Actual People
Welcome to Actual People, an unfiltered exploration of individual and societal shifts in a world undergoing tremendous change.
I open up about my own experiences in order to dive into social and cultural phenomena, positive developments, and collective pain.
We look at survival, endurance, strength, triumph and despair while imagining a future with creative joy and hope.
Each episode is dedicated to meaningful conversations about the evolving landscape of our lives and the power of our own creativity and imagination to make magic.
Actual People
010 - An Influencer Marketing Expert Quits Tech & Finds Peace
Tech Free in NYC? How One Super Successful Digital Marketer and City Mom Gave it All Up And Went For Broke . In the latest episode of "Actual People," host Chauncey Zalkin talks to the author of "Raising Hell and Living Well: Freedom from Influence in a World Where Everyone Wants Something From You, Including Me."
Their discussion explores the pervasive impact of digital influence, the very real physical and mental toll of digital dementia, and how the next 18 months will play a pivotal role on how we will all move forward as a society. She also adds some prescient advice for parents of teens facing A.I.'s future.
About Jessica:
After helping a cadre of brands gain influence, Jessica Elefante, former digital strategist-turned-author, experienced burnout and a personal epiphany. She quit everything and wrote a book chronicling her personal struggles and providing a roadmap for others seeking to disconnect from technological overreach and reclaim their mental space and creativity.
Episode Highlights:
- Introduction to Jessica’s Background: Learn about Jessica's transition from a successful career in digital marketing to becoming a vocal advocate for living a tech-minimized life.
- The Genesis of "Raising Hell and Living Well": Jessica discusses the pivotal moments that compelled her to write her book and how she navigated the challenges of disconnecting from a digital-first lifestyle.
- Insights from the Book: An exploration of key themes such as the toxicity of digital influence and practical advice on establishing boundaries with technology.
- Her own "Folk Rebellion": Jessica shares her experiences founding and running Folk Rebellion, a media brand focused on promoting healthier digital habits through off-the-grid retreats and community engagements and how she realized that was not the whole picture either.
- Evolution of Her Views on Technology: How Jessica’s perspective on technology has shifted over the years, from advocating balanced tech use to recognizing the foundational problems inherent in digital platforms.
- Personal Anecdotes and Turning Points: Jessica recounts personal stories that highlight the severe impacts of digital overload on her health and well-being, leading to significant life changes.
- Advice for Creatives: Tips for creatives on navigating the pressures of the digital economy while staying true to one’s values and creative vision.
- Discussion on the Future of Creativity and Technology: A forward-looking conversation on potential paths for the creative industries in an increasingly digital world and the role of individual choices in shaping a healthier interaction with technology.
For More:
- Check out her book: Raising Hell and Living Well
- Subscribe to Jessica's Substack: Modern B.S.
- And Subscribe to My
Written, directed, and executive produced by Chauncey Zalkin. Intro/Outro sound engineered by Eric Aaron. Photography by Alonza Mitchell with Design Consulting by Paper + Screen.
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Actual People, a Podcast
www.chaunceyzalkin.com
