TL;DR
The Atlantic is launching a new podcast series called ‘How to Touch Grass’ on July 27, 2026, to explore how individuals can better manage their relationship with technology. The series aims to address digital overuse and promote offline engagement. The first episode drops on July 27, with subsequent episodes weekly.
The Atlantic has announced a new podcast series titled ‘How to Touch Grass’, launching on July 27, 2026, aimed at exploring how people can develop healthier relationships with technology and reconnect with nature. The series responds to growing concerns about digital overuse and its psychological impacts, offering insights and practical advice.
The series, hosted by Natalie Brennan and Julie Beck, will feature episodes that include personal experiments, conversations with experts in anxiety, education, and technology, and discussions on how to reclaim attention spans and offline engagement. The first episode will be released on Monday, July 27, with new episodes published every Monday for five weeks.
This initiative comes amid widespread recognition of the mental health challenges linked to excessive device use, particularly among younger generations like Gen Z. The series aims to provide listeners with tools to cultivate more intentional device use and foster a balanced relationship with technology.
Potential Impact on Digital Well-being Practices
This series matters because it addresses a pressing societal issue: the overreliance on digital devices and the mental health consequences associated with it. By promoting awareness and offering practical strategies, ‘How to Touch Grass’ could influence listeners to adopt healthier digital habits, potentially reducing anxiety and improving overall well-being. It also highlights a cultural shift toward valuing offline experiences and reconnecting with nature, which could have broader societal benefits.
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Rising Concerns About Digital Overuse and Mental Health
Over recent years, experts and mental health advocates have raised alarms about the pervasive influence of technology on mental health, especially among youth. The phrase ‘go touch grass’ has emerged as a popular advice to counteract digital fatigue, emphasizing the importance of offline, nature-based activities. The new podcast series builds on this cultural conversation, aiming to provide a structured exploration of how individuals can actively improve their relationship with technology.
“People are searching for ways to un-warp their brains and regain control over their attention and mental health.”
— an anonymous researcher
Details Still Emerging on Episode Content and Reception
It is not yet clear how the series will be received by audiences or the specific content of each episode beyond the first. The effectiveness of the proposed strategies and the broader impact on listeners’ behavior remain to be seen. Additionally, the series’ ability to influence societal attitudes toward technology use is still uncertain.
Next Steps for the Series and Broader Cultural Shift
The first episode will be released on July 27, 2026. Following its launch, the series will continue weekly for five episodes, with ongoing discussions likely to influence public conversations about digital habits. If successful, the series could inspire similar initiatives and contribute to a broader cultural shift toward more mindful technology use.
Key Questions
What is the main focus of the ‘How to Touch Grass’ series?
The series aims to explore how individuals can develop healthier relationships with technology, reconnect with nature, and improve mental well-being by being more intentional with device use.
When does the series start?
The first episode will be released on Monday, July 27, 2026.
How many episodes will there be?
The series will have five episodes, released weekly on Mondays.
Who are the hosts of the series?
The series is hosted by Natalie Brennan and Julie Beck.
Why is this series considered important?
It addresses the growing concern over digital overuse and its impact on mental health, offering practical advice to help people foster more balanced, intentional relationships with technology and nature.
Source: The Atlantic
