Today’s episode, “De-Influenced: The Power of Minimalism in a World of Exhausting Consumerism,” with host, Lindsey Maestas, and author and mom-of-four Julia Ubbenga, invites listeners to consider the freedom found in having less stuff. They talk about the temptation of Influencer hauls, consumer culture, how clothes in your closet can suck joy and peace from you, and so much more.

Julia shares how her family gave away 75% of their belongings in pursuit of a simpler, more intentional life. We discuss her book, Rich in What Matters, which walks through the process of simplifying not just your physical space, but also your soul, mind, and relationships.

Julia speaks to the cultural overwhelm of “more, more, more,” and how minimalism has reoriented her faith, motherhood, and marriage.

We also give practical tips for simplifying daily life as busy moms, the mental load of parenting, and how saying no to excess has helped her say yes to what truly matters.

The abundant life Jesus promises often begins with subtraction.

Whether you're drowning in toys, trapped in comparison on Instagram, or just craving more peace in your home and marriage, this episode will remind you that less really can be more.

"Most people are going to go to the grave with the music inside of them, unplayed."- Oliver Wendell Holmes.

In today’s episode, I sit down with author and speaker Mary Marantz for a conversation that will light a fire under you in the best way. Mary shares how she approaches life with urgency, not fear, because she knows the clock is ticking and the dreams in her heart deserve action. Do we truly realize that the more we do hard things, the more we can do hard things?

We talk about what it means to stop waiting for the perfect moment, and how your brain can be trained to do hard things on purpose.

She discusses Predictive Brain Theory, perfectionism, the desire to fast-forward through the hard parts of chasing your dreams, self-sabotage, and why most people give up before consistency ever kicks in.

If you’ve felt stuck in fear, paralyzed by procrastination, or are just tired of sitting on the sidelines of your own life, this episode will challenge you to stop waiting and go do the thing.

Get Mary's Book | Underestimated: The Surprisingly Simple Shift to Quit Playing Small, Name the Fear, and Move Forward Anyway

Take Your Fear Assessment Quiz: namethefear.com

Follow along with Lindsey on IG @livingeasywithlindsey.

Follow along with Mary on IG @marymarantz

In this episode, I sit down with DishItGirl Dina Deleasa-Gonsar—wife, mom, cookbook author, and yes, Kevin Jonas’ sister-in-law—for a vulnerable conversation that goes far beyond food. Dina discusses how her time on the reality series Married to Jonas became the boost she needed to start growing on social media, her Italian roots, and how Sunday dinners in her dorm room became the heartbeat of her kitchen. We talk about her new cookbook, At the Kitchen Sink, and the lost art of gathering as a family—which is more powerful than we realize.

Dina also shares her raw journey through postpartum anxiety and depression—navigating identity loss, therapy, and medication while watching others in her world thrive.

She opens up about receiving a cancer diagnosis while writing her book, and how her faith sustained her even when the future felt uncertain. From the chaos of early motherhood to the peace found around a dinner table, this episode is a reminder that God always shows up—even when we’re still in the storm.

Follow along with me on Instagram for more faith, marriage, and life encouragement: @livingeasywithlindsey

Get Dina's book: At The Kitchen Sink HERE!

Follow along with Dina on Instagram at @dishitgirldina