In this episode of the Know Your Why Podcast, Dr. Jason Balara sits down with Axel Berlin, a former internet addict who now helps others regain control of their attention and time. Axel shares his personal journey of recognizing and overcoming digital addiction, unpacking how algorithmic entertainment quietly hijacks focus and reshapes daily habits. The conversation explores the justifications many people use to defend excessive screen time, the mental health and productivity costs of constant digital consumption, and practical ways to create healthier boundaries with technology. Axel also addresses the challenges of parenting in a screen-saturated world and the importance of modeling intentional behavior for the next generation.

Key Highlights:

• Axel Berlin shares his experience confronting and overcoming internet addiction

  
  

• Awareness is the first step in addressing unhealthy screen time habits

  
  

• Algorithmic entertainment is designed to capture and control attention
  

• Many justifications for screen use mask deeper behavioral patterns
  

• Separating intentional internet use from addictive feeds creates clarity
  

• Digital addiction is rooted in behavior, not just technology
  

• Parenting in the digital age requires leadership by example
  

• Eliminating algorithm-driven content can dramatically improve focus
  

• Axel’s work emphasizes reclaiming time as a core life priority
  

• Protecting attention is essential for mental health and long-term fulfillment

This conversation highlights that digital well-being isn’t about rejecting technology, but about using it intentionally. By questioning our habits, setting clear boundaries, and leading with awareness, it’s possible to reclaim focus, improve mental health, and model healthier relationships with technology for ourselves and our families.

Get in touch with Axel:

Amazon link: /www.amazon.com/Beyond-Brain-Rot-Stop-Scrolling/dp/B0FXFCPBNM/

Website: https://www.beyondbrainrot.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyond_brain_rot/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583735904542

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/axelburlin/

If you want to know more about Dr. Jason Balara and the Know your Why Podcast:

⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/jasonbalara⁠⁠  

Audio Track:

Back To The Wood by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.⁠⁠ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/⁠⁠

Artist:⁠⁠ http://audionautix.com/