Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living (Shannon 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

Simple + Intentional website: simpleintentional.com

Simple + Intentional Podcast

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

Coming October 31, 2023! The Paring Down Podcast will bring 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 each Tuesday for interesting, practical conversations about paring down what you own, want, and believe.

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 ⁠glen@glenvanpeski.com⁠ to request signed book for $25

⁠Free Know Your Why Worksheet ⁠

⁠Free Baby Essentials List⁠

⁠Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff⁠

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"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

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

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