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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

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-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

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

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

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 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

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

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 & Advice Links: 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. Links Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bouchardindustries/the-basic-phone-a-dumbphone-without-disadvantage Discord: https://discord.gg/HVpbcddsXJ Video: https://youtu.be/XIGU01X_Eh8 Get full access to Moving Offline at josebriones.substack.com/subscribe

Buy Moving Offline a Coffee In this episode of Moving Offline, we explore three powerful mindsets to help you reclaim your time, attention, and peace of mind in 2026. If you’ve been feeling digitally fatigued, overwhelmed by constant notifications, or stuck in an “always on” rhythm, this reflection will give you a grounded and hopeful way forward. Timestamps[00:00:26] — Introduction of three mindsets to reset your digital life [00:02:11] — Mindset 1: Choose offline first [00:04:27] — Mindset 2: Making offline memories [00:06:28] — Mindset 3: Planning offline intentionally [00:07:52] — Invitation to plan for Offline January Get full access to Moving Offline at josebriones.substack.com/subscribe

Episode Summary In this episode, I unpack why most digital detoxes don’t work—and what’s helped me build a low-tech lifestyle that actually lasts. I share my own journey, from buying a Light Phone 2 in 2019 to falling back into old habits during the pandemic, and how the 1% method helped me shift from temporary detox to sustainable change. If you’ve ever felt stuck in screen time loops or discouraged by failed attempts to unplug, this one’s for you. What I Talk About The science behind screen addiction and why it’s not just about willpower My early attempts at digital detox—and why they didn’t stick How the 1% method works (and why it’s better than quitting cold turkey) Why a calendar became my most powerful tool for habit change How low-tech living spilled into my finances, relationships, and sense of purpose A funny story about traveling through Colorado with $5 and no physical credit card Favorite Quotes from the Episode “Detoxing is like crash dieting for your attention span: intense, unsustainable, and often followed by relapse.” “You’re not escaping your phone—you’re choosing something more fulfilling to do with your time.” “If it’s not in the calendar, it doesn’t exist.” —My wife Resources Mentioned Atomic Habits by James Clear Erik Weihenmayer’s story of summiting the seven tallest mountains The Light Phone 2 and my low-tech setup The 1% method as a framework for digital and financial change Why This Matters I’m not here to preach about dumbphones or shame anyone for using tech. I’m here to share what’s worked for me—and invite you to build a life that feels more like yours. It starts small. It feels slow. But it’s real. Support My Work Moving Offline is a reader-supported publication. If this episode resonated with you, consider subscribing or sharing it with someone who’s ready to make a 1% shift. Get full access to Moving Offline at josebriones.substack.com/subscribe

Two ways to support Moving Offline: Buy Moving Offline a Coffee Subscribe to Moving Offline Article Link: https://josebriones.substack.com/p/back-to-school-with-a-dumbphone This school year, smartphones are being sidelined in classrooms, and I’m here for it. In this episode, I reflect on what this shift means for students, families, and our culture at large. I share personal stories, offer tips for modeling tech boundaries at home, and recommend devices that support intentional living. It’s a chance to rethink what it means to feel alive without a screen in hand. Get full access to Moving Offline at josebriones.substack.com/subscribe

Two ways to support Moving Offline: * Buy Moving Offline a Coffee * Subscribe to Moving Offline Welcome back to Moving Offline. Today I’m joined by Richard Simon—author of Unplug: How to Break Up With Your Phone and Reclaim Your Life. We’re diving into a challenge that so many of us quietly wrestle with: what would it really look like to turn off our devices and live offline? Richard spent an entire year without a smartphone, and in this episode, he shares the surprising, sometimes uncomfortable, but ultimately life-giving lessons he learned along the way. We talk about his “off by default” philosophy, what it takes to face digital withdrawal head-on, and how to rebuild a life centered on real connection and intentional living. We also get personal about boundaries: how to set them for ourselves and our families, and we offer practical steps for anyone ready to reclaim their time and attention in a world that’s always on. If you’ve been thinking about trying a dumbphone, reimagining your digital habits, or just craving space to breathe, this conversation is for you. Grab your drink of choice, and let’s unpack what it means to truly move offline. Timestamps 00:00 Off By Default: A Year Unplugged 03:11 Navigating 'Off by Default' Fears 07:07 Smartphone Use: Off by Default 09:41 Balancing Convenience and Simplicity 13:20 Balancing Family Time and Technology 19:26 Offline Rooms for Digital Balance 20:47 Smartphones Banned for Team Synergy 24:11 Year Unnoticed: Digital Disconnect 28:45 Embracing Connectivity Over Isolation 32:49 Ritualize News Consumption Daily 37:00 Pursuing a Serene Life 38:14 Support and Share Podcast Links for today Get the book here —> Unplug: How to Break Up With Your Phone and Reclaim Your Life. Moving Offline is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Moving Offline at josebriones.substack.com/subscribe

Two ways to support Moving Offline: * Buy Moving Offline a Coffee * Subscribe to Moving Offline In this episode, I sit down with UK musician and filmmaker Tim Arnold to talk about his shift from smartphones to "dumb phones" and how technology influences creativity and human connection. We explore the evolution of music—from cassette tapes to streaming—and dive into his multimedia project Super Connected, which examines our screen-driven world. Timestamps 00:00 Artists' Tech Tug-Of-War 03:59 Journey from DIY to Professional Recording 07:25 Creative Challenges in a Digital Era 11:20 Screen Addiction: A Teen's Struggle 16:06 Art, Autism, and Social Media Challenges 19:24 Offline Experiences Matter 23:46 Super Connected" Needs Group Viewing 26:26 Light Phone as Kids' First Phone 31:27 Exploring Self in a Digital Age 33:42 Balanced Technology Use Links https://timarnold.co.uk/ https://superconnected.technology/ Moving Offline is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Moving Offline at josebriones.substack.com/subscribe