

Slow Living: Sustainable Work Life Balance without Stress or Hustle
Stephanie O'Dea
New York Times best selling author and slow living expert Stephanie O'Dea is the mom next door you wish you could be best friends with. This isn't a tech bro pushy Goal Setting and Time Management show, but instead a loving way to meet and exceed your dream life without sacrificing yourself or your sanity.
Each episode shares practical tips for simple routines, mindful time management, and parenting with purpose—so you can slow down, find balance, and feel more at peace in your everyday life.
In a world that moves too fast and constantly makes you feel like you’re falling behind, this show is your reminder that who you are is already enough—and you’re amazing, just as you are. Instead of chasing unrealistic standards, you’ll learn to align your daily life with your values, set sustainable goals, and find joy in the small, everyday moments.
Creating simple, sustainable routines
Parenting with patience and presence
Time management without the hustle
Organization, minimalism, and decluttering
Finding peace in relationships and daily life
Stephanie O’Dea is a New York Times best-selling author of Slow Living: Cultivating a Life of Purpose in a Hustle-Driven World. She first gained international recognition as the founder of AYearofSlowCooking.com, where she documented her year-long experiment of using her slow cooker every single day—earning appearances on Good Morning America, The Rachael Ray Show, and multiple features in national magazines and newspapers.
Through her books, blog, and podcast, Stephanie has helped millions of busy families simplify their lives, reclaim their time, and embrace a more mindful way of living. She brings a background in child development, psychology, and early childhood education to her work, along with real-life experience as a mom of three.
She and her husband of over 25 years live in the San Francisco Bay Area, where they raise their children, walk their dog, Sheldon, and practice what she preaches: slowing down, unplugging, and savoring a life well lived.
Each episode shares practical tips for simple routines, mindful time management, and parenting with purpose—so you can slow down, find balance, and feel more at peace in your everyday life.
In a world that moves too fast and constantly makes you feel like you’re falling behind, this show is your reminder that who you are is already enough—and you’re amazing, just as you are. Instead of chasing unrealistic standards, you’ll learn to align your daily life with your values, set sustainable goals, and find joy in the small, everyday moments.
Creating simple, sustainable routines
Parenting with patience and presence
Time management without the hustle
Organization, minimalism, and decluttering
Finding peace in relationships and daily life
Stephanie O’Dea is a New York Times best-selling author of Slow Living: Cultivating a Life of Purpose in a Hustle-Driven World. She first gained international recognition as the founder of AYearofSlowCooking.com, where she documented her year-long experiment of using her slow cooker every single day—earning appearances on Good Morning America, The Rachael Ray Show, and multiple features in national magazines and newspapers.
Through her books, blog, and podcast, Stephanie has helped millions of busy families simplify their lives, reclaim their time, and embrace a more mindful way of living. She brings a background in child development, psychology, and early childhood education to her work, along with real-life experience as a mom of three.
She and her husband of over 25 years live in the San Francisco Bay Area, where they raise their children, walk their dog, Sheldon, and practice what she preaches: slowing down, unplugging, and savoring a life well lived.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 6, 2025 • 22min
Being Content is The Secret to Life
BUY THE SLOW LIVING BOOK HERE! In this episode, we explore why being content might just be the real secret to life. Instead of chasing the next big goal or running on the endless treadmill of “more,” it’s about shifting your mindset to embrace peace, happiness, and the goodness that already surrounds you. Discover how letting go of stress, debt, and constant striving can create more space for joy, family, and meaningful moments.We’ll talk about what it means to step off the rat race, stop living by your LinkedIn resume, and start measuring happiness by how you live your days—not by what you buy. If you’re ready to slow down, breathe, and find fulfillment in the present, this episode will inspire you to see contentment not as settling, but as truly living. Past Episodes You May Love: Episode 9: How to Get What You Want When You Want ItEpisode 21: Success Secrets Part 1Episode 22: Success Secrets Part 2Episode 23: Success Secrets Part 3Episode 26: Stop Delaying HappinessEpisode 32: Dealing with DisapppointmentEpisode 54: Smart Goals are StupidEpisode 104: 3 Year PlanEpisode 106: Manifestation vs Magical ThinkingEpisode 107: The American DreamWant to know more about living a slowed down life?!Simple Shortcuts to Peace Course - https://stephanieodea.com/peaceNew Year, New You Mini Challenge - https://stephanieodea.com/newyouJoin me for my LIVE Masterclass - https://stephanieodea.com/masterclass/Website - https://stephanieodea.comBlog - https://stephanieodea.com/blog/Slow Living Podcast - https://stephanieodea.com/podcastSpeaking Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/speaking/Coaching Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/coaching/Courses - https://stephanieodea.com/courses/Contact - stephanieodea.com/contact/

Sep 29, 2025 • 32min
Scheduling and Planning Proactively for Peace: Kelsea Session 6 (Part 2)
Kelsea and Stephanie dive into the art of proactive scheduling for a peaceful life. They tackle the challenges of managing time, routines, and chores while emphasizing the importance of gradual change. Kelsea shares her steps toward financial planning for retirement, celebrating small wins like reduced anxiety and improved family presence. With insights on meal planning, fitness, and holiday prep, they inspire listeners to embrace a balanced, stress-free lifestyle. The discussion wraps up with reflections on gratitude and growth as Kelsea looks ahead to new adventures.

Sep 22, 2025 • 42min
Thoughts on Putting Yourself First: Kelsea Session 6 (Part 1)
Kelsea dives into her journey of self-improvement, showcasing small yet impactful victories. She discusses her decision to prioritize personal time over rigid punctuality, shares fitness goals like starting Couch to 5K, and tackles challenges like staying hydrated. Kelsea candidly addresses nighttime binge eating, exploring alternative hobbies to combat it. Her newfound confidence shines through as she reflects on personal growth, illustrating the importance of sustainable habits in a busy life.

Sep 15, 2025 • 44min
Slip Ups and Being Human: Kelsea Session 5 (Part 2)
BUY THE SLOW LIVING BOOK HERE! In this episode, Kelsea shares her struggles with confidence and self-care as Stephanie encourages her to take small steps—like booking a haircut, making a doctor’s appointment, and curating outfits that make her feel good. They also talk about building a “peace pyramid” around finances and business goals with Ryan, plus Kelsea’s bucket list dreams, including running a 5K.Kelsea reflects on her growing relationship with her mom, who listens to the podcast and supports her healthier choices. Together, she and Stephanie explore how confidence, wellness, and parenting all shape the next generation—and why true confidence comes from small, intentional steps.Past Episodes You May Love: Episode 71: Self-LoathingEpisode 92: Self-Sabotage Want to know more about living a slowed down life?!Simple Shortcuts to Peace Course - https://stephanieodea.com/peaceNew Year, New You Mini Challenge - https://stephanieodea.com/newyouJoin me for my LIVE Masterclass - https://stephanieodea.com/masterclass/Website - https://stephanieodea.comBlog - https://stephanieodea.com/blog/Slow Living Podcast - https://stephanieodea.com/podcastSpeaking Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/speaking/Coaching Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/coaching/Courses - https://stephanieodea.com/courses/Contact - stephanieodea.com/contact/

Sep 8, 2025 • 34min
Navigating Hormones and And Land: Kelsea Session 5 (Part 1)
BUY THE SLOW LIVING BOOK HERE! In this episode, Kelsea shares her love for 30-day challenges and what it would mean to start one at the beginning of her cycle. She and Stephanie dive into her non-negotiables—like morning routines and progress check-ins—and explore how true wellness is more than just “holding it all together.”Kelsea also reflects on building confidence through everyday moments, from connecting with other moms to joining a cookbook book club. With honesty about reducing old habits and learning self-accountability, she shows what it looks like to create balance, lean into vulnerability, and keep moving forward. Past Episodes You May Love: Episode 51: Adult FriendshipsEpisode 103: And LandEpisode 122: Zero Sum Thinking Want to know more about living a slowed down life?!Simple Shortcuts to Peace Course - https://stephanieodea.com/peaceNew Year, New You Mini Challenge - https://stephanieodea.com/newyouJoin me for my LIVE Masterclass - https://stephanieodea.com/masterclass/Website - https://stephanieodea.comBlog - https://stephanieodea.com/blog/Slow Living Podcast - https://stephanieodea.com/podcastSpeaking Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/speaking/Coaching Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/coaching/Courses - https://stephanieodea.com/courses/Contact - stephanieodea.com/contact/

Sep 1, 2025 • 37min
Building a Village: Kelsea - Session 4 (Part 2)
BUY THE SLOW LIVING BOOK HERE! In this episode, Kelsea opens up about the challenges of trusting her in-laws with childcare and the shifting dynamic as they age. She’s learning to balance her mom instincts with the reality that it might be time to explore new support options. As she reflects on her personal bucket list, she realizes it’s much easier to dream big for her kids than for herself—a sign of how deeply motherhood shapes her identity.Stephanie helps Kelsea explore what support could look like moving forward—especially during chaotic seasons like summer. They dive into future goals like living a calmer life, caring for aging parents, and staying accountable to her own growth. It’s an honest conversation about evolving roles, asking for help, and honoring your own needs as a mom.Past Episodes You May Love: Episode 25: Caring for the CaregiverEpisode 51: Adult FriendshipsEpisode 81: Remember the WoMomEpisode 103: And LandWant to know more about living a slowed down life?!Simple Shortcuts to Peace Course - https://stephanieodea.com/peaceNew Year, New You Mini Challenge - https://stephanieodea.com/newyouJoin me for my LIVE Masterclass - https://stephanieodea.com/masterclass/Website - https://stephanieodea.comBlog - https://stephanieodea.com/blog/Slow Living Podcast - https://stephanieodea.com/podcastSpeaking Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/speaking/Coaching Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/coaching/Courses - https://stephanieodea.com/courses/Contact - stephanieodea.com/contact/

Aug 25, 2025 • 37min
Working on Worthiness: Kelsea - Session 4 (Part 1)
BUY THE SLOW LIVING BOOK HERE! In this episode, Kelsea reflects on listening to her first session and how it's already shifted her relationship with her mom in a powerful way. She opens up to Stephanie about an upcoming family event that’s bringing up old feelings of anxiety and fear of judgment—especially around her husband Ryan’s extended family. These gatherings often stir up a sense of not measuring up, despite the pride she feels in the life she’s built.As the conversation unfolds, Kelsea explores where that “less than” feeling really comes from and how confidence—or the lack of it—can quietly shape how we show up. She shares how her new journey into running is helping her reclaim a stronger sense of self. Stephanie reminds Kelsea that she doesn’t need to change to fit in—she already belongs. Tune in for an honest, encouraging conversation about self-worth, family dynamics, and finding confidence from within.Want to know more about living a slowed down life?!Simple Shortcuts to Peace Course - https://stephanieodea.com/peaceNew Year, New You Mini Challenge - https://stephanieodea.com/newyouJoin me for my LIVE Masterclass - https://stephanieodea.com/masterclass/Website - https://stephanieodea.comBlog - https://stephanieodea.com/blog/Slow Living Podcast - https://stephanieodea.com/podcastSpeaking Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/speaking/Coaching Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/coaching/Courses - https://stephanieodea.com/courses/Contact - stephanieodea.com/contact/

Aug 18, 2025 • 34min
Being Enough and Validation: Kelsea - Session 3 (Part 2)
BUY THE SLOW LIVING BOOK HERE! In this episode, Kelsea and Stephanie talk about why “good enough” can still be something to celebrate. Kelsea shares her struggle with giving herself praise, while Stephanie encourages her to feel proud—even without outside validation. They also explore how habits like binge eating and cannabis use have become rewards that don’t always feel good.Kelsea begins the Couch to 5K program, and Stephanie reminds her that real change takes time. They unpack the emotions behind stress eating, reflect on what the “good old days” could look like now, and talk about how it might feel to hear her first sessions shared on the podcast. It’s all about progress, patience, and self-compassion.Want to know more about living a slowed down life?!Simple Shortcuts to Peace Course - https://stephanieodea.com/peaceNew Year, New You Mini Challenge - https://stephanieodea.com/newyouJoin me for my LIVE Masterclass - https://stephanieodea.com/masterclass/Website - https://stephanieodea.comBlog - https://stephanieodea.com/blog/Slow Living Podcast - https://stephanieodea.com/podcastSpeaking Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/speaking/Coaching Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/coaching/Courses - https://stephanieodea.com/courses/Contact - stephanieodea.com/contact/

Aug 11, 2025 • 38min
30 Day Challenges and Tough Times: Kelsea - Session 3 (Part 1)
BUY THE SLOW LIVING BOOK HERE! Episode 201 — Staying Grounded After a Slip: Kelsea – Session 3In this follow-up coaching session, Kelsea opens up about a tough moment with food earlier in the week — and what makes this conversation powerful is what she didn’t do: she didn’t throw in the towel. Instead, she reflected, regrouped, and got back on track.We talk about shifting the focus away from the number on the scale and toward how daily habits feel. Kelsea is learning that progress isn’t just about physical changes; it’s about emotional resilience, mental clarity, and self-compassion.Together, we dig into her 30-day tracker, explore how stress can reignite old binge eating patterns, and discuss tools she’s using to stay grounded — like the Happy Scale app for gentle progress tracking and daily time-mapping for more intentional living.Kelsea shares how she’s practicing being more present with her kids, planning ahead for tricky social events, and noticing when she’s moving her own goal posts — a classic sign of self-sabotage and all-or-nothing thinking.We also explore the deeper challenge of giving yourself grace after a slip-up, learning to enjoy fun without guilt, and letting go of the need for outside validation.Past Episodes You May Love:Episode 37: How to Find Your PurposeEpisode 48: How to Be More ProductiveWant to know more about living a slowed down life?!Simple Shortcuts to Peace Course - https://stephanieodea.com/peaceNew Year, New You Mini Challenge - https://stephanieodea.com/newyouJoin me for my LIVE Masterclass - https://stephanieodea.com/masterclass/Website - https://stephanieodea.comBlog - https://stephanieodea.com/blog/Slow Living Podcast - https://stephanieodea.com/podcastSpeaking Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/speaking/Coaching Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/coaching/Courses - https://stephanieodea.com/courses/Contact - stephanieodea.com/contact/

Aug 4, 2025 • 38min
Binge Eating and Tricky Relationships: Kelsea - Session 2 (Part 2)
BUY THE SLOW LIVING BOOK HERE!Episode 200 — Binge Eating and Tricky Relationships: Kelsea – Session 2 (Part 2)In this milestone episode of the Slow Living Podcast, we continue our real-time coaching journey with Kelsea as she courageously opens up about her relationship with food, her family, and her own self-worth.This session dives deep into two major themes:Healing patterns with food — including binge eating, finding flexibility with “rules,” and reframing how to celebrate wins without guilt.Navigating tricky relationships — having hard but honest conversations with loved ones, setting boundaries that actually stick, and finding confidence in speaking up for yourself while still showing compassion.Kelsea shares updates on her recent wins, including successfully closing her kitchen at 8 p.m., walking over 10,000 steps a day, delaying cannabis use until later in the day, and sharing her progress with both her husband Ryan and her dad — who are both proud of her growth. She also talks about how binaural beats have helped her quiet the constant “negative chatter” and Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTs).We explore the limits of strategies like “grey rocking” when dealing with challenging family members, and how shifting to a more confident, self-assured approach can feel both liberating and uncomfortable. Kelsea reflects on the tension between wanting to “figure things out” alone versus letting others in for support.Finally, we discuss the importance of creating a three-year vision with Ryan, planning ahead for potential stressors (like upcoming birthdays), and embracing flexibility rather than all-or-nothing thinking.Recommended Books to Read: Brain over Binge: Why I Was Bulimic, Why Conventional Therapy Didn't Work, and How I Recovered for Good Never Binge Again(tm): Reprogram Yourself to Think Like a Permanently Thin Person. Stop Overeating and Binge Eating and Stick to the Food Plan of Your Choice! Want to know more about living a slowed down life?!Simple Shortcuts to Peace Course - https://stephanieodea.com/peaceNew Year, New You Mini Challenge - https://stephanieodea.com/newyouJoin me for my LIVE Masterclass - https://stephanieodea.com/masterclass/Website - https://stephanieodea.comBlog - https://stephanieodea.com/blog/Slow Living Podcast - https://stephanieodea.com/podcastSpeaking Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/speaking/Coaching Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/coaching/Courses - https://stephanieodea.com/courses/Contact - stephanieodea.com/contact/