Clutter Free Academy

344 - Better Than Perfect - How to be Real with Each other and with God

On today’s episode Kathi welcomes Gretta Kennedy and Suzanne Gosselin, authors Grit and Grace: Devotions for Warrior Moms. Kathi, Gretta and Suzanne talk about what moms can do when we’re feeling overwhelmed with spiritual clutter during our quiet time with God. On today’s show you’ll learn: How to stay connected to God during the “while also” season of life Why moms in this busy stage of life need a lifeline that is just a very short snippet of truth that they can digest very quickly ...

344 - Better Than Perfect - How to be Real with Each other and with God

On today’s episode Kathi welcomes Gretta Kennedy and Suzanne Gosselin, authors Grit and Grace: Devotions for Warrior Moms. Kathi, Gretta and Suzanne talk about what moms can do when we’re feeling overwhelmed with spiritual clutter during our quiet time with God. On today’s show you’ll learn: How to stay connected to God during the “while also” season of life Why moms in this busy stage of life need a lifeline that is just a very short snippet of truth that they can digest very quickly ...

343 - An Un-Overwhelming Approach to Quiet Time

On today’s episode Kathi is joined by Susie Crosby, author of Just One Word: 90 Devotions to Invite Jesus In. Kathi and Susie talk about what to do when we’re feeling overwhelmed with the spiritual clutter we can sometimes bring to our time with God. On today’s show you’ll learn: How to keep your spiritual life more simple Why “one word” can be enough to turn your day around Why we tend to make God’s message more complicated than it really is Enter to Win! Enter to win a copy of Susie...

342 - Creating a Clutter Free Community

On today’s episode of the podcast, Kathi is joined by Tonya Kubo, the illustrious leader of the Clutter-Free Academy Facebook group. Kathi and Tonya share about the value of creating a clutter-free community and how you can create a culture of generosity and reciprocity in your own community. On today’s show you’ll learn: How a “small give” can be a great way to start building a community of sharing Why it is a false economy to hold on to stuff “until I have time to sell it” The many ...

341 - The Difference Between Minimalism and Clutter Free

On today’s episode of the podcast, Kathi is joined by Clutter Free Academy Facebook group leader Tonya Kubo. Kathi and Tonya talk about the similarities and differences between minimalism and living clutter-free and they each share what they love about minimalism. On today’s show you’ll learn: How something being necessary for survival is different from being necessary for joy and peace of mind Why the clutter free mentality is really about living so that your stuff doesn’t happen on ac...

341 - The Difference Between Minimalism and Clutter Free

On today’s episode of the podcast, Kathi is joined by Clutter Free Academy Facebook group leader Tonya Kubo. Kathi and Tonya talk about the similarities and differences between minimalism and living clutter-free and they each share what they love about minimalism. On today’s show you’ll learn: How something being necessary for survival is different from being necessary for joy and peace of mind Why the clutter free mentality is really about living so that your stuff doesn’t happen on ac...

340 - Clutter in the Midst of a Crisis - Part 2

On today’s episode of the podcast, Kathi and Tonya Kubo are back to continue their conversation on decluttering when you’re in crisis mode. Kathi and Tonya share the last four of their seven tips to help you declutter in the midst of a crisis. On today’s show you’ll learn: Why storage isn’t just paying for storage but also the emotional time and energy The value of considering “is this what I want the next version of my house to look like?” Why even in a crisis we still need an hour t...

340 - Clutter in the Midst of a Crisis - Part 2

On today’s episode of the podcast, Kathi and Tonya Kubo are back to continue their conversation on decluttering when you’re in crisis mode. Kathi and Tonya share the last four of their seven tips to help you declutter in the midst of a crisis. On today’s show you’ll learn: Why storage isn’t just paying for storage but also the emotional time and energy The value of considering “is this what I want the next version of my house to look like?” Why even in a crisis we still need an hour t...

339 - Clutter in the Midst of a Crisis - Part 1

On today’s episode of the podcast, Kathi and Tonya Kubo chat about their recent experiences with “crisis moves” when they had to pack up and be ready to move in a very short amount of time. In part one of this series, Kathi and Tonya share the first three of seven tips to help you declutter in the midst of a crisis.  On today’s show you’ll learn: Why you should only have three places for your stuff to go Why you need to have phases when taking on a big declutter The value of asking “i...

339 - Clutter in the Midst of a Crisis - Part 1

On today’s episode of the podcast, Kathi and Tonya Kubo chat about their recent experiences with “crisis moves” when they had to pack up and be ready to move in a very short amount of time. In part one of this series, Kathi and Tonya share the first three of seven tips to help you declutter in the midst of a crisis.  On today’s show you’ll learn: Why you should only have three places for your stuff to go Why you need to have phases when taking on a big declutter The value of asking “i...

338 - How to Stay Focused on What you Really Want

On today’s episode, Kathi welcomes Valorie Burton to talk about her new book, the Successful Woman Planner. Kathi and Valorie talk about the planner and Valorie shares practical tips for clearing the emotional clutter so we can be successful in what God has called us to do and take action.  On today’s show you’ll learn: Why you have to let go of the things that don't matter as much if you're going to succeed in the things that really matter How authenticity is a hallmark of resilience ...

338 - How to Stay Focused on What you Really Want

On today’s episode, Kathi welcomes Valorie Burton to talk about her new book, the Successful Woman Planner. Kathi and Valorie talk about the planner and Valorie shares practical tips for clearing the emotional clutter so we can be successful in what God has called us to do and take action.  On today’s show you’ll learn: Why you have to let go of the things that don't matter as much if you're going to succeed in the things that really matter How authenticity is a hallmark of resilience ...

337 - Creating Places of Sacred Rest

On today’s episode, Kathi welcomes Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith to talk about one of Kathi’s favorite topics- rest. Dr. Saundra shares insight from her book Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity. Kathi and Dr. Saundra talk about the physical and spiritual side of rest and the importance of restorative rest. On today’s show you’ll learn: Why medical solutions for rest might not be enough What rest looks like in the Bible The seven different areas that need ...

337 - Creating Places of Sacred Rest

On today’s episode, Kathi welcomes Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith to talk about one of Kathi’s favorite topics- rest. Dr. Saundra shares insight from her book Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity. Kathi and Dr. Saundra talk about the physical and spiritual side of rest and the importance of restorative rest. On today’s show you’ll learn: Why medical solutions for rest might not be enough What rest looks like in the Bible The seven different areas that need ...

336 - The 2 Disciplines You Need to be Clutter-Free for Life

On today’s episode, Kathi and Tonya Kubo are back to share more details about the Clutter Free for Life subscription group and why you need it if you want to be clutter free FOR LIFE. Tonya and Kathi talk about the second essential ingredient needed if you want a clutter free lifestyle.  On today’s encouraging show you’ll learn: When you start to de-clutter it’s easier to say “no” to the things that don’t really belong in your life. Why accountability is essential to the clutter free pr...

335 - The 2 Disciplines You Need to be Clutter-Free for Life

On today’s episode, Kathi welcomes back Tonya Kubo to share the biggest Clutter Free announcement we’ve ever had. They introduce the Clutter Free for Life subscription group.   On today’s encouraging show you’ll learn: What to do if you need help with the day to day clutter. How this program can help you implement the daily practices required to keep clutter free for life. Why clutter is never a one and done. When you sign up for Clutter Free for Life you’ll receive STRUCTURE to hel...

334 - You've Got This: Finding Strength When You Feel Less Than

On today’s episode, Kathi welcomes friend and author KariAnne Wood to talk about her devotional; You’ve Got This! (Because God’s Got You). Kathi and KariAnne chat about how to find joy and stay encouraged even in the middle of tough places. On today’s encouraging show you’ll learn: What to do on the days when you just don’t feel like “you’ve got this” Why sometimes we need to just press pause How to give away “extra joy” and why it’s a blessing for all when we do Enter to Win! Ente...

334 - You've Got This: Finding Strength When You Feel Less Than

On today’s episode, Kathi welcomes friend and author KariAnne Wood to talk about her devotional; You’ve Got This! (Because God’s Got You). Kathi and KariAnne chat about how to find joy and stay encouraged even in the middle of tough places. On today’s encouraging show you’ll learn: What to do on the days when you just don’t feel like “you’ve got this” Why sometimes we need to just press pause How to give away “extra joy” and why it’s a blessing for all when we do Enter to Win! Ente...

333 - Find Your Money and Lose Your Clutter

On today’s episode, Kathi chats with Deborah Smith Pegues, author of The One-Minute Money Mentor for Women. Kathi and Deborah discuss the importance of women being financially literate. And Deborah shares practical tips for women who might feel overwhelmed by money issues. On today’s informative show you’ll learn: Why people who struggle with clutter often also struggle with money What to do if you’ve been ignoring money and find yourself in a tough place Deborah’s biggest money tip f...

333 - Find Your Money and Lose Your Clutter

On today’s episode, Kathi chats with Deborah Smith Pegues, author of The One-Minute Money Mentor for Women. Kathi and Deborah discuss the importance of women being financially literate. And Deborah shares practical tips for women who might feel overwhelmed by money issues. On today’s informative show you’ll learn: Why people who struggle with clutter often also struggle with money What to do if you’ve been ignoring money and find yourself in a tough place Deborah’s biggest money tip f...

332 - Restoring Order to Your Family and Home

On today’s episode, Kathi welcomes friend and author Arlene Pellicane to talk about her new book; Parents Rising: 8 Strategies for Raising Kids who Love God, Respect Authority, and Value What’s Right. Kathi and Arlene discuss the challenges of raising kids to respect authority and Arlene shares tips for parents who want to raise children to love the Lord and have a healthy respect for authority. On today’s encouraging show you’ll learn: The importance of parents having the right mindset t...

331 - Choosing the Best and Leaving the Rest

On today’s podcast, Kathi sits down with Wendy Pope to talk about her book, Yes, No and Maybe. Wendy and Kathi share about the times we need to say “yes to God, no to self, and maybe to others."  In today's insightful episode you will learn: the 13 words that changed Wendy’s life why God’s Word is either positive or polishing how to find “320” moments in our daily lives  DOWNLOAD Chapter 1 of Yes, No and Maybe   Enter to Win! Enter to win a copy of Wendy’s book! Two lucky wi...

330 - Stretched Too Thin

On today’s episode, Kathi welcomes Jessica Turner, author of Stretched Too Thin: How Working Moms Can Lose the Guilt, Work Smarter and Thrive. Kathi and Jessica chat about de-cluttering particularly as it relates to working moms. Jessica share tips for moms working both in and out-side of the home. On today’s info-filled show you’ll learn: Why boundaries are essential in our work and home life How to make self-care a priority even in the middle of a busy schedule The benefits of kids ...

330 - Stretched Too Thin

On today’s episode, Kathi welcomes Jessica Turner, author of Stretched Too Thin: How Working Moms Can Lose the Guilt, Work Smarter and Thrive. Kathi and Jessica chat about de-cluttering particularly as it relates to working moms. Jessica share tips for moms working both in and out-side of the home. On today’s info-filled show you’ll learn: Why boundaries are essential in our work and home life How to make self-care a priority even in the middle of a busy schedule The benefits of kids ...

329 - When You Feel Like Screaming

On today’s show, Kathi chats with author, Sue Heimer to talk about her book, When you Feel like Screaming: Practical Help for Frustrated Moms. Drawing from personal experiences, Sue and Kathi share practical tips for frustrated moms as well as encouragement for why you are the best imperfect mom for your child. In this encouraging episode you will learn: why it’s important to identify the root cause of our frustration how to start looking for patterns to avoid blowups practical tools ...

329 - When You Feel Like Screaming

On today’s show, Kathi chats with author, Sue Heimer to talk about her book, When you Feel like Screaming: Practical Help for Frustrated Moms. Drawing from personal experiences, Sue and Kathi share practical tips for frustrated moms as well as encouragement for why you are the best imperfect mom for your child. In this encouraging episode you will learn: why it’s important to identify the root cause of our frustration how to start looking for patterns to avoid blowups practical tools ...

328B - Is it Hoarding or is it Clutter? Part 2

Tonya Kubo is back and on today’s podcast she and Kathi continue the conversation on the differences between clutter and hoarding. Drawing from personal experiences they share practical tips for what to do if you or a loved one struggle with hoarding. In this episode you will learn: why the mess is not always the actual problem when it comes to hoarding when it might be time to seek professional help what resources are available to help Find out more about Aftermath Cleanup Services ...

328 - Is it Hoarding or is it Clutter?

Do you have a loved one that struggles with hoarding? On today’s episode Tonya Kubo joins Kathi as they discuss what it’s like to live with and love a family member who struggles with hoarding. In this episode you will learn: the difference between hoarding and clutter why hoarding is really a symptom of anxiety how to practice empathy with loved ones while understanding that only hoarders can help themselves Thanks for Listening! To share your thoughts: • Leave a note in the comm...

327B - From Cluttered to Cozy

On today’s bonus episode, Kathi welcomes back Myquillyn Smith, author of Cozy Minimalist Home.Myquillyn shares her best tips for shifting your mind, house and habits for going from cluttered to cozy. On today’s info-filled show you’ll learn: Why you need designated empty surfaces and décor surfaces in your home How to properly use storage spaces Myquillyn’s favorite storage items Why having some white space on your walls is essential Plus Myquillyn shares some great tips for renter...

327A - Is Cozy Minimalism Possible?

Do you struggle with wanting to live clutter free but also wanting to create a warm and inviting feel to your home? On today’s show, Kathi sits down with Myquillyn Smith to talk about her book, Cozy Minimalist Home. Myquillyn shares her insights into what it means to be a “cozy minimalist,” one who wants the most amount of style with the least amount of stuff. Kathi and Myquillyn also discuss what it looks like to go from a “stuff manager” to a “home curator.” And Myquillyn share’s the o...

326 - How To Spot a Bad Friendship & What To Do About It

On today’s podcast Kathi sits down with friend and author Mary Demuth, to talk about her new book “The Seven Deadly Friendships.” Based on the seven deadly sins from Proverbs 6, Mary looks at 7 types of unhealthy friendships that can cause emotional clutter in our hearts. In this info-filled interview, you will learn • how relationship issues can be caused by fear • why setting boundaries in friendships is absolutely essential • when to walk away from toxic friendships that cannot b...

325 - The Hardest Thing to Let Go Of

On today’s show, Kathy sits down with Carol Kuykendall and Krista Gilbert to talk about their book, “Give Them Wings.” Carol and Krista share insights about how to clear the emotional clutter out of the letting go process. Kathy, Carol and Krista also share an in-depth conversation about how to navigate parenting in the digital age and how to equip our children for success during the “letting go years.” Enter to Win! Enter to win a copy of Carol and Krista’s book! Two lucky winners ...

324 - When the Sticky and Sacred Collide with Jami Amerine

Kathi sits down with Jami Amerine, author of “Sacred Ground, Sticky Floors,” to talk about one of her blog posts that went viral over night. Jami shares the positive and negative reactions to this “rant” as she calls it, when she realized she didn’t want her kids to go into the world not having compassion for others. Jami says the idea popped into her head shortly after her last foster child was placed in her home. “God showed me it wasn’t all about me…in the midst of all of this…I was in ...

323 - The Ministry of Too Much Stuff Part 2

Do you hold on to things hoping someone in your family will one day need them? It's time to get over the hierarchy of giving mindset. In this episode you will learn: why it is not better to give something to a family member than a stranger how a "permanent loan" might be a great way to temporarily get rid of some belongings how you can minister to others by sharing your baby items Thanks for Listening! To share your thoughts: • Leave a note in the comment section below. • Share t...

323 - The Ministry of Too Much Stuff Part 2

Do you hold on to things hoping someone in your family will one day need them? It's time to get over the hierarchy of giving mindset. In this episode you will learn: why it is not better to give something to a family member than a stranger how a "permanent loan" might be a great way to temporarily get rid of some belongings how you can minister to others by sharing your baby items Thanks for Listening! To share your thoughts: • Leave a note in the comment section below. • Share t...

322 - The Ministry of Too Much Stuff part 1

322 - The Ministry of Too Much Stuff part 1

321B - How to Eat at Home Every Night

321 - When Good Enough Actually is Good Enough

Kathi sits down with friend and coauthor, Cheri Gregory for the fourth and final time this month. Today we’re discussing the fourth of our four bullies that we talk about in “You Don't Have to Try So Hard,” the things that keep us from doing the things that God has created us to do. Cheri shares some personal stories about how she was able to move from being hyper focused on mistakes towards being able to actually enjoy accomplishments. This is a great episode on how to identify perfecti...

321 - When Good Enough Actually is Good Enough

Kathi sits down with friend and coauthor, Cheri Gregory for the fourth and final time this month. Today we’re discussing the fourth of our four bullies that we talk about in “You Don't Have to Try So Hard,” the things that keep us from doing the things that God has created us to do. Cheri shares some personal stories about how she was able to move from being hyper focused on mistakes towards being able to actually enjoy accomplishments. This is a great episode on how to identify perfecti...

320 - How to Be Kind to Your Future Self

Have you ever had a big project that you just kept putting off? Or something in your life that just felt too big to tackle right now so you put it off and put it off for another time? Kathi sits down with friend and coauthor of "You Don't Have to Try So Hard," Cheri Gregory, to talk about emotional clutter and procrastination. In this Episode You Will Know: Why procrastination is actually considered a form of perfectionism. How to know if you're a procrastinator. Why celebrating those...

320 - How to Be Kind to Your Future Self

Have you ever had a big project that you just kept putting off? Or something in your life that just felt too big to tackle right now so you put it off and put it off for another time? Kathi sits down with friend and coauthor of "You Don't Have to Try So Hard," Cheri Gregory, to talk about emotional clutter and procrastination. In this Episode You Will Know: Why procrastination is actually considered a form of perfectionism. How to know if you're a procrastinator. Why celebrating those...

319 - How to Put an End to Performancism

Kathi sits down with friend and coauthor of "Overwhelmed," Cheri Gregory to talk about performancism. It's important to know when to put an end to your day and stop working for the night. Cheri shares some personal stories about how she was able to shift her thinking from one of shame and blame to one of, it's okay to rest. This is a great episode on how to spot performancism, call it out and find a better balance in your life. In this Episode You Will Know: What the word performancis...

318 - How to Stop People Pleasing (from two former addicts...)

People-pleasing is exhausting. Like Kathi says, it reminds her of Christmastime when “We’re baking cookies that nobody asked for.” Kathi’s friend, Cheri Gregory and co-author of “You Don’t Have to Try So Hard,” sit down to discuss why saying “sorry” is something women tend to do too much of. “When you come to realize that you are suppressing your own emotions so that somebody else will not experience negative emotions, that’s not okay,” says Kathi. In Today’s Episode, You Will: Find out...

317 - Perfectly Planned

Ruth Chou Simons has come out with a tool for Kathi and fellow clutter-free people that you can start using now. Ruth’s new GraceLaced planner is a 17-month journey into documenting the daily things happening in each season of your life. It’s a time to slow down and enjoy all that God is doing. In this episode you will: *Hear directly from artist and author Ruth Chou Simons. *Get motivated to start journaling those special moments you can reflect on later. *Find out the reasons why i...

316B - Organizing Genius

316 - Simple Organizing with Melissa Michaels of the Inspired Room

If you long to be organized, but also want a space that is cute and cozy, this is the podcast for you. Listen in for all the tips and tricks that will help you create the space you love to live in. Melissa is the New York Times Best Selling author and super blogger at The Inspired Room. She has dedicated much of her time to making sure that we can live with order and and structure, but still have a house that reflects who you are. In this info-filled interview, you will learn how to • m...

316 - Simple Organizing with Melissa Michaels of the Inspired Room

If you long to be organized, but also want a space that is cute and cozy, this is the podcast for you. Listen in for all the tips and tricks that will help you create the space you love to live in. Melissa is the New York Times Best Selling author and super blogger at The Inspired Room. She has dedicated much of her time to making sure that we can live with order and and structure, but still have a house that reflects who you are. In this info-filled interview, you will learn how to • m...

315 - The Clutter Free Move

Tonya has just lived my nightmare; not only did she move, she moved into a smaller house. You would think that this would have sent her into a corner, rocking back and forth, but not Tonya. As the leader of Clutter Free Academy on Facebook Tonya has learned more than a thing or two about how to do life Clutter Free - including moving all of her earthly possessions. And now, Tonya and I will share everything we've learned about moving in the midst of getting rid of clutter. In this info...

314 - Learning to Make a Difference

Kathi sits down with Hannah Brencher, author of “Come Matter Here: An Invitation to Be Here In a Getting There World, ” to talk about Hannah’s love letter movement. Hannah encourages others to show up and be ready to learn in whatever situation they find themselves in. She shares her reason for starting the love letter movement and what held her accountable to seeing it through. Listen to today’s podcast to find out how you can learn to make a difference one simple step at a time.