Rethinking Tech Use in Schools with Dr. Ansel Sanders

After 827 days, 100 episodes, countless guests, and many transformative conversations, the Aro Podcast is drawing to a close. In this poignant final episode, host and Aro co-founder Joey Odom reflects on the journey from the podcast’s inception with Tanner Clark at Bolt Farm Treehouse to its significant impact on helping families manage technology more intentionally.But as Ecclesiastes reminds us, there is a season for everything. Our business and community needs have evolved, ushering us into an exciting new phase focused on aiding organizations to implement technology wellness programs for their staff. Whether you're a church leader, a corporate decision-maker, or simply someone passionate about reclaiming your attention, moments, and relationships from the grip of technology, Joey invites you to join us in this next chapter.So join Joey one last time as we close the book on the Aro Podcast and look forward to the impactful work that lies ahead. Discover more at goaro.com.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - Learn More About Aro Website | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | LinkedInThe Aro Podcast is produced and edited by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Host Joey Odom welcomes Justin and Lauren Earley, the visionaries behind the Hang 10 Movement, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at reshaping how and when children engage with smartphones and social media. The Earley's discuss their comprehensive guidelines that advocate waiting until 10th grade to introduce smartphones and social media to children.In this episode, they explore the importance of establishing technology-free zones at home, engaging in communal practices, and the crucial role parents play in modeling healthy technology habits. The couple also shares how incremental change and community support can make these practices sustainable. Tune in to discover how the Hang 10 Movement is setting a new standard for tech use in families and how it can empower parents to lead by example in the digital age.Learn more at hangtenmovement.com.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - Learn More About Aro Website | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | LinkedInThe Aro Podcast is produced and edited by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Are you struggling to balance the demands of health, career, and family? Host Joey Odom welcomes Heather Brown, a passionate advocate for holistic health and well-being, who shares her inspiring journey from battling postpartum depression to thriving through her 'Triple Threat' approach—intentionally nurturing her mind, body, and spirit. Every Sunday, she disconnects to reflect and recalibrate, a ritual that empowers her to maintain her health, run a business, and stay actively involved in parenting. Learn Heather’s practical strategies for meal planning, exercise, and spiritual renewal that can help you define your 'why' and achieve a balanced, fulfilling lifestyle. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to embrace a more intentional and contented way of living.Learn more at heatherbrown.com.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - Learn More About Aro Website | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | LinkedInThe Aro Podcast is produced and edited by Palm Tree Pod Co.

It wasn't too long ago that Britt Fisher found herself constantly tethered to her laptop and phone. Now, this mother of four credits Aro for her newfound ability to be fully present in her family life. In this Voices of Aro episode, Britt sits down with host Joey Odom to discuss her personal challenges with balancing technology and work-life balance. She shares how starting her day connecting with God sets a positive tone and emphasizes the profound impact that being fully engaged has had on her family dynamics. Tune in for actionable tips on how small, intentional changes can profoundly enrich your family life and personal well-being.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - Learn More About Aro Website | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | LinkedInThe Aro Podcast is produced and edited by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Are you concerned about the impact of smartphones on student learning and social skills? In this enlightening episode of the Aro Podcast, host Joey Odom talks with Dr. Ansel Sanders, president of Webb School of Knoxville, about the school’s approach to technology, balancing its benefits with the need for meaningful personal connections.Webb School has strategically designated 'sacred spaces' — the cafeteria, auditorium, and outdoor walkways — as phone-free zones to enhance face-to-face interactions and strengthen community bonds. This conversation calls on educational leaders nationwide to re-evaluate their technology policies and ignite discussions on integrating tech in ways that truly benefit students.Learn more about the Webb School of Knoxville at webbschool.org.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - Learn More About Aro Website | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | LinkedInThe Aro Podcast is produced and edited by Palm Tree Pod Co.

When it comes to thinking about schools and technology and our kids, and it just sometimes it's easy to get kind of dragged down. Host Joey Odom sat down with Dr. Grant Rivera, superintendent of Marietta City Schools, to explain how he is tackling technology distraction in the classroom - and why we can be hopeful for the future. Rivera’s innovative use of locked pouches for phones and smartwatches has significantly enhancing student focus and engagement across 2,100 middle schoolers. Learn about the positive changes in classroom behavior, the community's strong support, and strategies for helping students manage tech responsibly. If you’re concerned about digital distractions affecting education, this inspiring story offers practical solutions for reclaiming student attention in the digital age. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Learn More About Aro Website | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | LinkedInThe Aro Podcast is produced and edited by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Are you tired of feeling like you're constantly on the verge of losing your cool with your kids? Wish you could find a way to stay calm, cool, and collected, even in the midst of the most chaotic parenting moments? Join host Joey Odom as he sits down with parenting expert Hunter Clarke-Fields, who's here to share her proven strategies for embracing reactivity and cultivating a more mindful approach to raising good humans. Whether you're dealing with temper tantrums, power struggles, or just the general stresses of modern parenting, Hunter has the tools and insights to help you navigate those challenging moments with more presence, patience, and purpose. Tune in to learn how to create space for growth, connection, and deeper understanding with your kids. This is a conversation that just might change the way you approach parenting forever.Hunter Clarke-Fields Website | Podcast | Instagram- - - - - - - - - - - - - - Learn More About Aro Website | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | LinkedInThe Aro Podcast is produced and edited by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Join host Joey Odom on the Aro Podcast as he sits down with Alyssa Joy Bethke, author of ‘When Doing It All Is Undoing You.’ Alyssa shares her deep calling to minister to women and her insights into the insecurities, pressures, and emotional burdens that many women face in our modern culture. She shares her journey through the impact of social media on self-worth and how community plays a vital role in affirming individual gifts. This conversation offers valuable wisdom for women (and men) who struggle with the pressure to "do it all" and the resulting feelings of being "undone." You can find Alyssa's new book on shelves September 17.Learn more about Alyssa: Instagram | Website | Book - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Learn More About Aro Website | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | LinkedInThe Aro Podcast is produced and edited by Palm Tree Pod Co.

If you're a parent struggling with your family's relationship to technology and smartphones, you're going to want to hear this conversation. In this special parent-child edition of Voices of Aro, host Joey Odom talks to Laura and her 14-year-old son, Finley Brownstein. Finley shares insightful strategies for kids to balance tech use, while Laura discusses their family’s journey with the Aro box to strengthen connections and promote off-screen activities. Learn from their experience about setting boundaries, modeling responsible behavior, and helping children develop a personal desire to limit screen time for a healthier digital lifestyle.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - Learn More About Aro Website | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | LinkedInThe Aro Podcast is produced and edited by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Visionary founder of the School of MOM, Sarah Harmon, pulls back the curtain on the challenges of motherhood, sharing her own personal story of how her family's mental health crisis led her to this transformative work. But this isn't just another parenting podcast - Sarah offers a refreshingly direct and compassionate approach to helping moms (and dads!) break free from the toxic cycle of shame and cultivate true self-care. In her conversation with host Joey Odom, you'll learn about the power of mindfulness, self-compassion, and rewriting intergenerational patterns. Sarah offers invaluable insights into how parents can break harmful cycles and foster joy and fulfillment in family life, and how tech use interferes with mindfulness.School of MOM Website | Instagram- - - - - - - - - - - - - - Learn More About Aro Website | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | LinkedInThe Aro Podcast is produced and edited by Palm Tree Pod Co.