The Minimalists

The Minimalists discuss what to do with family heirlooms and “generational junk,” and they answer the following questions:

How do we tactfully tell our relatives we don’t want their “generational junk”? (09:17)

How do I help my parents minimize their hoard to live more simply when they’re resistant to do so? (14:10)

How do we support our family members without accepting their donations of their possessions? (26:35)

How do I appropriately rehome a family heirloom that is a historical artifact? (31:44)

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

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The Minimalists talk about purchases that lead to buyer’s remorse, and they answer the following questions:

Does regret serve us in any way? (01:57)

How do we overcome the loss and regret we feel after donating items so we don’t end up simply replacing them and repeating the cycle? (06:03)

How do we recognize when we’re senselessly justifying a purchase that holds little to no actual benefit for us? (16:08)

Do your children have any regrets? (23:45)

What do we do when we experience buyer’s remorse with every purchase? (27:52)

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

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The Minimalists talk about the clutter that invades our counters, cabinets, and refrigerators with Max Lugavere, author of Genius Kitchen, and they answer the following questions:

What is essential to prepare healthy meals? (02:39)

What is a Thermapen? (04:31)

Why are glass containers better for storage than plastic containers? (04:56)

What is the value of the cast-iron skillet in the kitchen? (06:17)

What are the pros and cons of the microwave? (11:08)

What are the benefits of sous vide? (13:11)

What are the dangers of using kitchen items with nonstick coatings? (13:51)

What kitchen cleaning products and methods have you found safe, effective, and minimal that prevent foodborne illnesses and keep everything spotless when not in use? (20:40)

How do we ensure we keep the appropriate amount of food on hand for our household? (27:16)

How do we efficiently and effectively cook in tiny kitchens? (33:22)

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

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The Minimalists talk about functional movement with Aaron Alexander, author of The Align Method, and they answer the following questions:

What daily exercises will help us move with the most freedom and the least pain? (02:18)

How do our postural patterns affect our overall health? (06:33)

What is the “55-38-7 Principle”? (07:47)

Is sitting for long periods unhealthy? (09:52) 

What movements during daily office work are beneficial? (17:03)

What is the most ideal sitting position? (20:13)

What is the value of stillness? (26:22)

What are the most appropriate workspace ergonomics for those that spend long hours at desks? (31:15)

How do we best relax? (33:17)

How important is appropriate breathing? (37:25)

What is “learned helplessness”? (45:07)

How do we reevaluate our movements? (46:45)

What is “piezoelectricity”? (48:26)

What is “parasitic tension”? (51:07)

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

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The Minimalists talk about sustainable living with environmentalist Claire Potter, and they answer the following questions:

What impact did the pandemic have on our environment with all of the disposable items designed to protect us from infection, and how can we move forward safely with less waste? (01:39)

How biodegradable are biodegradable plastics? (06:25)

What are the pros and cons of plastic? (07:29)

How do we stay motivated and inspire others to live a sustainable, minimalist lifestyle when those around us do not; that is, if we live sustainably but more people live unsustainably, aren’t all of our efforts meaningless? (09:25)

What is your perspective regarding sustainability? (11:20)

What is the “circular economy”? (12:28)

How much does farming crops damage the environment compared to farming meat? (20:22)

How do we frame sustainable living to interest non-environmentalists? (28:32)

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

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The Minimalists talk about different kinds of surprise purchases, impulse purchases, and annoying purchases, and they answer the following questions: What’s the difference between surprise purchases and impulse purchases? (01:39)

Why do sales seem particularly pernicious now? (04:06)

What are the two kinds of surprise purchases? (07:44)

Do manufacturers bear any burden for creating superfluous products that exist as little more than items to be purchased as surprise gifts for others based on their novelty rather than their practicality? (11:33)

Are we being too dismissive of new technology that seems to promote sedentary lifestyles but could be incredibly helpful to the physically challenged? (19:34)

How do we get our partners to include us in the purchasing processes of significant items? (25:20)

How do you define “compassion”? (29:32)

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

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The Minimalists question the beliefs, opinions, and worldviews that have shaped all of us with Michael Gungor, author of THIS, and they answer the following questions:

Why did Michael write THIS? (03:30)

Why does getting everything we want often bring misery instead of joy? (06:07)

How do we determine if a belief no longer serves us? (11:48)

What does “belief” mean to you? (13:26)

How do our beliefs form? (15:47)

How do you break the constant collective mindset of depression and anxiety when you grew up in a family that believed it was simply an ever-present state of being? (21:26)

How do you define “anxiety”? (23:25)

Did Michael discover a deeper truth through his experience with different religions? (32:51)

What is your perspective regarding truth? (33:50)

What does it mean to “add value”? (36:23)

​If I’ve given everything I can to please those I must please in my profession, what more can I do to show my commitment to the cause? (39:06)

What does “need” mean to you? (42:54)

How do we determine when a struggle has become futile and move on? (45:07)

What are your thoughts regarding the ego? (46:04)

What does “heaven” and “hell” mean to you? (50:37)

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

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The Minimalists talk about the psychology behind panic buying, and they answer the following questions:

What causes panic buying? (01:27)

What are the causes of supply-chain shortages? (07:58)

What have you seen purchased in recent panic-buying frenzies? (12:24)

When might it be appropriate to panic? (13:58)

Is it ever advisable to simply save money for medical emergencies rather than spending that money monthly on health insurance? (14:55)

Can everything be negotiated? (21:59)

Do other countries respond to crises with panic buying similar to the United States? (24:22)

Where is the line between preparation and hoarding? (27:55)

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

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The Minimalists are joined by philosopher Peter Rollins to discuss nihilism, despair, anger, and depression, and they answer the following questions:

How are nihilism and minimalism related? (02:57)

Is Fight Club’s Tyler Durden an example of nihilism? (05:33)

What did Nietzsche mean by the “death of God”? (07:11)

What started the recent rise in nihilism? (10:58)

Is anger merely unrealized expectations? (12:21)

What is the “belief through the other”? (17:22)

How do you define “fundamentalism”? (18:32)

Are nihilism and pessimism the same perspective? (19:03)

How do we overcome pessimism? (20:24)

What would cause someone to become a nihilist? (21:38)

Why did Nietzsche believe we must all experience the death of God? (23:25)

What is “dialectics”? (24:15)

How do I help myself and my children adequately recover and move on after the death of their father ‬and the disintegration of my second marriage? (26:36)

What are “beta-elements”? (29:27)

What is an “alpha function”? (29:45)

What is your perspective regarding “symptoms”? (30:47)

What is the value of a psychotherapist for those of us struggling with issues? (31:04)

How do you find new meaning in life when the meaning you wanted is no longer an option? (33:21)

How do you define “depression”? (34:11)

What is the “object cause of desire”? (33:54)

How do you define “love”? (36:59)

How do you address a void? (40:24)

Why do you consider Los Angeles the most religious place in the world? (43:12)

What is “leveling”? (49:33)

What is the difference between a problem and a mystery? (53:34)

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

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The Minimalists are joined by T.K. Coleman in Atlanta to discuss minimalism with purpose, resolving conflict, and creating a “social budget,” and they answer the following questions:

When have you found telling the truth problematic? (03:04)

Is minimalism a Western solution for overconsumption? (07:20)

Why are so many so consumed with consumption? (08:54)

What is the “American Dream”? (10:03)

What makes us singularly human? (11:51)

What is minimalism to you? (13:15)

How do you appropriately resolve conflict with loved ones in a family business? (18:11)

How do you define “love”? (27:40)

What is your perspective regarding power? (29:15)

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

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