The Simple Show

How do you parent a child that is... different? They beat to their own drum, they walk a path different than your other kids, they may even have an official diagnosis or two (cue the acronyms). That's what Tsh talks about with Sally Clarkson, a mom of 4 adult children, one of whom is Nathan, who's "outside the box." Nathan and Sally co-wrote a book called Different: The Story of an Outside-the-Box Kid and the Mom Who Loved Him, and in this episode, Sally talks about her experience. For show notes, head to http://thesimpleshow.com for episode 56.

Winter just screams time for a good novel, we think. Haley shares her recent discovery of old world mysteries, particularly Strong Poison by Dorothy Sayers, who was a fascinating character in her own right. And Tsh chats about her newfound love for writer Chris Cleave and his release from last year, Everyone Brave is Forgiven. They chat about character-driven novels and why they like them so much, why it's good to try a genre we normally aren't into, and the significance of new books set in World War II. They also talk about why sometimes it's good to read about the horrors of war, especially when the writing is so on point. For show notes, head to http://theartofsimple.net/podcast and look for episode 55.

Going anywhere this year? Co-host Stephanie is planning another big trip for her family this year, whereas Tsh... is mostly staying put. Womp womp. But there's good to be had in keeping travels rather close, and in this episode, they talk about both. Stephanie shares the practicals on the pre-trip side of things—how she researches flights, guesthouses, and itineraries as she does exactly that for their family's travels this spring. Tsh talks about small, simple ways she plans to incorporate a global spirit at home, as they focus more on renovations than strapping on backpacks. For show notes, head to http://thesimpleshow.com and look for episode 54.

What does living slow really mean (as in, not just in an internet buzzword-y way)? There's never a one-for-everyone description for slow, simple living, and that's a beautiful thing—that's what Erin and Tsh talk about in this episode. They talk about both goals and non-goals, how they deal with the pressure to "be" a certain way, and why knowing how we're made is key to pretty much everything.  For links talked about in this episode, go to http://thesimpleshow.com and look for episode 53.  

It's story time! (For the grownups, but kids can listen to this one, too.) The Gift of the Magi is a short story in the public domain, written by O. Henry and first published in 1906. He was a writer known for closely-observed tales of everyday people, wit, wordplay, warm characterization and clever twist endings. Tsh reads this classic story you might have read in school as a welcome to the holidays. For links to read this story and to download it for free, head to theartofsimple.net/magi. Have a very merry Christmas, a happy new year, and we'll see you with new episodes in the new year!

With Christmas looming near, Tsh and Stephanie share stories about Christmases abroad. They've both spent the holidays in foreign countries, which is always an experience.... Stephanie shares stories from Christmas in Japan and China; Tsh talks about what it was like spending the holiday in Turkey and in the southern hemisphere (Santa wears shorts in the mall!), and they both share dream destinations for their Christmas futures. Low on show notes this episode, sit back with a cup of something warm and enjoy the chat. For any links mentioned, head to http://theartofsimple.net/podcast and look for episode 51. And to check out the Gift Guide and Encircled's chrysalis cardi, head to http://theartofsimple.net/gifts.

Time for a book chat! In these episodes, Haley and Tsh talk about a book they've recently read—Haley's choice is a book from a favorite author she’s been meaning to read for forever, and Tsh's is a book she reads almost every year. Right during the holidays. Bet you can’t guess which one. For show notes, head to theartofsimple.net/podcast and look for episode 50. And to check out the Gift Guide (and Lily Jade!), head to theartofsimple.net/gifts.

It's officially the holiday season, so Tsh and Erin talk about how they keep the festivities sane. They talk trees (or no trees), crafts (or no crafts), and gifts (or no gifts). They talk Advent, St. Nicholas Day, and Christmas—all 12 days of it. And they talk about why it's good to do what sounds lovely and leave the rest, not worrying a bit about whether you're doing the season right. Because what's right is having a low-key, low-stress home. For the show notes, head to http://theartofsimple.net/podcast and look for episode 49. For the gift guide, head to http://theartofsimple.net/gifts!

In this super-special episode, Tsh talks with Kendra Adachi about all things Gilmore Girls, in celebration of the new Netflix series coming out November 25, 2016 called Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life. They talk favorite characters, favorite episodes and scenes, why the show matters now more than ever, and whether they're Team Dean, Jess, or Logan. Pour yourself a glass of wine, and enjoy a chat with girlfriends about a show on girlfriends. Head here for show notes: http://theartofsimple.net/podcast/48/ And thanks to this episode's sponsor, New Dream and their Simplify the Holidays resources: http://newdream.org.

There's an art to packing light, especially when you're traveling with kids. Tsh chats with co-host Stephanie Langford about their experiences packing ultra-light with their families on extended global travel, and how that translates to shorter trips as well. Head to the show notes at http://theartofsimple.net/podcast/47. To get 30% off a 3-month Book of the Month Subscription + tote bag (great for holiday gift giving!), head to http://theartofsimple.net/bookofthemonth and use the code SIMPLE30.

Some people hate clutter, some people can't live without a little bit of it scattered throughout their house. Tsh and Erin talk about home styles and how they mesh with personality—specifically, the Enneagram personality profile. What kind of home works well for a 3, 5, 9, or whatever? They also talk kid clutter and how to make it livable. For show notes, head to http://theartofsimple.net/46.   Thanks to this week's sponsor, Prep Dish - get a free two-week trial by going to http://prepdish.com/simple and use the code SIMPLE.

The first in a monthly series of episodes: BOOK TALK! Tsh and Haley Stewart talk about two books they recently read, and what they personally gained from each. Head here for this episode's show notes: http://theartofsimple.net/45.   Also, don't forget to snag your Genius Blogger's Toolkit at http://theartofsimple.net/toolkit!

Audrey Hepburn once said, "If I ever get married, I want to be very married." Tsh talks with guest Katherine Pershey about the realities of marriage, the hard stuff on relationships during the newlywed and early parenthood stages, and the benefits of counseling, learning each other's inherent personalities, and even marriage books, which both are usually quick to dismiss. Katherine's the author of the new book, Very Married, a memoir-like telling of her marriage to her husband, Ben. Head here for the show notes: http://theartofsimple.net/44

If your ears need a break from all the crazy news out there right now, this episode is as lighthearted as you can get: leaves changing colors, saying no to the snarkiness over loving fall, and of course, praise for the inherent love of travel. Tsh and her new 'travel' co-host Stephanie dive into the best places around the world to really live up the fall season. Some are classics; some you might be surprised about. Head here for the show notes: http://theartofsimple.net/43 Thanks to this episode's sponsor, Around the World Stories: head to http://aroundtheworldstories.com and use the code SIMPLE to get one month free! 

Golden hours, a maker vs. manager's schedule, surviving vs. thriving, acknowledging the season of life we're in.... Tsh is joined by her new 'home' co-host Erin Loechner as they talk about their morning and evening routines, and the tricks they've learned to make their days better. Head here for the show notes: http://theartofsimple.net/42 • Thanks to this week's sponsor, Prep Dish: head to http://prepdish.com/simple and use the code SIMPLE for a free two-week trial.