Guest Mariah discusses prioritizing understanding over obedience in parenting, embracing playful corrections for strong-willed children, and the pitfalls of shame in traditional disciplinary methods. The episode offers practical insights on fostering deeper parent-child connections, shifting to empathy-based discipline, and cultivating trust and respect in children.

Joshua and Ryan are joined by Ryan’s wife, Mariah, on the occasion of his 40th birthday, and they talk about the wisdom that accompanies midlife maturity, as well as answer the following questions: When do maturity, wisdom, and knowledge best align? (00:00) What is Ryan’s favorite dinner? (11:50) How have your needs in a romantic partnership changed as you move toward your 40s? (13:05) What is “whataboutism”? (17:15) How has responding instead of reacting helped your relationship? (18:21) Are Ryan and Mariah always in agreement regarding their minimalist practices; and, if not, how do they find compromise with one another? (22:58) How do you find equilibrium in your relationship when an individual is on their minimalist journey but their partner is not? (32:13) What is the “hedonic treadmill”? (46:13) What guests have you had at your tour stops? (47:41) Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast Support The Minimalists: minimalists.com/support