EP183 - Unplugging to Connect: How a Digital Detox Can Transform Your Life with Carlos Whittaker
In this episode of Impact Driven Leader, Tyler Dickerhoof sits down with Carlos Whittaker — author, podcaster, and global speaker — to discuss breaking free from screen addiction and reclaiming our humanity. Carlos shares insights from his latest book, Reconnected: How Seven Screen-Free Weeks with Monks and Amish Farmers in Ohio Helped Me Recover the Lost Art of Being Human.
They explore how slowing down, single-tasking, and embracing life beyond the screen can lead to greater freedom and connection. Carlos opens up about the powerful moment his daughter saw "the purest version" of him during his seven-week digital detox. He also reveals how reducing his screen time drastically improved his brain health and cognitive memory.
If you’ve ever felt stuck chasing "more" or struggled with screen habits, this episode offers practical steps to slow down, wander with purpose, and lead with clarity.
For more about Carlos, his book, and the upcoming documentary, visit ReconnectedBook.com.
Meet Carlos Whittaker
Carlos Whittaker is bringing hope to humans all over the world. And he’s pretty good at it: he’s an author, podcaster, and global speaker backed by the power of a massive Instafamilia, his enthusiastic social followers who tune in daily to join forces with Carlos to find connection, do good, and be in community.
When Carlos enters a room, he makes people feel seen. His super power is creating spaces—online and in-person—where people are safe to engage in conversation about the topics that matter most but are often avoided. His motto: don’t stand on issues, walk with people. That’s the professional stuff—but all day every day, Carlos is a family man.
He and his wife Heather live in Nashville, Tennessee, with their three amazing children, where you can find them working on the family farm, planning trips around the world, and dancing to Single Ladies (seriously, Google it).
IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
00:00 Intro
03:09 Finding Freedom From Technology
13:46 Living In The Moment
18:26 The Art Of Wandering
22:30 Going Fast Vs Slow In Life
35:35 Our Brain Vs Technology
41:56 How Reducing My Screen Time Has Impacted Me
47:31 Documentary & More From Me
Resources, books, and links mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Carlos:
https://www.carloswhittaker.com/
https://www.instagram.com/loswhit
https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlos-whittaker
https://youtube.com/@carloswhittaker
https://www.facebook.com/CarlosWhittaker
Impact Driven Leader:
https://www.youtube.com/@impactdrivenleader
https://www.instagram.com/impactdrivenleader/
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https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-dickerhoof-1960351b
About the Impact Driven Leader Podcast
The Impact Driven Leader Podcast, hosted by Tyler Dickerhoof, is for Xillennial leaders who have felt alone and ill-equipped to lead in today's world. Through inspiring interviews with authors from around the world, Tyler uncovers how unique leadership strengths can empower others to achieve so much more, with real impact.
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