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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

Atlas of the Heart

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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

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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

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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

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