A Podcast episode with Paul Asay
Hello friends,
I’m so excited to share with you the latest episode of “God-sized Stories” featuring an enlightening conversation with my special guest, Paul Asay. Paul, a prolific author and contributor to PluggedIn, brings a wealth of knowledge and insight into the nuanced relationship between technology, social media, and modern-day parenting.
In this episode, we delve into the impact of social media on our lives and the lives of our children. Paul sheds light on how these platforms often showcase only the life’s highlight reels, leading to feelings of envy and dissatisfaction among viewers. It’s a timely discussion, especially as we navigate this digital age where technology can so easily influence our perceptions and emotions.
One of the key takeaways from our conversation is the challenge that parents face in controlling and supervising their children’s media consumption. I shared my own experiences and struggles as a parent, while Paul offered valuable advice on staying proactive. He introduced us to “Plugged In,” a fantastic resource providing tutorials and guidance on the latest technology trends and parental control features. For anyone feeling overwhelmed, this episode is a treasure trove of tips and tools for managing your family’s media landscape.
Becoming A Screen Savvy Family
Paul’s new book, “Becoming a Screen Savvy Family,” is a must-read for parents looking to navigate the complex world of technology with their children. Published by Focus on the Family, this book offers a holistic approach to media consumption from a spiritual perspective. It empowers families to develop discernment tools and make informed decisions, rather than simply saying yes or no to specific content. We’re thrilled to announce a giveaway for our listeners, so be sure to check the show notes for the link to participate!
Our discussion also touches on the generational challenges technology brings. Interestingly, it’s not only the younger generation that struggles with screen time—older adults, including my own parents, are often just as engaged, sometimes to the detriment of face-to-face interactions. It’s a gentle reminder that balance in media consumption is important for all ages.
We couldn’t ignore the mental health implications of excessive screen time and social media use. From increased aggression in boys to heightened anxiety and depression in girls, Paul highlights the essential need for parents to guide their children through this digital storm. Yet, amidst these challenges, Paul and I both stress the importance of fostering strong, open communication with our kids. Engaging conversations about media and its influence can help maintain trust and offer teachable moments imbued with Christian values.
For a bit of fun, we also reminisced about our favorite superheroes and the moral lessons their stories offer. Paul shared how characters like Iron Man teach themes of self-sacrifice and redemption—perfect bridges to discuss deeper life lessons with our children.
Whether you’re a parent looking for practical advice, or simply curious about the intersection of faith and technology, this episode has something for everyone. Tune in for a meaningful discussion that offers hope, tools, and inspiration for navigating this tech-driven world with grace and wisdom.
Stay blessed and enjoy the episode!
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Tune in to God-sized Stories with Patricia Holbrook to listen to the conversation.
Listen to the Interview below or on your preferred podcast Platform: God-sized Stories – Paul Asay
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Watch the Interview below or on YouTube: God-sized Stories – Paul Asay
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