The Minimalists

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.

514 | Guilty Pleasures 11/17/2025

514 | Guilty Pleasures The Minimalists are reassessing guilty pleasures, reducing triggers that cause unnecessary pain, exploring annoying gifts, and much more. Discussed in this episode: How do I let go of guilt after I buy something that doesn’t align with my values? (2:08) What's one thing you feel guilty about having purchased? (19:12) Right Here, Right Now: Tour updates and T.K.’s birthday. (40:23) Listener Tip: A handful of wellness tips. (43:26) Have a question for the show? Call 406-219-7839 or email a voice memo to podcast@themins.com. Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: Detailed show notes: Recorded at . /episode/index/show/theminimalists/id/39023175

513 | The Sound of Life 11/10/2025

513 | The Sound of Life The Minimalists talk about making time for frivolous pursuits, what we’re willing to sacrifice for the important things, clutter that shows up unexpectedly, five easy decluttering tips you can apply to every space this winter, and more! Discussed in this episode: How can we justify making time for seemingly frivolous pursuits? (2:33) Solve this equation: X is so important to me that I'm willing to sacrifice Y to spend time on it. (22:13) Right Here, Right Now: T.K.’s Clutter Counseling videos. (34:24) Listener Tip: Clutter can show up in the strangest ways. (37:47) Have a question for the show? Call 406-219-7839 or email a voice memo to podcast@themins.com. Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: Detailed show notes: Recorded at . /episode/index/show/theminimalists/id/38928660

512 | The Secret of Letting Go 11/03/2025

512 | The Secret of Letting Go The Minimalists speak with Guy Finley about letting go of precious memories, why letting go is so freaking scary, the wisdom of letting go, ten truths to follow if you want to let go, and much more. Discussed in this episode: How can I let go of things that are imbued with my precious memories? (4:20) Why is letting go so scary? (32:24) How does our desire to control prevent us from letting go? (33:30) Are we always letting go of a piece of the past when we let go? (36:59) Have a question for the show? Call 406-219-7839 or email a voice memo to podcast@themins.com. Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: Detailed show notes: Recorded at . /episode/index/show/theminimalists/id/38863005

511 | Holding On 10/27/2025

511 | Holding On The Minimalists speak with Ryan Holiday about how the stoics dealt with sentimental items, the potential virtue of holding on, stoical insights about values, regrets, mental clutter, seven things minimalists would never put in their living room, and much more. Discussed in this episode: How would the stoics have handled their sentimental items? (2:40) When is it virtuous to hold on? (22:13) Right Here, Right Now: Books a Clutter Counseling session with T.K. (43:05) Listener Tip: A poem about the weight of the needs of others. (44:19) Have a question for the show? Call 406-219-7839 or email a voice memo to podcast@themins.com. Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: Detailed show notes: Recorded at . /episode/index/show/theminimalists/id/38751220

510 | Say Less 10/20/2025

510 | Say Less The Minimalists talk about verbal minimalism, the things we regret saying, the best ways to let other people down, seven things people regret tossing while decluttering, and much more. Discussed in this episode: How do you practice verbal minimalism? (3:43) What’s the last thing you regretted saying? (18:54) Right Here, Right Now: Joshua’s new documentary, Food for Humans, goes on tour. (38:08) Listener Tip: Creating a list of items you might want again later. (44:05) Have a question for the show? Call 406-219-7839 or email a voice memo to podcast@themins.com. Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: Detailed show notes: Recorded at . /episode/index/show/theminimalists/id/38626735

509 | The Fix 10/13/2025

509 | The Fix The Minimalists talk about feeling defeated because of limitations, problems that won’t go away, other people’s cluttered spaces, five things you should never feel guilty about getting rid of, and more! Discussed in this episode: How do you cope when a recurring injury or limitation makes you feel defeated, anxious, and discouraged? (3:11) What problem keeps popping up even after you fix it? (19:04) Right Here, Right Now: Floor-sleeping. (39:30) Listener Tip: The nightlight rule. (47:42) Have a question for the show? Call 406-219-7839 or email a voice memo to podcast@themins.com. Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: Detailed show notes: Recorded at . /episode/index/show/theminimalists/id/38530100

508 | Too Minimal 10/06/2025

508 | Too Minimal The Minimalists talk about the pros and cons of extreme minimalism, when simple living goes too far, so-called “sad” items, and much more. Have a question for the show? Call 406-219-7839 or email a voice memo to podcast@themins.com. Discussed in this episode: Why does extreme minimalism make me feel empty? (1:54) How minimal is too minimal? (15:05) Right Here, Right Now: Savi D’s skate videos and Sunday Symposium in Ventura. (39:28) Listener Tip: Taking less so I can give more. (43:37) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: Detailed show notes: Recorded at . /episode/index/show/theminimalists/id/38455375

507 | Closer to Contentment 09/29/2025

507 | Closer to Contentment The Minimalists talk about letting go of things that are a reminder of a painful past, everyday essentials, joybaiting instead of ragebating, several things professional organizers say we should let go of this fall, and more. Have a question for the show? Call 406-219-7839 or email a voice memo to podcast@themins.com. Discussed in this episode: How do I let go of old digital content—such as photos, contacts, and social media friends—that remind me of a painful past? (4:10) What if I regret getting rid of something? (15:09) What’s something from your past that’s getting in the way of your present? (24:57) Right Here, Right Now: Simplify Everything and Friday afternoon Zoom calls with The Minimalists. (45:23) Listener Tip: How to manage laundry for six people. (47:55) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: Detailed show notes: Recorded at . /episode/index/show/theminimalists/id/38369855

506 | Capitalism 09/22/2025

506 | Capitalism The Minimalists speak with Rey Flemings about the upsides and downsides of capitalism, potential alternative economic systems, the best ways for wealthy people to be more generous, plus greed, freedom, private ownership, and more. Discussed in this episode: What’s the best way to talk about capitalism objectively without evoking an emotional response? (3:19) What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word “capitalism”? (11:30) Right Here, Right Now: Sunday Symposium and Clutter Counseling (53:35) Listener Tip: Why didn’t we think of this? (54:29) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: Detailed show notes: Recorded at . /episode/index/show/theminimalists/id/38283195

505 | Excessful 09/15/2025

505 | Excessful The Minimalists talk about what to do with closets and containers that are overflowing with excess, what’s keeping most people from minimizing, when to stop buying new things for your home, and much more. Discussed in this episode: What do I do with my two closets and three storage containers filled with excess clothes? (1:47) What’s the last thing you minimized, and what prevented you from letting go sooner? (21:08) Sucky Ad: Dr. Chris Ryan talks about the normalization of deceit. (37:10) Listener Tip: “Storage” by Mary Oliver. (45:05) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: Detailed show notes: Recorded at . /episode/index/show/theminimalists/id/38195450

504 | The Little Things 09/08/2025

504 | The Little Things In this solo episode, Joshua talks about disagreeing about the little things at home, his new rule for online shopping, a few stupid things he’s purchased that he’ll never buy again, and much more. Discussed in this episode: Why do my minimalist spouse and I keep arguing about the little things? (2:17) Talkaboutable: The Amazon Shopping Rule. (19:11) Talkaboutable: Three stupid things I’ve purchased that I’ll never buy again. (22:00) Right Here, Right Now: A return to video, a new perk for Patrons, and Minimalism turns two. (24:47) Listener Tip: Surprising things that dirty your clothes. (30:32) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: Detailed show notes: Recorded at . /episode/index/show/theminimalists/id/38104875

503 | I’d Rather Be Alone 09/01/2025

503 | I’d Rather Be Alone The Minimalists speak with philosopher Peter Rollins about how increasing fragmentation and fear of others produces unnecessary enemies, the ways in which social anxiety makes it difficult to build a community, how products promise fulfillment yet give us dissatisfaction, and much more. Discussed in this episode: What do introverts understand that extroverts don’t? (1:53) What’s missing from your community? (22:05) Right Here, Right Now: Sunday Symposium and Zoom calls with The Minimalists. (44:57) Listener Tip: Two tips for managing book clutter. (49:00) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: Detailed show notes: Recorded at . /episode/index/show/theminimalists/id/38023475

502 | The Uniform 08/18/2025

502 | The Uniform The Minimalists talk about the practical issues with curating a simple wardrobe, letting go of troubling conversations, being eco-friendly on a budget, and much more. Discussed in this episode: What should I do if a simple wardrobe isn’t practical for me? (2:08) If you had to wear just one outfit every day for the rest of your life, what would it be? (15:07) Right Here, Right Now: Join us at Sunday Symposium. (42:20) Listener Insight: A tip for dealing with half-dirty clothes. (45:30) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: Detailed show notes: Recorded at . /episode/index/show/theminimalists/id/37848890

501 | Worst Education Advice 08/11/2025

501 | Worst Education Advice The Minimalists speak with educator Isaac Morehouse about fixing our broken education system, asking family members to stop buying excess stuff, arguing with the people we love, and much more. Discussed in this episode: What can we do about our systemically broken education system? (02:00) What’s the worst education advice you’ve ever heard? (19:23) Right Here, Right Now: A special screening of the Food for Humans documentary. (44:30) Listener Tip: Rules to reduce physical book clutter. (46:10) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: Detailed show notes: Recorded at . /episode/index/show/theminimalists/id/37748590

500 | Accidental Wisdom 07/28/2025

500 | Accidental Wisdom The Minimalists talk about the root cause of identity clutter, the best ways to celebrate while letting go, how to minimize the things you rarely use, some of our favorite memories from the last 500 episodes, and much more. Discussed in this episode: Why am I having trouble letting go of an old membership that I don’t use? (2:12) What are our all-time favorite episodes of The Minimalists Podcast? (15:13) Right Here, Right Now: The Minimalists speak about social media clutter at TEDxFargo. (39:46) Listener tip: Three questions that will improve your social interactions. (42:31) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: Detailed show notes: Recorded at . /episode/index/show/theminimalists/id/37551210

499 | Stop Consuming 07/14/2025

499 | Stop Consuming The Minimalists talk about minimizing mental clutter caused by loved ones, consuming less of things we enjoy, embracing minimalist dietary principles that last, and more with Dr. Paul Saladino. Discussed in this episode: How do I stop thinking about the intrusive comments that my parents used to make about my weight? (2:12) What’s one thing you enjoy that you’ve decided to stop consuming? (19:06) Right Here, Right Now: Join us at our next Sunday Symposium. Plus, Ryan will join us for episode 500! (40:07) Listener tip: A recommendation for minimizing YouTube clutter. (41:18) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: Detailed show notes: Recorded at . /episode/index/show/theminimalists/id/37384335

498 | Nonsense 07/07/2025

498 | Nonsense The Minimalists speak with Kapil Gupta about letting go of nonsense, the many ways humans waste their lives, what happens when you minimize ambition, and more. Discussed in this episode: What does it mean to “overcome the world”? (3:27) Why does Dr. Gupta have a disdain for smartphones? (9:42) Why is “getting something to be happy” an empty act? (16:13) What does a wasted life look like? (22:28) Why has Joshua abandoned most of his ambitions? (38:41) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: Detailed show notes: Recorded at . /episode/index/show/theminimalists/id/37287425

497 | The Sacrifices 06/30/2025

497 | The Sacrifices The Minimalists talk about the right amount of deprivation, sacrificing for others, obsession with books, education that aligns with minimalist principles, and more. Discussed in this episode: How much should I deprive myself for the sake of loving others? (2:05) When does it make sense to stop sacrificing for another person? (16:38) Right Here, Right Now: Peek inside Joshua’s minimalist home. (35:38) Listener tip: Coming to terms with body-image insecurities that you can’t control. (42:26) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: Detailed show notes: Recorded at . /episode/index/show/theminimalists/id/37191540

496 | Good Talk 06/23/2025

496 | Good Talk The Minimalists talk about communicating with people who are unwilling to change their minds, the qualities of productive conversation, finding ways to be happy without knowing your purpose, a simple approach to getting divorced, the proper way to identify a narcissist, being a minimalist when you enjoy buying new things, and much more. Discussed in this episode: How can I have conversations with people who aren’t interested in changing their mind? (2:03) What makes a conversation productive? (16:56) Right Here, Right Now: Our 20 favorite podcast episodes—and our next Sunday Symposium. (35:37) Lister tip: Avoid buying things by saying “hell no” to nonessentials. (36:35) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: Detailed show notes: Recorded at . /episode/index/show/theminimalists/id/37103755

495 | House on Fire 06/16/2025

495 | House on Fire The Minimalists talk about letting go of sadness, replacing possessions after a natural disaster, swapping a smartphone for a dumb phone, understanding the downsides of home ownership, holding on to sentimental items for too long, asking loved ones for their attention, and much more. Discussed in this episode: How do I let go of my sadness after I was forced to let go of everything I own? (2:02) If you were to lose everything in a natural disaster, what’s the first thing you would replace? (16:48) Right Here, Right Now: “I Shouldn’t Have to Deal with This” is one of our most popular episodes of all time. (35:44) Listener Tip: The Light Phone is a great way to add intentional friction to your life. (41:20) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: Detailed show notes: Recorded at . /episode/index/show/theminimalists/id/36930220

494 | Half-Dirty Clothes 06/09/2025

494 | Half-Dirty Clothes The Minimalists talk about what to do with half-dirty clothes, setting minimalist boundaries, breaking difficult news to your mom, the role our outfits play in our identities, getting an education outside the school system, letting go of regret, and more! Discussed in this episode: What would a minimalist do with clothes that have been worn but aren’t ready to to be washed? (2:05) What do you do with your half-dirty clothes? (16:24) Right Here, Right Now: Joshua’s birthday request. (30:38) Listener tip: Spice up the Seasonality Rule by minimizing out-of-season clothing. (32:54) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: Detailed show notes: Recorded at . /episode/index/show/theminimalists/id/36898330

493 | Family Matters 06/03/2025

493 | Family Matters The Minimalists talk about letting go of family clutter, making a distinction between family and friends, surrendering broken things, how to stop being a “yes man,” the link between closet clutter and past trauma, punishing kids for bad behavior, minimizing old moving boxes, and much more! Discussed in this episode: I found out my deceased wife was having an affair before she died. Consequently, I might not be the biological father of our daughter. What should I do to let go? (2:09) How do you differentiate between friends and family? (21:22) Right Here, Right Now: Have a Zoom call with The Minimalists. (42:09) Listener tip: How to let go of broken things. (43:22) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: Detailed show notes: Recorded at . /episode/index/show/theminimalists/id/36797355

492 | Gimme a Hug 05/26/2025

492 | Gimme a Hug The Minimalists talk about navigating the nuances of human touch, sensory overload, pain, pleasure, unnecessary distractions, storage units, travel, decision fatigue, letting go of old boxes, and more! Discussed in this episode: As self-proclaimed “huggers,” how do The Minimalists avoid overstepping personal-space boundaries with hugs and other forms of physical touch? (2:08) Talkaboutable: Hugs alleviate stress and may boost your immune system by 32%. (6:37) What role do your five senses play in amplifying your joy or magnifying your discontent? (24:58) Right Here, Right Now: Play the 30-Day Minimalism Game. (40:48) Listener tip: Embrace boredom and discomfort to live a simple life that is free of unnecessary distractions and overstimulation. (43:55) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: Detailed show notes: Recorded at . /episode/index/show/theminimalists/id/36692285

491 | The Beauty of Uncertainty 05/19/2025

491 | The Beauty of Uncertainty The Minimalists talk about the surprising beauty of uncertainty, and they wish a fond farewell to a beloved team member. Discussed in this episode: If I feel stuck at work, what path should I choose to help alleviate my career uncertainty? (2:13) How do you know whether it’s time for a change in your life? (25:04) Right Here, Right Now: Malabama’s final episode. (36:21) Listener tip: Everything you do is an underfulfillment of your potential to someone else. (42:02) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: Detailed show notes: Recorded at . /episode/index/show/theminimalists/id/36573360

490 | Blank Spaces 05/12/2025

490 | Blank Spaces The Minimalists talk about the fear and joy of creating blank spaces in our lives. Discussed in this episode: What if I don’t find anything meaningful on the other side of minimizing my stuff? (2:02) Blank space—do you find it terrifying or appealing? (21:21) Listener tip: New ways to get rid of your excess clothes and toys. (40:25) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: Detailed show notes: Recorded at . /episode/index/show/theminimalists/id/36513820

489 | Equipment Clutter 05/05/2025

489 | Equipment Clutter Ryan Nicodemus returns to talk about the things that enhance—and the things that get in the way of—enjoying the adventures, experiences, activities, and hobbies that make life more delightful. Discussed in this episode: How can I enjoy my adventures and hobbies without getting overwhelmed by the accessories and equipment that accompany those experiences? (2:33) What activities bring you joy, and what material things are an essential part of those activities? (21:40) Listener tip: Minimize the noise and opinions to uncover a quieter life. (44:22) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: Detailed show notes: Recorded at . /episode/index/show/theminimalists/id/36378965

488 | Nontransactable Goods 04/28/2025

488 | Nontransactable Goods The Minimalists are joined by Dr. Orion Taraban to talk about loyalty, respect, grace, love, friendship, forgiveness, desire, honesty, and other nontransactable goods. Discussed in this episode: How can I stop clinging to the good relationship memories from the past if they make me feel miserable now? (2:35) When is loyalty no longer worth it? (23:52) Listener tip: Sensory sensitivity is linked to overstimulation. (55:41) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: Detailed show notes: Recorded at . /episode/index/show/theminimalists/id/36318975

487 | Frustrations 04/14/2025

487 | Frustrations The Minimalists get brutally honest about the people, places, and things that frustrate the hell out of us. Discussed in this episode: What can I do if my sister is so upset with me that she refuses to communicate? (2:17) What frustrating expectations do your family, friends, or coworkers have of you? (18:28) Listener tip: Considerately letting go of kids’ clothes and toys. (41:33) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: Detailed show notes: Recorded at . /episode/index/show/theminimalists/id/36086995

486 | Hedonism 04/07/2025

486 | Hedonism The Minimalists talk about why the pursuit of pleasure leads to hedonism, and they answer questions about self-indulgence, pleasure-seeking, self-gratification, self-restraint, immoderation, overindulgence, extravagance, and more. Discussed in this episode: What pleasures are likely to get in the way of living a meaningful life? (2:14) What nonessentials do you overindulge in? (29:51) Listener tip: Letting go of worries, saying no to others, and minimizing online shopping. (49:13) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: Detailed show notes: Recorded at . /episode/index/show/theminimalists/id/36027250

485 | Small Things 03/31/2025

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: Detailed show notes: Recorded at . /episode/index/show/theminimalists/id/35914000

The Minimalists

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