Maximized Minimalist Podcast

You’ve tried every checklist. You’ve sorted, purged, and folded your clothes KonMari-style. You’ve even whispered sweet nothings to your donation bin. 😅 So why does decluttering still feel so hard? In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what’s really happening beneath the surface when you struggle to let go of stuff—no, it’s not that you’re lazy or too sentimental. It’s science. From survival wiring and dopamine hits to something called the “endowment effect,” I’m breaking down the biological and psychological reasons your brain resists decluttering—and how to finally work with it instead of against it. This is the episode you need if you’ve ever asked: “Why can’t I just get rid of this stuff already?!” Let’s drop the shame, ditch the guilt, and simplify in a way that actually makes sense for your real life and real brain. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why your brain resists letting go of “perfectly good” stuff The psychological trick your brain plays (and how to break it) How to stop guilt-based decluttering in its tracks Why shopping gives you a dopamine rush—and what to do instead Resources Mentioned: ✨ Join the 14-Day Decluttering Challenge Get fast wins and big results—in just 20 minutes a day. This isn’t another checklist. It’s a total nervous-system-safe, progress-over-perfection approach. 🎉 Get $20 off with code PODCAST: https://www.katyjoywells.com/cluttercrusherchallenge 🎯 Come Hang Out on Instagram You’ll find more simple tips, behind-the-scenes moments, and messy real life at https://www.instagram.com/katyjoywells ✨ Your Simple Action Step: Pick one item in your home that’s never used but you’ve been holding on to “just in case.” Ask yourself: “If I didn’t already own this, would I pay to bring it into my home today?” If the answer’s no? Time to let it go. If this episode felt like a lightbulb moment 💡, would you share it with a friend or leave a review? You never know who needs to hear this message today. You know what to do… Ready. Set. Simplify. 💛

Ever find yourself thinking “I should be better with money,” but you’re too tired to track one more thing or clip another coupon? This episode is for you, friend. I’m joined by my long-time money mindset coach and financial strategist, Brie Sodano, and we’re pulling back the curtain on the real reason budgeting doesn’t work for so many smart, capable women. Spoiler: it’s not about spreadsheets, it's about the mental load you’re already carrying. And no, it’s not your fault. We’re diving into the patterns, habits, and “money bleeds” that quietly drain your bank account—and your energy. If you’ve ever opened your credit card bill and wondered, “Where did all our money go?” this episode will hit home in the best way. Let’s shift the way you think about budgeting, spending, and what it really means to steward your money without shame or overwhelm. 🎧 Listen in and take the first step toward using your money with purpose—without the burnout. 💥 What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why traditional budgeting methods fail (and what actually works) What a “money bleed” is—and how to stop yours The 3 resources you need to manage wisely: time, energy, and money Why tracking spending isn't enough (and what to do instead) How habit blindness affects your bank account (hello, Amazon autopilot) Brie’s trick for saving money without giving up convenience or peace The real reason your budget isn't "working"—and it’s not what you think 🔗 Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 🎯 Find Your Bleed The best $40 I’ve ever spent. Brie’s self-paced course has saved me tens of thousands of dollars over the years—no shame, no spreadsheet overwhelm, just practical tools that work. 👉 Get the course: https://home.katyjoywells.com/fyb 📚 Read Brie’s Book: Cash Confident This book is packed with real-life tools for managing money as a modern woman (no finance jargon, no judgment). 💛 Available wherever books are sold. 📲 Follow Brie on Instagram Get more money wisdom and bite-sized tips: https://www.instagram.com/cashconfidentcommunity/ 💬 Your Challenge This Week: Take a peek at your last 30 days of transactions and look for your “money bleed.” It’s not always big purchases—it’s often the daily $20 that adds up without meaning or purpose. Don’t judge it. Just notice it. Awareness is the first step to freedom. If this episode gave you an “aha” moment or helped you feel less alone in your money journey, would you share it with a friend or leave a review? Every share helps more women gain the clarity (and peace) they deserve. You know what to do. Ready. Set. Simplify. 💛

Let’s talk time, mental load, and why “we all have the same 24 hours” is one of the biggest lies women are told. In this episode, I’m joined by the incredible Megan Sumrell—time management expert and creator of Planapalooza—for a deep, honest conversation on why traditional productivity advice doesn’t work for most women. And spoiler: it’s not because you’re doing it wrong. It’s because you’ve been trying to use systems that were never designed for your brain, your season, or your life. We get into the neuroscience behind why women process time, planning, and decision-making differently—and how to finally build a schedule that works with your brain instead of against it. Whether you’ve been feeling scattered, behind on your goals, or just overwhelmed by the mental load that comes with life, kids, clutter, and expectations—you are going to love this one. ✨ What You'll Learn: Why women experience “squirrel brain” (and why it’s not a flaw) The science behind mental load—and how to take control of it One simple shift that can instantly reduce overwhelm and bring clarity Why you haven’t hit your goals this year (and what to do next) The truth about “same 24 hours” productivity culture (and how to opt out) How to plan your time in a way that reflects real life, not just appointments 💡 Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 🎯 Join Planapalooza (http://www.megansumrell.com/a/2148146184/LJ6uRgox): Megan’s annual live planning event for women (October 2025) ✍️ Try Megan’s Weekly Time Awareness Hack: Block out a week of “real life” in your calendar and see what time you actually have. 📅 Follow Megan on Instagram: @megansumrell 🧠 Want Help Creating a Decluttered, Tidy-Home Routine? I’ll be teaching inside Planapalooza on why you’re always tidying and never caught up—you won’t want to miss it! 💬 Your Challenge This Week: Try Megan’s “calendar reality check.” Instead of planning your week in a vacuum, map out everything that actually happens—meals, pickups, walks, laundry, scroll breaks, everything. You might be shocked at how little time is truly “free.” (No shame—just insight.) If this episode gave you permission to take a breath, let go of guilt, or ditch the hustle, would you do me a favor and share it with a friend? The more we share real tools and truth around time and home management, the less we all carry. You know what to do: 💛 Ready. Set. Simplify.

Have you ever had something sitting by your front door or in the garage for months because you might sell it… but never actually do? 🙋‍♀️ I’ve been there. And friend, it’s not just about time or willpower. Your brain is wired to make this hard. In this episode, I’m breaking down the two psychological traps that keep us stuck in “maybe I’ll list it” limbo (and why you’re not lazy or broken for struggling). I’ll walk you through a simple gut check that will tell you whether it’s time to sell, donate, or finally let it go, plus the exact experiment I use to cut through the indecision and reclaim my peace. If you’ve ever been haunted by a “still need to sell it” pile, this one’s for you. What You'll Learn: The two psychological traps that keep you clinging to stuff you swear you’ll sell A simple gut-check exercise that cuts through the mental clutter How to run my 1-week “price-drop experiment” to get unstuck Why sometimes the best ROI isn’t cash; it’s peace, time, and breathing room Ready to Simplify Even More? Start Here: 🗞️ Join the Ready, Set, Simplify Newsletter Over 35,000 women read it weekly for clutter-busting tips, tiny mindset shifts, and practical steps to simplify your home and your life. 👉 Sign up here (https://www.katyjoywells.com/simplify) 🧡 Loved this episode? Join me inside the Clutter Cure Club (https://www.katyjoywells.com/cluttercureclub-page837548) — where we take conversations like this even deeper, and I help you simplify everything. 📲 Come Say Hi on Instagram Behind-the-scenes, real-life simplicity, and lots of laughs. 💛 @katyjoywells (https://www.instagram.com/katyjoywells)

Ever kept a gift you don’t love just because you felt guilty getting rid of it? Whether it’s your mom’s hand-knit scarf, an inherited serving platter, or that vintage frame that doesn’t match your style, these items take up more than just space; they create mental clutter, too. In this episode of the Maximized Minimalist Podcast, we're diving into the emotional layers of decluttering gifts and why “value” isn’t about price. It’s about what actually serves you today.  What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The truth about “value” and why price tags don’t determine whether you should keep something. The powerful question to ask yourself before you keep (or donate) any gift. How “gift guilt” keeps you stuck, and how to break free from it. Why releasing unused items creates both physical space and mental clarity. How to lovingly let go of gifts without rejecting the person who gave them. If you’ve ever felt torn between keeping something “just in case” or letting it go, this episode will give you the clarity (and permission!) you need to move forward...guilt-free. Ready to Simplify Even More? Start Here: 🗞️ Join the Ready, Set, Simplify Newsletter Over 35,000 women read it weekly for clutter-busting tips, tiny mindset shifts, and practical steps to simplify your home and your life. 👉 Sign up here (https://www.katyjoywells.com/simplify) 🧡 Loved this episode? Join me inside the Clutter Cure Club (https://www.katyjoywells.com/cluttercureclub-page837548) — where we take conversations like this even deeper, and I help you simplify everything. 📲 Come Say Hi on Instagram Behind-the-scenes, real-life simplicity, and lots of laughs. 💛 @katyjoywells

Ever hauled a box from house to house thinking, “Maybe I’ll need this someday”—only to never open it? Whether you're packing up for a cross-country move or just moving into a new season of life, today's episode is your must-listen checklist for what not to bring with you. I'm breaking down the 6 biggest clutter culprits people regret moving—from unopened boxes and emotional “someday” projects to heavy furniture, guilt-ridden books, and more. It’s not just about the stuff—it’s about the stories we carry… and which ones we’re ready to release. 🎧 In this episode, you’ll learn: The hidden cost of unopened boxes from past moves How to gently let go of abandoned “someday” projects without guilt The emotional toll of furniture that no longer fits your life Why unread books might be weighing you down more than you think A better approach to sentimental kid items (yes, you can keep the memories without keeping the bins) The pantry and bathroom extras that are secretly stealing your space ✨ This episode is for you if… You’re moving, downsizing, or starting fresh in a new season You’ve got boxes in the garage you haven’t opened in years You’re overwhelmed by the thought of what to keep vs. what to let go You’re craving more space, clarity, and freedom in your home—and in your life 🛠️ Resources & Links: FREE GUIDE: 75 Things You Can Quickly Declutter (https://www.katyjoywells.com/declutter772367) Get your hands on this free download for quick wins you can tackle today. 💬 One powerful question to sit with: “If I had to start fresh tomorrow, what would I not want to carry with me?” 📦 Ready to lighten your load—physically and emotionally? This episode is your permission slip to let go, travel lighter, and move forward with only what truly matters. Love the show? Be sure to follow, rate, and share with a friend who’s about to move—or just needs to hear this.

Ever feel like you’re stuck in lunch limbo—standing in front of the fridge at 11:58 a.m. with no plan, no energy, and three hungry kids staring you down? You’re so not alone. Today’s guest, Megan McNamee, co-founder of Feeding Littles and co-author of the New York Times bestselling book Feeding Littles Lunches, is here to help you ditch the decision fatigue and start feeding your family with more ease, flexibility, and confidence. In this episode, we’re breaking down: Megan’s go-to lunchbox formula (hint: it’s genius—and easy to remember) How to raise intuitive eaters without pressure or perfection Tips for navigating picky eating, food guilt, and power struggles at the table What to do when your kid only eats beige food (because we’ve all been there) Summer survival strategies when it feels like the kitchen is open 24/7 How to make packed lunches (even during summer) a breeze—not a burden Plus, we chat about how Megan’s non-recipe cookbook is helping kids and parents get excited about lunch again (my boys are obsessed with it—and yours might be too). 🎧 Whether your kids are heading to summer camp, starting school soon, or just raiding the pantry on repeat, this episode is full of fresh, grace-filled ideas that make food feel fun again. 🔗 Links & Resources: Grab Megan’s book: Feeding Littles Lunches Follow Megan on Instagram: @FeedingLittles (https://www.instagram.com/feedinglittles) Join 35K+ women getting the Ready, Set, Simplify newsletter every Wednesday: Sign up here (https://www.katyjoywells.com/simplify) 💡 Pro tip: Want your kids to pack their own lunches? This episode will give you the tools (and the mindset shift) to make it happen—without the usual lunchtime battles. Loved this episode? Be sure to follow the show, leave a review, and share it with a friend who’s ready to simplify lunch once and for all. 💛

What if keeping your home clutter-free didn’t require a weekend marathon… just one minute? This week, we’re ditching the pressure to “go big” and embracing the power of micro-habits. I’m walking you through 5 tiny-but-mighty strategies you can use right now to simplify your space—even on the busiest, messiest summer days. Whether you’re juggling beach bags, snack wrappers, or just the mental clutter of a full calendar, these 1-minute habits are about to become your new secret weapon. No stress. No perfection. Just progress. 🧺 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: My go-to 1-minute reset for mess magnet zones (looking at you, kitchen counter) How to sneak in decluttering “audits” while living your everyday life A surprisingly fun trick that turns the date into your decluttering goal The reason donation bags never leave your trunk—and how to fix it The OHIO principle (a clutter-free rule that takes less time than scrolling IG) A daily mindset question that’ll change how you show up in your home ✨ Why It Works: Because decluttering doesn’t have to be overwhelming. These habits don’t require a big chunk of time or mental energy—they work with your real life, not against it. And when they stack up? Total game-changer. 🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES: → Join 35K+ women getting the Ready, Set, Simplify newsletter every Wednesday: Sign up here (https://www.katyjoywells.com/simplify) → Want more quick wins like this? Check out the Momentum Maker module (https://www.katyjoywells.com/cluttercureclub-page837548) inside Clutter Cure Club → AirDoctor Sponsor: Clean air = clear mind. Save up to $300 here (https://airdoctorpro.com) with code MAX 👯‍♀️ Share the Simplicity: If this episode made you breathe a little easier, send it to a friend who’s in declutter mode this summer. One share = one less overwhelmed mama. And hey—your home doesn’t need to be spotless. It just needs a system that supports the season you’re in. You’ve got this. One minute at a time. Ready, Set, Simplify.

Because sometimes even a decluttered home can feel like… too much. 🔥 PSST—QUICK HEADS UP: The Clutter Cure Course is 50% off this week only! In honor of Independence Day, gain freedom from the clutter that’s still weighing you down. Lifetime access. Step-by-step home reset. Only $77. 👉 Grab it now before the flash sale ends 👈 So you’ve KonMari’d your closet, donated the baby gear, and finally tamed the junk drawer. Your home looks… decluttered. But your nervous system? Still on edge. If you’ve ever walked into your kid’s room and felt like the Legos might actually swallow you whole, this episode will feel like a deep exhale. In this real-talk episode, I break down why a home with less stuff can still feel overstimulating—and what to do when your outer space doesn’t match your inner peace. 💡 You’ll Learn: Why visual clutter isn’t the only kind of clutter messing with your calm The difference between “expected mess” vs. true clutter—and why it matters How to navigate the tension between your needs and real life with kids (without guilt) Simple questions to help you decide what’s worth addressing—and what’s just part of the season you’re in ✨ Highlights from the Episode: My honest response to a listener who decluttered and still feels overwhelmed The reframe that will help you stop gaslighting yourself for being “too sensitive” Real-life examples of how to reset overstimulating spaces (without tossing everything) What to do when your minimalist values clash with plastic toys, busy schedules, and motherhood 🧘‍♀️ Truth Bomb of the Day: You don’t want less stuff. You want less nervous system activation. And that’s a completely valid goal. So let’s shift the conversation from “how much is too much” to: → What supports your peace? → What disrupts your calm? → And how can you build rhythms that honor both your family and your own capacity? 🧡 Loved this episode? → Grab The Clutter Cure for just $77 (https://www.yoursimplifiedhomecourse.com/flashsale) during the Independence Day Flash Sale → Join our supportive community inside the Clutter Cure Club (https://www.katyjoywells.com/cluttercureclub-page837548) → Subscribe to the free Ready, Set, Simplify Newsletter for weekly motivation (https://www.katyjoywells.com/simplify) 📸 And don’t forget to tag @katyjoywells on IG if this episode made you feel seen—we're in this together. See you next week, friend. Ready, Set, Simplify.

Packing light shouldn’t feel like rocket science… or like you’re prepping for the runway. This week, I’m walking you through my exact minimalist travel system—no overpacking, no stress, and zero suitcase regrets. 👕👖☀️What if you could pack less and actually feel more like yourself on your next trip? Whether you’re hitting the road for a weekend getaway or jetting off on an overseas adventure, this episode is your permission slip to ditch the “what-if” items and build a travel wardrobe that works hard for you. I’ll share my go-to 5/4/3/2/1 packing formula, the truth about “aspirational outfits,” and the one mindset shift that changed how I travel forever. ✈️ In This Episode, You’ll Learn: How to avoid overpacking by planning for the real you, not the vacation fantasy version of you The 5/4/3/2/1 minimalist packing formula that simplifies everything Why “just in case” items = clutter in disguise The color palette hack that makes mix-and-matching effortless My favorite fabrics for wrinkle-free travel that don’t scream “tourist” One thing to do before zipping your suitcase that will save your sanity later 💡Packing Tips That’ll Change Your Travel Game: The unexpected reason we overpack—and how to quiet that clutter voice Why breathable, layerable pieces are your vacation MVPs How snapping outfit photos before your trip becomes your secret weapon What to pack instead of extra outfits (hint: it smells amazing and saves your back) Yup—decluttering your air is a thing. And AirDoctor makes it ridiculously easy. It filters out 99.99% of dust, mold, pet dander, and even bacteria. 🎁 Grab up to $300 off + a FREE 3-year warranty at airdoctorpro.com with code MAX Ready to Simplify Even More? Start Here: ✅ Declutter Fast with My Free Guide: 75 Things to Declutter Right Now Quick wins. Instant relief. Clear space in minutes. 📥 https://www.katyjoywells.com/declutter 💬 Get Personalized Coaching from Me Stuck in your clutter cycle? Let’s build a simple, customized plan to clear the overwhelm. 💼 https://www.katyjoywells.com/innercircle 📝 Create Your Home Management Blueprint Finally feel on top of your home—with routines and systems built just for you. 🏡 https://www.katyjoywells.com/home-management-mastery 📲 Come Say Hi on Instagram Behind-the-scenes, real-life simplicity, and lots of laughs. 💛 @katyjoywells 📲 Found this helpful? Text this episode to your favorite overpacker. They’ll thank you at baggage claim. And don’t forget to tag @katyjoywells on Instagram—we’re all about traveling lighter together. You don’t need more outfits to have more fun. You just need space for what matters. Ready, Set, Simplify.