Even pros need permission to let go. In this candid conversation, author, speaker, podcaster, and mother of eight Amy Liz Harrison shares the repeatable systems that keep her home—and her events—running with heart. From compostable paper-plate stations and strategic trash cans to a living “word doc” playbook anyone can follow, Amy shows how simplicity beats “picture-perfect” every time.
We also get her on-stage mindset for heavy topics like recovery, how she flips audience anxiety into authenticity (yes, there’s a contacts-out speaking hack), and her end-of-event decompression routine. Plus, the now-legendary neighbor noise complaint that turned a sober book launch into a story for the ages—DJ, Fresca, cops and all.
Takeaways:
-Sustainable beats perfect. Build simple, repeatable systems (plates, utensils, signage, trash/recycle staging) so you’ll actually host more often.
-Model or let them own it. Give one “example” place setting to copy—or turn kids loose to create. Then let it be.
-Pre-plan early, communicate clearly. Do what you can a week or two ahead; write it down so day-of interruptions don’t derail you.
-Audience jitters? Pretend they aren’t there and remove visual noise (her “no-contacts” trick) to stay authentic and present.
-Aftercare matters. Say “yes” when people offer cleanup help, avoid next-day commitments and resist over-analyzing the event
Key Timestamps:
[01:28] — Meet Amy: Mom of eight, author, speaker, and master of turning mayhem into meaning.
[04:12] — Systems that scale: From ditching “matchy-matchy” to compostable plates and rolling supply baskets.
[10:00] — Expectations & pre-planning: What to finish days early so the show can truly go on.
[18:14] — When the cops came to a sober book launch: Why guests loved the “disaster” Amy feared.
[25:16] — Speaking without the jitters: The “no-contacts” trick to stay raw, real and present.
[29:57] — Decompress & don’t overthink: Accept what was, then rest.
Resources & Links:
-Amy Liz Harrison: Website, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram
-Eternally Amy Podcast: Apple Podcasts, Spotify
-Amy's Writing: Books, The Sober Curator
-Alysse & Libby: Bios & LinkedIn
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