Lead From the Heart Richard Simon: Why It’s Probably Time You Unplugged
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Aug 1, 2025 
In this insightful discussion, journalist Richard Simon, author of Unplugged, shares his eye-opening experiences after a year-long phone detox. He reveals the staggering impact smartphones have, consuming 75 days a year from our lives. Simon highlights the detrimental effects on relationships and productivity, urging listeners to set boundaries on device use. Through personal anecdotes and stories from figures like MLB star Nick Castellanos, he emphasizes that unplugging isn't about disconnecting—it's about reconnecting with what truly matters.
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Smartphones Drain Time and Focus
- Americans spend over 75 days a year glued to their smartphones, harming focus, relationships, and mental health.
- This obsession reduces meaningful interpersonal connections and productivity at work.
Nick Castellanos' Flip Phone Detox
- Baseball player Nick Castellanos switched to a flip phone for a full season and had a career-best year.
- His only inconvenience was being unable to order Uber Eats late at night while on the road.
Phone Presence Divides Attention
- Even when phones are face down or in a bag, people’s minds remain distracted, reducing true presence.
- The mere presence of a phone divides attention and harms focus even without active use.
Ever wonder what 75 days a year glued to your phone is costing you? 
This conversation explores how to limit the harm our constant device use causes, and reclaim control. As a starting point, our smartphone obsession takes up 75 of our days a year and erodes our focus, relationships, and mental health. Ever been to a restaurant and seen couples staring at their phones instead of lost in conversation? Or in a critical meeting where attendees’ heads are buried in their screens, not the business at hand? Simon’s year-long phone detox, alongside stories from figures like Major League baseball star Nick Castellanos shows unplugging isn’t about disconnection—it’s about reconnecting with what matters.