If you’re a parent, you probably think every single day about how to raise kids who are kind and hopeful, who know how to ask good questions and think critically, and who know how to disagree with someone else respectfully. Sooner than we realize, kids will be adults who make decisions about to run the world, using the tools and stories and lessons they learned first at home. That’s why, little by little, as nerve-wracking as it is, Emily and Bryan are introducing discussions about government an...
Oct 21, 2021•38 min•Season 1Ep. 36
Making decisions about money is enough to put anyone on a feelings rollercoaster—especially if you’re trying to make decisions with a partner at home or a colleague at work. But as uncomfortable as it is, how you handle your finances plays a role in building the life you want. This week, Emily’s kicking off a brand-new series called Simplified Finances, where she’ll help you grow more confident around money so you can find the freedom to use your time and resources in ways that matter to you. An...
Oct 14, 2021•38 min•Season 1Ep. 35
You may have just put mums and pumpkins on your front porch, but here’s a poorly-kept secret: it’s *never* too early to start planning for the holidays. Emily’s got three easy, doable things you can do to start prepping for special meals, gifts, and schedules so you can get some time (and sanity!) back when your calendar starts to fill up soon. Here’s the thing: joy isn’t found just in the spontaneous moments. It’s also found in moments we planned for, because we made space in our lives for them...
Oct 07, 2021•18 min
In a world that prizes what we do far more than who we are, feeling overwhelmed can feel like the status quo and even validating—while feeling relaxed means you’re not working hard enough. But that kind of thinking is wreaking havoc on our bodies and our minds. When our bodies whisper, “I can’t do this anymore” and we actually listen, when we set boundaries around what we need instead of piling more on our plates, we begin to beat back the feelings of overwhelm we were never made to carry. If yo...
Sep 30, 2021•19 min•Season 1Ep. 33
“Home” is more than just a place. It’s the soft place to land after a hard day, where you can care for yourself and refill your well. Like anything, it takes effort to maintain a home where you can relax—and that includes cleaning it. But who has the time to give *cleaning* a ton of energy when you’ve got so many other things on your plate? There’s a million ways to clean a room, but automating how you clean will take some of the work out of that chore so you can direct your energy into things t...
Sep 23, 2021•16 min•Season 1Ep. 32
We all know spending a few mindless minutes scrolling through social media can make you feel like you’re not enough—not beautiful enough, not thin enough, not successful enough, not a good enough mom or partner or friend. But what if we completely changed the way we used our socials? Instead of just consuming, what if we used them to *actually* connect with people? And instead of competing, what if we cheered each other on instead? Natalie Franke knows how life-giving that shift can be. Natalie ...
Sep 16, 2021•33 min•Season 1Ep. 31
It can feel challenging—and even overwhelming—to navigate our anxiety. We watch the headlines, we see the hardships our loved ones face, we try to be as helpful as we can while caring for ourselves. It’s a lot, and it can feel overwhelming at times. But if we feel this way as adults who can process complicated emotions, imagine how stressful and scary these times can feel for kids. Children need our help to navigate their big feelings more than ever—which is why we’re delighted to have therapist...
Sep 09, 2021•44 min•Season 1Ep. 30
At Simplified, it’s the most wonderful time of the year: it’s Launch Week! We’ve been releasing 2022 Simplified Planners (and a whole lot more!) into the world, and we’re hearing one question from y’all over and over: “How can I use a digital calendar and my Simplified Planner together? Is it even possible?” We’re glad you asked—because it is! Emily’s an expert at using a hybrid planning system to keep track of everything at home and work, and she’ll take you through her easy planning routine st...
Sep 02, 2021•17 min•Season 1Ep. 29
We get a lot of questions over here at Simplified, like how do you find a new team member who’s as excited about your workplace mission as you? Is it possible to find the perfect morning routine—or at least one where you’re not hitting the snooze button five times? How do you keep a relationship with a partner strong for the long haul? This week, Emily’s trying out a brand-new feature on the show: answering some of your most frequently asked questions! From work worries to cultivating strong rel...
Aug 26, 2021•28 min•Season 1Ep. 28
Do you need more time and less stress during the back-to-school rush? Would you like more structure in your week as you roll into fall? Then say hello to a practice that’ll instantly change your life: meal planning! Because when you sit down one time and map out what your people will eat for the week, the stress of the “What’s for dinner?” question after a long day instantly evaporates (along with your hangriness). This week, Emily shares 6 life-changing tips to make meal prep an easy part of yo...
Aug 19, 2021•26 min•Season 1Ep. 27
You guys loved our first Create Calm & Clear Clutter episode and asked for more—and we listened! Here’s the thing: we’ve all been scrolling on Instagram and seen those pantries with matching canisters and labels perfectly facing forward, and those kitchens with gorgeous, clean countertops. But is having and keeping up that picture-perfect pantry possible when your house has people who leave mail on the counter and kids who riffle through the goldfish bin like they’re panning for actual gold?...
Aug 12, 2021•23 min•Season 1Ep. 26
We’re celebrating big over here at Simplified—we’re clocking in 25 episodes of the podcast (!) *and* launching our Back to School Simplicity Challenge! Summer flew by, didn’t it? It’s so fun to have time for travel and adventure and ice cream sundae parties. But if we’re being honest, it also feels good to hit the Reset button and slide back into normal routine. So what’s the best way to get back on track? Emily shares how you can get a jumpstart on planning your week so you can get through it a...
Aug 05, 2021•17 min•Season 1Ep. 25
New motherhood is a beautiful journey . . . that comes with a few bumps and a lot of questions along the way. Is my baby eating enough? Too much? Why won’t she latch? What’s that rash? Do we need to take him to the ER? Will I ever sleep again? It can feel frustrating when you don’t know what’s normal, or what advice is helpful, or which tools aren’t. If you’re a new mom or love someone who is, Emily and Kristin are here for you! As twin moms with five kids between them, they share how they weath...
Jul 29, 2021•42 min•Season 1Ep. 24
Let’s face it: no matter how much time you spend organizing your week and planning for healthy dinners, there are some nights when you just *cannot* summon the strength to cook. Whether you’re coming off a vacation where a cheese board was considered a viable dinner option , or you’re being pulled in a million directions in the middle of a busy week, the last thing you need is to tackle a complicated meal (with the cleanup to match!). Emily’s got six family-approved dinner ideas that’ll make din...
Jul 22, 2021•17 min•Season 1Ep. 23
What makes you feel polished and ready to take on the day? A cute jacket, a gorgeous manicure, some pretty pumps or earrings? Lots of things put pep in our step, but one of Emily’s favorite ways to feel put together is a simple, ten-minute makeup look. From foundation to eyebrows, Emily shares her eight steps and favorite products (a mix of luxury and drugstore finds!) for a simple look you can wear every day. Thanks to our episode sponsor! BETTERHELP | Affordable, private online counseling — an...
Jul 15, 2021•22 min•Season 1Ep. 22
When it comes to summer fun, there’s nothing like spending time by the water. Whether you trek to the beach or pop over to the neighborhood pool, soaking up the rays and waves with your favorite humans (along with eating a popsicle or two!) is the stuff relaxing summer days are made of. A lifelong Florida resident, Emily’s sharing her top eight items to bring along for maximum fun in the sun. From the world’s cutest swimsuit for every body, to snacks and toys and summer reads, pop these items in...
Jul 08, 2021•19 min•Season 1Ep. 21
It’s scary to dream big – to imagine the hard work and sacrifice that come with chasing what’s in your heart. But what if achieving your goal helps you build a life you love and helps thousands of women along the way? You’d probably decide it was all worth it – that’s how Emily feels. As Simplified celebrates its 13th birthday, Emily shares how Simplified started as a dream to help women live and work well, grew into late nights watching YouTube videos on designing note cards and invitations for...
Jul 01, 2021•20 min•Season 1Ep. 20
Sometimes life can get a little lonely: when we move to a new town, start a new job, go to a new school. But all it takes is one person reaching out to help us feel like we belong—and that sense of belonging has a huge impact at any age. This week, Emily’s talking about how to raise kids who include others, because being an includer is the best way to create a kinder world. And she’s invited a very special guest on the show: her ten-year-old son Brady! Emily and Brady talk about what it was like...
Jun 24, 2021•30 min•Season 1Ep. 19
What’s better than sitting on your porch swing with an ice cold lemonade and a good book? Here at Simplified, not much! This week, Emily’s popping in with her five favorite books for summer reading this year, a list filled with page-turning thrillers to dreamy and thought-provoking historical fiction, and even some motivational nonfiction. There’s something for everyone here! So dust off that book shelf, pull out your library card, and get ready for a summer full of reading and relaxation. * * *...
Jun 17, 2021•18 min•Season 1Ep. 18
Summer is the best—long sunny days at the pool, backyard barbecues and ice cream cones, relaxing by the campfire under the stars. Everything feels a bit lighter and freer, until you have to decide: should we keep the kids on a schedule, or should we let them loose? (And either way, how can parents stay sane?) This week, Emily’s popping in with five easy, flexible activities that parents can put into their kids’ summer rotation, a nice mix of practical to-do’s (because chores still need to be don...
Jun 10, 2021•17 min•Season 1Ep. 17
Let’s be real: moving isn’t easy. There’s movers to book and utility hookups to schedule, and somehow you have 18 spatulas and no good way to pack them. But believe it or not, there are a few ways you can cut down the chaos. This week, Emily shares 10 tips to make moving a bit easier. From stocking up on clear bins to creating a foolproof plan for moving day, Emily’s ideas will give you a better idea of what you’ve got, how to pack it, and how to get it into your new home so you can settle into ...
Jun 03, 2021•18 min•Season 1Ep. 16
Summer is one of the *best* times of the year, right? Everything slows down. Everything smells like sunscreen and coconut and sunshine. There’s days in the water and nights with s’mores by the fire. We all have our favorite summertime traditions and routines—but how do other people do it? Who makes the best-fitting shorts? What’s an easy recipe for a weeknight supper or a 4th of July cookout? Do other people keep their kids on summer routines, or let them go with the flow? Emily and her BFF Kris...
May 27, 2021•35 min•Season 1Ep. 15
Keeping your home neat and tidy can feel like a never-ending battle: cups on the coffee table, toys on the staircase, mail on the counter, and on it goes. But building a few cleaning routines into your week can take the guesswork out of when the chores will get done and who’s going to do them. This week, Emily’s sharing three easy checklists for cleaning your home that’ll make the biggest difference in your day. From the bathroom to the kitchen to the living room, keeping these high-traffic area...
May 20, 2021•13 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Remember when we were kids and refused to take a nap or go to bed a reasonable hour? What were we thinking? As we maneuver adulthood, sometimes a good night’s sleep can seem out of reach ( Who has the time? we might think). But listen, y’all—sleep matters to our physical and mental health. And as she kicks off our first Simplified Soul Care episode, Emily dives into the fascinating research behind why a good night’s sleep is the most restorative thing you can do for yourself. Plus, Emily offers ...
May 13, 2021•15 min•Season 1Ep. 13
Let’s be real: our phones are pretty nifty. They help us text our friends, browse Target.com, and find inspiration from Instagram. But they can also be super overwhelming, from the 987 notifications that seem to pop up constantly to that angry red bubble reminding you how many emails you’ve ignored. But here’s a reality check: our phones don’t have to be overwhelming. This week, Emily gives some tactical tips to help you organize and declutter your phone. From changing the background to a calmin...
May 06, 2021•13 min•Season 1Ep. 12
We’ve all been there: you’re getting ready to check out and go on vacation when a kid gets sick, the garbage disposal stops working, the dog swallowed a squeaker, and your boss gave a rush project that’s due, um, yesterday. Sometimes life is a lot , and it’s hard to find that elusive balance we’re all searching for. But this week, Emily gives four doable tips to help you find a bit more calm when life keeps throwing curveballs. (pro tip: take a step back, evaluate what truly needs your attention...
Apr 29, 2021•16 min•Season 1Ep. 11
It’s hard to beat the joy (and relief!) of spring, as we all emerge from our winter dens to discover days outdoors with warmth and sunshine and the people we love. But with the changing season inevitably comes . . . the (sometimes) dreaded spring cleaning. Listen, we know spring cleaning doesn’t spark joy in everyone, but it can . A decluttered home is a space for relaxation and rejuvenation, like a spa day for our brain, and it’s more in reach than you think. This week, Emily guides us through ...
Apr 22, 2021•15 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Habit. Raise your hand if that word makes you shudder. Over and over, we hear that good habits lead to happier lives. But honestly? Thinking about developing good habits can feel boring at best, or at worst, like one more thing on your to-do list. But you can harness habits you already have into simple routines that can free up your mind and your schedule. This week, Emily shows three ways to incorporate routines that’ll give you a bit more space for what matters most to you. From finding ways t...
Apr 15, 2021•17 min•Season 1Ep. 9
In a world where we can choose to be anything, let’s choose to be kind. This week, Emily shares why treating others with respect and kindness is the best way forward, and how when we choose to love people well—even when they don’t look or think like us—we enable ourselves to grow and empathize with others just a little bit more. Emily also gives us a few tactical (and free!) ways we can love the people around us, including ourselves. Because after all, cultivating a life we love starts with cult...
Apr 08, 2021•17 min•Season 1Ep. 8
When you hear the phrase “use what you have,” what do you think of? Maybe the physical things you have on hand—your laptop, your bookshelf, your favorite top. But using what you have also applies to the internal traits you already possess—your grit, your perseverance, your wisdom. We all have a toolkit filled with intangible helpers at our disposal, but we often forget about them. We forget how capable we are of leading, of guiding, of loving those around us. This week, Emily reminds us that we ...
Apr 01, 2021•18 min•Season 1Ep. 7
