The Minimal Mom

By Dawn MadsenEducation Self-Improvement How To

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The Minimal Mom episodes

July 27, 2024 How to Walk Into a Room with Emily P. Freeman
Do you find it difficult to trust your own judgment? Are you uncertain about what you truly believe? How do you make the tough decisions about whether to stay or move on? Is the idea of closure just a myth? Join Dawn as she talks with Emily P. Freeman, a Wall Street Journal bestselling author of five books, including her latest, “HOW TO WALK INTO A ROOM: The Art of Knowing When to Stay and When to Walk Away,” about spiritual decluttering, and the connection between simple living and spirituality.

IN THIS EPISODE
3:01 How do you build trust with yourself?
5:35 Decluttering your inner life
6:50 How to find safe relationships
8:09 Just pick what you like and see how it grows.
10:37 How to walk into a room
11:42 Our lives are a house, and every room is a story.
15:40 How do you decide what you and your family REALLY believe (without outside pressure)?
17:32 Spiritual decluttering
19:50 It’s OK to investigate
21:15 When it's better to leave, than to stay.
24:58 Is closure a myth?
29:13 Breathe prayers
30:02 “For now…”
32:19 Decluttering is to our home, as silence,stillness, and solitude is to our souls.

Resources Mentioned:
“Start with Hello,” by Shannon Martin
Natalie Hoffman -FlyFree Podcast on YouTube

Emily P. Freeman is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of five books, including The Next Right Thing: A Simple, Soulful Practice for Making Life Decisions. As a spiritual director, workshop leader, and host of The Next Right Thing podcast (more than 25 million downloads), her most important work is to help create soul space and offer spiritual companionship and discernment for anyone struggling with decision fatigue. Emily holds a master’s degree in spiritual formation and leadership from Friends University. She lives in North Carolina with her family.

https://emilypfreeman.com/
https://www.instagram.com/emilypfreeman/
34 min
July 25, 2024 Addressing Negative Comments (I don't usually do this!)
I don't generally like to draw attention to negative comments, but I think I felt misunderstood when it cam to a recent video I did on home organization. Was it plastic junk and unnecessary, or the icing on top of all of my hardworking decluttering!?!
MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:
Testing Out New Organizing Products Video: https://youtu.be/BAvWKtVwbY8
Minimal Mom Mentorship Group: https://cli.re/minimal-mom-private-group
Clear Trash Bag Organizer: https://urlgeni.us/amzn/trashbags
Small Acrylic Containers: https://urlgeni.us/amzn/small
Ikea Acrylic Containers: https://urlgeni.us/ikea/ikea-bathroom
Large Spice Jars: https://urlgeni.us/amzn/spice-jar-lg
Small Spice Jars: https://urlgeni.us/amzn/spice-jars-sm
Spice Shelf: https://urlgeni.us/amzn/spice-shelf
Seasoning Packet Organizer: https://urlgeni.us/amzn/packet-organizer
Ikea Shoe Bench: https://urlgeni.us/ikea/shoe-bench
Wall Mount Shoe Racks: https://urlgeni.us/amzn/wall-rack
Car Trash Bag Holder: https://urlgeni.us/amzn/car-garbage

IN THIS PODCAST:
0:00 Are these organizing products wasteful?
2:30 My most controversial video
2:32 Addressing the negative comments and feeling misunderstood
5:05 If it’s not a definite yes, it’s a no.
6:50 Spice cabinet debacle
9:42 I felt like such a loser at keeping home and organizing
10:50 Solutions vs. upgrades
11:43 Look at the data
14:00 Shoe rack pushback
14:38 3 parts to keep a home maintained
15:38 Plastic, inventory, and gadget girl
17:25 We get to decide
18:35 Feeling discontent? Do this first.
22:10 It’s about function, not just looks.
25:00 Give your mom some grace! (Lessons learned from my mom)
--------------------------
Welcome to The Official Minimal Mom Podcast.
ABOUT THE MINIMAL MOM: Hi, I'm Dawn, if we haven't met before, I'm married to Tom and we have four kids ages 9-14. We live outside of the Twin Cities in MN and have called ourselves minimalists for 8 years now. We got rid of 85% of our stuff and don't miss ANY OF IT! If you'd like to see more instructional videos about minimalism and decluttering, be sure to check out my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMinimalMom
28 min
July 14, 2024 Why I wouldn't homeschool again
Get your Early Bird Brave Conference Ticket Here (just $37 until Monday at midnight!): https://www.made2homeschool.com/bravetickets Whether this is your first year or your 10th year of homeschooling, the Brave Conference is designed just for you! Join in to find encouragement, gain fresh inspiration and new ideas, build a supportive network, and prepare for the future with purpose. The sessions are tailored to meet you where you are in your homeschooling journey. Don't miss out on our early bird sign-up for only $37! Secure your spot today and take the next step toward a fulfilling and successful homeschooling experience.
Find the speaker line-up and more details here: https://www.made2homeschool.com/bravetickets ......................................
ABOUT THE MINIMAL MOM: Hi, I'm Dawn, if we haven't met before, I'm married to Tom and we have four kids ages 8-13. We live outside of the Twin Cities in MN and have called ourselves minimalists for 9 years now. We got rid of 85% of our stuff and don't miss ANY OF IT! If you'd like to see more instructional videos about minimalism and decluttering, be sure to check out my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@TheMinimalMom
31 min
July 09, 2024 A Deathbed Epiphany + The Power of a Life Audit with Dr. Leonaura Rhodes
Ever feel like, "this isn’t the life I signed up for?" Wondering if it’s OK to want a better life? Struggling to simplify while managing ADHD? Join Dawn and Dr. Leonaura Rhodes—a physician, counselor, coach, relationship strategist, and neurotherapist—as they discuss how to navigate unexpected life challenges, understand neurodiversity, embrace identity changes, and develop a clear strategy for creating the life you desire.
In this episode:

1:29 I hated my “dream job.”
2:55 Unexpected life challenges
5:15 Death bed epiphany
6:05 This isn’t what I signed up for
7:00 Simplifying with ADHD
8:20 Neurodiversity in kids
9:09 Object Permanence
9:53 “Your house is SO messy!”
10:55 Tips for those with ADHD
12:09 What’s in it for you?
13:28 You are NOT here to be a martyr
14:20 “Women are REALLY selfish these days.”
17:30 Neurofeedback therapy
19:43 Mindfulness practice
24:04 Take identity inventory
25:18 We CAN want a better life for ourselves
25:56 Invest 30 min a day in YOU!
26:30 Imagine, what would it be like to say no?
28:18 Identity changes
29:02 Do a “life audit.”
Resources Mentioned:
Beyond Soccer Mom by Leonaura Rhondes
About: Dr. Leonaura Rhodes has spent over 30 years helping people just create extraordinary lives on their terms. Her career began as a physician in the UK, then went on to become a counselor, coach, relationship strategist, and neurotherapist. She guides people who are committed to getting the most out of life, by helping them get clarity on the life they desire and help them create a solid strategy for change.
https://www.drleonaurarhodes.com/
Leonaura Rhodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC2IIJj_hnHZJO8BwcKPqInQ ............................................
ABOUT THE MINIMAL MOM: Hi, I'm Dawn, if we haven't met before, I'm married to Tom and we have four kids ages 8-13. We live outside of the Twin Cities in MN and have called ourselves minimalists for 8 years now. We got rid of 85% of our stuff and don't miss ANY OF IT! If you'd like to see more instructional videos about minimalism and decluttering, be sure to check out my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMinimalMom/
31 min
June 28, 2024 The "Bucket List" needs to go! Managing Summer Anxiety with Britt Frank
Are you experiencing more anxiety than relaxation this summer? Are your expectations realistic? Do you feel stuck or broken? What is anxiety doing to you? How can we maintain momentum when we don’t feel like it? Join Dawn and Britt Frank- a licensed neuropsychotherapist and author of The Science of Stuck and her newest release The Getting Unstuck Workbook- as they talk about seasonal summer anxiety, setting expectations, and getting “unstuck.”

IN THIS EPISODE:
2:36 Seasonal summer anxiety
3:51 Reset expectations
4:06 #Chuckthebucket
4:29 Don’t worry about the why.
5:14 My brain is on my side.
8:10 How do we help our kids?
10:17 It’s ok to need time.
11:32 Stimulation requires down regulation.
12:40 Boredom is NOT a problem to solve.
16:00 Microdose relaxation
18:42 Name it and own it.
22:25 Better done than good
23:01 How do we keep momentum going when the “pink cloud” goes away?
27:10 There is no such thing as a broken person.
27:35 Getting unstuck
32:20 Brains CAN change.

Resources Mentioned:
The Science of Stuck
The Getting Unstuck Workbook
The interruption of stuff (Podcast Ep. 24)

Bio/Her links: Britt Frank, LSCSW, SEP is a licensed neuropsychotherapist and author of The Science of Stuck (Penguin Random House), named by SHRM, Esquire, New York Magazine, and The Next Big Idea Club as a must-read as well as her new release, The Getting Unstuck Workbook. Britt received her undergraduate degree from Duke University and her master’s degree from the University of Kansas, where she later became an award-winning adjunct instructor. Britt is a contributing writer to Psychology Today and her work has been featured in Forbes, NPR, The New York Times, Fast Company, Psych Central, SELF, and Thrive Global.

www.scienceofstuck.com
IG: @brittfrank
35 min
June 24, 2024 Q+A: Letting go of Gifts, Hoarding & Homesteading, Fear & Guilt when Decluttering
Today I'll answer your questions like: How do I stop feeling overwhelming fear and guilt when letting go of things people have gifted me, even though I don’t want them anymore? I’m a homesteader, do I keep EVERYTHING in hopes of using it “someday?” My 3 kids share a room. Is there a better way to manage toys for older kids so the youngest doesn’t get into everything (or do I need to be reminded this is just a season)?
If you'd like to leave a voicemail with your own question, you can do so here: https://www.speakpipe.com/MinimalMom
In this episode:
1:30 I’m a homesteader, do I keep EVERYTHING?
4:58 How do I know when to stop decluttering a room?
7:58 Hoarder, feeling fear and guilt when letting go of things
14:46 What’s the longest amount of time you’ve gone without cleaning?
18:38 Decluttering with special needs
22:57 My 3 kids share a room. Is there a better way to manage toys for older kids so the youngest doesn’t get into everything (or do I need to be reminded this is just a season)?

Resources mentioned:
Natalie Hoffman Podcast Episode
A Monk's Guide to a Clean House and Mind
Laurie from Simply B Organized Podcast Episode
28 min
June 14, 2024 Cheap and Easy Design Tips for a Bright and Cheery Home
What are some of the biggest design mistakes? What is the #1 design tip? How can you avoid making this $10,000 design mistake? Today Dawn visits with Melanie Zaelich, an interior designer and owner of Home Stylist - a company that uses the power of design to bring more happiness to people. Melanie shares insights on how to avoid the biggest design mistakes and how she got started in design after being on HGTV.
IN THIS EPISODE:
1:18 Melanie's start on HGTV
3:37 Conventional vs. unconventional design
4:48 Biggest designs mistakes
5:00 #1 Design tip (get rid of your stuff!)
5:43 Save $10,000 with this one tip
12:21 Bring life into your space
14:58 Architectural Design vs. Minimalism
18:24 How do I discover my own style?
23:35 Get an outside perspective
24:05 Newest design trends

Resources
Plant watering globes

ABOUT MELANIE:
Melanie is the owner of Happy Place Interiors. She loves seeing people light up when they enter a space that has been transformed. Melanie believes that your environment impacts your well-being and it can bring joy to your life and allow you to spend your time and energy on the things that are important to you — like, life. Happy Place Interiors puts a fresh spin on what you’d expect from an interior design company. Rooted in the belief that everyone deserves a happy home, our flexible and collaborative consultation-based, à la carte business model keeps high-quality interior design accessible. Learn more here: https://www.homeismyhappyplace.com/

28 min
June 11, 2024 How to Raise a Healthy Gamer with Dr. Alok Kanojia
Is my child addicted to video games? How do I know? What is a healthy amount of video game playing? Today Dawn visits with Dr. Alok Kanojia, also known as Dr. K, to discuss practical steps for preventing video game addiction. Dr. K, a former gaming addict and Harvard-trained psychiatrist, shares insights from his book "How to Raise a Healthy Gamer" on how to identify and manage gaming addiction in children.
How to Raise a Healthy Gamer Book: https://amzn.to/3x3zJdP
IN THIS EPISODE
00:00 Welcome Dr. Alok Kanojia
01:13 Can we REALLY raise a "healthy" gamer?
03:58 What about gaming addiction?
04:59 How have video games changed over time?
10:00 Sense of virtual identity
13:46 Are there actually benefits to playing video games?
15:47 Practical steps to getting video games under control
16:50 Get on the same team
22:09 25% rule
24:52 Can kids learn to manage video games on their own?
26:20 Ideal age to start playing
31:06 What if my spouse is the addicted gamer?
33:15 Do first person shooter games desensitize kids to real life?
36:04 Is there hope if I feel like I've ruined my child?
MORE ABOUT DR. K:
Follow Dr.K's podcast HealthyGamerGG https://open.spotify.com/show/6VaJwyS2KXxiXqR77jqzmP
Healthy Gamer Website https://www.healthygamer.gg/
- Instagram: @healthygamergg
- X: @dralokkanojia
- YouTube: @HealthyGamerGG
- TikTok: @healthygamer.gg

ABOUT THE MINIMAL MOM:
Hi, I'm Dawn, if we haven't met before, I'm married to Tom and we have four kids ages 8-13. We live outside of the Twin Cities in MN and have called ourselves minimalists for 8 years now. We got rid of 85% of our stuff and don't miss ANY OF IT! If you'd like to see more instructional videos about minimalism and decluttering, be sure to check out my YouTube channel!
41 min
May 31, 2024 Q+A: "Can you settle a decluttering debate?" "How do I manage a 'Monica' closet?"
Our Summer Declutter Challenge kicks off on Monday! Find full details here: https://www.theminimalmom.com/mentorship-group
Today I'll answer YOUR questions! If you'd like to leave a voicemail with your own question, you can do so here: https://www.speakpipe.com/MinimalMom
In this episode:
00:50 How do I solve my “Monica” closet?
06:27 My husband and I can't agree on this, help?
11:25 How do I push further without feeling guilty?
15:90 How do I get out of the comparison trap?
17:50 Decluttering with ADHD and no motivation, how do I get going?
23:30 How do I let go of perfectly good things?
Resources mentioned:
Podcast with Sarah McDonald: 5 Tips on Surviving, Thriving & Decluttering with Chronic Illness
The Science of Stuff by Britt Frank
The Minimal Mom Mentorship Group
30 min
May 24, 2024 5 Tips on Surviving, Thriving & Decluttering with Chronic Illness
Summer Declutter Challenge: Refresh & Re-Home begins soon! Find full details HERE!
Do you or someone you love struggle with decluttering due to chronic illness?
Listen in as Dawn talks with Sarah, a professional organizer and decluttering expert who also deals with chronic illness. She shares five tips to help those with chronic illness overcome hurdles in decluttering and simplify their lives.
IN THIS EPISODE:
0:00 Top tips for surviving and thriving with chronic illness
01:05 Sarah’s Story
3:10 Planning for sickness
5:50 Ask for help how you need in the way YOU need
11:24 How to help others
14:20 Recognizing the mental load
17:26 Encouragement for those with chronic illness
18:46 Simple doesn’t mean bad 26:48 Weird but it works
28:37 Not all jobs are equal
36:34 Convenience sometimes is survival

ABOUT SARAH McDonald
Sarah is a declutter expert, professional organizer, minimalist and simple living enthusiast; embracing simplicity, one change at a time. She came from a family of hoarders, but Sarah broke free and is now on a mission to help others do the same! She believes that less is more and she loves sharing my experiences, tips, and tricks to make life easier and more meaningful.
LINKS:
Find Sarah on IG: https://www.instagram.com/smallchangestv/
Find Sarah on YT: https://www.youtube.com/@SmallChanges

My jewelry is from Trades of Hope (Shop to help women out of poverty!): https://tradesofhope.com/minimalmom

Mother's Necklace on Etsy: https://cli.re/mom-necklace
(I have the gold in 18")

Welcome to The Official Minimal Mom Podcast. Thank you so much for listening and could I ask a favor? Would you mind following? It helps podcast apps recommend this podcast to more friends. Thank you! Dawn
40 min