Ep.26 - Opt-Out Family: Erin Loechner Debunks Teens Arguments for Smartphones

• Erin. Loechner's Book: "⁠Chasing Slow⁠" In this episode of the Virtuous Leaders Podcast, Dr. Johann D'Souza sits down with Erin Loechner, a writer and former influencer who made the courageous decision to walk away from social media to prioritize her family and values.Key Discussion Points:The realization that investing in one-on-one relationships is more meaningful than amassing social media followersThe concept of "veering right into grace" and how surrendering control can lead to a more fulfilling lifeErin's experiences going phone-free as a parent and how it can guide children in discerning what's truly necessaryHow Erin has successfully fostered a supportive, multi-generational community crucial for families opting out of technologyQuestioning the narrative around smartphones and their impact on familiesThe importance of being intentional about technology use and making informed parenting decisionsTimestamp: 00:00:28 - Erin's background as a writer and decision to walk away from social media 00:03:15 - The impact of being offline on social interactions and professional opportunities 00:06:22 - Balancing the use of social media for business purposes while maintaining personal convictions 00:09:51 - The meaning behind "veering right into grace" and surrendering control 00:14:06 - The importance of experimenting with going phone-free as a parent 00:16:23 - Addressing concerns about children's social lives when opting out of technology 00:21:22 - Navigating the desire for children to be "normal" in a technology-driven world 00:24:45 - The significance of questioning the narrative around smartphones and their impact on families 00:27:41 - Fostering a community of like-minded people to support opting out of technologyResources and Links: • Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts.• Watch this podcast video on Youtube.• Opt Out Family ⁠WebsiteDr. Johann D'Souza Clinical Psychologist Values First Therapy Dr. D' Souza's LinkedInDr. D' Souza's X ( Twitter)Erin Loechner Writer and Advocate for Opting Out of Technology Erin's Website