Discussions surrounding technology tend to heavily focus on the negative. Scott and Sophia talk about the positives AND the negatives! How you can use your phone to HELP you get homework done. How to set boundaries so that you can enjoy technology instead of feeling guilty. And how to look at it as a tool instead of a hindrance!

Give this episode a listen for inspiration and ideas in regards to positive technology usage!

Identity is a hot topic on Tik Tok and Instagram. Labels are either something we cling to, or reject.

In an age when the social media comparison game can throw us off course at any given moment, having a firm foundation of knowing who we are is vital. Our identity will be in something. Whether that be Christ or a personality test type, or something the world has decided is "good enough." Do you want to explore what the possibilities of having it in Christ are?

Sophia and Scott discuss this topic in today's episode.

If you are the type of person who has a long to-do list at any given time, but never feels like you've accomplished anything of worth....then this episode is for you!

Deep Work by Cal Newport is the book discussed by Scott and Sophia on today's episode. They dive in to the concept of dividing up tasks into 2 categories: Deep Work and Shallow Work. If it's something that requires your full attention, with little to no distractions like a podcast or someone interrupting you, then it's Deep Work. If you can do the task while listening to something, having a conversation with a friend, or stopping and restarting with no issues, then it's Shallow Work.

How to differentiate the 2; how to utilize Deep Work to help with things like homework, goals, and a job; and how to end the day feeling as though you accomplished things of worth are all shared in this episode. Give it a listen if you struggle in these areas!

It's in the silence that our brains finally have the chance to process what we've been avoiding.....

So, it makes sense that we avoid the silence. Processing tough conversations, a stressful assignment coming up, how to talk to that girl or boy we like, or even just the heavy feelings we grapple with day in and day out are all things we'd naturally rather NOT dwell on or think about. Inviting silence into our days means inviting uncomfortable moments. And who wants that?

Scott and Sophia discuss the concept of Being Still, why it matters, and how, over time, it can become a calming and comfortable experience. Give this episode a listen if a sense of overwhelm hits you at just the thought of sitting in silence for a few minutes.

College life is filled with endless virtual interactions, but here's why it's crucial to break the digital barrier and have meaningful in-person conversations:

1. Embrace Genuine Connections: Texting lacks the depth and nuances that in-person conversations offer. Engaging face-to-face allows for authentic connections, genuine emotions, and a chance to truly understand each other.

2. Non-Verbal Cues Speak Louder: Words alone can't capture everything. Facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice convey a wealth of information. Speaking in person ensures a more comprehensive understanding and helps prevent misinterpretations.

3. Boost Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: In-person conversations encourage empathy and emotional intelligence by fostering active listening and genuine responses. Connecting on a deeper level helps develop vital interpersonal skills that will benefit you personally and professionally.

Give this episode a listen to hear more!

The brain does not have infinite resources. The trick to developing your ability to focus is reducing the number of things your brain must expend energy on and increasing your brain’s capacity for cognitive control, which “allows your mind to override your impulses and helps you make decisions based on your goals, rather than your habits or reactions.”

Scott and Sophia dive into an important topic: focus. How can we develop a healthy attention span? What methods help to reduce distractions? Is multitasking better than monotasking? If you would like to increase your attention span, or want to listen in on why you should care, give this episode a listen!

Links discussed in the episode:

https://healthcaremba.gwu.edu/blog/how-to-increase-attention-span/

https://study.com/academy/lesson/cognitive-control-definition-processes.html

https://www.newsweek.com/increase-attention-span-causes-distractions-improvement-1691406

Scott and Sophia know that setting goals can seem like a daunting task, but they want to encourage you to take the leap and start setting them for yourself. In this episode, they share how goal-setting is an essential aspect of personal and professional growth, that it can be incredibly motivating to work towards something you truly want to achieve, that goals can give you a sense of purpose and direction, and that you can break down big, intimidating objectives into smaller, more manageable tasks that will help you move closer to your ultimate goal.

They share personal stories about how when they saw progress, it was a huge confidence boost, and they were able to feel the satisfaction of achieving something they had worked hard for.

They focus on how goal-setting allows you to prioritize your time and energy. It helps you to identify what is truly important to you and where you want to focus your efforts. This can help you to make decisions more efficiently and effectively, and ultimately lead to greater success and happiness.

Social media can be a double-edged sword for college students, providing a platform for connection and self-expression while also fueling anxiety, depression, and loneliness. The constant comparison to others' highlight reels can lead to feelings of inadequacy, while the pressure to curate a perfect online persona can be exhausting.

But where does God fit in all of this?  How does social media impact our relationship with Him?  Should social media have anything to do with God or religion?  Sophia and Scott discuss these points in this week’s episode.

Having difficult conversations can be uncomfortable, but it's necessary for growth, understanding, and building stronger relationships. Scott and Sophia dive in to this topic by sharing their experiences, as well as tips and tricks on how to have healthy conversations, that are also tough, uncomfortable, or difficult.

Give this episode a listen if you find yourself avoiding having difficult conversations, or if you have them but don't find them to be successful or healthy.

Welcome to University Overwhelm! Scott Busby and Sophia Payne talk through all kinds of topics, issues, and/or struggles that can cause a University Student to be overwhelmed.

Don't know how to set boundaries with your parents? Need to talk to your roommate about their cleaning habits? Frustrated with yourself for not following through on your goals? Then give this podcast a listen!