What it Means to Be Human in Our Modern, Digital World

In this episode, I welcome author, artist, and educator Jessica Elefante. We dive deep into the culture of influence and technology's impact on humanity. Jessica shares her journey from creating Folk Rebellion, a company dedicated to leading a plugged-in world towards digital well-being, to what inspired her to write her book, Raising Hell, Living Well. She reflects on her experiences with burnout despite advocating for balance and the profound effect it had on her life and career. We discuss how technology triggers addictive behaviors and explore solutions like digital detoxing and the shift towards a mindful online presence. Our conversation underscores the necessity of legislative actions for online safety and the power of individual choice in breaking free from harmful systems. Tune in for a compelling discussion on navigating the digital age with intention and balance.

Jessica Elefante is the author of RAISING HELL, LIVING WELL: Freedom from Influence in a World Where Everyone Wants Something from You (including me) and is a leading artist and philosopher in the space of rethinking our cultural relationship with technology.

—Jessica’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/folkrebellion/
—Jessica’s Website: https://jessicaelefante.com/
—Jessica’s Book: RAISING HELL, LIVING WELL BOOK https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/711835/raising-hell-living-well-by-jessica-elefante/
—Jessica’s Substack: https://jessicaelefante.substack.com/WELCOME

Resources from the Episode:
—Stephen Porges' Podcast Ep: Polyvagal Path: Healing Your Nervous System & Your Life with Dr. Stephen Porges https://markgroves.com/episode/polyvagal-path-healing-your-nervous-system-and-your-life-with-dr-stephen-porges/
—Dr. Ovadia's Podcast Ep: Nutrition, Lifestyle, and Longevity: A Heart Surgeon’s Perspective with Dr. Philip Ovadia https://markgroves.com/episode/nutrition-lifestyle-and-longevity-a-heart-surgeons-perspective-with-dr-philip-ovadia/
—Dr. Kelly Brogan's Podcast Ep: End The War Against Yourself: https://markgroves.com/episode/dr-kelly-brogan-end-the-war-against-yourself/
—Jonathan Haidt's Book: The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt https://amzn.to/3WfkUxg
—Jessica DeFino's Substack: The Review of Beauty by Jessica DeFino https://jessicadefino.substack.com/

If you want to dive deeper into Mark’s content, search through every episode, find specific topics we’ve covered, and ask him questions, go to his Dexa page: https://dexa.ai/markgroves

Themes: Technology, Digital Detox, Folk Rebellion, Raising Hell Living Well, Jessica Elefante, Influencer, Burnout, Addiction, Social Media, Content Creation, Online Safety, Choice, Authenticity, Boundaries, Self-Worth, Self-Love, Health, Transformation, Parenting, Career, Mental Health, Off-Grid, Offline, Unplugged, Influencer, Slow Living, Digital Wellbeing, Doom Scrolling

0:00:00 Intro
0:02:16 Teaching Consent and Online Privacy
0:03:08 Technology and Influence Culture
0:05:37 Struggles with Technology Addiction
0:05:42 The Pitfalls of Folk Rebellion
0:07:50 Marketing Powers and Lifestyle Brand
0:08:51 Balancing Success and Mental Health
0:11:33 Reflections on Book Launch Success
0:13:37 Importance of Face-to-Face Conversations
0:15:42 Brands' Resistance to Message
0:16:32 Burning Bridges in Marketing Career
0:18:01 Enacting Change in Advertising
0:20:55 The Constant Reminder
0:23:16 Impact of Technology on Health
0:24:48 Opting Out of Technology
0:27:36 Challenges with Social Media Algorithms
0:28:01 Awareness of Technology's Impact
0:30:11 A Moment of Realization
0:32:37 The Power of Stories in Changing Lives
0:35:24 Hope for Change in Technology Use
0:37:23 Parenting Without Technology
0:39:06 Recognizing Influences on Mental Health
0:40:47 Influencers and Social Media Impact
0:41:13 The Influence of Social Media on Children
0:43:18 The Interconnected World of Social Media
0:44:06 Beauty Culture and Rejection of Aging
0:47:42 Uncovering Truths in Beauty Culture
0:50:07 Empowering Through Understanding Media Influence
0:51:05 The Disproportionate Impact of Social Media on Girls
0:54:05 Navigating Ethical Dilemmas in Social Media
0:55:25 The Destructive Nature of Algorithms and Dopamine Culture
0:57:11 Opting Out of Destructive Online Platforms
0:58:44 Recognizing Systemic Issues in Healthcare
1:03:05 Whistleblowers and Technology Ethics
1:06:36 The Burden of Knowing and Seeking Truth
1:10:40 Questioning Medical Procedures and Influence
1:15:01 Liberating Through Financial Independence
1:17:25 Resisting Manipulation and Shame in Society
1:18:05 Embracing Life as an Experiment
1:19:11 Empowerment Through Raising Hell and Living Well

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