In this week’s Random Thoughts episode, we ask a simple question… Could you go 72 hours without your phone?

Spoiler: it’s harder than it sounds.

We dive into how deeply ingrained our tech habits have become—from morning scrolling before we’re fully awake to late-night doomscrolling that wrecks our sleep. Bliss shares how he uses a “brick” device and app blockers to shut down social and entertainment apps until 9:30 a.m., forcing intentional use instead of unconscious scrolling. We also unpack: Shocking weekly screen-time reports How blue light disrupts sleep and recovery GPS dependence vs. the old-school road atlas & MapQuest days Why vacations (especially overseas) feel more peaceful without constant connectivity What would actually happen if an entire city lost phone access for 72 hours? Calm? Chaos? Both? The conversation turns bigger as we explore algorithmic manipulation, targeted ads, and the reality that your attention is the most valuable commodity in the world today. We recommend watching The Social Dilemma on Netflix if you haven’t already—it’s eye-opening. We also talk about emerging tech like Meta Quest and where AI integrations could take us next.

Could you do a 72-hour phone break?

Drop a comment and let us know:

Could you actually unplug for 3 full days? What would be the hardest part? Would it bring peace… or panic?

Join the hosts for a candid post-race debrief following HYROX Phoenix, where they achieved an 8-minute PR despite leg issues and challenging conditions. This episode covers their race experience, training insights, hydration challenges in dry climates, and future competition plans. The conversation takes entertaining detours into grooming habits, potential Pilates adventures, and the evolution of HYROX as a fitness phenomenon.

Ultra runner and coach Alyssa Clark joins us to discuss her journey from Vermont cross-country skier to San Diego-based ultra runner, her wild 95-day marathon streak during COVID, and how she's helping build Everyday Ultra into a coaching powerhouse. We dive deep into coaching philosophy, the challenges of balancing elite athletics with coaching responsibilities, and why human connection will always beat AI-generated training plans.

Alyssa Clark

• Ultra Runner & Running Coach
• Chief Creative & Community Officer at Everyday Ultra
• Based in San Diego, CA