I'm committed enough to log back in on my very old broken iPhone to post this review!
I really enjoy this podcast! I feel lucky to have found it on Spotify. I haven't listened to the older episodes since I like them better without the music, but I've listened from episode 38 onward. I like how even if the host is more minimalist than other people, he is quick to remind us that the podcast is for entertainment purposes - i.e. he doesn't try to prescribe his way of life for everyone, and thus doesn't come off as feeling superior in the way that a lot of other writers/thinkers on this topic do. I also like that most of the content seems to be only loosely scripted so it seems more like a conversation than a "show." The ideas are interesting, and I've even listened to the video game episodes even though I have no interest in video games and found them entertaining. My favorite episodes have been the ones about social media, phones, and general minimalist philosophy. (Is the guide for how to make your iphone minimalist posted somewhere?) Overall even though I will probably not have such an all-encompassing journey with minimalism, I enjoy listening and taking the ideas to apply to my life on a smaller scale. I also like the discussions of learning how to make wallets, since I am an artist (I make pottery) running an etsy shop so I relate to the discussions of the focus needed to master individual steps and the way that tech can affect that focus and the artistic process in general. The host also just has a calming voice and the vibes are good!!
Since sometimes you ask for suggestions about what to talk about on the podcast, here are a few ideas (which may be repeats since I haven't listened to the earlier episodes):
1. I have enjoyed hearing about the struggles of living minimally, especially since minimalism is often so idealized. I'd be interested in hearing more about these "downsides" and how you deal with them/accept them. Not just in terms of inconveniences of not having a car, but also in your relationships with others.
2. If you enjoy reading books on these kids of topics, I'd be interested in hearing your takes on popular books about minimalism and tech (Cal Newport's Digital Minimalism, Manoush Zomorodi's Bored and Brilliant, 10 Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Right Now, etc).
3. I also would be interested in hearing the interviews/conversations you mentioned in a recent episode. However if you do go that route, please make sure you get people of different genders, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds to talk to! I hope you would but wanted to mention it anyway. I think the worlds of minimalism and tech can both be middle-class male-centric and your choices about guests will be able to diversify the conversation. It might also be good to alternate these with ‘normal’ solo episodes.
4. I'm also always interested in hearing about people's thoughts on how tech is influencing young people (for better or worse) and the world overall if that's of any interest to you. I think it tends to go between older people saying tech is 1000% evil and destroying our kids and Gen Z rolling their eyes, and the reality is probably a bit more nuanced than either of those takes.
5. You may have done this earlier, but I'd also be interested in an "origin story" for your journey with minimalism.
Thanks for the great podcast and all the work that you put in! I'll keep listening for as long as you keep making episodes :)
