Joshua Fields Millburn, alongside his lifelong friend Ryan Nicodemus, forms half of the renowned simple-living duo, The Minimalists. Together, they have inspired millions of readers worldwide to live more intentional lives with less through their multifaceted platform, comprising a website, books, podcast, and documentary film.
Born in Lebanon, Ohio, Millburn grew up in poverty, raised by a single, alcoholic mother. Despite the challenges, he recalls his mother being a fantastic parent when sober. Upon high school graduation, Millburn secured a position with a local telecommunications company and began his ascent up the corporate ladder.
In 2009, a series of life-altering events, including the deaths of his mother and his marriage, prompted Millburn to reevaluate his priorities. Dissatisfied with a life centered on material possessions and professional success, he began searching for a more fulfilling path. This quest led him to discover the philosophy of minimalism and its potential to bring happiness and intentionality into his life.
Recognizing that his friend Ryan Nicodemus was also struggling, Millburn shared his newfound understanding of minimalism with him. This marked the beginning of their journey to share their stories and inspire others.
In December 2010, Millburn and Nicodemus launched their website, The Minimalists, where they would share their personal stories of transformation through minimalism. Over the next five years, they released three books on the topic: Minimalism: Live a Meaningful Life, Everything That Remains, and Essential: Essays by The Minimalists.
In January 2016, they launched their top-rated podcast, The Minimalists Podcast, which has since become a go-to resource for those seeking to simplify their lives.
In May 2016, the duo, along with director Matt D'Avella and design firm SPYR, released the documentary film Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things. This critically acclaimed film explores the benefits of minimalism through the stories of professionals and individuals who have incorporated these principles into their daily lives.
In April 2017, Millburn and Nicodemus will embark on a speaking tour, Less Is Now, sharing their message of simplicity and intentionality with audiences worldwide.
