Praxis Podcast: Jennifer McDaniel on Social Media, Stillness and Self-Worth

Praxis Podcast with Rhett Smith

This was a fun and deep and meaningful conversation with my good friend Jennifer McDaniel. Jennifer is a nutritionist and author, and is the founder and director of McDaniel Nutrition Therapy. I first met Jennifer in early 2022 when I was preparing to run the 106 mile UTMB trail race and she was my assigned nutritionist.

In this conversation we explore a trend that we have been noticing in our culture for many people to move away from social media as well as figuring out other avenues to quiet all the technological noise. We have noticed this move in our work with clients, as well as experiencing a personal shift within us.

Ultimately, the conversation gets down to the concept of self-worth and how much of it is often built upon notions of one's producitivty and ability to perform tasks. And how it can be difficult to move out of arenas (such as social media, email, hustle culture/work, etc.) when one's self-worth is often maintained by engagement and productivity in those areas.

Below is a list of authors and books and resources mentioned in the podcast.

Jennifer McDaniel Substack

Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May

4000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman

Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Newport

Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World by Cal Newport

Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout by Cal Newport

Just a Thought: A No-Willpower Approach to Overcome Self-Doubt and Make Peace with Your Mind by Amy Johnson

In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership by Henri Nouwen

Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life by Richard Rohr