In this episode, Dr. Paul Loosemore explores how dopamine shapes kids' behavior, why it drives habit and craving, and how attachment and relationships matter more than quick fixes. The conversation offers practical, faith-informed guidance for parents: how to notice coping patterns, prioritize connection, set intentional tech boundaries, and invite community support.

Listeners will hear theological framing, counseling wisdom, and simple steps—like creating tech-free rhythms, modeling honest conversations, and responding with curiosity and love when kids struggle—so families can move from reactive panic to patient, hopeful care.

Host John Perritt and co-host Linda Oliver interview Dr. Anna Lembke, author of the book Dopamine Nation, about how dopamine shapes desire, addiction, and motivation in today’s tech-saturated world. Dr. Lembke explains how overstimulation from social media, food, and games can blunt dopamine signaling, creating a chronic reward deficit that drives compulsive behavior.

They discuss why teenagers are especially vulnerable, imparting the value of dopamine breaks and boredom for resetting reward pathways, as well as practical steps for individuals and society to reduce digital harms. 

In this episode, we speak with youth minister Thomas Fitch about how dopamine shapes desire, why accomplishments and pleasures can still leave us empty, and how Scripture (particularly Ecclesiastes) intersects with neuroscience.

The episode acts as an introduction to the topic of dopamine, giving practical steps for students, parents, and leaders—boundaries with technology, intentional fasting and rhythms, and relational practices to reorient desires toward God and others. 

This is the trailer episode of The RYM Podcast's brand new season of "The Dopamine Delusion: Parents, Teens, and the Pursuit of Peace." This trailer begins with a clip from Netflix's Secret Mall Apartment, recounting how local artists secretly built and lived in a hidden cinderblock-walled apartment beneath Providence Place Mall for four years, leading viewers to ask the question, "why?"

One potential answer to this question and many others is the elusive topic of dopamine and the effects it has on our day to day actions and desires. The RYM Podcast will spend several episodes this season in a brand new video format discussing dopamine from a Christian perspective, featuring experts like Anna Lemke and discussions on sexuality, consumerism, and sports betting to help parents and youth leaders understand and guide the next generation.

Join us as we revisit the iconic 2007 Macworld keynote by Steve Jobs where he unveiled the revolutionary iPhone, merging music, mobile phones, and internet communication into a single device. Discover how this launch shaped the future of technology and communication.

Dive into a critical discussion on digital Christianity and the challenges faced by today's youth amidst the growing influence of technology and social media. We'll also explore conversations in the media from actors and creators like Stephen Graham and David Harbour, as they reflect on societal pressures, the responsibility of nurturing young talents, and the role of community in addressing the challenges brought by social media and digital fame.

Technology in our modern age is a difficult road to navigate, especially with youth. Our last episode of the series reminds us that there is really only one answer--the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

In this episode of the RYM Podcast, host John Perritt touches on the pervasive issue of digital addiction and its impact on our lives. With insights from Bill Smith, pastor and author of "A Student's Guide to Rest," and A.J. Swoboda, professor and author of "Subversive Sabbath," the discussion reveals the challenges of balancing technology with true rest.

Exploring themes of productivity and busyness in today's fast-paced world, our guests emphasize the need for a digital Sabbath—a dedicated time to disconnect from screens and reconnect with the Lord.

Tune in to discover how implementing a digital sabbath into your weekly routine can be a transformative act of discipleship, fostering spiritual formation and health.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zh-AcF_4Hao

https://www.crossway.org/books/scrolling-ourselves-to-death-tpb/

https://www.amazon.com/Obsessed-Your-Phone-Disconnecting-Connect/dp/194813036X

https://www.amazon.com/Track-Rest-Students-Guide/dp/1527108449

In this episode of 'Digital Christianity', we delve into the profound impact of smartphones on our relationships and on our own souls. Explore how a community comes together to combat digital addiction through a 28-day digital fast, fostering increased devotion and reduced distractions.

Hear firsthand from Joey Odom, co-founder of Aro, a tech platform designed to encourage time away from phones and strengthen family and spiritual bonds. Learn how religious groups can lead the charge in transforming the digital landscape, inspired by the collective action principles shared by Jonathan Haidt and successful stories from various churches.

Join us as we examine the role of technology in our lives and discover actionable steps to reclaim control and rediscover what truly matters.

In Episode 12 of Digital Christianity, "Rejecting and Redeeming Technology," we dive into the pervasive presence of technology in modern life, particularly focusing on its impact on worship and education. Join us as we explore how digital devices distract churchgoers from meaningful worship and pose significant challenges in classrooms, affecting children's educational outcomes and mental health.

You'll hear a past clip from a public seminar given by Sophie Winkleman on how social media and screen time are changing societal dynamics, leading to a crisis in collective spiritual and mental well-being. We also hear from Patrick Miller and Jen Pollock-Michelle, who discuss the dangers of school-issued screens and the complexities of parenting in a digital age.

Additionally, Dr. Read Schuchardt offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of the Amish, highlighting their thoughtful approach to technology and the lessons contemporary Christians might actually learn from them. As we grapple with balancing technology's benefits and pitfalls, this episode urges us to consider rejecting harmful aspects while redeeming its potential for good.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7V6nucKFK88

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/dear-pastor-bring-your-bible-to-church/?amp=1

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/resist-school-screens/

This episode of Digital Christianity delves into the profound effects of smartphones and social media on our lives, featuring insights from comedian Bo Burnham and Dr. Read Schuchardt. As these digital tools become increasingly integrated into our everyday existence, Burnham highlights the evolving nature of phones and their spiritual interaction with our lives. Dr. Schuchardt discusses the pervasive grip smartphones have on youth, advocating for a return to tangible, embodied experiences.

Listeners will explore the societal pressure to engage constantly with technology and the potential to reclaim personal focus and meaning. Additionally, Jen Pollock Michel and Dr. Schuchardt emphasize the importance of balancing digital interactions with real-world connections, underscoring the value of church and community in cultivating a rich, meaningful life.

https://www.crossway.org/books/scrolling-ourselves-to-death-tpb/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUTbnjIHfkg

This episode of Digital Christianity explores the parallels between a 1961 dystopian story and the current challenges faced by today's generation with our guest Collin Hansen from The Gospel Coalition. We delve into the impact of constant digital notifications on teenagers and how they deal with declining attention spans. We also highlight the struggles preachers face in maintaining attention and authority in the age of smartphones, where an abundance of information and distractions are at everyone’s fingertips.

https://www.crossway.org/books/scrolling-ourselves-to-death-tpb/

https://www.amazon.com/Social-Media-Pressure-Finding-Alongside/dp/1645073106/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?crid=L1YUNQV54IRD&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.FuMaCkxjiruIrOrETaHQg_CpNWOx_uDMrSerzm4Nebd36BqefEm-ab0BM2vwb9sX._MXYOAVFSXwtqo5Ii1VjJdDRgo0uXT-FbcLJte7s2ng&dib_tag=se&keywords=social+media+pressure+rym&qid=1741298147&sprefix=social+media+pressure+rym%2Caps%2C111&sr=8-1-fkmr1