Living Well with Technology. In Episode 30 of the Human Pulse Podcast, hosts Anne Trager and Fabrice Neuman delve into the complexities of living in a world saturated with abundance and distractions. They discuss the concept of anhedonia, the inability to find joy in activities, as highlighted by Dr. Anna Lemke, and how the relentless pursuit of pleasure can lead to a cycle of stress and dissatisfaction. The conversation shifts to the impact of modern technology and social media on our attention spans and mental health, emphasizing the need for intentionality in our digital consumption. Anne and Fabrice share personal strategies for managing distractions, such as using specific devices for designated tasks and the importance of creating environments conducive to focus and productivity.

They also explore the philosophical implications of our current attention economy, referencing thinkers like Paul Valéry and Étienne Klein, who have long warned about the effects of excessive communication on human cognition. They conclude with practical takeaways for listeners, including the importance of self-discipline, the benefits of doing hard tasks first, and the value of honesty in combating addictive behaviors. This episode serves as a call to action for listeners to reflect on their relationship with technology and to cultivate a more balanced approach to pleasure and productivity.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction Quote

00:30 The Impact of Technology on Pleasure

04:24 The Attention Economy and Its Challenges

07:54 Historical Perspectives on Communication

09:57 Personal Strategies for Managing Distractions

14:33 The Role of Intentions vs. Resolutions

17:20 Balancing Focus and Distraction

21:25 Legal and Social Solutions to Digital Dependency

22:55 Practical Takeaways for Mindful Living

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Recording Date: Jan. 18th, 2026

Hosts: Anne Trager – Human Potential & Executive Performance Coach & Fabrice Neuman – Tech Consultant for Small Businesses

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Resources & Links

The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett

https://youtu.be/2ZKLaUbB33o?si=CLr0VDvZrmQGNLfz

La Conversation Scientifique par Étienne Klein (podcast on France Culture)

Devrions-nous faire plus attention à notre attention ?

(Should We Pay More Attention To Our Attention?)

https://www.radiofrance.fr/franceculture/podcasts/la-conversation-scientifique/devrions-nous-faire-plus-attention-a-notre-attention-7586770

How to disable YouTube’s history

https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/95725

Sending Web pages as eBooks with Push To Kindle

https://www.pushtokindle.com

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