Mitchell and Scarlet are back for Episode 25, marking just over a year of Doing the Most. This episode trades chaos for contemplation as the conversation turns toward time, clutter, consumerism, work, purpose, and the quiet urge to live with more intention… even while surrounded by piles, guitars, and a suspicious number of Uno decks.
With a literal timer ticking, the two attempt to do less while unpacking why that’s so hard in a world that rewards excess. From minimalist philosophy and decluttering rules to work burnout, parenting rhythms, and spiritual awakenings, this episode is part reflection, part therapy session, and part accidental manifesto.
🧠 In This Episode, We Talk About:
- Hitting the one-year mark of the podcast and what themes keep resurfacing
- Why time feels like the most precious and most stolen resource
- Parenting schedules, daycare timers, and why efficiency isn’t about productivity
- Loving your work vs. loving your role (and when those don’t align)
- ICU nursing, caregiving identity, and feeling useful in meaningful ways
- The tension between minimalism and “but this still works”
- Consumerism, Amazon burnout, and wondering where the money actually went
- Letting go of objects once they’ve “served their purpose”
- Fixing things vs. replacing them (and why that matters emotionally)
- A deep dive into minimalist rules from Very Very Simple by Joshua Fields Milburn, including:
- The Hate That Shirt Rule
- The Wouldn’t Repurchase Rule
- The Didn’t Know Rule
- Decluttering duplicates
- Junk drawer challenges
- “Clutter coffins” in basements and garages
- Monthly maintenance routines
- Setting the stage for calmer mornings
- Asking better questions before buying future clutter
- Choosing experiences over stuff
- Preparing for future life changes (and future moves)
- Why even musical instruments become complicated when you’re minimizing
- Doing the Most… by trying to do less
📚 Books & Ideas Mentioned:
- Very Very Simple by Joshua Fields Milburn
- Beyond Anxiety: Curiosity, Creativity, and Finding Your Life’s Purpose by Martha Beck
- Minimalism, intentional living, and resisting lifestyle inflation
🏠 Big Takeaway:
Minimalism isn’t about empty rooms or owning nothing. It’s about choosing with intention, protecting your time, and letting go of what no longer adds value, even when it’s hard, sentimental, or “still perfectly good.”
🔗 Follow & Support the Show:
- Instagram: @LessCatsPlease
- YouTube: youtube.com/@LessCatsPlease
- Tell a friend, subscribe, leave a review, or just quietly listen while reorganizing a drawer you’ve been avoiding.
As always, thanks for listening.
They’re not doing the least… just trying not to do the most.
Several years ago I made a decision to spend less and travel more. It has changed my life. Unfortunately, I too have a hard time letting go of things. So I have a house full of life’s leftovers. But when I travel it is me and a suitcase. Life feels so much simpler. Last year I worked 27 weeks and traveled for 25 weeks. Gives you a whole new perspective of the world and your own life. Maybe we can schedule another lunch sometime.