The Canyon Home Podcast

Season 3 Episode 2 | A Merry Little Christmas

Welcome back to the Canyon Home Podcast, where I help you become the best homemaker you can be through tips on food, home, life, and style.

“Sometimes the dream needs a dose of real-life joy to truly shine.”

In this special holiday episode, I’m answering a thoughtful question from Karmen, a viewer on YouTube who asked something that really hit home:  What does a minimalist Thanksgiving or Christmas actually look like for an overachiever who wants to keep it simple—but doesn’t know how?

If you've ever found yourself chasing a perfectly styled, Pinterest-worthy holiday—and ending up burnt out and disappointed instead—this one’s for you. I share a practical, pared-down holiday plan rooted in peace, not pressure. We’ll talk about how to make space for what really matters, how to edit those big ideas into something manageable, and how to finally feel like you're living the season, not surviving it.

🎄 Together, we’ll craft your version of a “merry little Christmas” that’s rooted in feeling, not frenzy.

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🎶 Our theme song is Friendly Fire by the incredible Brian Buckley Band:
 https://music.apple.com/us/album/friendly-fire/929786228?i=929786239

📞 Have a question or something on your heart? Leave me a voicemail on the Homemaker Hotline: (312) 465-HOME (312-465-4663).

🌍 International listener? Send me an email: [email protected]

If this episode resonated with you:

Explore Season 1 of the Canyon Home Podcast


💫 If you’re loving what you hear, it would mean so much if you’d rate, review, and share with a friend who needs a little more calm this season.

📸 Let’s connect:

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canyonhome/ 

Follow Theodore on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theodoreleaf/ 

Subscribe to Theodore’s Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/theodoreleaf 

Check Out Theodore’s Blog: www.theodoreleaf.com  

Canyon Home Podcast 

Season 3 Episode 1 | Where have I been for 4 years?!

“Hello, and welcome to the Canyon Home Podcast.”
These are words I haven’t said in over four years—and today, I’m saying them again with a full heart and a brand new perspective.

This isn’t just a return—it’s a renewal. In this episode, I’m catching you up on everything: where I’ve been, what I’ve learned, and why I’ve come back to share it all with you. From my time as a private chef and estate manager to the quiet moments that shaped my spirit, I’ve collected a treasure trove of life lessons, home wisdom, and soulful inspiration—and I’m finally ready to give it away.

This is a conversation for anyone who's ever wanted to make their everyday feel like a special occasion—no staff required. Whether you’re folding laundry, planning a dinner party, or simply lighting a candle on a Tuesday, this is your space to feel empowered, inspired, and seen.

We’re building something beautiful here, together—one story, one meal, one perfectly folded towel at a time. Welcome (back) home.

Our theme song is Friendly Fire by the incredible Brian Buckley Band: https://music.apple.com/us/album/friendly-fire/929786228?i=929786239  

Miss us? Leave a voicemail on the Homemaker Hotline. (312) 465-HOME (312-465-4663). 

For our International listeners, send us an email: [email protected] , we can’t wait to hear from you.

Stay tuned for more episodes of the Canyon Home Podcast.

Like this episode? 

Check out Season 1 of the Canyon Home Podcast, or find future episodes here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/canyon-home

If you are liking what you are hearing, please consider rating our podcast, sharing with your friends and family, leaving a review, and subscribing.

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canyonhome/ 

Follow Theodore on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theodoreleaf/ 

Subscribe to Theodore’s Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/theodoreleaf 

Check Out Theodore’s Blog: www.theodoreleaf.com  

Thank you so much for listening to Season 3 Episode 1 of the Canyon Home Podcast!

Being invited into someone’s home is a gift — and being a great guest? That’s an art form.

In this episode of Home Made, Theodore and Charlie flip the script on hosting and dive into what it really means to be a gracious guest. From what to bring (hint: wine is fine, but there's more to consider) to how not to overstay your welcome, we’re sharing our golden rules for being remembered for the right reasons.

Whether you're spending a weekend in the guest room or just popping by for a dinner party, this episode is full of thoughtful takeaways that’ll make you the kind of guest who always gets a second invite.

✨ Plus: The best host gifts, how to help without hovering, and a guide on arriving at just the right time.

Connect with us:

🎙️ Your Hosts
Theodore Leaf
Instagram: @theodoreleaf
Website: theodoreleaf.com
Also host of Canyon Home

Charlie
Instagram: @askcharliehow
Website: askcharlie.how
Also host of Busy House, Happy Home

Episode 7: Little Luxuries — Small Splurges to Brighten Up Your Everyday

A beautiful candle. The perfect cup and saucer. The Fitness class kit that feels more like therapy. In this episode of Home Made, Theodore and Charlie celebrate the small indulgences that turn ordinary moments into something just a little more magical.

We’re talking about the power of everyday luxury—those personal, feel-good touches that don’t have to cost a fortune but make a world of difference. Whether it’s investing in a set of monogramed linen napkins, splurging on your dream yoga mat, or finally buying that fancy hand soap that makes you smile, these tiny upgrades are more than just stuff—they’re signals of care.

✨ Plus: Our go-to home comforts, favorite DIY , and permission to treat yourself (just because).

Connect with us:

🎙️ Your Hosts
Theodore Leaf
Instagram: @theodoreleaf
Website: theodoreleaf.com
Also host of Canyon Home

Charlie
Instagram: @askcharliehow
Website: askcharlie.how
Also host of Busy House, Happy Home

Episode 6: Welcome In — Hosting Overnight Guests with Style & Sanity

Whether you’ve got a dreamy guest room or just a well-styled sofa, this episode of Home Made is your go-to guide for making guests feel truly at home.

Theodore and Charlie share their favorite tips on what it really takes to host overnight visitors—graciously and with ease. From prepping thoughtful details to managing boundaries, this isn’t about perfection; it’s about creating a warm, welcoming space with whatever you’ve got.

We’re talking about everything from stocking the “good” towels to creating privacy in tight quarters, plus how to prep your home so you can actually enjoy your guests, not just manage them.

✨ Plus: Our favorite guest-ready rituals, last-minute hosting hacks, and one thing you should always leave by the bed.

Connect with us:

🎙️ Your Hosts
Theodore Leaf
Instagram: @theodoreleaf
Website: theodoreleaf.com
Also host of Canyon Home

Charlie
Instagram: @askcharliehow
Website: askcharlie.how
Also host of Busy House, Happy Home

Episode 5: Let’s Clean — Creating a Home That Feels Good

Cleaning doesn’t have to be a chore—it can be a reset, a ritual, even a little bit magical.

In this episode of Home Made, Theodore and Charlie dig into the art of cleaning with intention. From finding your personal rhythm to choosing products that actually work (and smell amazing), we explore how tidying up can shift not just your space, but your mindset.

We also talk about real-life messes—like how to get started from zero, why routines don’t have to be rigid, and the surprisingly therapeutic act of steam cleaning. Whether you're a deep-clean devotee or just aiming to clear the countertops, this episode is here to help you make cleaning feel like care, not punishment.

✨ Plus: Our go-to tools, favorite cleaning products!

Connect with us:

🎙️ Your Hosts
Theodore Leaf
Instagram: @theodoreleaf
Website: theodoreleaf.com
Also host of Canyon Home

Charlie
Instagram: @askcharliehow
Website: askcharlie.how
Also host of Busy House, Happy Home

Episode 4: Closets & Clothes — The Edit You Didn’t Know You Needed

Let’s talk about what’s actually in your closet — and what probably shouldn’t be.

In this episode of Home Made, Theodore and Charlie unpack the emotional and practical layers of closet organizing. From letting go of “someday” pieces to finally tackling the chaos of shared closets (yes, we’re looking at your partner’s side too), this is your permission slip to reset, refresh, and reclaim your space.

We dig into the art of the purge, share our go-to organizing strategies, and get honest about the little emotional landmines hiding between hangers. Whether you're building your dream wardrobe or just trying to find the floor of your closet, this episode is a step-by-step vibe shift — and a fresh start.

✨ Plus: What to donate, what to keep, and the secret power of matching hangers.

Connect with us:

🎙️ Your Hosts
Theodore Leaf
Instagram: @theodoreleaf
Website: theodoreleaf.com
Also host of Canyon Home

Charlie
Instagram: @askcharliehow
Website: askcharlie.how
Also host of Busy House, Happy Home

Episode 3: Dinner Again — Planning, Prep & Purveyors

Ever open the fridge and wonder, what’s for dinner... again? In this episode of Home Made, Theodore and Charlie dig into the art of making dinner feel less like a chore and more like a rhythm you can actually enjoy.

From planning weekly meals to batch-cooking with intention, we’re sharing the simple strategies that help keep things nourishing, flexible, and (most importantly) doable. Plus, we chat about the power of getting to know your local food purveyors — those everyday connections that make your ingredients, and your meals, even more meaningful.

Whether you’re feeding yourself or a full house, this episode is your gentle nudge to cook smarter, shop thoughtfully, and reclaim dinner as a joyful part of your home life.

✨ Plus: Tips on pantry planning, where to find the good eggs, and how to turn a Sunday into your new secret weapon.

Connect with us:

🎙️ Your Hosts
Theodore Leaf
Instagram: @theodoreleaf
Website: theodoreleaf.com
Also host of Canyon Home

Charlie
Instagram: @askcharliehow
Website: askcharlie.how
Also host of Busy House, Happy Home

Episode 2: Our First Homes — Where It All Began

We all start somewhere — and for us, it was a studio apartment in Los Angeles and a cozy flatshare in London. In this episode of Home Made, Theodore and Charlie share the charming (and slightly chaotic) stories of their very first homes.

From mismatched dishes and folding chairs to dreaming up dinner parties before the oven even worked, it was never about perfection — it was about the joy of creating a space to call our own.

This episode is an ode to the beginning: the moment you realize that home isn’t just a place, it’s a feeling. If you’ve ever set a table with love in a too-small kitchen, this one’s for you.

✨ Plus: Tips for entertaining on a budget and making the most of a small space.

Connect with us:

🎙️ Your Hosts
Theodore Leaf
Instagram: @theodoreleaf
Website: theodoreleaf.com
Also host of Canyon Home

Charlie
Instagram: @askcharliehow
Website: askcharlie.how
Also host of Busy House, Happy Home

Welcome to the very first episode of Home Made, the homemaking podcast where two friends—Charlie and Theodore—sit down to talk about what it really means to make a home today. This isn't a show about picture-perfect homes or flawless routines—it's about real life, the messy middle, and finding beauty in the chaos.

"Anyone can be a homemaker"

In this episode, we dive into our own backstories: how Charlie’s obsession with linens and a childhood steeped in design collided with Theodore’s culinary beginnings and love of making life feel just a little more elevated. We talk about why we started this podcast, our different relationships with homemaking, and how we want Home Made to feel like a cozy conversation with your two smartest, silliest, and most encouraging friends.

Whether you’re in your first apartment or creating your dream space, Home Made is here to help you feel less alone—and a little more inspired.

Like this Episode? Find us on Instagram and our other podcasts, as well as our websites below. 

Charlie: 

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/askcharliehow 

Website- https://www.askcharlie.how/ 

Busy House Happy Home Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/busy-house-happy-home/id1621525575 

Theodore: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theodoreleaf

Website- https://theodoreleaf.com/

Canyon Home Podcast- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/canyon-home/id1513071997