Crazy Love Podcast Staff Talks with Francis: The Real Fear of Missing Out
Mar 23, 2026
A candid conversation about constant distraction and the pull of informational FOMO. The speaker reflects on a long trip that became a search for quiet and God's voice. Practical calls to limit screen time and choose disciplined presence with family and faith. A challenge to model intentional rhythms so future generations learn to prioritize listening over nonstop noise.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Plane Ride Realization About FOMO
- Francis Chan experienced intense FOMO on a 54-hour trip home from Brazil as he wrestled with constant news, theology debates, and screen distractions.
- He realized the fear wasn't missing news but missing quiet moments where God might speak, especially while watching videos or scrolling on a plane.
Limit Device Checks With Scheduled Windows
- Do set strict boundaries with devices by scheduling checks (e.g., texts three times daily, email once a day) to protect presence with God and family.
- Francis suggests alarms and reduced checking to train others not to expect immediate replies and to reclaim focused time.
You Can't Know Everything Without Losing What Matters
- Francis observed you can't do everything without sacrificing the most important callings like family, spiritual formation, and being present with people.
- He connects chronic responsiveness and information hunger to missed opportunities with kids, friends in crisis, and God's quiet invitations.