Podcast Review: How to Get Unstuck with Adam Alter

Here is my review of the podcast episode “How to Get Unstuck with Adam Alter” from The One You Feed:

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who feels trapped in a cycle of procrastination, distraction, and dissatisfaction. Adam Alter, a professor of marketing and psychology at New York University, shares his insights on why we get stuck in unproductive and unhealthy behaviors, and how we can break free from them. He also talks about his latest book, Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked, which explores the dark side of the digital revolution and the hidden costs of our constant connectivity.

The host, Eric Zimmer, does a great job of asking relevant and probing questions, and engaging with Alter’s ideas in a thoughtful and respectful way. He also shares his own personal struggles with addiction and how he overcame them. The conversation is lively, informative, and inspiring, and offers practical tips and strategies for getting unstuck from the things that hold us back.

One of the most interesting points that Alter makes is that we are living in an age of behavioral addiction, where we are constantly drawn to activities that give us a short-term reward but harm us in the long run. He argues that this is not a personal failing, but a systemic problem that is driven by the design and marketing of addictive technologies. He explains how these technologies exploit our psychological vulnerabilities, such as our need for social validation, our fear of missing out, and our susceptibility to variable rewards. He also reveals how some of the most successful tech companies use sophisticated techniques to manipulate our behavior and keep us hooked on their products.

Alter warns that this addiction epidemic has serious consequences for our mental and physical health, our relationships, our productivity, and our happiness. He cites alarming statistics and studies that show how excessive screen time can lead to depression, anxiety, insomnia, obesity, loneliness, and even suicide. He also shares some shocking examples of how people have lost their sense of reality, their sense of self, and their sense of control because of their addiction to technology.

However, Alter does not leave us hopeless or helpless. He offers some hopeful solutions and suggestions for how we can reclaim our lives from the grip of addictive technology. He advocates for creating more friction in our environment, such as turning off notifications, deleting apps, or using timers to limit our screen time. He also encourages us to cultivate more meaningful and fulfilling activities in our lives, such as hobbies, passions, or social interactions. He emphasizes the importance of finding balance and moderation in our use of technology, and being mindful and intentional about how we spend our time.

I highly recommend this podcast episode to anyone who wants to learn more about the psychology of addiction, the dangers of addictive technology, and the ways to get unstuck from unhelpful habits. It is a wake-up call for all of us who are living in a digital world that is designed to keep us hooked. It is also a reminder that we have the power to choose how we live our lives, and that we can make positive changes that will benefit ourselves and others.

This podcast episode is not only informative and insightful, but also entertaining and engaging. It is full of dark humor, witty anecdotes, and surprising facts that will keep you interested and amused. It is also full of wisdom and compassion that will inspire you and motivate you to take action. It is one of the best episodes I have ever listened to from The One You Feed podcast, which is one of my favorite podcasts on personal growth and spirituality.

If you are looking for a podcast that will challenge you to think differently, to live better, and to feed your good wolf, then you should definitely check out The One You Feed podcast and this episode with Adam Alter.