12 Favorite Private Podcast Episodes

Whether you're new to The Minimalists Private Podcast, or you just want to dive back into the classics, these are our twelve favorite Maximal episodes. Enjoy!

1. "The Pain of Clinging" | The trio discusses letting go of a home that’s weighing you down, fighting impulse, the dangers of tolerance, how to stop being offended, and why no one can make you happy. This is JFM's personal favorite.

2. "Enough Is Enough" | We discuss how to identify and address our constant craving for more, and we answer a bunch of questions about letting go. Ryan's personal favorite.

3. "Political Clutter" | We speak with T.K. Coleman about the roots of the current divisions in our society, as well as possible remedies. Many private-podcast subscribers have called this their all-time favorite episode.

4. "The Void" | We talk about the failure of success, the void we try to fill with stuff, and the distractions that prevent us from finding fulfillment with Jennette McCurdy.

5. "Let the Mystery Stay the Mystery" | We discuss our constant striving for optimization with author Jamie Wheal, and we answer questions about truth, mindfulness, death practices, nihilism, hierarchies, hedonic engineering, sexual fitness, and more.

6. "Food Clutter" | The trio speaks with Dr. Paul Saladino about foods to subtract from one’s diet, the four healthiest foods, what causes autoimmune disease, dietary supplements, the problem with keto, whether coffee is healthy, high cholesterol, the overlooked health effects of polyester clothes, obsolete kitchen items, minimalist exercises, and much more! If you like this episode, you'll also enjoy "Minimize Fat" with Dr. Sean O'Mara.

7. "Constipation of the Soul" | One of our most fun episodes. We discuss whether success leads to sadness, whether sadness leads to success, and how to deal with both with singer-songwriter Matt Nathanson.

8. "Good Life, Good People" | We talk about questioning religion, questioning atheism, questioning belief systems, and finding peace with the iconoclast Erwin Raphael McManus.

9. "Junk Connections" | We dive head first into several modern crises—depression, loneliness, addiction, connection, belonging, and meaning—with author Johann Hari.

10. "The Price of Progress" | A carefree conversation about consumerism, the successes and failures of modern society, the price of progress, and whether civilization has actually made us less civilized with author and podcaster Dr. Christopher Ryan.

11. "Parameters of Parenting" | This one is a must for parents. We talk about raising kids, the data behind good parenting, and how parents can be more confident in their parenting decisions with professor and author Emily Oster.

12. "Declutter the Gut" | The trio speaks with Dr. Zach Bush about navigating the confusing world of gut health, probiotics, alcohol consumption, sun exposure, whole grains, why allergies are getting worse, and much, much more, including some shocking information from Dr. Bush himself!

Listening options: All patrons can listen to our private podcast episodes on Patreon's website; through the Patreon smartphone app; or, preferably, on your phone via your favorite podcast player (instructions).

Additional creations: If you're one of our 1,000 "True Fan" supporters, you also get access to the video version of our private podcast; 50+ Ask The Minimalists episodes, like #026 with comedian Jamie Kilstein; and recordings of all our past and future live events, including our most recent NYC tour stop with Seth Godin and dozens of others.

Love people, use things!

—Joshua & Ryan