The Smart and Simple Matters Podcast
My Smart and Simple Matters podcast explores the slower, simpler side of life: think mindfulness, real connections, and meaningful conversations.
No new episodes since 2019, but it’s still going strong with chats on meditation (hi, Andy Puddicombe), belonging (hey, Cormac Russell), and even death (yep, with Humaira Hamid) … among many other topics.
Hear for Yourself
Easy Ways to Subscribe
.jpg "Smart and Simple Matters: Creating Community, Simplicity, and Good Vibes")
Joel Zaslofsky – your community-animating, convention-challenging show host – wanders through time-tested and quirky strategies on a variety of topics. In general, we’ll explore the slower side of life: think mindfulness, real connections, and meaningful conversations. No new episodes since 2019, but it’s still going strong with chats on meditation (hi, Andy Puddicombe), belonging (hey, Cormac Russell), and even death (yep, with Humaira Hamid) … among many other things.
Most Popular or Influential Episodes by Category
Mindfulness
Simple-Living
“I love that Joel leads with his heart. He cares about people first, which makes everything he does so meaningful in his work and for his community.”
Minimalism
“Joel's generous, selfless, and has a bold desire to see everyone around him thrive.”
Finances
Just Joel
Miscellaneous
Positive Addictions and UNdefining Yourself with Sarah Peck – SASM 033
How to Erase Global Poverty with Tiny Teaspoons of Change (via d’Arcy Lunn) – SASM 064
Rewilding, Sovereignty, and the Heart of Domestication with Daniel Vitalis – SASM 109
Death Literacy, Enoughness, and Why Life Is Long with Humaira Hamid (#CCODD) – SASM 114
Archive (Newest First)
Feeling Paralyzed? Find a New “P” and Change Your Reality with Kelly Exeter – SASM 099
This episode features Kelly Exeter on how her total breakdown led to a less frantic life, a gift that every parent can (should?) give their kids, and why more “doing” is not the solution to feeling overwhelmed.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe Now and Never Miss an Episode: Spotify | Android | Email | RSS
The More of Less and Generosity as an Act of Bravery with Joshua Becker – SASM 098
This episode features Joshua Becker on why generosity is an act of bravery (even though everyone wants it), how minimalism lets you pursue happiness or fulfillment where you want, and the three layers of clutter … and how to get rid of each one.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe Now and Never Miss an Episode: Spotify | Android | Email | RSS
Alexx Stuart: from World's Best Bartender to Low Tox Life Champion – SASM 097
This episode features Alexx Stuart on why food as love can be unhealthy – especially for children, how to align what's best for you with what's best for our planet, and the #1 tip to give your kids ownership over what and how they eat.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe Now and Never Miss an Episode: Spotify | Android | Email | RSS
Being Happily Replaceable, Spreadsheet Poets, and Fertility Challenges with Emily McDermott – SASM 096
This episode features Emily McDermott on why asking for help early prevents getting overwhelmed later, how having an accountability partner can change your life (even if you've never met), and whether happiness can come from making yourself replaceable at work.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe Now and Never Miss an Episode: Spotify | Android | Email | RSS
The 5 Elements of Your Full Voice and Saying Yes to Our Biggest Fears with Barbara McAfee – SASM 095
This episode features Barbara McAfee on why fear is like an outfit that looks bad on everyone, the five distinct elements of your voice and how to use them, plus how innate talents are trained out of you (and how to get them back).
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe Now and Never Miss an Episode: Spotify | Android | Email | RSS
Why Deleting 90.44% of My Best Music Made Me Feel Super – SASM 094
This special solo episode features what artists influenced my youth – and that I'm now disowning, attributes of the 26 songs I kept (and the 246 I deleted), and how to reassess what experiences you invite into your life.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe Now and Never Miss an Episode: Spotify | Android | Email | RSS
Finding and Aligning Your Core Values with Jeff Sandquist – SASM 093
This episode features Jeff Sandquist on how to uncover your core values and live in alignment with them, why relying on external validation is such a dangerous trap, and how tasting life's brittleness is both a curse and a blessing.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe Now and Never Miss an Episode: Spotify | Android | Email | RSS
Slow Food, Social Obesity, and Why Nobody Wins a Parenting Race with Carl Honore – SASM 092
This episode features Carl Honore on how to prevent social obesity while gorging on meaningful connections, how to make your smartphone your servant instead of your master, and who wins the parenting race: the tortoise … or the hare?
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe Now and Never Miss an Episode: Spotify | Android | Email | RSS
Why JoelZaslofsky.com Is Our New Home for Simplicity, Community, and All Things Groovy – SASM 091
This special solo episode features my new vision of how I contribute best to your life, why my favorite currencies are hugs, smiles, and authentic chats, and why I made the big move from Value of Simple to JoelZaslofsky.com.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe Now and Never Miss an Episode: Spotify | Android | Email | RSS
How to Be Alive and Embrace Your Personal Power with Colin Beavan – SASM 090
This episode features Colin Beavan on how to help people wake the heck up to their personal power (and what happens when we do), how the “monk and the merchant” paradox applies to you, and how to participate in an eco-Sabbath – No Impact Project style.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe Now and Never Miss an Episode: Spotify | Android | Email | RSS
Me, Briefly
I bring diverse communities together and (maybe) get you excited about spreadsheets. Let's explore how to live intentionally, embrace our multipotentiality, share our gifts, build authentic relationships, and have tons of gratitude. No prior experience necessary.