In this episode of The Church Planting Podcast, host Greg Nettle talks with Joey Odom about the intersection of faith, technology, and personal health. Joey—co-founder of ReclaimWell—explains how constant proximity to our phones is reshaping our relationships, productivity, and even our spiritual lives.

They discuss the concept of "digital thorns" — how smartphones, though powerful tools for discipleship and ministry, can choke out meaningful relationships and intimacy with God. Joey shares practical ways to reclaim time and attention, including simple steps like five minutes a day away from your phone, accountability within small groups, and setting "phone-free" zones for family or worship.

Greg and Joey also explore how church leaders can model digital wellness within their teams using ReclaimWell, an app that helps track intentional time spent away from devices. The conversation closes with encouragement for leaders to lead by example, prioritize presence, and put down their phones—literally—to restore focus and relational depth.

Podcast Contents:

• 00:00 – 01:10 | Introduction: Greg Nettle welcomes Joey Odom and sets up the topic of technology and faith.
• 01:10 – 02:30 | The rise of digital discipleship—and the problem of "digital thorns."
• 02:30 – 06:00 | How our relationship with phones mirrors childhood attachments and impacts relationships.
• 06:00 – 08:45 | Practical steps to break constant proximity and reshape habits.
• 08:45 – 11:00 | Building healthy phone boundaries in families and small groups.
• 11:00 – 13:30 | Swapping phones, redefining dependence, and Jesus' parable of the thorns.
• 13:30 – 17:00 | Introducing ReclaimWell—a wellness and productivity tool for digital balance.
• 17:00 – 21:00 | How the app works: habit loops, team leaderboards, and tracking intentional time away.
• 21:00 – 23:00 | The power of "Let me put down my phone" and valuing relationships.
• 23:00 – 25:00 | Giving God the first fruits of your day—disconnecting to reconnect spiritually.
• 25:00 – 28:45 | How churches can adopt ReclaimWell and lead staff in digital wellness.
• 28:45 – 29:05 | Closing thoughts and call to action: visit reclaimwell.com.