Hey there, friend! This week on The Maximized Minimalist Podcast, we’re diving into something I KNOW so many of us deal with—scarcity mindset and emotional spending. And to help us unpack it all, I brought on financial expert and author Brie Sedano. Let me tell you—this convo is packed with golden nuggets that’ll leave you thinking, Wait, how did she get in my head? We’re talking about why scarcity isn’t just in your mind (spoiler alert: it’s also in your body!), how it triggers some...

Ever feel like your holiday traditions have turned into just another to-do list? In this episode, I’m sharing how I learned to let go of "perfect" traditions and embrace a simpler, more joyful way of celebrating. Through a little (messy) cookie-baking memory, I realized that the magic of traditions isn’t in getting every detail just right – it’s in the laughter, the connection, and making memories that feel real. Tune in as we reframe holiday traditions to focus on what truly brings joy and...

Let’s talk about the one place in your house that can either make your day a total breeze or an absolute disaster: the kitchen. If your kitchen looks more like a chaotic war zone than a functional workspace, it’s time for a little intervention. Today, Katie sits down with chef and dietitian Allison Schaaf to help you whip your kitchen into shape—think less clutter, more calm. Allison drops some major wisdom on why less is actually more when it comes to kitchen tools, how to organize your...

The holiday season is here – and with it, the stress that can sneak up when we’re trying to make everything magical. In this episode, I’m bringing back parenting expert Caley Kukla to chat all things holiday sanity. If you’re already feeling the overwhelm of balancing family traditions, schedules, and self-care that actually helps, this one’s for you. We’re diving into how to stay grounded, how to make holiday moments meaningful (not perfect), and why multitasking is a myth. Let’s keep the...

Ready to get your hygge on? (Don’t worry, I’ll help you pronounce it.) In today’s episode, we’re diving into what hygge—you know, that cozy, calm, peaceful vibe you’re craving—really means. Spoiler: It’s not about loading up on overpriced blankets and candles. It’s about connection, simplicity, and creating a home that feels good to live in. We’ll cover: The biggest misconception about hygge (hint: it’s NOT a decor trend). How to make your home cozy without buying more stuff. The power of...

Think January is the only time to tackle that clutter? Nah. Let’s bust that myth wide open. Waiting until the new year might sound cute, but spoiler alert: it’s actually setting you up for more mess and more stress. In this episode, we’re talking about why right now is the best time to start decluttering. Not January, not “when things calm down”—but today. You’ll learn why waiting just piles on more clutter (thanks, holiday gifts), why starting small makes a big difference, and how a few...

Are you ready to reclaim your craft room and turn it from a dreaded ‘doom room’ into a space that sparks joy and creativity? In this episode, I dive deep into why our creative spaces often feel overwhelming and what we can do to change that. Inspired by a listener's heartfelt question, we’re exploring the emotional attachments and mindset traps that clutter our craft rooms—and our minds. What You’ll Learn: The Top 5 Reasons Craft Rooms Become 'Doom Rooms'—including emotional attachments,...

🍂 Fall is here, and while it might feel like the calm before the holiday storm, we both know what’s coming—endless to-do lists, gift-giving pressures, and the kind of clutter that sneaks up on you when you least expect it. But this year? We’re getting ahead of the chaos. In today’s episode, I’m spilling the tea on how to mentally and physically prepare for the holidays, so you can avoid those pesky clutter traps that love to trip us up. We’ll talk mindset shifts, how to set boundaries with...

Ever notice how trees just let go of their leaves every fall? No drama, no clinging—they just drop those suckers like they’re hot. Now, imagine if we could do the same with the clutter in our homes and lives. Today’s episode is all about that sweet, sweet release. We’re talking about letting go of the junk (and the baggage) that’s weighing you down and making space for what’s next. You’ve already done the heavy lifting with the decluttering, but have you thought about what you’re still...

Social media is filled with unboxings and endless hauls, and we’ve all been there—tempted to hit “add to cart” just to keep up. But here’s the truth: fast fashion is draining our wallets and our planet. In today’s episode, we’re doing the opposite of a haul. I’m walking you through how to break the cycle of over-consumption, declutter your wardrobe, and fall in love with what’s already hanging in your closet. Because, spoiler alert: you don’t need new clothes to feel new. We’re talking...

Do you ever look at a pile of stuff on your desk and think, “I know I don’t need this... but what if I do?!” Or maybe it’s the craft supplies, gathering dust, making you feel like you’re going to start that project. Someday. In today’s episode, I’m tackling the exact reason why we hold onto things that are just taking up space—in our homes and in our heads—and how to finally start letting go. Spoiler alert: It’s not about tossing everything in a bin and calling it a day. It's about getting...

Are you ready to hit reset on your home and kick clutter to the curb? With summer chaos behind us and back-to-school routines in full swing, now’s the perfect time to simplify! 🎉 In this episode of The Maximized Minimalist, I’m giving you no-fluff, action-packed tips to declutter your home and your mind without the overwhelm. Whether you’ve got 5 minutes or a whole hour, I’m here to show you how to ditch the mess and stress for good! Today I'm sharing: Why 5-20 minute decluttering...

  You ever feel like life is just… too much? Like, there's always something in the way of really enjoying the moments that matter? Whether it’s the mess in your house, your never-ending to-do list, or that sneaky time-suck we call social media, these things can seriously block us from living our best lives. In this episode of the Maximized Minimalist podcast, I’m getting real about the “experience blockers” that might be keeping you from fully enjoying life. Imagine...

We all know clutter can turn our homes into chaos zones, but did you know it's also blocking you from living your best life? Yup, that pile of stuff is doing more than just collecting dust—it's stealing your joy and keeping you from soaking up those sweet life moments! In this episode of the Maximized Minimalist podcast, I’m spilling the tea on how clutter isn't just annoying—it's a full-blown experience blocker. Whether it's chilling with your favorite book, having deep convos with your...

Hey, busy mamas and multitaskers!  Are you ready to ditch the stress and embrace a life filled with joy and balance?  Join me as I chat with the amazing Megan Sumrell, our go-to guru for all things time management. Megan's back, and she's spilling the tea on her super flexible planning approach that’s perfect for us modern-day chaos jugglers. Spoiler alert: You don't need to have your entire life mapped out to get things done! In this episode, we’re diving into: How to mix structure and...

Feeling overwhelmed by clutter, whether it’s in your home or your mind? You’re not alone! In this episode of "Mindset Reset," I’m sharing a super simple but powerful framework to help you bust through those negative thought patterns that keep you stuck. I've been where you are—staring at a pile of stuff, thinking, "Why even bother?" But here's the thing: clearing out the mental clutter is just as important as tackling those physical piles. That’s where the four N's come in—Notice, Normalize,...

Feeling overwhelmed by the clutter in your home? Constantly chasing perfection and getting nowhere? This episode is for you! Join me as I share five mindset shifts that have transformed my home and life. These easy-to-implement tips will help you create a more peaceful, organized, and joyful living space. Whether you're new to decluttering or have been at it for years, you'll find inspiration to make real, meaningful changes without stressing about perfection. In this episode, you’ll hear...

Hey friends! Today, let's dive into something super interesting: the power of influence. We usually think of influencers as those with thousands of followers, but guess what? We all have influence in our everyday lives! Whether it’s recommending a book, sharing a productivity hack, or talking about a fitness tip, our influence matters. 🌟 In this episode, you'll hear about: How recognizing your influence can change your perspective 8:12 - Personal stories of positive influence in my life...

Did you know, clutter in your bedroom is affecting your sleep?🌙🛌 Yep, it's true! In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep into the surprising connection between a cluttered environment and sleep quality. As a new mom, I realized just how crucial sleep is and how clutter made it even harder to get the rest I needed. Studies show that clutter not only increases stress and cortisol levels but also disrupts our cognitive functions, making it difficult to relax and sleep soundly. Discover the...

In this episode, we’re diving into the magic of commitment and how just taking that first step can totally change your life. Inspired by a recent chat with a friend, I’m sharing an incredible story about her mother-in-law. This awesome lady signed up for a group bike trip in Portugal and a hiking adventure in Machu Picchu before she was even ready. Talk about fearless! We’ll explore how committing to something before you feel prepared can push you to reach your goals. Whether it’s a fitness...

Ever bought something thinking it would make you feel better, only to realize it didn’t change a thing? Yep, been there! I recently had an eye-opening experience with a swimsuit purchase that made me reflect on why we buy things we don't need. Spoiler: It's not just for the dopamine hit! In this episode, we chat about: Why we often buy out of emotions and not logic My personal story of emotional buying and what it taught me Fun, confidence-boosting activities that don’t involve shopping...

Ever come back from a trip to find your garden overrun with weeds? That's what happened to me after being away for two and a half weeks. As I was knee-deep in pulling those pesky weeds, I had an aha moment: decluttering our homes is a lot like weeding a garden! In this episode, I share how this simple task made me realize the impact of clutter on our lives. Just like weeds steal nutrients from your plants, clutter drains your energy and joy. Let's dig into how simplifying your space can...

We've got a super special guest on the show today – Dr. Joel, an amazing integrative pediatrician I met through Katie Kimball's Life Skills Summit. He’s here to shake up the way we think about kids’ health! Dr. Joel’s journey is fascinating. After going through the usual pediatric training, he realized the system’s focus on quick visits and medication wasn’t cutting it. So, he dived into integrative and natural medicine, combining the best of both worlds to truly help kids thrive. And trust...

I'm beyond excited to share this episode with you because I just returned from an incredible 17-day road trip through Southern France and Spain with my family. 🚗✨ We traveled through 20-25 towns and villages, soaking up the charm of quaint villages, indulging in delicious local foods, and creating priceless memories. From the vibrant streets of Barcelona to the picturesque cliffs in French national parks, our journey was a beautiful reminder of the power of choosing experiences over material...