The Unfolding Thought Podcast asks a provocative question: Why do we—and the groups we form—think and act the way we do? Although we may feel we understand ourselves and others, much of what drives our thoughts, choices, and behaviors remains hidden or overlooked. Through candid discussions and multi-disciplinary explorations, we reveal those unseen forces—biases, contexts, and patterns—and show how they influence individual and collective dynamics.
If you’re a leader or an intellectually curious mind looking for deep, high-value conversations, join us. We’ll challenge common assumptions, illuminate new perspectives, and spark meaningful change—helping you navigate relationships with greater clarity, innovate with confidence, and connect more authentically with those around you.
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The Unfolding Thought Podcast asks a provocative question: Why do we—and the groups we form—think and act the way we do? Although we may feel we understand ourselves and others, much of what drives our thoughts, choices, and behaviors remains hidden or overlooked. Through candid discussions and multi-disciplinary explorations, we reveal those unseen forces—biases, contexts, and patterns—and show how they influence individual and collective dynamics.
If you’re a leader or an intellectually curious mind looking for deep, high-value conversations, join us. We’ll challenge common assumptions, illuminate new perspectives, and spark meaningful change—helping you navigate relationships with greater clarity, innovate with confidence, and connect more authentically with those around you.
In this episode, Eric talks with Axel Burlin, author of Beyond Brain Rot, about internet addiction, algorithmic feeds, and why so many well-intentioned attempts to "use your phone less" quietly fail.
Axel shares his own experience growing up online, from video games and forums to endless scrolling, and how a breaking point during college led him to rethink not just his habits but the assumptions behind them. Rather than relying on willpower, blockers, or dopamine detoxes, Axel outlines a mindset-level shift that reframes algorithmic feeds as something fundamentally misaligned with how we want to live.
The conversation explores how modern platforms quietly replace boredom, reflection, and community with hyper-stimulating content that feels productive in the moment and hollow afterward. Eric and Axel also discuss responsibility versus system-level blame, how brain rot differs from ordinary distraction, and what it looks like to keep the useful parts of the internet while removing the rest.
They cover:
* What "brain rot" actually refers to, both the content and the outcome
* Why algorithmic feeds are different from intentional internet use
* How gaming, social media, and short-form video hook attention differently
* Why most screen-time fixes fail after a few days
* The hidden opportunity cost of scrolling
* How feeds contribute to loneliness and the erosion of community
* Practical ways to remove algorithmic entertainment without going offline
* What a healthier relationship with technology looks like day to day
This episode is a grounded conversation for anyone who senses they're spending too much time online but hasn't found an approach that actually sticks.
Episode Links
* Axel Burlin: https://www.beyondbrainrot.com [https://www.beyondbrainrot.com/]
* Follow Axel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/axel.burlin/
* Beyond Brain Rot (Axel's book): https://www.beyondbrainrot.com [https://www.beyondbrainrot.com/]
* The Anxious Generation (Jonathan Haidt): https://www.amazon.com/Anxious-Generation-Rewiring-Childhood-Epidemic/dp/B0C9N2L56X
* Bowling Alone (Robert D. Putnam): https://www.amazon.com/Bowling-Alone-Robert-D-Putnam-audiobook/dp/B01N94FW0P
* Alienated America (Timothy P. Carney): https://www.amazon.com/Alienated-America-audiobook/dp/B07MDLH6WB
For more episodes: https://unfoldingthought.com [https://unfoldingthought.com/]
Questions or guest ideas: eric@inboundandagile.com
The Unfolding Thought Podcast
The Unfolding Thought Podcast asks a provocative question: Why do we—and the groups we form—think and act the way we do? Although we may feel we understand ourselves and others, much of what drives our thoughts, choices, and behaviors remains hidden or overlooked. Through candid discussions and multi-disciplinary explorations, we reveal those unseen forces—biases, contexts, and patterns—and show how they influence individual and collective dynamics.
If you’re a leader or an intellectually curious mind looking for deep, high-value conversations, join us. We’ll challenge common assumptions, illuminate new perspectives, and spark meaningful change—helping you navigate relationships with greater clarity, innovate with confidence, and connect more authentically with those around you.
