Millennial Minimalists

Author: Cloud10

A podcast on living simply. Follow millennial Kelly Foss and her guests, and be inspired to design a simpler, more intentional life.
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Saying No to New: Rewire Your Consumption Habits with Eric Athas
Episode 284
Monday, 22 June, 2026

Are you constantly tempted by the newest gadget, trend, fashion item, or “must-have” product? Kelly speaks with author and Deputy Editor at the New York Times, Eric Athas about our obsession with newness and why we so often believe newer is better. Together, they explore how the constant pull toward buying new things can quietly cost us more than we realize — including our time, money, attention, peace of mind, and connection to what truly matters. Inspired by Eric’s new book, Saying No to New: Why New Things Are Stealing Your Time, Money, and Happiness, and How to Take Back Your Life, this conversation dives into the psychology behind novelty, the influence of marketing and frictionless shopping, and why modern culture makes it harder than ever to pause before we buy. Kelly and Eric also discuss how human beings are naturally curious and novelty-seeking but that novelty does not always need to come from consumption. Sometimes it can come from new experiences, creativity, learning, relationships, movement, travel, or simply approaching life with greater awareness. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why we are so drawn to new things How consumer culture profits from our desire for novelty The hidden costs of constantly chasing “the next best thing” How to pause and become more intentional before buying Ways to bring novelty into your life without spending more How saying no to unnecessary consumption can help you reclaim your time, attention, and values This conversation is a reminder that saying no to new does not mean saying no to everything new. It means becoming more aware of what truly adds value to your life and what may simply be distracting you from it. About Eric Athas: ericathas.com Pre-order the Book: Saying No to New Follow Millennial Minimalists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Website & Partner Discounts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mastersimplicity.com⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices