You've already simplified your space. Now your soul is asking for more. That's where I come in.
Welcome to the Connected Simplicity podcast. I'm your host, Suzanne Searcy Johnson. Living in a tiny home in Austin, TX has given me a unique perspective on decluttering and living with less, but there's more to simplicity than that.
I'm here to share how life becomes simpler and more rooted when we embrace connection. In these episodes, we'll take a look at connection - to nature, others, spirituality, and ourselves - as a path to the simple life you crave. Together we'll discover that simplicity isn't what you remove, it's what you return to.
In this episode, I'm joined by Ruth Hetland and Dawn Trautman, co-hosts of the Created Creative podcast. Together we explore how creativity shapes our lives, helps us process grief, strengthens community, and gives voice to experiences that might otherwise remain hidden.
Ruth and Dawn share the stories behind their books and why so many people struggle to claim the title of "creative." We also discuss community, women's voices, and the everyday ways we can explore our creativity.
In this episode:
How writing can help us process grief and life transitions
The healing power of sharing our stories
Why creativity belongs to everyone, not just artists
Why representation matters in the arts
Practical encouragement for anyone feeling nudged to create something new
Connect with Ruth & Dawn:
Created Creative Podcast: https://createdcreativepodcast.com/ (https://createdcreativepodcast.com/)
Dawn's coaching: https://bigpicturebigpurpose.com/discern-by-doing-2/ (https://bigpicturebigpurpose.com/discern-by-doing-2/)
Ruth's ConseCrate Subscription box: https://consecrate.cratejoy.com/ (https://consecrate.cratejoy.com/)
Visit our Patreon: https://patreon.com/u11072417?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink (https://patreon.com/u11072417?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink)
Mentioned:
Lost Boy by Jordy Searcy: https://open.spotify.com/track/4YJ37rHG82OpZWF3FHyVq2?si=f60bcc9d83be43cc (https://open.spotify.com/track/4YJ37rHG82OpZWF3FHyVq2?si=f60bcc9d83be43cc)
My appearance on the Created Creative Podcast: https://pod.link/1717662137/episode/NDJlMjE4YTctMzU5YS00OWI2LTk2MjEtNTkwOWYzYmVjM2M2 (https://pod.link/1717662137/episode/NDJlMjE4YTctMzU5YS00OWI2LTk2MjEtNTkwOWYzYmVjM2M2)
Additional resources and links:
Website: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/ (https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/)
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/suzannesearcyjohnson (https://linktr.ee/suzannesearcyjohnson)
Private Coaching: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/work-with-me/ (https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/work-with-me/)
Sign up for my newsletter: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/newsletter/ (https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/newsletter/)
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzanne.searcy.johnson/ (https://www.instagram.com/suzanne.searcy.johnson/)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzanne.searcy.johnson (https://www.facebook.com/suzanne.searcy.johnson)
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@suzannesearcyjohnson (https://www.youtube.com/@suzannesearcyjohnson)
Free Resources: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/resources/ (https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/resources/)
21 Oct 2026
Three Barriers to Simplicity
I get a lot of questions about simplicity from people who are interested in my tiny home and community. In this solo episode, I share the three things I've noticed that block us from finding true simplicity, no matter how many square feet we live in. I then share three actions you can take to begin to slow down, find a deeper appreciation for what you have, and find your own version of simplicity.
In this episode:
How distraction pulls us away from meaningful connection
Why comparison can lead to clutter, dissatisfaction, and unnecessary complexity
The surprising ways convenience can disconnect us from ourselves, others, and nature
Why contentment is an essential ingredient for a simpler life
Three practical actions you can take this week to begin uncomplicating your life
Vote for me to be the next Top Host!
https://tophost.org/2026/suzanne-johnson (https://tophost.org/2026/suzanne-johnson)
Additional resources and links:
Website: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/ (https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/)
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/suzannesearcyjohnson (https://linktr.ee/suzannesearcyjohnson)
Private Coaching: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/work-with-me/ (https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/work-with-me/)
Sign up for my newsletter: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/newsletter/ (https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/newsletter/)
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzanne.searcy.johnson/ (https://www.instagram.com/suzanne.searcy.johnson/)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzanne.searcy.johnson (https://www.facebook.com/suzanne.searcy.johnson)
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@suzannesearcyjohnson (https://www.tiktok.com/@suzannesearcyjohnson)
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@suzannesearcyjohnson (https://www.youtube.com/@suzannesearcyjohnson)
Free Resources: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/resources/ (https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/resources/)
14 Oct 2026
The Spiritual Wisdom of Trees with Beth Norcross
In this episode, I sit down with author, speaker, naturalist, and spiritual guide Beth Norcross, co-author of Discovering the Spiritual Wisdom of Trees. Together we explore what trees can teach us about grief, hope, community, resilience, and our relationship with the natural world. It is a thoughtful reminder that the natural world is not simply a backdrop to our lives, but a source of wisdom, wonder, and connection.
In this episode:
What a teacher tree is and how one might find you
The surprising ways trees communicate, collaborate, and support one another
How nature helps us hold both grief and hope
Why wonder and awe expand our capacity to face difficult realities
Lessons from trees about resilience, surrender, and living through uncertainty
Simple ways to deepen your connection with nature, even in the middle of a busy life
Connect with Beth:
Beth Norcross Website: https://bethnorcross.com/ (http://bethnorcross.com/)
Spirituality in Nature Center: https://spiritualityinnature.org/ (http://spiritualityinnature.org/)
Discovering the Spiritual Wisdom of Trees: https://www.broadleafbooks.com/store/product/9798889832133/Discovering-the-Spiritual-Wisdom-of-Trees (https://www.broadleafbooks.com/store/product/9798889832133/Discovering-the-Spiritual-Wisdom-of-Trees)
TEDx: The Wisdom of Trees for Challenging Times: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYW7GuUCk6Q (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYW7GuUCk6Q)
Leah Rampy Website: https://www.leahmoranrampy.com/ (http://www.leahmoranrampy.com/)
Leah's Substack Essays Reweaving Earth & Soul: https://leahrampy.substack.com/ (https://leahrampy.substack.com/)
Additional resources and links:
Website: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/ (https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/)
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/suzannesearcyjohnson (https://linktr.ee/suzannesearcyjohnson)
Private Coaching: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/work-with-me/ (https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/work-with-me/)
Sign up for my newsletter: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/newsletter/ (https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/newsletter/)
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzanne.searcy.johnson/ (https://www.instagram.com/suzanne.searcy.johnson/)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzanne.searcy.johnson (https://www.facebook.com/suzanne.searcy.johnson)
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@suzannesearcyjohnson (https://www.tiktok.com/@suzannesearcyjohnson)
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@suzannesearcyjohnson (https://www.youtube.com/@suzannesearcyjohnson)
Free Resources: https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/resources/ (https://suzannesearcyjohnson.com/resources/)
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
7 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
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