Minimal-ish: Minimalism, Intentional Living, Motherhood

Today on Minimalish, I’m joined by Katy Wells– wife, mom and decluttering expert for a refreshing conversation on starting the new year off on the right foot in our homes. She shares her own journey with decluttering and discusses the mental, emotional, and physical impacts of clutter that quietly weigh us down.  Katy also shares practical strategies for simplifying in a busy household or season (and why we need to continue to normalize lived-in spaces, especially with kids). 

Katy is the host of the Top 50 podcast The Maximized Minimalist and may have seen her featured recently on NBC News, where she helps families clear their floors, minds, and to-do lists so they can feel calm, clear and in control again.

If you’ve been stuck in a cycle of decluttering and re-cluttering, I hope you leave this episode with the belief that change is possible. 

Connect with Katy:


Katy’s Website


Katy’s Podcast (The Maximized Minimalist)


Katy on Instagram (@katyjoywells)


Pre-order Katy’s Book: Making Home Your Happy Place: A Real-Life Guide to Decluttering Without the Overwhelm (Releases February 17, 2026)

Other Links:


Desirae on Instagram


Minimal-ish Podcast Website

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Today's episode is starting with a mini solo episode and continuing with a conversation that I am honored to re-share with Emily Ley. She wrote a devotional book titled Sure as the Sunrise in 2022, and in today's episode, we focus in on the idea of creating a word for the year along with how to create a grace filled morning routine that will work for whatever your life looks like right now.

This conversation was so encouraging and comes at the perfect time of year as we are looking towards the fresh start of the new year, but I hope this episode reminds you that any day can be a fresh start.

More Minimal-ish New Year Episodes:


Episode 213: 4 Ways to Walk Intentionally into 2024 - Other Ways to Set Goals or Intentions for the Year


Episode 212: The Annual Minimal-ish Goal Setting Episode- Reflecting on Your Year and Setting Goals that Align with Your Values


Episode 165: One Small, Impactful Change to Start the Year (Changing the New Years Narrative)

Links:


Emily's Devotional: Sure as the Sunrise


⁠Emily's Website⁠


⁠Emily on Instagram⁠


⁠Podcast Website⁠


⁠Desirae on Instagram⁠

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DRAFT SHOWNOTES:

This week I’m so excited to be joined by Sam Lindauer, a mom, physical therapist, and strength training coach on the Ladder app, for a motivating and encouraging conversation all about strength training— especially for women and moms who want to feel stronger, more energized, and more mentally grounded.

Sam reminds us that you don’t need perfect conditions, a gym membership, or a ton of free time to get started. She shares some much needed reminders for busy moms about how showing up consistently and giving your body small, intentional challenges over time can still make a big impact.

If you’re craving a more doable and sustainable way to feel stronger in your current season of life or even as you approach creating goals for the new year, Sam’s encouragement and practical tips will meet you right where you are.

Links from this episode:


Ladder App (30 days free)


Sam on Instagram (@strongwithsamantha)

Join Sam’s Team on Ladder

Ladder Website

Desirae on Instagram

Minimal-ish Podcast Website

Previous Minimal-ish Episodes on Fitness in Motherhood


Episode 265: Monthly Experiment #1: Healthier Habits


Episode 224: Simplifying Fitness and Wellness in Motherhood with Amy Kiefer

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This week on Minimalish, I’m welcoming Devon Kuntzman, founder of Transforming Toddlerhood, for a conversation every toddler parent needs, especially during the holiday season. Devon brings so much clarity and compassion to the toddler years, and this episode is full of encouragement and truly helpful strategies you can start using right away.

We talk about what’s really going on beneath “big behaviors,” why toddlerhood is such an important developmental season, and how a lot of the work actually starts with us—our emotions, our expectations, and the environment we create.

Devon also shares practical tips for everyday challenges, including navigating sibling conflict, managing screen time, prepping for busy seasons (like holidays) so you and your kids can handle transitions with more ease, and setting boundaries with family and friends in a way that protects your values.

If you’re craving more peace, confidence, and connection in your home—especially with little ones in the toddler stage (though the tips can span many ages of childhood)— then this episode is for you.

Links from this episode:


Devon's Website


Devon on Instagram (@transformingtoddlerhood)


Check out Devon's Book: Transforming Toddlerhood


Desirae on Instagram


Minimal-ish Podcast Website

Holiday episodes:

Declutter with me (Holiday Edition)

A Values Based Holiday Season with Kat Steck

Values Based holiday spending with Jen

Hygge Holidays with Diane in Denmark

Mental Decluttering for the Holidays

Getting intentional about Gift Giving

Thinking Ahead for Intentional Holiday Traditions

Holiday Q&A (dealing with the influx of stuff, Finding time to rest, Traditions, etc)

Teaching our kids contentment and gratitude with Rachel Cruze

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This week on Minimalish, I’m joined by author and speaker Palak Dave for an honest and relatable conversation about something so many of us crave in adulthood—true connection and community.

Palak shares practical encouragement for building authentic friendships and creating spaces where people feel seen and welcomed. We talk about overcoming the fear of hosting, bringing authenticity into everyday gatherings, and finding joy in the simple, beautiful moments that make up real life.

She also shares her insight on how technology impacts our ability to connect, and how we can bring more intention and thoughtfulness into our relationships.

If you’ve been longing for deeper connections or want to create community right where you are, this episode will leave you inspired to start small and lead with intention.

Links from this episode:


Palak’s Website


Palak on Instagram (@paldave)


Check out Palak’s Book: Beautiful Everydays


Desirae on Instagram


Minimal-ish Podcast Website

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