Minimalist Moms Podcast | Purposeful Life & Parenting Tips

Diane Boden
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Feb 20, 2026 • 30min

Building a Business While Raising a Family: Doing Both WITHOUT Doing It All | Eva Yazhari (Bonus Episode)

For those that are new around here, I release bonus episodes that serve a niche part of my audience, so if this content is something that doesn’t fit what you’re looking for, check out the other episodes that dropped this week or join me back here next Tuesday for a conversation that you don’t want to miss!--------------------------------Is it really possible to build a meaningful career without sacrificing your presence at home? In this conversation, Diane sits down with venture capitalist and conscious investor Eva Yazhari to talk about the tension between entrepreneurship and motherhood - and why “work-life balance” often isn’t the goal in either space. After a decade on Wall Street managing billions in hedge fund investments, Eva stepped away from the traditional finance path to co-found Beyond Capital Ventures, a purpose-driven impact fund investing in ethical companies around the globe - all while becoming a mother of two. Together, they explore how motherhood reshaped Eva’s approach to leadership, risk, and success; why holding your self-worth high matters in both parenting and business; and how simplicity, boundaries, and long-term thinking can create more sustainable ways to grow—at work and at home.Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Previous Episode: Breaking Free from the Trap of Overachievement | Keren Eldad (EP17)Connect with Eva:Website InstagramBook: The Good Your Money Can Do: Becoming a Conscious InvestorAbout Eva |Eva Yazhari is an experienced investor, author, and advocate for conscious capitalism. As Managing Partner of Beyond Capital Ventures, she leads early-stage investments in East Africa and India, focusing on essential sectors with the potential to impact millions. Her investment portfolio spans over 50 equity and 9 debt deals, reaching more than 100 million customers and championing equitable ownership for all founders.Eva began her career on Wall Street as Vice President at EnTrust Capital, managing over $5 billion in investments. She now brings that institutional expertise to mentoring founders and scaling purpose-driven companies in emerging markets. She serves on the boards of Viebeg Medical, Lal10, and CarePoint, and contributes strategic oversight across the BCV portfolio. She’s also a member of the Athena Leadership Council at Barnard College.Eva is the author of The Good Your Money Can Do and co-hosts The Beyond Capital Podcast and The BCV Podcast, where she features global impact leaders. Splitting her time between London and Los Angeles, Eva combines financial rigor with values-driven leadership.She holds a BA in Mathematics from Barnard College, with additional credentials from MIT Sloan and Harvard Business School.Episode Sponsors |The Minimalist Moms Podcast would not be possible without the support of weekly sponsors. Choosing brands that I believe in is important to me. I only want to recommend brands that I believe may help you in your daily life. As always, never feel pressured into buying anything. Remember: if you don't need it, it's not a good deal!Enjoy the Podcast?Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your fellow mothers so that they can be inspired to think more and do with less. Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity.You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.Our Sponsors:* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://avocadogreenmattress.com/MINIMALIST* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Boll & Branch: http://bollandbranch.com/minimalist* Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Feb 19, 2026 • 42min

[REPLAY] I Respectfully Disagree: The Lost Art of Disagreeing Well | Justin Jones-Fosu

This podcast is part of the Clear Intentions series of the show.In this episode, we’re joined by speaker and author Justin Jones-Fosu to explore how respectful disagreement can be a powerful antidote to today’s growing loneliness epidemic. With half of Americans reporting just three or fewer close friends, we examine how fear of judgment, cancel culture, and surface-level conversations are driving disconnection. Justin unpacks concepts like the “dotted line dilemma” and the “illusion of asymmetric insight,” showing how our assumptions often block true connection. He also shares practical strategies to foster curiosity, embrace open-hearted dialogue, and stay present—even when we disagree. This conversation is a compelling reminder that we don’t have to agree to connect—we just have to keep talking.Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Book: What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing by Oprah and Dr. Bruce PerryConnect with Justin:WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedInBook: I Respectfully Disagree: How to Have Difficult Conversations in a Divided WorldAbout Justin |Justin Jones-Fosu brings energy everywhere—whether scaling one of the famed 7 Summits, dancing with his wife, or chasing after his four turbocharged kids. But his real passion? Elevating workplaces, one keynote, one training, and one course at a time.As the CEO of Work. Meaningful. Justin delivers 50+ keynotes a year, helping organizations climb higher with enchanting employee experience through meaningful engagement, belonging, and leadership that actually sticks.An author and workplace researcher, he’s written Your WHY Matters NOW, The Inclusive Mindset, and his latest, I Respectfully Disagree, a guide to navigating tough conversations in a divided world.With humor, insight, and research-backed wisdom, Justin doesn’t just speak—he creates experiences that leave participants not just informed but transformed.Episode Sponsors |The Minimalist Moms Podcast would not be possible without the support of weekly sponsors. Choosing brands that I believe in is important to me. I only want to recommend brands that I believe may help you in your daily life. As always, never feel pressured into buying anything. Remember: if you don't need it, it's not a good deal!Enjoy the Podcast?Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your fellow mothers so that they can be inspired to think more and do with less. Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity.You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.Our Sponsors:* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://avocadogreenmattress.com/MINIMALIST* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Boll & Branch: http://bollandbranch.com/minimalist* Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Feb 17, 2026 • 34min

Clutter That Keeps Coming Back | Katy Joy Wells (EP437)

If you’ve ever decluttered your home only to find the mess creeping back weeks later, you’re not alone - and it’s not a willpower problem. In this episode, Diane sits down with Katy Wells, author of Making Home Your Happy Place, to explore why traditional organizing methods often fail busy moms. After realizing clutter was keeping her from connecting with her toddler, Katy began uncovering the deeper emotional and behavioral roots behind accumulation. We talk about why some spaces feel impossible to manage, what “good enough” really looks like in a home with kids, and how to stop tying your self-worth to the state of your home.Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Book: How to Deal with Your ____ So Your Kids Don't Have to: An Encyclopedia for Ditching Your Emotional BaggageEli HarwoodConnect with Katy:WebsiteInstagramBook: Making Home Your Happy Place: A Real-Life Guide to Decluttering Without the OverwhelmAbout Katy |Katy Wells, author of Making Home Your Happy Place: A Real-Life Guide to Decluttering without the Overwhelm, created Holistic Decluttering—an approach that tackles clutter at its roots and pairs it with simple, sustainable systems. As host of The Maximized Minimalist podcast (5 million listens), Katy helps families break the cycle of clutter that keeps coming back. Her work has been featured on NBC News Daily, Martha Stewart, Better Homes & Gardens, Real Simple and more. She lives in Asheville, North Carolina with her husband and two sons.Episode Sponsors |The Minimalist Moms Podcast would not be possible without the support of weekly sponsors. Choosing brands that I believe in is important to me. I only want to recommend brands that I believe may help you in your daily life. As always, never feel pressured into buying anything. Remember: if you don't need it, it's not a good deal!Enjoy the Podcast?Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your fellow mothers so that they can be inspired to think more and do with less. Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity.You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.Our Sponsors:* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://avocadogreenmattress.com/MINIMALIST* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Boll & Branch: http://bollandbranch.com/minimalist* Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Feb 16, 2026 • 38min

When Faith Feels Off: Embracing "Soul Friction" and Finding a Deeper Relationship with God | Kendall Mariah (Bonus Episode)

For those that are new around here, I release bonus episodes that serve a niche part of my audience. This episode is coming from a Christian perspective, so if this content is something that doesn’t fit what you’re looking for, check out the other episodes that dropped this week or join me back here next Tuesday for a conversation that you don’t want to miss!--------------------------------What happens when you follow all the “right” rules of faith - make the right friends, attend church faithfully, marry the right person, seek God sincerely - and something still feels off?In this episode, Diane sits down with Kendall Mariah, author of This Little Fire of Mine, to talk about what she calls “soul friction” - that quiet but persistent tension between what we believe and what we’re actually experiencing. Kendall shares how growing up as a “good Christian girl” didn’t shield her from doubt, disillusionment, or the pressure to stay silent when things didn’t align. Instead of ignoring that friction, she began to lean into it - asking harder questions, speaking more honestly, and discovering a deeper, more intimate faith on the other side.We talk about why doubt can lead to discernment, how spiritual angst can refine rather than ruin your faith, and why it’s not only safe - but transformative -to bring your anger, fear, and confusion directly to Jesus. If you’ve ever felt tension between your values and your lived experience, or wondered whether questioning means you’re doing faith wrong, this conversation is an invitation to pursue a more integrated, authentic walk with God - one anchored in conviction, not performance.Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Connect with Kendall:Instagram; https://www.instagram.com/kendallmariah Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/kendallmariahcreativestudio TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kendallmariah Book: This Little Fire of Mine: How Flickers of Doubt Can Spark a Bolder, Brighter FaithAbout Kendall |Kendall Mariah is a lifestyle content creator, photographer, and brand strategist whose honest storytelling has cultivated a deeply connected online community. As a business owner, military spouse, and adoptive mom, she speaks authentically about the intersections of faith, identity, and everyday life. Episode Sponsors |The Minimalist Moms Podcast would not be possible without the support of weekly sponsors. Choosing brands that I believe in is important to me. I only want to recommend brands that I believe may help you in your daily life. As always, never feel pressured into buying anything. Remember: if you don't need it, it's not a good deal!Enjoy the Podcast?Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your fellow mothers so that they can be inspired to think more and do with less. Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity.You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.Our Sponsors:* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://avocadogreenmattress.com/MINIMALIST* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Boll & Branch: http://bollandbranch.com/minimalist* Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Feb 13, 2026 • 27min

[REPLAY] Mindset Matters BEFORE You Enter Your Closet | Jammie Baker

Did you know that shopping won’t solve your style struggles? If it did, you wouldn’t be struggling with a closet full of nothing to wear. The ultimate style solution starts with a mindset shift. Joining me today is former Hollywood stylist, Jammie Baker. Five years ago, she ditched the red carpet lifestyle to create a virtual styling business. Jammie empowers real women to find their unique style because she knows it’s not just about the clothes you wear, but the life you live in your clothes. Dressing from a mindset of appreciation and acceptance for your body will not only improve your experience with getting dressed but it will also boost your confidence.Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Order a Copy of Minimalist Moms: Living and Parenting with SimplicityDiane's Resource: EarlyBird CBD (Use code: MMP at checkout for 20% off of your first order)Beneficial Resource: Book: Year of Yes by Shonda RhimesConnect with Jammie:WebsiteInstagramFacebookAbout Jammie |Hi, I’m Jammie Baker. I help on-the-go moms feel confident and capable through thoughtfully curated wardrobes.After years as a Hollywood stylist - working with clients like Kerry Washington and brands like the NBA - I realized my heart wasn’t in dressing celebrities. I wanted to support everyday women, especially moms, because that’s where real life (and real closets) live.I saw how rigid fashion “rules” and boxed styling services left women frustrated - owning plenty of clothes, yet feeling like they had nothing to wear and still falling short of their goals. Style, I learned, isn’t just about what you put on - it’s about how you show up in it.So I stepped away from the red carpet to build a virtual styling business for real moms. Through my signature Momiform™ program and virtual styling services, I help women define their personal style and move through life with more ease and confidence.And along the way, I share my very real motherhood journey with my son, Max.Episode Sponsors |The Minimalist Moms Podcast would not be possible without the support of weekly sponsors. Choosing brands that I believe in is important to me. I only want to recommend brands that I believe may help you in your daily life. As always, never feel pressured into buying anything. Remember: if you don't need it, it's not a good deal!Enjoy the Podcast?Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your fellow mothers so that they can be inspired to think more and do with less. Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity.You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.Our Sponsors:* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://avocadogreenmattress.com/MINIMALIST* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Boll & Branch: http://bollandbranch.com/minimalist* Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Feb 10, 2026 • 29min

Tantrums vs. Meltdowns: Understanding Your Child’s Behavior (and How to Reduce It) | Tia Slightham (EP436)

Are tantrums and meltdowns really the same thing? Most parents treat them as interchangeable - but the difference matters more than we realize.In this episode, parenting expert Tia Slightham returns to the show to help us rethink what’s actually happening beneath our children’s behavior. She breaks down the key distinctions between tantrums and meltdowns, explains the deeper “why” driving these moments, and shares how our responses can either escalate or ease the situation.Tia also introduces her powerful Behavior Needs Roadmap - a practical, easy-to-use tool that helps parents identify unmet needs before behaviors spiral. If you’ve ever felt frustrated, confused, or unsure how to respond in the heat of the moment, this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and actionable steps you can use right away.Links Discussed in This Episode |Diane's Resoure: Book: Why We Sleep by Matthew WalkerPodcast: Dr. Matthew Walker: The Science & Practice of Perfecting Your Sleep | Huberman Lab Podcast #31Previous Episode: How to Get Your Kids to Listen - The FIRST TIME You Ask | Tia Slightman (EP413)Connect with Tia:WebsiteInstagramFREE Golden Time GuideThe Parenting With Purpose Method, 12 week coaching program About Tia |Tia has a Masters in Early Childhood Education, certified in Positive Discipline and has worked with kids and families for over 20 years. She is the founder of Tia Slightham- Parenting Solutions and The Parenting With Purpose Method, where she works with parents to teach them positive ways to decrease the daily struggles to build a strong parent/child connection.Episode Sponsors |The Minimalist Moms Podcast would not be possible without the support of weekly sponsors. Choosing brands that I believe in is important to me. I only want to recommend brands that I believe may help you in your daily life. As always, never feel pressured into buying anything. Remember: if you don't need it, it's not a good deal!Enjoy the Podcast?Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your fellow mothers so that they can be inspired to think more and do with less. Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity.You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.Our Sponsors:* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://avocadogreenmattress.com/MINIMALIST* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Boll & Branch: http://bollandbranch.com/minimalist* Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Feb 9, 2026 • 29min

Relationship Intentionality: The Questions We Forget to Ask | Lindsay Jill Roth (Bonus Episode)

For those that are new around here, I release bonus episodes that serve a niche part of my audience, so if this content is something that doesn’t fit what you’re looking for, check out the other episodes that dropped this week or join me back here next Tuesday for a conversation that you don’t want to miss!--------------------------------In a culture where busy schedules and unspoken expectations can quietly erode connection, how do we stay intentional in our relationships? In this episode, Diane sits down with author and TV producer Lindsay Jill Roth to discuss her book Romances & Practicalities: A Love Story (Maybe Yours!) in 250 Questions - a refreshingly honest guide to building lasting love with both heart and clarity. After a pivotal moment in her own relationship, Lindsay created 250 research-backed questions covering money, parenting, faith, ambition, and more - not to interrogate, but to illuminate. Together, Diane and Lindsay explore how intentional conversations strengthen communication, reveal hidden assumptions, and help couples move from autopilot to alignment. Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Connect with Lindsay:WebsiteInstagramBook: Romances & Practicalities: A Love Story (Maybe Yours!) in 250 Questions ―Spice Up Your Love Life and Build a Stronger Connection with the Ultimate Relationship GuideAbout Lindsay |Lindsay Jill Roth is an award-winning television and live-events producer who has created and developed a wide variety of programming globally, including original content for NBC, BET, ESPN, Food Network, Billboard, Ferrari, The Masters, The Grammys, The TONYs, and the US Open. She is the former producer of Emmy-nominated Larry King Now and the creator and executive producer of Haylie Duff’s Real Girl’s Kitchen. She is also the author of the novel What Pretty Girls Are Made Of. Lindsay lives in New York and London with her husband and two young sons.Episode Sponsors |The Minimalist Moms Podcast would not be possible without the support of weekly sponsors. Choosing brands that I believe in is important to me. I only want to recommend brands that I believe may help you in your daily life. As always, never feel pressured into buying anything. Remember: if you don't need it, it's not a good deal!Enjoy the Podcast?Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your fellow mothers so that they can be inspired to think more and do with less. Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity.You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.Our Sponsors:* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://avocadogreenmattress.com/MINIMALIST* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Boll & Branch: http://bollandbranch.com/minimalist* Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Feb 6, 2026 • 29min

How to Raise Resilient Kids Before Kindergarten | Gigi Schweikert (Bonus Episode)

For those who are new here, I occasionally release bonus episodes that speak to a specific part of my audience. If this content is not what you’re looking for right now, feel free to explore the other episodes released this week - or join me back here next Tuesday for a conversation you won’t want to miss.--------------------------------Resilience doesn’t start in middle school - it begins in toddlerhood. In this episode, Diane sits down with parenting and education expert Gigi Schweikert, CEO of Lightbridge Academy, to explore how emotional regulation, confidence, and grit are developed long before kindergarten. Gigi explains why everyday moments are actually powerful training grounds for lifelong skills. Together, they discuss why allowing young children to struggle in healthy ways builds emotional strength, how preschool environments foster independence and problem-solving, and what parents can do at home to support resilience without creating unnecessary stress.Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Connect with Gigi:Lightbridge Academy: https://lightbridgeacademy.com/Gigi’s website: http://gigischweikert.com/Gigi’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gigischweikert/Gigi’s Twitter: https://x.com/gigischweikertAbout Gigi |For over 35 years, Gigi Schweikert has dedicated her life to early childhood education. From the classroom to leadership, she has worked in just about every role imaginable—parent, director, consultant, author, and speaker. Her passion has always been helping children thrive, supporting educators, and building strong partnerships with families.Today, Gigi serves as the CEO of Lightbridge Academy, a leading early childhood education franchise that I’m proud to be part of. Their unique Circle of Care philosophy ensures that children, parents, staff, and franchise owners all feel supported and connected. They are not just providing childcare; they’re creating a community where learning, care, and leadership come together every day.Aside from her role as a CEO, Gigi has also written over a dozen books and countless articles for business owners, educators and parents, sharing practical guidance and encouragement. Her goal has always been to elevate the field of early childhood education and empower those who work within it.Whether she is speaking at a conference, walking through a Lightbridge Academy center, or mentoring leaders, the goal is the same: to inspire excellence in the care and education of young children.Episode Sponsors |The Minimalist Moms Podcast would not be possible without the support of weekly sponsors. Choosing brands that I believe in is important to me. I only want to recommend brands that I believe may help you in your daily life. As always, never feel pressured into buying anything. Remember: if you don't need it, it's not a good deal!Enjoy the Podcast?Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your fellow mothers so that they can be inspired to think more and do with less. Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity.You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.Our Sponsors:* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://avocadogreenmattress.com/MINIMALIST* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Boll & Branch: http://bollandbranch.com/minimalist* Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Feb 5, 2026 • 28min

Uncluttered Faith: How Minimalism Deepens Your Relationship with God | Joshua Becker (Bonus Episode)

For those who are new here, I occasionally release bonus episodes that speak to a specific part of my audience. This particular conversation is rooted in a Christian perspective. If that’s not what you’re looking for right now, feel free to explore the other episodes released this week - or join me back here next Tuesday for a conversation you won’t want to miss.--------------------------------Bestselling author Joshua Becker shares how a pivotal conversation led him from pastoral ministry into a life of radical simplicity - and ultimately into becoming one of the world’s leading voices on minimalism.In this episode, we discuss his newest book, Uncluttered Faith: Own Less, Love More, and Make an Impact in Your World, and explore how consumerism quietly competes for our devotion. Joshua unpacks how minimalism reshaped not only his home, but his spiritual life - offering believers and spiritual seekers alike a compelling invitation to loosen their grip on worldly possessions and rediscover the fullness of life Jesus promises.Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Connect with Joshua:WebsiteInstagramBook: Uncluttered Faith: Own Less, Love More, and Make an Impact in Your World: A Minimalist BookAbout Joshua |Joshua Becker, the bestselling author of The More of Less and The Minimalist Home, is the founder of Becoming Minimalist, a website dedicated to inspiring others to find more life by owning less. His websites have inspired millions around the world to consider the practical benefits of owning fewer possessions. His work has appeared in Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Christianity Today, and on numerous other outlets. Becker and his family live in Peoria, Arizona.Episode Sponsors |The Minimalist Moms Podcast would not be possible without the support of weekly sponsors. Choosing brands that I believe in is important to me. I only want to recommend brands that I believe may help you in your daily life. As always, never feel pressured into buying anything. Remember: if you don't need it, it's not a good deal!Enjoy the Podcast?Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your fellow mothers so that they can be inspired to think more and do with less. Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity.You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.Our Sponsors:* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://avocadogreenmattress.com/MINIMALIST* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Boll & Branch: http://bollandbranch.com/minimalist* Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Feb 4, 2026 • 38min

The Gift and Challenge of a "Spicy" Child | Mary Van Geffen (EP435)

Is your child deeply emotional, stubborn and seemingly immune to traditional parenting advice? In this episode, Diane sits down with parenting coach Mary Van Geffen, author of Parenting a Spicy One, to explore how to raise intense, big-feeling kids without crushing their spirit - or losing yourself in the process.Mary shares tools for staying calm during explosive tantrums, choosing connection over control, maintaining firm boundaries, and avoiding burnout when parenting feels relentless. If “gentle parenting” hasn’t worked in your home, this conversation offers a compassionate, realistic alternative rooted in calm, kindness, and confidence.Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Previous Episode: How to Stop Mom Rage: Calming Strategies Every Parent Needs | Jessie Ereddia (EP420)Connect with Mary:WebsiteInstagramBook: Parenting a Spicy One: A Compassionate Guide for Raising a Deep-Feeling and Wonderfully Strong-Willed KidQuiz: Are You a Spicy One?About Mary |Mary Van Geffen is an international parenting coach for Moms of Spicy Ones, as well as a Spicy One herself. Mary helps parents practice the spiritual discipline of staying calm, kind, and firm with their strong-willed kids--especially when they don't deserve it. She combines her training as a Simplicity Parenting counselor and Professional Co-Active Coach with hard-earned personal experience raising her own spirited child as well as her mild-mannered child. She has transformed the lives of over eight thousand mothers with her eight-week group program and on-demand digital courses. She shares daily inspirational tips with her nearly half a million followers on Instagram. Her greatest achievement is cultivating a connected relationship with her now-adult children.Episode Sponsors |The Minimalist Moms Podcast would not be possible without the support of weekly sponsors. Choosing brands that I believe in is important to me. I only want to recommend brands that I believe may help you in your daily life. As always, never feel pressured into buying anything. Remember: if you don't need it, it's not a good deal!Enjoy the Podcast?Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your fellow mothers so that they can be inspired to think more and do with less. Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity.You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.Our Sponsors:* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://avocadogreenmattress.com/MINIMALIST* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Boll & Branch: http://bollandbranch.com/minimalist* Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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