John O’Leary welcomes Carlos Whittaker bestselling author of Reconnected on the Live Inspired Podcast to help us to help us rediscover the art of real connection.
Carlos Whittaker, renowned thought leader and bestselling author of Reconnected, is on a mission to help us rediscover the art of real connection.
In a world dominated by screens and constant noise, Carlos did something radical. Two years ago, he spent seven weeks living among Benedictine monks and Amish farmers, immersing himself in silence, simplicity, and the rhythms of deep, intentional connection.
Today, Carlos shares what happened when he stepped away from technology and into a world without distractions. He reveals how living screen-free transformed his relationships, deepened his mindfulness, and reshaped his understanding of presence. More importantly, he shows us what this means for all of us—how we can reclaim our attention, be more present with the people we love, and foster deeper, more meaningful connections, even in a world that often feels more divided than ever.
My friends, if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the noise of social media, lost in the busyness of life, or just craving real, honest connection, this conversation is for you. You’ll leave inspired to rethink your relationship with technology, embrace the beauty of the world beyond your screen, and take simple yet powerful steps toward a more present, connected life.
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SHOW NOTES:
- “I try to give people freedom in some pain point in their life.”
- Two years ago, Carlos received a notification that shocked him: his average daily screen time was 7 hours and 23 minutes. That realization set him on a journey to reclaim how he was created to live.
- Live as we were created to live: For nearly two months, Carlos went completely screen-free, immersing himself in three distinct environments: a Benedictine monastery in the high desert of Southern California, an Amish community in Mount Hope, Ohio, and his own home with his family.
- Almost immediately after being dropped off at the monastery, his mind raced, unaccustomed to solitude without distractions. The first three days were miserable, filled with physical withdrawals. But then, something shifted. Carlos began to rediscover the lost art of living in true community.
- “The glory of God is a man fully alive and the life of the human consists in beholding God.” -St. Irenaeus
- “There is true living in beholding.”
- “Are you actually living at the potential you have been created to live if you’re staring at a screen for as long as you’re staring at a screen?”
- “We are tiny specks on a planet that rotates at a speed of about a thousand miles per hour while simultaneously orbiting the sun at a speed of about 67,000 miles per hour. How could we think we are somehow in total control of our lives.”
- We’ve become addicted to knowledge. Carlos believes we’ve become addicted to the false feeling of control knowledge gives us.
- Being intentional in savoring. At the monastery, he rediscovered the simple joy of savoring his coffee again. Two years later, Carlos refuses to take his coffee to-go and chooses to stay and savor.
- The Amish taught Carlos that…
- A true meal is about community and connection; food is just the tool that brings people together.
- A church isn’t a building—it’s a home.
- Humans were created with the capacity to get lost and find their way, but we’ve slowly muted that ability.
- Community matters more than optimization.
- He needs to work with his hands and reconnect with the earth.
- In just seven weeks without screens, his cerebellum healed the equivalent of five years, and his cognitive memory score jumped from the 50th percentile to the 99th percentile.
- The average American spends 30 minutes on their phone when they wake up and another 30 minutes before bed—that’s a full month of life lost every year. Carlos made small but impactful changes: he bought an alarm clock and subscribed to a newspaper instead of relying on his phone.
- “How much louder was God’s voice when the volume of life was turned down low enough to hear God?”
- Get a copy of Carlos Whittaker’s book Reconnected here.
Did you enjoy today’s episode?
You won’t want to miss my conversation with Jenna Kutcher. Creator and host of the top-rated Goal Digger Podcast, she’s helped thousands redefine success and chase bold dreams through her decade-long work as a leading online personality and educator. Hear Jenna share how she learned to value experiences over “things”, the ongoing journey of self-love and how she protects her most valuable asset: time. Listen to Jenna Kutcher on ep. 488 now.
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CARLOS WHITTAKER'S LIVE INSPIRED 7
- Q. What is the best book you’ve ever read?
A. The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning. - Q. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today?
A. I was softer. There wasn't as much angst inside of me. - Q. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be?
A. A binder of all the Father's Day cards from my kids. - Q. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be?
A. Moses. - Q. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
A. Stop cleaning the cobwebs of life and kill the spider. - Q. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
A. She's not worth it. - Q. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read?
A. He reflected Christ glory every opportunity he had.
