Shows / Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
If staunch minimalism feels too extreme, but you want to declutter your house to alleviate some stress, this is the podcast for you. Shannon Leyko's style is like having your best friend in your ear, helping you get past those tough mental roadblocks that are keeping you from decluttering the things you don't need. From New York Times bestselling authors to everyday people in the trenches of life, Shannon's guests give practical tips and mindset advice for intentional living and…
Episodes
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
230: Decluttering Tips that Stick, My Toddler Got Stuck in a Vending Machine, & Halloween Costumes
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. Really craving so much less of EVERYTHING now—empty nest recently. What are…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
229: Adult Sibling Relationships: How We Became Close Despite Our Differences (feat. my brother, Jim Oliver)
Today my older brother Jim and I get brutally honest about what it really takes to stay close as adult siblings—especially as siblings who used to fight…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
228: Save Money & Declutter Your House Using Healthy Money Mindsets with Crystal Paine
The Money Saving Mom herself, Crystal Paine, joins us to share how to build a healthier relationship with money, whether you're an overspender or an…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
227: How to Store Backstock, How I Grew My Platform, & Flight Anxiety
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. What are some tips for storing “extras”? It’s a struggle to have a home for…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
226: How to Raise Emotionally Mature Children with Dr. Lindsay Gibson
What does emotional maturity really look like, and how can we help our kids develop it? For this Good Stuff episode in our series all about strengthening…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
225: How to Stop Procrastinating with Dana K White
Another New York Times bestselling author is in the house!! Dana K. White is one of the biggest names in decluttering, and her brand new book, Procrastinators…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
224: "Help! My Husband Won't Declutter," How I feel About My Kids Growing Up, & My Scary Neighbors
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. How do I get my spouse to declutter? 2. How are you coping with all your…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
223: Get Your Affairs in Order: Essential Documents Your Family Needs to Handle the Unexpected with Lori Selsberg
Making sure your family isn't stressed about logistics in the face of an emergency or once you're gone is an act of love. Today I’m joined by Lori Selsberg…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
222: Develop Easy Home Organization Systems that Don't Add to Your Stress
Why do we overcomplicate our decluttering and organizing systems when the whole point is to feel less stressed at home? Today, I’m sharing the red flags that a…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
221: My Backstage Experience at Dancing With the Stars, Mother-in-Law Clutter "Gifts", & Do I Feel Famous?
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. What do you do with clothes that your MIL hands down to you that your…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
220: Picky Eaters & Food Struggles: Stop the Arguments // feat. Kids Eat in Color's Jennifer Anderson
Jennifer Anderson of Kids Eat in Color, registered dietitian and author of Feed Them Well, joins me to talk about picky eating, food struggles, and how to help…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
219: Your House is a Mess? Here's a Shame-Free Way to Get Help – with Brittinie Tran
Brittinie Tran, founder of the nonprofit, Hot Mess Express, joins me to talk about messy homes, clutter, cleaning overwhelm, and why there’s no shame in asking…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
218: Capsule Wardrobes, Funny Pageant Memories, & My Real Thoughts About Social Media
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. Do you have a capsule wardrobe? 2. What is your silliest memory from…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
217: Our Adoption Story: An In Depth Breakdown of How Adoption Works
Why didn't we choose international adoption? Do we have an open adoption? What about children waiting to be adopted in foster care? How long did the process…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
216: The Full Story Behind My Burnout
Today's a more personal episode. When I shared on social media that I'm feeling a little burned out, I got a huge reaction from people. So I wanted to share…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
215: My Opinion on Decluttering "Right" the First Time, 5 Seconds of Me Singing Opera, & Rain Gear
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. What do you think of the quote “If you don’t have the time to do it right…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
214: Nutrition Myths Debunked: Stanford's Dr. Christopher Gardner on the Science Behind What We Eat
There's so much noise out there about what we should eat, so I had the HONOR of going directly to the leading global expert of nutrition science, Dr…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
213: 5 Clutter Traps That Make Decluttering Never-Ending
Who here throws in an extra purchase to get free shipping? Today, we're covering 5 major clutter traps that feel smart at the time, but end up bogging down our…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
212: Memories Attached to Stuff, Update After My Son Swallowed a Quarter, & Plant Lovers
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. Sentimental stuff is so hard. When it is gone the memory is gone. What do I…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
211: The Effective, Accessible Remedy for a Struggling Mind with Rio Wilson
I wanted someone who isn't just pointing out that movement is good for our mental health, but who's actually doing something to help us bridge that gap. So…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
210: Saying No to Tempting New Things with New York Times Editor, Eric Athas
New York Times editor and author Eric Athas joins me today to explore why we’re so drawn to new things, and the way our modern world has amplified our desire…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
209: What "Just In Case" Items to Keep & the Time I Recorded a Music Album in India
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. Are there any valid reasons for keeping something just in case? 2. What are…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
208: Can We Survive without Smart Phones? with Andrew Dugan
What happens when you stop letting your phone dictate your attention? Andrew Dugan joins me to share his journey from smartphone dependency to creating a…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
207: My Involuntary Staunch Minimalism in Finland
Finally—I'm recording from our brand new home in Rauma, Finland! And I'm spilling all the details about our first month living with (almost) none of our stuff…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
206: How to Ask for Help with Decluttering, My Biggest Surprise About Finland, & Robotic Lawn Mowers
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. Any tips on asking for help? I feel like I want/need someone for support to…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
205: Figuring Out a Realistic Fitness Routine with Olivia Young
For those of us who aren't fitness junkies, it can be hard to figure out good fitness routines that don't feel overwhelming, inconsequential, or like one more…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
204: How to Stop Feeling Behind on Your To-Do List with Megan Sumrell
Most of us need a to-do list to survive, but there's one major issue with them that productivity expert Megan Sumrell helps us unpack today: To-do lists are…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
203: How to Get Past Decluttering the Same Spots, Lindsay Clancy, & Our First Week in Finland
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. How do I get past feeling stuck doing the same spots (table, couch, entry)…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
202: Which Teeth Whitening Products to Avoid & Do You Really Need to Floss Daily? with Dr. Sanya Arora
I learned SO MUCH today! I sat down with Dr. Sanya Arora to get real about what's actually happening with our oral health. From flossing myths to the truth…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
201: Declutter by House Hushing with Myquillyn Smith
What a TREAT! New York Times bestselling author Myquillyn Smith is on today's episode to help us declutter through a term she's coined House Hushing. (Also the…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
200: Decluttered but Still Overwhelmed, What I Changed My Mind About, & Meal Trains
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. What do I do if I’m organized, decluttered, and use everything I have but…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
199: Separating Health from Weight with Zoë Bisbing
I asked my followers who I should talk to about separating weight from health, and one name kept coming up. Zoë Bisbing is a psychotherapist specializing in…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
198: Cleaning Tips that Don't Feel Too Extreme with Morgan Flores
I sat down with professional house cleaner Morgan Flores, and she gave me permission to stop feeling guilty about my imperfect floor boards…while giving us…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
197: Decluttering Collectibles, Who I'd Switch Lives With, & Bribing Children
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. What about collectibles? Hubby collects…everything? 2. If you could switch…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
196: Ivy League Attorney Advice on How to Advocate for Your Health with Rayna Rayford
Attorney Rayna Reid Rayford and I are old friends from Miss New York, and she’s become a powerful force for maternal advocacy. Today, you’ll hear how Rayna…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
195: How Decluttering Reflects Our Values
If you want to get in the mood to declutter, look no further than this episode! Today, I’m doing something a little different by sharing an episode I did on…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
194: When Do I "Arrive" at Decluttered?, Scheduling Around PMDD, & Living in the Grey
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. I’ve been at it for so long but still feel far from minimal/pared down…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
193: Building an Empire of 10 Million Followers While Living with Chronic Illness with Rachel Farnsworth
Rachel Farnsworth is an absolute force with over 10 million social media followers and her wildly successful brand, The Stay at Home Chef. But her chronic…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
192: A Better Way to Plan Your Fall & School Year with Danielle McGeough
If the busyness of the start of fall and a new school year stresses you out, today’s conversation with Danielle McGeough is for you! We cover: The difference…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
191: Decluttering Computer Files, My Favorite Way to Vacation, & the Savannah Bananas
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. Do you have any advice on decluttering and organizing files on a computer?…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
190: Shocking Things that Bring People to the Emergency Room with Dr. J Mack Slaughter
I sat down with Dr. J Mack Slaughter—ER physician, former boy band member, and one of my favorite follows on social media—for a conversation that's equal parts…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
189: Environmentally Friendly Decluttering—from Recycling Razor Blades to the Truth About Greenwashing with Tom Szaky of TerraCycle
This is such a fascinating episode for anyone who wants to declutter while being mindful about the environment! I’m joined by Tom Szaky, founder and CEO of…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
Getting Past the "Wasted Money" When Decluttering (Summer Saturday Throwback)
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…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
188: How to Request Money Instead of Gifts, Homemade Chai Lattes, & Washing Scrunchies
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. What’s the best way to ask for money for a gift instead of stuff? 2. How do…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
187: Opening Up About My Health: Postpartum Struggles, Weight Fluctuations, PMDD and More
I'm kicking off a brand new 10-week series on health for these Good Stuff episodes—what do we want to fill our lives with? Health seems like a great option to…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
186: Decluttering Your House is Only the Beginning of a Better Life with Suzanne Searcy Johnson
You know this one will be good because it’s the second time we’re welcoming Suzanne Searcy Johnson to the podcast! This time, we dig into why decluttering is…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
Curating Simple & Ethical Wardrobes with Lacey Woodroof (Summer Saturday Throwback)
I don't know about you, but I want getting dressed to feel easy. Our guest, Lacey Woodroof of Basic (abasicshop.com), speaks to the heart of why women's…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
185: What to Do with Kid 3D Artwork, My Original Career Goal, & Preconceived Notions
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. What do I do with kids artwork when the artwork is 3D– lots of dioramas and…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
184: How Bike Bus World Brings Back the '80s Community Vibe with Sam Balto
Who wouldn't want to ride their bike to school with Benson Boone or Zara Larsson?? In this super fun episode that wraps up our mini-series on community, Sam…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
183: How to Not Get Distracted When Decluttering
Does decluttering take forever because you reminisce, try things on, or end up tidying in a different room where you went to put something away? In this…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
Decluttering Photos on Our Phones and In Our Homes (Summer Saturday Throwback)
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…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
182: Not Knowing the Value of Items You're Decluttering, My Weirdly Fast Engagement, & Grifters
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. What do you do with items that you’re not sure the value of, like old…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
181: How Intergenerational Relationships Boost Happiness, Health & Perspective
Our world tends to separate us by age—through retirement communities, social media algorithms, and workplace culture. Is this problematic? In this episode, I…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
180: Thrift Shopping Tips for Mindful Consumers with Rebecca Bingham
I love when real friends collide with my podcasting world! Rebecca Bingham is my former coworker...and an Atlanta-based vintage reseller. Becca walks us…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
Decluttering Sentimental Items (Summer Saturday Throwback)
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…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
179: Consistent Devotion to Living with Less, My Musical Theatre History, & the Final Countdown in Kodiak
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. How do you stay consistent with your attitude towards living with only what…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
178: How 15 Women Have Maintained 19 Years of Unbreakable Long-Distance Community with Leslie Hepburn
Nineteen years ago, a group of women came together at Christopher Newport University and built something truly special. I got to sit down with my very dear…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
177: How to Avoid Decision Fatigue When Decluttering
Decluttering decisions add up fast, so today I share 5 concrete strategies to avoid decision fatigue! You'll learn about... • The famous study on parole judges…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
176: When You Have No Energy to Declutter, the One Job I'd Never Do, & Dog Walking
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. I'm decluttering with a chronic illness. How do I keep going with no…
- Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
175: Combating Loneliness by Rethinking the Suburban Neighborhood with Eli Spevak
This conversation with general contractor Eli Spevak opened my eyes to what's possible in modern neighborhoods if we prioritize people over privacy. We explore…