In a culture obsessed with early achievement, test scores, and “educational” apps, are we overcomplicating childhood? In this episode, Diane sits down with developmental scientists Kathy Hirsh-Pasek and Roberta Michnick Golinkoff, authors of Einstein Never Used Flash Cards, to share a freeing, research-backed truth: play isn’t a break from learning - it is learning. Drawing on more than 40 years of research, they explore how joyful play strengthens the brain, how parents can “Reflect, Resist, and Re-center” in a pressure-filled culture, what to know about screen time, and how everyday moments naturally build math, language, and resilience - reminding us that free and guided play may be the most powerful tools we have.

• Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.
• Connect with Kathy + Roberta:
• Website
• Book: Einstein Never Used Flash Cards: How Our Children Really Learn--and Why They Need to Play More and Memorize Less

Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, PhD, is a professor in the psychology department at Temple University. She directs the Temple Infant Child Laboratory, where she studies how children learn and flourish. She is also a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution.

Roberta Michnick Golinkoff, PhD, directs the Child’s Play, Learning and Development Lab at the University of Delaware and holds joint professorial appointments in linguistics and psychology. A member of the National Academy of Education, she works to improve the lives of children and families.

The Minimalist Moms Podcast would not be possible without the support of weekly sponsors. Choosing brands that I believe in is important to me. I only want to recommend brands that I believe may help you in your daily life. As always, never feel pressured into buying anything. Remember: if you don't need it, it's not a good deal!

Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your fellow mothers so that they can be inspired to think more and do with less.

Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity.

You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.

If you’ve ever felt like your calendar is running your life, this conversation is your wake-up call.

In this episode, Diane sits down with minimalist thought leader and executive coach Chris Lovett to explore how a single frustrating moment - stepping on a CD case - sparked a radical journey from clutter to clarity. What began as physical decluttering evolved into something deeper: questioning busyness, corporate culture, and the internal rules that keep high achievers overworked and overwhelmed.

Chris introduces the concept of “corporate minimalism” and explains why so many professionals - especially parents - struggle to say no. From burnout statistics to the alarming rise in overwork-related deaths, he makes a compelling case that hustle culture isn’t just exhausting - it’s dangerous. But this isn’t about quitting your job or selling everything you own. It’s about small, practical rebellions: protecting your lunch break, responding to emails later, declining low-value meetings, and creating breathing room for high-impact work.

• Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.
• Connect with Chris:
• Website
• LinkedIn
• Book: Relentless: When Less Busy Means More Impact

Best Selling Author, Executive Coach, TEDx Speaker and sought after voice in the simplicity movement. Now supporting organizations and teams to evolve leadership skills, create high performing sustainable cultures and retain the energy to do what matters.

The Minimalist Moms Podcast would not be possible without the support of weekly sponsors. Choosing brands that I believe in is important to me. I only want to recommend brands that I believe may help you in your daily life. As always, never feel pressured into buying anything. Remember: if you don't need it, it's not a good deal!

Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your fellow mothers so that they can be inspired to think more and do with less.

Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity.

You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.