550 | Surgical Decluttering
The Minimalists
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: ...
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549 | Humble Things
The Minimalists
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: Detailed show notes:
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548 | Past Lives
The Minimalists
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?...
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547 | Procrastination
The Minimalists
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...
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546 | Ask for Help
The Minimalists
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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545 | Unoptimized Life
The Minimalists
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...
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544 | What a Mess!
The Minimalists
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...
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543 | Nothing’s Missing
The Minimalists
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...
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542 | Sacred Things
The Minimalists
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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541 | Surrender
The Minimalists
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...
info_outlineJoshua and Ryan talk about all the digital clutter on our computers, phones, tablets, and other devices taking up space on our hard drives and in our minds, and they answer the following questions:
What are the benefits of not having digital clutter taking up space in your mind? (00:00)
What is the Diderot effect? (04:48)
What do you define as ‘digital clutter’? (10:41)
Where do we start in addressing digital clutter to ensure we stay focused and motivated and not get overwhelmed with all of it? (13:31)
As an avid gamer, how do I ensure I don’t let my enthusiasm and passion for gaming turn into clutter with all of the games and consoles available, and how do I ensure it doesn’t consume me to the detriment of my relationships? (21:00)
How about a basic overview of how to manage it all: emails, documents, photos? (30:18)
How can overwhelm actually help us? (33:17)
Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast
Support The Minimalists: minimalists.com/support