Today I’m honored to be speaking with author, podcaster, wife, and mother Tara Sun. In this conversation, Tara shares her journey towards a slower, more intentional life by prioritizing saying no and building habits that support the kind of life you want to live. We are also diving into her new book “Overbooked and Overwhelmed" where she shares practical tips for managing distractions and finding rest amidst a busy lifestyle.  Links from this episode: Tara on Instagram (@misstarasun) Tara’s Website Tara’s Podcast Pre-order her new book: Overbooked and Overwhelmed (Releases Aug. 5th) Desirae on Instagram Minimal-ish Podcast Website Sponsors: Calm.com: Go to calm.com/minimalish to get 40% off a premium subscription. Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box and a free item in every box for life with at hungryroot.com/minimalish Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sponsors: Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box and a free item in every box for life with at hungryroot.com/minimalish Born Shoes: Head to bornshoes.com and use code minimalish to get 15% off your full price shoe order and free shipping. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Minimalish, I’m back with my first guest interview in a while – and I couldn’t think of a better way to start the summer! After wrapping up my long-term sub position at the high school, I’m so excited to get back to conversations that help us live a little more intentionally. Today, I’m chatting with Nicole Runyon, a former psychotherapist turned parent coach, all about how we can set our families up for a simpler, more connected summer. This conversation is full of helpful, down-to-earth advice to help you feel more confident and grounded heading into summer with your kids at home. In this episode, we talk about: Why independence and responsibility is so important (and how to encourage it) How to navigate technology and set boundaries for different ages Why boredom is actually good for kids—and how to help them through it Whether you’re craving more rhythm, rest, or just want to avoid constant power struggles this summer, this episode is for you. Links from this episode: Nicole on Instagram (@igenerationmentalhealth) Nicole’s Website Order her new book: “Free to Fly: The Secret to Fostering Independence in the Next Generation" Desirae on Instagram Minimal-ish Podcast Website Sponsors: Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box and a free item in each box for life at hungryroot.com/minimalish Born Shoes: Get 15% off full-price shoes at bornshoes.com with code MINIMALISH Calm: Go to calm.com/minimalish to get 40% off a premium subscription. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I'm bringing you a solo episode with 4 simple and quick steps we can all take to start our summer months with intention and (hopefully) have a more intentional season. I hope you'll even be able to use at least one of these steps and take action on it today. Sponsors: Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box and a free item in every box for life at hungryroot.com/minimalish Born Shoes: Get 15% off full price shoes and free shipping when you use code MINIMALISH at bornshoes.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I'm sharing 3 lessons I shared in a letter to my senior students before their graduation. In this episode, I expand on these lessons and reflect a bit on my year back to teaching. Sponsors: Born Shoes: Go to BornShoes.com today for a 15% discount plus free ground shipping on all full-price shoes when you use my promo code, MINIMALISH. Function Health: get a $100 credit towards your annual membership at functionhealth.com/minimalish Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sponsors: Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box and a free item in every box for life at hungryroot.com/minimalish. Born Shoes: Go to bornshoes.com and use code minimalish to get 15% off your order + free ground shipping. Calm: Get 40% off your Calm premium subscription at calm.com/minimalish Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sponsors: Born Shoes: Go to bornshoes.com for 15% off your order and free shipping when you use code MINIMALISH Function Health: Download “Long Live Moms” for FREE today at functionhealth.com/minimalish and learn more about how Function Health can help you take better care of you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I'm bringing you a solo episode where I'm getting very real about why minimalism isn't going as planned in this current season. If you feel a similar struggle, I hope this episode helps you reflect and move forward! Sponsors: Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box and get a free item in every box at hungryroot.com/minimalish with code minimalish. Lumen: Head to lumen.me/minimalish to get 15% off your Lumen. Calm: Calm is offering an exclusive offer of 40% off a Calm Premium Subscription at calm.com/minimalish. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sponsors: Calm: for listeners of our show, Calm is offering an exclusive offer of 40% off a Calm Premium Subscription at calm.com/minimalish. Hungry Root: get 40% off your first box PLUS get a free item in every box for life at hungryroot.com/minimalish Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I’m bringing you the next Monthly Experiment where I’m reflecting on this past month’s journey to tackle our families budget. Spoiler alert: it did not go as planned. But I’m sharing a lot about how I’ve been reframing my mindset around “failed goals” in this season and reflecting on why it didn’t go well and how we’re moving forward. I’m also giving a little update on my first monthly experiment and how it’s evolved over the last few months, including an update on my recent diagnosis with PCOS.  Links from this episode: Ep 266: Monthly Experiment #1: Healthier Habits Desirae on Instagram Minimal-ish Podcast Website Sponsor: Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box and a free item in every box at hungryroot.com/minimalish with code minimalish. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sponsors Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box plus a free item in every box for life at hungryroot.com/minimalish Wildgrain: Get 30$ off your first box plus free Croissants in every box at wildgrain.com/minimalish Manscaped: Get 20% off plus free shipping at manscaped.com with code MINIMALISH at checkout Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this solo episode, I’m reflecting on my first monthly experiment in intentional living—focusing on healthier habits. At the start of the year, I was inspired by my conversation with Tyler Moore of Tidy Dad to approach New Year’s goals differently, leading me to start this Monthly Experiments series. Instead of setting rigid resolutions, I’ve been choosing one area of life to focus on each month. For January, that meant tracking simple habits like movement, hydration, and paying attention to what I’m consuming. I’ll share what worked, what didn’t, and how this experiment has shaped my mindset around actually sticking to my wellness goals. Come along while I chat about progress over perfection, finding joy in small wins, and embracing this healthier living as a form of self-care rather than pressure. Links from this episode: Minimalish Ep 260 with Tidy Dad Desirae on Instagram Minimal-ish Podcast Website Sponsor: Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box plus a free item in every box for life at hungryroot.com/minimalish Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I am honored to sit down and speak with author and speaker Carlos Whittaker to chat about his latest book, Reconnected, and his eye-opening 7-week experiment living in a monk community—completely off screens. We dive deep into what he learned about solitude, slowing down + savoring, being present, and finding true connection (and balance) in a digital world, but also shares so many quick and practical takeaways that he’s implemented since this experiment. As we kick off a new year filled with resolutions and the pressure to “do it all,” this conversation is such a timely reminder to prioritize intentionality, step away from the noise, and embrace a simpler way of living + connecting with our family.  Links from this episode: Carlos on Instagram Order ‘Reconnected: How 7 Screen-Free Weeks with Monks and Amish Farmers Helped Me Recover the Lost Art of Being Human (his newest book that launched Fall 2024) The Carlos Whittaker Podcast Carlos' Website Desirae on Instagram Minimal-ish Podcast Website More episodes on less screens: Ep 261: Minimalism Story: Smart Phone to Flip Phone with Abby Brennan Ep 235: A Life More Engaging Than The Algorithm - Living a Low(er) Tech Life with Erin Loechner Ep 205: Change Your Relationship with Your Phone and Connect More with Your People with Joey Odom Ep 191: Unplugging: Digital Minimalism, screen-free activities, prioritizing in-person community, and modeling phone habits with Claudia Erickson Sponsors: Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box PLUS get a free item in every box for life. Go to hungryroot.com/minimalish or use code minimalish. Calm: Get 40% off your premium subscription at calm.com/minimalish Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sponsor: Wildgrain: Get 30$ off your first box and free croissants with ever boxy when you go to Wildgrain.com/MINIMALISH or use promo code Minimalish at checkout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, I'm bringing you a quick preview of what 2025 will look like on Minimal-ish, plus letting you in on an extended solo episode series I'm excited about. I hope you'll join me in some monthly "experiments!" Sponsors: Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box PLUS get a free item in every box for life at hungryroot.com/minimalish with code minimalish. Manscaped: Get 20% off + free shipping with the code MINIMALISH at Manscaped.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on the podcast, we’re diving into another Minimalism Story with special guest Abby Brennan. Abby is a mom of two, wife, writer, and project manager who has embraced simplicity and sustainability in both her home and digital experiences. She talks about her transition from smartphone to flip phone and the impact of reducing screen time on her creativity and family life. If starting or continuing to pursue minimalism is on your list for 2025, or you’ve just been curious about a simpler + more intentional life with less screens, this episode is for you. Links from this episode: Abby on Instagram Abby’s Website Desirae on Instagram Minimal-ish Podcast Website More Episodes on Screen Time: Ep 235: A Life More Engaging Than The Algorithm - Living a Low(er) Tech Life with Erin Loechner Ep 191: Unplugging: Digital Minimalism, screen-free activities, prioritizing in-person community, and modeling phone habits with Claudia Erickson More Minimalism Stories: Ep 252: Minimalism Stories with Sami Townsend Ep 220: Minimalism Stories with Jordan Jones Ep 201: Minimalism Stories - From Extreme Minimalism (+ tiny house living) to Minimal-ish with Korie Veidel Ep 192: Minimalism Stories with Leah Franklin  Sponsors: Calm - Stress less, sleep more, and live better with Calm. For listeners of our show, Calm is offering 40% off a Calm Premium Subscription at calm.com/MINIMALISH. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I’m so excited to kick off 2025 with having special guest Tyler Moore, also known as “Tidy Dad” on social media, back on the show. Today we are talking about our shared experience of the post-holiday chaos and navigating seasons of life that just feel “cluttered” both physically and mentally. I loved this conversation with Tyler and his gentle approach to goal setting or routine “experimenting” in the new year and plotting for moments of joy amidst the chaos. Through these conversations he shares so many practical tips and mindset shifts from his new book, ‘Tidy Up Your Life”.  Links from this episode: Tyler on Instagram Tyler’s website Order ‘Tidy Up Your Life’ (his new book launching Jan. 7th, 2025) Desirae on Instagram Minimal-ish Podcast Website More episodes with Tyler: Ep 197: Layering Routines and “Surthriving” with Tyler Moore Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I'm here with a yearly reflection and goal-setting episode! I've kept this one mostly short and sweet, focusing on how we can reflect on how far we've come this year as we set goals that truly matter to us. Sponsors: LMNT: Get your free LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase at DrinkLMNT.com/Minimalish MeUndies Kids: get 20% off your first order, plus free shipping, at MeUndies.com/minimalish and enter promo code minimalish. Calm: Go to calm.com/minimalish for 40% off unlimited access to Calm’s entire library. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we bring you #2 in our Holiday Replay Series Today I talk with one of my favorite people on the internet, Kat Steck, all about simpifying this season and celebrating it according to your own values. We discuss gift giving, putting less pressure on ourselves to do things we don't want to do, making new traditions, less consumerism, frugal traditions, and more. Kat on Instagram Desirae on Instagram Podcast Website Sponsor: Manscaped: Get 20% off + free shipping with the code MINIMALISH at Manscaped.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices