Put Your Phone Away: Yondr CEO Talks to Kara Swisher
The most connected experiences often start by putting your phone away. 🎧 At Yondr, we're redefining how we interact with technology to create more meaningful, present moments. Our CEO, Graham Dugoni, recently joined Kara Swisher on her podcast, On with Kara Swisher, to share the story behind our mission, its impact on schools and events, and the more profound philosophy of phone-free spaces.
The Simple Power of Phone-Free Spaces
Smartphones are incredible tools. They keep us connected, informed, and entertained. But they also present significant challenges, from constant distractions to declining mental health. That’s why Graham started Yondr with an elegantly simple solution: locking pouches that allow users to keep their phones nearby while taking a break from constant connectivity.
"How do you motivate people to seek out a life that is a little less online? When you’re on the internet, it’s not so much if you’re in the deep end or the shallow end. Once you’re in the pool, you’re getting wet. Creating the juxtaposition between the two is the foundational lesson we try to teach young people," Graham shares.
Our phone-free spaces have become a staple at events ranging from comedy shows to concerts, courtrooms, and weddings. With the rise of phone bans in schools, Yondr—the original phone-free program—has become the preferred solution for districts aiming to enhance classroom focus and promote student well-being.
A Growing Movement Toward Digital Wellness
The push for phone-free spaces isn’t just anecdotal. Studies, thought leaders, and policymakers are acknowledging the impact of excessive screen time on mental health and productivity. As discussed in the podcast, the success of books like Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation has helped spark a growing movement for phone bans, particularly in schools. Graham delves into how Yondr has become a trusted partner for schools and communities navigating these changes.
Why Less Tech Can Mean More Connection
Our approach to phone-free spaces isn’t just about taking phones away—it’s about creating opportunities for deeper human connection. By eliminating distractions, students engage more in the classroom, event-goers are more immersed in live performances, and individuals rediscover the value of being fully present.
As Graham explains, “Creating the juxtaposition between online and offline experiences is key to understanding the value of real-world connection. When people experience life without constant notifications, it’s a wake-up call to how much they’ve been missing.”
“When people experience life without constant notifications, it’s a wake-up call to how much they’ve been missing.”
— Graham Dugoni, Yondr Founder and CEO
Listen to the Full Conversation
In the episode, Graham and Kara explore:
The philosophy and science behind digital wellness.
The success of phone bans in schools and their broader societal implications.
How Yondr is redefining how we think about our relationship with technology.
Kara Swisher’s On with Kara Swisher is known for its no-holds-barred interviews with power players across business, tech, media, and beyond. Graham’s conversation with Kara dives deep into the movement for phone-free spaces and offers insights into the challenges and opportunities of creating a more present world.
Don’t miss this engaging and thought-provoking discussion. Listen to the full episode of On with Kara Swisher on your favorite podcast platform.
Interested in learning more? Contact us today.
