He Deleted Social Media... Then Everything Changed

He Deleted Social Media... Then Everything Changed

Just weeks before leaving for Israel, Ben Stone was hospitalized for nearly three weeks with mono and tonsillitis. During his recovery, he stepped away from social media. What started as a break from his phone became a complete change in perspective. In this episode, Ben shares how disconnecting from social media helped him stop constantly comparing himself to others, become more present, reconnect with his Jewish heritage, and rediscover his love for baseball. This isn't a conversation about deleting social media forever. It's about what can happen when you stop watching everyone else's life and start living your own. If you've ever felt stuck in comparison, overwhelmed by social media, or disconnected from the people and passions that matter most, this episode is for you. 🎙️ In this episode: * Why Ben stepped away from social media * Recovering after three weeks in the hospital * The unexpected impact of a trip to Israel * How comparison steals your joy * Finding purpose beyond your phone * Rediscovering a love for baseball * Living more intentionally in a digital world If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe for new episodes every other Sunday as we explore how to build healthier relationships with technology and live more intentionally. Follow Social Media Sobriety!Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SocialMediaSobrietyPodcast/videosInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialmediasobrietypodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@smsobrietypodcast?lang=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-bermundo-6b3690226/

They Profit When You Keep Swiping

What if the biggest problem with modern dating isn't the people using dating apps... but the apps themselves?In this episode of Social Media Sobriety, I sit down with Rik Foote, founder of HAEVN, to explore how technology has transformed the way we build relationships. We discuss why many dating platforms are designed to maximize engagement rather than meaningful connections, and what that means for our mental health, self-worth, and ability to form lasting relationships.Together, we dive into topics including:• Why dating apps keep us swiping instead of connecting• The psychology behind validation and comparison• How social media has changed modern relationships• The loneliness epidemic in a hyper-connected world• Why infinite choice makes commitment more difficult• What healthy dating should actually look like• How to build genuine relationships in a digital worldWhether you're actively dating, taking a break from dating apps, or simply interested in how technology influences human behavior, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at one of the biggest challenges facing our generation.If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with someone who could benefit from the conversation.Follow Social Media Sobriety!Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SocialMediaSobrietyPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialmediasobrietypodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@smsobrietypodcast?lang=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-bermundo-6b3690226/

The Real Purpose of Sports w/ Olympian Zach Penprase

What is the real purpose of sports?In this episode of Social Media Sobriety, I sit down with former Olympian and mental performance coach Zach Penprase to discuss the challenges athletes face both on and off the field.We explore the pressure athletes place on themselves, the growing influence of social media in sports, why comparison can be so damaging to confidence, and how parents can best support their children throughout their athletic journey.Drawing from his experiences competing at the highest levels of baseball and working with athletes today, Zach shares valuable insights on mindset, performance, resilience, and personal growth.This conversation isn't just for athletes. It's for coaches, parents, and anyone interested in helping young people build confidence, handle adversity, and develop a healthy relationship with competition.Topics Discussed:• Dealing with pressure and expectations• The impact of social media on athletes• Comparison and confidence• What parents get right—and wrong—in youth sports• The true purpose of competition• Building mental skills for life beyond the game• Lessons from an Olympian turned mental performance coachIf you've ever struggled with pressure, comparison, or finding perspective in sports, this episode is for you.Follow Social Media Sobriety!Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SocialMediaSobrietyPodcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialmediasobrietypodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@smsobrietypodcast?lang=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-bermundo-6b3690226/

Making Content in a World Obsessed With Attention

In this episode, I reflect on my experience building Social Media Sobriety, the surprising relationship between creativity and validation, and the lessons I've learned from putting my work online. From chasing views to finding purpose, this is an honest conversation about what content creation has taught me about attention, technology, and myself.I talk about the tension of building an audience while also trying to maintain a healthy relationship with technology, what I've learned from starting a podcast, and how creating online has influenced my own habits and mindset.Whether you're a creator yourself, thinking about starting something online, or simply curious about what goes on behind the scenes, I hope this conversation offers an honest look into the realities of making content in a digital world.Follow Social Media Sobriety!Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SocialMediaSobrietyPodcast/videosInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialmediasobrietypodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@smsobrietypodcast?lang=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-bermundo-6b3690226/

She Uses Her Phone Less Than 30 Minutes A Day

What happens when a college student lives on less than 30 minutes of phone use a day?In this episode, I sit down with Claire Debok to talk about intentional living, life without social media, and what it means to build real connection in a world dominated by screens. From deleting distractions and limiting entertainment to learning how to sit with stillness, Claire shares a perspective that feels almost impossible in today’s culture — yet surprisingly refreshing.We talk about:• The difference between online interaction and being truly known• How constant stimulation changes the way people handle boredom• Why real-life vulnerability matters more than ever• The role accountability plays in changing habits• And how intentional living can create deeper relationships, confidence, and peaceThis episode isn’t about judging people for using social media. It’s about exploring what happens when someone chooses to live differently — and what all of us can learn from that perspective.Tune in next week for more Social Media Sobriety.Research Article: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40894-026-00285-7Follow Social Media Sobriety!Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SocialMediaSobrietyPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialmediasobrietypodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@smsobrietypodcast?lang=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-bermundo-6b3690226/