The Arner Adventures Podcast

We love being outside, but we don't love clutter.Over the years, we've tested a lot of outdoor gear in our efforts to keep things simple and travel-friendly.Spoiler: most of it didn't make the cut. The good news? What stayed with us is solid, multi-use, and worth sharing.

It may sound woo-woo, but we have learned many lessons from nature and learned a lot about ourselves.We've always known we loved being outside, but we didn't realize just how much nature had been quietly teaching us over the years. It's been our backdrop, our sounding board, our reset button.And more often than not, it's shown us who we really are just by letting us slow down long enough to notice.

Implementing some simple outdoor habits is easier than you think.We live in a world where we're encouraged to hustle, stay plugged in, and fill every moment with something “productive.” But we've learned that sometimes, the most productive thing we can do is step outside. Not for a hike, not for a whole afternoon, just for a moment.As part of Great Outdoors Month, we're sharing how little outdoor habits have quietly transformed our days and how you can try them, too.

This week, we're handing the mic to our friends at Girlish Gurus for a replay episode where Shannon joined them to chat about one of our favorite topics: living fully with less. From selling it all and heading for the coast, to redefining what “success” looks like, we cover the real benefits—mental, physical, and emotional—of downsizing and making space for what matters most.It's a fun, honest convo about intentional living, finding freedom outside the hustle, and what it's really like to take the leap.

Being unavailable isn't something that is rude or makes you a recluse. We used to think being reachable 24/7 was just part of running a business. But truthfully? It nearly wrecked our peace. We realized we were burned out somewhere between the never-ending notifications and guilt-ridden response times. Now, we've flipped the script, and being unavailable has never felt more freeing.We're sharing how we set boundaries for being unavailable, while maintaining a business, relationships, and our mental health.

In this episode, we're sharing our experience at the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) in Bryson City, NC, where we spent a few days hiking, rafting, cozying up in the rain, and finding that perfect mix of stillness and adventure.We stayed in a treetop bungalow at The Hemlocks at NOC, explored a small portion of the Appalachian Trail, got soaked on a ducky trip, skipped mountain biking in favor of rest, and left with full hearts and sore legs.Whether you're looking for your next getaway or just need a reminder to slow down and breathe, we've got you.

Cardboard furniture might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about life-changing innovations. Trust us, it should be.In this episode, we sit down with Mike Gianakos, the Executive Director of Made4Me, a nonprofit that builds custom, adaptive furniture for people with disabilities. Their work completely reframed how we think about reuse, accessibility, and intentional design, and we know it will make do the same for you.The full show notes, with links, resources we mention, and podcast sponsors can be found HERE. 

Forgiveness is one of those things that sounds simple, but knowing how to forgive is difficult when you're in the thick of hurt or betrayal.“Letting it go” feels impossible. We get it—because we've been there too. That's why we brought Dara McKinley on the podcast. Dara has created a unique, step-by-step process that teaches people how to forgive practically and deeply personally.The full show notes, with links, resources we mention, and podcast sponsors can be found HERE.

Every season is temporary. You may not believe it, but it's true. We've been through our fair share of seasons—some light and full of laughter, others heavy and hard to explain.And one thing we've learned, sometimes the hard way, is this: every season is temporary. We're discussing how we maneuver through each season, living like they are all temporary- because they are.The full show notes, with links, resources we mention, and podcast sponsors can be found HERE. 

When you are told to trust your intuition, what exactly does that mean?There's a phrase I've (Shannon) said more times than I can count: “I should've gone with my gut.” And almost every time I don't listen to it, I regret it. You'd think I'd learn by now, right?The truth is that trusting your intuition isn't always easy. It's quiet. It doesn't beg for attention. It nudges. There is a whisper. Sometimes it nags. That's what we are talking about this week: going with your gut and how to listen to it.The full show notes, with links, resources we mention, and podcast sponsors can be found HERE. 

Back when we ran our own business, we were all in—like, no boundaries, no weekends, no off-switch kind of all in. The type of work that doesn't just demand your time but your identity. We wore “busy” like a badge of honor.Eventually, we hit a point where something had to give. We were burned out, disconnected, and exhausted—not just physically but mentally and emotionally.That's when we started asking ourselves if we had been chasing the wrong version of success all along. We're talking about how we redefined success to live our lives to the fullest!The full show notes, with links, resources we mention, and podcast sponsors can be found HERE.

Let's be honest. Life is a lot. Between work, relationships, responsibilities, and just being a person in the world, it's easy to feel like everything is swirling at once. We've been there.We're sharing the systems, boundaries, and gentle routines that help us calm the chaos.These tips also help to bring more intention into our days—without needing to overhaul our lives or become productivity robots.The full show notes, with links, resources we mention, and podcast sponsors can be found HERE.

If you spend even five minutes on TikTok, you've probably seen the phrase “how to romanticize your life.”It's usually paired with slow-motion clips of someone sipping matcha in a sun-drenched kitchen. They are probably reading a vintage book on a train in Paris. But let's be real—not all of us are waking up in linen sheets in Provence.We're getting into how we make everyday life feel just a little more special—on a very realistic, cozy, minimalist budget.The full show notes, with links, resources we mention, and podcast sponsors can be found HERE.

Saying “no” is an essential skill that plays a significant role in our personal and professional lives. It is crucial because it allows us to establish boundaries, prioritize our well-being, and maintain control over our time and energy. By saying “no” when necessary, we can avoid overcommitment, burnout, and resentment towards others and ourselves.The full show notes, with links, resources we mention, and podcast sponsors can be found HERE. 

Self-love and self-care are foundational practices for maintaining mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Journaling is an amazing way to reflect on your needs, values, and what brings you joy.We are sharing our best journal prompts for self-care so you can dig into more self-love and nourishment.This is the fourth episode in our journal prompt series. You can find the journal prompts and all resources HERE.

Being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) means experiencing the world in a more vivid and profound way.We are sharing journal prompts for highly sensitive people to help you embrace your sensitivity during your journaling practice.This is the third episode in our Journal Prompt Series. You can find any resources we mention and all of the journal prompts HERE.

Sometimes, journaling can be overwhelming to those who are new to the journal process, or have stress about what to journal about.This is the second episode of our journal prompt series. We hope that these journal prompts encourage you to be confident in your journal journey.To access the journal prompts and resources we mentioned, ⁠head this way⁠.

Saying “no” is an essential skill that plays a significant role in our personal and professional lives. It is crucial because it allows us to establish boundaries, prioritize our well-being, and maintain control over our time and energy. By saying “no” when necessary, we can avoid overcommitment, burnout, and resentment towards others and ourselves.We're sharing 10 actual ways to say "no" without feeling awkward or uncomfortable and, most importantly, sticking to your boundaries.The full show notes, with links, resources we mention, and podcast sponsors can be found HERE. 

Sometimes, journaling can be overwhelming to those who are new to the journal process, or have stress about what to journal about.This is the first of our journal prompt series. We hope that these journal prompts encourage you to be confident in your journal journey.To access the journal prompts and resources we mentioned, head this way.

Whether juggling work, personal challenges, or daily hustle, staying grounded can seem challenging.We get it. The curve balls just keep coming. We are sharing some simple, practical ways that help us bring clarity and calm into our lives—even when everything feels overwhelming.Full show notes and all resources we mention can be found here.

If you are in the digital or media marketing world at all, you know about Jenna Kutcher's podcast— The Goal Digger Podcast. You're going to hear how showing up consistently helped me overcome imposter syndrome + land a spot on Jenna Kutcher's Podcast and tips to chase your big dreams. This is the "pinch me" episode that it all led to! The full show notes, with links, resources we mention, and podcast sponsors can be found HERE.

A slow traveler is about savoring experiences, not rushing them. We break down what it means to slow travel, create deep connections, and really enjoy your next trip! The full show notes, with links, resources we mention, and podcast sponsors, can be found HERE.

Female travelers, this topic is for you: solo travel for women. If you have never traveled solo, I am spilling all the travel tips that will make you feel as confident as ever and have you craving more solo travel. The full show notes, with links, resources we mention, and podcast sponsors can be found HERE.

Ken Blackman is a former Apple engineer turned Relationship Mindset Coach and sex and intimacy educator. For over 25 years, he's been helping couples co-create thriving, fulfilling partnerships and, as he puts it, a ‘gourmet love life.' We had a blast chatting with Ken. In this episode, Ken explains why some relationships feel like “work,” how to cultivate an enduring spark in your sex life, and why he believes compromise isn't all it's cracked up to be. The full show notes, with links, resources we mention, and podcast sponsors can be found HERE.

You may not know that you are struggling with overcoming decision fatigue because you may not know what it is. We're defining it and talking about ways that we have worked to overcome decision fatigue. The full show notes can be found here: https://arneradventures.com/overcoming-decision-fatigue

Each year, we have a guiding word: our word of the year. After a year of challenges and growth, we've both decided to lean into the word sovereign. We want to share why this word feels like the perfect guiding principle for us and how it's going to shape the way we move forward in the new year. The full show notes can be found here: https://arneradventures.com/word-of-the-year-2025

We've all been there. You unwrap a gift, and it's just… not for you. Whether it's the wrong size, a duplicate, or just not your style, unwanted gifts can leave you feeling guilty and stuck. As minimalists, we are pros in this arena! We're talking about what to do with unwanted gifts and how to avoid them in the future. The full show notes are available here: https://arneradventures.com/unwanted-gifts

When you think of types of rest, your mind probably goes straight to sleep or maybe a quick nap. While those are crucial, there's much more to rest than just catching Zs. Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, physician, researcher, and author of Sacred Rest, has divided rest into seven types, each addressing a specific area of life. The full show notes, with links, resources we mention, and podcast sponsors can be found HERE.

Grief is complicated for anyone. You'd think that it would be easier for a couple to have someone going through the same thing you are, but that's not always the case. This week, we are talking about how grieving in our own ways has been difficult for our relationship and how we are working through it. The full show notes can be found here.

There is a reason that there is a National Ditch Your Resolution Day, it's January 17rh btw! Setting intentions for the new year, manifesting your word for the year works much better than setting unrealistic resolutions, just to do it. We're throwing it back to an early episode where we share our 7 steps for setting intentions for the New Year! The original show notes can be found here - https://arneradventures.com/setting-intentions-rather-than-resolutions-guide

In this episode, we're sharing why it's okay to not have a list of grand achievements and how to embrace the simple (but powerful) act of getting through life's challenges. Tune in as we talk about redefining success, reflecting on small victories, and letting go of the pressure to keep up. The full show notes can be found here- https://arneradventures.com/why-your-year-didnt-have-to-be-perfect

When we decided to move to a minimalist lifestyle, we never even considered we'd have lessons learned from minimalism. We were just getting the hang of living more intentionally, with less stuff. Now, almost a decade later, we are reflecting on the important life lessons from having less things, making decluttering a habit, and intentional living being the goal each and every day. The full show notes, with links, resources we mention can be found HERE. 

Reclaiming your power, especially during the holidays, can make a world of difference in your mental health and your overall sense of joy. This episode will tell you how to do just that, and enjoy the holiday season the way YOU want to. The full show notes, with links, resources we mention, and podcast sponsors can be found HERE.

No matter what side of the aisle you are on, everyone can experience post-election stress. We're sharing ways you can find your balance after the storm. The full show notes, with links, resources we mention, and podcast sponsors can be found HERE. 

This is a conversation we had with Stephanie Seferian on her podcast, Sustainable Minimalists. In this conversation, we discuss: The link between materialism and loneliness How living simply on purpose impacts well-being Cortisol be gone: The negative correlation between clutter and mental health How to use minimalism's benefits as re-centering tools Practical ways to infuse slightly more minimalism into your daily life If you would like to dig more into our Minimalist Lifestyle, head this way: https://arneradventures.com/category/minimalist-lifestyle/

In this spine-tingling episode of The Arner Adventures Podcast, we dive into ghostly encounters we've experienced. Special guest, Shannon's mom, joins the conversation, bringing her treasure trove of ghostly tales from over the years. Together, we swap terrifying stories, discuss local legends, and talk about life in haunted places like Beaufort, a town known for its connection to Blackbeard, the Pirate, and ghostly history. The full show notes, with links, resources we mention, and podcast sponsors can be found HERE.

Please know that we are not mental health providers or professionals. However, we are experts in our mental health journey. This is not meant to be guidance or counsel on mental health. It is intended to share our experience with you in hopes that you, the reader, will feel that you are not alone in your feelings when you feel unstable. The full show notes, with links, resources we mention, and podcast sponsors can be found HERE. 

The holidays are stressful; let's not kid ourselves. There are ways to reduce holiday stress, and one of those ways is with holiday budgeting. The full show notes, with links, resources we mention, and podcast sponsors can be found HERE. 

It would be neglectful of us not to utilize our platform to promote the importance of voting since it is a minimal task, but it is so important. We have all you need to prepare for voting in your upcoming election with our election countdown checklist. The full show notes, with links, resources we mention, and podcast sponsors can be found HERE.

This is a replay of when we were guests on the Simple + Intentional Podcast with Sarah Horgan. This was a beautiful conversation about our journey, and we enjoyed this beautiful space that Sarah provides her guests. Please check out our episode where Sarah Horgan was a guest on our podcast so you can learn more about her journey.

What is the difference between healthy fear and unhealthy fear? We've all been told that fear is wrong, but is it? In this week's episode, we explored the difference between healthy fear (the kind that makes us grow) and unhealthy fear (the one that holds us back). The full show notes, with links, resources we mention, and podcast sponsors can be found https://arneradventures.com/healthy-fear/. 

The full show notes, with links, resources we mention, and podcast sponsors can be found HERE. 

Aster Haile is the voice that helps us sleep every night. Seriously. Aster Haile began as a journalist but found her true passion in wellness. Now, she's the Head of Wellness at BetterSleep, where she's created hundreds of guided meditations, hypnosis sessions, and bedtime stories in both English and French—her work reaching millions worldwide. One of her most popular creations is 'Starship-28,' a bedtime story that takes you on a cosmic journey from the comfort of your bed. The full show notes, with links, resources we mention, and podcast sponsors can be found HERE. 

Sergeant Kevin Briggs is a retired California Highway Patrol officer known as the 'Guardian of the Golden Gate.' He spent years patrolling the Golden Gate Bridge, where he compassionately convinced hundreds not to take their lives. A trained negotiator and mental health advocate, his story has been featured in TED Talks, major media outlets, and his book, “Guardian of the Golden Gate.” Now, through his organization, Pivotal Points, Kevin travels the world promoting mental health awareness, sharing his personal journey, and teaching others how to communicate with those in crisis. The full show notes, with links, resources we mention, and podcast sponsors can be found HERE. 

You may think that healthy television habits are an oxymoron, much like when we discussed social media's benefits. We get it. We are sharing healthy television habits and how you can implement your TV watching into your wellness. The full show notes, with links, resources we mention, and podcast sponsors can be found ⁠HERE⁠.

In this episode, we are sharing some driving anxiety tips and how to manage the stress of car travel, whether you are driving or a passenger. The full show notes, with links, resources we mention, and podcast sponsors can be found HERE.

If you've ever considered becoming a one car family, stick around because we'll share our journey, tips, and the benefits of living with just one car. The full show notes, with links, resources we mention, and podcast sponsors can be found HERE. 

We're diving into how you can create your very own wellness weekend! Whether you need a break from the hustle or just a little reset, we've got tips and ideas to help you relax, rejuvenate, and rediscover your zen. We're covering everything from setting the mood to activities that nourish your mind and body. Tune in and get ready to transform your weekend into a blissful retreat! The full show notes, with links, resources we mention, and podcast sponsors can be found HERE. 

Shannon Leyko discusses minimalism and making room for what matters in our lives. We loved this discussion as we dived into the misconceptions of minimalism and leaning toward the slow living and hygge lifestyle. Shannon Leyko is an accomplished author, podcast host, mother of three, and military wife. She currently resides in Florida after a significant move from Ketchikan, Alaska. The full show notes, with links, resources we mention, and podcast sponsors can be found HERE. 

In this episode, we are asking you and each other if we are touch-deprived. Epiphany Jordan is our guest and she is an expert in the field of human touch, more specifically, those lacking it. Epiphany Jordan is an author and human touch advocate. She has shared her insights at SXSW Interactive Festival and recently earned her Masters of Public Health with a focus on redefining touch at the University of South Florida. Her journey spans journalism, event planning, and even tarot reading, all fueling her mission to deepen human connections. The full show notes, with links, resources we mention, and podcast sponsors can be found HERE.

David Woods Bartley is a fantastic speaker and storyteller with two powerful TED Talks under his belt. David opens minds, touches hearts, and inspires action by sharing his transformative journey from mental "hellness" to mental wellness. Join us as we delve into David's inspiring story, exploring how his darkest moments led to a profound change in his life. We discuss his passion for animal advocacy and the pivotal experiences that have shaped his mission to spread hope and healing. The full show notes, with links, resources we mention, and podcast sponsors can be found HERE.