Do you ever feel bogged down by all the stuff inside your house? Hosted by Shannon Leyko, Paring Down is a podcast aimed at helping you declutter not only your home, but any area of your life that’s overwhelming. Here, we’re having interesting and honest conversations about the physical and mental clutter that drowns out what truly matters to each of us. The goal is to lean into a realistic version of minimalism— where it’s not a matter of less for the sake of less, but instead is about having the perfect amount to guide us toward a life of deep contentment. Instagram: @paringdownpodcast
The Paring Down: Realistic minimalism to live more intentionally podcast is a gem for anyone looking for inspiration and guidance on decluttering and living a simpler, more intentional life. Hosted by Shannon, this podcast offers a positive and genuine perspective on minimalism, without shaming or judgment. Shannon's insights as a mom, artist, and lover of libraries bring a unique and relatable approach to the topic. Whether you're a minimalist or not, this podcast will make you want to do some paring down.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is Shannon's ability to create a friendly and conversational atmosphere. Listening to her feels like chatting with an old friend who understands the struggles and joys of decluttering. Her humor, practicality, and authenticity shine through in each episode. The expert interviews are also valuable, offering additional insights and perspectives on minimalism.
Another great aspect is that while Shannon openly shares her faith, the podcast doesn't revolve around Christianity or require listeners to be Christian themselves. She manages to incorporate her faith in a way that adds depth to the discussions without making it exclusive or overwhelming for those who don't share her beliefs.
The worst aspect of this podcast is hard to pinpoint as there are very few negatives. Some listeners may not resonate with Shannon's personal anecdotes or find certain tips or topics relevant to their own lives. However, given the wide range of topics covered in each episode, there is bound to be something valuable for everyone.
In conclusion, The Paring Down: Realistic minimalism to live more intentionally podcast is an excellent choice for anyone seeking practical advice and inspiration on decluttering and simplifying their lives. Shannon's genuine personality, relatable approach, and expert interviews make this podcast feel like a conversation with a supportive friend. Whether you're a seasoned minimalist or just starting out on your decluttering journey, this podcast will leave you motivated and ready to tackle your own clutter.

Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. How do you get kids to clean up after themselves without feeling like you're nagging? 2. What are some technology tools that you use to organize your life? Listener recommendation of the week: Emesis Bags MENTIONED THIS EPISODE: Shoe bin organizer Ep 100: Life-Changing Hacks to Make Tech Your Personal Assistant with Amanda Jefferson Calendly - arranging meetings Crime Junkie podcast My email: paringdownpodcast@gmail.com PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Sign up for my newsletter! The L.E.S.S. Express Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) PARING DOWN RESOURCES: CLICK HERE for free checklist, hacks, worksheet, & more! SPONSORS: 15% off oneskin.co/PARING with code PARING Go to BornShoes.com today for a 15% discount plus free ground shipping on all full-price shoes when you use my promo code, PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh + Free Breakfast For Life: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate + 10% off for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. https://www.wayfair.com/ $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Olivia Levin, New York Times bestselling author of The Story of Us: How the Taylor Swift Fandom Changed Our Lives, joins me to explore what makes the Swiftie community one of the most powerful fandoms in the world. From meeting Taylor at a secret session to selling Eras Tour tickets at face value, Olivia shares how a shared passion can create genuine, lasting human connection. In this episode, you'll learn: Why authenticity and vulnerability are the foundation of any strong community — online or off What is Taylor Swift like in real life? How showing up unapologetically as yourself attracts the right people and creates real belonging Whether you're a longtime Taylor Swift fan or just curious about the magic behind this community, this conversation will leave you inspired to show up more authentically in your own life. OLIVIA LEVIN: IG: @swiftiesforeternity Buy her bestselling book: The Story of Us PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Sign up for my newsletter! The L.E.S.S. Express Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) PARING DOWN RESOURCES: CLICK HERE for free checklist, hacks, worksheet, & more! SPONSORS: 15% off oneskin.co/PARING with code PARING Go to BornShoes.com today for a 15% discount plus free ground shipping on all full-price shoes when you use my promo code, PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh + Free Breakfast For Life: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate + 10% off for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. https://www.wayfair.com/ $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is a little different than usual because it's not an official interview...instead, one of my close friends and fellow "influencer" Elisabeth Beam joined me to have a candid conversation about how we navigate the contradictions of decluttering while making it our career. We answer: • Why would decluttering influencers work with brands if they sell stuff...aren't we supposed to be getting rid of stuff? • How much money do you actually make as an "influencer"? • What goes into making courses, guides, challenges, etc.? • Have we ever regretted a brand deal? ...and more. This one's a fun one, and I hope it helps you make more intentional choices as you navigate social media! MENTIONED THIS EPISODE: Elisabeth's first appearance on Paring Down - Ep 15: Does Minimalism Deprive Our Kids with Elisabeth Beam Shannon's Substack FREE TRIAL ELISABETH BEAM: IG: @balancingbeams FB: https://www.facebook.com/balancingbeams/ PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Sign up for my newsletter! The L.E.S.S. Express Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) PARING DOWN RESOURCES: CLICK HERE for free checklist, hacks, worksheet, & more! SPONSORS: 15% off oneskin.co/PARING with code PARING Go to BornShoes.com today for a 15% discount plus free ground shipping on all full-price shoes when you use my promo code, PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh + Free Breakfast For Life: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate + 10% off for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. https://www.wayfair.com/ $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. How do I channel the burn it all energy into something useful? 2. Any advice on how to go from dreaming about writing a book to actually writing it? Listener recommendation of the week: Paradise on Hulu Sarah Cray - Let's Make Art MENTIONED THIS EPISODE: Ep 109: What to Do with Clothes that Don't Currently Fit Ep 57: Should We Never Buy Anything Ever Again? (5 Ways to Be a Conscious Consumer) PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Sign up for my newsletter! The L.E.S.S. Express Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) PARING DOWN RESOURCES: CLICK HERE for free checklist, hacks, worksheet, & more! SPONSORS: 15% off oneskin.co/PARING with code PARING Go to BornShoes.com today for a 15% discount plus free ground shipping on all full-price shoes when you use my promo code, PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh + Free Breakfast For Life: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate + 10% off for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. https://www.wayfair.com/ $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I break down the difference between friendship and community, and explain why confusing the two might be leaving you feeling disconnected. Understanding how these two types of relationships work differently could be the key to finally feeling like you truly belong. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why you can't substitute community with friendship (or vice versa) • The science behind "weak ties"—research shows that casual, repeated interactions with acquaintances may matter more to your daily wellbeing than the number of close friends you have • What makes a community actually thrive If you've ever felt lonely despite having good friends or wondered why something still feels missing from your social life, this episode will give you a whole new framework for understanding what you actually need—and how to find it. MENTIONED THIS EPISODE: Episode 81: The Art of Making Friends & How It Helps Us Declutter PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Sign up for my newsletter! The L.E.S.S. Express Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) PARING DOWN RESOURCES: CLICK HERE for free checklist, hacks, worksheet, & more! SPONSORS: 15% off oneskin.co/PARING with code PARING Go to BornShoes.com today for a 15% discount plus free ground shipping on all full-price shoes when you use my promo code, PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh + Free Breakfast For Life: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate + 10% off for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. https://www.wayfair.com/ $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do sourdough bread, world travel, and minimalism have in common? More than you'd think. In this episode, I sit down with Brett Wiewiora and Christina Cann, former owners of a 1,500-loaves-a-day bakery in Tampa who sold it all, packed their lives into carry-on luggage, and hit the road with their two kids—and their sourdough starter—to teach baking classes from around the world. In this episode, you'll learn: How simplifying their sourdough process taught Brett and Christina to let go of excess in general Why having a clear, purposeful goal makes decluttering and letting go dramatically easier Practical ways to raise kids who think intentionally about what they own, spend, and carry with them ...and more. If you've ever felt stuck under the weight of too much, this episode will give you a fresh (and unique) perspective on what it means to live a life unburdened from clutter. PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Sign up for my newsletter! The L.E.S.S. Express Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) BRETT & CHRISTINA: Website: https://www.sourdoughlifestyle.com/about Sourdough Baking 101 Class IG: @sourdoughlifestyle Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesourdoughlifestyle Substack: https://sourdoughlifestyle.substack.com/ PARING DOWN RESOURCES: CLICK HERE for free checklist, hacks, worksheet, & more! SPONSORS: 15% off oneskin.co/PARING with code PARING Go to BornShoes.com today for a 15% discount plus free ground shipping on all full-price shoes when you use my promo code, PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh + Free Breakfast For Life: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate + 10% off for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. https://www.wayfair.com/ $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. What decluttering project is the most bang for your buck? 2. Tell us more about your beauty queen journey! Listener recommendation of the week: Elbert the Curious Clock Tower Bear Libby library app MENTIONED THIS EPISODE: Fridge Water Bottle Holder Ep 129: How to Declutter Your Closet Ep 141: Where to Start Decluttering (or Start Again) PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Sign up for my newsletter! The L.E.S.S. Express Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) PARING DOWN RESOURCES: CLICK HERE for free checklist, hacks, worksheet, & more! SPONSORS: Go to BornShoes.com today for a 15% discount plus free ground shipping on all full-price shoes when you use my promo code, PARING 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh + Free Breakfast For Life: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate + 10% off for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. https://www.wayfair.com/ Get 10% off your first order of OSEA skincare - sitewide - with code PARING at OSEAMalibu.com $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I'm joined by my dear friend from high school, Deja Riley! Watching her career evolve from a professional dancer into a powerful voice in the fitness and wellness space has been so motivating. Deja shares how her time in the entertainment industry shaped her perspective on movement, which is why she now helps people connect to movement in a way that feels joyful and accessible. In this episode, you'll learn: • About Deja's transition from dance the fitness industry • The mindset shift from performance-based success to what just feels good • Practical ways to make fitness feel approachable, flexible, and enjoyable. Deja reminds us that movement doesn't have to look a certain way to be meaningful and bring more joy to our lives. PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Sign up for my newsletter! The L.E.S.S. Express Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) PARING DOWN RESOURCES: CLICK HERE for free checklist, hacks, worksheet, & more! DEJA RILEY Deja's Favorite Step Aerobics Instructor: https://www.instagram.com/getfitwithdg/ Deja's Pop Sugar Workouts on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrlWO8pQwcKk8aP_dSY5w7k1kGvC1LR7L Visit Deja's Website: https://dejariley.com/ Follow Deja on Instagram: @dejariley Follow Deja on TikTok: @dejaandjimmyizySPONSORS: Go to BornShoes.com today for a 15% discount plus free ground shipping on all full-price shoes when you use my promo code, PARING 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh + Free Breakfast For Life: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate + 10% off for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. https://www.wayfair.com/ Get 10% off your first order of OSEA skincare - sitewide - with code PARING at OSEAMalibu.com $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I've been craving a personal decluttering episode—bringing you guys with me around my house while I declutter! And what better opportunity than thinking through what we'll need to declutter before moving to Finland! In this episode, I share 20 things I'll be decluttering—some are categories, and some are very specific things. I hope it inspires you to pare down your own home, too. (Moving or not!) MENTIONED THIS EPISODE Ep 79: Decluttering Before a Move (or Mock Move) PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Sign up for my newsletter! The L.E.S.S. Express Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) PARING DOWN RESOURCES: CLICK HERE for free checklist, hacks, worksheet, & more! SPONSORS: Go to BornShoes.com today for a 15% discount plus free ground shipping on all full-price shoes when you use my promo code, PARING 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh + Free Breakfast For Life: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate + 10% off for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. https://www.wayfair.com/ Get 10% off your first order of OSEA skincare - sitewide - with code PARING at OSEAMalibu.com $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. How do you declutter boxes and boxes of old mail? 2. How are you feeling about your move to Finland? What's your favorite ice cream flavor? Listener recommendation of the week: Too Good to Go App - Get day-ish old food sold at great discount MENTIONED THIS EPISODE Ep 22: Doom Piles & Mail The Power of Half by Kevin and Hannah Salwen PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Sign up for my newsletter! The L.E.S.S. Express Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) PARING DOWN RESOURCES: CLICK HERE for free checklist, hacks, worksheet, & more! SPONSORS: Go to BornShoes.com today for a 15% discount plus free ground shipping on all full-price shoes when you use my promo code, PARING $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh + Free Nutribullet® Ultra Plus+ 2-in-1 Compact Kitchen System (a $189.99 value) on your 3rd box: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate + 10% off for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. https://www.wayfair.com/ Get 10% off your first order of OSEA skincare - sitewide - with code PARING at OSEAMalibu.com 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING & use code PARING at checkout- sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Good Stuff episode of the Paring Down podcast, I want to share about the flip side of joy—as in, what's getting in the way? So I decided to put together a list of 10 things that are stealing your joy and offers practical, research-backed ways to subtract them from your life. You'll learn: • What "personality trait" isn't one that you have to accept...you can free yourself from its trap! • How to avoid feeling low on time to get everything done • All about "attention residue" • The difference between problem solving and rumination ...and so much more! You can work on removing one thing at a time, and notice how much more room there is for joy when you stop letting these sneaky distractions and habits get in the way. MENTIONED THIS EPISODE Ep 40: Managing Your Busy Schedule Using Time Blocking 5 Calls app @goodnewsnetwork onlygoodnewsdaily.com @positivenewsuk PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Sign up for my newsletter! The L.E.S.S. Express Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) PARING DOWN RESOURCES: CLICK HERE for free checklist, hacks, worksheet, & more! SPONSORS: Go to BornShoes.com today for a 15% discount plus free ground shipping on all full-price shoes when you use my promo code, PARING $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh + Free Nutribullet® Ultra Plus+ 2-in-1 Compact Kitchen System (a $189.99 value) on your 3rd box: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate + 10% off for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. https://www.wayfair.com/ Get 10% off your first order of OSEA skincare - sitewide - with code PARING at OSEAMalibu.com 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING & use code PARING at checkout- sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What a treat today! Acclaimed engineering professor and author Leidy Klotz joins me on Paring Down to explore how our environments shape our lives more than we realize. From decluttering to designing meaningful spaces, this conversation will change how you see both your home and your habits. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why we instinctively add instead of subtract (and how to train your brain to notice better solutions) • How your environment is connected to “Self-Determination Theory," plus simple ways to design spaces that help you thrive • Why nostalgia can't be bought, how overconsumption disrupts it, and how to intentionally create meaningful memories in your spaces This conversation is not only enlightening, but is deeply touching. I know it will change the way you see the world around you. LEIDY KLOTZ In a Good Place: How the Spaces Where We Live, Work, & Play Can Help Us Thrive Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less Website: www.leidyklotz.com Linkedin PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Sign up for my newsletter! The L.E.S.S. Express Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) PARING DOWN RESOURCES: CLICK HERE for free checklist, hacks, worksheet, & more! SPONSORS: Go to BornShoes.com today for a 15% discount plus free ground shipping on all full-price shoes when you use my promo code, PARING $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh + Free Nutribullet® Ultra Plus+ 2-in-1 Compact Kitchen System (a $189.99 value) on your 3rd box: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate + 10% off for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. https://www.wayfair.com/ Get 10% off your first order of OSEA skincare - sitewide - with code PARING at OSEAMalibu.com 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING & use code PARING at checkout- sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. What happens when you declutter your kids stuff and then they ask about it three years later? 2. What is a non-religious source of hope for you? Listener recommendation of the week: Get a pothos house plant Article I read: Effects of Indoor Plants on Human Functions MENTIONED THIS EPISODE The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter Ep 19: Decluttering as a Couple with my husband, Aaron Leyko PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Sign up for my newsletter! The L.E.S.S. Express Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) PARING DOWN RESOURCES (free checklist, hacks, worksheet, & more!) SPONSORS: Go to BornShoes.com today for a 15% discount plus free ground shipping on all full-price shoes when you use my promo code, PARING Get 10% off your first order of OSEA skincare - sitewide - with code PARING at OSEAMalibu.com 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh + Free Nutribullet® Ultra Plus+ 2-in-1 Compact Kitchen System (a $189.99 value) on your 3rd box: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate + 10% off for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. https://www.wayfair.com/ $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING & use code PARING at checkout- sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The one and only Libby Ward is in the house! In this episode, mega mom influencer Libby Ward shares how to find joy even when motherhood feels overwhelming, exhausting, and hard. This honest conversation dives into the reality of modern motherhood, mental load, and why embracing difficult emotions can actually lead to more peace and fulfillment. Libby speaks so vulnerably, and we cover: • Why thinking motherhood is hard doesn't mean you don't love being a mom • The impact of social media on mental health and unrealistic parenting expectations • How to navigate mom guilt, burnout, and the invisible mental load of motherhood • Why authentic friendships are essential for surviving (and enjoying) motherhood If you've ever wondered how to enjoy motherhood more without pretending everything is perfect, this episode will leave you feeling seen, validated, and hopeful. PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Sign up for my newsletter! The L.E.S.S. Express Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) LIBBY WARD Get Libby's new book: Honest Motherhood Libbyward.com Instagram: @libbyward TikTok: @libbywardofficial PARING DOWN RESOURCES (free checklist, hacks, worksheet, & more!) SPONSORS: Go to BornShoes.com today for a 15% discount plus free ground shipping on all full-price shoes when you use my promo code, PARING Get 10% off your first order of OSEA skincare - sitewide - with code PARING at OSEAMalibu.com 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh + Free Nutribullet® Ultra Plus+ 2-in-1 Compact Kitchen System (a $189.99 value) on your 3rd box: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate + 10% off for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. https://www.wayfair.com/ $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING & use code PARING at checkout- sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ask and you shall receive! Today I'm departing slightly today from usual decluttering content and instead giving you the full lowdown of how to grow on Instagram, how to make a successful podcast, and how to get a book deal. (At least what worked for me!) I cover: • Best general advice for each topic (social media, book, & podcast) • Specific programs & templates I use • Free resources and experts I've used or followed • My personal story of why and how I got started I hope this not only helps you if you've ever wanted to do anything similar, but offers plenty of lessons on intentional living like: • starting messy • pouring into relationships • consistently doing what matters PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Sign up for my newsletter! The L.E.S.S. Express Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) MENTIONED THIS EPISODE Ep 2: My Decluttering Story Best Social Media Marketing Expert: @shannonmckinstrie & Good Content Podcast Best SEO Podcast: Duo on Air (Duo Collective) Book Proposal Template: Michael Hyatt Book Proposal Template Friends I love: Elisabeth Beam: @balancingbeams (decluttering for busy moms)Erin Port: @simplepurposefulliving (tiny tweaks to simplify life) Elena Willits: Encourage Moment Podcast (formerly Kind Organizing) Riverside - podcast recording platform Canva - designing graphics (like YouTube thumbnail) Manychat - autosend DMs when someone comments a trigger word Blue Yeti Mic - popular podcast mic Spotify for Creators - podcast hosting platform Megaphone - podcast hosting platform PARING DOWN RESOURCES (free checklist, hacks, worksheet, & more!) SPONSORS: Go to BornShoes.com today for a 15% discount plus free ground shipping on all full-price shoes when you use my promo code, PARING Get 10% off your first order of OSEA skincare - sitewide - with code PARING at OSEAMalibu.com 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh + Free Nutribullet® Ultra Plus+ 2-in-1 Compact Kitchen System (a $189.99 value) on your 3rd box: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate + 10% off for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. https://www.wayfair.com/ $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING & use code PARING at checkout- sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. What if I have too many clothes, but they're too nice to giveaway (but I'm too busy to sell)? 2. Tell us about your upbringing. Listener recommendation of the week: "For greasy stains, I use Amodex and wash on the hottest temperature the fabric can handle with Oxiclean powder and Tide Pods." New York Times article about removing stains MENTIONED THIS EPISODE Ep 32: Finding the Time to Declutter Ep 71: How Growing Up in a Cult Made Me More Intentional PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) PARING DOWN RESOURCES (free checklist, hacks, worksheet, & more!) SPONSORS: Go to BornShoes.com today for a 15% discount plus free ground shipping on all full-price shoes when you use my promo code, PARING 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh + Free Nutribullet® Ultra Plus+ 2-in-1 Compact Kitchen System (a $189.99 value) on your 3rd box: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate + 10% off for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. https://www.wayfair.com/ $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING & use code PARING at checkout- sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we're talking about a highly underrated source of joy: anticipation. In this episode, you'll learn: • The science behind why anticipation improves an overall experience • The role of future-focused thinking in building hope, optimism, and resilience (without being discontent in the present) • Simple, practical ways to build more anticipation into your life When we intentionally create things to look forward to, we're not just planning ahead—we're actively creating a more joyful life. PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) MENTIONED THIS EPISODE Ep 34: The Pitfall of Too Much Backstock Ted Talk about Rumination PARING DOWN RESOURCES (free checklist, hacks, worksheet, & more!) SPONSORS: Go to BornShoes.com today for a 15% discount plus free ground shipping on all full-price shoes when you use my promo code, PARING 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh + Free Nutribullet® Ultra Plus+ 2-in-1 Compact Kitchen System (a $189.99 value) on your 3rd box: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate + 10% off for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. https://www.wayfair.com/ $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING & use code PARING at checkout- sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The strategies in today's episode are practical and life-changing! I had so much fun hearing from Kate Vanness-Kandoth on how her background in science and process improvement led her to rethink decluttering as a systems problem—not a motivation problem. She brilliantly shows us how to reduce friction, eliminate waste, and create sustainable systems that actually support real life. You'll learn: How to use the LEAN framework to identify hidden sources of waste in your home—like overbuying, waiting, and unnecessary effort How the 5S method creates lasting organization A simple but powerful decluttering method called “red tagging” that separates decision-making and makes letting go easier ...and so much more. When you design your home around what actually matters to you, your space stops working against you. PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Sign up for my newsletter! The L.E.S.S. Express Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) KATE VANNESS-KANDOTH Website: https://www.sorted-state.com/ Sorted in 6 program Substack: https://substack.com/@katevannesskandoth MENTIONED THIS EPISODE Ep 34: The Pitfall of Too Much Backstock Ted Talk about Rumination PARING DOWN RESOURCES (free checklist, hacks, worksheet, & more!) SPONSORS: Go to BornShoes.com today for a 15% discount plus free ground shipping on all full-price shoes when you use my promo code, PARING 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh + Free Nutribullet® Ultra Plus+ 2-in-1 Compact Kitchen System (a $189.99 value) on your 3rd box: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate + 10% off for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. https://www.wayfair.com/ $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING & use code PARING at checkout- sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. How much “cool old stuff” to keep for your kids to discover? 2. Are you a morning person or a night owl? If you could have any super power for a day what would it be and why? Listener recommendation of the week: • The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey • Owala water bottle MENTIONED THIS EPISODE Ep 19: Decluttering as a Couple with my Husband, Aaron Leyko PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist Free 20 Decluttering Roadblocks (with specific advice for each) 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh + Free Nutribullet® Ultra Plus+ 2-in-1 Compact Kitchen System (a $189.99 value) on your 3rd box: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate + 10% off for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. https://www.wayfair.com/ $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING & use code PARING at checkout- sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it really look like to build a joyful life through hard work, resilience, and purpose? I had the pleasure of sitting down with inspiring Kodiak dairy farmer Kelli Foreman to explore the unfiltered reality of farm life in Alaska—and why working with your hands might be the missing piece in modern happiness. From 2:30 a.m. wake-ups to community impact, this conversation dives deep into finding joy through discipline and meaningful work. In this episode, you'll learn: Why working hard with your hands can increase joy, fulfillment, and mental well-being in a digital world The realities of small farm life in Alaska, including dairy farming, animal care, and rural challenges How resilience is built through loss, setbacks, and uncontrollable circumstances The powerful connection between purpose and long-term happiness How simplifying your life and “paring down” can help you focus on what truly matters This episode will leave you rethinking convenience, embracing hard work, and rediscovering joy in the simple, meaningful things. KELLI FOREMAN YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thelastsmallfarm Instagram: @kodiakgoatdairy Episode of Dr. Oakley Yukon Vet PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist Free 20 Decluttering Roadblocks (with specific advice for each) 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh + Free Nutribullet® Ultra Plus+ 2-in-1 Compact Kitchen System (a $189.99 value) on your 3rd box: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate + 10% off for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. https://www.wayfair.com/ $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING & use code PARING at checkout- sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you want to declutter but don't know where to start, this is the episode for you! You'll learn exactly how to overcome decluttering paralysis and take the first step without feeling overwhelmed. The science-backed reasons getting started on decluttering feels so hard Simple, practical decluttering tips to help you start even when you feel stuck How to choose the best place to begin decluttering for quick wins and motivation My 3-step strategy for tackling messy spaces Specific ideas for deeper home organization projects Truly, the hardest part of decluttering is getting started. I'm so glad you're here! MENTIONED THIS EPISODE Ep 89: The Key to Staying Motivated to Declutter (the 'know your why' episode) Ep 17: When Your Partner Doesn't Want to Declutter Ep 19: Decluttering as a Couple with my Husband, Aaron Leyko Ep 86: Strategies for Getting Your Kids to Declutter Ep 22: Doom Piles and Mail PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist Free 20 Decluttering Roadblocks (with specific advice for each) 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh + Free Nutribullet® Ultra Plus+ 2-in-1 Compact Kitchen System (a $189.99 value) on your 3rd box: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate + 10% off for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. https://www.wayfair.com/ $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING & use code PARING at checkout- sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. My in-laws and parents never respect the conversations I've had about less gifts…now what? 2. In what areas do YOU struggle with clutter? You've said your husband often cooks, does he also clean the kitchen when done? Listener recommendation of the week: • Ardant earrings • Tubby Todd products MENTIONED THIS EPISODE The Anxious Generation book Ep 50: The Guilt & Fear of Decluttering Gifts PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist Free 20 Decluttering Roadblocks (with specific advice for each) 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh + Free Nutribullet® Ultra Plus+ 2-in-1 Compact Kitchen System (a $189.99 value) on your 3rd box: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate + 10% off for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. https://www.wayfair.com/ High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING & use code PARING at checkout- sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we unpack why "having fun" can feel elusive or even guilt-inducing, and how to create more genuine fun in our daily lives as adults. The big pictures is that fun isn't optional for creating joy, so we need to be intentional about what it means to us...and then have more of it. I go over: Why adults often think of "fun" as it relates to childhood—and how that drains joy The misunderstanding that having fun means doing something easy How to define fun on your own terms (instead of what looks “fun” to others) 10 things I personally don't think are very fun (sorry for the hot takes) When you stop trying to make fun look a certain way, you can finally start experiencing more of it! PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist Free 20 Decluttering Roadblocks (with specific advice for each) 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh + Free Nutribullet® Ultra Plus+ 2-in-1 Compact Kitchen System (a $189.99 value) on your 3rd box: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate + 10% off for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. https://www.wayfair.com/ High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING & use code PARING at checkout- sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How would your loved ones feel if they had to go through your stuff after you're gone? It's tough to think about, but the emotional weight of decluttering is heavy for those we leave behind. No one wants their family grieving while sorting through a lifetime of belongings—wondering what to keep, what to toss, and what any of it truly meant. That's where Swedish death cleaning comes in. More than just decluttering, it's a thoughtful, intentional way to organize your life now so your loved ones aren't overwhelmed later. I was so happy to sit down with Emily McDermott of Moms Overcoming Overwhelm to talk through: • What types of things to declutter and organize today in the off chance we pass away unexpectedly • What is "the sign up list" and how does it preserve your family's relationships? • What book do we recommend to help you through the process? Walk away knowing: What is Swedish death cleaning? Why Swedish death cleaning matters How to begin Swedish death cleaning PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) EMILY MCDERMOTT Moms Overcoming Overwhelm podcast IG: @simplybyemmy MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning by Margareta Magnusson Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring When I Die Binders on Etsy LegacyBox.com to digitize your photos Ep 22: Decluttering Photos On Our Phones & In Our Homes PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist Free 20 Decluttering Roadblocks (with specific advice for each) 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh + Free Nutribullet® Ultra Plus+ 2-in-1 Compact Kitchen System (a $189.99 value) on your 3rd box: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate + 10% off for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. https://www.wayfair.com/ High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING & use code PARING at checkout- sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat! I answer: 1. When do you reach decluttered “enough”? 2. How did you get started with writing? What's your favorite childhood movie? Listener recommendation of the week: • Thrive's Market maple syrup (I found out you need a membership, just FYI!) • Ember heated mug PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: shannonsnyc.blogspot.com Substack blog My book: You're Completely Normal Ep 22: Decluttering Photos on Our Phones & In Our Homes Ep 123: How Minimalism Can Change Your Life with Joshua Becker PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist Free 20 Decluttering Roadblocks (with specific advice for each) 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING & use code PARING at checkout- sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. https://www.wayfair.com/ $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Good Stuff episode on the topic of joy, I sit down with psychologist Janet M. Gibson to explore the psychology of humor and how it impacts our mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. We break down how humor works in the brain, why we all find different things funny, and how laughter can reduce stress and boost joy. What you'll get out of it: Why laughter is powerful for stress relief and mental health The science behind different senses of humor How humor strengthens relationships and connection Practical, everyday ways to use humor to feel happier If you're looking to boost your mental health, reduce stress, and feel more connected, learning to use humor intentionally can be a simple, science-backed way to do it. PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) JANET GIBSON https://www.grinnell.edu/user/gibsonj PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist Free 20 Decluttering Roadblocks (with specific advice for each) 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING & use code PARING at checkout- sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. https://www.wayfair.com/ $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever felt like decluttering makes other people in your life defensive? Like you're judging them–even though you're not? In this episode, I'm talking about the relationship tension that can come up when we choose to live with less stuff. I break down why people might feel judged: Natural comparison Identity tied to possessions Cognitive dissonance Psychological reactance The spotlight effect And what I personally do to keep things positive: Keep it personal (“this works for me”) Avoid “should” language Stay curious about others Don't give unsolicited advice Never gossip I hope this episode helps you better understand where other people's defensiveness might come from (and your own!), and how to navigate lifestyle differences without straining relationships or compromising your own values to keep the peace. PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist Free 20 Decluttering Roadblocks (with specific advice for each) 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING & use code PARING at checkout- sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. https://www.wayfair.com/ $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Chai Chat, I answer these listener questions: • Is it okay to keep something that you rarely use but can't easily borrow? - Sarah • How do you maintain friendship as an adult and mom? - Sarah (different Sarah!) Plus I give some final thoughts about the value of reading fiction! PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) MENTIONED THIS EPISODE Ep 81: The Art of Making Friends & How it Helps Us Declutter The Correspondant Remarkably Bright Creatures PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist 20 Decluttering Roadblocks (with specific advice for each) 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING & use code PARING at checkout- sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. https://www.wayfair.com/ $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We often take our senses for granted, and rarely think about how to intentionally use them to create more joy in our lives! So today, we talk about: • An overview to better understand all of our senses (beyond the primary 5!) • How our senses affect our emotions (a scientific understanding) • Practical ideas for how to produce joy through each of our 5 main senses: sight, taste, touch, smell, and hearing PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) MENTIONED THIS EPISODE Life in Five Senses by Gretchen Rubin Little Green Machine for cleaning couch, carpet, etc. PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist 20 Decluttering Roadblocks (with specific advice for each) 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING & use code PARING at checkout- sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. https://www.wayfair.com/ $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we welcome on Chris Lovett to talk about minimalism in the workplace, or as he calls it "corporate minimalism": • How did Chris' personal journey with decluttering lead him to corporate minimalism? • Who is responsible for eradicating pointless busy work — employees or executives? • What happens if we opt out of "mandatory" meetings? • How has Covid changed how we work? Whether you work in corporate or not, this episode has plenty nuggets of wisdom for productivity and focusing on what truly matters. PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) CHRIST LOVETT Relentless: The Power of Doing Less in a Workplace that Demands More The Discovery of Less IG: @christolovett PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist 20 Decluttering Roadblocks (with specific advice for each) 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING & use code PARING at checkout- sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. https://www.wayfair.com/ $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Chai Chat, I answer these listener questions: • How to get through guilt of all the things I wastefully bought that I uncover when declutter? - Gwen • Tell us more about your adoption story. - Rachel Plus I give some final thoughts about how much I love teachers! PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) MENTIONED THIS EPISODE: Ep 121: What to Do with Everything We Declutter Listener Recommendation: Currently Reading Podcast PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist 20 Decluttering Roadblocks (with specific advice for each) 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING & use code PARING at checkout- sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. https://www.wayfair.com/ $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How lucky are we?? Katherine Center, NYT Bestselling romance author, is joining us on this Good Stuff episode to talk about the importance of joy-filled stories. We cover: • Why exposing ourselves to positive stories can actually change the way we live • The role of pain and struggle in developing joy • Why Katherine chose to keep her romance novels PG-13 • The personal struggle Katherine put into one of her characters and how it shifted her view of herself ...and more! PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) KATHERINE CENTER: Katherine's newsletter: https://katherinecenter.com/newsletter/ Preorder Katherine's new book: The Shippers All Katherine center books: https://katherinecenter.com/books/ PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist 20 Decluttering Roadblocks (with specific advice for each) 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING & use code PARING at checkout- sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. https://www.wayfair.com/ $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Decluttering clothes is a unique challenge. So today, I cover: • 7 major reasons decluttering our closet feels complicated • 3 easy-to-remember and wildly helpful mindset shifts • 3 practical steps to decluttering your clothes without the overwhelm PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Website: www.shannonleyko.com Get insider emails about the new book!! Sign up HERE Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) GET ALL PARING DOWN FREEBIES & GUIDES HERE (checklist, worksheet, decluttering hacks, etc.) MENTIONED THIS EPISODE: Website: www.shannonleyko.com Get insider emails about the new book!! Sign up HERE My Website Team (Branding, SEO, Design): duocollective.com Ep 109: What to Do With Clothes that Don't Currently Fit Ep 52: Getting Past the "Wasted Money" When Decluttering Ep 121: What to Do With Everything We Declutter Ep 5: Decluttering Sentimental Items Ep 77: What If I End Up Needing What I've Decluttered? Ep 67: 5 Psychological Phenomena that Affect Decluttering & Consumption 6 categories when sorting before you declutter: Love & Wear Often Special occasion Sentimental Don't currently fit Donate/Sell Worn Out / Trash SPONSORS: 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING & use code PARING at checkout- sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. https://www.wayfair.com/ $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the very first ever Chai Chat!! A 10-15 minute mini-episode each Thursday on the Paring Down podcast. Each week follows this simple formula: 1. I answer a listener decluttering question 2. I answer a listener question about my own life 3. I share a listener decluttering win 4. I share a listener recommendation 5. I give some final thoughts This week, I answer: 1. Is it productive to declutter one item a day, or does it have to be a big effort? 2. What are my goals for 2026? (And favorite shape of pasta?) Listener recommendation of the week: Earthley Magnesium Lotion PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Free Decluttering Checklist 20 Decluttering Roadblocks (with specific advice for each) 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING & use code PARING at checkout- sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the VERY first Good Stuff episode on the Paring Down podcast!! For the next 10 weeks, we'll be exploring how to design our lives around joy. To kick things off, today I share 5 science-backed strategies for producing more joy in our lives so that we're excited to wake up each morning! Coming up in this series on joy: • New York Times best selling romance author, Katherine Center on the importance of joy-filled stories • Worldwide motherhood influencer, Libbi Ward of Diary of an Honest Mom, on finding joy in the hard parts of life • Professor & psychologist Dr. Janet Gibson on the psychology of humor • Popular Alaskan dairy farmer, Kelli Foreman, on the joy of working hard and using our hands ...and so much more! PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Free Decluttering Checklist 20 Decluttering Roadblocks (with specific advice for each) 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING & use code PARING at checkout- sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

- How do you avoid getting distracted by what you find when decluttering? - How do you stop using piles as reminders? - What if you like trying new hobbies regularly? We're talking through all these questions for people with ADHD (and people without!) on today's episode with Libbi Moore of Neatly Ever After organizing service. PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express LIBBI MOORE: neatlyeverafter.com IG: @neatlyeverafterorganizing FB: https://www.facebook.com/NeatlyEverAfter PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Free Decluttering Checklist 20 Decluttering Roadblocks (with specific advice for each) 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299 High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING & use code PARING at checkout- sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode was so fun to make! Not only do I get to share some fascinating tidbits about the state of Alaska and what it's like to live here, I share 7 lessons I've learned about simple living from life in such a remote area. • What's the biggest difference when it comes to living here vs. the lower 48 in terms of daily stress? • Am I scared of the giant Kodiak bears that are exclusive to the remote island where I live? • Do I miss Chipotle? • What do I do if I need something last minute, but there's no 2-day shipping and only one major store on the island? Truly, this is a fun one! Hope you enjoy! PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Free Decluttering Checklist 20 Decluttering Roadblocks (with specific advice for each) 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate, plus free steak for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paringsteak High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING - sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fellow podcaster and new author, Katy Joy Wells, joins Paring Down today to talk about creating a home that doesn't stress you out. We cover: • Do you need to be a homebody or full-time homemaker to care about making home your happy place? • What are our personal favorite spots in our homes? • How do relationships come into play as it relates to clutter and peace inside of our homes? ...and more! PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express KATY JOY WELLS The Maximized Minimalist Podcast IG: @katyjoywells Book, Making Home Your Happy Place PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Free Decluttering Checklist 20 Decluttering Roadblocks (with specific advice for each) 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate, plus free steak for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paringsteak High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING - sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The most respected voice in modern minimalism, Joshua Becker, joins me today to talk about how living with less can change our entire life. We talk about: • the opportunity cost of clutter • the dangerous mindset so many people have about money • using experiments to see how much you actually need ...and more! PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express JOSHUA BECKER https://www.becomingminimalist.com/ Uncluttered Faith (book): https://www.becomingminimalist.com/books/ Simplify Magazine: https://simplifymagazine.com/ Instagram: @joshua_becker YouTube: @joshuabecker PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Free Decluttering Checklist 20 Decluttering Roadblocks (with specific advice for each) 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate, plus free steak for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paringsteak High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING - sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcoming back author Hanna Seymour for the second time on Paring Down, and today we're talking all things habit formation. • What can we do today to start a new habit? • How can we avoid giving up? • What different areas of life can habits be applied to? I know you'll love this conversation and feel motivated to make the things that are important to you automatic. PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express HANNA SEYMOUR hannaseymour.com Everyday Spiritual Habits (book): everydayspiritualhabits.com *buy book directly from Hachette: HANNA20 Instagram: @hannaeseymour MENTIONED THIS EPISODE: Shoe bin organizer Ep 8: What the Bible Says About Our Stuff with Hanna Seymour PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Free Decluttering Checklist 20 Decluttering Roadblocks (with specific advice for each) 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate, plus free steak for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paringsteak High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING - sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Figuring out what to do with all our stuff AND finding the time & energy to do it is one of the biggest hurdles to decluttering. Here are some things I cover in this episode: • The Goodwill controversy • How to break free from perfectionism that paralyzes us • 4 questions to help you determine which donation centers to pick • The best principle I've ever heard for how to handle overwhelming decisions (shout out to Kendra Adachi from The Lazy Genius Way) • Tips for donating, selling, & posting items online ...and more. PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express MENTIONED THIS EPISODE: The Lazy Genius Way by Kendra Adachi pickupplease.org PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Free Decluttering Checklist 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate, plus free steak for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paringsteak High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING - sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Convenient therapy that's covered by insurance: Rula.com/PARING 25% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to Prolon's 5-Day Fasting Mimicking Diet. *remember this is for metabolic health, not simply a weight loss hack*: prolonlife.com/paring 20% off Longevity Mitopure Gummies for Urolithin A at timeline.com/PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you've ever struggled with letting go of sentimental items after loss, I hope today's episode gives you both validation and encouragement. I talk with Krista St. Germain of the Widowed Moms Podcast, who lost her husband to a drunk driver, and we explore the emotional weight of decluttering a loved one's belongings. You'll hear: • mindset shifts around grief • what it means to let go in a way that "feels like love" • why there's no one-size-fits-all approach to releasing sentimental items This comforting conversation offers gentle guidance for decluttering when space is limited or when keeping certain items no longer feels supportive for your wellbeing. PARING DOWN SOCIALS (SHANNON LEYKO): Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/theexpertbeginner KRISTA ST-GERMAIN The Widowed Mom Podcast Episode: What to Say and What Not to Say to a New Widow Website: www.coachingwithkrista.com Instagram: @lifecoachkrista PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: 20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate, plus free steak for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paringsteak High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING - sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Convenient therapy that's covered by insurance: Rula.com/PARING 25% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to Prolon's 5-Day Fasting Mimicking Diet. *remember this is for metabolic health, not simply a weight loss hack*: prolonlife.com/paring 20% off Longevity Mitopure Gummies for Urolithin A at timeline.com/PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Self-discipline doesn't have to feel exhausting! In today's episode, I... • Debunk 7 myths about self-discipline • Share 5 core principles for developing self-discipline • Suggest 5 specific areas to be self-disciplined about to keep a clutter-free home. If decluttering feels like a cycle you keep repeating, this episode explains why discipline isn't the enemy of an easy, enjoyable life—it's the key! PARING DOWN SOCIALS (SHANNON LEYKO): Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/theexpertbeginner MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Ep 50: The Guilt & Fear of Decluttering Gifts Ep 112: The Trap of Upgrading Our Lives PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: 50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate, plus free steak for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paringsteak High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING - sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Convenient therapy that's covered by insurance: Rula.com/PARING 20% off Longevity Mitopure Gummies for Urolithin A at timeline.com/PARING 25% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to Prolon's 5-Day Fasting Mimicking Diet. *remember this is for metabolic health, not simply a weight loss hack*: prolonlife.com/paring Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The problem with our determination to declutter in the new year is that we often go hard at the beginning and then burn out fast. Then what? So today I brought on certified life coach and professional organizer, Tracy Hoth, to to discuss practical strategies for overcoming overwhelm, setting realistic expectations, and making real progress in just 15 minute decluttering spurts. Tracy introduces her SPACE method for organizing, and highlights the emotional barriers that can hinder progress. PARING DOWN SOCIALS (SHANNON LEYKO): Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/theexpertbeginner MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Ep 81: The Art of Making Friends & How it Helps Us Declutter TRACY HOTH: Website: https://simplysquaredaway.com/ Tracy's 15 Minute Challenge: simplysquaredaway.com/declutter Tracy's Instagram: @tracyhoth PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate, plus free steak for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paringsteak High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING - sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Convenient therapy that's covered by insurance: Rula.com/PARING 20% off Longevity Mitopure Gummies for Urolithin A at timeline.com/PARING 25% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to Prolon's 5-Day Fasting Mimicking Diet. *remember this is for metabolic health, not simply a weight loss hack*: prolonlife.com/paring Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This past year brought more change than I expected—personally, spiritually, and professionally. As you'll hear in this episode, some of the change distracted me from pursuing a life free from clutter. So I wanted to share: A) A little recap of my year (some analytic numbers, some personal struggles, etc.) and B) What has helped me recalibrate and reconnect with why decluttering matters in the first place.I hope it motivates you to feel excited about embracing a life that rejects materialism, too! PARING DOWN SOCIALS (SHANNON LEYKO): Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/theexpertbeginner MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Duo Collective marketing podcast & services Episode 19: Decluttering as a Couple with my husband, Aaron Leyko Paring Down Substack Information to Subscribe (weekly blog posts & bi-weekly Decluttering Hype Sessions) PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate, plus free steak for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paringsteak High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING - sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING Convenient therapy that's covered by insurance: Rula.com/PARING 20% off Longevity Mitopure Gummies for Urolithin A at timeline.com/PARING 25% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to Prolon's 5-Day Fasting Mimicking Diet. *remember this is for metabolic health, not simply a weight loss hack*: prolonlife.com/paring Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When her husband was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor while she was pregnant with their first child, Andrea Nakayama's career took a hard left turn. Since then, she founded the Functional Nutrition Alliance and has spent the last 20 years helping practitioners and patients learn about a holistic approach to health. In this episode, you'll hear about the importance of both traditional medicine AND functional medicine—and why the term "functional medicine" has been exploited to encourage overconsumption. Together, we explore the state of chronic illness in the U.S., why quick fixes and wellness trends are so seductive, and how the wellness industry often adds more noise than clarity. This conversation is an invitation to declutter our health routines, tune back into our own bodies, and make more intentional, grounded choices—without fear, blame, or overwhelm. ANDREA NAKAYMA: Website: andreanakayama.com Instagram: @andreanakayama Andrea Nakayama Linkedin Article: "You Can't Hack Your Health" PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate, plus free steak for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paringsteak Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING Convenient therapy that's covered by insurance: Rula.com/PARING High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING - sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. 20% off Longevity Mitopure Gummies for Urolithin A at timeline.com/PARING 25% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to Prolon's 5-Day Fasting Mimicking Diet. *remember this is for metabolic health, not simply a weight loss hack*: prolonlife.com/paring Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you actually prepared for an emergency—or just surrounded by emergency clutter? In this episode, I take a clear-eyed look at emergency supplies and why so many of us over-prepare for rare, dramatic scenarios while under-preparing for the things most likely to happen. We unpack how common cognitive biases—like the availability heuristic, denominator neglect, and “dread risk”—shape our fear-based stocking habits and quietly lead to clutter, overwhelm, and false security. I walk through five realistic categories of emergency preparedness: 1. Evacuation 2. Getting trapped at home 3. Obscure emergencies 4. Everyday sickness 5. First aid and explain how to pare each one down so it's usable, accessible, and actually helpful when stress is high. If emergency prep has ever felt overwhelming—or like another excuse to hold onto too much—this episode will help you rethink what safety really looks like! MENTIONED THIS EPISODE: Ep 76: Is Celebrity Self-Help Advice Useful? with my brother, Jim Oliver Ep 19: Decluttering as a Couple with my husband, Aaron Leyko PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING Convenient therapy that's covered by insurance: Rula.com/PARING 20% off Longevity Mitopure Gummies for Urolithin A at timeline.com/PARING 25% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to Prolon's 5-Day Fasting Mimicking Diet. *remember this is for metabolic health, not simply a weight loss hack*: prolonlife.com/paring Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING - sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I sit down with Deedee Moore of More Than Grand to talk about something so many families quietly wrestle with: over-gifting from grandparents. Together, we dig into why it happens, how it feels, and what we can do to bridge the gap with more empathy and clearer communication. Both perspectives matter: The parent perspective (how too many gifts can create stress, clutter, or guilt) AND the grandparent perspective (how giving is often an expression of love, connection, and identity). We explore the sweet intentions behind the gifts, the frustration that can happen on the receiving end, and the simple conversations that can help everyone feel heard. This conversation is full of compassion, aha moments, and practical ideas for strengthening those precious family relationships—without letting “stuff” get in the way. DEEDEE MOORE: https://www.morethangrand.com/ Instagram: @morethangrand Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/morethangrand MENTIONED THIS EPISODE: Free Gift Request Email Template PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING Convenient therapy that's covered by insurance: Rula.com/PARING 20% off Longevity Mitopure Gummies for Urolithin A at timeline.com/PARING 25% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to Prolon's 5-Day Fasting Mimicking Diet. *remember this is for metabolic health, not simply a weight loss hack*: prolonlife.com/paring Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING - sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we're exploring what it actually looks like to simplify your holidays—not just by cutting back on decor or gift clutter, but by setting personal boundaries that make the season joyful instead of stressful. If you're navigating complicated expectations, travel pressure, or family disappointment, this episode offers a compassionate and research-backed look at why setting boundaries is healthy, not harsh. What to expect: • Why simplifying the holidays isn't only about traditions—it's about emotional clarity and autonomy • My own story of choosing to not travel during Christmas while our kids are young • What “personal boundaries” really mean—hint: they're choices you make for yourself, not rules you impose on others • Three research-backed benefits of healthy boundaries• A short 5-question checklist to help you decide if a holiday obligation is right for your family this year. Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Blog Paring Down YouTube OTHER HOLIDAY EPISODES Episode 61: Simplifying Holiday Traditions Episode 3: Avoiding Holiday Clutter with Karla Graves Episode 7: Making Holiday Decor Meaningful Episode 8: What the Bible Says About Our Stuff with Hanna Seymour Episode 9: Leaning Into the Season of Giving (Where to Donate Your Stuff) Episode 10: Why We Celebrate the Birth of Jesus with Molly Stillman Episode 11: Where Do Popular Christmas Traditions Come From? with Molly Stillman PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING Convenient therapy that's covered by insurance: Rula.com/PARING 20% off Longevity Mitopure Gummies for Urolithin A at timeline.com/PARING 25% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to Prolon's 5-Day Fasting Mimicking Diet. *remember this is for metabolic health, not simply a weight loss hack*: prolonlife.com/paring Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING - sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Thanksgiving week to those of you in the U.S.! In this thought-provoking conversation with Laura Fenton—writer and creator of the beloved Substack Living Small—we talk about what it really means to opt out of upgrade culture. At a time of year when we're surrounded by sales, pressure to buy more, and ideas for trendy gifts, this episode is a breath of calm. Laura offers a grounded, compassionate look at how choosing “enough” can bring more contentment, freedom, and ease into your daily life. If you're craving some recalibration on what's important in life—or simply want permission to step off the hamster wheel—you'll love this conversation! Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Blog Paring Down YouTube LAURA FENTON Substack Newsletter: https://laurafenton.substack.com/ IG: @laura.alice.fenton MENTIONED THIS EPISODE Ep 70: Is Decluttering Just for the Financially Secure? with Aubrey High PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: Convenient therapy that's covered by insurance: Rula.com/PARING 20% off Longevity Mitopure Gummies for Urolithin A at timeline.com/PARING 25% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to Prolon's 5-Day Fasting Mimicking Diet. *remember this is for metabolic health, not simply a weight loss hack*: prolonlife.com/paring Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING - sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you love your belongings but feel overwhelmed by the piles, the mess, or the jam-packed closets, this episode is for you. Today, we're breaking down 6 compassionate, practical strategies to help you simplify — without forcing yourself to stop loving your things. This isn't about minimalism for minimalism's sake. It's about creating breathing room in your home so you can actually enjoy the things you love. In this episode, we cover: • Redefining What “Love” Really Means • The “Love It or Use It” Method • Benefits of a Temporary Separation Box And more. The big takeaway: Loving your things isn't the issue. The issue is when your stuff takes up the space meant for living. Paring Down Instagram: @paring_down Paring Down Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express Paring Down Blog Paring Down YouTube MENTIONED THIS EPISODE @emilywelchstyle PARING DOWN RESOURCES: Free Decluttering Checklist 10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free) Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free) Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas Free Gift Request Email Template Free Know Your Why Worksheet Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff SPONSORS: 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING Convenient therapy that's covered by insurance: Rula.com/PARING 20% off Longevity Mitopure Gummies for Urolithin A at timeline.com/PARING 25% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to Prolon's 5-Day Fasting Mimicking Diet. *remember this is for metabolic health, not simply a weight loss hack*: prolonlife.com/paring Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING - sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices