The Minimalists

Joshua and T.K. talk about irreversible decisions, how to simplify everything in your life in five weeks, downgrading your smartphone to a dumbphone, and much more.

Discussed in this episode:

What did Lao Tzu mean by "It is easier to carry an empty cup than one that is filled to the brim"?(0:44)

How much weight should we give a decision based on how difficult it is to undo? (4:20)

Give It Five Minutes. (12:50)

Right Here, Right Now: Enrollment for Simplify Everything is now open year-round. (26:05)

WWJO: Would Joshua consider getting a dumbphone? (29:02)

Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Listen to full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists

Joshua and T.K. speak with Mark Sisson about the health benefits of walking, ultra-high-networth minimalism, the most minimalist exercises, and much more!

Discussed in this episode:

What does the fitness industry get wrong about exercise? (2:48)

How does Mark rate these 12 fitness activities? (11:01)

If you woke up tomorrow ultra-wealthy, in what ways would you still be a minimalist? (32:30)

Right Here, Right Now: The How to Let Go Tour and Joshua's late brother's birthday. (48:24)

Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Joshua and T.K. speak with Natasha Theresa about how subtraction can help us see what matters most, the pros and cons of Japanese floor sleeping, the power of a single question, and much more.

Discussed in this episode:

Is comfort a wonderful servant but a terrible master? (1:31)

Can Japanese floor sleeping improve sleep and lower-back pain, and what should a beginner know about transitioning from a traditional mattress to sleeping on the floor? (3:29)

Talkaboutable: Is floor sleeping the most minimalist form of sleeping? (9:23)

What are the pros and cons of floor sleeping? (19:12)

Right Here, Right Now: Joshua's appearance on T.K.'s new show, One Question.  (36:16)

Check out the FULI futon. (Enter code THEMINIMALISTS for 15% off.)

Check out the Nuropod.

Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Joshua and T.K. speak with Julia Raz about struggling to keep common areas clutter free, organizing your home by room, the difference between decluttering and eliminating, three signs you're emotionally drained from cleaning your home, and much more!

Discussed in this episode:

How have unrealistic expectations contributed to the clutter and stress in people's homes? (1:01)

When one person in a household embraces minimalism but everyone else doesn't, where's the healthiest place to begin? (4:03)

Right Here, Right Now: The Letting Go Tour and the Simple Newsletter (20:47)

Listener Tip: A tip for managing children's pajamas. (21:42)

Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Joshua and T.K. speak with writer Conner Habib about how the stories we consume shape our lives, esotericism, letting go of heirlooms, what to do with the junk you don't want to inherit from your parents, and more!

Discussed in this episode:

Whatever tracks you leave in the mud or the sand, the wind smooths them over. (1:17)

Why does storytelling matter, and how do the stories we consume and create shape our lives? (3:51)

Who was Rudolf Steiner, and what is esotericism? (19:06)

Listener Tip: Letting go of an heirloom doesn't mean letting go of its story. (25:32)

Right Here, Right Now: Joshua's solo tour and T.K.'s Clutter Counseling sessions. (35:34)

Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Joshua and T.K. talk about inheriting clutter from hoarder parents, possessions we wish would disappear from our homes, how the spending habits of rich people are raising prices on everyday goods, and much more.

Discussed in this episode:

Does compassion without boundaries become captivity? (0:45)

How can I escape my inherited clutter? (3:38)

What's one item in your home you wish would disappear? (20:03)

Right Here, Right Now: Kudos to Audio Ben for making our remote episode sound so good. (34:59)

Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Joshua and T.K. talk about surgical decluttering, when more is better than minimalism, our favorite minimalist furniture brands, a new 14-minute decluttering rule, and much more.

Discussed in this episode:

Is expectation premeditated disappointment? (6:07)

When does minimalism stop solving the problem and start becoming the problem? (9:51)

When is more better than minimalism? (21:01)

Right Here, Right Now: Zoom calls with The Minimalists and Tom Cat's em(body)ment sessions. (30:21)

WWJO: What couch and dishes does Joshua own? (43:01)

Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Joshua and T.K. talk about some simple rules for a humble home, small tasks with large rewards, surprising things a minimalist might own, why clutter spreads throughout your home, and much more.

Discussed in this episode:

What is the cost of convenience? (0:41)

Is there hidden value in doing the "menial" work we've been taught to pay someone else to do? (11:17)

Right Here, Right Now: The How to Let Go Tour (39:58)

What Would Joshua Own? (47:03)

Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Joshua, T.K., and Ryan talk about embracing minimalism after escaping from an abusive family, some of their favorite non-minimalist books, Joshua's new How to Let Go Tour, and much more.

Discussed in this episode:

If intelligence is getting what you want, is wisdom wanting what's worth getting in the first place? (2:16)

How can I tell the difference between wisdom and fear, especially after escaping an abusive family? (5:00)

Right Here: Right Now: Joshua's first solo tour, T.K.'s new show, and Ryan's new restaurant. (22:08)

WWJO: What books are on The Minimalists' bookshelves? (24:45)

WWJO: What vagus nerve stimulator does Joshua own? (38:02)

Check out the Nuropod: https://nuropod.com/theminimalists

Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

The Minimalist speak with author Jon Acuff about whether procrastination is a type of hoarding, the difference between rest and hesitation, small actions that break the procrastination cycle, a popular decluttering rule that backfired on one of our listeners, and more!

Discussed in this episode:

What is "strategic apathy?" (2:06)

Is procrastination just another form of hoarding? (6:23)

Why do so many of us wait for permission that no one is ever going to give us? (11:05)

What's the difference between rest and hesitation? (20:53)

What's the smallest action someone can take today that genuinely interrupts the procrastination cycle? (23:33)

Right Here, Right Now: Joshua is going on a solo tour. (28:00)

Listener Tip: Is buying items in bulk ever a sneaky form of procrastination? (31:12)

Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

The Minimalists talk about setting down burdens that exhaust us, why it's so difficult to ask for help, the scientific benefits of infrared saunas, and much more.

Discussed in this episode:

What happens when the person everyone depends on is the one who falls apart? (4:48)

Where do you struggle to ask for help? (26:20)

Right Here, Right Now: Very, Very Simple in print, and Clutter Counseling with T.K. Coleman. (40:07)

WWJO: What kind of sauna does Joshua have at home? (43:02)

Clearlight sauna contact: email [email protected] or call 800-317-5070.

Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

The Minimalists talk about the trap of productivity, the point at which optimization makes your life worse, when purchasing quality goods becomes an extravagance, seven minimalist rules that will help you eliminate your email clutter, and much more. 

Discussed in this episode:

Don't you hate when people waste your time? (0:48)

How can I escape my addiction to optimization? (6:08)

At what point does optimizing your life make your life worse? (17:00)

Right Here, Right Now: Give Joshua podcast review for his birthday, and join The Minimalists for a live Zoom call. (29:02)

WWJO: Which mattress does Joshua use for floor sleeping? (31:16)

Get Joshua's futon: https://amzn.to/4e19RSz

Get Joshua's tatami mat: https://amzn.to/4ehrVH1

Have a question for the show? Call 406-219-7839 or email a voice memo to [email protected].

Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

The Minimalists talk about everyday things that turn into clutter, areas in your home that become messy quickly, one question to ask before buying new clothes, 15 useful tips for using your phone less, and more.

Discussed in this episode:

Is every item you own something you eventually have to organize? (7:22)

Where do minimalists actually store all the everyday stuff that usually ends up covering countertops and surfaces? (9:54)

What area of your home turns into clutter the fastest? (23:38)

Right Here, Right Now: A Minimalism 10th-Anniversary Tour retrospective. (44:38)

WWJO: Where did Joshua get his new shacket? (51:11)

Have a question for the show? Call 406-219-7839 or email a voice memo to [email protected].

Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

The Minimalists speak with behavior expert Dr. John Demartini about loved ones who criticize your minimalist lifestyle, ways to reconcile the tension between simplicity and luxury goods, how our consumption patterns shape our identities, whether good and evil exist, and much more.

Discussed in this episode:

What is meant by Charles Bukowski's assertion that we are reduced to ashes by our purpose and desire? (1:23)

How can I handle family members who criticize my minimalist lifestyle? (3:44)

Right Here, Right Now: Very, Very Simple is now available in print. (26:26)

Listener Tip: What is the relationship between our consumption patterns and our identities? (26:58)

Have a question for the show? Call 406-219-7839 or email a voice memo to [email protected].

Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

The Minimalists talk about what to do with sacred things that feel like clutter, which minimalist brands work well for home furniture, how to simplify everything in five weeks, how clutter is harming your health (and how to fix it), and more.

Discussed in this episode:

Why are people constantly angered by trivial things but indifferent to major matters like totally wasting their lives? (00:54)

How should I think about sacred things that feel irreplaceable because they keep the memory of my father alive? (6:55)

How does Joshua choose the products and brands he brings into his home? (24:39)

Right Here, Right Now: Simplify Everything (37:36)

Have a question for the show? Call 406-219-7839 or email a voice memo to [email protected].

Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

The Minimalists talk with author and speaker Kute Blackson about quiet luxury, letting go of stigmas, the difference between surrendering and giving up, the requirements of optimism, and more.

Discussed in this episode:

How should I handle the assumptions and stigma I've encountered since embracing a simpler, more comfortable style of dress? (3:50)

What's the difference between surrendering and giving up? (26:58)

Right Here, Right Now: The final stop of the Minimalism 2026 tour. (39:43)

Listener tip: Worry is a waste of the imagination. (42:28)

Have a question for the show? Call 406-219-7839 or email a voice memo to [email protected].

Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

The Minimalists talk about letting go of sentimental items you rarely use, some of the things we dislike owning, sustainable products for your home, six tiny habits that prevent a messy home, and more.

Discussed in this episode:

How can I part with my father's prized possession that I rarely use? (4:05)

Is there anything you own that you dislike owning? (14:27)

Right Here, Right Now: Play the 30-Day Minimalism Game. (29:46)

WWJO: Durable everyday items built to last. (32:04)

Have a question for the show? Call 406-219-7839 or email a voice memo to [email protected].

Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

The Minimalists talk about dropping everything for a fresh start, why one big change often leads to several more, a handful of questions to ask before buying anything, what we'd get rid of first if we had two hours to declutter your house, and more.

Discussed in this episode:

What should I do if I'm torn between staying in the life I've rebuilt or starting over somewhere new for a fresh start? (11:30)

What would compel you to drop everything and move to a new city? (23:40)

Right Here, Right Now: One more stop on the Minimalism Tour, and Ryan's new restaurant. (43:28)

What blue blocking glasses does Joshua own? (50:54)

Have a question for the show? Call 406-219-7839 or email a voice memo to [email protected].

Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

The Minimalists talk about the difficulties of podcasting, how our love for minimalism has changed over the years, what we dislike about decluttering, how to let go incrementally, and more.

Discussed in this episode:

A wise kid asks: Do you love minimalism? (4:16)

What do you love about minimalism? What do you hate about minimalism? (17:21)

Right Here, Right Now: Weekly writing tips from the How to Write Better Newsletter (33:48)

Listener Tip: How to let go incrementally. (35:10)

Have a question for the show? Call 406-219-7839 or email a voice memo to [email protected].

Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

The Minimalists discuss the passing of Joshua's brother, Jerome, and they talk about confronting loss, the difficult road to acceptance, the difference between processing and complaining, finding meaning in tragedy, and much, much more. Contribute to the GoFundMe for Jerome's family.

Discussed in this episode:

Is it better to confront loss with replacement or acceptance? (00:57)

What's the difference between processing and complaining? (15:23)

What would Jerome say? (53:27)

How did Jerome view material things? (1:02:05)

How can we find meaning in loss? (1:23:29)

Added Value: One of Jerome's favorite songs. (1:29:08)

Have a question for the show? Call 406-219-7839 or email a voice memo to [email protected].

Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

The Minimalists speak with Katy Joy Wells about setting the emotional stage in your home to make it feel more peaceful, uncovering your happy place amid the chaos, finding silence in a noisy world, getting rid of clothes we're unsure about, 15 ridiculous things that society still accepts as normal, and more.

Discussed in this episode:

How can I intentionally create a more peaceful, happy emotional tone in my home—and can one person set that tone? (3:30)

Where is your happy place? (19:07)

Right Here, Right Now: Simplehaven and a programming note. (35:36)

Listener tip: A fresh take to minimize clothes you're unsure about. (36:51)

Have a question for the show? Call 406-219-7839 or email a voice memo to [email protected].

Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

The Minimalists talk about the next step beyond owning less, minimizing the desire to complain, practical ways to stay motivated when you're a beginner, 50 emotions you regularly feel but haven't ever had a name for, and more.

Discussed in this episode:

Once I've minimized, what's the next step beyond just owning less? (7:36)

Congratulations! You've finally minimized everything. Your life is now completely clutter free. Now what? (21:08)

Right Here, Right Now: The Minimalism 10th Anniversary Tour, Simplehaven Retreat, and a new podcast segment. (32:34)

Listener tip: Three practical ways to stay motivated when you're a beginner and things feel difficult? (41:33)

Have a question for the show? Call 406-219-7839 or email a voice memo to [email protected].

Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

The Minimalists speak with Kristen Ziegler about identifying and minimizing excess pantry items, the most absurd things we own, how to reset your algorithm, how decluttering and cleaning your home boosts your dopamine levels, and more!

Discussed in this episode:

How should I best organize my excess pantry items? (4:54)

What's the most absurd thing in your pantry? Why is it still there? (20:24)

Right Here, Right Now: The Minimalism 10th Anniversary Tour and Simplehaven Retreat (43:18)

Listener Tip: How to reset your algorithm. (45:11)

Have a question for the show? Call 406-219-7839 or email a voice memo to [email protected].

Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

The Minimalists talk about whether everything is replaceable on a long-enough timeline, downsizing when you enjoy everything you have, the best time to search for a new job, our favorite organizing hacks, and more.

Discussed in this episode:

Is everything replaceable on a long-enough timeline? (00:47)

How can I let go of my meaningful, seemingly irreplaceable belongings? (4:30)

Which would you give up: Your luggage or your dream vacation? (17:43)

Right Here, Right Now: The Minimalism 10th Anniversary Tour and monthly Zoom calls with The Minimalists. (33:14)

Listener Tip: Successfully playing the 30-Day Minimalism Game. (34:45)

Have a question for the show? Call 406-219-7839 or email a voice memo to [email protected].

Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

The Minimalists speak with Dr. Orion Taraban about how couples can navigate minimalism when only one partner wants to live that way, what's missing from your love life, a new idea to help kids let go, three do's and don'ts that can make or break your relationship, and much more.

Discussed in this episode:

How do I live a minimalist life when my spouse doesn't share those values? (5:30)

What's one thing that's missing from your love life? (26:43)

Right Here, Right Now: Join Joshua, T.K., and Ryan for an hour-long Zoom call. (44:16)

Listener Tip: Use a "friendship bag" to help kids let go of toys. (45:30)

Have a question for the show? Call 406-219-7839 or email a voice memo to [email protected].

Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

The Minimalists talk about being a minimalist in a maximalist household, butting heads with people you live with, overcoming body-image insecurities, and much more.

Discussed in this episode:

How do I stay sane as the only minimalist in a household of loving but devoted maximalists? (1:50)

How do you butt heads with the people you live with? (21:16)

Right Here, Right Now: Emotional Clutter on Kindle and Audible, and new episodes of the How to Write Better Podcast. (42:10)

Listener Tip: A resource for overcoming body-image insecurity and remembering that your worth is not your appearance. (43:55)

Have a question for the show? Call 406-219-7839 or email a voice memo to [email protected].

Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

The Minimalists talk about minimizing information clutter, enjoying learning without trying to optimize your entire life, letting go of the news when it feels overwhelming, why you're terrified of empty space in your home, and much more.

Discussed in this episode:

When did my love of learning turn into compulsively scavenging for self-improvement—and how do I let go of that need to optimize everything? (2:46)

At what point does information stop serving you and start suffocating you? (20:21)

Right Here, Right Now: Simplehaven Retreat, Minimalism 10th Anniversary Tour, and Sunday Symposium on Patreon (50:57)

Listener Tip: Decision-making advice for overthinkers. (53:48)

Have a question for the show? Call 406-219-7839 or email a voice memo to [email protected].

Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

The Minimalists talk about relapsing into consumerism, purchases that make you a bad minimalist, living small in a big world, and much more.

Discussed in this episode:

Do no-buy challenges create lasting change in our consumption habits—or are they just temporary detoxes before we relapse into old spending patterns? (2:06)

What's the last thing you bought that made you feel like a "bad" minimalist? (22:16)

Right Here, Right Now: Simplehaven Retreat and Uncluttered Faith (49:50)

Listener Tip: Live small, and question everything you bring into your home. (53:13)

Have a question for the show? Call 406-219-7839 or email a voice memo to [email protected].

Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

The Minimalists speak with Andy Hnilo about harmful ingredients people should avoid in their skincare products, what a simple skincare routine looks like, letting go of expensive beauty products you rarely use, and much more.

Discussed in this episode:

What harmful ingredients should people avoid in hygiene and beauty products, and what are the few essentials most men and women actually need? (2:40)

What's your minimalist skincare routine? (26:44)

Right Here, Right Now: Minimalism 10th Anniversary Tour (53:40)

Listener Tip: Avoid online price manipulation by shopping anonymously. (56:06)

Get 20% off Alitura Naturals (use code SIMPLE): https://alituranaturals.pxf.io/6yBRgb

Have a question for the show? Call 406-219-7839 or email a voice memo to [email protected].

Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast