Minimal-ish: Minimalism, Intentional Living, Motherhood

In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Kristen Strong (author, mom of 3, and military spouse) for a heartfelt conversation about something so many of us wrestle with… friendship. Whether it’s finding new friends as an adult, navigating the awkwardness of starting over, or simply maintaining meaningful connections in a busy season, Kristen brings so much honesty and encouragement to our chat.

We talk about the ups and downs of friendship through different life stages, the unique challenges of modern life (hello, social media), and how vulnerability and intention can lead to deeper, more fulfilling relationships. Kristen also shares some beautiful wisdom from her new book, Desperate Woman Seeks Friends. It’s part memoir, part gentle guide for anyone feeling a little lonely or disconnected.

You’ll walk away from this episode feeling less alone and more equipped to take the next small step toward community—whatever that might look like for you right now.

Links from this episode:


Kristen on Instagram (@kristenstrong)


Kristen’s Website


Order her new book: “Desperate Woman Seeks Friends: Real Talk about Connection, Rejection, and Trying Again for the Friendships You Need“


Desirae on Instagram


Minimal-ish Podcast Website

Current Sponsor:

Thank you to Laundry Sauce for making this episode of Minimal-ish possible! Get 20% off at laundrysauce.com with code MINIMALISH.

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In this episode, I'm introducing a new series of shorter solo episodes where I'll get a little more personal, like we're friends on a coffee date.

I'm starting this series with a big life update while I share three things I'm loving, something I'm simplifying, and what I'm calling a "minimal-ish learning" that I had over the past month. We kind of go all over the place as we start shallow with some self-care topics and then get a little deeper as I share a big life transition. I hope you enjoy this new series!

Linking all the skin care/ hair items I briefly mentioned in case you're interested:

Moisturizing face wash

Byoma toner

Vitamin C Serum

Barrier Serum

Moisturizing Cream

Other links:

Planner

Desirae on Instagram

Thank you to our current sponsors for making this episode possible!

-Shop all things home at wayfair.com

-Get the best sheets at Boll and Branch
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Today on Minimalish, I’m joined by Katy Wells– wife, mom and decluttering expert for a refreshing conversation on starting the new year off on the right foot in our homes. She shares her own journey with decluttering and discusses the mental, emotional, and physical impacts of clutter that quietly weigh us down.  Katy also shares practical strategies for simplifying in a busy household or season (and why we need to continue to normalize lived-in spaces, especially with kids). 

Katy is the host of the Top 50 podcast The Maximized Minimalist and may have seen her featured recently on NBC News, where she helps families clear their floors, minds, and to-do lists so they can feel calm, clear and in control again.

If you’ve been stuck in a cycle of decluttering and re-cluttering, I hope you leave this episode with the belief that change is possible. 

Connect with Katy:


Katy’s Website


Katy’s Podcast (The Maximized Minimalist)


Katy on Instagram (@katyjoywells)


Pre-order Katy’s Book: Making Home Your Happy Place: A Real-Life Guide to Decluttering Without the Overwhelm (Releases February 17, 2026)

Other Links:


Desirae on Instagram


Minimal-ish Podcast Website

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Today's episode is starting with a mini solo episode and continuing with a conversation that I am honored to re-share with Emily Ley. She wrote a devotional book titled Sure as the Sunrise in 2022, and in today's episode, we focus in on the idea of creating a word for the year along with how to create a grace filled morning routine that will work for whatever your life looks like right now.

This conversation was so encouraging and comes at the perfect time of year as we are looking towards the fresh start of the new year, but I hope this episode reminds you that any day can be a fresh start.

More Minimal-ish New Year Episodes:


Episode 213: 4 Ways to Walk Intentionally into 2024 - Other Ways to Set Goals or Intentions for the Year


Episode 212: The Annual Minimal-ish Goal Setting Episode- Reflecting on Your Year and Setting Goals that Align with Your Values


Episode 165: One Small, Impactful Change to Start the Year (Changing the New Years Narrative)

Links:


Emily's Devotional: Sure as the Sunrise


⁠Emily's Website⁠


⁠Emily on Instagram⁠


⁠Podcast Website⁠


⁠Desirae on Instagram⁠

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This week I’m so excited to be joined by Sam Lindauer, a mom, physical therapist, and strength training coach on the Ladder app, for a motivating and encouraging conversation all about strength training— especially for women and moms who want to feel stronger, more energized, and more mentally grounded.

Sam reminds us that you don’t need perfect conditions, a gym membership, or a ton of free time to get started. She shares some much needed reminders for busy moms about how showing up consistently and giving your body small, intentional challenges over time can still make a big impact.

If you’re craving a more doable and sustainable way to feel stronger in your current season of life or even as you approach creating goals for the new year, Sam’s encouragement and practical tips will meet you right where you are.

Links from this episode:


Ladder App (30 days free)


Sam on Instagram (@strongwithsamantha)

Join Sam’s Team on Ladder

Ladder Website

Desirae on Instagram

Minimal-ish Podcast Website

Previous Minimal-ish Episodes on Fitness in Motherhood


Episode 265: Monthly Experiment #1: Healthier Habits


Episode 224: Simplifying Fitness and Wellness in Motherhood with Amy Kiefer

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