The Minimalists - podcast cover

The Minimalists

Joshua Fields Millburn, Ryan Nicodemus, T.K. Colemantheminimalists.com
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.

Episodes

485 | Small Things

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

Mar 31, 202548 minEp. 485

484 | Conflict Frequencies

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 Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast Re...

Mar 24, 202553 minEp. 484

483 | The Renunciation

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

Mar 17, 202550 minEp. 483

482 | Lights On

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

Mar 10, 202552 minEp. 482

481 | Cabinet Clutter

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 cabinets? (2:56) What’s hiding in your cabinets? (18:00) Minimalist House Tour 101. (47:49) Listener ...

Mar 03, 202553 minEp. 481

480 | Bedroom Clutter

In this episode, The Minimalists and Cass Arson explore bedroom clutter, focusing on nightstands and sentimental items. They discuss practical decluttering techniques like 'trash bag therapy' and setting boundaries, emphasizing the importance of creating a peaceful and intimate bedroom space. Listeners share their definitions of bedroom clutter, prompting discussions on habits, organization styles, and the role of technology.

Feb 24, 202544 minEp. 480

479 | Garage Clutter

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) How do you use your garage? (21:52) Listener tip: Improve seasonal decorations by making them func...

Feb 17, 202550 minEp. 479

478 | Closet Clutter

The Minimalists, joined by Courtney Carver, explore decluttering closets and overcoming compulsive buying. They discuss strategies like Project 333, address the psychology behind overconsumption, and share listener tips for ethical and mindful wardrobe curation. Topics include emotional clutter, insecurity, identity, and finding variety within minimalist boundaries.

Feb 10, 202546 minEp. 478

477 | Living Room Clutter

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 purpose? (28:08) Listener tip: Minimalist rule to declutter excess coffee mugs. (43:57) Letting go afte...

Feb 03, 202551 minEp. 477

Bonus | Smart Devices

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 ....

Jan 27, 202522 min

476 | A Waste of Now

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

Jan 20, 202542 minEp. 476

475 | Going Without

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 less you want, the more satisfied you are. (50:07) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patre...

Jan 13, 202555 minEp. 475

474 | Attachment Styles

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 Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast Recorded at Earthing S...

Dec 30, 202436 minEp. 474

473 | Spartanism

The Minimalists talk about the opposite of hoarding. Discussed in this episode: What happens when you take downsizing too far? (2:05) How do you stop yourself from minimizing excessively? (24:05) The Minimalists’ birthday + we were featured on Jeopardy! (36:17) Listener tip: One of the most helpful minimalist tools. (41:35) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast Recorded at Earthing Studios ....

Dec 23, 202445 minEp. 473

472 | House of Clutter

The Minimalists talk about that overwhelming feeling that most of us experience when our homes are full of clutter. Discussed in this episode: Is a junk removal service the best way to deal with a house full of clutter? (2:38) At what point does your home feel cluttered? (22:23) When is The Minimalists’ next live event? (39:11) Listener tip: T.K. Coleman is the new Oprah for decluttering! (40:51) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists Detailed show notes: minim...

Dec 16, 202446 minEp. 472

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 no...

Dec 02, 202446 minEp. 471

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 discuss...

Nov 25, 202448 minEp. 470

469 | Ikigai

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 ....

Nov 18, 202444 minEp. 469

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 ....

Nov 11, 202447 minEp. 468

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...

Nov 04, 202454 minEp. 467

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...

Oct 28, 202436 minEp. 466

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 Re...

Oct 21, 202446 minEp. 465

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 P...

Oct 14, 202447 minEp. 464

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? ...

Oct 07, 202457 minEp. 463

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 ...

Sep 30, 202449 minEp. 462

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 sho...

Sep 23, 202437 minEp. 461

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 over...

Sep 16, 202451 minEp. 460

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 ...

Sep 09, 202451 minEp. 459

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...

Sep 02, 20241 hr 1 minEp. 458

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 happ...

Aug 26, 202449 minEp. 457