Clear Intentions with Diane Boden

Good (Enough) Mother | Ashley Fenker (EP29)


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What does it mean to be a "good enough" mother in the midst of chaos, chronic illness, and creativity? In this episode, Ashley Fenker shares the story behind her book Good Enough Mother: Stories and Essays, and how the isolation of the 2020 pandemic sparked her return to writing. In our conversation today, Ashley opens up about her struggles and the healing power of journaling, reflection, and creative expression. This honest conversation explores the messy, beautiful reality of motherhood—and the freedom that comes with letting "good enough" be enough.

Links Discussed in This Episode |
  • Previous Episode: The Opt-Out Family with Erin Loechner (EP339)
  • Previous Episode: Intentional Learning at Home with Erin Loechner (EP200)
  • Previous Episode: Minimalist Living: The Big Apple with Elizabeth Passarella (EP159)
  • Connect with Ashley:
  • Website
  • Book: Good (Enough) Mother by Ashley Fenker
  • Instagram


About Ashley|

Ashley Fenker is the author of the new release, Good (Enough) Mother: Stories and Essays, which ranked #1 Top New Release on Amazon. It was distinguished as a recipient of Awards & Accolades from Kirkus Reviews and it was selected by editors to be featured in the May 1, 2025 issue of Kirkus Reviews Magazine. Her articles and essays have appeared in O, The Oprah Magazine, Upworthy, HuffPost, HelloGiggles, Fathom Magazine, Scary Mommy, Coffee + Crumbs, and more. Her essays have gone viral, bringing in hundreds of thousands of page views from readers across the globe. She lives in a quiet country house in Maryland with her husband and their growing family.

Episode Sponsors |

Clear Intentions 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!


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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.


Questions |
  • You can contact me through my website, find me on InstagramPinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.


  • Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.


  • If you’ve been struggling with motivation to declutter or work through bad habits that keep you stuck, I’d love to help you achieve your goals! We’ll work together (locally or virtually) to discover what areas in your life are high priority to get you feeling less overwhelmed right away.  For more info on my processes, fees, and availability please contact!


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Clear Intentions with Diane BodenBy Diane Boden

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