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How to Stop Feeling like a Failure at Home | Clutterbug Podcast # 277

If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly messing up as a mom — snapping at your kids, forgetting things, drowning in laundry, or just wishing someone would give you a gold star for trying — you are so not alone. Maybe you feel like you’re failing at homemaking, or maybe you're just exhausted from trying to do it all “the right way.”
In this episode, I sit down with Susan Heid — mom of four, parenting mentor, and the warm hug behind one of the most comforting Instagram accounts I’ve ever seen. We talk about what it really means to be a confident mom, why so many of us feel overwhelmed and underqualified, and how to stop trying to follow invisible rules that were never made for us in the first place.
Susan shares real, honest advice about parenting, managing a home, and ditching the pressure to be perfect. We talk about why expectations can sabotage your relationships, how to let go of the victim mindset, and the surprising power of crappy wins — because “done” truly is better than perfect.
Whether you're parenting little ones, teenagers, or just trying to stay on top of dishes and your mental health… this conversation is packed with validation, laughter, and practical tips to help you feel more capable and confident — starting today.
 
Get started at factormeals.com/clutterbug50off and use code clutterbug50off to get 50% off plus FREE shipping on your first box
 
✨ In this episode, we chat about:
Why confidence is built through action (not perfection)
How unmet expectations quietly ruin our peace at home
Simple daily habits that make homemaking easier
Why so many adults never learned how to clean — and how to fix that
The trap of all-or-nothing thinking (and how to break it)
Celebrating “crappy wins” and letting go of guilt
🧡 Learn more from Susan:→ Website: https://theconfidentmom.com→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/confidentmom
👇 What’s one little win you can celebrate today? Let me know in the comments — and if this episode helped you feel a little less alone, don’t forget to share it with a friend who needs to hear it. 💛
 
 
 
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#clutterbug #podcast #confidentmom #mindsetshift #progressoverperfection

Why You’re Too Busy to Have Fun (And How to Finally Fix It) | Clutterbug Podcast # 276

Feeling too busy to enjoy life? In this episode, Cas shares a powerful reminder that time is precious — and summer doesn’t wait. If you’ve been stuck in survival mode, buried under to-do lists, and craving a little inspiration to get more done and live more, this is the episode for you.
Learn how to stop putting off joy, why planning fun is just as important as planning work, and how to make this summer truly unforgettable — even if you’re overwhelmed or short on time. Cas shares motivational research, uplifting quotes, and practical steps to help you feel more focused, present, and motivated.
Whether you’re folding laundry or driving to work, press play to feel inspired, take action, and remember that your best memories won’t create themselves, but you can create space for them.
You’ll walk away with:
Motivation to do more and live more
Ideas to make the most of your summer (even while busy)
A fresh mindset on how to get more done without sacrificing joy
Download my FREE summer bucket here: https://clutterbug.me/products/summer-fun-bucket-list
 
What’s one fun thing you’ve been putting off that you really want to make time for this summer? 💬 Drop it in the comments and let’s inspire each other to stop waiting and start living!✨
 
 
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#clutterbug #podcast #mondaymotivation #MakeTimeForJoy #MindfulLiving

Your House Shouldn’t Be a Part-Time Job: Here’s How to Make It Work for You | Clutterbug Podcast # 275

Are you tired of feeling like your home is just one more job on your already overflowing to-do list? You’re not alone. In this powerful episode, I’m sharing 5 simple but life-changing steps to make your home burnout-proof—a place that recharges you instead of draining you.
Whether it’s the never-ending laundry, the mountain of dishes, or the constant clutter that’s silently screaming at you, this episode is your permission slip to finally say: enough is enough. These practical, down-to-earth strategies will help you create a space that feels calm, cozy, and completely manageable—even on your busiest days.
You don’t need perfection. You just need a better plan. Tune in and discover how to make your home fast and easy to care for, while still making it feel like your favorite place in the world.
✨ Let’s make your home work for you—not the other way around.
Thank you to Caraway for sponsoring today's podcast! Visit Carawayhome.com/clutterbug or use code clutterbug to take an additional 10% off your next purchase.
 
Watch Lise Clutter to Clean Makeover here: https://youtu.be/bduTHFsJXmM?si=2evzJX_wWUXvtmnP
 
 
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#clutterbug #podcast #mondaymotivation
 

Life sucks sometimes, let's make it better! | Clutterbug Podcast # 274

If you’ve ever found yourself saying, “I’ll be happy when…” — when the house is clean, when the kids are older, when you finally get that promotion or dream kitchen — you’re not alone. Maybe you’re always chasing the next goal, the next purchase, the next big thing… but somehow, happiness still feels out of reach.
In this episode, I’m getting real about something I’ve been struggling with for years: destination addiction. It’s that constant feeling of needing more to finally feel content. And spoiler alert — it’s not just a mindset issue… it’s biology. It’s what psychologists call the hedonic treadmill, and friends, I’ve been sprinting on it for most of my adult life.
So today, I’m hitting pause. I’m sharing the science behind why we adapt so quickly to the good stuff, why our happiness resets to “meh,” and what we can actually do about it. If you’ve been feeling chronically dissatisfied, overwhelmed, or like you’re missing the joy in your already-amazing life — this one’s for you.
Whether you’re in full hustle mode or feeling a little lost between “next big things,” this episode is your permission slip to slow down, breathe, and start appreciating the incredible life you’re living right now.
✨ In this episode, I talk about:
What the “hedonic treadmill” really means — and how it keeps us stuck
How society, social media, and even ADHD feed into our addiction to “more”
The emotional crash that comes after a big milestone
Why midlife crises aren’t what we think they are
How to raise your “baseline” and feel truly content again
Simple but powerful ways to practice gratitude and presence every day
💛 This isn’t about giving up on dreams. It’s about learning to love the life you’ve already built.
👇 Mentioned in this episode:Here are the articles and resources I talked about —→ What Is the Hedonic Treadmill? (PositivePsychology.com) - https://positivepsychology.com/hedonic-treadmill/→ Hedonic Treadmill – Psychology Today - https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/basics/hedonic-treadmill→ Understanding Dissatisfaction – Dr. Debra Campbell - https://www.drdebracampbell.com/understanding-dissatisfaction/→ 4 Steps to Letting Go of Chronic Dissatisfaction – Lynda Hoffman - https://lyndahoffman.com/4-steps-to-letting-go-of-chronic-dissatisfaction/
→ Lottery Winners and Accident Victims: Is Happiness Relative? (ResearchGate) - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/22451114_Lottery_Winners_and_Accident_Victims_Is_Happiness_Relative
 
👇 Tell me — what’s something you’re grateful for right now? I’d love to hear.
 
 
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Do you have ADHD or are you just OVERWHELMED? Expert Dr. Ari Tuckman Explains the Difference | Clutterbug Podcast # 273

If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly messing up — forgetting things, zoning out, missing steps, or just trying to keep your head above water — you’re not alone. Maybe you’ve wondered if you have ADHD… or maybe you’re just chronically overwhelmed and tired of feeling like you’re failing at “being an adult.”
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Ari Tuckman — psychologist, speaker, and leading expert on adult ADHD — to talk about what it really means to be productive when your brain works differently.
We dive deep into how ADHD affects not just your focus, but your self-esteem, your past experiences, and your ability to trust yourself. Ari shares science-backed, shame-free strategies from his new book The ADHD Productivity Manual — and gives us permission to stop striving for perfection and start creating a life that works for us.
Whether you’ve been diagnosed, suspect you might have ADHD, or just want to finally feel a little less behind all the time… this episode is packed with validation, laughter, and practical advice that will leave you feeling seen and supported.
✨ We chat about:
How ADHD shows up in adults (and why so many go undiagnosed)
Why your messy past doesn’t mean you’re broken — or doomed
The powerful link between clutter, distraction, and overwhelm
Medication myths (and why it’s just one helpful tool, not a cure-all)
Small shifts that make a big difference in productivity and self-worth
The importance of compassion — for yourself and others
🧠 Learn more from Dr. Tuckman:→ Website: https://adultadhdbook.com→ New book: The ADHD Productivity Manual — available everywhere books are sold
👇 What’s one ADHD-friendly strategy that works for you? Let us know in the comments!
 
 
 
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#Clutterbug #DrAriTuckman #ADHD #AdultADHD #productivity

You Don’t Need More Time - You Need Less Noise: Simplify with Courtney Carver | Clutterbug Podcast # 272

If you're exhausted from trying to do it all — keeping the house clean, showing up for everyone, working, and staying “on” — you're not alone. Maybe you're craving peace, space, or just one quiet moment to breathe… but you don’t know where to start.
In this episode, I sit down with the incredibly inspiring Courtney Carver — bestselling author of Soulful Simplicity and Gentle — who completely transformed her life after a diagnosis of MS forced her to slow down, simplify, and let go of what wasn’t serving her.
We dive into what it really means to declutter—not just your home, but your calendar, your mind, your expectations, and your heart. Courtney shares how she found more health, creativity, love, and presence by doing LESS… and how you can too.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re drowning in commitments, noise, or stuff—and you just want to feel like yourself again—this episode is for you.
✨ We chat about:
How to simplify when you're completely overwhelmed
Why your self-worth is not measured by how much you do
Creating boundaries with your time, energy, and emotions
The power of starting small — and starting gently
The life-changing magic of Project 333
Simple, soulful shifts that will help you breathe again
🌿 Connect with Courtney:→ Website: https://bemorewithless.com→ Instagram: @bemorewithless→ Grab her new book Gentle: Rest More, Stress Less, and Live the Life You Actually Want — available everywhere books are sold!
👇 What’s one thing you’re ready to let go of—physically or emotionally? Drop it in the comments. Let’s release it together.
 
#clutterbug #declutteryourlife #gentlesimplicity #courtneycarver #soulfuldimplicity #podcast

Tidy Home, Clear Mind: The Power of Decluttering for Mental Wellness | Clutterbug Podcast # 271

Have you ever torn your house apart looking for something that was exactly where it should have been? Or spent hours tidying, only to find the mess returned overnight? You’re not alone—and you’re not a failure.
In this episode, I dive deep into the powerful science behind clutter and how it impacts your brain, your stress levels, and even your physical health. Discover how decluttering isn’t just about a Pinterest-perfect home—it’s about rewiring your brain for clarity, calm, and joy.
You’ll learn:
Why clutter overwhelms your brain and saps your energy
How a tidy space can boost your focus, creativity, and sleep
Simple, science-backed tricks to master motivation and beat decision fatigue
How minimalism might be the mental freedom you’ve been craving
So grab a trash bag, hit play, and let’s declutter together—because your sanity is worth it.
 
Show Notes & Links:
Join the Take Your House Back Course (on sale now!)https://www.takeyourhouseback.com/courses/take-your-house-back?ref=5bbd37
All Day Declutter Event – May 3rdBe part of a community declutter day with real-time coaching and support from Cas, Dana, and Dawn.
 
Studies & Research Mentioned:
Visual Clutter Affects Brain FunctionMcMains & Kastner – Princeton Neuroscience Institutehttps://www.princeton.edu/news/2011/01/13/too-much-information-study-shows-overload-affects-brain-function
Desk Clutter & ProductivitySame Princeton lab study – desk simulation showed 20% faster performance in tidy spaces(See link above)
Clutter and Chronic ProcrastinationJoseph Ferrari’s work on clutter and avoidance behaviorhttps://www.researchgate.net/profile/Joseph-Ferrari
Cortisol Levels in Cluttered HomesUCLA “No Place Like Home” study (Saxbe & Repetti, 2010)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20384438/
15-Minute Tidy-Up and Anxiety ReductionStudy by Our Mental Health (Nov 2024)https://www.ourmentalhealth.org
Clean Desks Boost Accuracy & CreativityColton Moulton (2015) – anecdotal reference, source not available
Implementation Intentions Increase Follow-ThroughGollwitzer & Sheeran (2006)https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0065260106380050
 
Tools and Methods Mentioned:
20/20 Rule – The Minimalistshttps://www.theminimalists.com/clutter/
Pomodoro (20/10 Timer Method)https://francescocirillo.com/pages/pomodoro-technique
Temptation Bundling – Katy Milkmanhttps://behavioralscientist.org/how-to-make-temptation-work-for-you/
 
Tag me on social media (@clutterbug_me) and share your wins!Your progress might just inspire someone else to start closing the clutter tabs in their brain too.
 
#clutterbug #podcast #mondaymotivation #thepowerofdecluttering

Break Free from the Cycle of Mess and Stress with Julia Ubbenga | Clutterbug Podcast # 270

Do you ever feel like you're drowning in stuff... but you still don’t know how to let it go?
In this episode, I sit down with the lovely Julia Ubbenga from Rich In What Matters — a minimalist mama of five who transformed her entire life by decluttering not just her home, but her heart, soul, and mind.
We dive deep into why we hold onto clutter, how consumerism traps us emotionally, and what it really means to live an intentional, clutter-free life. Julia’s story is powerful — from $40K in debt and postpartum depression to building a simpler, calmer, more joyful life (with five kids, no less!).
If you’ve ever held onto something out of guilt, or felt like your stuff is managing you, this episode will hit home.
✨ We chat about:
The emotional side of decluttering
Breaking the “stuff = love” mindset
Why you’re not failing — you’re just overwhelmed
Simple mindset shifts to stop the buying cycle
Decluttering as self-worth and self-care
How to get started when it all feels like too much
🌿 Connect with Julia:
→ Blog: https://richinwhatmatters.com→ Instagram: @richinwhatmatters→ Grab her book "Declutter Your Soul, Heart & Home" wherever books are sold!
👇 What’s ONE item you’re finally ready to release? Let’s start there. Leave it in the comments — I’m cheering you on
 
 
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#clutterbug #podcast #mondaymotivation #intentionalliving RichInWhatMatters
 

Stressed Out By Your Messy Home? Here's the Hack to Regain Control in Minutes | Clutterbug Podcast # 269

What if the secret to feeling better isn’t therapy or self-help books—but simply moving a chair or clearing a counter? In this episode, Cas explores the surprising science behind how your physical environment directly affects your mood, motivation, and mental health. Learn how small, free changes to your space can trigger dopamine, reduce stress, and spark an upward spiral of positivity. From the power of beauty to the psychology of control, this episode is your permission slip to make things a little prettier—and feel a whole lot better.
✨ Because pretty isn’t shallow—it’s powerful.
 
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#clutterbug #podcast #mondaymotivation
 

The Power of Sucking at Stuff: Why Struggle Leads to Mastery | Clutterbug Podcast #268

Suck at something? Perfect. That means you're on the right track. In this episode, we declutter the whole “if you’re not good at it, quit” mindset. Struggle isn’t a weakness—it’s the way forward. If you’ve ever felt like giving up, this podcast is for you. Let’s turn failure into FUEL.
 
 
 
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#clutterbug #podcast #mondaymotivation