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When you start a new journey, whatever it may be, you look for others who have been there before you—whether to give you the push to finally do it, inspire you to keep going or help you learn from their mistakes. Podcasts have been a massive inspiration on our journey to and with minimalism. Today, we will share our favourite podcasts (in alphabetical order) on happiness, minimalism, simple living, and like-minded philosophies.
These podcasts are not just a random collection. All of them are on our smartphones. I listen to them on my daily walks or runs, and Sandra tunes in to them when we travel between destinations. These podcasts inspire and teach us; we hope they will also be an excellent resource for other (aspiring) minimalists.
Happier with Gretchen Rubin
Gretchen Rubin is the number one bestselling author of The Happiness Project and Better Than Before. In her weekly thought-provoking podcast, Happier with Gretchen Rubin, she provides hands-on advice on various topics to help you establish (and maintain) good habits and, ultimately, live a happier life.
We enjoyed the comprehensive show notes she provided for each episode, which saved us from having to take notes as we listened.
Subscribe via Apple Podcasts or Spotify – first episode: 25 February 2015.
Live Happy Now
In their seasonal podcast, the editors of Live Happy Magazine interview thought leaders in positive psychology and mindfulness. They provide ideas and scientifically proven tips that help you live a happier, more meaningful life. Some episodes are better than others… but with various people interviewed and many different aspects covered, you will find answers to questions you didn’t even know you had.
One thing I like about their website is the ability to explore the podcast episodes by category:
- Happiness
- Home
- Inspiration
- Magazine
- Science
- Work.
Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify and SoundCloud – first episode: 26 August 2015.
Mama Minimalist / The Sustainable Minimalists
At some point on your minimalist journey, you will likely want to explore another closely aligned topic: sustainability. As Stephanie Seferian and I have found out, they blend well together.
The Sustainable Minimalists Podcast combines aligned topics such as sustainability, minimalism, zero-waste living, decluttering, and conscious consumerism—all of which take families’ specific needs into account. Learn more at MamaMinimalist.com.
Subscribe via Apple Podcasts and Bleav – first episode: 06 March 2018.
Do you prefer documentaries over podcasts?
As part of my research into minimalism and intentional living, I have watched many documentaries on television and YouTube. This list is based on my preferences and recommendations. It is more selective than exhaustive. Please get in touch with me if you have watched other documentaries that inspired you to change your lifestyle. If you liked the documentaries I recommended, I would appreciate it if you could share them with your friends and family.
Minimalist Moms Podcast
Diane Boden, a mother of three, takes a realistic and attainable approach to minimalism. Her Minimalist Moms Podcast features a guest from a different background in each bi-weekly episode, making it one of the most varied and far-reaching podcast series.
Subscribe via Stitcher or Google Play – first episode: 30 September 2016.
Optimal Living Daily
If you’re looking for a daily digest of blog posts you’d otherwise not know existed, this podcast might be for you. With the author’s permission, Justin Malik provides an audio version of blog posts on topics such as personal development, minimalism, and productivity.
If audio blogs are just what you need, you may also want to check out the other podcasts in the Optimal Daily family, which cover finances, health, relationships and work.
Each episode has its own show notes page, where you can subscribe, download, share, rate, and leave a review. To simplify things, you can also sign up for Justin’s weekly newsletter, which includes life tips, quotes, and free tools for optimising your life.
Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, TuneIn, and Stitcher – first episode: 12 December 2015 with Joshua Fields Millburn.
Ten Percent Happier
In 2004, Dan Harris, an ABC news anchor, had a panic attack on live television. An experience that made him take up meditation (something he was always sceptical about) and inspired him to write a bestselling book, Ten Percent Happier. Not only that, but he also started an app now called Happier.
In his weekly podcast, Dan explores whether you can be ambitious and strive for enlightenment (whatever that may mean). Although I prefer the book, the podcast is still worth checking out, especially given the quality of his guests. On his website, you can also sign up for the Ten Percent Happier Podcast Insiders Feedback Group. The feedback from the weekly episodes helps them craft an even better show.
Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Spotify, and TuneIn – first episode: 11 March 2016 with the Dalai Lama.
Recommended Books on Adopting Minimalism
- Dean Christopher's Minimalism guides readers through a 12-week process to help them identify their values, evaluate their habits, change their mindsets, reduce mental stress, and ultimately transform their lives.
- Mastering Minimalism by Jordan Williams offers a comprehensive roadmap for adopting minimalism, taking a holistic, wheel-of-life approach that covers all aspects of our lives.
- Cal Newport's Digital Minimalism explores the impact of constant connectivity. It helps us regain control by using technology to support our values and goals (not distracting from them).
- Travel Light by Light Watkins combines the principles of minimalism with the art of travel. It offers practical tips on planning, packing, and staying mindful on the road to enhance the experience.
- Sustainable Living, Minimalism and Zero Waste by B. R. Pohl focuses on the intersection of minimalism and sustainability, helping readers to limit their footprint by reducing waste and consuming (more) mindfully.
The Minimalists
Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus need no introduction… at least not to the aspiring minimalists. In their podcast on minimalism, the two discuss different aspects of living a meaningful life with less. It’s always great to hear their thoughts on a variety of topics.
The show notes page includes a brief description and the ability to download the specific episode, quotes, and mentions. As you would expect from these wordsmiths, they are all very succinct.
If you want to comment on the podcast, you can leave a review on Apple Podcasts. If you have questions, you can leave a voicemail (do these still exist?), send a voice memo (modern technology) to [email protected], or call +1 937 202 4654. They also answer lightning-round questions on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to connect with their audience.
Subscribe via Spotify, Google Play, and YouTube – first episode: January 2016.
The Tortoise Podcast
Has the rat race gotten to you, and you’re looking for a way out? Well, good news: A growing number of people are farewelling life in the fast lane and are opting to slow down, simplify and focus on the things that truly matter to them.
One of them is Aussie Brooke McAlary, the author of Slow: Live Life Simply and Destination Simple: Everyday Rituals for a Slower Life. In February 2023, they launched The Tortoise Podcast, a slow-paced, monthly conversation that looks at topics through the lens of slow. You can find out more here, or subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all podcast platforms.
The Tim Ferriss Show
If the name Tim Ferriss doesn’t ring a bell, The 4-Hour Work Week likely will. In his podcast, the confessed experimenter chats with people well-known in their respective fields (and beyond), digging deep to uncover the tools, tactics and tricks that work for his interviewees. Some episodes are more applicable to the average person than others, but they are all entertaining, and we’ve always learnt something new (even if it’s what not to try).
Because there is so much great content in the episodes (that normally last more than an hour), the show notes are comprehensive – from great descriptions of the topic or guest to op-eds, videos, people mentioned, and related posts. You can also subscribe to Tim’s 5-bullet Friday email newsletter – his weekly dose of tips, tricks and things he enjoys.
Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify and Overcast – first episode: 22 April 2014.
Recommended Classics on the Art of Living
These are the classic works that have shaped our thinking, and continue to offer a practical perspective and guidance as needed:
365 Tao by Ming-Dao Deng
The Pocket Thich Nhat Hanh
Meditations By Marcus Aurelius
The Manual By Epictetus
Walden By Henry David Thoreau
With Intention
Desirae Endres is a new-ish mum who learned what minimalism and simple living can do for her and her family. As a confessed lifelong learner and a former English teacher, she has combined her passion and newfound knowledge to share her thoughts in her podcast, With Intention (was Minimal-ish).
Desirae talks about moving towards a more intentional, lighter life and motherhood on her weekly show. She also has a variety of guests, from fellow parents to experts, who help discuss the various topics of the week. Desirae’s enthusiasm to share her knowledge is infectious, and her faith guides her journey.
Subscribe via Apple Podcasts or Stitcher – First episode: 31 August 2018.
Zen Commuter
Thom Walters’s short podcasts make your commute to work or errands peaceful and motivational. From Monday to Friday, he discusses a topic geared toward helping you progress on your life journey. Balance, stress relief, and self-confidence are just a few of the topics he has covered to date.
Subscribe via Apple iTunes – first episode: 22 April 2014.
What podcasts have inspired you on your minimalist journey?
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