The Minimalists talk about minimizing the division caused by partisan politics.

Discussed in this episode:

How can we minimize political division when we don't agree with other people? (2:42)

What does it mean to let go of partisan politics? (13:23)

Does it ever make sense not to vote? (31:28)

Listener tip: Minimize stress by reviewing important legal documents. (49:33)

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 Dr. Jamil Zaki from Stanford University about understanding and overcoming hopelessness and cynicism.

Discussed in this episode:

In what ways does cynicism mimic false hope? (2:24)

How do you find hope when you’ve felt hopeless for a long time? (10:08)

What are the surprising downsides of hope? (22:00)

Listener tip: Overthinking makes people feel hopeless. (30:55)

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 why letting go of control is so difficult.

Discussed in this episode:

What fears are hiding underneath my need to obsessively control everything? (2:18)

What's one area in which you have a hard time letting go of control? (22:21)

What is the next film that The Minimalists are working on? (40:33)

Listener tip: Clutter Counseling really works! (42:10)

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 Jordan Harbinger about when it makes sense to optimize certain things and when it’s best to throw optimization out the window.

Discussed in this episode:

What are some fun and creative ways to optimize your life? (2:04)

What is one thing in your life that is beautifully inefficient? (20:50)

Where can I find the top 30 decluttering rules from The Minimalists? (41:27)

Listener tip: How to minimize feminine hygiene products. (42:59)

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

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Recorded at Earthing Studios.

The Minimalists share three things that help minimize chronic pain, disease, and inflammation.

Discussed in this episode:

How do I let go of the anger I feel toward my doctors for not helping me with my chronic pain? (1:21)

What three things does JFM do to minimize his autoimmune diseases, pain, and inflammation? (9:32)

How can I accept my pain without giving up? (41:52)

What are the top three insights you would give to anyone suffering from a chronic illness? (46:18)

How do you cope with pain? (47:36)

What is Clutter Counseling? (50:32)

Listener tip: One simple essay each day! (53:04)

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 Sally K. Norton, author of Toxic Superfoods, about the supposed health foods that are making us sick and inflamed. As mentioned in the episode, you can read JFM's story about Minimizing Autoimmune Disease, Chronic Pain, and Inflammation here: https://minimalists.com/earthing

Discussed in this episode:

What is a “toxic superfood” and how are these foods making us sick? (1:45)

What are some symptoms that point toward oxalate overload? (5:57)

How can we apply minimalism to our diets? (9:01)

What processed foods and preservatives do we want to eliminate from our diets? (12:59)

What other foods are toxic or problematic? (17:56)

When are blood tests a waste of time and money? (25:25)

Will an Animal-Based Diet help with chronic pain and brain fog? (28:23)

When is a vegan diet helpful and when is it harmful? (31:15)

How has Earthing helped Lisa? (35:52)

What role does our food play in skin conditions like acne, dandruff, flaky skin, rashes, psoriasis, and eczema? (37:06)

What is the gut microbiome’s role in our overall health? (41:11)

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 what it means to preserve the past in a meaningful and dignified way.

Discussed in this episode:

After I’ve lost someone, how do I let go of their stuff with dignity and honor? (2:09)

How do you preserve the memories of lost loved ones? (23:15)

How can you simplify everything to get to the end of clutter? (31:26)

Listener tip: How to preserve only the best childhood memories. (34:04)

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

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Recorded at Earthing Studios.

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.