Should I Quit Social Media? A Debate With A Focus Expert - Penny zenker

What happens when a productivity expert and a focus coach talk honestly about the role social media plays in our lives?

In this episode, Brian sits down with Penny Zenker to have a real conversation about how platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook affect our attention, stress levels, and time. They don’t hold back. Penny admits she’s been thinking about walking away from it altogether. Brian shares his frustration with AI-generated content and the constant noise in his feed.

They explore how social media can be both helpful and harmful, and what it means to use it with intention. Penny shares her Reset Mindset framework and talks about how to refocus when life and technology pull you in every direction. They also get into the difference between attention and focus—and why that distinction really matters.

You’ll hear laughter, honest disagreement, and some ideas that might just change how you interact with your phone.

Want to go deeper? Check out the show notes and resources linked in the episode!

References In This Episode

Penny Zenker – pennyskeynote.com
(Main website for Penny’s keynotes, workshops, Reset Mindset framework, and booking info)

The Reset Mindset Book – Learn More
Penny’s award-winning book that shares practical strategies to help people reset, realign, and refocus in high-stress, high-distraction environments.

Penny Zenker’s Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pennyzenker

Brian’s TEDx Talk – “The Value of Your Time” – Watch on YouTube
Brian talks about time as our most precious resource, and why being intentional matters more than being busy.

Taja.ai – taja.ai
The AI tool that sparked this episode’s debate. It repurposes YouTube videos into social media content—helpful for productivity, but also raises questions about authenticity and noise.

Duolingo – duolingo.com
Mentioned as a smarter way to spend a few minutes on your phone compared to endless scrolling. A reminder that learning something new can be a great way to reset your habits.

Screen Time Tools –

Apple iOS Screen Time

Digital Wellbeing on Android
Check how much time you’re spending on social apps—and decide if that aligns with what matters to you.

Productivity Gladiator Blog Post - How Many Hours Do You Spend On Social Media?

Productivity Gladiator Blog Post - Addiction To Social Media: Fix It With Apps and Tech Hacks

Productivity Gladiator Blog Post - Addiction to Social Media & Free Hacks To Fix It

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