Ep. 144 | Simpleliving

Joshua & Ryan answer an assortment of difficult questions about simple living. Watch “Maximal” episodes of The Minimalists Private Podcast exclusively at / theminimalists
Questions answered in this episode:
How do you define simple living? (1:33)
How do I incorporate simple eating practices into my simple living practices? (4:48)
How do I maintain my minimalist lifestyle with a non-minimalist roommate? (22:48)
What one thing can I do immediately that will have the most significant impact on my adoption of a minimalist lifestyle? (36:04)
How do I find a balance between “living my present” and “worrying about my future”? (40:49)
How do I break my strong attachment to my stuff? (50:50)
How do I maintain my minimalist lifestyle among those in my social circle obsessed with material goods and money? (1:02:26)
How do I reduce my family’s entertainment expenses while still keeping my children happy?
(1:09:36)
How do I make my home cozy without “unnecessary” things? (1:12:28)
How do I craft a simple life with the little personal time I have as a constantly hustling freelance entrepreneur? (1:19:43)
What are your thoughts on the tiny-house movement? (1:28:44)
How do I make simple living fun for my family? (1:33:44)
How do I become a minimalist as a teenager? (1:38:53)
What cultures offer exemplary examples of simple living? (1:45:43)
How do I maintain simple living practices without the fear of missing out? (1:52:13)
Will living a simple life lead to living a bland life? (1:55:31)
How do I slow down to enjoy life when everyone around me is so busy? (1:58:25)
How do I live a simple life while balancing my responsibilities related to work, school, and family?
(2:04:53)
How can I make housecleaning a simpler process? (2:08:22)
Detailed show notes: theminimalists.com/p144
Support The Minimalists: theminimalists.com/support
#TheMinimalists

[@alone15151]

I think i was born a minimalist, too much stuff makes me nervous and clutters my head. You're doing a real service for people, props

[@brownsugar69420]

You don't need to change the whole wardrobe to plain black T-shirt to be minimalist. You just need to rid of things you don't need slowly. This also works with managing connections with people with people and managing self thoughts.

[@RoseLemonade.]

You are my cleaning music.

[@livelearnandteach7402]

Yeah washing up is a lot better with the Minimalists talking.

[@nkolemwaba2526]

Mine too

[@margaretcox4290]

Mine too !!

[@briarpeterson6938]

Saaaaaame lol love this.

[@bethannsmith4969]

Same here

[@joylopez2735]

All the "stupid shyt" my family and I have accumulated over the years---would have been better spent on travelling....

[@sylviageorge6022]

Yes! That is my response when I feel tempted by the new items that are tempting! Buy experiences not shit

[@akiratheaspiechait3280]

Unless it is an asset that creates another source of income, to pay for the experience. 😊

[@gintongaparador999]

Simple living = removing of the excess in order to make room for what really matters.

[@betynhagw]

1. Josh's hair is something else. I love it! 2. Ryan cares so much about his friend it warms my soul, seriously. 3. Thank you, guys, for everything you've been teaching me for the past two months :)

[@jonassteiner3532]

I'm 14 years old and I live in Austria. I think I am a minimalist and I really like this lifestyle.

[@MarshmilloJB]

Jonas _ I’m 19 now, a week from being 20, and I wish I had started minimalism as early as you. It’s so much easier, the younger you start

[@jujuraffe3732]

Jin B. I agree. I’m 18 now and I just discovered minimalism a few months ago and I wish I found out about it sooner.

[@susanpapszycki350]

Thank you both for making a HUGE difference in my life! I am continuing to declutter my home, I have a developmental disabled 21 year old who has many collections of toys yet when his room has less items he has less frustration. In the future I'd love to see a vlog or podcast on decluttering with children with disabilities. Stay well and happy !

[@RecycleChic]

Wouldn’t that apply to anyone with a similar mindset such as ocd?

[@danrymertrenholme7977]

Listening to you guys chat about these things is absolute therapy! Since taking on a minimalist perspective a year ago my life has much more clarity, cheers!

[@CatNoda]

Simpleliving is truly living in the moment. It is how we are living now that my husband has been diagnosed with a rare brain tumor. It's like...everything washes away and even if you wanted to focus on all of life's petty things, you can't. Simpleliving is how you survive. It is the true clearing away of nonsense and living within daily mortality reminders. Great episode. I needed it.

[@cremebrulee4759]

I'm so sorry 😢

[@diablitayj]

Listening as I declutter my garage! Third area I complete in two days. Looking at my kitchen and living room with the essentials. It’s a relief, so much space.

[@kents.2866]

I always listen to the minimalists clean or decluttering. Great stuff to keep me motivated.

[@kimberly8185]

Not to mention sooooo much easier to clean!!

[@irmaindriani]

You don’t know how much your content add value to my life. Sending you thousands loves💕 hugs

[@habloconcaa8702]

irma indriani same to me!

[@anitam9328]

Jesus on the right. Beavis on the left

[@chelscruz9248]

They look like the guys from the movie Paul haha

[@brucewhitt2494]

Minimalism is so much easier when I look within and think How can I make my life simpler?

[@stephp.2397]

Ryan is my spirit animal. Such a legend.

[@gailcirillo3294]

Its so sweet how clear it is that Josh loves his kid and is a great Dad

[@EllieBloo]

I have just begun my journey and I am loving it. Letting go of things that just take space in my space and not my heart has been a wonderful experience. Thanks for the great advice and information. The Netflix documentary is monumental!

[@walkerskii]

First segment was so good, useful helpful insightful...I backed it up & listened to it again before I went on to the part about food.

[@edgardaniellopezcarbajal8712]

I came to practice my listening in English but I stayed for the content.

[@AdelinaShamoon-Ph.D]

"Sometimes you have to slow down to avoid going too far." I wish I was wise enough to slow down after my Master's Degree to avoid going too far with Ph.D. This has to be the biggest regret of my life: years of sleepless nights, added to over 120,000 in student loan. I had to slow down.

[@abbieroseevents8471]

Laura's thoughts and philosophy about lutter is right on and explains while so many of us are frustrated and overwhelmed. I feel like a weight has been lifted off of me just understanding that it is a much more intense process than just having willpower or feeling disorganized especially when I can organize just fine...decluttering is different. Thank you, Laura.

[@RainyDayWolf]

I like piling dishes... Because I like spending like an hour washing them while I listen to a long podcast... And a lot of times is yours.

[@sylviageorge6022]

Planning to celebrate a the Minnimalists podcast through a specific household ritual is a favorite of mine

[@catmandoo3735]

I do the same thing. I don't own a dishwasher; I am the dishwasher. But I know what you mean because I can be out of the room while listening to the podcast.

[@arciafrench993]

I started the monthly challenge in August, wow, it’s now the beginning of November & I’m a whirlwind at this now. Listening to you guys makes it so much easier to do this. A friend and I take pics and send to each other daily. I tell everyone I can about this challenge. Thanks.

[@WhiteDaisy825]

I love the minimalist!!! You guys are amazing and have changed my life.. in ways y'all will never know!

[@ravenstormchild6491]

I have been on the journey for about 5 years. I find that I reach plateaus. When I reduce a lot, I feel like my space is so much better. Then, as I become accustomed to it, I feel like it’s cluttered again and I reduce until I feel the calm again, and on and on.

[@alamasama]

I met this an aunt's friend that knew me when I was little and wanted to connect so she asked me for my social media and I told her that I don't have any. Shocked she asked me how do you keep up with people, find stuff..... What stuff I asked?? ( About their lives I guess) lol. What I need to know I will know if I have to, if not I won't.

[@elittlething]

Thank you Josh and Ryan. Listening to you guys help me put myself in the right perspective when I feel a little lost. I am an immigrant and I am struggling sometimes moving from a 3rd world country to the 1st world. If not for you guys I would have fallen to the pit of having to chase things to be on top even if it doesnt serve your values and it crushes your inner talents . I am slowly getting into the groove of building my community blog every little thing and your guys input will always be in my heart and incorporated to my blog. My big and honest Thank You to you both!

[@alanbirkner1958]

I keep getting rid of more "stuff". I'm 73. Friends have remodeled bedrooms into closets, and filled 3 car garages with stuff. We live in a 2BR condo. Tina, Al's wife

[@elise2961]

Listening to this 5years later (2024) I miss Alabama’s laughter and TK’s one liner words of wisdom - you’ve come a long way - still as good 😎

[@lindab8078]

Thank for this refresh! I have been following you for a few years and it is great to get back to some of the basics. To Denzel I would say that there is no better time than now to become a minimalist, save yourself from learning these lessons when you're older (like some of us), When I was young we didn't have access to the information overload that is out there now so we didn't have FOMO, until we got to school on Monday morning and heard about an event/party/outing we missed. Even then we didn't really miss it because we were out living our own life. Best thing about minimalism is the freedom you get back to intentionally choose how to live your life.

[@oxymoira]

ryan is def the bigger minimalist when it comes to words and talking ;-) - love u guys !

[@MagellanMG]

My daughter and my daughter in law both search for free activities. They have found some amazing things to do like riding the train!

[@GRORGvideot]

I like to listen to these while I'm driving. Great stuff dudes, you're like listening to quality radio.

[@nikedoesthings]

I like how they still like comments from recent year's listeners ❤

[@shrutimitadineshpokhariyal3691]

Watching it after 2 years, glad that the message remains the same, although always totally fresh!

[@andshesmiles6272]

It's easy to think back on our pasts and wish we knew about minimalism but I feel like you two (and myself as well) had to have too much before you could relize what enough is for you. It's our experiences that gives us the ability to connect with minimalism. Especially when we came from a world of "have not."

[@281krisba2]

❤

[@gretchencline5124]

y’all are a trip. love your show!

[@mapamparado]

I am a minimalist in the Philippines! I love you both! ❤️❤️❤️

[@mapamparado]

OMG! Getting a heart from both of you is indeed happiness!

[@JuiceFastCoach]

Everything you guys speak is so eloquent and pinnacle!! X

[@malepiscis08]

You should be hired by a radio station. Your content is healing. I also had German grandparents like Ryan so I can relate to most of his comments about his grandmother. Keep it up! ☕🐱🐶

[@petmomful2260]

I improved my health greatly by going vegan. I have chronic pain and it cranked way way down when I went vegan.

[@AuRowe]

Vegan for five years, living in Hawaii getting enough calories, but still had deteriorating health. Then went keto two years ago, much healthier now. Was never vegan for "the animals", though, which made my transition much easier.

[@petmomful2260]

@@AuRowe Sorry that happened to you but it is hard to understand for me. I have been vegan, maybe 9 years now, and my doctor agrees that I am so healthy. I am 68. The people I know that are my age are having strokes, knee replacements, getting sick all the time. Even my grown kids are having health issues. I am doing well. I did not get covid, I rarely get a cold or anything like that. I do take care to eat healthfully, not vegan junk food. I am in it for my health, the animals, and the planet. Hope you are doing great now.

[@natashyas4149]

Live a life now that my future self will be proud of. That is congruent with my values and identity. Words of wisdom! Find tools like budget and calendar - thinking about future without worrying about it.

[@lucyijr]

Doesn't Joshua have the most soothing voice? Ryan's perky voice ensures I pay attention though. :')

[@saludintegral5344]

Fruit is essential to keep!!

[@noorieal]

It is actually illegal for companies to label eggs as “healthy” or “nutritious” as there are rules against false and misleading advertising. But you are right, it is better to not buy from factory farms. Thank you so much for this show, I love listening to it and it has helped me so much.💓

[@YAVIAH]

I'm s minimalist so I just listened to 3 minutes of this video.

[@jamie-leesaucier1575]

Hello Friends - Thank you! I feel very grateful that you've captured your podcast on video also. I prefer this medium when listening in, so I can see your body language and facial expressions. Really helps hit home your points and gives me comfort during this transition! I really needed this (simple living) but it's still really tough. You two are like reassuring friends. We would love to see you in Montreal, Canada one day. Until then, THANKS FOR ALL YOU'RE DOING - it's helping people. Truly. You actions are helping people. We need this and you!

[@gissybatyah]

The four day fast was a great help too

[@AlohaLove2Learn]

Wow Beth from Chicago nailed it! So true! Thanks!!!

[@sharonblake6274]

Thank you for your honesty.

[@diablitayj]

Thank you! You both are incredible, you guys have made a difference in my life.

[@julesabrego2914]

I love how Ryan is snickering at Josh's itching story. Ryan seems a little embarrassed but let's Josh keep talking ❤

[@cherryberry5812]

Love your podcasts, guys!

[@karensinclair1954]

I just joined your Patreon support. This is one of the best programs on minimalism I've discovered over the past 6 weeks since I jumped in both feet into the movement. Thank you!

[@TheMinimalists]

Thanks for supporting us! We appreciate you.

[@frostyk1371]

I love Beth's tip and I am about to clean house right now before our next move. I really enjoyed this episode guys. Thanks!

[@leeharrison8790]

The " US BOX " ideal & how it works for you coming from the premise of individualism is a workable solution within that setting of negotiating with more than your self ..I can see that working ... I'm a firm believer that what ever the system a couple comes up with & both participate in good things can come from that ! Good choices usually produce good out comes ..

[@talkswithtyler1997]

I am all in with your insightful dialogue, i find a deep sense of meaning, and purpose in leading a more simplified life through minimalism. I feel minimalism found me at the right place, at the right time, and it was an organic transition. Congratulations on making an eternal difference into the lives of others to empower simplicity and intention. Much love from Ottawa, Canada! :)

[@brianandmarcicrawford6671]

I COULD NOT AGREE MORE! This is 200% a hard YES!

[@BlackCatAlley23]

The best thing I could have done for my body was to get off of caffeine. I stopped drinking coffee 2 years ago and I've never looked back. I no longer have blood sugar issues. My blood sugar would crash every day. None of my doctors could figure out why. It was the caffeine. I also developed psoriasis. My dermatologist said I had to learn to live with it because it would never go away. It went away after I got the caffeine out of my system. Caffeine is like any other drug. It can cause so many issues. Plus I sleep better and am more energetic throughout the day with it. Hope this helps.

[@nagauta]

About to move interstate. This really helped with decluttering and downsizing.

[@writingbybenjamin7406]

My question about the food part of things is, how do you handle your simple eating when it comes to going over to someone's house that is going to provide a meal? As a Christian, it's important to practice gratitude and charity for the meal provided without becoming a burden with my diet. Obviously, if it's something that's going to make you sick, that's one thing, but what about the things that won't make you sick, but don't fit your diet? Do you just suck it up and enjoy the meal with friends/family or how do you handle this type of situation?

[@rhiannonnehl7440]

Great podcast! Thank you!

[@zachbackpacks]

Listening at the gym. Around 2:01:00 you mention going slow and how it is strong. A good rep is slow and controlled. It builds the most strength.

[@PositiveMommaLife]

Super slow extensions and negatives build the most muscle. 10 second extension and negatives with 7-8 reps and high weight. All muscles groups ones a week.

[@Gabriel-dm1du]

So happy to have found this didn't Know you had a channel and podcast saw you on Netflix you guys are awesome

[@cholincholin96]

I like to listen to the podcast as I do my chores. You guys are tremendous inspiration, great work and I wished you were around 20 years ago....but better late for me than never. Thank you so much for all your hard work and please keep going. By the way I was not able to listen this 144 podcast it appears only as 1 minute on the Apple podcasts... not sure how to solve it. many hugs

[@SelkaAndHorses]

I'm currently reading your essey colletion "minimalism: live a meaningful life" and just finished chapter 2. The only thing different for me is instead of "must" I use "want". Everything I do now is something I want to do- I want to be healthy, become a doctor, etc. and every single action on the way is a "want" for me. It changed my attidue of always feeling depressed and unhappy becaused I had to do so many thing, almost as someone forced me to, and now I am much more possitive about every task feeling like it is just my choice thanks to a little change in the way I would say it, write it down or think. I finde so much more joy and studying, that before was just a duty now is something I love and find it much more interesting. Love you guys! Thank you fore everything you do!

[@Amapola_Lola]

I have some health issues and my diet is very similar to what you have described. . . . nothing feels better! I love that you brought up the subject. Everyone is different and dietary needs are also different!

[@DalwindersWorld]

First time Ever watching not simply Listening

[@SimplyBeautiful516]

Hey, I have an idea for an experiment that I would like to try. So, for every year we move forward , you go one year backward in terms of what was available to the masses ( not the elite). For instance, you can only use in the year 2020 what was available in the year 2019. In 2021, you can only use anything manufactured or technology from 2018 and so on. I’m going to give it a go and see how I get on.

[@crystalestey6262]

thanks for answering my question!

[@corrieandjassie]

I read a lot of minimalists comments about asking for compromise but refusing to do the same. Maybe the roommate wants a few more things in the living room or kitchen, and the minimalist needs to understand the other person may not be ready to let everything go yet. Like you’re saying, making real agreements and respecting your partner in living.

[@truthfirst5011]

Wonderful common sense approaches to life! 💕

[@angelaarmstrong6405]

Down sizing my closet right now. Your my motivation.❤️

[@bookmarkbeth8416]

Discovered you guys on Netflix through your documentary! Love your life work. It is bringing so much value and meaning to my life as an independent mother.

[@YuniorGamboa]

I truly enjoy this podcast Thank you

[@stephanieledogar4471]

Unfortunately when I was married and I asked my husband what were some things that I could do to make our relationship better he gave me a list and then didn't ask me in kind. So apparently he thought I was the one with the problem and he had no responsibility in this relationship whatsoever. You should not assume that the other person's going to turn around and ask you how they can improve.

[@jessio4312]

Run while you can

[@rebeccarivera8366]

Always nice topic. I'm listening.

[@davidwilsonjr.1437]

THANK YOU!!!

[@moanateliersoo18]

still relatable even in 2021 (actually, more relatable). Simpleliving means simplifying what my life goal is; we don't have time to check every email, every news, every products, every newest art works... being humble with our limits as human beings and focusing on what is really important. I guess not many people disagree with the fact that the one and only important thing in life is loving, and being loved. really simple.

[@catmandoo3735]

The money I save not buying "stuff" I can spend on better quality, healthy food. It's even more important now that everything is going up in price due to shortages. Healthy eating is much more expensive than processed meals.

[@jamiekite6900]

Interesting, Josh it sounds like you had a yeast overload before, that's probably why the no fruit thing is working for you so well, and aside from clearing out the intolerances could explain your increase in mental clarity! I'm so happy you figured out what works for you! I'm on that road myself, and am getting a better idea, slowly, of what makes me feel more functional. Health is so so important... because it can really prevent you from dedicating your focus to the important things in your life. Anyways, great podcast as usual guys!! Always a pleasure!

[@lindaw140]

Great content thank you J and R

[@phonsoeung7934]

I just stumbled on this channel. Very enjoyable

[@grumylynn]

Intelligent and inspiring, and fun!

[@siobhanmulvey]

"keeping ourselves sane in an insane world" - yep yep

[@TheoGregoire]

Whole food plant based ftw

[@VV-fq1cx]

!!

[@gissybatyah]

So true!

[@Julia-gr7rh]

yeah apparently josh is the only actual carnivorous human that's ever existed

[@Saharious30]

I involved myself into this struct gym workout routine because I really really wanted that " abs". I started taking supplements and working out hard. But I am a tiny girl of 42kg my body didn't like it. I ended up having Psoriasis. It has no cure. My skin was super dry. my nails started splitting from my skin. My lips , foot were cracking. and no medicine was working. So I cut out everything that I eat. I ate plain rice and lintel soup and pan fried potato with only salt for a week. I slowly added carbs in my diet and slowly other few spices. My psoriasis got better. My cure was to cut everything down to almost 0 at first and then add only things that I need.

[@ayuodagiri1577]

Might want to look into nervous system health btw 😊

[@lastpolarbearcub]

That diet is absolutely insane. Having a variety of colors of vegetables is important to make sure you’re getting all nutrients. There’s no reason if you don’t have an allergy to not enthusiastically eat carrots, bell peppers, eggplants, tomatoes, etc.

[@Lee-hs7cq]

Looking for a podcast for my eilts preparation and look what a found💖 a gem💎 thank you and i found this channel💫💕💖

[@doireannrenzi7815]

Could you do one of these refreshing on your 'rules' like the 90 90 rules or the 20 minute rule etc? I feel like they're always helpful but I don't know them all!

[@roseabbatino1838]

Thanks you guys your get rid of excess message brought me value

[@kaseybyington6439]

You guys are just amazing

[@nemography]

Thank you for your wonderful input as always. I would like to listen to your insight into “output” as well! X

[@RPtheceo]

Your studio exemplifies your mindset also...very sleek and minimal compared to some. I see what you did there :)

[@hikegardentravel6546]

I follow a ketogenic diet leaning toward carnivore diet. I try to focus on real, whole ingredient, non-processed food and began both this way of eating and my minimalism journey at the same time. I always enjoy you both and gain a lot. Time well spent.

[@ericamciver1293]

I just want to say thank you, for mentioning Dave Ramsey. Because of you guys my spouse and I are going to get serious about adding to our IRA monthly. Thank you.

[@DrogoBaggins987]

Just heard about you guys from your Dave Ramsey appearance. Looks like great material. Subscribed.

[@KELSEYYYYY]

I think the opposite of meditating would be planning. Because meditating involves letting ur mind run free in a random unorganized way.

[@amiradeshon5501]

Hi guys , im cleaning my craft room out today !!