Sobriety, Storytelling, and the Truth About "Mommy Wine Culture" | Jessica Guerrieri (Going Deeper)

If you’re struggling to meet your goals, the problem may not be effort—it’s that you’re still trying. In this episode, author and motivational speaker Carla Ondrasik joins me to share insights from her new book, Stop Trying!: The Life-Transforming Power of Trying Less and Doing More. Drawing from her unconventional childhood, career in music publishing, and experience as a mother, Carla challenges the way we use the word “try” and makes the case for a powerful mindset shift: replacing trying with doing. We dive into the psychology of language, the difference between half-hearted attempts and decisive action, and why accountability and small, achievable steps are key to lasting change. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the cycle of “trying” without results, this conversation will give you the tools and encouragement to stop spinning your wheels and start moving forward with confidence.Links Discussed in This Episode |Diane's Resource: The Next Conversation: Argue Less, Talk More by Jefferson FisherPrevious Episode: I Respectfully Disagree: The Lost Art of Disagreement with Justin Jones-Fosu (EP43)Connect with Carla:WebsiteInstagramBook: Stop Trying!: The Life-Transforming Power of Trying Less and Doing MoreAbout Carla |Carla Ondrasik is the creator of the No Try philosophy and author of Stop Trying! The Life-Transforming Power of Trying Less and Doing More. She has spent over two decades sharing her message through research, speaking engagements, mentoring, and writing. A former VP of Creative Writer Development at EMI Music, Carla placed hit songs with legends like Barbra Streisand, Cher, Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera and many others contributing to millions of records sold worldwide. She continues to mentor aspiring musicians while promoting her philosophy to businesses, women’s leadership groups, and schools. Carla has two adult children and lives in Southern California with her husband, John Ondrasik (Five for Fighting) and is an avid swimmer.Episode Sponsors |The Minimalist Moms Podcast would not be possible without the support of weekly sponsors. Choosing brands that I believe in is important to me. I only want to recommend brands that I believe may help you in your daily life. As always, never feel pressured into buying anything. Remember: if you don't need it, it's not a good deal!Enjoy the Podcast?Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your fellow mothers so that they can be inspired to think more and do with less. Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity.Questions |You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.If you’ve been struggling with motivation to declutter or work through bad habits that keep you stuck, I’d love to help you achieve your goals! We’ll work together (locally or virtually) to discover what areas in your life are high priority to get you feeling less overwhelmed right away.  For more info on my processes, fees, and availability please contact!Our Sponsors:* Check out Acorns Early: https://acornsearly.com/MINIMALISTMOMS* Check out Bioma Health and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://gobioma.com/MINIMALIST* Check out Infinite Epigenetics: https://infiniteepigenetics.com/MINIMALIST* Check out Moon & Skin and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://moonandskin.com* Check out PharmaNutra and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://pharmanutra-us.com* Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/minimalistSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/minimalist-moms-podcast-simple-living-for-overwhelmed-moms/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

23 Sep 43min

For those that are new around here, I release bonus episodes that serve a niche part of my audience, I have listeners of all faith backgrounds that listen to the podcast. This episode is coming from a christian perspective so if that’s something that doesn’t fit what you’re looking for, check out the other episode that dropped this week or join me back here next Tuesday for a conversation that you don’t want to miss!----------------------------------------Do you long for deeper connection but feel overwhelmed at the thought of opening your home? In today’s episode, I’m joined by Abby Kuykendall, author of Let the Biscuits Burn, to talk about reclaiming hospitality as a practice of care and connection - not perfection. Abby shares how hospitality has less to do with spotless homes and gourmet meals and far more to do with creating space for community. Drawing from personal stories, practical tips, and biblical wisdom, she helps us break free from excuses like “I can’t cook” or “my house is too small” and instead embrace the transformative joy of welcoming others into our lives. Abby reminds us that true community begins not with performance but with presence.All the links discussed in the episode can be found here.Episode Sponsors |The Minimalist Moms Podcast would not be possible without the support of weekly sponsors. Choosing brands that I believe in is important to me. I only want to recommend brands that I believe may help you in your daily life. As always, never feel pressured into buying anything. Remember: if you don't need it, it's not a good deal!Enjoy the Podcast?Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your fellow mothers so that they can be inspired to think more and do with less. Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity.Questions |You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.If you’ve been struggling with motivation to declutter or work through bad habits that keep you stuck, I’d love to help you achieve your goals! We’ll work together (locally or virtually) to discover what areas in your life are high priority to get you feeling less overwhelmed right away.  For more info on my processes, fees, and availability please contact!Our Sponsors:* Check out Acorns Early: https://acornsearly.com/MINIMALISTMOMS* Check out Bioma Health and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://gobioma.com/MINIMALIST* Check out Infinite Epigenetics: https://infiniteepigenetics.com/MINIMALIST* Check out Moon & Skin and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://moonandskin.com* Check out PharmaNutra and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://pharmanutra-us.com* Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/minimalistSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/minimalist-moms-podcast-simple-living-for-overwhelmed-moms/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

19 Sep 37min

How do we raise boys who are not only confident, but also compassionate and emotionally intelligent? In this episode, parenting journalist Joanna Schroeder shares insights from her new book Talk to Your Boys, with practical scripts and tips for tackling subjects like masculinity, consent, bullying, and mental health. Drawing on research and insights from over 80 boys themselves, Joanna shares how we can build stronger connections with our sons while equipping them to navigate adolescence with confidence and care. Learn how to build trust, spark connection, and raise emotionally intelligent young men who care for themselves and others.Links Discussed in This Episode |Diane's Minimalist Moment: Protect your mental and emotional wellbeing <3 Podcast Episode: Masculinity Debate: Are Dating Apps Creating A Generation Of Incels?! Lonely Men Are More Dangerous Than Ever!Ashanti BranchPrevious Episode: Good Pictures Bad Pictures | Kristen Jenson (EP14)Previous Episode: A Proactive Approach to Talking with Your Teen About Pornography | Parker Hymas (EP15)Joanna's Resource:Connect with Joanna:WebsiteInstagramBook: Talk to Your Boys: 16 Conversations to Help Tweens and Teens Grow into Confident, Caring Young MenAbout Joanna|Joanna Schroeder is a writer, editor, and media critic known for her bold perspectives on parenting issues. She has been published in The New York Times, Redbook, Good Housekeeping, Esquire, and The Boston Globe, and has appeared on Anderson Cooper 360, Red Table Talks with Jada Pinkett Smith, CBS News, PBS, NPR, and the BBC. She served as Executive Editor of The Good Men Project and managing editor of the Experts Division of YourTango. She is the mother of two sons and a daughter. Episode Sponsors |The Minimalist Moms Podcast would not be possible without the support of weekly sponsors. Choosing brands that I believe in is important to me. I only want to recommend brands that I believe may help you in your daily life. As always, never feel pressured into buying anything. Remember: if you don't need it, it's not a good deal!Enjoy the Podcast?Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your fellow mothers so that they can be inspired to think more and do with less. Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity.Questions |You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.If you’ve been struggling with motivation to declutter or work through bad habits that keep you stuck, I’d love to help you achieve your goals! We’ll work together (locally or virtually) to discover what areas in your life are high priority to get you feeling less overwhelmed right away.  For more info on my processes, fees, and availability please contact!Our Sponsors:* Check out Acorns Early: https://acornsearly.com/MINIMALISTMOMS* Check out Bioma Health and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://gobioma.com/MINIMALIST* Check out Infinite Epigenetics: https://infiniteepigenetics.com/MINIMALIST* Check out Moon & Skin and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://moonandskin.com* Check out PharmaNutra and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://pharmanutra-us.com* Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/minimalistSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/minimalist-moms-podcast-simple-living-for-overwhelmed-moms/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

18 Sep 56min

Child psychologist Dr. Robyn Koslowitz explains why kids get stuck replaying violent images they’ve seen online—and why telling them to “just think about something else” can make it worse. She shares what parents should say instead, how to tell the difference between healthy vigilance and trauma-driven hypervigilance, and practical tools to help kids feel safe without overprotection.Links Discussed in This Episode |Connect with Dr. Robyn Koslowitz:WebsiteInstagramBook: Post-Traumatic Parenting: Break the Cycle and Become the Parent You Always Wanted to Be About Dr. Koslowitz |Dr. Koslowitz directs The Center for Psychological Growth of New Jersey and is the founder of the Targeted Parenting™ Institute. She hosts the Post-Traumatic Parenting podcast and YouTube channel, contributes to Psychology Today, and has appeared on Fox, NPR, CNN, and NewsNation. Her new book, Post-Traumatic Parenting, came out this summer. Episode Sponsors |The Minimalist Moms Podcast would not be possible without the support of weekly sponsors. Choosing brands that I believe in is important to me. I only want to recommend brands that I believe may help you in your daily life. As always, never feel pressured into buying anything. Remember: if you don't need it, it's not a good deal!Enjoy the Podcast?Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your fellow mothers so that they can be inspired to think more and do with less. Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity.Questions |You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.If you’ve been struggling with motivation to declutter or work through bad habits that keep you stuck, I’d love to help you achieve your goals! We’ll work together (locally or virtually) to discover what areas in your life are high priority to get you feeling less overwhelmed right away.  For more info on my processes, fees, and availability please contact!Our Sponsors:* Check out Acorns Early: https://acornsearly.com/MINIMALISTMOMS* Check out Bioma Health and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://gobioma.com/MINIMALIST* Check out Infinite Epigenetics: https://infiniteepigenetics.com/MINIMALIST* Check out Moon & Skin and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://moonandskin.com* Check out PharmaNutra and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://pharmanutra-us.com* Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/minimalistSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/minimalist-moms-podcast-simple-living-for-overwhelmed-moms/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

15 Sep 28min

Drowning in thousands of photos? In this episode, photo organization expert, Haleh Shoa shares practical tips to declutter, back up, and enjoy your digital and physical memories. From the Daily Delete habit to the 3-2-1 backup method, you’ll learn how to simplify your photo collection, preserve family stories, and finally make space to enjoy the moments that matter.Links Discussed in This Episode |Diane's Resource: Mootsh PhotosApp: Daily Delete Photo CleanerBackblazeProjector Stream (SUMMER25)Skylight FrameAura FrameHaleh's Resource: The Photo ManagersConnect with Haleh:WebsiteInstagramAbout Haleh |Haleh Shoa is the Founder and CEO of Picturli: a photo organization, curation, archiving, and design studio that helps families, individuals, and businesses transform their chaotic mess of photos into one clear and cohesive digital library. Haleh and her team meticulously organize their clients’ photo collections into a searchable, secure, and easily sharable photo archive. Haleh believes that family histories and personal memories are some of the most valuable treasures that exist and that preserving and sharing them is crucial for future generations.Episode Sponsors |The Minimalist Moms Podcast would not be possible without the support of weekly sponsors. Choosing brands that I believe in is important to me. I only want to recommend brands that I believe may help you in your daily life. As always, never feel pressured into buying anything. Remember: if you don't need it, it's not a good deal!Enjoy the Podcast?Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your fellow mothers so that they can be inspired to think more and do with less. Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity.Questions |You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.If you’ve been struggling with motivation to declutter or work through bad habits that keep you stuck, I’d love to help you achieve your goals! We’ll work together (locally or virtually) to discover what areas in your life are high priority to get you feeling less overwhelmed right away.  For more info on my processes, fees, and availability please contact!Our Sponsors:* Check out Acorns Early: https://acornsearly.com/MINIMALISTMOMS* Check out Bioma Health and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://gobioma.com/MINIMALIST* Check out Infinite Epigenetics: https://infiniteepigenetics.com/MINIMALIST* Check out Moon & Skin and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://moonandskin.com* Check out PharmaNutra and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://pharmanutra-us.com* Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/minimalistSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/minimalist-moms-podcast-simple-living-for-overwhelmed-moms/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

10 Sep 34min

Our words matter more than we realize. The phrases we use with our children—often without thinking—can leave lasting impressions on their hearts, shaping how they see themselves and their relationship with us as parents. In this episode, I’m joined by Amy Hughes—writer, speaker, and mother of nine—whose new book Words Like Honey helps parents recognize the unintended harm in common phrases like “Hurry up,” “Calm down,” or “Don’t be sad.” Amy explains how these words can cause stress, anxiety, or self-doubt, and offers life-giving alternatives that nurture confidence, security, and resilience. Filled with relatable stories and practical wisdom, this conversation will encourage you to parent with intention and use words that truly build your child up.Links Discussed in This Episode |Connect with Amy:WebsiteInstagramBook: Words Like Honey: How to Avoid Unintentional Harm, Model Kindness, and Nurture Your Child's Faith Through What You SayAbout Amy |Amy Hughes is a mother of nine, a writer, a speaker, and a parenting coach living on the central coast of California. A featured writer for Wild + Free, Amy is a sought-after keynote and conference speaker and has been published in Scary Mommy, (in)Courage, Simplify Magazine, The Fallow House, The Natural Family, Rhythm of the Home, Christian Unschooling, and more. She reads too many books and drinks too much coffee, plus she thinks she's incredibly funny. She lives in Paso Robles, California.Episode Sponsors |The Minimalist Moms Podcast would not be possible without the support of weekly sponsors. Choosing brands that I believe in is important to me. I only want to recommend brands that I believe may help you in your daily life. As always, never feel pressured into buying anything. Remember: if you don't need it, it's not a good deal!Enjoy the Podcast?Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your fellow mothers so that they can be inspired to think more and do with less. Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity.Questions |You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.If you’ve been struggling with motivation to declutter or work through bad habits that keep you stuck, I’d love to help you achieve your goals! We’ll work together (locally or virtually) to discover what areas in your life are high priority to get you feeling less overwhelmed right away.  For more info on my processes, fees, and availability please contact!Our Sponsors:* Check out Acorns Early: https://acornsearly.com/MINIMALISTMOMS* Check out Bioma Health and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://gobioma.com/MINIMALIST* Check out Infinite Epigenetics: https://infiniteepigenetics.com/MINIMALIST* Check out Moon & Skin and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://moonandskin.com* Check out PharmaNutra and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://pharmanutra-us.com* Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/minimalistSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/minimalist-moms-podcast-simple-living-for-overwhelmed-moms/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

8 Sep 27min

For those that are new around here, I release bonus episodes that serve a niche part of my audience, I have listeners of all faith backgrounds that listen to the podcast. This episode is coming from a christian perspective so if that’s something that doesn’t fit what you’re looking for, check out the other episode that dropped this week or join me back here next Tuesday for a conversation that you don’t want to miss!-------------------------------------------------------------What if you could see the story of Jesus through the eyes of someone who knew Him best? In this episode, Diane sits down with directors John Schaefer and Tom Bancroft to talk about their brand-new 2D animated feature film, Light of the World, premiering September 5.Told from the perspective of young John the Apostle, the film offers a fresh and emotionally resonant look at Jesus’ life—crafted to connect with both believers and those curious about His story. John and Tom share their incredible journeys in the animation industry, the vision behind this unique project, and the obstacles they overcame to bring the story to the screen. Whether you’re passionate about faith, storytelling, or animation, this behind-the-scenes conversation will inspire you to see the Gospel story with fresh eyes.Links Discussed in This Episode |Previous Episode: "Art is the Signature of Man" | Jake Weidmann (EP53)WebsiteEpisode Sponsors |The Minimalist Moms Podcast would not be possible without the support of weekly sponsors. Choosing brands that I believe in is important to me. I only want to recommend brands that I believe may help you in your daily life. As always, never feel pressured into buying anything. Remember: if you don't need it, it's not a good deal!Enjoy the Podcast?Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your fellow mothers so that they can be inspired to think more and do with less. Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity.Questions |You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.If you’ve been struggling with motivation to declutter or work through bad habits that keep you stuck, I’d love to help you achieve your goals! We’ll work together (locally or virtually) to discover what areas in your life are high priority to get you feeling less overwhelmed right away.  For more info on my processes, fees, and availability please contact!Our Sponsors:* Check out Acorns Early: https://acornsearly.com/MINIMALISTMOMS* Check out Bioma Health and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://gobioma.com/MINIMALIST* Check out Infinite Epigenetics: https://infiniteepigenetics.com/MINIMALIST* Check out Moon & Skin and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://moonandskin.com* Check out PharmaNutra and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://pharmanutra-us.com* Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/minimalistSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/minimalist-moms-podcast-simple-living-for-overwhelmed-moms/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

4 Sep 32min