The Minimalists

The Minimalists speak with Jordan Harbinger about when it makes sense to optimize certain things and when it's best to throw optimization out the window. Discussed in this episode: What are some fun and creative ways to optimize your life? (2:04) What is one thing in your life that is beautifully inefficient? (20:50) Where can I find the top 30 decluttering rules from The Minimalists? (41:27) List...

The Minimalists share three things that help minimize chronic pain, disease, and inflammation. Discussed in this episode: How do I let go of the anger I feel toward my doctors for not helping me with my chronic pain? (1:21) What three things does JFM do to minimize his autoimmune diseases, pain, and inflammation? (9:32) How can I accept my pain without giving up? (41:52) What are the top three ins...

The Minimalists speak with Sally K. Norton, author of Toxic Superfoods , about the supposed health foods that are making us sick and inflamed. As mentioned in the episode, you can read JFM's story about Minimizing Autoimmune Disease, Chronic Pain, and Inflammation here: https://minimalists.com/earthing Discussed in this episode: What is a "toxic superfood" and how are these foods making us sick? (...

The Minimalists talk about what it means to preserve the past in a meaningful and dignified way. Discussed in this episode: After I've lost someone, how do I let go of their stuff with dignity and honor? (2:09) How do you preserve the memories of lost loved ones? (23:15) How can you simplify everything to get to the end of clutter? (31:26) Listener tip: How to preserve only the best childhood memo...

The Minimalists are joined by Amanda Montell, author of The Age of Magical Overthinking, to discuss information overload, thought clutter, and much more. Discussed in this episode: What habits will help me avoid being overwhelmed by information clutter? (2:03) How does overplanning prevent us from executing our plans? (30:42) When does research get in the way of creativity? (32:42) Does too much i...

The Minimalists talk about making a workplace less cluttered and more enjoyable through the concept of "simplework." Discussed in this episode: How can I use minimalism to simplify my home office? (1:54) How do I get my coworkers to be less messy? (23:42) What is the productivity fallacy? (26:32) Why do the pressures of my job make it less enjoyable? (31:11) Could delegation help me enjoy my job m...

The Minimalists speak with clinical psychologist Orion Taraban about minimizing dating clutter to form more meaningful intimate relationships. Discussed in this episode: Any advice for dating again after the end of a long relationship? (2:08) How do I avoid carrying past baggage into future relationships? (15:32) Why does Dr. Taraban encourage his clients not to date? (26:49) Does hookup culture m...

The Minimalists speak with Harvard professor Arthur Brooks, author of Build the Life You Want, about the art and science of happiness. Discussed in this episode:  How do I deal with the intense dissatisfaction I feel when I struggle to let go? (1:50) What role does worry play in our unhappiness? (17:12) What are the three main ingredients in happiness? (19:42) How do our reactions shape our happin...

The Minimalists discuss the new "Underconsumption Core" trend that set the Internet ablaze. Discussed in this episode: Why do I feel compelled to buy new clothes even though I already have enough? (2:18) What's the last thing you didn't buy? (22:58) Listener tip: What to do with old awards, trophies, and sentimental items. (38:50) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminim...

The Minimalists talk about leaving behind a legacy without leaving behind material possessions. Discussed in this episode: What are The Minimalists' thoughts on leaving behind a legacy? (1:51) If you were to die today, what would you leave behind? (14:36) When is The Minimalists' next live event? (27:25) Listener tip: Seasonal decluttering of digital photos. (34:11) Listen to the full Maximal epis...

The Minimalists talk about the clutter that appears every time we are unnecessarily reactive or defensive in our interactions with others. Discussed in this episode: How can I be less defensive when interacting with others? (2:10) Of all the things that push your buttons, what's one thing you have a hard time not reacting to? (37:57) From whom did The Minimalists receive a grant? (51:00) Listener...

The Minimalists speak with Carl Lentz about the deep breach of trust that accompanies cheating in a romantic relationship. Discussed in this episode: How did Carl Lentz's life come crashing down at the height of his fame? (2:47) How did "lifestyle clutter" contribute to Lentz's infidelity? (4:18) What unexpected areas of Lentz's life were affected by his extramarital affair? (7:19) What steps are...

The Minimalists talk about the need for rest in a restless world. Discussed in this episode: How do I get my kids to adhere to a more reasonable bedtime so I can go to bed earlier? (1:47) What's one thing that's stopping you from getting the rest you need? (23:51) Listener tip: Realize what you want by getting rid of what you don't need. (44:51) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patre...

The Minimalists talk about counting material possessions, decluttering other people's possessions, and more. Discussed in this episode: What's the best way to count my material possessions? (1:40) What's one thing you'd like to declutter from someone else's life? (20:50) Right Here, Right Now: Who is The Minimalists' newest team member? (32:42) Listener tip: What's the best way to declutter the co...

The Minimalists talk about what to do when you can't let go. Discussed in this episode: What can I do if my family won't allow me to let go of certain sentimental things? (2:04) What's one thing that other people won't allow you to let go of? (19:23) Listener tip: A response to Gratitude Clutter. (36:48) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists Detailed show notes:...

The Minimalists talk about why people avoid peace and go searching for chaos instead. Discussed in this episode: How do I handle the chaos in my life that is caused by other people? (1:48) In what ways do you make your own life more chaotic? (24:45) When is the next 30-Day Minimalism Game? (40:20) Listener tip: How do you throw a decluttering dinner party? (42:29) Listen to the full Maximal episod...

The Minimalists sit down with Colin Wright, author of How to Turn 39: Thoughts About Aging for People of All Ages, to talk about youth, aging, redefining accomplishments, and more. Discussed in this episode: What does it mean for young people to embrace the natural aging process? (2:22) Would your 15-year-old self be impressed by you today? (26:19) What gift does JFM want for his 43rd birthday? (4...

The Minimalists discuss minimalist trade-offs, non-objects, pleasures that can't be purchased, and more. Discussed in this episode: How do you decide between two things when you have the money for only one? (1:48) What is your favorite pleasure that money can't buy? (20:06) Listener tip: The Imagination Library. (38:16) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon:  patreon.com/theminimalists Det...

The Minimalists discuss the clutter that is often caused by spirituality, religion, and different ideologies. Discussed in this episode: Should I declutter some of my accessories that might be cluttering my spiritual practice? (2:09) What's the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the term "spirituality"? (30:44) What are the 10 free minimalist resources from The Minimalists? (50:51) Liste...

The Minimalists talk about the fear of being too grateful, imposter syndrome, the problem with the pursuit of happiness, turning burdens into blessings, and more. Discussed in this episode: Is it possible to be too grateful? (2:13) What's one thing that was once a burden that you are now grateful for? (29:19) What new position are The Minimalists now hiring for? (43:22) Listener tip: insights from...

The Minimalists sit down with the founder of Patreon, Jack Conte, to discuss the death of the follower, earning a living from creative work, why the joy of creating is often ruined by the demands of revenue, and more.  Discussed in this episode: What's the minimalist-approved way to ethically promote my creative work? (1:57) If you could earn a living doing anything in the world, what would it be?...

The Minimalists discuss space hoarding, reification, the key to freedom, generosity, and more. Discussed in this episode: Is my landlord a space hoarder if they won't let me use their empty garage for storage? (1:55) What's one thing you're unwilling to share? (21:55) What are Thursday Konversations with T.K. Coleman? (40:09) Listener insight: Using OCD as a superpower. (40:51) Listen to the full...

The Minimalists speak with Lisa Ann about the benefits of renting clothes, homes, cars, books, tools, and more. They also talk about when it's best to own a thing instead of renting it. Discussed in this episode: What should I do with my wardrobe if my style preferences constantly change? (2:21) What's one thing you'd rather rent than own? And what's one thing you'd rather own than rent? (21:37) H...

The Minimalists talk about life after simplifying, decluttering slowly over time, processing loss after letting go, and more. Discussed in this episode: Should I get rid of everything while simplifying? (2:29) What's the most difficult thing you've ever let go of? (18:36) When is the next Zoom call with The Minimalists? (37:54) Listener tip about quitting social media. (38:44) Listen to the full M...

The Minimalists discuss letting go of memories, creating an uncluttered home, three new series from The Minimalists, and more. Discussed in this episode: How do I let go of memories? (3:51) How can I curate a beautiful, uncluttered home? (17:52) What are the three new series coming soon from The Minimalists? (25:12) What's the best way to create a functional wardrobe with items that last? (24:35)...