Minimalist Moms

What if the exhaustion you're feeling isn't coming from everything on your plate - but from trying to carry things that were never yours to hold?

In this episode, Diane sits down with #1 New York Times bestselling author Lysa TerKeurst to unpack one of the most common struggles women face: the desire to control people, outcomes, and uncertainty. Whether it's worrying about your children, trying to fix a relationship, overthinking every decision, or believing that if you just planned a little better everything would work out, control often disguises itself as responsibility.

Although Lysa shares from her Christian faith, this conversation offers practical wisdom for anyone seeking to live more intentionally, worry less, and focus their energy on what they can actually influence.

Links Discussed in This Episode |

• Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.
• Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube Channel
• Connect with Lysa
• Website
• Instagram
• Proverbs31 Ministries
• Podcast
• Book: Making Peace with What I Can’t Control: Find Relief from the Exhaustion of Overthinking, Trying to Fix Others, and Wanting to Figure It All Out

About Lysa |

Lysa TerKeurst is president and chief visionary officer of Proverbs 31 Ministries and the author of eight New York Times bestsellers, including I Want to Trust You, But I Don’t, Good Boundaries and Goodbyes, Forgiving What You Can’t Forget, and It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way. Her latest book is Making Peace With What I Can’t Control: Find Relief from the Exhaustion of Overthinking, Trying to Fix Others, and Wanting to Figure It All Out (Nelson Books, September 15, 2026). She enjoys life with her husband, Chaz, and her kids and grandkids.

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.

You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.

Public Episode Page

We’re often told that a better life is one that’s faster, easier, and more efficient. But what if removing every inconvenience is also removing some of the satisfaction, connection, and delight from our days?

In this episode, Diane sits down with The Atlantic contributing writer Ian Bogost to discuss his book, The Small Stuff: How to Lead a More Gratifying Life. Ian explains how technology and modern convenience have distanced us from the physical world - and why ordinary, hands-on experiences may be more valuable than we realize.

Together, they explore the difference between convenience and genuine fulfillment, the overlooked pleasure found in everyday tasks, and how paying closer attention to what’s already around us can lead to a more grounded and gratifying life.

Links Discussed in This Episode |

• Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.
• Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube Channel
• Connect with Ian
• Website
• Instagram
• The Atlantic
• Book: The Small Stuff: How to Lead a More Gratifying Life

About Ian |

Dr. Ian Bogost a contributing writer at The Atlantic, the Barbara and David Thomas Distinguished Professor and Assistant Vice Provost at Washington University in St. Louis, and a founding partner of Persuasive Games LLC, a game and design studio. 

He is the author of 11 books, most recently The Small Stuff: How to Lead a More Gratifying Life. Bogost's award-winning games and artworks, which include Cow Clicker and A Slow Year have been played by millions of people and held in permanent collections around the world, including at the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

Episode Sponsors |

Hey Polo | Protect your loved ones without spying on them. Go to heypolo.com/MINIMALIST or use code MINIMALIST to get 40% off your first year.

HungryRoot | Head to HungryRoot.com/minimalist and use code MINIMALIST to get 40% off your first box and a free item of your choice for life.

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.

You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.

I'm especially excited to share this replay episode with you as we are celebrating the release of my friend, Monica Packer's new book: Sticky Habits: A Woman's Guide to Reclaim Happiness, Ditch Perfectionism, and Create Habits that Last. Monica is my go-to for all things habits and I know you'll appreciate this conversation as much as I do.

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Joining me for her second appearance on the show is fellow podcaster, Monica Packer. This conversation is a continuation on the topic of bad habits: today we explore the roots of bad habits and the importance of understanding the underlying reasons for these behaviors. We also discuss the role of support in habit change, how identity influences our habits, practical tools for addressing numbing behaviors and so much more...

Links Discussed in This Episode |

• Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.
• Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube Channel
• Previous Episode: Why Habit Consistency Looks Different for Women | Monica Packer (EP453)
• Previous Episode: EP255: Small Shifts (& a More Effective Approach) to Bad Habits
• Book: Scarcity Brain by Michael Easter
• Connect with Monica:
• Instagram
• Website

About Monica |

Monica Packer is a recovering perfectionist who uncovered the truest model to lasting growth: it's progress made practical. As a writer, podcaster, and coach, she guides women to find sustainable growth by adopting progress over perfection. 

Monica’s popular podcast, About Progress is a top-rated show with millions of downloads. She has served thousands of women online as a certified habits and identity coach. 

Monica is a mom of five, former middle school teacher, sourdough obsessor, and beginning gardener. She lives in Salt Lake City with her husband, Brad, and their children.

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.

You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.

For those who are new here, I occasionally release bonus episodes designed for a specific part of my audience. I have listeners from all kinds of faith backgrounds, and this episode is shared from a Christian perspective. If that’s not quite what you’re looking for today, feel free to explore the other episodes released this week - or join me back here next Tuesday for a conversation you won’t want to miss!

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What happens when the very thing you've been praying for finally arrives... and it isn't what you expected?

Maybe it's the marriage you've longed for, the baby you've prayed over, the career opportunity you worked so hard to achieve, or the fresh start you've been asking God to provide. Instead of feeling only joy, you find yourself carrying unexpected grief, exhaustion, or disappointment - and wondering if something is wrong with you.

In this honest and hope-filled conversation, Diane sits down with author Melissa Miller to explore the complex emotions that often follow life's "good" transitions. Inspired by her own experience of moving across the country and growing her family through adoption, Melissa shares how she wrestled with guilt, unmet expectations, and the fear that she wasn't grateful enough for the very blessings she'd prayed for.

Together, they discuss why answered prayers don't always feel the way we imagine, how to embrace mixed emotions without shame, and what it looks like to trust God when the story unfolds differently than expected.

Links Discussed in This Episode |

• Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.
• Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube Channel
• Melissa's Resource: Jelly Shoes
• Melissa Can't Stop Talking About: Prayer Journal
• Connect with Melissa
• Website
• Instagram
• Book: But I Prayed for This: What to Do When Living in God's Yes Is Harder Than You Expected

About Melissa |

Melissa Miller is a writer, content creator, and certified Reboot Retreat facilitator. She is a mother of five and an advocate for vulnerable children in foster care. Melissa lives in Tennessee with her family. She enjoys playing pickleball and is convinced “just one more chapter” is a perfectly reasonable bedtime strategy. 

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.

You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.

Artificial intelligence is becoming part of our everyday lives - but where should we draw the line?

In this thought-provoking conversation, Diane sits down with Ben Peterson, Army veteran, founder of Engage Your Destiny, and author of When Intelligence Isn't Human, to explore the growing role AI is playing in our relationships, mental health, and sense of identity. Drawing from his military experience, years of mentoring service members, and his work helping others navigate trauma and purpose, Ben challenges listeners to see AI for what it is: a powerful tool - but a poor substitute for human connection, wisdom, and community.

Together, they discuss why so many young people are turning to technology for emotional support, how social media and AI are designed to capture our attention, and why the ability to think critically, wrestle through discomfort, and build real-life relationships may be more important than ever.

Links Discussed in This Episode |

• Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.
• Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube Channel
• Ben's Resource: The Intentional Father: A Practical Guide to Raise Sons of Courage and Character
• Connect with Ben
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Youtube
• Website
• Book: When Intelligence Isn't Human: Navigating Your Faith in the Age of AI

About Ben |

Ben Peterson is the founder and driving force behind Engage Your Destiny, the most impactful movement bringing faith and the Gospel to the U.S. military. He served in Iraq during the 2008–2009 Surge as a Chaplain’s Assistant, where he lost seven brothers in combat during his first week deployed. Carrying trauma, addiction, and deep brokenness, he turned to God and emerged with a mission to transform the most powerful fighting force in the world through the hope of Christ.

Over the last decade, more than 300,000 service members, veterans, and families have heard Peterson’s message. He has been trusted to train and speak across elite units including the 101st Airborne, 3rd, 5th, and 10th Special Forces Groups, the 75th Ranger Battalion, Navy SEALs, Recon Marines, Space Force, the 11th Arctic Airborne, and the 4th Infantry Division. In 2022, he produced the Heroes Honor Festival - which drew more than 40,000 attendees and became the largest Gospel outreach to veterans in American history. He has personally raised more than $15 million for nonprofit causes and advises nonprofits, companies, churches, and senior leaders on building cultures of emotional intelligence, resilience, and bold vulnerability.

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.

You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.