We’re back from the podcast break! It was a lovely few weeks, but I did miss it, so I’m glad to be back recording. And I’m glad that I recorded a few conversations with some friends, even during the downtime—I’ve got a few of those to share with you over the next few weeks.

In this episode, I’m chatting with my friend Shauna Niequist, whose new book, Present Over Perfect, just released a few weeks ago. It is a delight, and it is just up our alley here at AoS. If you haven’t yet, get thee in gear and order your copy. She was also on the show a few years ago, when she released her previous book, Bread & Wine.

I was just settling in to Oregon with my family when Shauna and I connected, so we talked about summer respites, and how they’re balm to our souls. We also talked about fake resting (and how this was the first summer in years that I actually didn’t), putting up chairs, when brave looks boring, and being the boss of ourselves.

It’s a good chat. Pull up a chair and pour a cup!

And also, I make a fun announcement! Well, not really—I hint at an announcement. I’m making some pretty big changes to the podcast this fall, starting in early October. I’ll slowly pull back the curtain and reveal the plan in a few weeks. I think you’ll love it.

Links from this episode:

• Shauna’s blog
• Shauna on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook
• Shauna’s new book, Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living
• Episode 21, with Sarah Harmeyer
• Lindsay Letters
• What’s making Shauna happy: the Sugarcrash Kids podcast
• What’s making me happy: Essie’s Good as Gold nail polish
• Homegoing, by Yaa Gyasi
• It’s All Easy by Gwyneth Paltrow
• Tupelo Honey cookbook
• Bright, Precious Days (not Things), by Jay McInerney

Many thanks to this episode’s sponsor, my friends at Mighty Nest and their monthly subscription service, MightyFix! For $10 a month, get a fun new product for your home that helps your family live healthier. Get $5 off your first month’s fix with the code ARTOFSIMPLEFIX. Head here to sign up!