Explore every episode of the podcast Home Therapy with Anita Yokota
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How Biophilic Design Calms Your Nervous System: My New Book Grounded Living | 04 Dec 2025 | 00:07:21 | |
In today’s episode, I’m sharing why biophilic design is the most overlooked tool for calming your nervous system — and how it became the heart of my new book, Grounded Living. You’ll learn: If you’ve ever wondered why your home feels overwhelming, stuck, or just “off,” this episode gives you the science and design tools to shift that. Preorder Grounded Living today to start creating a home that supports your nervous system. --- ANITA'S LINKS --- | |||
| The #1 Design Rule You Should Be Breaking Right Now | 23 Jul 2025 | 00:19:20 | |
We’ve been told to follow design rules to create beautiful homes—but what if those rules are actually keeping us stuck? In this episode of Home Therapy, Anita Yokota, licensed therapist and interior designer, shares how breaking traditional design “shoulds” can unlock joy, calm, and authenticity in your home. From mixing metals to ditching the kitchen island, it’s time to design for your mental wellness—not the trends. --- ANITA'S LINKS --- | |||
| The Unexpected Ways My Home Helped Me Heal | 05 Mar 2025 | 00:42:27 | |
In this episode, I dive into how intentionally redesigning my home helped me heal from burnout and trauma. Discover the therapeutic power of creating functional and calming spaces like my bathroom, nightstand, and work-from-home area. From using natural light to organizing spaces with personal touches, learn practical tips for making your own home a sanctuary. Join me on this journey of self-discovery and healing as I share my personal experiences and insights on home therapy. KEY MOMENTS 00:00 Introduction: A Life-Changing Choice 00:32 Facing Burnout and Slowing Down 02:10 Unplugging in Hawaii 03:32 Recharging and Reflecting 04:41 Embracing Home Therapy 06:15 The Healing Bathroom 08:02 Revamping the Nightstand 11:03 Creating a Productive Workspace 13:46 Transforming the Communal Space 15:02 Kitchen Flow and Habits 17:51 Organizing the Closet 20:00 Garage Makeover 21:53 Conclusion: A Journey to Healing --- ANITA'S LINKS --- | |||
| How to Use Design Thinking for a More Peaceful Life & Home | 11 Feb 2025 | 00:35:38 | |
Can your home help reduce stress? YES! In this episode of The Home Therapy Podcast, I sit down with John Armstrong, meditation expert and design-thinker, to talk about the intersection of mindfulness, interior design, and behavioral psychology. Your home environment has a massive impact on your mental health! John and I explore: ✔️ How mindfulness practices like meditation can reshape your daily routine ✔️ The surprising link between interior design & emotional well-being ✔️ How "nudges" in your home can create healthier habits (without willpower!) ✔️ The power of pausing & intentionality in parenting, work, and relationships Watch now and discover how to design a home—and a life—that supports your well-being. KEY MOMENTS00:00 Introduction and Personal Story --- ANITA'S LINKS --- | |||
| Why Your Home Needs Boundaries (and How to Start) | 31 Dec 2024 | 00:16:50 | |
Is your home helping you find peace or adding to your stress? In this episode, Anita Yokota explores how the way we design and interact with our spaces can impact our mental health and well-being. Discover the transformative power of setting boundaries with your home to protect your energy and create a sanctuary for yourself and your family. Anita shares practical tips like using intention trays, designing functional zones, and setting clear expectations with loved ones to bring more harmony into your home. These small, intentional changes can turn your space into one that not only looks beautiful but also feels restorative. Start reclaiming your peace, one space at a time. --- ANITA'S LINKS --- | |||
| Creativity and Balance in DIY Home Design | Casey Finn | 10 Dec 2024 | 00:25:12 | |
In this episode of Home Therapy with Anita Yokota, Anita welcomes Casey Finn from DIY Playbook. Casey shares her journey from updating her college apartment to renovating a 100-year-old house. They discuss the impact of color on mood, parenting, self-care, and maintaining a balanced life. Casey reflects on her upbringing, influenced by her creative mom, and details her career pivot from TV reporting to blogging about DIY projects. The conversation also covers tips for beginners in wallpapering and the architectural and personal inspirations in Casey’s design work. --- ANITA'S LINKS --- | |||
| Beyond Aesthetics: How to Identify Your Core Desire For A Meaningful Home | 06 Oct 2024 | 00:15:50 | |
--- ANITA'S LINKS --- | |||
| Tried and True Tips: Prep Your Home Before Vacation for a Happy Return and My Vacation Break Update | 20 Jun 2024 | 00:11:35 | |
Hey there, Home Therapy club! Join Anita for a special episode recorded on the go. Today, we’re diving into tried and true organization tips to prep your home before vacation so you can return to a serene and welcoming space. Discover strategies from Anita's Home Therapy Method to learn how to declutter effectively, and get inspired to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere from your vacation. Whether you're heading on an adventure or enjoying a staycation, these tips will ensure your home remains a stress-free haven. Plus, get a quick update on Anita's upcoming vacation break. Tune in for practical advice, personal anecdotes, and actionable steps to make your return from vacation smooth and enjoyable! --- ANITA'S LINKS --- | |||
| Get Yourself Outside:Essential Dos and Don'ts for a Perfect Summer Spot | 11 Jun 2024 | 00:15:53 | |
Summer is here! In this episode, Anita Yokota, an experienced interior designer and therapist, delves into the essential dos and don'ts for creating your perfect summer spot in your outdoor living space. --- ANITA'S LINKS --- | |||
| For the Love of Renovating: Adding Old World Charm with The Brownstone Boys | 04 Jun 2024 | 00:26:13 | |
--- ANITA'S LINKS --- | |||
| Escape Hustle Culture: Renew Your Life by Redefining Your Home | 28 May 2024 | 00:11:43 | |
Are you caught up in hustle culture and struggling to set boundaries? Join me, Anita, as I share my journey of looking at my home through a different lens, moving away from constant productivity to a place of peace and presence. In this episode, I discuss my milestone birthday, my modified social media detox, and the importance of being present for family milestones. Discover how to find balance, cherish everyday moments, and reimagine your home as a space for relaxation and joy. This is one heartfelt conversation about living intentionally and escaping the hustle that you will not want to miss! --- ANITA'S LINKS --- | |||
| Creating Calm Through Desert Living: The Joshua Tree House story with Sara and Rich Combs | 21 May 2024 | 00:25:06 | |
Anita welcomes Sara and Rich Combs, the creative owners behind The Joshua Tree House. They share their journey from web design to creating tranquil, nature-inspired retreats in Joshua Tree, California, and Tucson, Arizona. Discover how their unique approach to design fosters a sense of calm and connection with nature, and learn practical tips for bringing the essence of desert living into your own home. Whether you’re a design enthusiast or someone seeking a more peaceful living environment, this conversation offers valuable insights and inspiration. Tune in to explore their design process, DIY adventures, and the beauty of embracing imperfection! --- ANITA'S LINKS --- | |||
| She Cut Her Couch in Half?! | Apartment Therapy's Editorial Director | 24 Jun 2025 | 00:47:31 | |
What happens when your dream couch won’t fit through the door? You call the Couch Doctors. --- ANITA'S LINKS --- | |||
| Empathic Design: Prioritizing Spaces with Interior Designer Casey Keasler | 14 May 2024 | 00:27:46 | |
Step into the world of empathic design as Anita interviews award winning interior designer, Casey Keasler of Casework. From her childhood spent on a construction site to founding Casework, Casey's journey is marked by a profound dedication to crafting spaces that resonate with her clients' emotions. In this episode, we explore the art of prioritizing spaces within a budget, as Casey shares invaluable insights gleaned from her decade-long career. Tune in with Anita as she explores empathic design with Casey, uncovering the transformative potential of intentional design. --- ANITA'S LINKS --- | |||
| New Plant Collector's Guide: Green Thumb Secrets with Darryl Cheng | 07 May 2024 | 00:25:54 | |
In today's episode, Anita is joined by Darryl Cheng, author of "The New Plant Parent: Develop Your Green Thumb and Care for Your House-Plant Family" and "The New Plant Collector: The Next adventure in Your House Plant Journey". As the creator of Houseplant Journal, Daryl brings a unique perspective to plant care, rooted in psychology and practicality. --- ANITA'S LINKS --- | |||
| Decluttering Dilemmas: Conquering Chaos with the Holding Box | 30 Apr 2024 | 00:13:28 | |
--- ANITA'S LINKS --- | |||
| Unlocking Vitality: The Complete Guide to a Healthy Home Environment | 23 Apr 2024 | 00:33:00 | |
In this lively podcast episode recorded at the 2024 KBIS NEXTstage panel, Julee Ireland leads a discussion with Anita Yokota, Cara Newhart, and Natalie Biles on transforming homes into therapeutic environments that promote well-being. From enhancing indoor air quality to integrating biophilic design, the conversation covers a range of topics. Anita emphasizes the importance of natural light and ventilation, while Kara shares DIY tips for incorporating plants and creating sensory-rich spaces. Natalie highlights the selection of sustainable materials and ergonomic design for comfort and functionality. They address audience questions, offering insights on addressing allergies, designing on a budget, and utilizing window treatments effectively. Through personal anecdotes and professional expertise, they provide valuable advice for crafting healthier and more harmonious living spaces. There are so many wonderful takeaways in this episode you won't want to miss any of it! --- ANITA'S LINKS --- | |||
| Nourishing Connections: Food, Balance and Creative Fulfillment at Home with Ellie Krieger | 16 Apr 2024 | 00:28:53 | |
Wondering how to infuse your home with culinary creativity and maintain balance? Anita wants to know too! Join renowned chef , best-selling author, podcast host and registered dietitian Ellie Krieger and Anita as Ellie shares insights on food, balance, and creative fulfillment. Discover how Ellie's philosophy on nourishment extends beyond the kitchen, encompassing time management, being aware of our creativity, and self-care practices. From simplifying meal prep to embracing imperfection, Ellie offers practical tips and heartfelt wisdom to help you cultivate a fulfilling and nourishing lifestyle. --- ANITA'S LINKS --- | |||
| Self Ventures: Navigating Business, Marriage, Family, and You | 09 Apr 2024 | 00:28:49 | |
Join Anita as she dives into the world of business, marriage, and self-care with Abby Green and Amy Kiefer of the popular Herself Podcast. Discover how they balance their roles as entrepreneurs, partners and family life while embracing the journey, overcoming challenges, and finding joy in the process. --- ANITA'S LINKS --- | |||
| Nature's Healing Touch: The Design Connection with Lauren Liess | 02 Apr 2024 | 00:19:57 | |
Step into a world where nature meets design as renowned interior designer and author Lauren Leiss shares her expertise with host Anita Yokota. In this episode, Lauren unveils the secrets behind creating spaces that resonate with the calming essence of the great outdoors. From the transformative power of intentional thinking to the innovative design hacks (think doors!) that bring nature indoors, Lauren's insights will revolutionize the way you perceive your living environment. Explore the philosophy behind Lauren's upcoming book, "Beach Life," and discover how it promises to redefine your approach to interior design and lifestyle. Tune in for a conversation filled with inspiration, practical advice, and a deep appreciation for the harmony between nature and home. --- ANITA'S LINKS --- | |||
| Renovation Revelation: A Birthday Gift of Home Therapy | 26 Mar 2024 | 00:11:50 | |
Join Anita Yokota in another captivating episode of Home Therapy as she unveils the inspiring journey of Grace and Owen, a couple on the cusp of their 50th birthdays, who embarked on a transformative home renovation adventure. Beyond mere aesthetics, Anita delves into the emotional and psychological aspects of the renovation process, highlighting the profound impact it had on Grace, Owen, and their three teenage children. From identifying core desires to overcoming fears and embracing change, listeners will discover how a full home renovation became the ultimate birthday gift. Tune in to explore the remarkable transformation and learn valuable insights on using home therapy to cultivate resilience, confidence, and harmony within the home. --- ANITA'S LINKS --- | |||
| Empowering DIY: Breaking Perfection and Elevating Home Creativity with DIY Designer Cara Newhart | 19 Mar 2024 | 00:30:54 | |
Home DIY often sounds like a scary thing, especially for women who were conditioned to view these things as the domain of men. But once you overcome that fear of messing up and really embrace the messiness of the process, you will eventually get to the point of using your creativity to level up your home. In this episode, DIY Queen and host of MAKE SPACE Podcast Cara Newhart sits down with Anita Yokota and discusses her DIY roots – thanks to her construction-savvy dad. Cara chats about overcoming tool fears and turning spaces into productive havens. Plus, learn how she views the seasonal changes of our home evolution. You're going to love this episode! --- ANITA'S LINKS --- | |||
| Culinary Wisdom: Enhancing Kitchen Functionality & Family Influence With Chef Claudia Sandoval | 12 Mar 2024 | 00:34:10 | |
Join Anita for a delightful episode of Home Therapy as she dives into the world of kitchen functionality with renowned Chef Claudia Sandoval. Born and raised in sunny San Diego, Claudia's culinary journey began early under the guidance of her family, instilling a lifelong passion for cooking. In this engaging conversation, Claudia shares insights into her culinary world, from her favorite non-Mexican recipe to her thoughts on optimizing kitchen space. Beyond the kitchen, Claudia opens up about the profound influence of her family on her positivity amidst life's challenges. Tune in for a captivating discussion that transcends cooking, filled with inspiration and laughter. --- ANITA'S LINKS --- | |||
| How Clearing Clutter Can Change Your Mood Fast! | 17 Jun 2025 | 00:13:04 | |
In this episode, we explore the emotional side of spring cleaning — because clearing your space is about more than just organizing. It’s about creating clarity, releasing old energy, and making room for growth. Discover how intentional design and mindful decluttering can transform your home into a sanctuary for well-being and personal renewal. Let’s bring new energy into your home and life this season. 🌿 --- ANITA'S LINKS --- | |||
| Becoming Gutsy: Interior Design Insights With Mikel Welch On Confidence, Budget Luxe Looks, And Relaxation Rituals | 05 Mar 2024 | 00:35:07 | |
A well-crafted interior design leads not only to a comfortable lifestyle but a more relaxed mind and a deeply authentic self. Anita Yokota sits down with celebrity interior designer Mikel Welch, who shares how his work helps build his confidence and step into his unique power. He looks back on how a self-taught interior designer like him found his way into show business, ultimately working for The Steve Harvey Show and Jerseylicious. Mikel also discusses on how scrappiness shaped his overall career path, the benefits of using inspiration photos when developing a good interior design, and his personal self-care robe. --- ANITA'S LINKS --- | |||
| How To Discover Your Unique Design Identity | 05 Mar 2024 | 00:11:12 | |
Building a home is not all about aesthetics. By understanding your unique design identity, you can turn your personal space into a happy and harmonious place that truly resonates with you. In this solo episode, Anita Yokota explains how to strategically design a beautiful home that captures and expresses your authentic self, all while effectively combining comfort, functionality, inspiration, and connection. --- ANITA'S LINKS --- | |||
| Colorful Home Bliss: Expert Tips for Vibrant Decor with Designer Brittany Jepsen | 05 Mar 2024 | 00:31:03 | |
You’d be forgiven if you’re more than slightly wary about adding colors to your home because it’s all too easy to go overboard. But there is a cohesive way to do it, and it will most definitely change your life. Brittany Jepsen, the creative force behind The House That Lars Built, is an expert at adding pops of joy to your home that would appeal even to those of us who are color-phobic. She sits down with Anita for an inspiring Home Therapy session. A true artist, Brittany is the author of Craft the Rainbow, and her work has graced the pages of The New York Times, CNN, Vogue, Martha Stewart, and more. Discover the vibrant world of Brittany, whom Anita fondly calls an expert on Dopamine Decor due to her genius use of colors and patterns. In their conversation, Brittany candidly shares how she navigate the challenges of parenting while juggling business and family life. The creative journey continues as they explore the influence of Brittany's mom, who serves as her art director, shaping her distinctive perspective on creativity and art. Tune in for more! --- ANITA'S LINKS --- | |||
| Home Therapy Podcast with Anita Yokota Trailer | 27 Feb 2024 | 00:03:08 | |
Welcome to Home Therapy with Anita Yokota! Join Anita and her expert guests as they uncover how to make living spaces work for you emotionally, functionally, and aesthetically. From tackling clutter to embracing imperfection, Anita dives into authentic discussions with a therapeutic touch. Tune in every Tuesday for DIY ideas, design recommendations, and insightful conversations. Listen wherever you get your podcasts, follow @anitayokota on Instagram for daily design and mental health tips, and subscribe to Anita's newsletter at www.anitayokota.com. --- ANITA'S LINKS --- | |||
| Transform Your Home Without Spending a Dime | 10 Jun 2025 | 00:16:52 | |
Welcome back to Home Therapy with Anita Yokota Spring may be coming to a close, but it’s not too late to invite a little freshness and intention into your home. In today’s solo session, I’m sharing thoughtful, sustainable ways to wrap up the season and make room—physically and emotionally—for the one ahead. KEY MOMENTS 00:00 Introduction to Sustainable Living 00:50 Aromatherapy for Anxiety Relief 02:27 Welcome to Home Therapy 03:26 Spring Cleaning and Decluttering 06:11 Color Coding for Seasonal Organization 07:18 Refreshing Your Space for Spring 10:38 Natural Elements and Light 17:40 Concluding Thoughts and Community Building
What You’ll Learn:
Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just in need of a gentle reset—this episode is your reminder that your space can still support your peace. What’s one thing you’re doing to say goodbye to spring and welcome in summer? Let me know in the comments --- ANITA'S LINKS --- | |||
| This Mindset Shift Changed How I Designed My Entire Home | 13 May 2025 | 00:16:26 | |
Design Paralysis Is Real—Here’s How to Break Free 01:12 The Perfectionism Trap 01:38 Emotional Attachments to Our Home 02:09 Reframing and Experimenting 03:15 Real-Life Client Stories 04:32 Integrating All Parts of Yourself 05:27 Quick Tips for Decluttering 07:03 Dealing with Overwhelm and Spiraling
--- ANITA'S LINKS --- | |||
| What If You Designed a Home Around How You Feel Instead of How It Looks? | 29 Apr 2025 | 00:38:40 | |
In this soulful episode of Home Therapy, Anita sits down with celebrated interior designer Dane Austin to explore a deeply personal approach to creating spaces that don’t just look beautiful—but feel deeply right. Together, they unpack how thoughtful design, rooted in emotion and intention, can transform the way we live.
Dane shares how tools like lifestyle questionnaires and heartfelt conversations guide his process of reflecting a client’s story through space. From nature-inspired palettes to sustainable materials, the discussion touches on the sensory and emotional layers of design—how echoes can create subtle unrest, why color shapes our mood, and how decluttering can restore a sense of peace.
Whether you’re navigating a design project or simply craving a home that feels more like you, this episode offers both inspiration and practical takeaways for aligning your space with your most authentic self.
KEY MOMENTS IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 — Introduction: The Importance of Feeling in Design 00:36 — Guest Introduction: Meet Dane Austin 01:50 — Design Philosophy: Reflecting Client Stories 02:12 — Deep Listening: Tools and Techniques 06:20 — Nature-Inspired Design: Bringing the Outdoors In 08:39 — Balancing Client Preferences and Design 12:09 — Sustainability in Design: Practical Tips 20:06 — Sound and Light: Enhancing Comfort at Home 31:54 — Decluttering: The Path to Peace of Mind 37:01 — Conclusion: Ease of Use and Peace of Mind
💬 What’s one small change you want to make in your home for more peace? Drop a comment below! --- ANITA'S LINKS --- | |||
| My 4 Domains That Changed How I Designed Forever | 15 Apr 2025 | 00:11:42 | |
Does your home truly support you — emotionally, mentally, and physically?
These layers aren’t just about design — they’re about healing and intention. ✨ You’ll learn how to: This episode will help you design with meaning, reduce daily stress, and feel more confident and grounded in your home. --- ANITA'S LINKS --- | |||
| Design for Well-Being | How Kohler is Transforming Wellness at Home | 03 Apr 2025 | 00:37:25 | |
In this episode of Home Therapy, licensed therapist and interior designer Anita Yokota sits down with Michael Seum, VP of Industrial Design at Kohler, live from KBIS! Together, they explore how intentional design—like the Anthem shower, cold plunge therapy, and biophilic tiles—is reshaping how we feel in our homes. From color psychology to emotional architecture, discover how the spaces we live in can heal, energize, and elevate us. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to Home Therapy 01:00 Live from K Biz: Exploring Kitchen and Bath Design 01:36 Interview with Michael Seum: Kohler's Visionary 04:09 The Anthem Shower Experience 05:55 Cold Therapy and Wellness 12:32 Biophilic Design and Artistic Collaborations 18:47 Design Excellence and Strategic Importance 19:23 Future of Home Wellness and Design 20:34 Sustainability and Efficiency 21:58 Design Inspirations and Favorite Projects 23:01 Home Loops and Daily Rituals 28:58 Design Research and Consumer Insights 30:59 Inspiration and Global Influence 32:20 Color Psychology and Emotional Design 34:47 Wellness and Home Design Investment 35:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts --- ANITA'S LINKS --- | |||
| Stop Overthinking Design & Design a Home That Reflects YOU—w/ Justina Blakeney | 24 Mar 2025 | 00:35:38 | |
Can your home boost your confidence? YES! --- ANITA'S LINKS --- | |||
| Come Back To Yourself | The True Purpose of Home | 28 Apr 2026 | 00:12:38 | |
This episode is the heart of Grounded Living. This isn’t about creating a perfect space or doing a full redesign. It’s about small, intentional shifts that allow your home to support your nervous system, your clarity, and your everyday life. --- ANITA'S LINKS --- | |||
| The Hidden Energy Drain In Your Home | 21 Apr 2026 | 00:06:56 | |
Unlock your home's energy in Anita's upcoming book Grounded Living, where she walk you through how to create a home that actually supports your nervous system and your day-to-day life. --- ANITA'S LINKS --- | |||
| Why Your Lighting Is Affecting How You Feel At Home | 14 Apr 2026 | 00:10:03 | |
Lighting is one of the most powerful factors shaping how your home feels. --- ANITA'S LINKS --- | |||
| We Weren’t Meant to Live in Boxes: Why Your Nervous System Needs Nature | 07 Apr 2026 | 00:04:37 | |
Most of us are living indoors, surrounded by artificial light, constant stimulation, and a low-level stress we can’t quite name. --- ANITA'S LINKS --- | |||
| Your Home is Either Stressing You Out or Healing You| Here's how to Fix It | 31 Mar 2026 | 00:05:24 | |
Most people think stress lives in their schedule. But what if it's actually living in their home? In this episode, Anita Yokota shares what she discovered during her years as a Licensed Therapist doing in home visits. You’ll learn: --- ANITA'S LINKS --- | |||