andreanakayama Andrea Nakayama Linkedin Article: "You Can't Hack Your Health" PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate, plus free steak for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paringsteak Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING Convenient therapy that’s covered by insurance: Rula.com/PARING High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING - sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. 20% off Longevity Mitopure Gummies for Urolithin A at timeline.com/PARING 25% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to Prolon’s 5-Day Fasting Mimicking Diet. *remember this is for metabolic health, not simply a weight loss hack*: prolonlife.com/paring Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 23, 20251h 2m
115: Decluttering Emergency Supplies While Still Being Prepared
Are you actually prepared for an emergency—or just surrounded by emergency clutter? In this episode, I take a clear-eyed look at emergency supplies and why so many of us over-prepare for rare, dramatic scenarios while under-preparing for the things most likely to happen. We unpack how common cognitive biases—like the availability heuristic, denominator neglect, and “dread risk”—shape our fear-based stocking habits and quietly lead to clutter, overwhelm, and false security. I walk through five realistic categories of emergency preparedness: 1. Evacuation 2. Getting trapped at home 3. Obscure emergencies 4. Everyday sickness 5. First aid and explain how to pare each one down so it’s usable, accessible, and actually helpful when stress is high. If emergency prep has ever felt overwhelming—or like another excuse to hold onto too much—this episode will help you rethink what safety really looks like! MENTIONED THIS EPISODE: Ep 76: Is Celebrity Self-Help Advice Useful? with my brother, Jim Oliver Ep 19: Decluttering as a Couple with my husband, Aaron Leyko PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING Convenient therapy that’s covered by insurance: Rula.com/PARING 20% off Longevity Mitopure Gummies for Urolithin A at timeline.com/PARING 25% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to Prolon’s 5-Day Fasting Mimicking Diet. *remember this is for metabolic health, not simply a weight loss hack*: prolonlife.com/paring Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING - sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 16, 202546 min
114: Navigating Grandparent Over-Gifting from Both Perspectives with DeeDee Moore
In this episode, I sit down with Deedee Moore of More Than Grand to talk about something so many families quietly wrestle with: over-gifting from grandparents. Together, we dig into why it happens, how it feels, and what we can do to bridge the gap with more empathy and clearer communication. Both perspectives matter: The parent perspective (how too many gifts can create stress, clutter, or guilt) AND the grandparent perspective (how giving is often an expression of love, connection, and identity). We explore the sweet intentions behind the gifts, the frustration that can happen on the receiving end, and the simple conversations that can help everyone feel heard. This conversation is full of compassion, aha moments, and practical ideas for strengthening those precious family relationships—without letting “stuff” get in the way. PARING DOWN SOCIALS (SHANNON LEYKO): Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown DEEDEE MOORE: https://www.morethangrand.com/ Instagram: @morethangrand Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/morethangrand MENTIONED THIS EPISODE: Free Gift Request Email Template PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING Convenient therapy that’s covered by insurance: Rula.com/PARING 20% off Longevity Mitopure Gummies for Urolithin A at timeline.com/PARING 25% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to Prolon’s 5-Day Fasting Mimicking Diet. *remember this is for metabolic health, not simply a weight loss hack*: prolonlife.com/paring Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING - sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 9, 202553 min
113: Reducing Holiday Overwhelm by Setting Personal Boundaries
This week, we’re exploring what it actually looks like to simplify your holidays—not just by cutting back on decor or gift clutter, but by setting personal boundaries that make the season joyful instead of stressful. If you’re navigating complicated expectations, travel pressure, or family disappointment, this episode offers a compassionate and research-backed look at why setting boundaries is healthy, not harsh. What to expect: • Why simplifying the holidays isn’t only about traditions—it's about emotional clarity and autonomy • My own story of choosing to not travel during Christmas while our kids are young • What “personal boundaries” really mean—hint: they’re choices you make for yourself, not rules you impose on others • Three research-backed benefits of healthy boundaries• A short 5-question checklist to help you decide if a holiday obligation is right for your family this year. Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Blog Paring Down YouTube OTHER HOLIDAY EPISODES Episode 61: Simplifying Holiday Traditions Episode 3: Avoiding Holiday Clutter with Karla Graves Episode 7: Making Holiday Decor Meaningful Episode 8: What the Bible Says About Our Stuff with Hanna Seymour Episode 9: Leaning Into the Season of Giving (Where to Donate Your Stuff) Episode 10: Why We Celebrate the Birth of Jesus with Molly Stillman Episode 11: Where Do Popular Christmas Traditions Come From? with Molly Stillman PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING Convenient therapy that’s covered by insurance: Rula.com/PARING 20% off Longevity Mitopure Gummies for Urolithin A at timeline.com/PARING 25% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to Prolon’s 5-Day Fasting Mimicking Diet. *remember this is for metabolic health, not simply a weight loss hack*: prolonlife.com/paring Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING - sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 2, 202544 min
112: The Trap of Upgrading Our Lives with Laura Fenton
Happy Thanksgiving week to those of you in the U.S.! In this thought-provoking conversation with Laura Fenton—writer and creator of the beloved Substack Living Small—we talk about what it really means to opt out of upgrade culture. At a time of year when we’re surrounded by sales, pressure to buy more, and ideas for trendy gifts, this episode is a breath of calm. Laura offers a grounded, compassionate look at how choosing “enough” can bring more contentment, freedom, and ease into your daily life. If you’re craving some recalibration on what's important in life—or simply want permission to step off the hamster wheel—you'll love this conversation! PARING DOWN SOCIALS (SHANNON LEYKO): Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express LAURA FENTON Substack Newsletter: https://laurafenton.substack.com/ IG: @laura.alice.fenton MENTIONED THIS EPISODE Ep 70: Is Decluttering Just for the Financially Secure? with Aubrey High PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: Convenient therapy that’s covered by insurance: Rula.com/PARING 20% off Longevity Mitopure Gummies for Urolithin A at timeline.com/PARING 25% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to Prolon’s 5-Day Fasting Mimicking Diet. *remember this is for metabolic health, not simply a weight loss hack*: prolonlife.com/paring Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING - sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 25, 202553 min
111: The "But I Love Everything!" Decluttering Dilemma
If you love your belongings but feel overwhelmed by the piles, the mess, or the jam-packed closets, this episode is for you. Today, we’re breaking down 6 compassionate, practical strategies to help you simplify — without forcing yourself to stop loving your things. This isn’t about minimalism for minimalism’s sake. It’s about creating breathing room in your home so you can actually enjoy the things you love. In this episode, we cover: • Redefining What “Love” Really Means • The “Love It or Use It” Method • Benefits of a Temporary Separation Box And more. The big takeaway: Loving your things isn’t the issue. The issue is when your stuff takes up the space meant for living. PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express MENTIONED THIS EPISODE @emilywelchstyle PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING Convenient therapy that’s covered by insurance: Rula.com/PARING 20% off Longevity Mitopure Gummies for Urolithin A at timeline.com/PARING 25% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to Prolon’s 5-Day Fasting Mimicking Diet. *remember this is for metabolic health, not simply a weight loss hack*: prolonlife.com/paring Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING - sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 18, 202536 min
110: Is Overconsumption That Big of a Deal?
This week's "guest" episode is slightly different...because I'm the guest! My good friends at the Pretty Furious podcast are graciously letting me air an episode when I was a guest on their podcast, because I just loved the questions they asked and don't think I've covered the consequences of overconsumption to this extent on Paring Down. What, exactly, happens to non-biodegradable materials in landfills? Why should you care, even if you don't particularly care about the health of the planet? What role does overconsumption play in our mental health? We dive into all of it! Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Blog Paring Down YouTube PRETTY FURIOUS PODCAST prettyfuriouspod.com PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING Convenient therapy that’s covered by insurance: Rula.com/PARING 20% off Longevity Mitopure Gummies for Urolithin A at timeline.com/PARING 25% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to Prolon’s 5-Day Fasting Mimicking Diet. *remember this is for metabolic health, not simply a weight loss hack*: prolonlife.com/paring Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING - sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 11, 202558 min
109: What to Do with Clothes that Don't Currently Fit
One of the hardest categories to declutter? Clothes that no longer fit. But just because it's complicated doesn't mean we can't tackle it and make progress (without the overly simplistic approach to just get rid of anything that doesn't fit right now). In this episode, we’ll start with validation—why it makes sense to feel stuck when your closet doesn’t match your current body—and then move into practical steps for decluttering clothes when your weight has fluctuated. You’ll hear: • Three normal reasons women’s bodies change size (from pregnancy to hormones to stress) • Why your body’s size doesn’t define your worth • The real problem with women’s sizing • Five practical tips for editing your wardrobe with compassion — including how to create a “maybe” bin with boundaries This isn’t about giving up. It’s about creating a closet that fits the you who exists today. Listen now to learn how to simplify your wardrobe without shame—and make peace with the body you live in right now. PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Shift: Managing Your Emotions—So They Don't Manage You by Ethan Kross Ep 37: Curating Simple & Ethical Wardrobes with Lacey Woodroof PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING Convenient therapy that’s covered by insurance: Rula.com/PARING 20% off Longevity Mitopure Gummies for Urolithin A at timeline.com/PARING 15% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to Prolon’s 5-Day Fasting Mimicking Diet. *remember this is for metabolic health, not simply a weight loss hack*: prolonlife.com/paring Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING - sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 4, 202546 min
108: Avoid Clutter by Developing Personal Preferences with Courtney Florey
Do we even realize that we're creating a life based on what other people like, instead of our own preferences? I loved this casual, relatable conversation with Courtney Florey of Declutter & Dwell to explore a surprisingly powerful way to prevent clutter before it starts: Getting clear on your personal preferences. Together, we unpack: Why developing contentment is key to simplifying your home and your habits Practical actions to uncover what you truly love (beyond trends or what others say you “should” like) How knowing your preferences helps you make confident decisions when shopping or decorating My somewhat embarrassing story of subconsciously making purchases to impress the internet—and how cutting back on sharing my family revealed this underlying motivation This episode is a reminder that a clutter-free home doesn’t just come from organizing better—it starts with knowing yourself better. Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Blog Paring Down YouTube COURTNEY FLOREY Instagram: @declutteranddwell PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING Convenient therapy that’s covered by insurance: Rula.com/PARING 20% off Longevity Mitopure Gummies for Urolithin A at timeline.com/PARING 15% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to Prolon’s 5-Day Fasting Mimicking Diet. *remember this is for metabolic health, not simply a weight loss hack*: prolonlife.com/paring Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING - sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 28, 202544 min
107: 7 Ways to Stop Kids’ Clothes from Overflowing
Kids' clothes get out of hand FAST. Which is why in this episode, I share seven practical strategies to help you stay ahead of the kid clothing chaos. It's so refreshing when drawers close easily, laundry feels manageable, and weekends aren’t spent sorting piles of outgrown stuff. You’ll learn: • Why we accumulate too much kid clothing — and how to stop the cycle • How a simple 3-bin system (Too Small, Too Big, Incoming) keeps everything organized • Why setting clothing limits makes laundry easier and mornings smoother • Smart ways to manage hand-me-downs without letting them take over • How to deal with sentimental outfits (without guilt!) • How to teach your kids to declutter and take ownership of their clothes • The key to keeping new clutter from coming in When we simplify our kids’ wardrobes, we free up time, space, and mental energy — and we teach our children that enough really is enough. Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Blog Paring Down YouTube MENTIONED THIS EPISODE Ep 5: Decluttering Sentimental Items Ep 86: Strategies for Getting Your Kids to Declutter Ep 39: How Living with Less Inspires Generosity with ultralight backpacker, Glen Van Peski Ep 24: Decluttering Photos on Our Phones & in Our Homes Chatbooks Gift Request Template (under "freebies") Story of Pitbull coming to Kodiak, Alaska Shoe Organizing Bin Hanging Shoe or Clothes Organizer Drawer Divider Bins PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING 20% off Longevity Mitopure Gummies for Urolithin A at timeline.com/PARING 15% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to Prolon’s 5-Day Fasting Mimicking Diet. *remember this is for metabolic health, not simply a weight loss hack*: prolonlife.com/paring Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING - sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING $15/month 5G wireless with Mint Mobile: www.mintmobile.com/paring 20% off chic, soft closet staples from Splendid: https://splendid.com/ - use code PARING at checkout For Hers Hair Growth: https://www.forhers.com/paring Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 21, 202552 min
106: How Comparison Fuels Clutter & Financial Constraint with Amy Slenker-Smith
We are being influenced by way of comparison more than we even realize, and this episode is a really inspiring and uplifting conversation about learning to live in a way that we love—not letting advertising or insecurity drive our choices. I sat down to talk with Amy Slenker-Smith, founder of Simply Enough, about how comparison quietly drives both clutter and overspending. We explore how advertising shapes what we think we “need” how to create a home and life that reflect your values—not what social media or society tells you they should be. the difference between healthy inspiration and harmful comparison And more! You'll walk away feeling more peace, clarity, and confidence in your own choices. Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Blog Paring Down YouTube AMY SLENKER-SMITH Website: https://www.simplyenough.net/ Instagram: @simplyenoughamy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/slenkersmith PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: 20% off Longevity Mitopure Gummies for Urolithin A at timeline.com/PARING 15% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to Prolon’s 5-Day Fasting Mimicking Diet. *remember this is for metabolic health, not simply a weight loss hack*: prolonlife.com/paring Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING - sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING $15/month 5G wireless with Mint Mobile: www.mintmobile.com/paring 20% off chic, soft closet staples from Splendid: https://splendid.com/ - use code PARING at checkout For Hers Hair Growth: https://www.forhers.com/paring Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 14, 20251h 2m
105: Strategies for Living Minimally in a Big House (And Research on Buying in Bulk)
Can you live a minimalist lifestyle in a big house? In this episode of Paring Down, I explore what it really means to live minimally in a large home—and whether buying in bulk actually helps you save money or just adds more clutter. Discover how American home sizes have changed over time, why the “bigger is better” mindset often backfires, and how to practice realistic minimalism and intentional living no matter how much space you have. In this episode, you’ll learn: 🏠 5 surprising facts about U.S. home size trends and what they reveal about our culture of consumption ⚖️ The pros and cons of living in a large home—from space to breathe to the burden of upkeep 🧺 Simple minimalist habits to keep your big house clutter-free and calm 🛒 The truth about buying in bulk—when it saves money, when it wastes it, and how your geographical location affects it all If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Can I be a minimalist and still have a big house?” or “Is bulk buying really worth it?”—this episode will help you find balance between enjoying your space, saving money, and living with intention. Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Blog Paring Down YouTube MENTIONED THIS EPISODE Ep 69: The 10 Best Principles to Guide Your Decluttering Ep 32: Finding the Time to Declutter Ep 34: The Pitfall of Too Much Backstock PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet SPONSORS: 20% off Longevity Mitopure Gummies for Urolithin A at timeline.com/PARING 15% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to Prolon’s 5-Day Fasting Mimicking Diet. *remember this is for metabolic health, not simply a weight loss hack*: prolonlife.com/paring Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING - sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING $15/month 5G wireless with Mint Mobile: www.mintmobile.com/paring 20% off chic, soft closet staples from Splendid: https://splendid.com/ - use code PARING at checkout For Hers Hair Growth: https://www.forhers.com/paring Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 7, 202545 min
104: Finding Adventure in Everyday Life (Thanks to Less Clutter) with Shannon & Gerry Arner
Whether you're an adventure junkie or totally risk-averse, this episode is a fun and motivating listen because it highlights how living with fewer possessions can help you live a more fulfilling life. I chat with Shannon and Gerry Arner of the popular podcast and blog, Arner Adventures, about how their decision to pare down what they own opened the door to more adventure—both in everyday life and beyond. We cover: • How adventure affects our relationships • What happens when a leap of faith goes wrong • The amazing adventures we’d never do again — but are still grateful we said yes to, just once. Tune in for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation about finding joy, connection, and adventure when you clear out the clutter—inside and out. Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Blog Paring Down YouTube ARNER ADVENTURES Instagram: @arneradventures Website: www.arneradventures.com PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet SPONSORS: $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING $15/month 5G wireless with Mint Mobile: www.mintmobile.com/paring 20% off chic, soft closet staples from Splendid: https://splendid.com/ - use code PARING at checkout For Hers Hair Growth: https://www.forhers.com/paring Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 30, 202558 min
103: Struggling Through PMDD to Declutter & Tidy
Getting a little personal this week. Living with PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder)—or ANY chemical imbalance, hormonal sensitivity, or particularly difficult season of life—can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to keeping up with your home. In this episode, I’m sharing practical ways to manage your space while living with a recurring shift in your energy and emotional bandwidth. You’ll learn: What PMDD is and how it impacts my daily life 5 simple strategies to declutter and tidy your home even during tough PMDD days Mindset shifts that help you give yourself grace while still making progress If you’ve ever felt like your home gets out of control during your PMDD cycle (or another challenging state), this episode is for you. Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Blog Paring Down YouTube MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Ep 71: How Growing Up in a Cult Made Me More Intentional Ep 102: Creating Systems to Be Productive Toward What Matters with Chelsi Jo Ep 94: Practical Advice for Living Intentionally with 7x NYT Bestselling Author, Gretchen Rubin Ep 78: Addressing the Mental Load of Clutter with Dr. Morgan Cutlip Happier Podcast by Gretchen Rubin The Moth Podcast (live true-story storytelling) Modern Love Podcast Little Green Machine PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet SPONSORS: 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm $15/month 5G wireless with Mint Mobile: www.mintmobile.com/paring 20% off chic, soft closet staples from Splendid: https://splendid.com/ - use code PARING at checkout For Hers Hair Growth: https://www.forhers.com/paring Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 23, 202545 min
102: Creating Systems to Be Productive Toward What Matters with Chelsi Jo
What would life look like if you didn't have to decide what's for dinner? If you had a communication system that actually worked with your spouse? If you weren't trying to squeeze in work and family at the same time? Today's episode with Chelsi Jo from Systemize Your Life is a game-changer. You'll look at your life completely differently and wonder, how can I be more intentional so that I actually feel good about how I've spent my time at the end of each day? Decluttering our schedules and systems is just as important as decluttering our belongings—in fact, they often go hand in hand. I hope you enjoy this conversation! Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Blog Paring Down YouTube CHELSI JO Instagram: @chelsijo.co Fundamental Needs System System quiz Time Blocking Workbook Systemize Your Life Podcast Website: chelsijo.co PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet SPONSORS: $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING $15/month 5G wireless with Mint Mobile: www.mintmobile.com/paring 20% off chic, soft closet staples from Splendid: https://splendid.com/ - use code PARING at checkout For Hers Hair Growth: https://www.forhers.com/paring Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 16, 20251h 0m
101: What Cozy Season Teaches Us About Decluttering
I hope this episode feels like a warm hug—the embodiment of sweatshirt weather—inviting you to shed clutter from a place of romanticism, not panic. Fall is a natural invitation to slow down, reset, and create a home that supports rest and connection. Today, you'll learn how to create space for warmth, peace, and simplicity by taking cues from the changes in nature during the autumn season. Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Blog Paring Down YouTube MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Ep 7: Making Holiday Decor Meaningful Chatbooks for family yearbooks PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet SPONSORS: $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING $15/month 5G wireless with Mint Mobile: www.mintmobile.com/paring 20% off chic, soft closet staples from Splendid: https://splendid.com/ - use code PARING at checkout For Hers Hair Growth: https://www.forhers.com/paring Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 9, 202540 min
100: Life-Changing Hacks to Make Tech Your Personal Assistant with Amanda Jefferson
We made it to 100 episodes of Paring Down! For this milestone, I wanted a super practical episode that will change your life. So I sat down with the incredible Tech Whisperer, Amanda Jefferson, to talk about simple, life-changing hacks that help you make technology your personal assistant (instead of your enemy). *No apps mentioned in this episode are sponsored. But we get to the nitty gritty with exact app names, specific Alexa features, and even which buttons to push on certain set ups. In this episode, we cover how tech can assist with: • family shared calendars • grocery lists • meal planning • travel itineraries • time blocking • password managing • email reminders • maintaining habits • decluttering photos on your phone This conversation will make you wonder how you ever lived without these hacks! Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Blog Paring Down YouTube AMANDA JEFFERSON Instagram: @hey.amandaj Website: indigoorganizing.com APPS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Calendly (for scheduling appointments) Motion (for time management) Reminders Feature for Grocery ListChrome BookmarksTrip It App (for managing travel itineraries) 1Password (for managing passwords)Superhuman (for managing emails) Hello Fresh (Get 10 free meals at this link) Cleaner Kit (for decluttering digital photos) Whats App (for communication) Marco Polo (for communication) SHANNON'S BOOK REVIEWS Fiction Nonfiction 100th EPISODE—FAVORITE EPISODES OF PARING DOWN: 50: The Guilt & Fear of Decluttering Gifts 81: The Art of Making Friends & How it Helps Us Declutter 19: Decluttering as a Couple with my husband, Aaron Leyko 77: What If I End Up Needing What I've Decluttered? 25: Releasing Shame When Decluttering with ADHD with Elena Willitts 94: Practical Advice for Living Intentionally with 7x NYT Bestselling Author Gretchen Rubin 85: Become an Essentialist with NYT Bestselling Author, Greg McKeown 72: Reclaiming the Sacred: Does Money Make Us Happier? with Jeff Golden 48: Decluttering Books as a Book Lover 5: Decluttering Sentimental Items 91: Things that Feel Illegal to Declutter (But Aren't) 45: Determining Your Priorities with Ashli Pollard PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet SPONSORS: $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING $15/month 5G wireless with Mint Mobile: www.mintmobile.com/paring 20% off chic, soft closet staples from Splendid: https://splendid.com/ - use code PARING at checkout For Hers Hair Growth: https://www.forhers.com/paring Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 2, 202558 min
99: 7 Tips to Conquer Decluttering Burnout
Has decluttering become more overwhelming than freeing? You’re not alone. In this episode of Paring Down, I share how to reset when your'e completely burned out. I hit some major burnout of my own this week, so hopefully the examples from my own life will give you fresh ideas to move forward. Inside this episode, you’ll hear: Why decluttering burnout happens (and why it doesn’t mean you’ve failed) A mix of practical strategies and mindset shifts to keep you from throwing in the towel The difference between intentional rest vs. taking a break And plenty more. When you finish listening, I hope you’re ready to make progress with decluttering that doesn’t feel like a slog. Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Blog Paring Down YouTube MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: FREE TICKET to the Get Organized HQ Virtual Summit My Daughter Needs Me The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Substack Ep 89: The Key to Staying Motivated to Declutter Ep 97: Harnessing the Scientific Power of Enthusiasm Ep 77: What If I End Up Needing What I've Decluttered? PARING DOWN RESOURCES: The L.E.S.S. Express weekly newsletter Free Decluttering Checklist Free 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet SPONSORS: 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING $15/month 5G wireless with Mint Mobile: www.mintmobile.com/paring 20% off chic, soft closet staples from Splendid: https://splendid.com/ - use code PARING at checkout For Hers Hair Growth: https://www.forhers.com/paring 15% off all Lume products like aluminum-free deodorant at lumedeodorant.com- use code PARING Only $1.99 per meal with EveryPlate meal service - code paring199: www.everyplate.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aug 26, 202536 min
98: Shaping Your Home to Support Your Wants & Needs with Mia Danielle
If your house feels like it's working against you—or you can't seem to keep the clutter from coming back—this episode is for you. After her divorce, today's guest Mia Danielle realized she needed to create a home that supported her, somewhat like a partner in life. That transition sparked her journey into minimalism and intentional living, where she began designing a home that worked for her, not against her. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How to create a home that supports your wants, needs, and lifestyle Why traditional decluttering often fails and leads to the clutter cycle Mia’s holistic approach to decluttering and minimalism Small but powerful shifts to make your home feel like a supporter, not a stressor Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Blog Paring Down YouTube MIA DANIELLE Instagram: @itsmiadanielle YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MiaDanielle Website: miadanielle.com Resources: miadanielle.com/freebies PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet SPONSORS: $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING $15/month 5G wireless with Mint Mobile: www.mintmobile.com/paring 20% off chic, soft closet staples from Splendid: https://splendid.com/ - use code PARING at checkout For Hers Hair Growth: https://www.forhers.com/paring 15% off all Lume products like aluminum-free deodorant at lumedeodorant.com- use code PARING Only $1.99 per meal with EveryPlate meal service - code paring199: www.everyplate.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aug 19, 202552 min
97: Harnessing the Scientific Power of Enthusiasm to Declutter
In this episode of the Paring Down podcast, we uncover the surprising science of how enthusiasm can fuel your decluttering journey—and why your excitement matters more than you think. You’ll discover: How mirror neurons influence everyone in your home to get on board with decluttering Fredrickson’s broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions and how joy leads to even more progress The importance of cultivating harmonious passion so decluttering feels sustainable over time Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Blog Paring Down YouTube MENTIONED IN TODAY'S EPISODE The L.E.S.S. Express newsletter My Instagram carousel about career breaks Book: Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell Book: Hidden Potential by Adam Grant PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet SPONSORS: Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm $15/month 5G wireless with Mint Mobile: www.mintmobile.com/paring 20% off chic, soft closet staples from Splendid: https://splendid.com/ - use code PARING at checkout For Hers Hair Growth: https://www.forhers.com/paring 15% off all Lume products like aluminum-free deodorant at lumedeodorant.com- use code PARING Only $1.99 per meal with EveryPlate meal service - code paring199: www.everyplate.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aug 12, 202542 min
96: How to Make Your Home Feel Warm & Welcoming with Etiquette Coach, Alison Cheperdak
In this episode of Paring Down, I’m joined by etiquette coach Alison Cheperdak to talk about how to create a home that feels warm, inviting, and deeply welcoming, which includes motivation to declutter (without going overboard!), as well as emotionally intelligent ways to create personal connection. She lets us know: What to do if someone gives you a gift you don’t love (without feeling rude) The one thing you can do that instantly makes guests feel welcome the second they walk through the door The best way to ask guests to leave at the end of the night without outright asking them If you want to become more hospitable without worrying so much about if your home is good enough, you'll get a ton out of this episode! Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Blog Paring Down YouTube ALISON CHEPERDAK Instagram: @elevateetiquette YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elevateetiquette Website: elevateettiquite.com MENTIONED IN TODAY'S EPISODE Ep 48: How to Declutter Books as a Book Lover PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet SPONSORS: Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm $15/month 5G wireless with Mint Mobile: www.mintmobile.com/paring 20% off chic, soft closet staples from Splendid: https://splendid.com/ - use code PARING at checkout For Hers Hair Growth: https://www.forhers.com/paring 15% off all Lume products like aluminum-free deodorant at lumedeodorant.com- use code PARING Only $1.99 per meal with EveryPlate meal service - code paring199: www.everyplate.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aug 5, 202549 min
95: How to Declutter a Storage Unit
In this jam-packed episode of Paring Down, I walk you through how to declutter three common types of storage units—with actionable, step-by-step tips to make the process easier, lighter, and way less overwhelming. We cover how to declutter: A storage unit filled with items from a deceased loved one A storage unit full of your own things that you want to clear out completely A functional storage unit you still use (like for seasonal items or warehouse inventory) that needs to be decluttered and reorganized You’ll also learn practical strategies and organizing tricks, including: The surprising power of painter’s tape to reduce decision fatigue The trash bag trick to simplify sorting What to do when you're the one decluttering a loved one’s storage unit but need to save items for other family members The 4 key components of decluttering any storage unit How to declutter sentimental items without guilt Whether you’re downsizing, moving, or just want to stop paying for a unit you no longer need, this episode will give you the confidence and clarity to take action. Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Blog Paring Down YouTube MENTIONED IN TODAY'S EPISODE Ep 5: Decluttering Sentimental Items Ep 24: Decluttering Photos on Our Phones & in Our Homes Free Decluttering Checklist Encircle App Sortly App PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet SPONSORS: Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm $15/month 5G wireless with Mint Mobile: www.mintmobile.com/paring 20% off chic, soft closet staples from Splendid: https://splendid.com/ - use code PARING at checkout For Hers Hair Growth: https://www.forhers.com/paring 15% off all Lume products like aluminum-free deodorant at lumedeodorant.com- use code PARING Only $1.99 per meal with EveryPlate meal service - code paring199: www.everyplate.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 29, 20251h 0m
94: Practical Advice for Living Intentionally with 7x NYT Bestselling Author Gretchen Rubin
Can you believe THE Gretchen Rubin is on the show?? She's a 7x NYT bestselling author, and one of my professional heroes. Her work dives into human nature and happiness, which boils down to understanding ourselves better in order to discover areas for personal agency. From there, we can create lives we love. So much of her wisdom lends itself perfectly to decluttering our homes and lives, and you'll LOVE her "Secrets of Adulthood" - an apt title for her latest bestselling book. You'll finish this episode feeling excited about experimenting with your own happiness, and wiser for hearing her discuss some of my favorite aphorisms (similar to principles or proverbs) from Secrets of Adulthood. Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Blog Paring Down YouTube GRETCHEN RUBIN Four Tendencies Quiz Five Senses Quiz Summer Reading Website Secrets of Adulthood Happier Podcast Newsletter YouTube Substack Instagram MENTIONED IN TODAY'S EPISODE Holderness Family Dumpster Parody Song PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet SPONSORS: Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm $15/month 5G wireless with Mint Mobile: www.mintmobile.com/paring 20% off chic, soft closet staples from Splendid: https://splendid.com/ - use code PARING at checkout For Hers Hair Growth: https://www.forhers.com/paring 15% off all Lume products like aluminum-free deodorant at lumedeodorant.com- use code PARING Only $1.99 per meal with EveryPlate meal service - code paring199: www.everyplate.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 22, 20251h 8m
93: Behind the Scenes of Our Road Trip to Alaska & What I Wish We'd Decluttered
Here's what went down on our 3-week road trip to Alaska, insight into our new life in Kodiak, and what we've decluttered since we arrived! Isn't it amazing how it feels like so much more arrives in the moving truck than what came out of your last house? Today's episode is more of a personal update than my usual decluttering lessons, but at this point, we feel like old friends and I wanted to fill you in! Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Blog Paring Down YouTube MENTIONED IN TODAY'S EPISODE Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet SPONSORS: Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm 20% off chic, soft closet staples from Splendid: https://splendid.com/ - use code PARING at checkout For Hers Hair Growth: https://www.forhers.com/paring $15/month 5G wireless with Mint Mobile: www.mintmobile.com/paring 15% off all Lume products like aluminum-free deodorant at lumedeodorant.com- use code PARING Only $1.99 per meal with EveryPlate meal service - code paring199: www.everyplate.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 15, 202550 min
92: Parenting in a World with X-Rated Content with Kristen A. Jenson
Today's episode is a little different from our typical conversation, leaning heavily into intentional living. After all, when we drown out the noise and clutter, we have time to focus on what truly matters - and what could be more important than the healthy and safety of our children and grandchildren? We welcome Kristen A. Jenson, author of the book Good Pictures, Bad Pictures - a children's book designed to promote conversation with our kids about X-rated content they may be exposed to on the internet. She helps us learn why being proactive with these conversations is important, what age to begin these talks, how to help our kids make a plan, and what to do if our kids have already been exposed to things they shouldn't have seen. I hope this episode is not only informative, but empowering. I feel *less* scared for my children - not more anxious - after gaining the tools I need to tackle this common struggle head on, and I hope you leave this episode feeling more confident, too. Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Blog Paring Down YouTube DEFEND YOUNG MINDS INFORMATION Website/Books (Good Pictures, Bad Pictures + Guides): www.defendyoungminds.com/books Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DefendYM/ Instagram: @defendyoungminds X: @defendYM LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/defend-young-minds PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet SPONSORS: Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm 20% off chic, soft closet staples from Splendid: https://splendid.com/ - use code PARING at checkout For Hers Hair Growth: https://www.forhers.com/paring $15/month 5G wireless with Mint Mobile: www.mintmobile.com/paring 15% off all Lume products like aluminum-free deodorant at lumedeodorant.com- use code PARING Only $1.99 per meal with EveryPlate meal service - code paring199: www.everyplate.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 8, 202559 min
91: Things that Feel Illegal to Declutter (But Aren't)
Sometimes we fail to declutter because of a silent pressure that tells us we're breaking an unwritten rule. Today's episode explores different categories of items that feel illegal to declutter, and how to push past the unreasonable fear of letting them go. Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Blog Paring Down YouTube MENTIONED THIS EPISODE: Episode 50: The Guilt & Fear of Decluttering Gifts Episode 52: Getting Past the "Wasted Money" When Decluttering Birthday Card Organizer Kristin Paige purses PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet SPONSORS: Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm 20% off chic, soft closet staples from Splendid: https://splendid.com/ - use code PARING at checkout For Hers Hair Growth: https://www.forhers.com/paring $15/month 5G wireless with Mint Mobile: www.mintmobile.com/paring 15% off all Lume products like aluminum-free deodorant at lumedeodorant.com- use code PARING Only $1.99 per meal with EveryPlate meal service - code paring199: www.everyplate.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 1, 202539 min
90: How Clutter Affects Our Mental Health with Dr. Brittany Pope
What does a licensed therapist have to say about how clutter affects our mental health? You're about to find out! Today's episode with my dear friend and licensed therapist, Dr. Brittany Pope, will help you not only feel inspired to pare down on behalf of your mental health, but will leave you feeling seen, validated, and hopeful as you figure out how to move through life amidst our sometimes-helpful, sometimes-stressful belongings. Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Blog Paring Down YouTube DR. BRITTANY POPE Website: https://www.bewellmentalwellness.net/ PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet SPONSORS: $15/month 5G wireless with Mint Mobile: www.mintmobile.com/paring 20% off chic, soft closet staples from Splendid: https://splendid.com/ - use code PARING at checkout 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm For Hers Hair Growth: https://www.forhers.com/paring Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! 15% off all Lume products like aluminum-free deodorant at lumedeodorant.com- use code PARING Only $1.99 per meal with EveryPlate meal service - code paring199: www.everyplate.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 24, 202556 min
89: The Key to Staying Motivated to Declutter
Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a pile while decluttering, having lost all motivation? Or have you ever felt like it's impossible to keep the clutter at bay? There's one key factor to stay motivated on ANY journey - including our mission to live with less - and we're going to cover exactly how to harness this motivation in today's episode of paring down. Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Blog Paring Down YouTube MENTIONED THIS EPISODE Free Know Your Why Worksheet PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet SPONSORS: $15/month 5G wireless with Mint Mobile: www.mintmobile.com/paring 20% off chic, soft closet staples from Splendid: https://splendid.com/ - use code PARING at checkout 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm For Hers Hair Growth: https://www.forhers.com/paring Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! 15% off all Lume products like aluminum-free deodorant at lumedeodorant.com- use code PARING Only $1.99 per meal with EveryPlate meal service - code paring199: www.everyplate.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 17, 202544 min
88: How the Beauty Industry Fuels Overconsumption with Miss America 2014 Nina Davuluri
If anyone knows about the underbelly of the beauty industry, it's Miss America 2014, Nina Davuluri. Nina's documentary COMPLEXion (available on Prime Video) sheds a light on her personal experience with colorism, which led to a deeper dive into international beauty standards and how companies create new insecurities just to get us to buy more and more stuff. The intersection of the beauty industry and overconsumption can't be ignored. Today's episode allows for nuance - no shaming ourselves or others for partaking in the beauty world - while shedding important light onto what's really going on behind the scenes. Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Blog Paring Down YouTube NINA DAVULURI Nina's Instagram: @ninadavuluri Nina's Substack Watch Nina's documentary: COMPLEXion PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet SPONSORS: $15/month 5G wireless with Mint Mobile: www.mintmobile.com/paring 20% off chic, soft closet staples from Splendid: https://splendid.com/ - use code PARING at checkout 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm For Hers Hair Growth: https://www.forhers.com/paring Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! 15% off all Lume products like aluminum-free deodorant at lumedeodorant.com- use code PARING Only $1.99 per meal with EveryPlate meal service - code paring199: www.everyplate.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 10, 20251h 5m
87: 10 Ways to Make Your Home Easy to Tidy
You've heard it said that we shouldn't focus on having a perfectly tidy home 24/7...rather, we should focus on having a home that's EASY to tidy. What, exactly, does that entail? Well, today you'll learn specific systems and ideals to implement so that your home doesn't feel overwhelming to keep tidy. Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Blog Paring Down YouTube MENTIONED THIS EPISODE: Ep 36: 20 Habits of the Home to Prevent Overwhelm Ep 53: Home Organization Tips with Kenika Williams Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet SPONSORS: $15/month 5G wireless with Mint Mobile: www.mintmobile.com/paring 20% off chic, soft closet staples from Splendid: https://splendid.com/ - use code PARING at checkout 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm For Hers Hair Growth: https://www.forhers.com/paring Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! 15% off all Lume products like aluminum-free deodorant at lumedeodorant.com- use code PARING Only $1.99 per meal with EveryPlate meal service - code paring199: www.everyplate.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 3, 202539 min
86: Strategies for Getting Your Kids to Declutter
"How do I get my kids to declutter if they're super attached to all their stuff?" "Should I include my kids or do it myself?" "Where should I start?" Today we're diving into a bunch of practical strategies for decluttering kid stuff, covering things like: - Gamifying - Setting physical boundaries - Specific conversations to initiate Plus, I'll share the research that reveals the benefits of helping our children declutter. Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Blog Paring Down YouTube MENTIONED THIS EPISODE: Ep 20: Kid Stuff: Sentimental, Educational, Practical, & Private Ep 3: Avoiding the Christmas Clutter with Karla Graves Ep 15: Does Minimalism Deprive Our Kids? with Elisabeth Beam Ep 52: Getting Past the "Wasted Money" when Decluttering Ep 77: What If I Regret Getting Rid of It? Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Free Gift Request Email Template PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet SPONSORS: $15/month 5G wireless with Mint Mobile: www.mintmobile.com/paring 20% off chic, soft closet staples from Splendid: https://splendid.com/ - use code PARING at checkout 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm For Hers Hair Growth: https://www.forhers.com/paring Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! 15% off all Lume products like aluminum-free deodorant at lumedeodorant.com- use code PARING Only $1.99 per meal with EveryPlate meal service - code paring199: www.everyplate.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 27, 202551 min
85: Become an Essentialist with NYT Bestselling Author, Greg McKeown
NYT Bestselling author Greg McKeown is on the show!! (WHAT?!) Buckle up for one of the most special, exciting, and insightful episodes of Paring Down yet as we dive into his two mega-hits, Essentialism and Effortless. In this episode, you'll grasp a deeper understanding of how to identify what's important in your life and what's unnecessary excess (i.e. clutter). But we're not just decluttering our homes and lives, here. Greg takes things a step further to impart wisdom on how to effortlessly achieve the things that we've deemed essential. You'll learn when, exactly, a goal is actually "done." You'll learn about mimetic desire and how it's holding us back. You'll learn the difference between lack state and have space, and which one you need to make your path infinitely easier. You do NOT want to miss this one!! Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Blog Paring Down YouTube GREG MCKEOWN: Grab his book Essentialism Grab his book Effortless Less but Better 30-Day Email Course The Essentialism Planner Website: https://gregmckeown.com/ Instagram: @gregorymckeown The Greg McKeown Podcast PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet SPONSORS: $15/month 5G wireless with Mint Mobile: www.mintmobile.com/paring 20% off chic, soft closet staples from Splendid: https://splendid.com/ - use code PARING at checkout 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm For Hers Hair Growth: https://www.forhers.com/paring Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! 15% off all Lume products like aluminum-free deodorant at lumedeodorant.com- use code PARING Only $1.99 per meal with EveryPlate meal service - code paring199: www.everyplate.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 20, 20251h 16m
84: Learning to Ride the Waves of Clutter Tolerance
Sometimes the clutter drives us nuts...and sometimes, we don't have the energy to get worked up about it. Guess what? That's totally normal! Today we're talking through the reasons why your clutter tolerance might ebb and flow, so you'll walk away feeling less pressure to be rigid in your approach to a living a life with less. Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Blog Paring Down YouTube MENTIONED THIS EPISODE: Free Baby Essentials List IG accounts: @balancingbeams @tidydad @khrystynejaspers PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet SPONSORS: $15/month 5G wireless with Mint Mobile: www.mintmobile.com/paring 20% off chic, soft closet staples from Splendid: https://splendid.com/ - use code PARING at checkout 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm For Hers Hair Growth: https://www.forhers.com/paring Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! 15% off all Lume products like aluminum-free deodorant at lumedeodorant.com- use code PARING Only $1.99 per meal with EveryPlate meal service - code paring199: www.everyplate.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 13, 202539 min
83: Making the Most of Our Space with Khrystyne Jaspers
If your home is small, quirky, or simply not your "dream home" - then this episode is for you! In fact, this episode is for you even if you're inside your ideal home but aren't sure you've maximized the space to meet your needs. Small space designer, Khrystyne Jaspers, has first-hand experience with making the most out of her spaces, including her current 1-bedroom apartment in NYC where she and her husband are raising their 2 children. You'll feel inspired, encouraged, and motivated to love where you live after listening to this episode! Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Blog Paring Down YouTube KHRYSTYNE JASPERS https://khrystynejaspers.com/ Instagram: @khrystynejaspers PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Free Baby Essentials List SPONSORS: 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm For Hers Hair Growth: https://www.forhers.com/paring Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! 15% off all Lume products like aluminum-free deodorant at lumedeodorant.com- use code PARING Only $1.99 per meal with EveryPlate meal service - code paring199: www.everyplate.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 6, 202556 min
82: The Sweet Spot Between Beauty & Function with Whitney English
We often think that minimalism looks one way: white, neutral, & bare as possible. The truth is that minimalism simply means choosing only what's truly important and essential to each of us, personally, and letting those things shine. Designer Whitney English is releasing a new book (today!) called "Organize First, Decorate Second," and you'll love this conversation about how to create a home that is comfortable and personalized to reflect YOU - but without the disarray or chaos. Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Webiste & Blog Paring Down YouTube WHITNEY ENGLISH whitneyenglish.com New Book: Organize First, Decorate Second Instagram: @whitneyenglish Whitney English Substack PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Free Baby Essentials List SPONSORS: 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm For Hers Hair Growth: https://www.forhers.com/paring Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! 15% off all Lume products like aluminum-free deodorant at lumedeodorant.com- use code PARING Only $1.99 per meal with EveryPlate meal service - code paring199: www.everyplate.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 29, 202550 min
81: The Art of Making Friends & How it Helps Us Declutter
Does it sometimes feel impossible to make real friends in adulthood? And what does that have to do with paring down our lives? As a military wife, I have to build a new community for our family every three years. And I've found that not only do friendships help us enjoy life, but they're a big reason it's easier to live a life with less. When we know we can rely on neighbors and friends to lend us things, come to our rescue when needed, and generally be a support system, then we are less tempted to use physical possessions as a form of security. In today's episode, I walk you through tactics I use to make new friends wherever we move, and dive into the power of different types of relationships using "bridging" and "bonding." Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Webiste & Blog Paring Down YouTube MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Ep 6: Creating Community in Small Spaces PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Free Baby Essentials List CODES: 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm For Hers Hair Growth: https://www.forhers.com/paring Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! 15% off all Lume products like aluminum-free deodorant at lumedeodorant.com- use code PARING Only $1.99 per meal with EveryPlate meal service - code paring199: www.everyplate.com/podcast 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month of Better Help therapy: www.betterhelp.com/paring 40% off luxurious bedsheets & loungewear from Cozy Earth: https://cozyearth.com - use code PARING $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING 15% off your first order at PACT (sustainable, ethical clothing): https://wearpact.com/ - Use code PARINGDOWN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 22, 202546 min
80: Be Rich in What Matters with Julia Ubbenga
When you slow down and consider your life, do you feel rich in what matters? Today's guest, Julia Ubbenga, found herself asking that question years ago, which has led to her influencing thousands of other women to do the same. In today's episode, we talk about how to free ourselves from comparison, impatience/anger, and exhaustion through the practice of living with less. Julia's spiritual and parental wisdom shines bright, and you'll walk away with the refreshed knowledge that the promises of this world through material possessions are empty and unsatisfying. Instead, we can let go of it all and focus on what truly brings joy. Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Webiste & Blog Paring Down YouTube JULIA UBBENGA: Julia's new book: Declutter Your Heart and Your Home Julia's website: richinwhatmatters.com Julia's Instagram: @richinwhatmatters PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Free Baby Essentials List CODES: 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm For Hers Hair Growth: https://www.forhers.com/paring Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! 15% off all Lume products like aluminum-free deodorant at lumedeodorant.com- use code PARING Only $1.99 per meal with EveryPlate meal service - code paring199: www.everyplate.com/podcast 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month of Better Help therapy: www.betterhelp.com/paring 40% off luxurious bedsheets & loungewear from Cozy Earth: https://cozyearth.com - use code PARING $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING 15% off your first order at PACT (sustainable, ethical clothing): https://wearpact.com/ - Use code PARINGDOWN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 15, 202548 min
79: Decluttering Before You Move (or Mock Move)
There's no motivation to declutter quite like relocating! But where should we start? In this episode I break down why we should declutter before we move, and 10 categories to focus on in order to avoid taking clutter with you to your new home. Even if you're not moving, today's episode is a fun one to get ideas for a "mock move," which is to declutter your home *as though* you plan on moving. It's a really helpful lens through which to find some motivation! Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Webiste & Blog Paring Down YouTube MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Episode 48: Decluttering Books as a Book Lover Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Electronics Disposal: Call2Recycle or Earth911 PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Free Baby Essentials List CODES: 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm For Hers Hair Growth: https://www.forhers.com/paring Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! 15% off all Lume products like aluminum-free deodorant at lumedeodorant.com- use code PARING Only $1.99 per meal with EveryPlate meal service - code paring199: www.everyplate.com/podcast 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month of Better Help therapy: www.betterhelp.com/paring 40% off luxurious bedsheets & loungewear from Cozy Earth: https://cozyearth.com - use code PARING $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING 15% off your first order at PACT (sustainable, ethical clothing): https://wearpact.com/ - Use code PARINGDOWN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 8, 202541 min
78: Addressing the Mental Load of Clutter with Dr. Morgan Cutlip
"What if our partner says they'll do something, but they don't follow through?" "How do we get our partners to care about all the details of home/family management?" These are just two of the questions I ask relationship expert and author Dr. Morgan Cutlip on today's episode of Paring Down. "The mental load" is a big term getting a lot of attention these days because it's an important component to healthy, happy relationships. Clutter can feel like one big "to-do" list, and if we shoulder the responsibility for dealing with it by ourselves, it's recipe for resentment and disconnection in our relationship. In today's episode, relationship expert Dr. Morgan Cutlip shares about her new book "A Better Share: How Couples Can Tackle the Mental Load for More Fun, Less Resentment, and Great Sex," coming out April 15th. I think you'll love her positive yet realistic take. Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Webiste & Blog Paring Down YouTube DR. MORGAN CUTLIP INFORMATION: Order Dr. Morgan Cutlip's book: "A Better Share" HERE drmorgancutlip.com Dr. Morgan Instagram: @drmorgancutlip PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Free Baby Essentials List CODES: 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm For Hers Hair Growth: https://www.forhers.com/paring Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! 15% off all Lume products like aluminum-free deodorant at lumedeodorant.com- use code PARING 50% off your first box of EveryPlate meal service with code paring50: www.everyplate.com/podcast 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month of Better Help therapy: www.betterhelp.com/paring 40% off luxurious bedsheets & loungewear from Cozy Earth: https://cozyearth.com - use code PARING $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING 15% off your first order at PACT (sustainable, ethical clothing): https://wearpact.com/ - Use code PARINGDOWN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 1, 20251h 10m
77: What If I End Up Needing What I've Decluttered?
What-if items tend to be the biggest culprits of clutter! We are worried we'll need it some day, so we hold on just in case. In this episode, I walk through 5 helpful ways to combat this battle with "what-if??" so that we can become more discerning about what's worth keeping and what we need to let go. Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Webiste & Blog Paring Down YouTube MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Kid Schoolwork Memory Box PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Free Baby Essentials List CODES: 50% off your first box of EveryPlate meal service with code paring50: www.everyplate.com/podcast 15% off all Lume products like aluminum-free deodorant at lumedeodorant.com- use code PARING Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/hellofreshpodcast 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month of Better Help therapy: www.betterhelp.com/paring 40% off luxurious bedsheets & loungewear from Cozy Earth: https://cozyearth.com - use code PARING $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING 15% off your first order at PACT (sustainable, ethical clothing): https://wearpact.com/ - Use code PARINGDOWN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 25, 202542 min
76: Is Celebrity Self-Help Advice Useful? with Jim Oliver
Introducing my brother, Jim Oliver!! We talk about losing our mom 12 years ago, and what that has meant for both of us in terms of living our lives with clear intention - even though that intentionality looks different between the two of us. Jim also shares about his fascinating career as a booking agent for celebrities and major motivational speakers, offering us insight to how to make the most of "self-help," along with answering my questions about the potential underbelly of the self-help industry. Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Webiste & Blog Paring Down YouTube MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Free Baby Essentials List PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet CODES: 50% off your first box of EveryPlate meal service with code paring50: www.everyplate.com/podcast 15% off all Lume products like aluminum-free deodorant at lumedeodorant.com- use code PARING Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/hellofreshpodcast 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month of Better Help therapy: www.betterhelp.com/paring 40% off luxurious bedsheets & loungewear from Cozy Earth: https://cozyearth.com - use code PARING $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING 15% off your first order at PACT (sustainable, ethical clothing): https://wearpact.com/ - Use code PARINGDOWN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 18, 202559 min
75: Minimalism Hot Takes
The beautiful part about intentional living is that we get to decide what resonates with us and what doesn't. Not all advice is for everyone, and that's A-okay. In that spirit, there seem to be some generally-accepted viewpoints in the minimalism and decluttering world that I, personally, disagree with. So here are some of my hot takes! From sparking joy to the 20/20 rule...I have thoughts! Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Webiste & Blog Paring Down YouTube MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Good news account: @sambentley Ep 59: Busting Myths About Decluttering Ep 22:: Doom Piles & Mail Ep 70: Is Decluttering Just for the Financially Secure? with Aubrey High Ep 5: Sentimental Items Ep 50: The Guilt & Fear of Decluttering Gifts Ep 24: Decluttering Photos on Our Phones & in Our Homes Marie Kondo book: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Free Baby Essentials List CODES: 50% off your first box of EveryPlate meal service with code paring50: www.everyplate.com/podcast 15% off all Lume products like aluminum-free deodorant at lumedeodorant.com- use code PARING Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/hellofreshpodcast 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month of Better Help therapy: www.betterhelp.com/paring 40% off luxurious bedsheets & loungewear from Cozy Earth: https://cozyearth.com - use code PARING $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING 15% off your first order at PACT (sustainable, ethical clothing): https://wearpact.com/ - Use code PARINGDOWN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 11, 202546 min
74: Removing the Chaos from Our Email Accounts & Desktops with Shawn Lemon
Ready for some truly practical help that will change your daily life? Shawn Lemon of The Digital Organizer delivers just that in today's episode as he shares with us practical steps we can take to make our email accounts, desktop, and digital storage less chaotic and far more streamlined. I personally was so motivated after our conversation that I went to town on my own digital spaces as soon as our interview ended, and can say - without being dramatic - that his simple, understandable approach changed my life. I open email and my computer and feel like a new person. I hope you will, too, when you're done listening to this episode and taking the easy steps to implement his advice into your life! Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Webiste & Blog Paring Down YouTube SHAWN LEMON INFORMATION Helpful resources: https://thedigitalorganizer.com/paringdown Instagram: @thedigitalorganizer Facebook: The Digital Organizer MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Free Baby Essentials List CODES: 50% off your first box of EveryPlate meal service with code paring50: www.everyplate.com/podcast Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/hellofreshpodcast 15% off all Lume products like aluminum-free deodorant at lumedeodorant.com- use code PARING 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month of Better Help therapy: www.betterhelp.com/paring 40% off luxurious bedsheets & loungewear from Cozy Earth: https://cozyearth.com - use code PARING $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING 15% off your first order at PACT (sustainable, ethical clothing): https://wearpact.com/ - Use code PARINGDOWN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 4, 20251h 3m
73: Avoiding Vacation Clutter: Souvenirs & Vacay Wardrobe
Spring Break is right around the corner, and it's very tempting to buy new wardrobes for vacation or bring home plenty of souvenirs. (Especially if it means avoiding a toddler breakdown in the middle of public.) So let's talk about ways to avoid all that vacation clutter -- both in shopping ahead of time, and while we're there! Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Webiste & Blog Paring Down YouTube RENTAL COMPANIES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Resort/general: Rent the Runway Nuuly Fashion Press Hiking clothes: Kit Lender REI Outdoors Geek Snow clothes: Kit Lender Slope Threads PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Free Baby Essentials List CODES: 15% off all Lume products like aluminum-free deodorant at lumedeodorant.com- use code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/hellofreshpodcast Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month of Better Help therapy: www.betterhelp.com/paring 40% off luxurious bedsheets & loungewear from Cozy Earth: https://cozyearth.com - use code PARING $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING 15% off your first order at PACT (sustainable, ethical clothing): https://wearpact.com/ - Use code PARINGDOWN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 25, 202540 min
72: Does Money Make Us Happier? with Jeff Golden
Defining what is "sacred" is to determine what truly matters and to recognize the beautiful intersection of every living thing. In this realm, Jeff Golden has spent 30 years and won multiple awards for his work regarding the connection (or lack thereof) between money and happiness so that we can better reject the things that are NOT sacred. On the podcast, Jeff shares fascinating studies and statistics that paint a picture of the lies that money and overconsumption tell us, and offers ways we can make the concerted effort to reclaim the things that truly matter -- including our own worth. Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Webiste & Blog Paring Down YouTube JEFF GOLDEN INFORMATION https://reclaimingthesacred.net/ MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Free Baby Essentials List CODES: 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/hellofreshpodcast Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! 15% off all Lume products like aluminum-free deodorant at lumedeodorant.com- use code PARING 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month of Better Help therapy: www.betterhelp.com/paring 40% off luxurious bedsheets & loungewear from Cozy Earth: https://cozyearth.com - use code PARING $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING 15% off your first order at PACT (sustainable, ethical clothing): https://wearpact.com/ - Use code PARINGDOWN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 18, 202557 min
71: How Growing Up in a Cult Made Me More Intentional
Whew, I kind of can't believe I'm pressing publish on this one. I grew up in a high control religious organization, and today I'm sharing my story after a lot of interest came in after I mentioned it in a reel! I know this is.a bit off the subject of decluttering, but it ties in beautifully with the bigger message of intentional living. I hope this episode is not only interesting, but helps shed some light on the importance of being intentional about our beliefs by making them our own. Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Webiste & Blog Paring Down YouTube MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Free Baby Essentials List CODES: 15% off all Lume products like aluminum-free deodorant at lumedeodorant.com- use code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/hellofreshpodcast 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month of Better Help therapy: www.betterhelp.com/paring 40% off luxurious bedsheets & loungewear from Cozy Earth: https://cozyearth.com - use code PARING Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING 15% off your first order at PACT (sustainable, ethical clothing): https://wearpact.com/ - Use code PARINGDOWN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 11, 202557 min
70: Is Decluttering Just for the Financially Secure? with Aubrey High
Avoiding difficult subjects isn't something I want to do on Paring Down. Yet I want to make sure I approach them with humility, positivity, and an open mind - and I hope that tone comes through on today's episode. I'm so grateful to have Aubrey High from The Reclaimed Home alongside me as we talk through insights she's gained while working with people who are financially insecure - and often recovering from trauma - to responsibly declutter and organize their homes. (Stories shared on this episode are done so with permission and anonymity.) Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down Aubrey High's Instagram: @the.reclaimed.home.co Aubrey High's email: [email protected] Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Webiste & Blog Paring Down YouTube MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Aubrey's first appearance on Paring Down: Making Space for Things and People We Love Episode 67: 5 Psychological Phenomena that Affect Decluttering & Consumption Katy Joy Wells Instagram PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Free Baby Essentials List CODES: Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month of Better Help therapy: www.betterhelp.com/paring 40% off luxurious bedsheets & loungewear from Cozy Earth: https://cozyearth.com - use code PARING $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING 15% off your first order at PACT (sustainable, ethical clothing): https://wearpact.com/ - Use code PARINGDOWN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 4, 202557 min
69: The 10 Best Principles to Guide Your Decluttering
Finding a decluttering method that works for you is great, but identifying principles that can apply to any decluttering decision is even more powerful. In this episode, I share 10 principles -- or established truths about life -- that can help guide our processes and decisions as we decide what should stay and what should go in our homes, schedules, and beyond. Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down Mentioned in this episode: Shannon's Instagram post about decluttering clothing that doesn't fit Effortless by Greg McKeown Shannon's book, You're Completely Normal Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Webiste & Blog Paring Down YouTube PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Free Baby Essentials List CODES: 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month of Better Help therapy: www.betterhelp.com/paring 40% off luxurious bedsheets & loungewear from Cozy Earth: https://cozyearth.com - use code PARING Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING 15% off your first order at PACT (sustainable, ethical clothing): https://wearpact.com/ - Use code PARINGDOWN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 28, 202546 min
68: Decluttering for Senior Adults & Their Families with Jeannine Bryant
This episode has been a long time coming, and I'm so happy it's finally here!!! I know so many of you struggle to help your parents declutter in their senior years of life, or perhaps you're a senior adult yourself and struggling to manage the possessions you've accumulated in life. I'm honored that Jeannine Bryant of Easy Rightsizing joined me to share her 15 years of wisdom on this topic, having helped hundreds of seniors and their families downsize (or "rightsize") their belongings. Jeannine's approach is one of practicality, respect, and - above all - connection. You will feel seen. You will feel empowered. You will feel prepared. And you will LOVE this episode. Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down Jeannine Bryant Instagram: @easyrightsizing Easy Rightsizing Facebook Easy Rightsizing YouTube www.easyrightsizing.com Moving Day Planning Timeline & other resources Jeannine's book: Keep the Memories Not the Stuff Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning by Margareta Magnusson The Regrets of the Dying blog post by Bronnie Ware Leaning into the Season of Giving (Paring Down episode about where to donate) Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Webiste & Blog Paring Down YouTube PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Free Baby Essentials List CODES: 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month of Better Help therapy: www.betterhelp.com/paring 40% off luxurious bedsheets & loungewear from Cozy Earth: https://cozyearth.com - use code PARING Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING 15% off your first order at PACT (sustainable, ethical clothing): https://wearpact.com/ - Use code PARINGDOWN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 21, 20251h 1m
67: 5 Psychological Phenomena that Affect Decluttering & Consumption
It's always SO exciting when I record something that immediately becomes one of my favorite episodes. This is one of those!! My degree is in psychology because I've always been fascinated with understanding human behavior, motivations, and emotions. So today, I explore 5 psychological theories and cognitive biases that affect WHY it's hard to declutter, and what we can do to move forward. I hope you feel seen and empowered. Remember: I am not a doctor of psychology, rather just sharing concepts I've found to be highly interesting! Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down Books related to this episode: Scarcity Brain by Michael Easter Subtract by Leidy Klotz The Age of Magical Overthinking by Amanda Montell Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Webiste & Blog Paring Down YouTube PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Free Baby Essentials List CODES: 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month of Better Help therapy: www.betterhelp.com/paring 40% off luxurious bedsheets & loungewear from Cozy Earth: https://cozyearth.com - use code PARING Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING 15% off your first order at PACT (sustainable, ethical clothing): https://wearpact.com/ - Use code PARINGDOWN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 14, 202544 min
66: How to Develop a Minimalish Mindset with Diane Boden
Diane Boden of the Minimalist Moms podcast joins us on Paring Down today to talk about how to adopt a more minimalish mindset in 2025 and beyond. It's not just about goal-setting - it's about viewing our possessions and our life with clarity, which will propel us into action. Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down Diane Boden Instagram: @diane_boden Minimalist Moms Instagram: @minimalistmomspodcast Minimalist Moms podcast Minimalist Moms book Books mentioned: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Webiste & Blog Paring Down YouTube PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Free Baby Essentials List CODES: 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month of Better Help therapy: www.betterhelp.com/paring 40% off luxurious bedsheets & loungewear from Cozy Earth: https://cozyearth.com - use code PARING Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING 15% off your first order at PACT (sustainable, ethical clothing): https://wearpact.com/ - Use code PARINGDOWN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 7, 202546 min
65: Reflection Questions to Live More Intentionally
We can't live intentionally while never taking time to pause and reflect on our lives. Through this purposeful evaluation, we are able to consciously decide our next steps, what to keep, and what to let go. Even if resolutions aren't your thing, this is a great time of year to do this practice of reflection -- so let's walk through 8 questions together and see what adjustments it's time to make (or not)! Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down Episodes mentioned: How Living with Less Inspires Generosity with Ultralight Backpacker Glen Van Peski Tidy Up Your Life with Tyler Moore aka Tidy Dad Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Webiste & Blog Paring Down YouTube PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Free Baby Essentials List CODES: 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month of Better Help therapy: www.betterhelp.com/paring 40% off luxurious bedsheets & loungewear from Cozy Earth: https://cozyearth.com - use code PARING Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING 15% off your first order at PACT (sustainable, ethical clothing): https://wearpact.com/ - Use code PARINGDOWN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 31, 202444 min
64: Tweaks to Simplify Your Life with Erin Port
Today we welcome Erin Port of Simple Purposeful Living to the podcast! I LOVE Erin's "big sister energy" (her words) that so gently remind us that we don't have to be extreme with our choices in order to simplify our lives. In a season of overwhelm (Merry Christmas Eve, btw!), I think you'll absolutely love this episode that helps you find ways to make your life easier through the littlest tweaks. Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down Erin Port Instagram: @simpllepurposefulliving Simple Purposeful Living website Simple Purposeful Living podcast Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Webiste & Blog Paring Down YouTube PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Free Baby Essentials List CODES: 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month of Better Help therapy: www.betterhelp.com/paring 40% off luxurious bedsheets & loungewear from Cozy Earth: https://cozyearth.com - use code PARING Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/freeparing $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING 15% off your first order at PACT (sustainable, ethical clothing): https://wearpact.com/ - Use code PARINGDOWN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 24, 202444 min
63: A Balanced Approach to Birthday Parties
Birthday parties are a great example of how the true power of a “minimalish” life isn’t in less for the sake of less, rather it’s about intentionality. In this episode, I share how our family personally approaches birthday parties - from why we do them at all, to how many kids are invited, to gifts and goody bags and themes! Biggest takeaway: Minimalism isn’t the lens through which I view life. It’s a symptom of living intentionally…because inevitably, only the essential will shine. But I don’t look at life as a challenge to do or have the least possible. There’s a difference there, and the former is much more freeing! Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Blog Paring Down YouTube PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Free Baby Essentials List CODES: 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month of Better Help therapy: www.betterhelp.com/paring 40% off luxurious bedsheets & loungewear from Cozy Earth: https://cozyearth.com - use code PARING Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/freeparing $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING 15% off your first order at PACT (sustainable, ethical clothing): https://wearpact.com/ - Use code PARINGDOWN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 17, 202446 min
62: Tidy Up Your Life with Tyler Moore (aka Tidy Dad)
THE ONE THE ONLY Tyler Moore aka Tidy Dad is on today's episode! Tyler is so engaging, positive, and honest-- three attributes that have led him to features on Good Morning America and in The New York Times, Apartment Therapy, and more. You'll love listening to his insights that inspire us all to tidy up our homes and lives! Plus you MUST get your hands on his book, Tidy Up Your Life, which releases January 7th. I got an advanced reader copy and you can read my review in my "Nonfiction" highlight HERE in my profile! Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Blog Paring Down YouTube Tyler Moore's Instagram: @tidydad Order Tyler's book, Tidy Up Your Life thetidydad.com PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Free Baby Essentials List CODES: This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month of Better Help therapy: www.betterhelp.com/paring 40% off luxurious bedsheets & loungewear from Cozy Earth: https://cozyearth.com - use code PARING Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/freeparing $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING 15% off your first order at PACT (sustainable, ethical clothing): https://wearpact.com/ - Use code PARINGDOWN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 10, 20241h 3m
61: Simplifying Holiday Traditions
In this episode, we talk through 5 ways to keep traditions from becoming overwhelming -- from focusing on the big picture instead of the details, to creating a fair divide of responsibilities with your partner. Here's to a less stressful, more magical holiday season! MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Other Paring Down episodes: Avoiding the Christmas Clutter Making Holiday Decor Meaningful What the Bible Says About Our Stuff Leaning Into the Season of Giving Why We Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Where Do Popular Christmas Traditions Come From? Paring Down resources: Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff MORE OF PARING DOWN: Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paring_down Instagram Growth Basics Free Know Your Why Worksheet Free Baby Essentials List CODES: This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month of Better Help therapy: www.betterhelp.com/paring 40% off luxurious bedsheets & loungewear from Cozy Earth: https://cozyearth.com - use code PARING Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/freeparing 15% off your first order at PACT (sustainable, ethical clothing): https://wearpact.com/ - Use code PARINGDOWN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 3, 202439 min
60: Decluttering Out of Gratitude with Deanna Yates
We often declutter from a place of frustration with all of the stuff in our homes, but the process is not only more enjoyable - but more sustainable, too - if we approach decluttering out of gratitude. In this episode, Deanna Yates from the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast shares some of the ways she takes a gratitude-led approach to decluttering. We also talk about how living with less sparks more thankfulness in our hearts. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Paring Down Blog The L.E.S.S. Express Newsletter Wannabe Clutter Free podcast Deanna Yates Instagram @wannabeclutterfree MORE OF PARING DOWN: Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paring_down Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Instagram Growth Basics Free Know Your Why Worksheet Free Baby Essentials List Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template CODES: 40% off luxurious bedsheets & loungewear from Cozy Earth: https://cozyearth.com - use code PARING $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month of Better Help therapy: www.betterhelp.com/paring 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/freeparing 15% off your first order at PACT (sustainable, ethical clothing): https://wearpact.com/ - Use code PARINGDOWN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 26, 202451 min
59: Busting Myths About Decluttering
If I’ve learned one thing since creating a public platform about decluttering, it’s that a LOT of people have misconceptions about what it means to declutter. So today, we’re getting into 10 decluttering myths and why they’re not true - from “decluttering is wasteful” to “decluttering means you can’t be sentimental.” OTHER EPISODES REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE: Getting Past the "Wasted Money" When Decluttering Sentimental Items Finding the Time to Declutter Home Organization Tips with Kenika Williams Know Your Why Worksheet HERE under "freebies" MORE OF PARING DOWN Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Newsletter The L.E.S.S. Express CODES: 40% off luxurious bedsheets & loungewear from Cozy Earth: https://cozyearth.com - use code PARING $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month of Better Help therapy: www.betterhelp.com/paring 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/freeparing 15% off your first order at PACT (sustainable, ethical clothing): https://wearpact.com/ - Use code PARINGDOWN PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Instagram Growth Basics Free Know Your Why Worksheet Free Baby Essentials List Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 19, 202445 min
58: Spending Money on What We Value with Jen Smith
You lucky ducks get to hear from Jen Smith of the highly popular Frugal Friends podcast! In this episode of Paring Down, she teaches us all about values-based spending so that you can Buy What You Love Without Going Broke - which also happens to be the name of her book coming out in January (alongside cohost and coauthor Jill Sirianni). How we spend our money is often directly related to the clutter in our homes and schedules, so you don't want to miss this motivating conversation that underscores my favorite theme that threads together every episode: Intentional living. Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Newsletter The L.E.S.S. Express Jen Smith Instagram: @moderfrugality Frugal Friends Podcast: https://www.frugalfriendspodcast.com/ Buy What You Love Without Going Broke book preorder HERE 40% off luxurious bedsheets & loungewear from Cozy Earth: https://cozyearth.com - use code PARING 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month of Better Help therapy: www.betterhelp.com/paring 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/freeparing $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING 15% off your first order at PACT (sustainable, ethical clothing): https://wearpact.com/ - Use code PARINGDOWN Paring Down Resources: Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Instagram Growth Basics Free Know Your Why Worksheet Free Baby Essentials List Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 12, 202458 min
57: Should We Never Buy Anything Ever Again?
Learn 5 ways to be a conscious consumer, along with some of the dangers of taking minimalism to the extreme in this episode of Paring Down! Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Newsletter The L.E.S.S. Express Episode: How to Make Sustainability Less Complicated with Shila Wattamwar 40% off luxurious bedsheets & loungewear from Cozy Earth: https://cozyearth.com - use code PARING This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month of Better Help therapy: www.betterhelp.com/paring 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/freeparing $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING 15% off your first order at PACT (sustainable, ethical clothing): https://wearpact.com/ - Use code PARINGDOWN Paring Down Resources: Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Instagram Growth Basics Free Know Your Why Worksheet Free Baby Essentials List Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 5, 202442 min
56: What If You Lost Everything? with Lala Hairston
Lala Hairston lives in the Tampa Bay area, which was ravaged by both Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. She shares her powerful story of coming to terms with the possibility of losing everything she owns, and how that gave her new perspective on living a more decluttered life. She also shares valuable and vulnerable outlooks on the meaning of "stuff" from lessons in her childhood, starting at age 6 when she and her mom arrived in the United States with only 4 suitcases. Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Website: theexpertbeginner.com Paring Down Newsletter The L.E.S.S. Express Lala Hairston Instagram: @bestofthebaycleaning 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/freeparing This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month of Better Help therapy: www.betterhelp.com/paring $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Paring Down Resources: Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Instagram Growth Basics Free Know Your Why Worksheet Free Baby Essentials List Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 29, 202454 min
55: The Ripple Effect of Clutter with Laura Carlin
Have you ever considered how your home either helps you or hinders you when it comes to your goals? Is it helping you be the kind of parent you want to be, or making it harder? Is it helping you have a stronger marriage, or distracting you from your partner? Clutter can affect us in ways we may not even realize. So can our routines and boundaries. In this episode, author Laura Forbes Carlin shares her insight on this ripple effect of clutter, and offers different concepts that can help us figure out how to choose what stays and what goes (like “everything is alive”). She also shares a framework for deciding when and how to include your kids in the decluttering process. Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Website: theexpertbeginner.com Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express $300 off AirDoctor air purifier + free 3 year warranty ($84 value) : https://airdoctorpro.com/ & use code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/freeparing This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month of Better Help therapy: www.betterhelp.com/paring Laura Forbes Carlin Instagram: @inspired.everyday.living Inspired Everyday Living Website: https://www.inspiredeverydayliving.com Buy Laura’s books, Decluttering for Parents or Declutter & Manifest: https://www.inspiredeverydayliving.com/books Paring Down Resources: Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Instagram Growth Basics Free Know Your Why Worksheet Free Baby Essentials List Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 22, 202455 min
54: How to Keep the Clutter from Coming Back
Somehow, inanimate objects seem to grow legs and find their way back into our homes and onto our counters. Decluttering can feel like fighting a losing battle-- barely scooping the water out of the boat before it comes rushing back in. This episode covers 5 reasons clutter might keep coming back in your home, and ways to make sure you can finally keep it out for good. Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Website: theexpertbeginner.com Paring Down Newsletter The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down YouTube Talk, Tidy, Tune 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/freeparing This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month of Better Help therapy: www.betterhelp.com/paring Paring Down Resources: Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Instagram Growth Basics Free Know Your Why Worksheet Free Baby Essentials List Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 15, 202440 min
53: Home Organization Tips with Kenika Williams
Decluttering is the first step to an organized home, but today we're diving into the organization piece of home management head first. What product should we use? Where should we start? How do we make it look pretty? Professional home organizer, Kenika Williams of Tidied by K answers all of those questions and more to set you up for success as you create a home that is functional and beautiful. Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Website: theexpertbeginner.com Paring Down Newsletter The L.E.S.S. Express Join the Photo Declutter Community on Facebook (by Picta) Kenika Williams Website: https://tidiedbyk.com/ Kenika Williams Instagram: @tidiedbyk Kenika Williams Tik Tok: @tidiedbyk Pretty Good Box song by The Holderness Family Paring Down Resources: Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Instagram Growth Basics Free Know Your Why Worksheet Free Baby Essentials List Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 8, 202457 min
52: Getting Past the "Wasted Money" When Decluttering
If you struggle with decluttering because it feels like watching bags of money go out the door, then this episode is for you! In it, I share not only helpful mindset shifts, but practical ways that decluttering actually helps us financially in the long run. Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Website: theexpertbeginner.com Join the Photo Declutter Community on Facebook (by Picta) Paring Down Resources: Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Instagram Growth Basics Free Know Your Why Worksheet Free Baby Essentials List Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 1, 202447 min
51: Getting to the Root of Our Clutter with Jenny Albertini
Who better to help us understand how clutter affects us from a holistic perspective than public health expert, Jenny Albertini? Jenny uses easy to recognize categories (health, home and work/beyond), but pulls in the underpinning issues (structural inequities, brain based conditions, consumer culture) to help anyone looking to live a healthier, less overwhelmed life. Her experience being trained under Marie Kondo herself and spending thousands of hours helping clients organize their homes gives her a tremendous amount of insight and perspective to complement her background in public health. How does clutter affect our relationships? Our culture? Our health? And what about the other way around...how do all of those things affect our clutter? This conversation will make you feel validated in your struggle with clutter and consumerism, but inspired and challenged at the same time. Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Website: theexpertbeginner.com Join the Photo Declutter Community on Facebook (by Picta) Jenny Albertini book: Decluttered: Mindful Organizing for Health, Home, and Beyond Jenny Albertini website: https://www.jennyalbertini.com/ Jenny Albertini Instagram: @declutteredbyjenny Paring Down Resources: Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Instagram Growth Basics Free Know Your Why Worksheet Free Baby Essentials List Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 24, 202454 min
50: The Guilt & Fear of Decluttering Gifts
"What if they ask me where it is??" "I feel ungrateful." "They expect to see it displayed." These are just a few of the hard issues we dive into on today's episode, because we're talking about parting with items that were gifted to us. Decluttering gifts can be really tricky, primarily because of two emotions: Guilt - an internal experience as we wrestle with our core values (gratitude, kindness, etc.). Fear - which is formed from the external pressure we feel from another person to keep the gift...and our discomfort around their potential reaction if we don't. Today's episode is NOT an easy or straightforward topic, but I hope you find the strategies and mindsets I share useful as you declutter your home to experience a less stressful, more functional environment...all while navigating the tricky waters of relationships and personal dissonance. Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Website: theexpertbeginner.com Join the Photo Declutter Community on Facebook (by Picta) Paring Down Resources: Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff $5 Instagram Growth Basics Free Know Your Why Worksheet Free Baby Essentials List Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paringdown/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 17, 202446 min
49: The Link Between Money Management & Clutter with Brad Nelson
There are two major pieces to living a decluttered life: 1) What we get OUT 2) What we let IN On today's episode with Brad Nelson from Debt Free Dad, we talk about how to make smart choices with our money that not only decrease financial stress, but help us stay mindful about what we let IN during our decluttering journey. Brad also shares ways we can make money while decluttering as a tool for getting out of debt or creating a rainy day savings account. Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Website: theexpertbeginner.com Debt Free Dad website: debtfreedad.com Debt Free Dad Podcast Brad Nelson Instagram: @debtfreedad Paring Down Resources: Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Instagram Growth Basics Free Know Your Why Worksheet Free Baby Essentials List Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paringdown/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 10, 202455 min
48: Decluttering Books as a Book Lover
STOP, book lovers! Don't scoff and say "No way am I listening to this episode because books are something I'll never declutter!" I mean, you can absolutely say that and we can still be friends and it's all good. However, I think this episode will surprise you! I'm a huge book lover myself, so I want to 100% validate readers by recognizing exactly why it's so hard to declutter our precious books. I offer 5 top reasons we want to hold onto them, then ONLY once those reasons are fully understood and accepted do we dive into mindset shifts or new perspectives that may help you lighten your load in a way that heightens your love for books rather than diminishes it in any way. My book: You're Completely Normal My newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Website: theexpertbeginner.com Free Know Your Why Worksheet Free Baby Essentials List Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Instagram Growth Basics --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paringdown/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 3, 202444 min
47: Motivation to Unplug & Enjoy Life with Eric Moeller
No one wants to end up on their death bed and say, "I wish I hadn't spent so much time on my phone." Founder of FreeWyld vacation cabins, Eric Moeller helps shed light on the importance of unplugging in a practical (not unrealistic) way. His 6 steps for entering into what he calls "Wyld Mode" help us break out of our screens and embrace experiences with our loved ones that truly feed our souls and help us live the life we know we want to live. In this episode, we also talk about finding purpose in what we do with our time, alongside the benefits of spending unplugged time building healthy relationships. Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Website: theexpertbeginner.com FreeWyld Website: www.freewyld.com FreeWyld Instagram: @stayfreewyld Eric Moeller Instagram: @ericdmoeller Paring Down Resources: Free Know Your Why Worksheet Free Baby Essentials List Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Instagram Growth Basics --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paringdown/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aug 27, 20241h 0m
46: How We Decluttered Our Garage
Ask and you shall receive! When I polled the audience a few weeks ago about areas you'd like to declutter, lots of you said that your garage or your basement were hanging over your heads. Sometimes these huge projects can feel impossible, so we never start them out of a state of overwhelmed paralyzation. I hope today's episode gives you the encouragement to start on your own garage, basement, or doom room - to hear how my husband and I tackled ours, and to know that it CAN be done! You CAN do it! Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Website: theexpertbeginner.com Free Know Your Why Worksheet Free Baby Essentials List Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Instagram Growth Basics --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paringdown/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aug 20, 202442 min
45: Determining Your Priorities with Ashli Pollard
Paring down what's important in our life sounds nice and all, but HOW? So often, pretty much everything feels important. We'd love to say that not everything is a priority, but most of the time it can feel anxiety-provoking to not *do it all.* Business owner (x5) Ashli Pollard is at the top of her field - her agency working with celebs from Brooke Shields to Bethenny Frankel - and reaching thousands of entrepreneurs with her podcast, The Unfiltered Entrepreneur, and her online membership, The Doers. If anyone knows about determining priorities, it's Ashli. She offers practical approaches we can take to figuring out what needs our attention NOW, and what can wait - both in our work and in our personal life. Plus she's been one of my favorite humans and friends for 12 years. It's a fun episode - we both love to laugh, and hope you do too! Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paring_down Ashli Pollard Instagram: @ashli_p Ashli's podcast, The Unfiltered Entrepreneur Paring Down Website: theexpertbeginner.com Free Know Your Why Worksheet Free Baby Essentials List Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paringdown/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aug 13, 202455 min
44: Brainstorming Solutions to Clutter Problem Areas
Do you have an area of your house that can't seem to stay decluttered or organized no matter what you do? Same. Today I walk you through the four biggest clutter problem areas in my own home, and hope that you find inspiration as I brainstorm how to keep the clutter at bay! Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Website: theexpertbeginner.com Free Know Your Why Worksheet Free Baby Essentials List Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paringdown/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aug 6, 202437 min
43: Creating Household Rhythms to Foster Peace with Ben & Brianna Folkman
One of the most efficient ways to simplify your life so your life becomes exponentially easier is to implement household rhythms. Each new rhythm (i.e. routine, habit, etc,) takes away the mental load of problem-solving and decision fatigue. When you don't have to think through what to do, you're left with way more brain space and a lot less stress. Ben and Brianna Folkman of Folklife Rhythms have spent years learning best practices for implementing their "flexible frameworks" in order to create a more peaceful home - even during the chaotic years of little kids. They walk us through their understanding of how rhythms create security in our relationships (for our kids, too!), as well as their Parenting and Teamwork Series that sets couples up for success as they navigate life as a unit. Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Website: theexpertbeginner.com Ben & Brianna Instagram: @bribenfolklife Ben & Brianna Website: folkliferhythms.com Free Know Your Why Worksheet Free Baby Essentials List Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paringdown/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 30, 202454 min
42: 15 Ways to Spend Less Money
This episode doesn't list things to avoid temptation, like unfollow influencers or take the Amazon Prime app off your phone - though those are great ways to save money! Instead, we're talking about actionable steps that will save you money - from small choices to big life decisions. Why should we bother paring down our spending? Does spending less and saving more truly matter? Don't worry, we'll cover that, too! Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Website: theexpertbeginner.com Print photos: printique.com Gen Z vs. Millennial Blog Post Free Know Your Why Worksheet Free Baby Essentials List Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paringdown/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 23, 202442 min
41: Timeless Truths About Simplicity with Suzanne Johnson
How do you know an idea is true? That's a pretty big question, but I've found that the best way to know if an idea is worth exploring is to find out how long it's been around. Because, as Mark Twain famously said, "There's no such thing as a new idea." Sage wisdom usually comes in the form of a repetitive idea that respected spiritual and thought leaders have landed on independently over hundreds - even thousands - of years. Today on the podcast, we welcome Suzanne Johnson, whose book Vital Simplicity pulls on the work of Charles Wagner - who authored The Simple Life in 1895. Living simply as a means to internal fulfillment is a timeless truth - a conclusion that dates back as far as 600 BCE. If that's not motivation to at least explore the principle of living with less...I don't know what is! Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Website: theexpertbeginner.com Free Know Your Why Worksheet Free Baby Essentials List Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Suzanne Johnson Website: suzannesjohnson.com Suzanne Johnson Blog: avitalsimplicity.com Blocks by Suzanne Johnson Child plays Hour after hour Stacking blocks Knocking down Holding wooden Cubes in his Tender hands He is Entertained Leave the Floor bare Except for These sturdy Pieces He finds his Way His interest is Held Add Legos To the mix And coloring Books Trains and trucks And why not Screens? He soon becomes Bored Let his Amusement Be in the Simple things Let his Vision sharpen on One thing at a Time Cut through the Clutter And find Joy --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paringdown/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 16, 202453 min
40: Managing Your Busy Schedule Using Time Blocking
What do you do when there just aren't enough hours in the day? I've got you! Time blocking might sound intimidating, but in this episode I break down exactly how to block out your schedule in order to - avoid burnout - accomplish your goals - avoid time-sucking distractions This episode also covers brain-dumping and checklists, which are tools you can use no matter how structured or flexible you prefer your days. Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paring_down Planner: So Typical Me Free Know Your Why Worksheet Free Baby Essentials List Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paringdown/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 9, 202436 min
39: How Living with Less Inspires Generosity with Ultralight Backpacker Glen Van Peski
The benefits of living with less can be discovered through as many avenues as there are people - and today, we hear how ultralight backpacking was the catalyst for Glen Van Peski to embrace a lighter load in his every day life. Glen's wilderness stories are inspiring (I can't help but laugh at his hiking story with Matthew McConaughey), but his lessons about generosity as a result of minimalism are even more profound. We often think "But I need MORE in order to give to others," but Glen's hard-won wisdom and experience proves otherwise. When we live with only the essentials, we make space for showing up for others in ways that we'd be blind to otherwise. This is an episode that I think will stick with you for a very long time. Glen's book Take Less, Do More: Surprising Life Lessons in Generosity, Gratitude, and Curiosity from an Ultralight Backpacker is available wherever you buy books! Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paring_down Buy Take Less, Do More: glenvanpeski.com Email [email protected] to request signed book for $25 Free Know Your Why Worksheet Free Baby Essentials List Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paringdown/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 2, 20241h 1m
38: A Shame-Free & Intentional Approach to Screen Time for Kids
Screen time is a really sensitive subject. I cover why these sensitivities are important to respect and address in the beginning of this episode - there are very real dynamics that have NOTHING to do with how much parents love their kids as to why some families use more screen time than others. With that in mind, decluttering and minimalism are rooted in intentionality - and that intentionality piece is the focus of today's episode as we talk through screen use as parents. I share exactly where we've landed with screens in our home at this stage in life and how we can all approach our decisions about screen time with flexibility, foresight, and deliberate consciousness. Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paringdownpodcast Episode of Minimalism Podcast: "A Life More Engaging Than the Algorithm" Free Know Your Why Worksheet Free Baby Essentials List Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paringdown/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 25, 202447 min
37: Curating Simple & Ethical Closets with Lacey Woodroof
I don't know about you, but I want getting dressed to feel easy. I want to feel good in my clothes, no matter how casual or dressy the occasion. I don't want to feel overwhelmed by choices or frustrated that I have "nothing to wear." I also want to know that my closet isn't a result of someone else in this world barely scraping by. Cheap clothes that fall apart are not only annoying, they're usually a representation of mistreatment. The older I get, the more I know it's up to me to put in slightly more effort into how I acquire clothing, because while I can't fix every problem in this world, I CAN look at my own choices and evaluate if they're something I'm proud of. As always, this podcast is a no-judgment zone, so if you consistently partake in fast fashion - don't be alarmed. This episode is to help ALL of us be less stressed when we get dressed in the morning, and may provide a few new ideas to chew on! Our guest, Lacey Woodroof of Basic (abasicshop.com), speaks to the heart of why women's fashion can be such a pain, and offers creative and practical ways to start dressing in a less overwhelming, more sustainable manner. Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paringdownpodcast Basic Instagram: @abasicshop Lacey Woodroof Instagram: @laceymwoodroof Basic Website: www.abasicshop.com Color Remover: ritdye.com Machine Dye: dylon.co.uk Brands with ranged sizing: Alabama Chanin NLT Ni Thomas Harly Jae Corinne Collection Proclaim Pact Jamie & the Jones MIAKODA --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paringdown/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 18, 20241h 8m
36: 20 Habits of the Home to Prevent Overwhelm
Want to avoid that terrible feeling when your house just feels like this giant weight on your shoulder? There's laundry to fold, the counters have stuff all over them, your closet looks like a tornado ran through it, and the inside of your microwave looks like a murder scene. On today's episode, I walk you through 20 general habits you can begin to implement in order to keep your home from being a source of stress and overwhelm! *picture of my daughter's hair organization will be in my Instagram stories today 6/11/24, and I'll save it in the my highlight on Instagram titled "Organize" Frugal Friends Podcast Episode: Grocery Store vs. Warehouse Club Savings Analysis Book: The Year of Less by Cait Flanders Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paringdownpodcast Free Know Your Why Worksheet Free Baby Essentials List Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paringdown/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 11, 202448 min
35: Making Unconventional Choices to Live More Intentionally with Sona Avetisyan
Ready to get personal? Living with less goes a LOT deeper than having a less stressful, decluttered home. This week's guest, Sona Avetisyan, is a professional organizer whose focus on intentional living is deeply reflected in her own life. Sona shares about her own journey of discovering what she actually cares about - even though it's counter cultural - and what that looked like in the wake of a divorce. She speaks vulnerably and passionately about creating a life that represents our personal core values, no matter how unconventional it may be. Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paringdownpodcast Sona Avetisyan Instagram: @theminimalist.me Sona Avetisyan Website: theminimalist.me Sona Avetisyan Facebook Sona's book recommendations:Simplicity ParentingThe Artist's Way Paring Down Free Know Your Why Worksheet Paring Down Free Baby Essentials List Paring Down Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paringdown/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 4, 202449 min
34: The Pitfall of Too Much Backstock
For the sake of savings and convenience, so many of us fall into the trap of keeping too much backstock in our homes. It's become all too common to treat our homes as a store, instead of letting stores be the store and our homes be our home - with just enough that we need for daily living inside it. So what IS the right amount of backstock? We'll explore that question on today's podcast through different lenses in regards to waste, finances, and the stress caused by clutter...because backstock is a BIG culprit of the clutter in our homes. Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paringdownpodcast Free Know Your Why Worksheet Free Baby Essentials List Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paringdown/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 28, 202432 min
33: Slowing Down Our Lives with Stephanie Seferian
The question we often forget to ask ourselves even though it is central to our wellbeing: Is this working for me? Does this pace of life feel good? Am I spending my time how I’d like? Are my routines helping me or cycles I’d like to break out of? If our basic needs like food and shelter are met, then where we spend our time is up to us! Sometimes it doesn’t feel that way, does it? In this episode, Stephanie Seferian of the Sustainable Minimalists walks us through what it means to slow down and truly live a life that’s aligns with each of our unique wishes, needs, and temperaments. Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paringdownpodcast Sustainable Minimalists Podcast Sustainable Minimalists on Instagram: @sustainableminimalists Stephanie’s book: Sustainable Minimalism: Embrace Zero Waste, Build Sustainability Habits that Last, and Become a Minimalist Without Sacrificing the Planet Stephanie’s website: https://mamaminimalist.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paringdown/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 21, 202459 min
32: Finding the Time to Declutter
"How do you find the time to declutter?" I hear this question on repeat - and I get it! Between kids and jobs and just...life...it's hard to find time to eat a meal sometimes, much less tackle decluttering the house. So I hope this episode gives you some ideas of how to find the time as I share what has worked for me during 3 different stages in my life: As a full time "working" mom, as a SAHM, and as a hybrid of both. Because I've been all 3, and each comes with its own challenges for finding the time! My FREE Know Your Why Worksheet My Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paringdownpodcast Episode that talk about decluttering with kids around: Mistakes We Make While Decluttering Permission to Declutter Does Minimalism Deprive Our Kids --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paringdown/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 14, 202443 min
31: Taking Messy Action with Sarah Horgan
Well, folks. It happened. My first tears on the podcast. Sarah Horgan of the Simple & Intentional Podcast is one of those people who makes you feel completely seen and heard, and I am so grateful we had such a personal and honest conversation. Sarah's story of being diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer 10 years ago and how that led her to live a more intentional, minimal life is powerful. We also went in deep about these deeply ingrained notions of perfectionism and people-pleasing that often paralyze use from taking the action we need to in order to see change in our lives. Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paringdownpodcast Sarah Horgan Instagram: @simpleintentional Join Sarah's Intentional Living Membership: https://this-intentional-life-community.mn.co/share/86EqypwUCWG1QRlU?utm_source=manual Simple + Intentional website: simpleintentional.com Simple + Intentional Podcast --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paringdown/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 7, 202450 min
30: Minimalish Lessons Learned from Van Life
FIFTY-EIGHT SQUARE FEET, people. It's nuts and we love it! This week I share with you a bit more behind-the-scenes of van life in our camper van that is 58 square feet of "living" space, and how spending time in such close quarters with 5 humans and 2 dogs really highlights the beauty of living with less. I also offer some tips and ideas for your next road trip - especially if you have kids in tow! Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paringdownpodcast --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paringdown/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 30, 202441 min
29: Paring Down Flight Anxiety with my dad & pilot, J.D. Oliver
You do NOT want to miss this one, you guys. While this podcast primarily focuses on paring down our belongings to declutter our homes, I like to branch out a bit every now and then to pare down different beliefs, anxieties, and ideas we have on a variety of subjects in order to help us move through the world with less stress and more peace. Well, flight anxiety is one of those things I simply can't ignore during a miniseries called Paring Down Travel. And who better to help us feel a bit better than my old man?? He's a former fighter pilot for the U.S. Navy, and went on to fly for FedEx. A Top Gun grad and all-around brilliant human and aviator, my dad not only shares his FASCINATING stories of flying, but gives us helpful information that can keep us a bit calmer in the air. Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paringdownpodcast --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paringdown/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 23, 202458 min
28: Travel Wisdom from a Flight Attendant with Caroline Bright
What if my kid needs to pee when the fasten seatbelt sign is on? What should I bring to entertain my kids on a flight? Also, what exactly is the role of a flight attendant? From their perspective, what are basic dos and don'ts of air travel? You will LOVE this enlightening and fun conversation with former Miss Vermont, year-9 flight attendant for a major US airline, Unitarian Universalist Ministerial Intern, and mom of 2 (almost 3!) - Caroline Bright. This Paring Down Travel Miniseries is aiming to help us figure out what's important when it comes to traveling, and I have no doubt you'll learn a ton from this true professional in the airline industry. Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paringdownpodcast Caroline Bright Instagram: @carolinebright --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paringdown/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 16, 202452 min
27: Learning to Travel Light with Miss America 2015, Kira K. Dixon
Paring Down Travel is a miniseries I’ve wanted to bring you since the moment The Paring Down Podcast was conceptualized. Particularly air travel. And I KNEW I had to bring on Miss America 2015 and sports broadcaster, Kira K. Dixon. Kira is one of my personal fashion icons and manages to always look amazing and unique while traveling 30 weeks a year. How does she keep her sense of style and self while packing just a carry on? You’re about to find out, and I hope this episode encourages you to be a savvy, light traveler on your future adventures. Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paringdownpodcast Kira's Instagram: @kirakdixon --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paringdown/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 9, 202437 min
26: What to Do With Gifts That Are Clutter
"What do I do with all the stuff other people give me and the kids?" Whew, this is a BIG one. It's a nuanced topic, but I hope you find nuggets of help-- both practical and mindset-driven-- as we walk through 5 different types of gifts we receive from other people. From holidays to hand-me-downs, I share with you best practices that have helped me navigate personal relationships with care while also respecting my own need for a less cluttered and stressful home. Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paringdownpodcast --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paringdown/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 2, 202444 min
25: Releasing Shame When Decluttering with ADHD with Elena Willitts
Our brains don't all work the same way, so we won't have the same experience decluttering and managing our homes! Elena Willits, host of the Kind Organizing Podcast, shares her own experience with ADHD and how it has shown up in her journey to create a peaceful living space. With vulnerability and practicality, Elena talks us through feelings of shame many of us experience when we can't seem to stay on top of our homes, along with how she's developed practices and routines that allow her to enjoy a home that is well lived-in, but not overwhelming. Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paringdownpodcast Elena Willits' Instagram: @kindorganizing Elena's Website: kindorganizing.com Elena's Podcast: The Kind Organizing Podcast Goal Digger Podcast episode with Jenna Kutcher & Tracy Otsuka: A Deep-Dive into ADHD for Women Entrepreneurs Pen Holderness Book, ADHD is Awesome --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paringdown/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 26, 20241h 2m
24: Decluttering Photos On Our Phones and In Our Homes
You only get to find out how many photos are on my phone if you listen to the podcast! Haha...but seriously, it's embarrassing. I'm learning right along with you in this episode, offering strategies for how to go through an overwhelming number of photos, and best ways to organize them once we declutter.We also dive a bit deeper into the importance of photos. How can we be intentional about preserving memories instead of picking up the phone simply because that's what we're used to doing? What are we so afraid of in terms of not documenting every moment and experience? We also talk a bit about hard copy photos and what to do with all those 4x6s from high school or summer camp 2002. Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paringdownpodcast Shannon's family yearbook: Chatbooks app Ordering 4x6 prints: Snapfish (100 free prints/month with the app!) 4x6 Album for Family Yearbook - large capacity ($20.39 - I lied-- the 600 pocket one doesn't have margins for captions but you can write pertinent info on the back of a photo! I like that this has a display in the front where you could put a notecard with the year for a family yearbook) 4x6 Album for Family Yearbook - 240 slots ($12.99) 4x6 photo album - I have 2 for all my miscellaneous loose photos (turns out these hold 300...I said they held more on the podcast!) 5x7 photo album 8x10 photo album --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paringdown/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 19, 202446 min
23: Making Space for Things and People We Love with Aubrey High
Can you imagine your family living with your in-laws AND your parents? Certified Organizer Aubrey High knows and chose this experience, and once you hear her speak, you'll know why it works. It's such a PLEASURE to talk with someone who has such a deep sense of self-awareness, empathy, and intention. Aubrey shares with us her family's unique decision to combine homes, what that meant in terms of paring down all of their belongings, and how she's learned to make space not only for people and things, but for her truest Self. Aubrey High Instagram: @thereclaimedhomeco Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paringdownpodcast --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paringdown/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 12, 202455 min
22: Doom Piles & Mail
Piles are the enemy's favorite weapon. (Is that too dramatic? It is. But let's go with it.) The enemy: Stress caused by a cluttered, messy home. Piles are a sneaky weapon because they're the bad guy *undercover.* Most piles start out with good intention. We think the piles are on our side. Like items are set aside together: Organization! We're keeping some of the chaos contained: Control! ...but the next thing we know, the piles reveal their true selves and emerge as the biggest battle yet. (Okay wow this still feels really dark. I'm reading Iron Flame right now, so my mind is 100% dragon wars. STAY WITH ME.) Listen, piles happen. We're human. Whether they're random doom piles of items we didn't feel like dealing with, or mail piles in need of sorting or filing, you CAN ditch the habit. Today's episode walks you through practical tips, mindset shifts, and routines that will help you DEFEAT THE ENEMY. (Lolzz but for real, anyone else reading Fourth Wing or Iron Flame? Isn't Tairn hilarious? NO SPOILERS) Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paringdownpodcast --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paringdown/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 5, 202432 min
21: Influencer Culture & Finding Contentment with Yeli Heidecker
With raw honesty, Yeli Heidecker shares her personal story that led to her decision to fully declutter her home today on the podcast. This is one of those episodes that will feel deeply relatable. It's so easy to start striving for what our culture calls successful-- the new car, the bigger home-- only to find out that those things don't bring more happiness to our lives. We also dive into influencer culture, and how Yeli originally felt an internal pressure to keep up with the homes and lifestyles of people she saw on social media. She challenged herself to find contentment in her own life, and everything changed. This conversation really gets to the root of why we prioritize what we do in life, how we can take responsibility for our perspectives, and what truly matters for the wellbeing of our souls. Yeli Heidecker Instagram: @yeli.heidecker Yeli's Ultimate Stress to Simplified Guide Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paringdownpodcast --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paringdown/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 27, 202447 min
20: Kid Stuff: Sentimental, Educational, Practical, & Private
This is your sign to DM me and let me know if there's ever a topic you want me to cover on the podcast! I love it! Today's episode is a compilation of requests that all revolved around kid stuff in some form or fashion. From "What do I do about children's books when they mean so much to me??" to "How do I help declutter my older kids' stuff when I also need to respect their privacy?", I do my best to cover questions that have come directly from YOU! There's so much to say on kid stuff that I can't possibly cover it in one episode-- so there will be more iterations of Kid Stuff episodes in the future. Even if you don't have kids, so many of the ideas within this episode can translate to managing our own stuff or working with our partner on their stuff, so don't shy away! Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paringdownpodcast ArtKive --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paringdown/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 20, 202439 min
19: Decluttering as a Couple with my husband, Aaron Leyko
It's about to get REAL, y'all!! My husband, Aaron, is on the show with me today. Coming at you from my side of the closet, we share things we've done well and things we've learned the hard way when it comes to decluttering as a couple. Aaron is a natural maximalist when it comes to stuff...he wants to keep ALL of it. (And can tell you exactly why!) I live on the other side of the spectrum and would honestly be happy to burn it all to the ground. So we're here to save you some headaches and hopefully a few arguments as you aim to live in a home that doesn't overwhelm you...while still operating as different types of human beings under the same roof. Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paringdownpodcast Thrifty Old Time Ice Cream Scooper --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paringdown/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 13, 20241h 1m
18: Seven Things I've Learned About Love
Am I the only one who loves a good love story? Well, I hope not, because that's what I'm dishing up on the podcast today...sort of. More like, I'm sharing some love stories gone wrong while I was dating in my 20s. Specifically, my seven most influential relationships before meeting my husband. SEVEN, SHANNON?! (Clutches pearls.) That wasn't even all of them. I cast a wide net, okay?? Each of these 7 dudes came with a significant lesson that led me to a deeper understanding of what love is...and what it isn't. Ultimately, I've pared down what I know to be true about romantic love. While I think (and hope!) I'll continue learning about love as my life unfolds, I wanted to share these 7 lessons with you as we enjoy the little miniseries on the podcast called Paring Down Relationships. Paring Down Instagram: @paringdownpodcast --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paringdown/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 6, 202444 min
17: When Our Partner Doesn't Want to Declutter with Dr. Tracy Dalgleish
This episode is a BIG one!! It will be answering the #1 question I get in DMs: What do I do if my partner won't declutter? Not only will it answer this question, it features the one and only Dr. Tracy Dalgleish, world renowned psychologist and couples therapist. Using her 20 years of clinical experience, Tracy walks us through - how to approach our partner about their stuff - asking the right questions - what to do when they get defensive ...and so much more. Today's episode kicks off our 3-week mini series, Paring Down Relationships, so Dr. Tracy also sheds light on the *most* important things to focus on in our relationship for longevity and satisfaction. The goal is to pare down what really matters when it comes to the person we love. Dr. Tracy Instagram: @drtracyd More-Than-Roommates Challenge (kicking off Feb. 1) Dr. Tracy Blog: 5 Characteristics of a Healthy Relationship Dr. Tracy Podcast, I'm Not Your Shrink: The Weekly Meeting Dr. Tracy Website & Online Resources Dr. Tracy's book I Didn't Sign Up for This Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paringdownpodcast --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paringdown/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 3, 202453 min
16: Permission to Declutter with Jane Conroy
Have you ever felt stuck, then heard someone say "It's okay to do what you need to do"... and you feel this big weight lifted from your chest? Sometimes, all we need is for someone to gently offer us permission to take the step we know we want to take, but our anxiety and guilt paralyze us. Whether it's wanting to please our kids, worrying that our loved ones will personalize our choice, or fear of failure, we don't take the first step in our decluttering journey. Professional organizer, Jane Conroy of Dwell & Bloom Interiors (formerly The Simplified Home) graciously walks us through practical steps of decluttering, as well as reminds us that *it's okay* to let go of items no longer serving us. Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paringdownpodcast Jane's simplifying Instagram: @thesimplified.home Dwell & Bloom Interiors Website --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paringdown/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 23, 202452 min
15: Does Minimalism Deprive Our Kids? with Elisabeth Beam
As parents, we're often concerned that our choices will negatively affect our kids, and decluttering feels like such an "adult" choice. So what does this mean for the kiddos? Elisabeth from @balancingbeams and I dive into the intersection of decluttering and parenthood, discuss the balanced approaches we take, and work through the misconceptions about what it means to live with less. If you don't already follow Elisabeth, you're going to want to after this episode! Her decluttering story is so relatable, and she's just a beacon of inspiration and warmth. Elisabeth Instagram: @balancingbeams Paring Down Instagram: @paringdownpodcast --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paringdown/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 16, 20241h 9m
14: Emotions We Feel When Decluttering
I was SO inspired after listening to Brene Brown's book, Atlas of the Heart, that I had to do a podcast episode that draws inspiration from the different emotions she defines through her qualitative research. Because paring down and decluttering is EMOTIONAL! We're proud, we're guilty, we're relieved, we're overwhelmed...we're all the things. Today, I walk you through some of the top emotions people feel when decluttering or managing their possessions. I hope that by identifying these internal experiences, it offers you the ability to move through them more easily. Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paringdownpodcast Atlas of the Heart --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paringdown/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 9, 202438 min
13: Making Sustainable Living Less Complicated with Shila Wattamwar
Do you ever feel like "What's the point of going green? What difference is my one little choice going to make?" Or maybe you think "It's too complicated. I just don't have the bandwidth to add sustainability to my list of things to do." This episode with Shila Wattamwar is such a breath of fresh air! Shila is a true industry insider when it comes to sustainable living, and offers motivating yet gentle perspective about why living with less supports a more sustainable future not only for the world around us, but for our personal selves, as well. If you're looking for additional reasons to declutter your home and adopt a more minimal lifestyle, this episode is for YOU! Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paringdownpodcast Shila Wattamwar Instagram: @sustainableme.today Sustainable Me Website Sustainability With Soren Podcast --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paringdown/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 2, 202451 min
12: Ideas for Simplifying in the New Year
It's the last episode of 2023! What is this life?? This week, I walk you through the areas of my life I simplified this year in hopes of giving you a few ideas for what to pare down in the coming year! From books to the social media to paper flyers, I've really become intentional about what's allowed in my physical and mental space. Maybe next year I'll actually finish decluttering the garage. Happy New Year, everyone!! Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paringdownpodcast --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paringdown/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 26, 202343 min
11: Where Do Popular Christmas Traditions Come From? with Molly Stillman
For the very last episode in our Paring Down the Holidays miniseries, I'm back on the pod with author, fellow podcast host, and all around dynamite human being, Molly Stillman. We continue our conversation from Tuesday (go back and listen to Episode 10 if you haven't yet!!) as we dive into different Christmas traditions and where they come from. What's the history of the Christmas tree? Why do we celebrate on December 25? Who came up with Santa's reindeer? Molly gives her *controversial* opinion on a major tradition as gently as possible but it's still scary because parents are a sensitive bunch, so have mercy on her, please. It's been SO fun to pare down all things Christmas, from decor to Jesus. Thanks for coming along for the ride. Next week we'll be picking back up with more straightforward decluttering content! Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paringdownpodcast Molly Stillman Instagram: @stillbeingmolly PREORDER Molly's Book IF I DON'T LAUGH, I'll CRY HERE Molly Stillman's website: www.stillbeingmolly.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paringdown/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 21, 202348 min
10: Why We Celebrate the Birth of Jesus with Molly Stillman
Who was Jesus? Does he matter even if you're not a Christian? Why do we celebrate his birth? I'm so excited to pare down the meaning of Christmas in this episode with the HILARIOUS, wise, and brilliant Molly Stillman. Molly is an author, podcast host, church planter, farmer, mother, comedian...she's truly dynamic. This podcast is not just for followers of Jesus, however as we move through this miniseries, Paring Down the Holidays, I can't help but bring forth my own faith as we get intentional about focusing on the true meaning of Christmas. This episode is mind blowing, faith-building, and loaded with the GOOD stuff. Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paringdownpodcast Molly Stillman Instagram: @stillbeingmolly PREORDER Molly's Book IF I DON'T LAUGH, I'll CRY HERE Molly Stillman Website: www.stillbeingmolly.com BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) Studies: www.bsfinternational.org --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paringdown/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 19, 20231h 2m
9: Donating Clutter Generously
Sometimes I find myself of falling into this trap: I want to be generous...I THINK I'm pretty generous...I definitely care about generosity. But then my days get filled with soccer practices and career work and hobbies and time with family and school events, and suddenly I realize that while nothing I'm doing is bad-- in fact a lot of it is great (family time!)-- my heart to care for others has become a nice thought instead of an actual part of my life. We're smack in the middle of the miniseries on the podcast called Paring Down the Holidays. I hope today's episode is anything but pressure-filled, rather instead, it can offer practical and motivating ways we can combine our decluttering journey with the value of giving back. 'Tis the season! Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paringdownpodcast WHERE TO DONATE: domesticshelters.org - ZIP CODE pickupplease.org - ZIP CODE Place of worship School (call and ask if they have a donation program for kids in needs of coats, shoes, etc.) Children in Foster Care: Google donate to foster children near me Refugees Goodwill or Salvation Army Buy Nothing Groups on Facebook Freecycle.org Findhelp.org Word of mouth! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paringdown/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 12, 202331 min
8: What the Bible Says About Our Stuff with Hanna Seymour
We are smack in the middle of the holiday season, which for me, means Christmas! The Paring Down Podcast isn't a podcast only for Christians, however Jesus is a big part of my life, so I wanted to really pare down my beliefs surrounding decluttering and minimalism through the lens of what the Bible has to say about it. What better time of year to dive into this than when we're about to celebrate Jesus' birth? I'm HONORED to welcome Hanna Seymour as our guest on this topic, because her love for the Word is so evident. She uses her wisdom and knowledge gleaned in seminary to discuss what the scriptures say about living with less and what this can look like for modern believers (no we don't all need to sell everything we own and become monks!). Is money all bad? Is stuff inherently evil? Why does it have anything to do with faith? How does the modern church look in comparison to early churches in the Bible? Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paringdownpodcast Hanna Seymour's website Hanna Seymour Instagram: @hannaeseymour Hanna Seymour's podcast: No Matter What --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paringdown/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 5, 20231h 1m
7: Making Holiday Decor Meaningful
Thanksgiving is behind us, so it's officially time to decorate for Christmas! (Let's be honest, most of us already have.) This is a podcast about decluttering, but it's not a podcast about stringent rules or opinions. All of us will land somewhere a little different when it comes to how much holiday decor we'd like to display. The key is intentionality-- what holds meaning to us? What do we want to put the effort into taking down in January? What do we want to store the other 10-11 months out of the year? From trees and ornaments to garland and knick knacks, I dive into my own evolution of decorating for the holidays and offer helpful approaches to pare down the clutter with the goal of making room for the *true* magic of the season. Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paringdownpodcast Paring Down Podcast YouTube: YouTube channel --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paringdown/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 28, 202330 min
6: Creating Community in Small Spaces with Britt Meyer
Today on the show, I'm throwing it back to my days in NYC. Ah, to be 23 and frolicking around the city while sharing a tiny 6-floor walk up! My old NYC roommate, Britt Meyer later moved from NYC to Hong Kong, where she was a princess at Hong Kong Disneyland, then landed in London with her husband and three young daughters. Spending her adulthood in different major cities around the world means that Britt has learned the art of living in small spaces-- in every stage of life-- and has developed a passion for creating community that grows from close quarters, second-hand sharing, and a heart of contentment. Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paringdownpodcast Britt Meyer Instagrams: @brittanyymeyer, @m_e_s_s_y_, @youbettasingmama --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paringdown/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 21, 202340 min
5: Decluttering Sentimental Items
Ep. 5: Do you struggle to let go of sentimental items? In this episode, I share my experience with decluttering sentimental items after my mother passed away when I was 24 years old. You'll hear some perspective shifts that helped me not hold onto every little thing that reminded me of her. I dive into letting go of baby items for our kids, deciding what *is* special to keep, and a big question that I've learned to ask myself because of what happened one afternoon flipping through old yearbooks. Instagram: @paringdownpodcast --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paringdown/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 14, 202325 min
4: Forming Our Identity Outside of What We Own with Madison Embrey
It's one thing to live in a small house-- it's another to live out of two suitcases. Madison Embrey joins the show today, telling us about her life as a stunt performer and dancer on tour for the last 10 straight years. She sheds light on how to step outside of excessive fashion or home decor to create a sense of self that isn't grounded in what we own-- and proves that what we *want* is fundamentally different than what we actually *need*. Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paringdownpodcast Madison Embrey Instagram: @madisonembrey Madison Embrey Website: www.madisonembrey.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paringdown/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 7, 202353 min
3: Avoiding Holiday Clutter with Karla Graves
The holidays are upon us! And that means an influx of stuff, traditions, and events. Oftentimes, we end up just wanting to "get through the holidays" because it's all so overwhelming. In this episode, Shannon brings on small-space interior designer Karla Graves to talk about living intentionally with less, and how to prepare our homes, our kids, and our hearts for a less daunting holiday season. From what to put in stockings and boundaries surrounding gifts, to resisting the urge to follow every little tradition we see other families doing, this conversation is for anyone who wants the holiday magic without the holiday fuss. Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paringdownpodcast Karla Graves Instagram: @raka_home Raka Home Design Website & Blog: www.rakahomedesign.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paringdown/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 31, 20231h 2m
2: My Decluttering Story
I have NOT always been a minimalist...and many purists probably wouldn't consider me one, even now! The point is that I've been on a journey to owning less for *years*. My decluttering story is a bit different than most in that I never had a big "aha" turning point toward living with less. It's been a slow burn that gained traction over a series of life events that revealed to me how clutter was getting in the way of my peace. When it's hard to get to the washer/dryer because the garage is so full of stuff...HOUSTON, we have a problem! Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paringdownpodcast --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paringdown/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 31, 202343 min
1: Mistakes We Make When Decluttering with Matlin Pessarra
Decluttering our homes to avoid the mess and overwhelm sounds great *in theory* to most of us...but where in the world do we start?? In the debut episode of Paring Down, Shannon chats with professional organizer Matlin Pessarra, who sheds some light on mistakes people make when trying to organize their homes, as well as insider tips for approaches that actually work. Paring Down Podcast Instagram: @paringdownpodcast Matlin Pessarra Instagram: @getminimized Minimized Website: www.getminimized.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paringdown/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 31, 202357 min
Welcome to Paring Down with Shannon Leyko
The Paring Down Podcast brings you conversations about the physical and mental clutter that drowns out what truly matters to each of us. If you're looking for motivation to declutter your home—or to simply live with more intention—join Shannon Leyko for interesting, practical conversations about paring down what you own, want, and believe. Find more of Shannon's work: Instagram: @shannonleyko Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown TikTok: @shannon_leyko Substack: https://shannonleyko.substack.com/ --- Support this podcast: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 23, 20231 min