Social Media Sobriety | Revamped

Short-form content is changing your brain—and your attention span.In this episode, I’m joined by former co-host Charles Lachman to break down how TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts are reshaping the way we think, focus, and consume content.Why does scrolling feel addictive?Why is it harder to watch long-form videos?And why does social media feel worse… but keep us hooked?This episode also challenges you directly:Can you actually watch this full podcast without checking your phone?🎙️ What we cover:Short-form content addiction (TikTok, Reels, Shorts)Dopamine, attention span, and focusHow algorithms keep you scrollingWhy social media feels worse over timeHow to take back control of your attention👍 If you enjoy the episode, like & subscribe#shortformcontent #attentionspan #dopamine #podcast #selfimprovement Follow Social Media Sobriety!Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SocialMediaSobrietyPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialmediasobrietypodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@smsobrietypodcast?lang=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-bermundo-6b3690226/A Bored man is a Dangerous Man: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0RE0ppnHW4Ao7wuUh0uxNh?si=pWfx-iKwSE24poDc0U9lPw

In this episode, we break down one of the internet’s most viral and controversial moments—and ask the questions no one else is asking.Was it legal?Was it ethical?And more importantly… should it have ever been shared?We dive into the reality of recording someone in a moment like this, whether a space like that is truly private, and where the law actually draws the line. But beyond legality, we explore the bigger issue—how social media platforms push content like this, turning real people into viral stories overnight.At what point does accountability turn into public punishment?And should one moment be enough to ruin someone’s life?This episode isn’t just about what happened… it’s about what it says about all of us—and what we can do to prevent it from happening again.Follow Social Media Sobriety!Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SocialMediaSobrietyPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialmediasobrietypodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@smsobrietypodcast?lang=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-bermundo-6b3690226/

What if the most powerful connections aren’t happening online?In this episode, I sit down with Maddie Meyer, the founder of Leftovers With Love — a student-driven initiative turning unused dining dollars into real donations that make a difference.We talk about how her idea started, how she used social media to spread the word… and why the real growth didn’t come from likes or views — it came from face-to-face connection.This conversation dives into:The story behind Leftovers With LoveHow students can turn small ideas into real impactThe role social media actually plays in building something meaningfulWhy real, human connection still matters more than everIf you’ve ever felt like social media isn’t enough… this episode is for you.Follow & support Leftovers With Love:https://www.instagram.com/leftoverswithloveku?igsh=MXJkNmtpazNhYWN2ZQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qrDonations will be in the KU Alumni Center!Contact Maddie Meyer! [email protected](913) 927- 5728Follow Social Media Sobriety!Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SocialMediaSobrietyPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialmediasobrietypodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@smsobrietypodcast?lang=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-bermundo-6b3690226/

What happens when you completely remove social media from your life?In this live episode, I’m breaking down why deleting social media was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made — from mental clarity and focus to relationships, productivity, and overall happiness.We’ll talk about:The hidden impact social media was having on my lifeWhat changed almost immediately after quittingThe hardest part about deleting itWhether I’ll ever go backIf you’ve ever thought about taking a break — or quitting entirely — this conversation is for you.Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SocialMediaSobrietyPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialmediasobrietypodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@smsobrietypodcast?lang=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-bermundo-6b3690226/

What happens when attention becomes the goal at all costs?Social media doesn’t just reflect reality—it shapes it.I sat down with David Harris to discuss how online platforms can amplify harmful ideas, reward outrage, and push extreme content to the forefront.We break down why this happens, how it affects different communities, and what users can do to be more intentional with what they consume and share.David Harris's book:https://a.co/d/07HY2I7bYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@SocialMediaSobrietyPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialmediasobrietypodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@smsobrietypodcast?lang=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-bermundo-6b3690226/

What happened to youth sports?In this episode, I break down how the culture around sports has shifted—from development and enjoyment to pressure, anxiety, and performance.Kids today aren’t just playing to get better…they’re often playing not to mess up.We talk about:The rise of anxiety in young athletesThe pressure to win at all costsHow social media and filming are changing the experienceThe role parents and coaches play in shaping the environmentLet's save youth sports together!!Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SocialMediaSobrietyPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialmediasobrietypodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@smsobrietypodcast?lang=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-bermundo-6b3690226/

Is social media helping you… or quietly hurting your mental health?In this episode, we break down how scrolling can drain your focus, increase comparison, and leave you feeling stuck — even when it feels productive.But it’s not all bad.We also talk about how to turn social media into a tool for motivation, take back your time, and actually start building toward your goals.If you’ve ever felt inspired one minute… and drained the next… this is for you.🎙️ New episodes weekly📲 Follow for more on mental health motivation and better social media use.YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SocialMediaSobrietyPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialmediasobrietypodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@smsobrietypodcast?lang=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-bermundo-6b3690226/

In this episode of Social Media Sobriety, I sit down with Dr. Becky Achen to break down the psychology and marketing strategies behind social media platforms.Why is it so hard to stop scrolling?Why does the algorithm show us content that makes us emotional or angry?And where is the line between marketing and manipulation?This conversation explores how platforms compete for our attention, how algorithms shape what we see, and what everyday users can do to avoid being manipulated online.Topics we cover:• Why social media feels addictive• The psychology behind endless scrolling• Marketing tactics most users don’t realize• Authentic vs strategic content online• One piece of advice for healthier social media habitsTHE PROF TALK PODCAST ⁨@TheEngagedProfessor⁩  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccaachen/SOCIAL MEDIA SOBRIETYYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@SocialMediaSobrietyPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialmediasobrietypodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@smsobrietypodcast?lang=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-bermundo-6b3690226/

What happens when you make history… and the internet finds you overnight?Sam Salz became the first Orthodox Jewish Division I football player — and after one social media post, his story was everywhere. In this episode of Social Media Sobriety, Sam opens up about what it’s really like to go viral overnight. We talk about the pressure of representing something bigger than yourself, dealing with hate online, staying grounded in faith, and navigating social media when the spotlight is suddenly on you.This isn’t just a sports story.It’s a story about identity. Discipline. Faith. And what happens after the headlines fade.If you’ve ever wondered what viral attention actually feels like or want to hear an incredible story of hard work — this one’s for you.

In this episode of Social Media Sobriety, we explore what happens when two completely different relationships with social media collide.Charles Lachman (old co-host of the podcast) never wavered — he deleted it and never looked back.Lauren Richey once hated social media… and now can’t imagine life without it.We talk about:LinkedIn and professional networkingStaying connected with friends after collegeWhether social media is a tool — or a trapThe pressure to “stay relevant”And how your relationship with social media can evolve over timeIf you’ve ever questioned whether you should delete your accounts, optimize them, or rethink how you use them — this conversation is for you.🎙 Social Media Sobriety is about helping you scroll smarter, not suffer harder.

In this episode of Social Media Sobriety, my guest, Trevor Butler, opens up about experiencing college burnout, the pressure to constantly push through, and why he quickly left school when he got the chance. We break down how burnout doesn’t always look like failure — sometimes it looks like functioning while completely exhausted.We also explore how social media fuels burnout, from constant comparison to productivity culture and endless scrolling. When everyone online seems to be thriving, it can make stress, anxiety, and self-doubt feel unavoidable.If you’re feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or questioning your path, this episode is a reminder that slowing down isn’t quitting — it’s listening.New Episodes Every Sunday!#ScrollingThroughBurnout #CollegeBurnout #Burnout #MentalHealth #SocialMediaSobriety #DigitalBurnout #shabbat

What is it like when social media isn’t just entertainment… but your job?In Episode 2 of Social Media Sobriety, I sit down with Katie Acosta, the social media manager for the University of Kansas baseball team to talk about what really goes on behind the posts you scroll past every day.We get into:⚾ What her day-to-day life looks like running social for a college athletics program📱 How she separates her personal and professional social media use⏰ The importance of setting boundaries when your job lives on your phone👩‍💼 How social media is helping create new opportunities for women in sports🧠 Why you don’t have to see everything the second it happensThis conversation is for anyone working in social media, sports, content creation, or anyone trying to use their phone more intentionally.🎙️ Social Media Sobriety explores how we can build healthier relationships with our phones and social platforms.Subscribe for weekly conversations about social media, careers, and digital balance.#SocialMediaSobriety #SportsMedia #WomenInSports #WorkLifeBalance #contentcreation #smspodcast

Welcome to the new chapter of the SMS Podcast.In this episode, I share a recap of the past year of my life and why this podcast is coming back with a different perspective. I talk about returning to social media — but with purpose. I redownloaded Instagram for professional reasons while serving as the KU Baseball announcer last season, and I used X as a tool to get information faster and stay connected to what mattered.In this episode we cover:• What led to the podcast revamp• How my relationship with social media changed this year• Using platforms intentionally vs. mindlesslyThat experience changed how I see phones and social media. This podcast is no longer about telling people to delete everything — it’s about learning how to use these tools without letting them use you.The mission of the SMS Podcast is simple: scroll smarter, not suffer harder.Your phone isn’t the enemy — unhealthy habits are.If you’ve ever felt distracted, drained, or stuck in the scroll cycle, this show is for you.Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SocialMediaSobrietyPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialmediasobrietypodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@smsobrietypodcast?lang=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-bermundo-6b3690226/

“This episode features my former cohost; new episodes will be solo with a different format.”We're back -- finally! In this episode, Charles and Tyler discuss their previous semesters, including the delay in episode production, overcoming challenges, and what to do when you find yourself in a slump.

“This episode features my former cohost; new episodes will be solo with a different format.”No phone, no social media, 100% presence. How does that change a person? In today's episode, returning guest Julianna Brandberg talks about her experience working at a summer camp where she had no phone, and the impact it had on her.

“This episode features my former cohost; new episodes will be solo with a different format.”What happens when you don't want to have social media, but it helps you with your job? In today's episode, we have on Ryan Diamond, a sophomore who works for a newspaper and has his own sports podcast, to discuss how he has transformed his social media presence into something extremely beneficial to him.

“This episode features my former cohost; new episodes will be solo with a different format.”Eight months ago, our first episode on this topic covered how social media platforms have had significant impacts on the world's views of the conflict. Today, we return to our focus of how social media has changed perspectives across the world, while also covering the effects of everything that are right in front of us on our college campus.

“This episode features my former cohost; new episodes will be solo with a different format.”The Greek-life version of Social Media Sobriety has arrived. In today's episode, we talk with two women, Aly Weinberg and Layla Kline, about their involvement in Greek life.

“This episode features my former cohost; new episodes will be solo with a different format.”Has social media ruined youth sports, or, have children always felt immense pressure, the desire to win, and the need to compare themselves to others?

“This episode features my former cohost; new episodes will be solo with a different format.”Welcome back to the Social Media Sobriety podcast! In today's episode, Tyler and Charles break down their summers without social media.

“This episode features my former cohost; new episodes will be solo with a different format.”It's finals season, better put away those distractions. In today's episode, we talk with Lolly Hindman, a freshman at KU, about how to lock in and gain maximum focus for academics.

“This episode features my former cohost; new episodes will be solo with a different format.”Education. Music. Childhood. Sports. Identity. The LGBTQ+ community has had a profound impact on people who identify in the community, and everyone else in today's society. Today, we have on Taylor O'Brien and returning guest Keira Cohen to discuss these impacts as well as what our future will look like.

“This episode features my former cohost; new episodes will be solo with a different format.”Two weeks: no phone, no music, no media, no worries. Is it possible in this day and age? In today's episode, we talk with Mateo Lepice, a highschool student in Frisco, Texas, about what exactly the dopamine detox is.

“This episode features my former cohost; new episodes will be solo with a different format.”In today's episode, we discuss the effects of VR, AR, and the Metaverse, specifically the Apple Vision Pro. What will the world look like in the near future?

“This episode features my former cohost; new episodes will be solo with a different format.”Social media leads to overthinking. Today, we talk with Julianna Brandberg about drawing false assumptions and how we're all guilty of it.

“This episode features my former cohost; new episodes will be solo with a different format.”Dating through a screen. Online dating has multiple purposes, and as a society, we don't always use it correctly. Today, we talk with Shayna Weinstein and Lexi Martin about their experiences using online dating platforms, and their thoughts on its impact on society.

“This episode features my former cohost; new episodes will be solo with a different format.”Who are Tyler and Charles? This episode is just a quick Q and A with the hosts!

“This episode features my former cohost; new episodes will be solo with a different format.”Religious hate, modesty, self-growth, relationships. Rabbi Lev Voskoboynik and sophomore Eli Thomas both deleted social media and became closer to themselves and G-d. Today, we talk with them about how deleting social media can impact someone's religious and social life.

“This episode features my former cohost; new episodes will be solo with a different format.”Who do we post for? In this episode, we talk with Brenna Gross, a freshman at KU, about her experiences on trips and how her screen time influences her daily life and surroundings.

“This episode features my former cohost; new episodes will be solo with a different format.”Social media has impacted our generation a ton, but the next generation is in for even more of a treat. In today's episode, we talk with Alexis Greenberg, a senior at KU, about scams, phishing, relationships, and conformity.

“This episode features my former cohost; new episodes will be solo with a different format.”Stalking is now easier than ever. Thank you, Social Media. In today's episode we detail why stalking affects and alters relationships and personal life.

“This episode features my former cohost; new episodes will be solo with a different format.”Mark Zuckerberg is accused of having "blood on his hands" for his creation of FaceBook. Is he the problem, or are we the problem?

“This episode features my former cohost; new episodes will be solo with a different format.”All the way from Hoboken, New Jersey, junior Eli Somers joins us in talking about how he has managed his social media addictions, as well as the impact it has had on all our lives.

“This episode features my former cohost; new episodes will be solo with a different format.”What have social media platforms done to alter perspectives on the conflict in the middle east?

“This episode features my former cohost; new episodes will be solo with a different format.”Dating apps, OnlyFans; today, our society has become more sexualized than ever. How has social media played a role in that?

“This episode features my former cohost; new episodes will be solo with a different format.”Today, we talk with Keira Cohen, a sophomore at the university, about the impact that social media has had on the LGBTQ community, as well as her personal experiences.

“This episode features my former cohost; new episodes will be solo with a different format.”Today, we talk with Megan Murtaugh, a foreign exchange student from Germany, about the differences between her experiences living in the United States and Germany.

“This episode features my former cohost; new episodes will be solo with a different format.”Today, we talk with Tyler Durbin from the KU club baseball team about his most used social media platform, discord, with a focus on cyberbullying.

“This episode features my former cohost; new episodes will be solo with a different format.”Today, we talk with one of Tyler's best friends, Matthew Kraus from Cincinnati, on the topic of how social media affects self confidence, including a focus on body positivity.

“This episode features my former cohost; new episodes will be solo with a different format.”We bring in a guest speaker, Eli, a freshman at KU, to discuss the booming culture of sports and the role that social media has on it.

“This episode features my former cohost; new episodes will be solo with a different format.”

“This episode features my former cohost; new episodes will be solo with a different format.”How does life compare with and without social media? What effects does having or not having social media have on specific life phases? Our special guest, Leah, a recent graduate of KU, talks about her experiences with social media and the effects it had on her.

“This episode features my former cohost; new episodes will be solo with a different format.”In this episode, we discuss the differences between offline versus online relationships, and how being on your phone to communicate with others can have differing impacts on connections.

“This episode features my former cohost; new episodes will be solo with a different format.”As polarizing misinformation continues to be posted and built up, we discuss how the content being shared has created a 'social divide,' and how it has pushed and continues to push people further and further away from each other.

“This episode features my former cohost; new episodes will be solo with a different format.”In this episode, Tyler Bermundo and Charles Lachman talk about why the deleted social media.