TL;DR
The Atlantic is launching a new podcast season called ‘How to Touch Grass’ on July 27, 2026. It aims to explore how people can better manage their relationship with technology and reconnect with offline experiences. The series features expert insights and personal experiments.
The Atlantic will debut a new podcast series, ‘How to Touch Grass’, on July 27, 2026, focusing on how individuals can develop healthier relationships with technology and foster offline engagement. The series aims to address the growing concern over digital overuse and its impact on mental well-being, offering insights from experts and personal experimentation.
The upcoming season of ‘How to Touch Grass’ will feature five episodes released every Monday, starting July 27. Co-hosts Natalie Brennan and Julie Beck will explore themes such as attention span, anxiety, and the influence of social media on daily life. The series will include conversations with specialists in mental health, education, and technology, along with personal stories from listeners experimenting with digital detox strategies.
According to The Atlantic, the series responds to widespread calls for more intentional technology use, especially among younger generations like Gen Z, who express nostalgia for pre-digital times yet remain deeply connected to devices. The first episode will examine the cultural and psychological factors contributing to digital fatigue and propose practical ways to reconnect with nature and offline experiences.
Why Reconnecting with Nature Is Gaining Attention
This series underscores a rising societal interest in balancing digital life with offline activities. As concerns about mental health and attention span grow, ‘How to Touch Grass’ aims to provide practical advice and foster awareness about the importance of nature and real-world interactions. The podcast’s focus on personal experimentation and expert insights could influence public attitudes and habits regarding technology use, especially among younger audiences seeking control over their digital environments.digital detox journal
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Growing Awareness of Digital Overuse and Mental Health
Recent years have seen increased concern over the effects of constant connectivity, with studies linking excessive device use to anxiety, depression, and attention issues. The phrase ‘go touch grass’ has emerged as a popular metaphor encouraging people to step away from screens and engage with nature. The Atlantic’s upcoming series builds on this cultural shift by providing a structured exploration of how individuals can intentionally reduce their digital dependency and improve mental well-being.
Previous initiatives focused on digital detoxes and mindfulness practices, but ‘How to Touch Grass’ aims to combine expert advice with relatable personal stories, making the concept accessible and actionable for a broad audience. The series reflects a broader societal movement toward reclaiming time and attention from technology companies and social media platforms.
“People are searching for ways to un-warp their brains and regain control over their attention.”
— an anonymous researcher
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Details About Episode Content and Format Still Unclear
Specific topics for each episode and the exact format of the series have not yet been disclosed. It is also unclear how in-depth the personal experiments will be or what types of experts will be featured. Additionally, the potential impact of the series on public behavior remains to be seen, as it depends on audience engagement and reception.
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Upcoming Episode Details and Audience Engagement Plans
The first episode of ‘How to Touch Grass’ will launch on July 27, 2026, with subsequent episodes released every Monday for five weeks. The series will be available on major podcast platforms, and The Atlantic plans to promote it through social media and partner channels. Audience feedback and participation in related digital detox initiatives are expected to shape future content and discussions.
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Key Questions
What topics will ‘How to Touch Grass’ cover?
The series will explore themes such as managing attention span, dealing with digital fatigue, mental health, and reconnecting with nature, featuring personal stories and expert insights.
Who are the hosts of the series?
Co-hosts are Natalie Brennan and Julie Beck, both writers and producers at The Atlantic.
How can I listen to the series?
The series will be available on all major podcast platforms starting July 27, 2026.
Will the series include practical tips for digital detox?
Yes, the series aims to offer actionable advice, including personal experiments and expert recommendations to help listeners reduce screen time and reconnect with nature.
Is this series targeted at a specific age group?
While it particularly addresses concerns among younger generations like Gen Z, the content is designed to be relevant for all adults seeking healthier relationships with technology.
Source: The Atlantic
