The Minimalists

The Minimalists are joined by Amanda Montell, author of The Age of Magical Overthinking, to discuss information overload, thought clutter, and much more.

Discussed in this episode:

What habits will help me avoid being overwhelmed by information clutter? (2:03)

How does overplanning prevent us from executing our plans? (30:42)

When does research get in the way of creativity? (32:42)

Does too much imagination suppress our intuition? (37:04)

In our current age of unlimited information, how has overthinking affected you? (41:05)

When is The Minimalists’ next live event? (45:04)

Listener tip: How one listener deals with book clutter. (47:22)

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 making a workplace less cluttered and more enjoyable through the concept of “simplework.”

Discussed in this episode:

How can I use minimalism to simplify my home office? (1:54)

How do I get my coworkers to be less messy? (23:42)

What is the productivity fallacy? (26:32)

Why do the pressures of my job make it less enjoyable? (31:11)

Could delegation help me enjoy my job more? (33:59)

How simple would the world be if everyone followed The Minimalists? (35:39)

What would make your work life simpler and more enjoyable? (38:28)

Listener tip: Scrolling is the new smoking! (46:52)

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

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Recorded at Earthing Studios.

The Minimalists speak with clinical psychologist Orion Taraban about minimizing dating clutter to form more meaningful intimate relationships.

Discussed in this episode:

Any advice for dating again after the end of a long relationship? (2:08)

How do I avoid carrying past baggage into future relationships? (15:32)

Why does Dr. Taraban encourage his clients not to date? (26:49)

Does hookup culture make it harder to meet people who want a genuine connection? (35:03)

Do dating apps make it harder to commit to a relationship? (38:41)

How do I decide whether it’s time to move on from a difficult relationship? (40:43)

Are great relationships effortless, or do they take work to maintain? (46:39)

How can you tell whether a date will be worthwhile or a waste of time? (52:35)

Listener tip: How to minimize while unpacking after a trip. (56:40)

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

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Recorded at Earthing Studios.

The Minimalists speak with Harvard professor Arthur Brooks, author of Build the Life You Want, about the art and science of happiness.

Discussed in this episode: 

How do I deal with the intense dissatisfaction I feel when I struggle to let go? (1:50)

What role does worry play in our unhappiness? (17:12)

What are the three main ingredients in happiness? (19:42)

How do our reactions shape our happiness? (32:40)

How does the weather affect our happiness? (36:17)

What’s preventing you from being happy right now? (39:00)

Listener tip: Would I repurchase this thing? (44:43)

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

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Recorded at Earthing Studios.

The Minimalists discuss the new “Underconsumption Core” trend that set the Internet ablaze.

Discussed in this episode:

Why do I feel compelled to buy new clothes even though I already have enough? (2:18)

What’s the last thing you didn’t buy? (22:58)

Listener tip: What to do with old awards, trophies, and sentimental items. (38:50)

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 leaving behind a legacy without leaving behind material possessions.

Discussed in this episode:

What are The Minimalists’ thoughts on leaving behind a legacy? (1:51)

If you were to die today, what would you leave behind? (14:36)

When is The Minimalists’ next live event? (27:25)

Listener tip: Seasonal decluttering of digital photos. (34:11)

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 clutter that appears every time we are unnecessarily reactive or defensive in our interactions with others.

Discussed in this episode:

How can I be less defensive when interacting with others? (2:10)

Of all the things that push your buttons, what’s one thing you have a hard time not reacting to? (37:57)

From whom did The Minimalists receive a grant? (51:00)

Listener tip: Buy nothing for a month! (55:54)

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

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Recorded at Earthing Studios.

The Minimalists speak with Carl Lentz about the deep breach of trust that accompanies cheating in a romantic relationship.

Discussed in this episode:

How did Carl Lentz’s life come crashing down at the height of his fame? (2:47)

How did “lifestyle clutter” contribute to Lentz’s infidelity? (4:18)

What unexpected areas of Lentz’s life were affected by his extramarital affair? (7:19)

What steps are required to make amends after you’ve hurt someone you love? (16:39)

How do I avoid blaming others for the mistakes I’ve made? (24:47)

What role did apologizing and forgiveness play in Lentz’s healing? (27:47)

What self-defeating stories lead to adultery? (39:45)

What are the commonalities between most cases of unfaithfulness? (42:15)

What’s your definition of infidelity? (54:15)

Listener tip: Just say no to free things! (1:02:23)

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

Detailed show notes: theminimalists.com/podcast

The Minimalists talk about the need for rest in a restless world.

Discussed in this episode:

How do I get my kids to adhere to a more reasonable bedtime so I can go to bed earlier? (1:47)

What's one thing that’s stopping you from getting the rest you need? (23:51)

Listener tip: Realize what you want by getting rid of what you don’t need. (44:51)

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

Detailed show notes: theminimalists.com/podcast

The Minimalists talk about counting material possessions, decluttering other people’s possessions, and more.

Discussed in this episode:

What’s the best way to count my material possessions? (1:40)

What’s one thing you’d like to declutter from someone else’s life? (20:50)

Right Here, Right Now: Who is The Minimalists’ newest team member? (32:42)

Listener tip: What’s the best way to declutter the contacts on your phone? (35:06)

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

Detailed show notes: theminimalists.com/podcast