Moving Offline Podcast

Jose Briones

Discussions and short thoughts about Digital Minimalism. Interviews from time to time. josebriones.substack.com

  1. 1d ago

    The Healing Power of Offline

    Over the last two weeks, I’ve been reading Protocols: An Operating Manual for the Human Body and connecting the dots between better health and spending more time offline. In this episode, I share research-backed reasons why too much digital engagement harms our sleep, mood, stress, relationships, and overall well-being. I discuss three simple, science-based ideas you can try: Turn your mobile data off, take one weekend offline per month, and no phones with people. Every study points in the same direction: regular offline time is essential for health and happiness. If you want better thoughts and a better life, start by giving your mind the offline time it deserves. If this podcast was helpful, please share it and subscribe! Links: Book: You Don't Need A Smarpthone Book: Protocols Documentary: Your Attention Please Get full access to Moving Offline at josebriones.substack.com/subscribe

  2. Sep 13

    Hooked by Design: Instagram’s Protocol to Capture Our Attention

    In this episode, I sit down with my wife, Melissa, to talk about her journey with social media and how quickly Instagram hooked her, even though she never struggled with other platforms before. We discuss the impact it had on our personal lives, the challenges of setting boundaries, and how she's found better balance by switching to desktop use only. Hope you enjoy this candid story about social media temptation. Links: https://www.youtube.com/@Books-BeyondBorders Get full access to Moving Offline at josebriones.substack.com/subscribe

  3. Jun 22

    5 Free Ideas To Reduce Distraction

    Newsletter link: https://josebriones.substack.com/p/dc41634c-5aa6-44fd-b4ab-2c4aba3ca05b In this episode, we talk about a growing problem in the digital minimalism world. The movement is starting to feel like it only welcomes two types of people: high paid executives who can afford every new minimalist gadget, or purists who insist you must delete specific apps or live with a flip phone to count as “serious.” Neither extreme helps anyone build a healthier relationship with technology. We look at how companies are monetizing the idea of “detoxing,” why subscription based solutions often make things worse, and why digital minimalism should remain accessible to everyone. Then we shift into practical, free ideas that help you strengthen your offline life without buying anything. Chapters Introduction to exclusivity and digital minimalism concerns: 00:01 Good time management: 03:41 Visit your public library: 05:19 Join or start local offline groups: 06:22 Use free, open-source app blockers: 08:21 Schedule regular phone-free holidays: 09:24 Get full access to Moving Offline at josebriones.substack.com/subscribe

  4. May 15

    Are We Too Attached to Our Phones? with Shannon Algeo

    In this episode, I sat down with Shannon Algeo to explore ideas from his new book The Power in Your Hands. We talk about our complicated relationship with technology and how smartphones shape our emotional lives. Shannon explains the idea of digital attachment and how our interactions with devices often mirror patterns found in human relationships. We look at the behavioral and psychological mechanisms behind technology addiction and the growing agreement that constant connectivity affects attention, presence, and identity. We also discuss practical steps individuals and communities can take to reclaim focus, strengthen real‑world relationships, and build richer offline lives. Hope you enjoy it, find value, and share it with a friend. Links for today: * Book links, retreat info, and contact: shannonalgeo.com Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:02:32 Attachment theory and our connection to smartphones. 00:11:08 Neuroplasticity and the impact of habitual phone use. 00:15:41 Does smartphone use meets addiction criteria in psychology? 00:31:16 Ideas for personal and group digital detox practices. 00:49:24 Final message about reclaiming aliveness and taking small steps offline. Get full access to Moving Offline at josebriones.substack.com/subscribe

  5. Apr 26

    Flip Phones Reimagined

    In this episode of Moving Offline, I talk to Afreka and Jack from Dumb Co, a group building a modified dumbphone designed to help people break away from smartphone distractions and reclaim their time. We dive into their personal stories, what inspired them to go “dumb,” and how their initiatives like Dumb House and Month Offline are creating a movement around digital minimalism and real-world connection. Afreka and Jack share how using a flip phone changed their relationships with technology, the challenges users face, and why their mission keeps them focused and growing. If you’re curious about living more offline, want tips for making the leap, or just want to hear what it feels like to ditch your smartphone, you’ll want to tune in! Links https://dumb.co/ https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/2026/04/month-offline-smartphone-detox/686911/ Get full access to Moving Offline at josebriones.substack.com/subscribe

  6. Apr 6

    3 Reasons Dumbphones Work!

    As dumbphones surge in popularity, skeptics are asking: Is this a sustainable lifestyle or just a fleeting digital trend? Is swapping your smartphone actually effective at reducing screen time and improving well-being? In this episode, we move past the anecdotes and look at the data. We dive into a recent Stanford University study that provides scientific clarity on the "minimal phone" movement. I break down the three evidence-based reasons why these devices successfully reshape our behavior and share the LIGHT Framework—a practical tool you can use to reclaim your attention, whether you switch your hardware or not. The Worksheet: https://www.dumbphones.org/low-tech-life/light The Study: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/ubkeq_v1 Get full access to Moving Offline at josebriones.substack.com/subscribe

  7. Mar 17

    Community-Powered Digital Minimalism

    In this episode, I sit down with Ali Waseem, the creator of FOQOS, a free and open source app helping people regain control over their smartphones—without breaking the bank. We chat about why digital minimalism shouldn’t be seen as a luxury, the philosophy behind creating free tech resources, and how community-driven development has shaped Focus into a powerful tool for 50,000+ users. Ali shares his personal journey with tech addiction, what led him to make the app open source, the surprising features inspired by user feedback, and how Foqos has improved his real-life interactions and sleep. If you’re curious about free ways to simplify your digital life and want real stories on building for community rather than profit, this conversation is a must-listen! Timestamps: 00:04 — Why Ali built Foqos 01:59 — Why it’s free + open source 04:44 — How Foqos works 10:05 — Ali’s transformation 17:18 — Reducing tech dependency 20:01 — AI + future of tech 24:57 — Final thoughts Try It Out:If you’re on iOS and looking for a free way to control your phone habits, check out Foqos. Android user? Look into Switchly. If you want to go a level deep, try Apple Configurator for iOS or ADB App Control for Android to permanently remove distractions from your smartphone. Finally, you could get a dumbphone if those methods are insufficient. But try finding a second hand one or a free one from a friend first :) Get full access to Moving Offline at josebriones.substack.com/subscribe

  8. Mar 3

    5 Hidden Forces Keeping You Stuck on a Smartphone

    Support the pod: https://buymeacoffee.com/jbriones95 In this episode of Moving Offline, I’m sharing the five main forces I've seen that keep people from truly embracing an offline life after seven years in the digital minimalism space. I talk about how unclear priorities, the temptation of convenience, boredom phobia, social pressure, and even full-blown dependency loops secretly tie us to our phones. I offer some practical advice to help you clarify your priorities, lean into inconvenience, face boredom, resist pressure to conform, and seek support if going offline feels truly overwhelming. Thanks for tuning in—remember, it’s possible to break free and live a more intentional, present life. Timestamps: Introduction & Purpose 00:00:04–00:01:10 Defining Simplicity & Priorities 00:01:11–00:02:10 The Gravity of Convenience 00:02:11–00:03:55 Boredomphobia 00:03:58–00:06:15 Social Pressure to Conform 00:06:16–00:09:03 The Dependency Loop & Recovery 00:09:03–00:11:02 Closing Remarks 00:11:03–00:11:10 Links: https://www.dumbphones.org/low-tech-life Get full access to Moving Offline at josebriones.substack.com/subscribe

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About

Discussions and short thoughts about Digital Minimalism. Interviews from time to time. josebriones.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Jose Briones
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    48
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Jose Briones
  • Show Website
    Moving Offline Podcast

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