Still Human Series, Part 1: “Always On” — Why Our Brains Feel Fried

This episode kicks off a special Still Human series on Through the Mental Lens. In Part 1: Always On — Why Our Brains Feel Fried, Chris shares a personal story of smart devices slowly taking over his home, and his attention. From there, we explore the evolutionary mismatch between our Stone Age brains and today’s nonstop digital demands.You’ll learn:Why constant alerts trigger stress even when they seem harmlessHow “switching costs” drain our focus and energyWhy feeling scattered isn’t a personal flaw—it’s overloadA simple reflection exercise to sort real alerts from digital noiseIf your brain feels fried, you’re not broken. You’re just carrying more than it was designed to. This episode helps you start reclaiming clarity in an always-on world.Want more on this? Check out my blog post Finding Clarity In A Digital World: How To Stay Human And Sane In The Age Of AI. Support the showLooking for more insights? Check out my book, Still Human: Staying Sane, Productive, and Fully You in the Age of AI If you are looking for more information on mental health support, check out our Mental Health Resources page.Dive deeper and subscribe to the newsletter at The Mental Lens. Short essays and practical frameworks on mental health, boundaries, and decision-making at work. Built for humans navigating complexity, not hustling harder. Includes early access to tools, essays, and select subscriber-only resources.Follow and subscribe on Apple podcasts, Spotify, or whever you get your podcasts!⚠️ Disclaimer:This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a licensed professional if you need support.