The Minimalists

The Minimalists talk about the right amount of deprivation, sacrificing for others, obsession with books, education that aligns with minimalist principles, and more. Discussed in this episode: How much should I deprive myself for the sake of loving others? (2:05) When does it make sense to stop sacrificing for another person? (16:38) Right Here, Right Now: Peek inside Joshua's minimalist home. (35...

The Minimalists talk about communicating with people who are unwilling to change their minds, the qualities of productive conversation, finding ways to be happy without knowing your purpose, a simple approach to getting divorced, the proper way to identify a narcissist, being a minimalist when you enjoy buying new things, and much more. Discussed in this episode: How can I have conversations with...

The Minimalists talk about letting go of sadness, replacing possessions after a natural disaster, swapping a smartphone for a dumb phone, understanding the downsides of home ownership, holding on to sentimental items for too long, asking loved ones for their attention, and much more. Discussed in this episode: How do I let go of my sadness after I was forced to let go of everything I own? (2:02) I...

The Minimalists talk about what to do with half-dirty clothes, setting minimalist boundaries, breaking difficult news to your mom, the role our outfits play in our identities, getting an education outside the school system, letting go of regret, and more! Discussed in this episode: What would a minimalist do with clothes that have been worn but aren't ready to to be washed? (2:05) What do you do w...

The Minimalists talk about letting go of family clutter, making a distinction between family and friends, surrendering broken things, how to stop being a "yes man," the link between closet clutter and past trauma, punishing kids for bad behavior, minimizing old moving boxes, and much more! Discussed in this episode: I found out my deceased wife was having an affair before she died. Consequently, I...

The Minimalists talk about navigating the nuances of human touch, sensory overload, pain, pleasure, unnecessary distractions, storage units, travel, decision fatigue, letting go of old boxes, and more! Discussed in this episode: As self-proclaimed "huggers," how do The Minimalists avoid overstepping personal-space boundaries with hugs and other forms of physical touch? (2:08) Talkaboutable: Hugs a...

The Minimalists talk about the surprising beauty of uncertainty, and they wish a fond farewell to a beloved team member. Discussed in this episode: If I feel stuck at work, what path should I choose to help alleviate my career uncertainty? (2:13) How do you know whether it's time for a change in your life? (25:04) Right Here, Right Now: Malabama's final episode. (36:21) Listener tip: Everything yo...

The Minimalists talk about the fear and joy of creating blank spaces in our lives. Discussed in this episode: What if I don't find anything meaningful on the other side of minimizing my stuff? (2:02) Blank space—do you find it terrifying or appealing? (21:21)  Listener tip: New ways to get rid of your excess clothes and toys. (40:25) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/themi...

Ryan Nicodemus returns to talk about the things that enhance—and the things that get in the way of—enjoying the adventures, experiences, activities, and hobbies that make life more delightful. Discussed in this episode: How can I enjoy my adventures and hobbies without getting overwhelmed by the accessories and equipment that accompany those experiences? (2:33) What activities bring you joy, and w...

The Minimalists are joined by Dr. Orion Taraban to talk about loyalty, respect, grace, love, friendship, forgiveness, desire, honesty, and other nontransactable goods. Discussed in this episode: How can I stop clinging to the good relationship memories from the past if they make me feel miserable now? (2:35) When is loyalty no longer worth it? (23:52) Listener tip: Sensory sensitivity is linked to...

The Minimalists get brutally honest about the people, places, and things that frustrate the hell out of us. Discussed in this episode: What can I do if my sister is so upset with me that she refuses to communicate? (2:17) What frustrating expectations do your family, friends, or coworkers have of you? (18:28) Listener tip: Considerately letting go of kids' clothes and toys. (41:33) Listen to the f...

The Minimalists talk about why the pursuit of pleasure leads to hedonism, and they answer questions about self-indulgence, pleasure-seeking, self-gratification, self-restraint, immoderation, overindulgence, extravagance, and more. Discussed in this episode: What pleasures are likely to get in the way of living a meaningful life? (2:14) What nonessentials do you overindulge in? (29:51) Listener tip...

The Minimalists talk about the small things that feel like a big deal to let go of.  Discussed in this episode: Do I count my straws, screws, and old paperwork separately when playing the 30-Day Minimalism Game? (2:07) What small things turn into big problems? (18:09) Listener tip: Preserving the memories of loved ones after they're gone. (44:21) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon:  pat...

The Minimalists are joined by Erwin Raphael McManus to talk about the most effective ways to handle conflict with friends, family, and loved ones. Discussed in this episode: How can I respectfully convince my father to get rid of the tools he doesn't use? (2:45) What's the hardest thing about being honest? (25:02) Listener tip: Clarifying outer and inner expectations. (47:55) Listen to the full Ma...

The Minimalists talk about the difference between minimalism and renunciation, and they explore the unforeseen downsides of renouncing things. Discussed in this episode: What's the best way to avoid purchasing things that will soon be junk? (2:48) What topping should never go on pizza? (23:03) Listener tip: Make your phone more boring to make it more useful. (43:14) Listen to the full Maximal epis...

The Minimalists are joined by Annaka Harris to talk about the unknown corners of consciousness and the cosmos. Discussed in this episode: How does detachment relate to awareness? (2:20) What takes you out of the present moment? (20:02) Right Here, Right Now: Two exciting updates from The Minimalists! (45:14) Listener tip: How to normalize saying 'I don't know.' (47:45) Listen to the full Maximal e...

For the finale of their five-part Household Clutter series, The Minimalists are joined by Kristen Ziegler to talk about decluttering the excess stuff that's lurking in your cabinets, drawers, and other hiding spaces in your kitchen and throughout the rest of your home. Discussed in this episode: What can I do with all of the occasionally used appliances that take up a lot of space in our kitchen c...

For the fourth episode in their five-part Household Clutter series, The Minimalists are joined by Cas Aarssen to talk about the bedroom clutter that gets in the way of peace and intimacy. Discussed in this episode: What can I do to minimize the clutter that keeps building on my nightstand? (2:30) What's your personal definition of bedroom clutter and what's one thing that doesn't belong in the bed...

For the third episode in their five-part Household Clutter series, The Minimalists are joined by Dr. Julia Raz to talk about garage clutter, including the excess stuff that is hidden in basements, attics, sheds, and storage areas. Discussed in this episode: What boundaries can my family establish to minimize all the excess stuff in our garage, basement, attic, shed, and other storage spaces? (2:37...

For the second episode in their five-part Household Clutter series, The Minimalists are joined by Courtney Carver to talk about decluttering the excess clothes, shoes, and accessories in our closets. Discussed in this episode: I'm great at decluttering, but why can't I stop buying new clothes? (2:28) Why do you own so many clothes? (15:27) Listener tip: How to achieve variety and novelty with clot...

For the first episode in their five-part Household Clutter series, The Minimalists are joined by Joshua Becker to talk about decluttering the things that make a mess of our living spaces. Discussed in this episode: Where is the best place to start decluttering? (4:44) How is our cluttered home harming our family? (8:49) What purpose does your living room serve, and what gets in the way of that pur...

In this bonus episode, The Minimalists talk about the clutter that is often caused by smart devices. Discussed in this episode:  Should I let go of my Apple Watch, Peloton, WHOOP, and other fitness trackers and smart devices? (1:09) How are The Minimalists using social media after their 2024 break? (18:47) New York Times article mentioned: https://mnml.st/devices Recorded at Earthing Studios .

The Minimalists talk about the benefits and downsides of wasting time. Discussed in this episode: When is it selfish to say no to the people I love? (1:54) What are you most likely to waste your time on right now? (20:10) Listener tip: When you're done clearing out your home, you have to do the same to the rest of your life. (36:51) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/themin...

The Minimalists talk about going without the things that get in the way. Discussed in this episode: How do I let go of my phone distractions to be more productive? (1:46) What's one thing you'd like to go without this year? (21:21) What happened when The Minimalists were recently hacked? (30:50) Will The Minimalists return to social media after going without for a year? (37:03) Listener reflection...

The Minimalists talk with Eli Harwood about secure attachments and attachment theory. Discussed in this episode:  How is collecting related to emotional insecurity? (2:19) What is attachment theory? (16:52) What are the four attachment styles? (17:46) When is attachment useful and when is it clinging? (22:44) Listener insight: the gift of listening! (33:03) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Pa...