108: Marriage In a Digital World
Podcast Guest: Blake Snow
November 25th, 2024
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In this Episode
In this insightful episode of Stronger Marriage Connection, Dave Schramm and Liz Hale sit down with Blake Snow, author of Log Off, to discuss the impact of technology on relationships. Blake shares practical tips for setting boundaries with devices, finding balance, and rediscovering meaningful connection with loved ones. From "Montana moments" to screen-free Sundays, Blake offers simple strategies to reclaim your time and focus on what truly matters. Tune in to learn how to foster stronger relationships by managing technology use with intention and purpose.
“The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the Utah Marriage Commission.”
Time Markers
00:04 – Is technology interfering?
02:15 – Blake’s Montana moment
05:33 – The “guilty until proven innocent” approach
07:50 – Controlling technology vs. it controlling you
08:43 – Setting boundaries with devices
11:38 – No phones for kids under 15
13:56 – Phones at the dinner table
17:23 – The influencer impact
20:02 – Intimate connection vs. distraction
23:05 – The cost of missed moments
24:41 – Addressing skeptics about technoference
26:21 – Benefits of phone fasting
29:24 – Teaching kids to manage without smartphones
34:15 – Feelings first: keys to communication
35:18 – You can make meaningful changes
Insights
Blake's
You can do this. And I mean that generally like, if you don't like what's going on with your life on your phone and social media, you can make changes. You can do hard things, like, look back at all this incredible stuff humanity, that team human has done for centuries, and you're a part of that. And you can do something I might seems challenging or even with your relationship, but you're capable of great things. And I know and think and believe strongly that each of us have the capacity to change and make changes in our life in a way that works for us and excites us and brings us towards greater health and fulfillment. So you can do this.
Liz’s
I'm thinking of all kinds of things, all kinds of changes I'd like to make. Because, you know, if, if I don't control it, it, it is going to control me, info technology. And I'm even just thinking, you know, on date night, I always want my phone with me to clip pictures of Ben and I, a dear friend of mine, once said, who lost her husband, she goes Liz. I'm so glad I took pictures on date night, so I make the excuse to have my phone there, but it is a distraction. So I'm thinking of investing in a small camera, and I'm thinking of going back to hard copy scriptures, because again, I take my phone to church. Why? Because scriptures are on there, but it's a distraction. So anyway, all kinds of things are running through my mind.
Dave's
We've got to take back our time, take back our family, our activities, or put this instead of a half hour in the morning, I'm just going to go and scroll. Maybe go for a walk. Even better, phone a friend. Check in, use your technology.
About Blake Snow:
Award-winning journalist Blake Snow writes for Fortune 500 companies, fancy publications, and 80% of America’s leading travel media. He is the best-selling author of two books, Log Off and Measuring History. A two-time marathoner, former 96% chess player, and avid recording artist, Blake enjoys cooking, playing soccer, and reading 8-10 books per year. High energy is his superpower. Liver in the present. Believer in the afterlife. Die-hard optimist. Blake resides with his wife and five children in Provo, Utah.
Blake Snow's Resources
https://blakesnow.com/about/
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