The Fascinating Brain Science Behind Keeping "Just in Case" & Extra Items

The Fascinating Brain Science Behind Keeping "Just in Case" & Extra Items

Author: Dawn Madsen February 9, 2024 Duration: 35:38
Why do so many of us struggle with moderation and pursue the unpredictable? Why do we constantly crave more, when we have enough? In today’s episode, Dawn is joined by Michael Easter, a New York Times Bestselling author, journalist, and professor who wrote the books The Comfort Crisis and Scarcity Brain. Together, they discuss how our society's pursuit of ease has drastically changed the way in which we think and live - and tactics of how to not fall into the scarcity mindset trap!  ABOUT MICHAEL EASTER:  Michael's work explores how we can leverage modern science and evolutionary wisdom to perform better and live healthier and more meaningful lives. His ideas have been adopted by NASA, MLB teams, NCAA D1 athletic programs, US Special Forces units, Fortune-500 companies, top tier universities, and millions of people worldwide.MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Scarcity Brain: https://amzn.to/42xvJO2 Comfort Crisis: https://amzn.to/49qZqT6 Newsletter Signup: https://www.twopct.com/ Clearspace app: https://www.getclearspace.com/ IN THIS EPISODE: -How pursuing ease has changed our society -Scarcity brain -Why are we bad at moderation -Our focus on unpredictability -The relationship between scarcity and creativity-When to introduce social media to our kids -Gratitude journals are probably not the answer! Welcome to The Official Minimal Mom Podcast. Thank you so much for listening and could I ask a favor? Would you mind following? It helps podcast apps recommend this podcast to more friends. Thank you! Dawn

Dawn Madsen hosts The Minimal Mom, a practical guide for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of stuff that accumulates in a family home. This isn't about stark, empty spaces, but about creating calm and functionality where it matters most. Each episode feels like a conversation with a knowledgeable friend who has been through the trenches of toys, paperwork, and overflowing closets. Dawn focuses on actionable strategies you can apply immediately, breaking down the daunting process of decluttering into manageable steps that actually stick. You'll hear honest discussions about the emotional hurdles of letting go, how to involve your household in the process, and how to maintain simplicity amidst the constant flow of family life. The podcast champions the idea that with less physical clutter comes more mental space, time, and energy for the people and activities you truly value. It’s a compassionate resource for rethinking your possessions and habits, offering a steady stream of motivation for your journey toward a lighter, more intentional home. Tune in to this education-focused podcast for grounded advice that makes minimalism feel accessible and deeply rewarding for everyday parents.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Minimal Mom
Podcast Episodes
Busy Kids Now Displaying "Trauma Brain"? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:14
Why are so many of our kids showing signs of trauma when they live in relative safety? How do we raise counter-cultural kids in a world of excess? Today, Dawn is joined by Kim John Payne, M.ED., who has been a counselor,…
Q+A: “You have time to do what???” [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:07
How do I get myself out of the messy middle? How many kids books should I keep? How can I move towards minimalism with with chronic illness, young kids, busy schedules, etc. etc? Listen in as Dawn answers from listeners…
“We don’t have to own all this stuff!” [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:57
What would your reaction be if you heard, “We don’t have to own all this stuff”? Do you dream about a life where less time is spent cleaning and organizing and more time actually living? This simple phrase jump started J…
Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff with Matt Paxton [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:05
Are you struggling to downsize a home filled with memories? Does the fear and guilt of purging family keepsakes keep you from decluttering? In this episode, Matt Paxton shares helpful insight on how to discern what heirl…
Q+A: “I can’t say no to free” & getting kids to help [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:46
Do you want to involve your kids in decluttering but have trouble figuring out how? Have you ever shared your excitement over living with less only to be told, “good for you, but I could never!” Do you find it nearly imp…
Baggage in Boxes: Clutter's Link to Hidden Trauma [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:09
Have you ever had the thought, “why do these decluttering tactics work for everyone BUT me?” Is it possible that emotional or psychological trauma has contributed to the clutter and disorganization in your life? Listen i…
The interruption of stuff (and how to stop it!) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:43
Do you feel stuck waiting for motivation to show up? Are you struggling to answer the elusive “why” in hopes it will propel you into transformative lifestyle habits? Is the work of decluttering even worth it? Listen in a…
How to get rid of piles on counters (and other places, too!) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:37
Take Your House Back (Just $94): https://urlgeni.us/TYHB The Take Your House Back Course is a powerful way that I can come along side you and make sure you get your home simplified in the new year! (And it's only $94 rig…
What Really Happened with Cas from Clutterbug [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:07
Take Your House Back (Just $94): https://urlgeni.us/TYHB The Take Your House Back Course is a powerful way that I can come along side you and make sure you get your home simplified in the new year! (And it's only $94 rig…