But For Real Episode 22: Unplugging, Digital Detox, and the Overwhelming Urge to Throw it in the Ocean  🤳🌊

Podcast
Written By Colleen Werner

In today’s world, there’s an interesting juxtaposition between constant (and often necessary) use of technology coupled with conversations around unplugging.

In this episode, Valerie and Emerson dive into digital detoxing, why everyone suddenly wants a flip phone, and how our nervous systems are begging for boundaries.

From nostalgic phone memories to the psychology of being “always on,” we’re asking: can we ever truly unplug? (Spoiler: you don’t have to throw your phone in the ocean… but we get it.)

This episode covers:

Tea & Crumpets

Valerie shares about the amazing time she had at Tokyo Disney. She specifically went to Tokyo DisneySea because it’s the most different from the US parks.

Emerson can’t stop talking about Sunrise On The Reaping, the newest book of The Hunger Games series. She still has her copies of the original trilogy, and her teenage heart is bursting with nostalgia.

Step Into My Office: Tech Boundaries When Working Remotely

A listener wrote in about how they feel like working remotely has destroyed their work/life boundaries. From checking emails late at night, to answering texts on weekends, they feel like they’re never off. Some strategies suggested by Val and Em include deleting your email app from your phone and creating some sort of physical buffer for your workspace in your house, especially if it’s shared with your bedroom or living room. Want more tips? You’ll have to listen to the full episode.

The DSM: Digital Detox and Unplugging

cell phone

This segment starts with Valerie sharing a bit about the rise of the “digital detox” and the reasons why we’re craving it, such as post-pandemic screen fatigue.

Then, Emerson dives into the psychology of being “always on” – because humans didn’t evolve to be hyper-connected 24/7, and it can be really unhealthy.

Val explores whether “digital decluttering” is transformative or trendy––and the reality is that it can be both. If you’re falling into traps like using digital minimalism as another “wellness flex” and superiority complex instead of something grounded, it’s likely just trendy. However, if you’re engaging with it in a nuanced way that includes creating your own rituals, it can be transformative!

Ultimately, Val and Emerson think that digital decluttering is less about escaping tech, more about creating boundaries between tech and your nervous system. Want some tips for creating those boundaries? You’ll have to check out the full episode.

Now That’s What I Call…OKAAAAY

Val’s pick for the week was All You Wanted by Michelle Branch –– a 2001 hit from her debut album The Spirit Room which earned her the first of four Grammy nominations.

Emerson’s pick for the week was Two Ghosts by Harry Styles. This track is from his first solo album, and it explores the feelings that come up when realizing two people have changed and aren’t the same as they once were.

Wait…What? Reheating Nachos

This term typically refers to recycling old ideas – especially in the realm of music. This can be a positive thing, especially if someone really enjoys a particular stylistic choice, but it can also be negative and imply that someone is being unoriginal.

Fire Dumpster Phoenix

Val’s find for this episode was  an article about a stranger raising $300k for an 81-year-old waitress who said she couldn’t afford to retire. 🥹

Emerson’s find for this episode is a local one –– a Clarksville, TN 4 year old saved her teacher’s life!

If you want to learn more about any (or all) of these topics, click the podcast player at the top of this post or the YouTube video down below to listen to the full episode and dive in with us.

Resources + Stuff Mentioned in This Episode:

Connect with Us:

DISCLAIMER: But For Real Podcast is not a substitute for individualized mental health treatment or healthcare. This podcast is solely for entertainment and educational purposes. If you are in crisis, please utilize crisis support services, such as the Crisis Text Line (Text START to 741741 in the US) or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: (Call 988 in the US), or visit www.findahelpline.com for international resources.

Colleen Werner
Next

But For Real Episode 21: Living Your Activism Series: Ella Magers is a Voice for the Animals