Moving Offline Podcast

In this episode, I sit down with Ali Waseem, the creator of FOQOS, a free and open source app helping people regain control over their smartphones—without breaking the bank.

We chat about why digital minimalism shouldn’t be seen as a luxury, the philosophy behind creating free tech resources, and how community-driven development has shaped Focus into a powerful tool for 50,000+ users.

Ali shares his personal journey with tech addiction, what led him to make the app open source, the surprising features inspired by user feedback, and how Foqos has improved his real-life interactions and...

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In this episode of Moving Offline, I’m sharing the five main forces I've seen that keep people from truly embracing an offline life after seven years in the digital minimalism space. I talk about how unclear priorities, the temptation of convenience, boredom phobia, social pressure, and even full-blown dependency loops secretly tie us to our phones. I offer some practical advice to help you clarify your priorities, lean into inconvenience, face boredom, resist pressure to conform, and seek support if going offline feels truly overwhelming. Thanks for tuning in—reme...

In this episode of Moving Offline, I sit down with Thomas Barrasso, the developer behind PodLP, a podcast app made for dumbphones. We dive into why it’s tough to find your favorite apps on these minimalist devices, and Thomas shares what inspired him to build PodLP during the pandemic. We cover the challenges developers face, like small screens, keypad navigation, and platform fragmentation, and discuss why big companies aren’t rushing in.

Thomas gives some inside info on what it takes to make apps work on different dumbphone platforms, and why financial incentives are still limited. We a...

In this episode, I sit with Eric Bouchard, founder of Bouchard Industries. Eric talks about his vision for the Basic Phone, a new device designed to minimize distractions while maintaining core utilities. The conversation explores the reasons behind the project, the technical and market challenges, and how the Basic Phone will differ from both traditional smartphones and existing minimalist devices.

Links

Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bouchardindustries/the-basic-phone-a-dumbphone-without-disadvantage

Discord: https://discord.gg/HVpbcddsXJ

Video: https://youtu.be/XIGU01X_Eh8

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In this episode of Moving Offline, we explore three powerful mindsets to help you reclaim your time, attention, and peace of mind in 2026. If you’ve been feeling digitally fatigued, overwhelmed by constant notifications, or stuck in an “always on” rhythm, this reflection will give you a grounded and hopeful way forward.

Timestamps[00:00:26] — Introduction of three mindsets to reset your digital life

[00:02:11] — Mindset 1: Choose offline first

[00:04:27] — Mindset 2: Making offline memories

[00:06:28] — Mindset 3: Planning offline intentionally

[00:07:52] — Invitation to plan for Offline January

Episode Summary

In this episode, I unpack why most digital detoxes don’t work—and what’s helped me build a low-tech lifestyle that actually lasts. I share my own journey, from buying a Light Phone 2 in 2019 to falling back into old habits during the pandemic, and how the 1% method helped me shift from temporary detox to sustainable change. If you’ve ever felt stuck in screen time loops or discouraged by failed attempts to unplug, this one’s for you.

What I Talk About

The science behind screen addiction and why it’s not just a...

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Article Link: https://josebriones.substack.com/p/back-to-school-with-a-dumbphone

This school year, smartphones are being sidelined in classrooms, and I’m here for it. In this episode, I reflect on what this shift means for students, families, and our culture at large. I share personal stories, offer tips for modeling tech boundaries at home, and recommend devices that support intentional living. It’s a chance to rethink what it means to feel alive without a screen in hand...

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Welcome back to Moving Offline. Today I’m joined by Richard Simon—author of Unplug: How to Break Up With Your Phone and Reclaim Your Life. We’re diving into a challenge that so many of us quietly wrestle with: what would it really look like to turn off our devices and live offline?

Richard spent an entire year without a smartphone, and in this episode, he shares the surprising, sometimes uncomfortable, but ultimately life-giving lessons he lea...

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In this episode, I sit down with UK musician and filmmaker Tim Arnold to talk about his shift from smartphones to "dumb phones" and how technology influences creativity and human connection. We explore the evolution of music—from cassette tapes to streaming—and dive into his multimedia project Super Connected, which examines our screen-driven world.

Timestamps

00:00 Artists' Tech Tug-Of-War

03:59 Journey from DIY to Professional Recording

07:25 Creative Challenges in a Digital Era<...

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Listen in as we dive into the four mindset shifts—clarity, curiosity, choice, and contentment—that transform digital minimalism from a temporary fix into a lifelong approach to living intentionally.

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Welcome back to Moving Offline! In this episode, I sit down with Henry Fisher, privacy advocate and founder of Techlore, to explore the intersection of digital minimalism, privacy, and security.

Together, they break down the real reasons we should care about protecting our data. Henry shares his decade-long journey helping people reclaim their digital rights and digests complex privacy terms like end-to-end encryption into practical, everyday advice. Whether you’re curious about using dumb phones, or wa...

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In this episode of Moving Offline, I sit down with memory expert and champion Tansel Ali to unpack the secrets of keeping our minds sharp in a world flooded with technology. We explore how smartphones have changed our relationship with memory, practical strategies anyone can use to maintain mental clarity, and the importance of intentional technology use.

Tansel shares insights from the world of memory athletes, reveals why storytelling is key to remembering anything, and offers...

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In this episode, I sit down with Christopher Sciullo to talk about family digital wellness. As a father of four, Chris shares his experiences in balancing technology use in family life while ensuring physical and mental well-being. He offers practical strategies for parents to guide children towards healthy digital habits and to prioritize offline activities. We explore ways to achieve a tech-life balance that helps families thrive in today’s digital age while preserving meaningful offline memories. Hope yo...

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In today's episode of Moving Offline, we delve into the critical topic of why parents should delay giving smartphones to their children. I'm joined by guest expert Hannah Oertel , and together we explore the extensive evidence highlighting the potential harms of early smartphone and social media exposure, especially for children.

Hannah shares insights into the alarming impacts on physical health, such as spinal and eyesight problems, as well as mental health issues like increased anxiety and...

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Esta entrevista esta disponible en Español.

Welcome to Moving Offline! Today, we dive into the world of digital minimalism with the founders of The Balance Phone, Albert and Carlos. Discover how they're revolutionizing the mobile phone market by designing a device that focuses purely on essential functions while eliminating distractions like social media, streaming services, and more.

We'll explore who this phone is for, how it works, and the principles guiding their decisions o...

Two ways to support Moving Offline:

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This interview is available in English as well.

¡Bienvenidos a Moving Offline! Hoy nos sumergimos en el mundo del minimalismo digital con los fundadores de The Balance Phone, Albert y Carlos. Descubre cómo están revolucionando el mercado de los teléfonos móviles diseñando un dispositivo que se centra únicamente en funciones esenciales, eliminando distracciones como las redes sociales, los servicios de streaming y más.

Exploraremos para quién es este telé...

Two ways to support Moving Offline:

https://josebriones.substack.com/subscribe

https://buymeacoffee.com/jbriones95

Introduction

In this episode, I chat with Timothy Casey from Sunbeam Wireless, a company dedicated to creating distraction-free, yet productive, dumb phones. Timothy shares the philosophy behind Sunbeam, the importance of mindful tech use, and exciting developments on the horizon.

Listen in to learn how these simple devices can transform your daily habits and relationships. Don't forget to like, share, and rate us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Join us in moving offline!

Introduction

In this episode of Moving Offline, I had the pleasure of chatting with Ilya Kneppelhout, the founder of The Offline club. We dove into the significance of community in fostering human connections away from the lure of digital devices.

Ilya shared his journey in creating spaces where people unplug, reconnect with themselves, and engage in genuine interactions. From offline weekend retreats to cozy cafe hangouts, he detailed the experiences of participants and the broader philosophical motivations behind the offline movement. Join us as we explore how embracing offline moments can mend the social fabric...

Introduction

In this episode of Moving Offline, we have a fascinating conversation with Amber Case, a leading figure from the Calm Tech Institute. Amber dives into the concept of Calm Technology, reflecting on her unique tech-rich upbringing, the inspiration she drew from Star Trek, and her collegiate revelations about technology's impact on our attention.

She examines how modern gadgets disrupt natural interactions and provides valuable insights into designing unobtrusive technologies that enhance, rather than interfere with, human experiences. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on seamlessly integrating technology into our lives.

Timestamps

Introduction

Hello again everyone! In this episode, I'm thrilled to chat with Joel Butler from Before Labs. Ever wondered how a minimalist app can transform your daily routine? Joel shares the magic behind Before Launcher, a tool designed to strip away distractions and help you find peace in the chaos of modern life.

Timestamps

00:00 Text-based formats help reduce phone engagement.

03:47 Icons efficiently prompt user engagement on devices.

08:12 Optional notifications, prioritize important ones, simplify home screen.

10:55 Before Launcher reduces screen time via notifications.

16:51 Start with small...

Introduction

Welcome back to another episode of "Podcast Moving Offline"! Today, we are thrilled to have Arne Mathiasen from Dumbphone.dk join us. Arne has been making waves in the realm of intentional tech use, particularly focusing on the benefits of switching to dumb phones and guiding children away from digital distractions.

Arne shares his journey, starting from a personal switch to a feature phone, to now running experiments in schools where kids temporarily adopt dumb phones. He delves into the challenges and rewards of this shift, explaining how it fosters better sleep, improved social...

Description

In today’s episode of Moving Offline, Laura Malvoyante, a digital minimalist from France, shares how her diagnosis of ADOA (autumnal dominant optic atrophy) led her to reconsider her relationship with technology and adopt a digital minimalist lifestyle.

We discuss the challenges and triumphs she has faced, including quitting her job, rediscovering hobbies, and the emotional impact of her condition. Laura also offers valuable advice for those starting their own digital minimalism journey and emphasizes the importance of intentional technology use. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that highlights the necessity of living life pu...

Introduction

Welcome back to another episode of Moving Offline! Today, we have a fascinating discussion lined up with Eli Samuel, founder of KosherOS and Safe Telecom. Eli's journey began in rabbinical school, where he saw a need for technology that aligns with a simpler, more intentional lifestyle free from excessive tech dependency. KosherOS is a custom Android operating system designed to be secure, protected, and devoid of distractions like web browsing. Eli shares his personal story, the philosophy behind KosherOS, and how his company balances high-tech innovation with mindful usage. Tune in as we delve into how...

I am in the middle of developing a low tech course. It will be free of course! Check it out in the link below :)

Introduction

Welcome back to another episode of "Podcast Moving Offline." Today, we have a riveting conversation lined up with Dr. Anastasia Dedyukhina, a leading figure in digital well-being and the founder of Consciously Digital. Anastasia (https://www.anastasiadedyukhina.com), a former high-level digital marketer in London, profoundly transformed her life and career after experiencing firsthand the adverse effects of excessive technology use, including constant email checking and social media scrolling.

In this episode of the Moving Offline Podcast, I dive into the idea of "enough" and what it means for each of us. Social media constantly pressures us to want more—more wealth, more possessions, more success. But what if true fulfillment comes from defining what "enough" means for us individually?

Tune in and discover how you can define "enough" for yourself and live your best life, offline.

Resources:

Low Tech Life Book

I Will Teach You To Be Rich Book

Welcome back to Podcast Moving Offline! I'm your host, Jose Briones, and today we dive deep into my latest endeavor—a year-long project to find the perfect balance between online and offline living. Starting September 1st, I'm planning to spend half the year offline to reconnect with life's tangible joys. In this episode, I'll walk you through my strategy for achieving this balance, from planning a manageable off-grid timeline to organizing tasks and embracing fulfilling offline activities. Whether it's about spending weekends tech-free or incorporating daily offline rituals, this guide will help you design a more intentional and enriched li...

Welcome back to another episode of Moving Offline! Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of Slow Tech with our special guest, Adam Yasmin from the slow tech podcast. Slow Tech podcast is a unique initiative to explore our relationship with technology through a more thoughtful and mindful lens.

He brings a wealth of experience from his background in UX design, tea culture, and digital well-being. In this episode, we'll uncover what Slow Tech means, how Adam's journey led him to champion this concept, and what he's doing to create a community around it. Plus, we'll di...

Welcome back to another episode of "Moving Offline"! In today's episode, we sit down with Austin Boer and Brennan Jordan, the innovative minds behind the Sleke Phone. This groundbreaking device aims to strike the perfect balance between essential smartphone functionalities and the minimalist ethos of reducing distractions.

Austin and Brennan share their journey from meeting in college to living abroad, where they recognized the need for a device that allows users to stay connected without the constant interruptions typical of modern smartphones. They delve into the design principles of the Sleke Phone, highlighting its core features that...

Welcome back to another episode of “Moving Offline." Today, we dive deep into the world of digital minimalism with a special focus on combating our screen addiction, a challenge many face in our increasingly digital lives. Our guest, Max Gazeroglu, developer of Password Locker, joins us to discuss how his product can help many regain control over their device usage by creating substantial barriers to addictive apps and functions.

Max shares his journey from being overwhelmed by digital distractions to developing a system that effectively locks away access to time-wasting apps through a unique, friction-filled process. From th...

Welcome to a new episode of "Moving Offline," where we chat with fascinating guests about their journey towards a more intentional and offline lifestyle. Today, I'm excited to introduce Spencer Campbell, the man behind the channel "Spencer's Adventures." Spencer dives into his minimalist lifestyle, his reliance on dumb phones, and his overall pursuit of simplicity in the digital age.

Join us as we delve into Spencer's transformative experiences, from his strategies for balancing technology with real-life engagement to his insights on achieving financial independence and living with purpose. This episode is sure to spark inspiration and challenge...

I'm thrilled to share our latest episode titled "Scrolling Sanely,” where I had an incredible conversation with Carmella Guiol from SCROLL SANITY . Together, we delved deep into her journey of digital minimalism, parenting, and personal well-being.

In this enlightening discussion, Carmella provided some profound insights into the importance of cutting back on digital clutter, especially in the context of children's neurological development. We explored why hands-on activities hold immense value in today's screen-dominated society and how they contribute to holistic growth.

One of the highlights was Carmella's personal journey, transitioning from traditional smartphones to embracing th...

Welcome to Moving Offline, the podcast where we explore intentional disconnection from the digital world and embrace real-life experiences. In today's episode, we delve into the reasons why I choose not to drink alcohol, and how this decision parallels with my choice to live a low-tech lifestyle. Using alcohol as a proxy for the real topic, I hope to draw compelling comparisons between the cost, escapism, and addictive nature of alcohol with that of smartphones. Join me as we uncover thought-provoking insights and examine the societal implications of excessive alcohol consumption and smartphone usage. It's a deep dive into...

Description

In this episode, Owen delves into how he's been conquering the voids once filled with the glare of a screen by shedding light on his experiences over the past two years with the Light Phone 2—a device designed to downgrade our digital consumption. He reflects on the surprisingly minimal impact that stepping back from social media has had on his career and personal life, going as far as to eliminate platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter from his routine.

As a former marketing manager, Owen shares the unexpected encouragement he received from peers and th...

Description

In this episode of Moving Offline, I delve into the story of Andrew Feinstein, a YouTuber and content creator who took on the challenge of living without a phone for 30 days. I sit down with Andrew as he shares the emotional rollercoaster of his offline journey. From navigating international travel to facing unexpected emotional challenges, Andrew takes us through his highs and lows of disconnecting from the digital world. Join us as we explore the profound impact of this experience on my relationships, work, and personal growth. Plus, stay tuned for valuable insights as Andrew reveals...

In this episode of Moving Offline, I take you on a fascinating journey into the world of creating a "dumbphone" with Ari Greenfeld, the mastermind behind the Mindful Phone. Ari shares his unique experience growing up in the Orthodox Jewish community and how it inspired him to develop a phone tailored to a specific niche. From manufacturing MP3 players to customizing basic phones, Ari provides insights into the intricate process of design, development, and overcoming challenges. Discover the profound impact of minimalistic technology on his personal life and the increasing demand for devices that prioritize mindfulness and reduce distractions...

Join me in this episode as I take you on a journey into the world of automation and its profound impact on our lives. I'll be sharing my personal experiences and insights, drawing intriguing parallels between automating financial well-being and automating our digital behaviors.

Explore the power of automated financial management with me as I discuss strategies for allocating income wisely, breaking free from debt, and building a secure financial future. Discover how automation can lead to financial freedom and peace of mind.

But the conversation doesn't stop there. I'll also delve into the digital...

Description

Welcome to another episode of Moving Offline, where we delve into the exciting world of digital disconnection and the perks of using non-smartphones. I'm Jose Briones, your host, and today I'm joined by Will from Dumbwireless. Will is here to share his personal story and insights from running a company that's all about helping people disconnect by offering non-smartphones.

Will opens up about what motivated him to start Dumbwireless. He saw a gap in the market for a comprehensive service aimed at those wanting to break free from their reliance on smartphones. His own...

Introduction

In today's fast-paced digital world, it's easy to get caught up in the constant stream of notifications and distractions that our smartphones and devices bring. However, finding a balance between the online and offline worlds is crucial for our overall well-being. In this article, we'll explore a simple yet effective methodology I’ve found helpful over the years that can help you achieve more offline moments in your life. This approach involves three fundamental steps, along with a bonus tip, to disconnect and reconnect with the world around you

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Step 1: List Your Es...

Description

In today's episode of Moving Offline, I do a short reflection on the beauty of deceleration. As the world continues to speed up around us, there's a counter-movement gaining momentum: the shift towards slower technologies. Can choosing simplicity over sophistication truly elevate our daily experience?

Links and Resources:

Share your story via audio: https://www.speakpipe.com/dumbphones

Ask your questions: https://formaloo.net/un49c

Podcast Scheduling: https://koalendar.com/e/meet-with-jose-briones

My book: Low Tech Life eBook

Find your device Dumbphone Finder.<...

Description

Share your story via audio: https://www.speakpipe.com/dumbphones

Ask your questions: https://formaloo.net/un49c

Podcast Scheduling: https://koalendar.com/e/meet-with-jose-briones

Transcript

Happy Monday everyone. Hope that you're having an amazing day. This is going to be a very short podcast. I am now accepting new guests for the Moving Offline podcast. I want to make sure to display a lot of positive and great stories from people and I want to have the ability to do that. And because of that, I have...