The Minimalists

The Minimalists discuss the process of simplifying and letting go.

Joshua and T.K. talk with Mark Sisson about why walking deserves far more credit as a health practice than the fitness industry gives it. The conversation covers what the industry gets wrong about exercise and works through a side-by-side rating of twelve common activities to find the most minimalist options. A later thought experiment asks which minimalist habits would survive sudden wealth. The episode closes with a Right Here, Right Now segment about the How to Let Go Tour and the birthday of Joshua's late brother.

Joshua and T.K. talk with Natasha Theresa about the practice of Japanese floor sleeping, its potential benefits for sleep and back pain, and how to transition from a mattress. The conversation explores the idea that comfort can be a good servant but a terrible master, how subtraction reveals what truly matters, and the power of a single, well-chosen question. The episode also touches on Joshua's appearance on T.K.'s new show, One Question.

Joshua and T.K. speak with Julia Raz about the unrealistic expectations that contribute to clutter and stress, and how to navigate minimalism when not everyone in the household is on board. The conversation covers the difference between decluttering and eliminating, and three signs that cleaning is emotionally draining. A listener tip offers a simple system for managing children's pajamas.

Joshua and T.K. talk with writer Conner Habib about storytelling, esotericism, and the emotional weight of inherited objects. They discuss how the stories we consume and create shape our identity, why letting go of an heirloom doesn't mean losing its story, and what esotericism offers as a counter to purely materialist thinking. The conversation touches on practical minimalism—what to do with items you don't want to inherit—and a listener tip on separating memory from physical possession.

Joshua and T.K. explore how compassion without boundaries can become a form of captivity, practical ways to escape the inherited clutter from hoarder parents, a personal exercise about the one item in their homes they wish would disappear, and a discussion on how wealthy spending habits might be driving up prices on everyday goods.

Joshua and T.K. explore the concept of 'surgical decluttering'—a precise approach to letting go that avoids the pitfalls of dogmatic minimalism. They question when minimalism itself becomes a problem, when having more is actually better, and introduce a 14-minute decluttering rule to bypass procrastination. The episode also includes practical examples of what furniture and dishes Joshua owns, modeling an intentional, non-deprived minimalist lifestyle.

Joshua and T.K. explore the hidden costs of convenience, why doing mundane chores yourself can be unexpectedly rewarding, and how clutter tends to spread through a home. They share simple rules for creating a humble home and discuss surprising items that even a minimalist might choose to own. The conversation encourages listeners to reexamine what they outsource and why.

Joshua, T.K., and Ryan explore the distinction between intelligence and wisdom, a listener's question about differentiating wisdom from fear after leaving an abusive family, and how minimalism can support healing. The episode also includes updates on Joshua's first solo tour, T.K.'s new show, and Ryan's new restaurant, plus a look at some favorite non-minimalist books.

Jon Acuff joins The Minimalists to explore procrastination through a minimalist lens. He redefines procrastination as a form of hoarding—not of objects, but of time and potential choices. The conversation covers why people wait for permission that never comes, how to distinguish genuine rest from hesitation, and the smallest action that can interrupt a procrastination cycle. Acuff’s practical, permission-giving approach offers a fresh take on getting started.

The hosts explore the emotional burden of being the person everyone depends on and why it becomes nearly impossible to ask for help when you need it most. They also discuss the science behind infrared sauna benefits and Joshua shares his personal sauna setup. The episode includes a 'Right Here, Right Now' segment featuring their book 'Very, Very Simple' and Clutter Counseling with T.K. Coleman.

The Minimalists discuss how the pursuit of optimization can become a trap that diminishes life quality, when to buy quality goods without excess, and share rules to declutter email. They also answer a listener question about Joshua's floor-sleeping setup.

The Minimalists host a solo episode exploring the hidden costs of ownership, everyday clutter, and simple strategies for a more intentional life. They answer listener questions about where to store daily-use items to avoid surface clutter, which areas of the home become messy fastest, and suggest one question to ask before buying new clothes. The episode also includes a list of fifteen tips for reducing phone usage and a retrospective on their tenth-anniversary tour.

The Minimalists speak with behavior expert Dr. John Demartini about navigating criticism from loved ones regarding a minimalist lifestyle, reconciling simplicity with luxury desires, and the relationship between consumption and identity. They also explore the meaning of a Charles Bukowski quote about purpose and desire. Dr. Demartini offers insights rooted in his values-based framework to help listeners understand differing perspectives and make intentional choices.

In episode 542, The Minimalists answer listener questions about why we dwell on trivial annoyances while neglecting life’s bigger picture, how to approach sacred inherited items that feel like clutter, how to choose minimalist products and brands, and a five-week plan to simplify everything. The episode blends philosophical reflection with practical decluttering strategies.

Kute Blackson joins The Minimalists to discuss quiet luxury, letting go of stigmas around simplifying one's life, and the critical difference between surrendering and giving up. The conversation explores how intentional simplicity can draw judgment and how to reframe others' assumptions. They also touch on the requirements of optimism and a listener tip about worry.

Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus answer a listener's question about parting with a father's cherished item, share the household items they personally dislike owning, and highlight the benefit of investing in durable everyday products. They also present the 30-Day Minimalism Game as a practical challenge for decluttering.

The Minimalists answer a listener's question about whether to stay in a rebuilt life or move for a fresh start, explore what would compel them personally to drop everything, share a handful of questions to ask before buying, and provide updates on the Minimalism Tour and Ryan's new restaurant.

Joshua and Ryan reflect on their evolving relationship with minimalism, from the early thrill of decluttering to a more mature appreciation for intentional living. They candidly share the parts of minimalism they dislike—especially the never-ending pressure to remove more and the performative side of the identity. A listener tip introduces the practice of letting go incrementally, a small-step method that builds momentum without overwhelm.

Joshua and Ryan process the sudden death of Joshua’s brother Jerome. The conversation moves through the raw mechanics of loss — whether to fill the void or accept it, how to distinguish healthy expression from unproductive rumination, and what it means to find meaning in tragedy. They also reflect on Jerome’s surprisingly minimalist relationship with material things, a quiet lesson in what truly matters.

Katy Joy Wells joins The Minimalists to explore ways to intentionally set a peaceful emotional tone in your home, even in the midst of everyday chaos. She discusses identifying your personal happy place as a real-world anchor for calm and shares a practical listener tip for minimizing clothing by flipping the usual decluttering question. The conversation emphasizes that aiming for a 'good enough' home—rather than a perfectly organized one—can bring more presence and peace into daily life.

The Minimalists speak with Katy Joy Wells about setting the emotional stage in your home to make it feel more peaceful, uncovering your happy place amid the chaos, finding silence in a noisy world, getting rid of clothes we're unsure about, 15 ridiculous things that society still accepts as normal,

The Minimalists talk about the next step beyond owning less, minimizing the desire to complain, practical ways to stay motivated when you're a beginner, 50 emotions you regularly feel but haven't ever had a name for, and more.

The Minimalists discuss what comes after physical decluttering—moving beyond owning less to minimizing complaining and examining the mental and emotional clutter that persists even in a tidy space. They introduce the concept of 50 unnamed emotions, emphasizing the gap between our internal experience and the words we have to describe it, and offer practical advice for staying motivated as a beginner through a listener tip. The episode also announces their 10th Anniversary Tour and a new podcast segment.

The Minimalists speak with Kristen Ziegler about identifying and minimizing excess pantry items, the most absurd things we own, how to reset your algorithm, how decluttering and cleaning your home boosts your dopamine levels, and more!

The Minimalists talk with Kristen Ziegler about reducing pantry clutter, the strange things we hang onto, and how a tidy space can improve your mood. They also share a listener tip for retraining your social media feeds and announce their upcoming tour and retreat.

The hosts explore the question of whether everything is replaceable over a long enough timeline, and how to let go of belongings that feel irreplaceable. They pose a thought experiment about choosing between luggage and a dream vacation, and share practical organizing hacks. The episode also features a listener tip for succeeding at the 30-Day Minimalism Game and an announcement about the Minimalism 10th Anniversary Tour.

The Minimalists talk about whether everything is replaceable on a long-enough timeline, downsizing when you enjoy everything you have, the best time to search for a new job, our favorite organizing hacks, and more. Discussed in this episode: Is everything replaceable on a long-enough timeline?

The Minimalists speak with Dr. Orion Taraban about how couples can navigate minimalism when only one partner wants to live that way, what's missing from your love life, a new idea to help kids let go, three do's and don'ts that can make or break your relationship, and much more.

The Minimalists speak with Dr. Orion Taraban about navigating minimalism when only one partner wants to simplify, what's missing from modern love lives, and a creative listener tip for helping children let go of toys. The conversation explores relationship dynamics when values diverge and the emotional undercurrents that shape connection. A brief listener contribution offers a practical, child-friendly decluttering tool.

The Minimalists respond to a listener who struggles with being the only minimalist in a maximalist household, offering strategies for staying sane and avoiding conflict with loved ones. They also address how to navigate disagreements with the people you live with. A listener tip shares a resource for overcoming body-image insecurity by remembering that worth is not appearance. The episode includes updates on their book Emotional Clutter and the How to Write Better podcast.

The Minimalists talk about being a minimalist in a maximalist household, butting heads with people you live with, overcoming body-image insecurities, and much more. Discussed in this episode: How do I stay sane as the only minimalist in a household of loving but devoted maximalists?

In this episode of The Minimalists, Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus examine how a love of learning can morph into compulsive self-improvement, creating mental clutter rather than clarity. They explore the moment when information stops serving you and starts suffocating you, and offer listener advice for overcoming analysis paralysis. The discussion centers on recognizing when your pursuit of knowledge has become an optimization trap that distracts from living fully.

The Minimalists talk about minimizing information clutter, enjoying learning without trying to optimize your entire life, letting go of the news when it feels overwhelming, why you're terrified of empty space in your home, and much more.

The Minimalists discuss the cycle of consumer relapse: do no-buy challenges lead to lasting behavioral change or are they temporary detoxes before old spending patterns return? They share personal stories of recent purchases that clashed with their minimalist identity and explore the psychological hooks that pull people back into consumerism. A listener provides a practical tip to 'live small' and question every item before bringing it into the home. The episode also highlights the Simplehaven Retreat and Uncluttered Faith program.

The Minimalists talk about relapsing into consumerism, purchases that make you a bad minimalist, living small in a big world, and much more.

The Minimalists speak with Andy Hnilo about harmful ingredients people should avoid in their skincare products, what a simple skincare routine looks like, letting go of expensive beauty products you rarely use, and much more.

Andy Hnilo joins Joshua and Ryan to discuss what harmful ingredients to cut from your skincare routine, the few essential products most people actually need, and how to let go of expensive beauty products you never use. The conversation covers practical steps to simplify your daily hygiene regimen. A listener tip shares a strategy to avoid price manipulation when shopping online.

Joshua Fields Millburn makes an apology for a recent mistake. Download our free resources and sign up for The Minimalists' newsletter at TheMinimalists.com.

Joshua Fields Millburn, co-host of The Minimalists, shares a brief personal apology for a recent mistake. In this very short episode, he demonstrates accountability and vulnerability without going into detail about the error. The act aligns with the podcast's themes of intentional living and self-reflection.

The Minimalists discuss how to recognize when a job you love has become "career clutter" — a drain on energy and life satisfaction despite past fulfillment. They explore the point at which loving your work so much begins to crowd out relationships and self-care, and offer a listener's tip for ergonomic home-office comfort. The episode also touches on the return of Simplehaven and a debate involving T.K. Coleman.

The Minimalists talk about finding work-life balance, knowing when it's time to leave a job that is emotionally exhausting, ergonomic home-office tips, why you don't want new things (and what you actually want instead), and much more!

The Minimalists talk about some difficult decluttering dilemmas, including what to do with belongings left behind by deceased loved ones, why we don't need to keep every sentimental item, how to handle the endless stream of freebies we receive, and much more.

The Minimalists tackle sentimental decluttering dilemmas. A widow asks how to handle her late husband's belongings while considering what her young daughters might want to keep in the future. The hosts reveal their own most cherished sentimental items and the conditions that would let them let go. A listener tip addresses the endless stream of freebies that children bring home, offering a practical strategy to reduce clutter without guilt.

The Minimalists speak with Steve Patterson about being frustrated when people don't understand us, the benefits and downsides of being abnormal, minimizing chaos at a cultural level, and more! Discussed in this episode: Why do people frustrate me when they don't understand my lifestyle?

The Minimalists, Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, are joined by Steve Patterson to explore why people often feel frustrated when their minimalist lifestyle is misunderstood. They discuss the personal experience of being abnormal—including its benefits like creativity and freedom, and its downsides such as loneliness and constant justification. The conversation expands to consider how minimalism can address broader cultural chaos by reducing consumption and information overload. The episode also offers a listener tip on how simplification might be an answer to personal and societal disorder.

James J. Sexton, a divorce attorney, joins The Minimalists to unpack the hidden emotional and practical layers of divorce. They explore why people struggle to initiate divorce, what recently single mothers need to know about housing and finances, and the key signs that a relationship may be beyond repair. The conversation blends Sexton's courtroom experience with the Minimalists' lens on letting go of what no longer serves you.

The Minimalists speak with divorce lawyer James J. Sexton about all the nuances of divorce, including the courage it takes to walk away from a marriage, housing and financial advice for recently single mothers, lessons from spousal cheating, how to know when a relationship is over, and much more!

The Minimalists talk about why you have trouble getting the clutter out of the house after you've organized, how to know when it's time to let go, the Wouldn't Replace It Rule, how to deal with all that boomer junk you've inherited, and more.

The Minimalists explore why it's so hard to actually remove items after you've organized them, and introduce the "Wouldn't Replace It Rule" as a practical gauge for whether something is worth keeping. They also offer strategies for dealing with the guilt-ridden clutter inherited from parents, and close with a listener insight that releasing the need for certainty can bring unexpected peace of mind.

The Minimalists speak with Dr. Maya Shankar about letting go of insecurities, the consequences of jealousy, why you've wasted so much money on things you don't need (and what to do about it going forward), how clinging to just-in-case items negatively affects well-being, and more.

The Minimalists, joined by cognitive scientist Dr. Maya Shankar, discuss how to release insecurities and mental clutter, the productive role of jealousy, the money wasted on unnecessary purchases and strategies to stop, and the well-being costs of clinging to just-in-case items.

In this episode, The Minimalists examine how consumerism traps people into working more hours than necessary. They discuss the link between material desire and work overload, and explore what it would take to reduce the workweek by one day. The conversation also touches on hidden factors behind grocery price inflation and the outlawing of certain promotional deals. Listeners are encouraged to consider their own relationship with time, money, and possessions.

The Minimalists talk about consumerism's role in workplace overload, what it takes to work fewer hours, the hidden reason grocery prices have increased, why certain 'Buy One, Get One Free' deals have been outlawed, and much more.

Episode 520 of The Minimalists features Professor Thomas Seager discussing the use of ice baths to minimize pain and chronic illness, how uncomfortable activities become easier over time, and answers to Joshua Fields Millburn's questions about cold plunge therapy. The conversation includes practical insights on building a cold-exposure practice for health. The episode also includes Joshua's top 10 albums of the year and a listener tip.

The Minimalists speak with Professor Thomas Seager about using ice baths to help minimize pain and chronic illness, uncomfortable activities that get easier over time, a slew of questions JFM has about cold plunge therapy, and much more.

In this bonus episode recorded at a Sunday Symposium in Orange County, The Minimalists explore the tension between control and acceptance, clutter and value, and how to define success on your own terms. They examine why overplanning often backfires, the deathbed perspective on possessions, and the surprising ways the need for acceptance can become a personal prison. The conversation offers practical touchstones for anyone reconsidering what they hold onto—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

In this bonus episode, The Minimalists host Sunday Symposium in Orange County. Discussed in this episode: Overplanning produces chaos. (08:00) No one on their deathbed says they regret not accumulating more stuff. (17:57) Hold on if it confers more benefits than letting go.

The Minimalists speak with philosopher Peter Rollins about why minimalists often wear black clothes, a few examples of emotional decluttering, the concept of "dopamine dressing," some tips for reducing social media scrolling, eight things Joshua's favorite writer tried to warn us about, and more.

The Minimalists host philosopher Peter Rollins to discuss the minimalist aesthetic of wearing black, the concept of emotional decluttering, and dopamine dressing as a potential counterpoint to neutral wardrobes. They also touch on tips for reducing social media scrolling, the eight warnings from a favorite writer of Joshua’s, and celebrate the show’s 15th anniversary. The conversation examines the intersection of minimalism with psychology and personal expression.

The Minimalists speak with Judah Smith about how other people's perception of us can be upsetting, the biggest things that send people into a mental spiral, advice for minimizing when you're stressed out, and much more. Discussed in this episode: Should I read my mother's diary after she dies?

The Minimalists and guest Judah Smith discuss the struggle with other people's perceptions, what sends individuals into mental spirals, advice for minimizing stress, and the ethical dilemma of reading a deceased loved one's diary. They also announce their new TEDx Talk, 'Scrolling Is the New Smoking.'

The Minimalists explore a holiday season stripped of consumerism, recalling outrageous Black Friday moments and the mindset of walking away from anything that doesn't serve you. A listener asks how to handle a hoarder mother's cluttered home, prompting practical advice and personal stories. The episode also highlights six commonly overlooked areas to declutter and offers a quick tip for staying motivated.

The Minimalists talk about celebrating the holidays without consumerism, our craziest Black Friday stories, the willingness to walk away from anything, six often-overlooked spaces in your home to declutter right now, and much more. Discussed in this episode: Why are T.K.

The Minimalists discuss navigating the holiday season without succumbing to consumerism, share personal Black Friday stories, and offer a listener tip on the importance of walking away. They also present the concept of giving 'less' as a gift and highlight the value of intentional traditions over material accumulation.

The Minimalists talk about celebrating the holidays without consumerism, our craziest Black Friday stories, the willingness to walk away from anything, six often-overlooked spaces in your home to declutter right now, and much more.

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?

In a thoughtful solo conversation, Joshua and Ryan reassess the concept of guilty pleasures and why the feeling of guilt after a purchase often signals misalignment with personal values. They examine how external triggers like advertisements and unwanted gifts create unnecessary pain, and each shares a personal story of a purchase they regret. The episode also looks at the burden of receiving unwanted gifts and how clear communication can reduce the cycle of obligation and clutter. A listener question about letting go of purchase guilt anchors the discussion, and the hosts share personal updates including tour news and T.K.’s birthday.

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!

In this episode, Joshua and Ryan explore how to make room for the things that matter, even when they look frivolous from the outside. They introduce a simple sacrifice equation that forces clarity about priorities, and they remind listeners that clutter can sneak up in the most unexpected ways—so regular attention is the best defense. Along the way, they highlight practical decluttering strategies for winter and recommend T.K.'s Clutter Counseling videos.

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?

The Minimalists invite author Guy Finley to explore the challenge of letting go of sentimental objects and the fear behind it. They answer listener questions about why it's so difficult to release items tied to precious memories, how the need for control sabotages the process, and whether letting go always means losing a part of the past. The conversation covers practical and philosophical aspects of detachment, offering insights for anyone struggling with clutter or psychological attachment.

Ryan Holiday joins The Minimalists to explore how Stoic philosophy can guide decisions about sentimental items and the virtue of holding on. The conversation touches on Stoic views of values, regrets, and mental clutter, revealing how ancient wisdom informs modern decluttering. Practical minimalism appears through a discussion of seven things never put in a living room. A listener poem about the weight of others' needs closes the episode with a reminder that clutter is not just physical.

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.

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?

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!

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.

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?

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.

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.

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?

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.