

Slow Living: Find Peace, Balance, and Calm in Hustle Society
Stephanie O'Dea
New York Times bestselling author and slow living expert Stephanie O’Dea is your friendly guide to creating a calm, peaceful, and purpose-filled life—without the burnout.
This isn’t a pushy productivity or goal-setting show. Instead, Stephanie shares gentle, practical ways to simplify your routines, find work-life balance, and bring more peace and tranquility into your days.
Through honest conversations and easy-to-follow tips, you’ll learn to slow down, realign your priorities, and create the space to truly enjoy your life.
Each episode covers topics like:
Creating simple, sustainable routines
Parenting with presence and patience
Mindful time management (without the hustle)
Organization and decluttering for a calm home
Finding peace in relationships and daily life
In a world that moves too fast and constantly demands more, this podcast is your weekly reminder that you are already enough. You don’t need to chase perfection—you just need to slow down and live intentionally.
Stephanie O’Dea is the New York Times bestselling author of Slow Living: Cultivating a Life of Purpose in a Hustle-Driven World and the creator of A Year of Slow Cooking, featured on Good Morning America, The Rachael Ray Show, and in major national publications.
With a background in child development, psychology, and early childhood education, Stephanie has helped millions of busy families simplify, reconnect, and rediscover what truly matters. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband of 25+ years, their three kids, and their beloved dog, Sheldon—where they practice what she preaches: slowing down, unplugging, and savoring a peaceful life.
This isn’t a pushy productivity or goal-setting show. Instead, Stephanie shares gentle, practical ways to simplify your routines, find work-life balance, and bring more peace and tranquility into your days.
Through honest conversations and easy-to-follow tips, you’ll learn to slow down, realign your priorities, and create the space to truly enjoy your life.
Each episode covers topics like:
Creating simple, sustainable routines
Parenting with presence and patience
Mindful time management (without the hustle)
Organization and decluttering for a calm home
Finding peace in relationships and daily life
In a world that moves too fast and constantly demands more, this podcast is your weekly reminder that you are already enough. You don’t need to chase perfection—you just need to slow down and live intentionally.
Stephanie O’Dea is the New York Times bestselling author of Slow Living: Cultivating a Life of Purpose in a Hustle-Driven World and the creator of A Year of Slow Cooking, featured on Good Morning America, The Rachael Ray Show, and in major national publications.
With a background in child development, psychology, and early childhood education, Stephanie has helped millions of busy families simplify, reconnect, and rediscover what truly matters. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband of 25+ years, their three kids, and their beloved dog, Sheldon—where they practice what she preaches: slowing down, unplugging, and savoring a peaceful life.
Episodes
Mentioned books

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/

Jul 7, 2025 • 22min
Sports Ball
BUY THE SLOW LIVING BOOK HERE! Ever feel like life is just one big game, but no one gave you the rulebook? In this episode, we’re exploring powerful life lessons hidden in everyday sports metaphors—from dropping the ball to keeping your eye on it. Whether you're waiting for permission to move forward, feeling thrown off course, or trying to stay focused in the chaos, these phrases offer more than clichés—they're reminders to pause, reflect, and realign.We’ll talk about how to stop chasing constantly moving goal posts, what it really means to “step up to the plate,” and why quitting can sometimes be the most aligned move you make. If you're craving more intention, more presence, and a gentle reframe for your everyday hustle, this episode is your reset. Tune in for real talk on slow living, mindful decision-making, and staying grounded—even when life throws you a curve ball.Past Episodes You May Love: Episode 43: Imperfect ActionEpisode 52: Power of ConsistencyEpisode 80: Don't Reinvent the WheelEpisode 93: Celebrating Your WinsEpisode 107: The American Dream 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/


