The Minimalists

Joshua Fields Millburn, Ryan Nicodemus, T.K. Coleman

The Minimalists are Emmy-nominated Netflix stars and New York Times–bestselling authors Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus. Alongside cohost T.K. Coleman, they help millions of people live meaningful lives with less. read less

Our Editor's Take

Life with less stuff can feel either terrifying or liberating. Either way, The Minimalists Podcast intends to help listeners live more fulfilled lives. It asks what it means to be a minimalist and how to get started. Is there more to minimalism than decluttering the house?

Joshua Fields Milburn and Ryan Nicodemus want to answer these questions. Their cohost on The Minimalists Podcast is T.K. Coleman. The hosts detail their journey toward becoming less encumbered. A freer lifestyle can mean letting go. What these things are might surprise some listeners. Moreover objects, these can include entertainment, pets, and even friends.

The show includes specialists to help analyze how to relinquish stuff one doesn't need. Dr. Cortney Warren, for example, discusses saying goodbye to past partners. Lewis Howes advises giving up fantasy versions of oneself. In one episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Kapil Gupta reveals how negative emotions weigh people down. How does one release doubt, fear, and feelings of discontent? Emotional clutter can feel suffocating. This podcast gives some tips about the subject.

For the more practical-minded, the minimalists provide insight into home storage. They talk about consumerism and what objects to donate first. Listeners can hear "20 Decluttering Ideas" to help them get started on the process. In a way, the podcast inspires a want to become more sustainable and help the planet.

A vital aspect of becoming a minimalist is deciding what has real value. Sometimes it's about budgeting. Other times it's about holding onto things that bring comfort. It can also be about creating a positive community and abandoning negative thought patterns. What would it mean to live with more joy?

Ryan and Joshua want listeners to create space for bringing more of the best things into life. They believe in being free, peaceful, and creative. They published Minimalism: Live a Meaningful Life in 2011. Since then, they have written more books to help even more people. They share their passion for living with less in The Minimalists Podcast.

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471 | Holiday Anxiety

471 | Holiday Anxiety

The Minimalists dive deep into the anxiety that often accompanies the holiday shopping season. Discussed in this episode: How can I stop people from buying unnecessary Christmas gifts that clutter our home? (2:37) What fills your holiday season with anxiety and what do you do to minimize holiday clutter? (20:15) Listener tip: A helpful script for opting out of gift-giving during the holiday season. (42:34) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast Recorded at Earthing Studios.

Episodes

471 | Holiday Anxiety

471 | Holiday Anxiety

The Minimalists dive deep into the anxiety that often accompanies the holiday shopping season. Discussed in this episode: How can I stop people from buying unnecessary Christmas gifts that clutter our home? (2:37) What fills your holiday season with anxiety and what do you do to minimize holiday clutter? (20:15) Listener tip: A helpful script for opting out of gift-giving during the holiday season. (42:34) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast Recorded at Earthing Studios.

470 | How to Listen

470 | How to Listen

The Minimalists are joined by Judah Smith to talk about building a community, finding wellbeing through connection, how to listen to people you love but disagree with, and more. Discussed in this episode: What should an introvert do if they feel like they don’t need to belong to a so-called community? (2:25) How do you listen to people you love but often disagree with? (9:16) How difficult is it to build a community with people you disagree with? (24:07) Sleep Meditation and Black Friday discussion. (41:03) Listener insight: Using minimalism to get through a difficult divorce. (44:04) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast Recorded at Earthing Studios.

The Minimalists discuss the things that give people a sense of purpose. Discussed in this episode: Can minimalism help people find their reason for being? (2:20) What makes you excited to get out of bed in the morning? (16:55) Listener tip: How to use technology without letting it use you. (39:33) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast Recorded at Earthing Studios.

468 | Minimalist Tools

468 | Minimalist Tools

Ryan Nicodemus returns to The Minimalists Podcast to discuss minimalist tools. Discussed in this episode: What are the upsides and downsides of artificial intelligence as a minimalist tool? (2:26) What’s your favorite minimalist tool, and how have you used it to live more with less? (22:56) Listener tip: Letting go of the status quo. (42:48) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast Recorded at Earthing Studios.

467 | Let Go of Politics

467 | Let Go of Politics

The Minimalists talk about minimizing the division caused by partisan politics. Discussed in this episode: How can we minimize political division when we don't agree with other people? (2:42) What does it mean to let go of partisan politics? (13:23) Does it ever make sense not to vote? (31:28) Listener tip: Minimize stress by reviewing important legal documents. (49:33) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast Recorded at Earthing Studios.

466 | Hope for Cynics

466 | Hope for Cynics

The Minimalists speak with Dr. Jamil Zaki from Stanford University about understanding and overcoming hopelessness and cynicism. Discussed in this episode: In what ways does cynicism mimic false hope? (2:24) How do you find hope when you’ve felt hopeless for a long time? (10:08) What are the surprising downsides of hope? (22:00) Listener tip: Overthinking makes people feel hopeless. (30:55) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast Recorded at Earthing Studios.

465 | Control Freaks

465 | Control Freaks

The Minimalists talk about why letting go of control is so difficult. Discussed in this episode: What fears are hiding underneath my need to obsessively control everything? (2:18) What's one area in which you have a hard time letting go of control? (22:21) What is the next film that The Minimalists are working on? (40:33) Listener tip: Clutter Counseling really works! (42:10) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast Recorded at Earthing Studios.

464 | Unoptimized Things

464 | Unoptimized Things

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) Listener tip: How to minimize feminine hygiene products. (42:59) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast Recorded at Earthing Studios.

463 | Minimize Chronic Pain

463 | Minimize Chronic Pain

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 insights you would give to anyone suffering from a chronic illness? (46:18) How do you cope with pain? (47:36) What is Clutter Counseling? (50:32) Listener tip: One simple essay each day! (53:04) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast Recorded at Earthing Studios.

462 | Toxic Superfoods

462 | Toxic Superfoods

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? (1:45) What are some symptoms that point toward oxalate overload? (5:57) How can we apply minimalism to our diets? (9:01) What processed foods and preservatives do we want to eliminate from our diets? (12:59) What other foods are toxic or problematic? (17:56) When are blood tests a waste of time and money? (25:25) Will an Animal-Based Diet help with chronic pain and brain fog? (28:23) When is a vegan diet helpful and when is it harmful? (31:15) How has Earthing helped Lisa? (35:52) What role does our food play in skin conditions like acne, dandruff, flaky skin, rashes, psoriasis, and eczema? (37:06) What is the gut microbiome’s role in our overall health? (41:11) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast Recorded at Earthing Studios.

461 | Preserving the Past

461 | Preserving the Past

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 memories. (34:04) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast Recorded at Earthing Studios.

460 | Overthinking

460 | Overthinking

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 imagination suppress our intuition? (37:04) In our current age of unlimited information, how has overthinking affected you? (41:05) When is The Minimalists’ next live event? (45:04) Listener tip: How one listener deals with book clutter. (47:22) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast Recorded at Earthing Studios.

459 | Simplework

459 | Simplework

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 more? (33:59) How simple would the world be if everyone followed The Minimalists? (35:39) What would make your work life simpler and more enjoyable? (38:28) Listener tip: Scrolling is the new smoking! (46:52) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast Recorded at Earthing Studios.

458 | Dating Clutter

458 | Dating Clutter

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 make it harder to meet people who want a genuine connection? (35:03) Do dating apps make it harder to commit to a relationship? (38:41) How do I decide whether it’s time to move on from a difficult relationship? (40:43) Are great relationships effortless, or do they take work to maintain? (46:39) How can you tell whether a date will be worthwhile or a waste of time? (52:35) Listener tip: How to minimize while unpacking after a trip. (56:40) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast Recorded at Earthing Studios.

457 | The Science of Happiness

457 | The Science of Happiness

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 happiness? (32:40) How does the weather affect our happiness? (36:17) What’s preventing you from being happy right now? (39:00) Listener tip: Would I repurchase this thing? (44:43) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast Recorded at Earthing Studios.

456 | Underconsumption Core

456 | Underconsumption Core

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/theminimalists Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast Recorded at Earthing Studios.

455 | Legacy of Stuff

455 | Legacy of Stuff

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 episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast Recorded at Earthing Studios.

454 | Reaction Clutter

454 | Reaction Clutter

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 tip: Buy nothing for a month! (55:54) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast Recorded at Earthing Studios.

453 | Infidelity

453 | Infidelity

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 required to make amends after you’ve hurt someone you love? (16:39) How do I avoid blaming others for the mistakes I’ve made? (24:47) What role did apologizing and forgiveness play in Lentz’s healing? (27:47) What self-defeating stories lead to adultery? (39:45) What are the commonalities between most cases of unfaithfulness? (42:15) What’s your definition of infidelity? (54:15) Listener tip: Just say no to free things! (1:02:23) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists Detailed show notes: theminimalists.com/podcast

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: patreon.com/theminimalists Detailed show notes: theminimalists.com/podcast