Episode notes
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…
The Minimalists
by Joshua Fields Millburn, Ryan Nicodemus, T.K. Coleman · English · Leisure & Travel
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.
More from The Minimalists
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E546 · 6 Jul 2026 · 53 min
546 | Ask for Help
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 Sage@HealWithHeat.com or call 800-317-5070. Listen to the full Maximal episode on…
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E545 · 29 Jun 2026 · 43 min
545 | Unoptimized Life
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…
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E544 · 22 Jun 2026 · 59 min
544 | What a Mess!
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…
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E542 · 8 Jun 2026 · 45 min
542 | Sacred Things
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)…
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E541 · 1 Jun 2026 · 50 min
541 | Surrender
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…
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E540 · 25 May 2026 · 43 min
540 | Dislike Owning
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 podcast@themins.com. Listen to the full…
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E558 · 5 Oct 2026 · 41 minNew
558 | The Collection
Joshua and T.K. talk about how minimalists might curate an intentional collection, what to do with antique clutter, their favorite black t-shirts, seven items minimalists avoid to keep their living rooms calm and clutter free, and more! Discussed in this episode: What's the difference between collecting and curating? (1:11) Why are we so good at finding loopholes that let us keep the same behavior in a slightly different form? (3:45) Right Here, Right Now: Joshua recaps his solo tour experience. (20:46) WWJO: Where do The Minimalists get their black t-shirts? (28:16) Listen to the full…
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E557 · 21 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 3 min
557 | The Context
T.K. Coleman speaks with Zach Bush, MD, about why context matters more than content, why relationships are more important than possessions, how we learn to be dissatisfied, what disconnection from nature has to do with addiction and disease, how social media distorts our sense of enough, and much more. Discussed in this episode: What is antibiosis? (3:09) How did boxed apple juice compromise the last remaining indigenous culture? (7:41) What have we really lost in our loss of ancient technologies? (29:06) What's it like to watch a cancer cell under a microscope? (45:14) Listen to the full…
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E556 · 14 Sep 2026 · 52 min
556 | The Undoing
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…
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E555 · 7 Sep 2026 · 53 min
555 | Born to Walk
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:…
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