The Minimalists

Latest Episodes:

548 | Past Lives Jul 20, 2026

Show notes

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? (24:45)

WWJO: What vagus nerve stimulator does Joshua own? (38:02)

Check out the Nuropod: https://nuropod.com/theminimalists

Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

547 | Procrastination Jul 13, 2026

Show notes

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 genuinely interrupts the procrastination cycle? (23:33)

Right Here, Right Now: Joshua is going on a solo tour. (28:00)

Listener Tip: Is buying items in bulk ever a sneaky form of procrastination? (31:12)

Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

546 | Ask for Help Jul 06, 2026

Show notes

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 Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

545 | Unoptimized Life Jun 29, 2026

Show notes

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 podcast@themins.com.

Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

544 | What a Mess! Jun 22, 2026

Show notes

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 podcast@themins.com.

Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

543 | Nothing's Missing Jun 15, 2026

Show notes

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 podcast@themins.com.

Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

542 | Sacred Things Jun 08, 2026

Show notes

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 podcast@themins.com.

Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

541 | Surrender Jun 01, 2026

Show notes

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 podcast@themins.com.

Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

540 | Dislike Owning May 25, 2026

Show notes

The Minimalists talk about letting go of sentimental items you rarely use, some of the things we dislike owning, sustainable products for your home, six tiny habits that prevent a messy home, and more.

Discussed in this episode:

How can I part with my father's prized possession that I rarely use? (4:05)

Is there anything you own that you dislike owning? (14:27)

Right Here, Right Now: Play the 30-Day Minimalism Game. (29:46)

WWJO: Durable everyday items built to last. (32:04)

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: patreon.com/theminimalists

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

539 | Drop Everything May 18, 2026

Show notes

The Minimalists talk about dropping everything for a fresh start, why one big change often leads to several more, a handful of questions to ask before buying anything, what we'd get rid of first if we had two hours to declutter your house, and more.

Discussed in this episode:

What should I do if I'm torn between staying in the life I've rebuilt or starting over somewhere new for a fresh start? (11:30)

What would compel you to drop everything and move to a new city? (23:40)

Right Here, Right Now: One more stop on the Minimalism Tour, and Ryan's new restaurant. (43:28) What blue blocking glasses does Joshua own? (50:54)

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: patreon.com/theminimalists

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast