Slow Living:  Find Peace, Balance, and Calm in Hustle Society
Slow Living:  Find Peace, Balance, and Calm in Hustle Society

Slow Living: Find Peace, Balance, and Calm in Hustle Society

Stephanie O'Dea

Overview
Episodes

Details

New York Times bestselling author and slow living expert Stephanie O’Dea is your friendly guide to creating a calm, peaceful, and purpose-filled life—without the burnout. This isn’t a pushy productivity or goal-setting show. Instead, Stephanie shares gentle, practical ways to simplify your routines, find work-life balance, and bring more peace and tranquility into your days. Through honest conversations and easy-to-follow tips, you’ll learn to slow down, realign your priorities, and create the space to truly enjoy your life. Each episode covers topics like: Creating simple, sustainable routines Parenting with presence and patience Mindful time management (without the hustle) Organization and decluttering for a calm home Finding peace in relationships and daily life In a world that moves too fast and constantly demands more, this podcast is your weekly reminder that you are already enough. You don’t need to chase perfection—you just need to slow down and live intentionally. Stephanie O’Dea is the New York Times bestselling author of Slow Living: Cultivating a Life of Purpose in a Hustle-Driven World and the creator of A Year of Slow Cooking, featured on Good Morning America, The Rachael Ray Show, and in major national publications. With a background in child development, psychology, and early childhood education, Stephanie has helped millions of busy families simplify, reconnect, and rediscover what truly matters. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband of 25+ years, their three kids, and their beloved dog, Sheldon—where they practice what she preaches: slowing down, unplugging, and savoring a peaceful life.

Recent Episodes

Beginning of the Rest of Your Life
JAN 12, 2026
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16 MIN
Wrapping it All Up. Melessa Session 6 (Part 2)
JAN 5, 2026
Wrapping it All Up. Melessa Session 6 (Part 2)
BUY THE SLOW LIVING BOOK HERE! In this reflective episode, Melessa and Stephanie talk about the end of one era and the beginning of another, exploring what it feels like when life starts to feel easier. Melessa shares her experience moving through big changes, questioning whether ease means something is wrong, and ultimately learning to trust the process. They also discuss the deep impact of close friendships, how those relationships have supported Melessa through transition, and how her life now feels more peaceful and aligned than ever before.In the second half, Melessa opens up about her book-in-progress, her creative flow state, and her flexible goal to finish writing by March 2026. The conversation wraps with thoughtful reflections on family, caregiving as parents age, and how making space for herself—even early in motherhood—helped her stay true to who she is. This episode is a warm, honest look at personal growth, creativity, and what it means to feel like life is finally falling into place.Want to know more about living a slowed down life?!Simple Shortcuts to Peace Course - https://stephanieodea.com/peaceNew Year, New You Mini Challenge - https://stephanieodea.com/newyouJoin me for my LIVE Masterclass - https://stephanieodea.com/masterclass/Website - https://stephanieodea.comBlog - https://stephanieodea.com/blog/Slow Living Podcast - https://stephanieodea.com/podcastSpeaking Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/speaking/Coaching Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/coaching/Courses - https://stephanieodea.com/courses/Contact - stephanieodea.com/contact/
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32 MIN
Slowly Productive. Melessa Session 6 (Part 1)
DEC 29, 2025
Slowly Productive. Melessa Session 6 (Part 1)
BUY THE SLOW LIVING BOOK HERE!In this heartfelt episode, Stephanie and Melessa open up about major life transitions—from closing the chapter on an old family home to embracing new routines, healthier habits, and the excitement of building fresh memories. Melessa shares the clarity she found after her Peace Corps session, realizing how grateful she is to downsize now rather than leave that burden to her kids later. She also dives into what “healthy living” looks like today, from weekly gym visits to enjoying long walks and pool time in her new neighborhood.As the conversation unfolds, Melessa reflects on her legacy, the strength she hopes her children remember, and the accomplishments she’s proud of—like earning her master’s degree while raising four little ones. With life slowing down, she’s savoring upcoming adventures, including a road trip with close friends and the joy of finding a new local Bunco group. Tune in for an inspiring, uplifting episode filled with personal growth, fresh starts, and the beauty of embracing new seasons in life.cPast Episodes You May Love:Episode 51: Adult FriendshipsEpisode 73: Christy's Slow Living StoryEpisode 74: Denise's StoryEpisode 75: Ruth's Slow Living StoryEpisode 76: Emily's Story -- escaping a MLMEpisode 77: Lisa's story -- sustainable habitsEpisode 78: Megan's story -- Slow ProductivityEpisode 79: Merideth's Story -- Imperfect ParentingEpisode 180: Meet Jessica, the Autistic MomWant to know more about living a slowed down life?!Simple Shortcuts to Peace Course - https://stephanieodea.com/peaceNew Year, New You Mini Challenge - https://stephanieodea.com/newyouJoin me for my LIVE Masterclass - https://stephanieodea.com/masterclass/Website - https://stephanieodea.comBlog - https://stephanieodea.com/blog/Slow Living Podcast - https://stephanieodea.com/podcastSpeaking Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/speaking/Coaching Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/coaching/Courses - https://stephanieodea.com/courses/Contact - stephanieodea.com/contact/
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36 MIN
Authentically Yourself. Melessa Session 5 (Part 2)
DEC 22, 2025
Authentically Yourself. Melessa Session 5 (Part 2)
BUY THE SLOW LIVING BOOK HERE! Adult ADHD and Autism Diagnosis in Midlife: Coaching with MelessaIn this episode of the Slow Living podcast, Stephanie and Melessa have an open, compassionate conversation about receiving an adult ADHD diagnosis and a level-1 autism diagnosis later in life—and how finally having answers has completely changed the way Melessa understands herself, her past, and the world around her.Melessa reflects on growing up without the language or support to explain why she felt different. From being placed in ballet as a child in an attempt to “fit in,” to internalizing expectations that never truly aligned with who she was, she shares how those early experiences shaped her identity. This episode offers deep validation for women navigating late diagnoses, neurodivergence, masking, and self-acceptance in midlife.The conversation also explores Melessa’s current focus on health and well-being, including weight loss, physical therapy, and the motivation that comes from wanting to stay active and present for her future grandchildren. She speaks candidly about body image, how she approaches those conversations thoughtfully with her four daughters, and why modeling self-respect matters more than perfection.As the episode unfolds, Melessa gives an update on her writing journey, sharing where she is in the process and how clarity has come from her family’s recent move into a new home. With fewer distractions and more peace, she’s finding balance, healing, and a deeper sense of self-trust.This is a thoughtful, honest episode for anyone searching for answers later in life, learning to work with their brain instead of against it, or embracing a slow, sustainable path toward growth, clarity, and self-understanding.Want to know more about living a slowed down life?!Daily Journaling worksheet -- free download: https://stephanieodea.com/dailySimple Shortcuts to Peace Course - https://stephanieodea.com/peaceNew Year, New You Mini Challenge - https://stephanieodea.com/newyouJoin me for my LIVE Masterclass - https://stephanieodea.com/masterclass/Website - https://stephanieodea.comBlog - https://stephanieodea.com/blog/Slow Living Podcast - https://stephanieodea.com/podcastSpeaking Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/speaking/Coaching Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/coaching/Courses - https://stephanieodea.com/courses/Contact - stephanieodea.com/contact/
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41 MIN
Coming to Terms with Your Past. Melessa Session 5 (Part 1)
DEC 15, 2025
Coming to Terms with Your Past. Melessa Session 5 (Part 1)
BUY THE SLOW LIVING BOOK HERE! In “Coming to Terms with Your Past,” Stephanie and Melessa start with a fun look at the arcade room in Melessa’s new home—fitting since she and her husband met in an arcade in the ’80s. They talk through the emotions of moving, surprising their family with the news, and why big decisions still make Melessa feel like she needs her parents’ approval. They also touch on manifestation and how it has shown up in her life.Melessa opens up about her mirror homework—telling herself “there is nothing wrong with me”—and why it was harder than expected. The conversation shifts to family patterns, generational ties, and the stories behind old family photos. She reflects on shame, hidden secrets, and her lifelong urge to call out what’s right. It’s an honest, heartfelt episode about self-healing, family history, and personal growth.Past Episodes You May Love: Episode 12: Taking Stock of the Here and NowEpisode 14: Motivation is a ChoiceEpisode 20: Coaching Follow-Up -- Real Clients, Real ResultsEpisode 88: Internal DialogueWant to know more about living a slowed down life?!Simple Shortcuts to Peace Course - https://stephanieodea.com/peaceNew Year, New You Mini Challenge - https://stephanieodea.com/newyouJoin me for my LIVE Masterclass - https://stephanieodea.com/masterclass/Website - https://stephanieodea.comBlog - https://stephanieodea.com/blog/Slow Living Podcast - https://stephanieodea.com/podcastSpeaking Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/speaking/Coaching Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/coaching/Courses - https://stephanieodea.com/courses/Contact - stephanieodea.com/contact/
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37 MIN