The Minimalists

Joshua and Ryan talk about the perniciousness of compulsive decluttering (aka obsessive-compulsive spartanism) on the occasion of their 300th episode, and they answer the following questions:

What is spartanism? (00:00)

Hoarding, spartanism, ad nauseum—must we diagnose everything? (06:06)

How do we recognize and respect the challenges of others? (06:59)

How could letting go of everything be a bad thing? (11:16)

How do we ensure our decluttering doesn’t trigger other compulsive behaviors; for instance, the compulsion to constantly check our phones for notifications when we’re trying to sell what we decluttered? (11:46)

What is the “art of noticing”? (17:38)

When does minimalism turn into compulsive decluttering or obsessive-compulsive spartanism—what signs do we look for? (19:40)

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Support The Minimalists: minimalists.com/support

The Minimalists talk about the process of simplifying for newbies and staying motivated when decluttering gets difficult.

Discussed in this episode:

How can I maintain traction as a new minimalist? (01:25)

How can I keep going on my decluttering journey when I get overwhelmed? (15:45)

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

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Joshua and Ryan talk about the folly of the self-help industry’s focus on exhausting positivity—on trying to convince us that we can out-eat, out-learn, and out-perform our humanness—with author, podcaster, and professor Kate Bowler, and they answer the following questions:

What is the “gospel of hustle”? (00:00)

What are the signs that positivity has become toxic for us as individuals, and what are the signs that our well-intentioned positive vibes are becoming toxic to others? (06:58)

Where did the ‘good vibes only’ orthodoxy originate? (07:21)

Why does complaining seem to encourage camaraderie? (10:03)

What is the problem with the language of positivity? (10:43)

What is “horizon work”? (12:23)

What is “choice poor”? (12:38)

How do we address those that weaponize perspectives, such as toxic positivity, to bully us into accepting and adopting their way of thinking as our own; for example, when people that disapprove of minimalism call minimalists “privileged”? (17:11)

How do you define “elitism”? (21:45)

What is “prudential wisdom”? (23:39)

Where did the notion come from that being positive is the cure for everything, the path for everyone, the solution to whatever life throws at you—what is wrong with embracing sadness, contemplation, grief, anxiety? (31:35)

What is “limited agency”? (33:13)

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Support The Minimalists: minimalists.com/support

The Minimalists speak with Dr. Nicole LePera about breaking cycles and healing relationships. Watch all 2 hours of episode 434 on The Minimalists Private Podcast.

Discussed in this episode:

How can I let go of the idea of what I thought a relationship should be? (02:23)

How can I cease self-loathing? (18:48)

Why don’t I feel like enough? (33:14)

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Join The Minimalists Private Podcast: minimalists.com/support

Joshua and Ryan talk about how to avoid recluttering our lives with new possessions, burdens, and obligations once we’ve excised our excess, and they answer the following questions:

What is “recluttering”? (00:00)

How do we address recluttering with loved ones and roommates who seem to see our clean spaces as places to dump their stuff that doesn’t have a home? (07:55)

How do we ensure the items we bring back into our homes after decluttering don’t become recluttering? (18:11)

How do I figure out my ‘why’ for recluttering? (32:15)

What’s problematic about having options? (35:02)

How do you define “consumerism”? (35:39)

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Support The Minimalists: minimalists.com/support