Life is noisier, messier, and more complicated than ever. In our quest to keep up, we can try to do it all—with mixed results.

Instead of life passively happening TO us, we each have the power to create the life we want to live. On today's show: A conversation with author Elisabeth Sharp McKetta about figuring out what matters most and hitting delete on what doesn’t.

Here's a preview:

[7:00] Before we edit, we must first examine: 3 questions to regularly ask when seeking a life of intention

[9:30] The paradox of choice, plus: Why many of us rarely go after our first choice

[16:00] Words of encouragement for listeners who examine their life and don't like what they see

[21:00] Using your unique "core competencies" as organizing principles when editing your life

[27:00] Editing for generosity: How to edit your narrative to benefit the collective

[33:00] Elisabeth and Stephanie's thoughts on enjoying life despite the world's messiness

Resources mentioned:

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The US hails consumption as a patriotic duty. But refraining from buying isn't a punishment, and practicing a bit of self-control both resets our hedonistic baseline and re-centers our behaviors around moderation. 

It's paradoxical but true: Imposing temporary limits ultimately sets you free. On today's show author John Oakes discusses the numerous benefits associated with fasting from food, from spending, and everything in between.

Here's a preview:

[9:00] What do ancient philosophers have to say about self-control, holding back, and managing desires?

[13:00] Musings on why it's important to put limits on ourselves even though our economy thrives when we consume without limits

[25:00] We can do hard things! The personal benefits associated with embarking on a challenge and accomplishing it

[29:00] Is overconsumption contributing to our nationwide 'modern malaise'?

Resources mentioned:

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Big tech trains kids to become consumers from … well, birth.

Child-targeted marketing is cringe-worthy at best and unethical at worst. It also undermines children’s healthy development because it robs them of opportunities to play, imagine, and learn freely without manipulation.

Today I speak with Dr. Susan Linn about the ways in which technology exploits children (and what we can do about it at home).

(The podcast is approaching its 500th episode and in celebration I'm re-airing my Top 5 favorite episodes of all time. Here's #5.)

Here’s a preview:

[3:30] Brand loyalty? How media corporations exploit our children for profit

[6:30] Societal implications associated with perpetually up-selling to kids

[11:30] The ways in which big tech manipulates children into bonding with their devices

[17:00] A good, hard look: Addressing our collective preoccupation with technology

[28:00] Thoughts on breaking an older child’s screen addiction

Resources mentioned:

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Japanese argue that we each have three faces. The first is your idealized, near-perfect version; it's also the mask you present to the world. You reveal your second face selectively to very close friends and family, and you keep your third face — your true self — hidden from everyone (including, perhaps, yourself).

Our first mask conveys self-assuredness. Of being happy, put together, and in charge. But beneath our masks, we are messy creatures. We may even be living in deep emotional pain. On today's show: A conversation with author Jarod K. Anderson about removing our masks, being vulnerable, and boldly accepting our authentic, messy selves.

* A note from Stephanie: The future of this show is uncertain, and it needs hundreds (hundreds!) more supporters to stay afloat. If you find yourself thinking about the world differently after listening, please consider supporting the show with $5 per month or $45 per year. Thank you for doing your part  to keep Sustainable Minimalists in existence! https://sustainableminimalists.substack.com

Here's a preview:

[6:00] Shoulds, musts, and our cultural love of billable productivity

[10:00] Jarod's thoughts on why we tend to turn to external validation and societally-approved markers to enhance self-esteem

[13:00] The toxic myth that is 'rugged individualism'

[18:00] Exactly why vulnerability is terrifying but essential 

[25:00] How to view the natural world as a medicinal anchor that accepts us just as we are

Resources mentioned:

Resources mentioned:

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Want to be "up to date" with your wardrobe choices? Fashion forwardness understands that the textile industry is incredibly polluting; having your finger on the fashion pulse, then, is about consciously choosing not to participate in trends.

And yet we somehow must dress ourselves. While fast fashion is quite literally made to fall apart, wearing what we wore decades ago isn't a good look. So what on earth is a sustainable minimalist to do?

On today's show: How to mindfully refresh your wardrobe with tips straight from experts. 

* A note from Stephanie: The future of this show is uncertain, and it needs hundreds (hundreds!) more supporters to stay afloat. If you find yourself thinking about the world differently after listening, please consider supporting the show with $5 per month or $45 per year. Thank you for doing your part  to keep Sustainable Minimalists in existence! https://sustainableminimalists.substack.com

Here's a preview of the expert-backed techniques we are discussing today:

[8:30] All Killer, No Filler! Stop settling for garments that are "good enough"

[17:00] Adapt, Don't Abandon: How to pair an outdated item with something that's on trend

[24:00] Refine your style with The 3-Word Method

[26:00] Raise the dead! (A.K.A. bring back to life high-quality, foundational pieces)

[31:00] When all else fails, consider a uniform 

Resources mentioned:

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

More free time and less stress. Extra money in the bank. While minimalists often report such benefits of the lifestyle over and over, for many of us, it goes deeper. Indeed, a minimalist lifestyle may fundamentally change the way we interact with the world.

As this podcast approaches its 500th episode I find myself curious about the ways in which adopting a minimalist or minimal-ish outlook has altered the ways in which we as community act and think.

On today's show: A conversation with minimalist Elaina Jindra about just some of the ways her life is different these days.

Here's a preview of the minimalism-inspired habit changes we are discussing today:

[8:00] Watching less television and turning away from mass media

[14:00] Buying in bulk, no more

[19:00] Storing it at the store? Sure. Plus: Storing it at Goodwill!

[22:00] Eating healthier and drinking less alcohol

[25:00] Stepping into the role of 'creator' while losing the identity of 'consumer'

Resources mentioned:

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Just because a product is marketed to babies or kids doesn't mean it's safe, and new research published just last week has alarming things to say about the presence of phthalates in personal care products for children. 

While minimalists know that excess stuff harms our emotional well-being and mental loads, *sustainable* minimalists understand that products can harm our physical health. On today's show: Applying the tenets of sustainable minimalism to the hair and skin products our children use each day.

Here's a preview:

[7:00] If phthalates make plastics flexible and bendy, what on earth are they doing in personal care products?

[10:00] Don't see the term 'phthalate' on a product's ingredients list? That doesn't mean it's phthalate-free!

[13:00] Are phthalates the reason why our daughters are getting their periods younger and younger?

[19:00] No 10-step skincare regimen to see here: Here's a 5-step cleanup regimen for your household

[25:00] Musings on the tween and teen skincare beauty craze

Resources mentioned:

Products mentioned on today's show:

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Meal planning and prepping, laundry, and taking out the trash: These non-negotiable household tasks are never truly "done". And because it's impossible to get ahead of these mundane chores, they are likely the reason you feel like you’re always busy but never accomplish anything.

The bad news? Non-negotiables are a part of adulting. The good news? Streamlining such chores with a reduces the time and mental load associated with getting them done. 

On today's show: How to streamline meal planning *for the rest of your life* in under an hour.

Here's a preview: 

[6:30] Breaking down exactly how much extra you're paying for meal kits

[12:00] How to create a 28-day meal plan so you never have to meal plan again

[16:00] Take it a step further with one-and-done and done grocery lists 

Resource mentioned:

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

American culture is heavily influenced by a “rise and grind” reverence for hustling, and many of us have adopted the belief that sleep is a waste of time. When we dismiss the importance of sleep, we have more time to work harder and longer. And when we have more money in our pockets, what we are really doing is keeping our capitalist engines turning.

Contrary to what you've been told, sleep is not time wasted. On today's show: The Number One way to improve your health, wellness, and quality of life without spending any money at all (ahem ... prioritizing sleep).

Here's a preview:

[3:00] Rise and grind culture promotes sleep deprivation!

[9:00] What happens when we sleep? Hop on a metaphorical submarine and explore the Sleep Sea 

[15:00] A laundry list of bad sleep's deleterious health and wellness effects

[21:00] In your 40s or 50s? You especially need to prioritize sleep, and here's why

[29:00] 6 research-backed ways to prioritize sleep every darn night

Resources mentioned:

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.