• Clearing Clutter to Reignite Your Creativity with Ashlee Gadd (Ep 263)
    Jun 25 2025
    In this episode, Deanna discusses the importance clearing clutter in order to fully embrace creativity during the messy, beautiful seasons of motherhood. She’s joined by Ashlee Gadd, author of Create Anyway, to explore how moms can embrace their creative passions without guilt, set healthy boundaries with social media, and find fulfillment in the margins of daily life. **************** Resources Mentioned (some may be affiliate links - thanks for supporting the show at no extra cost to you): ⁠⁠⁠Get my children's book: Lenora and Her Super Duper Messy Room⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Get all the links and resources at wannabeclutterfree.com/261⁠⁠ Connect with Ashlee Gadd ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Ashlee’s Website Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠ **************** In this inspiring episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast, Deanna Yates is joined by Ashlee Gadd, a writer, photographer, founder of Coffee + Crumbs, and author of Create Anyway: The Joy of Pursuing Creativity in the Margins of Motherhood. If you’ve ever felt like motherhood and creativity were at odds, or if your creative spark has been buried under laundry piles and mental to-do lists, this conversation is for you. Ashlee and Deanna dive into what it really means to be a creative mom, why making space for your own passions isn’t selfish, and how to clear the mental clutter that holds so many of us back from pursuing the things we love. We talk about mom guilt, social media pressure, carving out time in small pockets, and showing up imperfectly, but consistently, for yourself. If you’ve been craving a little more beauty, expression, or joy in your everyday life, this episode will feel like a deep exhale and a warm reminder: you don’t have to wait for the perfect time to create…you get to start now. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why creativity is essential (not a luxury) in motherhood How to navigate social media without getting lost in comparison Simple mindset shifts to clear mental clutter and unlock creativity What it means to create in the margins of your day (and why that’s enough) Gentle encouragement to show up imperfectly and create anyway Time Stamps: 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 01:41 Meet Ashley Gadd 02:39 The Power of 'Create Anyway' 04:22 Navigating Social Media and Creativity 08:43 Evolving Creative Work Through Motherhood 12:33 Embracing Creativity in Everyday Life 16:58 Everyone is Creative 19:14 The Ongoing Journey of Creativity 21:10 Embracing Imperfection in Life 21:31 Clearing Mental Clutter for Creativity 24:34 The Importance of Curating Your Inputs 27:04 Balancing Motherhood and Creativity 29:43 Staying Motivated and Consistent 31:22 Practical Tips for Creativity 34:50 Encouragement for Moms 36:13 Final Thoughts and Resources 36:58 Rapid Fire Questions and Wrap-Up **************** Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.silvermansound.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ **************** We’d love to hear how you’re applying the strategies discussed in this episode. Share your stories and tips with us on social media (@wannabeclutterfree). Don’t forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes designed to make your busy life a bit easier. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Más Menos
    46 m
  • Clear Space, Calm Mind: Decluttering for Better Mental Health (Pt 4 of the Empowering Life Series (Ep 262)
    Jun 18 2025
    Links in this episode (some may be affiliate links - thanks for supporting the show at no extra cost to you): ⁠⁠Lenora and Her Super Duper Messy Room – Get the book on Amazon⁠⁠ Follow me on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@wannabeclutterfree⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the ⁠⁠⁠Wannabe Minimalist Family Facebook Group⁠⁠⁠ Full show notes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠wannabeclutterfree.com/262⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ **************** Does your home feel chaotic and overwhelming? Does your brain feel the same? You’re not imagining it. In this episode, Deanna Yates explores how physical clutter contributes to mental overload, stress, and burnout, especially for high-achieving, modern moms who feel like they “should” be able to handle it all. This episode is part of the Find Your Number series within the Clutter F.R.E.E.D.O.M. Method, and today’s focus is your Inner World (Mental Health). You’ll discover how clutter impacts your cortisol levels, creates guilt and shame cycles, and weighs down your emotional bandwidth. But most importantly, Deanna offers actionable, compassionate strategies to help you: Understand the hidden toll of mental clutter Break free from the “should” cycle of perfectionism Reduce overwhelm with simple, doable steps Shift your environment to support your peace of mind Reframe decluttering as self-care, not punishment If you’ve been feeling scattered, foggy, or stretched too thin, this episode will help you clear the noise (both around you and within you). Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:23 The Impact of Clutter on Mental Health 01:02 Mental Health and High Achieving Moms 02:35 The Science Behind Clutter and Stress 05:25 Personal Story and Reframing Tools 07:24 Identifying and Addressing Mental Clutter 11:03 Practical Steps to Declutter Your Space 15:12 Mind Sweep and Parking Lot Techniques 19:42 Final Thoughts and Encouragement Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com Subscribe & Review: If you loved this episode, please subscribe and leave a review! Your feedback helps me create more content to inspire and motivate you to live with less. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Más Menos
    28 m
  • How to Declutter Together Without Losing Your Cool (or Your Partner) with Colette Roy (Ep 261)
    Jun 11 2025
    Deanna chats with Colette Roy about the emotional and practical challenges of organizing with your partner. They dive into how clutter affects relationships, why communication is key, and how to tackle big home projects together (like the garage) without the arguments. **************** Resources Mentioned (some may be affiliate links - thanks for supporting the show at no extra cost to you): ⁠⁠Get my children's book: Lenora and Her Super Duper Messy Room⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Get all the links and resources at wannabeclutterfree.com/261⁠ Connect with Colette Roy ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Colette’s Book⁠⁠⁠: Clutter and Couples Organize Your Garage without Killing Your Partner ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on: ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ **************** Tired of fighting every time you try to tackle a home project with your partner? In this episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast, host Deanna Yates sits down with professional organizer Colette Roy to talk about how to declutter shared spaces without losing your cool—or your relationship. Whether you’re tackling the garage, the basement, or just trying to agree on what to toss, Colette brings real talk and practical strategies for making home organization a team effort (without the tension). Drawing from her course How to Organize Your Garage Without Killing Your Partner, Colette shares why organizing together is so tricky, how emotional clutter plays into the chaos, and how better communication can lead to smoother projects and stronger connections. You’ll walk away with smart, relationship-friendly tips to finally get that garage in shape—without turning it into a battleground. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why clutter can create hidden emotional tension between partners How to navigate different communication styles during organizing projects Tips to set healthy boundaries and share the load fairly The power of understanding your partner’s perspective when decluttering How to transform your garage into a peaceful, functional space—together Time Stamps: 00:00 – Intro + what to expect in this episode 02:53 – Meet Colette Roy & her clutter-with-compassion approach 03:55 – Smart strategies for getting started on home projects 07:11 – Why clutter causes friction in relationships 13:12 – What makes organizing with your partner so hard 17:03 – How to design a garage that actually works 22:01 – Key communication tips for couples 27:00 – Why home projects spark arguments 28:36 – Behind the scenes of Colette’s course 32:46 – Practical communication tools you can use today 40:40 – Understanding needs: yours and your partner’s 43:11 – Why having personal space matters 47:11 – Rapid fire wrap-up + final thoughts **************** Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.silvermansound.com⁠⁠⁠ **************** We’d love to hear how you’re applying the strategies discussed in this episode. Share your stories and tips with us on social media (@wannabeclutterfree). Don’t forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes designed to make your busy life a bit easier. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Más Menos
    55 m
  • Simplify Your Family Budget: The 5-Account System That Changes Everything with Brittany Flammer (Ep 260)
    Jun 4 2025
    In this episode, Deanna discusses how to make budgeting feel less overwhelming with the help of financial coach and mom of five, Brittany Flammer. Together, they break down a simple, stress-free system using five essential bank accounts to create clarity and control over family finances. You'll walk away with practical steps to organize your money, reduce financial tension, and make confident spending decisions. **************** Resources Mentioned (some may be affiliate links - thanks for supporting the show at no extra cost to you): ⁠Get my children's book: Lenora and Her Super Duper Messy Room⁠ ⁠⁠Get all the links and resources at wannabeclutterfree.com/260 Crew Bank Account Betterment Bank Account Connect with Brittany Flammer ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Brittany’s Website⁠⁠ Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on: ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ **************** In this episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast, the host, Deanna Yates, interviews Brittany Flammer, a financial coach and mom of five who has mastered the art of budgeting without the stress. Brittany shares her family’s journey of raising five children on an average income of $40,000 per year while building a net worth of over $800,000. Through real-life examples and heartfelt insights, she breaks down her step-by-step system for managing money with intention, clarity, and calm—even when finances feel tight. Brittany introduces a powerful strategy using five key bank accounts to simplify money management, minimize financial tension, and make everyday spending decisions easier. From emergency savings to individual fun accounts, she outlines how automating and separating funds can transform financial overwhelm into empowerment. Whether you're new to budgeting or ready to refine your system, this episode offers practical tools and a fresh mindset to help your family thrive financially. This episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast will help you discover: How Brittany and her husband built wealth on a modest income The five essential bank accounts every family should have The power of automation and visual separation in budgeting Tips for setting up accounts for kids and teaching them money habits Ways to reduce financial tension and feel more confident about your money decisions Time Stamps: 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:20 Meet Brittany Flammer: Financial Coach and Mom of Five 01:41 The Power of Multiple Bank Accounts 05:44 Essential Bank Accounts for Every Family 12:52 Bonus Accounts and Additional Tips 24:13 Managing Finances: Moving Money Between Accounts 25:12 Structuring Finances for a $60,000 Income 28:34 Choosing the Right Bank Features 31:41 Setting Up Accounts for Kids 35:44 Reducing Financial Tension in Relationships 38:56 Actionable Steps for Financial Clarity 44:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts **************** Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - ⁠⁠https://www.silvermansound.com⁠⁠ **************** We’d love to hear how you’re applying the strategies discussed in this episode. Share your stories and tips with us on social media (@wannabeclutterfree). Don’t forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes designed to make your busy life a bit easier. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Más Menos
    50 m
  • 3 Ways Decluttering Makes You a More Fun Mom (Yes, Really) Ep 259
    May 28 2025
    Links in this episode (some may be affiliate links - thanks for supporting the show at no extra cost to you): ⁠Lenora and Her Super Duper Messy Room – Get the book on Amazon⁠ Follow me on Instagram: ⁠⁠@wannabeclutterfree⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Join the ⁠⁠Wannabe Minimalist Family Facebook Group⁠⁠ Full show notes: ⁠⁠⁠wannabeclutterfree.com/259⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ **************** ⁠Feeling like life has become all work and no play? In this episode, Deanna Yates explores how clutter might be the hidden culprit stealing your joy—and how clearing it can help you reclaim fun, freedom, and spontaneity. This week’s focus is on the “G: Good Times” pillar in the E.M.P.O.W.E.R.I.N.G. Life Assessment. Deanna breaks down how physical, mental, and emotional clutter drains your energy and blocks the joy you deserve. She shares why fun often disappears in motherhood, and how you can bring it back—no Pinterest-worthy plans required. From playful decluttering strategies to creating a “Fun Bucket List,” this episode is packed with inspiration and practical tips for making fun a non-negotiable part of your life again. What you’ll learn in this episode: How clutter sabotages your capacity for joy Why high-achieving moms often feel stuck in “survival mode” Tips for making decluttering fun (yes, really!) How to reclaim your time, energy, and identity through less stuff One small shift to start enjoying life more—today Subscribe & Review: If you loved this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on ⁠⁠Apple⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Goodpods⁠⁠, or ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠. Thank you!! Your feedback helps me create more content to inspire and motivate you to live with less. Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome and Introduction 00:10 – Understanding the Empowering Life Assessment 01:01 – Why fun matters (and how clutter gets in the way) 05:34 – Why fun disappears: the Parenting Paradox, Perfection Trap & Clutter Tax 10:18 – How to declutter your way to more joy 15:37 – Easy, fun ways to get the whole family involved 30:50 – Final thoughts + sneak peek at the next episode **************** Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - ⁠⁠https://www.silvermansound.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Más Menos
    38 m
  • Master Time Management Like a Pro with Kelly Nolan (Ep 258)
    May 21 2025
    In this episode, Deanna discusses time management strategies with Kelly Nolan, an attorney turned time management expert. Kelly shares her journey from overwhelm to creating the Bright Method, a practical system designed to help busy women balance their professional and personal lives. Tune in for actionable tips on reclaiming your time, managing mental load, and simplifying your schedule. **************** Resources Mentioned (some may be affiliate links - thanks for supporting the show at no extra cost to you): Get my children's book: Lenora and Her Super Duper Messy Room ⁠Check out my favorite tools & resources⁠ Kelly's Article about Syncing Calendars Phone App Recommendation Connect with Kelly Nollan ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Kelly’s Website⁠ Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on: ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ ⁠Website⁠ ⁠Podcast⁠ **************** In this episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast, the host, Deanna Yates, interviews Kelly Nolan, a former attorney turned time management expert. Kelly shares her personal journey of moving from the high-pressure world of law to creating the Bright Method, a time management system specifically designed for women juggling multiple roles. With a focus on practical strategies, Kelly reveals how she overcame overwhelm and built a system that allows women to reclaim their time and mental energy, both at work and home. In their conversation, Kelly discusses how to incorporate both professional and personal duties into one cohesive plan, using tools like time blocking and digital calendars. She also addresses the emotional load that many women carry and how to make time for self-care without feeling guilty. With insights on outsourcing tasks and creating realistic schedules, this episode offers a compassionate approach to managing your life with intention and ease. This episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast will help you discover: How to implement the Bright Method for more efficient time management Practical tips for managing the mental load that comes with balancing career and home life The importance of using digital tools like time blocking and calendars to stay organized Strategies for outsourcing tasks and asking for help without feeling guilty How to plan for unexpected disruptions and maintain balance during busy times **************** Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - ⁠https://www.silvermansound.com⁠ **************** We’d love to hear how you’re applying the strategies discussed in this episode. Share your stories and tips with us on social media (@wannabeclutterfree). Don’t forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes designed to make your busy life a bit easier. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Más Menos
    1 h y 2 m
  • The Secret to a Clutter Free Home (Hint: It’s Not Motivation) with Amy Slenker-Smith (Ep 257)
    May 14 2025
    Feeling overwhelmed by clutter and chaos? In this episode, Deanna chats with decluttering coach Amy Slenker Smith about creating simple systems, redefining “enough,” and building a clutter free life that works for busy families—without the guilt or perfectionism. **************** Resources Mentioned (some may be affiliate links - thanks for supporting the show at no extra cost to you): Lenora and Her Super Duper Messy Room is out now! Book Recommendation: Subtract ⁠Check out my favorite tools & resources⁠ Connect with Amy Slenker-Smith ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Amy’s Website⁠ Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on: ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ ⁠Website⁠ ⁠Podcast⁠ **************** In this episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast, the host, Deanna Yates, interviews Amy Slenker-Smith, a decluttering coach and the creator of Simply Enough. Together, they talk about how small, consistent actions can lead to big, lasting changes when it comes to simplifying your life. Amy shares her personal journey toward embracing a life with less, how the Simply Start system was born, and why setting boundaries around "enough" can be a total game-changer when tackling household clutter. Throughout their conversation, Deanna and Amy dive into practical strategies for getting started without feeling overwhelmed, tips for building better habits, and the mindset shifts that make it easier to maintain an organized, clutter-free home. They also touch on the power of community, how borrowing instead of buying can make a huge difference, and why simplifying isn't just about your stuff, it's about creating more space for the life you truly want to live. This episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast will help you discover: How to start decluttering when you feel completely overwhelmed Why defining your "enough" is key to living more simply Simple systems that make it easier to stay organized How borrowing and community sharing can reduce clutter and consumption Mindset shifts that lead to lasting, meaningful change Time Stamps: 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 04:41 Understanding Overwhelm and Mindset Shifts 10:54 The Simply Start System 19:18 Defining 'Enough' in Decluttering 26:47 The Art of Borrowing from Neighbors 27:48 Building Community Connections 29:12 Overcoming the Fear of Asking 31:18 Effective Systems for Busy Families 35:17 Teaching Kids Life Skills 39:06 Introducing a New Resource for Kids 40:11 Using Intention as a Compass 45:53 Rapid Fire Questions with Amy 47:35 Final Thoughts and Takeaways **************** Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - ⁠https://www.silvermansound.com⁠ **************** We’d love to hear how you’re applying the strategies discussed in this episode. Share your stories and tips with us on social media (@wannabeclutterfree). Don’t forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes designed to make your busy life a bit easier. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Más Menos
    55 m
  • How Clutter Affects Your Family—and What to Do About It: Part 2 the Empowering Life Series (Ep 256)
    May 7 2025
    Links in this episode (some may be affiliate links - thanks for supporting the show at no extra cost to you): Lenora and Her Super Duper Messy Room – Get the book on Amazon Follow me on Instagram: ⁠@wannabeclutterfree ⁠Join the ⁠Wannabe Minimalist Family Facebook Group⁠ Episode about Mom Guilt Full show notes: ⁠wannabeclutterfree.com/256⁠ **************** Is clutter quietly creating stress and disconnection in your home? In this solo episode, we’re diving deep into how the stuff in your space might be straining your relationships—and what you can actually do to change it. Whether you’re constantly cleaning, trying to get your kids on board, or feeling frustrated with your partner for not pitching in, this episode will give you the tools to start turning things around. You’ll get a breakdown of the Clutter F.R.E.E.D.O.M. Method and learn how to apply it to one of the most important areas of your life: Marriage & Family. Plus, we’ll walk through the E.M.P.O.W.E.R.I.N.G. Life Assessment so you can figure out where to focus first—and how to get your whole household working together (without nagging!). How clutter silently affects your marriage and family dynamics 3 powerful questions to start a meaningful family conversation A clear breakdown of the F.R.E.E.D.O.M. Method (and why it’s not just about stuff) The 10 E.M.P.O.W.E.R.I.N.G. life categories to help you find your focus Three simple, doable actions to create a calmer home environment today Subscribe & Review: If you loved this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on ⁠Apple⁠, ⁠Spotify⁠, ⁠Goodpods⁠, or ⁠YouTube⁠. Thank you!! Your feedback helps me create more content to inspire and motivate you to live with less. Time Stamps: 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 02:45 Understanding the Clutter Freedom Framework 04:41 Exploring the Empowering Life Assessment 07:29 Clutter's Impact on Marriage and Family 13:52 Three Questions to Ask Your Family 20:06 Three Actionable Steps to Ease Family Clutter 25:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts **************** Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - ⁠https://www.silvermansound.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Más Menos
    33 m