Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living

Host Shannon Laco answers listener questions on decluttering digital files and shares her preferred family vacation style.

Host Shannon Laco interviews TerraCycle founder Tom Zaki about the economics of waste and sustainable consumption.

Host Shannon Laco tackles the guilt of wasting money while decluttering, explaining the sunk cost fallacy and how holding onto unused items often leads to costly repeat purchases.

Host Shannon Laco answers a listener’s question on graciously requesting cash gifts over physical items to avoid clutter, sharing a template for polite communication.

Host Shannon Laco launches a 10-week series on health, sharing her personal struggles with weight, postpartum depression, and PMDD.

Host Shannon Laco welcomes author Suzanne Searcy Johnson to discuss her new book, *Beyond Decluttering*.

Host Shannon Laco welcomes Lacey Woodruff, founder of the ethical slow-fashion boutique Basic, to discuss intentional wardrobe curation.

Host Shannon Laco answers a listener’s question about managing 3D kids' artwork by suggesting temporary shelving and photos instead of permanent storage.

Host Shannon Laco interviews Sam Balto, founder of Bike Bus World, about organized group bike rides to school that foster community, joy, and child independence.

Host Shannon Laco addresses listener struggles with decluttering distractions, offering ten strategies to maintain focus.

Host Shannon Laco tackles digital photo clutter, sharing her struggle with 59,000 images and strategies for intentional curation.

Host Shannon Laco answers listener questions on decluttering items of uncertain value, emphasizing freedom over potential profit.

Host Shannon Laco explores the importance of intergenerational community, inspired by a recent family reunion in San Diego.

Host Shannon Laco interviews vintage reseller Rebecca Bingham about conscious consumption through thrifting.

Host Shannon Laco explores how to declutter sentimental items without freezing up, sharing personal stories about her late mother and difficult school years.

Host Shannon Laco answers listener questions on maintaining decluttering consistency through mindful media consumption and balancing needs with wants.

Host Shannon Laco interviews friend Leslie Hepburn about maintaining their 20-year bond with the Newport Pearls, a college a cappella group.

Host Shannon Laco tackles decision fatigue in decluttering, explaining how mental exhaustion leads to poor choices.

Shannon Laco advises a listener with chronic illness to adjust expectations and seek help for decluttering.

Host Shannon Laco interviews developer Eli Spivak about building intentional, community-oriented housing that fosters genuine neighborly connections.

Host Shannon Laco interviews organization expert Lisa Woodruff about managing paper clutter using her "Sunday Basket" system for actionable items and color-coded binders for long-term reference.

Shannon Laco answers listener questions on affordable ethical clothing and keeping a deceased parent’s memory alive through storytelling.

Host Shannon Laco interviews fellow military spouse and content creator Bethany Roth about building community while frequently relocating.

Host Shannon Laco contrasts micro-organization, which is precise but hard to maintain, with macro-organization, a broader, more functional approach.

Host Shannon Laco answers listener questions on gently encouraging parents to declutter by focusing on curiosity and shared stories rather than pressure.

Host Shannon Laco and guest Mallory Andrews discuss the pain and growth involved in leaving communities that no longer align with one’s identity.

Host Shannon Laco interviews executive coach Keri Febreze on achieving long-term goals through intentional prioritization and energy management.

Host Shannon Laco answers a listener’s question on reducing excess furniture by suggesting a "start from zero" approach, visualizing ideal room layouts to identify unnecessary pieces.

Host Shannon Laco interviews social media strategist Shannon McKinstry on building healthy online communities.

Host Shannon Laco presents 15 powerful decluttering questions to help listeners overcome mental roadblocks and make intentional choices.

Shannon Laco offers advice on overcoming decluttering fatigue by establishing maintenance systems and taking strategic breaks.

Shannon Laco explores how gatekeeping harms community and personal success, advocating instead for generous sharing of knowledge and connections.

Host Shannon Laco interviews Lauren Morley, creator of the 20 Outfit Wardrobe, to discuss overcoming over-shopping and wardrobe clutter.

Shannon Laco answers listener questions on getting kids to clean up by creating convenient systems and reframing reminders as normal developmental training.

Shannon Laco interviews Olivia Levin, author of *The Story of Us*, to explore how the Swiftie fandom models intentional community building.

Host Shannon Laco and guest Elizabeth Beam candidly discuss the realities of being decluttering influencers, debunking myths about social media income.

Host Shannon Laco advises channeling intense decluttering motivation into tackling difficult projects and shares her strategy for writing a book through consistent daily word counts.

Host Shannon Laco distinguishes between friendship and community, arguing that while friends meet emotional needs, community provides essential belonging through weaker ties.

Brett and Christina, former owners of a large Tampa sourdough bakery, discuss their transition to a minimalist, full-time travel lifestyle with their two daughters.

Shannon Laco advises decluttering countertops and closets for maximum impact, sharing tips like nightly resets and using lists instead of piles.

Host Shannon Laco welcomes former pro dancer and fitness expert Deja Riley to discuss finding joy in movement.

Host Shannon Laco shares her personal decluttering journey as her family prepares to move from Alaska to Finland for her husband’s Coast Guard assignment.

Shannon Laco offers practical advice for decluttering boxes of old mail by sorting into shred and action piles without opening envelopes.

Shannon Lacroix identifies ten joy-stealers, including perfectionism, chronic busyness, and negative news overconsumption.

Host Shannon Laco interviews Professor Leidy Klotz, author of *Subtract* and *In a Good Place*, to explore the science of subtraction and intentional living.

Host Shannon Laco answers listener questions on decluttering children’s belongings and shares her non-religious source of hope: the inherent kindness of people.

Host Shannon Laco welcomes Libby Ward, author of *Honest Motherhood*, to discuss finding joy amidst life’s difficulties.

Host Shannon Laco shares her unconventional career path from theater to reality TV, explaining how decluttering helped her overcome stress and inspired the "Paring Down" podcast.

Host Shannon Laco tackles the dilemma of having clothes that are "too nice to give away" but requiring too much time to sell, advocating for donation as a generous act.