• Digital Life: The Toll on Health and How Families Can Cope
    Jul 25 2024

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    Can technology really be harming your health and well-being? Join us on this eye-opening episode of gwunspoken where we uncover the hidden costs of our digital lives. From the alarming decrease in attention spans and the grip of digital addiction to the physical toll of bone spurs and sleep disturbances, we're laying it all out. We'll also address the emotional and societal impacts, such as social isolation from virtual gaming worlds and the troubling decline in empathy due to fewer face-to-face interactions. Especially concerning is the effect on teenagers, who struggle with unrealistic body image standards and the constant chase for dopamine hits from social media, leading to anxiety and depression.

    But there’s hope! In the second part of our discussion, we turn the spotlight on family dynamics and the critical role of parental guidance in managing tech use. Learn actionable steps for fostering open conversations about the pros and cons of technology, and how to strike a healthy balance between screen time and real-world interactions. We share personal stories and propose practical challenges, like a three-day tech detox before bedtime, to help improve sleep and well-being. Prepare to transform your family's relationship with technology and tune in for a sneak peek of our next session focusing on the young minds in our digital age.

    www.in8code.com

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    15 mins
  • Balancing Acts: Technology, Mental Health, and Lifestyle Essentials
    Jul 10 2024

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    Have you ever wondered how much time you really spend on your phone each day? Spoiler alert: it’s probably more than you think! Join us on this episode of gwunspoken as we unravel the complex web of technology addiction, especially how it grips the youth and shapes their social interactions and mental health. We break down staggering statistics and explore the gender-specific tendencies in tech use—whether it’s girls navigating social media conflicts or boys getting lost in gaming. We’ll challenge you to reassess your tech habits and introduce you to the "big four" lifestyle practices that are essential for a balanced, healthy life: nutrition, movement, sleep, and reducing technology use.

    Unlock practical strategies to manage your emotions and improve your mental well-being with insights from experts like Dr. Julie Smith and Johan Hari. Learn how simple activities, from mindful movement to the emotional uplift of petting a furry friend, can significantly enhance your life. We’ll also share actionable tips for boosting focus and reducing digital overstimulation, including journaling, creative expression, and small acts of kindness. To cap it all off, we emphasise the power of genuine human connections and offer ways to foster them through meaningful conversations. Tune in for an eye-opening discussion on balancing technology use and promoting holistic well-being.

    www.in8code.com

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    15 mins
  • Navigating Teen Sleep, Tech Traps, and Healthier Habits with David Gillespie
    Jul 8 2024

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    Explore how the subtle shifts in teenage sleep cycles could revolutionize school start times and how the cunning design of social media platforms like Facebook keeps your teens hooked. David Gillespie joins us once again on gwunspoken to uncover the depths of screen addiction that plagues our younger generation and to discuss practical solutions, from healthier dopamine highs through sports and music to the importance of balanced nutrition and sleep.

    Tune in as we reveal how breaking a sugar addiction might just be the key to overcoming other harmful habits, including alcohol. Hear personal anecdotes and advice on transitioning to less addictive behaviours, and get the scoop on why certain nightly routines might be sabotaging your sleep. We also tackle the intricate link between dopamine, stress, and conditions like ADHD and explore how technology intersects with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and autism.

    By the end of this episode, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of how to manage technology detox for children and how to foster better student focus through problem-solving activities. We also shed light on the evolving definitions of autism and Asperger's in the DSM-5 and their implications on addiction risk. Join us for a conversation packed with insights and actionable advice to help navigate the complex world of technology, addiction, and mental health.

    www.in8code.com

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Nature's Embrace: The Power of Unplugging
    Jul 2 2024

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    Ever wondered how a simple tech-free holiday could transform your perspective on life? Join us as we recount a memorable trip to Chinchilla with my daughter, where the absence of digital distractions allowed us to reconnect with nature and each other. Through this story, we explore the delicate balance between the conveniences of modern technology and the need for genuine, uninterrupted moments of relaxation. Discover how even the serene environment of Chinchilla could offer a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of life, and surprise you with its unexpected charm.

    In a world where mobile phones dominate our time, how do we reclaim the joy of authentic human connections? We share an eye-opening experience from a date night that brought to light the extent of our technology addiction, even in places meant for personal enjoyment like the cinema. This episode challenges us to prioritise face-to-face interactions and consider the sacrifices required to foster meaningful relationships. Tune in for an insightful discussion with David Gillespie in our next episode on managing technology to enhance real connections, and learn how to cultivate emotional fulfillment in today’s tech-heavy world.

    www.in8code.com

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    15 mins
  • Hijacked Minds: Understanding and Combating Teen Tech Addiction
    Jun 26 2024

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    Can technology addiction hijack your teen's brain? Join us as we explore how social media and gaming algorithms overstimulate dopamine pathways, leading to anxiety, depression, and even psychosis among teens. We dive deep into why boys are often lured into the gaming world due to high testosterone levels, while girls are drawn to social media craving social approval driven by oxytocin. Discover crucial parental strategies like consistent routines and habit stacking that can help manage this growing issue, and understand the vital role of parental intervention in curbing technology's grip on our youth.

    Does a social media ban for those under 16 hold the key to solving tech addiction, or is it a futile effort? We dissect the government's legislative attempts to restrict social media use among teens and the potential loopholes they might exploit. We also highlight the powerful influence of peer behaviour, with many teens admitting they would only quit if their friends did too. This episode raises critical questions about the extent of technology's impact on our society and ponders what the real remedy might be. Tune in for an enlightening discussion that every concerned parent and guardian should hear.

    www.in8code.com

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    11 mins
  • Andy Poynter's Journey of Resilience, Friendship, and Community
    Jun 21 2024

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    Ever wondered how a mischievous child from Yorkshire transforms into a dedicated father and rugby league enthusiast in Australia? Join us as Andy Poynter, our special guest and dear friend, shares his incredible journey. From his early days causing trouble in school to finding his passion for rugby league despite his parents' initial resistance, Andy's story is one of resilience, determination, and the vital role of friendship and community support.

    Andy opens up about the challenges he faced balancing a social lifestyle with professional athletic ambitions. He provides a candid look into the pressures related to drugs and alcohol in the sports world and recounts the turning point that solidified his commitment to his rugby league career. We also explore the cultural differences in rugby league between England and Australia and the joy Andy finds in coaching and giving back to the sport that shaped his life.

    In a lighter, more introspective segment, Andy shares his eclectic taste in music, humorous anecdotes, and his thoughts on respect, community, and masculinity. We wrap up with reflections on personal growth, the importance of mental health, and the value of deep, meaningful connections. With a blend of heartfelt stories and playful banter, this episode offers a multifaceted glimpse into Andy's life and the values that drive him. Don’t miss out on this engaging and inspiring conversation!

    www.in8code.com

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    55 mins
  • Empowering Parents to Combat Teen Screen Addiction
    Jun 16 2024

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    Is your teen glued to their screen from morning till night? On gwunspoken, we confront the rising concern of teen technology addiction and offer actionable strategies to help parents reduce their children's screen time. We candidly discuss the clear signs of addiction, such as anxiety, depression, and irritability, that manifest when devices are taken away. Reflect on a simpler time with us, where face-to-face interactions were the norm and the love hormone, oxytocin, was naturally released through genuine human connections. We’ll also explore the detrimental effects of constant technology use on dopamine levels, which can create an artificial sense of satisfaction.

    In a compelling segment, we share a personal story about Deklyn, whose temporary technology ban significantly improved his behavior and family engagement. This anecdote underscores the necessity of setting firm boundaries and the critical role of parents in managing their teens' screen time. We delve into the severe risks associated with unsupervised device access, such as exposure to pornography, substance abuse, and gambling. By reclaiming parental authority and understanding the profound implications of tech addiction on adolescent brain development, we aim to guide and safeguard our teens in this technology-driven world. Tune in to learn how to foster healthier habits and ensure your child's well-being amidst the digital age.

    www.in8code.com

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    12 mins
  • Transforming Lives: David Gillespie on Battling Sugar, Teen Brains, and Digital Addiction
    Jun 11 2024

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    Curious about how eliminating fructose could lead to significant weight loss or how technology is reshaping young minds? David Gillespie, a celebrated author and social entrepreneur, joins us to share his incredible transformation from a lawyer to a prolific writer. He opens up about his personal battles with weight loss while managing a large family and reveals how cutting out fructose changed his life. You'll learn about the principles of examining evidence objectively, a cornerstone of David's impactful writing career that has shed light on the dangers of sugar, the impact of oils, and much more.

    Imagine understanding the complexities of the teenage brain amidst the digital age. In our discussion, we delve into David's book "Teen Brain," where he unpacks the unsettling effects of technology on today's teenagers. David, a father of six, provides a firsthand look at the seismic shift from minimal tech in schools to the pervasive presence of devices like iPads and smartphones. With a scientific lens, we explore the addiction to screens driven by dopamine, and how it uniquely affects teenage boys and girls.

    Feeling overwhelmed by how to parent in this technology-filled world? You're not alone. David gives us practical advice on navigating the challenges of digital addiction, drawing parallels between social media and substance addiction. He emphasises the importance of providing alternative dopamine sources, such as music, sports, or complex problem-solving, to foster healthier habits in children. Rounding out our conversation, David shares light-hearted anecdotes, his favourite books, and invaluable insights into parenting strategies, offering a balanced and informative conclusion to an episode you won't want to miss.

    www.in8code.com

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    1 hr and 8 mins