The Starting Gate Ep 63: Scrolling, Numbing, and Losing Focus: How to Take Back Control from Screens with Dr. Mary Donohue
If you’ve ever picked up your phone without knowing why—or felt more drained after “relaxing” with a screen—this episode is for you.
We live in a world of constant pings, scrolling, and screens—but what is that doing to our brains, our emotions, and our sense of control? In this episode of The Starting Gate, we’re joined by digital wellness specialist Dr. Mary Donohue to explore how nonstop screen exposure is reshaping the way we think, feel, and cope.
We talk about how digital overload dulls creativity, trains us to numb uncomfortable emotions, and pulls us away from the present moment. Dr. Donohue shares why even brief “micro breaks” can make a meaningful difference, how to build healthy guardrails around things like social media, gaming, and online gambling, and why awareness—not perfection—is the key to digital wellness.
If you’ve been feeling overstimulated, unfocused, or uneasy about your family’s screen habits, this episode will help you rethink your relationship with technology—without guilt or extremes.
Find Dr. Mary Donohue:
email: maryedonohue@gmail.com
Find out more about the Digital Wellness Center
thestartinggatepodcast.com
Email us with questions and topics you want us to cover at
contact@thestartinggatepodcast.com
Follow us on social media @thestartinggatepodcast
The content in this podcast is for general reference and educational purposes only. It is not meant to be complete or exhaustive, or to be applicable to any
specific individual’s medical condition. No information provided in this podcast constitutes medical advice and is not an attempt to practice medicine or to provide specific medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This podcast does not create a physician- patient relationship and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please do not rely on this podcast for emergency medical treatment. Remember that everyone is different so make sure you consult your own healthcare professional before seeking any new treatment and before you alter, suspend, or initiate a new change in your routine.