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: patreon.com/theminimalists Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast Recorded at Earthing Studios.

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: patreon.com/theminimalists Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast Recorded at Earthing Studios.

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: patreon.com/theminimalists Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast Recorded at Earthing Studios.

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: patreon.com/theminimalists Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast Recorded at Earthing Studios.

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: patreon.com/theminimalists Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast Recorded at Earthing Studios.

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: patreon.com/theminimalists Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast Recorded at Earthing Studios.  

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: patreon.com/theminimalists Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast Recorded at Earthing Studios.  

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: patreon.com/theminimalists Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast Recorded at Earthing Studios.  

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: patreon.com/theminimalists Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcastRecorded at Earthing Studios.

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: patreon.com/theminimalists Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast Recorded at Earthing Studios.