About Progress

AP 823: Why You Keep Reaching for Your Phone (and What to Do Instead) || with Ruby Ryba

October 19, 2026·42 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

How many times have you caught yourself scrolling and immediately thought, "Oh no, I did it again. I seriously need more self-control"? I've done this too. We all do. But what if scrolling isn't proof that you lack discipline? In this episode, I talk with Ruby Ryba, author of How to Stop Scrolling, about a much more compassionate way to use our phones less. Instead of shaming ourselves or swearing off our phones entirely, Ruby teaches us to get curious about what our scrolling is really giving us, design our lives so our phones have less power over us, and fill that reclaimed space with things that actually meet our needs. Because the goal isn't just to spend less time on your phone—it's to spend more time actually living the life you choose. Ruby's website, book Order Sticky Habits (now available as an audiobook!) Leave a review of the book Get the Archive Pass for the More for Moms Conference with $10-off code: “LISTENER.” Join the Supporters Club to keep About Progress around for good.  Watch this episode on Youtube Complementary episodes: The Practice of Attention: How to Stop Scrolling in a Distracted World, with Cody Cook-Parrott; How Screens Are Changing Childhood, with Catherine Price Go to Quince for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns at https://www.quince.com/monica. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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