The Minimalists discuss ten ideal ways to simplify our lives, and they answer the following questions:
Where do we best start our decluttering odyssey? (02:01)
What is “setting the stage”? (13:23)
What is the “true cost” of an item? (21:06)
What two ways do you recommend to save money on every purchase? (24:53)
What platforms have you found reliable for selling unwanted items? (33:58)
How do we effect positive change in our city’s policies regarding architectural aesthetics? (42:33)
What is “wabi-sabi”? (42:58)
Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast
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The Minimalists talk about earning a living from creative pursuits with writer Jeff Goins, and they answer the following questions:
Why do even the most talented artists often struggle financially? (02:43)
What is the premise of Jeff’s book? (03:35)
How does stubbornness help artists? (04:31)
How does a hyper focus on details harm artists? (07:43)
What is the importance of patrons for artists? (12:55)
How do artists best actualize their dreams? (24:22)
What is the best use of our creations that no longer hold any meaning for us—save for posterity, recycle, repurpose, trash? (25:30)
How do I best manage my PR on social media so I have adequate time to produce my art? (38:18)
What is the Sunday Symposium? (45:10)
Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast
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The Minimalists discuss the pros and cons of owning versus renting homes from a minimalist perspective, and they answer the following questions:
What are your respective opinions regarding owning versus renting homes? (01:48)
Is there an age deadline for homeownership? (10:57)
How do we determine which is more financially feasible for us between renting and buying? (14:44)
What are “Zoomtowns”? (25:07)
Do you consider tiny homes a viable homeownership option, particularly regarding resale value? (32:54)
What should we look for in a community when we’re ready to plant roots? (38:08)
Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast
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The Minimalists speak with Vanessa Van Edwards about communication problems and the signals we send to others through our body language, facial expressions, word choices, and vocal inflections, and they answer the following questions:
How do I overcome the feeling of being chronically misunderstood? (02:38)
What are the four channels for cues? (03:18)
What is the importance of congruence in our communication? (04:10)
How are we most commonly misunderstood? (07:09)
What are warm and confident words? (07:50)
How do we organically incorporate mirroring into our communication? (12:45)
How can you tell if someone is actively listening to you? (15:04)
What are the two misconceptions about eye contact? (16:57)
What is “Resting Bothered Face”? (20:15)
What is “phubbing”? (24:14)
What are “invitation cues”? (27:23)
As a teenager living under my parents’ roof how do I tactfully address the conflict arising between their values and beliefs and my own that are continuously evolving at my age? (30:10)
What is “openness”? (32:24)
What is the “Platinum Rule”? (36:25)
Why is nonverbal communication so powerful? (38:00)
Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast
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The Minimalists talk about practical, reliable, and durable goods and the social, moral, and environmental responsibilities of the companies that produce them, and they answer the following questions:
Where did you get the idea for the title, “The Good Goods”? (01:50)
Is there a curated list somewhere on the Internet of companies that sell high-quality, durable goods that also take responsibility for their social and environmental impact? (05:23)
What is “impact anxiety”? (16:45)
What is “corporate social responsibility”? (22:55)
Do dollar stores sell any high-quality items? (25:23)
How has planned obsolescence changed our shopping habits? (36:31)
What are the benefits of buying locally? (42:08)
How do we find items that are high-quality and appropriately priced? (48:30)
Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast
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The Minimalists discuss the benefits of near-death experiences with their friend T.K. Coleman a month after his brush with death, and they answer the following questions:
How has having your film nominated for an Emmy affected you? (02:06)
How many times has T.K. appeared on the podcast? (03:39)
What near-death experience did T.K. experience recently, and what lessons did he take from it? (05:52)
What mattered the most to you in your moment of crisis? (11:43)
What effect did T.K.’s near-death experience have on his relationships? (18:13)
What insights or enlightenment do near-death experiences yield? (24:41)
Did T.K.’s near-death experience alter his views regarding minimalism? (35:41)
Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast
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The Minimalists discuss our shared clean-slate fantasy of renting a giant dumpster and tossing everything in it, as well as more prudent and responsible decluttering methods, including selling, donating, and recycling, and they answer the following questions:
Why did you renovate The Minimalists podcast studio after its first year? (03:51)
How do we tactfully approach a loved one regarding their maximalist lifestyle encroaching on our shared minimalist space? (07:05)
What are the three reasons that we cling? (09:11)
Why is striving for perfection such a fruitless pursuit? (17:21)
How do we appropriately pass on personalized items? (19:11)
How do I help loved ones let go of their attachment to things? (29:04)
Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast
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The Minimalists are joined by earthing expert Clint Ober to discuss pain reduction, the science behind grounding, and “the most important health discovery ever,” and they answer the following questions:
What is the science behind grounding, and how do I explain it to loved ones who perceive it as metaphysical woo-woo? (03:19)
How can grounding relieve much of our discomfort? (09:16)
What are the most significant benefits of grounding, and what individuals would realize the most benefit from it? (13:26)
What grounding tips do you have for individuals that use wheelchairs? (16:56)
How did Clint come to recognize the personal benefits of grounding? (20:40)
What are the best methods for grounding? (24:13)
What is your perception regarding inflammation? (29:54)
If grounding is so healthy, why does the professional medical community largely ignore it? (33:23)
Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast
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The Minimalists talk about the many shapes and sizes of excess, including stuff, debt, screen time, commitments, and emotional clutter, and they answer the following questions:
When is something considered excessive? (03:32)
What are the three ways to gain acceptance? (11:52)
How do we encourage others to break away from the excessive pursuits that are causing them to feel perpetually overwhelmed? (14:40)
What is “POMO”? (15:07)
How do I ensure my daily schedule doesn’t become excessive, and how do I best organize my time management tools to achieve that goal? (18:46)
How do I stay focused on my obligations and responsibilities when my emotional clutter is constantly distracting me? (25:01)
What is your perspective regarding personality? (32:22)
How do I cut down on excessive screen time? (47:28)
Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast
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The Minimalists speak with Dr. John Delony, author of Own Your Past, Change Your Future, about loneliness, friendship, love, lust, and jobs that make people miserable, and they answer the following questions:
How do I ensure I don’t fall back into crippling codependency as I explore building relationships again? (01:42)
How do we intentionally practice solitude? (05:33)
What is the difference between solitude and hiding? (06:43)
How do we make friends as adults? (06:51)
Is there any issue in striving to associate with like-minded individuals over open-minded individuals? (13:07)
Where is the best place to find a long-term partner or spouse? (14:46)
What are the differences between love, like, and lust? (19:51)
How do I determine whether to keep a job I detest that makes me miserable, yet provides well for myself and my daughter? (24:09)
How do we transition from an overabundance of acquaintances to fewer, more meaningful relationships? (30:40)
Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast
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The Minimalists discuss what to do with family heirlooms and “generational junk,” and they answer the following questions:
How do we tactfully tell our relatives we don’t want their “generational junk”? (09:17)
How do I help my parents minimize their hoard to live more simply when they’re resistant to do so? (14:10)
How do we support our family members without accepting their donations of their possessions? (26:35)
How do I appropriately rehome a family heirloom that is a historical artifact? (31:44)
Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast
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The Minimalists speak with Joshua Becker about Things That Matter, becoming minimalist, and finding purpose, and they answer the following questions:
How do I discover what truly matters when I’m already struggling to find meaning in my daily life? (02:11)
How do we discover our purposes? (02:34)
Would you change your minimalist journeys based on what you know now? (08:07)
How do we recoup and regroup from the past purchase of a luxury item, especially when we’re trying to recover from the financial repercussions of the purchase, such as a considerable car loan? (12:47)
What does Joshua Becker recommend regarding vehicle purchases? (15:33)
How do I reframe minimalism as merely a tool rather than a goal? (21:39)
How do I ensure my needs are met along with those for which I’m a caregiver? (29:53)
Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast
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The Minimalists talk about purchases that lead to buyer’s remorse, and they answer the following questions:
Does regret serve us in any way? (01:57)
How do we overcome the loss and regret we feel after donating items so we don’t end up simply replacing them and repeating the cycle? (06:03)
How do we recognize when we’re senselessly justifying a purchase that holds little to no actual benefit for us? (16:08)
Do your children have any regrets? (23:45)
What do we do when we experience buyer’s remorse with every purchase? (27:52)
Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast
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The Minimalists talk about the clutter that invades our counters, cabinets, and refrigerators with Max Lugavere, author of Genius Kitchen, and they answer the following questions:
What is essential to prepare healthy meals? (02:39)
What is a Thermapen? (04:31)
Why are glass containers better for storage than plastic containers? (04:56)
What is the value of the cast-iron skillet in the kitchen? (06:17)
What are the pros and cons of the microwave? (11:08)
What are the benefits of sous vide? (13:11)
What are the dangers of using kitchen items with nonstick coatings? (13:51)
What kitchen cleaning products and methods have you found safe, effective, and minimal that prevent foodborne illnesses and keep everything spotless when not in use? (20:40)
How do we ensure we keep the appropriate amount of food on hand for our household? (27:16)
How do we efficiently and effectively cook in tiny kitchens? (33:22)
Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast
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The Minimalists talk about functional movement with Aaron Alexander, author of The Align Method, and they answer the following questions:
What daily exercises will help us move with the most freedom and the least pain? (02:18)
How do our postural patterns affect our overall health? (06:33)
What is the “55-38-7 Principle”? (07:47)
Is sitting for long periods unhealthy? (09:52)
What movements during daily office work are beneficial? (17:03)
What is the most ideal sitting position? (20:13)
What is the value of stillness? (26:22)
What are the most appropriate workspace ergonomics for those that spend long hours at desks? (31:15)
How do we best relax? (33:17)
How important is appropriate breathing? (37:25)
What is “learned helplessness”? (45:07)
How do we reevaluate our movements? (46:45)
What is “piezoelectricity”? (48:26)
What is “parasitic tension”? (51:07)
Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast
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The Minimalists discuss why far too many of us spend far too much on storage containers, “clutter coffins,” of all sizes, yet the best way to organize our stuff isn’t to store it in a basement mausoleum—the best way to organize is to get rid of the excess stuff—and they answer the following questions:
What has contributed to the rise of the storage business? (01:40)
What do you consider “clutter coffins”? (05:19)
When are storage units useful? (07:22)
What is the average profit margin of the storage industry? (14:26)
What does the phrase “Be present” mean to you? (16:27)
How do I reconcile my love of scrapbooking and its requisite accoutrements with my striving to live a minimalist lifestyle? (17:35)
What is “legalism”? (20:03)
What is your perspective regarding the zero-waste movement? (22:20)
What are the origins of spring cleaning? (26:26)
How do my partner and I determine how much stuff we should actually save for our future child? (26:56)
How do you determine what is worth storing? (32:03)
Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast
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The Minimalists talk about sustainable living with environmentalist Claire Potter, and they answer the following questions:
What impact did the pandemic have on our environment with all of the disposable items designed to protect us from infection, and how can we move forward safely with less waste? (01:39)
How biodegradable are biodegradable plastics? (06:25)
What are the pros and cons of plastic? (07:29)
How do we stay motivated and inspire others to live a sustainable, minimalist lifestyle when those around us do not; that is, if we live sustainably but more people live unsustainably, aren’t all of our efforts meaningless? (09:25)
What is your perspective regarding sustainability? (11:20)
What is the “circular economy”? (12:28)
How much does farming crops damage the environment compared to farming meat? (20:22)
How do we frame sustainable living to interest non-environmentalists? (28:32)
Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast
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The Minimalists talk about how much stuff is enough stuff, and how much stuff is too much stuff, and they answer the following questions:
How do we avoid apathy when we’re sorting generations of stuff? (02:25)
What does “letting go” mean to you? (04:51)
When you have too much stuff, how do you determine what to let go and where to send it—yard sale, online consignment, donation center, or, very worst-case scenario, landfill? (08:54)
What is The Minimalists’ process for letting go? (10:17)
How do we appropriately address a loved one’s consumerism that causes us discomfort? (16:45)
Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast
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The Minimalists talk about simple pets with Dr. Karen Shaw Becker and Rodney Habib, authors of The Forever Dog, and they answer the following questions: Do humans actually need pets? (02:30) What does the acronym “DOGS” represent? (10:37)
How many pets are too many? (13:03)
What is a puppy scam? (16:32)
What is genetic deletion? (18:02)
What is a healthy diet for pets? (20:39)
How do we ensure a superlative longevity for our pets’ lives? (26:30)
How do I address my spouse’s frustrations with a pet when I get value from the companionship and care of the pet but they do not? (28:32)
How much exercise does my pet need? (30:28)
How do we ensure we don’t become totally consumed by our pet guardian identities? (33:50)
Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast
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Why do sales seem particularly pernicious now? (04:06)
What are the two kinds of surprise purchases? (07:44)
Do manufacturers bear any burden for creating superfluous products that exist as little more than items to be purchased as surprise gifts for others based on their novelty rather than their practicality? (11:33)
Are we being too dismissive of new technology that seems to promote sedentary lifestyles but could be incredibly helpful to the physically challenged? (19:34)
How do we get our partners to include us in the purchasing processes of significant items? (25:20)
How do you define “compassion”? (29:32)
Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast
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The Minimalists question the beliefs, opinions, and worldviews that have shaped all of us with Michael Gungor, author of THIS, and they answer the following questions:
Why did Michael write THIS? (03:30)
Why does getting everything we want often bring misery instead of joy? (06:07)
How do we determine if a belief no longer serves us? (11:48)
What does “belief” mean to you? (13:26)
How do our beliefs form? (15:47)
How do you break the constant collective mindset of depression and anxiety when you grew up in a family that believed it was simply an ever-present state of being? (21:26)
How do you define “anxiety”? (23:25)
Did Michael discover a deeper truth through his experience with different religions? (32:51)
What is your perspective regarding truth? (33:50)
What does it mean to “add value”? (36:23)
If I’ve given everything I can to please those I must please in my profession, what more can I do to show my commitment to the cause? (39:06)
What does “need” mean to you? (42:54)
How do we determine when a struggle has become futile and move on? (45:07)
What are your thoughts regarding the ego? (46:04)
What does “heaven” and “hell” mean to you? (50:37)
Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast
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What causes panic buying? (01:46)
What are the causes of supply-chain shortages? (08:09)
What have you seen purchased in recent panic-buying frenzies? (12:42)
When might it be appropriate to panic? (14:26)
Is it ever advisable to simply save money for medical emergencies rather than spending that money monthly on health insurance? (15:13)
Can everything be negotiated? (22:18)
Do other countries respond to crises with panic buying similar to the United States? (25:08)
Where is the line between preparation and hoarding? (28:13)
Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast
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The Minimalists discuss the physical clutter that is created by mental clutter with Dr. Amishi Jha, and they answer the following questions:
What are the ideal steps to reduce mental clutter? (01:46)
How do we refine our attention? (07:40)
What is the “Find Your Flashlight Practice”? (12:51)
How do we let go of sentimental stuff that has continuously piled up for decades and is physically and mentally holding us back? (13:49)
How do we wind up emotionally attached to stuff? (17:41)
How do we appropriately develop new habits? (21:22)
What is “contingent reality”? (21:33)
How do you maintain mindfulness in the corporate world amid the constant bombardment of demands from obligations and responsibilities? (23:42)
What is “task switching”? (27:09)
How do we enjoy wholly disconnecting in our free time without feeling like we’ve wasted time? (29:22)
Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast
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Should I hold on to collectibles so I can pass them on to my children if they become valuable? (01:40)
How do I address a hoard of just-in-case items I’ve stashed for use at work? (10:22)
How can boundaries help with just-in-case items? (14:28)
How do you address the ‘I-told-you-so’ crowd regarding just-in-case items you purged that you must purchase again? (27:31)
Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast
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The Minimalists are joined by philosopher Peter Rollins to discuss nihilism, despair, anger, and depression, and they answer the following questions:
How are nihilism and minimalism related? (02:57)
Is Fight Club’s Tyler Durden an example of nihilism? (05:33)
What did Nietzsche mean by the “death of God”? (07:11)
What started the recent rise in nihilism? (10:58)
Is anger merely unrealized expectations? (12:21)
What is the “belief through the other”? (17:22)
How do you define “fundamentalism”? (18:32)
Are nihilism and pessimism the same perspective? (19:03)
How do we overcome pessimism? (20:24)
What would cause someone to become a nihilist? (21:38)
Why did Nietzsche believe we must all experience the death of God? (23:25)
What is “dialectics”? (24:15)
How do I help myself and my children adequately recover and move on after the death of their father and the disintegration of my second marriage? (26:36)
What are “beta-elements”? (29:27)
What is an “alpha function”? (29:45)
What is your perspective regarding “symptoms”? (30:47)
What is the value of a psychotherapist for those of us struggling with issues? (31:04)
How do you find new meaning in life when the meaning you wanted is no longer an option? (33:21)
How do you define “depression”? (34:11)
What is the “object cause of desire”? (33:54)
How do you define “love”? (36:59)
How do you address a void? (40:24)
Why do you consider Los Angeles the most religious place in the world? (43:12)
What is “leveling”? (49:33)
What is the difference between a problem and a mystery? (53:34)
Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast
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