Ep22 | Going Analogue: Slowing Down, Unplugging & Finding Meaning Through Food, Music & Memory

A nostalgic, story-driven episode about slowing down, unplugging, and reconnecting through food, music, and real-life moments. There's a quiet shift happening—and you can feel it. People are stepping away from the noise, putting their phones down, and choosing something slower, more intentional, and more real. Film cameras. Vinyl records. Long dinners. Road trips. Conversations that don't get interrupted. In this episode of Groovy Eats, Kristen Hess explores the rise of “going analogue” and why so many of us are craving a return to presence, connection, and meaningful, real-life experiences. Through personal stories, nostalgic memories, and the inspiration behind her Groovy Eats series, Kristen shares how food and music became her way of holding onto what matters most—family, friendship, and the simple moments that stay with us long after they pass. This episode also weaves in stories and callbacks from: • 1972 – ⁠A soulful Valentine's dinner inspired by Al Green⁠ • 1975 – ⁠The laid-back California sound of Eagles⁠ • 1978 – ⁠A nostalgic look back at childhood, road trips, and “Baby Come Back” by Player⁠ If you've been feeling the pull to slow down, unplug, and reconnect with what truly matters—this episode is your invitation to do exactly that. ✨ Put on a favorite song Cook something simple Gather with people you love And remember what it feels like to be fully present. Key Takeaways The power of nostalgia resets our relationship with time: Nostalgia isn't about escaping the present; it's a mental compass that reconnects us with what truly matters—simple, sensory experiences rooted in past moments. Believing this shifts your focus: you start prioritizing meaningful experiences over chasing the next digital update. It's a call to action—use past memories to ground your present priorities. Imagine intentionally recreating a childhood dinner or playlist, not just for emotion, but to rewire your sense of time and presence. Approach nostalgia as a tool to realign your values and deepen your engagement with life. The idea: Nostalgia isn't about escaping the present; it's a mental compass that reconnects us with what truly matters—simple, sensory experiences rooted in past moments. Why it matters: Believing this shifts your focus: you start prioritizing meaningful experiences over chasing the next digital update. It's a call to action—use past memories to ground your present priorities. In practice: Imagine intentionally recreating a childhood dinner or playlist, not just for emotion, but to rewire your sense of time and presence. Approach nostalgia as a tool to realign your values and deepen your engagement with life. Sound Bites "Moving back to New York soon" "Create memories over metrics" "Disco Night Bites coming soon" Timestamps 00:00 The Shift Towards Analog Living 01:54 Nostalgia as a Compass 03:21 Groovy Eats: A Culinary Time Machine 06:07 The Power of Food and Music 08:24 Storytelling Through Cooking 11:07 Unplugging from the Digital World 13:28 The Future of Groovy Eats 16:02 Balancing Digital and Real Life 18:24 Reclaiming Presence and Memory 20:39 Closing Thoughts on Connection Tell me in the comments below ---> What's one small way you've been slowing down or unplugging lately? Links + Callouts Read the companion essay on Substack and Blog ⁠Watch Groovy Eats on YouTube⁠ ⁠ Listen to past episodes of the podcast⁠ ⁠ Read past Groovy Eats stories + get the recipes ⁠ ⁠ Subscribe to Groovy Eats on Substack⁠ ✨ Coming next: Groovy Eats Ep4 | Donna Summer + “Last Dance” | Disco Nights & Late Night Bites - drops in May so stay tuned! #SlowLiving #GoingAnalog #Nostalgia #FoodAndMusic #GroovyEats #ArtfulGourmet #RetroLifestyle #Unplug #MindfulLiving #FoodPodcast #StorytellingPodcast #VintageVibes #70sMusic #FoodMemories #IntentionalLiving