Moving Offline Podcast

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 SmarpthoneBook: ProtocolsDocumentary: Your Attention Please Get full access to Moving Offline at josebriones.substack.com/subscribe

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

Newsletter link: https://josebriones.substack.com/p/dc41634c-5aa6-44fd-b4ab-2c4aba3ca05bIn 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.ChaptersIntroduction to exclusivity and digital minimalism concerns: 00:01Good time management: 03:41Visit your public library: 05:19Join or start local offline groups: 06:22Use free, open-source app blockers: 08:21Schedule regular phone-free holidays: 09:24 Get full access to Moving Offline at josebriones.substack.com/subscribe

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.comTimestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction00:02:32 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

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!Linkshttps://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

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

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 Foqos01:59 — Why it’s free + open source04:44 — How Foqos works10:05 — Ali’s transformation17:18 — Reducing tech dependency20:01 — AI + future of tech24:57 — Final thoughtsTry 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

Support the pod: https://buymeacoffee.com/jbriones95In 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 00:00:04–00:01:10Defining Simplicity & Priorities 00:01:11–00:02:10The Gravity of Convenience 00:02:11–00:03:55Boredomphobia 00:03:58–00:06:15Social Pressure to Conform 00:06:16–00:09:03The Dependency Loop & Recovery 00:09:03–00:11:02Closing Remarks 00:11:03–00:11:10Links:https://www.dumbphones.org/low-tech-life Get full access to Moving Offline at josebriones.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Moving Offline, I sit down with Thomas Barrasso, the developer behind PodLP, a podcast app made for dumbphones. We dive into why it’s tough to find your favorite apps on these minimalist devices, and Thomas shares what inspired him to build PodLP during the pandemic. We cover the challenges developers face, like small screens, keypad navigation, and platform fragmentation, and discuss why big companies aren’t rushing in.Thomas gives some inside info on what it takes to make apps work on different dumbphone platforms, and why financial incentives are still limited. We also touch on the tight-knit community around these phones, the rise of cloud-powered devices in emerging markets, and whether AI can really help speed up development.If you’re curious about trying a dumbphone, developing for one, or just want to hear how the offline movement is shaping up, this episode is for you. Don’t miss Thomas’ advice on embracing friction and finding what works for your own tech journey.Chapters:00:00 – Introduction & Guest Welcome 01:03 – How PodLP Began 02:31 – Why Developing for Dumbphones Is Hard 06:52 – Launching Apps on Dumbphones 11:17 – Why Big Platforms Ignore Dumbphones 17:55 – Can AI Accelerate Flip Phone App Development? 24:52 – Minimalism vs Maximalism: Should Dumbphones Stay “Dumb”? 28:28 – Final Thoughts & AdviceLinks:https://podlp.com/https://www.dumbphones.org/ Get full access to Moving Offline at josebriones.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I sit with Eric Bouchard, founder of Bouchard Industries. Eric talks about his vision for the Basic Phone, a new device designed to minimize distractions while maintaining core utilities. The conversation explores the reasons behind the project, the technical and market challenges, and how the Basic Phone will differ from both traditional smartphones and existing minimalist devices.LinksKickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bouchardindustries/the-basic-phone-a-dumbphone-without-disadvantageDiscord: https://discord.gg/HVpbcddsXJVideo: https://youtu.be/XIGU01X_Eh8 Get full access to Moving Offline at josebriones.substack.com/subscribe