Minimalist Moms Podcast | Purposeful Life & Parenting Tips

Our attention is one of our most finite resources - and just as we consider what deserves space in our homes, we should also be considering what deserves space in our minds, our days and our relationships.
In this episode, I’m joined by Ruby Ryba, author of How to Stop Scrolling, for a conversation that goes beyond the typical “we’re all on our phones too much” advice. Instead, we explore what it looks like to become more intentional about where our attention is going in the first place.
We talk about why simply knowing we scroll too much usually isn’t enough to change our behavior, what we lose when every quiet or uncomfortable moment gets filled with input, and why boredom and empty space may actually be worth protecting. Ruby also shares practical ways to create healthier digital boundaries without demonizing technology or pretending we can simply throw our phones away.
This isn’t about using your phone perfectly - or even necessarily using it less. It’s about recognizing that our attention has value and becoming more intentional about where we choose to spend it.
Links Discussed in This Episode |
Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.
Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube Channel
Diane's Resource: App: ReThink (Pause Before You Buy) Use code MINIMALIST for 10% off in the app
Previous Episode: Your Phone Doesn't Belong in Your Bedroom (Here's Why) | Emily Bryne (Bonus Episode)
Previous Episode: The Attention Problem: Why Screen Time Isn’t the Real Issue | @OliviaUnplugged (EP466)
Previous Episode: What We Lose (and Reclaim) When We Put Down Our Phones | Frank Possemato (EP433)
Previous Episode: Reset Your Relationship with Your Phone | Joey Odom (EP345)
Brick
Book: Stolen Focus by Johan Hari
Ruby's Resource: Libby app
Connect with Ruby:
Website
Book: How to Stop Scrolling: A clear path from phone dependency to digital empowerment

About Ruby |
Ruby is a Columbia trained Statistician and former New York City high school math teacher. Her background and training along with her personal interest in psychology, have shaped her research and writing interest: the intersection of optimization, habits, and intentionality. She is the author of the book, How to Stop Scrolling, which is available in paperback, kindle and audiobook. You can find her book, blog, and weekly newsletter The Scroll Shift, on her website, rubyrybawrites.com  
Episode Sponsors |
The Minimalist Moms Podcast would not be possible without the support of weekly sponsors. Choosing brands that I believe in is important to me. I only want to recommend brands that I believe may help you in your daily life. As always, never feel pressured into buying anything. Remember: if you don't need it, it's not a good deal!
Enjoy the Podcast?
Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your fellow mothers so that they can be inspired to think more and do with less. 
Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity.
You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com
* Check out Cure Hydration and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://www.curehydration.com
* Check out DeleteMe and use my code joindeleteme.com/MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://joindeleteme.com
* Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com

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A quick note before we begin: Eryn Lynum is a Christian author and creator, and her work explores the natural world through the lens of both science and faith. While our conversation includes references to God and Scripture, the ideas we explore around attention, wonder, contentment, and helping our kids become more curious about the world around them are relevant regardless of your faith background.
Our kids are growing up in a world designed to make them want the next thing - the next video, the next toy, the next experience, the next hit of stimulation. So how do we help them discover the satisfaction of simply paying attention to what's already here?
Today I'm joined by master naturalist, author, and Nat Theo podcast host Eryn Lynum for a conversation that goes beyond the usual advice to “get your kids outside.” Instead, we're exploring what the natural world can teach our kids about attention, contentment, curiosity, and enough.
Eryn explains why “noticing” is both a scientific and spiritual discipline and how learning to observe creation closely can shift kids from passive consumption to active curiosity. We talk about the surprising purpose behind creatures we often dismiss - from mosquitoes and skunks to vultures - and how discovering order in the natural world can deepen a child's sense of wonder.
Links Discussed in This Episode |
Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.
Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube Channel
Previous Episode: The Case Against Convenience: Why the Small Stuff Makes Life Better | Ian Bogost (EP464)
App: Merlin Bird ID
Episode: Why Did God Make Mosquitoes? Lesson 129
Erin's Resource: Sherwood Audio App
Connect with Erin:
Website
Instagram
Facebook
Youtube
Podcast
Book: Made to Marvel: 52 Family Devotions Exploring the Wild Wonders of God's Creation | Where Wonder Leads: An Adventure in God's Wild and Wonderful World

About Erin |
Eryn Lynum is a certified master naturalist, has a degree in biblical studies and systematic theology, and hosts the popular podcast Nat Theo: Nature Lessons Rooted in the Bible, which is regularly ranked as a Top Ten podcast in multiple categories on Apple Podcasts. She is the author of three books, has four children, and lives in Colorado with her family.
Episode Sponsors |
The Minimalist Moms Podcast would not be possible without the support of weekly sponsors. Choosing brands that I believe in is important to me. I only want to recommend brands that I believe may help you in your daily life. As always, never feel pressured into buying anything. Remember: if you don't need it, it's not a good deal!
Enjoy the Podcast?
Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your fellow mothers so that they can be inspired to think more and do with less. 
Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity.
You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com
* Check out Cure Hydration and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://www.curehydration.com
* Check out DeleteMe and use my code joindeleteme.com/MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://joindeleteme.com
* Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ever replayed a conversation in your head, wondering if someone was upset with you? Or found yourself getting defensive over a comment that probably wasn't meant the way you interpreted it?
We all do it. We assume the worst, read between the lines, and sometimes turn small misunderstandings into much bigger conflicts. But how much of the tension in our relationships comes from what's actually happening - and how much comes from the stories we're telling ourselves?
Today I'm joined by philosopher Mark Schroeder, author of When Things Get Personal, to explore why we take things personally, how easily we misunderstand the people closest to us, and what we can do differently.
We talk about why good intentions don't always prevent conflict, how to recognize when we're making assumptions about someone else's behavior, and the difference between extending grace and overlooking something that genuinely needs to be addressed. From marriage and parenting to friendships and everyday interactions, Mark offers a fresh perspective on navigating difficult relationships without adding unnecessary tension to our lives.
Because sometimes the most freeing thing we can do isn't change someone else's behavior - it's change how we interpret it.
Links Discussed in This Episode |
Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.
Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube Channel
Connect with Mark:
www.markschroeder.net
philosophymark.substack.com
https://www.instagram.com/maschroe/
Book: When Things Get Personal: A Philosophical Guide to Conflict

About Mark |
Mark Schroeder is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Southern California, where he is founding director of the Conceptual Foundations of Conflict Project. His books include Slaves of the Passions, Being For, Reasons First, and When Things Get Personal.
Episode Sponsors |
The Minimalist Moms Podcast would not be possible without the support of weekly sponsors. Choosing brands that I believe in is important to me. I only want to recommend brands that I believe may help you in your daily life. As always, never feel pressured into buying anything. Remember: if you don't need it, it's not a good deal!
Enjoy the Podcast?
Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your fellow mothers so that they can be inspired to think more and do with less. 
Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity.
You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com
* Check out Cure Hydration and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://www.curehydration.com
* Check out DeleteMe and use my code joindeleteme.com/MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://joindeleteme.com
* Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

I’m excited to share a podcast I’ve been loving lately called Just Sleep: Bedtime Stories for Adults. Host Tasha Glasgow reads classic, comforting stories to help you quiet your racing mind, step away from late-night phone scrolling, and easily drift off to sleep. Search for Just Sleep wherever you get your podcasts. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Most of us could probably tell you the kind of person we want to be. We want to be more present, more intentional, less reactive. We want to stop overthinking so much and actually take action on the things that matter to us.
But I think there can be a pretty big gap between who we say we want to be and how we’re actually showing up in our everyday lives. And that’s really what today’s conversation is about: how do we begin to close that gap?
My guest today is Mimi Bouchard. Mimi is an entrepreneur, motivational speaker, author of Activate Your Future Self, and creator of the Activations app.
But this conversation goes beyond the app. Mimi and I talk about what it actually looks like to become the person you keep saying you want to be. We get into overthinking, getting clear about what you want, the things we repeatedly feed our minds, and why real change is usually much less dramatic than we make it out to be. It happens through the small choices we make again and again.
Get a 14-day free trial plus a massive discount on Activations: activations.com/minimal
Links Discussed in This Episode |
Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.
Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube Channel
Diane's Resource: Sentimental Cards
App: Activations
Activations: Become Your Magnetic Future Self
Connect with Mimi:
Website
Instagram
Book: Activate Your Future Self

About Mimi |
Mimi is an entrepreneur, motivational speaker, published author of "Activate Your Future Self", and founder of the app Activations - a modern alternative to meditation. After years of struggling to connect with traditional mindfulness, Mimi created a more versatile, time-efficient option to feel grounded and motivated. With over 100,000 users (including fans like Miranda Kerr!), Activations are unique guided audios designed to be played while you live your life - no sitting in silence required. Her signature approach blends science and soul; rooted in habit formation, neuroscience, and practical strategies while radiating warmth and relatability. Mimi has helped thousands of women feel more inspired, abundant, and motivated, and is creating a new form of “personal development” method that’s both practical and magnetic.
Episode Sponsors |
The Minimalist Moms Podcast would not be possible without the support of weekly sponsors. Choosing brands that I believe in is important to me. I only want to recommend brands that I believe may help you in your daily life. As always, never feel pressured into buying anything. Remember: if you don't need it, it's not a good deal!
Enjoy the Podcast?
Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your fellow mothers so that they can be inspired to think more and do with less. 
Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity.
You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com
* Check out Cure Hydration and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://www.curehydration.com
* Check out DeleteMe and use my code joindeleteme.com/MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://joindeleteme.com
* Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy