Connected Simplicity

Discover how decluttering goes beyond tidying up—it's a pathway to peace, deeper connections, and a fulfilled life. Shannon Leyko, host of the podcast Paring Down, shares her insights on the mental and emotional foundations of decluttering and how to make space for what truly matters.

In this episode:

• Shannon’s journey from a professional singer and reality TV producer to decluttering expert and podcast host
• How her background in psychology informs her approach to decluttering
• The three types of episodes on Paring Down: decluttering challenges, good stuff filling your life, and listener-focused chai chats
• Why mental roadblocks and emotional attachment are the core challenges in decluttering
• Understanding the difference between friendship and community and the importance of both in our lives
• How decluttering gives you agency and peace in your home and mind
• Shannon’s upcoming book: Don’t Save the Good Stuff, focusing on releasing excess to invite fulfillment
• Practical tips for decluttering and inviting the good stuff into our lives

Connect with Shannon Leyko:

• Paring Down Podcast: https://shannonleyko.com/paring-down-podcast
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonleyko/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown
• Website: www.shannonleyko.com

Resources and links:

• Website: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/
• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/suzannesearcyjohnson
• Private Coaching: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/work-with-me/
• Sign up for my newsletter: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/newsletter/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzanne.searcy.johnson/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzanne.searcy.johnson
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@suzannesearcyjohnson
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@suzannesearcyjohnson
• Free Resources: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/resources/

In this episode, I talk about why so many women struggle to trust their own intuition and how easy it is to lose connection with our inner voice. We'll identify what self‑trust looks like (and doesn’t look like), and how distraction, overwhelm, and over‑seeking advice can pull us away from our own wisdom.

I also walk through the simple steps I use to slow down, listen to my inner "nudgings," and make decisions that align with my values and my intuition.

You’ll hear:

• Indicators of a breakdown in self-trust
• Noticing your intuition and how it shows up in your body
• Knowing when to seek guidance and when to look inward
• A personal story of following my gut in business
• Five simple practices to strengthen self‑trust and make confident choices

If you’re ready to reconnect with your inner voice and make decisions with more confidence, this episode will help you begin that process.

Resources and links:

• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/suzannesearcyjohnson
• Private Coaching: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/work-with-me/
• Website: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/
• Sign up for my newsletter: The Live Connected Newsletter
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzanne.searcy.johnson/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzanne.searcy.johnson
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@suzannesearcyjohnson
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@suzannesearcyjohnson
• Free Resources: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/resources/

My guest today is Jay Ramsden, the “Empty Nest Coach” on Instagram and TikTok. We're discussing how we can rediscover purpose and passion when our children leave home or any time in life. Jay and I have chatted before in person and on his podcast, so I'm thrilled to be able to share his insights with you.

In this episode:

• The importance of communication and setting expectations with others
• Building a new identity beyond parenting through self-discovery and curiosity
• Strategies for maintaining and revitalizing your relationship after children leave
• The significance of exploring interests and passions to live your best life
• How to avoid waiting for circumstances and instead create opportunities for fulfillment

Connect with Jay Ramsden:

• Jay's Website: https://www.thisemptynestlife.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.emptynest.reset
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.emptynest.reset
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonramsden/
• This Empty Nest Life Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-empty-nest-life/id1547010658

Resources and links:

• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/suzannesearcyjohnson
• Private Coaching: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/work-with-me/
• Website: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/
• Sign up for my newsletter: The Live Connected Newsletter
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzanne.searcy.johnson/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzanne.searcy.johnson
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@suzannesearcyjohnson
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@suzannesearcyjohnson
• Free Resources: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/resources/

Most people imagine tiny house living as cramped, limiting, or only for extreme minimalists. As a Nashville transplant thriving in my 399 sq. ft. home in Austin, I found that downsizing transformed my finances, lifestyle, and sense of community. Whether you're looking to go tiny or just downsize to a smaller traditional home, you'll discover freedom in living with less. My story isn’t just about living small — it’s about living intentionally in a way that truly feels expansive.

In this episode:

• How to evaluate if tiny living suits your goals and lifestyle
• The different types of tiny homes and what works best for active travelers or rooted communities
• Creative storage hacks that maximize small spaces without clutter
• The crucial financial considerations, including land lease costs, expected expenses, and affordable options
• The emotional and social benefits of embracing community in a tiny home neighborhood

Mentioned in this episode:

• Tiny House Tour on Tiny House Giant Journey YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/FWZzpSl7eAQ?si=G4ihb3_78rt8q10A
• Roaming with Moose YouTube Channel (Heather and Joe): https://www.youtube.com/@RoamingWithMoose

Resources and links:

• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/suzannesearcyjohnson
• Private Coaching: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/work-with-me/
• Website: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/
• Sign up for my newsletter: The Live Connected Newsletter
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzanne.searcy.johnson/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzanne.searcy.johnson
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@suzannesearcyjohnson
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@suzannesearcyjohnson
• Free Resources: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/resources/

My guest today is Erin Flynn, co-founder of the certified organic farm, Green Gate Farms. Erin shares the history of the farm and the vision for a tiny home agrihood in Austin, TX that became a reality - and my home! Our conversation – recorded on Earth Day – highlights that the farm has been more than just an agricultural endeavor as it has supported the local community for 20 years.

In this episode:

• The origin of Green Gate Farms
• The agrihood concept that saved the farm
• The impact of community-supported agriculture
• Practical ways listeners can connect with nature, support local farms, and advocate for sustainable communities

Guest links:

• Green Gate Farms: https://www.greengatefarms.net/
• Follow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greengatefarms
• The Green Amendment: https://a.co/d/0eHE7jXK
• From What Is to What If: https://a.co/d/0cNqgTIh

Resources and links:

• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/suzannesearcyjohnson
• Private Coaching: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/work-with-me/
• Website: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/
• Sign up for my newsletter: The Live Connected Newsletter
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzanne.searcy.johnson/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzanne.searcy.johnson
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@suzannesearcyjohnson
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@suzannesearcyjohnson
• Free Resources: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/resources/

Episode 1 explores the essence of connected simplicity — a way to declutter not just your space, but your mind and soul. I'm sharing my personal journey toward a simpler, more connected life and providing three actionable steps you can start implementing today to shift your own life towards simplicity.

In this episode:

• The books that led me to pursue simplicity
• Moving from controlling my external environment to finding internal peace
• The puzzle piece I was missing - reconnecting to nature, others, spirituality, and myself
• Downsizing to a tiny home
• Three simple actions you can implement today for greater peace and simplicity

Resources and links:

• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/suzannesearcyjohnson
• Private Coaching: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/work-with-me/
• Website: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/
• Sign up for my newsletter: The Live Connected Newsletter
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzanne.searcy.johnson/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzanne.searcy.johnson
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@suzannesearcyjohnson
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@suzannesearcyjohnson
• Free Resources: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/resources/

Mentioned in this episode:

• Simplify Your Life by Elaine St. James
• The Simple Life by Charles Wagner
• Beyond Decluttering: 40 days to experiencing simplicity through connection