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")
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.
My Newest Podcast: Surprise Me, Joel
Looking for my newest podcast, Surprise Me, Joel?
Go here to explore it and step into the time machine of our culture and my life.
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)
The Dangers of “The Twitch” and How to Stop Yours with Anthony Ongaro – SASM 069
This episode features Anthony Ongaro on how to change your relationship with clothing (one load of laundry at a time), the quick tricks you can use to tame your smartphone, how one game helped him get rid of his excess stuff, plus the seemingly endless – and surprising – benefits of minimalism.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe Now and Never Miss an Episode: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More
How to Create Power, Intention, and Focus with Morning Rituals – SASM 068
Do you know the misunderstood – but essential – difference between routine and rituals? What do morning rituals have to do with sharing my complete, unedited, and previously private daily promises? You're about to get some answers … and learn even more (like why maintenance is for gardens and machines, not humans.)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe Now and Never Miss an Episode: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More
How to Align Your Money, Values, and Dreams with Sophia Bera – SASM 067
This episode features Sophia Bera on how to remove the distractions costing you time and money, what to do about student debt, and how to use your money to match your values (and achieve your dreams).
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe Now and Never Miss an Episode: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More
5 Simple Tips to Shift from “Go! Go! Go!” to “Slow, Slow, Slow” – SASM 066
What are the surprising social norms of the most intentional, grateful, and inspiring people? Why is simplicity ready for you – right here and right now? Get answers to these questions and other practical, counter-intuitive tips like the “simplify by being a jerk” principle and how to reduce the stress of texts, tweets, blips, and bleeps.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe Now and Never Miss an Episode: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More
How to Slow Down Your Life, Quiet the City, and Revive Our World with Bill Powers – SASM 065
This episode features Bill Powers on how to slow down, living tiny (and off-grid), why most world cultures are ecocidal, and where you'll find urban oases … in any city.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe Now and Never Miss an Episode: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More
How to Erase Global Poverty with Tiny Teaspoons of Change (via d'Arcy Lunn) – SASM 064
This episode features d'Arcy Lunn living on $1.50 a day for five weeks, the Happy Simply tiny house, how to hone your “attention to intention,” why global citizens are so content, and why crazy is the new normal.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe Now and Never Miss an Episode: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More
How to Redefine Rich, Grow Gratitude, and Be Happily Humble with Matt Ham – SASM 063
Matt Ham joins Joel Zaslofsky and his special co-host, Andy Traub, to discuss the true meaning of being rich, replacing shattered dreams with better ones, why you need to plant gratitude early and often, and how 0.2 millimeters of skin might have saved Matt's life.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe Now and Never Miss an Episode: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More
Hear That? It's Simple and Better Quality Time with Your Kids from Chris and Sarah Wehkamp – SASM062
This episode features Chris and Sarah Wehkamp talking simple living, their quality Imagining Aloud audio stories for kids (and parents), plus invisible gifts you can give the child in your life … at any time.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe Now and Never Miss an Episode: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More
Raw and Rocking Stories to Help You Simplify (SimpleREV 2014 Part 2) – SASM 061
Go behind-the-scenes of SimpleREV 2014 from an event organizer's unique perspective. You'll hear stories about tornado destruction, $11,000 Amazon bills, becoming “enoughist,” and overcoming the social stigma linked to intentional down-sizing.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe Now and Never Miss an Episode: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More
How Simple and Primal Living “Grok” a Ton with Mark Sisson – SASM 060
This episode features Mark Sisson discussing the single most undervalued, overlooked aspect of your health. Mix in some mindfulness, gratitude, and primal living tips … and you'll be ready to “Grok” on in no-time.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe Now and Never Miss an Episode: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More
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.