Did Minimalism Burn Us Out? A 10-Year Reflection

Did Minimalism Burn Us Out? A 10-Year Reflection

Author: Kate Saffle and Melissa Risenhoover September 13, 2025 Duration: 29:14

Have you ever felt that urge to just get rid off everything you own and completely simplify? The things in your home seem to take over, it's constantly messy, and it would be so nice to have a clean slate.

That was us a decade ago when we first started Cohesive Home. We were both reading alllllll the blogs and books on minimalism and applying it to our homes. In a movement led primarily by childless males, we wanted to show other families it was doable to live minimally.

But time has passed. We're older. We've moved. Our kids are older. Our lives has shifted tremendously.

Are we still minimalists?

Listen to this episode to find out!

We would love to hear from you, send us an email at cohesivehome@gmail.com

Find Kate on her website

Find Melissa on Youtube:her vlog channel


The Cohesive Home Podcast is a conversation with friends who get it. Hosts Kate Saffle and Melissa Risenhoover are two moms who’ve found that a simpler, more intentional approach to family life creates space for what truly matters-less stress and more adventure. Each episode feels like grabbing a coffee with your most grounded, yet hilarious, friends. They dive into the real stuff: what family minimalism actually looks like when toys are everywhere, how to plan getaways with kids without losing your mind, and finding that elusive balance between personal ambitions and being present at home. This isn’t about perfect systems or picture-perfect lives; it’s about practical ideas and shared laughs over the beautiful chaos. The podcast moves at a relaxed pace, offering genuine takeaways in the span of a morning brew. You’ll hear their own stories, the mistakes and the wins, all focused on building a home that feels cohesive and light. It’s for anyone who wants to cut through the noise of modern parenting and cultivate a family culture filled with purpose and, most importantly, fun. Tune in for a dose of camaraderie and actionable inspiration for your own journey toward intentional living.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

Cohesive Home Podcast : Minimalism | Families | Adventure | Intentional Living
Podcast Episodes
54: When Your Family is Overwhelmed and Out of Sync [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:49
Has your family ever been in a total funk where life seems out of sync? In Episode 54 of the Cohesive Home Podcast, Kate and Melissa chat about a concept called soul fever, which happens when life gets overwhelming or so…
53: Financial Freedom with Jessi Fearon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:08
Ever wish you could sit down with a financial expert and get practical advice? Well, we here you! In Episode 53 of the Cohesive Home Podcast, we invited Jessi Fearon, financial expert from Real Life on a Budget, to share…
52: Goal Setting for the New Year [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:25
How do you goal set for the New Year? In Episode 52 of the Cohesive Home Podcast, Kate and Melissa give you full access to their goal setting process by talking through 2019 LIVE. The two share their personal, family, an…
51: Simple Holidays [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:53
Already feeling stressed by the holidays? Need permission to simplify and celebrate in the way that is best for YOUR family? In this episode, Kate and Melissa share the ways they've uncomplicated their holiday celebratio…
50: Jennifer Pepito [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:47
For Episode 50 of the Cohesive Home Podcast, we're welcoming Jennifer Pepito: homeschooling mom of 7 and owner of Peaceful Press, a homeschooling curriculum and resource shop to the show. Melissa and Jennifer chat about…
49: Living Simply at Home [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:28
Do you know all the ways you can lead a simple life at home? In this episode of the Cohesive Home Podcast, Kate and Melissa share the 4 main ways you can live an intentional and minimal life. The two share about their ex…
48- The Nester [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:53
The Nester is in the (Cohesive) House! Join Kate and Melissa for a chat with Myquillin Smith, better known as the Nester, about how you can create your own Cozy Minimalist Home. You are going to love all of the tips and…
47: Change [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:30
Have you ever faced a really difficult decision about your kids? In episode 47 of the Cohesive Home Podcast, Melissa and Kate are bringing it with vulnerability and honesty, sharing how they handle difficult situations a…
46: Back to Fall Routines [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:42
Homeschooling, planners, and fall routines for the win! Kate and Melissa are back fun and informative episode about how they are working the homeschooling in a small space life. Melissa shares about their transition to a…
45: For the Love of Homemaking [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:41
Has homemaking gotten a bad rap? In Episode 45 of the Cohesive Home Podcast, Melissa and Kate tackle the meaning of the word "homemaker" and update it for today's home creators. They share their own personal experiences…