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 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