The Minimalists: Less Is Now

Feb 1, 2021

Guest

Ryan Nicodemus

Guest

Joshua Fields Millburn

Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, known as The Minimalists, share their transformative journey from corporate life to embracing minimalism. They discuss how accumulating material possessions failed to bring happiness, leading to a search for deeper meaning. Personal anecdotes about their struggles and the liberating power of intentional living highlight the emotional clarity minimalism can provide. They also explore the tension between consumer culture and a fulfilling, mindful lifestyle, encouraging listeners to find joy beyond material constraints.

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ANECDOTE

Childhood and Corporate Discontent

Joshua and Ryan grew up poor in Dayton, Ohio, finding solace in their shared experiences.
They climbed the corporate ladder, achieving financial success but remaining unfulfilled.

ANECDOTE

Joshua's Turning Point

Joshua's mom died and his marriage dissolved, prompting him to re-evaluate his life and priorities.
Discovering minimalism through Colin Wright's story, he began simplifying, finding it less dogmatic than other self-help paths.

ANECDOTE

Ryan's Introduction to Minimalism

Ryan, noticing Joshua's positive change, inquired about minimalism and explored it himself.
Inspired by other minimalists, he realized minimalism echoed his internal wisdom and offered a fresh start.

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How might your life be better with less?

Not so many years ago, Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus were mired in the corporate grind, banking six-figure salaries in pursuit of the American Dream. Expiating for the satisfaction their careers failed to provide, they did what most humans would:

They bought stuff. Lots of stuff.

When that didn’t work, they bought more. And when that didn’t work, they hit bottom. What came next was a search for meaning that would forever alter the trajectory of their lives—and ignite the spread of minimalism across the world.

Known today as The Minimalists, Joshua and Ryan advocate for the pursuit of living less materially and more deliberately. Through their website, books, podcasts and films, they share practical, experience-based insights on how minimalism can lead to freedom—providing the foundation for a life built not on consumption, but instead on conscious purpose and mindful intention.

With a devoted readership in the millions, they’ve written several books, given TED Talks and spoken at places like SXSW and Harvard Business School. They’ve been featured on every major television network and profiled in major publications like The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and TIME.

In 2016, Ryan and Joshua made an unexpected splash when their Netflix documentary Minimalism enervated audiences around the world. Now they’re back with a brand new, must-see follow up, Less Is Now.

Given what these fine young gentlemen represent, I will restrain inclinations verbose to simply say that this is a conversation about how to live with greater intention and purpose.

It’s about creating more by consuming less. It’s about prioritizing experience over accumulation. It’s about growth, contentment and love. And it’s about the deep personal satisfaction that comes with contributing beyond ourselves.

In other words, minimalism isn’t martyrdom—it’s freedom.

FULL BLOG & SHOW NOTES: bit.ly/richroll577

YouTube: bit.ly/theminimalists577

Joshua, Ryan and their message is a gift. Receive it graciously. Then put it to work.

Peace + Plants,

Rich