Slow Living | Creating a Life of Purpose in a Hustle Driven World

Stephanie O'Dea

Details

If life feels a little too fast, a little too loud, or just more complicated than it needs to be—you’re in the right place. I’m Stephanie O’Dea, a New York Times bestselling author, longtime slow living advocate, and creator of A Year of Slow Cooking. I’ve been writing and talking about slow living since 2008, back when blogging was still a thing. 😂 After years of chasing productivity, building businesses, raising three daughters, writing 11 books, and trying to keep up with the internet, I’ve become convinced of something: A good life doesn’t have to be a busy life. Slow Living is about creating a life of purpose in a hustle-driven world—and finding a pace that actually feels good. Here, we talk about the practical side of slow living: how to simplify your schedule, reduce overwhelm, create routines that work, be more present, improve your relationships, take care of yourself, and make room for the things that matter most. This isn’t about becoming perfectly organized or living in a cottage in the woods. It’s about real life. Work. Family. Parenting. Marriage. Money. Health. Home. Time. Aging. Change. And all the little decisions that shape our ordinary days. You’ll hear solo episodes, honest conversations, practical slow living advice, personal stories, and occasional coaching conversations. Some episodes are gentle reminders to slow down. Some will make you laugh. Some may challenge the way you think about productivity, success, and what you’re supposed to be doing with your life. And some are simply here to remind you that you don't have to do everything. My philosophy is simple: Do less. Slow down. Pay attention. Figure out what matters to you. Build your life around that. If you’re overwhelmed, over-scheduled, constantly trying to catch up, or simply wondering if there’s another way to live, you’re in the right place. Welcome to Slow Living. I’m Stephanie O’Dea. Let’s slow down together.

Recent Episodes

JUN 1, 2026
Retirement
BUY THE SLOW LIVING BOOK HERE! Stephanie closes out the final episode of the Slow Living Podcast with an honest and heartfelt conversation about retirement, purpose, and what it really means to live a meaningful life. Rather than viewing retirement as the end of productivity or achievement, she explores how this season can become a shift toward presence, connection, rest, and intentional living. From redefining success beyond money and status to embracing a slower, more fulfilling lifestyle, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on retirement and personal growth. After five years of sharing reflections on slow living, motherhood, work-life balance, and creating a life aligned with her values, Stephanie shares why it feels right to step away from the podcast. She opens up about wanting more unstructured days, deeper family connection, yoga, rest, and the freedom to let life unfold naturally. Whether you’re approaching retirement, craving a simpler life, or searching for purpose beyond achievement, this inspiring farewell episode will encourage you to slow down, look inward, and live life on your own terms. Want to know more about living a slowed down life?! Simple Shortcuts to Peace Course - https://stephanieodea.com/peace New Year, New You Mini Challenge - https://stephanieodea.com/newyou Join me for my LIVE Masterclass - https://stephanieodea.com/masterclass/ Website - https://stephanieodea.com Blog - https://stephanieodea.com/blog/ Slow Living Podcast - https://stephanieodea.com/podcast Speaking Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/speaking/ Coaching Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/coaching/ Courses - https://stephanieodea.com/courses/ Contact - stephanieodea.com/contact/
26 MIN
MAY 18, 2026
Slow Living for Millenials and Gen X
BUY THE SLOW LIVING BOOK HERE! Feeling stretched thin between student loans, raising kids, career pressure, and caring for aging parents? In this episode Stephanie dives into why so many Millennials and Gen Xers feel overwhelmed, overcommitted, and stuck chasing a version of “caught up” that never seems to arrive. She explores the hidden cost of constantly saying yes, the moving goalpost of success, and why more money or more time doesn’t always create more peace. Stephanie shares practical ways to embrace slow living, protect your time and energy, and focus on what truly matters in this season of life. From redefining what “enough” looks like to stepping away from quiet competition and burnout culture, this episode offers encouragement and actionable mindset shifts for anyone craving a simpler, more intentional life. If you’re ready to create more balance, peace, and purpose, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss. Want to know more about living a slowed down life?! Simple Shortcuts to Peace Course - https://stephanieodea.com/peace New Year, New You Mini Challenge - https://stephanieodea.com/newyou Join me for my LIVE Masterclass - https://stephanieodea.com/masterclass/ Website - https://stephanieodea.com Blog - https://stephanieodea.com/blog/ Slow Living Podcast - https://stephanieodea.com/podcast Speaking Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/speaking/ Coaching Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/coaching/ Courses - https://stephanieodea.com/courses/ Contact - stephanieodea.com/contact/
30 MIN
MAY 4, 2026
Slow Living, Social Media, and AI
BUY THE SLOW LIVING BOOK HERE! In this episode, Stephanie shares her perspective from Silicon Valley, where she chooses to use technology as a tool—not a destination. She explores the reality of social media today, from algorithm-driven feeds to the pressure of chasing likes and views, and offers a refreshing take on how to navigate the endless digital stream with more intention. She also touches on the growing role of AI in social media and how it’s transforming the way we create and connect. While technology is everywhere, Stephanie reminds us that real human connection matters most. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on slow living, setting boundaries with technology, and choosing when to step into—or out of—the social media stream. Past Episodes You May Love: Episode 44: Ignoring Influencers Episode 45: Cultivating Creativity Part 1 Episode 46: Cultivating Creativity Part 2 Episode 57: Protecting Your Energy Episode 112: Living Your Life Away from Social Media with Sandy Cooper Want to know more about living a slowed down life?! Simple Shortcuts to Peace Course - https://stephanieodea.com/peace New Year, New You Mini Challenge - https://stephanieodea.com/newyou Join me for my LIVE Masterclass - https://stephanieodea.com/masterclass/ Website - https://stephanieodea.com Blog - https://stephanieodea.com/blog/ Slow Living Podcast - https://stephanieodea.com/podcast Speaking Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/speaking/ Coaching Opportunities - https://stephanieodea.com/coaching/ Courses - https://stephanieodea.com/courses/ Contact - stephanieodea.com/contact/
19 MIN