Less Guilt, More Presence: Staying Connected Through Goodbyes + Busy Seasons | Sarah Wright Olsen (Going Deeper)

The constant stream of notifications, podcasts, social media, background noise and information has made true quiet increasingly rare. And even when we find ourselves with a few empty minutes, many of us instinctively reach for something to fill them. In this conversation, bestselling author John Mark Comer joins me to talk about what we may be losing when we eliminate silence from our lives. Drawing from his new book, Into the Quiet, John Mark shares what surfaced during his own three weeks of solitude and why silence can feel so uncomfortable at first. We also talk about the difference between quiet as another form of self-care to optimize and quiet as a spiritual practice; how moms and those in full seasons of life can find solitude without escaping their responsibilities; and why small, ordinary moments can become opportunities to leave a little space unfilled. A quick note: John Mark approaches this conversation from a Christian perspective, but there’s something here for anyone craving less noise and more space to think, reflect, and simply be. Links Discussed in This Episode | Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane. Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube Channel Previous Episode: John Mark Comer Discusses the Ruthless Elimination of Hurry (Bonus Episode) Book: Liturgy of the Ordinary: Sacred Practices in Everyday Life by Tish Harrison Warren Book: Domestic Monastery: Creating Spiritual Life at Home by Ronald Rolheiser John Mark's Resource: Podcast: Pray As You Go John Mark Can't Stop Talking About: Exit Party: A Novel by Emily St. John Mandel Connect with John Mark: Instagram Website Book: Into the Quiet: Following Jesus in a World of Noise

We often think of envy as something negative - an emotion to ignore, suppress, or feel guilty about. But what if envy could actually teach us something about ourselves? In today's episode, I'm joined by Stacy Kim to explore the difference between envy and jealousy, why we experience these emotions, and how they can reveal what we truly value. Drawing from her experiences growing up in both the U.S. and South Korea, Stacy offers a refreshing perspective on why envy doesn't always have to be rooted in comparison or resentment. We discuss how to recognize envy without judgment, use it as a tool for self-reflection, and better understand the desires behind it. Because sometimes, the things we envy in others can tell us something important about the life we want to create for ourselves. Links Discussed in This Episode | Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane. Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube Channel Diane's Resource: Instagram Post Connect with Stacy: Website Instagram Book: Envy: Why Wanting What They Have Is the Key to Getting What You Want

What does tyranny have to do with parenting, marriage, or everyday life? More than we might think. Joshua Jipp, author of How Not to Be a Tyrant, joins me to explore how fear, insecurity, and the desire for control can shape the way we lead at home and beyond. We discuss the difference between authority and manipulation, why good intentions don't always justify our actions, and how humility, honest communication, and a willingness to apologize can help us build healthier relationships. Links Discussed in This Episode | Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane. Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube Channel Joshua's Resource: Connect with Joshua: Website Book: How (Not) to Be a Tyrant: Ten Lessons on Life and Leadership from the Bible’s Worst Rulers

Feeling forgetful, distracted, or mentally exhausted? Brain health expert and bestselling author Dr. Marc Milstein joins me to explore how chronic stress, multitasking, and information overload affect our memory, focus, and long-term health. We discuss the science behind “mom brain,” the importance of sleep, and simple, realistic habits that can help protect our brains as we age. Because caring for our mental well-being doesn’t have to mean adding more to our plates - sometimes it starts with doing less. Links Discussed in This Episode | Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane. Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube Channel Connect with Marc Website LinkedIn Instagram Podcast Book: The Age-Proof Brain: New Strategies to Improve Memory, Protect Immunity, and Fight Off Dementia

Today, I'm joined by Emily, founder of Rise Centered, for a conversation about something I've been thinking a lot about lately: what if creating a healthier relationship with our phones has less to do with willpower and more to do with the environments we're creating? If you've been listening recently, you know I've had quite a few conversations about technology, screen time, and reclaiming our attention - and I actually have one or two more coming your way. I know it might seem like we're spending a lot of time on this topic, but I think that's because technology has become such a significant part of our everyday lives, and there are so many different angles worth exploring. What makes today's conversation a little different is that we're bringing it back to the home. Specifically, where does your phone actually belong in your home? And what if the bedroom isn't the best place for it? Links Discussed in This Episode | Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane. Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube Channel NodPod Sleep Mask Connect with Emily Website Instagram Substack Rise Centered Alarm Clock