Licensed mental health counselor and certified digital addiction specialist Mary Catherine Liscinski joins Rich to unpack how excessive screen time rewires our brains, fuels anxiety and depression, and strains families—and what we can do to reverse it. She breaks down the neuroscience (limbic system vs. prefrontal cortex), the dopamine loop in gaming and social media, and a practical path back to focus, sleep, and strong relationships. A must-listen for parents, professionals, and anyone feeling foggy, fried, or pulled into the scroll. 

Sponsored by Living Well Healthcare 

Guest Bio:  

Mary Catherine Liscinski is a licensed mental health counselor (14+ years), certified to treat digital addiction, and a life coach working with parents and adults nationwide. She’s known for translating complex brain science into practical steps that help families set boundaries, rebuild attention, and heal from screen overuse; her upcoming book pairs the latest research with a blueprint for reversing digital damage. She’s appeared on platforms including The Dave Elswick Show. 

Main Topics: 

·         What “digital addiction” means; emerging diagnoses for gaming/social media. 

·         Symptoms across ages: withdrawal, meltdowns when asked to log off, sleep issues, motivation loss. 

·         Dopamine dynamics of gaming/social platforms; “addictive by design.” 

·         Brain science: limbic system vs. prefrontal cortex; delayed maturation to ~age 26. 

·         Social media, anxiety/depression trends in youth; bullying and “keyboard warriors.” 

·         Gaming + online strangers; “virtual sleepovers” and safety risks. 

·         Practical reve

Send a text

Vote for us here

10% off All Memberships

Runtime: 2/10/2026 until 2/28/2026

Code: CRBPodcast

 

This discount is valid only for memberships purchased February 10, 2026 until February 28, 2026. It cannot be applied retroactively to previous purchases and may not be combined with any other discount or promotion. All memberships purchased are nonrefundable.

Living Well Healthcare
Get Your Lifestyle Back

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts

Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media:
Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett
Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | Facebook
Twitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett
Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennett
TikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTok

Sponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills:
Hosted on Buzzsprout
SquadCast

Subscribe by Email