THE
PARENT PODCAST
Why Social Media Isn’t the Real Problem (and What Is)
with Will Dobud
Key Points
From This Episode:
01:57 - How We Got Here — A Look at Youth Mental Health
10:17 - Why Social Media Isn’t the Villain
21:18 - Engagement, Nature, and Treating Kids as Crew
Resources from
this episode:
Show Notes
In this thought-provoking episode of The Warrior Parent Podcast, Marci Mitchell and Debbie DiManno talk with social worker and author Dr. Will Dobud about why social media isn’t the real threat to youth mental health. Will offers historical perspective, research insights, and practical wisdom to show how disengagement—not technology—is at the heart of today’s challenges. This conversation invites parents to shift from blaming screens to building connection, purpose, and meaningful engagement with their kids.
How We Got Here — A Look at Youth Mental Health
Marci and Debbie welcome social worker, academic, and co-author Will Dobud to explore the bigger picture behind youth mental health. Will shares his personal journey into social work, outdoor therapy, and research, revealing how curiosity, experience, and connection shaped his approach. He challenges the idea that mental health struggles are new, offering historical context that shows every generation has worried about “kids these days.”
Why Social Media Isn’t the Villain
Will explains why blaming social media oversimplifies a much deeper issue, drawing parallels to past moral panics over pinball machines and video games. He highlights research showing that despite thousands of therapy models, outcomes haven’t significantly improved—pointing instead to an engagement problem between adults and youth. The conversation reframes technology as a symptom, not the cause, urging parents and educators to reflect on how kids are treated as passengers rather than active participants in their own lives.
Engagement, Nature, and Treating Kids as Crew
The discussion turns to Will’s work with True North Expeditions and the power of shared experiences—especially in nature—to build trust, meaning, and connection. He explains how doing something together creates authentic engagement far more effectively than endless talking or rule-setting. The episode closes with a powerful takeaway: when adults take responsibility for the environments they create, kids don’t need fixing—they need connection, purpose, and to be treated as capable crew members.
Thank you so much for listening to this episode! This podcast is dedicated to supporting families through the ups and downs of parenting and mental wellness. We know how tough it can be to raise kids in today’s world, but you don’t have to do it alone. Join us and let’s lift each other up.
With love,
Marci & Debbie
THE
PARENT PODCAST
Why Social Media Isn’t the Real Problem
(and What Is)
with Will Dobud
Show Notes
In this thought-provoking episode of The Warrior Parent Podcast, Marci Mitchell and Debbie DiManno talk with social worker and author Dr. Will Dobud about why social media isn’t the real threat to youth mental health. Will offers historical perspective, research insights, and practical wisdom to show how disengagement—not technology—is at the heart of today’s challenges. This conversation invites parents to shift from blaming screens to building connection, purpose, and meaningful engagement with their kids.
Key Points
From This Episode:
01:57 - How We Got Here — A Look at Youth Mental Health
10:17 - Why Social Media Isn’t the Villain
21:18 - Engagement, Nature, and Treating Kids as Crew
How We Got Here — A Look at Youth Mental Health
Marci and Debbie welcome social worker, academic, and co-author Will Dobud to explore the bigger picture behind youth mental health. Will shares his personal journey into social work, outdoor therapy, and research, revealing how curiosity, experience, and connection shaped his approach. He challenges the idea that mental health struggles are new, offering historical context that shows every generation has worried about “kids these days.”
Why Social Media Isn’t the Villain
Will explains why blaming social media oversimplifies a much deeper issue, drawing parallels to past moral panics over pinball machines and video games. He highlights research showing that despite thousands of therapy models, outcomes haven’t significantly improved—pointing instead to an engagement problem between adults and youth. The conversation reframes technology as a symptom, not the cause, urging parents and educators to reflect on how kids are treated as passengers rather than active participants in their own lives.
Engagement, Nature, and Treating Kids as Crew
The discussion turns to Will’s work with True North Expeditions and the power of shared experiences—especially in nature—to build trust, meaning, and connection. He explains how doing something together creates authentic engagement far more effectively than endless talking or rule-setting. The episode closes with a powerful takeaway: when adults take responsibility for the environments they create, kids don’t need fixing—they need connection, purpose, and to be treated as capable crew members.
Thank you so much for listening to this episode! This podcast is dedicated to supporting families through the ups and downs of parenting and mental wellness. We know how tough it can be to raise kids in today’s world, but you don’t have to do it alone. Join us and let’s lift each other up.
With love,
Marci & Debbie
We're on a mission to educate, inspire and transform lives, ages 4-104 using basic scientifically proven methods and tools to decrease stress, anxiety and to increase resiliency and overall well-being.
2882 Prospect Park Dr. Suite 120,
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
(916) 340-5252
© 2019 Cour Experience Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Non-Profit 501c3 EIN: 84-3383699
We're on a mission to educate, inspire and transform lives, ages 4-104 using basic scientifically proven methods and tools to decrease stress, anxiety and to increase resiliency and overall well-being.
2882 Prospect Park Dr. Suite 120,
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
(916) 340-5252
© 2019 Cour Experience Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Non-Profit 501c3 EIN: 84-3383699