Explore every episode of the podcast Sustainable Minimalists
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anti-Convenience | 27 oct. 2026 | 00:30:48 | |
Modern conveniences make life easy. But has living become too easy? Convenience culture has made us vulnerable, and outsourcing our basic needs has cost us our independence and problem-solving skills. The remedy to modern restlessness is working with your hands. Whether you live on sprawling acreage or a tiny apartment, you can take back your agency from the corporations profiting off our desire for ease. Learning new skills rewires your brain for better focus; it builds confidence and builds resilience through real-world problem-solving, too. On today’s show, homesteader Sandy Eplett encourages you to take steps today to move from passive consumer to active participant in your own life. Here’s a preview: [4:00] The hidden fragility of modern convenience [8:00] The logistics behind learning one new skill a month or one new skill a year [13:00] OK, but where do we find the knowledgeable grandmas? [18:00] On the immense joys to be had in “bucking the system”
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| Good Dirt | 20 oct. 2026 | 00:38:13 | |
In our fast-paced, convenience-driven world, we’ve made our waste invisible. But 'out of sight' isn't out of existence, and our wastefulness is creating big problems for future generations. True self-awareness starts with taking responsibility for what we throw away. On today's show, author Cassandra Marketos joins us to reframe composting from a messy chore into an easy-as-pie, grounding antidote to instant gratification that teaches us slowness, observation, and presence.
Here's a preview: [5:00] Nature wants to decompose, no expensive gadgets or insane time commitments required! [11:00] Composting is "soul-opening". Here's how [16:00] You literally can't get composting wrong! Browns, greens and other tips to get started [29:00] Troubleshooting Stephanie's backyard compost pile [33:00] Ready to level up? Here's how to supercharge your composting habit
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| No Scrap Left Behind | 13 oct. 2026 | 00:37:10 | |
Not so long ago, humanity’s main pursuit was finding food and staving off hunger. But these days, we’re throwing out strawberries. We’re letting salad greens go bad in the crisper. And when it comes to transforming those broccoli stalks or potato peels into something delicious, we’ve lost the know-how. In an age where the average home discards enough edible meals to sustain an entire extra person, reclaiming our kitchens from unnecessary food waste has never been more urgent. On today’s show, author Teralyn Pilgrim explores what our wastefulness says about us as a culture—as well as her foundational framework for reframing our relationship with the food in our refrigerators. Here’s a preview:
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| Backyard Climate Activism | 06 oct. 2026 | 00:34:49 | |
A quiet revolution is starting in our backyards. News headlines are certainly frightening at the moment, and watching billion-dollar corporations harm people and the planet in the name of profit is infuriating. But don’t let yourself slide into hopelessness. Whether you have a small urban balcony or sprawling rural acreage, you can reclaim your power as an activist through the small-scale choices you make every day. On today’s show, author and homesteader Devon Ballard-Hudson walks us through her hopeful, accessible framework for reshaping the systems harming the planet, starting in our own homes and backyards. Here’s a preview: [6:30] On the importance of re-learning those “lost skills” [10:00] Moving beyond headline-grabbing protests toward grounded, daily habits [13:00] Applying the seventh generation principle and long-term ecological stewardship to household decisions [18:00] Step one? Rewild! [29:00] Life is noisy. So go on and reset your baseline Resources mentioned:
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| UnSmarting Your Smart Home | 30 sept. 2026 | 00:35:13 | |
We live our lives surrounded by smart phones, smart devices, Wi-Fi networks, and wireless wearables. But as our homes become "smarter", the constant electropollution these devices emit carries risks for our long-term health. Your home should be a sanctuary, not a radiation zone. On today's show, radiologist and author Dr. Rob Brown offers simple ways to dramatically reduce your daily electropollution load without giving up modern technology.
Here's a preview: [5:00] A doctor explains why he believes electropollution is "the secondhand smoke of our generation" [13:30] Should our children wear Airpods or smart watches? Should we? [25:00] Five low friction ways to reduce electropollution in your home [29:00] Why this medical doctor suggests that we shut our wifi router off each night, plus: other ways to support rest and cellular recovery
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| How To Make Your Phone Boring (On Purpose) | 22 sept. 2026 | 00:36:55 | |
Reaching for your phone out of habit rather than necessity isn't a failure of self-discipline—and the fix isn't raw willpower. If you find yourself on your phone more than you'd like, it's likely time to make your phone far less enticing to pick up in the first place. On today's show, author Ruby Ryba shares how decluttering your home screen can quiet the impulse to scroll, restore your personal boundaries, and build a peaceful analog environment at home.
Here's a preview: [4:00] Is your phone a neutral tool you happen to overuse, or is it a precisely engineered attention trap? [10:00] How to make your phone less appealing in five easy steps [24:00] Why keeping your phone on your nightstand or within arm's reach drains your daily willpower—and why it's unrealistic to expect willpower alone will keep you off your phone [31:00] Flow before phone! How late-night scrolling destroys energy levels (and why reserving your high-energy hours for deep focus or personal priorities is critical)
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| Autopilot Off | 14 sept. 2026 | 00:38:10 | |
Our economy is built to keep us consuming on autopilot. Between frictionless digital checkouts, targeted algorithms, and subscription traps, buying has become effortless. So effortless, in fact, that we rarely register it as an active choice anymore. But what happens when we slow down and reclaim that awareness? On today’s show, author David Gaines makes a case for moving away from isolated, guilt-driven consumerism and toward community-based choices that have the power to transform our buying habits for the better. Here’s a preview: [6:30] Why algorithms and one-click buying strip away our intentionality—and how regaining awareness is the first step toward values-aligned spending [13:30] What to do when you want to buy better but you just can’t afford it [14:00] On the importance of savoring more so as to consume less [23:00] Ethics under capitalism? Is it possible? [28:00] How to evaluate brand claims and recognize common marketing red flags [31:00] On elephants, ants and the significance of small, daily actions, plus: One low-friction adjustment you can make this week for maximum impact
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| What Nature Teaches Us | 08 sept. 2026 | 00:34:50 | |
In a world filled with endless digital noise, it’s easier than ever to lose touch with the natural world. Children are drawn to the excitement of screens, parents are increasingly anxious about real-world outdoor risks, and our culture far too often views the earth as a commodity to be bought and sold, not valued and preserved. How do we rebuild our relationship with nature when our schedules are packed and our kids don't self-identify as "outdoor kids"? On today's show, author Amber Vilhauer reminds us that nature isn't just a place to visit—it’s one of our greatest teachers. Here's a preview: [6:30] It's our responsibility as parents to give our kids ample time outside, and here's why [10:00] How to help children put down the screens and appreciate the quiet rhythms and intrinsic wonders of nature [15:00] Two ways in which time outside provides the backdrop for creating simple core memories [23:00] What the the natural world can teach us about resilience, generosity, emotional balance, and community (if we let it) [28:00] How spending intentional, unscripted time outside pushes back against a culture that treats the earth as something to buy and sell Resources mentioned:
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| Climate-Conscious Parenting | 01 sept. 2026 | 00:41:05 | |
Extreme heat, wildfires, flash floods, and poor air quality are no longer abstract future projections—they form the backdrop of our kids' childhoods. Right now, extreme weather and their subsequent environmental factors are directly impacting our children's physical health, brain development, and outdoor play. On today's show, national climate advisor Dr. Laura Schifter offers urgent, practical advice for protecting our children, fostering resilience, and moving from climate anxiety into meaningful family action. Here's a preview: [11:00] Should we send our kids to summer camp during a heat wave? Play outdoor sports? [16:00] Every school district should have plans in place for both extreme heat and extreme weather. Here are the questions to ask [15:00] Moving beyond "stop, drop, and roll" to age-appropriate responses for flash floods, poor air quality days, and extreme heat [24:00] For the sports moms and dads: Three things to keep in mind [26:00] Exactly how to explain climate change to your children, word-for-word [38:00] We really need to be talking about climate change more, and here's why Resources mentioned:
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| Low-Tech Living | 11 août 2026 | 00:44:18 | |
In a world dominated by digital noise, reclaiming our peace has become one of the most urgent challenges of modern life. For parents, the stakes are even higher. How do we set healthy screen boundaries for our tech-obsessed kids? Where do we draw the line as artificial intelligence inserts itself in our homes and routines? On today's show writer, father, and dumb phone user Andrew Broman explores what it really takes to disengage from the smartphone ecosystem and cultivate an intentional approach to emerging technology for both ourselves and our families.
Here's a preview: [6:00] Is the tech serving you, or are you serving the tech? [11:00] On the importance of taking your attention span and stretching it like a rubber band [15:00] Advice for parents with tech-obsessed kids [26:00] Bring back the landline! Seriously! [33:00] What 18 pints of Ben & Jerry's taught Stephanie about self-control [38:00] From attention to affection and attachment: When it comes to AI, where's the line?
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| The "Away" Illusion | 04 août 2026 | 00:32:46 | |
Ever wonder where your bags of donated clothes actually end up? Most of us treat dropping off a bag at a donation bin like a magic trick. We hand it over, walk away, and assume it finds a good home. But very often, away is Kantamanto Market in Accra, Ghana, where 15 million secondhand garments arrive every single week. On today’s show, contemporary artist Emmanuel “DoTT” Kunfaa pulls back the curtain on the dark side of donating and highlights they ways in which the illusion of charity is feeding waste colonialism. Here's a preview: [6:30] What really happens to your donated clothes once they leave your hands [11:00] Kantamanto used to be a success story in circularity. What changed? (Hint: fast fashion.) [15:00] Musings on expensive handbags. What purpose do they actually serve? [22:00] Five things we can all do better when it comes to buying and donating clothes
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| Joy is Resistance | 28 juil. 2026 | 00:29:15 | |
When the world is burning, finding joy can feel impossible—or worse, selfish. How do we make space for celebration without turning a blind eye to reality? Why would we even want to? While it can feel like a heavy lift, practicing joy is, in fact, an act of resistance. Joy prevents burnout, moves energy, builds solidarity, and promotes resilience.On today’s show, author Cheryl Leutjen dives into the idea that choosing delight counters the oppressive systems that thrive on our exhaustion, isolation, and apathy. Here’s a preview: [5:30] Are we dancing while the Titanic sinks? [10:00] Grief and anger are essential catalysts for change, but they’re terrible long-term fuels [15:00] We’re so much more than consumers! Here’s how joy helps us reclaim our full humanity which has been lost under capitalism [18:00] Community is medicine. We aren’t meant to carry the weight of the world alone! Resources mentioned:
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| Nature As Medicine | 07 juil. 2026 | 00:36:55 | |
Are we treating the symptoms of modern life while simultaneously ignoring our habitat? The average American now spends 93% of their life indoors. But humans evolved for millennia alongside the natural world, and research suggests that our indoor lifestyle is disrupting our sleep, focus and long-term health.You don’t need a gym membership or expensive workout gear to get your health back on track. On today’s show, Dr. John La Puma argues that all you need is a 17-minute dose of nature, every single day. Here’s a preview: [4:00] Modern medicine tends to prioritize intervention over prevention. But why? [7:30] We’re taught to fear the outdoors, but indoor living can be directly harmful in ways we’re only beginning to understand [11:30] Why it’s time to view “screen time” as “ultra-processed time” [16:00] Exactly how a daily dose of morning sunlight resets insulin sensitivity, hunger timing, and prefrontal cortex function [30:00] Outside exercise is better for you than inside exercise, so take your movement outdoors! Resources mentioned:
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| Plastic Free July | 30 juin 2026 | 00:28:02 | |
What started in 2011 with just one woman and a small local government has exploded into a worldwide movement of over 174 million people. That movement is Plastic Free July. Yet 15 years after the challenge’s inception, plastic production continues to exponentially grow. It’s all-too easy to dismiss the challenge as little more than an opportunity to post a picture of a bamboo toothbrush on social media.But we aren’t just facing a litter problem anymore; we’re facing climate and health crises. A July that’s free of plastic is about building permanent habits, changing your relationship with “stuff,” and sending a clear message to corporations that you don’t want all this plastic junk. On today’s show, challenge leader Emily Emond joins us to share her top tips for cutting through the overwhelm and setting yourself up for success during Plastic Free July.
Here's a preview: [6:15] Is Plastic-Free July beneficial, or purely performative? [9:00] On why using less plastic is supports your family’s health [13:30] Set yourself up for success: Five things you can do right now [23:00] Nothing changes if nothing changes! Resources mentioned:
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| What We Leave Behind | 23 juin 2026 | 00:31:56 | |
Every week, we drag our trash bins to the curb, close the lid, and forget about them. But where does "away" actually go? And does the mere existence of waste "management" mean we can continue to consume more and more without major consequence? On today's show, author and sanitation worker Simon Paré-Poupart discusses what he's learned in his 20 years on the back of a Montreal haul truck. He's here to pull back the curtain on the grueling yet essential work of waste collection. He's also here to offer a sociological reflection on modern consumerism, systemic waste, and the human cost of hiding our cultural detritus. Here's a preview: [5:00] We didn't always have all this trash, and we didn't always have a need for "waste management" [12:00] A society's trash reveals an awful lot about a society. What does our trash reveal about us? [19:00] Recycling might give us a boost of moral satisfaction, but that moral satisfaction is ultimately just fuel to buy more stuff [22:00] On why waste management is integral to maintaining the status quo [27:30] The mere existence waste management is a symptom of this much larger problem Resources mentioned:
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| Saying No To New | 09 juin 2026 | 00:42:19 | |
New things are everywhere—and they’re causing us to disconnect from what we value most. In a world that constantly tells us that new is better, our relentless pursuit of material wealth is costing us money, time and happiness. Worse, when we define ourselves by what we own rather than who we are, we reduce our lives to a single, superficial dimension. On today’s show, New York Times journalist Eric Athas offers advice for stepping away from the cycle of constant buying, saying no to shallowness, and discovering the right kind of “new” in our lives. Here's a preview: [8:00] We're wired to become bored the familiar, and other truths to newness [16:00] Consumption has costs! (In fact, it robs us of our finite attention, dilutes our capacity for genuine enjoyment, and misaligns our pursuit of happiness.) [26:00] Musings on the ways in which overconsumption leads to superficiality [37:00] Put down the trinket! Redefining what it means to experience novelty, growth, and freshness without relying on a transaction Resources mentioned:
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| Plastic, Plastic Everywhere | 02 juin 2026 | 00:41:30 | |
The plastic-drenched, disposable world we live in didn’t happen by accident. It was slowly, methodically built by Big Oil. They’re doing everything in their power to get people to use as much plastic as possible, all so they can make money from every single molecule they extract from the ground. And right now, they’re pouring billions of dollars into plans to double, or even triple, plastic production by 2050.This week, award-winning environmental journalist Beth Gardiner joins us to pull back the curtain on who’s behind all this plastic and why. We explore why production is skyrocketing despite consumer pushback, how the myth of recycling keeps us distracted, and why naming the real culprits is the first step toward true systemic change. Resources mentioned:
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| Talking It Out | 19 mai 2026 | 00:36:31 | |
Why aren't we talking about the elephant in the room? Broaching the topic of climate change can be socially awkward at best and polarizing at worst. In fact, psychology, evolutionary biology and modern day tribalism keep many of us tongue-tied. But staying quiet isn't an option. Breaking the silence around our warming planet is one of the most powerful tools we have for systemic change. On today's show, author and climate scientist Norm Leo offers a formula for unlocking more deeply human, empathetic, and impactful conversations about climate change. Resources mentioned:
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| The Unfollow Effect | 12 mai 2026 | 00:35:45 | |
We've come a long way. But not necessarily in the right direction. From the the nostalgic days of AOL Instant Messenger to 2026's high-stakes, algorithmic landscape, constant connectivity has fundamentally shifted our attention spans, our peace of mind, and the way we show up for our families. Worse, the desire to show up online often takes us directly out of real life. It's no surprise, then, that we're feeling the mental and emotional weight of the "scroll". We don't have to throw our phones in a lake to find the reprieve we desperately need. On today's show author Emily Feldpausch argues that it isn’t about rejecting technology. It’s about reclaiming the intentionality that the algorithms try to take away. Here's a preview: [5:00] Reflections on the shift from the early days of AIM and MySpace to the current user experience that often feels designed against us [8:45] How being always on has eroded our collective sense of peace and altered the dynamics of modern family life [18:00] How to stop checking in and start being present [23:00] A candid look at 2026 internet culture, from shopping hauls to harmful beauty standards. Can we still find corners of the web that align with our true values? [27:00] Emily's personal strategies for maintaining phone boundaries to protect her mental space Resources mentioned:
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| The Cost of Constant Connection | 05 mai 2026 | 00:39:49 | |
In this era of relentless connectivity, taking an exit ramp from our digital lives has never looked more inviting. In fact, emerging science is now confirming what many of us feel: Smartphones are draining our cognitive reserves, shattering our focus, and keeping us in a state of low-level chronic anxiety. To see if there’s a better way, reporter Courtney Lindwall shelved her iPhone for a $45 Nokia flip phone. Courtney is on the show today to discuss the "dumb phone" movement, the logistical friction of navigating an app-dependent world, and why research says our brains are so desperate for a break. Here's a preview: [7:00] Continuous partial attention, instinctual muscle memory, and other ways in which our smartphones are working against us [9:00] Gray scale? screen limits? Here's why the tools and tricks don't work for the vast majority of us [14:00] Thoughts on our emotional attachments to our phones—and the emotional experiences they provide [22:00] The psychological benefits of embracing a bit more "friction" [33:00] Our brains are malleable, and we get used to a new normal quite quickly. Lean into that! Resources mentioned:
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| The Power of Place | 27 avr. 2026 | 00:36:08 | |
In a world obsessed with consumption, we may try to buy our way into a sense of belonging. But a true feeling of “home” isn’t found in the latest trends or newest decor. It’s actually built by aligning our spaces with our deepest, core needs. The link between our environment and our well-being goes far beyond aesthetics. On today’s show, author Leidy Klotz offers research-backed strategies for designing spaces that move beyond what’s “on-trend” and instead meet our core human needs of agency, growth, and connection.Resources mentioned:
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| The Plastic Detox | 13 avr. 2026 | 00:46:32 | |
Plastic has infiltrated our wardrobes, our water and even our bloodstreams, where it is quietly disrupting our hormonal health. That’s the premise of Netflix’s ground-breaking new documentary, “The Plastic Detox”.On today’s show Dr. Shanna Swan, the renowned environmental epidemiologist from the film, exposes exactly how plastic chemicals are quietly reshaping our health. Here’s a preview: [6:00] What’s “Phthalates Syndrome,” and what is this class of chemicals doing to masculinity? What about their evil twins, bisphenols? [19:00] Stop assuming that products on store shelves are safe! (And other advice for listeners who feel they have too much on their plate to worry about microscopic amounts of chemicals.) [24:00] “It’s definitely not easy, but it’s also not that hard.” Here’s how Dr. Swan avoids plastic in her own life [32:00] Hormone disrupting chemicals are in EVERYthing. How to identify which lifestyle swaps actually move the needle and which are just noise [34:00] Are older items less dangerous? Resources mentioned:
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| Beyond the Beige | 24 févr. 2026 | 00:34:47 | |
We’ve all seen the images. The stark white rooms, the single designer chair, the perfectly curated capsule wardrobe. We’re told that if we just clear the clutter, we’ll find peace. But if we’re not careful, the minimalist aesthetic can become just another thing to buy, another thing to consume. On today’s show, Melora Johnson deconstructs the modern minimalist movement so that each of us can move from the clutter-free, beige-everything minimalist aesthetic to a deeper, more sustainable practice rooted in intentionality. Here’s a preview: [7:30] Feeling that donation high? Here’s why decluttering and donating feels so good in the moment but often fails to stop the cycle of re-accumulation [11:30] Can authentic minimalism exist in a consumerist culture? [16:00] Candid thoughts on how and why minimalism has been commercialized [25:00] How to tell if your minimalism is driving more shopping or actually shrinking your ecological footprint [28:30] Listen to your whispers! Resources mentioned:
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| The Architecture of Connection | 12 févr. 2026 | 00:39:30 | |
We’ve all heard the minimalist mantra: If you want peace, clear the clutter. But while clearing clutter reduces the “noise,” it doesn’t automatically fill the void. On today’s show author Suzanne Searcy Johnson argues that the true antidote to our “more is more” culture isn’t just owning less—it’s connection. And to truly connect, we must first peel back the layers of noise, clutter, and distraction to find what’s actually real. Here’s a preview: [4:00] The materialism myth: We don’t buy things out of greed. We buy them because we’re disconnected [9:00] Are you disconnected? Here are some warning signs [11:45] Health! Clarity! Stress reduction! A laundry list of problems that reconnecting with nature can help solve [18:30] Thoughts on embracing the beautiful mess of real-life relationships [28:00] When we’re disconnected to ourselves, we’ve blocked our intuition
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| The IDGAF Decade | 05 févr. 2026 | 00:39:36 | |
American culture tends to market aging as a slow fade into the background. After all, women are told that getting older comes with a loss of relevance, memory, and attractiveness. But what if the season of midlife isn’t a crisis? We aren’t just getting older; in fact, we’re getting louder, bolder, and more authentic. On today’s show podcast host Stacey Hutson dismantles the myth that our best years are behind us by breaking down the the science behind those hormonal shifts while also celebrating the fierce second act that follows. Here’s a preview: [7:00] IDGAF Energy: How hormonal shifts can actually fuel a powerful new sense of assertiveness and boundaries [16:00] Science-backed ways to navigate the intersection of “puberty in reverse” and the relentless mental load of motherhood [19:00] Mindfulness, cycle syncing, creatine, and other “buffer supporting” practices [25:00] Musings on why our culture tends to dismiss older women [28:00] Rejecting the idea that aging equals irrelevance, plus: Thoughts on leaning into the mundane
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| Starve The Machine | 22 janv. 2026 | 00:31:21 | |
Behind every clever AI response is a massive, windowless data center humming with heat. From the water-starved plains of West Texas to the sprawling 'Stargate' megaprojects in Wisconsin, the infrastructure that powers ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude is eating up natural resources and altering the landscapes of countless communities. And while news headlines are hyper-focused on what AI can do, the real story lies in the uncovering the important resources it's devouring. On today's show we're pulling back the curtain on AI data centers to reveal the good, the bad, and the ugly. We're also outlining action steps if a data center is in your community. Here's a preview: [5:00] Data centers simply must stay on 99.999% of the time (and other little-known data center facts) [10:00] A single AI query emits ten times more carbon into the atmosphere. Plus: Rising electricity prices for everyone! [21:00] Cognitive offloading? AI offloads *thinking* [25:00] Your attention is your most valuable currency [27:00] Not in your backyard! If a data center being planned in your community, stop, drop, and follow these action steps Resources mentioned:
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| The Anti-Catalog Home | 13 janv. 2026 | 00:32:00 | |
In a world of minimalist trends and beige-on-beige living rooms, it’s easy to feel as though your home should look like a page from a high-end decor catalog. But when you prioritize perfection over personality, your home may become just another place in which you feel pressure to "keep up". Let's ditch picture-perfect spaces in favor of lived-in havens. On today's show author Don Suttajit encourages us to curate homes that support our growth, restore our energy, and help us uncover who we truly are.
Here's a preview: [9:00] If we're not careful, advertising will sell us our identities [14:00] Busy-ness is a capitalist construct! [18:30] How to set your home up to be less of a stress-inducer and more of a haven [28:00] Havens aren't about aesthetics. They're about function and feel
Resources mentioned:
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| Timeless Parenting | 06 janv. 2026 | 00:42:21 | |
The world has changed so much, but the tenets of timeless parenting haven't changed one bit. Our culture tends to treat childhood like a race. But the push to meet academic benchmarks at younger and younger ages is counterproductive to how a child's brain naturally develops. And when parents overschedule their children because they're afraid they'll be left behind, they may be robbing them of the downtime they need to thrive. On today's show world-renowned child psychologists Dr. Kathy Hirsh-Pasek and Dr. Roberta Michnick Golinkoff dive into how to raise healthy, happy children without burning out -- and without relying on the latest "educational" gadgets.
Here's a preview: [5:15] Smart phones, AI, oh my: The fundamental needs of children haven't changed, even if technology has [15:00] How to ignore the very-real temptation to get our kids "ahead" [19:45] Unrealistic expectations characterize much of the "academic" toys on the market. Here's how to spot them [25:00] The research is clear: Kids need more downtime. Extracurriculars aren't downtime! [34:00] Your new parenting mantra: "Reflect, Resist, Recenter" Resources mentioned:
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| The #SkinTok Effect | 18 nov. 2025 | 00:39:40 | |
A former Meta executive recently revealed that, when a girl posts a selfie on social media and takes it down, the algorithm then targets her for beauty products. Enter today's teen and tween skincare craze, where Sephora Kids and "SkinTock" reign supreme. But pushing skincare on young girls is a business that's off of highlighting a child's flaws. Worse, many of the products being marketed to them contain powerful ingredients that may actually harm — not help — developing skin. On today's show: A minimalist parent's take on multi-step skincare routines for tweens and teens, with the help of clean beauty expert Andrea Dahr.
Here's a preview: [7:00] Children have sensitive skin, and anti-aging products can harm their skin for the long haul [9:00] What the "clean section" at Sephora means — and what it doesn't [14:30] The link between endocrine-disrupting chemicals and early puberty [20:00] What should teens and tweens *actually* be putting on their faces on a daily basis? [34:00] Five tips for parents of teens and tweens who love skincare Resources mentioned:
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| The Digital Childhood | 11 nov. 2025 | 00:36:52 | |
My husband and I made a fatal error. We gave our pre-teen limited access to a screen at a developmentally vulnerable age. And then we took it back. On today's show: A cautionary tale about what happened when we eased up on our household's screen rules. Here's a preview: [3:00] My household's descent into screendom: How did we get here? [16:00] "The light went out behind her eyes" and other tween behavioral and personality changes [21:00] The four foundational harms of smart phones, according to Jonathan Heidt [28:00] Kids are highly susceptible to both conformist bias and prestige bias. That's why phones are so darn powerful [31:00] If you don't want your child to act like a TikTok influencer, don't give them access to TikTok! [32:00] The presence of screens reduces a child's interest in all other non-screen activities (and other helpful reminders) Resources mentioned:
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| Suburban Sprawl | 29 oct. 2025 | 00:34:59 | |
While suburbia has long symbolized comfort, safety, and home ownership, its consequences reach far beyond picket fences and cul-de-sacs. From traffic congestion and environmental degradation to economic inequality and declining community life, our reverence for sprawl has reshaped how we live, work, and connect. On today's show author and developer Steve Nygren discusses how this pattern of development took hold, who benefits when we're isolated, and what better alternatives can look like. Here's a preview:[6:30] Calling out the "boundaries that box us in" [14:30] The antidote? Connect with people who have common concerns [22:00] Easy ways to live with community — not sprawl — in mind [32:00] Who benefits when we're isolated, lonely, sedentary, and sad? Resources mentioned:
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| The Downsizing Mindset | 21 oct. 2025 | 00:33:01 | |
The downsizing mindset isn’t just about moving to a smaller home or getting rid of clutter. It’s a lifestyle that creates a habit of routinely shedding excess weight from your life. If you’re feeling heaviness and overwhelm, embracing a downsizing approach to life may serve as an act of personal liberation. Detaching from possessions often frees up time, money, and energy for what really matters. It may also release you from the societal pressure to constantly accumulate more.A downsizing mindset quietly trades excess for ease and distraction for depth. On today’s show podcaster and organizer Tracy Hoth suggests simple routines to usher in the downsizing mindset, whether you’re planning to move in the near future or not. Here's a preview: [5:00] Not downsizing anytime soon? That's A-OK! Here are two things you should be doing now anyway [10;30] If you're feeling the urge to save items for your children, keep this in mind [16:00] Revisiting the kids' artwork and awards conundrum. How much should we be keeping? [25:00] If you've got loads of "unmade decisions" in your home, here's one thing you can do right now Resources mentioned:
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| Incrementally Off-Grid | 30 sept. 2025 | 00:35:46 | |
Want to get off fossil fuels but don't know where to start? Thinking about ditching utilities but overwhelmed by the complexity? Many off-grid advocates attest that countercultural living saves money and infuses meaning into daily life. For my environmentalists listening, burning fewer fossil fuels also means you're living and breathing your pro-climate values. On today's show author and off-grid enthusiast Ryan Mitchell offers his best tips for stepping back from—but not completely abandoning—society's (fossil fuel burning) systems. And because clean energy tax credits are soon expiring, today's conversation has a special focus on installing solar panels when the time is right. Here's a preview: [4:00] It's prudent to be intentional about how you power your life. If you aren't, others will be happy to make those decisions for you, to their benefit [9:00] You can *incrementally* take back some of your power, so choose your own adventure! [17:00] Self-sufficiency 101: Lean into your natural curiosities [22:00] Thinking about solar panels? Here's what you need to know [28:00] Going incrementally off-grid will likely save you money. It was also reduce your reliance on fossil fuels Resources mentioned:
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| Conditioned Consumerism | 05 août 2025 | 00:43:12 | |
After World War II Americans became bonafide consumers. And yet conditioned consumerism sneakily hijacks our time, money, and mental bandwidth. It also harms the planet. The system is entrenched, the marketing is omnipresent, and it's all designed to keep us buying until we die. But there IS a way out. On today's show author and former marketer Ashlee Piper pulls back the curtain on modern marketing so that we may hop off the addictive consumer hamster wheel for good. Here's a preview: [5:30] There's a reason why so many of us shop to soothe our discontent (We're told to!) [8:00] Advertising + Psychology = A powerful selling combination [22:00] When people feel lonely, inadequate, or restless they shop [32:00] When marketing gets predatory: zip code marketing, old guard sexism, and more [35:00] Why Ashlee has a problem with the 'underconsumption' trend, and for good reason Resources mentioned:
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| Your Net Worth Isn't Your Self-Worth | 01 juil. 2025 | 00:33:30 | |
From a young age, many of us were exposed to messages linking financial success with personal value. Advertisements, media, and even family conversations equate wealth with achievement and social status. Not surprisingly, this constant reinforcement creates strong associations between money and self-worth. Although our culture tends to regard money (and fancy job titles, for that matter) as symbols of success, my guest todays argues that money is nothing more than a tool. And if money is just a tool, it certainly doesn't have the power to say much about who we are as people: How worthy we are. How good we are. How important we are. On today's show: A conversation with podcaster Shari Rash about untangling your self-worth from your net worth, for good. Here's a preview: [7:30] Money is just a tool to help you feel the way you want to feel [11:00] Money conservations might be awkward, but they're essential in bringing to light your unconscious beliefs about finances [15:00] Exactly how our culture ties money to identity—and why that’s so damaging [21:00] Rewiring the way you see yourself in relation to money Resources mentioned:
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| Unhappy? You're Normal | 03 juin 2025 | 00:32:46 | |
Cultural messaging and suggests you should be happy all the time. But your "happy chemicals"—dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphin—evolved to motivate survival behavior, not make you happy. In fact, unhappiness is your brain's default state. On today's show Dr. Loretta Breuning argues that you can manage your happy chemicals when you know how they work in the state of nature, and she's here to show us how. Here's a preview: [9:00] Serotonin is about social dominance. Enter comparison and competition [13:00] Want a dose of oxytocin? Be part of a herd [15:30] Endorphin is the brain's natural opioid. But you can habituate to it! [18:00] Just got something you want? That flood of happiness is dopamine's doing, but dopamine runs out [25:00] We are living in an era of immense abundance. So why aren't we happy? Resources mentioned:
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| Your Shopping Superpowers | 29 avr. 2025 | 00:37:06 | |
Every purchase you make has an impact on the world. If you aren't careful, your shopping choices contribute to climate change and social injustice. But when you align the contents of your shopping cart with your personal values you slowly but surely shape the market. Times are uncertain and everyday goods are getting more expensive. Still, we should purchase with intention anyway. On today's show author and sustainability expert Diane Osgood offers a comprehensive roadmap that navigates each of us toward positive and sustainable shopping practices.Here's a preview: [4:00] 70% of the U.S. economy is driven by consumer spending. We citizens control the market! [13:00] 3 easy-peasy shopping principles to guide you when you're feeling overwhelmed [17:00] Should you listen to the angel on your shoulder, or the devil? Here's what to remember in those moments you want to backtrack [21:00] *Exactly how* to avoid products made with forced labor or child labor [28:00] Buying small, local, and diverse has the power to "chip away at systemic inequality". Here's how Resources mentioned:
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| Sneak Peek: Influencers Aren't Friends | 01 avr. 2025 | 00:05:59 | |
Influencer marketing is a case study in how easy it is to sell things to followers who trust their favorite online personalities. But offering that elusive 'personal recommendation' for EVERYthing has normalized both inauthentic endorsing and impulse shopping. It has normalized the buying and selling of your precious attention, too. Here's a sneak peak of today's episode for subscribers. Listen to the whole episode by becoming a paid supporter! On Apple Podcasts hit the "Try Free" button or, if you listen elsewhere, sign up via Substack. Thanks for considering!
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| The Psychology of Spring Cleaning | 18 mars 2025 | 00:33:51 | |
There are few things more satisfying than completing a proper spring cleaning. Deep cleaning when the weather warms is a biological imperative that's rooted in centuries of tradition because the practice lightens moods and improves health. It also symbolizes renewal as we come out of hibernation and back into the sunshine. You aren't alone in your seasonal desire to deep clean. On today's show: Opening the windows, deep-cleaning those closets, stripping the beds, and vacuuming those oft-ignored places just in time for the Spring Equinox.
Here's a preview: [5:00] The evolutionary reasons that may explain why humans have "shaken their houses" for over 3 thousand years [8:00] Using newspapers to clean your windows, mopping every week, and other cleaning myths [18:00] Yes, you do need to spring clean your appliances! Here's how [24:00] Exactly how to deep clean your bedding in 4 steps [30:00] Love a good spring cleaning and want extra credit? Don't forget about these 5 oft-overlooked areas Resources mentioned:
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| How To Let Stuff Go | 04 févr. 2025 | 00:35:24 | |
When we let go of what doesn't serve us, we remove weight that holds us down. On today's show we turn to Zen Buddhism for wisdom on letting go of anxiety about the future, grudges, stuff, dead relationships, and more. Here's a preview: [4:00] Insanely anxious about the future? (Me too!) Don't spend your energy worrying; do this instead [12:00] Think of decluttering not as throwing stuff away; think of it instead as setting your stuff (and yourself!) free [19:00] How to let go of lost friendships and relationships, straight from the mouths of Buddhist monks [26:00] Holding a grudge requires vast amounts of energy so become skilled at forgetting [34:00] You're going to get to where you're meant to go, so there's no need to second-guess your choices Resources mentioned:
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| The Shopping Conspiracy | 14 janv. 2025 | 00:45:03 | |
Women have been targeted for decades with the message that shopping is recreation. It’s a way to relax and unwind, sure, but recreational shopping also contributes to the climate crisis, supports the worst of shareholder capitalism, and creates an awful lot of unnecessary waste. Enter Buy Now: The Shopping Conspiracy, a hard-hitting new Netflix documentary that forces viewers to look at our waste-related woes. On today’s show producer Flora Bagenal offers a behind-the-scenes look at the documentary’s creation; she also answers your pressing, post-viewing questions. A note from Stephanie: This episode was recorded before the Los Angeles wildfires. If you're able, please consider donating to one of these organizations.
Here’s a preview: [7:00] People find it hard to look at waste, and yet the film makes us look. A behind-the-scenes examination all those hard-hitting images [16:30] Adidas, Amazon, Unilever, and Apple: Here's why the film featured former employees-turned-whistleblowers [26:00] Corporate execs must show growth, and corporations are on a treadmill of extracting more and more $$ by pushing unnecessary and redundant products. Is not buying an effective act of resistance? [30:00] Mindset shifts! Quality is a climate issue, and once you press ‘Buy Now’ you become responsible for the item’s end of life [36:00] Exactly how to Use. Your. Rage! Resources mentioned:
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| Zero-Waste In The Land Of Wasteful Maximalism | 10 janv. 2025 | 00:36:24 | |
Have you ever thought about what your life would be like without a trash can? Here in the US, we don't think much about what happens to stuff once we're done with it. Indeed, American infrastructure isn't equipped to properly handle waste, and our wonton wastefulness on the cultural level exacerbates the climate crisis. It's entirely possible to take matters into your own hands by stepping up as a change maker. On today's show activist and author Fredrika Syren suggests tangible ways to treat waste with the reverence it deserves by systematically creating less of it.
Here's a preview: [4:00] Recycling is broken in America, and yet other countries have figured out how to do it right [17:00] Being a change maker means asking guests to take their trash home with them [26:30] Exactly how Fredrika saves $18,000 each year thanks to her zero-waste lifestyle [30:00] Pick a self-sufficient skill and teach yourself! Thoughts on taking your zero-waste efforts up a notch in 2025 Resources mentioned:
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| New Year, Same Ol' Wonderful You | 02 janv. 2025 | 00:42:10 | |
Does it feel like there’s something hypocritical about New Year’s resolutions? They run counter to the idea that we should accept who we are. That we should give ourselves grace. Resolutions shouldn’t be so grand that we set ourselves up to fail; they shouldn't attempt to "fix" what we've been told is broken, either ("I should be skinnier! I should make more $$!"). There’s a way to work towards personal development without believing you are deficient, and author Tyler Moore is here to show us how. Here's a preview: [10:00] Where can you edit to make the time and space to flourish? [15:00] Differentiating between becoming the best you can be versus "fixing" what you've been told is broken [22:00] Clearing mental clutter is an awful lot like decluttering your closet [27:00] Instead of a New Year's resolution, try 12 monthly 'experiments', instead [32:00] Why hitching your star to external markers of success rarely works, plus: Don't move the goalpost! Resources mentioned:
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| Revisiting The Capsule Wardrobe Conversation | 17 déc. 2024 | 00:39:34 | |
Have a closet full of clothes but nothing to wear? While capsule wardrobes are often touted as the singular solution to closet overwhelm, many report that they can be restrictive, boring and, frankly, unrealistic in practice. A minimalist closet is best served by first identifying the outfits needed to live YOUR unique life. On today's show podcaster Lauren Morley shows us how to streamline our wardrobes, say goodbye to clutter, and feel effortlessly put together every day by focusing less on capsules and more on a 20 outfit wardrobe, instead. Here's a preview: [5:30] Identifying exactly where and why capsule wardrobes fall short [11:00] Why doesn't buying more clothes solve the problems associated with getting dressed? Conversely, why isn't decluttering the singular solution? [16:00] Say goodbye to capsule wardrobes and hello to your 20 outfit wardrobe [20:00] Getting to the root of our cultural reverence for bottomless closets [28:00] The trend cycle is not your friend, so hop off that bandwagon! Resources mentioned:
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| No Such Thing As Bad Weather | 10 déc. 2024 | 00:38:29 | |
In Scandinavia, daily interaction with nature has helped turn many people into passionate advocates for the environment. But there are forces at play in American society that divide humans from nature. To name just a few? Schools cut recess to make more time for academic instruction, cities boast sprawl over walkability, and our societal reverence for cleanliness prevents many Americans from getting outside and getting a little dirty. Best-selling author Linda McGurk was born in Sweden and, later, raised her own children in the US. Linda is on the show to highlight the ways in which the two cultures diverge with regard to interacting with and respecting the natural world; she also offers both the encouragement and the how-to to get outside in all weather. Here's a preview: [5:00] Nature isn't an essential part of childhood here in America. Why not? [18:00] Not competitive, not motorized, and 3 other ways adults prioritize the open-air life in Scandinavia [23:00] No such thing as bad weather? What about extreme, climate change-induced weather events? [28:00] Revisiting our very-American need to be comfortable at all times [32:00] American schools are slowly eliminating outdoor recess. Here's how to advocate for more outdoor time at your child's school Resources mentioned:
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| Living Seasonally, Not Commercially | 03 déc. 2024 | 00:45:55 | |
What is the "holiday season", really? Savvy marketers have inserted gingerbread lattes, blow up lawn decor, and lots of gifts as synonymous with December. But we aren't in some made-up season of buying; instead, we are approaching the Winter Solstice. And when nature is our guide, living seasonally is less about shopping hauls and more about existing in pace with the changing seasons. In a world where we can buy just about anything, it takes intention to live in alignment with nature. On today's show Bailey Van Tassel offers suggestions for weaving what's outside your front door — not what's in Target! — into your seasonal celebrations. Here's a preview: [11:00] Transitioning from commercialized seasonal living to interacting with nature at your feet [15:00] The ways in which nature's pace complements modern life (if, of course, we allow it) [19:30] Minimalists, unite! Don't buy more ultra-trendy seasonal stuff; do this instead [25:00] Slow down your life by making your family traditions crave-able [33:00] Connections between seasons of a year and seasons of a life Resources mentioned:
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| How Many Jeans Do You Own? | 19 nov. 2024 | 00:41:57 | |
Denim jeans were once the preferred trouser for cowboys in the American west; some decades later, they became a symbol of rebellion for non-conformist teens. These days jeans are all about comfort and casual style, and the average American woman owns 7 pairs. And yet blue jeans also happen to have one of fashion's biggest environmental footprints. On today's show Sarene Alsharif reveals the harsh realities associated with jeans production; she also shares practical strategies for transforming this wardrobe staple into a sustainable solution.
Here's a preview: [7:00] Stone-washed with actual stones? Dyed with carcinogenic dyes? Uncovering your favorite pair's dirty little enviro-secrets [13:00] Want some stretch? Revisiting our desire for synthetic fibers in our denim [23:00] The trend cycle = smoke and mirrors [27:00] It's a marriage not a fling (and other tried-and-true sustainable fashion tips) [31:00] Stephanie's nihilist thoughts: What happens when collective action matters, and yet the collective isn't doing its part?
Resources mentioned:
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| A Poverty Of Spirit | 12 nov. 2024 | 00:48:56 | |
We Americans may indeed be "rich" in material terms, but we suffer from what Mother Teresa calls a poverty of spirit. As we chased economic growth we closed ourselves off. We abandoned interconnectedness with other people, beings, and things. We also abandoned ourselves.
Many of the problems in our world today are visual manifestations of such abandonment. If the world isn't looking the way you want it to look right now, author Jeff Golden argues that solving our (numerous) issues starts by healing our culture-wide poverty of spirit.
Here's a preview:
[4:00] Money doesn’t make us happy, and the extent to which we strive for stuff is a manifestation of how unhappy we actually are inside
[8:00] How we feel about ourselves impacts how we show up in the world. How we treat others! Whether we regard other beings with love and respect!
[16:00] Exactly why healing our world (and ourselves!) may indeed start by getting out of our heads
[32:00] Debunking heady intellectual conversations about the importance of the economy, plus: a laundry list of the ways we use stuff as stand-ins for well-being
[38:00] Tangible ways to "drop into yourself" (because you and others deserve it!)
Resources mentioned:
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| Micro Activism | 08 nov. 2024 | 00:33:22 | |
Many of us shy away from the word 'activist' because the term brings to mind a very specific type of person. But if you're regularly taking action to make the world a better place? Guess what my friend, you're already an activist (yes, really!). What matters is not the size of the action, nor how vigorous the action is. It's all about consistency. On today's re-air author Omkari Williams helps us find the kind of social justice engagement that feels both empowering *and* sustainable. Here's a preview: [4:00] Activism isn't just marching and picketing: Here's what micro activism looks like in the day to day [10:30] Are you a headliner, an organizer, a producer, or an indispensable? How to determine your unique activist archetype [22:00] The status quo isn't working for the vast majority of us. So where's the passion for change? [30:00] How to know whether your efforts constitute shallow work or deep work
Resources mentioned:
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| How To Be An Anti-Capitalist | 05 nov. 2024 | 00:38:02 | |
Capitalism has transformed the world, sure. But at what cost? (Immense environmental ones, of course.) Americans, it's high-time we accept that the Golden Age of capitalism is long gone. On today's show: A frank discussion with sustainable finance visionary Kara Perez about insulating ourselves from late-stage capitalism's most damaging effects with individual and collective action.
Here's a preview: [6:00] Money is a tool for change, and yet it's literally something we made up [11:00] Can we be nickled and dimed even more than we already are? (Spoiler alert: Yes.) [14:00] A few of the ways in which shareholder capitalism limits society's ability to progress [22:00] Tangible ways you and I can "change the flow of money"
Resources mentioned:
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