Teaching Digital Wellbeing at Stanford

The conversation delves into the themes of loneliness among students, the role of technology in fostering connections, and Caitlin's consultancy, MindWise, which aims to bridge technology and mindfulness. Throughout the discussion, Caitlin emphasizes the need for intentionality and creativity in our relationship with technology, encouraging students to embrace their curiosity and agency. In this engaging conversation, Ashley Coffey and Caitlin Krause explore the importance of diverse perspectives, the challenges of digital identity, and the need for intentionality in a noisy world. They discuss the dichotomy of public and private selves, the optimization of well-being in high-stress environments, and the mindful integration of technology. Caitlin shares her vision for MindWise, emphasizing the empowerment of meaningful human connection and the importance of following one's passions. The conversation highlights the role of technology in fostering authentic relationships and the beauty of embracing vulnerability and creativity.

Caitlin Krause is an experience designer, global speaker, and author who focuses on the intersection of wellbeing, technology, innovation, and imagination. She founded the interactive studio MindWise in 2015, and teaches about digital wellbeing, AI and XR at Stanford University. Author of Designing Wonder: Leading Transformative Experiences in XR, Mindful by Design, and Digital Satori, Krause has advised global organizations including TED, Google, The U.S. Air Force, Meta, Oracle, Evernote, University of San Francisco, ETH Zürich, and the U.S. State Department. She presented about emotional intelligence, storysharing, and awe-inspired spatial computing at the main TED conference in Vancouver. Her drive is to help individuals and teams navigate complexity and change in the future of thriving, prioritizing wellbeing, collaboration, and creativity. She holds a BA from Duke University and an MFA from Lesley University with a focus on poetry. Her book, Digital Wellbeing (Wiley Press) celebrated its release on September 24, 2024. Find out more at caitlinkrause.com/digitalwellbeing

Follow Caitlin Krause on Social:

LinkedIn  |  Twitter  | Instagram  |  YouTube  |  Website  

Amazon Author page for Digital Wellbeing (release date Sept 24, 2024): 

https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Wellbeing-Empowering-Connection-Imagination/dp/1394281781/r

Amazon author page for poetry book Digital Satori: https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Satori-Caitlin-Krause/dp/B0BZF2696H

Amazon author page for Mindful by Design:

https://www.amazon.com/Mindful-Design-Cultivating-Experiences-Essentials-ebook/dp/B07MVHLQ92/

Book page for Designing Wonder:

https://caitlinkrause.gumroad.com/l/IxbVJ

Episode Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Digital Wellbeing and Caitlin Krause

03:02 Caitlin's Journey and Background

05:54 Embodied Curiosity and Creative Practices

09:02 Teaching Digital Wellbeing at Stanford

11:59 Creating Safe Spaces in Technology

14:57 Student Experiences and Themes in Class

18:03 The Role of Technology in Loneliness

20:58 MindWise: Bridging Technology and Mindfulness

24:04 Long-term Impact of Teaching and Learning

38:22 The Joy of Diverse Perspectives

39:12 Navigating Digital Identity and Pressure

40:53 The Dichotomy of Public and Private Self

42:47 Intentionality in a Noisy World

45:51 Optimizing Well-Being in High-Stress Environments

48:14 Integrating Technology Mindfully

51:56 Following Passions and Designing Life

57:02 Vision for MindWise and Future Integration

01:01:56 The Role of Technology in Human Connection

01:07:34 Embracing Vulnerability and Authenticity

EPISODE CREDITS:

Produced and edited by Ashley Coffey. Cover art designed by Ashley Coffey.

Headshot by Brandlink Media

Introduction music composed and produced by Ashley Coffey

LINKS

Follow Coffey & Code on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin, and YouTube for the latest emerging tech updates! Subscribe to the Coffey & Code Podcast wherever you get your podcasts to be notified when new episodes go live.

© 2025 Coffey & Code Podcast. All rights reserved. The content of this podcast, including but not limited to text, graphics, audio, and images, is the property of Ashley Coffey and may not be reproduced, redistributed, or used in any manner without the express written consent of the owner.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.