In this solo episode Mark reflects upon the concept of Digital Minimalism that he is reading about in Cal Newport's new book.

Prior to the main topic of this episode, Mark shares a personal update regarding his travel to Cleveland, OH to participate in the "Rock Apocalypse 2019" event held at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland and run by J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon.

The event is described, quite aptly as: "A world-building experience, writer's seminar, and your destination vacation in two epic days!"

Along with the intimate and engaging world-building with the small group of writers, Mark talks about Eric and Rinn from Findaway Voices (this episode's sponsor) and things they shared with the writers. You can learn more about how you can get your work distributed to retailers and library systems around the world at starkreflections.ca/Findaway.

Mark talks about listening to Newport's latest book on his drive from Waterloo, ON to Cleveland, OH.

This book is a bid for Newport become the Marie Kondo of technology - to help people realize where digital technology bring value and where it takes away value.

Mark also shares how the book references the writing and philosophy of Henry David Thoreau, and shares a clip from a radio program he hosted in 2008 that asked how much more connected we could get.

He finds it startling how much MORE has happened since that 2008 reflection.

He then shares a concept for his own attempt at adapting some of Newport's recommendations into his own digital life and at the importance of disconnecting from technology, connecting with the physical world, being in the moment, and the value and benefit that comes with allowing yourself to become bored.

As the show ends, Mark thanks new patron Leigh Anne Beckett, as well as all patrons and listeners to the show. He also shares the winners of the prizes for comments on Episodes 70 and 71.

Links of Interest

• Cal Newport's Website
  • Cal Newport's Books
• Findaway Voices
  • Blog post about Authors Direct
• StoryBundle "The Write Stuff" Bundle (limited time offer)
• Patreon for Stark Reflections
• Stark Reflections Survey

The music for this podcast ("Laser Groove") was composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of www.incompetech.com and is Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0