

Slow Living: Sustainable Life & Time Management without Stress or Hustle.
Stephanie O'Dea
Slow Living with Stephanie O'Dea helps you create a calm, intentional life without the hustle, stress, or overwhelm. 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.
This podcast is your roadmap to living your own version of the American Dream—one that feels intentional, joyful, and truly your own. Listeners often tune in for help with:
Stress relief and avoiding burnout
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.
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.
This podcast is your roadmap to living your own version of the American Dream—one that feels intentional, joyful, and truly your own. Listeners often tune in for help with:
Stress relief and avoiding burnout
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

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/

Jul 28, 2025 • 33min
Breaking Habits and Vision Planning with Kelsea - Session 2 (Part 1)
BUY THE SLOW LIVING BOOK HERE! In this episode, Kelsea shares how building a vision board—with guidance from Stephanie—helped her set daily intentions. Placing it in her bedroom anchors her morning routine. She opens up about using cannabis as a form of self-sabotage and how she's learning to shift those patterns with more kindness.Stephanie introduces a 30-day challenge focused on lasting change, not strict timelines. They discuss the power of interrupting old habits, showing grace to personal boundaries, and using tools like edibles and binaural beats to support calm and clarity. Tune in as Kelsea takes small but meaningful steps forward.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/

Jul 21, 2025 • 40min
Meet Kelsea. Real Coaching, Session 1 Part 2
BUY THE SLOW LIVING BOOK HERE! In this episode, Kelsea explores what it means to break old habits and shift into a more intentional life. With Stephanie’s guidance, she’s learning to rewrite negative thoughts, use tools like journaling and binaural beats, and imagine a future self she’s proud of.From closing the kitchen at night to creating a vision board, Kelsea is starting to build small routines that support her growth. If you’re ready to let go of what’s not serving you, this conversation offers practical tips for mindset shifts, wellness, and lasting change.Past Episodes You May Love: Episode 58: Sober CuriousEncore Episode: Sober CuriousWant 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/

Jul 14, 2025 • 37min
Meet Kelsea. Real Coaching, Session 1 Part 1
BUY THE SLOW LIVING BOOK HERE!Meet Kelsea—a stay-at-home mom of two young boys who’s feeling stuck and ready for change. Though her mornings start strong, the chaos of caregiving often derails her day. She's searching for a slower, more intentional pace of life that feels sustainable and true to her.In this honest coaching session, Kelsea opens up about self-doubt, emotional habits, and the fear of failing again. If you’ve ever struggled to keep up or felt like you’re falling short, her story will resonate deeply. Tune in for real talk, real growth, and the beginning of something new.Ever wondered what it’s like to experience real-life coaching through the lens of Slow Living? In this first episode of our brand-new series, Real People, Real Coaching, you’ll meet Kelsea—a stay-at-home mom of two young boys who’s ready to make big changes in her life.Despite starting her mornings strong with journaling, meal planning, and healthy habits, Kelsea often finds herself overwhelmed by the chaos of caregiving, self-doubt, and emotional triggers. She wants to feel calm, present, and in control—but like many of us, she’s afraid of failing again.In this candid and vulnerable coaching session, we talk about:✅ Why consistency feels so hard when life gets messy✅ How to stop tying your worth to productivity and perfection✅ Practical ways to slow down and create more peace—even on stressful days✅ Overcoming emotional habits like overeating and numbing out✅ Building a life that feels sustainable and joyfulIf you’ve ever felt stuck, frantic, or like you’re falling short, this conversation will resonate deeply. You’ll walk away inspired to give yourself permission to slow down and start again—with grace.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/