Jay Vidyarthi on How to Reclaim Your Mind in the Digital Age

In today’s hyperconnected world, technology has become as psychoactive as any substance—shaping how we feel, what we think, and even how we see ourselves. But what if the answer isn’t to reject our devices, but to transform our relationship with them? In this episode of Passion Struck, I sit down with designer, entrepreneur, and mindfulness thought leader Jay Vidyarthi, author of Reclaim Your Mind: Seven Strategies to Enjoy Tech Mindfully.

Drawing from decades of experience at the intersection of mindfulness and technology, Jay reveals how we can move beyond guilt, shame, and distraction to cultivate a healthier, more intentional relationship with our phones, social media, and even video games. If you’ve ever felt hijacked by false urgency or trapped by the pull of your screen, this conversation will show you the practical steps to reclaim your attention—and your life.

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How Jay Vidyarthi Helps You Build a Mindful Relationship With Technology

Technology has become woven into every aspect of modern life, yet for many of us, the relationship feels complicated—sometimes empowering, often overwhelming. In this thought-provoking conversation, Jay Vidyarthi explores how we can shift from extremes of guilt, shame, or avoidance into a healthier middle path. From parenting with video games to navigating the hidden pressures of false urgency, Jay brings both professional expertise and personal experience to show how awareness, boundaries, and intentionality can turn our digital lives into sources of connection rather than chaos.

In This Episode You’ll Learn:

• Tech is psychoactive — it changes how we feel, think, and perceive ourselves, much like a substance.
• Avoid extremes — rejecting or overindulging in tech use creates disconnection; the middle way fosters growth.
• Quality over quantity — mindful gaming and shared screen time can build stronger family bonds.
• False urgency is a trap — not every ping, headline, or notification deserves your attention.
• Self-awareness is the skill — noticing when tech use masks unmet emotional needs is the path to freedom.
• Design matters — tools built with compassion can support well-being, while others can quietly erode it.

WHY IS THIS EPISODE A MUST-LISTEN?

Because this episode goes far beyond the usual “just unplug” advice. Jay offers a grounded and hopeful perspective that acknowledges our real, daily struggles with technology while showing us how to reclaim agency in the smallest, most practical moments. Whether you’re a parent, professional, or simply someone trying to protect your focus, this conversation provides actionable strategies to help you stop feeling powerless and start building a mindful relationship with the digital world.

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Family, Video Games, and Building Mindful Connections

One of the most powerful themes in this episode is Jay Vidyarthi’s reframing of video games—not as a source of guilt or disconnection, but as a tool for family bonding and mindful parenting. Instead of demonizing screen time or offering children unlimited freedom with technology, Jay describes a balanced “middle way.” In his home, family game nights are less about escaping into screens and more about creating shared joy, storytelling, and even creativity.

By playing alongside his son, setting healthy boundaries, and encouraging him to self-regulate—including setting his own timers and choosing when to stop—Jay models the very intentionality he explores in his book Reclaim Your Mind: Seven Strategies to Enjoy Tech Mindfully.

Rather than treating technology as the enemy, Jay shows how parents can transform video games into opportunities for connection, creativity, and emotional growth. His son’s journey from playing Mario to designing his own Mario Maker levels is a vivid example of how mindful engagement with tech can mirror real-world skills like problem-solving, design, and collaboration.

At its heart, this approach challenges the guilt and shame many families carry about screen time. It suggests that with awareness, boundaries, and compassion, technology can become a bridge between generations, not a barrier.

Thanks, Jay Vidyarthi

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RESOURCES FROM THE SHOW WITH JAY VIDYARTHI

Please note that some of the links on this page (books, movies, music, etc.) lead to affiliate programs for which The Passion Struck podcast receives compensation. It’s just one of the ways we keep the lights on around here. Thank you so much for being so supportive!

1. Jay Vidyarthi’s Website
2. Jay Vidyarthi’s Instagram
3. BUY Jay’s Book, ‘Reclaim Your Mind’
4. APA’s recognition of mattering as critical to child mental health
5. Passion Struck Core Value System: https://passionstruck.com/the-passion-struck-core-belief-system/
6. Listen to Passion Struck’s interviews with New York Times bestselling authors Gretchen Rubin and Seth Godin.
7. Check out Passion Struck’s Episode Starter Packs on Spotify or Passion Struck starter packs to get started with the podcast.

About Today’s Guest, Jay Vidyarthi

Jay Vidyarthi is a designer, entrepreneur, and thought leader at the intersection of mindfulness and technology. He is the founder of Still Ape, the world’s first mindful design studio, and has contributed to more than 50 innovative projects— including Muse, the Healthy Minds Program, and Sonic Cradle—that have helped millions of people improve their well-being. His work has been featured by Harvard, MIT, TED, Forbes, CNN, Fast Company, and Vice.

A meditation practitioner for over 15 years, Jay blends his love of technology with contemplative wisdom to create tools and strategies that foster healthier relationships with the digital world. He is also the author of Reclaim Your Mind: Seven Strategies to Enjoy Tech Mindfully, where he offers practical guidance for navigating technology without guilt or shame and reclaiming the freedom of our attention.

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