Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living
Paring Down is a podcast about realistic minimalism, decluttering, and intentional living. Host Shannon Leyko offers a friendly, best-friend-style approach to overcoming mental roadblocks that prevent people from letting go of unneeded possessions. The show features interviews with New York Times bestselling authors and everyday people who share practical tips and mindset advice for self-improvement. It addresses common questions like where to start decluttering, how to manage when feeling overwhelmed, and how to handle decluttering with ADHD. The goal is to reduce stress, save money, and create a calmer, more intentional home.
Episodes
200: Decluttered but Still Overwhelmed, What I Changed My Mind About, & Meal Trains
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat!
I answer:
1. What do I do if I’m organized, decluttered, and use everything I have but I’m still overwhelmed?
2. What’s something you recently changed your mind about?
Listener recommendation of the week: The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion
MENTIONED THIS EPISODE:
Organize a free meal train
199: Separating Health from Weight with Zoë Bisbing
I asked my followers who I should talk to about separating weight from health, and one name kept coming up. Zoë Bisbing is a psychotherapist specializing in body image and eating disorders, and she completely reframed how I think about my own body.
Here's what we get into:
The real difference between body positivity and body neutrality
How to tell the difference between pursuing health a
198: Cleaning Tips that Don't Feel Too Extreme with Morgan Flores
I sat down with professional house cleaner Morgan Flores, and she gave me permission to stop feeling guilty about my imperfect floor boards…while giving us tips to keep the house a bit more sparkling!
Morgan shares everything from her exact vacuum technique to the truth about why decluttering makes cleaning so much easier.
Whether you're drowning in laundry or just want a few pro tricks up
197: Decluttering Collectibles, Who I'd Switch Lives With, & Bribing Children
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat!
I answer:
1. What about collectibles? Hubby collects…everything?
2. If you could switch lives with anyone for a day, who would it be?
Listener recommendation of the week: @OkeeDokeeBros
MENTIONED THIS EPISODE:
How to Declutter When You're a Collector (YouTube video)
PARING DOWN (SH
196: Ivy League Attorney Advice on How to Advocate for Your Health with Rayna Rayford
Attorney Rayna Reid Rayford and I are old friends from Miss New York, and she’s become a powerful force for maternal advocacy. Today, you’ll hear how Rayna turned her own terrifying pregnancy experience into a nonprofit that's changing how women advocate for themselves in the doctor's office.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Practical tools for advocating for yourself at medical appointments, f
195: How Decluttering Reflects Our Values
If you want to get in the mood to declutter, look no further than this episode! Today, I’m doing something a little different by sharing an episode I did on the Moms Overcoming Overwhelm podcast with Emily McDermott.
We talk about how decluttering reflects our values and practical ideas for reducing the amount of things in your home.
EMILY MCDERMOTT:
Moms Overcoming Overwhelm podcast
IG:
194: When Do I "Arrive" at Decluttered?, Scheduling Around PMDD, & Living in the Grey
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat!
I answer:
1. I’ve been at it for so long but still feel far from minimal/pared down enough- when do I arrive?
2. Tell us more about PMDD and how you schedule your time around it
Listener recommendation of the week: O’keeffe 30 spf chapstick - orange tube
MENTIONED THIS EPISODE:
Ep 137: Knowing Whe
193: Building an Empire of 10 Million Followers While Living with Chronic Illness with Rachel Farnsworth
Rachel Farnsworth is an absolute force with over 10 million social media followers and her wildly successful brand, The Stay at Home Chef. But her chronic health journey is a story so wild it's hard to believe it's real.
She gives us an inside look at her struggle with Addison’s disease, how she lost the ability to walk and swallow, and what’s led to her recent recovery.
Rachel shares why she ch
192: A Better Way to Plan Your Fall & School Year with Danielle McGeough
If the busyness of the start of fall and a new school year stresses you out, today’s conversation with Danielle McGeough is for you!
We cover:
The difference between burnout and demoralization
How to figure out what actually matters to our families
Practical systems for managing school paper
How to prioritize activities and commitments
…and more.
Don’t le
191: Decluttering Computer Files, My Favorite Way to Vacation, & the Savannah Bananas
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat!
I answer:
1. Do you have any advice on decluttering and organizing files on a computer?
2. What’s your favorite way to vacation with your family?
Listener recommendation of the week: Emily Ley - Simplified
MENTIONED THIS EPISODE:
Ep 74: Removing the Chaos from Our Email Accounts & Desktops with Shawn Lemon
The Savann
190: Shocking Things that Bring People to the Emergency Room with Dr. J Mack Slaughter
I sat down with Dr. J Mack Slaughter—ER physician, former boy band member, and one of my favorite follows on social media—for a conversation that's equal parts entertaining and genuinely lifesaving.
Here's what I learned, and what you'll take away too:
Which common situations usually don't require an ER visit (and the specific warning signs that mean you should go immediately)
The most a
189: Environmentally Friendly Decluttering—from Recycling Razor Blades to the Truth About Greenwashing with Tom Szaky of TerraCycle
This is such a fascinating episode for anyone who wants to declutter while being mindful about the environment! I’m joined by Tom Szaky, founder and CEO of TerraCycle, who gives us a behind-the-scenes look at recycling and his unique approach to reducing waste.
We get into the truth about greenwashing, how TerraCycle recycles unique items like cigarette butts, diapers, and razor blades, and even
Getting Past the "Wasted Money" When Decluttering (Summer Saturday Throwback)
If you struggle with decluttering because it feels like watching bags of money go out the door, then this episode is for you!
In it, I share not only helpful mindset shifts, but practical ways that decluttering actually helps us financially in the long run.
PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO):
PREORDER MY BOOK, Don't Save the Good Stuff, HERE! Coming April 2027.
Join the special book email list
188: How to Request Money Instead of Gifts, Homemade Chai Lattes, & Washing Scrunchies
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat!
I answer:
1. What’s the best way to ask for money for a gift instead of stuff?
2. How do you make your chai lattes?
Listener recommendation of the week: Away luggage
MENTIONED THIS EPISODE
Email Chai Chat submissions to paringdownpodcast@gmail.com
Gift Request Template
TAZO Chai Latte Concent
187: Opening Up About My Health: Postpartum Struggles, Weight Fluctuations, PMDD and More
I'm kicking off a brand new 10-week series on health for these Good Stuff episodes—what do we want to fill our lives with? Health seems like a great option to me!
Before we dive in with an impressive array of expert guests in this series, I wanted to start with a vulnerable solo episode about my own health journey—physical, mental, and everything in between.
If you've ever felt like health talk
186: Decluttering Your House is Only the Beginning of a Better Life with Suzanne Searcy Johnson
You know this one will be good because it’s the second time we’re welcoming Suzanne Searcy Johnson to the podcast! This time, we dig into why decluttering is only the first step toward a simpler life, and what it really takes to enjoy life beyond the clutter.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Why organizing your space can be its own subtle form of control, and how to recognize when decluttering
Curating Simple & Ethical Wardrobes with Lacey Woodroof (Summer Saturday Throwback)
I don't know about you, but I want getting dressed to feel easy.
Our guest, Lacey Woodroof of Basic (abasicshop.com), speaks to the heart of why women's fashion can be such a pain, and offers creative and practical ways to start dressing in a less overwhelming, more sustainable manner.
LACEY WOODROOF
Basic Instagram: @abasicshop
Lacey Woodroof Instagram: @laceymwoodroof
Basic Website:
185: What to Do with Kid 3D Artwork, My Original Career Goal, & Preconceived Notions
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat!
I answer:
1. What do I do with kids artwork when the artwork is 3D– lots of dioramas and sculptures!
2. What was your original career goal?
Listener recommendation of the week: Hanna Seymour’s The Weekly One podcast
Ep 122: How to Create Life-Changing Habits with Hanna Seymour
Ep 8: What the Bib
184: How Bike Bus World Brings Back the '80s Community Vibe with Sam Balto
Who wouldn't want to ride their bike to school with Benson Boone or Zara Larsson??
In this super fun episode that wraps up our mini-series on community, Sam Balto, founder of Bike Bus World, shares how bike buses help kids get to school while building stronger, more connected communities.
Even if you don't want to head up a bike bus (maybe you'll want to after listening!), this episode is full
183: How to Not Get Distracted When Decluttering
Does decluttering take forever because you reminisce, try things on, or end up tidying in a different room where you went to put something away?
In this episode, I break down the reasons we get distracted mid-decluttering and offer 10 practical strategies to stay on track.
MENTIONED THIS EPISODE:
Get on my book list HERE
Ep 171: How to Organize Your Home So It Actually Stays Organized (Macr
Decluttering Photos on Our Phones and In Our Homes (Summer Saturday Throwback)
You only get to find out how many photos are on my phone if you listen to the podcast! Haha...but seriously, it's embarrassing.
I'm learning right along with you in this episode, offering strategies for how to go through an overwhelming number of photos, and best ways to organize them once we declutter.
We also dive a bit deeper into the importance of photos. How can we be intentional about pre
182: Not Knowing the Value of Items You're Decluttering, My Weirdly Fast Engagement, & Grifters
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat!
I answer:
1. What do you do with items that you’re not sure the value of, like old basketball cards or jewelry?
2. How did you meet your husband and how long did you date before getting engaged?
Listener recommendation of the week: Secrets of the Bees on Disney+
PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO):
PREORDER
181: How Intergenerational Relationships Boost Happiness, Health & Perspective
Our world tends to separate us by age—through retirement communities, social media algorithms, and workplace culture. Is this problematic?
In this episode, I do a deep dive into what we gain when we spend time with people of a different generation than ours, as well as what we lose when we stop separate ourselves.
You'll learn:
• Why Western culture has become so age-segregated, and how income
180: Thrift Shopping Tips for Mindful Consumers with Rebecca Bingham
I love when real friends collide with my podcasting world! Rebecca Bingham is my former coworker...and an Atlanta-based vintage reseller.
Becca walks us through her thrifting philosophy, from navigating the aisles of a thrift store with intention to curating a home and wardrobe full of character and story.
We also dig into how secondhand shopping can be a powerful tool for decluttering, reduci
Decluttering Sentimental Items (Summer Saturday Throwback)
Do you struggle to let go of sentimental items? In this episode, I share my experience with decluttering sentimental items after my mother passed away when I was 24 years old.
You'll hear some perspective shifts that helped me not hold onto every little thing that reminded me of her.
I dive into letting go of baby items for our kids, deciding what *is* special to keep, and a big question that
179: Consistent Devotion to Living with Less, My Musical Theatre History, & the Final Countdown in Kodiak
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat!
I answer:
1. How do you stay consistent with your attitude towards living with only what you need?
2. Tell us more about you doing musical theater! And who is your dream podcast guest?
Listener recommendation of the week: Crime Junkie Podcast
MENTIONED THIS EPISODE
Elisabeth Beam: @balancingbeams
Eri
178: How 15 Women Have Maintained 19 Years of Unbreakable Long-Distance Community with Leslie Hepburn
Nineteen years ago, a group of women came together at Christopher Newport University and built something truly special. I got to sit down with my very dear friend, Leslie Hepburn, to reflect on the journey of our acapella group, the Newport Pearls, who still gets together for annual retreats 19 years later.
This episode is a celebration of the community that forms when friends choose each other,
177: How to Avoid Decision Fatigue When Decluttering
Decluttering decisions add up fast, so today I share 5 concrete strategies to avoid decision fatigue!
You'll learn about...
• The famous study on parole judges that reveals how even trained professionals make worse calls the longer they go without a break — and what that means for your decluttering sessions
• How "pre-deciding" your rules can take the exhaustion out of every single it
176: When You Have No Energy to Declutter, the One Job I'd Never Do, & Dog Walking
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat!
I answer:
1. I'm decluttering with a chronic illness. How do I keep going with no energy?
2. What is one job no one could pay you enough to do? And do you believe in ghosts?
Listener recommendation of the week: Silk eye mask for sleeping! Get one HERE.
MENTIONED THIS EPISODE
Episode 71: How Growing Up
175: Combating Loneliness by Rethinking the Suburban Neighborhood with Eli Spevak
This conversation with general contractor Eli Spevak opened my eyes to what's possible in modern neighborhoods if we prioritize people over privacy. We explore how co-housing and shared spaces turn neighbors into genuine support networks, creating the trust, safety, and belonging so many of us are looking for.
The good news is that whatever your neighborhood's culture is, you'll walk away from th
174: Getting Paper Clutter Under Control with Lisa Woodruff
If you feel overwhelmed by paper clutter, today's episode is for you! Lisa Woodruff, the author of The Paper Solution and founder Organize 365, joins me to share her practical approach to managing paper, from taxes to random notes to medical documents.
In this episode, you'll learn:
• The six categories for sorting household paper, plus Lisa's Sunday Basket strategy
• How to build reference b
173: If Ethical Shopping Feels Too Expensive, Keeping a Loved One's Memory Alive, & Summer Childcare
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat!
I answer:
1. I looked at the Basics website for ethical clothing - holy moly the prices? How to even start?
2. How do you keep your mom’s memory alive with your kids? (Mom died @23, 2 toddlers)
Listener recommendation of the week:
Kin by Tayari Jones
Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys
MENTIONED THIS EP
172: How to Build Community and Make Friends Anywhere You Live with Bethany Roth
Bethany Roth is a military spouse who has mastered the art of building community no matter where life takes her. Since I'm a military spouse, too, we both dig into what it really means to create belonging in new places and why kindness is the foundation of any strong community.
I hope this conversation leaves you feeling inspired to reach out, show up, and invest in the people around you.
BETH
171: How to Organize Your Home So It Actually Stays Organized (Macro vs. Micro Organizing)
Everyone I know pulls their hair out because it's one thing to organize the house...it's another for it to STAY organized. That's what today's episode is for!
I break down the difference between macro and micro organizing, when to use each type, and how to make sure your house doesn't explode 30 seconds after you finally have it looking good.
MENTIONED THIS EPISODE
How to Declutter Your Kitch
170: How to Nudge Your Parents to Declutter, Military Wife Life, & Learning Finnish
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat!
I answer:
1. How do I gently encourage my parents to start going through their stuff? There’s so much!
2. Did you know you would be a career military wife when you married your husband?
Listener recommendation of the week: Caroline Chambers
Instagram: @carochambers
Substack: What to Cook When You Don’t
169: Losing Community After Wrestling with Faith and Experiencing Divorce with Mallory Andrews
This is a super vulnerable and real conversation with my childhood friend, Mallory Andrews, about what it means to trust yourself when everything you've known begins to shift. Mallory opens up about walking away from her evangelical Christian community and the recent end of her almost 20-year marriage—and what both experiences have taught her about true belonging.
We cover:
Why leaving a com
168: Why Playing the Long Game Always Works—Including for Decluttering with Carrie Fabris
Wow—I was blown away by executive coach Carrie Fabris this week on Paring Down! We talked all about how to stick to our goals (decluttering and otherwise).
Carrie shares practical frameworks for staying focused on what actually matters, especially when results don’t happen overnight.
What you’ll learn:
• How to use the “VIBE” framework to prioritize goals and protect your energy
• Why burnout
167: If You Have Too Much Furniture, My Favorite Kid Age, & Finish-It Friday
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat!
I answer:
1. I think we have too much furniture for our house but I can’t figure out what could go?
2. Which kid age has been your favorite?
Listener recommendation of the week: Finish-It Friday with an "Unfinished Business" Bin
MENTIONED THIS EPISODE
Effortless - book by Greg McKeown
Ep 85: Become an E
166: Can Social Media Build Healthy Community? with Shannon McKinstrie
Shannon McKinstrie is a social media strategist with a refreshingly grounded take on what it truly means to build community online, and this conversation covers it all.
We dig into what separates a thriving, supportive digital space from one that drains you.
We Cover:
What makes an online community genuinely healthy and supportive
Red flags that signal a community has become unhealt
165: The 15 Best Questions to Ask Yourself to Make Decluttering Easy
It's much easier to declutter when we filter our choices through certain questions, so I've compiled the best 15 questions to ask yourself when decluttering. Some are famous ("Does this spark joy?") and some are recent viral sensations ("If this had poop on it, would you wash it off or throw it away?"), but I break down why they work (and circumstances when they don't).
Choose your favorites fro
164: Decluttering Fatigue, The Time My Son Got Stuck in a Chair, & The Enneagram
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat!
I answer:
1. I got decluttering fatigue after our recent move to a temporary rental. Motivation tips?
2. What is your favorite funny memory in your life? Moment that makes you laugh still?
Listener recommendation of the week: Benson's Table Tasty Salt Substitute
MENTIONED THIS EPISODE:
Ep 99: 7 Tips to
163: Why Gatekeepers Always Lose Even Though They Think They're Getting Ahead
It's the WORST when people "hide" information or help because they think it will help them get ahead or gain respect...psychology tells us it will do the opposite.
In this Good Stuff episode about filling our lives with community, I unpack why we're prone to gatekeeping and why it ultimately works against us. In fact, sharing knowledge, connections, and resources freely is the key to building re
162: Stop Overshopping for Good and Finally Declutter Your Clothes with Lauren Morley
It's counterintuitive, but a simple wardrobe can actually make your style even better! In this episode, I'm sitting down with Lauren Morley, founder of the 20 Outfit Wardrobe, who helps people simplify their closets by curating just 20 outfits they love and wear on rotation.
We Cover:
Why no one is paying attention to outfit repeating as much as you think.
How to recognize when your shoppi
161: How to Get Kids to Clean Up After Themselves, Tech Tools, & Murder
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat!
I answer:
1. How do you get kids to clean up after themselves without feeling like you're nagging?
2. What are some technology tools that you use to organize your life?
Listener recommendation of the week:
Emesis Bags
MENTIONED THIS EPISODE:
Shoe bin organizer
Ep 100: Life-Changing Hacks to Make T
160: Secret Sessions, Friendship Bracelets & What Makes Swifties Different with Olivia Levin
Olivia Levin, New York Times bestselling author of The Story of Us: How the Taylor Swift Fandom Changed Our Lives, joins me to explore what makes the Swiftie community one of the most powerful fandoms in the world.
From meeting Taylor at a secret session to selling Eras Tour tickets at face value, Olivia shares how a shared passion can create genuine, lasting human connection.
In this episode,
159: The Truth About Decluttering Influencers and How They Get Paid with Elisabeth Beam
This episode is a little different than usual because it's not an official interview...instead, one of my close friends and fellow "influencer" Elisabeth Beam joined me to have a candid conversation about how we navigate the contradictions of decluttering while making it our career.
We answer:
• Why would decluttering influencers work with brands if they sell stuff...aren't we supposed to be get
158: Burn It All Energy, How to Write a Book, & Bad Dogs
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat!
I answer:
1. How do I channel the burn it all energy into something useful?
2. Any advice on how to go from dreaming about writing a book to actually writing it?
Listener recommendation of the week:
Paradise on Hulu
Sarah Cray - Let's Make Art
MENTIONED THIS EPISODE:
Ep 109: What to Do with Clothes
157: Community vs. Friendship: Why Not Everyone in Your Village Needs to Be Your Best Friend
In this episode, I break down the difference between friendship and community, and explain why confusing the two might be leaving you feeling disconnected.
Understanding how these two types of relationships work differently could be the key to finally feeling like you truly belong.
In this episode, you'll learn:
• Why you can't substitute community with friendship (or vice versa)
• The scien
156: Surprising Lessons on Simplicity from Sourdough Bread with Brett Wiewiora and Christina Cann
What do sourdough bread, world travel, and minimalism have in common? More than you'd think.
In this episode, I sit down with Brett Wiewiora and Christina Cann, former owners of a 1,500-loaves-a-day bakery in Tampa who sold it all, packed their lives into carry-on luggage, and hit the road with their two kids—and their sourdough starter—to teach baking classes from around the world.
In this epi
155: Declutter with the Biggest Payoff, My Miss America Journey, & Libraries
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat!
I answer:
1. What decluttering project is the most bang for your buck?
2. Tell us more about your beauty queen journey!
Listener recommendation of the week:
Elbert the Curious Clock Tower Bear
Libby library app
MENTIONED THIS EPISODE:
Fridge Water Bottle Holder
Ep 129: How to Declutter Your Closet
154: The Joy of Movement (Even If You're Not Into Fitness) with Beyonce's dancer, Deja Riley
Today I’m joined by my dear friend from high school, Deja Riley! Watching her career evolve from a professional dancer into a powerful voice in the fitness and wellness space has been so motivating.
Deja shares how her time in the entertainment industry shaped her perspective on movement, which is why she now helps people connect to movement in a way that feels joyful and accessible.
In this ep
153: 20 Things I'm Decluttering Before Moving to Finland
I've been craving a personal decluttering episode—bringing you guys with me around my house while I declutter! And what better opportunity than thinking through what we'll need to declutter before moving to Finland!
In this episode, I share 20 things I'll be decluttering—some are categories, and some are very specific things. I hope it inspires you to pare down your own home, too. (Moving or no
152: Decluttering Boxes of Old Mail, Moving to Finland, & Is it Bad to Criticize Generosity?
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat!
I answer:
1. How do you declutter boxes and boxes of old mail?
2. How are you feeling about your move to Finland? What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?
Listener recommendation of the week:
Too Good to Go App - Get day-ish old food sold at great discount
MENTIONED THIS EPISODE
Ep 22: Doom Piles & Mail
151: 10 Subtle Things Stealing Your Joy
In this Good Stuff episode of the Paring Down podcast, I want to share about the flip side of joy—as in, what's getting in the way?
So I decided to put together a list of 10 things that are stealing your joy and offers practical, research-backed ways to subtract them from your life.
You'll learn:
• What "personality trait" isn't one that you have to accept...you can free yourself from its t
150: How Our Surroundings Shape Our Lives with Author/Engineer, Leidy Klotz
What a treat today! Acclaimed engineering professor and author Leidy Klotz joins me on Paring Down to explore how our environments shape our lives more than we realize.
From decluttering to designing meaningful spaces, this conversation will change how you see both your home and your habits.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
• Why we instinctively add instead of subtract (and how to train your br
149: When Kids Ask About a Toy You Decluttered, Where I Find Hope, & a Near-Death Decluttering Win
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat!
I answer:
1. What happens when you declutter your kids stuff and then they ask about it three years later?
2. What is a non-religious source of hope for you?
Listener recommendation of the week:
Get a pothos house plant
Article I read: Effects of Indoor Plants on Human Functions
MENTIONED THIS EPISODE
T
148: Finding Joy When Motherhood is Hard with Libby Ward
The one and only Libby Ward is in the house! In this episode, mega mom influencer Libby Ward shares how to find joy even when motherhood feels overwhelming, exhausting, and hard. This honest conversation dives into the reality of modern motherhood, mental load, and why embracing difficult emotions can actually lead to more peace and fulfillment.
Libby speaks so vulnerably, and we cover:
• Why th
147: How I Got 700,000 Followers, a Life-Changing Book Deal, & 1 Million Podcast Plays in 2 Years
Ask and you shall receive! Today I'm departing slightly today from usual decluttering content and instead giving you the full lowdown of how to grow on Instagram, how to make a successful podcast, and how to get a book deal. (At least what worked for me!)
I cover:
• Best general advice for each topic (social media, book, & podcast)
• Specific programs & templates I use
• Free resources and exp
146: What If You're Too Busy to Sell Nice Clothing, My Upbringing, & Oil Stains
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat!
I answer:
1. What if I have too many clothes, but they’re too nice to giveaway (but I’m too busy to sell)?
2. Tell us about your upbringing.
Listener recommendation of the week:
"For greasy stains, I use Amodex and wash on the hottest temperature the fabric can handle with Oxiclean powder and Tide P
145: The Secret to Feeling Happier Before Anything Even Happens
Today we're talking about a highly underrated source of joy: anticipation.
In this episode, you'll learn:
• The science behind why anticipation improves an overall experience
• The role of future-focused thinking in building hope, optimism, and resilience (without being discontent in the present)
• Simple, practical ways to build more anticipation into your life
When we intentionally c
144: Make Decluttering Simple with Proven Strategies with Kate Vanness-Kandoth
The strategies in today's episode are practical and life-changing! I had so much fun hearing from Kate Vanness-Kandoth on how her background in science and process improvement led her to rethink decluttering as a systems problem—not a motivation problem.
She brilliantly shows us how to reduce friction, eliminate waste, and create sustainable systems that actually support real life. You'll lea
143: Should We Keep Cool Old Stuff for Our Kids?, Teleportation, & Owala Water Bottles
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat!
I answer:
1. How much “cool old stuff” to keep for your kids to discover?
2. Are you a morning person or a night owl? If you could have any super power for a day what would it be and why?
Listener recommendation of the week:
• The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey
• Owala water bottle
MENTIONED THIS EPISODE
Ep 1
142: Busting the Myth that Joy Comes from an Easy Life with Kelli Foreman
What does it really look like to build a joyful life through hard work, resilience, and purpose?
I had the pleasure of sitting down with inspiring Kodiak dairy farmer Kelli Foreman to explore the unfiltered reality of farm life in Alaska—and why working with your hands might be the missing piece in modern happiness.
From 2:30 a.m. wake-ups to community impact, this conversation dives deep
141: Where to Start Decluttering (Or Start Again)
If you want to declutter but don't know where to start, this is the episode for you! You’ll learn exactly how to overcome decluttering paralysis and take the first step without feeling overwhelmed.
The science-backed reasons getting started on decluttering feels so hard
Simple, practical decluttering tips to help you start even when you feel stuck
How to choose the best place to begi
140: When Over-Gifters Don't Stop Even After a Conversation, What's in My Basement, & Independent Kids
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat!
I answer:
1. My in-laws and parents never respect the conversations I’ve had about less gifts…now what?
2. In what areas do YOU struggle with clutter? You’ve said your husband often cooks, does he also clean the kitchen when done?
Listener recommendation of the week:
• Ardant earrings
• Tubby Todd products
139: Making "Fun" Less Elusive in Adulthood
In this episode, we unpack why "having fun" can feel elusive or even guilt-inducing, and how to create more genuine fun in our daily lives as adults.
The big pictures is that fun isn’t optional for creating joy, so we need to be intentional about what it means to us...and then have more of it.
I go over:
Why adults often think of "fun" as it relates to childhood—and how that drains joy
138: Swedish Death Cleaning with Emily McDermott
How would your loved ones feel if they had to go through your stuff after you're gone?
It's tough to think about, but the emotional weight of decluttering is heavy for those we leave behind.
No one wants their family grieving while sorting through a lifetime of belongings—wondering what to keep, what to toss, and what any of it truly meant.
That’s where Swedish death cleaning comes in. Mo
137: Knowing When You've Decluttered Enough, Maple Syrup, & the Mental Load
Here's what you'll find in this week's mini episode, a.k.a. Chai Chat!
I answer:
1. When do you reach decluttered “enough”?
2. How did you get started with writing? What's your favorite childhood movie?
Listener recommendation of the week:
• Thrive's Market maple syrup (I found out you need a membership, just FYI!)
• Ember heated mug
PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO):
Website: ww
136: Can Humor Be Taught? with Dr. Janet Gibson
In this Good Stuff episode on the topic of joy, I sit down with psychologist Janet M. Gibson to explore the psychology of humor and how it impacts our mental health, relationships, and overall well-being.
We break down how humor works in the brain, why we all find different things funny, and how laughter can reduce stress and boost joy.
What you’ll get out of it:
Why laughter is powerf
135: When People Feel Judged by Your Decluttered Life
Have you ever felt like decluttering makes other people in your life defensive? Like you're judging them–even though you're not? In this episode, I’m talking about the relationship tension that can come up when we choose to live with less stuff.
I break down why people might feel judged:
Natural comparison
Identity tied to possessions
Cognitive dissonance
Psychological reactance
134: Keeping Rarely Used Items, My Friendships, & a Giant Pacific Octopus
In this Chai Chat, I answer these listener questions:
• Is it okay to keep something that you rarely use but can’t easily borrow? - Sarah
• How do you maintain friendship as an adult and mom? - Sarah (different Sarah!)
Plus I give some final thoughts about the value of reading fiction!
PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO):
Website: www.shannonleyko.com
Instagram: @shannonleyko
133: Using Our 5 Senses to Create Joy
We often take our senses for granted, and rarely think about how to intentionally use them to create more joy in our lives! So today, we talk about:
• An overview to better understand all of our senses (beyond the primary 5!)
• How our senses affect our emotions (a scientific understanding)
• Practical ideas for how to produce joy through each of our 5 main senses: sight, taste, touch, smell,
132: How Minimalism Makes You Better at Your Job with Chris Lovett
Today we welcome on Chris Lovett to talk about minimalism in the workplace, or as he calls it "corporate minimalism":
• How did Chris' personal journey with decluttering lead him to corporate minimalism?
• Who is responsible for eradicating pointless busy work — employees or executives?
• What happens if we opt out of "mandatory" meetings?
• How has Covid changed how we work?
Whethe
131: Decluttering Guilt, Our Adoption Story, & Great Teachers
In this Chai Chat, I answer these listener questions:
• How to get through guilt of all the things I wastefully bought that I uncover when declutter? - Gwen
• Tell us more about your adoption story. - Rachel
Plus I give some final thoughts about how much I love teachers!
PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO):
Website: www.shannonleyko.com
Instagram: @shannonleyko
T
130: The Underrated Power of Joy-Filled Stories with NYT Best-Selling Author, Katherine Center
How lucky are we?? Katherine Center, NYT Bestselling romance author, is joining us on this Good Stuff episode to talk about the importance of joy-filled stories.
We cover:
• Why exposing ourselves to positive stories can actually change the way we live
• The role of pain and struggle in developing joy
• Why Katherine chose to keep her romance novels PG-13
• The personal struggle Katherine
129: How to Declutter Your Closet
Decluttering clothes is a unique challenge. So today, I cover:
• 7 major reasons decluttering our closet feels complicated
• 3 easy-to-remember and wildly helpful mindset shifts
• 3 practical steps to decluttering your clothes without the overwhelm
PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO):
Website: www.shannonleyko.com
Get insider emails about the new book!! Sign up HERE
Instagram: @sha
128: Big vs. Small Decluttering Projects, My 2026 Goals, & Magnesium Lotion
Welcome to the very first ever Chai Chat!! A 10-15 minute mini-episode each Thursday on the Paring Down podcast.
Each week follows this simple formula:
1. I answer a listener decluttering question
2. I answer a listener question about my own life
3. I share a listener decluttering win
4. I share a listener recommendation
5. I give some final thoughts
This week, I answer:
1. Is it product
127: 5 Science-Backed Ways to Get Out of an Emotional Slump
Welcome to the VERY first Good Stuff episode on the Paring Down podcast!!
For the next 10 weeks, we'll be exploring how to design our lives around joy. To kick things off, today I share 5 science-backed strategies for producing more joy in our lives so that we're excited to wake up each morning!
Coming up in this series on joy:
• New York Times best selling romance author, Katherine Cente
126: ADHD Decluttering & Organization Tips with Libbi Moore
- How do you avoid getting distracted by what you find when decluttering?
- How do you stop using piles as reminders?
- What if you like trying new hobbies regularly?
We're talking through all these questions for people with ADHD (and people without!) on today's episode with Libbi Moore of Neatly Ever After organizing service.
PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO):
Website: www.shannonleyko.com
Ins
125: 7 Simple Living Lessons from Life in Alaska
This episode was so fun to make! Not only do I get to share some fascinating tidbits about the state of Alaska and what it's like to live here, I share 7 lessons I've learned about simple living from life in such a remote area.
• What's the biggest difference when it comes to living here vs. the lower 48 in terms of daily stress?
• Am I scared of the giant Kodiak bears that are exclusive to
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