The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast 1KHO 556: I Gave Up My Smartphone and Found My Soul | Andrew Laubacher, Humanality
Aug 25, 2025
In this enlightening discussion, Andrew Laubacher, the executive director of Humanality, shares his powerful journey of stepping away from smartphones to reconnect with his true self. He candidly explores the chaos of social media addiction, the profound clarity found in nature, and the simplicity of living intentionally. Andrew highlights the transformative effects of this digital detox on mental health and genuine connections, ultimately advocating for a movement that champions mindfulness and community over screens. A must-listen for anyone seeking fulfillment beyond digital distractions!
01:20:47
Screens Can Blur Memory And Experience
- Andrew notes that documenting experiences on screens can erode memory consolidation and make life feel like a blur.
- He cites students who returned from trips with many photos but few physical memories.
Monastic Discernment Led To Humanality
- COVID reopened a season of discernment: Andrew entered seminary and lived like a monk for two years to answer a vocational 'what if'.
- That period led him to meet Humanality founders and later accept an executive role.
Use A Village For Sustainable Change
- Join or form a Humanality Village to work through an 11-part course with community and accountability.
- Use the Village's real-life victories and community adventures to replace screen time with embodied practices.
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
Disconnecting for Clarity
01:33 • 14min
Finding Fulfillment Beyond Screens
15:34 • 4min
Transformative Reflections: A Journey Beyond Fame
19:30 • 8min
Embracing Simplicity: The Movement Beyond Smartphones
27:36 • 2min
Navigating Digital Wellness
29:15 • 14min
Finding Individuality in a Digital World
42:45 • 2min
Reconnecting in a Digital Age
44:31 • 22min
Transformative Journeys: From Music to Meaningful Conversations
01:06:44 • 17min
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In this radically honest and thought-provoking episode, Andrew Laubacher (aka ALob) returns to share the life-altering decision that changed everything: stepping away from the platforms designed to keep us addicted and unhappy. From addiction and burnout to healing and purpose, Andrew opens up about the crushing weight of social comparison, the lies of digital liberation, the trappings of pornography, and how seven days without a mirror in the woods revealed more about his worth than seven years online ever could.
Now the executive director of Humanality, Andrew is leading a global movement to restore our humanity. Humanality offers tools, courses, and community for those ready to live differently. Together with host Ginny Yurich, they unpack what it means to opt out. If you've ever felt your soul is slowly being scrolled away, this conversation is a wake-up call and a way forward.
👉 Learn more or start your own Humanality Village: https://www.humanality.org
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