So many women know what it feels like to live for other people’s approval. Whether it’s in our marriages, motherhood, friendships, or even our faith communities. We project the “perfect” version of ourselves: kind, put-together, selfless, always smiling… but most of us are just freaking exhausted.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. Merry Lin, clinical psychologist, speaker, and author of The Fully Lived Life and The Great Unbecoming. Dr. Lin shares her personal story of growing up as the only Asian family in her community, and how she tried to become the “whitest, kindest, most Christian” version of herself just to be accepted. She opens up about what it means to live out of our shadow self—the insecure, performative part of us that craves belonging—and how that can keep us stuck in unhealthy cycles of performance and people-pleasing.

Together, we also wrestle with a powerful tension many women feel: believing that living in their flesh is living in their essential, selfish self, and therefore sinful. But our essential self is not selfish. The Bible says we are created in the image of God, and the word for “image” means essence. That means who we really are—our true, God-breathed self—is a reflection of His glory. Every woman reflects a different aspect of that glory.

In today's episode, we talk about:

• Why so many women feel like they must project a polished version of themselves (and how it’s draining their souls).

• The difference between living out of the shadow self vs. the essential, God-breathed self.

• How compassion and grace for ourselves unlocks healing.

• Why unbecoming the false self is actually the only way to truly become who God made us to be.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re performing your life instead of actually living it, this conversation will remind you that freedom begins with unbecoming who you thought you had to be and resting in the truth of who God already says you are. Follow along with Lindsey on IG: @livingeasywithlindsey Follow along with Dr. Merry Lin on IG: @drmerrylin Order REBECOMING today! 

In today’s episode, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Ilana Muhlstein shares her story of growing up in a home where fast food was the norm. As her dependence on food grew, her parents sent her to what she calls “fat camp.” That’s where she had the life-changing realization: “You only get one body.”

From that moment, Ilana began making small, consistent changes that led to losing over 100 pounds, and keeping it off. Now she leads a community of over 300,000 people who are learning to have a healthier, more joyful relationship with food.

In our conversation, we talk about the impact of giving kids a sugar-loaded diet on physical and mental health - how it affects their mood, focus, and energy for the rest of the day.  Ilana shares the two parenting patterns she sees most often when it comes to food—letting kids eat whatever they want or reacting out of frustration instead of planning ahead—and how to instead learn how to .

She offers practical, realistic tips for raising balanced eaters, teaching kids about carbs, protein, and energy in ways that make sense to them. We also explore how nutrition affects not just physical health, but mental health, confidence, and the parent-child relationship.

If you’ve ever wondered how to help your kids make better food choices without turning every meal into a battle, this episode is full of encouragement and easy, actionable ideas. Get Ilana's book, Love The Food That Loves You Back.  Find Ilana on IG: @raisingbalancedeaters and Ilanamuhlstein.com Follow along with me on Instagram: @livingeasywithlindsey 

In this honest and eye-opening episode, Lindsey Maestas dives deep into the impact of ADHD on relationships and friendships. With vulnerability, faith, and research-backed insight, she explores why many people with ADHD subconsciously seek out chaos, conflict, toxic relationships, or emotionally unavailable partners. It isn't out of desire, but as a way of seeking out neurological stimulation.

Lindsey discusses how ADHD can intensely heighten feelings of rejection, create a cycle of emotional highs and lows in relationships, often leading to toxic dynamics, chronic arguing, and feelings of inadequacy or isolation. She unpacks the difference between laziness and ADHD Paralysis, explaining the brain science behind task initiation struggles and why shame is often misdirected. 

Whether you’ve been diagnosed with ADHD, have a partner or friend who struggles with it, or simply relate to the patterns of emotional burnout, impulsive decisions, or feeling like you're “too much” in relationships, this episode is a lifeline. Lindsey encourages self-compassion and offers tangible insight to help you understand your brain, regulate your emotions, and build healthier, more stable connections without sacrificing your joy.  Don't forget to give a quick rating and review on Spotify or the Podcasts app (pretty please!) SUBSCRIBE for more conversations like this.  Follow along with me on IG: @livingeasywithlindsey

Do you ever find yourself losing your temper over small things, like shoes left out, bedtime battles, or your child’s refusal to shower, and wondering why patience feels so out of reach? Are you constantly torn between wanting to give your kids more freedom and feeling the need to control every little detail? In this episode of the The Living Easy Podcast, Lindsey Maestas shares her own journey of learning how to create autonomy in her children while practicing real, grace-filled patience with them and with herself. Lindsey shares her own struggle with control, the urge to create rules where they may not be necessary, and how a desire for peace in her home led her to pursue emotional regulation, realistic expectations, and a rhythm over-reaction. She unpacks the idea that patience isn’t something we simply “have”, it’s something we build, moment by moment, with intentional choices and Christ-centered perspective.

If you’ve ever felt guilty for being a reactive parent or overwhelmed by your own high expectations, this episode will meet you with honesty and hope.  Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE for more episodes every week! Follow along with me on IG @livingeasywithlindsey. 

What if the voice you’re allowing to lead your life isn’t God’s, but the enemy's? In today’s episode, Lindsey Maestas is diving deep into what it means to truly treasure God’s Word in our hearts and why Scripture memory isn't just a “nice” spiritual discipline, but a foundational key to fighting sin, strengthening our faith, and anchoring our identity in Christ. She discusses how filling our minds with God's Word can silence the noise of culture that so often leads us away from His voice.

We’re not losing the battle against sin because we’re "bad Christians"; we’re losing because we’re unequipped. Today, I want to help equip you. Whether you’re struggling with temptation, feeling spiritually numb, or just craving a deeper relationship with Jesus, this conversation is a reminder that Scripture is formative.

If you’ve been letting the world shape your thoughts more than the Word, this episode is a gentle but honest invitation back to what matters most. We’re talking about spiritual warfare, practical Bible memory tips, and the everyday miracle of letting truth change your heart from the inside out.  Follow along with Lindsey on IG: @livingeasywithlindsey Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE for more episodes each week! 

In a culture that preaches tolerance (unless you're a Christian), how do we hold fast to our convictions without shrinking back? In today’s episode, Lindsey Maestas unpacks the truth that the Gospel is offensive...and that’s exactly why it saves.

We’re in a world facing a mental health crisis, a loneliness epidemic, and a deep spiritual emptiness. People are desperately searching for meaning, and yet, the one truth that could set them free is often silenced in the name of comfort or people-pleasing.

Lindsey explores what it means to live boldly and compassionately, asking: What if we had said something? What if we had shown up before they spiraled? What if one hard conversation could have kept someone from self-harm or hopelessness?

We can’t live in the “what ifs.” The Gospel is meant to be shared; we were never called to water it down for our comfort. If we say we believe it, our actions have to reflect the truth we claim. But if we’re speaking truth, our lives must follow the calling found in Scripture.

You’ll hear:

• Why the Gospel will always offend culture...and why that’s good news.

• How our silence can cost someone their soul.

• What it means to live boldly in a post-Christian world.

• A reminder that truth without love is harsh, but love without truth is hollow.

Today’s episode, “De-Influenced: The Power of Minimalism in a World of Exhausting Consumerism,” with host, Lindsey Maestas, and author and mom-of-four Julia Ubbenga, invites listeners to consider the freedom found in having less stuff. They talk about the temptation of Influencer hauls, consumer culture, how clothes in your closet can suck joy and peace from you, and so much more.

Julia shares how her family gave away 75% of their belongings in pursuit of a simpler, more intentional life. We discuss her book, Rich in What Matters, which walks through the process of simplifying not just your physical space, but also your soul, mind, and relationships. Julia speaks to the cultural overwhelm of “more, more, more,” and how minimalism has reoriented her faith, motherhood, and marriage.

We also give practical tips for simplifying daily life as busy moms, the mental load of parenting, and how saying no to excess has helped her say yes to what truly matters. The abundant life Jesus promises often begins with subtraction.

Whether you're drowning in toys, trapped in comparison on Instagram, or just craving more peace in your home and marriage, this episode will remind you that less really can be more.

"Most people are going to go to the grave with the music inside of them, unplayed."- Oliver Wendell Holmes.  In today’s episode, I sit down with author and speaker Mary Marantz for a conversation that will light a fire under you in the best way. Mary shares how she approaches life with urgency, not fear, because she knows the clock is ticking and the dreams in her heart deserve action. Do we truly realize that the more we do hard things, the more we can do hard things?  We talk about what it means to stop waiting for the perfect moment, and how your brain can be trained to do hard things on purpose.  She discusses Predictive Brain Theory, perfectionism, the desire to fast-forward through the hard parts of chasing your dreams, self-sabotage, and why most people give up before consistency ever kicks in.  If you’ve felt stuck in fear, paralyzed by procrastination, or are just tired of sitting on the sidelines of your own life, this episode will challenge you to stop waiting and go do the thing. Get Mary's Book | Underestimated: The Surprisingly Simple Shift to Quit Playing Small, Name the Fear, and Move Forward Anyway

Take Your Fear Assessment Quiz: namethefear.com  Follow along with Lindsey on IG @livingeasywithlindsey.  Follow along with Mary on IG @marymarantz

In this episode, I sit down with DishItGirl Dina Deleasa-Gonsar—wife, mom, cookbook author, and yes, Kevin Jonas’ sister-in-law—for a vulnerable conversation that goes far beyond food. Dina discusses how her time on the reality series Married to Jonas became the boost she needed to start growing on social media, her Italian roots, and how Sunday dinners in her dorm room became the heartbeat of her kitchen. We talk about her new cookbook, At the Kitchen Sink, and the lost art of gathering as a family—which is more powerful than we realize.

Dina also shares her raw journey through postpartum anxiety and depression—navigating identity loss, therapy, and medication while watching others in her world thrive.

She opens up about receiving a cancer diagnosis while writing her book, and how her faith sustained her even when the future felt uncertain. From the chaos of early motherhood to the peace found around a dinner table, this episode is a reminder that God always shows up—even when we’re still in the storm. Follow along with me on Instagram for more faith, marriage, and life encouragement: @livingeasywithlindsey  Get Dina's book: At The Kitchen Sink HERE!  Follow along with Dina on Instagram at @dishitgirldina

In this episode of The Living Easy Podcast, Lindsey Maestas shares her personal, life-giving morning routine that has helped her manage anxiety, navigate depression, and start each day with a focus on God and on JOY!

From crawling to the yoga mat to sipping her favorite iced espresso, this routine isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. Lindsey opens up about the mental health battles she's faced and how these simple habits, paired with scripture and soul care, have helped her find calm and clarity as a Christian wife and homeschooling mom.

Whether you're a stay-at-home mom looking for a Christ-centered morning routine, a wife juggling chaos and craving consistency, or a woman battling anxiety and wondering where to begin, this episode offers practical tools and biblical encouragement to start your day with peace and purpose.