Podcast appearances and mentions of kathi lipp

Is your home office a source of stress instead of productivity? You're not alone. That pile of papers, the drawer stuffed with pens you forgot you owned, the desk you have to clear before you can even sit down to work—it's overwhelming. But it doesn't have to stay that way. In this episode, Kathi Lipp and Grace Church dive into practical strategies for tackling office clutter without the overwhelm. Whether you're preparing for a fall reset or simply tired of dreading your workspace, this conversation offers real solutions for real life. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why "office guts" backfire and what to do instead The 15-minute decision timeline that keeps you making good choices How to create a sustainable system rather than a one-time cleanup The power of body doubling for staying on task Why gathering all your office supplies in one spot is a game-changer How a year-long no office supply challenge can transform your space Key Takeaways Done is better than perfect. Perfectionism is the number one thing that stalls office projects before they even start. Give yourself permission to make progress without needing everything to be just right. Work in 15-minute increments. Beyond 15 minutes, decision fatigue sets in and you start making poor choices. Short bursts of focused decluttering lead to better results. You have more than you think. Before buying another pen, sticky note, or notebook, gather everything you own into one spot. You might be surprised at your personal "office supply store." Sustainable systems beat one-time cleanups. Rather than gutting your entire office in a weekend, focus on one area at a time—desk one day, files the next, walls another day. August is the perfect time for a fall reset. Don't wait for September when the busyness hits—start now so you can enjoy the season ahead with less stress and more clarity.

Is your home office a source of stress instead of productivity? You're not alone. That pile of papers, the drawer stuffed with pens you forgot you owned, the desk you have to clear before you can even sit down to work—it's overwhelming. But it doesn't have to stay that way. In this episode, Kathi Lipp and Grace Church dive into practical strategies for tackling office clutter without the overwhelm. Whether you're preparing for a fall reset or simply tired of dreading your workspace, this conversation offers real solutions for real life. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why "office guts" backfire and what to do instead The 15-minute decision timeline that keeps you making good choices How to create a sustainable system rather than a one-time cleanup The power of body doubling for staying on task Why gathering all your office supplies in one spot is a game-changer How a year-long no office supply challenge can transform your space Key Takeaways Done is better than perfect. Perfectionism is the number one thing that stalls office projects before they even start. Give yourself permission to make progress without needing everything to be just right. Work in 15-minute increments. Beyond 15 minutes, decision fatigue sets in and you start making poor choices. Short bursts of focused decluttering lead to better results. You have more than you think. Before buying another pen, sticky note, or notebook, gather everything you own into one spot. You might be surprised at your personal "office supply store." Sustainable systems beat one-time cleanups. Rather than gutting your entire office in a weekend, focus on one area at a time—desk one day, files the next, walls another day. August is the perfect time for a fall reset. Don't wait for September when the busyness hits—start now so you can enjoy the season ahead with less stress and more clarity.

Have you ever finished a challenge and wondered how to keep that momentum going? In this solo episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp unpacks the surprising lessons she learned during Low Buy July—and reveals which habits she's keeping for good. What You'll Discover in This Episode If you've ever felt overwhelmed by clutter, struggled with impulse buying, or wondered why you keep accumulating things you don't really need, this episode offers practical wisdom and gentle encouragement. Kathi shares her personal revelations with her signature warmth and humor, helping listeners see their homes—and their habits—in a whole new light. Key Takeaways from This Episode The freezer inventory method that saves money and improves meals—plus how to keep it updated on your phone Why the waiting list works—and how it reveals whether you want the thing or just the feeling of buying The one question that changes shopping more than any hard rule: "Do I already have something that does this job?" How 30 seconds of friction (like deleting the Amazon app) can eliminate impulse purchases The "cook backwards" approach—start with what you have instead of what you crave You are the special occasion—why the fancy lotion and good candles are for regular Tuesdays Starting creative projects with what you have—and why constraints actually boost creativity The emotional drivers behind spending: boredom, stress, reward, habit, and fantasy life The quiet satisfaction of finishing things—and why completion feels like integrity The slower pace of wanting—rediscovering the joy in anticipation A New Way to See Your Home Low Buy July didn't change Kathi's stuff—it changed how she sees her stuff. Instead of walking into her kitchen and seeing an empty menu, she now sees a full pantry. Instead of gaps in her closet, she sees possibilities. This episode invites you to pick just one habit that resonates and give yourself a month to try it. Whether you participated in Low Buy July or you're hearing about it for the first time, these ten lessons offer a roadmap for more intentional, peaceful living—not through deprivation, but through awareness and grace.

Have you ever finished a challenge and wondered how to keep that momentum going? In this solo episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp unpacks the surprising lessons she learned during Low Buy July—and reveals which habits she's keeping for good. What You'll Discover in This Episode If you've ever felt overwhelmed by clutter, struggled with impulse buying, or wondered why you keep accumulating things you don't really need, this episode offers practical wisdom and gentle encouragement. Kathi shares her personal revelations with her signature warmth and humor, helping listeners see their homes—and their habits—in a whole new light. Key Takeaways from This Episode The freezer inventory method that saves money and improves meals—plus how to keep it updated on your phone Why the waiting list works—and how it reveals whether you want the thing or just the feeling of buying The one question that changes shopping more than any hard rule: "Do I already have something that does this job?" How 30 seconds of friction (like deleting the Amazon app) can eliminate impulse purchases The "cook backwards" approach—start with what you have instead of what you crave You are the special occasion—why the fancy lotion and good candles are for regular Tuesdays Starting creative projects with what you have—and why constraints actually boost creativity The emotional drivers behind spending: boredom, stress, reward, habit, and fantasy life The quiet satisfaction of finishing things—and why completion feels like integrity The slower pace of wanting—rediscovering the joy in anticipation A New Way to See Your Home Low Buy July didn't change Kathi's stuff—it changed how she sees her stuff. Instead of walking into her kitchen and seeing an empty menu, she now sees a full pantry. Instead of gaps in her closet, she sees possibilities. This episode invites you to pick just one habit that resonates and give yourself a month to try it. Whether you participated in Low Buy July or you're hearing about it for the first time, these ten lessons offer a roadmap for more intentional, peaceful living—not through deprivation, but through awareness and grace.

You've set the deadline. You've blocked the time. And yet somehow, the finish line keeps moving further away. Sound familiar? If you've ever found yourself in a panic-fueled sprint to finish a writing project—only to crash afterward and wonder if you can ever do it again—this episode is for you. In this conversation, Kathi Lipp sits down with writer, ghostwriter, and writing coach Julie Lyles Carr to unpack why so many writers struggle to meet their deadlines and what sustainable writing really looks like. Julie shares the crucial difference between racing toward a deadline and pacing yourself for a lifelong writing journey. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why knowing your daily word count is essential for setting realistic deadlines The difference between "muse" and "manic"—and why waiting for inspiration might be sabotaging you How to get small dopamine bumps along the way instead of relying on panic-induced adrenaline dumps Creative accountability strategies (including one controversial approach involving "anti-charities") Why falling back in love with the art of writing is the real fuel for crossing the finish line Key Takeaways Understand your pace before you chart the race. Do you know how many words you can comfortably write in a day? If not, that's the first thing to figure out. A 75,000-word novel at 500 words a day means you need 150 writing days—it's simple math that takes the guesswork out of your deadline. The muse will meet you at your desk. You don't have to chase inspiration or deplete yourself waiting for it to show up. When you commit to showing up consistently, your creativity follows. Community creates velocity. Just like geese flying in a V or cyclists in the Tour de France peloton, writing alongside others can pull you forward with less effort. Accountability groups, writing sprints, and shared goals make a real difference. Fall in love with the art again. If you're writing for acclaim or attention, you'll burn out. But if you write because you genuinely love the craft, that's the fuel that gets you across the line—whether anyone ever sees your work or not. Whether you're working on your first book or your fifteenth, this episode offers practical wisdom for building a writing life that's sustainable, joyful, and productive.

Do you ever get the itch to redecorate your entire house—especially when you've committed to not buying anything new? You're not alone. During Low Buy July, that desire for something fresh and new can feel overwhelming. But what if the solution isn't at the store? What if everything you need is already in your home? In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp sits down with Tenneil Register to explore the art of "shopping your own home." Tenneil, who brings a designer's eye to everyday spaces, shares how most of us have beautiful things in our homes—we've just stopped seeing them. What You'll Learn in This Episode How to walk through your home with fresh eyes—as if you just moved in or you're browsing someone else's estate sale The importance of "white space" and how clutter becomes an invisible backdrop Practical steps for a home walkthrough that doesn't end in chaos Creative ways to repurpose everyday objects (think: vintage hardware bins for shoes, old trim turned into shelving) Why putting something away for 30 days can help you decide if you truly love it How to search for inspiration by object size, shape, and color—not just function Key Takeaways You don't have to be a minimalist to have a beautiful home. If you're a maximalist at heart, that's okay! The key is putting purpose and order to the pretty things you love. Create a staging area. Use a folding table or guest bed to gather items as you walk through your home. Separate your favorites from maybes, and have a donation box ready for the no's. Think about reassignment. Does this item need a new place in this room? A different room? A different season? If the answer is no to all three, it might be time to let it go. Set a time limit. This process can have a domino effect—suddenly you want every room to look its best. Give yourself boundaries so you don't get overwhelmed. Whether you're feeling the Low Buy July itch or simply want to fall in love with your home again, this episode offers practical, creative strategies to refresh your space without spending a dime.

Do you ever get the itch to redecorate your entire house—especially when you've committed to not buying anything new? You're not alone. During Low Buy July, that desire for something fresh and new can feel overwhelming. But what if the solution isn't at the store? What if everything you need is already in your home? In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp sits down with Tenneil Register to explore the art of "shopping your own home." Tenneil, who brings a designer's eye to everyday spaces, shares how most of us have beautiful things in our homes—we've just stopped seeing them. What You'll Learn in This Episode How to walk through your home with fresh eyes—as if you just moved in or you're browsing someone else's estate sale The importance of "white space" and how clutter becomes an invisible backdrop Practical steps for a home walkthrough that doesn't end in chaos Creative ways to repurpose everyday objects (think: vintage hardware bins for shoes, old trim turned into shelving) Why putting something away for 30 days can help you decide if you truly love it How to search for inspiration by object size, shape, and color—not just function Key Takeaways You don't have to be a minimalist to have a beautiful home. If you're a maximalist at heart, that's okay! The key is putting purpose and order to the pretty things you love. Create a staging area. Use a folding table or guest bed to gather items as you walk through your home. Separate your favorites from maybes, and have a donation box ready for the no's. Think about reassignment. Does this item need a new place in this room? A different room? A different season? If the answer is no to all three, it might be time to let it go. Set a time limit. This process can have a domino effect—suddenly you want every room to look its best. Give yourself boundaries so you don't get overwhelmed. Whether you're feeling the Low Buy July itch or simply want to fall in love with your home again, this episode offers practical, creative strategies to refresh your space without spending a dime.

Do you ever open your fridge, stare at the shelves, and decide you have "nothing to eat"—only to order takeout while perfectly good food sits forgotten in your freezer? You're not alone. This episode of Clutter Free Academy tackles one of the most common sources of both clutter and wasted money: the kitchen. Kathi Lipp welcomes back fan-favorite Tonya Kubo to kick off Low Buy July with a focus on the heart of the home. Together, they explore why the kitchen is the perfect place to start this challenge—and how doing so can shift your mindset from scarcity to abundance. What Listeners Will Discover Why starting Low Buy July in the kitchen delivers quick wins and immediate savings How to inventory your freezer, fridge, and pantry to uncover forgotten food Creative ways to use ingredients you already have instead of buying more The surprising truth about food waste (hint: the average family wastes $4,000 per year) How to meal plan by starting with what's in your kitchen rather than a recipe Tips for creating the smallest possible shopping list for the month Why Low Buy July isn't about deprivation—it's about discovery and wisdom Key Takeaways Inventory everything first. Go through every freezer, every fridge, and deep into the back of your pantry. Don't forget spices, seasonings, and condiments—these are often overlooked. Start with what you know. Before searching for new recipes online, think about what meals your family already loves that you can make from ingredients on hand. Create a "use first" zone. Designate a spot in your fridge for items that need to be eaten soon, leftovers, and anything you're defrosting. This simple system prevents food from getting lost. Embrace the abundance mindset. Many cluttery people struggle with scarcity thinking. Taking inventory reminds you that you have enough—and often more than enough. It's not about suffering. Low Buy July isn't about proving you can deprive yourself. It's about pausing, being intentional, and discovering what you already have before buying more. Whether you're looking to save money, reduce food waste, or simply clear some space in your kitchen, this episode offers practical, doable steps to help you succeed. Remember: using what you have isn't deprivation—it's wisdom.

Do you ever open your fridge, stare at the shelves, and decide you have "nothing to eat"—only to order takeout while perfectly good food sits forgotten in your freezer? You're not alone. This episode of Clutter Free Academy tackles one of the most common sources of both clutter and wasted money: the kitchen. Kathi Lipp welcomes back fan-favorite Tonya Kubo to kick off Low Buy July with a focus on the heart of the home. Together, they explore why the kitchen is the perfect place to start this challenge—and how doing so can shift your mindset from scarcity to abundance. What Listeners Will Discover Why starting Low Buy July in the kitchen delivers quick wins and immediate savings How to inventory your freezer, fridge, and pantry to uncover forgotten food Creative ways to use ingredients you already have instead of buying more The surprising truth about food waste (hint: the average family wastes $4,000 per year) How to meal plan by starting with what's in your kitchen rather than a recipe Tips for creating the smallest possible shopping list for the month Why Low Buy July isn't about deprivation—it's about discovery and wisdom Key Takeaways Inventory everything first. Go through every freezer, every fridge, and deep into the back of your pantry. Don't forget spices, seasonings, and condiments—these are often overlooked. Start with what you know. Before searching for new recipes online, think about what meals your family already loves that you can make from ingredients on hand. Create a "use first" zone. Designate a spot in your fridge for items that need to be eaten soon, leftovers, and anything you're defrosting. This simple system prevents food from getting lost. Embrace the abundance mindset. Many cluttery people struggle with scarcity thinking. Taking inventory reminds you that you have enough—and often more than enough. It's not about suffering. Low Buy July isn't about proving you can deprive yourself. It's about pausing, being intentional, and discovering what you already have before buying more. Whether you're looking to save money, reduce food waste, or simply clear some space in your kitchen, this episode offers practical, doable steps to help you succeed. Remember: using what you have isn't deprivation—it's wisdom.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme, "Temptation," by discussing various temptations with experts in their respective fields and how they overcome them. Our first guest, Kathi Lipp, joined us to talk about the temptation to hold on to clutter “just in case,” explaining how fear, anxiety, and constant pressure to upgrade can keep us from trusting God’s provision and living with freedom. Kathi is an author, speaker, blogger, and podcast host. We welcomed Dr. Ronnie Floyd to talk about overcoming temptation and spiritual strongholds, explaining why believers must stand on God’s Word, walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, and speak truth against the enemy’s lies. Dr. Floyd is a speaker, author, pastor, and host of the weekly podcast called “For Leaders Podcast with Ronnie Floyd.” We then opened up the phone lines to hear from our listeners. We posed the question, “Why did you keep going back to the temptation that hurt you most? And how did God work to break that?” You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Kathi Lipp [ 29:30 ]Dr. Ronnie Floyd [ 43:17 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme, "Temptation," by discussing various temptations with experts in their respective fields and how they overcome them. Our first guest, Kathi Lipp, joined us to talk about the temptation to hold on to clutter “just in case,” explaining how fear, anxiety, and constant pressure to upgrade can keep us from trusting God’s provision and living with freedom. Kathi is an author, speaker, blogger, and podcast host. We welcomed Dr. Ronnie Floyd to talk about overcoming temptation and spiritual strongholds, explaining why believers must stand on God’s Word, walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, and speak truth against the enemy’s lies. Dr. Floyd is a speaker, author, pastor, and host of the weekly podcast called “For Leaders Podcast with Ronnie Floyd.” We then opened up the phone lines to hear from our listeners. We posed the question, “Why did you keep going back to the temptation that hurt you most? And how did God work to break that?” You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Kathi Lipp [ 29:30 ]Dr. Ronnie Floyd [ 43:17 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme, "Temptation," by discussing various temptations with experts in their respective fields and how they overcome them. Our first guest, Kathi Lipp, joined us to talk about the temptation to hold on to clutter “just in case,” explaining how fear, anxiety, and constant pressure to upgrade can keep us from trusting God’s provision and living with freedom. Kathi is an author, speaker, blogger, and podcast host. We welcomed Dr. Ronnie Floyd to talk about overcoming temptation and spiritual strongholds, explaining why believers must stand on God’s Word, walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, and speak truth against the enemy’s lies. Dr. Floyd is a speaker, author, pastor, and host of the weekly podcast called “For Leaders Podcast with Ronnie Floyd.” We then opened up the phone lines to hear from our listeners. We posed the question, “Why did you keep going back to the temptation that hurt you most? And how did God work to break that?” You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Kathi Lipp [ 29:30 ]Dr. Ronnie Floyd [ 43:17 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme, "Temptation," by discussing various temptations with experts in their respective fields and how they overcome them. Our first guest, Kathi Lipp, joined us to talk about the temptation to hold on to clutter “just in case,” explaining how fear, anxiety, and constant pressure to upgrade can keep us from trusting God’s provision and living with freedom. Kathi is an author, speaker, blogger, and podcast host. We welcomed Dr. Ronnie Floyd to talk about overcoming temptation and spiritual strongholds, explaining why believers must stand on God’s Word, walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, and speak truth against the enemy’s lies. Dr. Floyd is a speaker, author, pastor, and host of the weekly podcast called “For Leaders Podcast with Ronnie Floyd.” We then opened up the phone lines to hear from our listeners. We posed the question, “Why did you keep going back to the temptation that hurt you most? And how did God work to break that?” You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Kathi Lipp [ 29:30 ]Dr. Ronnie Floyd [ 43:17 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme, "Temptation," by discussing various temptations with experts in their respective fields and how they overcome them. Our first guest, Kathi Lipp, joined us to talk about the temptation to hold on to clutter “just in case,” explaining how fear, anxiety, and constant pressure to upgrade can keep us from trusting God’s provision and living with freedom. Kathi is an author, speaker, blogger, and podcast host. We welcomed Dr. Ronnie Floyd to talk about overcoming temptation and spiritual strongholds, explaining why believers must stand on God’s Word, walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, and speak truth against the enemy’s lies. Dr. Floyd is a speaker, author, pastor, and host of the weekly podcast called “For Leaders Podcast with Ronnie Floyd.” We then opened up the phone lines to hear from our listeners. We posed the question, “Why did you keep going back to the temptation that hurt you most? And how did God work to break that?” You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Kathi Lipp [ 29:30 ]Dr. Ronnie Floyd [ 43:17 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme, "Temptation," by discussing various temptations with experts in their respective fields and how they overcome them. Our first guest, Kathi Lipp, joined us to talk about the temptation to hold on to clutter “just in case,” explaining how fear, anxiety, and constant pressure to upgrade can keep us from trusting God’s provision and living with freedom. Kathi is an author, speaker, blogger, and podcast host. We welcomed Dr. Ronnie Floyd to talk about overcoming temptation and spiritual strongholds, explaining why believers must stand on God’s Word, walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, and speak truth against the enemy’s lies. Dr. Floyd is a speaker, author, pastor, and host of the weekly podcast called “For Leaders Podcast with Ronnie Floyd.” We then opened up the phone lines to hear from our listeners. We posed the question, “Why did you keep going back to the temptation that hurt you most? And how did God work to break that?” You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Kathi Lipp [ 29:30 ]Dr. Ronnie Floyd [ 43:17 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme, "Temptation," by discussing various temptations with experts in their respective fields and how they overcome them. Our first guest, Kathi Lipp, joined us to talk about the temptation to hold on to clutter “just in case,” explaining how fear, anxiety, and constant pressure to upgrade can keep us from trusting God’s provision and living with freedom. Kathi is an author, speaker, blogger, and podcast host. We welcomed Dr. Ronnie Floyd to talk about overcoming temptation and spiritual strongholds, explaining why believers must stand on God’s Word, walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, and speak truth against the enemy’s lies. Dr. Floyd is a speaker, author, pastor, and host of the weekly podcast called “For Leaders Podcast with Ronnie Floyd.” We then opened up the phone lines to hear from our listeners. We posed the question, “Why did you keep going back to the temptation that hurt you most? And how did God work to break that?” You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Kathi Lipp [ 29:30 ]Dr. Ronnie Floyd [ 43:17 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you ever feel like stuff just keeps appearing in your home? You buy another white shirt because you forgot you already own three. You grab dry shampoo "just in case" and come home to find a small collection already waiting. What if the real problem isn't that you have too much stuff—it's that you don't know what you have? In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp and Grace Church introduce Low Buy July—a realistic, grace-filled approach to mindful spending that's about awareness, not deprivation. Unlike extreme no-spend challenges, Low Buy July invites you to hit pause on non-essential purchases while still living your real life. What Listeners Will Discover This episode walks through exactly how to prepare for and thrive during a month of intentional spending. Kathi and Grace share practical strategies for reducing impulse purchases while still taking care of what matters—from birthday celebrations to necessary prescriptions. The Discovery Phase Before cutting back on spending, it helps to know what you already own. Kathi introduces several "treasure hunts" to help listeners rediscover forgotten resources: Freezer Archaeology: That mystery meat from 2022? Time to either use it or lose it. A full freezer inventory helps you plan meals from what you have. Beauty Product Graveyard: Half-used shampoos, impulse lipsticks, and face masks you've been "saving"—July is the month to finally use them up. Closet Rediscovery: Pull out clothes you haven't worn, create outfits, and hang them outside your closet as a visual reminder to actually wear them. Craft Supply Challenge: Cluttery people love to start new projects. This month, practice being a finisher instead. Setting Yourself Up for Success Small friction can make a big difference. Kathi and Grace offer these practical tips: Remove Amazon from your phone (you can put it back later) Unsubscribe from retail emails Check your subscribe-and-save settings Let your Amazon cart build up and trim it before ordering Use grocery pickup to avoid impulse buys in-store Put wanted items on a waiting list—if you still want it in August, buy it then What You're Still Buying Low Buy July isn't about deprivation. Safety items, prescription medicine, true groceries, and birthday celebrations are all still on the table. The goal is accommodation, not elimination. Key Takeaways Low Buy July is about awareness, not acquiring—understanding where your money goes Friction is your friend when it comes to impulse spending Your library is an underutilized resource for summer activities, passes, and entertainment Getting leverage over one spending category builds confidence to tackle others Planning meals backwards (from what you have) turns the challenge into a creative game Ready to join the challenge? Head over to the free Clutter Free Academy Facebook group to take the Low Buy July pledge and celebrate wins together with 16,000+ fellow declutterers.

Do you ever feel like stuff just keeps appearing in your home? You buy another white shirt because you forgot you already own three. You grab dry shampoo "just in case" and come home to find a small collection already waiting. What if the real problem isn't that you have too much stuff—it's that you don't know what you have? In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp and Grace Church introduce Low Buy July—a realistic, grace-filled approach to mindful spending that's about awareness, not deprivation. Unlike extreme no-spend challenges, Low Buy July invites you to hit pause on non-essential purchases while still living your real life. What Listeners Will Discover This episode walks through exactly how to prepare for and thrive during a month of intentional spending. Kathi and Grace share practical strategies for reducing impulse purchases while still taking care of what matters—from birthday celebrations to necessary prescriptions. The Discovery Phase Before cutting back on spending, it helps to know what you already own. Kathi introduces several "treasure hunts" to help listeners rediscover forgotten resources: Freezer Archaeology: That mystery meat from 2022? Time to either use it or lose it. A full freezer inventory helps you plan meals from what you have. Beauty Product Graveyard: Half-used shampoos, impulse lipsticks, and face masks you've been "saving"—July is the month to finally use them up. Closet Rediscovery: Pull out clothes you haven't worn, create outfits, and hang them outside your closet as a visual reminder to actually wear them. Craft Supply Challenge: Cluttery people love to start new projects. This month, practice being a finisher instead. Setting Yourself Up for Success Small friction can make a big difference. Kathi and Grace offer these practical tips: Remove Amazon from your phone (you can put it back later) Unsubscribe from retail emails Check your subscribe-and-save settings Let your Amazon cart build up and trim it before ordering Use grocery pickup to avoid impulse buys in-store Put wanted items on a waiting list—if you still want it in August, buy it then What You're Still Buying Low Buy July isn't about deprivation. Safety items, prescription medicine, true groceries, and birthday celebrations are all still on the table. The goal is accommodation, not elimination. Key Takeaways Low Buy July is about awareness, not acquiring—understanding where your money goes Friction is your friend when it comes to impulse spending Your library is an underutilized resource for summer activities, passes, and entertainment Getting leverage over one spending category builds confidence to tackle others Planning meals backwards (from what you have) turns the challenge into a creative game Ready to join the challenge? Head over to the free Clutter Free Academy Facebook group to take the Low Buy July pledge and celebrate wins together with 16,000+ fellow declutterers.

How can you manage your home without draining the limited capacity you have as an Highly Sensitive Person? In Part 2 of my conversation with Kathi Lipp, we discuss practical ways HSPs can reduce home-management overwhelm, including: making pre-decisions before guilt and emotion take over, choosing what to keep when possessions carry emotional weight, containing lists, notes, papers, and visible reminders, creating one reliable “source of truth,” and asking for calmer shared spaces without feeling controlling. We also explore what may really be happening when an HSP is labeled “controlling” for needing more calm at home—and how to communicate our sensory needs with clarity and compassion. This episode will help you approach home management with greater self-awareness, more realistic expectations, and less shame about what your uniquely-wired nervous system needs. Links to Resources Mentioned: Kathi Lipp's Clutter Free Academy Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/clutterfreeacademy Order Kathi's book Clutter Free: Quick and Easy Steps for Simplifying Your Space https://www.amazon.com/Clutter-Free-Quick-Steps-Simplifying/dp/0736959130/ Check out Kathi's Website: https://kathilipp.com/ https://kathilipp.com/ Take the “Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?” Self-Quiz https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/ Learn about the Sensitive & Strong Community Cafe https://sensitiveandstrongbook.com/sensitive-strong-community-cafe/ Chapters (00:00:00) - How to Manage Your Home (For Highly Sensitive People)(00:01:58) - With Kathy Lipp: Home Management and the Highly Sensitive Person(00:04:00) - How to Pre-Decide When to Clean or Vacuum(00:07:04) - PreDecisions for Your Dad and His(00:12:39) - Pre-Deciding(00:13:12) - What To Keep And Why?(00:18:31) - A Mother's Last Conversation With Her Daughter(00:19:05) - The Scandalous Way I Use My Planner(00:25:05) - Post-it Notes: An Organization Tool(00:27:04) - How to Talk About Clutter in the Home(00:32:33) - A Sense of Harmony in the Home(00:34:50) - Kathy Lips: The Clutter Free Academy(00:35:40) - The Highly Sensitive Christian Woman's Community Cafe

Do you feel like your writing dreams are always stuck on "someday"? You're not alone. Many writers struggle to move from dreaming about their book to actually making progress—especially when life is full of other responsibilities. In this episode of the Writing at the Red House podcast, Kathi Lipp sits down with Tenneil Register to pull back the curtain on the quarterly planning process used inside the Red House Writers Collective. This isn't about fancy calendars or color-coded spreadsheets. It's about a simple, practical framework that helps writers finally get traction. The Create, Serve, Build Framework Kathi introduces the three-part framework that structures each quarter in the Collective: Create: Focus on your bigger projects—your book, a speech, a paid membership. This is where the 30-Day 10K challenge lives, encouraging writers to produce 10,000 words on their work in progress. Serve: How are you nurturing your audience right now? This could be social media, newsletters, or podcasting—anything that builds connection before your book launches. Build: Growing your business and platform. This might mean attending a conference, developing a coaching practice, or pitching to media outlets. Why Quarters Work for Writers Writing is a long game—books take years. But a quarter is the perfect unit of time to make real, measurable progress. Tenneil shares how quarterly thinking transformed her approach: "What I was missing was traction. I wasn't missing topics. I wasn't even missing a platform. I was missing traction." Making Goals Practical, Not Just Pretty The episode offers honest advice about avoiding common traps—planning too small or waiting for the perfect cabin-in-the-woods writing retreat. Instead, Kathi encourages listeners to break big goals into daily doable steps. Even 333 words a day adds up to 10,000 words in a month. Key Takeaways Start with just one goal for each month: Create, Serve, Build Break those goals into smaller, daily steps You don't need fancy systems—Post-it notes work just fine A realistic goal is one you can pitch in 30 seconds or less Progress beats perfection every time Whether you're just starting your writing journey or you've been at it for years, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how to move from dreaming to doing. Listen now and start planning your next quarter with purpose.

Does the thought of tackling your home office make you want to close the door and pretend it doesn't exist? You're not alone. In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp sits down with Grace Church to discuss why most office decluttering attempts fail—and what actually works instead. What You'll Discover in This Episode August brings that familiar back-to-school energy, and it's the perfect time for adults to reset their systems too. But before you pull everything out of your office for a complete overhaul, Kathi has some important wisdom to share about why that approach almost always backfires. The Truth About Office Gut-Jobs An office gut leaves you in shambles and piles. Instead of a marathon decluttering session, Kathi recommends breaking your office down into manageable pieces—the desk one day, files the next, walls another day. The key? Fifteen minutes is your best decision timeline. Beyond that, you're making poor decisions without the energy to carry them out. Why Your Office Is Like Your Kitchen Grace offers a powerful observation: your office is a space you're working in while trying to work on it—just like a kitchen. It's hard to renovate a space while you're living in it. This is why small, sustainable steps matter more than dramatic overhauls. The Year-Long No Office Supply Challenge Kathi is kicking off a personal challenge that has transformed other declutterers' lives: a full year without buying office supplies. The secret? Gather all your pens, sticky notes, and notebooks into one spot and create your own little store. You likely have more than you think. The Power of Body Doubling There's real psychology behind working alongside others—even virtually. Body doubling helps your brain stick to the task without excuses. It's one of the most powerful tools available in the Clutter Free for Life community. Key Takeaways Done is better than perfect—perfectionism is the number one thing that stalls an office project before it starts 15 minutes is your sweet spot for making good decluttering decisions Gather office supplies into one place before buying anything new Work on your space in sections—don't attempt a complete gut job Enjoy your August by spending just 15 minutes a day getting systems in order Whether you need a simple tune-up or a complete overhaul with daily support, there's a path forward for your office. The goal isn't perfection—it's creating a workspace where you can sit down and actually work without moving piles first.

Does the thought of tackling your home office make you want to close the door and pretend it doesn't exist? You're not alone. In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp sits down with Grace Church to discuss why most office decluttering attempts fail—and what actually works instead. What You'll Discover in This Episode August brings that familiar back-to-school energy, and it's the perfect time for adults to reset their systems too. But before you pull everything out of your office for a complete overhaul, Kathi has some important wisdom to share about why that approach almost always backfires. The Truth About Office Gut-Jobs An office gut leaves you in shambles and piles. Instead of a marathon decluttering session, Kathi recommends breaking your office down into manageable pieces—the desk one day, files the next, walls another day. The key? Fifteen minutes is your best decision timeline. Beyond that, you're making poor decisions without the energy to carry them out. Why Your Office Is Like Your Kitchen Grace offers a powerful observation: your office is a space you're working in while trying to work on it—just like a kitchen. It's hard to renovate a space while you're living in it. This is why small, sustainable steps matter more than dramatic overhauls. The Year-Long No Office Supply Challenge Kathi is kicking off a personal challenge that has transformed other declutterers' lives: a full year without buying office supplies. The secret? Gather all your pens, sticky notes, and notebooks into one spot and create your own little store. You likely have more than you think. The Power of Body Doubling There's real psychology behind working alongside others—even virtually. Body doubling helps your brain stick to the task without excuses. It's one of the most powerful tools available in the Clutter Free for Life community. Key Takeaways Done is better than perfect—perfectionism is the number one thing that stalls an office project before it starts 15 minutes is your sweet spot for making good decluttering decisions Gather office supplies into one place before buying anything new Work on your space in sections—don't attempt a complete gut job Enjoy your August by spending just 15 minutes a day getting systems in order Whether you need a simple tune-up or a complete overhaul with daily support, there's a path forward for your office. The goal isn't perfection—it's creating a workspace where you can sit down and actually work without moving piles first.

When clutter piles up in our homes, it's not just “stuff” for many of us who are Highly Sensitive Persons. We can experience it as visual noise, decision fatigue, emotional stories, sensory input, and shame. So much shame. In this episode, my dear friend and co-author Kathi Lipp and I explore why everyday home management can feel uniquely overwhelming for HSPs … and how we can learn to respond with practical compassion instead of all-or-nothing thinking. You'll learn why tidying up a space can help your nervous system exhale, why systems often collapse when life happens, and how to create a simple “stabilizing day” rather than trying to catch up on everything at once Kathi also shares three small re-entry steps for those moments when home feels overwhelming. This episode is a gentle invitation to stop asking, “Why can't I keep up?” and start asking, “What might help my HSP nervous system take the next small step?” Links to Resources Mentioned: Kathi Lipp's Clutter Free Academy Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/clutterfreeacademy Order Kathi's book Clutter Free: Quick and Easy Steps for Simplifying Your Space https://www.amazon.com/Clutter-Free-Quick-Steps-Simplifying/dp/0736959130/ Check out Kathi's Website: https://kathilipp.com/ https://kathilipp.com/ Take the “Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?” Self-Quiz https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/ Learn about the Sensitive & Strong Community Cafe https://sensitiveandstrongbook.com/sensitive-strong-community-cafe/ Chapters (00:00:00) - When clutter piles up in our homes(00:01:17) - Grit and Grace: Highly Sensitive Christian Women(00:03:49) - What is HSP?(00:04:50) - The Special Challenges of Being a Highly Sensitive Person(00:09:25) - Why is clutter more detrimental to HSPs than to the rest(00:11:52) - What to Do When Things Fall Apart in the Household?(00:18:00) - Why Does a Clean House Feel So Peaceful? But(00:21:26) - Fooled by Nature: The Go-Go, Do-(00:23:46) - Kathy Lips: Clutter Free Academy(00:24:58) - Grit and Grace: The Sensitive and Strong Community

Every writer or creative entrepreneur has faced it: that gut-punch moment when the numbers take a nosedive. Whether it's email subscribers disappearing, podcast downloads plummeting, or engagement grinding to a halt, the temptation to panic—or quit altogether—is real. In this episode of the Writing at the Red House podcast, Kathi Lipp and her husband Roger Lipp tackle the uncomfortable topic of what to do when the metrics aren't going your way. Drawing from their own hard-won experiences (including losing two-thirds of their email list overnight and watching podcast numbers crater due to algorithm changes), they offer practical wisdom for writers who feel like the ground is shifting beneath them. What Listeners Will Discover This conversation is packed with insights for anyone feeling the pressure of stalled growth or declining numbers: How to reframe a crisis as a season of evaluation—not a reason to shut everything down The danger of over-correcting and how panic decisions can erode audience trust What NOT to change: your core message, your audience, and your values What you CAN tweak: delivery methods, content format, and how you engage your community How to gather feedback wisely—without crowdsourcing or letting outlier criticism define you Key Takeaways Panic shows up in your work. When you're in crisis mode, you may find yourself copying others, working harder with fewer results, or promoting things that don't align with who you are. Recognizing these signs is the first step to course-correcting. Faithfulness beats frantic growth. The goal isn't growth at any cost—it's building something sustainable that you can live with. That means holding fast to your message while being light on your feet about how you deliver it. Feedback informs direction; it doesn't define identity. Not all feedback carries equal weight. Seek out trusted voices, filter the outliers, and remember that you are not the feedback you receive. Whether you're navigating a platform setback or simply feeling the weight of slow growth, this episode offers the encouragement and practical framework to keep moving forward—anchored, not anxious.

Have you ever decluttered a room only to watch it fill back up three months later? If so, this episode of the Clutter Free Podcast is for you. Kathi Lipp sits down with Katy Joy Wells, host of the Maximized Minimalist podcast with over 5 million downloads, to explore why traditional decluttering methods often fail—and what actually works for those who struggle with emotional attachment to their stuff. What Listeners Will Discover In this conversation, Kathi and Katy dive deep into the psychology behind clutter, examining why some people can easily let things go while others find themselves paralyzed by a simple organizing decision. The Four Types of Clutter Katy introduces her framework of the four clutter types that keep most homes stuck: Superficial Clutter – The easy stuff with no emotional attachment (only 10-15% of most homes' clutter) Scarcity Clutter – Fear-based items kept "just in case" Sentimental Clutter – Items tied to memories and meaningful moments Identity Clutter – Things connected to who you used to be or aspire to become Understanding Your "Stuff Story" Listeners will learn about the three pillars that shape their relationship with belongings: historical influences from caregivers, personal experiences, and cultural messaging. This awareness creates the foundation for lasting change. How Clutter Affects Your Nervous System The conversation reveals how the average American home contains over 300,000 items—and how this visual chaos triggers stress responses, elevated cortisol, and feelings of overwhelm that have nothing to do with willpower or motivation. Key Takeaways The goal isn't a Pinterest-perfect home—it's a "good enough home" that serves your real life Knowing something is clutter doesn't automatically mean you can let it go Environment shapes behavior: changing your space changes your choices Meeting overwhelming thoughts with curiosity instead of judgment unlocks progress You can be sentimental AND have a simplified home This episode offers hope and practical strategies for anyone who has tried and failed at traditional decluttering methods. It's time to stop blaming yourself and start understanding the real reasons clutter has such a hold on your life.

Have you ever decluttered a room only to watch it fill back up three months later? If so, this episode of the Clutter Free Podcast is for you. Kathi Lipp sits down with Katy Joy Wells, host of the Maximized Minimalist podcast with over 5 million downloads, to explore why traditional decluttering methods often fail—and what actually works for those who struggle with emotional attachment to their stuff. What Listeners Will Discover In this conversation, Kathi and Katy dive deep into the psychology behind clutter, examining why some people can easily let things go while others find themselves paralyzed by a simple organizing decision. The Four Types of Clutter Katy introduces her framework of the four clutter types that keep most homes stuck: Superficial Clutter – The easy stuff with no emotional attachment (only 10-15% of most homes' clutter) Scarcity Clutter – Fear-based items kept "just in case" Sentimental Clutter – Items tied to memories and meaningful moments Identity Clutter – Things connected to who you used to be or aspire to become Understanding Your "Stuff Story" Listeners will learn about the three pillars that shape their relationship with belongings: historical influences from caregivers, personal experiences, and cultural messaging. This awareness creates the foundation for lasting change. How Clutter Affects Your Nervous System The conversation reveals how the average American home contains over 300,000 items—and how this visual chaos triggers stress responses, elevated cortisol, and feelings of overwhelm that have nothing to do with willpower or motivation. Key Takeaways The goal isn't a Pinterest-perfect home—it's a "good enough home" that serves your real life Knowing something is clutter doesn't automatically mean you can let it go Environment shapes behavior: changing your space changes your choices Meeting overwhelming thoughts with curiosity instead of judgment unlocks progress You can be sentimental AND have a simplified home This episode offers hope and practical strategies for anyone who has tried and failed at traditional decluttering methods. It's time to stop blaming yourself and start understanding the real reasons clutter has such a hold on your life.

Do you dread packing for a trip? Are you an overpacker who loves having options but hates paying baggage fees? Whether you're heading out for a family vacation or traveling for work, packing doesn't have to be a source of stress and anxiety.In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp sits down with author and literary agent Barb Roose—a self-proclaimed overpacker who has mastered the art of smart travel. Together, they share practical, real-world tips that will transform the way you approach your next trip.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeBarb shares her three-part packing philosophy that has revolutionized her travel experience:Pack Early: Starting four to five days before your trip gives you time to think, rethink, and do laundry without the last-minute panicPack Like You Have Amnesia: Create a laminated checklist of essentials so you never forget the items that matter mostPack for Reality: Embrace who you really are—if you need extra toiletries, three pairs of shoes, or compression socks, pack them without guiltRapid-Fire Tips for Smarter TravelKathi and Barb trade their best travel wisdom, including:Why packing cubes are a game-changer for organizationHow to use a cord organizer to keep your backpack from becoming a hot messThe importance of packing 24 hours' worth of essentials in your carry-onWhy speakers should always wear something to the airport that could work for an eventCreating three "anchor outfits" for busy travel seasonsThe life-changing tip about freezing yogurt before TSAKey TakeawaysOverpacking isn't something to be ashamed of—it's something to manage wisely. By giving yourself margin, creating systems, and packing for your real needs (not an idealized version of yourself), you can travel with confidence and comfort. The goal isn't deprivation; it's showing up as your best, most prepared self.

Do you dread packing for a trip? Are you an overpacker who loves having options but hates paying baggage fees? Whether you're heading out for a family vacation or traveling for work, packing doesn't have to be a source of stress and anxiety.In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp sits down with author and literary agent Barb Roose—a self-proclaimed overpacker who has mastered the art of smart travel. Together, they share practical, real-world tips that will transform the way you approach your next trip.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeBarb shares her three-part packing philosophy that has revolutionized her travel experience:Pack Early: Starting four to five days before your trip gives you time to think, rethink, and do laundry without the last-minute panicPack Like You Have Amnesia: Create a laminated checklist of essentials so you never forget the items that matter mostPack for Reality: Embrace who you really are—if you need extra toiletries, three pairs of shoes, or compression socks, pack them without guiltRapid-Fire Tips for Smarter TravelKathi and Barb trade their best travel wisdom, including:Why packing cubes are a game-changer for organizationHow to use a cord organizer to keep your backpack from becoming a hot messThe importance of packing 24 hours' worth of essentials in your carry-onWhy speakers should always wear something to the airport that could work for an eventCreating three "anchor outfits" for busy travel seasonsThe life-changing tip about freezing yogurt before TSAKey TakeawaysOverpacking isn't something to be ashamed of—it's something to manage wisely. By giving yourself margin, creating systems, and packing for your real needs (not an idealized version of yourself), you can travel with confidence and comfort. The goal isn't deprivation; it's showing up as your best, most prepared self.

If you're one of the many homeowners who can't park a car in their garage, you're not alone—and you're definitely not without hope. In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp sits down with returning guest Tenneil Register, who brings a unique perspective to garage organization from her experience managing inventory for an actual retail store.Why the Garage Is So Hard to TameThe garage tends to become a catch-all space because it's undefined. It's where things go when company is coming, when seasons change, or when we simply don't know what else to do with something. Unlike the rest of your home, there's no "garage inspector" coming to motivate a cleanup—so clutter piles up without any natural deadline.A Professional Approach to Home StorageTenneil shares hard-won lessons from running a retail business, including how to think about garage contents in categories: seasonal items, repair tools, and backup supplies. This simple framework helps create logical zones that make finding (and putting away) items so much easier.What "Done" Really Looks LikeForget Pinterest-perfect matching bins. A well-organized garage is one where anyone can walk in and find what they need. The secret? Clear containers so you can see what's inside, simple labels (even handwritten ones count!), and contained categories that others can understand without explanation.Key TakeawaysUse clear containers – If it's opaque, there's always the possibility the thing you're looking for might be in that box. Clear bins let you scan and move on.Label everything – A 30-second scribble with a marker can completely change someone else's ability to use the space, including future you.Work in small time chunks – The "big Saturday cleanout" leaves you too exhausted to actually organize. Small sessions are more sustainable and effective.Create a "maybe" zone – Tape out a spot for items you can't decide on. By the end of your organizing session, you'll often be tired enough to let go of some maybes.Make it a choice, not a consequence – Deciding intentionally that you need storage more than parking feels completely different than living with the result of accumulated mess.Even improving your garage by just 20% this season will make a huge difference every time you go out there looking for something. Progress, not perfection, is the goal.

If you're one of the many homeowners who can't park a car in their garage, you're not alone—and you're definitely not without hope. In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp sits down with returning guest Tenneil Register, who brings a unique perspective to garage organization from her experience managing inventory for an actual retail store.Why the Garage Is So Hard to TameThe garage tends to become a catch-all space because it's undefined. It's where things go when company is coming, when seasons change, or when we simply don't know what else to do with something. Unlike the rest of your home, there's no "garage inspector" coming to motivate a cleanup—so clutter piles up without any natural deadline.A Professional Approach to Home StorageTenneil shares hard-won lessons from running a retail business, including how to think about garage contents in categories: seasonal items, repair tools, and backup supplies. This simple framework helps create logical zones that make finding (and putting away) items so much easier.What "Done" Really Looks LikeForget Pinterest-perfect matching bins. A well-organized garage is one where anyone can walk in and find what they need. The secret? Clear containers so you can see what's inside, simple labels (even handwritten ones count!), and contained categories that others can understand without explanation.Key TakeawaysUse clear containers – If it's opaque, there's always the possibility the thing you're looking for might be in that box. Clear bins let you scan and move on.Label everything – A 30-second scribble with a marker can completely change someone else's ability to use the space, including future you.Work in small time chunks – The "big Saturday cleanout" leaves you too exhausted to actually organize. Small sessions are more sustainable and effective.Create a "maybe" zone – Tape out a spot for items you can't decide on. By the end of your organizing session, you'll often be tired enough to let go of some maybes.Make it a choice, not a consequence – Deciding intentionally that you need storage more than parking feels completely different than living with the result of accumulated mess.Even improving your garage by just 20% this season will make a huge difference every time you go out there looking for something. Progress, not perfection, is the goal.

Have you ever dreamed of seeing yourself on local TV promoting your book or message—but had no idea where to start? You're not alone. Many writers feel overwhelmed by the idea of pitching media, building relationships with producers, and finding that newsworthy angle that gets them booked. In this episode of the Writing at the Red House podcast, Kathi Lipp sits down with Tenneil Register, a writer and entrepreneur who has been appearing on local TV for nearly 20 years. Tenneil shares her practical, relationship-centered approach to building community partnerships that have put her in front of new audiences again and again—without ever feeling salesy or pushy. What You'll Learn in This Episode How to find the newsworthy angle in what you're promoting The key to crafting a pitch that makes a producer's job easier Why serving the audience (not selling your book) is the secret to getting asked back How to build and maintain a media contact database What "aftercare" looks like to strengthen your media relationships The power of leave-behind gifts and personal touches Key Takeaways Lead with service, not self-promotion. The most successful media appearances happen when you focus on solving a problem for the audience rather than promoting yourself. When you serve the producer's goals and their viewers' needs, you become someone they want to book again. Be supremely askbackable. Show up prepared, don't overstep boundaries, deliver everything a producer needs, and make their job as easy as possible. That's how you get invited back. Your pitch should read like a news headline. Producers don't have time to read three-page emails. Be clear, succinct, and include the "why now" that connects your topic to their audience's current needs. Relationships matter more than one-time appearances. Treat producers and hosts like the humans they are. Remember details about their lives, follow up with gratitude, and promote their show on your own platforms. Whether you're a first-time author or a seasoned speaker looking to expand your reach, this episode will give you the confidence and clarity to start building your own community partnerships.

Are you holding onto mattresses, kitchen supplies, or linens because your adult kids might need them someday? You're not alone—and you're not wrong for wanting to help. But what feels like wisdom or generosity might actually be one of the sneakiest forms of clutter. In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp and Grace Church tackle a question that resonates with so many listeners: How do you decide what to keep for your kids and what to let go? The Real Cost of "Just in Case" Storage Before you dedicate precious square footage to items your children haven't asked for, consider this: you might be making decisions based on a future that may never happen, for a person who hasn't requested anything. Grace shares her eye-opening experience of calculating 10 years of storage unit costs—and the painful realization of what that money could have done instead. A Simple Framework for Deciding Kathi offers a straightforward approach: "I have [blank]. Do you want it? And if so, when?" This simple conversation can save years of storing items that your kids may never want—or worse, items that deteriorate while waiting for their "someday" moment. When Donations Feel Impossible The episode also addresses a common frustration: what to do when thrift stores are overwhelmed and Facebook Marketplace isn't working. From Buy Nothing groups to foster care closets and community swaps, Kathi and Grace share creative alternatives for getting items out of your home and into hands that need them today. Key Takeaways Storage costs (even in your own home) often exceed replacement costs Stored items don't always store well—deterioration adds grief to clutter Your house is not a storage unit; your square footage has value If you can replace it for under $50 and it's taking up real space, let it go Have your favorite donation spots mapped out before you start decluttering It's okay to throw things away—they'll be thrown away eventually Whether you're storing things for adult children, struggling to find homes for donations, or simply need permission to let go, this episode delivers the practical wisdom and gentle encouragement you need to reclaim your space.

Are you holding onto mattresses, kitchen supplies, or linens because your adult kids might need them someday? You're not alone—and you're not wrong for wanting to help. But what feels like wisdom or generosity might actually be one of the sneakiest forms of clutter. In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp and Grace Church tackle a question that resonates with so many listeners: How do you decide what to keep for your kids and what to let go? The Real Cost of "Just in Case" Storage Before you dedicate precious square footage to items your children haven't asked for, consider this: you might be making decisions based on a future that may never happen, for a person who hasn't requested anything. Grace shares her eye-opening experience of calculating 10 years of storage unit costs—and the painful realization of what that money could have done instead. A Simple Framework for Deciding Kathi offers a straightforward approach: "I have [blank]. Do you want it? And if so, when?" This simple conversation can save years of storing items that your kids may never want—or worse, items that deteriorate while waiting for their "someday" moment. When Donations Feel Impossible The episode also addresses a common frustration: what to do when thrift stores are overwhelmed and Facebook Marketplace isn't working. From Buy Nothing groups to foster care closets and community swaps, Kathi and Grace share creative alternatives for getting items out of your home and into hands that need them today. Key Takeaways Storage costs (even in your own home) often exceed replacement costs Stored items don't always store well—deterioration adds grief to clutter Your house is not a storage unit; your square footage has value If you can replace it for under $50 and it's taking up real space, let it go Have your favorite donation spots mapped out before you start decluttering It's okay to throw things away—they'll be thrown away eventually Whether you're storing things for adult children, struggling to find homes for donations, or simply need permission to let go, this episode delivers the practical wisdom and gentle encouragement you need to reclaim your space.

Do you find yourself hitting a new quarter and realizing you have no idea what you should be working on? You're not alone. Writing is a long game, and without intentional planning, it's easy for your creative dreams to fall to the bottom of your to-do list.In this episode, Kathi Lipp and Tenneil Register pull back the curtain on the quarterly planning process they use inside the Red House Writers Collective. If you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to move forward with your writing, this episode offers a simple framework that can change everything.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhy quarterly planning is the perfect unit of time for making real progress on your writing goalsThe Create, Serve, Build framework that helps writers focus on what matters most each monthHow to set realistic goals that fit your actual life—not some fantasy cabin-in-the-woods scenarioPractical tips for keeping your goals in front of you (hint: sticky notes work!)Why 333 words a day can lead to 10,000 words in just 30 daysThe Create, Serve, Build FrameworkCreate (July): Focus on your bigger projects—your book, a speech, a paid membership. This is the month for the 30-day 10K challenge where you aim to write 10,000 words on your work in progress.Serve (August): How are you currently nurturing your audience? Whether it's social media, newsletters, or guest posting, this month is about showing up for the people who need your message right now—not just when your book comes out.Build (September): This is about growing your business and platform. Maybe you're attending a conference, launching coaching services, or pitching to media. Build is how you create sustainability in your writing career.Key TakeawaysA quarter is the perfect balance—long enough to make real progress, short enough to stay focusedYou don't need a color-coded spreadsheet; three sentences on Post-it notes can get you startedPlanning too small or too big are both traps—find the realistic middle groundServing your audience now builds the foundation for readers to care about your future bookIt's not too early to start planning for Q3—July, August, and September are closer than you think!

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme, “Redeeming Time.” Laurie Davies joined us to explain how emotional hoarding can keep us stuck, and how God helps us let go of the hurt, regret, and bitterness we’ve been holding on to. Laurie is a former journalist and women’s ministry director and has written the book, “Emotional Hoarding: Letting Go of the Stuff That Keeps You Stuck.” We then had Kathi Lipp join to explain how clutter can keep us stuck in fear, guilt, and shame, and how small steps can help us move toward freedom. Kathi is the host of “Clutter Free Academy the Podcast!”, and author of "Ready for Anything: Preparing Your Heart and Home for Any Crisis, Big or Small." We invited our listeners to the “Redeem Time” Challenge to encourage you to use your time more intentionally and spiritually, focusing on productivity, purpose, rest, and honoring God, rather than wasting it. You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Ally's Q&A [ 13:01 ] Kathi Lipp [ 22:37 ]Laurie Davies [ 34:47 ]Make it a Metaphor [ 46:10 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme, “Redeeming Time.” Laurie Davies joined us to explain how emotional hoarding can keep us stuck, and how God helps us let go of the hurt, regret, and bitterness we’ve been holding on to. Laurie is a former journalist and women’s ministry director and has written the book, “Emotional Hoarding: Letting Go of the Stuff That Keeps You Stuck.” We then had Kathi Lipp join to explain how clutter can keep us stuck in fear, guilt, and shame, and how small steps can help us move toward freedom. Kathi is the host of “Clutter Free Academy the Podcast!”, and author of "Ready for Anything: Preparing Your Heart and Home for Any Crisis, Big or Small." We invited our listeners to the “Redeem Time” Challenge to encourage you to use your time more intentionally and spiritually, focusing on productivity, purpose, rest, and honoring God, rather than wasting it. You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Ally's Q&A [ 13:01 ] Kathi Lipp [ 22:37 ]Laurie Davies [ 34:47 ]Make it a Metaphor [ 46:10 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you're planning to pitch a book this year, you might be surprised to learn that the strategies that worked just a few years ago may not cut it anymore. The publishing landscape has shifted dramatically, and understanding these changes could make all the difference in whether your book finds its audience. What You'll Learn in This Episode In this episode of the Writing at the Red House podcast, host Kathi Lipp sits down with literary agent Barb Roose from Books and Such Literary Agency to unpack the critical shifts in book pitching for 2026. Whether you're preparing for conference season or crafting your first query letter, this conversation will help you approach publishers and agents with confidence. The AI Factor in Publishing Barb explains why literary agents can often tell when a query has been AI-generated—and why that matters. She shares practical wisdom about using AI as a tool without letting it undermine your unique voice and intellectual property. The key takeaway? Publishers want books that come from the DNA of humans, especially in faith-based publishing where trust is paramount. Understanding Discoverability in 2026 With 85% of books sold on Amazon and millions of titles competing for attention, how do readers find your book? Barb breaks down the concept of "niche felt need"—the specific problem readers are trying to solve or the exact type of story they're searching for. She offers a practical framework for researching your category and understanding what makes bestselling books in your space successful. The Rule of Three Barb shares her "rule of three" strategy for social media research: find three authors slightly ahead of you in your lane, study their social media comments, and identify what their readers are connecting with. This isn't about copying—it's about understanding what resonates and bringing your unique experience to meet that need. Key Takeaways Good books will always find readers, but you must help readers find your book Your story and experience are what set you apart—don't outsource your thinking to AI Do your Amazon research before pitching to understand what's already in your category Niche down: "Moms who are stressed" is too broad; "moms of small children with control issues" is discoverable Study the comments on successful authors' social media to understand what readers connect with If you're serious about getting your book into the hands of readers who need it, this episode will help you refine your approach and pitch with confidence in 2026.

Marriage is not two people living in perfect harmony. Marriage is two imperfect people sharing the same house and the same thermostat! In this upbeat presentation, Pastor Doug Fields encourages us to resist the cultural concept of cutting difficult people out of our lives, especially when it comes to our marriage. Both husbands and wives will learn easy habits that can transform a marriage into a thriving, enjoyable relationship! Guests include Dr. Greg Smalley, Shaunti Feldhahn, Kathi Lipp, Dan Seaborn, Dr. Ken Wilgus, Doug Fields, Patricia Ashley, and Jay Payleitner! Get More Episode Resources If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, please give us your feedback.

Today, we conclude our theme "Preparation Week." Kathi Lipp, clutter-free expert, podcaster, and author, shared from her book, "Ready for Anything: Preparing Your Heart and Home for Any Crisis, Big or Small." Kelli Worrall, MBI Professor of Communications and Field Chair for the Music and Media Arts Division, discussed her book, "Pierced and Embraced." What are the unique, powerful, and complex ways in which Jesus loves the women of the Gospels? Dr. Winfred Neely, Professor Emeritus and retired Dean of MBI Theological Seminary, helped us unpack Matthew 25 and the parable of the 10 virgins. How can we be spiritually prepared for Jesus' second coming? You can hear the highlights of today's program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps: Interview with Kelli Worrall [7:02] Interview with Dr. Winfred Neely [20:18] Interview with Kathy Lipp [49:05]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever felt stuck trying to narrow down your target reader? What if your book naturally speaks to two very different audiences? In this episode of Writing at the Red House, Kathi Lipp sits down with bestselling author and acquisitions editor Jennifer Dukes Lee to explore what happens when you break the "one ideal reader" rule. Jennifer opens up about the challenge she faced while writing her latest book, How to Love Your Morning. On one hand, she was writing to productivity-loving morning people who wanted to level up their routines. On the other, she was reaching out to those who dread mornings and have convinced themselves they could never change. How do you write—and market—a book that speaks to both? What You'll Learn in This Episode Why Jennifer chose to acknowledge both audiences on the very first page of her book How to identify when your book genuinely serves two different reader groups The three-pronged social media strategy Jennifer uses to reach both audiences What a "negative carousel" is and how it connects with reluctant readers Why neutral content (like famous people's morning routines) attracts everyone How this strategy can apply to other book topics beyond morning routines Key Takeaways for Writers Jennifer's approach challenges the conventional wisdom that every book must have one narrowly defined reader. While she still narrowed her audience to women, she discovered that by being transparent about who she was writing to—and creating targeted marketing for each group—she could serve both audiences well. For writers struggling with the "who is this for?" question, this episode offers permission to think creatively about your audience while still being strategic in your marketing approach. Whether you're in the book proposal stage or knee-deep in promotion, Jennifer's insights will help you think differently about reaching the readers who need your message most.

Prayer is one of the key ingredients to helping you experience a deeper relationship with your mate. Kathi Lipp joins Jim Daly to discuss the difference prayer can make in your marriage. Also, Erin Smalley shares about couples she's seen persevere through serious challenges by relying on God. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Praying God’s Word for Your Life for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Bringing Purpose and Power to Your Prayer Life Counseling Consultation and Referrals Learning from the Prayer Life of Jesus Support This Show! If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Do you find yourself postponing bedtime because the thought of walking into your cluttered bedroom feels overwhelming? You're not alone. For many of us, the bedroom has become a catch-all space—a place where laundry piles up, papers accumulate on nightstands, and clutter hides behind closed doors. Your Bedroom Should Be Your Exhale Room In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp and Tenneil Register have an honest conversation about why the bedroom often becomes the most cluttered room in the house—even for people who don't consider themselves "cluttery." They explore why we use this private space as a dumping ground and, more importantly, how to reclaim it as the sanctuary it's meant to be. What You'll Discover in This Episode Why 75% of cluttery people struggle most with their bedroom The emotional reasons we avoid dealing with bedroom clutter How to evaluate what your bedroom says about how you feel about rest Simple first steps to reset your bedroom starting tonight The nightstand strategy that creates instant calm Why making your bed might be easier than you think (if you simplify it) The Safety Factor Beyond the mental and emotional benefits, Kathi Lipp shares a personal story about passing out in the middle of the night and the relief of knowing there was nothing on her floor to trip over. Your bedroom should be the safest room in your house—a place you can navigate even in the dark. Key Takeaways Rest is a gift, not just a reward. You don't have to earn the right to a peaceful bedroom by completing everything else first. Your nightstand should only hold items you use daily or weekly—everything else needs a different home. If you're resisting making your bed, you've probably made it too complicated with too many pillows. Ready to transform your bedroom from a stress zone to a sanctuary? Start with just one small step tonight.

Do you find yourself postponing bedtime because the thought of walking into your cluttered bedroom feels overwhelming? You're not alone. For many of us, the bedroom has become a catch-all space—a place where laundry piles up, papers accumulate on nightstands, and clutter hides behind closed doors. Your Bedroom Should Be Your Exhale Room In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp and Tenneil Register have an honest conversation about why the bedroom often becomes the most cluttered room in the house—even for people who don't consider themselves "cluttery." They explore why we use this private space as a dumping ground and, more importantly, how to reclaim it as the sanctuary it's meant to be. What You'll Discover in This Episode Why 75% of cluttery people struggle most with their bedroom The emotional reasons we avoid dealing with bedroom clutter How to evaluate what your bedroom says about how you feel about rest Simple first steps to reset your bedroom starting tonight The nightstand strategy that creates instant calm Why making your bed might be easier than you think (if you simplify it) The Safety Factor Beyond the mental and emotional benefits, Kathi Lipp shares a personal story about passing out in the middle of the night and the relief of knowing there was nothing on her floor to trip over. Your bedroom should be the safest room in your house—a place you can navigate even in the dark. Key Takeaways Rest is a gift, not just a reward. You don't have to earn the right to a peaceful bedroom by completing everything else first. Your nightstand should only hold items you use daily or weekly—everything else needs a different home. If you're resisting making your bed, you've probably made it too complicated with too many pillows. Ready to transform your bedroom from a stress zone to a sanctuary? Start with just one small step tonight.

You're sending newsletters faithfully, but it feels like they're disappearing into a black hole. No opens. No responses. Just silence. If you've ever wondered whether anyone actually reads what you write, this episode is for you. Kathi Lipp and Tenneil Register dive into the real reason people aren't opening your emails—and it's probably not what you think. Spoiler alert: it's not about clever tricks or urgency-driven headlines. It's about something much more fundamental. What You'll Discover in This Episode Why newsletters matter more than ever for writers (hint: it's about owning your audience) The truth about why people actually open emails—and it's not the subject line alone How to write subject lines that feel like a thought, not a headline The "text a friend" test that will transform your subject lines Why over-editing can strip your authentic voice right out of your newsletter The generic opening lines that are costing you readers Key Takeaways Your email list is your owned audience. Unlike social media platforms that can change algorithms or shut down accounts, your newsletter subscribers belong to you. Publishers and agents are paying attention to this. People open emails from people they trust. Before worrying about clever subject lines, focus on building genuine relationships with your readers. Do they believe you actually care about them? Your voice isn't just a style choice—it's a signal. When readers open your email, they should hear YOU, not a polished, over-edited version that sounds like a research paper or a performance. The text test works. If your subject line would feel weird to text a friend, it'll feel weird in their inbox too. Keep it personal and genuine. If you're ready to transform your newsletter from something you dread writing into something your readers look forward to receiving, this conversation will give you the foundation you need to get started.

Have you conquered most of your home only to find yourself completely stuck on those final one or two rooms? You're not alone. Those last spaces are almost always the hardest—and there's a reason for that.In this encouraging episode, Kathi Lipp sits down with Grace Church, the community leader of Clutter Free for Life, to tackle one of the most common struggles in the decluttering journey: finishing strong when you've already come so far.Why Those Last Rooms Feel ImpossibleKathi and Grace dive deep into the psychology behind why final rooms become such roadblocks. These spaces aren't random—they're where all your unmade decisions have migrated. Every item you couldn't face in other rooms has found its way here, creating a concentration of emotional weight and decision fatigue.What Listeners Will DiscoverWhy the last rooms represent more than just clutter—they often hold grief, identity, and memories we're not ready to releaseThe difference between productive avoidance and strategic room-hoppingHow body doubling (working alongside others, even virtually) accelerates progress and improves decision-makingThe power of the "minimum viable" approach—starting with your C plan instead of your A planA practical combo approach: 10 minutes of easy decisions plus 5 minutes of hard onesPermission to define "done" as functional and peaceful rather than Pinterest-perfectThe One-Item MethodGrace shares a surprisingly simple breakthrough strategy: instead of tackling the whole room, pick up just one item and fully process it. That doom room is made up of individual items, and one decision at a time adds up to transformation.Key TakeawaysIf you're depleted, you need rest and smaller goals—try 15 minutes or even just 2 minutesSystems beat motivation every time, especially when life gets hardDon't save decluttering for vacation days—small daily progress preserves your weekends for livingFind one square foot of space to clear; your eye will be drawn to that victory every time you enter the room

Have you conquered most of your home only to find yourself completely stuck on those final one or two rooms? You're not alone. Those last spaces are almost always the hardest—and there's a reason for that.In this encouraging episode, Kathi Lipp sits down with Grace Church, the community leader of Clutter Free for Life, to tackle one of the most common struggles in the decluttering journey: finishing strong when you've already come so far.Why Those Last Rooms Feel ImpossibleKathi and Grace dive deep into the psychology behind why final rooms become such roadblocks. These spaces aren't random—they're where all your unmade decisions have migrated. Every item you couldn't face in other rooms has found its way here, creating a concentration of emotional weight and decision fatigue.What Listeners Will DiscoverWhy the last rooms represent more than just clutter—they often hold grief, identity, and memories we're not ready to releaseThe difference between productive avoidance and strategic room-hoppingHow body doubling (working alongside others, even virtually) accelerates progress and improves decision-makingThe power of the "minimum viable" approach—starting with your C plan instead of your A planA practical combo approach: 10 minutes of easy decisions plus 5 minutes of hard onesPermission to define "done" as functional and peaceful rather than Pinterest-perfectThe One-Item MethodGrace shares a surprisingly simple breakthrough strategy: instead of tackling the whole room, pick up just one item and fully process it. That doom room is made up of individual items, and one decision at a time adds up to transformation.Key TakeawaysIf you're depleted, you need rest and smaller goals—try 15 minutes or even just 2 minutesSystems beat motivation every time, especially when life gets hardDon't save decluttering for vacation days—small daily progress preserves your weekends for livingFind one square foot of space to clear; your eye will be drawn to that victory every time you enter the room

Have you ever walked into someone else's home and immediately noticed a smell—good or bad—and wondered what your own house smells like to visitors? The truth is, we all become "nose blind" to our own homes, and no amount of candles can cover up odors that haven't been eliminated at the source.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeIn this practical episode, Kathi Lipp and Tenneil Register tackle a topic that doesn't get discussed enough: how to make your home genuinely smell fresh and inviting. They share real-world strategies for identifying and eliminating hidden odors, plus tips for creating a signature scent that welcomes guests without overwhelming them.Stop Masking, Start EliminatingThe biggest mistake most people make? Layering good scents over bad odors. Kathi Lipp and Tenneil Register explain why cleaning beats spraying every time, and share specific techniques for tackling odor sources like drains, garbage disposals, and P-traps that may be releasing sewer gas into your bathroom.The Power of VentilationOne of the simplest and most effective strategies is also the most overlooked: fresh air. Learn why opening windows for just 10 minutes daily—even in winter—makes a significant difference, and why you should run your bathroom exhaust fan 20 minutes before and after your shower, not just during.Soft Surfaces: The Hidden Odor TrapsCurtains, towels, couch cushions, dog beds, and blankets are constantly absorbing smells from cooking, pets, and daily life. Discover how often you really need to wash these items, plus a game-changing product recommendation for freshening fabrics between washes.Creating Your Signature ScentOnce you've eliminated the bad odors, it's time for the fun part! Kathi Lipp and Tenneil Register share their favorite ways to add pleasant scents to their homes—from essential oils in vacuum canisters to the vanilla extract oven trick that makes your home smell like fresh-baked cookies.Key TakeawaysOpen windows for 10 minutes daily and use ceiling fans to circulate airRun your range hood during cooking, not just afterWash towels at least weekly and use borax in hot water for stubborn smellsWash curtains every 3-6 months with cold water and minimal detergentRun bathroom exhaust fans 20 minutes before and after showersKeep guest bathroom faucets running 1-2 minutes weekly to prevent P-trap odorsPut essential oil drops on a cotton ball in your vacuum canisterConsider hypoallergenic scent options for guest rooms