Minimal-ish: Minimalism, Intentional Living, Motherhood

DRAFT SHOWNOTES: This week I’m so excited to be joined by Sam Lindauer, a mom, physical therapist, and strength training coach on the Ladder app, for a motivating and encouraging conversation all about strength training— especially for women and moms who want to feel stronger, more energized, and more mentally grounded. Sam reminds us that you don’t need perfect conditions, a gym membership, or a ton of free time to get started. She shares some much needed reminders for busy moms about how showing up consistently and giving your body small, intentional challenges over time can still make a big impact. If you’re craving a more doable and sustainable way to feel stronger in your current season of life or even as you approach creating goals for the new year, Sam’s encouragement and practical tips will meet you right where you are. Links from this episode: Ladder App (30 days free) Sam on Instagram (@strongwithsamantha) Join Sam’s Team on Ladder Ladder Website Desirae on Instagram Minimal-ish Podcast Website Previous Minimal-ish Episodes on Fitness in Motherhood Episode 265: Monthly Experiment #1: Healthier Habits Episode 224: Simplifying Fitness and Wellness in Motherhood with Amy Kiefer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Minimalish, I’m welcoming Devon Kuntzman, founder of Transforming Toddlerhood, for a conversation every toddler parent needs, especially during the holiday season. Devon brings so much clarity and compassion to the toddler years, and this episode is full of encouragement and truly helpful strategies you can start using right away. We talk about what’s really going on beneath “big behaviors,” why toddlerhood is such an important developmental season, and how a lot of the work actually starts with us—our emotions, our expectations, and the environment we create. Devon also shares practical tips for everyday challenges, including navigating sibling conflict, managing screen time, prepping for busy seasons (like holidays) so you and your kids can handle transitions with more ease, and setting boundaries with family and friends in a way that protects your values. If you’re craving more peace, confidence, and connection in your home—especially with little ones in the toddler stage (though the tips can span many ages of childhood)— then this episode is for you. Links from this episode: Devon's Website Devon on Instagram (@transformingtoddlerhood) Check out Devon's Book: Transforming Toddlerhood Desirae on Instagram Minimal-ish Podcast Website Holiday episodes: Declutter with me (Holiday Edition) A Values Based Holiday Season with Kat Steck Values Based holiday spending with Jen Hygge Holidays with Diane in Denmark Mental Decluttering for the Holidays Getting intentional about Gift Giving Thinking Ahead for Intentional Holiday Traditions Holiday Q&A (dealing with the influx of stuff, Finding time to rest, Traditions, etc) Teaching our kids contentment and gratitude with Rachel Cruze Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Minimalish, I’m joined by author and speaker Palak Dave for an honest and relatable conversation about something so many of us crave in adulthood—true connection and community. Palak shares practical encouragement for building authentic friendships and creating spaces where people feel seen and welcomed. We talk about overcoming the fear of hosting, bringing authenticity into everyday gatherings, and finding joy in the simple, beautiful moments that make up real life. She also shares her insight on how technology impacts our ability to connect, and how we can bring more intention and thoughtfulness into our relationships. If you’ve been longing for deeper connections or want to create community right where you are, this episode will leave you inspired to start small and lead with intention. Links from this episode: Palak’s Website Palak on Instagram (@paldave) Check out Palak’s Book: Beautiful Everydays Desirae on Instagram Minimal-ish Podcast Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Minimalish, I’m joined by KyAnn Molina, a wife, homeschooling mom of three little ones 5 and under, and host of the Simple Rhythms for Busy Moms podcast.  In our conversation, KyAnn and I talk about the importance of intentional routines in motherhood, especially when you’re juggling work, keeping up with your home, and family life. She shares openly about her own journey with postpartum depression and how it shaped her approach to routines and why mental health and self-care matter so much for moms. We also chat about practical home management systems (like tackling the never ending piles of laundry), how to build rhythms that serve your family’s unique and ever-changing seasons, and the freedom that comes from keeping things simple and flexible. If you’ve been craving more balance and less chaos in your days, then be sure to tune in to this week's episode Links from this episode: KyAnn on Instagram (@kyannandmat) KyAnn’s Podcast: Simple Rhythms for Busy Moms KyAnn’s Free Facebook Community KyAnn’s Website Desirae on Instagram Minimal-ish Podcast Website More Episodes on Habits, Routines, & Home Management: Ep. 197:  Layering Routines and "Surthriving" with Tyler Moore (aka the Tidy Dad) Ep. 181: Simple Home Management Routines + Habits (without the Perfectionism) with Kelly Briggs Ep. 145: Creating Daily Rhythms for Your Everyday Life with Katy Lewis Ep. 138: Creating a Laundry System That Works with Amy Eilers Sponsors: Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box and a free item in every box for life at hungryroot.com/minimalish Calm: Get 40% off a Calm Premium Subscription at calm.com/minimalish Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Minimalish, I’m joined by Olivia, also known as The Marketplace Mom, for a fun yet practical conversation about one of my favorite topics—decluttering—and how selling on Facebook Marketplace can actually make the process easier (and even rewarding). Olivia shares her own story of starting to sell online, especially kids’ clothes and other family items, and how it’s helped her simplify her home while also connecting with others. She gives us tons of tips for creating effective listings, navigating interactions with buyers, staying safe during porch pickups, and keeping a healthy mindset about the process. We also talk about the joy of secondhand shopping, why it’s worth giving it a try, and how social media has created a supportive community around buying and selling pre-loved items. If you’ve been looking for a little motivation to tackle the clutter and maybe make some extra money in the process, then this episode is definitely for you! Links from this episode: Olivia on Instagram (@themarketplacemom) Olivia’s Website Desirae on Instagram Minimal-ish Podcast Website Previous Minimal-ish Episodes on Secondhand Shopping/Selling Episode 152: Minimalist Moving: Selling Everything & Refurnishing Fully Secondhand with Kat Steck Episode 141: Thrifting Tips + The World of Reselling with Lydia of Love This For You Sponsors: Calm: Get 40% off your Calm Premium Subscription at calm.com/minimalish Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box and a free item in every box for life at hungryroot.com/minimalish Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices