Joshua and Ryan talk about sex and porn addiction—how to recognize it, how to break it—and, conversely, even the possible positive attributes of porn with director, media personality, and adult film star Lisa Ann, and they answer the following questions:

Is porn addiction a recognized addiction? (03:40)

How do we better restrict our children’s access to porn? (06:40)

Do we overmoralize porn? (09:20)

Is porn addiction just a matter of self control? (11:00)

Why is Gen Z statistically having the least sex of any generation? (11:40)

What are the pros and cons of porn? (13:49)

Are there age limits for adult film stars? (20:20)

Can a minimalist approach to viewing porn enhance a relationship? (21:15)

How does libido play into relationships? (21:50)

How important is communication in a sexual relationship? (25:39)

What are your thoughts on the difference between guilt and shame being a primary trigger to lead someone to become addicted to porn? (30:01)

How does age affect porn addiction? (43:48)

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Support The Minimalists: minimalists.com/support

Joshua discusses our constant craving for spirituality with author, podcaster, and pastor Erwin McManus and his son, film producer Aaron McManus, and they answer the following questions:

How do I responsibly let go of expensive items that can't be reused by others? (06:17)

Is anything actually ‘free’? (08:14)

How compatible are minimalist and Buddhist practices? (12:25)

I recently let go of religion, but I don’t know what to cling to next. (24:16)

What is the difference between religion and faith? (25:42)

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Support The Minimalists: minimalists.com/support

Joshua and Ryan talk about how The Minimalists apply minimalism to social media, how they’ve changed their opinion about social media over the years, and they review the new Netflix documentary The Social Dilemma with social media specialist Jess Williams, and they answer the following questions:

Is social media the original social distancing? (02:06)

How do we do a better job of using social media as a tool? (07:17)

What are the problems with social media? (16:16)

Has the smartphone become more of a distraction than the TV? (20:57)

Do we unfairly judge others in assuming that they’re simply wasting time on their smartphones rather than being productive? (21:46)

Has the ubiquitousness of social media contributed to creating an overly judgmental society? (26:48)

How do we set appropriate boundaries for social media? (28:06)

How do I address the desire to explain my behavior to others? (30:20)

Why do disagreements escalate so quickly on social media? (31:50)

How do I balance staying informed with being in the moment? (38:29)

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Support The Minimalists: minimalists.com/support

Joshua and Ryan talk about repairing and strengthening relationships during difficult times with comedian Josh Wolf, and they answer the following questions:

Is it possible that the global pandemic actually helped save some relationships? (01:20)

What are some good habits to adopt to save a relationship? (06:36)

What is ‘Object A’? (09:59)

How much is enough? (10:37)

What does it feel like to be satisfied? (13:13)

What is the difference between pleasure and joy? (15:32)

What is the ‘price of admission’? (19:50)

Has social media given us a false sense of self-importance? (22:35)

What is the difference between a recipe and a template? (24:05)

Is restricting a partner’s choices a reasonable solution to their staunch resistance to change? (24:45)

What is the value of stretching our comfort zone? (34:00)

How will I know when I’ve found ‘the one’? (36:02)

Do we set unrealistic expectations regarding relationships? (39:52)

Why do we often start relationships in an attempt to fix ourselves? (45:01)

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Support The Minimalists: minimalists.com/support

Joshua discusses books and how to best ensure they enhance our lives, and he answers the following questions:

What is the true value of books? (04:42)

How do I determine whether to keep or purge books I own that I haven’t yet read? (06:10)

What do I do with books to which I’m attached but my partner insists I let go? (12:33)

Why do writers choose that profession? (16:10)

How do I let go of books I inherited from a loved one that have sentimental value? (21:03)

How do I start trimming my book collection? (23:22)

Why do some items have sentimental value? (24:12)

How do I break my sentimental attachments to my books? (27:46)

What is the ‘why’ behind the ‘what’? (30:21)

What is the perfect amount of books? (30:48)

What makes one book format better than the others? (34:53)

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Support The Minimalists: minimalists.com/support

Joshua talks about waste and all the ways in which we are wasteful with Sheila Morovati, Founder and President of Crayon Collection and Habits of Waste, and they answer the following questions:

Why do we rarely consider how we’re being wasteful? (03:44)

How can I reasonably ensure my donated items don’t become a burden to anyone else? (04:57)

How do I ensure I don’t receive unwanted correspondence? (11:47)

How do I responsibly repurpose or recycle outdated technology at work? (17:06)

What are my recycling options if I live in a city without a robust recycling program? (22:34)

What are some alternatives to plastic storage? (27:47)

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Support The Minimalists: minimalists.com/support

Joshua and Ryan discuss spirituality, evolving beliefs, and the impermanence of everything with author, podcaster, and theologian Rob Bell, and they answer the following questions:

What does it mean to ‘own your story’? (02:10)

How has Rob’s faith evolved? (04:40)

What is the origin of the book title, Everything Is Spiritual? (07:09)

What is the ‘wordlessness of grace’? (09:02)

What does it mean to ‘hold a place for God’? (10:31)

Do you believe in a higher power that can provide comfort and guidance? (14:25)

What causes a negative reaction to practices considered fringe? (14:45)

What is our language problem? (19:00)

How do religion and minimalism align? (21:33)

How do you define religion? (22:14)

How important is order? (25:20)

What are the polarities of feasting and fasting? (27:23)

How do you define spirituality? (33:33)

Is Rob Bell still a Christian? (36:49)

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Support The Minimalists: minimalists.com/support

Joshua and Ryan discuss the many ways we’ve stuffed our lives to the breaking point, how we can relieve that pressure, and they answer the following questions:

How do I determine what is essential to pack for a move? (06:08)

How do I incorporate some friction into my decision making? (09:22)

What should I do with scrapbooks and mementos that I’m clinging to? (10:10)

Is it inconveniencing others to ask them for help in storing items? (11:23)

Is it helpful to limit storage space when decluttering? (12:00)

How do I ensure I maintain a minimalist mindset throughout my day? (14:26)

What is the difference between joy and pleasure? (17:14)

How do we still manage to responsibly recycle and repurpose items despite the restrictions imposed by the global pandemic? (23:58)

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Support The Minimalists: minimalists.com/support

Joshua and Ryan talk about all the extra things we do, and the extraneous activities, obligations, and tasks we commit to that make our lives more complicated with author and fitness expert Ben Greenfield, and they answer the following questions:

How do I let go of limiting beliefs? (06:38)

How do I reconcile my creativity and my desire for profit? (07:04)

How important are mission statements? (07:35)

How important is the skill of delegation for creatives? (11:33)

How do I appropriately delegate responsibilities and obligations? (14:02)

What are some opportunities for diversification? (17:12)

How can I ensure I’m planning an intentional life as a senior in high school? (23:20)

How do I determine my purpose? (24:22)

How important is adaptability and flexibility? (32:22)

How do we appropriately minimize commitments and obligations? (34:51)

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Support The Minimalists: minimalists.com/support

Joshua and Ryan discuss all things weddings—debt, expenses, expectations, responsibilities, ceremonies, outfits, wedding guests, and more—with blogger, author, and matrimonial expert Jessica Bishop, and they answer the following questions:

What are the most common questions regarding weddings? (04:17)

How do I appropriately manage my family’s expectations regarding the wedding? (08:50)

Where do most couples go wrong regarding their wedding planning? (09:37)

Is there any scenario where it would be appropriate to take on debt for a wedding? (12:46)

How do I maintain a minimalist wedding despite a large guest list? (14:18)

What are some alternatives to traditional weddings, particularly in light of the global pandemic? (14:52)

What consumes most of the budget for a wedding? (15:24)

What is the appropriate number of guests for a wedding? (17:25)

How do I create a minimalist celebration ceremony rather than a traditional wedding? (19:13)

What are the different variations of marriages? (20:54)

What does commitment truly mean in a relationship? (23:30)

What are some celebration event options for couples? (26:30)

How do couples arrive at an appropriate budget for their wedding? (26:50)

What are some of the most ridiculous things that couples have spent their wedding budget on? (27:44)

What is the appropriate size and cost of a wedding gift? (30:46)

How do couples set the appropriate expectations with their guests regarding wedding gifts? (31:54)

What are the most ideal gift registries for weddings? (33:07)

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Support The Minimalists: minimalists.com/support