Basic B*tch Seeks Enlightenment

Burnout Almost Got Me...Again. But, I'm Back!

09 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I have faced burnout several times in my life and I just can’t seem to stop myself. However, I think I’m brave enough to say that I’m finally do...

The Best Thing My Dad Did For Me Was Die

26 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Having a parent who struggles with an addiction is a challenge in and of itself. Losing that parent is a whole other kind of challenge. Finding a way ...

5 Minute Curiosity & What Nourishment Really Means with Ashley Strong Smith

19 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever considered what this world would look like if we all truly did exactly what we wanted? Even for just five minutes per day. During this i...

Ep. 133: Basic B*tch Seeks Enlightenment Take One

12 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I've spent the last seven years talking about minimalism, and decluttering my life, but the reality is, it has been so much more than that. Before I d...

Ep 132: Creating Experiences in Life's Little Moments with Palak Dave

05 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever really sat down to enjoy a cup of coffee? Do you ever put your camera away just to take in the moment around you rather than capturing t...

Ep. 131: I Started Olympic Weight Lifting at Age 60 with Kim Rahir

15 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Could you imagine going from active, high-achieving woman to bed ridden and physically struggling with an MS diagnosis? That’s the story Kim Rahir s...

Ep. 130: Finding Yourself. Loving Each Other. Saving the Planet with Donal MacCoon

09 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What does it really take to change the world? Most of us have some desire to leave a lasting impact, but often aren’t sure where to start. Today’s...

Ep. 129: What Does It Mean to Live a Simply Extraordinary Life with NoorJehan Tourte

24 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you have ever been conflicted about how you want to live your life, what you want to do, or the job you want to have, you are not alone. Tune into ...

Ep. 128: Packing Light and Getting Outdoors with Glen Van Peski

17 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Our family has found so much joy in reconnecting to the outdoors in the last few years and today's guest made me start itching for adventure and fresh...

Ep. 127: I Quit My High Profile Fashion Career to Do My Own Thing with Nicole Russo

10 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest had me hooked when she told me she sat at a table with Victoria Beckham. My Spice Girl’s loving heart skipped a beat, and I was all ...

Ep. 126: Breaking Free From Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms with Melanie Ann Layer

03 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It’s so easy to become overwhelmed by life’s problems. We can do deep dives into trying to uncover perfect solutions to our biggest problems, only...

Episode 125: What We Can Learn from Hitting Rock Bottom with Melanie Ann Layer

27 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Do you think your biggest fears are designed to show you what you are capable of overcoming? What if the hardships we face can be something that remin...

Ep. 124: Stuff Is Giving Me "The Ick"

20 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you have teenagers like I do you have probably heard the term, "It's giving me The Ick." If you haven't heard this, welcome to the new slang...appa...

Ep. 123: Spoken Words Can Change the World with Emily Montgomery

13 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Shooting a kind text is a thoughtful idea, but did you know speaking the words out loud leaves an even bigger impact? Today I sat down with founder of...

Ep. 122: I'm Quitting Everything. Here's How You Can Too.

06 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The idea of walking away from minimalism and the online presence that I have built has been something that has been on my mind for a long time. Today ...

Ep. 121: I Quit My 6-Figure Job to Find My Purpose with Jean-Francois Lappas

29 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you have ever dreamed of turning in your 2 week notice, and living life on your terms, then you're going to want to tune into today's episode where...

Ep. 120: Heads Up: Decluttering Can Wreck You Emotionally

22 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week I found myself struggling with a bath mat. For real. Even though I wasn't decluttering this particular item, I couldn't help but feel an emo...

Ep. 119: Escaping Ordinary Living, Grieving, and Creating the Space for All of It

15 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Life can feel so tough. Whether we are going through a new transition, we've had back to back setbacks, or it just feels like we're not quite living l...

Ep. 118: My Son is Losing His Sight, and I'm Trying to Save It with Stephen Johnston

08 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What happens to a family when they are told their child may never see again? This is a fear that most parents never consider, but today I sit down wit...

Ep. 117: Minimalism Helped Me Redesign My Life

01 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Minimalism was so much more than decluttering. It actually allowed me the space to completely redesign my life from the outside in. In today's episode...

Ep. 116: Life Declutter: How to keep what works and let go of the rest.

25 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What if instead of just working to declutter our house we could focus on decluttering our life. If we practice more gratitude, will we be able to see ...

Ep. 115: Starting Over at Age 50 and Going Two Feet In with Jeanne Collins

18 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever felt like you were too old to do something? Feel like you let your dream pass you by? Think again! This podcast episode takes self growt...

Ep 114: Is Clutter Blocking Our Intuition?

11 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When our house feel cluttered, our to do list is long, and we are emotionally exhausted...it's tired to hear our own intuition. How does all of this i...

Ep. 113: Creating a Maximalist Impact in a Minimalist Home

04 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Having a minimalist home, or decluttered space doesn't mean your home can't have a maximalist feel. When you are intentional with how you design your ...

MINI: Wanting More Isn't Bad, Even If You're a Minimalist

03 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Practicing a minimalist lifestyle does not mean you have to swear off all of your possessions, never shop again and no longer feel joy from stuff. Our...

Ep. 112: Minimalist Mindset Shift That Cut My To Do List In Half

26 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I used to spend my days overwhelmed, burnt out, and with an endless to do list. This one small mindset shift allowed me to re-think the way I was spen...

MINI: Letting Go of Perfect Parenting

25 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you are killing yourself trying to be a perfect mom and are constantly worried about what you're doing wrong, or if you're making the right decisio...

Ep. 111: 3 Books That Taught Me Investing As a Stay at Home Mom

19 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I created a multi-million dollar investment plan as a homeschooling/stay at home mom. While I'm no investing expert -- and, in fact, barely made it th...

Ep. 110: Screen Time Minimalism, Mindfulness, and Being Open with Nate Klemp

12 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

At some point most of us have attempted reducing the amount of screen time we take in in a day, but what would happen if we tried the exact opposite? ...

Ep. 109: Slow Living and Avoiding Burnout with Energetic Input vs. Output

05 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When we are feeling overwhelmed, it can be tough to know why or how to get back to a more slow living, neutral state. Lately I have been applying the ...

Ep. 108: Self Discovery, Horoscopes, and Personality Tests with Alice Inoue

29 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you are a sucker for all things personality tests, horoscopes, and creating a high vibe living environment, you'll love this deep-dive into persona...

Ep. 107: 3 Types of Burnout and How to Beat It with Emily Ballesteros

22 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

So many are living in a state of burnout and don't even know it! Today I sat down with burnout coach and author, Emily Ballesteros, to find out what c...

Ep. 106: Gratitude, Slow Workouts and Prioritizing Rest with Amber Romaniuk

15 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Before you head into the New Year with fitness and weight loss goals, listen in to today's episode with Amber Romaniuk who is an Emotional Eating, Dig...

Ep. 105: I Married Into 6 Figures of Debt! Here's how we paid it off with Allison Williams

08 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you are someone like me who has struggled with money or budgeting, today's episode is for you. Allie Williams is a money coach who will share with ...

Ep. 104: Apply a Slow Living Mindset to Your Life in the New Year

01 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Instead of going hard on New Years Resolutions, here's how you can begin to incorporate slow living into your daily lifestyle in 2024. Adapting a more...

Ep. 103: 7 Ways I Started Slow Living as a Busy Mom in the Suburbs

25 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Learning how to practice slow living when you live in a fast paced world can be hard. Yes, some people can practice slow living off grid, totally away...

Ep. 102: What I Buy My Kids for Christmas as a Minimalist Mom

18 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In 17 years of marriage, we have celebrated Christmas with kids from newborn to adulthood. This year I wanted to share the evolution of Christmas gift...

Ep. 101: I Spent my $60K Salary on Shopping Sprees with Paige Pritchard

11 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you had no bills to pay and a $60K salary, what would you do with it? Today's guest spent all of it on...well, she's not sure what! Today's episode...

Ep. 100: What My Husband Thought About Downsizing Our House by 2,000 Square Feet

04 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What did you husband think about downsizing your house by 2,000 square feet? Does your husband practice minimalism and decluttering? I get asked so of...

Ep. 99: Embracing Intuition and Honoring Our Cycles with Melissa Jones

27 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you have ever struggled with PMS symptoms, getting through your period or understanding your crazy hormones, this is an episode for you! Believe it...

Ep. 98: How to Practice Gratitude Without Toxic Positivity

20 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As we go into Thanksgiving break, I think it's important that we work to practice gratitude...but...there are some things we can get wrong when it com...

Ep. 97: 6 Signs You're Doing Minimalism As a Trend

13 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We might start a minimalist lifestyle with good intentions about decluttering and simplifying our lives, but if we're not careful the trend of minimal...

Ep. 96: How I Turned My Minimalist Blog Into a Globally Recognized Brand

06 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Even if you're not a minimalist mommy blogger like I once was, I wanted to share with you how I turned my blog into a globally recognized personal bra...

Ep. 95: 3 Scary Things That Made Me Minimalist

30 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In honor of Halloween, I wanted to share 3 scary things that made me a minimalist -- but they're probably not what you're thinking. OK, they are defin...

Ep. 94: Christmas Declutter Checklist 5 Ways to Simplify the Season

23 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Christmas is coming and if the stores are already trying to sell us on decor and holiday themed gifts, then I get to have my say on what we should dec...

Ep. 93: How to Do Less and Find Your Minimum Enough-ness with Stephanie Rosenfield

16 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hey there, burnt out mama! If you have ever felt sick of housework, trying to be the perfect mom, and are struggling to keep it all together, today's ...

Ep. 92: It's Not Decluttering. It's Letting S**t Go.

09 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Most of us know the basic ways to declutter. We know how to get clutter out of our house...we jus get rid of it. But, if the method itself is so simpl...

Ep. 91: When People Pleasing is a Good thing with Amy Green Smith

02 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever had one of those AHA moments where you realized you can't live up to someone else's expectations? Today Amy Green Smith and I have a ver...

Ep. 90: How to Stop Caring What People Think (Even if it's Nice)

25 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

"I don't care what other people think about me!" This is usually something we hear from people and we assume it means they don't care when someone doe...

Ep. 89: 3 Steps for Finding Your Style, Owning Your Truth and Doing the Work

18 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We have all struggled to find the right outfit to wear, but could the clothing we wear effect how successful we are, the jobs we get, and even how muc...

Ep. 88: What the Heck Do I Do When I'm Done Decluttering?

11 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered what happens when you are done decluttering? You have created a totally clutter-free home that feels aligned with who you want ...

Ep. 87: Homesteading, Online Business and How to Do Both at the Same Time - Jill Winger

04 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you have ever dreamnt of living off the grid, eating only from your garden, and basically disappearing from the hussle and bustle of today's societ...

Ep. 86: How to Give Up. Following Fun Instead of Force

28 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Can we sit down today for another real chat heart to heart? If I'm being real sometimes this non-stop digital world can feel incredibly overwhelming a...

Ep. 85: How Decluttering and Dusting Can Help Keep Us Healthy with Michael Rubino

24 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We know decluttering and cleaning our homes can improve our mental health and all around make us feel better, but did you ever think about how it migh...

Ep. 84: How to Make Sure Your Purchases Pay You Back

14 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This epsiode is a behind the scenes listen in on my new audio course, Stuff Detox. What is a shopping addiction and why is it so hard to kick? In toda...

Ep. 83: I Sold Our House and Started the Business of My Dreams with Julie Ciardi

07 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever dreamed of quitting your job in pursuit of purpose and passion in your work? Same! Listen in on this episode where I sit down with ex co...

Ep. 82: How to Undress for Success and Stand In Your Power Without the Stuff

31 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We have all heard people say, "Dress for the role you want," but can doing this accidentally make us play the role of another person rather than stepp...

Ep. 81: Overcoming Sentimental Clutter, and the Lack Mindset with Shelly Lefkoe

24 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you can't figure out why you struggle with decluttering, especially letting go of sentimental clutter, this is an episode you don't want to miss! N...

Ep. 80: Reclaiming Self Trust and Building Real Confidence with Breanne Burke

20 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered how to be bold enough to follow your gut even when everyone else is telling you not to? Today mindset coach, Breanne Burke and ...

Ep. 79: 5 Steps On My Minimalist Journey That Had Nothing to Do with Stuff PART 2

10 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

PART 2: I have always shard with you that my minimalist journey had very little to do with stuff, or decluttering. Today I want to break down the wall...

Ep. 78: 5 Steps On My Minimalist Journey That Had Nothing to Do with Stuff PART 1

03 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

PART 1: I have always shard with you that my minimalist journey had very little to do with stuff, or decluttering. Today I want to break down the wall...

Ep. 77: New Parenthood Prep & Planning for the Tough Stuff After Childbirth

26 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How much stuff do you really need to prepare for a new baby? How much baby gear is too much? In today's episode, I am diving into the prep work of par...

Ep 76: 10 Second Rule for Intuition. How to Do Less and Align More.

19 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Get full access to Basic B*tch Seeks Enlightenment at reneebenes.substack.com/subscribe

Ep 75: Creating a Routine for Chaotic Creatives and Free Spirits

12 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A recent trip to my 94 year old grandma's house made me realize just how beneficial having a routine really is especially when you're a little bit mor...

Ep 74: 5 Ways I Prep for Summer with Kids as a Minimalist Mom

06 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As summer inches closer and our kids are home from school, I wanted to share a few simple ideas as a minimalist mom for how we are prepping to mainta...

Ep 73: How We Decluttered 95% of Our Things and Broke the Hoarding Cycle

29 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I got the chance to interview fellow minimalist and long time blogging buddy, Marissa from A to Zen Life. Before she built her 220K+ YouTube following...

Ep 72: How I Became An Accidental Minimalist During My Toxin Free Health Journey

22 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In my first ever in person podcast interview, I sat down with accidental minimalist and fellow Minnesotan, Laura from ToxyFree. She was kind enough to...

Ep 71: Holy Sh*t Has Minimalism Been Tied to My Abandonment Fears This Whole Time?

15 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Let's have a heart to heart real talk conversation, please. I would love to share with you this epiphany I had today that my minimalist journey was tr...

Ep 70: How to 10x Your Declutter Sesh by Doing Less

08 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We have all been given how to declutter guides and hacks and while these might help us get our house more organized, there is a new method for clearin...

Ep 69: How I Talked Myself Out of Impulse Buying Overalls

01 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered what it's like to battle that inner shopping addiction voice? This week I wanted to share with you what went down when my shopa...

Ep 68: Should I Declutter My "Fat Pants?"

24 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

One of the biggest questions I get asked when it comes to declutter is should I declutter clothes that I no longer fit into...specifically fat pants. ...

Ep 67: Influencers Aren't the Problem. You Are.

17 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

There is no shortage of Google searches for things like "influencers are the worst" or "influencers are ruining everything." Whether you are a fan of ...

Ep 66: How to Be a High Maintenance Shopper

10 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As a recovering shopaholic, I can tell you one of the best ways I've learned to save money shopping and design my minimalist wardrobe has been learnin...

Ep 65: I Bought Stuff I Don't Need. Now What?

03 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you are a recovering shopaholic like I am then you probably know that guilty buyer's remorse feeling of purchasing something you don't need. The gu...

Ep 64: 5 Life Lessons I Learned After 5 Years of Minimalism

27 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Technically, I have been practicing minimalism for closer to a decade, however, this old blog post on 5 life lessons I learned after 5 years of minima...

Ep 63: 5 Things I Learned From Hosting My Grandparent's Estate Sale

20 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I know it can be so hard to let go of our items whether they are valuable to us or if they were once valuable to a passed away loved one. Thankfully, ...

Ep 62: 12 Signs Downsizing is Right for You & How It Might Not Be What You Think

13 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you have ever considered downsizing your house or life and have wondered what downsizing with a family might look like, I've put together 12 signs ...

Ep 61: Ditching Clearance Sales and Finding Your Perfect Style with Jen from Everyday Style

06 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you have ever walked into your closet feeling like you have a ton of clothes but nothing to wear, Jen at Everyday Style has a solution for you! In ...

Ep 60: Use Decluttering as a Tool to Help the Grieving Process

27 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

One thing most of us don't think about when it comes to decluttering is that it can be an incredibly therapeutic way to heal our hearts and navigate t...

Ep 59: Starting an Etsy Side Hustle with Nothing with Julie from God City Ventures

20 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you have ever considered opening an Etsy shop as a side hustle with no inventory and little start up costs, you will love today's interview. Julie ...

Ep 58: From Single Mom to Money Coach and Remembering This is Only Temporary with The Money Fox

06 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On today's episode I got the chance to interview Francesca, AKA The Money Fox all about her journey from single mom to money coach. She shares with us...

Ep 57: Consistency versus Intensity: How Creating Lasting Change is Easier Than You Think with Jenn Trepeck

30 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I sat down with Optimal Health Coach, Jenn Trepeck to talk about her Bullseye of Change and how setting goals doesn't have to be as draining as we thi...

Ep 56: Minimalist Essentials Are A Scam. Here's what you really need.

23 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Seeing things like "Minimalist Kitchen Essentials" or "Best Minimalist Gifts to Buy" online is pretty common, but the truth is, there is no list of mi...

Ep 55: We Were Always Broke 2 Weeks Before Payday. Here's How We Stopped.

16 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Our family lived in a paycheck to paycheck cycle where we would run out of money 2 weeks before payday. If you are struggling financially, or have no ...

Ep 54: Why It Might Be Time to Stop Setting Goals and What to Do Instead

09 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Before you jump head first into the New Year, take the time to consider whether or not you've been setting goals all wrong. To avoid crashing from the...

Ep 53: Emotional Decluttering and Looking Out for Plot Twists in the New Year

02 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Here is a behind-the-scenes sneak peek at one of my Soulful Minimalism Newsletters where we chat about how to start emotional decluttering rather than...

Ep 52: Spiritual Minimalism. How I Accidentally Decluttered My Way Toward Purpose

26 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I didn't begin my minimalist journey like most people do. It wasn't until I started reading spiritual self helps books that I began to realize the lif...

Ep 51: Finding Joy in the Ordinary, and Learning Stress-Free Self Care with Sophie Cliff

19 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today I'm interviewing author and Joy Coach, Sophie Cliff. In today's chat we talk about how to start practicing rue joy rather than chasing small bur...

Ep 50: How Steve Martin Tricked Me Into Buying a Big House and How Minimalism Saved Me

14 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Would I have become house poor if it weren't for Steve Martin? You tell me. Today I want to share with you a sneak peek from one of my Soulful Minimal...

Ep 49: I Stopped Buying Clothes for 3 Years! Here's How it Changed My Life and Finances

12 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

During my minimalist journey, I made the decision to stop buying clothes. I didn't set a deadline, I just knew that in order to kick my shopping addic...

Ep. 48: Dear Minimalists, Some People Need the Stuff. There, I said it.

21 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When I first started minimalism, I was proudly one of the crew who felt annoyed and wronged by anyone who wanted me to give gifts or...even if they wa...

Ep. 47: Clutter Magnets, Shopping Shame, and Finding True Connection with Tracy McCubbin

16 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On today's episode, I welcome back expert declutterer and author, Tracy McCubbin to talk about her 7 Clutter Magnets and what we are really seeking wh...

Ep. 46: 5 Ways to Encourage Kids to Give at Christmas Time

14 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It can be tough finding balance around having kids add stuff to their Christmas wish list while also trying to encourage them to focus on what really ...

Ep. 45: Peace in Parenting, Intuitive Outfits, and Hearing Your Inner Voice with Kaileen Elise Sues

09 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Kaileen Elise Sues is an intuition coach who helps her clients cut through the noise in everyday life and get back in touch with their truest selves. ...

Ep 44: 6 Things You Have to Declutter To Be a Better You This Year

07 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

You have heard the same old declutter advice by now, right? Well, not exactly. To prep you for the New Year I have put together 6 new ideas for things...

Ep 43: 8 Steps to Declutter and Clear Your House of Negative Energy

02 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Clearing your house of negative energy might sound totally woo woo, but I promise you, it can make the world of difference! Here are 8 things you can ...

Ep 42: Why Is It So Freaking Hard to Declutter?

31 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Why do we hang onto things for longer than we should? Why is letting go of sentimental stuff so hard? Answers to all of these clutter questions and mo...

Ep 41: 4 Bin System for Effectively Cleaning and Decluttering Quicly

26 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Do you struggle to stay focused when you are cleaning, decluttering or organizing an area of your home? Whether it's your bathroom, bedroom or living ...

Ep 40: What We Are Really Looking for When We Are Shopping with Tracy McCubbin

05 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Does our childhood impact how much stuff we own? Are we actually getting organized or just causing bigger problems for ourselves? Plus, what is it tha...

Ep 39: 10 Income Streams I Created as a Stay At Home Mom

03 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How can you make money from home as a stay at home mom? Here are 10 side hustle ideas I used to learn to make additional money while staying home with...