Joshua and Ryan talk about reducing—or maybe even eliminating—obligations, and they answer the following questions: What is your ‘context’? (02:23) When is an obligation an actual obligation and not a perceived obligation? (04:31) Is there a difference between commitment and obligation? (05:28) What is the difference between want and desire? (07:04) Do we truly want to be happy? (12:27) What do you mean by ‘commitment’? (13:46) How do I appropriately address societal obligations, such as charitable giving, when I don’t have the means to meet those obligations? (17:36) What does ‘virtue’ mean? (25:47) What is the difference between a community and a tribe? (26:38) How do I prioritize financial obligations, such as debt? (29:24) How do I step back from obligations I’ve accepted in the past? (41:47) Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast Support The Minimalists: minimalists.com/support

270 | Obligations

The Minimalists are Emmy-nominated Netflix stars and New York Times–bestselling authors Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus. Alongside cohost T.K. Coleman, they help millions of people live meaningful lives with less.

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The Minimalists talk about the benefits of restraint, the struggles of consumerism for new minimalists, the difficulties of letting go of social media, and more. Discussed in this episode: How do I declutter my online-shopping addiction? (1:56) What factors contributed to The Minimalists leaving social media? (31:04) Why was I still clinging to my living daughter’s suicide note? (45:04) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

439 | Restraint

The Minimalists discuss the art of streamlining one’s life, letting go of difficult things, how the need for approval keeps people tethered to a lifestyle they don’t want, and more.  Discussed in this episode: How can I get my husband to let go of just-in-case items? (3:52) How does my need for approval influence my consumption decisions? (24:17) What are “Thursday Konversations with T.K. Coleman”? (35:31) Listener insight: “Sometimes I disagree with The Minimalists, but I still appreciate your perspective.” (38:27) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast  

438 | Streamlined

The Minimalists talk about the three different kinds of letting go (graduation, divorce, death), several ways to detach from a former spouse, and how to move on when you feel like you can’t let go. Discussed in this episode: How can I detach from my former spouse while actively coparenting and sharing familial responsibilities? (1:58) How do I move on if I can’t let go of a thing, career, or relationship that used to add value to my life? (14:25) What graduations are The Minimalists celebrating? (21:11) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

437 | Graduation Day

The Minimalists talk about the process of simplifying for newbies and staying motivated when decluttering gets difficult.  Discussed in this episode: How can I maintain traction as a new minimalist? (01:25) How can I keep going on my decluttering journey when I get overwhelmed? (15:45) Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

436 | Simplifying for Newbies

The Minimalists speak with Cal Newport about the three principles of slow productivity and letting go of social media. Watch all 2 hours of episode 435 on The Minimalists Private Podcast. Discussed in this episode: What are the three principles of slow productivity? (02:10) Should The Minimalists quit social media? (27:48) Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast Join The Minimalists Private Podcast: minimalists.com/support

270 | Obligations

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