PPP 484 | Coping with Digital Overwhelm Without Logging Off, with author Craig Mattson

Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Dr. Craig Mattson, professor of communication and author of Digital Overwhelm: A Mid-Career Guide to Coping at Work. Rather than encouraging digital detoxing or escaping technology, Craig offers a refreshing way to understand and navigate the pressures of modern work. He introduces the idea of digiwhelm, explains why so much of our stress comes from the communication modes we inhabit, and shows how leaders can respond with intention rather than overload. You will hear Craig describe why email can be more than information transfer, how mode switching differs from context switching, and why one-way communication sometimes matters more than dialogue. Craig also shares why signals like silence, gestures, and tone often communicate more than words. Before closing, he draws connections to life at home, offering ideas for families that feel overwhelmed by devices and demands. If you are looking for practical insights to reduce digital overwhelm, improve communication, and lead with greater clarity and calm, this episode is for you! Sound Bites "Instead of digital minimalism, I recommend something like digital flexibility." "Humans are essentially users and switchers of modes." "What is going to be the defining overwhelm of my life?" "You are always overwhelmed by something." "Flexibility is the wisdom that my book is urging." "Your words do things." "Think about the voice of the email." "A mode is an approach, it is a posture, it is a way of relating." "Is there a way in which this is actually good for me and actually good for other people?" Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:33 Start of Interview 01:42 Early Life and Influences 02:57 Growing Up with Technology 04:11 What is Digiwhelm? 06:26 How Does It Compare to Overload? 08:35 The Impact of a David Ford Quote 10:34 Understanding Mode Switching 16:20 A Day in Communication Modes 22:04 Email as Conversation 24:29 Writing Email Like You Talk 27:24 Dissemination in Practice 32:00 Signals Leaders Should Notice 39:00 Coping with Digiwhelm at Home 43:04 End of Interview 43:44 Andy Comments After the Interview 48:14 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Craig and his work at DigitalOverwhelm.com. For more learning on this topic, check out: Episode 144 with Cal Newport. Craig references Cal's book Deep Work in Digital Overwhelm, making this a great companion conversation. Episode 269 with Nir Eyal, about his book Indistractable. Nir shares insights about shaping your day to be less distracted. Episode 377 with Cassie Holmes, about her book Happier Hour. It is not only about managing your time but focusing on what really matters. Level Up Your AI Skills Join other listeners from around the world who are taking our AI Made Simple course to prepare for an AI infused future. Just go to ai.PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com. Thanks! Pass the PMP Exam If you or someone you know is thinking about getting PMP certified, we have a helpful guide called The 5 Best Resources to Help You Pass the PMP Exam on Your First Try. It is free and a great way to get a head start. Just go to 5BestResources.PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com to grab your copy. I would love to help you get your PMP this year! Join Us for LEAD52 I know you want to be a more confident leader. That is why you listen to this podcast. LEAD52 is a global community of people like you who are committed to transforming their ability to lead and deliver. It is 52 weeks of leadership learning, delivered right to your inbox, taking less than 5 minutes a week. And it is all for free. Learn more and sign up at GetLEAD52.com. Thanks! Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Power Skills Topics: Digital Overwhelm, Leadership, Communication, Project Management, Email Effectiveness, Team Culture, Listening Skills, Collaboration, Productivity, Decision Making, Stakeholder Engagement, Psychological Safety The following music was used for this episode: Music: Echo by Alexander Nakarada License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Energetic Drive Indie Rock by WinnieTheMoog License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license