The Minimalists

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How do I responsibly repurpose or recycle outdated technology at work?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 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

Joshua and Ryan discuss the death of shopping malls and the shopping mall culture, and they answer the following questions:

What are the different kinds of dying malls? (03:50)

What is the history behind malls? (10:51)

How do we encourage retailers to use environmentally responsible packaging? (16:48)

How effective is recycling? (18:44)

Where do fashion and intentionality align? (24:58)

How do we transform vacant malls into a community commodity? (35:06)

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Support The Minimalists: minimalists.com/support

Joshua and Ryan talk about owning less, wanting less, decluttering physical and digital spaces, and more (about less) with YouTube minimalist Ronald L. Banks, and they answer the following questions:

How do I ensure I purchase new items intentionally? (02:01)

How do I appropriately address my constant yearning for upgrades? (05:15)

Why do we try to use possessions to validate ourselves? (06:18)

How do I appropriately manage my bloated digital storage? (10:53)

What is the best method for organizing photos? (13:47)

Are there instances that warrant more rather than less? (21:12)

How does minimalism simultaneously encompass less and more? (22:06)

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Support The Minimalists: minimalists.com/support

Joshua and Ryan talk about stuff and why many of us still have too much, and they answer the following questions:

How can pressure help me become a better minimalist? (02:21)

How do I manage my children’s belongings? (03:52)

How do I help my loved ones simplify their lives? (06:30)

How do I address my compulsion to build collections? (11:39)

What is the difference between joy and happiness? (12:28)

What creates true joy? (14:40)

How much is enough? (15:42)

How can friction help me on my minimalist journey? (17:21)

What is the value of ‘why’? (22:25)

How do I curate what’s appropriate for me to keep long-term when I’m constantly moving? (24:36)

How do I let go of the burden of cost? (27:15)

How do I remove the meaning I’ve given to things? (28:26)

What is the ‘price of admission’? (30:23)

How do I responsibly dispose of items that no longer serve their function? (33:52)

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Support The Minimalists: minimalists.com/support

Joshua and Ryan talk about our obsessions with trends and fashion, as well as dissect our infatuation with clothing, style, and shoes with the founder of PreachersNSneakers, Tyler Jones, and they answer the following questions:

How did PreachersNSneakers start? (02:11)

Is the current hip wardrobe of many modern religious leaders simply the new version of wearing the ‘Sunday best’? (11:10)

Is it problematic for modern religious leaders to promote and sell church-branded swag? (13:44)

Is it acceptable for religious leaders to wear expensive clothing that was gifted or donated to them? (14:40)

Can function be separated from form? (16:20)

How concerned should we be about the message our appearance communicates? (18:20)

Would Jesus wear expensive, fashionable clothing? (23:52)

How do I purchase clothing intentionally without becoming obsessed with it afterward? (26:10)

Is our culture influencing our possession obsession? (27:40)

How do I select clothing that can serve multiple purposes in a seasonal climate? (34:42)

Is it helpful to employ delayed gratification to curb our shopping? (38:50)

Is it best to search for items that are multi-functional with a durable style? (40:41)

How do I develop my own personal style so I’m not adversely influenced by advertising? (43:30)

Are we essentially paying companies to use our bodies as walking billboards? (43:43)

Are Kanye West’s presidential aspirations questionable? (49:50)

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Support The Minimalists: minimalists.com/support

Joshua and Ryan talk about why we are addicted to negativity, gossip, and other disempowering emotions and behaviors; what we can do to improve or walk away from negative situations; and they answer the following questions:

How do I tactfully address disrespectful family members? (01:59)

How do I handle welcome and unwelcome teasing from others? (03:56)

How do I manage the offensive behavior of others? (05:12)

How do I stand up for myself with loved ones? (08:40)

How do I address a toxic relationship with a superior at work when using HR is not an option? (13:53)

What is the difference between immoral and illegal? (15:21)

How do I recognize when I’ve reached the breaking point at my job? (15:47)

How do I appropriately address people who constantly judge me and overstep boundaries? (25:04)

How do I establish appropriate boundaries with others? (25:27)

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Support The Minimalists: minimalists.com/support

Joshua and Ryan talk about creating a healthy lifestyle, managing stress, healing your mind, strengthening your body, and becoming extraordinary with podcaster, journalist, and author Max Lugavere, and they answer the following questions:

How do I best relieve stress? (02:23)

How do I best mitigate chronic pain? (12:46)

Can you expand on your stance that ‘food isn’t entertainment’? (28:19)

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Support The Minimalists: minimalists.com/support