Infinite Halls: Real Stories about Growing Up, Parenting, and Staying Human in a Digital World

Arcadia Kim - Infinite Screentime
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Kids & Family

What if we’ve been asking the wrong question about screen time? Infinite Halls is a story-driven podcast for parents raising kids in a world of screens. Hosted by former video game executive and mother of three, Arcadia Kim, the show explores the endless twists and turns of parenting in the digital age—without panic, shame, or easy answers. Each episode features honest conversations with parents, educators, technologists, and teens navigating real screen-time dilemmas in their homes, classrooms, and lives. This is a podcast about raising humans who can thrive this in digital world.  No judgment. No rules. Just real stories that help us think more clearly about the homes we’re building in a hyperconnected world. If you’ve ever asked, “Am I doing this right?”You’re not alone. Welcome to Infinite Halls.

Episodes

  1. 7h ago

    S1 | EP7: Raised on Books, Reframed by Screens with Candace

    What if the real question isn't whether screens are replacing books… But whether they're revealing the values that were there all along? In this episode of Infinite Halls, I sit down with my neighbour Candace, whose childhood was built around one simple family value: reading. She grew up in Trinidad and Tobago as one of six siblings in a home where books were everywhere. Television wasn't forbidden—it just wasn't the center of family life. Reading was. Not because anyone forced it. Because it was simply what the family did. Today, Candace is raising two daughters in Hong Kong, and those same values are meeting a very different world. Kindles. Audiobooks. Podcasts. Algorithms. A daughter who devours political biographies. Another who dreams of becoming an author. And a nightly ritual where the whole family climbs into bed, each with their own book. At first glance, this sounds like a story about books versus screens. It isn't. It's a story about values. Together, we explore questions that many families are quietly asking: How do family values shape our relationship with technology?When does a Kindle become more than "just another screen"?How do we encourage curiosity without becoming rigid about the format?What happens when technology strengthens a value instead of replacing it?How do we raise readers in a world where stories come through books, podcasts, audiobooks, and screens?One of my favorite moments comes when Candace reflects that reading was never a rule in her family. It was simply part of who they were. That idea stayed with me. Because perhaps our children don't remember every rule we make around technology. They remember what our family consistently values. This conversation also challenged one of my own assumptions. Maybe we spend too much time debating the medium. Paperback or Kindle? Audiobook or printed page? Screen or no screen? What if the more important question is: Is this technology helping my child become more curious? Candace also shares the honest realities of parenting in the digital age—from hiding Kindles under pillows to negotiating bedtime device handoffs, balancing delayed gratification, and discovering that her younger daughter, who experienced a little more freedom growing up, may have developed more independence because of it. This isn't a story about banning screens. And it isn't a story about embracing every new technology. It's a story about holding onto your family's values while remaining open to new ways those values can flourish. Because stories have always shaped us. The format may change. The values don't have to. If you've ever wondered how to preserve what matters most while raising kids in a rapidly changing digital world, this episode is for you. No judgment. No rules. Just a real story from inside the endless twists and turns of raising kids in a world of screens. If this episode resonated with you, follow Infinite Halls so you don't miss what's next—and share it with someone who's trying to raise curious, thoughtful kids in the digital age. CHAPTERS:  00:00 Welcome to Infinite Halls01:34 Candace’s Reading Roots02:54 Books Over TV Childhood06:50 Screens Enter the Home10:19 SPONSOR: Mums@Play12:20 Kindles and New Reading15:53 The 8:30 Device Hand-In18:50 Values, Balance, and Farewell You can find more from me at: https://infinitescreentime.com Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/infinitescreentime/ Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arcadiakim/ No judgment. No rules. Just real stories. See you in the next hall. Overthinking. Self-doubt. Trying to do everything at once. Arcadia shares how coaching helped her move beyond these common challenges and why she recommends Mehroo's neuroscience-backed approach to building mental fitness, resilience, and sustainable success. Book a discovery call with Mehroo and you will thank me later. https://mehrooturel.com/  Mums@Play CircleThe MAP Circle is part the Mums@PLAY community, designed for solopreneurs growing their businesses.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show If this episode resonated with you, follow Infinite Halls so you don’t miss what’s next—and share it with someone who’s navigating this too. You can find more from me at https://infinitescreentime.com Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/infinitescreentime/ Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arcadiakim/ Infinite Halls is built on stories—the kind that take time, care, and real listening to tell well. Each episode involves research, recording, editing, and thoughtful production to honor the voices shared here. That work isn’t fast, and it isn’t free. Your support keeps us going:  https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/7TDSUMBR5TR5A  No judgment. No rules. Just real stories. See you in the next Infinite Hall.

    S1 | EP7: Raised on Books, Reframed by Screens with Candace

  2. Aug 12

    S1 | EP6: Background Noise, Front-Row Studies with Jayne

    What if the thing that looks like distraction… is actually focus? In this episode of Infinite Halls, I sit down with my longtime friend Jayne to explore a moment that every parent has experienced. You walk past your child's room. The music is playing. A YouTube video is running. Two screens are open. Your first instinct? "Turn it off." But this isn't just a story about multitasking. It's a story about trust. Jayne shares how watching her son prepare for his A Levels challenged everything she thought she knew about learning. What looked chaotic from the outside turned out to be the study process that worked best for him—and the results spoke for themselves. The real tension wasn't whether two screens were good or bad. It was whether a parent could resist the urge to correct something simply because it looked unfamiliar. Because parenting in the digital age isn't just about setting boundaries. It's about learning when our assumptions deserve a second look. Together, we unpack what it means to: Recognize the difference between distraction and a personalized way of learningTrust the process, even when it doesn't resemble your ownHelp young people develop self-knowledge instead of dependenceUnderstand why context matters as much as any parenting philosophyRaise children who learn how to make good decisions long before we're there to make them for themAs the Director of Education and Employment at RUN Hong Kong, Jayne works alongside refugees and asylum seekers rebuilding their lives. That perspective has profoundly shaped how she thinks about privilege, risk, opportunity, and the freedom to let children learn through small mistakes. This isn't a story about giving kids unlimited screen time. And it isn't a story about strict rules. It's a story about discernment. About recognizing that every child learns differently. About understanding that sometimes the most difficult part of parenting isn't deciding what our children should do—it's deciding when to trust them to discover what works for themselves. Because perhaps the real question isn't: "How do I eliminate every distraction?" It's: "Am I creating the conditions for my child to truly know themselves?" If you've ever wondered whether you're seeing distraction… or simply a different way of thinking, this episode is for you. No judgment. No rules. Just a real story from inside the endless twists and turns of raising kids in a world of screens. Mums@Play CircleThe MAP Circle is part the Mums@PLAY community, designed for solopreneurs growing their businesses.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show If this episode resonated with you, follow Infinite Halls so you don’t miss what’s next—and share it with someone who’s navigating this too. You can find more from me at https://infinitescreentime.com Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/infinitescreentime/ Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arcadiakim/ Infinite Halls is built on stories—the kind that take time, care, and real listening to tell well. Each episode involves research, recording, editing, and thoughtful production to honor the voices shared here. That work isn’t fast, and it isn’t free. Your support keeps us going:  https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/7TDSUMBR5TR5A  No judgment. No rules. Just real stories. See you in the next Infinite Hall.

    S1 | EP6: Background Noise, Front-Row Studies with Jayne

  3. Jul 29

    S1 | EP5: Hot Takes with Shalini Melwani Parenting Empowered Three Headlines. Two Experts. One Conversation Every Parent Needs.

    Welcome to a brand-new series on Infinite Halls. Every week, parents are flooded with headlines about technology, social media, AI, gaming, and screen time. The stories move fast. The opinions are loud. But what do these headlines actually mean for our families? In Hot Takes, Arcadia sits down with a parenting or technology expert to react to some of the biggest news stories of the week—not to give quick answers, but to slow the conversation down. Together, they unpack what's being said, what's being overlooked, and what parents might want to think about before accepting the headline at face value. For the very first episode, Arcadis is joined by my longtime friend and parenting expert Shalini Melwani, founder of Parenting Empowered and a Certified Gordon Parenting Effectiveness Training instructor. Shalini has spent years helping families strengthen relationships through connection rather than control, making her the perfect person to explore these stories with. In this episode, they'll discuss: • A new survey claiming that 40% of girls would rather skip a vacation than go somewhere without Wi-Fi. • Australia's groundbreaking social media ban for children under 16—and whether government regulation is really the answer. • New research showing that nine out of ten parents argue with their children about technology, and what those conflicts reveal about modern family life. Rather than debating whether technology is "good" or "bad," we ask bigger questions: What is the real purpose of family vacations?Can laws replace conversations at home?How do we move from constant arguments about screens to healthier relationships with technology?If you're looking for certainty, this may not be the episode for you. But if you're looking for thoughtful conversation, nuanced perspectives, and practical reflection, pull up a chair. Come join the conversation. About Shalini Melwani Shalini Melwani is the founder of Parenting Empowered, a Certified Gordon Parenting Effectiveness Training (P.E.T.) instructor, ADHD parent coach, and longtime parenting educator. Her work helps parents build stronger relationships with their children through empathy, communication, and connection rather than control. Because when it comes to raising children in a digital world, the headlines are only the beginning. The real work happens at home. Life Beyond SchoolLife Beyond School: real convos > control. Use ISTPROMO20 for 20% off at Amazon or at website. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show If this episode resonated with you, follow Infinite Halls so you don’t miss what’s next—and share it with someone who’s navigating this too. You can find more from me at https://infinitescreentime.com Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/infinitescreentime/ Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arcadiakim/ Infinite Halls is built on stories—the kind that take time, care, and real listening to tell well. Each episode involves research, recording, editing, and thoughtful production to honor the voices shared here. That work isn’t fast, and it isn’t free. Your support keeps us going:  https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/7TDSUMBR5TR5A  No judgment. No rules. Just real stories. See you in the next Infinite Hall.

    S1 | EP5: Hot Takes with Shalini Melwani Parenting Empowered Three Headlines. Two Experts. One Conversation Every Parent Needs.

  4. Jul 15

    S1 | EP4: Expert Corner with Shalini Melwani Parenting Empowered

    Expert Corner: Shalini Melwani Parenting Empowered What if the biggest challenge with screens isn't the screen itself? In this special Expert Corner episode, Arcadia sits down with parenting coach and educator Shalini Melwani, founder of Parenting Empowered, certified Parent Effectiveness Training instructor, ADHD parent coach, and longtime advocate for families in Hong Kong. Together they explore a surprising idea: that most screen-time struggles are actually relationship struggles. Shalini shares the philosophy that transformed her own parenting journey after raising three very different children, including a son with ADHD. Her guiding principle is simple but powerful: Parenting is 80% connection and 20% guidance. In this conversation, you'll hear: • Why connection matters more than control • What parents are really afraid of when it comes to screens • How to tell the difference between harmful and healthy YouTube use • Why short-form content can affect attention and focus • The importance of getting interested in what your child is interested in • How involving kids in rule-making creates more cooperation and independence • The simple phrase that can transform conversations with your child: "How do you feel about this?"  • Why respecting children doesn't mean becoming permissive Most importantly, this episode reminds us that children are not problems to solve. They are people becoming who they are meant to be. Whether you're navigating screen battles, parenting a child with ADHD, or simply trying to build a stronger relationship with your kids, Shalini offers practical wisdom that cuts through the noise and brings us back to what matters most. Because screens aren't automatically the problem. The real question is what they're doing to attention, learning, and connection—and whether we're staying close enough to guide. About Shalini Melwani Shalini Melwani is the founder of Parenting Empowered, a certified instructor in the Gordon Parent Effectiveness Training (P.E.T.) curriculum, an ADHD parent coach, and a longtime advocate for families in Hong Kong. She helps parents build stronger relationships with their children through respectful communication, connection, and collaborative problem-solving. https://parentingempowered.com/  No judgment. No rules. Just real stories from inside the endless twists and turns of raising kids in a world of screens. Follow Infinite Halls for more honest conversations about parenting, technology, identity, and growing up in the digital age. Find more from Arcadia Kim / Infinite Screentime: Website: https://infinitescreentime.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/infinitescreentime LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arcadiakim Life Beyond SchoolLife Beyond School: real convos > control. Use ISTPROMO20 for 20% off at Amazon or at website. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show If this episode resonated with you, follow Infinite Halls so you don’t miss what’s next—and share it with someone who’s navigating this too. You can find more from me at https://infinitescreentime.com Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/infinitescreentime/ Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arcadiakim/ Infinite Halls is built on stories—the kind that take time, care, and real listening to tell well. Each episode involves research, recording, editing, and thoughtful production to honor the voices shared here. That work isn’t fast, and it isn’t free. Your support keeps us going:  https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/7TDSUMBR5TR5A  No judgment. No rules. Just real stories. See you in the next Infinite Hall.

    S1 | EP4: Expert Corner with Shalini Melwani Parenting Empowered

  5. Jul 1

    S1 | EP3: When Mom Breaks Her Own Screentime Rules

    When Mom Breaks Her Own Screentime Rules What happens when the kid who grew up with screen time rules becomes the one making the decisions? In this episode of Infinite Halls, I sit down with Sophie and her college-aged daughter, Tina, for a conversation that spans childhood, adolescence, and the complicated transition into independence. Like many parents, Sophie spent years creating boundaries around technology. Time limits. Family agreements. Rules designed to help her daughter develop a healthy relationship with screens. And like many kids, Tina learned how to live within those boundaries—and eventually beyond them. But this isn't a story about enforcing rules. It's a story about what happens after them. Because as mother and daughter reflect on their own digital habits, something unexpected emerges. Screen time was never just about discipline. It was about emotions. Relationships. Environment. Design. And the invisible systems shaping all of us every day. Together, we explore: How digital habits evolve as children grow into young adultsWhy self-regulation is more complicated than simply having good intentionsThe tension between parental guidance and personal responsibilityHow technology companies design for attentionWhat families can realistically expect from rules and boundariesWhy digital wellbeing is a lifelong practice, not a destinationThis episode lives in the space between control and autonomy. Because every parent hopes that one day their child will make good choices when nobody is watching. But that transition is rarely clean. It's filled with experimentation. Mistakes. Self-awareness. And the gradual realization that managing technology isn't something children magically learn when they turn eighteen. It's something all of us are still figuring out. Together. Because the question is no longer simply: "How much screen time is too much?" It's: "What does a healthy relationship with technology actually look like—and how do we build it over a lifetime?" If you've ever wondered whether your family rules are working, or how to prepare your child for a world where screens are everywhere, this episode is for you. No judgment. No perfect answers. Just a real conversation from inside the endless twists and turns of growing up digital. Mums@Play CircleThe MAP Circle is part the Mums@PLAY community, designed for solopreneurs growing their businesses.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show If this episode resonated with you, follow Infinite Halls so you don’t miss what’s next—and share it with someone who’s navigating this too. You can find more from me at https://infinitescreentime.com Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/infinitescreentime/ Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arcadiakim/ Infinite Halls is built on stories—the kind that take time, care, and real listening to tell well. Each episode involves research, recording, editing, and thoughtful production to honor the voices shared here. That work isn’t fast, and it isn’t free. Your support keeps us going:  https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/7TDSUMBR5TR5A  No judgment. No rules. Just real stories. See you in the next Infinite Hall.

    S1 | EP3: When Mom Breaks Her Own Screentime Rules

  6. Jun 17

    S1 | EP2: Locked Inside Finally Heard

    Locked Inside, Finally HeardWhat if the screen wasn't the problem? What if it was the solution? In this episode of Infinite Halls, I sit down with Mary, a mother, advocate, and founder whose journey began with one heartbreaking moment. Her son Alex is nonverbal and autistic. Like many parents of neurodivergent children, Mary spent years navigating a world that often misunderstood him. People saw behaviors. They saw disruptions. They saw what he couldn't do. What they didn't see was the person inside. Then one rainy day in Hong Kong, a denied bathroom key led to a moment of public humiliation that changed everything. Alex wet himself in front of strangers because no one understood his disability. Mary went home furious. But instead of staying angry, she built something. What began as a search for dignity grew into the Talos Foundation, a movement that has distributed tens of thousands of disability awareness lanyards, trained organizations across Hong Kong, and created opportunities for neurodivergent individuals to be seen, heard, and included. But underneath that story is another one. A story about communication. Because for Mary, the breakthrough wasn't simply advocacy. It was discovering that technology could give her son something every human being deserves: A voice. Using an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) device, Alex began communicating his wants, needs, frustrations, and thoughts through an iPad. What looked like a screen became something much more profound. It became access. It became connection. It became understanding. Together, we explore: How technology can unlock communication rather than replace itWhy many behaviors are actually unmet communication needsThe difference between speaking and being heardWhat AAC devices teach us about human connectionThe importance of presuming competence in children who communicate differentlyWhy parents sometimes need to trust their instincts before the world catches upThis episode asks a powerful question: How many children are communicating in ways we're simply not recognizing yet? Because sometimes the challenge isn't that a child has nothing to say. It's that we haven't found the right way to listen. Mary's story reminds us that communication is not a luxury. It's dignity. And sometimes the technology we fear might be the very thing that helps a child reveal who they've been all along. If you've ever wondered whether screens can be more than entertainment—or if you've ever fought to help someone feel seen and understood—this episode is for you. No judgment. No easy answers. Just a real story from inside the endless twists and turns of raising humans in a digital world. If this episode resonated with you, follow Infinite Halls and share it with someone who needs this reminder: Every person deserves a voice. Sometimes it simply arrives in a form we didn't expect. If this episode resonated with you, follow Infinite Halls so you don’t miss what’s next—and share it with someone who’s navigating this too. You can find more from me at https://infinitescreentime.com Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/infinitescreentime/ Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arcadiakim/ No judgment. No rules. Just real stories. See you in the next hall. Life Beyond SchoolLife Beyond School: real convos > control. Use ISTPROMO20 for 20% off at Amazon or at website. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show If this episode resonated with you, follow Infinite Halls so you don’t miss what’s next—and share it with someone who’s navigating this too. You can find more from me at https://infinitescreentime.com Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/infinitescreentime/ Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arcadiakim/ Infinite Halls is built on stories—the kind that take time, care, and real listening to tell well. Each episode involves research, recording, editing, and thoughtful production to honor the voices shared here. That work isn’t fast, and it isn’t free. Your support keeps us going:  https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/7TDSUMBR5TR5A  No judgment. No rules. Just real stories. See you in the next Infinite Hall.

    S1 | EP2: Locked Inside Finally Heard

  7. Jun 3

    S1 | EP1: Unboxing a Future with Christine

    Unboxing a Future What if the thing that looks like rule-breaking… is actually readiness? In this episode of Infinite Halls, I sit with a story that starts in a very familiar place: slime videos, squishy toys, and a child who just couldn’t seem to get enough of her screen. But this isn’t just a story about screen time. It’s a story about a girl named Mimi—who, before the age of ten, wasn’t just consuming content. She was studying it. Testing it. Recreating it. And eventually… selling it. What began as harmless watching turned into something much harder to define: Was this too much screen time? Or was it the early signals of something else—curiosity, agency, even entrepreneurship? For Christine, Mimi’s mom, the tension wasn’t just about limits. It was about interpretation. When your child pushes past boundaries, how do you know if it’s a problem… or a sign they’re ready for more? This episode lives right in that uncomfortable space. Because the truth is, parenting in the digital age rarely presents itself in clean lines. It shows up messy. Blurry. A little too early. A little too much. And sometimes, what looks like disobedience is actually a child trying to make sense of the world they’re already living in. Together, we unpack what it means to: Notice the difference between distraction and direction Hold boundaries without shutting something down too soon Sit with the discomfort of not immediately knowing what’s “right” And recognize purpose—even when it arrives in forms we don’t fully understand This is not a story about permissive parenting. And it’s not a story about letting screens run wild. It’s a story about restraint. About timing. About learning when to step in… and when to step back. Because sometimes, the real question isn’t: “How do I stop this behavior?” It’s: “What is this moment trying to teach my child—and me?” If you’ve ever found yourself wondering whether to pull the plug… or lean in just a little longer, this episode is for you. No judgment. No rules. Just a real story from inside the endless twists and turns of raising kids in a world of screens. Welcome to Infinite Halls This episode is supported by Mums@PLAY—building community for moms navigating work, life, and everything in between.  The MAP Circle is their space for mompreneurs and solopreneurs ready to grow.  Explore more: https://mumsatplay.com/ Mums@Play CircleThe MAP Circle is part the Mums@PLAY community, designed for solopreneurs growing their businesses.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show If this episode resonated with you, follow Infinite Halls so you don’t miss what’s next—and share it with someone who’s navigating this too. You can find more from me at https://infinitescreentime.com Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/infinitescreentime/ Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arcadiakim/ Infinite Halls is built on stories—the kind that take time, care, and real listening to tell well. Each episode involves research, recording, editing, and thoughtful production to honor the voices shared here. That work isn’t fast, and it isn’t free. Your support keeps us going:  https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/7TDSUMBR5TR5A  No judgment. No rules. Just real stories. See you in the next Infinite Hall.

    S1 | EP1: Unboxing a Future with Christine
  • 7 Episodes

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

What if we’ve been asking the wrong question about screen time? Infinite Halls is a story-driven podcast for parents raising kids in a world of screens. Hosted by former video game executive and mother of three, Arcadia Kim, the show explores the endless twists and turns of parenting in the digital age—without panic, shame, or easy answers. Each episode features honest conversations with parents, educators, technologists, and teens navigating real screen-time dilemmas in their homes, classrooms, and lives. This is a podcast about raising humans who can thrive this in digital world.  No judgment. No rules. Just real stories that help us think more clearly about the homes we’re building in a hyperconnected world. If you’ve ever asked, “Am I doing this right?”You’re not alone. Welcome to Infinite Halls.

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